UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): | February 1, 2012 |
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.
__________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 000-17287 | 33-0074499 |
_____________________ (State or other jurisdiction |
_____________ (Commission |
______________ (I.R.S. Employer |
of incorporation) | File Number) | Identification No.) |
43445 Business Park Drive, Suite 103, Temecula, California | 92590 | |
_________________________________ (Address of principal executive offices) |
___________ (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: | 951.699.6991 |
Not Applicable
______________________________________________
Former name or former address, if changed since last report
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
See Item 5.02 below.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On February 1, 2012, Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") issued press releases announcing the appointment of Thomas D. Allen to the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer and the appointment of Catherine C. Lee to the position of Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, effective February 1, 2012. Copies of the press releases are attached hereto as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2.
As a result of Mr. Hornish's promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer, previously disclosed on the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 2012, Mr. Hornish will resign as the Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary effective February 1, 2012.
Thomas D. Allen, 59, has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since July 2010. He previously co-founded and served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ACME Communications, Inc., a television broadcast company, from its inception in 1997 through July 2010. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Allen served as the Chief Operating Officer for U.S. operations and the Chief Financial Officer for Virgin Interactive Entertainment, Inc., an entertainment software publisher and developer. Mr. Allen serves on the Board of ACME Communications, Inc. Mr. Allen received a B.S. in business from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles and is a C.P.A.
There are no related person transactions (within the meaning of Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K) between Mr. Allen and Outdoor Channel Holdings or any of its subsidiaries, other than compensation in connection with his employment as described herein, in the 8-K previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 15, 2011 and in the Company’s proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2011.
The terms of Mr. Allen’s new compensation arrangement in his capacity as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer are not yet available. The Company will file an amendment to this Form 8-K disclosing the material terms of his compensation arrangement when they become available.
In connection with her appointment as the Company's Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Ms. Lee on February 1, 2012 (the "Employment Agreement"). A copy of the Employment Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.3 and incorporated herein by reference.
Term: The Agreement is effective on February 1, 2012 and ends on December 31, 2014 and may be renewed on mutually agreed terms.
Salary: Ms. Lee's annual salary will be $300,000.
Annual Incentive: Ms. Lee will be eligible to receive an annual cash incentive payable for the achievement of performance goals established by the Company's compensation committee. Ms. Lee's target bonus will be 45% of her annual base salary.
Restricted Stock: An award of 60,000 restricted shares of common stock was granted to Ms. Lee on February 1, 2012. Such restricted stock grant was granted under and subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Plan. Ms. Lee's restricted stock grant will vest in equal quarterly installments of five thousand (5,000) shares each, with the initial installment becoming vested on March 31, 2012, such that the entire sixty thousand (60,000) shares are one hundred percent (100%) vested on December 31, 2014. Except as provided in the Employment Agreement, the Restricted Stock will be subject to the Company’s standard terms and conditions for restricted share grants under the Plan.
Employee Benefits: Ms. Lee is eligible to participate in all benefit programs available to the Company’s executive officers.
Change in Control Vesting Acceleration: Upon a Change in Control (as such term is defined in the Plan), all of Ms. Lee’s then outstanding awards relating to the Company’s common stock (whether stock options, stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, or otherwise) (collectively, "Equity Awards") will fully vest.
Severance: Ms. Lee is eligible to receive severance benefits in the event of certain terminations of her employment. If a termination of employment (including the Executive’s resignation) occurs during the period that is either three (3) months prior to or within twelve (12) months after a Change in Control, for purposes of the Employment Agreement it will be considered "in connection with a Change in Control."
In the event that the Company terminates Ms. Lee without Cause (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement), or Ms. Lee resigns for Good Reason (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement), not in connection with a Change in Control, Ms. Lee will receive (i) severance payments in equal monthly installments (less applicable withholding taxes) for a period of twelve (12) months (ii) if the date of termination occurs on or after July 1, Ms. Lee will also be entitled to receive a pro-rata bonus for the year, based on good faith estimations of the achievement of performance goals on the date of termination, and (iii) if Ms. Lee elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA, and provided that Ms. Lee constitutes a qualified beneficiary under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Company will reimburse Ms. Lee for the same level of health coverage and benefits as in effect for Ms. Lee on the day immediately preceding the date of termination until the earlier of (A) twelve (12) months following the date of Ms. Lee’s termination or resignation, or (B) the date upon which Ms. Lee and her eligible dependents become covered under similar plans.
