EMPLOYMENTAGREEMENT

EX-10.2 3 a10-17121_1ex10d2.htm EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of September 7, 2010, is entered into by and between Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and John M. Duffey (the “Executive”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire that Executive serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company on the terms set forth in this Agreement and to confirm the terms and conditions of such employment by entering into this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, it is hereby agreed as follows:

 

1.             Term of Employment.  The term of Executive’s employment by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall commence on September 7, 2010 (the “Effective Date”) and shall terminate in accordance with Section 4 hereof (such term, the “Term”).

 

2.             Position, Duties and Location.

 

(a)           Position and Duties.  Executive shall serve as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.  During the Term, Executive shall have the duties and responsibilities for the position(s) then held by Executive that are commensurate with those held by similarly situated executives at similarly situated companies of similar size, and such other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Chief Executive Officer that are reasonably consistent with Executive’s position.  Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer.

 

(b)           Attention and Time.  Executive shall devote substantially all Executive’s business attention and time to Executive’s duties hereunder and shall use Executive’s reasonable best efforts to carry out such duties faithfully and efficiently.  During the Term, it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for Executive to (i) serve on industry, trade, civic or charitable boards or committees; (ii) deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements; or (iii) manage personal investments, as long as such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities as described herein.  Executive shall be permitted to serve on for-profit corporate boards of directors if approved in advance by the Board.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall use Executive’s best efforts to resign from any outside positions consistent with Executive’s obligations with respect to such position if the Board determines in good faith that such activities interfere in any material respect with the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities for the Company.

 

(c)           Location.  Executive’s principal place of employment shall be located at the Company’s offices in Gurnee, Illinois but Executive shall be required to travel to and render services at other Company locations, as may reasonably be required by Executive’s duties hereunder.

 



 

3.             Compensation.

 

(a)           Base Salary.  Executive shall receive a base salary (as applicable, the “Base Salary”) at an annual rate of no less than $550,000.  Executive’s Base Salary shall be reviewed by the Company in 2012 and at least annually thereafter for increase.  Base Salary shall be paid at such times and in such manner as the Company customarily pays the base salaries of its employees.  In the event that Executive’s Base Salary is increased by the Board in its discretion at any time during the Term, such increased amount shall thereafter constitute the Base Salary.

 

(b)           Annual Bonus.  During the Term, Executive shall have a target bonus opportunity (“Target Bonus”) of 75% of Base Salary.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the 2010 performance year, Executive’s Target Bonus shall be pro rated for the portion of the 2010 fiscal year this Agreement is in effect.  Any annual bonus payable to Executive shall be paid during the calendar year following the calendar year performance year and no later than five days following the filing of the Company’s Form 10-K for the performance year (or, if the Company is not required to or does not file a Form 10-K, no later than five days following the completion of the audit of the applicable performance year).

 

(c)           Equity Awards.  On the Effective Date, Executive shall be granted restricted stock units in accordance with the agreement attached as Exhibit A and options in accordance with the agreement attached as Exhibit B.  In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Executive shall participate in the Company’s Project 350 Program in accordance with the terms attached as Exhibit C and shall have a Base Number (as such term is used under such Program) of 50,000.

 

(d)           Other Compensation and Benefits.  During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in or receive benefits under any employee benefit programs of the Company (including life, health and disability programs) that are made available generally to executive officers of the Company to the extent that Executive complies with the conditions attendant with coverage under such plans or arrangements.  Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the Company from modifying or terminating any plan or arrangement (excluding, as it relates to Executive, the annual bonus program described in Section 3(b), expense reimbursements described in Section 3(e) and the equity awards provided hereunder).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of paid vacation per calendar year.

 

(e)           Expenses.  The Company shall promptly reimburse Executive in accordance with applicable Company policy for all reasonable expenses that Executive incurs during Executive’s employment with the Company in carrying out Executive’s duties under this Agreement.  Without limitation on the foregoing, the Company shall (i) reimburse Executive for all reasonable costs incurred in traveling to Company locations other than Gurnee, including, without limitation, lodging (hotel or otherwise), meals and transportation in the Dallas and New York areas, subject to the Company’s reasonable requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses, and (ii) fully gross-up the Executive for tax purposes for any income or employment taxes imposed upon any reimbursements described in the preceding

 

2



 

clause, so that the Executive is in the same tax position Executive would have been if such reimbursements were provided on a non-taxable basis to the Executive.

 

4.             Termination of Employment.  Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death or Disability.  The Company may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause or without Cause.  Executive may terminate Executive’s employment with or without Good Reason.  Upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, the Company shall pay Executive within 10 business days of Executive’s Date of Termination (except with respect to reimbursements described in clause (D), which shall be paid within 20 business days of Executive’s Date of Termination):  (A) unpaid Base Salary through the Date of Termination, (B) any earned but unpaid bonus for the prior fiscal year, (C) any benefits due to Executive under any employee benefit plan of the Company and any payments due to Executive under the terms of any Company program, arrangement or agreement, including insurance policies but excluding any severance program or policy and (D) any expenses owed to Executive, provided Executive properly submits documentation therefor in accordance with applicable Company policy within 10 business days after the Date of Termination ((A), (B), (C) and (D) collectively, the “Accrued Amounts”).

 

(a)           Death; Disability; Termination For Cause; Termination without Good Reason.  Upon a termination of Executive’s employment (i) due to Executive’s death or Disability, or (ii) by the Company for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason, Executive (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries) shall be entitled to Executive’s Accrued Amounts and Executive shall have no further right or entitlement under this Agreement to payments arising from termination of Executive’s employment due to death or Disability, by the Company for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason.  In addition, in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment due to death or Disability, Executive (or Executive’s estate) shall be entitled to (i) a pro rata portion (based on the number of days during the applicable performance year Executive was employed by the Company) of the annual bonus that would otherwise have been paid to Executive if Executive’s employment had not so terminated (a “Pro Rata Bonus”), payable at the time described in Section 3(b) and (ii) immediate vesting of all time-vested options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other time-vested equity-based incentive awards then held by Executive (excluding any awards issued pursuant to the Company’s Project 350 Program) (collectively, “Equity Awards”), with all outstanding options and stock appreciation rights remaining exercisable for the shorter of their originally scheduled respective terms and one year following Executive’s Date of Termination.  Moreover, in the event of the termination of Executive’s employment due to Disability, Executive shall be entitled to payment of an amount equal to the product of one (1) and the sum of Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus for the year of termination, such amount to be paid in a lump sum as soon as practicable after the Date of Termination but no later than the earliest time permitted under Section 4(d) and Section 19.

 

(b)           Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason Not Related to a Change in Control.  In the event that, during the Term, the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive terminates Executive’s employment for Good Reason other than as set forth in Section 4(c), Executive shall be entitled to the Accrued Amounts and, subject to Executive’s compliance with Sections 5, 6 and 7, the following payments and benefits in lieu of

 

3



 

any payments or benefits under any severance program or policy of the Company or its Affiliates:

 

(A)          payment of a Pro Rata Bonus, payable at the time described in Section 3(b);

 

(B)           payment of an amount equal to the product of one (1) and the sum of (X) Executive’s Base Salary (excluding any reductions thereto that serve as the basis for a termination for Good Reason) and (Y) Target Bonus for the year of termination, such amount to be paid in a lump sum as soon as practicable after the Date of Termination but no later than the earliest time permitted under Section 4(d) and Section 19;

 

(C)           subject to Executive’s making a timely election pursuant to COBRA, continued health care coverage for a period of eighteen (18) months commencing on the Date of Termination or until Executive receives comparable coverage from a subsequent employer for Executive (and Executive’s eligible dependents, if any) under the Company’s health plans on the same basis as such coverage is made available to executives employed by the Company (including, without limitation, co-pays, deductibles and other required payments and limitations) with the Company paying the applicable COBRA premium in excess of the amount paid by active employees for such coverage or otherwise providing such coverage to Executive for the amount paid by active employees for such coverage and Executive’s qualifying event for purposes of COBRA shall be treated as occurring at the Date of Termination;

 

(D)          immediate vesting of the unvested Equity Awards that are scheduled to vest in the twelve (12) month period following Executive’s Date of Termination, with all vested options and stock appreciation rights remaining exercisable for the shorter of their originally scheduled respective terms and one year following Executive’s Date of Termination; and

 

(E)           executive outplacement services as reasonably determined by the Company.

