Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.81

                                     FORM OF
                      RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT FOR
                           THE FLEMING COMPANIES, INC.
                            1996 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

                  THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (the "Agreement")
entered into as of the ____ day of _____, _____, by and between Fleming
Companies, Inc., (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), and ____________
(hereinafter referred to as the "Participant");

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, the Company has previously adopted the Fleming
Companies, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan");

                  WHEREAS, in connection with his employment with the Company,
the Company has awarded the Participant ______ shares of common stock under the
Plan subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
mutual promises and covenants herein contained, the Participant and the Company
agree as follows (all capitalized terms used herein, unless otherwise defined,
have the meaning ascribed to such terms as set forth in the Plan):

                  1. The Plan. The Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit A, is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof for
all purposes, and when taken with this Agreement shall govern the rights of the
Participant and the Company with respect to the Award (as defined below).

                  2. Grant of Award. The Company hereby grants to the
Participant an award (the "Award") of _______ shares of Company common stock,
par value $2.50 per share (the "Stock"), on the terms and conditions set forth
herein and in the Plan.

                  3. Terms of Award.

                           (a) Escrow of Shares. A certificate representing the
shares of Stock subject to the Award (the "Restricted Stock") shall be issued in
the name of the Participant and shall be escrowed with the Secretary of the
Company (the "Escrow Agent") subject to removal of the restrictions placed
thereon or forfeiture pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

                           (b) Vesting. One-third of the shares of Restricted
Stock will vest based on the Participant's continuous employment with the
Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliated Entity through _________, one-third of
the shares of Restricted Stock will vest based on the Participant's continuous
employment with the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliated Entity through
_________, and the remaining one-third of the shares of Restricted Stock will
vest based on the Participant's continuous employment with the Company, a
Subsidiary or an Affiliated Entity through __________. In the event the
Participant's employment with the

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Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliated Entity is terminated by reason of (i)
death, (ii) disability, (iii) without "Cause" (as such term is defined in
Section 3(f)(i) of this Agreement), or (iv) by the Participant for "Good Reason"
(as such term is defined in Section 3(f)(ii) of this Agreement), then all
remaining shares of Restricted Stock (including any "Accrued Dividends," as such
term is hereafter defined) which have not yet been vested shall immediately
vest. Once vested pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Restricted Stock
shall be deemed "Vested Stock." For purposes of this Section 3(b), "Cause" and
"Good Reason" shall be defined as provided in Section 3(f)(i) and 3(f)(ii)
respectively unless Participant has an employment agreement with the Company, a
Subsidiary or an Affiliated Entity that defines "Cause" or "Good Reason"
differently, in which case, the definition contained in the employment agreement
shall supercede the definitions of "Cause" or "Good Reason" contained in this
Agreement.

                           (c) Voting Rights and Dividends. The Participant
shall not have the voting rights attributable to the shares of Restricted Stock
issued to him. Any dividends declared and paid by the Company with respect to
shares of Restricted Stock ("Accrued Dividends") shall not be paid to the
Participant until such Restricted Stock becomes Vested Stock. Such Accrued
Dividends shall be held by the Company as a general obligation and paid to the
Participant at the time the underlying Restricted Stock becomes Vested Stock.

                           (d) Vested Stock - Removal of Restrictions. Upon
Restricted Stock becoming Vested Stock, all restrictions shall be removed from
the certificates representing such Stock and the Secretary of the Company shall
deliver to the Participant certificates representing such Vested Stock free and
clear of all restrictions, except for any applicable securities laws
restrictions, together with a check in the amount of all Accrued Dividends
attributed to such Vested Stock without interest thereon.

                           (e) Forfeiture. Restricted Stock that does not become
Vested Stock pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be absolutely
forfeited and the Participant shall have no future interest therein of any kind
whatsoever. In the event the Participant's employment with the Company, a
Subsidiary or an Affiliated Entity terminates prior to all shares of Restricted
Stock becoming Vested Stock for any reason other than (i) death, (ii)
disability, (iii) without Cause, or (iv) by the Participant for Good Reason,
then all remaining shares of Restricted Stock which have not yet been vested
(including any Accrued Dividends) shall be absolutely forfeited and the
Participant shall have no further interest therein of any kind whatsoever.

                           (f) Certain Definitions.

                                    (i) Cause. For purposes of this Agreement,
termination of the employment by the Company for Cause shall mean termination
for one of the following reasons: (A) the conviction of the Participant of a
felony by a federal or state court of competent jurisdiction; (B) an act or acts
of dishonesty taken by the Participant and intended to result in substantial
personal enrichment of the Participant at the expense of the Company; or (C) the
Participant's "willful" failure to follow a direct, reasonable and lawful
written order from his supervisor, within the reasonable scope of the
Participant's duties, which failure is not cured within 30 days. Further, for
purposes of this Section 3(f)(i):

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

                                    (2) The Participant shall not be deemed to
have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered
to the Participant a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote
of not less than three-fourths (3/4ths) of the entire membership of the Board at
a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice
to the Participant and an opportunity for the Participant, together with the
Participant's counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good
faith opinion of the Board the Participant was guilty of conduct set forth in
clauses (A), (B) or (C) above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

                           (ii) Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Good Reason" means:

                                    (A) the assignment to the Participant of any
duties inconsistent in any respect with the Participant's position (including
status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or
responsibilities or any other action by the Company which results in a
diminishment in such position, compensation, authority, duties or
responsibilities, other than an insubstantial and inadvertent action which is
remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of written notice thereof given
by the Participant, or

                                    (B) the Company's requiring the Participant
to be based at any office or location more than 25 miles from where the
Participant was employed immediately prior to a Change of Control, except for
periodic travel reasonably required in the performance of the Participant's
responsibilities.

