Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
EXHIBIT 10.2
PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
Effective May 1, 1986
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE | ||||
ARTICLE I PURPOSE | 1 | |||
ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS | 1 | |||
2.1 | Beneficiary | 1 | ||
2.2 | Board | 1 | ||
2.3 | Cause | 1 | ||
2.4 | Change of Control of the Employer | 2 | ||
2.5 | Committee | 2 | ||
2.6 | Compensation | 2 | ||
2.7 | Deferred Retirement Date | 2 | ||
2.8 | Early Retirement Date | 2 | ||
2.9 | Employer | 3 | ||
2.10 | Good Reason | 3 | ||
2.11 | Highest Average Compensation | 3 | ||
2.12 | Normal Retirement Date | 3 | ||
2.13 | Participant | 3 | ||
2.14 | Pier 1 | 4 | ||
2.15 | Retirement | 4 | ||
2.16 | Supplemental Retirement Benefit | 4 | ||
2.17 | Termination | 4 | ||
2.18 | Total and Permanent Disability | 4 | ||
2.19 | Years of Credited Service | 4 | ||
2.20 | Years of Plan Participation | 5 | ||
ARTICLE III PARTICIPATION AND VESTING | 5 | |||
3.1 | Participation | 5 | ||
3.2 | Supplemental Retirement Benefit Vesting | 5 | ||
ARTICLE IV SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS | 6 | |||
4.1 | Benefit | 6 | ||
4.2 | Retirement; Disability; Death | 6 | ||
4.3 | Adjustments for Deferred Retirement Benefit | 6 | ||
4.4 | Adjustments for Early Retirement Benefit | 7 | ||
4.5 | Termination | 7 | ||
4.6 | Form of Benefit Payment | 7 | ||
4.7 | Withholding; Payroll Taxes | 8 | ||
4.8 | Payments | 8 | ||
4.9 | Payment to Guardian | 8 | ||
4.10 | Major Medical and Hospitalization Insurance Coverage | 9 | ||
ARTICLE V BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION | 9 | |||
5.1 | Beneficiary Designation | 9 |
(i)
PAGE | ||||
5.2 | Amendments | 9 | ||
5.3 | No Beneficiary Designation | 10 | ||
5.4 | Effect of Payment | 10 | ||
5.5 | Death of Beneficiary | 10 | ||
ARTICLE VI ADMINISTRATION | 10 | |||
6.1 | Committee; Duties | 10 | ||
6.2 | Agents | 10 | ||
6.3 | Binding Effect of Decisions | 11 | ||
6.4 | Indemnity of Committee | 11 | ||
ARTICLE VII CLAIMS PROCEDURES | 11 | |||
7.1 | Claim | 11 | ||
7.2 | Denial of Claim | 11 | ||
7.3 | Review of Claim | 11 | ||
7.4 | Final Decision | 11 | ||
ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION, SUSPENSION OR AMENDMENT | 12 | |||
8.1 | Amendment or Termination | 12 | ||
8.2 | Successor Employer | 12 | ||
ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS | 12 | |||
9.1 | Unsecured General Creditor | 12 | ||
9.2 | Trust Fund | 12 | ||
9.3 | Nonassignability | 13 | ||
9.4 | Not a Contract of Employment | 13 | ||
9.5 | Suicide | 13 | ||
9.6 | Participants Cooperation | 13 | ||
9.7 | Terms | 13 | ||
9.8 | Captions | 13 | ||
9.9 | Governing Law | 14 | ||
9.10 | Validity | 14 | ||
9.11 | Successors | 14 | ||
9.12 | Notice | 14 |
(ii)
PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
ARTICLE I PURPOSE
The purpose of this Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (hereinafter referred to as the Plan) is to provide supplemental retirement benefits for a select group of management or highly compensated employees of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. It is intended that the Plan will aid in retaining and attracting employees of exceptional ability by providing such individuals with these benefits. This Plan was originally effective as of May 1, 1986. This restatement of the Plan shall only apply with respect to Participants who are actively employed by the Employer after December 5, 2002. The prior provisions of the Plan will continue to apply with respect to Participants who terminated employment with the Employer prior to December 5, 2002.
ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
2.1 Beneficiary
Beneficiary means the person, persons or entity entitled under Article V to receive Plan benefits after a Participants death.
2.2 Board
Board means the Board of Directors of Pier 1 Imports, Inc.
