AMENDEDAND RESTATED EMPLOYMENTAGREEMENT

a.  

Annual Base Salary.  SHSS shall pay to Mr. Mathies a base salary at an annual rate of $400,000 (“Base Salary”), such salary to be payable in accordance with SHSS’s customary payroll practices (but not less frequently than monthly). The annual base salary will be reviewed at least annually for possible merit increases and any increase in Mr. Mathies’ annual base salary rate shall thereafter constitute “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement.

b.  

Cash Bonus/Incentive Compensation.  In addition to the Base Salary provided for in Section 3(a) above, Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to receive an annual bonus (“Bonus”) in accordance with the Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. Executive Bonus Plan, as it may be amended from time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of SHG; provided, however, that no amendment shall be effective if it reduces the percentage of Base Salary that would constitute the minimum or maximum potential amount of the Bonus as compared to the prior year, unless such amendment has been agreed to in writing by Mr. Mathies.  The Bonus shall be payable at the same time as other annual bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect to that fiscal year.  Subject to the provisions of Section 6, in order to have earned and to be paid any such Bonus, Mr. Mathies must be employed by SHSS on the date of such payment. It is intended that the Bonus described in this Section 3(b) qualify as “performance based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent necessary to preserve the ability to deduct such Bonus. In the event the minimum financial performance threshold is met as set forth in the Plan, Mr. Mathies’ minimum Bonus shall be no less than 10% of his Base Salary for the applicable fiscal year.

c.  

Equity Incentive.  Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to the following equity incentive as of the date his employment begins:

1.  

A non-qualified stock option (“Stock Option”) to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock of SHG at an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock. One-fifth of the shares of Common Stock underlying the Stock Option will vest on the later of (x) the date on which the Stock Option is issued or (y) the date on which Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings (the “Initial Vesting Date”) and thereafter an additional 20% of the shares of Common Stock underlying the Stock Option will vest on each of the first four anniversaries of the Initial Vesting Date provided Mr. Mathies is employed by SHSS or any other subsidiary of SHG on each such date of vesting. The Stock Option shall have a 7 year term.  Mr. Mathies acknowledges that SHG has satisfied its obligation to grant such Stock Option.

2.  

If, during the Term, Mr. Mathies’ employment with SHSS is terminated for any reason other than his death or Disability (as defined in Section 5(e)), Good Cause (as defined in Section 5(a)) or his voluntary resignation without Good Reason (as defined in Section 5(c)), then the unvested portion of his Stock Options will thereupon immediately be vested.

d.  

Retirement and Benefit Plans.  During the Term, Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to participate in all retirement plans, health benefit programs, insurance programs and other similar employee welfare benefit arrangements available generally to senior executive officers of SHSS providing services to SunBridge from time to time. Such plans, programs and arrangements are subject to change during the Term at the sole discretion of the Company.

e.  

Paid Time Off.  Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to paid time off, in addition to holiday and sick time, of not less than 160 hours per year, in accordance with SunBridge’s policy for paid time off.

f.  

Indemnification Liability/Insurance.  Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to indemnification by SunBridge and/or SHSS to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the charter and by laws of SunBridge and/or SHSS. In addition, SunBridge shall maintain during Mr. Mathies’ employment customary director’s and officers’ liability insurance and Mr. Mathies shall be covered by such insurance.

g.  

Taxes.  All compensation payable to Mr. Mathies shall be subject to withholding for all applicable federal, state and local income taxes, occupational taxes, Social Security and similar mandatory withholdings.

a.  

Termination by SHSS for “Good Cause.  SunBridge and/or SHSS may at any time, by written notice to Mr. Mathies at least five (5) business days prior to the date of termination specified in such notice and specifying the acts or omissions

 

believed to constitute Good Cause (as defined below), terminate Mr. Mathies as an officer and employee and from all other positions with SHSS, SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries for Good Cause. SunBridge and/or SHSS may relieve Mr. Mathies of his duties and responsibilities pending a final determination of whether Good Cause exists, and such action shall not constitute Good Reason (as defined below) for purposes of this Agreement. Payment to Mr. Mathies upon a termination for Good Cause is set forth in Section 6(a). “Good Cause” for termination shall mean any one of the following:

1.  

