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  Exhibit 10.3    
    

 
    Chief Executive Officer
  Change-in-Control Severance Agreement    
    

Edwards
Lifesciences Corporation 

As
Amended and Restated March 30, 2009 

 
 

  Contents    
    

					
	 Article 1. Definitions
	 	 	1	 
	 Article 2. Severance Benefits
	 	 	

4	 
	 Article 3. Form and Timing of Severance Benefits
	 	 	

6	 
	 Article 4. Excise Tax
	 	 	

6	 
	 Article 5. The Company's Payment Obligation
	 	 	

7	 
	 Article 6. Term of Agreement
	 	 	

7	 
	 Article 7. Legal Remedies
	 	 	

7	 
	 Article 8. Successors
	 	 	

8	 
	 Article 9. Miscellaneous
	 	 	

8	 

 

 
 

  Amended and Restated Chief Executive Officer
  Change-in-Control Severance Agreement
  Edwards Lifesciences Corporation    
    

        THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHANGE-IN-CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (the "Restated
Agreement") is made, entered into, and is effective this 30th day of March, 2009 (hereinafter referred to as the "Effective Date"), by and between Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
(the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, and Michael A. Mussallem (the "Executive"). 

        WHEREAS,
the Executive is currently employed by the Company as its Chief Executive Officer; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Executive possesses considerable experience and knowledge of the business and affairs of the Company concerning its policies, methods, personnel, and operations; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Company is desirous of assuring insofar as possible, that it will continue to have the benefit of the Executive's services; and the Executive is desirous of having such
assurances; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Company recognizes that circumstances may arise in which a Change in Control of the Company occurs, through acquisition or otherwise, thereby causing uncertainty of
employment without regard to the Executive's competence or past contributions. Such uncertainty may result in the loss of the valuable services of the Executive to the detriment of the Company and its
shareholders; and 

        WHEREAS,
both the Company and the Executive are desirous that any proposal for a Change in Control will be considered by the Executive objectively and with reference only to the business
interests of the Company and its shareholders; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Executive will be in a better position to consider the Company's best interests if the Executive is afforded reasonable security, as provided in this Restated Agreement,
against altered conditions of employment which could result from any such Change in Control; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Executive and the Company are currently parties to that certain Amended and Restated Chief Executive Officer Change-in-Control Severance Agreement
dated November 13, 2008 (the "Prior Agreement") and desire to amend and restate the terms and conditions of the Prior Agreement to reflect certain changes to the severance benefits payable to
the Executive; and 

        WHEREAS,
by executing this Restated Agreement, the Executive and the Company hereby agree that this Restated Agreement shall supersede the severance benefits set forth in the Prior
Agreement. 

        NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in this Restated Agreement, and of other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows: 

 Article 1. Definitions  

        Wherever used in this Restated Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below and, when the meaning is
intended, the initial letter of the word is capitalized: 

        1.1   "Base Salary" means, at any time, the then-regular annual rate of pay which the Executive is receiving as
annual salary, excluding amounts: (i) received under short- or long-term incentive or other bonus plans, regardless of whether or not the amounts are deferred or
(ii) designated by the Company as payment toward reimbursement of expenses. 

        1.2   "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. 

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        1.3   "Cause" shall be determined solely by the Board in the exercise of good faith and reasonable judgment, and shall mean the
occurrence of either of the following:  

	(i)
	The
Executive's willfully engaging in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise; or

	(ii)
	The
Executive's conviction of a felony. 

        However,
no act or failure to act on the Executive's part shall be deemed "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief
that the action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. 

        1.4   "Change in Control" of the Company shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events: 

	(a)
	Any
"Person," as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended) (other than the Company, any
corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, and any trustee or other fiduciary
holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or such proportionately owned corporation), is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then
outstanding securities; or

	(b)
	During
any period of not more than twenty-four (24) months, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of
Directors of the Company, and any new director (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in
Sections 1.5(a), 1.5(c), or 1.5(d) of this Section 1.5) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least
two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously
so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof; or

	(c)
	The
consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than: (i) a merger or consolidation which would result in
the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving
entity) more than sixty percent (60%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or
(ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person acquires more than thirty percent (30%) of the combined voting
power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or

	(d)
	The
Company's stockholders approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company
of all or substantially all of the Company's assets (or any transaction having a similar effect). 

        1.5   "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 

        1.6   "Company" means Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, a Delaware corporation (including any and all subsidiaries), or any
successor thereto as provided in Article 8 herein. 

        1.7   "Disability" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Executive's governing long-term disability
plan, or if no such plan exists, it shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Executive's governing long-term disability plan in effect as of the Effective Date. 

2

 

        1.8   "Effective Date" means the date specified in the opening sentence of this Restated Agreement. 

        1.9   "Effective Date of Termination" means the date on which a Qualifying Termination occurs, as provided in
Section 2.2 herein, which triggers the payment of Severance Benefits hereunder. 

        1.10 "Good Reason" means, without the Executive's express written consent, the occurrence after a Change in Control of the
Company of any one or more of the following:  

	(i)
	The
assignment of the Executive to duties materially inconsistent with the Executive's authorities, duties, responsibilities, and status (including offices,
titles, and reporting requirements) as an executive and/or officer of the Company, or a material reduction or alteration in the nature or status of the Executive's authorities, duties, or
responsibilities from those in effect as of ninety (90) calendar days prior to the Change in Control, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent act that is remedied by the Company promptly
after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

	(ii)
	The
Company's requiring the Executive to be based at a location in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location of the Executive's principal job
location or office immediately prior to the Change in Control; except for required travel on the Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive's then present business
travel obligations;

	(iii)
	A
reduction by the Company of the Executive's Base Salary in effect on the Effective Date hereof, or as the same shall be increased from time to time;

	(iv)
	The
failure of the Company to continue in effect any of the Company's short- and long-term incentive compensation plans, or employee benefit or
retirement plans, policies, practices, or other compensation arrangements in which the Executive participates, or the failure by the Company to continue the Executive's participation therein on
substantially the same basis, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of the Executive's participation relative to other participants, as existed immediately prior to the Change
in Control of the Company;

	(v)
	The
failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform the Company's obligations
under this Restated Agreement, as contemplated in Article 8 herein; and

	(vi)
	The
Company, or any successor company, commits a material breach of any of the material provisions of this Restated Agreement. 

