Document:

petq_ex103

		

			Exhibit 10.3

		

		
			EMPLOYMENT AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT
		

		
			EMPLOYMENT AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement’) dated as of May 9, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), between PetIQ, LLC, an Idaho limited liability company (the “Company”), and R. Michael Herrman (the “Employee”).
		

		
			WHEREAS, the Company and the Employee desire to enter into this Agreement in order to set forth the respective rights and obligations of the parties with respect to the Employee’s employment with the Company.
		

		
			NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
		

			
	
			
				 Section 1.
			Employment Period.

		
			Subject to terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Employee’s employment with the Company shall continue for a period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the first  (1st) anniversary of the Effective Date, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms hereof (the “Employment Period”).  The Employment Period shall be automatically extended for a twelve-month period unless either party gives notice to the other party of its intention to terminate this Agreement no later than sixty (60) days prior to the end of the then-existing Employment Period. From and after the expiration of the Employment Period, the Employee will not be entitled to any rights or benefits (including, without limitation, any severance pursuant to this Agreement or any Company program, policy or otherwise) other than payment of any earned but unpaid wages.    
		

			
	
			
				 Section 2.
			Terms of Employment.

			
	
			
				 (a)
			Position.   During the Employment Period, the Employee shall serve as General Counsel and Secretary of the Company and shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”). The Employee shall, subject to the direction and supervision of the CEO, have supervision and control over, and responsibility for, such management and operational functions of the Company currently assigned to such position and shall have such other powers and duties (including holding officer positions with the Company and one or more subsidiaries of the Company) as may from time to time be prescribed by the CEO consistent with the Employee’s position as General Counsel and Secretary of the Company. 

			
	
			
				 (b)
			Full Time.  During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Employee is entitled, the Employee agrees to devote his full business time and efforts, to the best of his ability, experience and talent, to the business and affairs of the Company.

			
	
			
				 (c)
			Compensation.

			
	
			
				 (i)
			Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Employee shall receive an annual base salary of $295,000, less applicable withholdings, which annual base salary shall be subject to adjustment as determined by the Compensation Committee of the 

		 

		

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	Board of Directors of PetIQ, Inc. (the “Compensation Committee”)  (as so adjusted, the “Annual Base Salary”). The Annual Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the customary payroll practices of the Company, subject to applicable withholding and other payroll taxes. 

			
	
			
				 (ii)
			Bonuses.  During the Employment Period, beginning for the 2019 calendar year (payable in 2020), the Employee shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual cash bonus plan as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (the “Annual Bonus”).  It is anticipated that Employee’s Annual Bonus would be targeted as 50% of Employee’s Annual Base Salary, based upon personal performance and the Company meeting EBITDA targets.  The Annual Bonus shall be paid as, when and if determined by the Compensation Committee, subject to applicable withholding and other payroll taxes, and subject to Employee’s continued employment through the Annual Bonus payment date.

			
	
			
				 (iii)
			Equity-Based Compensation.  During the Employment Period, the Employee shall be eligible to participate in, and receive awards of equity-based compensation under, the PetIQ, Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan or applicable successor plan, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion.

			
	
			
				 (iv)
			Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Employee shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for all reasonable and documented expenses incurred by the Employee in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder, in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company as in effect from time to time.

			
	
			
				 (v)
			Vacation and Holidays.  During the Employment Period, the Employee shall be entitled to paid holidays and four (4) weeks’ paid vacation in accordance with the policies of the Company applicable to other employees of the Company generally.

			
	
			
				 (vi)
			Benefits.  The Employee shall be entitled to participate in such employee benefit plans or programs in accordance with the policies of the Company applicable to other executive-level employees of the Company.

			
	
			
				 Section 3.
			Termination of Employment.

			
	
			
				 (a)
			Death or Disability. The Employee’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Employee’s death. The Company may also terminate the Employee’s employment due to Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, the Employee shall be deemed “Disabled” and shall be subject to termination due to Disability, if the Employee is unable to perform the essential functions of his position, with or without reasonable accommodation, for any ninety (90) days during a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days (excluding any days of paid vacation used by the Employee in accordance with the Company’s paid time off policy), due to mental or physical disability as determined by a physician selected by the Company and reasonably acceptable to the Employee. If the Employee is Disabled, the Company may elect to terminate the Employee’s employment hereunder by giving Notice of Termination (as defined below) to the Employee (such termination to be effective upon receipt of such notice); provided,  however, that the Company may not terminate the Employee’s employment unless, at the time the 

		 

		

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	Company gives the Notice of Termination, the Employee continues to have a physical or mental disability that, in the opinion of a physician selected by Company and reasonably acceptable to the Employee, may be expected to prevent the Employee from performing any of his duties hereunder for any period of time in excess of the ninety (90) days rendering him Disabled. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Company will suffer an undue hardship under the circumstances set forth in the previous provision.

			
	
			
				 (b)
			Cause.   The Employee’s employment may be terminated at any time by the Company for Cause (as defined below) or Without Cause (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean: (i)  a breach by the Employee of any material provision of this Agreement, which, if curable, is not cured within ten (10) days after the Employee’s receipt from the Company of written notice of such breach; (ii) any conduct, action or behavior by the Employee, whether or not in connection with the Employee’s employment, including, without limitation, the commission of any felony or a lesser crime involving dishonesty, fraud, misappropriation, theft, wrongful taking of property, embezzlement, bribery, forgery, extortion or other crime of moral turpitude, that has or may reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the reputation or business of the Company, Holdings, or their respective subsidiaries and affiliates (the “Company Group”) or which results in gain or personal enrichment of the Employee to the detriment of the Company Group; (iii) a governmental authority, including, without limitation, the Environmental Protection Agency or the Food and Drug Administration, has prohibited the Employee from working or being affiliated with the Company Group or the business conducted thereby; (iv) the commission of any act by the Employee of gross negligence or malfeasance, or any willful violation of law, in each case, in connection with the Employee’s performance of his duties with the Company Group; (v) performance of the Employee’s duties in an unsatisfactory manner after a written warning and a ten (10) day opportunity to cure or failure to observe material policies generally applicable to employees after a written warning and a ten (10) day opportunity to cure; (vi) breach of the Employee’s duty of loyalty to the Company Group; (vii) chronic absenteeism; (viii) substance abuse, illegal drug use or habitual insobriety; or (ix) violation of obligations of confidentiality to any third party in the course of providing services to the Company Group. “Without Cause” shall mean a termination by the Company of the Employee’s employment during the Employment Period for any reason or under any circumstances other than a termination based upon Cause, death or Disability.

			
	
			
				 (c)
			Notice of Termination.   Any termination by the Company for Cause, Without Cause or for Disability or by the Employee for any reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Employee’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the date of termination is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (the “Termination Date”); provided, however, that in the event of a termination by the Employee for any reason, the Notice of Termination need only indicate the Termination Date, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days after the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination.