In the event that the Company terminates Ms. Lee without Cause (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement), or Ms. Lee resigns for Good Reason (as such term is defined in the Employment Agreement), in connection with a Change in Control, Ms. Lee will receive (i) severance payments in equal monthly installments (less applicable withholding taxes) for a period of eighteen (18) months (ii) an amount equal to her full target bonus for the year, assuming full attainment of all performance goals, such bonus to be paid on the date of termination, and (iii) if Ms. Lee elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA, and provided that Ms. Lee constitutes a qualified beneficiary under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Company will reimburse Ms. Lee for the same level of health coverage and benefits as in effect for Ms. Lee on the day immediately preceding the date of termination until the earlier of (A) eighteen (18) months following the date of Ms. Lee’s termination or resignation, or (B) the date upon which Ms. Lee and her eligible dependents become covered under similar plans
The monthly severance payments that Ms. Lee would be entitled to receive pursuant to her Employment Agreement upon such a termination or resignation would be equal to one year of base salary if not in connection with a Change in Control and 18 months base salary if in connection with a Change in Control. The severance payments and other benefits to which Ms. Lee may become entitled to pursuant to her Employment Agreement will be subject to the following: (i) Ms. Lee signing (and not subsequently revoking) a release of claims agreement; (ii) Ms. Lee agreeing to non-compete, non-solicit and non-disparagement provisions that would be in effect during the period in which Ms. Lee receives severance payments; and (iii) Ms. Lee’s continued compliance with the Company’s standard form of confidential information and intellectual property agreement.
Excise Tax: In the event that the severance payments and other benefits payable to Ms. Lee constitute "parachute payments" under Section 280G of the U.S. tax code and would be subject to the applicable excise tax, then Ms. Lee’s severance benefits will be either (i) delivered in full or (ii) delivered to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to the excise tax, whichever results in the receipt by Ms. Lee on an after-tax basis of the greatest amount of benefits.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. | ||||
February 1, 2012 | By: |
Thomas E. Hornish
|
||
|
||||
Name: Thomas E. Hornish | ||||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. | Description | |
|
|
|
99.1
|
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. News Release issued February 1, 2012 | |
99.2
|
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. News Release issued February 1, 2012 | |
99.3
|
Employment Agreement with Catherine C. Lee dated February 1, 2012 |
PRESS RELEASE
Contacts:
For Company:
|
For Investors: | For Media: | ||
Tom Allen Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer 951-699-6991, ext. 287 tallen@outdoorchannel.com |
Brad Edwards Brainerd Communicators, Inc. 212-986-6667 edwards@braincomm.com |
Nancy Zakhary Brainerd Communicators, Inc. 212-986-6667 nancy@braincomm.com |
||
OUTDOOR CHANNEL HOLDINGS ANNOUNCES CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER APPOINTMENT
TEMECULA, Calif. February 1, 2012 Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD) today announced that Tom Allen has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Allen will continue to serve as Outdoor Channels Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Tom Allen has been a strong addition to the senior management team since his arrival in 2010 and we look forward to his many contributions in his expanded role, said Tom Hornish, President and CEO of Outdoor Channel. We have had a close partnership over the past eighteen months, and I have complete confidence in Toms ability to effectively manage Outdoor Channels day to day operations.
Mr. Allen has served as Outdoor Channels Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since joining the company in July 2010. Previously, Mr. Allen co-founded ACME Communications, Inc., where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from its inception in 1997 until he joined Outdoor Channel. He continues to serve on ACMEs Board of Directors. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Allen was the Chief Operating Officer for U.S. Operations and Chief Financial Officer for Virgin Interactive Entertainment. Before that Mr. Allen served as Fox Broadcasting Companys initial Chief Financial Officer from 1986 to 1993.
About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. owns and operates Outdoor Channel, Americas leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of Americas leading and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information, please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.
PRESS RELEASE
Contacts:
For Company:
|
For Investors: | For Media: | ||
Tom Allen Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer 951-699-6991, ext. 287 tallen@outdoorchannel.com |
Brad Edwards Brainerd Communicators, Inc. 212-986-6667 edwards@braincomm.com |
Nancy Zakhary Brainerd Communicators, Inc. 212-986-6667 nancy@braincomm.com |
||
OUTDOOR CHANNEL HOLDINGS ANNOUNCES SENIOR LEGAL APPOINTMENTS
TEMECULA, Calif. February 01, 2012 Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD) today announced that Catherine Lee has been named General Counsel of Outdoor Channel, effective immediately. The Company also announced the promotion of David Bolls to Executive Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs from Senior Vice President and, additionally, his promotion to Deputy General Counsel from Assistant General Counsel, effective immediately.
These executive appointments will provide Outdoor Channel with a highly capable, experienced and talented senior legal team as we continue to build upon our category leadership and further grow our brand, said Tom Hornish, President and Chief Executive Officer of Outdoor Channel. We are pleased to welcome Catherine to her expanded role with Outdoor Channel. She has been a valuable resource to the company throughout her consultancy, and we believe Outdoor Channel will further benefit from her expertise moving forward.
Mr. Hornish continued, David has been an integral part of Outdoor Channels executive team and has successfully taken the lead in addressing several major initiatives for the company. In addition to his passion for protecting and developing our network, he has been instrumental in discovering and developing strong relationships with the best talent and production companies in our industry. In his expanded role, he will continue to be a tremendous asset to our company.
Ms. Lee is the Principal of Catherine Lee & Associates and has served as a legal consultant to Outdoor Channel since May 2008. She previously served as the Corporate Secretary and Counsel for Sempra Energy, a San Diego based Fortune 500 energy services holding company, where she advised senior management on corporate governance and other legal issues. Prior to her tenure at Sempra, Ms. Lee was a Business and Technology associate at Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison, L.L.P. where her practice focused on a full range of corporate and securities matters. Ms. Lee is also a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel and the Society of Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals.
Mr. Bolls joined Outdoor Channel in 2008 as its first Assistant General Counsel, and in 2009 became its first Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs. During his tenure with Outdoor Channel, Mr. Bolls has been responsible for overseeing and negotiating network contracts, licensing agreements, intellectual property matters, and litigation, as well as the development of a wide range of entertainment content and key relationships with talent and producers. Prior to joining Outdoor Channel, Mr. Bolls was an owner of a corporate boutique law firm in San Francisco where he prepared and litigated issues related to television programming, production, licensing, and intellectual property agreements.
About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. owns and operates Outdoor Channel, Americas Leader In Outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of Americas leading and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. also owns and operates the SkyCam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information, please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.
EXHIBIT 99.3
OUTDOOR CHANNEL HOLDINGS, INC.
CATHERINE C. LEE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this Agreement) is entered into as of February 1, 2012 by and between Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (the Company) and Catherine C. Lee (the Executive).
1. Duties and Scope of Employment.
(a) Positions and Duties. As of February 1, 2012 (the Effective Date), Executive will serve as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Executive will report to the Companys Chief Executive Officer (the CEO). Commencing on the Effective Date, Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of her duties, consistent with Executives position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to her by the CEO. The period Executive is employed by the Company under this Agreement is referred to herein as the Employment Term.
(b) Obligations. During the Employment Term, Executive will devote substantially all of Executives business efforts and time to the Company and will use good faith efforts to discharge Executives obligations under this Agreement to the best of Executives ability and in accordance with each of the Companys corporate guidance and ethics guidelines, conflict of interests policies and code of conduct. For the duration of the Employment Term, Executive agrees not to actively engage in any other employment, occupation, or consulting activity for any direct or indirect remuneration without the prior approval of the CEO; provided, however, that Executive may, without the approval of the CEO, serve in any capacity with any civic, educational, or charitable organization, provided such services do not interfere with Executives obligations to Company. Executive will be permitted, without constituting a violation of this Section 1(b) to, (i) continue to provide services to, serve on the boards of directors of, and maintain or increase her ownership interests in the entities listed on Exhibit A, and (ii) manage her personal investments, so long as such activities do not materially interfere with her responsibilities under this Agreement. Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that Executive is not party to any contract, understanding, agreement or policy, written or otherwise, that would be breached by Executives entering into, or performing services under, this Agreement. Executive further represents that she has disclosed to the Company in writing all threatened, pending, or actual claims that are unresolved and still outstanding as of the Effective Date, in each case, against Executive of which she is aware, if any, as a result of her employment with her current employer (or any other previous employer) or her membership on any boards of directors.
(c) Other Entities. If appointed by the Company, and as agreed to by Executive, Executive agrees to serve, without additional compensation, as an officer and director for each of the Companys subsidiaries, partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and other affiliates, including entities in which the Company has a significant investment as determined by the Company. As used in this Agreement, the term affiliates will include any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control of the Company.
(d) Office Location. Executive shall allocate the appropriate business time between the San Diego and Temecula offices, as is reasonably sufficient to perform her duties under this Agreement, with the San Diego office being Executives primary place of employment, subject to reasonable business circumstances that require travel outside of such location in connection with performing her duties under this Agreement.
2. At-Will Employment. Executive and the Company agree that Executives employment with the Company constitutes at-will employment. Executive and the Company acknowledge that this employment relationship may be terminated at any time, upon written notice to the other party, with or without good cause or for any or no cause, at the option either of the Company or Executive. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance benefits depending upon the circumstances of Executives termination of employment.
3. Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term commencing on the Effective Date and ending on December 31, 2014 (the Term). This Agreement may be renewed on mutually agreed terms. If both parties agree to move forward with negotiating a renewal, the parties shall do so in good faith for the period commencing on the date that is sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the Term. If this Agreement is not renewed, the Agreement will expire without further action of the parties and Executive shall be entitled to receive only the benefits set forth in the first sentence of Section 8.
4. Compensation.
(a) Base Salary. The Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $300,000 as compensation for her services (such annual salary, as is then effective, to be referred to herein as Base Salary). The Base Salary will be paid in accordance with the Companys normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. For each calendar year beginning in 2013, if the average percentage change reflected in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding year is positive, Executives Base Salary for such calendar year will be increased by the average percentage change reflected in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding year up to a maximum of five percent (5%). The Base Salary increase, if any, will be approved at the first meeting of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee) for such calendar year and shall be effective as of January 1 of such calendar year. By way of example, if the average percentage change from 2012 to 2013 reflected in the Consumer Price Index from the beginning of January 2012 through the end of December 2012 is 4%, Executives Base Salary for 2013 will be increased by 4% effective as of January 1, 2013.
(b) Annual Incentive. For each of the Companys fiscal years beginning in 2012, Executive will be eligible to receive annual cash incentives payable for the achievement of performance goals established by the CEO, after consultation and discussion with the Committee. During the Employment Term, Executives target annual incentive will be not less than forty-five percent (45%) of Base Salary (Target Annual Incentive). The actual earned annual cash incentive, if any, payable to Executive for any performance period will depend upon the extent to which the applicable performance goal(s) are achieved or exceeded and will be adjusted for under- or over-performance.
