Separation and Release Agreement dated April 24, 2013, between Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. and Lloyd A. Hajdik

 

 

This Separation and Release Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the “Company”), and Lloyd Hajdik (“Executive”) (collectively, the “Parties”).

 

WHEREAS, the Parties mutually desire to end their employment relationship in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company has made available to Executive the New Consideration provided for herein in consideration for his execution of the Agreement and the waivers and releases contained herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1.       Separation Date; Resignation.

 

Executive’s employment with the Company (and any affiliates of the Company) shall terminate on April 30, 2013, or such earlier or later date as mutually agreed upon between the Parties (the “Separation Date”).

 

In addition, Executive hereby resigns from his position with the Company as Chief Accounting Officer as of March 1, 2013 (the “Resignation Date”).  After the Resignation Date and prior to the Separation Date, Executive shall remain an employee of the Company and Executive agrees to assist the Company in the transition of any of his duties to any employee(s) designated by the Company, including but not limited to duties Executive has traditionally performed for the Company.  In consideration of the transition services to be performed by Executive, as provided in Section 2(A), Executive shall continue to receive his Base Salary until the Separation Date.  Other than as provided in this Agreement, Executive shall not be entitled to any additional incentive compensation or bonus payments after the Separation.  Executive agrees that he shall continue to comply with all Company policies to the extent relevant to his activities.

 

Prior to the Separation Date, if requested by the Company, Executive agrees to resign from all other director and officer positions held by Executive at any of the subsidiaries of the Company, and hereby resigns, as of the Separation Date, from any director or officer positions at the Company or any of its subsidiaries that Executive continues to hold as of that date.

 

2.       Separation Benefits.

 

Executive acknowledges that, in consideration for his (i) executing this Agreement (including the Release of Claims contained in Section 4) and (ii) executing the Release attached hereto as Appendix A on or within 21 days following the Separation Date (but not before the Separation Date), he is being provided with valuable new consideration to which he would not otherwise be entitled, provided that Executive does not revoke the Release pursuant to Section D(9) of Appendix A.  Executive acknowledges that pursuant to Section 7(f) of his Employment

 

 

A.      Base Salary

 

Executive shall be entitled to receive his base salary through the Separation Date, payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures.

 

B.      Separation Payment

 

The Company shall pay to Executive the sum of Two Hundred Ninety Five Thousand Dollars ($295,000.00), less applicable tax withholdings within five (5) business days after the expiration of the Revocation Period.

 

C.      2013 Target Bonus

 

The Company agrees to pay Executive within five (5) business days after the expiration of the Revocation Period the amount of Two Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($225,000.00), less applicable tax withholdings, for his 2013 Target Bonus.

 

 

The Company agrees, with respect to 17,903 shares of restricted stock of the Company, to lapse the Forfeiture Restrictions (as defined in the applicable Restricted Share Award Agreements) on those shares of restricted stock, and none other, thereby allowing those shares of restricted stock to immediately vest upon the expiration of the Revocation Period, with such 17,903 shares being comprised of 1,928 shares of stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Executive and the Company dated effective January 2, 2009, 4040 shares of stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Executive and the Company dated effective January 4, 2010, 4,486 shares of stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Executive and the Company dated effective January 3, 2011, 4,219 shares of stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement between Executive and the Company dated effective January 3, 2012, and 3,230 shares of stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Agreement between Executive and the Company dated effective January 2, 2013.

 

Executive acknowledges and agrees that as to all other shares of restricted stock  that he previously may have been granted or awarded, under the Restricted Stock Award Agreements described above, the 2010 Restricted Stock Award, the 2011 Restricted Stock Award, the 2012 Restricted Stock Award, the 2013 Restricted Stock Award, all as issued under the Company’s 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended, or any other

 

 

Executive further agrees that as to those shares of restricted stock which will become vested as described above, that unless he elects otherwise by remitting to the Company cash in an amount necessary to satisfy the Company’s tax withholding obligations arising with respect to the vesting of his restricted stock, the Company shall satisfy its tax withholding obligations by withholding shares with a fair market value equal to the withholding obligation.