                  4. Change of Control. Upon the occurrence of a Change of
Control Event on or prior to _________, all Restricted Stock shall become Vested
Stock and the Company shall deliver to the Participant certificates representing
the Vested Stock free and clear of all restrictions, except for any applicable
securities law restrictions, together with any Accrued Dividends attributable to
such Vested Stock without interest thereon.

                  5. Legends. The shares of Stock which are the subject of the
Award shall be subject to the following legend:

                  "THE SHARES OF STOCK EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT
TO AND ARE TRANSFERABLE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THAT CERTAIN RESTRICTED STOCK
AWARD AGREEMENT FOR THE FLEMING COMPANIES, INC. 1996 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN DATED
THE 30th DAY OF APRIL, 2001. ANY ATTEMPTED TRANSFER OF THE SHARES OF STOCK
EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IN VIOLATION OF SUCH AGREEMENT SHALL BE NULL AND
VOID AND WITHOUT EFFECT. A COPY OF THE AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE
SECRETARY OF FLEMING COMPANIES, INC."

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                  6. Stock Power. The Participant hereby agrees to execute and
deliver to the Secretary of the Company a stock power (endorsed in blank) in the
form of Exhibit B hereto covering his Award and authorizes the Secretary to
deliver to the Company any and all shares of Restricted Stock that are forfeited
under the provisions of this Agreement. The Participant further authorizes the
Company to hold as a general obligation of the Company any Accrued Dividends and
to pay such dividends to the Participant at the time the underlying Restricted
Stock becomes Vested Stock.

                  7. Nontransferability of Award. The Participant shall not have
the right to sell, assign, transfer, convey, dispose, pledge, hypothecate,
burden, encumber or charge any shares of Restricted Stock or any interest
therein in any manner whatsoever.

                  8. Notices. All notices or other communications relating to
the Plan and this Agreement as it relates to the Participant shall be in
writing, shall be deemed to have been made if personally delivered in return for
a receipt, or if mailed, by regular U.S. mail, postage prepaid, by the Company
to the Participant at his last known address evidenced on the payroll records of
the Company.

                  9. Binding Effect and Governing Law. This Agreement shall be
(i) binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, successors and assigns except as may be limited by the Plan
and (ii) governed and construed under the laws of the State of Texas.

                  10. Withholding. The Company and the Participant shall comply
with all federal and state laws and regulations with respect to the withholding,
deposit and payment of any income, employment or other taxes relating to the
Award (including Accrued Dividends).

                  11. Award Subject to Claims or Creditors. The Participant
shall not have any interest in any particular assets of the Company, its parent,
if applicable, or any Subsidiary by reason of the right to earn an Award
(including Accrued Dividends) under the Plan and this Agreement; and the
Participant or any other person shall have only the rights of a general
unsecured creditor of the Company, its parent, if applicable, or a Subsidiary
with respect to any rights under the Plan or this Agreement.

                  12. Captions. The captions of specific provisions of this
Agreement are for convenience and reference only, and in no way define,
describe, extend or limit the scope of this Agreement or the intent of any
provision hereof.

                  13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of identical counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original for all
purposes, but all of which taken together shall form but one agreement.

                  14. PROTECTION OF COMPANY'S BUSINESS AS CONSIDERATION. AS
SPECIFIC CONSIDERATION TO THE COMPANY FOR THIS AWARD, THE PARTICIPANT AGREES:

                           (a) LIMITATIONS ON COMPETITION. SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION
(g), THE PARTICIPANT WILL NOT, WITHOUT THE COMPANY'S WRITTEN CONSENT, DIRECTLY
OR INDIRECTLY, BE A SHAREHOLDER, PRINCIPAL, AGENT, PARTNER, OFFICER, DIRECTOR,
EMPLOYEE OR CONSULTANT OF

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SUPERVALU, INC., NASH FINCH COMPANY OR ANY OTHER DIRECT COMPETITOR OF THE
COMPANY, EXCLUDING NATIONAL RETAIL CHAINS, OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE
SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES OR SUCCESSORS (COLLECTIVELY, THE "COMPETITORS").

