Change in Control Agreement, dated December 16, 2021, by and between Wesbanco, Inc., Wesbanco Bank, Inc. and Daniel K. Weiss
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
DANIEL K. WEISS
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Article | 1. | Definitions | 2 |
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Article | 2. | Severance Benefits | 4 |
| 2.1 | Right to Severance Benefits | 4 |
| 2.2 | Services During Certain Events | 4 |
| 2.3 | Qualifying Termination | 5 |
| 2.4 | Description of Severance Benefits | 5 |
| 2.5 | Termination for Total and Permanent Disability | 6 |
| 2.6 | Termination for Retirement or Death | 6 |
| 2.7 | Termination for Cause or by the Executive Other Than for Good Reason | 6 |
| 2.8 | Notice of Termination | 6 |
| 2.9 | Effectiveness of Agreement | 6 |
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Article | 3. | Form and Timing of Severance Benefits | 6 |
| 3.1 | Form and Timing of Severance Benefits | 6 |
| 3.2 | Withholding of Taxes | 6 |
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Article | 4. | Tax Limitation Provision | 7 |
| 4.1 | Limitation on Termination Payment | 7 |
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Article | 5. | The Company’s and the Bank’s Payment Obligation | 7 |
| 5.1 | Payment Obligations Absolute | 7 |
| 5.2 | Contractual Rights to Benefits | 8 |
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Article | 6. | Term of Agreement | 8 |
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Article | 7. | Legal Remedies | 8 |
| 7.1 | Arbitration | 8 |
| 7.2 | Payment of Legal Fees | 8 |
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Article | 8 | Successors | 9 |
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Article | 9 | Miscellaneous | 9 |
| 9.1 | Employment Status | 9 |
| 9.2 | Beneficiaries | 9 |
| 9.3 | Entire Agreement; Superseding Effect | 9 |
| 9.4 | Gender and Number | 9 |
| 9.5 | Notices | 9 |
| 9.6 | Execution in Counterparts | 10 |
| 9.7 | Conflicting Agreements | 10 |
| 9.8 | Severability | 10 |
| 9.9 | Modification | 10 |
| 9.10 | Applicable Law | 10 |
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this 16th day of December, 2021, by and among WESBANCO, INC., a West Virginia bank holding company (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”); and WESBANCO BANK, INC., a West Virginia banking corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (hereinafter referred to as the “Bank”); and DANIEL K. WEISS (hereinafter referred to as the “Executive”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company and the Board of Directors of the Bank have approved the Company and the Bank entering into change in control agreements with certain key executives of the Company and the Bank;
WHEREAS, the Executive is a key executive of the Company and the Bank;
WHEREAS, the Board of the Company and the Board of the Bank each believes that, should the possibility of a Change in Control Event of the Company and/or the Bank arise, it is imperative that the Company and the Bank be able to rely upon the Executive to continue in his position, and that the Company and the Bank be able to receive and rely upon his advice, if they request it, as to the best interests of the Company, the Bank, and their shareholders without concern that he might be distracted by the personal uncertainties and risks created by the possibility of a Change in Control Event; and
WHEREAS, should the possibility of a Change in Control Event arise, in addition to the Executive’s regular duties, he may be called upon to assist in the assessment of such possible Change in Control Event, advise management and the Board of the Company and the Board of the Bank as to whether such Change in Control Event would be in the best interests of the Bank, the Company, and their shareholders, and to take such other actions as the Boards determine to be appropriate.
WHEREAS, the Executive, the Company, and the Bank desire that the terms of this Agreement shall act as a supplement to the benefits under the Executive’s Employment Agreement; and
WHEREAS, it is intended by the parties hereto that the benefits under the terms of this Change in Control Agreement shall supersede and replace the termination benefits under the Executive’s Employment Contract in the event of a termination or severance of his employment subsequent to a Change in Control Event; and
NOW THEREFORE, to assure the Company and the Bank that they will have the continued dedication of the Executive and the availability of his advice and counsel notwithstanding the possibility, threat, or occurrence of a Change in Control Event of the Company and/or the Bank, and to induce the Executive to remain in the employ of the Company and the Bank, and for other good and valuable consideration, the Company, the Bank, and the Executive, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
Article 1. Definitions
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below when the initial letter of the word is capitalized:
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However, in no event shall a Change in Control Event be deemed to have occurred, with respect to the Executive, if the Executive is part of a purchasing group which consummates the Change in Control Event transaction. The Executive shall be deemed “part of a purchasing group” for purposes of the preceding sentence if the Executive is an equity participant in the purchasing company or group (except for: (i) passive ownership of less than three percent (3%) of the stock of the purchasing company; or (ii) ownership of equity participation in the purchasing company or group which is otherwise not significant, as determined prior to the Change in Control Event by a majority of the non-employee continuing Directors of the Company, as applicable).
