Document:

Exhibit
      10.1

     

    Loan
      Agreement

     

    Borrower: China
      TransInfo Technology Corp. (the “Borrower”)

     

    Lender: Youyi
      Branch, Beijing Bank Co., Ltd (the “Lender”)

    

    This
      LOAN
      AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between the Borrower
      and the Lender in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, whereby both
      parties agree as follows:

     

    
      
        Chapter
          1 Type
          of Loan

      

    

     

    Article
      1 The
      Lender agrees to make a short-term
      loan
      (the
“Loan”) to the Borrower in accordance with this Agreement.

     

    
      
        Chapter
          2 Purpose
          of Loan

      

    

     

    Article
      2 The
      Loan
      shall be used to purchase
      raw material,
      and
      without the Lender’s written consent, the Borrower shall not use the Loan herein
      for other purposes rather than the purpose specified herein.

     

    
      
        Chapter
          3 Amount
          and Term of Loan

      

    

     

    Article
      3 The
      currency under the Loan herein is Renminbi,
      with
      the amount of RMB 20,000,000
      (RMB
      Twenty Million). 

     

    Article
      4 The
      term
      of the Loan is one year from June 17, 2008 to June 17, 2009.

     

    Article
      5 In
      case
      the Borrower deems it necessary to extend the loan term, the Borrower shall
      submit “Application for Extending the Loan” to the Lender at least 30 days prior
      to the maturity date of the Loan, and with the consent from the Lender, a Loan
      Extension Agreement shall be entered into by and among the parties hereto and
      the guarantor.

    
      
        
        

      

      
        1

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    Chapter
      4 Interest
      Rate and Calculation of Interest

    

    Article
      6 Interest
      Rate

     

    
      	
            	6.1	
              The
                interest rate of the Loan herein shall be 8.964%
                per annum, or 0.747%
                per month.

            

    

     

    
      	
            	6.2	
              During
                the loan term, in case the People’s Bank of China adjusts the interest
                rate or its calculation method which is applicable to the Loan herein,
                the
                interest rate or its calculation method of the Loan herein is subject
                to
                such adjustment, which shall not be deemed as amendment to this
                Agreement.

            

    

     

    Article
      7 Interest

     

    
      	
            	7.1	
              The
                interest shall be calculated from the actual date of drawdown, which
                shall
                be calculated on a daily basis and paid per
                quarter,
                and the payment date shall be twentieth of the
                last month of each quarter;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	7.2	
              In
                case interest paying date falls on a non-business day of the Lender,
                it
                shall be postponed to the next earliest business day of the
                Lender;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	7.3	
              In
                case the Borrower repays the principal, it shall repay the principal
                and
                the accrued interests in full without being subject to the provisions
                in
                this Article;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	7.4	
              As
                for overdue interests, compound interest shall be calculated as per
                rules
                issued by the People’s Bank of
                China;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	7.5	
              During
                the loan term, in case the People’s Bank of China adjusts the calculation
                method of interest which is applicable to the Loan herein, the Lender
                may,
                without notifying the Borrower, calculate the interest as per such
                adjustment by the People’s Bank of China, which shall not be deemed as
                amendment to this Agreement.

            

    

     

    
      
        Chapter
          5 Withdrawal
          of Loan

      

    

     

    Article
      8 Unless
      the following prerequisites are satisfied, the Lender has no obligation to
      furnish the Borrower with the Loan herein:

     

    
      	
            	8.1	
              When
                withdrawing the Loan, the Borrower shall fill in relevant loan
                certificates and furnish relevant documentation and information as
                required by the Lender;

            

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        2

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    
      	
            	8.2	
              In
                case the Loan herein is guaranteed, the Borrower shall go through
                all
                necessary legal processes as required by the Lender, such as the
                notarization and/or registration of such guaranteed agreement with
                competent authorities, and the guarantee shall continue to be
                effective;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	8.3	
              There
                shall be no occurrence of the default events set out
                below.

            

    

     

    Article
      9 The
      Borrower shall draw the Loan in the first
      manner
      set out below:

     

    
      	
            	1.	
              The
                Lender shall transfer, at one time, the full amount equal to the
                Loan to
                the Borrower’s account with the Lender as at June 17,
                2008;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	2.	
              Installment
                transfer shall be withdrawn in the amount and at the time set out
                below:

            

    

    

    
      	
              NO.

            	 	
              Withdrawal
                Time

            	 	
              Amount
                (Say)

            	 	
              Remarks

            
	
              1

            	 	 	 	 	 	 
	
              2

            	 	 	 	 	 	 
	
              3

            	 	 	 	 	 	 
	
              4

            	 	 	 	 	 	 
	
              5

            	 	 	 	 	 	 

    

    

    Article
      10 In
      case
      the principal of the Loan herein is transferred to the account of the Borrower
      at the time set out in Article 9 herein, it shall be deemed that the Loan
      has been disbursed to the Lender and such loan has begun to bear
      interest.

     

    Article
      11 In
      case
      of any discrepancy between loan amount, loan date and repayment date set out
      herein, and those on loan certificates, the loan amount, loan date and repayment
      date on loan certificates shall prevail. Loan certificates constitute integral
      part of this Agreement, with equal validity.

     

    
      
        Chapter
          6 Repayment
          of Loan

      

    

     

    Article
      12 The
      Borrower shall pay the interest on time as set out herein, and repay the
      principal in the first
      manner
      set out below:

     

    
      	
            	1.	
              The
                Borrower shall repay, at one time, the full amount of principal by
                June
                17, 2009;

            

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        3

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    Article
      13 The
      Lender shall have rights to deduct directly from the bank account of the
      Borrower at all branches of Bank of Beijing the principal, accrued interests
      (including penalty interest and compound interest) and other payables by the
      Borrower as specified herein.

    

    Article
      14 In
      case
      the Borrower requests to prepay the Loan, the Borrower shall make written
      application to the Lender by giving 30 days prior written notice; the Lender
      shall have the right to collect interest as per the term and interest rate
      set
      out herein.