2.3 Cause
Cause means that the Participant:
(a) Has misappropriated, stolen or embezzled funds of the Employer; or
(b) Has committed an act of deceit, fraud, dereliction of duty, or gross or willful misconduct; or
(c) Has been convicted of either a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or entered a plea of nolo contendre in response to an indictment for such crime or felony; or
(d) Has intentionally disclosed confidential information of the Employer except when such disclosure is made pursuant to the direction of the Employer or in accordance with Employer policy; or
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(e) Has engaged in competitive behavior against the Employer, has purposely aided a competitor of the Employer or has misappropriated or aided in misappropriating a material opportunity of the Employer.
2.4 Change of Control of the Employer
Change of Control of the Employer shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(a) Any person (as defined in Sections 3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Act)) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-S under the Act) of securities of Pier 1, representing 35% or more of the voting power of the outstanding securities of Pier 1 having the right under ordinary circumstances to vote at an election of the Board of Directors of Pier 1; or
(b) There shall occur a change in the composition of a majority of the Board of Directors within a two (2) year period which change shall not have been affirmatively approved by a majority of the Board of Directors as constituted immediately prior to the commencement of such period; or
(c) At any meeting of the stockholders of Employer called for the purpose of electing directors, a majority of persons nominated by the Board of Directors for election as directors shall fail to be elected.
2.5 Committee
Committee means the Employees Retirement Plan Committee appointed to administer the Employees Retirement Plan for the employees of Pier 1 Imports, Inc. or any successor tax-qualified retirement plan, or any other Committee chosen by the Board.
2.6 Compensation
Compensation for a calendar year means the sum of (i) the rate at which salary is being paid to a Participant as of the last day of that calendar year, (ii) any bonuses actually paid to a Participant during that calendar year excluding bonuses that were first payable during and deferred from a previous calendar year and (iii) any bonuses that were payable to a Participant during that calendar year which were deferred for payment to a subsequent year.
2.7 Deferred Retirement Date
Deferred Retirement Date means the first day of the month coincident with or next following the date that the Participant terminates employment with the Employer after the Participants Normal Retirement Date.
2.8 Early Retirement Date
Early Retirement Date means the first day of the month coincidental with or next following the date on which a Participant terminates employment with the Employer, if such
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termination date occurs after the Participants attainment of age fifty-five (55) and completion of ten (10) Years of Plan Participation.
2.9 Employer
Employer means any of Pier 1, its subsidiaries, including a trust directly or indirectly owned by Pier 1 and each of their respective successors.
2.10 Good Reason
Good Reason means, without the written consent of the Participant:
(a) A reduction in the Participants base salary or a reduction in the Participants benefits received from the Employer (other than in connection with an across-the-board reduction in salaries and/or benefits for similarly situated employees of the Employer or pursuant to the Employers standard retirement policy), in each case as in effect immediately prior to a Change of Control; or
(b) The relocation of the Participants full-time office to a location greater than fifty (50) miles from the Employers current corporate office; or
(c) A reduction in the Participants corporate title as in effect immediately prior to a Change of Control; or
(d) The failure by the Employer to obtain the assumption of this agreement by any successor as contemplated in this Plan.
2.11 Highest Average Compensation
Highest Average Compensation means the sum of the Participants Compensation for his highest paid three (3) full calendar years of employment with Employer prior to termination of employment (whether or not such years are consecutive) divided by three (3); provided, however, that if the Participant has been employed for less than three (3) full calendar years, the Highest Average Compensation shall be determined by using the sum of the Participants Compensation for his number of completed months of employment divided by the number of his actual completed months of employment multiplied by twelve (12).
2.12 Normal Retirement Date
Normal Retirement Date means the first day of the month coincidental with or next following the date on which a Participant attains age sixty-five (65).
2.13 Participant
Participant means any individual who is participating or has participated in this Plan pursuant to Article III.
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2.14 Pier 1
Pier 1 means Pier 1 Imports, Inc., a Delaware corporation and its successors.
2.15 Retirement
Retirement means separation from employment with the Employer at the Participants Normal Retirement Date or Deferred Retirement Date or Early Retirement Date. Retirement shall also mean the date as of which a Participant separates from employment within twenty-four (24) months of a Change of Control of the Employer due to termination of the employment of a Participant without regard to Years of Credited Service unless such separation is:
(a) | By the Employer for Cause; or | |||
(b) | Because of Total and Permanent Disability; or | |||
(c) | Because of the Participants death; or | |||
(d) | By the Participant other than: | |||
For Good Reason; or | ||||
Upon the Participants voluntary separation from employment after his/her Normal Retirement Date, Deferred Retirement Date or Early Retirement Date. |
2.16 Supplemental Retirement Benefit
Supplemental Retirement Benefit means the benefit determined under Article IV of this Plan.