 

E.      Cash Opportunity Awards

 

The Parties acknowledge that the Company previously granted to Executive under the Company’s 2009 Long-Term Incentive Cash Plan five cash payment opportunity awards, one dated January 2, 2009 (the “2009 Cash Opportunity Award”), one dated January 4, 2010 (the “2010 Cash Opportunity Award”), one dated January 3, 2011 (the “2011 Cash Opportunity Award”), one dated January 3, 2012 (the “2012 Cash Opportunity Award”), and one dated January 2, 2013 (the “2013 Cash Opportunity Award”).  With respect to the 2009 Cash Opportunity Award, the Company, pursuant to the terms of the Stock and Cash Award Amendment, shall pay to Executive the notional amount of $86,043, as adjusted  in the manner described in the Cash Opportunity Award Agreement for such grant, but using the average closing price of the Company’s common stock for the thirty trading days prior to the Separation Date (rather than an annual vesting date as described in the Cash Opportunity Award Agreement for such grant). With respect to the 2010 Cash Opportunity Award, the 2011 Cash Opportunity Award, the 2012 Cash Opportunity Award, and the 2013 Cash Opportunity Award, the Company, pursuant to the terms of the Stock and Cash Award Amendment, shall pay to Executive, the notional amounts of $72,530, $65,547, $132,000, and $132,000, respectively, as adjusted  in the manner described in the Cash Opportunity Award Agreements for such grants, but using the average closing price  of the Company’s common stock for the twenty trading days prior to the end of the Separation Date (rather than an annual vesting date as described in the Cash Opportunity Award Agreements for such grants).

 

The Company shall pay Executive the cash opportunity awards for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 within five (5) business days after the expiration of the Revocation Period.

 

Executive further acknowledges and agrees that as to any other cash payment opportunity awards other than those described above that he previously may have been awarded or granted, under the 2009 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan or under any other Plan or Award Letter, that were not vested as of the Separation Date, all such outstanding awards or grants shall be deemed forfeited, cancelled and have no further force or effect.

 

F.       Vacation

 

Executive will receive payment for accrued but unused vacation days, if any.

 

 

G.      Expenses

 

Executive shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties during his employment with the Company, as described in Section 5(e) of the Employment Agreement  The Company acknowledges that Executive may have incurred business expenses related to travel requested by the Company that will not be reimbursed prior to the Separation Date, and, after Executive notifies the Company of such expenses, the Company agrees to promptly reimburse Executive for such expenses. For purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, any reimbursements provided for in this Agreement shall (i) be paid no later than December 31 of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred, (ii) not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year, and (iii) not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit or payment.

 

H.      Insurance Coverage

 

If Executive elects to continue his medical, dental and/or vision coverage for himself and his eligible dependents, the Company will pay for Executive’s COBRA coverage for eighteen months from the Separation Date or until the date he is eligible for other substantially similar coverage, whichever is earlier.

 

I.       No Other Benefits or Perquisites

 

All other welfare or employment benefits not expressly provided for herein shall end or expire as of the Separation Date.  All perquisites terminate as of the Separation Date, and Executive shall receive no perquisite payments for any period after the Separation Date.

 

3.       Covenants.

 

A.      Continuing Obligations under Employment Agreement

 

Executive acknowledges and re-affirms that under the terms of the Employment Agreement, that Executive continues to have certain agreements and obligations related to Inventions, Confidential Information, Copyright Works (as those terms are defined in the Employment Agreement) as well as non-competition and confidentiality, Company property including without limitation pursuant to Sections 8, 9 and 10 of the Employment Agreement, provided however that the Company specifically agrees to waive the provisions of Section 9(b) of the Employment Agreement, and that such provisions shall no longer apply to Executive after the Separation Date .

 

At any time during the period covered by this subsection, Executive may provide the Company with a written request, setting forth with particularity any proposed employment, business arrangement and/or other activities in which Executive proposes to engage, and requesting that the Company state its position as to whether it considers the

 

 

B.      No Legal Challenge

 

Executive covenants not to sue, institute, or cause to be instituted any action or proceeding challenging the validity of, the enforceability of, or the reasonableness of, the covenants and obligations described in this Section.  Executive agrees that if he sues (or causes to be sued) the Company in violation of this provision, that he shall be liable to the Company for its reasonable attorneys’ fees, and all other costs of litigation or arbitration.