     

    
      
        Chapter
          7 Guarantee

      

    

     

    Article
      15 [Reserved]

     

    
      
        Chapter
          8 Representations
          and Warranties of the Borrower

      

    

     

    Article
      16 The
      Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Lender that:

     

    
      	
            	16.1	
              The
                Borrower is a (legal entity/other organization/natural person) duly
                incorporated and existing under the laws of PRC, having independent
                and
                complete civil capacity;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	16.2	
              The
                business activity contemplated by the Agreement is determined or
                duly
                authorized by the competent decision-making body of the Borrower,
                which is
                the true will of the Borrower;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	16.3	
              The
                Borrower warrants that the purpose of the Loan complies with the
                laws,
                regulations, administrative rules, provisions by authorities, trade
                practices, and the Borrower’s Articles of Association or similar
                documentation, and that it has had relevant licenses and permits
                by
                competent authorities; 

            

    

     

    
      	
            	16.4	
              The
                Borrower warrants that the documentation and information furnished
                by the
                Borrower to the Lender is true, accurate and complete in all material
                aspects;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	16.5	
              The
                Borrower warrants that during the term of the Agreement, in case
                the
                Borrower has to assume liabilities or present guarantees for others,
                it
                will notify the Lender in writing ten working days prior to the said
                event.

            

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        4

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    Chapter
      9 Rights
      and Responsibilities

    

    Article
      17 Rights
      and responsibilities of the Borrower

     

    
      	
            	17.1	
              The
                Borrower has the rights to draw and use the Loan during the term
                and sole
                purpose as specified herein;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	17.2	
              The
                Borrower shall repay the principal and pay the interests in accordance
                with the Agreement;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	17.3	
              The
                Borrower shall be subject to the investigation and monitoring by
                the
                Lender in respect of the use of the
                Loan;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	17.4	
              The
                Borrower shall cooperate with the Lender in the investigation and
                monitoring in respect of the production, operation and financial
                position
                of the Borrower and shall furnish the Lender with copies of its financial
                statements such as balance sheets, income statement and statement
                of cash
                flow;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	17.5	
              In
                case of any event has material adverse impact on the Borrower’s normal
                operation or its repayment capacity herein, the Borrower shall make
                an
                immediate written notification of such event to the
                Lender;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	17.6	
              In
                case of the Borrower’s incorporation, split, merger, restructuring,
                contracting, leasing, asset transfer, affiliation, applying for suspension
                of business, reorganization, dissolution or winding-up, and other
                acts
                which may adversely affect the performance of the Borrower’s obligations
                herein or adversely affect the Lender’s rights and interests, the Borrower
                shall not, without prior notification to and approval from the Lender,
                conduct the said acts before repayment of the Loan
                herein;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	17.7	
              During
                the term of the Agreement, in case of change of company name, registered
                address or legal representative, the Borrower shall notify the Lender
                of
                such change within three working days after the
                change;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	17.8	
              In
                case the Borrower has to transfer to a third party its liabilities
                herein,
                it shall have the written approval from the Lender in
                advance.

            

    

     

    Article
      18 Rights
      and responsibilities of the Lender

    
      
        
        

      

      
        5

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    
      	
            	18.1	
              The
                Lender has the rights to conduct investigation and monitoring over
                the
                Borrower’s operation and its use of the Loan, and to require the Borrower
                to provide all necessary supporting documentation concerning the
                Loan
                herein;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	18.2	
              The
                Lender has the rights to deduct from the bank account of the Borrower
                the
                principal, interest, penalty interest, compound interest and all
                other
                payables by the Borrower as specified
                herein;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	18.3	
              In
                case of any event set out in Article 19, the Lender has the rights
                to
                declare the acceleration of the Loan and request the Borrower to
                repay or
                pay in advance the principal, interest, penalty interest, compound
                interest and all other payables as specified
                herein;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	18.4	
              The
                Lender shall disburse the Loan to the Borrower in accordance with
                the
                Agreement;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	18.5	
              The
                Lender shall keep relevant information and materials provided by
                the
                Borrower confidential, excluding those available for enquiry in accordance
                with the laws;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	18.6	
              The
                Lender may transfer the creditor’s right to a third party without prior
                consent from the Borrower, but it shall notify the Borrower of such
                transfer after execution of Creditor’s Right Transfer
                Contract;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	18.7	
              Unless
                otherwise approved by the Lender, the Borrower shall pay off the
                Lender’s
                creditor rights in the sequence of (1) expenses of creditor’s right
                fulfillment; (2) compound interest; (3) penalty interest resulting
                from
                overdue; (4) interest; and (5) the principal of the
                Loan.

            

    

     

    
      
        Chapter
          10 Responsibilities
          for Breach

      

    

     

    Article
      19 Responsibilities
      for Breach

     

    
      	
            	19.1	
              Upon
                the execution of this Agreement, both parties shall perform their
                rights
                and responsibilities herein respectively; in case either party fails
                to
                perform their rights and responsibilities partially or as a whole,
                or
                breach any of their representations and warranties, it shall bear
                relevant
                responsibilities for breach and pay the loss thus caused to the other
                party.

            

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        6

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    
      	
            	19.2	
              In
                case the Borrower fails to repay the principal as per the time specified
                in the Agreement, the Lender will calculate the penalty interest
                at the
                rate of 0.03335%
                per day based on the overdue amount and overdue days; and compound
                interest shall be calculated over the overdue interest in accordance
                with
                relevant provisions by the People’s Bank of China; in case the Borrower
                uses the Loan out of the scope of purpose specified herein, the Lender
                will calculate the penalty interest at the rate of 0.0498%
                per
                day based on the misusing amount and misusing days.
                

            

    

     

    
      	
            	19.3	
              In
                case the Borrower’s breach results in the Lender’s fulfillment of its
                creditor rights through legal litigation, the Borrower shall bear
                the
                legal cost, attorney fees, travel expense and other expenses of
                fulfillment of creditor rights thus incurred to the
                Lender.

            

    

     

    Article
      20 In
      case
      of any of the following events below occurs, the Lender may declare the
      acceleration of the Loan and is entitled to demand immediate repayment of the
      Loan or any part thereof together with accrued interest. 