2.17 Termination
Termination means separation from employment with the Employer for any reason other than Retirement, death or Total and Permanent Disability.
2.18 Total and Permanent Disability
Total and Permanent Disability means a physical or mental condition which has resulted in the Participant being eligible for benefits under the Employers group long-term disability income plan.
2.19 Years of Credited Service
Years of Credited Service means the years of credited vesting service with the Employer, determined in accordance with the provisions of The Employees Retirement Plan of the Employer, or any successor tax-qualified retirement plan.
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2.20 Years of Plan Participation
Years of Plan Participation means the total number of full years in which a Participant has participated in the Plan.
ARTICLE III PARTICIPATION AND VESTING
3.1 Participation
Participation in this Plan shall be limited to those employees of the Employer nominated by the Chief Executive Officer of Pier 1 and approved by the Committee and by the Board, and who elect to participate in this Plan by executing a Participation Agreement in the form designated by the Committee.
3.2 Supplemental Retirement Benefit Vesting
(a) Vesting Percentage. Each Participant shall become vested in a Supplemental Retirement Plan Benefit based upon the following schedule:
Vesting | ||||
Years of Credited Service | Percentage | |||
Less than 1 | 0 | % | ||
1 but less than 2 | 10 | |||
2 but less than 3 | 20 | |||
3 but less than 4 | 30 | |||
4 but less than 5 | 40 | |||
5 but less than 6 | 50 | |||
6 but less than 7 | 60 | |||
7 but lass than 8 | 70 | |||
8 but less than 9 | 80 | |||
9 but less than 10 | 90 | |||
l0 or more | 100 | |||
(b) Prior Years of Credited Service. For purposes of this Plan, Years of Credited Service earned prior to the May 1, 1986 date of Plan adoption by the Employer shall be limited to five (5),
(c) Conditions for Immediate Vesting. Regardless of a Participants actual Years of Credited Service or age, a Participant shall be one hundred percent (100%) vested in a Supplemental Retirement Benefit upon Retirement, termination of employment due to Total and Permanent Disability, or death.
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(d) Initial Participants. Notwithstanding anything in this Article to the contrary, any employee of the Employer who becomes a Participant in this Plan within 30 days of the original May 1, 1986 effective date of this Plan shall be at least fifty percent (50%) vested in any Plan Benefits herein upon attaining age fifty-five (55).
ARTICLE IV SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS
4.1 Benefit
Upon separation from employment, a Participant shall receive a Supplemental Retirement Benefit from this Plan which, along with the Participants benefits from primary Social Security, shall equal approximately fifty percent (50%) of the Participants Highest Average Compensation. The computation of said Supplemental Retirement Benefit shall be made in accordance with the following provisions of this Article IV.
4.2 Retirement; Disability; Death
If a Participant separates from employment due to Retirement, Total and Permanent Disability, or death prior to the commencement of benefits under this Plan, the Employer shall pay to the Participant a Supplemental Retirement Benefit calculated as follows:
(a) Fifty percent (50%) times the Participants Highest Average Compensation.
(b) Increase the amount determined in (a) by six percent (6%) compounded annually for fifteen (15) years.
(c) Sum the annual amounts determined in (b).
(d) The sum of a Participants primary Social Security benefit determined at the time of and according to the laws in effect at the Participants Retirement date increased two percent (2%) compounded annually for fifteen (15) years. However, if a Participant separates from employment before the Normal Retirement Date, the primary Social Security benefit shall be determined based upon the primary Social Security benefit the Participant would have received at the Normal Retirement Date based upon the assumption the Participant will receive no future compensation after the date of separation from employment and based upon the relevant Social Security law at the time of separation from employment.
(e) (c) offset by (d) divided by one hundred eighty (180).
4.3 Adjustments for Deferred Retirement Benefit
If the Participant separates from employment at a Deferred Retirement Date, the Employer shall pay to the Participant a Supplemental Retirement Benefit as calculated in paragraph 4.2 above, but adjusted as follows:
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(a) The percentage of Highest Average Compensation set forth in paragraph 4.2(a) shall be increased by five (5) percentage points for each Year of Credited Service performed past the Participants Normal Retirement Date, but in no event shall the increase be more than fifteen (15) percentage points;
(b) The calculation of Highest Average Compensation shall not take into consideration any Compensation earned after the Participant attains age 65; and
(c) The Participant shall forfeit twenty percent (20%) of the Supplemental Retirement Benefit otherwise due for each Year of Credited Service performed past the Participants attained age seventy (70).