        Any
determination made by the Executive as to the existence of Good Reason shall be final, binding, and conclusive on all parties, unless the Executive is found not to have acted in good
faith in reaching such determination. 

        The
Executive's right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive's continued employment
shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason herein. 

        1.11 "Qualifying Termination" means any of the events described in Section 2.2 herein, the occurrence of which
triggers the payment of Severance Benefits hereunder. 

        1.12 "Restated Agreement" means this Amended and Restated Chief Executive Officer Change-in-Control
Severance Agreement. 

3

 

        1.13 "Separation from Service" means the Executive's separation from service as determined in accordance with Code
Section 409A and the applicable standards of the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder. 

        1.14 "Severance Benefits" means the payment of severance compensation as provided in Section 2.3 herein. 

 Article 2. Severance Benefits  

        2.1    Right to Severance Benefits.    The Executive shall be entitled
to receive from the Company Severance Benefits as described in Section 2.3 herein, if there has been a Change in Control of the Company and if, within twenty-four
(24) calendar months thereafter, the Executive's employment with the Company shall end for any reason specified in Section 2.2 herein as being a Qualifying Termination. 

        The
Executive shall not be entitled to receive Severance Benefits if he is terminated for Cause, or if his employment with the Company ends due to death, Disability, voluntary normal
retirement (as defined under the then established rules of the Company's tax-qualified retirement plan), or due to a voluntary termination of employment for reasons other than those
specified in Sections 2.2(b) and 2.2(c) herein. 

        2.2    Qualifying Termination.    The occurrence of any one or more of
the following events within twenty-four (24) calendar months after a Change in Control of the Company shall trigger the payment of Severance Benefits to the Executive under this
Restated Agreement: 

	(a)
	The
Company's involuntary termination of the Executive's employment without Cause;

	(b)
	The
Executive's voluntary employment termination for Good Reason; or

	(c)
	The
Executive's voluntary employment termination during the thirty (30) calendar day period immediately following the one (1) year anniversary
of a Change in Control Company. 

        In
addition, if the Executive's employment is involuntarily terminated without Cause by the Company within six (6) months prior to a Change in Control, such termination shall also
be considered a Qualifying Termination occurring during the twenty-four (24) month period following a
Change in Control. For purposes of this Restated Agreement, a Qualifying Termination shall not include a termination of employment by reason of death, Disability, or voluntary normal retirement (as
such term is defined under the then established rules of the Company's tax-qualified retirement plan), the Executive's voluntary termination for reasons other than those specified in
Sections 2.2(b) and 2.2(c) herein, or the Company's involuntary termination for Cause. 

        2.3    Description of Severance Benefits.    In the event that the
Executive becomes entitled to receive Severance Benefits, as provided in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 herein, the Company shall pay to the Executive and provide him with total Severance Benefits equal
to all of the following: 

	(a)
	A
lump-sum amount equal to the Executive's unpaid Base Salary, accrued vacation pay, unreimbursed business expenses, and all other items earned
by and owed to the Executive through and including the Effective Date of Termination.

	(b)
	A
lump-sum amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) fifty percent (50%) of the Executive's annual target bonus amount,
established under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive is then participating[,] for the bonus plan year in which the Executive's Effective
Date of Termination occurs by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full completed months in the bonus plan year through the Effective Date of Termination, and the
denominator of which is twelve (12). This payment will be in lieu of any other payment to be 

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made
to the Executive under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive is then participating for that plan year.  

	(c)
	A
lump-sum amount equal to three (3) multiplied by the higher of the Executive's annual rate of Base Salary in effect upon the Effective
Date of Termination, or the Executive's highest annual rate of Base Salary in effect during the twelve (12) months preceding the date of the Change in Control.

	(d)
	A
lump-sum amount equal to the higher of (i) one and one-half (1.5) times the Executive's annual target bonus established
under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive is then participating for the bonus plan year in which the Executive's Effective Date of Termination occurs, or (ii) three (3) times
the actual annual bonus payment made to the Executive under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive participated in the year preceding the year in which the Effective Date of Termination occurs.

	(e)
	All
long-term incentive awards shall be subject to the treatment provided under the Company's Long-Term Stock Incentive Compensation
Program (as amended, or any successor plans thereto) and/or the applicable award agreements thereunder.

	(f)
	A
lump sum amount (the "Healthcare Cost") equal to the cost of medical insurance and dental insurance coverage at the same coverage level as in effect as of
the Executive's Effective Date of Termination for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the Executive's Effective Date of Termination, based on the monthly COBRA costs of
such coverage under the Company's medical and dental plans pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code on the Executive's Effective Date of Termination. In addition, the Company shall pay to the
Executive an additional amount sufficient to fully cover the federal, state and local income and employment tax liability attributable to such Healthcare Cost and the additional tax
gross-up payment made under this Section 2.3(f).