     

    
      	
            	20.1	
              The
                Borrower fails to use the Loan for the purpose as specified herein,
                or
                fails to pay the interest or the principal due
                timely;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	20.2	
              During
                the term of the Agreement, the Borrower has bad management of its
                business, insolvency, or debt dispute with third parties, or the
                collateral is damaged or lost, and other situations threaten the
                security
                of the Loan, due to its poor
                management;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	20.3	
              The
                Borrower furnishes the Lender with financial statement with false
                or
                concealing material facts, or refuses the investigation by the Lender
                over
                the use of the Loan, and relevant production, operation and financing
                activities;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	20.4	
              The
                Borrower fails to perform any of the responsibilities herein, or
                violates
                any of the representations and warranties herein, or the guarantor
                fails
                to perform any of the responsibilities specified in the guarantee
                contract;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	20.5	
              During
                the term of the Agreement, the Borrower has any event which may seriously
                affect the Lender’s creditor rights
                adversely.

            

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        7

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

     

    
      
        Chapter
          11 Force
          Majeure

      

    

     

     

    
      
        Article
          21 In
          case
          of failure of performance of its obligations herein due to force majeure,
          the
          Borrower shall notify the Lender within three (3) working days after the
          occurrence of such events of force majeure, and furnish the Lender with
          proving
          documents issued by local competent notaries; and an amendment agreement
          in
          relation to the performance of the Agreement shall be made upon consultation
          with the Lender. Otherwise, the Lender may declare the acceleration of
          the Loan
          and request the Borrower to repay the principal and accrued
          interests.

      

    

     

     

    
      
        Chapter
          12 Dispute
          Settlement

      

    

     

    Article
      22 Any
      dispute arising out of or in connection with the performance of the Agreement
      shall be settled via friendly consultation; in case of any dispute failing
      friendly settlement, such dispute shall be submitted to the People’s Court in
      the Lender’s domicile (Borrower’s domicile/Lender’s domicile/ signing place of
      the Agreement). 

     

    
      
        Chapter
          13 Effectiveness,
          Amendment and Termination

      

    

     

    Article
      23 This
      Agreement shall come into effect in the first
      manner
      below:

     

    
      	
            	1.	
              The
                Agreement shall be effective with the official seal and the signature
                by
                the legal representative/chief or duly authorized representative
                of the
                parties;

            

    

     

    
      	
            	2.	
              The
                Agreement shall be effective on the effective date of the guarantee
                contract as specified in Chapter 7 with the official seal and the
                signature by the legal representative/chief or duly authorized
                representative of the parties.

            

    

     

    Article
      24 Upon
      the
      execution of the Agreement, neither party shall amend or terminate the Agreement
      in advance without written consent of the other party. In case of amendment
      or
      termination, written agreement shall be made between the parties upon
      consultation.

     

    
      
        Chapter
          14 Annex

      

    

     

    Article
      25 The
      annexes herein consist of:

     

    1. Loan
      certificates

    
      
        
        

      

      
        8

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    2. 

    3. 

    4. 

    5. 

    Article
      26 The
      annexes herein constitute an integral part of this Agreement, with the same
      legal binding force.

     

    
      
        Chapter
          15 Miscellaneous
          

      

    

     

    Article
      27 Any
      notice by telegraph and fax herein, once sent, shall be deemed effectively
      given; if by post, it shall be deemed effectively given three days after the
      mailing date.

     

    Article
      28 Other
      matters agreed upon by the parties are as follows:

     

    
      	 
	 
	 

    

     

    Article
      29 Anything
      not covered herein shall be agreed upon through discussion by the parties,
      and
      then written agreement shall be made.

     

    Article
      30 This
      Agreement is made in two
      (2)
      copies of equal validity with both parties holding one each.

     

    Article
      31 This
      Agreement is made and entered into on June ____, 2008 in ________ by the parties
      hereto. 

    
      
        
        

      

      
        9

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    
      	
              China
                TransInfo Technology Corp. 

            	
              Beijing
                Bank

            
	 	 
	
              /s/
                Shudong Xia

            	
              /s/
                Xu Su

            
	
              Seal

            	
              Seal

            

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        10AMENDED AND RESTATED

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 1st day of July, 2008 by and between MFA MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS, INC., a Maryland corporation (“MFA”), and WILLIAM S. GORIN (the “Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, MFA and the Executive entered into an amended and restated employment agreement, effective as of April 16, 2006 (the “Employment Agreement”);

WHEREAS, MFA and the Executive desire to amend the terms of the Executive’s employment and extend the period of employment set forth in the Employment Agreement to December 31, 2011 on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; 

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of MFA (the “Compensation Committee”), and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MFA (the “CEO”) believe it is in the best interest of MFA to appoint the Executive as President and Chief Financial Officer of MFA, which appointment has been approved by the Board of Directors of MFA (the “Board of Directors”); and

WHEREAS, the Executive wishes to continue serving MFA and MFA wishes to secure the continued exclusive services of the Executive under the terms and conditions described below.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the Employment Agreement in its entirety to read as follows:

	
             
 	
            1.
 	
            Term of Employment.
 

 (a)        MFA hereby employs the Executive, and the Executive hereby accepts employment with MFA, in the positions and with the duties and responsibilities as set forth in Paragraph 2 below for the Term of Employment, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(b)       The term of employment (the “Term of Employment”) under this Agreement shall include the Initial Term and each Renewal Term.  The Initial Term shall commence as of July 1, 2008 and shall continue until December 31, 2011.  The Term of Employment shall automatically renew for a one-year period (each such renewal, a “Renewal Term”) at the end of the Initial Term and each Renewal Term, unless either party shall give notice to the other not less than six months prior to the end of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, as the case may be, of his or its intent not to renew such Initial Term or Renewal Term, as the case may be.  Notwithstanding the foregoing sentences of this Paragraph 1(b), the Term of Employment may be
terminated before the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term in accordance with Paragraph 5 hereof.

	
             
 	
            2.
 	
            Position; Duties and Responsibilities.
 

 (a)        During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be employed as President and Chief Financial Officer of MFA, reporting to the CEO, with such duties and day-to-day management responsibilities as are customarily performed by persons holding such offices at similarly situated 

 

mortgage REITs and such other duties as may be mutually agreed upon between the Executive and the CEO.

(b)       During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall, without additional compensation, also (i) serve on the board of directors of, serve as an officer of, and/or perform such executive and consulting services for, or on behalf of, such subsidiaries or affiliates of MFA as the CEO and/or the Board of Directors may, from time to time, request.  MFA and such subsidiaries and affiliates are hereinafter referred to, collectively, as the “Company.”  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”).