4.4 Adjustments for Early Retirement Benefit
If a Participant separates from employment at an Early Retirement Date but before his Normal Retirement Date, the Employer shall pay to the Participant a Supplemental Retirement Benefit as calculated under Section 4.2 above except:
(a) The sum amount described in subsection 4.2(c) shall be reduced by five-twelfths percent (5/12%) for each full calendar month by which the Participants Early Retirement Date precedes the Participants attainment of age sixty-five (65); and
(b) The offset required by subsection 4.2(d) shall be determined using the Social Security Act in effect at Early Retirement Date and assuming zero (0) future earnings from the Participants Early Retirement Date to his attainment of age sixty-five (65).
4.5 Termination
If a Participant separates from employment due to Termination, the Employer shall pay to the Participant the Supplemental Retirement Benefit calculated under paragraph 4.2 above, multiplied by the vesting percentage of benefit as provided in paragraph 3.2 above.
4.6 Form of Benefit Payment
Effective as of December 20, 1991, each Participant shall, upon becoming a Participant, irrevocably elect in writing that his or her benefits under this Plan be paid in one of the following forms:
(a) Equal monthly installments paid over a period of one hundred eighty (180) months;
(b) A lump sum;
(c) An annuity for the life of the Participant; or
(d) A joint and survivor annuity over the lives of Participant and the Participants Beneficiary.
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Those individuals who are already Participants on December 20, 1991, but who are not yet receiving benefits under this Plan, shall within ten (10) days after such date irrevocably elect in writing one of the foregoing forms for the payment of his or her benefits under this Plan. The forms of payment specified in subparagraphs (b), (c) and (d) above shall be the actuarial and financial equivalents of the form of payment specified in subparagraph (a) above.
For purposes of determining actuarial equivalence, the benefits referred to in subparagraphs (b), (c) and (d) above shall be discounted at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation interest rate for immediate annuities, as published in Appendix B to Part 2619 of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor or replacement rate (the PBGC rate) in effect on January 1 of each year; or (ii) a twenty-four (24) month rolling average of the PBGC rate, using the current rate as of the beginning of the month in which the calculation is made and the twenty-three (23) previous months.
Beginning January 1, 1996, the vested, accrued benefit shall be calculated as of January 1 of each year for each Participant, and in no event shall the vested, accrued benefit be less than such benefit calculated for a previous year. For example, if a Participant has elected a lump-sum benefit and the lump-sum benefit as of January 1, 1996 is $750.000 but, due to an increase in the discount rate, drops to $700,000 as of January 1, 1997, the Participants vested, accrued lump-sum benefit as of January 1, 1997 would be $750,000.
4.7 Withholding; Payroll Taxes
To the extent required by the law in effect at the time payments are made, the Employer shall withhold from payments made hereunder any taxes required to be withheld from a Participants wages by the federal, state or local government.
4.8 Payments
Any benefit due under this Article shall be paid as set forth below:
(a) Supplemental Retirement Benefits due as a result of a Participants Retirement shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the earlier of the date of such Retirement or death:
(b) Supplemental Retirement Benefits due as a result of Termination or Total and Permanent Disability shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the earlier of the Participants attaining age sixty-five (65) or death;
(c) Supplemental Retirement Benefits due as a result of death shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the death of the Participant.
4.9 Payment to Guardian
If a Plan benefit is payable to a minor or a person declared incompetent or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of property, the Committee may direct payment of such Plan benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care and custody of such minor, incompetent or person. The Committee may require proof of incompetency, minority,
PAGE 8 SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
incapacity or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the Plan benefit. Such distribution shall completely discharge the Committee and Employer from all liability with respect to such benefit.
4.10 Major Medical and Hospitalization Insurance Coverage
If a Participant separates from employment by reason of Retirement or Total and Permanent Disability, such Participant (for himself and his dependents) shall have the right to medical benefit coverage to be provided by the Employer until the death of the Participant; provided, however, that if the Participant is survived by a spouse, such spouse shall have the right to continued medical coverage for a period of thirty-six months from the Employer on the same basis as the Participant would have had if he had survived. Such coverage shall be comparable to the Employer-provided major medical and hospitalization insurance coverage, if any, made available generally to the Employers active employees and their dependents. Such coverage will only be provided if the Participant pays, or reimburses the Employer for, a portion of the total premium for such major medical coverage equal to the amount such Participant would have been required to pay or reimburse the Employer had he been covered as an active employee of the Employer. Premium payments or reimbursements required to be paid by a Participant pursuant to this Section 4.10 shall be made by the Participant at such times and in such form as the Employer shall establish pursuant to reasonable payment methods.
If a Participant separates from employment for any reason other than Retirement or Total and Permanent Disability, such Participant (for the Participant and the Participants dependents) shall have the right to participate, during the fifteen (15) years immediately after the date such Participant attains age sixty-five (65), in the Employer-provided major medical coverage, if any, made available generally to the Employers active employees and their dependents; provided, however, that such Participant pays, or reimburses the Employer for, the total premium (i.e., Employer and employee portions) for such major medical coverage at such times as the Employers active employees pay their respective contributions for such major medical coverage.
ARTICLE VBENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
5.1 Beneficiary Designation
Each Participant shall have the right, at any time, to designate any person or persons as his Beneficiary or Beneficiaries (both primary and contingent) to whom payment under this Plan shall be paid in the event of death prior to complete distribution to the Participant of the benefits due under the Plan. Each Beneficiary designation shall be in a written form prescribed by the Committee and will be effective only when filed with the Committee during the Participants lifetime. If a Participants Compensation is community property, any Beneficiary designation shall be valid or effective only as permitted under applicable law.
5.2 Amendments
Any Beneficiary designation may be changed by a Participant without the consent of any designated Beneficiary by the filing of a new Beneficiary designation with the Committee. The
PAGE 9 SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
filing of a new Beneficiary designation form will cancel all Beneficiary designations previously filed.
5.3 No Beneficiary Designation
If any Participant fails to designate a Beneficiary in the manner provided above, or if the Beneficiary designated by a deceased Participant predeceases the Participant, the Committee, in its discretion, shall direct the Employer to distribute such Participants benefits (or the balance thereof) as follows:
(a) To the Participants surviving spouse, if any; or
(b) If the Participant shall have no surviving spouse, then to the Participants children in equal shares, by right of representation; or
(c) If the Participant shall have no surviving spouse or children, then to the Participants estate.
5.4 Effect of Payment
Payment to the Beneficiary shall completely discharge Employers obligations under this Plan.
5.5 Death of Beneficiary
Following commencement of payment of Plan benefits, if the Beneficiary designated by a deceased Participant dies before receiving complete distribution of the benefits, the Committee shall direct the Employer to distribute the balance of such benefits:
(a) As designated by the Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions in paragraph 5.1 above; or
(b) If the Beneficiary shall not have made such designation, then to the Beneficiarys estate.
ARTICLE VIADMINISTRATION
6.1 Committee; Duties
This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Members of the Committee may be Participants under this Plan.
6.2 Agents
The Committee may appoint an individual to be the Committees agent with respect to the day-to-day administration of the Plan. In addition, the Committee may, from time to time, employ other agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit, and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to the Employer.
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6.3 Binding Effect of Decisions
The decision or action of the Committee with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Plan.
6.4 Indemnity of Committee
The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee against any and all claims, loss, damage, expense or liability arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Committee.
ARTICLE VII CLAIMS PROCEDURES
7.1 Claim
Any person claiming a benefit, requesting an interpretation or ruling under the Plan, or requesting information under the Plan shall present the request in writing to the Committee which shall respond in writing as soon as practicable.
7.2 Denial of Claim
If the claim or request is denied, the written notice of denial shall be made within ninety (90) days of the date of receipt of such claim or request by the Committee and shall state:
(a) The reason for denial, with specific reference to the Plan provisions on which the denial is based.
(b) A description of any additional material or information required and an explanation of why it is necessary.
(c) An explanation of the Plans claims review procedure.
7.3 Review of Claim
Any person whose claim or request is denied or who has not received a response within ninety (90) days may request review by notice given in writing to the Committee within sixty (60) days of receiving a response or one hundred fifty (150) days from the date the claim was received by the Committee. The claim or request shall be reviewed by the Committee who may, but shall not be required to, grant the claimant a hearing. On review, the claimant may have representation, examine pertinent documents, and submit issues and comments in writing.