                           (b) CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION; NO DISPARAGING
STATEMENTS. THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT DURING THE COURSE OF PARTICIPANT'S
EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY, A SUBSIDIARY OR AFFILIATED ENTITY, HE WILL HAVE
ACCESS TO AND GAIN KNOWLEDGE OF HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
AND TRADE SECRETS. THE PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE MISUSE,
MISAPPROPRIATION OR DISCLOSURE OF THIS INFORMATION COULD CAUSE IRREPARABLE HARM
TO THE COMPANY, A SUBSIDIARY AND/OR AFFILIATED ENTITY, BOTH DURING AND AFTER THE
TERM OF THE PARTICIPANT'S EMPLOYMENT. THEREFORE, THE PARTICIPANT AGREES THAT
DURING HIS EMPLOYMENT AND AT ALL TIMES THEREAFTER HE WILL HOLD IN A FIDUCIARY
CAPACITY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY, A SUBSIDIARY AND/OR AFFILIATED ENTITY
AND WILL NOT DIVULGE OR DISCLOSE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO ANY OTHER PERSON,
FIRM OR BUSINESS, ALL CONFIDENTIAL OR PROPRIETARY INFORMATION, KNOWLEDGE AND
DATA (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCESSES, PROGRAMS, TRADE "KNOW HOW,"
IDEAS, DETAILS OF CONTRACTS, MARKETING PLANS, STRATEGIES, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
TECHNIQUES, BUSINESS ACQUISITION PLANS, PERSONNEL PLANS, PRICING PRACTICES AND
BUSINESS METHODS AND PRACTICES) RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THE BUSINESS OF THE
COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATED ENTITIES, CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS, JOINT
VENTURES, LICENSORS, LICENSEES, DISTRIBUTORS AND OTHER PERSONS AND ENTITIES WITH
WHOM THE COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATED ENTITIES DO BUSINESS
("CONFIDENTIAL DATA"), EXCEPT UPON THE COMPANY'S WRITTEN CONSENT OR AS REQUIRED
BY HIS DUTIES WITH THE COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATED ENTITIES, FOR SO
LONG AS SUCH CONFIDENTIAL DATA REMAINS CONFIDENTIAL AND ALL SUCH CONFIDENTIAL
DATA, TOGETHER WITH ALL COPIES THEREOF AND NOTES AND OTHER REFERENCES THERETO,
SHALL REMAIN THE SOLE PROPERTY OF THE COMPANY, A SUBSIDIARY OR AFFILIATED
ENTITY. THE PARTICIPANT AGREES, DURING HIS EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY, ITS
SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND AT ALL TIMES THEREAFTER, NOT TO MAKE
DISPARAGING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATED
ENTITIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, PRODUCTS OR
SERVICES WHICH HE KNOWS, OR HAS REASON TO KNOW, ARE FALSE OR MISLEADING.

                           (c) NO SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES OR BUSINESS. THE
PARTICIPANT AGREES THAT HE WILL NOT, EITHER DIRECTLY OR IN CONCERT WITH OTHERS,
RECRUIT, SOLICIT OR INDUCE, OR ATTEMPT TO INDUCE, ANY EMPLOYEE OF THE COMPANY,
ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATED ENTITIES TO TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT WITH THE
COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND/OR BECOME ASSOCIATED WITH
ANOTHER EMPLOYER. THE PARTICIPANT FURTHER AGREES THAT HE WILL NOT, EITHER
DIRECTLY OR IN CONCERT WITH OTHERS, SOLICIT, DIVERT OR TAKE AWAY OR ATTEMPT TO
DIVERT OR TAKE AWAY, THE BUSINESS OF ANY OF THE CUSTOMERS OR ACCOUNTS OF THE
COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATED ENTITIES WHICH THE COMPANY, A SUBSIDIARY
OR AFFILIATED ENTITY HAD OR WAS ACTIVELY SOLICITING BEFORE AND/OR ON HIS DATE OF
TERMINATION/SEPARATION.

                           (d) TERM OF THE PARTICIPANT'S PROMISES UNDER THIS
SECTION. THE PARTICIPANT AGREES THAT EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION
(b), HIS PROMISES CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 14 SHALL CONTINUE IN EFFECT DURING
HIS EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATED ENTITIES AND
UNTIL THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF HIS TERMINATION/SEPARATION.

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                           (e) CONSEQUENCES OF BREACH OF LIMITATIONS. SUBJECT TO
SUBSECTION (g), IF AT ANY TIME WITHIN (i) THE TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT OR (II)
WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR FOLLOWING THE PARTICIPANT'S DATE OF TERMINATION/SEPARATION,
OR (III) WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER VESTING ANY PORTION OF THE RESTRICTED STOCK,
WHICHEVER IS LATEST, THE PARTICIPANT, WITHOUT THE COMPANY'S WRITTEN CONSENT,
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IS A SHAREHOLDER, PRINCIPAL, AGENT, PARTNER, OFFICER,
DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEE OR CONSULTANT OF ANY OF THE COMPETITORS, THEN (x) WITH
RESPECT TO ANY SHARES OF RESTRICTED STOCK, EFFECTIVE THE DATE THE PARTICIPANT
ENTERS INTO SUCH ACTIVITY, ALL SUCH RESTRICTED STOCK (INCLUDING ANY ACCRUED
DIVIDENDS) SHALL BE ABSOLUTELY FORFEITED AND THE PARTICIPANT SHALL HAVE NO
FURTHER INTEREST THEREIN OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER (UNLESS FORFEITED SOONER BY
OPERATION OF ANOTHER TERM OR CONDITION OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE PLAN), AND (y)
WITH RESPECT TO ANY SHARES OF VESTED STOCK, THE PARTICIPANT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO
RETURN TO THE COMPANY ALL OF THE ACTUAL SHARES OF VESTED STOCK, OR OTHER
EQUIVALENT SHARES OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK, WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE
DATE OF WRITTEN NOTICE FROM THE COMPANY THAT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
SUBSECTION DELIVERY OF SUCH SHARES IS DUE AND THE PARTICIPANT SHALL FORFEIT ALL
RIGHTS TO SUCH SHARES OF VESTED STOCK. THIS SHALL BE IN ADDITION TO ANY
INJUNCTIVE OR OTHER RELIEF TO WHICH THE COMPANY, ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATED
ENTITIES MAY BE ENTITLED UNDER SUBSECTION (f).