			
	
			
				 (d)
			Post-Termination Cooperation. The Employee agrees and covenants that, following the Employment Period, he shall, to the extent reasonably requested in writing by the 

		 

		

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	Company, cooperate in good faith with and assist the Company Group in the pursuit or defense of any claim, administrative charge, or cause of action by or against the Company Group as to which the Employee, by virtue of his employment with the Company, has relevant knowledge or information, including by acting as the Company’s representative in any such proceeding and, without the necessity of a subpoena, providing truthful testimony in any jurisdiction or forum, excluding any claim, charge or cause of action brought by the Company Group against the Employee. The Company shall reimburse the Employee for his reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in complying with this Section 3(d).

			
	
			
				 (e)
			Post-Termination Nonassistance. The Employee agrees and covenants that, following the Employment Period, he shall not voluntarily assist, support, or cooperate with, directly or indirectly, any other person or entity alleging or pursuing or defending against any claim, administrative charge, or cause or action against or by the Company, as the case may be, including by providing testimony or other information or documents, except under compulsion of law. Should the employee be compelled to testify, nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or shall prohibit the Employee from, providing complete and truthful testimony. Nothing in this Agreement shall in any way prevent the Employee from cooperating with any investigation by any federal, state, or local governmental agency.

			
	
			
				 Section 4.
			Obligations of the Company upon Termination.

			
	
			
				 (a)
			Without Cause.   If the Company shall terminate the Employee’s employment during the Employment Period Without Cause, then the Company shall provide the Employee with the following payments and/or benefits:

			
	
			
				 (i)
			the Company shall pay to the Employee, in each case through the Termination Date: (A) a lump sum in the amount of the Employee’s earned but unpaid Annual Base Salary, subject to applicable withholding and payroll taxes, which shall be paid no later than the next pay date following the Termination Date (in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices), and (B) reimbursement for any unpaid reimbursable expenses incurred by the Employee, which shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s policies, practices and procedures in effect as of the Termination Date, (collectively, “Accrued Obligations”); and

			
	
			
				 (ii)
			subject to Section 4(c), the Company shall continue to pay the Employee his Annual Base Salary in accordance with customary payroll practices (and subject to customary withholding and payroll taxes) for twelve (12) months from the Termination Date (the “Severance Payment”); provided, that no installment or portion of the Severance Payment shall be payable or paid prior to the expiration of the applicable revocation period for the general release described in Section 4(c) below.

			
	
			
				 (b)
			Cause; Death; Disability; By the Employee for Any Reason; Expiration of Employment Period. If the Employee’s employment shall be terminated due to the Employee’s death or Disability, by the Company for Cause, by the Employee for any reason or upon the expiration of the Employment Period following a notice of non-extension by either party, then the Company shall have no further payment obligations to the Employee (or his estate or legal 

		 

		

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	representative if applicable, in the case of death or Disability) other than for payment of the Accrued Obligations.

			
	
			
				 (c)
			Condition; Remedies. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Section 4 (other than with respect to the Accrued Obligations or as otherwise required by law) are conditioned on the execution and delivery by the Employee (or, if applicable, his executor, administrator or legal representative) of a general release in form and substance satisfactory to the Company within thirty (30) days following the Termination Date, and in the absence of the execution and delivery of such a timely general release or if such general release is subsequently revoked by the Employee, the Company shall have no obligation to make any such payments. The Company shall not have any obligation to make any payments whatsoever to the Employee with respect to his employment by the Company, or the termination of his employment, other than as set forth in this Agreement, and any and all rights of the Employee to any compensation or benefits in connection with his employment shall automatically and immediately terminate upon the termination of his employment, and the Employee covenants and agrees not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the payments set forth in Section 4(a)(ii) are subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the timing of the Employee’s execution and delivery of the general release could affect the calendar year in which such payments commence because the Termination Date occurs within thirty (30) days prior to the end of a calendar year, then no portion of such payments shall be made until the Company’s first payroll payment date in the year following the year in which the Termination Date occurs, and any amount that is not paid prior to such date due to such restriction shall be paid (subject to the applicable conditions) on that date.

			
	
			
				 (d)
			Resignation upon Termination.   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon termination of the Employee’s employment for any reason or under any circumstance, the Employee shall be deemed to have given the Company notice of his resignation from any and all positions as officer of the Company and its subsidiaries and, if the Employee was terminated for Cause, as a member of the PetIQ, Inc. Board of Directors or other similar governing body of the Company and its subsidiaries, to the extent applicable.

			
	
			
				 (e)
			Return of Company Property.   Upon termination of the Employee’s employment for any reason or under any circumstances, the Employee shall return any and all of the property of the Company Group (including, without limitation, all computers, keys, credit cards, identification tags, documents, data, Confidential Information (as defined below) and Work Product (as defined below) and other proprietary materials) and all other materials.

			
	
			
				 Section 5.
			Non-Compete; Non-Solicitation.

			
	
			
				 (a)
			Non-Compete.  The Employee agrees that during the Employment Period, including any period of automatic extension of the Employment Period, and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter (the “Restricted Period”),  the Employee agrees that he shall not, and shall not permit his respective affiliates to, directly or indirectly through another person, engage in a Competitive Business (defined below) by providing any services similar to those provided during employment for the Company, including without limitation any business management, strategic 

		 

		

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	planning, or sales services, advice, or expertise, or any related services, in any geographic location in which the Company Group is engaged in business, which includes the United States (the “Geographic Area”). For purposes of this Agreement, “Competitive Business” shall mean any business that is engaged in the acquisition, distribution, marketing, sale, resale, manufacture or production of veterinary pet prescription and over-the-counter medications or related products, and providing preventative pet care and veterinarian services, and all matters and services incidental or related thereto, or any other business in competition with the business conducted by (or actively being contemplated by) the Company Group.

			
	
			
				 (b)
			Non-Solicitation.  

			
	
			
				 (i)
			The Employee agrees that during the Employment Period, including any period of automatic extension of the Employment Period, and during the Restricted Period,  the Employee shall not, and shall not permit his respective affiliates to, directly or indirectly through another person within the Geographic Area, to hire any employee or independent contractor of the Company Group, or solicit, induce, recruit or encourage any such employee or independent contractor to leave the employ of, or reduce the services provided to, the Company Group, or encourage or attempt to do any of the foregoing, either for the Employee’s own purposes or for any other person or entity. 

			
	
			
				 (ii)
			During the Employment Period, including any period of automatic extension of the Employment Period, and during the Restricted Period, the Employee agrees that he shall not, and shall not permit his respective affiliates to, directly or indirectly through another person within the Geographic Area, (A) solicit, interfere with, subvert, disrupt or alter the relationship, contractual or otherwise, between the Company Group and any client, customer, contractor, vendor, supplier, licensor or licensee of the Company Group, or any prospective client, customer, contractor, vendor, supplier, licensor or licensee of the Company Group, (B) divert or take away or attempt to divert or take away the business or patronage (with respect to products or services of the kind or type developed, produced, marketed, furnished or sold by the Company) of any of the clients, customers or accounts, or prospective clients, customers or accounts, of the Company, or (C) encourage or attempt to do any of the foregoing, either for the Employee’s own purposes or for any other person or entity.