(c) Restricted Stock. As of the Effective Date, Executive shall be granted sixty thousand (60,000) shares of restricted stock of the Company (the Restricted Stock). The Restricted Stock will be granted under and subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Plan. The Restricted Stock shall vest in equal quarterly installments of five thousand (5,000) shares each, with the initial installment becoming vested on March 31, 2012, such that the entire sixty thousand (60,000) shares are one hundred percent (100%) vested on December 31, 2014. Except as provided in this Agreement, the Restricted Stock will be subject to the Companys standard terms and conditions for restricted share grants under the Plan.
5. Employee Benefits.
(a) Generally. Executive will be eligible to participate in accordance with the terms of all Company employee benefit plans, policies and arrangements that are applicable to other executive officers of the Company, as such plans, policies and arrangements may exist from time to time.
(b) Vacation. Executive will be entitled to receive paid annual vacation in accordance with Company policy for other senior executive officers.
6. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, entertainment and other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of the performance of Executives duties hereunder, including expenses for the San Diego office, in accordance with the Companys expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.
7. Change in Control. Upon a Change in Control, all of Executives then outstanding awards relating to the Companys common stock (whether stock options, stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, or otherwise) will vest and, to the extent applicable, become immediately exercisable, all restrictions will lapse, and all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at target levels and all other terms and conditions met. Such awards will be paid or otherwise settled as soon as administratively practicable following the date of the Change of Control (but no more than sixty (60) days following the Change in Control) or, if later, the date of exercise.
8. Termination of Employment. In the event Executives employment with the Company terminates for any reason, Executive will be entitled to (a) any unpaid Base Salary accrued up to the effective date of termination; (b) any unpaid, but earned and accrued annual incentive for any completed fiscal year as of the effective date of her termination (including specifically with respect to such unpaid, but earned annual incentive for the calendar year ending on the expiration of the Term); (c) pay for any accrued but unused vacation; (d) benefits or compensation as provided under the terms of any employee benefit and compensation agreements or plans applicable to Executive (e) reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses required to be reimbursed to Executive, and (f) any rights to indemnification Executive may have under the Companys Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, this Agreement, or separate indemnification agreement, as applicable. In addition, if the termination is by the Company without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason, Executive will be entitled to the amounts and benefits specified in Section 9.
9. Severance.
(a) Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason other than in Connection with a Change in Control. If Executives employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or if Executive resigns for Good Reason other than in Connection with a Change in Control, then, subject to Section 10 and the requirement to delay certain payments in Section 26, and in addition to the amounts provided in Section 8, Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:
(i) Severance Payment. For a period of twelve (12) months following the date of such termination, Executive will receive equal installments of Executives monthly Base Salary, then in effect (less applicable withholding taxes), resulting in an aggregate severance payment equal to one years Base Salary (less applicable withholding taxes). If the date of termination occurs on or after July 1, Executive shall also be entitled to receive a pro-rata bonus for the year, based on good faith estimations of the achievement of performance goals on the date of termination, such bonus to be paid on the date of termination.
(ii) Benefits. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for the same level of health coverage and benefits as in effect for Executive immediately prior to Executives termination; provided, however, that (1) Executive constitutes a qualified beneficiary, as defined in Section 4980(B)(g)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code); and (2) Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (COBRA), within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA. The Company will continue to reimburse Executive for continuation coverage through the earlier of (A) twelve (12) months following the date of Executives termination, or (B) the date upon which Executive and Executives eligible dependents become covered under similar plans. Executive will thereafter be responsible for the payment of COBRA premiums (including, without limitation, all administrative expenses) for the remaining COBRA period.
(b) Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control. If Executives employment is terminated by the Company without Cause in connection with a Change in Control or if Executive resigns for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control, then, subject to Section 10 and the requirement to delay certain payments in Section 26, and in addition to the amounts provided in Section 8, Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:
(i) Severance Payment. For a period of eighteen (18) months following the date of such termination, Executive will receive equal installments of Executives monthly Base Salary, then in effect, (less applicable withholding taxes), resulting in an aggregate severance payment of eighteen (18) months Base Salary (less applicable withholding taxes). In addition, Executive shall receive an amount equal to Executives full Target Annual Incentive for the year, assuming full attainment of all performance goals, such bonus to be paid on the date of termination.
(ii) Benefits. The Company agrees to reimburse Executive for the same level of health coverage and benefits as in effect for Executive immediately prior to Executives termination; provided, however, that (1) Executive constitutes a qualified beneficiary, as defined in Section 4980(B)(g)(1) of the Code; and (2) Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA. The Company will continue to reimburse Executive for continuation coverage through the earlier of (A) eighteen (18) months following the date of Executives termination, or (B) the date upon which Executive and Executives eligible dependents become covered under similar plans. Executive will thereafter be responsible for the payment of COBRA premiums (including, without limitation, all administrative expenses) for the remaining COBRA period.