7.4 Final Decision
The decision on review shall normally be made within sixty (60) days after the Committees receipt of a request for review. If an extension of time is required for a hearing or
PAGE 11 SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
other special circumstances, the claimant shall be notified and the time shall be one hundred twenty (120) days after the Committees receipt of a request for review. The decision shall be in writing and shall state the reason and the relevant Plan provisions. All decisions on review shall be final and bind all parties concerned.
ARTICLE VIIITERMINATION, SUSPENSION OR AMENDMENT
8.1 Amendment or Termination
The Board may, in its sole discretion, amend or terminate this Plan at any time, in whole or in part; provided, however, that no such amendment or termination shall adversely affect the benefits of Participants which have vested in accordance with paragraph 3.2 above prior to such action, the benefits of any Participant who has previously retired, or the benefits of any Beneficiary of a Participant who has died; provided further, however, that the amendment or termination of this Plan shall not alter in any manner the timing or form of benefit payments under this Plan.
8.2 Successor Employer
The provisions of this Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or assign of the Employer. If a successor Employer amends or terminates this Plan, no such amendment or termination shall adversely affect the benefits of Participants which have vested in accordance with paragraph 3.2 above prior to such action, the benefits of any Participant who has previously retired, or the benefits of any Beneficiary of a Participant who has previously died.
ARTICLE IXMISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Unsecured General Creditor
Benefits to be provided under this Plan are unfunded obligations of the Employer. Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors, and assigns shall have no secured interest or claim in any property or assets of Employer, nor shall they be Beneficiaries of, or have any rights, claims or interests in any life insurance policies, annuity contracts or the proceeds therefrom owned or which may be acquired by Employer (Policies). Except as provided in paragraph 9.2, such Policies or other assets of Employer shall not be held under any trust for the benefit of Participants, their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors or assigns, or be considered in any way as collateral security for the fulfilling of the obligations of Employer under this Plan.
9.2 Trust Fund
Employer shall be responsible for the payment of all benefits provided under the Plan. At its discretion, Employer may establish one (1) or more trusts, with such trustees as the Board may approve, for the purpose of providing for the payment of such benefits. Although such a trust shall be irrevocable, its assets shall be held for payment of all Employers general creditors in the event of insolvency. To the extent any benefits provided under the Plan are paid from any
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such trust, Employer shall have no further obligation to pay them. If not paid from the trust, such benefits shall remain the obligation of Employer.
9.3 Nonassignability
Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise encumber, hypothecate or convey in advance of actual receipt the amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof. No part of the amounts payable shall, prior to actual payment, be subject to seizure or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by a Participant or any other person, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participants or any other persons bankruptcy or insolvency.
9.4 Not a Contract of Employment
The terms and conditions of this Plan shall not be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between Employer and the Participant, and the Participant (or his Beneficiary) shall have no rights against the Employer except as may otherwise be specifically provided herein. Moreover, nothing in this Plan shall be deemed to give a Participant the right to be retained in the service of Employer or to interfere with the right of Employer to discipline or discharge him at any time.
9.5 Suicide
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article IV, no benefit shall be paid to a Beneficiary if the Participants death occurs as a result of suicide during the twelve (12) successive calendar months beginning with the calendar month following the commencement of an individuals participation in this Plan.
9.6 Participants Cooperation
A Participant will cooperate with Employer by furnishing any and all information requested by Employer in order to facilitate the payment of benefits hereunder, and by taking such physical examinations and such other action as may be requested by Employer.
9.7 Terms
Whenever any words are used herein in the masculine, they shall be construed as though they were used in the feminine in all cases where they would so apply; and wherever any words are used herein in the singular or in the plural, they shall be construed as though they were used in the plural or the singular, as the case may be, in all cases where they would so apply.
9.8 Captions
The captions of the articles, sections and paragraphs of this Plan are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of its provisions.
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9.9 Governing Law
The provisions of this Plan shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Delaware.
9.10 Validity
In case any provision of this Plan shall be illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts hereof, but this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal and invalid provision had never been inserted herein.
9.11 Successors
The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of Employer and its successors and assigns. The term successors as used herein shall include any corporate or other business entity which shall, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the business and assets of Employer, and successors of any such corporation or other business entity.
9.12 Notice
Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Committee under the Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand delivered, or sent by registered or certified mail, to any member of the Committee, the President of the Employer, or the Employers Statutory Agent. Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery or, if delivery is made by mail, as of three (3) days following the date shown on the postmark or on the receipt for registration or certification.
PIER 1 IMPORTS, INC.
By: | ||
E. Mitchell Weatherly | ||
Executive Vice President Human Resources |
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