			
	
			
				 (c)
			Acknowledgments. Employee acknowledges that the restrictions set forth in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) are fair and reasonable in all respects. Without limiting the foregoing, Employee makes the following acknowledgments:

			
	
			
				 (i)
			Employee will, by virtue of Employee’s position with the Company, have and gain a high level of inside knowledge regarding the Company Group and its business, and as a result, will have the ability to harm or threaten its legitimate business interests, including without limitation, its goodwill, technologies, intellectual property, business plans, processes, methods of operation, customers, customer lists, referral sources, vendors and vendor contracts, financial and marketing information, and other trade secrets.

			
	
			
				 (ii)
			Employee will provide services or have significant presence or influence on behalf of the Company Group within the entire Geographic Area due to the 

		 

		

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	nature of the Company Group’s business, which is conducted extensively’ throughout the Geographic Area.

			
	
			
				 (iii)
			Employee has received sufficient consideration in exchange for the covenants made herein.

			
	
			
				 Section 6.
			Nondisclosure and Nonuse of Confidential Information.

			
	
			
				 (a)
			The Employee will not disclose or use at any time, either during the Employment Period or thereafter, any Confidential Information (as hereinafter defined) of which the Employee is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by him, except to the extent that such disclosure or use is directly related to and required by the Employee’s performance in good faith of duties assigned to the Employee by the Company or has been expressly authorized by the CEO or his designee;  provided,  however, that this sentence shall not be deemed to prohibit the Employee from complying with any subpoena, order, judgment or decree of a court or governmental or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction (an “Order”); provided,  further,  however, that (i) the Employee agrees to provide the Company with prompt written notice of any such Order and to assist the Company, at the Company’s expense, in asserting any legal challenges to or appeals of such Order that the Company in its sole discretion pursues, and (ii) in complying with any such Order, the Employee shall limit his disclosure only to the Confidential Information that is expressly required to be disclosed by such Order. The Employee will take all appropriate steps to safeguard Confidential Information and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. The Employee shall deliver to the Company at the termination of the Employment Period, or at any time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, electronic information, files and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) relating to the Confidential Information or the Work Product (as hereinafter defined) of the business of the Company Group which the Employee may then possess or have under his control.

			
	
			
				 (b)
			As used in this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means information that is not generally known to the public (including the existence and content of this Agreement, except that the Employee shall have the right to disclose the existence and content of this Agreement to his spouse, legal advisors and financial advisors) and that is used, developed or obtained by the Company Group in connection with its business, including, but not limited to, information, observations and data obtained by the Employee while employed by the Company Group or any predecessors thereof (including those obtained prior to the date of this Agreement) concerning (i) the business or affairs of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or such predecessors), (ii) products or services, (iii) fees, costs and pricing structures, (iv) designs, (v) analyses, (vi) drawings, photographs and reports, (vii) computer software and hardware, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (viii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (ix) databases and data, (x) accounting and business methods, (xi) inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xii) customers and clients and customer or client lists, (xiii) other copyrightable works, (xiv) all production methods, processes, technology and trade secrets, and (xv) all similar and related information in whatever form. Confidential Information will not include any information that is publicly known and made generally available through no wrongful act of the Employee or others who were under confidentiality obligations as to the information 

		 

		

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	involved. Confidential Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all material features comprising such information have been published in combination.

			
	
			
				 (c)
			For the avoidance of doubt, Section 6(a) does not prohibit or restrict Employee (or Employee’s attorney) from responding to any inquiry about the Agreement or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), any other self-regulatory organization or governmental entity, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Employee understands and acknowledges that he does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and that he is not required to notify the Company that he has made such reports or disclosures.

			
	
			
				 (d)
			Notwithstanding anything in Section 6(a) or elsewhere in the Agreement to the contrary, Employee understands that Employee may, without informing the Company prior to any such disclosure, disclose Confidential Information (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.  Additionally, without informing the Company prior to any such disclosure, if Employee files a lawsuit against the Company for retaliation for reporting a suspected violation of law, Employee may disclose Confidential Information to his attorney and use the Confidential Information in the court proceeding or arbitration, provided that Employee files any document containing the Confidential Information under seal and does not otherwise disclose the Confidential Information, except pursuant to court order. Without prior authorization of the Company, however, the Company does not authorize Employee to disclose to any third party (including any government official or any attorney Employee may retain) any communications that are covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege.

			
	
			
				 Section 7.
			 Property; Inventions and Patents.

			
	
			
				 (a)
			The Employee has attached hereto, as Schedule A, a list describing any Inventions (as defined below), which belong to the Employee, which were made by the Employee prior to his employment with the Company, which relate to the Company Group and which are not assigned to the Company under this Agreement (the “Prior Inventions”). The Employee agrees that all inventions, innovations, improvements, technical information, systems, software developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, service marks, trademarks, trade names, logos, products, equipment and all similar or related information and materials (whether patentable or unpatentable) (collectively, “Inventions”) which relate to the Company Group’s actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by the Employee (whether or not during usual business hours and whether or not alone or in conjunction with any other person) while employed (if and to the extent such Inventions result from any work performed for the Company, any use of the Company’s premises or property or any use of the Company’s Confidential Information) by the Company (including those conceived, developed or made prior to the date of this Agreement) together with all patent applications, letters patent, trademark, tradename and service mark applications or registrations, copyrights and reissues thereof that may be granted for or upon any 

		 

		

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	of the foregoing (collectively referred to herein as, the “Work Product”), excluding all Prior Inventions, belong in all instances to the Company or such affiliate. To the extent that any of the Prior Inventions are incorporated into the product, process or machine of the Company or any affiliate by the Employee, the Company is hereby granted and shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, transferable, sublicensable, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use and sell such Prior Invention as a part of or in connection with such product, process or machine. The Employee will promptly disclose such Work Product to the Company’s General Counsel or his designee and perform all actions reasonably requested by the Company’s General Counsel or his designee (whether during or after the Employment Period) to establish and confirm the Company’s ownership of such Work Product (including, without limitation, the execution and delivery of assignments, consents, powers of attorney and other instruments) and to provide reasonable assistance to the Company Group (whether during or after the Employment Period) in connection with the prosecution of any applications for patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks or reissues thereof or in the prosecution or defense of interferences relating to any Work Product. The Employee recognizes and agrees that the Work Product, to the extent copyrightable, constitutes works for hire under the copyright laws of the United States and that to the extent Work Product constitutes works for hire, the Work Product is the exclusive property of the Company, and all right, title and interest in the Work Product vests in the Company. To the extent Work Product is not works for hire, the Work Product, and all of the Employee’s right, title and interest in Work Product, including without limitation every priority right, is hereby assigned to the Company. 