 

Definition of Cooperation – As used in this Agreement, “cooperate” and “cooperation” includes Executive making himself available in response to all reasonable requests for information by the Company, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) or any other governmental authority with jurisdiction over the matter at hand, whether the request is informal or formal (e.g., in response to a subpoena in a legal proceeding), and includes fully, completely, and truthfully answering questions, assisting the Company in its prosecution or defense of any proceeding, civil or criminal, or providing testimony in any related proceeding, civil or criminal.

 

D.      Agreement to Cooperate

 

Executive agrees, acknowledges, represents and warrants that:

 

(1)

he has: (i) not engaged in, nor encouraged any individual, in any way, to engage in the destruction or secretion of any information, in any form, including, but not limited to, documents and emails ("documentation"), that might be relevant to any investigation; (ii) turned over all documentation in response to prior requests; and (iii) responded, fully and truthfully, to all questions related to or arising from the subject matter of any such investigation that have been posed to him by employees, representatives of the Company, or any government agency;

 

(2)

for a period of two (2) years after the Separation Date, upon reasonable request by the Company and at such times that are reasonably convenient to Executive, reasonably accommodate Executive’s schedule and do not unduly interfere with Executive’s personal or business obligations or endeavors, he will cooperate fully with the Company and its affiliates, past or present, in connection with any internal investigation initiated by the Company, its affiliates, and any successors in interest, as well as with any external investigation initiated by any government or agency or instrumentality thereof in accordance with the Company’s directives;

 

 

(3)

for a period of two (2) years after the Separation Date, upon reasonable request of the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any successor-in-interest, to provide all documentation and information in Executive’s possession, custody, or control that is related to any internal or external investigation of the Company and its affiliates; and

 

(4)

after two (2) years after the Separation Date, Executive agrees upon request to provide continuing reasonable cooperation with the Company or any of its affiliates in responding to internal or governmental investigations.

 

All reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in rendering cooperation under this subsection will be reimbursed by the Company.

 

4.       Release of Claims.

 

A.      Irrevocable Waiver and Release

 

For and in consideration of the New Consideration and other good and valuable consideration, for which Executive acknowledges the sufficiency and receipt, Executive, acting in his own behalf and on behalf of his respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, beneficiaries, successors and assigns, does hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit, waive and forever discharge the Company (as defined below) from any and all Claims (as defined below) and Damages (as defined below), whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, which are in any way on account of, relating to, arising out of, or arising from:  (i) his role as an officer of the Company; (ii) his employment with the Company; (iii) any acts (or omissions) or conduct connected with his employment or acts (or omissions) occurring (or not occurring) during his employment with the Company; (iv) any breach of any duty to Executive, breach of:  employment agreements, compensation agreements, stock awards, long-term incentive cash plans or other incentive plans or awards, or employee benefit plans; (v) the separation of his employment with the Company and removal as an officer of the Company (whether it is by a resignation, constructive discharge or discharge); (vi) his Employment Agreement with the Company; (vii) any business or contractual relationship with the Company; and (ix) any promises, representations or agreements concerning employment or future employment with the Company or benefits associated with employment or future employment by the Company.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the “Company” is defined to include:  (i) Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. and each and all of its subsidiaries and affiliated companies; (ii) the Company’s (and affiliates’) shareholders, officers, agents, employees, directors, supervisors, representatives (including without limitation, Owen E. Kratz), whether or not acting in the course and scope of employment, attorneys, insurers, health, welfare, pension, and retirement benefit plans, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and the fiduciaries and agents of said plans or committees, and any

 