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The Executive’s right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason herein.
Article 2. Severance Benefits
2.1. Right to Severance Benefits. Subject to Section 2.9 herein, the Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Company and the Bank, jointly and severally, Severance Benefits as described in Section 2.4 herein, if a Change in Control Event of the Company and/or the Bank has occurred and if, within twenty-four (24) calendar months thereafter, the Executive’s employment with the Company and/or the Bank shall end for any reason specified in Section 2.3 herein as being a Qualifying Termination.
The Executive shall not be entitled to receive Severance Benefits if he is terminated for Cause, or if his employment with the Company ends due to death, Disability, retirement (as defined under the then established rules of the Company’s tax-qualified retirement plan), or due to a voluntary termination of employment by the Executive without Good Reason.
2.2 Services During Certain Events. In the event a Person begins a tender or exchange offer, solicits proxies from shareholders of the Company and/or the Bank, or takes other steps seeking to effect a Change in Control Event, the Executive agrees that he will not voluntarily leave the employ of the Company or the Bank and will render services until such Person has abandoned or terminated his or its efforts to effect a Change in Control Event, or, if later, until twenty-four (24) months after a Change in Control Event has occurred; provided, however, that the Company and the Bank may terminate the Executive for Cause at any time, and the Executive may terminate his employment any time after the Change in Control Event for Good Reason.
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2.3. Qualifying Termination. The occurrence of any one or more of the following events within twenty-four (24) calendar months after a Change in Control Event of the Company or the Bank shall trigger the payment of Severance Benefits to the Executive under this Agreement:
For purposes of this Agreement, a Qualifying Termination shall not include a termination of employment by reason of death, Disability, or retirement (as such term is defined under the then-established rules of the Company’s tax-qualified retirement plan), a voluntary termination without Good Reason, or an involuntary termination for Cause.
2.4. Description of Severance Benefits. Subject to Section 2.9 herein, in the event that the Executive becomes entitled to receive Severance Benefits, as provided in Sections 2.1 and 2.3 herein, and subject to the limits set forth in Article 4 herein, the Company and/or the Bank shall pay to the Executive and provide him with total Severance Benefits equal to the following:
The medical benefits described in this Subsection 2.4(d) shall continue for eighteen (18) months following the Effective Date of Termination; provided, however, that such benefits shall be discontinued prior to the end of the eighteen (18) month period to the extent, but only to the extent, that the Executive receives substantially similar benefits from a subsequent employer, as determined by the Company or the Bank.
The obligation of the Company and the Bank to provide the Executive with the Severance Benefits described herein shall be joint and several. Regardless of how the Company and the Bank apportion the
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responsibility for satisfying the obligations set forth herein, the total Severance Benefits payable to the Executive shall equal the amounts set forth in this Article 2, as limited by Article 4 herein.
2.5. Termination for Total and Permanent Disability. Following a Change in Control Event, if the Executive’s employment is terminated with the Company or the Bank due to Disability, the Executive shall receive his Base Salary and accrued vacation through the Effective Date of Termination, at the rate then in effect, plus all other amounts to which the Executive is entitled under any employment contract or any compensation plans of the Company and the Bank, at the time such payments are due, and otherwise the Executive’s benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company’s and the Bank’s retirement, insurance, and other applicable plans and programs then in effect.
2.6. Termination for Retirement or Death. Following a Change in Control Event, if the Executive’s employment with the Company or the Bank is terminated by reason of his retirement (as defined under the then established rules of the Company’s tax-qualified retirement plan), or death, the Executive (or his Beneficiary) shall receive his Base Salary and accrued vacation through the Effective Date of Termination, at the rate then in effect, plus all other amounts to which the Executive is entitled under any compensation plans of the Company and the Bank, at the time such payments are due, and otherwise the Executive’s benefits shall be determined in accordance with the Company’s and the Bank’s retirement, survivor’s benefits, insurance, and other applicable programs then in effect.
2.7. Termination for Cause or by the Executive Other Than for Good Reason. Following a Change in Control Event, if the Executive’s employment is terminated either: (i) by the Company or the Bank for Cause; or (ii) by the Executive other than for Good Reason, the Company and/or the Bank shall pay the Executive his full Base Salary and accrued vacation through the Effective Date of Termination, at the rate then in effect, plus all other amounts to which the Executive is entitled under any employment contract or any compensation plans of the Company and the Bank, at the time such payments are due, and the Company and the Bank shall have no further obligations to the Executive under this Agreement.