			
	
			
				 (b)
			Employee hereby represents and warrants that the patents and other assets owned by Employee set forth on Schedule A are not related in any way to the Company Group, except as stated therein. For the avoidance of doubt, if any invention (i) is developed by Employee entirely on his own time without using the Company’s equipment, supplies, facilities or trade secret information and (ii) does not either (1) relate to the Company’s business (or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development) at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention or (2) result from any work performed by Employee for the Company, such invention shall not be deemed to be Work Product for purposes of this Agreement and shall not be subject to the provisions hereof relating to Work Product.

			
	
			
				 (c)
			The Employee shall assist and cooperate fully with the Company and its affiliates in obtaining for the Company and its affiliates the grant of letters patent, copyrights and any other intellectual property rights relating to the Work Product in the United States and/or such other countries as the Company and its affiliates may designate. With respect to Work Product, the Employee shall, during the Employment Period and at any time thereafter, execute all applications, statements, instruments of transfer, assignment, conveyance or confirmation, or other documents, furnish all such information to the Company and its affiliates and take all such other appropriate lawful actions as the Company and its affiliates requests.

			
	
			
				 Section 8.
			Acknowledgement and Enforcement.

			
	
			
				 (a)
			Employee acknowledges that he has become familiar, or will become familiar with the trade secrets of the members of the Company Group and with other confidential and proprietary information concerning members of the Company Group and their respective predecessors, successors, customers and suppliers, and that his services are of special, unique and 

		 

		

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	extraordinary value to the Company. Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company would not enter into this Agreement, providing for compensation and other benefits to Employee on the terms and conditions set forth herein but for Employee’s agreements herein (including those set forth in Sections 5, 6, and 7 herein). Furthermore, Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company will be providing Employee with additional special knowledge after the Effective Date, with such special knowledge to include additional Confidential Information and trade secrets. Employee agrees that the covenants set forth in Sections 5, 6, and 7 (collectively, the “Restrictive Covenants”) are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company Group’s trade secrets and other Confidential Information, proprietary information, goodwill, stable workforce and customer relations.

			
	
			
				 (b)
			Without limiting the generality of Employee’s agreement with the provisions of Section 8(a), Employee (i) represents that he is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants, (ii) represents that he is fully aware of his obligations hereunder, (iii) agrees to the reasonableness of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants, (iv) agrees that the Company currently conducts business throughout the Restricted Area and (v) agrees that the Restrictive Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above regardless of whether Employee is then entitled to receive severance pay or benefits from the Company. Employee believes that he has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions.

			
	
			
				 (c)
			Because the Employee’s services are special, unique and extraordinary and because the Employee has access to Confidential Information and Work Product, the parties hereto agree that money damages would be an inadequate remedy for any breach of this Agreement, including the Restrictive Covenants set forth herein. Therefore, in the event of a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, or any Restrictive Covenant herein. the Company Group and its successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor at law or in equity, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security).

			
	
			
				 Section 9.
			Assurances by the Employee.

		
			The Employee represents and warrants to the Company that he may enter into this Agreement and fully perform all of his obligations under this Agreement and as an employee of the Company without breaching, violating, or conflicting with (i) any judgment, order, writ, decree, or injunction of any court, arbitrator, government agency, or other tribunal that applies to the Employee or (ii) any agreement, contract, obligation, or understanding to which the Employee is a party or may be bound.
		

			
	
			
				 Section 10.
			Non-Disparagement.

		
			The Employee agrees that he will not make, or cause to be made, any statement, observation, or opinion, or communicate any information (whether oral or written), to any person other than the CEO or his designee, the Company’s Human Resource Director, or PetIQ, Inc.’s 

		 

		

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Board of Directors, that disparages the Company Group, or is likely in any way to harm the business or the reputation of the Company Group, or any of their respective former, present or future managers, directors, officers, members, stockholders or employees.
		

			
	
			
				 Section 11.
			Termination of Severance Payments.

		
			In addition to the foregoing, and not in any way in limitation thereof or in limitation of any right or remedy otherwise available to the Company, if the Employee violates any provision of this Agreement, or facts or circumstances have been made known that if known as of the Termination Date, the Employee would not have been entitled to the benefits of Section 4(a)(ii), (i) the provisions set forth in Section 4(a)(ii), and the Company’s obligations thereunder, shall be terminated and of no further force or effect, without limiting or affecting the Employee’s obligations under Sections 5, 6, 7, or 10, or the Company’s other rights and remedies available at law or equity and (ii) the Employee shall promptly pay the Company any amounts received pursuant to Section 4(a)(ii).
		

			
	
			
				 Section 12.
			General Provisions.

			
	
			
				 (a)
			Severability.   It is the desire and intent of the parties hereto that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought, Accordingly, if any particular provision of this Agreement shall be adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so as not to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

			
	
			
				 (b)
			Entire Agreement.  This Agreement embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way, including, but not limited to, all prior employment agreements, offer letters, and term sheets describing the terms and conditions of employment of the Employee; provided that, this Agreement shall not supersede any confidentiality, intellectual property assignment, non-competition, and non-solicitation covenants contained in any other agreement to which Employee is a party. 

			
	
			
				 (c)
			Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts (delivery of which may be by facsimile or via email as a portable document format (.pdf)), each of which will be deemed an original, and it will not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement or the terms of this Agreement to produce or account for more than one (1) of such counterparts.

			
	
			
				 (d)
			Successors and Assigns: Beneficiaries. This Agreement is personal to the Employee and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the 

		 

		

			-  11  -

		

 

	Employee. The obligations of the Employee hereunder shall be binding upon Employee’s heirs, administrators, executors, assigns and other legal representatives. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company’s successors and assigns.

			
	
			
				 (e)
			Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT, AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS HEREUNDER, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO SECTION 12(k) HEREOF, WHICH SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT.

			
	
			
				 (f)
			Amendment and Waiver.   Subject to Section 12(a) hereof, the provisions of this Agreement may be amended and waived only with the prior written consent of the Employee and the Company, and no course of conduct or failure or delay in enforcing the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of such provisions or affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

			
	
			
				 (g)
			Notices.   All notices, requests, demands, claims, consents and other communications which are required or otherwise delivered hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (i) personally delivered or transmitted by electronic mail, (ii) sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, (iii) mailed by registered or certified mail with postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or (iv) transmitted by facsimile to the parties hereto at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

			
	
			
				 (i)
			if to the Company, to:

		
			PetIQ, LLC
		

		
			923 S. Bridgeway Place
		

		
			Eagle, ID 83616
		

		
			Attention: Chief Executive Officer
		

		
			Facsimile: 208-939-3200
		

		
			 
		

			
	
			
				 (ii)
			if to the Employee, to his address set forth on the signature page hereto;

		
			or to such other address as the party to whom such notice or other communication is to be given may have furnished to each other party in writing in accordance herewith. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been received (i) when delivered, if personally delivered or transmitted by electronic mail, with receipt acknowledgment by the recipient by return electronic mail, (ii) when sent, if sent by facsimile on a business day during normal business hours (or, if not sent on a business day during normal business hours, on the next business day after the date sent by facsimile), (iii) on the next business day after dispatch, if sent by nationally recognized, overnight courier guaranteeing next business day delivery, and (iv) on the fifth (5th) business day following the date on which the piece of mail containing such communication is posted, if sent by mail.
		