Any criminal conviction under the laws of the United States or any state or other political subdivision thereof which, in the good faith determination of the Compensation Committee of SHG, renders Mr. Mathies unsuitable as an officer of SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries or employee.

2.  

Mr. Mathies’ continued failure to substantially perform the duties reasonably requested by the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of SHG and commensurate with his position as President of SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries (other than any such failure resulting from his incapacity due to his physical or mental condition) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to him by the CEO of SHG, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the CEO of SHG believes that he has not substantially performed his duties, and which performance is not substantially corrected by him within a mutually agreed upon period of time for performance of such demand; and

3.  

Any material workplace misconduct or willful failure to comply with SunBridge’s general policies and procedures as they may exist from time to time by Mr. Mathies which, in the good faith determination of the Compensation Committee of SHG, renders Mr. Mathies unsuitable as an officer or employee.

b.  

Termination by SunBridge without Good Cause.  SunBridge and/or SHSS may at any time, by written notice to Mr. Mathies at least five (5) business days prior to date of termination specified in such notice, terminate Mr. Mathies as an officer or employee and from all other positions with SHSS, SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries. If such termination is made by SunBridge and/or SHSS other than by reason of Mr. Mathies’ death, Disability (as defined in Section 5(e)) and Good Cause does not exist, such termination shall be treated as a termination without Good Cause and Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to payment in accordance with Section 6(b).

c.  

Termination by Mr. Mathies for Good Reason.  Mr. Mathies may, at any time at his option within sixty (60) days following an event or condition that constitutes Good Reason (as defined below), resign for Good Reason as an officer and employee and from all other positions with SHSS, SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries by written notice to SunBridge at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of termination specified in such notice; provided, however, that

 

SunBridge and/or SHSS has not substantially corrected the event or condition that would constitute Good Reason prior to the date of termination. Payment to Mr. Mathies upon a termination for Good Reason is set forth in Section 6(b).

 

1.

A meaningful and detrimental reduction in Mr. Mathies’ authority, duties or responsibilities or a meaningful and detrimental change in his reporting responsibilities (including being required to report to someone other than the Richard K. Matros);

 

2.

A material failure of SunBridge and/or SHSS to comply with the compensation provisions set forth in Sections 3(a) - 3(c) or the benefits provisions set forth in Sections 3(d) - 3(f) (collectively, the “Benefits”) (other than a reduction of Benefits uniformly applicable to other members of senior management); or

 

3.

A material relocation of Mr. Mathies’ principal work location from its location in Orange County, California;

d.  

Voluntary Resignation.  Mr. Mathies may, at any time at his option with thirty (30) calendar days written notice to SunBridge, voluntarily resign without Good Reason as an officer and employee and from all positions with SHSS, SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries. Payment to Mr. Mathies upon his voluntary resignation without Good Reason is set forth in Section 6(a). Resignation from employment shall automatically constitute resignation from all positions of any subsidiary or affiliated corporation.

e.  

Death or Disability.  Mr. Mathies’ employment under this Agreement shall terminate automatically as of the date of Mr. Mathies’ death. SunBridge and/or SHSS may, at any time by written notice to Mr. Mathies at least five (5) business days prior to the date of termination specified in such notice, terminate Mr. Mathies as an officer and employee and from all other positions with SHSS, SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries by reason of his Disability. “Disability” shall mean any physical or mental condition or illness that prevents Mr. Mathies’ from performing his duties hereunder in any material respect for a period of 120 substantially consecutive calendar days, as determined by a physician selected by SunBridge and/or SHSS and reasonably acceptable to Mr. Mathies or, if Mr. Mathies is incapacitated, reasonably acceptable to the Director of Medicine or equivalent senior physician at Hoag Hospital. Payment to Mr. Mathies upon his termination by reason of his death or Disability is set forth in Section 6(a).

a.  