	(g)
	For
a period of up to thirty-six (36) months following a Change in Control, the Executive shall be entitled, at the expense of the
Company, to receive standard outplacement services from a nationally recognized outplacement firm of the Executive's selection. However, the Company's total obligation shall not exceed
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) per calendar year. The amount of in-kind benefits to which the Executive may become entitled in any one calendar year shall not affect
the amount of in-kind benefits to be provided to the Executive in any other calendar year. The Executive's right to in-kind benefits cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any
other benefit or payment. 

        2.4    Termination due to Disability.    Following a Change in
Control, if the Executive's employment is terminated with the Company due to Disability, the Executive's benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company's retirement, insurance, and other
applicable plans and programs then in effect and shall be paid at such time and in such manner as set forth in the plans or programs governing those benefits subject to compliance with Code
Section 409A. 

        2.5    Termination due to Retirement or Death.    Following a Change
in Control, if the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated by reason of his voluntary normal retirement (as defined under the then established rules of the Company's
tax-qualified retirement plan), or
death, the Executive's benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company's retirement, survivor's benefits, insurance, and other applicable programs then in effect and shall be paid at such
time and in such manner as set forth in the programs governing those benefits subject to compliance with Code Section 409A. 

        2.6    Termination for Cause or by the Executive Other Than for Good
Reason.    Following a Change in Control, if the Executive's employment is terminated either: (i) by the Company for Cause; or (ii) voluntarily by the
Executive for reasons other than those specified in Sections 2.2(b) and 2.2(c) 

5

 

herein,
the Company shall pay the Executive his full unpaid Base Salary at the rate then in effect, accrued vacation, and other items earned by and owed to the Executive through the Effective Date of
Termination, plus all other amounts to which the Executive is entitled under any compensation plans of the Company at the time such payments are due, and the Company shall have no further obligations
to the Executive under this Restated Agreement. 

        2.7    Notice of Termination.    Any termination of the Executive's
employment by the Company for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. For purposes of this Restated Agreement, a "Notice of
Termination" shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Restated Agreement relied upon, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated. 

 Article 3. Form and Timing of Severance Benefits  

        3.1    Form and Timing of Severance Benefits.    The Severance Benefit
described in Section 2.3(a) herein shall be paid in cash to the Executive in a single lump sum as soon as practicable following the Effective Date of Termination, but in no event beyond ten
(10) calendar days from such date. The Severance Benefits described in Sections 2.3(b), 2.3(c), 2.3(d) and 2.3(f) herein shall be paid in cash to the Executive in a single lump sum on
the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the date the Executive incurs a Separation from Service by reason of the Qualifying Termination or, with respect to the tax gross-up
payments under Section 2.3(f), the date on which the federal, state and local taxes to which the gross-up payment relates are remitted to the tax authorities, if later. To the
extent the payment of any such Severance Benefits to which the Executive becomes entitled under this Restated Agreement as a result of an actual termination following a Change in Control is deferred
beyond the Executive's Separation from Service, the Executive shall be entitled to interest on those amounts, for the period the payment of such amounts is so deferred, with such
interest to accrue at the prime rate then in effect from time to time during that period and to be paid in a lump sum upon payment of such Severance Benefits. 

        3.2    Withholding of Taxes.    The Company shall withhold from any
amounts payable under this Restated Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes as legally shall be required. 

 Article 4. Excise Tax  

        4.1    Excise Tax Payment.    If any portion of the Severance Benefits
or any other payment under this Restated Agreement, or under any other agreement with, or plan of the Company (in the aggregate, "Total Payments") would constitute an "excess parachute payment," such
that a golden parachute excise tax is due, the Company shall provide to the Executive, in cash, an additional payment in an amount sufficient to cover the full cost of any excise tax and all of the
Executive's additional state and federal income, excise, and employment taxes that arise on this additional payment (cumulatively, the "Full Gross-Up Payment"), such that the Executive is
in the same after-tax position as if he had not been subject to the excise tax. For this purpose, the Executive shall be deemed to be in the highest marginal rate of federal and state
taxes. This payment shall be made at the time the taxes are remitted to the tax authorities but no later than the close of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the taxes are remitted
to the tax authorities. 

        For
purposes of this Restated Agreement, the term "excess parachute payment" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 280G of the Code, and the term "excise tax"
shall mean the tax imposed on such excess parachute payment pursuant to Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. 

6

 

  
        4.2    Subsequent Recalculation.    In the event the Internal Revenue
Service subsequently adjusts the excise tax computation herein described, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the full amount necessary to make the Executive whole on an
after-tax basis (less any amounts received by the Executive that the Executive would not have received had the computations initially been computed as subsequently adjusted), including the
value of any underpaid excise tax, and any related interest and/or penalties due to the Internal Revenue Service. Any such reimbursements shall be made on the date the additional taxes are remitted to
the tax authorities but no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the additional taxes are remitted to the tax authorities. 

 Article 5. The Company's Payment Obligation  

        5.1    Payment Obligations Absolute.    The Company's obligation to
make the payments and the arrangements provided for herein shall be absolute and unconditional, and shall not be affected by any circumstances including, without limitation, any offset, counterclaim,
recoupment, defense, or other right which the Company may have against the Executive or anyone else. All amounts payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid without notice or demand. Each and every
payment made hereunder by the Company shall be final, and the Company shall not seek to recover all or any part of such payment from the Executive or from whomsoever may be entitled thereto, for any
reasons whatsoever. 

        The
Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Restated Agreement, and the obtaining
of any such other employment shall in no event effect any reduction of the Company's obligations to make the payments and arrangements required to be made under this Restated Agreement. 

        5.2    Contractual Rights to Benefits.    This Restated Agreement
establishes and vests in the Executive a contractual right to the benefits to which he is entitled hereunder. However, nothing herein contained shall require or be deemed to require, or prohibit or be
deemed to prohibit, the Company to segregate, earmark, or otherwise set aside any funds or other assets, in trust or otherwise, to provide for any payments to be made or required hereunder. 