2.8. Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company or the Bank for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated. A Notice of Termination must be delivered within ninety (90) days of the happening of the facts and circumstances set forth in the Notice of Termination and must provide the receiving party thirty (30) days to cure such facts and circumstances.
2.9. Effectiveness of Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement and any payments, benefits or rights of the Executive as provided herein are subject to Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, and any applicable regulations thereunder.
Article 3. Form and Timing of Severance Benefits
3.1. Form and Timing of Severance Benefits. Except as limited by Article 4 herein, the Severance Benefits described in Sections 2.4(a), 2.4(b), and 2.4(c) herein shall be paid in cash to the Executive in a single lump sum as soon as practicable following the Effective Date of Termination, but in no event beyond thirty (30) days from such date.
3.2. Withholding of Taxes. The Company and/or the Bank, as applicable, shall withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes as legally shall be required.
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Article 4. Tax Limitation Provision
4.1. Limitation on Termination Payment.
In the event that such opinion determines that there would be an “excess parachute payment,” the Severance Benefits hereunder or any other payment determined by such accounting firm to be includible in Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated as specified by the Executive in writing delivered to the Company and the Bank within ten (10) days of his receipt of such opinion, or, if the Executive fails to so notify the Company and the Bank, then as the Company or the Bank, as applicable, shall reasonably determine, so that under the basis of calculations set forth in such opinion, there will be no “excess parachute payment.”
The provisions of this Section 4.1(b), including the calculations, notices, and opinion provided for herein, shall be based upon the conclusive presumption that any compensation earned prior to the Effective Date of Termination by the Executive pursuant to the Company’s and the Bank’s compensation programs (if such compensation would have been paid in the future in any event, even though the timing of payment thereof is triggered by the Change in Control Event) is reasonable.
Article 5. The Company’s and the Bank’s Payment Obligation
5.1. Payment Obligations Absolute. Except as otherwise provided in the last sentence of Section 2.4(d) herein, the Company’s and the Bank’s obligation to make the payments and the arrangements provided for herein shall be absolute and unconditional, and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including, without limitation, any offset, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other right which the Company or the Bank may have against the Executive or any other party. All amounts payable by the Company and the Bank hereunder shall be paid without notice or demand. Each and every payment made hereunder by the Company and the Bank shall be final, and neither the Company nor the Bank shall seek to recover all or any part of such payment from the Executive or from whomsoever may be entitled thereto, for any reasons whatsoever.
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The Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment in mitigation of the amounts payable or arrangements made under any provision of this Agreement, and the obtaining of any such other employment shall in no event effect any reduction of the Company’s or the Bank’s obligations to make the payments and arrangements required to be made under this Agreement, except to the extent provided in Section 2.4(d) herein.
5.2. Contractual Rights to Benefits. This Agreement establishes and vests in the Executive a contractual right to the benefits to which he is entitled hereunder. However, nothing herein contained shall require or be deemed to require, or prohibit or be deemed to prohibit, the Company or the Bank to segregate, earmark, or otherwise set aside any funds or other assets, in trust or otherwise, to provide for any payments to be made or required hereunder.
Article 6. Term of Agreement
6.1. Subject to Section 2.9 herein, this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in effect for three (3) full years, the last day of which shall be the “Expiration Date.” However, at the end of such three-year period and, if extended, at the end of each additional year thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for one (1) additional year, unless the Company or the Bank delivers written notice three (3) months prior to the end of such term, or extended term, to the Executive, that the Agreement will not be extended. In such case, the Agreement will terminate at the end of the term, or extended term, then in progress.
However, in the event a Change in Control Event occurs during the original or any extended term, this Agreement will remain in effect for the longer of: (i) twenty-four (24) months beyond the month in which such Change in Control Event occurred; or (ii) until all obligations of the Company and the Bank hereunder have been fulfilled, and until all benefits required hereunder have been paid to the Executive or other party entitled thereto.
Article 7. Legal Remedies
7.1. Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof (including the arbitrability of any controversy or claim), shall be settled by arbitration in the City of Wheeling in accordance with the laws of the State of West Virginia by three (3) arbitrators, one of whom shall be appointed by the Company or the Bank, as applicable, one by the Executive, and the third of whom shall be appointed by the first two arbitrators. If the first two arbitrators cannot agree on the appointment of a third arbitrator, then the third arbitrator shall be appointed by the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except with respect to the selection of arbitrators which shall be as provided in this Section 7.1. The cost of any arbitration proceeding hereunder shall be borne equally by the Company or the Bank, as applicable, and the Executive. The award of the arbitrators shall be binding upon the parties. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
7.2. Payment of Legal Fees. In the event that it shall be necessary or desirable for the Executive to retain legal counsel and/or incur other costs and expenses in connection with the enforcement of any or all of his rights under this Agreement, and provided that the Executive substantially prevails in the enforcement of such rights, the Company or the Bank, as applicable, shall pay (or the Executive shall be entitled to recover from the Company or the Bank, as the case may be) the Executive’s reasonable attorneys, fees, costs and expenses in connection with the enforcement of his rights including the enforcement of any arbitration award.