			
	
			
				 (h)
			Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

		
			

		 

		

			-  12  -

		

 

		

			
	
			
				 (i)
			Construction. Where specific language is used to clarify by example a general statement contained herein, such specific language shall not be deemed to modify, limit or restrict in any manner the construction of the general statement to which it relates. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

			
	
			
				 (j)
			Right of Set Off. In the event of a breach by the Employee of the provisions of this Agreement, the Company is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law and after ten (10) days prior written notice to Employee, to set-off and apply any and all amounts at any time held by the Company on behalf of the Employee and all indebtedness at any time owing by the Company to the Employee against any and all of the obligations of the Employee now or hereafter existing.

			
	
			
				 (k)
			Arbitration; Waiver of Jury Trial. With the exception of equitable relief as noted in Section 8 hereof, any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof (including, without limitation, as to arbitrability and any disputes with respect to Employee’s employment with the Company or the termination of such employment, including, without limitation, any claim for alleged discrimination, harassment or retaliation on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, marital status, veteran status, alienage, citizenship, disability or handicap, or any other legally protected status, and any alleged violation of any federal, state, or other governmental law, statute or regulation, including, but not limited to, claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, other civil rights statutes including, without limitation, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, 42 U.S.C. § 1982, and 42 U.S.C. § 1985, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act, or any state or local law, as amended), shall be settled by individual arbitration (as opposed to class or collective arbitration) administered before JAMS (the “Arbitrator”) under the common rules then pertaining. The arbitration hearing shall commence within ninety (90) calendar days after the Arbitrator is selected, unless the Company and the Employee mutually agree to extend this time period. The arbitration shall take place in the State of Idaho. The Arbitrator will have full power to give directions and make such orders as the Arbitrator deems just, and to award all remedies that would be available in court. Nonetheless, the Arbitrator explicitly shall not have the authority, power, or right to alter, change, amend, modify, add, or subtract from any provision of this Agreement, except pursuant to Section 12(a). The Arbitrator shall issue a written decision that sets forth the essential findings and conclusions upon which the Arbitrator’s award or decision is based within thirty (30) days after the conclusion of the arbitration hearing. The award rendered by the Arbitrator shall be final and binding (absent fraud or manifest error), and any arbitration award may be enforced by judgment entered or vacated in any court of competent jurisdiction. The prevailing party shall be reimbursed by the other party to the action for reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action, with the exception of any action by an employee alleging a civil rights or statutory cause of action, in which case the Company shall pay the filing fees and costs of the arbitration and each party shall be responsible for its own attorneys’ fees and costs, provided that the arbitrator may grant any remedy or relief that a party could obtain from a court of competent jurisdiction on the basis of such claims.

		
			

		 

		

			-  13  -

		

 

		

			
	
			
				 (l)
			Nouns and Pronouns.   Whenever the context may require, any pronouns used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns and pronouns shall include the plural and vice-versa.

			
	
			
				 (m)
			409A Compliance.   To the extent any provision of this Agreement or action by the Company would subject the Employee to liability for interest or additional taxes under Section 409A of the Code, it shall be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Company. It is intended that this Agreement will comply with Code Section 409A and the interpretive guidance thereunder, including the exceptions for short-term deferrals, separation pay arrangements, reimbursements, and in-kind distributions, and this Agreement shall be administered accordingly, and interpreted and construed on a basis consistent with such intent. All references in this Agreement to the Employee’s termination of employment shall mean a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1)(ii). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if the Employee is a “specified employee” as defined in Code Section 409A, any portion of the amounts payable under this Agreement as a result of a termination of employment that are not eligible for any of the exceptions to the application of Code Section 409A (such as the severance pay exception or the short-term deferral exception), shall not be paid to the Employee until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of the Employee’s  “separation from service” or (ii) the Employee’s death. Any series of payments hereunder shall be considered a series of separate payments for purposes of Code Section 409A. To the extent any reimbursements or in-kind benefit payments under this Agreement are subject to Code Section 409A, such reimbursements and in-kind benefit payments shall be made in accordance with Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) (or any similar or successor provisions). This Agreement may be amended to the extent necessary (including retroactively) by the Company in order to preserve compliance with Code Section 409A. The preceding shall not be construed as a guarantee of any particular tax effect for the Employee’s compensation and benefits and the Company does not guarantee that any compensation or benefits provided under this Agreement will satisfy the provisions of Code Section 409A.

			
	
			
				 (n)
			Survival. For the avoidance of doubt, the obligations of the Employee under Sections 3(d), 3(e), 4(d), 4(e), and 5-11 (and all subsections thereto) shall survive the end of the Employment Period or the termination of this Agreement or the Employee’s employment for any reason (whether such termination is by the Company, by, the Employee, or otherwise).

		
			[signature page follows]
		

		
			 
		

		
			

		 

		

			-  14  -

		

 

		

			 

		

		

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

		
			PETIQ, LLC
		

		
			By:  /s/ McCord Christensen
Name: McCord Christensen 
Title: Chief Executive Officer
		

		
			EMPLOYEE
		

		
			/s/ R. Michael Herrman
R. Michael Herrman
		

		
			Address: 923 S. Bridgeway Pl.
Eagle, ID 83616

		

		
			

		 

		

			Signature Page to Employment Agreement

		

 

		

			 

		

		

		
			SCHEDULE A
		

		
			LIST OF PRIOR INVENTIONS
AND ORIGINAL WORKS OF AUTHORSHIP
		

			
					
						Title

					
					
						Date

					
					
						Identifying Number or Brief Description

				
	
					
						None

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				

		
			Signature of Employee:
		

		
			Print Name of Employee: R. Michael Herrman
		

		
			Date:    
		

		 

		

			A-1mr-ex103_214.htm

 

Exhibit 10.3

February 28, 2019

 

Oleg Tolmachev

113 Forbes Field Circle Boalsburg, PA 16827

 

HAND DELIVERED

 

Re: Retention Bonus

Dear Oleg:

 

 

As you know, earlier today, Montage Resources Corporation (formerly known as Eclipse Resources Corporation) (“Montage” or the “Company”) and Blue Ridge Mountain Resources, Inc. (“BRMR”) completed the merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of Montage with and into BRMR, with BRMR surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Montage (the “Merger”). The Company considers your continued service and dedication to be an important part of its continuing operations. In order to induce you to remain employed for a certain period of time following the Merger, we are pleased to offer you a retention bonus arrangement pursuant to the terms and conditions outlined in this letter agreement (this “Retention Agreement”).