 Article 6. Term of Agreement  

        This Restated Agreement will commence on the Effective Date first written above, and shall continue in effect until December 31,
2011. However, at the end of the first calendar year during such period, this Restated Agreement shall be extended automatically for one (1) additional year, unless the Company notifies the
Executive in writing, prior to the occurrence of the automatic extension, that the term of this Restated Agreement will not be extended. Moreover, upon the end of each subsequent calendar year, this
Restated Agreement shall also be extended automatically for one (1) additional year, unless the Company otherwise notifies the Executive in writing prior to the occurrence of such automatic
extension. In the case where the Company properly notifies the Executive that the Restated Agreement will no longer be extended, the Restated Agreement will terminate at the end of the term, or
extended term, then in progress. 

        However,
in the event a Change in Control occurs during the original or any extended term, this Restated Agreement will remain in effect for twenty-four (24) months
beyond the month in which such Change in Control occurred. 

 Article 7. Legal Remedies  

        7.1    Dispute Resolution.    The Executive shall have the right and
option to elect to have any good faith dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Restated Agreement settled by litigation or arbitration. If arbitration is selected, such
proceeding shall be conducted by final and binding arbitration before a panel of three (3) arbitrators in accordance with the laws and under the administration of the American Arbitration
Association. 

7

 

        7.2    Payment of Legal Fees.    In the event that it shall be
necessary or desirable for the Executive to retain legal counsel and/or to incur other costs and expenses in connection with the enforcement of any or all of his rights under this Restated Agreement,
the Company shall pay (or the Executive shall be entitled to recover from the Company) the Executive's attorneys' fees, costs, and expenses in connection with a good faith enforcement of his rights
including the enforcement of any arbitration award. This shall include, without limitation, court costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the Executive as a result of any good faith claim, action, or
proceeding, including any such action against the Company arising out of, or challenging the validity or enforceability of this Restated Agreement or any provision hereof. 

 Article 8. Successors  

        The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, reorganization, consolidation, acquisition of
property or stock, liquidation, or otherwise) of all or a significant portion of the assets of the Company by agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, to expressly assume and
agree to perform this Restated Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. Regardless of whether such
agreement is executed, this Restated Agreement shall be binding upon any successor in accordance with the operation of law and such successor shall be deemed the "Company" for purposes of this
Restated Agreement. 

 Article 9. Miscellaneous  

        9.1    Employment Status.    This Restated Agreement is not, and
nothing herein shall be deemed to create, an employment contract between the Executive and the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Subject to the terms of any employment contract between the Executive
and the Company, the Executive acknowledges that the rights of the Company remain wholly intact to change or reduce at any time and from time to time his compensation, title, responsibilities,
location, and all other aspects of the employment relationship, or to discharge him prior to a Change in Control (subject to such discharge possibly being considered a Qualifying Termination pursuant
to Section 2.2). 

        9.2    Entire Agreement.    This Restated Agreement contains the
entire understanding of the Company and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements between the parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof, including but not limited to, the Prior Agreement, which is terminated and no longer in effect. In addition, the payments provided for under this Restated Agreement in the event
of the Executive's termination of employment shall be in lieu of any severance benefits payable under any employment contract between the Executive and the Company or any severance plan, program, or
policy of the Company to which he might otherwise be entitled. 

        9.3    Notices.    All notices, requests, demands, and other
communications hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or if sent by registered or certified mail to the Executive at the last
address he has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal offices. 

        9.4    Execution in Counterparts.    This Restated Agreement may be
executed by the parties hereto in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, and all signatures need not appear
on any one counterpart. 

        9.5    Conflicting Agreements.    The Executive hereby represents and
warrants to the Company that his entering into this Restated Agreement, and the obligations and duties undertaken by him hereunder, will not conflict with, constitute a breach of, or otherwise violate
the terms of, any other employment or other agreement to which he is a party, except to the extent any such conflict, breach, 

8

 

or
violation under any such agreement has been disclosed to the Board in writing in advance of the signing of this Restated Agreement. 

        9.6    Severability.    In the event any provision of this Restated
Agreement shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Restated Agreement, and the Restated Agreement shall be construed
and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included. Further, the captions of this Restated Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force and effect. 

        Notwithstanding
any other provisions of this Restated Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to make any payment to the Executive hereunder to the extent, but
only to the extent, that such payment is prohibited by the terms of any final order of a Federal or state court or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction; provided, however, that such an order
shall not affect, impair, or invalidate any provision of this Restated Agreement not expressly subject to such order. 

        9.7    Modification.    No provision of this Restated Agreement may be
modified, waived, or discharged unless such modification, waiver, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by a member of the Board, as applicable, or by the respective
parties' legal representatives or successors. 

        9.8    Applicable Law.    To the extent not preempted by the laws of
the United States, the laws of Delaware shall be the controlling law in all matters relating to this Restated Agreement without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws. 

        9.9    Compliance with Section 409A.    This Agreement is
intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Accordingly, all provisions herein shall be construed and interpreted to comply with Code Section 409A and if
necessary, any such provision shall be deemed amended to comply with Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder. 

        9.10    Right to Advice of Counsel.    The Executive acknowledges that
he has had the right to consult with counsel and is fully aware of his rights and obligations under this Restated Agreement. 

        IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Restated Agreement, as of the Effective Date. 