Payment Upon Termination for Good Cause, Resignation without Good Reason, Death or Disability.  In the event of termination of his employment pursuant to Sections 5(a), 5(d) or 5(e), Mr. Mathies, or his estate where applicable, shall be paid any earned but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination and any accrued and unused paid time off through the date of termination in accordance with Company policy, which shall be paid to Mr. Mathies or his estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash upon or promptly following (and in all events within 30 days after) the date of termination of employment (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”).  In addition, in the case of a termination of employment pursuant to Sections 5(e), but not Sections 5(a) or 5(d), Mr. Mathies or his estate shall be paid (i) any accrued and unpaid bonus for any prior fiscal year, which shall be paid to Mr. Mathies or his estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash at the time that annual bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect to that fiscal year, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the conclusion of the fiscal year to which such Bonus relates, and (ii) a pro rata portion (determined by multiplying the bonus compensation he would have earned had he been employed for the full year by a fraction the numerator of which shall be the number of calendar days in the year in which his termination occurs that precede such termination, and the denominator of which shall be the total number of days in such year) of the bonus, if any, for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs, which shall be paid at the same time as other annual bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect to that fiscal year, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the conclusion of the fiscal year to which such Bonus relates.  Mr. Mathies shall also receive his vested benefits in accordance with the terms of SHG’s compensation and benefit plans, and his participation in such plans and all other perquisites shall cease as of the date of termination, except to the extent Mr. Mathies may elect to continue coverage as under any welfare benefit plans as required by Part 6, Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Upon a termination under Section 5(a), 5(d) or 5(e), Mr. Mathies shall not be entitled to any compensation or benefits under this Agreement except as set forth in this Section 6(a).

b.  

Payment Upon Termination by SunBridge without Good Cause or by Mr. Mathies for Good Reason. In the event of termination of employment pursuant to Sections 5(b) or 5(c), Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to the following payments and benefits:

 

1.

Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to a lump sum severance payment in the amount of two year’s Base Salary or, in the event such termination occurs on or within two years following the date of a Change in Control, three year’s Base Salary, with such amount to be paid to Mr. Mathies on the date which is six (6) months and one day after the date on which such termination occurs.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Mathies’ right to receive the severance payment hereunder shall be conditioned upon his

 

execution of a release in favor of SHG, which shall not be inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement and which Mr. Mathies shall deliver to SHG within twenty-one (21) days following the date of his termination of employment.

 

2.

Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to: (i) any earned but unpaid Bonus pursuant to Section 3(b), payable to Mr. Mathies in a lump sum in cash at the time that annual bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect to that fiscal year, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the conclusion of the fiscal year to which such Bonus relates, (ii) an amount equal to the Bonus which he would have earned for the year in which his termination occurs (based upon actual performance had his employment continued through the end of the fiscal year), payable to Mr. Mathies at the time that annual bonuses are paid to senior management personnel with respect to that fiscal year, but in any event within seventy-five (75) days after the conclusion of the fiscal year to which such Bonus relates, and (iii) any Accrued Obligations payable to Mr. Mathies as set forth in Section 6(a).

 

3.

Mr. Mathies’ participation in any other retirement and benefit plans and perquisites shall cease as of the date of termination, except Mr. Mathies and his eligible dependents (as determined under SHG’s health plan) shall be entitled to continuing coverage under SHG’s health plans on the same basis as active employees until the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the date of termination or (ii) the date of Mr. Mathies or his eligible dependents become eligible to participate in a plan of a successor employer.

c.  

Change in Control.  For purposes of this Section 6, a “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if any of the following events occurs:

1.  

Any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”)), other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of SHG (an “Acquiring Person”), is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934

 

Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 33 1/3% of the then outstanding voting stock of SHG;

2.  

A merger or consolidation of SHG with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of SHG outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 51% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of SHG or surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

3.  

A sale or other disposition by SHG of all or substantially all of SHG’s assets;

4.  