                           (f) CONSEQUENCES OF OTHER BREACHES OF THIS SECTION.
THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT DAMAGES WHICH MAY ARISE FROM ANY BREACH OF ANY
OF HIS PROMISES CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 14 MAY BE IMPOSSIBLE TO ASCERTAIN OR
PROVE WITH CERTAINTY. THE PARTICIPANT AGREES IF PARTICIPANT BREACHES ANY OF HIS
PROMISES CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 14, IN ADDITION TO THE REMEDIES PROVIDED
UNDER SUBSECTION (e), IF APPLICABLE, AND ANY OTHER LEGAL REMEDIES WHICH MAY BE
AVAILABLE, THE COMPANY, A SUBSIDIARY OR AFFILIATED ENTITY (AS APPLICABLE) SHALL
BE ENTITLED TO IMMEDIATE INJUNCTIVE RELIEF FROM A COURT OF COMPETENT
JURISDICTION, PENDING ARBITRATION UNDER SECTION 15 OR OTHERWISE, TO END SUCH
BREACH, WITHOUT FURTHER PROOF OF DAMAGE.

                           (G) PERMITTED OWNERSHIP. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION 14
SHALL PROHIBIT THE PARTICIPANT FROM OWNING LESS THAN ONE PERCENT (1%) OF ANY
COMPANY THAT IS PUBLICLY TRADED ON ANY NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE.

                           (h) SEVERABILITY AND REASONABLENESS. IF, AT ANY TIME,
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 14 SHALL BE DETERMINED TO BE INVALID OR
UNENFORCEABLE, BY REASON OF BEING VAGUE OR UNREASONABLE AS TO GEOGRAPHIC AREA,
DURATION OR SCOPE OF ACTIVITY OR DUE TO ANY OTHER RESTRICTION OR LIMITATION,
THIS SECTION 14 SHALL BE CONSIDERED DIVISIBLE AND SHALL BECOME AND BE
IMMEDIATELY AMENDED TO ONLY SUCH GEOGRAPHIC AREA, DURATION AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITY
AND/OR RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS AS SHALL BE DETERMINED TO BE REASONABLE AND
ENFORCEABLE BY AN ARBITRATOR OR A COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE MATTER; AND
THE PARTICIPANT AGREES THAT THIS SECTION 14 AS SO AMENDED SHALL BE VALID AND
BINDING AS THOUGH ANY INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE PORTION HAD NOT BEEN INCLUDED
HEREIN. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA, DURATION AND SCOPE OF THE
LIMITATIONS AND THE RESTRICTIONS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTIONS (a) THROUGH (e) ARE
REASONABLE.

                  15. Arbitration of Disputes. Any disputes, claims or
controversies between the Participant and the Company, its Subsidiaries or
Affiliated Entities which may arise out of or relate to this Agreement shall be
settled by arbitration. This agreement to arbitrate shall survive the

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termination of this Agreement. Any arbitration shall be in accordance with the
Rules of the American Arbitration Association and shall be undertaken pursuant
to the Federal Arbitration Act. Arbitration will be held in Dallas, Texas unless
the parties mutually agree on another location. The decision of the
arbitrator(s) will be enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction. The
arbitrator(s) may, but will not be required to, award such damages or other
monetary relief as either party might be entitled to receive from a court of
competent jurisdiction. Nothing in this agreement to arbitrate shall preclude
the Company from obtaining injunctive relief from a court of competent
jurisdiction prohibiting any on-going breaches of the Agreement by the
Participant pending arbitration. The arbitrator(s) may also award costs and
attorneys' fees in connection with the arbitration to the prevailing party;
however, in the arbitrator's(s') discretion, each party may be ordered to bear
its/his own costs and attorneys' fees.

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

"COMPANY"                          FLEMING COMPANIES, INC., an Oklahoma
                                   corporation

                                   By
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      Scott M. Northcutt
                                      Executive Vice President - Human Resources

"PARTICIPANT"
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      [Name of Participant]

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                                    Exhibit A

                         [Copy of Stock Incentive Plan]

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Exhibit B

                      ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ______________, an individual, hereby irrevocably assigns
and conveys to ________________________, _________________________________
(_______) shares of the Common Capital Stock of Fleming Companies, Inc., an
Oklahoma corporation, $2.50 par value.