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Claims” comprehensively includes, but is not limited to, actions, lawsuits, proceedings, claims, causes of action, demands, grievances, liabilities, suits, and judgments, whether actual or potential, whether presently known or unknown, recognized by the law of any jurisdiction, whether arising in tort, in contract, at law, in equity, at common law, or under any federal, state, county or local statute or law, including but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Pay Act, overtime and minimum wage claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §§201, et seq., the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, any violation of the Texas Labor Code or the Texas Business & Commerce Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), including but not limited to Section 510, 29 U.S.C. §1140; any federal or state civil rights law, including but not limited to violations of 42 U.S.C. §1981; under any and all theories of recovery of whatsoever nature, under any theory of liability, whatsoever, including but not limited, to strict liability, negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, on account of breach of any duty, including breach of fiduciary duty, personal injury or sickness, intentional acts or omissions, actions for fraud, negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, intentional or malicious acts of any kind, intentional infliction of emotional distress, libel, slander, defamation, breach of contract, any action challenging the validity, enforceability of, or reasonableness of, the non-solicitation or confidentiality covenants herein, quantum meruit, promissory reliance, estoppel or promissory estoppel, detrimental reliance or negligent or reckless misrepresentation, wrongful discharge, claims under Sarbanes Oxley, “whistleblower” or retaliation claims, or wrongful discharge in violation of public policy.

 

The term “Damages” means any and all elements of relief of recovery of whatsoever nature, whether known or now unknown, recognized by the law of any jurisdiction and comprehensively includes, but is not limited to, money damages of every description, including economic loss; property loss; personal injury; mental or emotional distress; attorney's fee; prejudgment or postjudgment interest; costs; any equitable relief; right to reinstatement; lost income; penalty wages; restricted stock awards; stock; cash awards; bonuses; employee benefits of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to benefits which would have arisen from any employee benefit plan, benefits packages, retirement or deferred compensation plans, incentive plans, executive benefit plans or packages (except as provided in Section 2 hereto); expenses; past or future loss of support, care, guidance, companionship, society, love, affection, household services, advice and counsel, pain and suffering, mental anguish, wage earning capacity; past and future medical expenses; punitive or exemplary damages; multiplication of compensatory damages under any theory whatsoever; front-pay; back-pay; and any other type of monetary relief whatsoever cognizable under any law.

 

This release applies to any claims brought by any person or agency on behalf of Executive or any class action pursuant to which Executive may have any right or benefit.

 

 

B.      Covenant Not to Sue

 

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Executive covenants not to sue or institute or cause to be instituted any action in arbitration, any federal, state or local agency or court against the Company, including but not limited to any of the Claims or Damages released in Section 4 of this Agreement.  Executive agrees that with respect to a charge or complaint which may be filed by him or someone else with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) or the Texas Commission on Human Rights, or his participation in an investigation by either agency, Executive agrees not to be part of, or accept, any monetary or equitable recovery obtained by any such charge, complaint or investigation for Claims and/or Damages released herein and Executive does hereby assign any such recovery or benefit to the Company.

 

Executive agrees that if he sues the Company in violation of this Agreement, Executive shall be liable to the Company for its reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs of arbitration or litigation incurred in defending against such a suit. Additionally, if Executive sues the Company in violation of this Agreement, the Company can require Executive to return all monies and other benefits paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement.

 

C.      Exclusions to Release

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the release contained herein shall not apply to: (i) any rights that Executive may have under this Agreement, and related awards or benefit claims under Company 401(k) plans or employee welfare benefit plans in which Executive is a participant by virtue of his employment with the Company or its affiliates; (ii) Executive’s rights under applicable law (i.e., the COBRA law) to continued medical insurance coverage at Executive’s expense; and (iii) Executive’s statutory right to file a charge with the EEOC or the Texas Workforce  Commission/Civil Rights Division  (“TWCCRD”), to participate in an EEOC or TWCCRD investigation or proceeding, or to challenge the validity of the release, consistent with the requirements of 29 U.S.C. § 626(f)(4).

 

D.      Representations by Executive

 

Executive understands and agrees that:

 

(1)

this waiver and release is part of an agreement between him and the Company that is written in a manner calculated to be understood by him and that he in fact understands the terms, conditions and effect of this Agreement;

 

(2)

he has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of the release set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement, and declares that the Agreement is written in a manner that he understands;

 

 

(3)

through this Agreement, he is releasing the Company from any and all claims he may have against the Company and the other Parties specified above, as provided above;

 

(4)

his agreement to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement is knowing and voluntary;

 

(5)

he knowingly and voluntarily intends to be legally bound by the terms of this Agreement;

 

(6)

he acknowledges that the Company is hereby advising him in writing to consult with an attorney of his choice prior to executing this Agreement;and

 

(7)

Executive represents and acknowledges that in executing this Agreement he does not rely and has not relied upon any representation or statement made by the Company, or by any of the Company’s agents, attorneys, or representatives with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of the release set forth in this Agreement, other than those specifically stated in this Agreement.