(c) Termination upon Death or Disability. If Executives employment is terminated on account of the Executives death or Disability, Executive shall receive, in addition to the payments required by Section 8, a portion of her Target Annual Incentive pro-rated from the beginning of the applicable fiscal year in which such termination occurs through the date of termination, and disregarding for this purpose the requirement to satisfy any performance objectives, (the Pro-Rata Bonus) and such other payments and benefits in accordance with the Companys standard plans, programs and practices (if any).
(d) Voluntary Termination Without Good Reason or Termination for Cause. If Executives employment is terminated voluntarily, without Good Reason or is terminated for Cause by the Company, then, except as provided in Section 8, (i) all further vesting of Executives outstanding Restricted Stock and any other equity awards granted by the Company to Executive will terminate immediately; and (ii) all payments of compensation by the Company to Executive hereunder will terminate immediately.
10. Conditions to Receipt of Severance; Nondisparagement; No Duty to Mitigate.
(a) Release of Claims Agreement. The receipt of any severance or other benefits pursuant to Section 9(a) or 9(b) will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking a release of claims agreement in substantially the form attached as Exhibit B, but with any appropriate reasonable modifications, reflecting changes in applicable law, as is necessary to provide the Company with the protection it would have if the release of claims were executed as of the Effective Date. No severance or other benefits will be paid or provided until the release of claims agreement becomes effective. Executive shall have up to twenty-one (21) days following Executives termination of employment to consider and deliver such executed release of claims agreement to the Company. The Company agrees that it will execute and deliver to Executive said release of claims agreement no later than eight (8) days after it receives a copy of such agreement executed by Executive. Company agrees that it will be bound by such release of claims agreement and that same will become effective from and after the effective date thereof, even if Company fails or refuses to execute and deliver same to Executive. The receipt of any severance pursuant to Section 9 will also be subject to, during the Employment Term and the Continuance Period, Executive complying with the non-solicitation and non-competition requirements of Section 10(b).
(b) Non-solicitation and Non-competition. The receipt of any severance or other benefits pursuant to Section 9 will be subject to Executive agreeing that during the Employment Term and Continuance Period, Executive will not (i) solicit any employee of the Company (other than Executives personal assistant) for employment other than at the Company, or (ii) directly or indirectly engage in, have any ownership interest in or participate in any entity that as of the date of termination, competes with the Company with respect to Outdoor Programming. Executives passive ownership of not more than 1% of any publicly traded company and/or 5% ownership of any privately held company will not constitute a breach of this Section 10(b). In addition, Executives ownership and involvement with the entities referenced on Exhibit A will also not constitute a breach of this Section 10(b).
(c) Nondisparagement. During the Employment Term and Continuance Period, Executive will not knowingly and materially disparage, criticize, or otherwise make any derogatory statements regarding the Company. During the Employment Term and Continuance Period, the Company will not knowingly and materially disparage, criticize, or otherwise make any derogatory statements regarding Executive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Agreement will be deemed to restrict Executive, the Company or any of the Companys current or former officers and/or directors from (1) providing information to any governmental or regulatory agency (or in any way limit the content of any such information) to the extent they are requested or required to provide such information pursuant to applicable law or regulation or (2) enforcing her or its rights pursuant to this Agreement.
(d) Other Requirements. Executives receipt of any payments or benefits under Section 9 will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of the Confidential Information Agreement and the provisions of this Section 10.
(e) No Duty to Mitigate. Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor will any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source reduce any such payment.
11. Excise Tax.
In the event that the severance and other benefits provided in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive constitute parachute payments under Section 280G of the Code and would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then, except as provided by Section 11(b) below: Executives benefits shall be either (i) delivered in full, or (ii) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to the excise tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits. Any reduction in payments and/or benefits required by this Section shall occur in the following order: (1) reduction of cash payments; (2) reduction of vesting acceleration of equity awards; and (3) reduction of other benefits paid or provided to Executive. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity awards is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant for the Executives equity awards. If two or more equity awards are granted on the same day, the equity awards will be reduced on a pro-rata basis.
Unless Executive and the Company agree otherwise in writing, the determination of Executives excise tax liability will be made in writing by the independent auditors who are primarily used by the Company immediately prior to the Change in Control (the Accountants). For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 11, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. Executive and the Company agree to furnish such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section 11. The Company will bear all costs the Accountants and/or Executive may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 11.