DATED:
        ----------------------------

                                                ================================

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The following executive officers have received a restricted stock award pursuant
to this form:

Name of Grantee            Number of Shares

Matthew H. Hildreth        5,000
Mark D. Shapiro            5,000

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.45

                              SEPARATION AGREEMENT

     This Separation Agreement (this "Agreement") is made by and among MMI
Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), MMI Management Services
LP, a Delaware limited liability partnership ("MMI Services") and Ronald R.
Ross, on behalf of himself and his spouse, heirs, administrators, and legal and
personal representatives of any kind, if any (collectively, "Executive"), and
shall become effective upon its signature by all Parties (as hereinafter
defined) and expiration of the seven (7) day revocation period referred to in
Section 7 hereof (such date of effectiveness, the "Effective Date").

     WHEREAS, Executive is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and MMI Services;

     WHEREAS, the Company, MMI Services and Executive have agreed to terminate
Executive's Employment Agreement, dated October 13, 2000, between the Company,
MMI Services and Executive (the "Employment Agreement"), on the terms set forth
herein and to release each of the Parties from any claims arising from or
related to the Employment Agreement as set forth in this Agreement;

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein and
other valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged,
the Company, MMI Services and Executive (collectively referred to as the
"Parties") hereby agree as follows:

     1. Resignation as Executive; Termination of Employment. Executive hereby
resigns all offices, both as a director and officer, he holds with Merchants
Metals Holding Corporation ("MMHC"), the Company, MMI Services and/or any of
their respective subsidiaries. Executive agrees to execute all further documents
which the Company and/or MMI Services may request of him to effectuate such
resignations. The Parties agree that Executive's employment with the Company is
terminated as of April 13, 2001 (the "Termination Date").

     2. Payment.

     (a) MMI Services shall pay (i) on the date hereof, any amounts owed to
Executive pursuant to Section 3(a) and Section 3(d) of the Employment Agreement
in respect of salary earned and expenses incurred prior to the Date of
Termination; and (ii) on the Effective Date, a one time cash severance payment
of approximately $211,650 (which represents $300,000 less approximately $88,350
for tax withholding) to Executive on the Effective Date by check sent certified
mail return receipt requested. Except as set forth in this Section 2(a), the
Company shall not have any further obligation to pay Executive any other wages
or compensation or provide any other benefits to Executive (including, without
limitation, any wages, compensation or benefits provided for in Sections 4 and 7
of the Employment Agreement), and Executive acknowledges that he has received
all wages, compensation and benefits to which he is entitled.

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     (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2(a), Executive
will be entitled to the fees set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(b) of the
Employment Agreement in the event that (i) the conditions for payment of such
fees have been met and (ii) the applicable Transaction (as defined in the
Employment Agreement) is with one of the parties set forth on Schedule I hereto;
provided, that for purposes of this Section 2(b), (x) the termination of
Executive's employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be a
termination pursuant to Section 6(a)(iv) of the Employment Agreement and (y)
each of the parties listed on Schedule I hereto, and only such parties, shall be
deemed to be a Third Party (as defined in the Employment Agreement) with whom
the Company and Executive had been involved in active discussions prior to the
Effective Date.

     (c) Following the Termination Date, Executive shall have the right, at his
own expense, to the continuation of health care coverage for the period
prescribed under COBRA.

     3. Non-Solicitation.

         (a) For a period of eighteen months following the Termination Date,
Executive agrees that neither he nor any affiliate shall, directly or
indirectly, (i) induce, or attempt to induce, any employee of the Company, MMI
Services or any of their respective affiliates to terminate his or her
employment with the Company, MMI Services or any of their respective affiliates,
as applicable, (ii) hire, or attempt to hire, any such employee of the Company,
MMI Services or any of their respective affiliates or (iii) request or solicit
any present customer or supplier of the Company to cancel or curtail its
business with the Company or MMI Services.

         (b) Executive acknowledges that, in view of the nature of the business
in which the Company, MMI Services and their respective affiliates are engaged,
the restrictions contained in Sections 3(a) above (the "Restrictions") are both
reasonable and necessary in order to protect the legitimate interests of the
Company, MMI Services and their respective affiliates, and that any violation of
such Restrictions would result in irreparable injuries to the Company, MMI
Services and their respective affiliates.

         (c) If any Restriction, or any part thereof, shall be determined in any
judicial or administrative proceeding to be invalid or unenforceable, the
remainder of the Restrictions shall not thereby be affected and shall be given
full force and effect, without regard to the invalid provisions. If the period
of time specified in the Restrictions shall be determined in any judicial or
administrative proceeding to be unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable, then
the court or the administrative body shall have the power to reduce the period
of time and, in its reduced form, such provisions shall then be enforceable and
shall be enforced.

     4. Confidential Information. Executive hereby represents and warrants that
he has surrendered to the Company and MMI Services all tangible Confidential
Information (as hereinafter defined) (and all copies thereof) and all other
property belonging to the Company, MMI Services and their respective
subsidiaries or affiliates.