During any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors and any new director (other than a director who is a representative or nominee of an Acquiring Person) whose election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by SHG’s shareholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination was previously so approved, no longer constitute a majority of the Board of Directors;

a.  

Gross-Up Payments.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if it is determined that any payment to Mr. Mathies pursuant to this Agreement would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any interest or penalties thereon, is herein referred to as an “Excise Tax”), then Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to an additional payment (a “Gross-Up

 

Payment”) in an amount that will place Mr. Mathies in the same after-tax economic position that he would have enjoyed if the Excise Tax had not applied to the payment. The amount of the Gross-Up Payment shall be determined by an accounting firm retained by SHG (the “Accounting Firm”) using such formulas as the Accounting Firm deems appropriate. No Gross-Up Payment shall be payable hereunder if the Accounting Firm determines that the payments are not subject to an Excise Tax.

b.  

Determination of Gross-Up Payment.  Subject to the provisions of Section 7(c), all determinations required under this Section 7, including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required, the amount of the payments constituting parachute payments, and the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, shall be made by the Accounting Firm, which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to SHG and Mr. Mathies within fifteen business days of Mr. Mathies’ date of termination or any other date reasonably requested by SHG or Mr. Mathies on which a determination under Section 7 is necessary or advisable. Within five days of the receipt by Mr. Mathies and SHG of the Accounting Firm’s determination of the initial Gross-Up Payment, SHG shall pay the amount of such Gross-Up Payment to the applicable taxing authorities for the benefit of Mr. Mathis. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Mr. Mathies, SHG shall cause the Accounting Firm to provide Mr. Mathies and SHG with an opinion that SHG has substantial authority under the Internal Revenue Code and regulations thereunder not to report an Excise Tax on Mr. Mathies’ federal income tax return. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon Mr. Mathies and SHG. If the initial Gross-Up Payment is insufficient to cover the amount of the Excise Tax that is ultimately determined to be owing by Mr. Mathies with respect to any payment (hereinafter an “Underpayment”), SHG, after exhausting its remedies under Section 7(c) below, shall promptly pay to the applicable taxing authorities for the benefit of Mr. Mathies (or directly to Mr. Mathies in the event Mr. Mathies previously paid the related tax amounts) an additional Gross-Up Payment in respect of the Underpayment.

c.  

Procedures.  Mr. Mathies shall notify SHG in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by SHG of a Gross-Up Payment. Such notice shall be given as soon as practicable after Mr. Mathies knows of such claim and Mr. Mathies shall apprise SHG of the nature of the claim and the date on which the claim is requested to be paid. Mr. Mathies agrees not to pay the claim until the expiration of the thirty-day period following the date on which Mr. Mathies notifies SHG, or such shorter period ending on the date the taxes with respect to such claim are due (the “Notice Period”). If SHG notifies Mr. Mathies in writing prior to the expiration of the Notice Period that it desires to contest the claim, Mr. Mathies shall: (i) give SHG any information reasonably requested by SHG relating to the claim; (ii) take such action in connection with the claim as SHG may reasonably request, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by SHG and reasonably acceptable to Mr. Mathies; (iii) cooperate with SHG in good faith in contesting the claim; and (iv) permit

 

SHG to participate in any proceedings relating to the claim. Mr. Mathies shall permit SHG to control all proceedings related to the claim and, at its option, permit SHG to pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings, and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim. If requested by SHG, Mr. Mathies agrees either to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner and to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts as SHG shall determine; provided, however, that if SHG directs Mr. Mathies to pay such claim and pursue a refund, SHG shall pay such claim on Mr. Mathies’ behalf (the “Claim Payment”). SHG’s control of the contest related to the claim shall be limited to the issues related to the Gross-Up Payment and Mr. Mathies shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority. If SHG does not notify Mr. Mathies in writing prior to the end of the Notice Period of its desire to contest the claim, SHG shall pay to the applicable taxing authorities on Mr. Mathies’ behalf an additional Gross-Up Payment in respect of the excess parachute payments that are the subject of the claim. Any Gross-Up Payment shall be made without additional tax consequences to Mr. Mathies.

d.  