(c)        During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall serve MFA faithfully, diligently and to the best of his ability and shall devote substantially all of his time and efforts to his employment and the performance of his duties under this Agreement.  Nothing herein shall preclude the Executive from engaging in charitable and community affairs and managing his personal, financial and legal affairs, so long as such activities do not materially interfere with his carrying out his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            3.
 	
            Compensation.
 

 (a)        Base Salary.  During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive an annualized base salary (the “Base Salary”) of not less than eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000).

(b)       Restricted Stock Award.  In connection with the Executive’s new duties and responsibilities, the Executive shall receive an award of 100,000 shares of restricted stock on the date hereof.  The period of restriction with respect to such award shall begin on the date hereof and shall lapse with respect to 6,250 shares on the last business day of each quarter ending after the date hereof (with all restrictions having lapsed on June 30, 2012).  Under the terms of the definitive award agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to receive any dividends payable with respect to any shares subject to restriction at such time as such shares are no longer subject to restrictions.  Vested shares of such restricted stock cannot be transferred or sold during the Executive’s employment by MFA until
the value of the Executive’s stock holdings in MFA (including shares of restricted stock) exceeds four times the Executive’s Base Salary; and, following the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, vested shares of such restricted stock may not be sold or transferred to the extent the value of the Executive’s stock holdings does not exceed four times the Executive’s Base Salary as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment (provided, however, that this sentence shall no longer apply following the six-month anniversary of the Executive’s termination of employment).

(c)        Performance Bonus.  The CEO, President and Executive Vice President shall be eligible to participate in a Performance Bonus Pool for Senior Executives (the “Bonus Pool”) each year during the Term of Employment.  The aggregate Bonus Pool shall be determined by reference to MFA’s Return on Average Equity (“ROAE”) as more fully described in Exhibit A to this Agreement.  Subject to the right of the Compensation Committee to determine the portion of the Bonus Pool to be allocated to the CEO, allocations as between the President and Executive Vice President, if any, shall be made by the Compensation Committee together with the CEO based upon each participants performance during
the applicable period.  The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, can adjust the aggregate Bonus Pool upward or downward in any year by as much as thirty percent (30%) depending upon the Compensation Committee’s assessment of MFA’s leverage strategy, share price performance relative to the S&P financial index or other relevant indices, share price relative to peer group, total return (share price change 

 

- 2 -

 

plus dividend), and its other asset management activities, as well as the Executive’s individual performance, among other considerations, as determined by the Compensation Committee.

The amount allocated to the Executive from the Bonus Pool shall be paid in a combination of cash and restricted stock based on the total Bonus Pool (after any reduction or increase referred in the immediately-preceding paragraph), as follows:  (i) Bonus Pool (as adjusted) up to $2,700,000:  seventy-five percent (75%) will be paid in cash and twenty-five (25%) percent will be paid in restricted stock; (ii) the incremental total Bonus Pool (as adjusted) between $2,700,000 and $4,050,000:  sixty-five percent (65%) will be paid in cash and thirty-five percent (35%) will be paid in restricted stock; (iii)  the incremental total Bonus Pool (as adjusted) in excess of $4,050,000:  fifty percent (50%) will be paid in cash and fifty percent (50%) will be paid in restricted stock.  In each case referred to above, the period of restriction with respect to the applicable shares of
restricted stock shall lapse with respect to six and one quarter percent (6.25%) of the shares on the last business day of each quarter commencing with the quarter beginning with the first calendar quarter following the end of the fiscal year to which the Bonus Pool relates, with the lapse of all restrictions occurring four years following the date of grant.  Under the terms of the definitive award agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to receive any dividends payable with respect to any shares subject to restriction at such time as such shares  are no longer subject to restrictions.  Vested shares of such restricted stock cannot be transferred or sold during the Executive’s employment by MFA until the value of the Executive’s stock holdings in MFA (including shares of restricted stock) exceeds four times the Executive’s Base Salary; and, following the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company, vested shares of such restricted stock may not be
sold or transferred to the extent the value of the Executive’s stock holdings does not exceed four times the Executive’s Base Salary as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment (provided, however, that this sentence shall no longer apply following the six-month anniversary of the Executive’s termination of employment).

(d)       Equity Compensation.  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such stock option, restricted stock, phantom share or dividend equivalent rights grants or other equity awards as the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, shall deem appropriate.

(e)        Discretion to Increase Compensation.  Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee from increasing or considering increasing the Executive’s compensation during the Term of Employment.  The Base Salary as adjusted to reflect any increase shall be the Base Salary for all purposes of this Agreement.

4.            Employee Benefit Programs and Fringe Benefits. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to five weeks of vacation each calendar year and to participate in all executive incentive and employee benefit programs of MFA now or hereafter made available to MFA’s senior executives or salaried employees generally, as such programs may be in effect from time to time.  MFA shall reimburse the Executive for any and all necessary, customary and usual business expenses, properly receipted in accordance with MFA’s policies, incurred by Executive in connection with his employment.

	
             
 	
            5.
 	
            Termination of Employment.
 

 (a)        Termination Due to Death or Disability.  If the Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term of Employment by reason of the Executive’s death or Disability, the Executive’s Term of Employment shall terminate automatically without further obligations to the Executive, his legal representative or his estate, as the case may be, under this Agreement except for (i) any compensation earned but not yet paid, including and without limitation, any amount of Base Salary accrued or earned but unpaid and any other payments payable to the Executive pursuant to Paragraph 5(e) below, which amounts shall be promptly paid in a lump sum to the Executive, his legal 

 

- 3 -

 

representative or his estate, as the case may be, and (ii) continued payment on a monthly basis of the Executive’s then current Base Salary for a period of one year following the date of such termination, which shall be paid to the Executive, his legal representative or his estate, as the case may be.  In the event of such termination due to his Disability, Executive’s health insurance coverage shall be continued at MFA’s expense for the duration of such Disability; provided, that, if such coverage cannot be provided under MFA’s health insurance policy for the duration of such Disability, such coverage or the cost of comparable coverage shall be provided by MFA until the Executive’s attainment of age 65 or such later date through which coverage is permissible under MFA’s health insurance policy.