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         (a) Definition. Executive understands that Company and MMI Services
possess valuable Confidential Information to which Executive has had access to
in the performance of his job duties. Executive is responsible for maintaining
the confidentiality of such information as set forth in this Agreement.
"Confidential Information" shall mean trade secrets, confidential or proprietary
information, and all other information, documents or materials, owned, developed
or possessed by the Company, MMI Services, or any of their parents, subsidiaries
or affiliates, including any of their respective predecessors and successors,
whether in tangible or intangible form, that is not generally known to the
public. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, (i) financial
information, (ii) products, (iii) product and service costs, prices, profits and
sales, (iv) new business ideas, (v) business strategies, (vi) product and
service plans, (vii) marketing plans and studies, (viii) forecasts, (ix)
budgets, (x) projections, (xi) computer programs, (xii) data bases and the
documentation (and information contained therein), (xiii) computer access codes
and similar information, (xiv) software ideas, (xv) know-how, technologies,
concepts and designs, (xvi) research projects and all information connected with
research and development efforts, (xvii) records, (xviii) business
relationships, methods and recommendations, (xix) existing or prospective
client, customer, vendor and supplier information (including, but not limited
to, identities, needs, transaction histories, volumes, characteristics,
agreements, prices, identities of individual contacts, and spending, preferences
or habits), (xx) training manuals and similar materials used by the Company, MMI
Services or any of their parents, subsidiaries or affiliates in conducting its
business operations, (xxi) skills, responsibilities, compensation and personnel
files of employees, directors and independent contractors of the Company, MMI
Services or any of their parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, (xxii) competitive
analyses, (xxiii) contracts with other parties, and (xxiv) other confidential or
proprietary information that has not been made available to the general public
by the Company's and MMI Services' senior management. Confidential Information
shall not include the trade knowledge, skill and expertise developed by the
Executive as a result of Executive's prior experience in the building products
industry, but shall include such trade knowledge, skill and expertise developed
during the Executive's term of employment.

         (b) Non-Disclosure. Executive shall not use or reveal any Confidential
Information, or trade secret of the Company or MMI Services for any purpose
without the express prior written consent of the Company or MMI Services, as
applicable. Executive further agrees that he shall not disclose to any person,
firm, or entity the names of suppliers to or customers of the Company or MMI
Services, the business of the Company or MMI Services, any trade secret,
know-how, or knowledge relating to the manufacturing, sales, or marketing
techniques or financial data of the Company or MMI Services except as required
by law or provided otherwise in this Agreement. As used herein, trade secret
shall be deemed to include, without limitation, the names of (i) any person or
entity with whom the Company or MMI Services had any contractual relationship or
for whom the Company or MMI Services rendered services or sold any product prior
to the Effective Date, or (ii) any person or entity whose business was solicited
by the Company or MMI Services prior to the Effective Date.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

     5. Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges that, in the event Executive
violates, or threatens to violate, any of the covenants in Sections 3 and/or 4,
the Company, MMI Services and their respective affiliates shall be entitled to
obtain from any court of competent jurisdiction, preliminary and permanent
injunctive relief as well as damages and an equitable accounting of all
earnings, profits and other benefits arising from such violation, which rights
shall be cumulative and in addition to any other rights or remedies in law or
equity to which the Company, MMI Services or their respective affiliates may be
entitled.

     6. Non-Disparagement. (a) Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, make
or cause to be made and shall cause the officers, directors, employees, agents
and representatives of any entity or person controlled by Executive not to make
or cause to be made, any disparaging, denigrating, derogatory or other negative
or false statement orally or in writing to any person or entity about MMHC, any
holder of 5% or more of any class of the MMHC's voting stock, the Company, MMI
Services, their respective parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, their respective
executive officers or member of its or their boards of directors, or the
business strategy or plans, policies, practices or operations of MMHC, of any
holder of 5% or more of any class of the MMHC's voting stock, the Company, MMI
Services or their respective parents, subsidiaries or affiliates.

         (b) The Company and MMI Services shall not, directly or indirectly,
make or cause to be made and shall cause the officers, directors, employees,
agents and representatives of any entity or person controlled by the Company or
MMI Services not to make or cause to be made, any disparaging, denigrating,
derogatory or other negative or false statement orally or in writing to any
person or entity about Executive.

     7. No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Executive represents that he has no
lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in his name, or on behalf of any other
person or entity, against the Company, MMI Services or any other person or
entity referred to herein. Executive also represents that he has not assigned
any claims on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against
the Company, MMI Services or any other person or entity referred to herein.

     8. Release. (a) Executive, Executive's spouse and Executive's current and
former affiliates, assigns, executors, agents, advisors, attorneys, and
representatives of any kind, if any, by this Agreement RELEASE, SURRENDER,
REMISE, ACQUIT, AND FOREVER DISCHARGE MMHC, the Company, MMI Services and each
of their current and former employees, officers, directors, shareholders,
affiliates, successors, predecessors, partners, parent companies, subsidiaries,
assigns, executors, agents, attorneys, and representatives of any kind, if any,
from any and all claims, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY AND ALL STATUTORY
AND COMMON LAW CLAIMS FOR BREACH OF EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT, PAYMENTS DUE
AND OWING, MONIES HAD AND RECEIVED, QUANTUM MERUIT, BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY,
NEGLIGENCE, NEGLIGENT MISREPRESENTATION, BREACH OF THE IMPLIED COVENANT OF GOOD
FAITH AND FAIR DEALING, CONVERSION, WRONGFUL DISCHARGE, TORT,