 

This Retention Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth above (the “Effective Date”), and shall continue in effect for two (2) years immediately following the Effective Date (the “Retention Period”). The expiration of the Retention Period shall not relieve either you or the Company of any obligations which accrued prior to such expiration, including, without limitation, any repayment obligations pursuant to the terms below. In addition to this Retention Agreement, it is anticipated that, following the Merger, you and Montage will enter into a new employment agreement which shall replace and supersede your existing Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2017 with the Company (the existing agreement referred to herein as the “Employment Agreement”).

 

Subject to the conditions set forth herein, the Company shall provide you a bonus totaling $1,339,770.38 (the “Retention Bonus”), payable as follows: (1) thirty percent (30%) of the Retention Bonus shall be paid to you as a lump sum cash payment, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings (the “Cash Portion”) and (2) seventy percent (70%) of the Retention Bonus shall be provided to you in the form of an award of restricted common stock of Montage under the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended, the “LTIP”), valued at the closing price of Montage’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the Effective Date, adjusted proportionately to reflect the 15-to-1 reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock that was effected in connection with the completion of the Merger (the “Equity Portion”).

 

 

 

 

In order to be eligible for the Retention Bonus, in association with the Company’s relocation of its headquarters to Irving, Texas, you agree to relocate your principal place of employment to Irving (including moving your personal residence consistent with the terms of the Montage Resources Merger Relocation Policy, attached as “Exhibit A” to this Retention Agreement (the “Relocation Policy”)) on a timeline acceptable to the Company. You will be entitled to the relocation benefits set forth in, and agree to abide by the terms of, the Relocation Policy. The Relocation Policy is subject to review and modification by the Board of Directors of Montage. You agree that, in exchange for the promises set forth in this Retention Agreement, you waive any right, pursuant to your Employment Agreement, to resign your employment with the Company for Good Reason (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and receive any benefits set forth in Section 5(c) of the Employment Agreement due to the relocation of your principal office as required by this Retention Agreement. Furthermore, in order to receive the Retention Bonus you must timely sign (and not revoke) the general release agreement attached as “Exhibit B” to this Retention Agreement (the “Release”). Provided that you timely return an executed Release, the Company shall provide you the Cash Portion of the Retention Bonus within thirty (30) days after the Release becomes effective, as set forth in the Release.

With respect to the Equity Portion, twenty-five percent (25%) of the shares of restricted common stock constituting the Equity Portion will vest, and become free of applicable restrictions on transfer and other restrictions set forth in the award agreement referenced below, on each of the dates that are six months, twelve months, eighteen months and twenty-four months after the Effective Date (each, a “Vesting Date”), provided that you continue to be employed by Montage on the applicable Vesting Date. Provided that you timely return an executed Release, the Company shall deliver to you a restricted stock award agreement within sixty (60) days after the Release becomes effective, as set forth in the Release. The restricted stock award agreement will memorialize the vesting and restrictions and contain such other terms as provided therein in accordance with the LTIP.

As you vest, the fair market value of Montage common stock which becomes unrestricted will be taxable ordinary income and subject to tax withholding; provided, however, that if you timely make and file an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), within thirty (30) days of the grant date of the Equity Portion, then one hundred percent (100%) of the grant date fair market value of the Montage common stock will be taxable ordinary income and subject to tax withholding. In either case, any subsequent gain or loss recognized by you upon disposition of the Montage common stock will be capital gain or loss. You are strongly advised to consult with your professional tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the Equity Portion and the advisability of making an election under Section 83(b).

In the event that either (1) you resign from employment with the Company, for any reason, prior to the last day of the Retention Period or (2) the Company terminates your employment with the Company with Cause (as defined in the Employment Agreement, or any superseding employment agreement) prior to the last day of the Retention Period, you agree to repay to the Company the Cash Portion in a pro-rata amount reflecting the number of days you were employed by the Company during the Retention Period (i.e., [unemployed days remaining in Retention Period/730] x Cash Portion = repayment amount owed). You agree to repay any such amount owed within thirty (30) days after your last day of employment with the Company.

This Retention Agreement is intended to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) and shall be construed and administered in accordance with Section 409A. This Retention Agreement does not create a contract of employment between you and the Company for any specific term.

 

-2-

 

 

This Retention Agreement contains all of the understandings and representations relating to the Retention Bonus and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, discussions, agreements, representations and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to any retention bonus. This Retention Agreement may not be amended or modified unless in writing signed by both you and an authorized representative of the Company. This Retention Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Texas without regard to conflicts-of-law principles. Venue shall lie in the courts of competent jurisdiction in Texas.

 

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Retention Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Retention Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. This Retention Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

We look forward to your continued employment with the Company following the Merger.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

-3-

 

 

 

					
	
Very truly yours,

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
MONTAGE RESOURCES CORPORATION

	
 

	
 

	
By:
	
 
	
/s/ John K. Reinhart

	
Name:
	
 
	
John K. Reinhart

	
Title:
	
 
	
President and Chief Executive Officer

	
 
	
 
	
 

 

Agreed to and accepted as of the date first written above:

 

			
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
Oleg Tolmachev

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

-5-

 

 

 

MERGER RELOCATION POLICY

 

 

Purpose and Eligibility

 

To establish a policy for providing relocation assistance to Eclipse Resources Employees (as defined below) who, at the request of Montage Resources Corporation (the “Company”), are permanently transferred from one Company work location to another in connection with the Merger (as defined below).

 

The term “Eclipse Resources Employees” means employees of Eclipse Resources Corporation or its subsidiaries who were such employees immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger.

 

The term “Merger” means the merger between Blue Ridge Mountain Resources, Inc. and a subsidiary of Eclipse Resources Corporation contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 25, 2018 among Eclipse Resources Corporation, such subsidiary and Blue Ridge Mountain Resources, Inc.

 

The term “Eligible Employees” means Eclipse Resources Employees who (i) are requested by the Company in an offer letter to such employee to permanently transfer his or her place of employment from one Company work location to another in connection with the Merger and (ii) sign such offer letter accepting such transfer.

 

This policy does not apply to new Company hires. Relocation benefits are provided to new Company hires only to the extent set forth in the terms and conditions outlined in their Company employment offer letter.

 

Relocation Coordination

 

To help ensure a seamless relocation process for Eligible Employees and their immediate family members (spouse/partner and dependent household members), the Company has secured Signature Relocation to coordinate all aspects of such employees’ transfer to the new work location. Signature Relocation will guide such employees through the moving process, assisting with real estate agents, moving companies, mortgage brokers, temporary housing and payment/reimbursement for the approved benefits outlined in this policy. For additional information regarding Signature Relocation, as well as the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Eligible Employees can access Signature Relocation’s customized website at http://www.signaturerelo.com/montage-resources/.

 

-6-

 

 

Approved Relocation Expenses and Limitations

 

Relocation assistance shall be provided to Eligible Employees in accordance with the following:

 

	
 
	
1.
	
Moving of Household Goods (*taxable): Normal family household goods and furnishings moved to the Eligible Employee’s new living location via Company partner moving company, with full replacement insurance coverage, and storage‐in‐transit for up to 30 days. Maximum payment by the Company of $20,000, with any exceptions requiring the written approval of an Executive Vice President of the Company.