 

(c)           Termination Without Cause or for Good Reason Related to a Change in Control.  In the event that, during the Term on or within two years after or in anticipation of a Change in Control, the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive terminates Executive’s employment for Good Reason other than as set forth in Section 4(b), Executive shall be entitled to the Accrued Amounts and, subject to Executive’s compliance with Sections 5, 6 and 7, the following payments and benefits in lieu of any payments or benefits under any severance program or policy of the Company or its Affiliates:

 

(A)          payment of a Pro Rata Bonus, payable at the time described in Section 3(b);

 

(B)           payment of an amount equal to the product of two (2) and the sum of (X) Executive’s Base Salary (excluding any reductions thereto that serve as the basis

 

4



 

for a termination for Good Reason) and (Y) Target Bonus for the year of termination, such amount to be paid in a lump sum as soon as practicable after the Date of Termination but no later than the earliest time permitted under Section 4(d) and Section 19;

 

(C)           subject to Executive’s making a timely election pursuant to COBRA, continued health care coverage for a period of eighteen (18) months commencing on the Date of Termination or until Executive receives comparable coverage from a subsequent employer for Executive (and Executive’s eligible dependents, if any) under the Company’s health plans on the same basis as such coverage is made available to executives employed by the Company (including, without limitation, co-pays, deductibles and other required payments and limitations) with the Company paying the applicable COBRA premium in excess of the amount paid by active employees for such coverage or otherwise providing such coverage to Executive for the amount paid by active employees for such coverage and Executive’s qualifying event for purposes of COBRA shall be treated as occurring at the Date of Termination;

 

(D)          all of the Equity Awards shall fully vest; and

 

(E)           executive outplacement services as reasonably determined by the Company.

 

(d)           Release.  As a condition to receiving the payments and benefits set forth in Section 4(b) or Section 4(c), Executive shall be required, within 60 days of Executive’s Date of Termination (including, without limitation, a Date of Termination that occurs after the expiration of the Term), to execute, deliver and not revoke (with any applicable revocation period having expired) a general release of claims in a form attached hereto as Exhibit D.  To the extent required by Section 19, any payments or benefits that would otherwise have been made during such 60-day period shall not be made and shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the expiration of such 60-day period.

 

(e)           Full Discharge.  The amounts payable to Executive under this Section following termination of Executive’s employment shall be in full and complete satisfaction of Executive’s rights under this Agreement and any other claims Executive may have in respect of Executive’s employment by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and Executive acknowledges that such amounts are fair and reasonable, and Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy, in lieu of all other remedies at law or in equity, with respect to the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder or breach of this Agreement.  Nothing contained in this sub-section shall serve as a bar to any claim that would not have been released if Executive executed the release attached as Exhibit D upon Executive’s Date of Termination, whether or not such release is required to be executed in connection with such termination.

 

(f)            Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

 

(i)            “Adjusted EBITDA” means the Company’s consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations:  (i) excluding the cumulative effect of changes in

 

5



 

accounting principles, fresh start accounting valuation adjustments, discontinued operations, income tax expense or benefit, reorganization items, restructuring expenses, other income or expense, gain or loss on early extinguishment of debt, equity in operations of partnerships, interest expense (net), amortization, depreciation, stock-based compensation, gain or loss on disposal of assets, interests of third parties in the Adjusted EBITDA of properties that are less than wholly owned (currently consisting of Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags White Water Atlanta and Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark), and (ii) plus the Company’s share of the Adjusted EBITDA of dick clark productions, inc.  The Committee shall equitably adjust Adjusted EBITDA to exclude the impact of equity puts by partnership parks, acquisitions and dispositions and other one-time or extraordinary events.

 

(ii)           “Affiliate” shall mean a person or other entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company.

 

(iii)          “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.  The duties and responsibilities of the Board hereunder may be exercised by a committee of the Board, which shall be considered to be the “Board” for purposes hereof.

 

(iv)          “Cause” shall mean:  (A) Executive’s continued failure (except where due to physical or mental incapacity) to endeavor in good faith to substantially perform Executive’s duties hereunder after written notice from the Company requesting such performance and specifying Executive’s alleged non-compliance; (B) Executive’s material malfeasance or gross neglect in the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder; (C) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a felony; (D) the commission by Executive of an act of fraud or embezzlement against the Company or any Affiliate constituting a crime; (E) Executive’s material breach of any material provision of this Agreement (as determined in good faith by the Board) that is not remedied within fifteen (15) days after (I) written notice from the Company specifying such breach and (II) the opportunity to appear before the Board; (F) Executive’s material violation of a material Company policy that causes demonstrable damage to the Company, which damage is not insignificant; (G) Executive’s continued failure to cooperate in any audit or investigation involving the Company or its Affiliates or its or their financial statements or business practices that is not remedied within fifteen (15) days of written notice from the Company specifying such failure; or (H) Executive’s actual gross misconduct that the Board determines in good faith adversely and materially affects the business or reputation of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided that in any dispute pursuant to Section 10 regarding whether “Cause” exists under this clause (H), the arbitrator shall make a de novo review of whether Executive’s actual gross misconduct adversely and materially affected the business or reputation of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, it being understood that Executive’s termination shall be determined by the arbitrator to have been by the Company without Cause under this clause (H) if either (a) Executive did not actually engage in gross misconduct or (b) such gross misconduct did not in fact have an adverse and material effect on the business or reputation of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole

 

6



 

(v)           “Change in Control” shall mean:  (A) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), but excluding (x) any employee benefit plan of the Company, (y) any Permitted Holder or (z) any acquisitions pursuant to a transaction described in clause (D) below, that does not constitute a Change in Control), is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all shares that any such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only through the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the voting stock of the Company; (B) at any time, the Continuing Directors (as defined below) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; (C) a direct or indirect sale or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (D) consummation of any merger, consolidation or like business combination or reorganization of the Company that results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of such merger, consolidation or like business combination or reorganization not representing (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the applicable surviving or other entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company (or its successor) (or the ultimate parent company thereof) outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or like business combination or reorganization.  Only one (1) Change in Control may occur during the Term.

 

(vi)          “Continuing Directors” shall mean, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board who (i) was a member of the Board on the date of this Agreement or (ii) was nominated for election or elected to the Board with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of the Board at the time of such nomination or election.

 

(vii)         “Date of Termination / Notice of Termination.”  Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or by Executive under this Section 4 (other than termination due to death) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto indicating the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and specifying a “Date of Termination” (a “Notice of Termination”) which, if submitted by Executive, shall be at least thirty (30) days following the date of such notice.  A Notice of Termination submitted by the Company may provide for a “Date of Termination” on the date Executive receives the Notice of Termination, or any date thereafter elected by the Company in its sole discretion not to exceed thirty (30) days following the date of such notice.  The failure by Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Cause or Good Reason shall not waive any right of Executive or the Company hereunder or preclude Executive or the Company thereafter from asserting such fact or circumstance within a period of six months from the Date of Termination in order to enforce Executive’s or the Company’s otherwise applicable rights hereunder.

 

7



 

(viii)        “Disability” shall mean the Executive’s inability due to a mental or physical impairment to substantially perform Executive’s duties for the Company for 90 consecutive days or 180 days in any two-year period.

 

(ix)           “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence, without Executive’s express written consent, of:  (A) a material diminution in Executive’s employment duties, responsibilities or authority, or the assignment to Executive of duties that are materially inconsistent with Executive’s position; (B) any reduction in Base Salary or any reduction in Executive’s Target Bonus (as expressed as a percentage of Base Salary); or (C) any material breach by the Company of Section 3 or Section 9 of this Agreement; provided that Executive may terminate for Good Reason only if (I) within 90 days of the date Executive has actual knowledge of the occurrence of an event of Good Reason, Executive provides written notice of the Company specifying such event, (II) the Company does not cure such event within 10 business days of such notice if the event is nonpayment of an amount due to Executive or within 60 days of such notice for other events and (III) Executive terminates Executive’s employment within 30 business days of the end of such cure period.