12. Definitions.
(a) Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause will mean:
(i) Executives willful and continued failure to perform the duties and responsibilities of her position (other than as a result of Executives illness or injury) after there has been delivered to Executive a written demand for performance from the CEO which describes the basis for the CEOs belief that Executive has not substantially performed her duties and provides Executive with thirty (30) days to take corrective action;
(ii) Any material act of personal dishonesty taken by Executive in connection with her responsibilities as an employee of the Company;
(iii) Executives conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony that the Companys Board of Directors reasonably believes has had or will have a material detrimental effect on the Companys reputation or business;
(iv) A willful breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company by Executive that has a material detrimental effect on the Companys reputation or business;
(v) Executive being found liable in any Securities and Exchange Commission or other civil or criminal securities law action (regardless of whether or not Executive admits or denies liability), which the Companys Board of Directors determines, in its reasonable discretion, will have a material detrimental effect on the Companys reputation or business;
(vi) The entry of any cease and desist order against Executive with respect to any action which would bar Executive from service as an executive officer or member of a board of directors of any publicly-traded company (regardless of whether or not Executive admits or denies liability);
(vii) Executive (A) obstructing or impeding; (B) endeavoring to obstruct or impede, or (C) failing to materially cooperate with, any investigation authorized by the Companys Board of Directors or any governmental or self-regulatory entity (an Investigation). However, Executives failure to waive attorney-client privilege relating to communications with Executives own attorney in connection with an Investigation will not constitute Cause; or
(viii) Executives disqualification or bar by any governmental or self-regulatory authority from serving in the capacity contemplated by this Agreement, if (A) the disqualification or bar continues for more than thirty (30) days, and (B) during that period the Company uses its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the disqualification or bar to be lifted. While any disqualification or bar continues during Executives employment, Executive will serve in the capacity contemplated by this Agreement to whatever extent legally permissible and, if Executives employment is not permissible, Executive will be placed on administrative leave (which will be paid to the extent legally permissible).
Other than for a termination pursuant to Section 12(a)(iii), Executive shall receive notice and an opportunity to be heard before the Companys Board of Directors before any termination for Cause is deemed effective. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the CEO or the Companys Board of Directors may immediately place Executive on administrative leave (with full pay and benefits to the extent legally permissible) and suspend all access to Company information, employees and business should Executive wish to avail himself of her opportunity to be heard before the Companys Board of Directors prior to a termination for Cause. If Executive avails himself of her opportunity to be heard before the Companys Board of Directors, and then fails to make himself available to the Companys Board of Directors within five (5) business days of such request to be heard, the Companys Board of Directors may thereafter cancel the administrative leave and terminate Executive for Cause.
(b) Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, Change in Control will have the same meaning as the definition of Change in Control set forth in the Plan.
(c) Consumer Price Index. For purposes of this Agreement, Consumer Price Index will mean the All Items Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor reflecting the U.S. City Average, 1982-84 = 100.
(d) Continuance Period. For purposes of this Agreement:
if Executives employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or if Executive resigns for Good Reason, then Continuance Period will mean the period of time beginning on the date of the termination of Executives employment and ending on the date that the Severance Period ends.
in the event of either (i) the expiration, and non-renewal of the Term or (ii) a termination of the Executives employment for any other reason, the Continuance Period, if any, will mean either the one (1) year or two (2) year period elected by the Company and for which the Company agrees to pay Executive, subject to the requirement to delay certain payments in Section 26, continued Base Salary and Target Annual Incentive for the appropriate period. The Company may elect to not impose any such Continuance Period in its sole discretion, but if it does wish to impose a Continuance Period, it must make the one (1) year or two (2) year election, as applicable, within ten (10) business days (i) following the election of the Company or Executive to not renew the Employment Term or (ii) following the Executives termination of employment.
(e) Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, Disability shall have the same meaning as that term is defined in the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing however, should the Company maintain a long-term disability plan at any time during the Employment Term, a determination of disability under such plan shall also be considered a Disability for purposes of this Agreement.
(f) Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, Good Reason means the occurrence of any of the following, without Executives express written consent:
(i) A material reduction of Executives responsibilities, relative to Executives responsibilities in effect immediately prior to such reduction; including a reduction in responsibilities by virtue of the Company being acquired and made part of another entity (as, for example, when the Chief Executive Officer of the Company remains as the senior executive officer of a division or subsidiary of the acquiror which division or subsidiary either contains substantially all of the Companys business or is of a comparable size), or a change in the Executives reporting position such that Executive no longer reports directly to the CEO of a publicly-traded company (unless Executive is reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the parent corporation in a group of controlled corporations, none of which is a publicly-traded company);
(ii) A material reduction in Executives Base Salary or Target Annual Incentive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction other than pursuant to a reduction that also is applied to substantially all other executive officers of the Company and which reduction reduces the Base Salary and/or Target Annual Incentive by a percentage reduction that is no greater than 10%;
(iii) The relocation of Executive to a facility or location more than forty (40) miles from her primary place of employment;
(iv) Any purported termination of the Executives employment for Cause without first satisfying the procedural protections, as applicable, required by the definition of Cause in this Agreement; or
(v) The failure of the Company to obtain the assumption of this Agreement by a successor and/or acquiror and an agreement that Executive will retain the substantially similar responsibilities (to the extent described in Section 1) in the acquiror or the merged or surviving company as she had prior to the transaction.
The notification and placement of Executive on administrative leave pending a potential determination by the Companys Board of Directors that Executive may be terminated for Cause shall not constitute Good Reason for purposes of this Agreement. Executive will not resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for Good Reason within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for Good Reason and, if such grounds are susceptible to cure, a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice. Any resignation for Good Reason must occur within two years of the initial existence of the grounds constituting Good Reason.
(g) In Connection with a Change in Control. A termination of Executives employment with the Company is in Connection with a Change in Control if Executives employment is terminated during that period either three (3) months prior to or twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, as applicable.
(h) Outdoor Programming. For purposes of this Agreement, Outdoor Programming means any television, internet or other media programming devoted primarily to traditional outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, shooting sports, rodeo, gold prospecting and related life-style programming.