(b)       Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason.  In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated by MFA without Cause (including by notice of MFA’s determination not to renew the Initial Term or any Renewal Term pursuant to Paragraph 1(b)) or by the Executive for Good Reason, unless any such termination is preceded by the Executive’s giving notice of his determination not to renew the Initial Term or any Renewal Term pursuant to Paragraph 1(b), the Executive shall be entitled to both continued payments of his then current Base Salary and continued health insurance coverage at MFA’s expense, until the later to occur of (i) the expiration of the Term of Employment or (ii) the first anniversary of such termination of employment, such Base Salary being payable
at the same time such amounts would have been payable to the Executive had his employment not terminated.

(c)        Termination by MFA for Cause or Voluntary Termination by the Executive.  In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated by MFA for Cause, or is terminated by the Executive on his own initiative for other than a Good Reason (including pursuant to Paragraph 1(b)), the Executive shall be entitled to any compensation earned but not yet paid, including and without limitation, any amount of Base Salary accrued or earned but unpaid and any other payments payable to the Executive pursuant to Paragraph 5(e) below, as of the date of termination.

(d)       Termination Related to Change in Control.  In the event of (1) the termination of the Executive’s employment by MFA without Cause that occurs both within two months before a Change in Control and following the occurrence of a Pre-Change-in-Control Event, (2) the resignation of his employment by the Executive for any reason within three months following a Change in Control, or (3) the termination of the Executive’s employment by MFA other than for Cause or the Employee’s resignation of his employment for Good Reason within twelve months following a Change in Control,

(i)        MFA shall pay to Executive in a lump sum, within 30 days following the termination of employment, an amount equal to 300% of the sum of (a) the Executive’s then current Base Salary and (b) the Executive’s highest bonus for the two preceding years;

(ii)       all of the Executive’s outstanding restricted stock, phantom shares and stock options shall immediately vest in full and such options shall remain exercisable, and any dividend equivalents associated therewith shall continue to be payable, until the earlier of (a) 90 days following the date of such termination and (b) the date on which each such option would have expired had the Executive’s employment not terminated; and

(iii)      the Executive shall continue to participate in all health, life insurance, retirement and other benefit programs at MFA’s expense for the balance of the Term of Employment, to the same extent as though the Executive’s employment had not terminated.

To the extent necessary to avoid imposition of the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) in connection with a Change in Control, the amounts payable or benefits to be provided to the Executive shall be reduced such that the reduction of compensation to be provided to the Executive is minimized.  In applying this principle, the reduction shall 

 

- 4 -

 

be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and where two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but payable at different times, such amounts shall be reduced on a pro rata basis (but not below zero).

(e)        Other Payments.  Upon the termination of the Executive’s employment, in addition to the amounts payable under any Paragraph above, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the following:

(i)        any annual bonus earned during one or more preceding years but not paid;

(ii)       any vested deferred compensation (including any interest accrued on or appreciation in value of such deferred amounts);

(iii)      reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred but not yet reimbursed by MFA; 

(iv)      any other benefits to which the Executive or his legal representative may be entitled under the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan and under all other applicable plans and programs of MFA, as provided in Paragraph 4 above; and

(v)       upon the termination of the Executive’s employment pursuant to Paragraphs 5(a) or 5(b) above, all of the Executive’s outstanding restricted stock, phantom shares and stock options shall immediately vest in full and such options shall remain exercisable, and any dividend equivalents associated therewith shall continue to be payable until the earlier of (a) 90 days following the date of such termination and (b) the date on which each such option would have expired had the Executive’s employment not terminated.

(f)        No Mitigation; No Offset.  In the event of any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement, he shall be under no obligation to seek other employment or otherwise in any way to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Paragraph 5, and there shall be no offset against amounts due him under this Agreement on account of any remuneration attributable to any subsequent employment that he may obtain.

(g)       Payments Subject to Section 409A.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment pursuant to this Paragraph 5 prior to the earliest date permitted under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and applicable Treasury regulations thereunder.  To the extent any payment pursuant to this Paragraph 5 is required to be delayed six months pursuant to the special rules of Section 409A related to “specified employees,” each affected payment shall be delayed until six months after the Executive’s termination of employment.

(h)       Mutual Release.  MFA’s obligation to make any payment or provide any benefit pursuant to this Paragraph 5 shall be contingent upon, and is the consideration for, the Executive executing and delivering to MFA a general release (the “Release”), substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit B, releasing MFA, and all current and former members, officers and employees of MFA, from any claims relating to the Executive’s employment hereunder, other than claims relating to continuing obligations under, or preserved by, (x) this Agreement or (y) any compensation or benefit plan, program or arrangement in which the Executive was participating as of the date of termination of his employment, and no such amounts shall
be provided until the Executive executes and delivers to MFA a letter which provides that the Executive had not revoked such Release after seven days following the date 

 

- 5 -

 

of the Release.  The Release shall also be executed by MFA and delivered to the Executive as part of the consideration for the Executive’s execution and delivery of the Release, and, except as otherwise provided under the terms of the Release, shall release the Executive from any and all claims MFA may have against the Executive.

6.         Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:

(a)        Cause.  “Cause” shall mean the Executive’s (i) conviction, or entry of a guilty plea or a plea of nolo contendre with respect to, a felony, a crime of moral turpitude or any crime committed against MFA, other than traffic violations; (ii) engagement in willful misconduct, willful or gross negligence, or fraud, embezzlement or misappropriation relating to significant amounts, in each case in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement; (iii) failure to adhere to the lawful directions of the CEO and/or the Board of Directors that are reasonably consistent with his duties and position provided for herein; (iv) breach in any material respect of any of the provisions of Paragraph 7 of this
Agreement resulting in material and demonstrable economic injury to MFA; (v) chronic or persistent substance abuse that materially and adversely affects his performance of his duties under this Agreement or (vi) breach in any material respect of the terms and provisions of this Agreement resulting in material and demonstrable economic injury to MFA.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Executive shall be given written notice of any action or failure to act that is alleged to constitute Cause (a “Default”), and an opportunity for 20 business days from the date of such notice in which to cure such Default, such period to be subject to extension in the discretion of the CEO or, in his absence, the Board of Directors and (ii) regardless of whether the Executive is able to cure any Default, the Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause without (x) reasonable prior written notice to
the Executive setting forth the reasons for the decision to terminate the Executive for Cause, (y) an opportunity for the Executive, together with his counsel, to be heard by the CEO or, in his absence, the Board of Directors and (z) delivery to the Executive of a notice of termination approved by said CEO or, in his absence, the Board of Directors, stating his or its good faith opinion that the Executive has engaged in actions or conduct described in the preceding sentence, which notice specifies the particulars of such action or conduct in reasonable detail; provided, however, MFA may suspend the Executive with pay until such time as his right to appear before the CEO or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, has been exercised, so long as such appearance is within two (2) weeks of the date of suspension.