 

	
 
	
2.
	
Auto Shipment (*taxable): When relocation distance exceeds 500 miles, one (1) family automobile may be shipped to the Eligible Employee’s new living location via Company partner moving company. Maximum payment by the Company of $1,200.

 

	
 
	
3.
	
Home Sale Assistance (*taxable): Reimbursement of standard realtor commissions associated with the sale of the Eligible Employee’s current residence up to 6%. Maximum reimbursement by the Company of $25,000, with any exceptions requiring the written approval of an Executive Vice President of the Company.

 

	
 
	
4.
	
Temporary Living Expenses (*taxable): The Company will reimburse the reasonable costs to temporarily house the Eligible Employee and his or her immediate family (lodging and associated utilities only) for a period of up to ninety (90) days. Meals are excluded from temporary living expense reimbursement eligibility. Maximum reimbursement by the Company of $10,000, with any exceptions requiring the written approval of an Executive Vice President of the Company.

 

	
 
	
5.
	
Area Visit/House Hunting Trips (*taxable): The Eligible Employee will have the opportunity to make new work location and local area visits, as well as house hunting trips. The Company will reimburse the reasonable costs of transportation, lodging and meals for the Eligible Employee and his or her immediate family for such visits and trips, up to a cumulative maximum of $2,500.

 

	
 
	
6.
	
Lease Buyout Reimbursement (*taxable): The Company will provide reimbursement for any fees or penalties incurred by the Eligible Employee under his or her primary housing lease agreement as a result of the early termination or breakage of the lease agreement. Maximum reimbursement by the Company of $8,000, with any exceptions requiring the written approval of an Executive Vice President of the Company.

 

	
 
	
7.
	
Final Move Trip (*taxable): Reimbursement of actual and reasonable en‐route travel expenses incurred by the Eligible Employee and his or her immediate family for their final move trip to the new work location. Allowable expenses include transportation/airfare, mileage, overnight lodging and meals. Maximum reimbursement by the Company of

$2,500.

-7-

 

 

 

	
 
	
8.
	
Miscellaneous Allowance (*taxable): Payment will be made to the Eligible Employee for miscellaneous expenses incurred by the Eligible Employee in connection with his or her relocation upon receipt by the Company of confirmation of the Eligible Employee’s final contract for his or her new permanent living location. Allowance amount of $4,000.

 

	
 
	
9.
	
Expense Reimbursement/Documentation: Reimbursable expenses will only be reimbursed to the extent evidenced by valid written records/receipts submitted in accordance with this policy. The Eligible Employee is responsible for (i) maintaining records/receipts for all temporary living, area visit, house hunting trip and other expenses incurred and (ii) submitting expenses for reimbursement and/or requests for payment through the Company’s approved relocation partner, Signature Relocation. For Signature Relocation’s reimbursement/payment procedures, please visit http://www.signaturerelo.com/montage-resources/. All personal expenses and/or requests for payment must be submitted via Signature Relocation for tracking, taxation and reimbursement/payment purposes. Eligible Employees shall not submit any relocation expenses via the Company expense report process. An Eligible Employee shall be responsible for all expenses incurred by him or her in excess of the maximum amounts specified above or not otherwise approved as provided above, and the Company may, to the extent permitted by law, deduct any such excess or unapproved amounts incurred by the Company from the Eligible Employee’s compensation. Expenses incurred after termination of employment will not be reimbursed or paid under this policy.

 

	
 
	
10.
	
Company Credit Cards: Eligible Employees shall not use Company credit cards for personal relocation expenses.

 

Taxes

 

The Company will gross up an Eligible Employee’s wages in an amount reasonably determined by the Company to provide tax assistance for all taxable relocation expenses and payments reimbursed or made, as outlined in this policy. Any gross‐up payments to the Eligible Employee to cover applicable taxes will be processed and made by Signature Relocation. When tax assistance is provided, these additional wages will be included on the Eligible Employee’s W‐2 for the applicable calendar year. Such tax assistance will be determined and calculated by the Company in its reasonable discretion and made at such time or times, and in as uniform a manner, as the Company reasonably determines. Unless otherwise determined by the Company, tax gross‐up payments will only be made to Eligible Employees who continue to be employed by the Company (or applicable subsidiary) at the time of the gross‐up payment.

 

-8-

 

 

Completion of Relocation

 

Eligible Employees must complete their relocation to their new living location within six (6) months of their designated work transfer date. All relocation expenses and/or requests for payment must be submitted within this time frame for reimbursement/payment. Any expenses submitted for reimbursement or requests for payment made after this six (6) month period will be subject to approval by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in his sole discretion.

 

Repayment

 

If an Eligible Employee voluntarily leaves the employment of the Company (or applicable subsidiary), or is terminated by the Company (or applicable subsidiary) for cause, prior to, on or within 12 months after his or her designated work transfer date, the former Eligible Employee shall repay to the Company upon demand 100% of the total amounts paid or reimbursed by the Company to or on behalf of the Eligible Employee under this policy. If an Eligible Employee voluntarily leaves the employment of the Company (or applicable subsidiary), or is terminated by the Company (or applicable subsidiary) for cause, between 12 and 24 months after his or her designated work transfer date, the former Eligible Employee shall repay to the Company upon demand 50% of the total amounts paid or reimbursed by the Company to or on behalf of the Eligible Employee under this policy. The Company may, to the extent permitted by law, deduct all or any portion of such amounts owed to the Company from any compensation owed to the former Eligible Employee, but any such deduction shall not relieve the former Eligible Employee from his or her responsibility for any unpaid amounts owed to the Company.

 

In no event shall an Eligible Employee be entitled to any reimbursement or payment under this policy following his or her voluntary termination of employment or termination of employment for cause.

 

Policy Interpretation and Modifications

 

The Company has the sole right to modify, amend or discontinue this policy at any time. Any and all interpretations of this policy shall be made by the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer in his reasonable discretion, and such interpretations shall be binding on all Eligible Employees. This policy does not constitute and shall not be construed as an employment contract and does not constitute a guarantee of employment for any specified or minimum period of time.

 

-9-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit B

 

-10-

 

 

RELEASE AGREEMENT

 

This confidential Release Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into between Montage Resources Corporation (the “Company”) and Oleg Tolmachev (“Executive”). The Company and Executive are referred to in this Agreement as the “Parties”. In consideration of the promises and mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Executive and the Company agree as follows:

1.Retention Agreement. The Company and Executive entered into a Retention Bonus letter agreement effective                                 , 2019 (the “Retention Agreement”). In consideration for the release and waiver of any and all claims described in this Agreement the Company shall provide Executive the Retention Bonus (as defined in the Retention Agreement), pursuant to the terms of the Retention Agreement. Executive acknowledges the Company is under no obligation to provide the Retention Bonus absent Executive’s agreement to, and compliance with, the terms of this Agreement.