 

E.      No Admission of Liability by the Company

 

The Company’s decision to offer the New Consideration in exchange for a release of claims shall not be construed as an admission by the Company of (i) any liability whatsoever; (ii) any violation of any of Executive’s rights or those of any person; or (iii) any violation of any order, law, statute, duty, or contract. The Company specifically disclaims any liability to Executive or to any other person for any alleged violation of any rights possessed by Executive or any other person, or for any alleged violation of any order, law, statute, duty, or contract on the part of the Company, its employees or agents or related companies or their employees or agents.

 

F.      Release Binding on Executive’s Successors

 

The release set forth in this Section 4 of this Agreement shall be binding upon Executive, and his heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Company.  Executive expressly warrants that he has not assigned, transferred or sold to any person or entity any rights, causes of action, or Claims or Damages released in this Agreement.

 

5.       Miscellaneous.

 

A.      Exclusive Obligations, Rights and Benefits

 

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the obligations, rights, and benefits described in this Agreement supersede, negate and replace any other obligations,

 

 

B.      Entire Agreement

 

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with respect to each and every issue addressed in this Agreement and any of the Company’s benefit plans and related agreements in which Executive has participated as an employee and officer of the Company.  To the extent any of the terms in the above-listed documents conflict with the terms of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall supersede.  This entire, integrated Agreement fully supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings, oral or written, between Executive and the Company pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement, including the Employment Agreement dated November 17, 2008 between Executive and the Company (the “Employment Agreement”) (other than those provisions described in Section 3 hereof which survive the termination of Executive’s employment and expense reimbursement under Section 2(G) hereof).  Notwithstanding anything contained herein, nothing in this Agreement shall affect, limit or negate any provision of the Company’s By-Laws or Articles of Incorporation with respect to indemnification of current or former officers and/or directors of the Company.

 

C.      Exclusive Choice of Law and Arbitration Agreement

 

This Agreement constitutes an agreement that has been executed and delivered in the State of Texas, and the validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement of that agreement shall be governed by the laws of that State.

 

In the event of any dispute or controversy arising out of or under this Agreement, or concerning the substance, interpretation, performance, or enforcement of this Agreement, or in any way relating to this Agreement (including issues relating to that formation and the validity of this arbitration clause), the Parties agree to resolve those disputes or controversies, fully and completely, through the use of final, binding arbitration. This arbitration agreement applies to any disputes arising under (i) the common law; (ii) federal or state statutes, laws or regulations; and also to (iii) any dispute about the arbitrability of any claim or controversy. The Parties further agree to hold knowledge of the existence of any dispute or controversy subject to this Agreement to arbitrate, completely confidential. Executive understands and agrees that this confidentiality obligation extends to information concerning the fact of any request for arbitration, any ongoing arbitration, as well as all matters discussed, discovered, or divulged (whether voluntarily or by compulsion) during the course of such arbitration proceeding.  Any arbitration conducted pursuant to this arbitration provision will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association in

 

 

D.      Multiple Counterparts/Electronic Copies

 

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of such counterparts together shall constitute a single instrument.

 

An electronic copy (including in .pdf format) or facsimile of a signature hereto will be binding upon the signatory as if it were an original signature.

 

E.      Meaning of Separation From Service

 

For the purposes of this Agreement, “separation from service” has the meaning ascribed to that term in section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the rules and regulations issued thereunder by the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3(C) of this Agreement, the Parties intend and agree that Executive shall have a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(h)(1) as of the Separation Date.

 

F.      Severability and Headings

 

The invalidity or unenforceability of a term or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other term or provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. Any titles or headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall have no bearing on any interpretation of this Agreement.

 

G.      Third Party Communications

 

The Company agrees to allow Executive the opportunity to comment, in advance, on the content of any press releases, public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other public communications concerning Executive’s employment with and termination from the Company.

 

 

H.      Binding Nature

 

This Agreement shall be binding on the Company, its successors and assigns, and in the event of Executive’s death prior to the payment of benefits hereunder, the cash payments described herein will be made to Executive’s estate.