(b)       Change in Control.  A “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:

(i)        any “person”, as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Act (other than MFA, any of its affiliates or any trustee, fiduciary or other person or entity holding securities under any employee benefit plan or trust of MFA or any of its affiliates) together with all affiliates and “associates” (as such term is defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Act) of such person, shall become the “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of MFA representing 30% or more of either (A) the combined voting power of MFA’s then outstanding securities having the right to vote in an election of the Board of Directors (“voting securities”) or (B) the then outstanding
shares of common stock of MFA (“Shares”) (in either such case other than as a result of an acquisition of securities directly from MFA); or

(ii)       persons who, as of the effective date of this Agreement, constitute MFA’s Board of Directors (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason, including, without limitation, as a result of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or similar transaction, to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors, provided that any person becoming a Director of MFA subsequent to the effective date whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least a majority 

 

- 6 -

 

of the Incumbent Directors shall, for purposes of this Agreement, be considered an Incumbent Director; or

(iii)      there shall occur (A) any consolidation or merger of MFA or any subsidiary where the shareholders of MFA, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate 60% or more of the voting securities of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any), (B) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of transactions contemplated or arranged by any party as a single plan) of all or substantially all of the assets of MFA or (C) any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of MFA.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of the foregoing clause (i) solely as the result of an acquisition of securities by MFA which, by reducing the number of Shares or other voting securities outstanding, increases (x) the proportionate number of Shares beneficially owned by any person to 30% or more of the Shares then outstanding or (y) the proportionate voting power represented by the voting securities beneficially owned by any person to 30% or more of the combined voting power of all then outstanding voting securities; provided, however, that, if any person referred to in clause (x) or (y) of this sentence shall thereafter become the beneficial owner of any additional Shares or other voting
securities (other than pursuant to a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction), then a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred for purposes of this Paragraph 6(b).

(c)        Disability.  “Disability” shall mean the Executive’s inability for a period of six consecutive months, to render substantially the services provided for in this Agreement by reason of mental or physical disability, whether resulting from illness, accident or otherwise, other than by reason of chronic or persistent abuse of any substance (such as narcotics or alcohol).

	
             
 	
            (d)
 	
            Good Reason.  “Good Reason” shall mean:
 

 (i)        a material diminution in the Executive’s title, duties or responsibilities;

(ii)       relocation of the Executive’s place of employment without his consent outside the New York City metropolitan area;

(iii)      the failure of MFA to pay within thirty (30) business days any payment due from MFA;

(iv)      the failure of MFA to pay within a reasonable period after the date when amounts are required to be paid to the Executive under any benefit programs or plans; or

	
             
 	
            (v)
 	
            the failure by MFA to honor any of its material obligations herein.
 

 (e)        Non Cash Items and Merger Expenses.  “Non Cash Items and Merger Expenses” shall mean depreciation, merger expenses, gains/losses on asset sales, and impairment charges; provided that these items and expenses shall allow for adjustment to exclude events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain non-cash items at the discretion of MFA’s independent directors.

(f)        Pre-Change-in-Control Event.  A “Pre-Change-in-Control Event” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:

 

- 7 -

 

(i)        the Board shall adopt a resolution to the effect that any person has taken actions which, if consummated, would result in such person acquiring effective control of the business and affairs of MFA;

(ii)       there shall commence a tender offer or proxy contest resulting in any of the transactions specified in subparagraphs (i)-(iii) of Paragraph 6(b);

(iii)      MFA shall make any agreement resulting in any of the transactions specified in subparagraphs (i)-(iii) of Paragraph 6(b);

(iv)      there shall be a public announcement of a transaction of the kind specified in subparagraphs (i)-(iii) of Paragraph 6(b); or

(v)       any other meeting, writing or written communication with, by or to the Board of Directors or any officer or executive of MFA, that is held, made or undertaken in good faith in anticipation of a Change in Control.

(g)       Return on Average Equity.  “Return on Average Equity” shall mean twelve months GAAP net income plus (minus) certain Non Cash Items and Merger Expenses divided by average Tangible Net Worth, for the period ending November 30th.

(h)       Tangible Net Worth.  “Tangible Net Worth” shall mean stockholder equity less (i) goodwill and (ii) preferred stockholder equity.

7.         Covenant Not To Compete.  In the event of the termination of the Executive’s employment with MFA other than upon notification by the Executive of the nonrenewal of the Term of Employment, the Executive will not, without the prior written consent of MFA, manage, operate, control or be connected as a stockholder (other than as a holder of shares publicly traded on a stock exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, provided that the Executive shall not own more than five percent of the outstanding shares of any publicly traded company) or partner with, or as an officer, director, employee or consultant of, any mortgage REIT for a period of one year following termination of his employment with MFA.  For a period of one year following
the termination of his employment by MFA for any reason, the Executive shall not solicit any employees of MFA to work for any mortgage REIT.  Except as otherwise required by law, the Executive shall keep confidential all materials, files, reports, correspondence, records and other documents (collectively the “Company Materials”) used, prepared or made available to him in connection with his employment by MFA and which have not otherwise been made available to the public, and upon termination of his employment shall return such Company Materials to MFA.  The Executive acknowledges that MFA may seek injunctive relief or other specific enforcement of its rights under this Paragraph.

8.         Indemnification.  MFA shall indemnify the Executive to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law as amended from time to time in connection with the Executive’s duties with MFA, against all costs, expenses, liabilities and losses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, penalties, ERISA excise taxes and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by the Executive in connection with an action, suit or proceeding.  During the Term of Employment and for six years following the date of the Executive’s termination as an officer of MFA, MFA (or any successor thereto) shall provide comprehensive coverage under its officers and directors insurance policy (or policies) on substantially the same terms and levels that it provides to its
senior executive officers, at MFA’s sole cost.