Repayments.  If, after a Claim Payment is made by SHG, Mr. Mathies becomes entitled to a refund with respect to the claim to which such Claim Payment relates, Mr. Mathies shall pay SHG the amount of the refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If, after a Claim Payment is made by Sun, a determination is made that Mr. Mathies shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to the claim and SHG does not promptly notify Mr. Mathies of its intent to contest the denial of refund, then the amount of the Claim Payment shall offset the amount of the additional Gross-Up Payment then owing to Mr. Mathies.

e.  

Further Assurances.  SHSS shall indemnify Mr. Mathies and hold him harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any costs, expenses, penalties, fines, interest or other liabilities (“Losses”) incurred by Mr. Mathies with respect to the exercise by SHG of any of its rights under Section 7, including, without limitation, any Losses related to SHG’s decision to contest a claim or any imputed income to him resulting from any Claim Payment or action taken on Mr. Mathies’ behalf by SHSS hereunder. SHSS shall pay all legal fees and expenses incurred under Section 7 and shall promptly reimburse Mr. Mathies for the reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with any actions taken by SHSS or SHG or required to be taken by Mr. Mathies hereunder. SHSS shall also pay all of the fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses related to the opinion referred to in Section 7(b).

f.  

Section 409A.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7, any payment under this Section 7 shall be paid to Mr. Mathies promptly but in no event later than the last day of the end of Mr. Mathies’ taxable year following the taxable year in which Mr. Mathis (or SHG) pays or remits the related taxes.

a.  

Confidentiality.  Mr. Mathies agrees that he will not at any time, during or after the term of this Agreement, except in performance of his obligations to SHG, SunBridge and the other LTC subsidiaries, hereunder or with the prior written consent of the Board of Directors of SHG, directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organization any secret or “Confidential Information” that Mr. Mathies may learn or has learned by reason of his association with SHG. For purposes of all of this Section 8 only, SHG shall also include all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The term “Confidential Information” means any information not previously disclosed to the public or to the trade by SHG’s management with respect to SHG’s products, services, business practices, facilities and methods, salary and benefit information, trade secrets and other intellectual property, systems, procedures, manuals, confidential reports, product price lists, pricing information, customer lists, financial information (including revenues, costs or profits associated with any of SHG’s products or lines of business), business plans, prospects or opportunities.

b.  

Exclusive Property.  Mr. Mathies confirms that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the exclusive property of SHG. All business records, papers and documents kept or made by Mr. Mathies relating to the business of SHG shall be and remain the property of SHG. Upon the termination of Mr. Mathies’ employment for any reason or upon the request of SHG at any time, Mr. Mathies shall promptly deliver to SHG, and shall not without the consent of the Board of Directors of SHG, retain copies of, Confidential Information, or any written materials not previously made available to the public, or records and documents made by Mr. Mathies or coming into Mr. Mathies’ possession concerning the business or affairs of SHG.

c.  

Nonsolicitation.  Mr. Mathies shall not, during his employment under this Agreement, and for one (1) year following the termination of this Agreement, for whatever reason or cause, in any manner induce, attempt to induce, or assist others to induce, or attempt to induce, any employee, agent, representative or other person associated with SHG or any customer, patient or client of SHG to terminate his or her association or contract with SHG, nor in any manner, directly or indirectly, interfere with the relationship between SHG and any of such persons or entities.

d.  

Non-Disparagement.  Mr. Mathies shall not during his employment under this Agreement and for two years following termination of the Agreement, for whatever reason, make any statements that are intended to or that would reasonably be expected to harm SHG or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, their respective predecessors, successors, assigns and employees and their respective past, present or future officers, directors, shareholders, employees, trustees, fiduciaries, administrators, agents or representatives. SHG and its officers and directors will not make any statements that are intended to or that would

 

 reasonably be expected to harm Mr. Mathies or his reputation or that reflect negatively on Mr. Mathies’ performance, skills or ability.

e.  