							
	 
	 	 
	 	 
	 	 

	ATTEST	 	Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
	
 By:	
 	
/s/ Bruce P. Garren

 	
 	
By:	
 	
/s/ Robert C. Reindl

 
	 	 	 	 	Title:	 	 Corporate Vice President,

Human Resources
	

 	
 	
 	
 	
Executive:
	

 	
 	
 	
 	
/s/ Michael A. Mussallem

  Michael A. Mussallem

9

QuickLinks

Exhibit 10.3

Chief Executive Officer Change-in-Control Severance Agreement

Contents

Amended and Restated Chief Executive Officer Change-in-Control Severance Agreement Edwards Lifesciences CorporationQuickLinks
 -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

 

 
 

  Exhibit 10.18    
    

 
 

  Change-in-Control Severance Agreement    
    

Edwards
Lifesciences Corporation 

 
 

  Contents    
    

					
	 Article 1. Definitions
	 	 	1	 
	 Article 2. Severance Benefits
	 	 	

4	 
	 Article 3. Form and Timing of Severance Benefits
	 	 	

6	 
	 Article 4. Excise Tax
	 	 	

6	 
	 Article 5. The Company's Payment Obligation
	 	 	

7	 
	 Article 6. Term of Agreement
	 	 	

7	 
	 Article 7. Legal Remedies
	 	 	

7	 
	 Article 8. Successors
	 	 	

8	 
	 Article 9. Miscellaneous
	 	 	

8	 

 

 
 

  Change-in-Control Severance Agreement
  Edwards Lifesciences Corporation    
    

        THIS CHANGE-IN-CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made, entered into, and is effective as of the
                day of                , 20      (hereinafter
referred to as the "Effective Date"), by and between Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, and
                                    (the "Executive"). 

        WHEREAS,
the Executive is currently employed by the Company in a key management capacity; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Executive possesses considerable experience and knowledge of the business and affairs of the Company concerning its policies, methods, personnel, and operations; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Company is desirous of assuring insofar as possible, that it will continue to have the benefit of the Executive's services; and the Executive is desirous of having such
assurances; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Company recognizes that circumstances may arise in which a Change in Control of the Company occurs, through acquisition or otherwise, thereby causing uncertainty of
employment without regard to the Executive's competence or past contributions. Such uncertainty may result in the loss of the valuable services of the Executive to the detriment of the Company and its
shareholders; and 

        WHEREAS,
both the Company and the Executive are desirous that any proposal for a Change in Control will be considered by the Executive objectively and with reference only to the business
interests of the Company and its shareholders; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Executive will be in a better position to consider the Company's best interests if the Executive is afforded reasonable security, as provided in this Agreement, against
altered conditions of employment which could result from any such Change in Control; and 

        WHEREAS,
the Executive and the Company are currently parties to that certain Amended and Restated Change-in-Control Severance Agreement
dated                                    (the
"Prior Agreement; and 

        WHEREAS,
by executing this Agreement, the Executive and the Company hereby agree that this Agreement shall supersede the severance benefits set forth in the Prior Agreement. 

        NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth in this Agreement, and of other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows: 

 Article 1. Definitions  

        Wherever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below and, when the meaning is intended, the
initial letter of the word is capitalized: 

        1.1   "Agreement" means this Change-in-Control Severance Agreement. 

        1.2   "Base Salary" means, at any time, the then-regular annual rate of pay which the Executive is receiving as
annual salary, excluding amounts: (i) received under short- or long-term incentive or other bonus plans, regardless of whether or not the amounts are deferred or
(ii) designated by the Company as payment toward reimbursement of expenses. 

        1.3   "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. 

1

 

        1.4   "Cause" shall be determined solely by the Board in the exercise of good faith and reasonable judgment, and shall mean the
occurrence of any one or more of the following:  

	(i)
	A
continuing material breach by the Executive of the duties and responsibilities of the Executive, which duties shall not differ in any material respect
from the duties and responsibilities of the Executive during the 90-day period immediately prior to a Change in Control (other than as a result of incapacity due to a physical or mental
condition or illness), which breach is demonstrably willful and deliberate on the Executive's part, is committed in bad faith and without a reasonable belief that such a breach is in the best
interests of the Company, and is not remedied in a reasonable period of time after receipt of written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board that specifically
identifies the manner in which the Board believes the Executive has breached such duties and responsibilities; or

	(ii)
	The
Executive's willfully engaging in conduct that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise; or

	(iii)
	The
Executive's conviction of a felony. 

        However,
no act or failure to act on the Executive's part shall be deemed "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief
that the action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. 

        1.5   "Change in Control" of the Company shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events: 

	(a)
	Any
"Person," as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended) (other than the Company, any
corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, and any trustee or other fiduciary
holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or such proportionately owned corporation), is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then
outstanding securities; or

	(b)
	During
any period of not more than twenty-four (24) months, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of
Directors of the Company, and any new director (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in
Sections 1.5(a), 1.5(c), or 1.5(d) of this Section 1.5) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least
two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously
so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof; or

	(c)
	The
consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than: (i) a merger or consolidation which would result in
the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving
entity) more than sixty percent (60%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or
(ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person acquires more than thirty percent (30%) of the combined voting
power of the Company's then outstanding securities; or 

2

 

	(d)
	The
Company's stockholders approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company
of all or substantially all of the Company's assets (or any transaction having a similar effect). 

        1.6   "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 

        1.7   "Company" means Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, a Delaware corporation (including any and all subsidiaries), or any
successor thereto as provided in Article 8 herein. 

        1.8   "Disability" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Executive's governing long-term disability
plan as of the Effective Date. 

        1.9   "Effective Date" means the date specified in the opening sentence of this Agreement. 

        1.10 "Effective Date of Termination" means the date on which a Qualifying Termination occurs, as provided in
Section 2.2 herein, which triggers the payment of Severance Benefits hereunder. 