 

 

ENTERED INTO in Houston, Texas as of the 24th day of April, 2013.

 

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.

 

 

ENTERED INTO in Houston, Texas as of the 24th day of April, 2013.

 

/s/ Lloyd Hajdik
Lloyd Hajdik

 

 

 

A.      Irrevocable Waiver and Release

 

For and in consideration of the New Consideration and other good and valuable consideration, for which Executive acknowledges the sufficiency and receipt, Executive, acting in his own behalf and on behalf of his respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, beneficiaries, successors and assigns, does hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit, waive and forever discharge the Company (as defined below) from any and all Claims (as defined below) and Damages (as defined below), whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, which are in any way on account of, relating to, arising out of, or arising from:  (i) his role as an officer of the Company; (ii) his employment with the Company; (iii) any acts (or omissions) or conduct connected with his employment or acts (or omissions) occurring (or not occurring) during his employment with the Company; (iv) any breach of any duty to Executive, breach of:  employment agreements, compensation agreements, stock awards, long-term incentive cash plans or other incentive plans or awards, or employee benefit plans; (v) the separation of his employment with the Company and removal as an officer of the Company (whether it is by a resignation, constructive discharge or discharge); (vi) his Employment Agreement with the Company; (vii) any business or contractual relationship with the Company; and (ix) any promises, representations or agreements concerning employment or future employment with the Company or benefits associated with employment or future employment by the Company.

 

For purposes of this Appendix A, the “Company” is defined to include:  (i) Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. and each and all of its subsidiaries and affiliated companies; (ii) the Company’s (and affiliates’) shareholders, officers, agents, employees, directors, supervisors, representatives (including without limitation, Owen E. Kratz), whether or not acting in the course and scope of employment, attorneys, insurers, health, welfare, pension, and retirement benefit plans, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and the fiduciaries and agents of said plans or committees, and any successors and assigns of the above; and (iii) all persons acting by, through, under, or in concert with any of the foregoing persons or entities.

 

For purposes of this Appendix A, the term “Claims” comprehensively includes, but is not limited to, actions, lawsuits, proceedings, claims, causes of action, demands, grievances, liabilities, suits, and judgments, whether actual or potential, whether presently known or unknown, recognized by the law of any jurisdiction, whether arising in tort, in contract, at law, in equity, at common law, or under any federal, state, county or local statute or law, including but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Pay Act, overtime and minimum wage claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §§201, et seq., the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, any violation of the Texas Labor Code or the

 

 

The term “Damages” means any and all elements of relief of recovery of whatsoever nature, whether known or now unknown, recognized by the law of any jurisdiction and comprehensively includes, but is not limited to, money damages of every description, including economic loss; property loss; personal injury; mental or emotional distress; attorney's fee; prejudgment or postjudgment interest; costs; any equitable relief; right to reinstatement; lost income; penalty wages; restricted stock awards; stock; cash awards; bonuses; employee benefits of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to benefits which would have arisen from any employee benefit plan, benefits packages, retirement or deferred compensation plans, incentive plans, executive benefit plans or packages (except as provided in Section 2 of the Agreement); expenses; past or future loss of support, care, guidance, companionship, society, love, affection, household services, advice and counsel, pain and suffering, mental anguish, wage earning capacity; past and future medical expenses; punitive or exemplary damages; multiplication of compensatory damages under any theory whatsoever; front-pay; back-pay; and any other type of monetary relief whatsoever cognizable under any law.

 

This release applies to any claims brought by any person or agency on behalf of Executive or any class action pursuant to which Executive may have any right or benefit.

 

B.      Covenant Not to Sue

 

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Executive covenants not to sue or institute or cause to be instituted any action in arbitration, any federal, state or local agency or court against the Company, including but not limited to any of the Claims or Damages released in this Appendix A.  Executive agrees that with respect to a charge or complaint which may be filed by him or someone else with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) or the Texas Commission on Human Rights, or his participation in an investigation by either agency, Executive agrees not to be part of, or accept, any monetary or equitable recovery obtained by any such charge, complaint or

 

 

Executive agrees that if he sues the Company in violation of this Appendix A, Executive shall be liable to the Company for its reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs of arbitration or litigation incurred in defending against such a suit. Additionally, if Executive sues the Company in violation of this Appendix A, the Company can require Executive to return all monies and other benefits paid to Executive pursuant to this Appendix A.