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

DEFAMATION, PROMISSORY ESTOPPEL, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS
AMENDED, ANY OTHER CIVIL OR HUMAN RIGHTS LAW, THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN
EMPLOYMENT ACT, AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME
SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED, OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAW
RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT OR DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING CLAIMS ARISING
OUT OF OR RELATING TO EXECUTIVE'S EMPLOYMENT BY THE COMPANY AND MMI SERVICES OR
HIS RESPECTIVE SERVICES AS A DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE COMPANY, MMI
SERVICES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBSIDIARIES, OR OTHERWISE RELATING TO THE
TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVE'S EMPLOYMENT WITH AND SERVICES FOR THE COMPANY AND MMI
SERVICES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH RELEASE WILL NOT LIMIT OR RELEASE (I)
EXECUTIVE'S RIGHTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, (II) EXECUTIVE'S RIGHTS TO
INDEMNIFICATION FROM THE COMPANY IN RESPECT OF HIS SERVICES AS A DIRECTOR OR
OFFICER OF MMHC, THE COMPANY, MMI SERVICES OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE
SUBSIDIARIES AS PROVIDED BY LAW OR THE CERTIFICATES OF INCORPORATION OR BY-LAWS
(OR LIKE CONSTITUTIVE DOCUMENTS) OR DIRECTOR AND OFFICER INDEMNIFICATION
AGREEMENT OF MMHC, THE COMPANY, MMI SERVICES OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (III)
THE EXECUTIVE'S RIGHTS AGAINST THE COMPANY OR MMI SERVICES WITH RESPECT TO ANY
FRAUDULENT OR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. OR (IV) CLAIMS ARISING SOLELY AFTER THE DATE
HEREOF.

         (b) The Company and MMI Services, on their own behalf and on behalf of
their respective subsidiaries, by this Agreement RELEASE, SURRENDER, REMISE,
ACQUIT, AND FOREVER DISCHARGE Executive, from any and all claims, INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY AND ALL STATUTORY AND COMMON LAW CLAIMS FOR BREACH OF
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT, PAYMENTS DUE AND OWING, MONIES HAD AND RECEIVED,
QUANTUM MERIT, BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY, NEGLIGENCE, NEGLIGENT
MISREPRESENTATION, BREACH OF THE IMPLIED COVENANT OF GOOD FAITH AND FAIR
DEALING, CONVERSION, TORT, DEFAMATION, OR PROMISSORY ESTOPPEL, IN EACH CASE
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE EXECUTIVE'S EMPLOYMENT BY
THE COMPANY OR INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY OR HIS SERVICES AS A DIRECTOR, OFFICER
OR EMPLOYEE OF THE COMPANY OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES, OR OTHERWISE RELATING TO THE
TERMINATION OF SUCH EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH GENERAL
RELEASE WILL NOT LIMIT OR RELEASE (I) THE COMPANY'S RIGHTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT
(INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT THAT
ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN), (II) THE COMPANY'S RIGHTS AGAINST EXECUTIVE WITH
RESPECT TO ANY FRAUDULENT OR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, OR (III) CLAIMS ARISING SOLELY
AFTER THE DATE HEREOF.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

     9. Confidentiality. Each Party agrees to take every reasonable precaution
to prevent disclosure of this Agreement to third parties, and each Party agrees
that there will be no publicity, directly or indirectly, concerning this
Agreement, except as provided or required by law, and except as MMHC, the
Company or MMI Services may disclose pursuant to any securities laws. Subject to
the exceptions in the immediately preceding sentence, the Parties agree to take
every precaution to disclose this Agreement only to those employees, officers,
directors, attorneys, accountants, governmental entities and family members who
have a reasonable need to know. This provision shall not in any way prevent
Executive from disclosing this Agreement to his legal counsel, financial
advisors, and his spouse.

     10. Assistance to Third Parties. Executive agrees that he will not counsel
or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of
any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any
third party against the Company and/or any officer, director, employee, agent,
representative, shareholder or attorney of the Company unless under a subpoena
or other court order to do so.

     11. Cooperation. Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with MMHC, the
Company and MMI Services as reasonably directed by MMHC, the Company or MMI
Services, as applicable, by responding to questions, depositions, administrative
proceedings and court hearings, executing documents, and cooperating with the
MMHC, Company, MMI Services and their respective accountants and legal counsel
with respect to business issues, and/or claims and litigation of which he has
personal knowledge. Executive further agrees, except as required by subpoena or
other applicable legal process (after MMHC, the Company and MMI Services have
been given reasonable notice and opportunity to seek relief from such
requirement), to maintain, in strict confidence, any information of which he has
knowledge regarding current and/or future claims, administrative proceedings and
litigation. Executive agrees, except as required by subpoena or other applicable
legal process (after MMHC, the Company and MMI Services have been given
reasonable notice and opportunity to seek relief from such requirement), not to
communicate with any party(ies), their legal counsel or others adverse to MMHC,
the Company or MMI Services in any such claims, administrative proceedings or
litigation except through MMHC's, the Company's or MMI Services' designated
legal counsel. Executive also shall make himself available at reasonable times
and upon reasonable notice to answer questions or provide other information
within his possession and requested by MMHC, the Company or MMI Services
relating to MMHC, the Company, MMI Services, their respective subsidiaries
and/or their respective operations in order to facilitate the smooth transition
of Executive's duties to his successor. The Company or MMI Services shall
reimburse Executive for any documented out-of-pocket expenses reasonably
incurred by Executive in complying with this paragraph 11.