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Article 8. Successors
8.1. The rights of the Company and the Bank hereunder shall run in favor of the Company and the Bank, and their respective successors, assigns, nominees, or other legal representatives. Termination of the Executive’s employment shall not operate to relieve him of any remaining obligations hereunder, and all such obligations are binding upon his heirs, executors, administrators, or other legal representatives. The Company and the Bank shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, reorganization, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, liquidation, or otherwise) to all or a significant portion of the assets of the Company or the Bank, as the case may be, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Executive, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company or the Bank, as the case may be, would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. Regardless of whether such agreement is executed, this Agreement shall be binding upon any successor in accordance with the operation of law and such successor shall be deemed the “Company” or the “Bank,” as the case may be, for purposes of this Agreement.
Article 9. Miscellaneous
9.1. Employment Status. The Executive, the Company, and the Bank acknowledge that, except as may be provided under any other agreement between the Executive and the Company or the Bank, the employment of the Executive by the Company and the Bank is “at will,” and, except as set forth in Section 2.2 herein, prior to the effective date of a Change in Control Event, may be terminated by either the Executive, the Company, or the Bank, at any time. Upon a termination of the Executive’s employment prior to the effective date of a Change in Control Event, there shall be no further rights under this Agreement; provided, however, that if such an employment termination shall arise in connection with, or in anticipation of, a Change in Control Event, then the Executive’s rights shall be the same as if the termination had occurred within two (2) years following a Change in Control Event.
9.2. Beneficiaries. The Executive may designate one or more persons or entities as the primary and/or contingent Beneficiaries of any Severance Benefits owing to the Executive under this Agreement. Such designation must be in the form of a signed writing acceptable to the Board of Directors of the Company or the Board of the Bank, as applicable. The Executive may make or change such designation at any time.
9.3. Entire Agreement; Superseding Effect. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Company, the Bank, and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof. In particular, to the extent of any conflict between the terms of this Change in Control Agreement and any employment agreement to which the Executive, the Company and the Bank are parties, the terms of this Change in Control Agreement shall completely replace and supersede the terms of the Executive’s employment agreement.
In addition and subject to Article 4, the payments provided for under this Agreement in the event of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be in lieu of any severance benefits payable under any severance plan, program, or policy of the Company and the Bank to which he might otherwise be entitled.
9.4. Gender and Number. Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine; the plural shall include the singular, and the singular shall include the plural.
9.5. Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications hereunder must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or mailed within the continental United States by first-class certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the other party, addressed as follows:
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Wesbanco, Inc.
One Bank Plaza
Wheeling, WV 26003
Wesbanco Bank, Inc.
One Bank Plaza
Wheeling, WV 26003
Daniel K. Weiss
1966 East Finley Dr
Claysville, PA 15323
Addresses may be changed by written notice sent to the other party at the last recorded address of that party.
9.6. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart.
9.7. Conflicting Agreements. The executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company and the Bank that his entering into this Agreement, and the obligations and duties undertaken by him hereunder, will not conflict with, constitute a breach of, or otherwise violate the terms of, any other employment or other agreement to which he is a party, except to the extent any such conflict, breach, or violation under any such agreement has been disclosed to the Company’s Board and the Bank’s Board in writing in advance of the signing of this Agreement.
9.8. Severability. In the event any provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Agreement, and the Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included. Further, the captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force and effect.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company and the Bank shall have no obligation to make any payment to the Executive hereunder to the extent, but only to the extent, that such payment is prohibited by the terms of any final order of a Federal or state court or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction; provided, however, that such an order shall not affect, impair, or invalidate any provision of this Agreement not expressly subject to such order.
9.9. Modification. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless such modification, waiver, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by a member of the Company’s Board or the Bank’s Board, as applicable, or by the respective parties, legal representatives or successors.
9.10. Applicable Law. To the extent not preempted by the laws of the United States, the laws of the State of West Virginia shall be the controlling law in all matters relating to this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
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| WESBANCO, INC. |
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| By /s/ Todd F. Clossin |
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| Title President |
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| WESBANCO BANK, INC. |
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| By /s/ Todd F. Clossin |
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| Title President |
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| /s/ Daniel K. Weiss |
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| Daniel K. Weiss, Executive |
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