 

- 8 -

 

9.         Assignability; Binding Nature.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of MFA and the Executive and their respective successors, heirs (in the case of the Executive) and assigns.  No rights or obligations of MFA under this Agreement may be assigned or transferred by MFA except that any such rights or obligations may be assigned or transferred pursuant to a merger or consolidation in which MFA is not the continuing entity, or the sale or liquidation of all or substantially all of the assets of MFA, provided that the assignee or transferee is the successor to all or substantially all of the assets of MFA and such assignee or transferee assumes the liabilities, obligations and duties of MFA, as contained in this Agreement, either
contractually or as a matter of law.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Executive.

10.       Representation.  MFA represents and warrants that it is fully authorized and empowered to enter into this Agreement and that its entering into this Agreement and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement will not violate any agreement between MFA and any other person, firm or organization or any law or governmental regulation.

11.       Entire Agreement.  This Agreement contains the entire agreement between MFA and the Executive concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, discussions, negotiations and undertakings, whether written or oral, between them with respect thereto.

12.       Amendment or Waiver.  This Agreement cannot be changed, modified or amended without the consent in writing of both the Executive and MFA.  No waiver by either MFA or the Executive at any time of any breach by the other party of any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar condition or provision at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.  Any waiver must be in writing and signed by the Executive or an authorized officer of MFA, as the case may be.

13.       Severability.  In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.

14.       Reasonableness.  To the extent that any provision or portion of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable by a court of law or equity, that provision or portion of this Agreement shall nevertheless be enforceable to the extent that such court determines is reasonable.

15.       Survivorship.  The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any termination of this Agreement to the extent necessary to the intended preservation of such rights and obligations.

16.       Governing Law.  This Agreement and all rights thereunder, and any controversies or disputes arising with respect thereto, shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within such State, without regard to conflict of laws provisions thereof that would apply the law of any other jurisdiction.

17.       Dispute Resolution.  In the event of any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Executive’s employment or termination thereof (other than a controversy or claim arising under Paragraph 7, to the extent necessary for MFA (or its affiliates, where applicable) to enforce the provisions thereof), the parties hereby agree to settle such dispute, controversy or claim in a binding arbitration by a single arbitrator in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, which arbitration shall be conducted in New York, New York.

 

- 9 -

 

The parties agree that the arbitral award shall be final and non-appealable and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy between the parties hereunder.  The parties agree that judgment on the arbitral award may be entered in any court having competent jurisdiction over the parties or their assets.  All reasonable fees and expenses related to any such arbitration (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and related disbursements) shall be paid by MFA.

18.       Legal Fees.  MFA shall pay directly all reasonable legal fees incurred by the Executive in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement.

19.       Notices.  Any notice given to either party shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, duly addressed to the party concerned, if to MFA, at its principal office, and if to the Executive, at the address of the Executive shown on MFA’s records or at such other address as such party may give notice of.

20.       Headings.  The headings of the paragraphs contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement.

	
             
 	
            21.
 	
            Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts.
 

 

- 10 -

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

MFA MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS, INC.

	
             
 	
            By:
 	
            /s/Stewart Zimmerman
 

Name:  Stewart Zimmerman

	
             
 	
            Title:  
 	
            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 

	
             
 	
            By:
 	
            /s/William S. Gorin
 

Name:  William S. Gorin

	
             
 	
            Title:  
 	
            President and Chief Financial Officer
 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Aggregate Performance Bonus Pool for Senior Executives

Aggregate bonus pool can be adjusted upward or downward in any year by as much as 30%, dependent upon the Compensation Committee’s assessment of MFA’s leverage strategy, share price performance relative to the S&P financial index or other relevant indices, share price relative to peer group, total return (share price change plus dividend), and its other asset management activities, as well as the Executive’s individual performance, among other considerations, as determined by the Compensation Committee.  

	
            MFA ROE
 	
            Range
 
	
            Less than 4.5%
 	
            $750,000
 	
             
 
	
            4.5% - 5%
 	
            $750,000
 	
            $950,000
 
	
            5% - 6%
 	
            $950,000
 	
            $1,150,000
 
	
            6% - 7%
 	
            $1,150,000
 	
            $1,350,000
 
	
            7% - 8%
 	
            $1,350,000
 	
            $1,800,000
 
	
            8% - 9%
 	
            $1,800,000
 	
            $2,250,000
 
	
            9% - 10%
 	
            $2,250,000
 	
            $2,700,000
 
	
            10% - 11%
 	
            $2,700,000
 	
            $3,150,000
 
	
            11% - 12%
 	
            $3,150,000
 	
            $3,600,000
 
	
            12% - 13%
 	
            $3,600,000
 	
            $4,050,000
 
	
            13% - 14%
 	
            $4,050,000
 	
            $4,500,000
 
	
            14% - 15%
 	
            $4,500,000
 	
            $4,950,000
 
	
            15% - 16%
 	
            $4,950,000
 	
            $5,400,000
 
	
            16% - 17%
 	
            $5,400,000
 	
            $5,850,000
 
	
            17% - 18%
 	
            $5,850,000
 	
            $6,300,000
 
	
            18% - 19%
 	
            Minimum of $6,300,000 (subject, in all events to discretion of the Compensation Committee to increase or decrease such amount as described above)
 
	
            19% - 20%
 
	
            20% - 21%+
 

 

Exh. A-1

Exhibit B

 

Mutual Release

This Mutual Release of Claims (this “Release”) is made as of _______________, by and between MFA MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS, INC. (the “Company”) and _____________________ (the “Executive”).

	
             
 	
            1.
 	
            Release by the Company.
 