     12. Tax Consequences. Executive acknowledges and agrees that neither the
Company nor MMI Services is making any representations or warranties with
respect to the tax consequences of the payment of any sums to Executive under
the terms of this Agreement.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

     13. Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, expert fees,
attorneys' fees, expenses, and other fees incurred in connection with this
Agreement.

     14. Arbitration to Enforce Agreement.

         (a) The Parties specifically agree that any controversy, claim, or
dispute arising out of this Agreement or any alleged breach thereof, shall be
resolved exclusively by arbitration. Any arbitration shall take place in
Houston, Texas and be administered by the Houston office of the American
Arbitration Association (the "AAA") in accordance with its Commercial
Arbitration Rules in effect at the time the arbitration is initiated
(collectively, the "Rules").

         (b) As soon as a demand for arbitration shall be made by either Party,
the AAA shall proceed to provide a list of arbitrators from the Commercial Panel
from which the Parties shall select a panel of three neutral arbitrators in
accordance with the Rules and normal procedures of the Houston office of the
AAA. If necessary, the AAA shall select some or all of the arbitrators when it
is authorized to do so under the Rules.

         (c) The arbitration panel shall render a full, complete, conclusive,
and binding resolution of the dispute. The arbitration award shall assess all
reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, including the costs of the arbitration and
the arbitrators' compensation, against the losing Party. Judgment on the award
may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

     15. Authority. The Company and MMI Services represent and warrant that the
undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of such Party, and to bind such
Party, and all who may claim through such Party to bind them to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement. Executive represents and warrants that he has the
capacity to act on his own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through
him to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Executive
warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments
in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of
action released herein.

     16. No Representations. Executive represents that he has had the
opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands
the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement. Executive further
represents that he has not relied upon any representations or statements made by
the other Parties hereto which are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.

     17. Severability. Subject to the terms of Section 3 hereof, in the event
that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue
in full force and effect without said provision.

     18. Merger Clause. This Agreement represents the entire agreement and
understanding among the Parties concerning Executive's separation from MMHC, the

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

Company and MMI Services, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior
agreements and understandings concerning Executive's relationship with MMHC, the
Company and MMI Services and his compensation by the Company and MMI Services,
including without limitation, the Employment Agreement.

     19. No Oral Modification. This Agreement may only be amended in a writing
signed by Executive and an authorized representative of the Company and MMI
Services.

     20. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under
the laws of the State of Texas without regard to conflicts of laws principles.

     21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each
counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall
constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the
undersigned.

     22. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. This Agreement is executed
voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of
the parties hereto. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OLDER WORKERS BENEFIT PROTECTION ACT
OF 1990, EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES AS FOLLOWS:

          (a)  Executive has been and hereby is advised to consult with an
               attorney before executing this Agreement;

          (b)  Executive has been given twenty-one (21) days to review and
               consider this Agreement; and

          (c)  Executive knowingly and voluntarily agrees to the terms contained
               in this Agreement;

          (d)  Executive has been advised that he may revoke this Agreement by
               delivering a written revocation to Julius S. Burns, Chairman no
               later than seven (7) days after Executive executes this
               Agreement.

     23. Notices. All notices under this Agreement shall be sent via certified
mail, return receipt requested, as follows:

          (a)  Executive:

               Ronald R. Ross
               816 Hill Creek Drive
               McKinney, Texas 75077

               with a copy to:

               Thomas W. Hughes, Esq.
               Winstead Sechrest & Minick
               5400 Renaissance Tower
               1201 Elm Street
               Dallas, Texas 75270

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

          (b)  The Company:

               MMI Products, Inc.
               515 West Greens Road, Suite 710
               Houston, Texas 77067
               Attention: Julius S. Burns, Chairman

               with a copy to:

               Michael A. Saslaw, Esq.
               Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
               100 Crescent Court, Suite 1300
               Dallas, Texas 75201

          (c)  MMI Services:

               MMI Management Services LP
               515 West Greens Road, Suite 710
               Houston, Texas 77067
               Attention: Julius S. Burns, Chairman

               with a copy to:

               Michael A. Saslaw, Esq.
               Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
               100 Crescent Court, Suite 1300
               Dallas, Texas 75201

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the
respective dates set forth below.

                                       MMI PRODUCTS, INC.,
                                       a Delaware corporation

Dated: April 16, 2001                  By: /s/ Julius S. Burns
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Julius S. Burns, Chairman

                                       MMI MANAGEMENT SERVICES LP,
                                       a Delaware limited liability partnership

Dated: April 16, 2001                  By: /s/ Julius S. Burns
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Julius S. Burns, Chairman

                                       RONALD  R. ROSS,
                                       an individual

Dated: April 16, 2001                  By: /s/ Ronald R. Ross
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Ronald R. Ross

AGREED AND CONSENTED TO
on this 16th day of April, 2001:

/s/  Deanna Jacoby Ross
-----------------------------------
Deanna Jacoby Ross

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