 

(x)            “Permitted Holders” shall mean each person or entity (and any affiliate of such person) beneficially owning more than 10% of the Company’s voting stock on the Effective Date.

 

(xi)           “Subsidiary” of the Company shall mean any corporation of which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock.

 

(g)           Other Positions.  Executive shall immediately resign, and shall be deemed to have immediately resigned without the requirement of any additional action, from any and all position Executive holds with the Company and its Affiliates on Executive’s Date of Termination.

 

(h)           Breach of Payment Obligation.  If the Company fails (other than pursuant to Section 18) to pay any amount due to Executive (or Executive’s estate) pursuant to this Section 4 as a result of Executive’s termination of employment within the fifteen (15) day period following written notice by Executive (it being understood and agreed that such notice may not be given until any such material payment has not been paid for at least 15 days following its scheduled payment date), the restrictions imposed by Section 7(a)(i) and (ii) shall immediately terminate.

 

5.             Confidentiality of Trade Secrets and Business Information.  Executive agrees that Executive shall not, at any time during Executive’s employment with the Company or thereafter, disclose or use any trade secret, proprietary or confidential information of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (collectively, “Confidential Information”), obtained by Executive during the course of such employment, except for (i) disclosures and uses required in the course of such employment or with the written permission of the Company, (ii) disclosures with respect to any litigation, arbitration or mediation involving this Agreement, including but not limited to, the enforcement of Executive’s rights under this Agreement, or (iii) as may be required by law or

 

8



 

by any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative or legislative body (including any committee thereof) with apparent jurisdiction to order such disclosure; provided that, if, in any circumstance described in clause (iii), Executive receives notice that any third party shall seek to compel Executive by process of law to disclose any Confidential Information, Executive shall promptly notify the Company and provide reasonable cooperation to the Company (at the Company’s sole expense) in seeking a protective order against such disclosure.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Confidential Information” shall not include information that is or becomes publicly known outside the Company or any of its subsidiaries other than due to a breach of Executive’s obligations under this paragraph.

 

6.             Return of Information.  Executive agrees that at the time of any termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or expiration of the Term, whether at the instance of Executive or the Company, and regardless of the reasons therefore, Executive shall deliver to the Company (at the Company’s expense), any and all notes, files, memoranda, papers and, in general, any and all physical (including electronic) matter containing Confidential Information that are in Executive’s possession or under Executive’s control, except as otherwise consented in writing by the Company at the time of such termination.  The foregoing shall not prevent Executive from retaining copies of personal diaries, personal notes, personal address books, personal calendars, and any other personal information (including, without limitation, information relating to Executive’s compensation), but only to the extent such copies do not contain any Confidential Information other than that which relates directly to Executive, including Executive’s compensation.

 

7.             Noncompetition, Noninterference, Nondisparagement and Cooperation.

 

(a)           General.  In consideration for the compensation payable to Executive under this Agreement, Executive agrees that Executive shall not, other than in carrying out Executive’s duties hereunder, directly or indirectly, do any of the following (i) during Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries and for a period of one (1) year after any termination of such employment, render services in any capacity (including as an employee, director, member, consultant, partner, investor or independent contractor) to a Competitor, (ii) during Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries and for a period of one (1) year after any termination of such employment, attempt to, or assist any other person in attempting to, employ, engage, retain or partner with, any person who is then, or at any time during the ninety (90) day-period prior thereto was, a director, officer or other executive of the Company or a Subsidiary, or encourage any such person or any consultant, agent or independent contractor of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate or adversely alter or modify such relationship with the Company or any Subsidiary, provided that this section (ii) shall not be violated by general advertising, general internet postings or other general solicitation in the ordinary course not specifically targeted at such persons, nor (iii) during Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries and for a period of one (1) year after any termination of employment, solicit any then current customer (excluding any patrons of the Company’s amusement parks) or business partner of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate, alter or modify its relationship with the Company or the Subsidiary or to interfere with the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s relationships with any of its customers or business partners.  During the Term and for one (1) year thereafter, Executive agrees not to make any public statement that is intended to or would reasonably be expected to disparage the Company, its

 

9



 

Affiliates or its or their directors, officers, employees, businesses or products other than as required in the good faith discharge of Executive’s duties hereunder.  During the Term and for one (1) year thereafter, the Company (including directors and officers of the Company in their capacity as such) agrees that it shall not make any public statement that is intended to or would reasonably be expected to disparage Executive.  At the request of Executive, the Company shall direct its directors and officers to not make any statements that would violate this Section 7(a) if they were made by the Company and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to enforce such direction.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section shall prevent any person from (A) responding publicly to any incorrect, disparaging or derogatory public statement made by or on behalf of the other party to the extent reasonably necessary to correct or refute such public statement or (B) making any truthful statement to the extent required by law.

 

(b)           Cooperation.  Executive agrees to cooperate, in a reasonable manner and at the expense of the Company, with the Company and its attorneys, both during and after the termination of Executive’s employment, in connection with any litigation or other proceeding arising out of or relating to matters in which Executive was involved prior to the termination of Executive’s employment so long as such cooperation does not materially interfere with Executive’s employment or consulting.  In the event that such cooperation is required after the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries, the Company shall pay the Executive at the rate of $4,500 per day and out-of-pocket expenses approved in advance by the Company after presentation by the Executive of reasonable documentation related thereto.

 

(c)           Definition.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Competitor” shall mean any business or enterprise in the theme park business, which shall include, without limitation, amusement and water parks.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive’s provision of services to an Affiliate or unit of a Competitor that is not directly engaged in the theme park business shall not be a violation of the restrictions of this Section 7 so long as Executive does not provide material services in respect of the theme park business and does not have material direct or indirect managerial or oversight responsibility or authority for the theme park business.  Nothing contained herein shall prevent Executive from acquiring, solely as an investment, any publicly-traded securities of any person so long as Executive remains a passive investor in such person and does not own more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding securities thereof.

 

8.             Enforcement.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that:  (i) the purpose of the covenants set forth in Sections 5 through 7 above (the “Restrictive Covenants”) is to protect the goodwill, trade secrets and other confidential information of the Company; (ii) because of the nature of the business in which the Company is engaged and because of the nature of the Confidential Information to which Executive has access, it would be impractical and excessively difficult to determine the actual damages of the Company in the event Executive breached any such covenants; and (iii) remedies at law (such as monetary damages) for any breach of Executive’s obligations under the Restrictive Covenants would be inadequate.  Executive therefore agrees and consents that if Executive commits any breach of a Restrictive Covenant, the Company shall have the right (in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other right or remedy that may be available to it) to temporary and permanent injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction, without posting any bond or other security and without the necessity of proof of actual damage.  If any portion of the Restrictive Covenants is hereafter determined to be invalid

 

10



 

or unenforceable in any respect, such determination shall not affect the remainder thereof, which shall be given the maximum effect possible and shall be fully enforced, without regard to the invalid portions.  In particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the covenants set forth in Section 7 are found by a court or an arbitrator to be unreasonable, Executive and the Company agree that the maximum period, scope or geographical area that is found to be reasonable shall be substituted for the stated period, scope or area, and that the court or arbitrator shall revise the restrictions contained herein to cover the maximum period, scope and area permitted by law.  If any of the Restrictive Covenants are determined to be wholly or partially unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such determination shall not be a bar to or in any way diminish the Company’s right to enforce any such covenant in any other jurisdiction.