(a)        The Company on behalf of itself, its agents, successors, affiliated entities and assigns, in consideration for the Executive’s execution and delivery of this Release, hereby forever releases and discharges the Executive, and his agents, heirs, successors, assigns, executors and administrators, from any and all known and unknown causes of action, actions, judgments, liens, indebtedness, damages, losses, claims, liabilities, and demands of whatsoever kind and character in any manner whatsoever arising on or prior to the date of this Release, including but not limited to (i) any claim for breach of contract, breach of implied covenant, breach of oral or written promise, defamation, interference with contract relations or prospective economic advantage, negligence, misrepresentation; (ii) any and all liability that was or may
have been alleged against or imputed to the Executive by the Company or by anyone acting on its behalf; (iii) any punitive, compensatory or liquidated damages and (iv) all rights to and claims for attorneys’ fees and costs except as otherwise provided in his amended and restated employment agreement with the Company dated July 1, 2008 (the “Employment Agreement”).

(b)       The Company shall not file or cause to be filed any action, suit, claim, charge or proceeding with any federal, state or local court or agency relating to any claim within the scope of this Release.  In the event there is presently pending any action, suit, claim, charge or proceeding within the scope of this Release, or if such a proceeding is commenced in the future, the Company shall promptly withdraw it, with prejudice, to the extent it has the power to do so.  The Company represents and warrants that its has not assigned any claim released herein, or authorized any other person to assert any claim on its behalf.

(c)        Anything to the contrary notwithstanding in this Release or the Employment Agreement, this Release shall not apply to claims or damages based on (i) any right or claim that arises after the date on which the Company executes this Release, including any right to enforce the Employment Agreement with respect to provisions pertaining to matters that arise after the date of the Release and that survive termination of employment or (ii) any act of willful misconduct, gross negligence, fraud or misappropriation of funds.

	
             
 	
            2.
 	
            Release by the Executive.
 

(a)        The Executive, on behalf of himself, his agents, heirs, successors, assigns, executors and administrators, in consideration for the termination payments and other consideration provided for under the Employment Agreement, hereby forever releases and discharges the Company, and its successors, its affiliated entities, and, in such capacities, its past and present directors, employees, agents, attorneys, accountants, representatives, plan fiduciaries, successors and assigns from any and all known and unknown causes of action, actions, judgments, liens, indebtedness, damages, losses, claims, liabilities, and demands of whatsoever kind and character in any manner whatsoever arising on or prior to the date of this Release, including but not limited to (i) any claim for breach of contract, breach of implied covenant, breach of oral or
written promise, wrongful termination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, interference with contract relations or prospective economic advantage, negligence, misrepresentation or employment discrimination, and including without limitation alleged violations of 

 

Exh. B-1

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Americans With Disabilities Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; other federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations; and any unemployment or workers’ compensation law, excepting only those obligations of the Company pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the Employment Agreement or otherwise continuing under the Employment Agreement and any claims to benefits under any compensation or benefit plan, program or arrangement in which the Executive was participating as of the date of termination of his employment; (ii) any and all liability that was or may have been alleged against or imputed to the Company by the Executive or by anyone acting on his behalf; (iii) all claims for wages, monetary or
equitable relief, employment or reemployment with the Company in any position, and any punitive, compensatory or liquidated damages and (iv) all rights to and claims for attorneys’ fees and costs except as otherwise provided in the Employment Agreement.

(b)       The Executive shall not file or cause to be filed any action, suit, claim, charge or proceeding with any federal, state or local court or agency relating to any claim within the scope of this Release.  In the event there is presently pending any action, suit, claim, charge or proceeding within the scope of this Release, or if such a proceeding is commenced in the future, the Executive shall promptly withdraw it, with prejudice, to the extent he has the power to do so.  The Executive represents and warrants that he has not assigned any claim released herein, or authorized any other person to assert any claim on his behalf.

(c)        In the event any action, suit, claim, charge or proceeding within the scope of this Release is brought by any government agency, putative class representative or other third party to vindicate any alleged rights of the Executive, (i) the Executive shall, except to the extent required or compelled by law, legal process or subpoena, refrain from participating, testifying or producing documents therein and (ii) all damages, inclusive of attorneys’ fees, if any, required to be paid to the Executive by the Company as a consequence of such action, suit, claim, charge or proceeding shall be repaid to the Company by the Executive within ten (10) days of his receipt thereof.

	
             
 	
            (d)  
 	
            BY HIS SIGNATURE BELOW, THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT:
 

 (1)       HE HAS RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS RELEASE AND WAS OFFERED A PERIOD OF TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS TO REVIEW AND CONSIDER IT;

(2)       IF HE SIGNS THIS RELEASE PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF TWENTY-ONE DAYS, HE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES AND GIVES UP THIS RIGHT OF REVIEW;

(3)       HE HAS THE RIGHT TO REVOKE THIS RELEASE FOR A PERIOD OF SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER HE SIGNS IT BY MAILING OR DELIVERING A WRITTEN NOTICE OF REVOCATION TO THE COMPANY’S GENERAL COUNSEL, NO LATER THAN THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON THE SEVENTH DAY AFTER THE DAY ON WHICH HE SIGNED THIS RELEASE;

(4)       THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE SEVEN DAY REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED WITHOUT THE RELEASE HAVING BEEN REVOKED (THE “EFFECTIVE DATE”);

 

Exh. B-2

(5)       THIS RELEASE WILL BE FINAL AND BINDING AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE REVOCATION PERIOD REFERRED TO IN SECTION 2(d)(3).  HE AGREES NOT TO CHALLENGE ITS ENFORCEABILITY;

(6)       HE IS AWARE OF HIS RIGHT TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY, HAS BEEN ADVISED IN WRITING TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY, AND HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY, IF DESIRED, PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS RELEASE;

(7)       NO PROMISE OR INDUCEMENT FOR THIS RELEASE HAS BEEN MADE EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THIS RELEASE;

(8)       HE IS LEGALLY COMPETENT TO EXECUTE THIS RELEASE AND ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT; AND

(9)       HE HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS RELEASE, ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS NOT RELIED ON ANY REPRESENTATION OR STATEMENT, WRITTEN OR ORAL, NOT SET FORTH IN THIS DOCUMENT, AND WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT HE IS SIGNING THIS RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY.

 

Exh. B-3

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto set their hands this _____ day of ___________________.

	
             
 	
            By:                                                                                        
 

Name:  

Title:  Executive

MFA MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS, INC.

	
             
 	
            By:                                                                                        
 

Name:

Title:

 

Exh. B-4

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00146-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00146-of-00352.parquet"}]]