(g) Plan. For purposes of this Agreement, the Plan means the Companys 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended.
13. Indemnification and D&O Insurance. Subject to applicable law, Executive will be provided indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Companys Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, including, if applicable, any directors and officers insurance policies, with such indemnification to be on terms determined by the Companys Board of Directors or any of its committees, but on terms no less favorable than provided to any other Company executive officer or director and subject to the terms of any separate written indemnification agreement. The Company shall also maintain commercially reasonable D&O insurance covering Executive during the Employment Term in such amount and pursuant to such terms as is typical and customary for companies of similar size and nature as the Company.
14. Confidential Information. Executive agrees to execute the Companys confidential information and intellectual property agreement, in a form reasonably satisfactory to Executive (the Confidential Information Agreement).
15. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon Executives death, and (b) any successor of the Company. Any such successor of the Company will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, successor means any person, firm, corporation, or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger, or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance, or other disposition of Executives right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.
16. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally; (b) one (1) day after being sent overnight by a well-established commercial overnight service, or (c) four (4) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:
If to the Company:
Attn: CEO
with a copy to: its General Counsel
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.
43445 Business Park Drive
Temecula, CA 92590
If to Executive:
at the last residential address known by the Company,
17. Severability. In the event that any provision or any portion of any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision. The remainder of this Agreement shall be interpreted so as best to effect the intent of the Company and Executive.
18. Arbitration. The Parties agree that any and all disputes arising out of the terms of this Agreement, Executives employment by the Company, Executives service as an officer or director of the Company, or Executives compensation and benefits, their interpretation and any of the matters herein released, will be subject to binding arbitration. In the event of a dispute, the parties (or their legal representatives) will promptly confer to select a Single Arbitrator mutually acceptable to both parties. If the parties cannot agree on an Arbitrator, then the moving party may file a Demand for Arbitration with the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in California, who will be selected and appointed consistent with the AAA-Employment Dispute Resolution Rules, except that such Arbitrator must have the qualifications set forth in this paragraph. Any arbitration will be conducted in a manner consistent with AAA National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes, supplemented by the California Rules of Civil Procedure. The Parties further agree that the prevailing party in any arbitration will be entitled to injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the arbitration award. The Parties hereby agree to waive their right to have any dispute between them resolved in a court of law by a judge or jury. This paragraph will not prevent either party from seeking injunctive relief (or any other provisional remedy) from any court having jurisdiction over the Parties and the subject matter of their dispute relating to the parties obligations under this Agreement and the Confidential Information Agreement.
19. Integration. This Agreement, together with the Confidential Information Agreement and the standard forms of equity award grant that describe Executives equity awards, represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that this Agreement supersedes and replaces, in its entirety, the Change of Control Severance Agreement entered into between the Company and Executive dated as of February 8, 2008, and that Executive shall not be eligible for any benefits or compensation under such Change of Control Severance Agreement. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be binding unless in a writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto. In entering into this Agreement, no party has relied on or made any representation, warranty, inducement, promise, or understanding that is not in this Agreement. To the extent that any provisions of this Agreement conflict with those of any other agreement to be signed upon Executives hire, the terms in this Agreement will prevail.
20. Waiver of Breach. The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.
21. Survival. The Confidential Information Agreement and the Companys and Executives responsibilities under Sections 9, 10, 11, 13 and 18 will survive the termination of this Agreement.
22. Headings. All captions and Section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.
23. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.
24. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the state of California without regard for choice of law provisions of any state or other jurisdiction.
25. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that she has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from her private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.
26. Code Section 409A.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits (as defined below) or other severance benefits that are exempt from Section 409A (as defined below) pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will become payable under this Agreement until Executive has a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, and any proposed or final regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (Section 409A). Further, if Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executives separation from service (other than due to death), and the severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A (together, the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits), such Deferred Compensation Separation Payments that are otherwise payable within the first six (6) months following Executives separation from service will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executives separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following her termination but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of her separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executives death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
(b) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the short-term deferral rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations shall not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of Section 26(a) above. Any severance payment that entitles Executive to taxable reimbursements or taxable in-kind benefits covered by Section 1.409A-1(b)(8)(v) shall not constitute a Deferred Compensation Separation Benefit.
(c) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) shall not constitute Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits for purposes of Section 26(a) above. For purposes of this Section 26(c), Section 409A Limit will mean the lesser of two (2) times: (i) Executives annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during her taxable year preceding Executives taxable year of Executives separation from service as determined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1); or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Executives employment is terminated.
(d) The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.
27. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by a duly authorized officer, as of the day and year written below.
COMPANY:
OUTDOOR CHANNEL HOLDINGS, INC.