 

9.             Indemnification.

 

(a)           The Company agrees that if Executive is made a party to, is threatened to be made a party to, receives any legal process in, or receives any discovery request or request for information in connection with, any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, excluding any action instituted by Executive, any action related to any actual violation of Section 16 of the Exchange Act by Executive or any action brought by the Company for compensation or damages related to Executive’s breach of this Agreement (a “Proceeding”), by reason of the fact that Executive was a director, officer, employee, consultant or agent of the Company, or was serving at the request of, or on behalf of, the Company as a director, officer, member, employee, consultant or agent of another corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether or not the basis of such Proceeding is Executive’s alleged action in an official capacity while serving as a director, officer, member, employee, consultant or agent of the Company or other entity, Executive shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the fullest extent permitted or authorized by the Company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws or, if greater, by applicable law, against any and all costs, expenses, liabilities and losses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees reasonably incurred, judgments, fines, taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and any reasonable cost and fees incurred in enforcing Executive’s rights to indemnification or contribution) incurred or suffered by Executive in connection therewith, and such indemnification shall continue as to Executive even though Executive has ceased to be a director, officer, member, employee, consultant or agent of the Company or other entity and shall inure to the benefit of Executive’s heirs, executors and administrators.  The Company shall reimburse Executive for all costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by Executive in connection with any Proceeding within twenty (20) business days after receipt by the Company of a written request for such reimbursement and appropriate documentation associated with these expenses.  Such request shall include an undertaking by Executive to repay the amount of such advance if it shall ultimately be determined that Executive is not entitled to be indemnified against such costs and expenses; provided that the amount of such obligation to repay shall be limited to the after-tax amount of any such advance except to the extent Executive is able to offset such taxes incurred on the advance by the tax benefit, if any, attributable to a deduction for repayment.

 

(b)           Neither the failure of the Company (including its board, independent legal counsel or stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any

 

11



 

proceeding concerning payment of amounts claimed by Executive under Section 9(a) above that indemnification of Executive is proper because Executive has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor a determination by the Company (including its board, independent legal counsel or stockholders) that Executive has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption or inference that Executive has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

(c)           The Company agrees to continue and maintain a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy covering Executive at a level, and on terms and conditions, no less favorable to Executive than the coverage the Company provides other similarly-situated executives for six years after Executive’s Date of Termination or such longer statute of limitation period.

 

(d)           Nothing in this Section 9 shall be construed as reducing or waiving any right to indemnification, or advancement of expenses, Executive would otherwise have under the Company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws or under applicable law.

 

10.           Arbitration.  Subject to Section 8, in the event that any dispute arises between the Company and Executive regarding or relating to this Agreement and/or any aspect of Executive’s employment relationship with the Company, the parties consent to resolve such dispute through mandatory arbitration under the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), before a single arbitrator in Chicago IL.  The parties hereby consent to the entry of judgment upon award rendered by the arbitrator in any court of competent jurisdiction.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, should adequate grounds exist for seeking immediate injunctive or immediate equitable relief, any party may seek and obtain such relief.  The parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and Federal courts of or in the State of New York for purposes of seeking such injunctive or equitable relief as set forth above.  Out-of-pocket costs and expense reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with such arbitration (including attorneys’ fees) shall be paid by the Company with respect to each claim on which the arbitrator determines Executive prevails.

 

11.           Mutual Representations.

 

(a)           Executive acknowledges that before signing this Agreement, Executive was given the opportunity to read it, evaluate it and discuss it with Executive’s personal advisors.  Executive further acknowledges that the Company has not provided Executive with any legal advice regarding this Agreement.

 

(b)           Executive represents and warrants to the Company that the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the fulfillment of the terms hereof (i) shall not constitute a default under, or conflict with, any agreement or other instrument to which Executive is a party or by which Executive is bound and (ii) as to Executive’s execution and delivery of this Agreement do not require the consent of any other person.

 

(c)           The Company represents and warrants to Executive that (i) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company has been fully and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, (ii) the person signing this Agreement on behalf of the Company is duly authorized to do so, (iii) the execution, delivery and performance of this

 

12



 

Agreement does not violate any applicable law, regulation, order, judgment or decree or any agreement, plan or corporate governance document to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound and (iv) upon execution and delivery of this Agreement by the parties, it shall be a valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.

 

(d)           Each party hereto represents and warrants to the other that this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligations of such party enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms.

 

12.           Notices.  All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered (i) personally, (ii) by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid with return receipt requested, (iii) by facsimile with evidence of completed transmission, or (iv) delivered by overnight courier to the party concerned at the address indicated below or to such changed address as such party may subsequently give such notice of:

 

If to the Company:

 

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

 

 

924 Avenue J East

 

 

Grand Prairie, Texas 75050

 

 

Phone: (972) 595-5000

 

 

 

 

 

Attention: Senior Vice President Administration

 

 

Fax: (972) 595-5175

 

 

 

If to Executive:

 

At the Executive’s last residence shown on the records of the Company

 

13.           Assignment and Successors.  This Agreement is personal in its nature and none of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the others, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder; provided, however, that in the event of a merger, consolidation, or transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company with or to any other individual(s) or entity, this Agreement shall, subject to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successor and such successor shall discharge and perform all the promises, covenants, duties, and obligations of the Company hereunder, and such transferee or successor shall be required to assume such obligations by contract (unless such assumption occurs by operation of law).  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, Executive shall be entitled to select (and change, to the extent permitted under any applicable law) a beneficiary or beneficiaries to receive any compensation or benefit payable hereunder following Executive’s death or judicially determined incompetence by giving the Company written notice thereof.  In the event of Executive’s death or a judicial determination of Executive’s incompetence, reference in this Agreement to Executive shall be deemed, where appropriate, to refer to Executive’s beneficiary, estate or other legal representative.

 

14.           Governing Law; Amendment.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of

 

13



 

laws.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by Executive and the Company or their respective successors and legal representatives.

 

15.           Severability.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable in part, the remaining portion of such provision, together with all other provisions of this Agreement, shall remain valid and enforceable and continue in full force and effect to the fullest extent consistent with law.

 

16.           Tax Withholding.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may withhold from amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, local and foreign taxes that are required to be withheld by applicable laws or regulations.

 

17.           No Waiver.  Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of, or to assert any right under, this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or of any other provision of or right under this Agreement.  Any provision of this Agreement may be waived by the parties hereto; provided that any waiver by any person of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective only if in writing and signed by each party and such waiver must specifically refer to this Agreement and to the terms or provisions being modified or waived.

 

18.           No Mitigation.  In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as set forth herein, such amounts shall not be subject to offset or otherwise reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment.  The Company’s obligation to make any payment pursuant to, and otherwise to perform its obligations under, this Agreement shall not be affected by any offset, counterclaim or other right that the Company have against Executive for any reason; provided that the Company may cease making the payments or providing the benefits, in each case, under Section 4 if Executive materially violates the provisions of Sections 5, 6 and 7 and, if curable, does not cure such violation within fifteen (15) days after written notice from the Company.

 

19.           Section 409A.  This Agreement is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”) with respect to amounts, if any, subject thereto and shall be interpreted and construed and shall be performed by the parties consistent with such intent.  To the extent Executive would otherwise be entitled to any payment under this Agreement, or any plan or arrangement of the Company or its Affiliates, that constitutes a “deferral of compensation” subject to Section 409A and that if paid during the six (6) months beginning on the Date of Termination of Executive’s employment would be subject to the Section 409A additional tax because Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by the Company), the payment will be paid to Executive on the earlier of the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s Date of Termination or death.  To the extent Executive would otherwise be entitled to any benefit (other than a payment) during the six (6) months beginning on termination of Executive’s employment that would be subject to the Section 409A additional tax, the benefit will be delayed and will begin being provided on the earlier of the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s

 

14



 

Date of Termination or death.  Any payment or benefit due upon a termination of employment that represents a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A shall be paid or provided only upon a “separation from service” as defined in Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(h).  Each payment made under this Agreement shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A.  Amounts payable under this Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “deferral of compensation” subject to Section 409A to the extent provided in the exceptions in Treasury Regulation §§ 1.409A-1(b)(4) (“Short-Term Deferrals”) and (b)(9) (“Separation Pay Plans,” including the exception under subparagraph (iii)) and other applicable provisions of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1 through A-6.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or elsewhere, any payment or benefit under this Agreement or otherwise that is exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v)(A) or (C) (relating to certain reimbursements and in-kind benefits) shall be paid or provided only to the extent that the expenses are not incurred, or the benefits are not provided, beyond the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive’s “separation from service” occurs; and provided further that such expenses are reimbursed no later than the last day of the third calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive’s “separation from service” occurs.  To the extent any expense reimbursement (including without limitation any reimbursement of interest or penalties related to taxes) or the provision of any in-kind benefit is determined to be subject to Section 409A (and not exempt pursuant to the prior sentence or otherwise), the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit, in one calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year (except for any life-time or other aggregate limitation applicable to medical expenses), in no event shall any expenses be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurred such expenses, and in no event shall any right to reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

20.           Headings.  The Section headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and in no manner shall be construed as part of this Agreement.

