Form of Amended and Restated Executive Change of Control Severance Agreement
[AMENDED AND RESTATED] EXECUTIVE CHANGE OF
CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
[Exec Name]
[Exec title]
[Address]
Dear [______]:
Owens & Minor, Inc. (the “Company”) considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. In this connection, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, the possibility of a change in control of the Company may exist and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders.
The Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s senior management, including yourself, to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control of the Company.
[You previously entered into that certain Executive Change of Control Severance Agreement, dated as of [_______] (the “Prior Agreement”) and the parties hereto desire to amend and restate the terms of the Prior Agreement.] Accordingly, in order to induce you to remain in the employ of the Company, the Company agrees that you shall receive the severance benefits set forth in this [Amended and Restated] Executive Change of Control Severance Agreement (the “Agreement”) in the event your employment with the Company is terminated under the circumstances described below.
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Your right to terminate your employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by your incapacity due to physical or mental illness or physical injury. A termination will not be for Good Reason unless you give the Company written Notice of Termination specifying the grounds that you assert constitute Good Reason within 90 days after the initial existence of those grounds and the Company fails to cure or remedy those grounds within 30 days of your notice.
[You hereby acknowledge and agree that you will not assert “Good Reason” (or a term of similar import) under any plan, program, agreement, or arrangement between the Company (and/or its subsidiaries) and you (including, without limitation, this Agreement, the Owens & Minor, Inc. 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the Owens & Minor, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan and all award agreements thereunder), solely on account of the consummation of the sale of the Company’s Products & Healthcare Services segment (the “P&HS Sale”) or any reduction or modification in your authority, duties, responsibilities or reporting relationship that occurs solely as a result of the P&HS Sale. For clarity, nothing in this paragraph affects your rights to assert Good Reason on account of future conditions or circumstances that may arise after (or in addition to) the consummation of the P&HS Sale, or in connection with a Change in Control that is not comprised exclusively of the P&HS Sale.]
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If a Change in Control occurs during the Term of this Agreement, you shall be entitled to the following benefits upon termination of your employment, provided that such termination occurs during the Term:
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The “Severance Multiplier” shall equal three (3). The amount payable under this Paragraph 4(b) shall be in lieu of any severance benefits payable to you by the Company under any other severance plan, policy, arrangement or agreement.
The amount payable under this Paragraph 4(b) shall be paid in a single cash payment, less applicable income and employment taxes, on the first payroll date that occurs 45 days after the Date of Termination.
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Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede you from communicating, cooperating or filing a complaint with any U.S. federal, state or local governmental or law enforcement branch, agency or entity (collectively, a “Governmental Entity”) with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation, or otherwise making disclosures to any Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation, provided that in each case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. You understand and acknowledge that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law
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for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (a) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (b) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. You also understand and acknowledge that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstance will you be authorized to disclose any information covered by attorney-client privilege or attorney work product of Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries without prior written consent of Company’s General Counsel or other officer designated by the Company.
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For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth on the first page of this Agreement, provided that all notice to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the Board with a copy to the Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
This Agreement and the benefits provided under this Agreement are intended to comply with, or otherwise be exempt from, Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”), after giving effect to the exemptions in Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(b)(3) through (b)(12). This Agreement shall be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with
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Section 409A. If any provision of this Agreement is found not to comply with, or otherwise not be exempt from, the provisions of Section 409A, it shall be modified and given effect, in the sole discretion of the Board and without requiring your consent, in such manner as the Board determines to be necessary or appropriate to comply with, or to effectuate an exemption from, Section 409A; provided, however, that in exercising its discretion under this Section 10, the Board shall modify this Agreement in the least restrictive manner necessary. Each payment under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A.
With respect to any reimbursement of expenses of, or any provision of in-kind benefits to you, as specified under this Agreement, such reimbursement of expenses or provision of in-kind benefits shall be subject to the following limitations: (i) the expenses eligible for reimbursement or the amount of in-kind benefits provided in one taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or the amount of in-kind benefits provided in any other taxable year, except for any medical reimbursement arrangement providing for the reimbursement of expenses referred to in Section 105(b) of the Code; (ii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made as specified in this Agreement and in no event later than the end of the year after the year in which such expense was incurred and (iii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefit shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
If a payment obligation under this Agreement arises on account of your termination of employment and such payment obligation constitutes “deferred compensation” (as defined under Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(b)(1), after giving effect to the exemptions in Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(b)(3) through (b)(12)), it shall be payable only after your “separation from service” (as determined under Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(b)); provided, however, that if you are a “specified employee” (as determined under Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(i)), any payment that is scheduled to be paid within six months after such separation from service shall accrue without interest and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month beginning after the date of your separation from service or, if earlier, within 15 days after the appointment of the personal representative or executor of your estate following your death.
No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by you and such officer as may be specifically designated by the Board. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to its conflicts of law principles. All references to sections of the Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any successor provisions to such sections. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any
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applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law. The obligations of the Company under Section 4 shall survive the expiration of the initial or any extension term of this Agreement if benefits have become payable under such section before such expiration.
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before a panel of three arbitrators in the Commonwealth of Virginia, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that you shall be entitled to seek specific performance of your right to be paid the benefits described in Paragraph 4(b) during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.
In the event of a dispute between the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover such prevailing party’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and during the term of the Agreement supersedes the provisions of all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
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This Agreement shall become effective as of the Commencement Date. If this letter sets forth our agreement on the subject matter thereof, kindly sign and return to the Company the enclosed copy of this letter, which will then constitute our agreement on this subject.