/s/ Perry T. Massie
|
Date: February 1, 2012 | |
By: Perry T. Massie Its: Chairman of the Board |
EXECUTIVE: |
/s/ Catherine C. Lee
|
Date: February 1, 2012 | |
Catherine C. Lee
|
Exhibit A
Entity | Limitations | |
One publicly traded or privately held corporation* |
Executive may serve as a member of such corporations board of directors, provided that the business of such entity does not compete with the Company and Executives ownership in such entity is limited to a maximum of 2%. Executive may serve on committees of such corporations board of directors, but not as chairman of any such committees. *Executive must obtain prior approval from the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee prior to acceptance of such position (such approval not to be reasonably withheld). |
Exhibit B
RELEASE OF CLAIMS AGREEMENT
RELEASE OF CLAIMS AGREEMENT
1. In consideration for the payment of the severance described in the Employment Agreement by and between Catherine C. Lee (the Executive) and Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (the Company) (the Employment Agreement), dated as of February 1, 2012 (the Employment Agreement), the Executive for herself, and for her heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors and assigns (collectively Releasers) does hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and forever discharge the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates and divisions and their respective, current and former, trustees, officers, directors, partners, shareholders, agents, employees, consultants, independent contractors and representatives, including without limitation all persons acting by, through under or in concert with any of them (collectively, Releasees), and each of them from any and all charges, complaints, claims, liabilities, obligations, promises, agreements, controversies, damages, remedies, actions, causes of action, suits, rights, demands, costs, losses, debts and expenses (including attorneys fees and costs) of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, whether in law or equity and whether arising under federal, state or local law and in particular including any claim for discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, sex, age (including the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967), national origin, religion, disability, or any other unlawful criterion or circumstance, which the Executive and Releasers had, now have, or may have in the future against each or any of the Releasees, including under the California Fair Employment Practices Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (collectively Executive/Releaser Actions) from the beginning of the world until the date hereof.
2. The Executive acknowledges that: (i) this entire Release is written in a manner calculated to be understood by her; (ii) she has been advised to consult with an attorney before executing this Release; (iii) she was given a period of twenty-one days within which to consider this Release; and (iv) to the extent she executes this Release before the expiration of the twenty-one day period, she does so knowingly and voluntarily and only after consulting her attorney. The Executive shall have the right to cancel and revoke this Release by delivering notice to the Company pursuant to the notice provision of Section 15 of the Employment Agreement prior to the expiration of the seven-day period following the date hereof, and the severance benefits under the Employment Agreement shall not become effective, and no payments or benefits shall be made or provided thereunder, until the day after the expiration of such seven-day period (the Revocation Date). Upon such revocation, this Release and the severance provisions of the Employment Agreement shall be null and void and of no further force or effect.
3. California Civil Code Section 1542. The Executive acknowledges that she has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, a statute that otherwise prohibits unknown claims, which provides as follows:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
The Executive, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive any rights she may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.
4. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the sole matters to which the Release does not apply are: (i) the Executives rights to indemnification (whether arising under applicable law, the Companys certificate of incorporation or bylaws, indemnification agreement, board resolution or otherwise) and directors and officers liability insurance coverage to which she was entitled immediately prior to with regard to her service as an officer or director of the Company; (ii) the Executives rights under any tax-qualified pension or claims for accrued vested benefits or rights under any other employee benefit plan, policy or arrangement (whether tax-qualified or not) maintained by the Company or under COBRA; (iii) the Executives rights under Section 8 of the Employment Agreement (which are subject to Section 9 of the Employment Agreement) which are intended to survive termination of employment, (iv) the Executives rights under Sections 4, 10 and 12 of the Employment Agreement which are intended to survive termination of employment, (v) the Executives rights as a stockholder of the Company, or (vi) the Executives rights pursuant to the Stock Option Agreement[s] by and between the Executive and the Company, dated [DATE], the Restricted Stock Agreement[s] by and between the Executive and the Company, dated [DATE], and the Performance Unit Agreements by and between the Executive and the Company, dated [DATE] (but excluding any right to continued vesting of such equity awards except as specifically provided in such agreements or in Section 4 of the Employment Agreement).
5. This Release is the complete understanding between the Executive and the Company in respect of the subject matter of this Release and supersedes all prior agreements relating to the same subject matter. The Executive has not relied upon any representations, promises or agreements of any kind except those set forth herein in signing this Release.
6. In the event that any provision of this Release should be held to be invalid or unenforceable, each and all of the other provisions of this Release shall remain in full force and effect. If any provision of this Release is found to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be modified as necessary to permit this Release to be upheld and enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.
7. This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
8. The parties agree that any and all disputes arising out of, or relating to, the terms of this Agreement, their interpretation, and any of the matters herein released, shall be subject to binding arbitration in California before the American Arbitration Association under its National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. The Parties agree that the prevailing party in any arbitration shall be entitled to injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the arbitration award. The Parties agree that the prevailing party in any arbitration shall be awarded its reasonable attorneys fees and costs. The parties hereby agree to waive their right to have any dispute between them resolved in a court of law by a judge or jury. This section shall not prevent either party from seeking injunctive relief (or any other provisional remedy) from any court having jurisdiction over the Parties and the subject matter of their dispute relating to the parties obligations under this Agreement and the agreements incorporated herein by reference.
9. This Release inures to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.
OUTDOOR CHANNEL HOLDINGS, INC. |
||
Date: | By: Name: |
|
Title: |
||
Catherine C. Lee, an individual |
||
Date: | By: |