        1.11 "Good Reason" means, without the Executive's express written consent, the occurrence after a Change in Control of the
Company of any one or more of the following:  

	(i)
	The
assignment of the Executive to duties materially inconsistent with the Executive's authorities, duties, responsibilities, and status (including offices,
titles, and reporting requirements) as an executive and/or officer of the Company, or a material reduction or alteration in the nature or status of the Executive's authorities, duties, or
responsibilities from those in effect as of ninety (90) calendar days prior to the Change in Control, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent act that is remedied by the Company promptly
after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

	(ii)
	The
Company's requiring the Executive to be based at a location in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location of the Executive's principal job
location or office immediately prior to the Change in Control; except for required travel on the Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with the Executive's then present business
travel obligations;

	(iii)
	A
reduction by the Company of the Executive's Base Salary in effect on the Effective Date hereof, or as the same shall be increased from time to time;

	(iv)
	The
failure of the Company to continue in effect any of the Company's short- and long-term incentive compensation plans, or employee benefit or
retirement plans, policies, practices, or other compensation arrangements in which the Executive participates, unless the Executive is permitted to participate in other plans that provide the
Executive with substantially comparable benefits; or the failure by the Company to continue the Executive's participation therein on substantially the same basis, both in terms of the amount of
benefits provided and the level of the Executive's participation relative to other participants, as existed immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company;

	(v)
	The
failure of the Company to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to the Company to assume and agree to perform the Company's obligations
under this Agreement, as contemplated in Article 8 herein; and

	(vi)
	The
Company, or any successor company, commits a material breach of any of the material provisions of this Agreement. 

        The
Executive's right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive's continued employment
shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason herein. 

3

 

  
        1.12 "Qualifying Termination" means any of the events described in Section 2.2 herein, the occurrence of which
triggers the payment of Severance Benefits hereunder. 

        1.13 "Separation from Service" means the Executive's separation from service as determined in accordance with Code
Section 409A and the applicable standards of the Treasury Regulations issued thereunder. 

        1.14 "Severance Benefits" means the payment of severance compensation as provided in Section 2.3 herein. 

 Article 2. Severance Benefits  

        2.1    Right to Severance Benefits.    The Executive shall be entitled
to receive from the Company Severance Benefits as described in Section 2.3 herein, if there has been a Change in Control of the Company and if, within twenty-four
(24) calendar months thereafter, the Executive's employment with the Company shall end for any reason specified in Section 2.2 herein as being a Qualifying Termination. 

        The
Executive shall not be entitled to receive Severance Benefits if he is terminated for Cause, or if his employment with the Company ends due to death, Disability, voluntary normal
retirement (as defined under the then established rules of the Company's tax-qualified retirement plan), or due
to a voluntary termination of employment for a reason other than that specified in Section 2.2(b) herein. 

        2.2    Qualifying Termination.    The occurrence of either of the
following events within twenty-four (24) calendar months after a Change in Control of the Company shall trigger the payment of Severance Benefits to the Executive under this
Agreement: 

	(a)
	The
Company's involuntary termination of the Executive's employment without Cause; or

	(b)
	The
Executive's voluntary employment termination for Good Reason. 

        In
addition, if the Executive's employment is involuntarily terminated without Cause by the Company within six (6) months prior to a Change in Control, such termination shall also
be considered a Qualifying Termination occurring during the twenty-four (24) month period following a Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, a Qualifying Termination
shall not include a termination of employment by reason of death, Disability, or voluntary normal retirement (as such term is defined under the then established rules of the Company's
tax-qualified retirement plan), the Executive's voluntary termination for a reason other than that specified in Section 2.2(b) herein, or the Company's involuntary termination for
Cause. 

        2.3    Description of Severance Benefits.    In the event that the
Executive becomes entitled to receive Severance Benefits, as provided in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 herein, the Company shall pay to the Executive and provide him with total Severance Benefits equal
to all of the following: 

	(a)
	A
lump-sum amount equal to the Executive's unpaid Base Salary, accrued vacation pay, unreimbursed business expenses, and all other items earned
by and owed to the Executive through and including the Effective Date of Termination.

	(b)
	A
lump-sum amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) [not more than 100%] of the Executive's annual
target bonus amount, established under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive is then participating for the bonus plan year in which the Executive's Effective Date of Termination occurs by
(ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full completed months in the bonus plan year through the Effective Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is twelve (12).
This payment will be in lieu of any other payment to be made to the Executive under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive is then participating for that plan year. 

4

 

	(c)
	A
lump-sum amount equal to three (3) multiplied by the higher of the Executive's annual rate of Base Salary in effect upon the Effective
Date of Termination, or the Executive's highest annual rate of Base Salary in effect during the twelve (12) months preceding the date of the Change in Control.

	(d)
	A
lump-sum amount equal to the higher of (i) [not more than three (3)] times the Executive's annual target bonus
established under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive is then participating for the bonus plan year in which the Executive's Effective Date of Termination occurs, or (ii) three
(3) times the actual annual bonus payment made to the Executive under the annual bonus plan in which the Executive participated in the year preceding the year in which the Effective Date of
Termination occurs.

	(e)
	All
long-term incentive awards shall be subject to the treatment provided under the Company's Long-Term Stock Incentive Compensation
Program (as amended, or any successor plans thereto) and/or the applicable award agreements thereunder.

	(f)
	A
lump sum amount (the "Healthcare Cost") equal to the cost of medical insurance and dental insurance coverage at the same coverage level as in effect as of
the Executive's Effective Date of Termination for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the Executive's Effective Date of Termination, based on the monthly COBRA costs of
such coverage under the Company's medical and dental plans pursuant to Section 4980B of the Code on the Executive's Effective Date of Termination. In addition, the Company shall pay to the
Executive an additional amount sufficient to fully cover the federal, state and local income and employment tax liability attributable to such Healthcare Cost and the additional tax
gross-up payment made under this Section 2.3(f).