 

21.           Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior agreements, whether written or oral, with respect thereto.  In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of any other Company plan, policy, equity grant, arrangement or agreement with Executive, the provisions most favorable to Executive shall govern.

 

22.           Duration of Terms.  The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any termination of Executive’s employment to the extent necessary to give effect to such rights and obligations.

 

23.           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

24.           Certain Change in Control Payments.  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any payments or benefits Executive would receive from the Company under this Agreement or otherwise in connection with the Change in Control (the

 

15



 

Total Payments”) (a) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (b) but for this Section 24, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive will be entitled to receive either (i) the full amount of the Total Payments or (ii) a portion of the Total Payments having a value equal to $1 less than three (3) times such individual’s “base amount” (as such term is defined in Section 280G(b)(3)(A) of the Code), whichever of (i) and (ii), after taking into account applicable federal, state, and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, results in the receipt by such employee on an after-tax basis, of the greatest portion of the Total Payments.  Any determination required under this Section 24 shall be made in writing by the accountant or tax counsel selected by the Executive.  If there is a reduction pursuant to this Section 24 of the Total Payments to be delivered to the applicable Executive and to the extent that an ordering of the reduction other than by the Executive is required by Section 19 or other tax requirements, the payment reduction contemplated by the preceding sentence shall be implemented by determining the “Parachute Payment Ratio” (as defined below) for each “parachute payment” and then reducing the “parachute payments” in order beginning with the “parachute payment” with the highest Parachute Payment Ratio.  For “parachute payments” with the same Parachute Payment Ratio, such “parachute payments” shall be reduced based on the time of payment of such “parachute payments,” with amounts having later payment dates being reduced first.  For “parachute payments” with the same Parachute Payment Ratio and the same time of payment, such “parachute payments” shall be reduced on a pro rata basis (but not below zero) prior to reducing “parachute payments” with a lower Parachute Payment Ratio.  For purposes hereof, the term “Parachute Payment Ratio” shall mean a fraction the numerator of which is the value of the applicable “parachute payment” for purposes of Section 280G of the Code and the denominator of which is the actual present value of such payment.

 

16



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

 

 

SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ James Reid-Anderson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John M. Duffey

 

John M. Duffey

 



 

EXHIBIT A

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

PURSUANT TO THE

SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

Participant: John M. Duffey

 

Grant Date: September 7, 2010

 

Number of Restricted Stock Units Granted: 21,429

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of the Grant Date specified above, is entered into by and between Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, a corporation organized in the State of Delaware (the “Company”), and the Participant specified above, pursuant to the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, as in effect and as amended from time to time (the “Plan”), which is administered by the Committee;

 

WHEREAS, it has been determined under the Plan that it would be in the best interests of the Company to grant the Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) provided herein to the Participant; and

 

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company are party to an Employment Agreement dated September 7, 2010 (the “Employment Agreement”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto hereby mutually covenant and agree as follows:

 

1.             Incorporation By Reference; Plan Document Receipt.  This Agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, any amendments thereto adopted at any time and from time to time unless such amendments are expressly intended not to apply to the Award provided hereunder), all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this Agreement as if they were each expressly set forth herein.  Any capitalized term not defined in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as is ascribed thereto in the Plan.  The Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of a true copy of the Plan and that the Participant has read the Plan carefully and fully understands its content.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.

 

2.             Grant of Restricted Stock Unit Award.  The Company hereby grants to the Participant, as of the Grant Date specified above, the number of RSUs specified above. Each RSU corresponds to one share of Company Stock.  Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, the Participant agrees and understands that nothing contained in this Agreement provides, or is

 



 

intended to provide, the Participant with any protection against potential future dilution of the Participant’s interest in the Company for any reason, and no adjustments shall be made for dividends in cash or other property, distributions or other rights in respect of the shares of Company Stock underlying the RSUs, except as otherwise specifically provided for in the Plan or this Agreement.

 

3.             Vesting.

 

(a)           Subject to the applicable provisions of Section 4 of the Employment Agreement, the RSUs subject to this Award shall become vested as follows, provided that the Participant has not incurred a termination of employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries prior to each such vesting date:

 

Vesting Date

 

Number of RSUs

 

First anniversary of the Grant Date

 

25

%

Second anniversary of the Grant Date

 

25

%

Third anniversary of the Grant Date

 

25

%

Fourth anniversary of the Grant Date

 

25

%

 

There shall be no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods prior to each vesting date and all vesting shall occur only on the appropriate vesting date, subject to the Participant’s continued service with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on each applicable vesting date.

 

(b)           Committee Discretion to Accelerate Vesting.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for accelerated vesting of the RSUs at any time and for any reason.

 

(c)           Forfeiture.  All unvested RSUs (determined after giving effect to any accelerated vesting of the RSUs) shall be immediately forfeited upon the Participant’s termination of employment for any reason.

 

(d)           Employment Agreement.  For the sake of clarity, Section 4 of the Employment Agreement shall apply to determine any accelerated vesting of this Award.

 

4.             Delivery of Shares.

 

(a)           General.  Subject to the provisions of Sections 4(b) and 4(c) hereof, within thirty (30) days following the vesting of the RSUs, the Participant shall receive the number of shares of Company Stock that correspond to the number of RSUs that have become vested on the applicable vesting date.

 

(b)           Blackout Periods.  If the Participant is subject to any Company “blackout” policy or other trading restriction imposed by the Company on the date such distribution would otherwise be made pursuant to Section 4(a) hereof, such distribution shall be instead made on the earlier of (i) the date that the Participant is not subject to any such policy or restriction and (ii) 

 

2



 

the later of (A) the end of the calendar year in which such distribution would otherwise have been made and (B) a date that is immediately prior to the expiration of two and one-half months following the date such distribution would otherwise have been made hereunder.

 

(c)           Deferrals.  If permitted by the Company, the Participant may elect, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and any other applicable written plan or procedure adopted by the Company from time to time for purposes of such election, to defer the distribution of all or any portion of the shares of Company Stock that would otherwise be distributed to the Participant hereunder (the “Deferred Shares”), consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.  Upon the vesting of RSUs that have been so deferred, the applicable number of Deferred Shares shall be credited to a bookkeeping account established on the Participant’s behalf (the “Account”).  Subject to Section 5 hereof, the number of shares of Company Stock equal to the number of Deferred Shares credited to the Participant’s Account shall be distributed to the Participant in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan and the other applicable written plans or procedures of the Company, consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

 

5.             Dividends; Rights as Stockholder.  Cash dividends on shares of Company Stock issuable hereunder shall be credited to a dividend book entry account on behalf of the Participant with respect to each RSU granted to the Participant, provided that such cash dividends shall not be deemed to be reinvested in shares of Company Stock and shall be held uninvested and without interest and paid in cash at the same time that the shares of Company Stock underlying the RSUs are delivered to the Participant in accordance with the provisions hereof.  Stock dividends on shares of Company Stock shall be credited to a dividend book entry account on behalf of the Participant with respect to each RSU granted to the Participant, provided that such stock dividends shall be paid in shares of Company Stock at the same time that the shares of Company Stock underlying the RSUs are delivered to the Participant in accordance with the provisions hereof.  Except as otherwise provided herein, the Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Company Stock covered by any RSU unless and until the Participant has become the holder of record of such shares.

 

6.             Non-Transferability.  No portion of the RSUs may be sold, assigned, transferred, encumbered, hypothecated or pledged by the Participant, other than to the Company as a result of forfeiture of the RSUs as provided herein, unless and until payment is made in respect of vested RSUs in accordance with the provisions hereof and the Participant has become the holder of record of the vested shares of Company Stock issuable hereunder.

 

7.             Governing Law.  All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.

 

8.             Withholding of Tax.  As a condition to receiving the shares of Company Stock hereunder, the Participant must remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state, local and foreign taxes of any kind (including, but not limited to, the Participant’s FICA and SDI obligations) which the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to be withheld or remitted to comply with the Code and/or any other applicable law, rule or regulation with respect to the RSUs and, if the Participant fails to do so, the Company may refuse to issue or

 

3



 

transfer any shares of Company Stock otherwise required to be issued pursuant to this Agreement.

 

9.             Legend.  The Company may at any time place legends referencing any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law restrictions on all certificates representing shares of Company Stock issued pursuant to this Agreement.  The Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing shares of Company Stock acquired pursuant to this Agreement in the possession of the Participant in order to carry out the provisions of this Section 9.

 

10.           Securities Representations.  This Agreement is being entered into by the Company in reliance upon the following express representations and warranties of the Participant.  The Participant hereby acknowledges, represents and warrants that:

 

(a)           The Participant has been advised that the Participant may be an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in this connection the Company is relying in part on the Participant’s representations set forth in this Section 10.

 

(b)           If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Securities Act, the shares of Company Stock issuable hereunder must be held indefinitely unless an exemption from any applicable resale restrictions is available or the Company files an additional registration statement (or a “re-offer prospectus”) with regard to such shares of Company Stock and the Company is under no obligation to register such shares of Company Stock (or to file a “re-offer prospectus”).

 

(c)           If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Securities Act, the Participant understands that (i) the exemption from registration under Rule 144 will not be available unless (A) a public trading market then exists for the Company Stock of the Company, (B) adequate information concerning the Company is then available to the public, and (C) other terms and conditions of Rule 144 or any exemption therefrom are complied with, and (ii) any sale of the shares of Company Stock issuable hereunder may be made only in limited amounts in accordance with the terms and conditions of Rule 144 or any exemption therefrom.

 

11.           Entire Agreement; Amendment.  This Agreement, together with the Plan and the Employment Agreement, contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior agreements or prior understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties relating to such subject matter.  The Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to modify or amend this Agreement from time to time in accordance with and as provided in the Plan.  This Agreement may also be modified or amended by a writing signed by both the Company and the Participant.  The Company shall give written notice to the Participant of any such modification or amendment of this Agreement as soon as practicable after the adoption thereof.

 

12.           Notices.  Any notice hereunder by the Participant shall be given to the Company in writing and such notice shall be deemed duly given only upon receipt thereof by the General Counsel of the Company.  Any notice hereunder by the Company shall be given to the

 

4



 

Participant in writing and such notice shall be deemed duly given only upon receipt thereof at such address as the Participant may have on file with the Company.

 

13.           No Right to Employment.  Any questions as to whether and when there has been a termination of employment and the cause of such termination shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.  Nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates to terminate the Participant’s employment or service at any time, for any reason and with or without Cause.

 

14.           Transfer of Personal Data.  The Participant authorizes, agrees and unambiguously consents to the transmission by the Company (or any Subsidiary) of any personal data information related to the RSUs awarded under this Agreement for legitimate business purposes (including, without limitation, the administration of the Plan).  This authorization and consent is freely given by the Participant.

 

15.           Compliance with Laws.  The grant of RSUs and the issuance of shares of Company Stock hereunder shall be subject to, and shall comply with, any applicable requirements of any foreign and U.S. federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act and in each case any respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) and any other law, rule, regulation or exchange requirement applicable thereto.  The Company shall not be obligated to issue the RSUs or any shares of Company Stock pursuant to this Agreement if any such issuance would violate any such requirements.  As a condition to the settlement of the RSUs, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation.

 

16.           Binding Agreement; Assignment.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon, and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns.  The Participant shall not assign (except in accordance with Section 6 hereof) any part of this Agreement without the prior express written consent of the Company.

 

17.           Headings.  The titles and headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.

 

18.           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

19.           Further Assurances.  Each party hereto shall do and perform (or shall cause to be done and performed) all such further acts and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents as either party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the Plan and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereunder.

 

20.           Severability.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any

 

5



 

provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

21.           Acquired Rights.  The Participant acknowledges and agrees that: (a) the Company may terminate or amend the Plan at any time; (b) the Award of RSUs made under this Agreement is completely independent of any other award or grant and is made at the sole discretion of the Company; (c) no past grants or awards (including, without limitation, the RSUs awarded hereunder) give the Participant any right to any grants or awards in the future whatsoever; and (d) any benefits granted under this Agreement are not part of the Participant’s ordinary salary, and shall not be considered as part of such salary in the event of severance, redundancy or resignation.

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

6



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

 

SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Walter S. Hawrylak

 

 

 

 

Name:

Walter S. Hawrylak

 

 

 

 

Title:

SVP-Administration

 

 

 

 

PARTICIPANT

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John M. Duffey

 

 

 

Name: John M. Duffey

 

7



 

EXHIBIT B
NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
PURSUANT TO THE
SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION LONG-TERM PLAN

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

Participant:  John M. Duffey

 

Grant Date: September 7, 2010

 

Per Share Exercise Price:  $40.01

 

Number of Shares subject to this Option:  150,000

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

THIS NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of the Grant Date specified above, is entered into by and between Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, a corporation organized in the State of Delaware (the “Company”), and the Participant specified above, pursuant to the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, as in effect and as amended from time to time (the “Plan”), which is administered by the Committee;

 

WHEREAS, it has been determined under the Plan that it would be in the best interests of the Company to grant the Non-Qualified Stock Option provided for herein to the Participant; and

 

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company are party to an Employment Agreement dated September 7, 2010 (the “Employment Agreement”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto hereby mutually covenant and agree as follows:

 

1.             Incorporation By Reference; Plan Document Receipt.  This Agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, any amendments thereto adopted at any time and from time to time unless such amendments are expressly intended not to apply to the Award provided hereunder), all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this Agreement as if they were each expressly set forth herein.  Any capitalized term not defined in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as is ascribed thereto in the Plan.  The Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of a true copy of the Plan and that the Participant has read the Plan carefully and fully understands its content.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.  No part of the Option granted hereby is intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code.

 

2.             Grant of Option.  The Company hereby grants to the Participant, as of the Grant Date specified above, a Non-Qualified Stock Option (this “Option”) to acquire from

 



 

the Company at the Per Share Exercise Price specified above, the aggregate number of Shares specified above (the “Option Shares”).  Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, the Participant agrees and understands that nothing contained in this Agreement provides, or is intended to provide, the Participant with any protection against potential future dilution of the Participant’s interest in the Company for any reason.  The Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares covered by the Option unless and until the Participant has become the holder of record of such Shares, and no adjustments shall be made for dividends in cash or other property, distributions or other rights in respect of any such Shares, except as otherwise specifically provided for in the Plan or this Agreement.

 

3.             Vesting and Exercise.

 

(a)           Vesting.  Subject to the applicable provisions of Section 4 of the Employment Agreement, the Option shall vest and become exercisable as follows, provided that the Participant has not incurred a termination of employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries (a “Termination”) prior to each such vesting date:

 

Vesting Date

 

Number of Option Shares

 

First anniversary of the Grant Date

 

25

%

Second anniversary of the Grant Date

 

25

%

Third anniversary of the Grant Date

 

25

%

Fourth anniversary of the Grant Date

 

25

%

 

There shall be no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods prior to each vesting date and all vesting shall occur only on the appropriate vesting date, subject to the Participant’s continued service with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on each applicable vesting date.  Upon expiration of the Option, the Option shall be cancelled and no longer exercisable.

 

(b)           Committee Discretion to Accelerate Vesting.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for accelerated vesting of the Option at any time and for any reason.

 

(c)           Expiration.  Unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Plan and/or this Agreement, all portions of the Option (whether vested or not vested) shall expire and shall no longer be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the Grant Date.

 

(d)           Employment Agreement.  For the sake of clarity, Section 4 of the Employment Agreement shall apply to determine any accelerated vesting of the Award.

 

4.             Termination.  Subject to the terms of the Plan and this Agreement, the Option, to the extent vested at the time of the Participant’s Termination, shall remain exercisable as follows:

 

(a)           Termination Without Cause.  In the event of the Participant’s Termination for any reason, other than by the Company for Cause, the vested portion of the Option shall

 

2



 

remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) ninety (90) days from the date of such termination, and (ii) the expiration of the stated term of the Option pursuant to Section 3(c) hereof; provided that if the Executive is entitled to any longer period of time to exercise the vested portion of the Option pursuant to the Employment Agreement, the terms of the Employment Agreement shall apply.

 

(b)           Termination for Cause.  In the event of the Participant’s Termination for Cause, the Participant’s entire Option (whether or not vested) shall terminate and expire upon such Termination.

 

(c)           Treatment of Unvested Options upon Termination.  Any portion of the Option that is not vested (determined after giving effect to any accelerated vesting of the Option) as of the date of the Participant’s Termination for any reason shall terminate and expire as of the date of such Termination.

 

5.             Method of Exercise and Payment.  Subject to Section 8 hereof, to the extent that the Option has become vested and exercisable with respect to a number of Shares as provided herein, the Option may thereafter be exercised by the Participant, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time prior to the expiration of the Option as provided herein and in accordance with Sections 5(c) and 5(d) of the Plan, including, without limitation, by the filing of any written form of exercise notice as may be required by the Committee and payment in full of the Per Share Exercise Price specified above multiplied by the number of Shares underlying the portion of the Option exercised.

 

6.             Non-Transferability.  The Option, and any rights and interests with respect thereto, issued under this Agreement and the Plan shall not be sold, exchanged, transferred, assigned or otherwise disposed of in any way by the Participant (or any beneficiary of the Participant), other than by testamentary disposition by the Participant or the laws of descent and distribution.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, permit the Option to be transferred to a Permitted Transferee for no value, provided that such transfer shall only be valid upon execution of a written instrument in form and substance acceptable to the Committee in its sole discretion evidencing such transfer and the transferee’s acceptance thereof signed by the Participant and the transferee, and provided, further, that the Option may not be subsequently transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or to another Permitted Transferee (as permitted by the Committee in its sole discretion) in accordance with the terms of the Plan and this Agreement, and shall remain subject to the terms of the Plan and this Agreement.  Any attempt to sell, exchange, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of or hypothecate in any way the Option, or the levy of any execution, attachment or similar legal process upon the Option, contrary to the terms and provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan shall be null and void and without legal force or effect.

 

7.             Governing Law.  All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.

 

3



 

8.             Withholding of Tax.  As a condition to exercising the Option, the Participant must remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state, local and foreign taxes of any kind (including, but not limited to, the Participant’s FICA and SDI obligations) which the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to be withheld or remitted to comply with the Code and/or any other applicable law, rule or regulation with respect to the Option.  If the Participant fails to do so this Option shall not be deemed to have been exercised and the Company may refuse to issue or transfer any Shares otherwise required to be issued pursuant to this Agreement.

 

9.             Entire Agreement; Amendment.  This Agreement, together with the Plan and the Employment Agreement, contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior agreements or prior understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties relating to such subject matter.  The Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to modify or amend this Agreement from time to time in accordance with and as provided in the Plan.  This Agreement may also be modified or amended by a writing signed by both the Company and the Participant.  The Company shall give written notice to the Participant of any such modification or amendment of this Agreement as soon as practicable after the adoption thereof

 

10.           Notices.  Any notice hereunder by the Participant shall be given to the Company in writing and such notice shall be deemed duly given only upon receipt thereof by the General Counsel of the Company.  Any notice hereunder by the Company shall be given to the Participant in writing and such notice shall be deemed duly given only upon receipt thereof at such address as the Participant may have on file with the Company.

 

11.           No Right to Employment.  Any questions as to whether and when there has been a Termination and the cause of such Termination shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.  Nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates to terminate the Participant’s employment or service at any time, for any reason and with or without Cause.

 

12.           Transfer of Personal Data.  The Participant authorizes, agrees and unambiguously consents to the transmission by the Company (or any Subsidiary) of any personal data information related to the Option awarded under this Agreement for legitimate business purposes (including, without limitation, the administration of the Plan).  This authorization and consent is freely given by the Participant.

 

13.           Compliance with Laws.  The issuance of the Option (and the Option Shares upon exercise of the Option) pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to, and shall comply with, any applicable requirements of any foreign and U.S. federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act and in each case any respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) and any other law, rule, regulation or exchange requirement applicable thereto.  The Company shall not be obligated to issue the Option or any of the Option Shares pursuant to this Agreement if any such issuance would violate any such requirements.

 

4



 

14.           Section 409A.  Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Plan to the contrary, the Option is intended to be exempt from the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent.

 

15.           Binding Agreement; Assignment.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon, and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns.  The Participant shall not assign (except in accordance with Section 6 hereof) any part of this Agreement without the prior express written consent of the Company.

 

16.           Headings.  The titles and headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.

 

17.           Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

18.           Further Assurances.  Each party hereto shall do and perform (or shall cause to be done and performed) all such further acts and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents as either party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the Plan and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereunder.

 

19.           Severability.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

20.           Acquired Rights.  The Participant acknowledges and agrees that:  (a) the Company may terminate or amend the Plan at any time; (b) the Award of the Option made under this Agreement is completely independent of any other award or grant and is made at the sole discretion of the Company; (c) no past grants or awards (including, without limitation, the Option awarded hereunder) give the Participant any right to any grants or awards in the future whatsoever; and (d) any benefits granted under this Agreement are not part of the Participant’s ordinary salary, and shall not be considered as part of such salary in the event of severance, redundancy or resignation.

 

*  *  *  *  *

 

5



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

 

SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Walter S. Hawrylak

 

 

 

 

Name:

Walter S. Hawrylak

 

 

 

 

Title:

SVP-Administration

 

 

 

 

PARTICIPANT

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John M. Duffey

 

 

 

Name: John M. Duffey

 

6



 

EXHIBIT C

 

PROJECT 350 PROGRAM

 

Value                                          ·      Eligibility.  The Executive will be granted a Project 350 Award after the Company achieves $350 million of adjusted EBITDA (the “Target EBITDA”) in any consecutive 12-month period ending on or before December 31, 2011.

 

·                  Grant.  The number of shares included in an Executive’s Project 350 Award if the Target EBITDA is achieved will be equal to 50,000 shares of restricted stock (the “Base Number”).

 

·                  Grant Date. The grant date of any Project 350 Award will be after completion of the Company’s 2011 audit.

 

·                  Pro Rated Award.  The Executive will be granted a Project 350 Award in the following amounts after achievement of the applicable adjusted EBITDA targets:

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

Percentage of Base Number

Below $330 million

 

0%

$330 million

 

50%

$350 million

 

100%

$350+ million or greater

 

100% plus additional amount determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board

 

The size of the Project 350 Award will be interpolated on a straight line basis for performance between two amounts (e.g., a Project 350 Award equal to 75% of the Base Number for Adjusted EBITDA of $340 million).

 

·                  Target EBITDA Adjustment: The 2011 adjusted EBITDA targets assume the Company achieves $275 million of adjusted EBITDA for 2010.  If the Company’s 2010 adjusted EBITDA is more or less than $275 million, the 2011 adjusted EBITDA targets will be reduced or increased appropriately (e.g., if the 2010 adjusted EBITDA is $280 million, the applicable 2011 adjusted EBITDA targets will be decreased by $5 million and if the 2010 adjusted EBITDA is $270 million, the applicable 2011 adjusted EBITDA targets will be increased by $5 million).