Sincerely,
OWENS & MINOR, INC.
By: ________________________________
Edward A. Pesicka
President and Chief Executive Officer
Agreed as of the ____ day
of [month], 20[XX]
________________________________________
[Exec Name]
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EXHIBIT A
RELEASE OF CLAIMS1
As used in this Release of Claims (this “Release”), the term “claims” will include all claims, covenants, warranties, promises, undertakings, actions, suits, causes of action, obligations, debts, accounts, attorneys’ fees, judgments, losses, and liabilities, of whatsoever kind or nature, in law, in equity, or otherwise. Capitalized terms used, but not defined herein, shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in my [Amended and Restated] Executive Change of Control Severance Agreement with Owens & Minor, Inc. (the “Company” and, together with all of its subsidiaries and affiliates the “Company Group”) dated [____ XX, 20XX] (the “Agreement”).
For and in consideration of the Severance Benefits (as defined in my Agreement), and other good and valuable consideration, I, [Exec name] for and on behalf of myself and my heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, effective the date on which this release becomes effective pursuant to its terms, do fully and forever release, remise, and discharge each of the Company and each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates, together with their respective officers, directors, partners, shareholders, employees, and agents (collectively, the “Group”) from any and all claims whatsoever up to the date hereof that I had, may have had, or now have against the Group, for or by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, including any claim arising out of or attributable to my employment or the termination of my employment with any member of the Company Group, whether for tort, breach of express or implied employment contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, wrongful termination, unjust dismissal, defamation, libel, or slander, or under any federal, state, or local law dealing with discrimination based on age, race, sex, national origin, handicap, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. This release of claims includes, but is not limited to, all claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Equal Pay Act, each as may be amended from time to time, and all other federal, state, and local laws, the common law, and any other purported restriction on an employer’s right to terminate the employment of employees. The release contained herein is intended to be a general release of any and all claims to the fullest extent permissible by law.
By executing this Release, I specifically release all claims relating to my employment and its termination under the ADEA, a United States federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee benefit plans.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Release to the contrary, by executing this Release, I am not releasing (i) any claims relating to my rights under Section 4 of the Agreement, (ii) any claims that cannot be waived by law, (iii) my right of indemnification as provided by, and in accordance with the terms of, the Company’s by-laws or a Company insurance policy providing such coverage, as any of such may be amended from time to time, (iv) my right to
1Note to Draft: Subject to update based on applicable law.
communicate, cooperate or file a complaint with any U.S. federal, state or local governmental or law enforcement branch, agency or entity (collectively, a “Governmental Entity”) with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation, or otherwise make disclosures to any Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation, provided that in each case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law, or (v) my right to receive an award from a Governmental Entity for information provided under any whistleblower program.
I expressly acknowledge and agree that I –
2 | To be selected based on whether applicable termination was “in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program” (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967), i.e., a group termination. If this is a group termination, use 45 days and additional information about the “decisional unit” must be provided in an exhibit. |
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I represent and warrant that I have not previously filed, and to the maximum extent permitted by law agree that I will not file, a complaint, charge, or lawsuit against any member of the Group regarding any of the claims released herein. If, notwithstanding this representation and warranty, I have filed or file such a complaint, charge, or lawsuit, I agree that I shall cause such complaint, charge, or lawsuit to be dismissed with prejudice and shall pay any and all costs required in obtaining dismissal of such complaint, charge, or lawsuit, including without limitation the attorneys’ fees of any member of the Group against whom I have filed such a complaint, charge, or lawsuit. This paragraph shall not apply, however, to (i) a claim of age discrimination under ADEA, (ii) to any non-waivable right to file a charge with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”) or other governmental agency, or (iii) to complaints or disclosures to any Governmental Entity relating to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation, provided that in each case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law; provided, however, I agree that I shall not be entitled to recover any monetary damages or any other remedies or benefits from the Company as a result and that this Release and the Severance Benefits will control as the exclusive remedy and full settlement of all such claims by me.
I hereby agree to waive any and all claims to re-employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group and affirmatively agree not to seek further employment with the Company or any other member of the Company Group.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this Release will not become effective or enforceable prior to the expiration of the period of seven calendar days following the date of its execution by me (the “Revocation Period”), during which time I may revoke my acceptance of this Release by notifying the Company and the Board of Directors of the Company, in writing, delivered to the Company at its principal executive office, marked for the attention of its General Counsel. To be effective, such revocation must be received by the Company no later than 11:59:59 p.m. on the seventh calendar day following the execution of this Release. Provided that the Release is executed and I do not revoke it during the Revocation Period, the eighth day following the date on which this Release is executed shall be its effective date. I acknowledge and agree that if I revoke this Release during the Revocation Period, this Release will be null and void and of no effect, and neither the Company nor any other member of the Company Group will have any obligations to pay me the Severance Benefits.
The provisions of this Release shall be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators, legal personal representatives, and assigns. If any provision of this Release shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void, or unenforceable, such provision shall be of no force or effect. The illegality or unenforceability of such provision, however, shall have no effect upon and shall not impair the enforceability of any other provision of this Release.
THIS RELEASE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THAT COMMONWEALTH WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. I HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN
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CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR PROCEEDING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS RELEASE.
____________________________
[Exec name]
Date: _______________________
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