	(g)
	For
a period of up to thirty-six (36) months following a Change in Control, the Executive shall be entitled, at the expense of the
Company, to receive standard outplacement services from a nationally recognized outplacement firm of the Executive's selection. However, the Company's total obligation shall not exceed
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) per calendar year. The amount of in-kind benefits to which the Executive may become entitled in any one calendar year shall not affect
the amount of in-kind benefits to be provided to the Executive in any other calendar year. The Executive's right to in-kind benefits cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any
other benefit or payment. 

        2.4    Termination due to Disability.    Following a Change in
Control, if the Executive's employment is terminated with the Company due to Disability, the Executive's benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company's retirement, insurance, and other
applicable plans and programs then in effect and shall be paid at such time and in such manner as set forth in the plans or programs governing those benefits subject to compliance with Code
Section 409A. 

        2.5    Termination due to Retirement or Death.    Following a Change
in Control, if the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated by reason of his voluntary normal retirement (as defined under the then established rules of the Company's
tax-qualified retirement plan), or death, the Executive's benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company's retirement, survivor's benefits, insurance, and other applicable
programs then in effect and shall be paid at such time and in such manner as set forth in the programs governing those benefits subject to compliance with Code Section 409A. 

        2.6    Termination for Cause or by the Executive Other Than for Good
Reason.    Following a Change in Control, if the Executive's employment is terminated either: (i) by the Company for Cause; or (ii) voluntarily by the
Executive for a reason other than that specified in Section 2.2(b) herein, the Company shall pay the Executive his full unpaid Base Salary at the rate then in effect, accrued vacation, and
other items earned by and owed to the Executive through the Effective Date of 

5

 

Termination,
plus all other amounts to which the Executive is entitled under any compensation plans of the Company at the time such payments are due, and the Company shall have no further obligations
to the Executive under this Agreement. 

        2.7    Notice of Termination.    Any termination of the Executive's
employment by the Company for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination"
shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to
provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated. 

 Article 3. Form and Timing of Severance Benefits  

        3.1    Form and Timing of Severance Benefits.    The Severance Benefit
described in Section 2.3(a) herein shall be paid in cash to the Executive in a single lump sum as soon as practicable following the Effective Date of Termination, but in no event beyond ten
(10) calendar days from such date. The Severance Benefits described in Sections 2.3(b), 2.3(c), 2.3(d) and 2.3(f) herein shall be paid in cash to the Executive in a single lump sum on
the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the date the Executive incurs a Separation from Service by reason of the Qualifying Termination or, with respect to the tax gross-up
payments under Section 2.3(f), the date on which the federal, state and local taxes to which the gross-up payment relates are remitted to the tax authorities, if later. To the
extent the payment of any such Severance Benefits to which the Executive becomes entitled under this Agreement as a result of an actual termination following a Change in Control is deferred beyond the
Executive's Separation from Service, the Executive shall be entitled to interest on those amounts, for the period the payment of such amounts is so deferred, with such interest to accrue at the prime
rate then in effect from time to time during that period and to be paid in a lump sum upon payment of such Severance Benefits. 

        3.2    Withholding of Taxes.    The Company shall withhold from any
amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes as legally shall be required. 

 Article 4. Excise Tax  

        4.1    Excise Tax Payment.    If any portion of the Severance Benefits
or any other payment under this Agreement, or under any other agreement with, or plan of the Company (in the aggregate, "Total Payments") would constitute an "excess parachute payment," such that a
golden parachute excise tax is due, the Company shall provide to the Executive, in cash, an additional payment in an amount sufficient to cover the full cost of any excise tax and all of the
Executive's additional state and federal income, excise, and employment taxes that arise on this additional payment (cumulatively, the "Full Gross-Up Payment"), such that the Executive is
in the same after-tax position as if he had not been subject to the excise tax. For this purpose, the Executive shall be deemed to be in the highest marginal rate of federal and state
taxes. This payment shall be made at the time the taxes are remitted to the tax authorities but no later than the close of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the taxes are remitted
to the tax authorities. 

        For
purposes of this Agreement, the term "excess parachute payment" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 280G of the Code, and the term "excise tax" shall mean
the tax imposed on such excess parachute payment pursuant to Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. 

        4.2    Subsequent Recalculation.    In the event the Internal Revenue
Service subsequently adjusts the excise tax computation herein described, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the full amount necessary to make the Executive whole on an
after-tax basis (less any amounts received by the Executive that the Executive would not have received had the computations initially been computed as subsequently adjusted), including the
value of any underpaid excise tax, and any related interest and/or 

6

 

penalties
due to the Internal Revenue Service. Any such reimbursements shall be made on the date the additional taxes are remitted to the tax authorities but no later than the end of the calendar year
following the calendar year in which the additional taxes are remitted to the tax authorities. 

 Article 5. The Company's Payment Obligation  

        5.1    Payment Obligations Absolute.    The Company's obligation to
make the payments and the arrangements provided for herein shall be absolute and unconditional, and shall not be affected by any circumstances including, without limitation, any offset, counterclaim,
recoupment, defense, or other right which the Company may have against the Executive or anyone else. All amounts payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid without notice or demand. Each and every
payment made hereunder by the Company shall be final, and the Company shall not seek to recover all or any part of such payment from the Executive or from whomsoever may be entitled thereto, for any
reasons whatsoever. 

        The
Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Agreement, and the obtaining of any
such other employment shall in no event effect any reduction of the Company's obligations to make the payments and arrangements required to be made under this Agreement. 

        5.2    Contractual Rights to Benefits.    This Agreement establishes
and vests in the Executive a contractual right to the benefits to which he is entitled hereunder. However, nothing herein contained shall require or be deemed to require, or prohibit or be deemed to
prohibit, the Company to segregate, earmark, or otherwise set aside any funds or other assets, in trust or otherwise, to provide for any payments to be made or required hereunder. 

 Article 6. Term of Agreement  

        This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date first written above, and shall continue in effect irrevocably for three
(3) full calendar years.. However, at the end of the first calendar year of such three-year (3) period, this Agreement shall be extended automatically for one
(1) additional year, unless the Company notifies the Executive in writing, prior to the occurrence of the automatic extension, that the term of this Agreement will not be extended. Moreover,
upon the end of each subsequent calendar year, this Agreement shall also be extended automatically for one (1) additional year, unless the Company otherwise notifies the Executive in writing
prior to the occurrence of such automatic extension. In the case where the Company properly notifies the Executive that the Agreement will no longer be extended, the Agreement will terminate at the
end of the term, or extended term, then in progress. 

        However,
in the event a Change in Control occurs during the original or any extended term, this Agreement will remain in effect for twenty-four (24) months beyond the
month in which such Change in Control occurred. 

 Article 7. Legal Remedies  

        7.1    Dispute Resolution.    The Executive shall have the right and
option to elect to have any good faith dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement settled by litigation or arbitration. If arbitration is selected, such proceeding shall
be conducted by final and binding arbitration before a panel of three (3) arbitrators in accordance with the rules and under the administration of the American Arbitration Association. 

        7.2    Payment of Legal Fees.    In the event that it shall be
necessary or desirable for the Executive to retain legal counsel and/or to incur other costs and expenses in connection with the enforcement of any or all of his rights under this Agreement, the
Company shall pay (or the Executive shall be entitled to recover from the Company) the Executive's attorneys' fees, costs, and expenses in connection with a 

7

 

good
faith enforcement of his rights including the enforcement of any arbitration award. This shall include, without limitation, court costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the Executive as a result
of any good faith claim, action, or proceeding, including any such action against the Company arising out of, or challenging the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any provision hereof. 

 Article 8. Successors  

        The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, reorganization, consolidation, acquisition of
property or stock, liquidation, or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company by agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, to expressly assume and agree
to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. Regardless of whether such agreement is
executed, this Agreement shall be binding upon any successor in accordance with the operation of law and such successor shall be deemed the "Company" for purposes of this Agreement. 

 Article 9. Miscellaneous  

        9.1    Employment Status.    This Agreement is not, and nothing herein
shall be deemed to create, an employment contract between the Executive and the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Subject to the terms of any employment contract between the Executive and the
Company, the Executive acknowledges that the rights of the Company remain wholly intact to change or reduce at any time and from time to time his compensation, title, responsibilities, location, and
all other aspects of the employment relationship, or to discharge him prior to a Change in Control (subject to such discharge possibly being considered a Qualifying Termination pursuant to
Section 2.2). 

        9.2    Entire Agreement.    This Agreement contains the entire
understanding of the Company and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements between the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof, including but not limited to, the Prior Agreement, which is terminated and no longer in effect. In addition, the payments provided for under this Agreement in the event of the
Executive's termination of employment shall be in lieu of any severance benefits payable under any employment contract between the Executive and the Company or any severance plan, program, or policy
of the Company to which he might otherwise be entitled. 

        9.3    Notices.    All notices, requests, demands, and other
communications hereunder shall be sufficient if in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or if sent by registered or certified mail to the Executive at the last
address he has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal offices. 

        9.4    Execution in Counterparts.    This Agreement may be executed by
the parties hereto in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any
one counterpart. 

        9.5    Conflicting Agreements.    The Executive hereby represents and
warrants to the Company that his entering into this Agreement, and the obligations and duties undertaken by him hereunder, will not conflict with, constitute a breach of, or otherwise violate the
terms of, any other employment or other agreement to which he is a party, except to the extent any such conflict, breach, or violation under any such agreement has been disclosed to the Board in
writing in advance of the signing of this Agreement. 

        9.6    Severability.    In the event any provision of this Agreement
shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Agreement, and the Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal
or invalid provision had not been included. 

8

 

Further,
the captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force and effect. 

        Notwithstanding
any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to make any payment to the Executive hereunder to the extent, but only to the
extent, that such payment is prohibited by the terms of any final order of a Federal or state court or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction; provided, however, that such an order shall not
affect, impair, or invalidate any provision of this Agreement not expressly subject to such order. 

        9.7    Modification.    No provision of this Agreement may be
modified, waived, or discharged unless such modification, waiver, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by a member of the Board, as applicable, or by the respective
parties' legal representatives or successors. 

        9.8    Applicable Law.    To the extent not preempted by the laws of
the United States, the laws of Delaware shall be the controlling law in all matters relating to this Agreement without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws. 

        9.9    Compliance with Section 409A.    This Agreement is
intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Accordingly, all provisions herein shall be construed and interpreted to comply with Code Section 409A and if
necessary, any such provision shall be deemed amended to comply with Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder. 

        9.10    Right to Advice of Counsel.    The Executive acknowledges that
he has had the right to consult with counsel and is fully aware of his rights and obligations under this Agreement. 

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of this            day
of                        , 20    .
 

					
	Company:	 	Executive:
	

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation	
 	

  
	
By:	
 	

 	
 	
 
	
Attest:	
 	

 	
 	
 

9

QuickLinks

Exhibit 10.18

Change-in-Control Severance Agreement

Contents

Change-in-Control Severance Agreement Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

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