 

C.      Exclusions to Release

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the release contained herein shall not apply to: (i) any rights that Executive may have under this Appendix A or the Agreement, and related awards or benefit claims under Company 401(k) plans or employee welfare benefit plans in which Executive is a participant by virtue of his employment with the Company or its affiliates; (ii) Executive’s rights under applicable law (i.e., the COBRA law) to continued medical insurance coverage at Executive’s expense; and (iii) Executive’s statutory right to file a charge with the EEOC or the Texas Workforce Commission/Civil Rights Division  (“TWCCRD”), to participate in an EEOC or TWCCRD investigation or proceeding, or to challenge the validity of the release, consistent with the requirements of 29 U.S.C. § 626(f)(4).

 

D.      Representations by Executive; Revocation of Waiver

 

In connection with this release, Executive represents that the statutory requirements for a waiver of his rights and claims under ADEA and the OWBPA have been satisfied.  Specifically, Executive understands and agrees that:

 

(1)

this waiver and release is part of an agreement between him and the Company that is written in a manner calculated to be understood by him and that he in fact understands the terms, conditions and effect of this Appendix A;

 

(2)

this Appendix A refers to rights or claims arising under ADEA and the OWBPA;

 

(3)

he has a period of 21 days within which to consider whether to execute this Appendix A, that no one hurried him into executing this Appendix A during that 21 day period, and that no one coerced him into executing this Appendix A;

 

(4)

he has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of the release set forth in this Appendix A, and declares that this Appendix A is written in a manner that he understands;

 

 

(5)

through this Appendix A, he is releasing the Company from any and all claims he may have against the Company and the other Parties specified above, as provided above, and that this Appendix A constitutes a release and discharge of claims arising under the ADEA including the OWBPA;

 

(6)

his agreement to all of the terms set forth in this Appendix A is knowing and voluntary;

 

(7)

he knowingly and voluntarily intends to be legally bound by the terms of this Appendix A;

 

(8)

he acknowledges that the Company is hereby advising him in writing to consult with an attorney of his choice prior to executing this Appendix A;

 

(9)

he understands that rights or claims under ADEA or the OWBPA that may arise after the date this Appendix A is executed are not waived.  He understands that he has a period of seven (7) days to revoke this Appendix A to give the Company a complete release in exchange for the New Consideration, and that he may deliver notification of revocation by letter or facsimile addressed to the Company’s General Counsel.  Executive understands that this Appendix A will not become effective and binding, and that none of the New Consideration  described above in Section 2 of the Agreement will be provided to him until after the expiration of the Revocation Period, provided Executive does not revoke this Appendix A.  The Revocation Period commences when Executive executes this Appendix A and ends at 11:59 p.m. on the seventh calendar day after execution, not counting the date on which Executive executes this Appendix A.  Executive understands that if he does not deliver a written notice of revocation to the Company’s General Counsel before the end of the seven-day period described above, this Appendix A will become final, binding and enforceable; and

 

(10)

Executive represents and acknowledges that in executing this Appendix A he does not rely and has not relied upon any representation or statement made by the Company, or by any of the Company’s agents, attorneys, or representatives with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of the release set forth in this Appendix A, other than those specifically stated in this Appendix A.

 

E.      No Admission of Liability by the Company

 

The Company’s decision to offer the New Consideration in exchange for a release of claims shall not be construed as an admission by the Company of (i) any liability whatsoever; (ii) any violation of any of Executive’s rights or those of any person; or (iii) any violation of any order, law, statute, duty, or contract. The Company specifically disclaims any liability to Executive or to any other person for any alleged violation of any

 

 

F.      Release Binding on Executive’s Successors

 

The release set forth in Appendix A shall be binding upon Executive, and his heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Company.  Executive expressly warrants that he has not assigned, transferred or sold to any person or entity any rights, causes of action, or Claims or Damages released in this Appendix A.

 

ENTERED INTO in Houston, Texas as of the 24th day of April, 2013.