 

·                  Adjusted EBITDA.  The Audit Committee of the Board will determine the Company’s adjusted EBITDA after reviewing the Company’s audited financial statements for the applicable year.  As a general matter, adjusted EBITDA will exclude the impact of equity puts by partnership parks, acquisitions and dispositions and other one-time or extraordinary events.

 

Form                                             ·      Form.  100% of the value of the Project 350 Award will be granted in the form of restricted stock units.

 



 

Vesting                               ·      Normal Vesting.  The Project 350 Award will vest if the following two vesting conditions are met:

 

·                  2012 EBITDA.  The Company’s adjusted EBITDA for 2012 must be at least 97.5% of the adjusted EBITDA achieved for 2011.  If this target is not achieved, 50% of the Project 350 Award will be immediately forfeited.

 

·                  Time Vesting.  The outstanding Project 350 Award (i.e., determined after any forfeiture due to the failure to achieve the 2012 adjusted EBITDA target) will vest on completion of the Company’s 2012 audit if the Executive is then employed by the Company.

 

·                  Accelerated Vesting.

 

·                  In the event of the Executive’s Qualifying Termination after the grant of the Project 350 Award, the Executive will vest in the pro rata portion (based on the portion of the time vesting period the executive is employed by the Company) of the Project 350 Award that would otherwise have vested upon completion of the Company’s 2012 audit (i.e., assuming the 2012 EBITDA target is achieved, the Executive will vest in a pro rata portion of the full Project 350 Award).

 

·                  If, after the grant of a Project 350 Award, the Executive has a Qualifying Termination during the 12-month period following a Change in Control, the Project 350 Award will 100% vest if the 2012 target EBITDA is achieved.

 

·                  If the Executive’s employment is terminated due to death/disability after the grant of the Project 350 Award, the Project 350 Award will 100% vest if the 2012 target EBITDA is achieved.

 

Other                                          ·      Miscellaneous.  The Project 350 Award will contain other terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee.

 

·                  Qualifying Termination.  “Qualifying Termination” means termination of employment by the Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason.

 

2



 

Exhibit D

 

Agreement and General Release

 

Agreement and General Release (“Agreement”), by and between John M. Duffey (“Executive” and referred to herein as “you”) and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).

 

1.             In exchange for your waiver of claims against the Released Persons (as defined below) and compliance with the other terms and conditions of this Agreement, upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Company agrees to provide you with the payments and benefits provided in Section 4 of your employment agreement with the Company, dated August         , 2010 (the “Employment Agreement”) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement.

 

2.             (a) In consideration for the payments and benefits to be provided to you pursuant to Section 1 above, you, for yourself and for your heirs, executors, administrators, trustees, legal representatives and assigns (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Releasors”), forever release and discharge the Company and its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates and related business entities, successors and assigns, and any of its or their respective directors, officers, fiduciaries, agents, trustees, administrators, employees and assigns (in each case, in their capacity as such) (collectively the “Released Persons”) from any and all claims, suits, demands, causes of action, covenants, obligations, debts, costs, expenses, fees and liabilities of any kind whatsoever in law or equity, by statute or otherwise, whether known or unknown, vested or contingent, suspected or unsuspected and whether or not concealed or hidden (collectively, the “Claims”), which you have had, now have, or may have against any of the Released Persons by reason of any act, omission, transaction, practice, plan, policy, procedure, conduct, occurrence, or other matter arising up to and including the date on which you sign this Agreement, except as provided in subsection (c) below.

 

(b)           Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement is intended to and shall release the Released Persons from any and all such claims, whether known or unknown, which you have had, now have, or may have against the Released Persons arising out of your employment or termination thereof, including, but not limited to:  (i) any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (excluding claims for accrued, vested benefits under any employee benefit or pension plan of the Released Persons subject to the terms and conditions of such plan and applicable law), the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, or the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, in each case as amended [update as appropriate]; (ii) any other claim whether based on federal, state, or local law (statutory or decisional), rule, regulation or ordinance, including, but not limited to, breach of contract (express or implied), wrongful discharge, detrimental reliance, defamation, emotional distress or compensatory or punitive damages; and (iii) any claim for attorneys’ fees, costs, disbursements and/or the like.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be a waiver of claims:  (1) that arise after the date on which you sign this Agreement, including, without limitations,

 



 

such claims related to any equity award held by you; (2) for the payments or benefits required to be provided under Section 4 of the Employment Agreement; (3) regarding rights of indemnification and receipt of legal fees and expenses to which you are entitled under the Employment Agreement, the Company’s or a subsidiary of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws (or similar instrument), pursuant to any separate writing between you and the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or pursuant to applicable law; or (4) relating to any claims for accrued, vested benefits under any employee benefit plan or retirement plan of the Released Persons subject to the terms and conditions of such plan and applicable law (excluding any severance or termination pay plan, program or arrangement, claims to which are specifically waived hereunder.

 

(d)           In signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that you intend that this Agreement shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied.  You expressly consent that this Agreement shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown, unsuspected or unanticipated Claims, if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied.  [Update to include reference to any applicable statute regarding the waiver of unknown claims.]

 

3.             (a) This Agreement is not intended, and shall not be construed, as an admission that any of the Released Persons has violated any federal, state or local law (statutory or decisional), ordinance or regulation, breached any contract or committed any wrong whatsoever against you.

 

(b)           Should any provision of this Agreement require interpretation or construction, it is agreed by the parties that the entity interpreting or constructing this Agreement shall not apply a presumption against one party by reason of the rule of construction that a document is to be construed more strictly against the party who prepared the document.

 

(c)           You represent and warrant that you have not assigned or transferred to any person or entity any of my rights which are or could be covered by this Agreement, including but not limited to the waivers and releases contained in this Agreement.

 

4.             This Agreement is binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

 

5.             This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within such State.

 

6.             You acknowledge that you:  (a) have carefully read this Agreement in its entirety; (b) have had an opportunity to consider for at least [twenty-one (21)] [forty[five (45)] days the terms of this Agreement; (c) are hereby advised by the Company in writing to consult with an attorney of your choice in connection with this Agreement; (d) fully understand the significance of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and have discussed them with your independent legal counsel, or have had a reasonable opportunity to do so; (e) have had answered to your satisfaction by your independent legal counsel any questions you have asked with regard to the meaning and significance of any of the provisions of this Agreement; and (f) are signing

 

2



 

this Agreement voluntarily and of your own free will and agree to abide by all the terms and conditions contained herein.

 

7.             You understand that you will have at least [twenty-one (21)] [forty[five (45)] days from the date of receipt of this Agreement to consider the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  You may accept this Agreement by signing it and returning it to the Company’s General Counsel at the address specified pursuant to Section 12 of the Employment Agreement on or before                     .  After executing this Agreement, you shall have seven (7) days (the “Revocation Period”) to revoke this Agreement by indicating your desire to do so in writing delivered to the General Counsel at the address above by no later than 5:00 p.m. on the seventh (7th) day after the date you sign this Agreement.  The effective date of this Agreement shall be the eighth (8th) day after you sign the Agreement (the “Agreement Effective Date”).  If the last day of the Revocation Period falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the last day of the Revocation Period will be deemed to be the next business day.  In the event you do not accept this Agreement as set forth above, or in the event you revoke this Agreement during the Revocation Period, this Agreement, including but not limited to the obligation of the Company to provide the payments and benefits provided in Section 1 above, shall be deemed automatically null and void.

 

8.             Any dispute regarding this Agreement shall be subject to Delaware law without reference to its choice of law provisions.  You agree to reimburse the Company for out-of-pocket costs and expense reasonably incurred by in connection with enforcing this Agreement (including attorney’s fees) with respect to each claim on which the Company substantially prevails.

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

John M. Duffey

 

 

 

 

 

SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

3