2.Release and Waiver by Executive. For and in consideration of the Retention Bonus, Executive KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY RELEASES, ACQUITS AND FOREVER DISCHARGES the Company and each of its past, present, and future subsidiaries, related and/or affiliated entities, including, without limitation Blue Ridge Mountain Resources, Inc. and Montage Resources Corporation, their present and former officers, directors, executives, stockholders, agents, attorneys, employees and employee benefit plans (and the fiduciaries thereof), and the successors, predecessors and assigns of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims and/or causes of action of whatever kind or character, that have accrued or may accrue, whether known or unknown, and that are based on facts occurring at or prior to the time Executive signs this Agreement, including, but not limited to: (a) any and all claims pursuant to the labor and employment codes and statutes of the state of Texas; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.; the Civil Rights Act of 1991, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 1981a; the Equal Pay Act of 1963; the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Family Medical and Leave Act, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 2601, et seq.; the Fair Credit Reporting Act, COBRA, and all other applicable federal, state or local laws, ordinances or regulations; (b) all tort, contract, and/or common law claims, including, but not limited to, defamation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, fraud, misrepresentation, wrongful termination, wrongful discharge in violation of public policy, and breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing; and (c) all claims arising out of or relating in any way to Executive’s employment with the Company or any Released Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement will not apply to and expressly excludes: (a) vested benefits under any plan maintained by the Company or any Released Party that provides for deferred compensation, equity compensation or pension or retirement benefits; (b) any claim that cannot by law be waived or released by private agreement; (c) claims based on facts occurring after the date of this Agreement; (d) payments and benefits to be made under the Retention Agreement and the Employment Agreement (as defined in the Retention Agreement); (e) claims under any directors and officers insurance policies; and (f) rights to  indemnification  Executive  may have under the  by-laws or certificate of incorporation of the Company or any Released Party, any applicable indemnification agreements with the Company and or any Released Party or applicable law.

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3.Communication with Government Agencies. Nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from exercising any rights that cannot be lawfully waived or restricted. Nothing in this Agreement limits Executive’s ability to file a charge or complaint with or communicate with any federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”). Further, this Agreement does not limit Executive’s ability to participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company. This Agreement does not limit Executive’s right to receive an award from a Government Agency for information provided to any Government Agencies. Executive agrees that Executive has waived any right—where such right can be waived—to recover monetary damages or other personal relief from the Released Parties in any action filed by Executive or by anyone else on Executive’s behalf.

4.Non-Admission. Neither the payment of any sum of money nor the execution or delivery of this Agreement shall constitute or be construed as an admission, express or implied, by the Released Parties of liability or that the Released Parties acted wrongfully with respect to Executive. The Released Parties specifically deny and disclaim any such liability or wrongful acts. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall acknowledge or imply that the Released Parties have violated any federal, state, or local laws or regulations.

5.Twenty-One (21) Days to Consider Agreement. The Company hereby advises Executive to consult with an attorney of Executive’s choice regarding this Agreement. The Company also advises Executive that he has twenty-one (21) calendar days from the date Executive receives this Agreement within which to consider whether to accept the Retention Bonus and sign this Agreement. Executive may voluntarily choose to sign this Agreement earlier, but is not required to do so. Executive does not become entitled to receive the Retention Bonus unless Executive timely signs and returns this Agreement to Paul Johnston, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Montage Resources Corporation, 122 W. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 300, Irving, Texas 75039, pjohnston@brmresources.com. Executive acknowledges, represents and agrees that: (i) Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and (ii) Executive accepts the terms of this Agreement as fair and equitable under all the circumstances and acknowledges that Executive has entered into this Agreement knowingly, voluntarily, and without threat or duress.

6.Revocation Period and Effective Date. Executive has the right to revoke this Agreement within seven (7) days after Executive signs it. In order to revoke this Agreement, Executive’s notice of revocation must be in writing and delivered to Paul Johnston, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Montage Resources Corporation, 122 W. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 300, Irving, Texas 75039, pjohnston@brmresources.com, no later than the seventh (7th) calendar day after Executive signed this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Executive signs it. If Executive timely revokes this Agreement, it will not become effective, and Executive will not receive the Retention Bonus.

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7.No Assignment of Claims. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has not filed or initiated any lawsuits based on claims released in this Agreement. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has not assigned to any third party any claim involving the Released Parties or authorized any third party to assert on Executive’s behalf any claim against the Released Parties. If a third party asserts a claim against the Released Parties on Executive’s behalf or includes Executive as a class member in any class action involving any claim, Executive agrees to not accept any benefits or damages relating to or arising out of such claim. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has full authority to enter into this Agreement.

8.Choice of Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced exclusively pursuant to the laws of the State of Texas applicable to contracts to be performed wholly within the State. The Parties also agree that the venue of any action to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, or any document executed in connection with this Agreement, shall be in Dallas, Texas. The Parties agree they will not contest the choice of law and venue provisions in this Paragraph.

9.Entire Agreement. Excepting only the Retention Agreement and the Employment Agreement, the terms described in this Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the subject matter in this Agreement and may not be altered or modified other than in a writing signed by each of the Parties to this Agreement. Executive agrees that no promise, inducement or agreement not expressed in this Agreement has been made to Executive in connection with this Agreement. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement supersedes all prior arrangements, communications, commitments or obligations between Executive and the Company, except as otherwise referenced in this Agreement.

10.Severability. The Parties acknowledge and understand that, if any term of this Agreement shall be determined by a court to be illegal, invalid, unconscionable or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain effective and legally binding, and the illegal, invalid, unconscionable or unenforceable term will be deemed not to be a part of this Agreement.

11.Binding Effect. This Agreement and the terms, covenants, conditions, provisions, obligations, undertakings, rights and benefits of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, representatives, officers, directors, shareholders, predecessors, successors, parents, subsidiaries, affiliated entities, agents, attorneys, servants, employees, principals, partners, whether limited or general, and assigns, if any. The Parties each represent and warrant that each of the Parties to this Agreement has the authority to act on their respective behalf and to enter into this Agreement with the other Party.

12.No Waiver. No failure by either Party at any time to give notice of any breach by the other Party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any provision or condition of this Agreement. Any waiver of any part of this Agreement will be effective only in a written agreement signed by each of the Parties to this Agreement.

13.Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. This Agreement is intended to settle and release any and all claims that Executive may have against the Released Parties for attorneys’ fees and/or costs.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties represent to each other that they have reviewed and fully discussed this Agreement with counsel, and have satisfied themselves that they fully understand the terms of this Agreement and make this Agreement after such consultation.

 

 

			
	
OLEG TOLMACHEV

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 

	
 

	
 

	
Date:                                                            

	
 

	
 

 

			
	
 

	
MONTAGE RESOURCES CORPORATION

	
 

	
 

	
By:
	
 
	
 

	
Name:
	
 
	
Paul Johnston

	
Title:
	
 
	
Executive Vice President and General Counsel

	
 
	
 
	
 

 

Date:                                                            

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