Document:

EX-10.1:

 

Exhibit 10.1

CONFORMED COPY

December 31, 2004

Mr. Allan Z. Loren

c/o The Dun and Bradstreet Corporation

103 JFK Parkway

Short Hills, New Jersey 07078

		
	     Re:       	Amendment to Employment Agreement

Dear Allan:

This letter will confirm our agreement that as of January 1, 2005 you will cease to serve as Chief
Executive Officer of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (the “Company”), but will continue to serve
as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) until May 30, 2005, subject to
earlier termination in accordance with your employment agreement dated May 15, 2000, with the
Company (as amended and supplemented, the “Agreement”).

As the Chairman of the Board, you will provide leadership to the Board and perform the following
duties: act as liaison between the Board and the management of the Company; establish procedures to
govern the Board’s work; schedule regular and special Board meetings and organize agendas for such
meetings with input from the Chief Executive Officer and Board members; ensure proper flow of
information to the Board; review the adequacy and timing of documentary and other presentations to
the Board; ensure adequate lead time for effective study and discussion of presentations to the
Board calling for Board action; assign specific tasks to Board members; work with such committees
as the Board may establish, and participate in meetings of the Committees; ensure appropriate
committee structures and duties, and recommend to the Board Affairs Committee the appointment of
committee members and chairpersons; preside at all meetings of the Board. You will have such other
powers and perform such other duties consistent with such position as may be prescribed by the
Board. As an employee of the Company, you will undertake such projects consistent with your
position as reasonably requested of you by the Chief Executive Officer.

During 2005 you will not be entitled to any additional equity grants. For 2005, the pro-rata
portion of the Annual Bonus (as defined in the Agreement) you receive will be based on a target
bonus of one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the Base Salary (as defined in the Agreement) you earn
during your period of employment (i.e., $437,499.99). The maximum amount of the 2005
Annual Bonus is two hundred percent (200%) of the target bonus (i.e., $874,999.99). The
amount of the 2005 Annual Bonus will be based upon the Compensation Committee’s assessment of your
contribution to the success of the leadership transition as well as your Board duties. The 2005
Annual Bonus will be payable in a lump sum promptly after termination of your employment, but in no
event later than 30 days after your termination. All of the other compensation and benefits
provided to you will remain the same.

On May 30, 2005, or such earlier date when you no longer serve as Chairman, the Company will
transfer title to you of the then current Company automobile provided to you, and the Company

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

will
pay to you a tax gross-up payment to cover any taxes that may be due as a result of the transfer of
such title so that such transfer and the gross-up payment will be tax free to you.
The retiree medical, dental, and life insurance benefits coverage to be provided to you pursuant to
the Agreement will be provided to you on an insured basis within the meaning of Section 105(h) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

The ceasing of your being Chief Executive Officer pursuant to this letter will not be “good reason”
under the Agreement.

All other terms of the Agreement and the Change in Control Agreement will remain unchanged and, as
amended, the Agreement will remain in full force and effect. This letter will serve as an
amendment to the Agreement. Please execute and return this letter to us.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	Sincerely,

THE DUN & BRADSTREET CORPORATION

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ David J. Lewinter
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	David J. Lewinter 	 
	 	 	Title:  	Senior Vice President, General Counsel &

Corporate Secretary 	 
	 

Agreed to and Accepted:

/s/ Allan Z. Loren

Allan Z. LorenEX-10.2:

 

Exhibit 10.2

CONFORMED COPY

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

          EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) dated as of December 31, 2004, by and between The Dun &
Bradstreet Corporation (the “Company”) and Steven W. Alesio (“Executive”).

WITNESSETH:

          WHEREAS, the Executive is currently employed by the Company;

          WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive and to enter into a new agreement
embodying the terms of employment as Chief Executive Officer of the Company; and

          WHEREAS, Executive desires to accept such continued employment and enter into such an
agreement.

          NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein and for other good
and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

          1. Term of Employment. Except for earlier termination as provided in Section 8
hereof, Executive shall be employed by the Company for a three (3) year term commencing on January
1, 2005 (the “Commencement Date”) and ending on December 31, 2007 (the “Employment Term”) on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Executive and the Company may agree, in writing, to extend the Employment Term subject to terms
and conditions mutually acceptable to both parties.

          2. Position, Duties and Location.

               a. Effective on the Commencement Date, Executive shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of
the Company. The Executive shall continue to serve as a director on the Board of Directors of the
Company (the “Board”). Executive shall report to the Board and at all times, Executive shall have
such duties and authority as are commensurate with his then positions. Beginning on May 31, 2005
the Executive shall also be appointed as the Chairman of the Board. At that time the Executive
shall have such additional duties and authority as are commensurate with the position of Chairman
of the Board.

               b. During the Employment Term, Executive will devote substantially all of Executive’s business
time and efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and, except as provided in the
next sentence, will not

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

engage in any other business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise, without
the prior written consent of the Board. Nothing herein shall preclude Executive from accepting
appointment to civic or charitable directorships or trusteeships, or otherwise being involved in
charitable activities or managing his personal and family passive investments; provided in
each case, and in the aggregate, that such activities do not materially conflict or interfere with
the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder or conflict with Section 9. Executive may continue
to serve as a director, trustee or advisory board member on the organizations in which he currently
serves, or may serve and which he has identified in writing to the Company prior to or on the date
of this Agreement, provided, that, Executive shall resign from such position, upon notification by
the Company, that an organization became a competitor of the Company.

               c. Unless otherwise mutually agreed by the parties, Executive’s principal offices shall be
located at the Company’s headquarters in Short Hills, New Jersey.

          3. Base Salary. The Company shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of
$750,000, as may be increased (but not decreased) from time to time (the “Base Salary”), payable in
regular installments in accordance with the Company’s usual payment practices. Executive shall be
entitled to such increases in Executive’s Base Salary, if any, as may be determined from time to
time in the sole discretion of the Board.

          4. Annual Bonus. With respect to each fiscal year during the Employment Term,
pursuant to the Company’s Covered Employee Cash Incentive Plan (or any successor thereto),
Executive shall be eligible to earn an annual bonus award (an “Annual Bonus”) based on the
achievement of such goals and performance measures (including financial and employee satisfaction
goals) as may be established by the compensation committee of the Board (the “Committee”). The
target Annual Bonus for each fiscal year shall be at least one hundred thirty percent (130%) of
Base Salary, with a maximum Annual Bonus of at least two hundred percent (200%) of such target
Annual Bonus.

          5. Equity Arrangements.

               a. Equity Awards. As soon as practicable after the Commencement Date, the Executive
shall receive an initial long-term equity grant with a value equal to $4,000,000. Beginning in
2006, the Executive may be entitled to annual equity-based awards at a level commensurate with the
Executive’s position, as determined in the good faith discretion of the Committee.

          6. Employee Benefits and Vacation.

               a. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to
participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans as in effect from time to time (other than the
Career Transition Plan) (collectively, “Employee Benefits”), on the same basis as those benefits
are generally made available to other senior executives of the Company at a level commensurate with
Executive’s then position,

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

including, but not limited to, participation in medical and dental plans, The Profit
Participation Plan of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation Retirement
Account, the Pension Benefit Equalization Plan of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and the
Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (“SEBP”) and any successor
plans thereto. The Executive is currently and shall be fully vested in his accrued benefit under
the SEBP at all times (other than in the case of a Cause termination, which shall be controlled by
the provisions of the SEBP) and the Company shall not materially amend the SEBP as it applies to
the Executive, except for amendments to maintain appropriate tax treatment, or as required by
applicable law.

               b. Vacation. During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to vacation each
year in accordance with Company policy for senior level executives, at a level commensurate with
Executive’s position.

          7. Business and Travel Expenses and Perquisites.

               a. Expenses. During the Employment Term, reasonable business expenses incurred by
Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder shall be paid by the Company in
accordance with Company policies.

               b. Perquisites. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to
participate in fringe benefit and perquisite programs generally provided to senior executives of
the Company at a level commensurate with his position.

          8. Termination.

               a. By the Company for Cause, Death or Disability or By Executive’s Voluntary Resignation
Without Good Reason.

                    (i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company
for Cause, death or Disability and shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s resignation
without Good Reason.

                    (ii) For purposes of this Agreement and any Detrimental Conduct Agreement, “Cause” shall mean
(A) willful malfeasance or willful misconduct by Executive in connection with his employment,
resulting, in either case, in a significant and demonstrable injury to the Company, (B) willful
continuing failure of Executive to perform his material duties under this Agreement after written
notice of his failure to so perform (other than as a result of physical or mental incapacity);
provided that clause (B) is intended to be based on the efforts of Executive, not the
quality of the services performed, (C) Executive’s conviction of, or pleading nolo contendere to, a
felony (other than a traffic infraction or as a result of vicarious liability) or (D) Executive’s
material willful and knowing breach of the Agreement that remains uncured for a period of ten (10)
business days following Executive’s receipt of written notice from the Company describing such
breach. For the purposes of this Agreement, no act, or failure to act, on Executive’s part shall
be considered “willful” unless done or omitted to be done, by him not in good faith and without
reasonable belief that his action or

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

omission was in the best interests of the Company. Notice of Termination for Cause shall be
required to include a copy of a resolution duly adopted by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the entire
membership of the Board (other than Executive) at a meeting of the Board which was called for the
purpose of considering such termination and which Executive and his representative had the right to
attend and address the Board, finding that, in the good faith determination of the Board, Executive
engaged in conduct set forth in the definition of Cause herein and specifying the particulars
thereof in reasonable detail. The date of termination for a termination for Cause shall be the
date indicated in the Notice of Termination. Any purported termination for Cause which is held by
a court not to have been based on the grounds set forth in this Agreement or not to have followed
the procedures set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed a termination by the Company without
Cause. No event described in this Section 8(a)(ii) shall constitute Cause under this Agreement if
the Company has not provided Executive with a Notice of Termination within ninety (90) days
following the date the chairman of the audit committee of the Company first becomes aware of
Executive engaging in conduct constituting Cause.

                    (iii) For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean Executive’s inability to perform
his material duties for a period of at least six (6) consecutive months or an aggregate of nine (9)
months in any twenty-four (24) month period as a result of a physical or mental incapacity. The
Company may terminate Executive due to Disability on thirty (30) days prior written notice given
during the period Executive is unable to perform his material duties as a result of a physical or
mental incapacity; provided, that Executive has not returned to the performance of his
material duties prior to the end of the applicable six (6) month or nine (9) month period described
above.

                    (iv) For purposes of the Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (A) diminution of Executive’s
then titles, (B) material diminution of Executive’s then duties, responsibilities, authority or
reporting lines, (C) the assignment to Executive of duties not commensurate with his then
positions, (D) failure to appoint the Executive as Chairman of the Board by May 31, 2005, removal
of the Executive as Chairman, or failure to re-elect the Executive as Chairman, (E) relocation of
Executive’s principal office by more than thirty-five (35) miles, or (F) any material willful and
knowing breach of the Agreement by the Company (including but not limited to under Section 14(e)
hereof) or Section 5(i) of Executive’s Change in Control Agreement; provided that none of
the events described in clauses (B), (C) or (F) shall constitute Good Reason unless Executive shall
have notified the Company in writing describing the events which constitute Good Reason and then
only if the Company shall have failed to cure such event within ten (10) business days after the
Company’s receipt of such written notice. No event described in this Section 8(a)(iv) shall
constitute Good Reason under this Agreement if Executive has not provided the Company with a Notice
of Termination within ninety (90) days following the date Executive first becomes aware of such
event constituting Good Reason.

                    (v) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, death or Disability or
if Executive resigns without Good Reason

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

after giving the Company ten (10) business days advance written notice of such resignation,
Executive shall be entitled to receive the following benefits:

          (A) the Base Salary through the date of termination;

          (B) any Annual Bonus earned but unpaid as of the date of termination
for any previously completed fiscal year;

          (C) reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred by
Executive in accordance with Company policy prior to the date of Executive’s
termination;

          (D) such amounts and benefits, if any, as to which Executive may be
legally entitled under the employee benefit plans (including, without limitation,
payment for accrued but unused vacation days), incentive plans and equity plans of
the Company, as modified herein (the amounts described in clauses (A) through (D)
hereof being referred to as the “Accrued Rights”);

          (E) all equity awards granted to the Executive shall be treated in
accordance with the applicable grant agreement; and

          (F) in the case of death or Disability, an amount equal to the target
Annual Bonus for the year of termination multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of days during the fiscal year of termination that Executive
was employed by the Company and the denominator of which is 365 (the “Pro-Rata
Bonus”).

          Following such termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause, death or
Disability or resignation by Executive without Good Reason (other than upon expiration of the
stated Employment Term), except as set forth in this Section 8(a)(v), Executive shall have no
further rights to any compensation or any other benefits under this Agreement or any other
severance plan, severance policy or severance arrangement of the Company or its affiliates, except
as provided in this Agreement.

               b. By the Company Without Cause or Resignation by Executive for Good Reason.

                    (i) The Employment Term and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company
without Cause or by Executive’s resignation for Good Reason.

                    (ii) If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by
reason of death or Disability) or pursuant to a resignation by Executive for Good Reason, Executive
shall be entitled to the following:

          (A) receive the Accrued Rights;

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

          (B) receive, subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the
provisions of Sections 9 and 10 and execution and delivery of a release
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, an amount equal to two (2)
times the sum of the Base Salary and the target Annual Bonus payable to the
Executive through the remainder of the Employment Term as if such termination had
not occurred, payable in a lump sum as soon as practicable after such termination;

          (C) all equity awards granted to the Executive shall be treated in
accordance with the applicable grant agreement;

          (D) the Pro-Rata Bonus, which shall be paid in a lump sum as soon as
practicable after such termination;

          (E) continued medical and dental coverage under the Company’s plans
for the Executive and his dependents, for a period equal to two (2) years after
termination of employment, on the same basis as active senior executives, provided
that such period of coverage shall reduce and count against the Executive’s right
to coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1985,
as amended (“COBRA”), and such coverage shall cease at such time as coverage would
cease under COBRA; and

          (F) a benefit in the SEBP determined in accordance with Section 6
hereof, provided that the Executive’s accrued benefit under the SEBP shall be
determined as if the Executive’s employment continued for two (2) years, and as if
the Executive received an Annual Bonus, at target level, for two (2) years and in
no event shall the Company eliminate or adversely amend the Executive’s right to
receive a lump sum distribution under the SEBP and the value thereof as in effect
on the date hereof under the SEBP.

          Following Executive’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause (other than by
reason of Executive’s death or Disability) or by Executive’s resignation for Good Reason, except as
set forth in this Section 8(b)(ii), Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or
any other benefits under this Agreement or any other severance plan, severance policy or severance
arrangement of the Company or its affiliates, except as provided in this Agreement.

               c. Expiration of Employment Term. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if
the Executive’s employment is terminated on or after the expiration of the Employment Term by the
Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Executive Transition Plan is hereby
deemed to be amended to provide that any such termination is an “Eligible Termination” (as defined
in the Executive Transition Plan) other than by reason of unsatisfactory performance and the
Executive shall receive the amounts and benefits under Schedule A of the Executive Transition Plan
(or any successor plan) at the level then in effect, but not less than in

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

effect on the date hereof. The Executive shall also receive the Accrued Amounts and all
equity awards shall be treated in accordance with the applicable grant agreement. If the Executive
becomes entitled to payments and benefits under this Section the last sentence of Section 5.7 of
the Executive Transition Plan shall not apply.

               d. Termination Following a Change in Control. Notwithstanding Section 8(a) and 8(b),
Executive and the Company executed a Change in Control Agreement, which provides severance benefits
in the event Executive is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Change in
Control Agreement) or Executive resigns with Good Reason (as defined in the Change in Control
Agreement) following, or in connection with, a Change in Control (as defined in the Change in
Control Agreement) of the Company. The Company hereby acknowledges and agrees that notwithstanding
Section 1 of the Change in Control Agreement, the Change in Control Agreement shall remain in full
force and effect during the Employment Term, provided that if a Change in Control shall have
occurred during the Employment Term, the Change in Control Agreement shall continue in effect for a
period of not less than twenty-four (24) months beyond the month in which such Change in Control
occurred. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive becomes entitled to similar payments or
benefits under this Agreement and the Change in Control Agreement, then the Executive shall receive
the payments or benefits under the Change in Control Agreement only to the extent the payments or
benefits thereunder are greater than the payments or benefits available under this Agreement.

               e. Notice of Termination. Any purported termination of employment by the Company or
by Executive (other than due to Executive’s death) before the expiration of the Employment Term
shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in accordance with
Section 14(g) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a
notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision relied upon and shall set forth in
reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of
employment under the provision so indicated.

               f. Resignation. Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive
agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination and to the extent applicable, from any
officerships or Board memberships with the Company and its affiliates.

               g. No Mitigation. Executive shall not be required to mitigate any severance payments
due hereunder and the severance shall not be reduced by any amounts otherwise earned by Executive.
The amounts due hereunder shall be paid without offset, counterclaim, or defense.

          9. Non-Competition.

               a. Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the businesses of
the Company and its subsidiaries and accordingly agrees as follows:

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

               (1) During the Employment Term and, for a period of one (1) year following the date Executive
ceases to be employed by the Company (the “Restricted Period”), Executive will not directly or
indirectly, (i) engage in any business that materially competes with the business of the Company
(including, without limitation, businesses which the Company has specific plans to conduct in the
future and as to which Executive is aware of such planning), (ii) enter the employ of, or render
any services to, any person or entity engaged in any business that materially competes with the
business of the Company, (iii) acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively
involved with, any person or entity engaged in any business that materially competes with the
business of the Company, directly or indirectly, as an individual, partner, shareholder, officer,
director, principal, agent, trustee or consultant, or (iv) interfere with, or attempt to interfere
with, business relationships (whether formed before or after the date of this Agreement) between
the Company and customers, clients, suppliers, partners, members or investors of the Company.

               (2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Executive may directly or
indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any person or entity engaged in the business
of the Company which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or on the
over-the-counter market or are owned through a mutual fund, private equity fund or other pooled
account if Executive (i) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls,
such person or entity and (ii) does not, directly or indirectly, own three percent (3%) or more of
any class of securities of such person or entity. Furthermore, the limitations in (1) shall not
apply to serving as a director of an entity if less than ten percent (10%) of such entity’s
revenues (measured by the last fiscal year of the entity ending prior to the date Executive accepts
such a role) are from materially competitive activities, subject to the Board’s approval during the
Employment Term as provided in Section 2(b) hereof.

               (3) During the Restricted Period, except in performance of his duties hereunder, Executive
will not, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit or encourage any employee of the Company to leave the
employment of the Company, or (ii) hire any such employee who was employed by the Company as of the
date of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the
Company within one (1) year prior to or after the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder.
This restriction shall not be violated by general advertising or by serving as a reference.

               (4) During the Restricted Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or
encourage to cease to work with the Company any consultant then under contract with the Company.
This restriction shall not be violated by general advertising or by serving as a reference.

               b. It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and the Company consider the
restrictions contained in this Section 9 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is
made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction
contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of
this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum
time and territory and to such

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

maximum extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable.
Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this
Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable,
such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

          10. Confidentiality. Executive will not at any time (whether during or after
Executive’s employment with the Company) disclose or use for Executive’s own benefit or purposes or
the benefit or purposes of any other person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association,
corporation or other business organization, entity or enterprise other than the Company and any of
its subsidiaries or affiliates, any trade secrets, information, data, or other confidential
information relating to customers, development programs, costs, marketing, trading, investment,
sales activities, promotion, credit and financial data, manufacturing processes, financing methods,
plans, or the business and affairs of the Company generally, or of any subsidiary or affiliate of
the Company, except in the performance of his duties hereunder or in compliance with legal process;
provided that the foregoing shall not apply to information which is not unique to the Company or
which is generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of Executive’s breach
of this covenant. In the event that Executive is compelled by legal process to disclose
confidential information, he shall give prompt written notice to the Company prior to any such
disclosure to allow the Company the opportunity to object to or otherwise resist such order.
Executive agrees that upon termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason,
he will return to the Company immediately all memoranda, books, papers, plans, information, letters
and other data, and all copies thereof or therefrom, in any way relating to the business of the
Company and its affiliates, except that he may retain personal notes, notebooks and diaries that do
not contain confidential information of the type described in the preceding sentence.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may also retain his personal Rolodex and similar telephone
directories and address book; provided, that, to the extent such personal items contain
confidential information, Executive shall be bound by the nondisclosure provisions of this Section
10. Executive further agrees that he will not retain or use for Executive’s account at any time
any trade names, trademark or other proprietary business designation used or owned in connection
with the business of the Company or its affiliates.

          11. Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Executive to the
fullest extent permitted by law for any action or inaction of Executive while serving as an officer
or director of the Company or, at the Company s request, as an officer or director of any other
entity or as a fiduciary of any benefit plan. The Company shall cover Executive under directors
and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the
Employment Term in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers
and directors.

          12. Specific Performance. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s
remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 9 or Section
10 would be inadequate and, in recognition of this fact, Executive agrees that, in the event of
such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

remedies at law, the Company, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to obtain equitable
relief in the form of specific performance, temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent
injunction or any other equitable remedy which may then be available.

          13. Detrimental Conduct Agreement. The Detrimental Conduct Agreement most recently
executed by the Executive shall continue to remain in full force and effect in accordance with the
terms specified therein, except that it shall be deemed modified as it applies to Executive as
follows:

               a. The “Cause” definition in this Agreement shall apply in lieu of the “cause” definition
therein.

               b. The “Good Reason” definition in this Agreement shall apply in lieu of the “good reason”
definition (or similar words) therein.

               c. A termination by the Executive for Good Reason, as defined herein, shall be treated as an
involuntary termination of the Executive (other than for Cause).

               d. It shall not be considered “Detrimental Conduct” if Executive commences employment with an
entity and such entity subsequently acquires a competing company provided Executive was not hired
for the purpose of the acquisition.

               e. No term of any restrictive covenant (including, without limitation, any non-competition
restriction) shall be broader than the similar provision provided in this Agreement and, if not
used in this Agreement, shall be deemed not effective in such other agreement.

          14. Miscellaneous.

               a. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

               b. Entire Agreement/Amendments. This Agreement, the Change in Control Agreement and
the Detrimental Conduct Agreement (as modified by Sections 8 and 13 hereof) contains the entire
understanding of the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company. There are
no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertaking between the parties
with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein. This
Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the
parties hereto. The parties agree that this Agreement, including the Exhibit annexed hereto, shall
supercede all prior agreements, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof.

               c. No Waiver. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of
this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

waiver of such party’s rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon
strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.

               d. Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this
Agreement shall be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected
thereby.

               e. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable by Executive or the Company,
except as provided herein. This Agreement shall be assigned by the Company to an entity which is a
successor in interest to all or substantially all of the business operations of the Company. Upon
such assignment, the rights and obligations of the Company hereunder shall become the rights and
obligations of such successor entity, but, the assignor shall not be released hereunder and any
such assignee shall promptly deliver to Executive a written assumption in a form reasonably
acceptable to Executive.

               f. Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs,
distributes, devises and legatees.

               g. Notice. For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications
provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when
delivered by hand or overnight courier or three days after it has been mailed by United States
registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses
set forth below, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only
upon receipt.

          If to the Company:

     

    The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation

     

    103 JFK Parkway

     

    Short Hills, New Jersey 07078

     

    Attention: Senior Vice President – Human Resources

          If to Executive:

          To the most recent address of Executive set forth in the personnel records of the Company.

               h. Legal Fees. The Company shall pay Executive’s reasonable legal fees and costs
associated with entering into this Agreement.

               i. Disputes. All disputes and controversies arising under or in connection with this
Agreement, other than the seeking of injunctive or other equitable relief pursuant to Section 9 or
Section 10 hereof, shall be settled by arbitration conducted

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

before one arbitrator sitting in New York City, New York, or such other location agreed by the
parties hereto, in accordance with the rules for expedited resolution of commercial disputes of the
American Arbitration Association then in effect. The determination of the arbitrator shall be
final and binding on the parties. Judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrator in any
court having proper jurisdiction. All expenses of such arbitration shall be borne by each party;
provided, that the fees and expenses of Executive shall be borne by the Company if Executive
prevails on the merits as determined by the arbitrator.

          15. Executive Representation. Executive hereby represents to the Company that the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Executive and the Company and the performance by
Executive of Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise
contravene, the terms of any employment agreement or other agreement or policy to which Executive
is a party or otherwise bound.

          16. Withholding Taxes. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this
Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any
applicable law or regulation.

          17. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall
be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same
instrument.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and
year first above written.

	 	 	 
	THE DUN & BRADSTREET

	 	STEVEN W. ALESIO
	CORPORATION
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	/s/ Allan Z. Loren

	 	/s/ Steven W. Alesio
	

	 	

	By: Allan Z. Loren
	 	 
	Title: Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
	 	 

 

 

Exhibit A

RELEASE

	1.	 	Executive, for Executive, Executive’s family, representatives, successors and assigns
releases and forever discharges the Company and its successors, assigns, subsidiaries,
affiliates, directors, officers, executives, attorneys, agents and trustees or administrators
of any Company plan from any and all claims, demands, debts, damages, injuries, actions or
rights of action of any nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown, which Executive had, now
has or may have against the Company, its successors, assigns, subsidiaries, affiliates,
directors, officers, executives, attorneys, agents and trustees or administrators of any
Company plan, from the beginning of Executive’s employment to and including the date of this
Release relating to or arising out of Executive’s employment with the Company or the
termination of such employment other than a claim with respect to a vested right Executive may
have to receive benefits under any plan maintained by the Company or to which Executive may be
entitled pursuant to his employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) or change in
control agreement (the “Change in Control Agreement”). Executive represents that Executive
will discontinue any action, complaint, charge, grievance or arbitration filed against the
Company or any of its successors, assigns, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers,
executives, attorneys, agents and trustees or administrators of any Company plan.

	2.	 	Executive covenants that neither Executive, nor any of Executive’s respective heirs,
representatives, successors or assigns, will commence, prosecute or cause to be commenced or
prosecuted against the Company or any of its successors, assigns, subsidiaries, affiliates,
directors, officers, executives, attorneys, agents and trustees or administrators of any
Company plan any action or other proceeding based upon any claims, demands, causes of action,
obligations, damages or liabilities which are being released by this Release, nor will
Executive seek to challenge the validity of this Release, except that this covenant not to sue
does not affect Executive’s future right to enforce appropriately the terms of the Employment
Agreement or Change in Control Agreement in a court of competent jurisdiction.

	3.	 	Notwithstanding anything herein, nothing in this release shall be a release of (i) any rights
to indemnification that Executive has under the Employment Agreement, the Company’s
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or otherwise with regard to Executive’s services as an
employee of the Company; or (ii) any amounts or benefits due under the Employment Agreement or
Change in Control Agreement.

	4.	 	Executive acknowledges that (a) Executive has been advised to consult with an attorney at
Executive’s own expense before executing this Release and that Executive has been advised by
an attorney or has knowingly waived Executive’s right to do so, (b) Executive has had a period
of at least forty-five (45) days within which to consider this Release, (c) Executive has a
period of seven (7) days from the date that Executive signs this Release within which to
revoke it and that this Release will not become effective or enforceable until the expiration
of this seven (7) day revocation

 

 

	 	 	period, (d) Executive fully understands the terms and contents of this Release and freely,
voluntarily, knowingly and without coercion enters into this Release, (e) Executive is
receiving greater consideration than Executive would receive had Executive not signed this
Release and (f) the waiver or release by Executive of rights or claims Executive may have under
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Executive Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection
Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act,
the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act (all as amended) and/or any other local, state or
federal law dealing with employment or the termination thereof is knowing and voluntary.

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