Relief.  Without intending to limit the remedies available to SHG, Mr. Mathies acknowledges that a breach of any of the covenants in Section 8 may result in material irreparable injury to SHG for which there is no adequate remedy at law, that it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely and that, in the event of such a breach or threat thereof, SHG shall be entitled to obtain a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary or permanent injunction restraining Mr. Mathies from engaging in activities prohibited by Section 8 or such other relief as may be required to specifically enforce any of the covenants in Section 8.

a.  

Amendments, Waivers, Etc.  No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by both parties. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

b.  

Validity.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

c.  

Entire Agreement.  This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the matters covered hereby and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement and this Agreement shall supersede all prior agreements, negotiations, correspondence, undertakings and communications of the parties, oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

d.  

Resolution of Disputes.  Any disputes arising under or in connection with this Agreement may, at the election of Mr. Mathies or SHG or SunBridge, be resolved by binding arbitration, to be held in Orange County, California in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration Association. If arbitration is elected, Mr. Mathies and SHG and SunBridge shall mutually select the arbitrator. If Mr. Mathies and SHG and SunBridge cannot agree on the selection of an arbitrator, each party shall select an arbitrator and the two arbitrators shall select a third arbitrator who shall resolve the dispute. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Nothing herein shall limit the ability of SHG and SunBridge to obtain the injunctive relief

 

described in Section 8(d) pending final resolution of matters that are sent to arbitration.

e.  

Attorneys’ Fees.  SunBridge shall pay or reimburse Mr. Mathies on an after-tax basis for all costs and expenses (including, without limitation, court costs, costs of arbitration and reasonable legal fees and expenses which reflect common practice with respect to the matters involved) incurred by Mr. Mathies as a result of any claim, action or proceeding (i) contesting or otherwise relating to the existence of Good Cause in the event of Mr. Mathies’ termination of employment during the Term for Good Cause; (ii) enforcing any right, benefit or obligation under this Agreement, or otherwise enforcing the terms of this Agreement or any provision thereof; or (iii) asserting or otherwise relating to the existence of Good Reason in the event of Mr. Mathies’ termination of employment during the Term for Good Reason; provided, however that this provision shall not apply if the relevant trier-of-fact determines that Mr. Mathies’ claim or position was without reasonable foundation.

f.  

Governing Law.  The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.

g.  

Notice.  For the purpose of this Agreement, notice, demands and all other communication provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand delivery or overnight courier or mailed by United States certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows or to other addresses as each party may have furnished to the other:

h.  

Section 409A.

1.  

If Mr. Mathies is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) as of the date of Mr. Mathies’ separation from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder) and any payment or benefit provided in Section 6 hereof constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, Mr. Mathies shall not be entitled to any such payment

 

or benefit until the earlier of: (i) the date which is six (6) months after his separation from service for any reason other than death, or (ii) the date of his death.  The provisions of this paragraph shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.  Any amounts otherwise payable to Mr. Mathies upon or in the six (6) month period following his separation from service that are not so paid by reason of this Section 9(h)(1) shall be paid (without interest) as soon as practicable (and in all events within thirty (30) days) after the date that is six (6) months after Mr. Mathies’ separation from service (or, if earlier, as soon as practicable, and in all events within thirty (30) days, after the date of his death).

2.  

To the extent that any reimbursements pursuant to Sections 4, 6(b)(3), 7(e) and 9(e) are taxable to Mr. Mathies, any reimbursement payment due to Mr. Mathies pursuant to such provision shall be paid to Mr. Mathies on or before the last day of Mr. Mathies’ taxable year following the taxable year in which the related expense was incurred.  The benefits and reimbursements pursuant to Sections 4, 6(b)(3), 7(e) and 9(e) are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits and reimbursements that Mr. Mathies receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits and reimbursements  that Mr. Mathies receives in any other taxable year.

3.  

It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and Sun’s and Mr. Mathies’ exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code.  This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent.