EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This AGREEMENT (the Agreement) is made as of the 15th day of August, 2006 (the Effective Date) between Global Crossing Limited, a Bermuda corporation (the Company), and John J. Legere (Executive).
This Agreement shall supersede, effective as of the Effective Date, the prior employment agreement between the Company and Executive, made as of December 9, 2003 (the Original Agreement), except to the extent otherwise specifically provided herein.
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company, and Executive hereby agree as follows:
1. Employment.
Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter contained, the Company hereby agrees to employ Executive and Executive accepts the employment by the Company.
(a) During the Term (as defined below), Executive shall hold the title of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company, shall be the most senior executive officer of the Company, and shall have those powers and duties normally associated with the position of CEO and such other powers and duties consistent with such position as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board); provided, however, that in no event shall Executives powers and duties hereunder be materially less than those duties Executive held with the Company immediately prior to the Effective Date. During the Term, Executive shall (i) be invited to attend and have the right, at his election and at Company expense, to attend and participate in all regular and telephonic meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board), and committees thereof; (ii) shall receive copies of all resolutions to be acted upon by written consent, at the same time as they are provided to Board members, and (iii) in either case shall receive all materials distributed to Board members at the same time as they are provided to such members; provided that Executive shall not be a director of the Company and shall not have the right to vote on any matter to be acted upon by the Board or a Board Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Executive have the right to attend the portion of any meeting called by (A) the Board to determine whether or not to terminate Executives employment in accordance with Section 6 of the Agreement, or (B) any committee of the Board to act on a matter that is required under U.S. securities or tax laws to be acted upon solely by independent directors. In addition, Executive shall not have the right to attend the portion of any meeting called by the Board or any committee thereof, or to receive any resolutions or other materials provided to the members of the Board or any committee thereof related to such portions of such meetings, that counsel to the Board or any committee thereof (whichever is applicable) reasonably determines relates to a matter, either initiated by Executive or in which Executive is otherwise involved, in which Executives interests are adverse to the interests of the Company or the Board. During the Term, Executive shall report directly to the Board in carrying out his responsibilities under this Agreement. Executives
principal business location shall be at the Companys principal executive offices in the New York metropolitan area.
(b) During the Term, all executive officers of the Company shall report to Executive.
(c) Executive shall faithfully serve the Company to the utmost of his ability and shall use his best efforts to promote the interests of the Company and shall devote all of his time and attention during the normal working hours of the Company to the said duties. The foregoing shall not preclude Executive from engaging in appropriate civic, charitable or religious activities or from devoting a reasonable amount of time to private investments or, subject to Board approval, from serving on the boards of directors of other entities, as long as none of such activities, investments and service materially interfere or conflict with Executives responsibilities to the Company or compete, directly or indirectly, with the Company or its affiliates.
2. Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 6 below, the term of this Agreement (the Term) shall commence on the Effective Date and continue for a period ending on the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.
3. Compensation.
(a) Base Salary. The Company agrees to pay and Executive agrees to accept as compensation for the services rendered by Executive during his employment hereunder an annualized base salary of $1,100,000 (Base Salary), to be paid in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, but in no event less frequently than semi-monthly.
(b) Annual Bonus. Executive shall also be eligible to receive an annual bonus (Annual Bonus) in accordance with the Companys annual incentive plan beginning with the bonus payable in respect of the fiscal year of the Company commencing January 1, 2006. The amount of the Annual Bonus shall be determined based upon the achievement of established performance goals which, to the extent related to corporate goals, shall be the same for Executive as other members of the Companys senior executive team. All performance goals shall be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the Compensation Committee). Executive shall have a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 100% of his Base Salary such that, upon achievement of performance goals at target level, Executive shall receive an Annual Bonus equal to 100% of Base Salary, with scaling of Annual Bonus in accordance with plan parameters based on performance above or below target performance. The Company may, at its election, pay up to one-half of the Annual Bonus in shares of the Companys common stock, such stock to be valued on the date on which the Board or the Compensation Committee (as appropriate) approves the payment of the Annual Bonus.
(c) Company Stock Options and Other Equity Grants. Executive shall be eligible to receive grants of Company stock options, restricted stock units and other equity based compensation awards, on a basis not less favorable than the grants
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made for other senior executives of the Company; provided, however, that any agreement evidencing such grants shall contain terms and conditions not less favorable than the terms and conditions set forth on Exhibit A.
(d) Withholding. All payments required under this Agreement shall be made net of withholding for taxes and other amounts required by applicable laws, which shall be paid by the withholding agent to the applicable tax authorities within the time prescribed by law.
4. Perquisites and Benefits.
(a) General. Executive shall be eligible to participate in all pension and welfare benefits provided by the Company to its employees and shall be entitled to such benefits and shall be covered under the Companys perquisite programs on a basis no less favorable than those provided to the most senior executive officers of the Company.
(b) Vacation. Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of paid vacation per year. Executive may not carryover more than four weeks paid vacation from year to year. On termination of Executives employment for whatever reason, Executive shall be entitled to be paid for all accrued but unused vacation through the date of termination.
(c) Relocation. In the event of Executives relocation, Executive shall receive relocation benefits no less favorable than those provided in the Companys relocation policy as in effect on the Effective Date.
5. Expense Reimbursements.
Executive shall be reimbursed for reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive on behalf of the Company, including, but not limited to, travel and entertainment expenses, in accordance with Company policies. Business travel shall be by first class air.
6. Termination/Resignation.
Subject to the provisions below, Executive may be terminated by the Company at any time during the Term, with or without cause. Executive may resign at any time for any reason.
(a) Death or Disability. In the event Executives employment is terminated by the Company during the Term due to death of Executive or due to a disability which renders Executive unable to fulfill his duties on a full-time basis more than 180 days in any 365-day period (a Disability), then Executive or his estate shall receive at termination, a lump sum payment covering (i) Base Salary, prorated through the date of termination, (ii) any unpaid Annual Bonus relating to the year immediately prior to the year in which the Termination Date occurs (irrespective of any requirement that Executive be employed on the date of payment), and a pro rata Annual Bonus
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(calculated by assuming that target level performance was attained) for the year of such termination, (iii) accrued but unused vacation, and (iv) reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses incurred pursuant to Section 5 hereof (collectively, Accrued Obligations). In addition, all unvested options, restricted stock units and other equity based compensation awards regarding shares of the Company held by Executive on the date of such termination shall become immediately vested, and Executive or his successors, or Executives estate, as applicable, shall have the right to exercise such options for 12 months from Executives date of termination, or if shorter, for the balance of the original unexpired term at the date of grant (Full Option Vesting and Extended Exercise Rights).
(b) Termination For Cause. (i) Actions or omissions during the Term that will entitle the Company to terminate Executive for cause (Termination for Cause) shall be:
(1) conviction of a crime of moral turpitude, which causes serious economic injury to the Company, or conviction of a felony; or
(2) material breach of the Proprietary Information Agreement as described in Section 7 hereof; or
(3) fraud, embezzlement, or gross negligence which has caused serious and demonstrable injury to the Company or its affiliates; or
(4) egregious performance or egregious failure to perform Executives duties as CEO of the Company;
provided, however, that a failure to achieve performance objectives shall not constitute the sole grounds for, or be treated as the sole basis for, a Termination for Cause under this Agreement.
(ii) A Termination for Cause shall not take effect unless the Company shall have given or delivered to Executive (A) reasonable notice (the Preliminary Notice) setting forth, in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for a Termination for Cause, (B) an opportunity for Executive to cure any action or omission alleged as the basis for such termination under subsections (b)(i)(2) or (b)(i)(4) of this Section 6, if curable, (C) a reasonable opportunity for Executive, together with his counsel, to be heard before the Board, and (D) following such hearing, a Notice of Termination for Cause, which shall include a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board finding that, in the informed, reasonable, good faith judgment of the Board, Executive was guilty of conduct specified in the Preliminary Notice (the date of receipt by Executive of such Notice of Termination for Cause, the Termination Date). Upon receipt of the Preliminary Notice, Executive shall have thirty (30) days in which to appear before the Board with counsel, or take such other action as he may deem appropriate, and such
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thirty (30) day period is hereby agreed to as a reasonable opportunity for Executive to be heard.
(iii) Upon Termination for Cause, Executive shall be entitled to a lump sum payment covering the Accrued Obligations (except that there shall be no pro rata payment of Annual Bonus for the year of termination) and, except as provided under the terms of the Company compensation and benefit plans, including without limitation, any stock incentive plans and applicable award agreements, and under Section 9(i) and 9(j) hereof, shall not be entitled to receive any further compensation or payments hereunder.
(c) Termination Other Than For Cause. Executive may be terminated by the Company during the Term at any time and for any (or no) reason, upon the giving of notice by the Company to Executive of termination. Unless such termination satisfies all the conditions for a Termination for Cause or a termination on account of Executives Disability, such termination shall be treated as a Termination other than for Cause. In the event of a Termination other than for Cause, the Company may, in the notice of termination, discharge Executive immediately or as of such future date, not to exceed one month, as the Company may determine to be appropriate. In the event that Executive is given notice of termination pursuant to this subsection:
(i) on or prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, Executive shall receive at termination (I) a lump sum payment covering the Accrued Obligations; (II) a lump sum cash severance payment equal to three (3) times the sum of Base Salary plus Annual Bonus (calculated by assuming the target level of performance was attained), (III) for a period of three (3) years following the date of such termination (or until such earlier date as equivalent benefits are provided from other employment), continuation of benefits provided in accordance with Section 4 hereof; and (IV) Full Option Vesting and Extended Exercise Rights;
(ii) following the second anniversary of the Effective Date but on or prior to the third anniversary of the Effective Date, Executive shall receive at termination (I) a lump sum payment covering the Accrued Obligations; (II) a lump-sum payment equal to two (2) times the sum of Base Salary plus Annual Bonus (calculated by assuming that target level performance was attained); (III) for a period of two (2) years following the date of such termination (or until such earlier date as equivalent benefits are provided from other employment), continuation of benefits provided in accordance with Section 4 hereof; and (IV) Full Option Vesting and Extended Exercise Rights; and
(iii) following the third anniversary of the Effective Date, Executive shall receive at termination (I) a lump sum payment covering the Accrued Obligations; (II) a lump-sum payment equal to one (1) times the sum of Base Salary plus Annual Bonus (calculated by assuming that target level performance was attained); (III) for a period of one (1) year following the date of such termination (or until such earlier date as equivalent benefits are provided
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from other employment), continuation of benefits provided in accordance with Section 4 hereof; and (IV) Full Option Vesting and Extended Exercise Rights.
(d) Resignation for Good Reason. The occurrence of any of the following events during the Term without his express written consent shall entitle Executive to resign for Good Reason (Good Reason Event) during the Term: (i) any material diminution in the nature or scope of Executives authority, powers, functions, duties, positions or responsibilities from those provided under this Agreement, or the assignment of duties, responsibilities or reporting relationships that are inconsistent with and adverse to his then positions or responsibilities under this Agreement; (ii) any material uncured breach by the Company of this Agreement (including any failure to provide compensation when and as required hereunder, unless cured within 10 business days of such failure); or (iii) failure of any successor of the Company to assume in writing all obligations imposed on the applicable assignor hereunder on or prior to the date of such succession, unless such assumption occurs by operation of law. For 60 days following the occurrence of a Good Reason Event, Executive shall have the right to deliver a notice of breach to the Company detailing the specific Good Reason Event that has occurred. In the event that the Company does not cure the breach, if susceptible of cure, within 60 days after receipt of notice, then Executive shall have 30 days to deliver notice of resignation. Upon such resignation, Executive shall receive the same payments and benefits as provided in Section 6(c) hereof.
(e) Resignation from Board. Upon termination of Executives employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall resign as of the date of such termination from the Board and any affiliate board of directors.
(f) Payments in Cash. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, all payments under Section 6 shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available U.S. federal funds on the date indicated in accordance with account instructions furnished by Executive or his tax accountant.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any payments provided to Executive under this Agreement which are treated as deferred compensation under final regulations issued pursuant to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Section 409A), or other applicable guidance in effect at the time of termination, but only such payments, shall be deferred to the minimum extent necessary so that they are not payable before the first day of the seventh month following Executives termination of employment. In the event of any disagreement as to the need for any payment to be deferred, Executive may require that such disagreement be fully and finally resolved by an accounting firm that would qualify as an Accounting Firm if it were appointed pursuant to Section 8(b) of this Agreement, and all other procedures described in Section 8(b) shall apply to any such appointment and determination; provided that if the Company has not engaged, and used reasonable best efforts to obtain an opinion from, the Accounting Firm within 30 days of a request by Executive that it do so, then the payments in question shall be due and payable immediately and any additional taxes due by Executive in respect of such payments under Section 409A shall be grossed up by the Company in the same manner as if an
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excise tax gross up were required under Section 8.
7. Confidentiality and Proprietary Information.
Executive shall comply in all respects with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information Agreement annexed hereto as Exhibit B hereto and incorporated by reference.
8. Gross-Up Payments.
(a) In the event that any amount or benefit paid or distributed to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, together with any amounts or benefits otherwise paid or distributed to Executive by the Company (or, in either case, to be paid or distributed), excluding amounts payable pursuant to this Section 8 (collectively, the Covered Payments), are or become subject to the tax (the Excise Tax) imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed, or any interest or penalties are or will be incurred by Executive with respect to such excise tax, other than as a result of the consummation of Plan of Reorganization of Global Crossing, Ltd., or the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement dated as of August 9, 2002 among Global Crossing Ltd., Global Crossing Holdings Ltd., the Joint Provisional Liquidators, Singapore Technologies Telemedia Pte. Ltd and Hutchison Telecommunications Limited, the Company shall pay to Executive, at the time specified in subsection (e) below, an additional cash amount (the Gross-Up Payment) such that the net amount retained by Executive with respect to such Covered Payments, after deduction of the Excise Tax on the Covered Payments and any related interest, or penalties, and any Federal, state and local income tax, employment tax and Excise Tax on the Gross-Up Payment provided for by this Section 8, shall be equal to the amount of the Covered Payments.
(b) All determinations required to be made under this Section 8, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at the determination, shall be made by a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm selected by the Company (other than the Companys independent auditors, or any firm that has received fees from the Company or any of its affiliates within the two (2) year period prior to such selection) with the consent of Executive (the Accounting Firm), such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Executive within 20 days after the receipt of notice from Executive that there has been a Covered Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company.
(c) For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay:
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(i) Federal income taxes at the highest applicable marginal rate of Federal income taxation for the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, and
(ii) any applicable state and local income taxes at the highest applicable marginal rate of taxation for the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in Federal incomes taxes which could be obtained from the deduction of such state or local taxes if paid in such year.
(d) In the event that the Excise Tax is later determined by the Accounting Firm or the Internal Revenue Service to exceed the amount taken into account hereunder at the time the Gross-Up Payment is made (including, but not limited to, by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be determined at the time of the Gross-Up Payment), the Company shall make an additional Gross-Up Payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest or penalty payable with respect to such excess) within not more than twenty (20) days of such determination. In the event that the Excise Tax is subsequently determined by the Accounting Firm or pursuant to any proceeding or negotiations with the Internal Revenue Service to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder in calculating the Gross-Up Payment made, Executive shall repay to the Company, within not more than twenty (20) days of such determination, the portion of such prior Gross-Up Payment that would not have been paid if such reduced Excise Tax had been applied in initially calculating such Gross-Up Payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event any portion of the Gross-Up Payment to be refunded to the Company has been paid to any Federal, state or local tax authority, repayment thereof shall not be required unless and until actual refund of such portion has been made to Executive by the Internal Revenue Service or state or local tax authority, and interest payable to the Company shall not exceed interest received to Executive by such tax authority for the period it held such portion. Executive and the Company shall mutually agree upon the course of action to be pursued (and the method of allocating the expenses thereof) if Executives good faith claim for refund or credit is denied.
(e) The Gross-Up Payment (or portion thereof) provided for in Section (a) above shall be paid as soon as practicable following Executives receipt of any Covered Payments, but in no event later than thirty (30) days following the date the Company and Executive receive detailed supporting calculations from the Accounting Firm, in accordance with subsection (b) above.
9. Miscellaneous.
(a) Notices. Any notice or other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and deemed received upon receipt after delivery by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by hand as follows: (i) in the case of the Company, to the Board of Directors of the Company, at the Companys offices at 200 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932, or at such other address as shall be communicated in the manner provided herein and (ii) in the case of Executive, to
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Executive at the Companys offices at 200 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932 Attention: John J. Legere, with a simultaneous copy to Stephen Lindo, Esq. at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6099, or to such other addresses as shall be communicated in the manner provided herein. An email copy shall also be provided (i) to Executive at his regular corporate email address, and (ii) Stephen T. Lindo at ***@***.
(b) Modification/Waiver. No waiver or modification in whole or in part of this Agreement, or any term or condition hereof, shall be effective against any party unless in writing and duly signed by the parties hereto. Any waiver or any breach of any provision hereof, or of any right or power by any party on one or more occasions shall not be construed as a waiver of, or a bar to, the exercise of such right or power on any other occasion or as a waiver of any subsequent breach.
(c) Severability. Each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted so as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision of the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
(d) Binding Effect: Successors. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company and its successors, assigns and legal representatives and Executive, his heirs and legal representatives. Executive may not assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of this Agreement, or any of his other rights or obligations hereunder (other than his rights to payments hereunder, which may be transferred only by will or by the laws of descent and distribution), without the prior written consent of the Company, and any such attempted assignment, transfer or other disposition without such consent shall be null and void. The Company shall be entitled to assign its obligations under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of Executive, (i) in connection with an arms-length merger or consolidation of such party with another unaffiliated corporation or (ii) in connection with an arms-length sale of all or substantially all of its assets or business operations to another person or entity, provided that such assignee expressly assumes all of the rights and obligations of such party hereunder. After any such assignment, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
(e) Survival of Provisions of the Original Agreement. Executives rights under Section 7(h), 7(i) and the Release executed by Global Crossing Ltd (GX) pursuant to the prior employment agreement dated June 3, 2002 between GX and Executive, shall survive the execution of this Agreement and shall remain in full force and effect.
(f) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the other agreements referenced herein (including, without limitation, the stock option and restricted stock unit agreements listed on Exhibit C hereto and the Release Agreement dated November 22, 2005 (the Release Agreement) between Executive and the Company) set forth the
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entire agreement between the Company and Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof. Except as expressly set forth herein, in the agreements listed on Exhibit C hereto or in the Release Agreement, this Agreement supersedes all other agreements and understandings, written or oral, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, including, without limitation, the Original Agreement.
(g) Controlling Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of laws.
(h) Authority and Ratification. The Company represents that it has obtained all approvals, including Board and Compensation Committee approvals, required to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, that no other agreements would prevent or conflict with the Company entering into this Agreement.
(i) Disputes.
(i) If a dispute or controversy arises out of or in connection with Executives compensation or severance, whether pursuant to this Agreement, the provisions of the Original Agreement and the Release referenced in Section 9(e) hereof, or any other agreement to which Executive and the Company are parties (each a Compensation Agreement), the parties shall first attempt in good faith to settle the dispute or controversy through negotiations. Thereafter, any remaining unresolved dispute or controversy arising out of or in connection with a Compensation Agreement, upon a written notice from Executive to the Company, either before suit thereupon is filed or within 20 business days thereafter, be settled exclusively by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association designated by Executive for such arbitration proceeding, such city to be (A) New York, New York, (B) any city, county or parish in the continental United States in which Executives principal residence is located at the time such arbitration proceeding is commenced, (C) any city, county or parish in the continental United States which is the location of the Companys principal U.S. business operations or its U.S. headquarters or (D) any other location as to which the parties mutually agree. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction. Executive shall, however, be entitled to seek specific performance of the Companys obligations hereunder during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with a Compensation Agreement.
(ii) Any legal action concerning a Compensation Agreement, other than a mediation or an arbitration described subsection (i) of this Section 9(i), whether instituted by the Company or Executive, shall be brought and resolved only in a state court of competent jurisdiction located in the territory that encompasses the city, county, or parish in which Executives principal residence is located at the time such action is commenced. The Company hereby irrevocably consents and submits to and shall take any action necessary to subject itself to the personal jurisdiction of that court and hereby irrevocably agrees that
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all claims in respect of the action shall be instituted, heard, and determined in that court. The Company agrees that such court is a convenient forum, and hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of the action shall be instituted, heard, and determined in that court, and hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of the action. Any final judgment in the action may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
(iii) Each party shall pay the cost of his or its own legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with any dispute (including an arbitration or court proceeding) relating to the interpretation or enforcement of any provision of a Compensation Agreement; provided, however, that if Executive prevails on any material issue submitted in such dispute, the Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incurred by the Executive in connection therewith. The Company shall pay prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained by Executive as a result of a proceeding under this Section 9(i), calculated at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2) (B) of the Code.
(j) Indemnification. Except as provided in the Release Agreement, the Company shall indemnify Executive to the fullest extent permitted by law (including a payment of expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding) as in effect at the time of the subject act or omission, or by the terms of any indemnification agreement between the Company and Executive, whichever affords the greatest protection to Executive, and Executive shall be a named insured under and shall be entitled to the protection of all insurance policies the Company may maintain generally for the benefit of its senior executive officers and directors (and to the extent the Company maintains such an insurance policy or policies, in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any company officer), against all costs, charges, expenses or liabilities whatsoever incurred or sustained by Executive (including but not limited to any judgment entered by a court of law) at the time such costs, charges, expenses or liabilities are incurred or sustained, in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which Executive may be made a party by reason of his being or having been an officer or employee of the Company, or serving as a director, officer or employee of an affiliate of the Company. Executives rights under this Section 9(j) shall continue without time limit for so long as he may be subject to any such liability, whether or not the Term may have ended. In addition, to the extent commercially reasonable, the Company shall maintain, at all times during the Term, directors and officers liability insurance coverage under which Executive is a covered insured, with liability limits, deductibles, exclusions and tail coverage, not less protective than under the coverage in effect by the Company immediately prior to the Effective Date, or any more favorable coverage maintained by the Company thereafter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company agrees that at all times it shall endeavor to maintain directors and officers liability insurance coverage of not less than $30 million, covering indemnifiable claims that would otherwise have been covered under the coverage maintained by the Company immediately prior to the Effective Date.
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(k) Legal Fees. The Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable legal fees and costs incurred in the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement, up to a maximum of $25,000.
(l) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. Execution by facsimile shall be binding on the parties.
(m) Mitigation and Offset. Executive shall not be required to mitigate amounts payable under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, and there shall be no offset against amounts due Executive under this Agreement on account of subsequent employment.
(n) Survival. All obligations of the Company to make payments under any Compensation Agreement shall survive any termination of Executives employment or this Agreement until such obligations have been discharged in full.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
Global Crossing Limited
By: | /s/ John B. McShane | |
Name: | John B. McShane | |
Title: | General Counsel | |
AGREED AND ACCEPTED: | ||
/s/ John J. Legere | ||
John J. Legere |
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Exhibit A
Terms of Stock Option, Restricted Stock Unit and Other Equity Based Compensation Award Agreements
Termination of Employment: Vesting and exercise rights following any termination of employment shall be as set forth in Section 6 of the Employment Agreement to which this Exhibit is attached. The applicable stock option, restricted stock unit and other equity based compensation grant agreement(s) may either (i) incorporate by reference the provisions of Section 6 of the Employment Agreement, or (ii) contain provisions that correspond to the rights granted pursuant to Section 6 of the Employment Agreement.
Registration Statements. As soon as practicable after the date of grant (but in no event later than the applicable vesting or exercise dates), the Company shall file and keep effective a registration statement on Form S-8 (or other applicable registration statement) with respect to the stock options, restricted stock units or other equity based compensation awards, except to the extent covered by a comparable registration statement under the Companys stock incentive plans.
EXHIBIT B
Global Crossing
Proprietary Information Agreement
John J. Legere
Address
City, State, Zip Code
In connection with your employment or proposed employment with Global Crossing, Ltd., or a subsidiary thereof (together with its afilliates, successor entities and assigns), (GLOBAL CROSSING) you will have access to and may develop proprietary information, client lists, technical specifications, business plans, financial statements, marketing and sales plans and other confidential operational information. In consideration of your continued and/or future employment by GLOBAL CROSSING and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, you agree as follows:
1. Definition of Proprietary Information.
Proprietary Information includes, but is not limited to, any information, know-how, financial information, marketing and sales information, employee information, management information, client lists, potential client lists, technical specifications, business plans, sales or programming matter, written materials, compositions, drawings, diagrams, photographs, works in progress, visual demonstrations, and other data, whether oral, written, graphic or in electronic form, pertaining to GLOBAL CROSSING or its affiliates. Proprietary Information does not include (i) information which is now or hereafter becomes publicly known or available through no act or failure on the part of yourself, (ii) information which is actually known to you at the time of the receipt of such Proprietary Information, (iii) information which is hereafter furnished to you by a third party, other than in the course of your employment, (iv) information which was independently developed or known by you prior to any contact with GLOBAL CROSSING, without use or reference to Proprietary Information, and which does not otherwise contravene the terms of this Agreement, and (v) information which you choose to disclose relating to your salary and any other compensation or benefits received by you at GLOBAL CROSSING.
2. Use of Proprietary Information.
You shall use the Proprietary Information solely in connection with the duties assigned to you as an employee of GLOBAL CROSSING.
3. Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality of Proprietary Information.
You shall at all times keep in strictest confidence and prevent disclosure to any person, firm, corporation or other entity the Proprietary Information unless such disclosure is (a) approved in
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writing by an officer of GLOBAL CROSSING, (b) necessary or appropriate as part of the business of the company and the receiving party has executed a non-disclosure agreement with the company, or (c) otherwise legally required to be disclosed pursuant to a court order.
You agree that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Agreement and that GLOBAL CROSSING would be irreparably harmed by any such disclosure. Accordingly, GLOBAL CROSSING shall be entitled to specific performance and injunctive or equitable relief as a remedy for any such breach. Such remedy shall not be deemed to be the exclusive remedy for the breach for this Agreement.
4. Return of Proprietary Information.
You agree that, immediately upon termination of your employment with GCDC, you shall return to GCDC all Proprietary Information and reproductions of Proprietary Information in your possession or control. Any Proprietary Information which you may have retained electronically in your possession or control shall be expunged or destroyed.
5. Non-Solicitation.
You agree that during your employment with GLOBAL CROSSING and for two (2) years thereafter, you will not encourage or solicit any employee or consultant of GLOBAL CROSSING to leave GLOBAL CROSSING for any reason.
6. Non-Competition: No Conflict.
You agree that during your employment with GLOBAL CROSSING, you win not engage in, directly or indirectly, any employment, business, or activity that is or may be in any way competitive with the business or proposed business of GLOBAL CROSSING. You further agree that you shall not enter into any agreement, either written or oral, which may conflict with the terms of this Agreement or the terms of your employment at GLOBAL CROSSING.
You are expected to avoid any agreement, business investment, or other activity that creates an actual or potential conflict of interest for you; i.e., any situation in which your actions or loyalties are divided between your personal interests and our interests or between our interests and those of another. If you are unsure whether a conflict exists, consult your supervisor and the Vice President of Human Resources immediately. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:
(a) Owning, operating, or being employed as an employee or consultant by any business that competes, directly or indirectly, with GLOBAL CROSSING or its affiliates.
(b) Having a direct or indirect financial relationship with a competitor, customer, or supplier; however, no conflict will exist in the case of ownership of less than 1 percent of the publicly traded stock of a corporation.
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(c) Engaging in any other employment or personal activity during work hours, or using our property in other employment.
(d) Using our name, logo, stationery, supplies, equipment, or other property for personal purposes.
(e) Soliciting our employees, suppliers, or customers to purchase goods or services of any kind for purposes not related to our business, or to make contributions to any organizations or in support of any causes, unless your supervisor has granted written approval in advance.
(f) Soliciting or entering into any business or financial transaction with an employee whom you supervise, either directly or indirectly, unless your supervisor has granted written approval in advance of that transaction. This restriction applies to all such transactions, however small, including, but not limited to:
(1) Hiring a subordinate to perform personal services; and
(2) Soliciting a subordinate to participate in an investment of any kind with you.
When a conflict of interest is found to exist, the conflict may result in discipline up to and including immediate termination of employment.
7. Prior Agreements; Successors and Assigns; Severability; Attorney Fees.
The term of this Agreement supersede all prior agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties hereto, and shall constitute the entire agreement between you and GLOBAL CROSSING with respect to the matters described in this Agreement. The terms of this Agreement shall be binding on you during the term of your association with GLOBAL CROSSING, its successors and/or assigns, and, except for Paragraph 6, the terms of this Agreement shall be binding on you for two years thereafter. If any provision of this Agreement is deemed to be invalid or prohibited by law, that provision will be ineffective to the extent of the invalidity or prohibition, without invalidating the remainder of this Agreement. In the event of legal action relating to this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Please indicate your agreement to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement by executing below and returning a signed copy to Elizabeth Greenwood, Assistant General Counsel in the Beverly Hills office. Thank you.
ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED: |
|
Signature |
John J. Legere |
Print Name |
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Exhibit C
Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated as of 9 December 2003
Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated as of 15 December 2004
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated as of 8 March 2004
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated as of 14 June 2005
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated as of 14 June 2005
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated as of 7 March 2006
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated as of 7 March 2006