-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Rxz3FyIdyObFRdWCshlfVzAfx+Qwbby8wuze2l8bVUGOLK5Nd9ng7vljgqWKE7+n +17PoGdv692HNXDqKy+8kA== 0000950137-05-006825.txt : 20050611 0000950137-05-006825.hdr.sgml : 20050611 20050527171428 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950137-05-006825 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20050525 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20050527 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050527 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: QUIKSILVER INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000805305 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MEN'S & BOYS' FURNISHINGS, WORK CLOTHING, AND ALLIED GARMENTS [2320] IRS NUMBER: 330199426 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-14229 FILM NUMBER: 05864851 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 15202 GRAHAM STREET CITY: HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE: CA ZIP: 92649 BUSINESS PHONE: 714-889-2200 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 15202 GRAHAM STREET CITY: HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE: CA ZIP: 92649 8-K 1 a09361e8vk.htm FORM 8-K Quiksilver, Inc.
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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):
May 25, 2005

Quiksilver, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  0-15131
(Commission File Number)
  33-0199426
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
         
15202 Graham Street, Huntington Beach, CA
(Address of principal executive offices)
  92649
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(714) 889-2200


(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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

     
o
  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o
  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o
  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o
  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))



 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT 10.1
EXHIBIT 10.2
EXHIBIT 10.3
EXHIBIT 10.4


Table of Contents

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

     Amendment of Employment Agreements

     On May 25, 2005, Quiksilver, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with each of Robert B. McKnight, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Bernard Mariette, President of the Company, Charles S. Exon, Executive Vice President—Business & Legal Affairs, Secretary and General Counsel of the Company, and Steven L. Brink, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company (the “Revised Agreements”). The Revised Agreements amend and restate the employment agreements, dated August 1, 2004, between the Company and each of these executives. Pursuant to the terms of the Revised Agreements, Mr. McKnight receives a base salary of $880,000, Mr. Mariette a base salary of $600,000, Mr. Exon a base salary of $400,000 and Mr. Brink a base salary of $300,000. These base salaries are effective retroactive to November 1, 2004, are subject to periodic review by the Company and may be adjusted either up or down, based on the Company’s performance, the individual’s performance, market conditions or such other factors as are deemed relevant by the Company; provided, however, that they may not be adjusted below the level set forth above. Mr. McKnight’s and Mr. Mariette’s Revised Agreements also provide that each will be eligible to earn an annual bonus of up to 300% of their minimum base salary under the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan or Long-Term Incentive Plan or a combination of the two. The Revised Agreements of Messrs. Exon and Brink provide that they are eligible to receive discretionary bonuses on terms approved by the Board.

     The Revised Agreements require that the Company maintain a $2,000,000 term life insurance policy on each executive’s life, payable to their designees; provided, however, that the Company is not required to pay annual premiums for such policies in excess of $5,000.

     Each of the Revised Agreements provides that the executive will continue to be a participant in the Company’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, or any successor equity plan, on such terms as are established by the Board of Directors, but substantially similar to those granted to other senior executives of the Company of equivalent level. The Revised Agreements further provide that all options granted shall provide that if the executive is terminated by the Company without “cause” (as defined below), by the executive for “good reason” (as defined below), or as a result of executive’s death or disability, all options will automatically vest in full on an accelerated basis so that the executive may exercise all of their options prior to termination and the options shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of executive’s termination, (ii) the end of the option term or (iii) termination pursuant to other provisions of the applicable option plan or agreement (e.g., a corporate transaction).

     Each of the Revised Agreements continues for an unspecified term and may be terminated by the Company or the executive without cause at any time for any reason, subject to the payment of certain amounts as set forth below. If the Company terminates the executive’s employment without cause, or if the executive terminates his employment for good reason, the terms of the Revised Agreements provide that the Company will (i) continue to pay the executive’s base salary for a period of eighteen (18) months (twenty-four (24) months in the case of Mr. McKnight), (ii) pay a pro rata portion of the bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, and (iii) pay an amount equal to two (2) times the average annual bonus earned by the executive during the two (2) most recently completed fiscal years payable over

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eighteen (18) months (twenty-four (24) months in the case of Mr. McKnight) following the executive’s termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such termination occurs within twelve (12) months following a change in control of the Company, the period of salary continuation will be increased by six (6) months (twelve (12) months in the case of Messrs. McKnight and Mariette) and the payment based on average annual bonus will be increased to two times such average (two and one-half (2 1/2)) and three (3) times in the case of Messrs. Mariette and McKnight, respectively). The payment period for the payment based on average annual bonus will also be extended to match the continuation period for base salary. If the Company terminates an executive’s employment for cause or the executive terminates his employment without good reason, then the executive receives his base salary and benefits earned and accrued prior to termination and, if the basis for cause is the executive’s death or permanent disability, the pro rata portion of his bonus for the year in which such termination occurs.

     For purposes of the Revised Agreements, “cause” includes (i) death, (ii) permanent disability, (iii) willful misconduct in the performance of duties, (iv) commission of a felony or violation of law involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, (v) self-dealing, (vi) willful breach of duty, (vii) habitual neglect of duty, or (viii) material breach by the executive of his obligations under the employment agreement.

     For purposes of the Revised Agreements, good reason means (i) the assignment to executive of duties materially inconsistent with his position, as set forth in the agreement, without executive’s consent, (ii) a material change in executive’s reporting level from that set forth in the agreement, without executive’s consent, (iii) a material diminution in executive’s authority, without executive’s consent, (iv) a material breach by the Company of its obligations under the agreement, (v) the failure by the Company to obtain from any successor, before the succession takes place, an agreement to assume and perform the obligations of the Company under the Revised Agreement or (vi) the Company requiring executive to be based, other than temporarily, at any office or location outside of the southern California area (or France in the case of Mr. Mariette), without his consent.

     Under the Revised Agreements, a “change in control” of the Company would include any of the following events: (i) any person (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) acquires shares of capital stock of the Company representing more than 50% of the total number of shares of capital stock that may be voted for the election of directors of the Company, (ii) a merger, consolidation, or other business combination of the Company with or into another person is consummated, or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company are acquired by another person, as a result of which the stockholders of the Company prior to the transaction own, after such transaction, equity securities possessing less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring person (or any person in control of the surviving or acquiring person, the equity securities of which are issued or transferred in such transaction), or (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

     Copies of the Revised Agreements are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4.

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Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

         
 
  (c)   Exhibits
 
       
      The following exhibits are being furnished herewith:
     
Exhibit No.   Exhibit Title or Description
10.1
  Employment Agreement between Robert B. McKnight, Jr. and Quiksilver, Inc. dated May 25, 2005
 
   
10.2
  Employment Agreement between Bernard Mariette and Quiksilver, Inc. dated May 25, 2005
 
   
10.3
  Employment Agreement between Charles S. Exon and Quiksilver, Inc. dated May 25, 2005
 
   
10.4
  Employment Agreement between Steven L. Brink and Quiksilver, Inc. dated May 25, 2005

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Table of Contents

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.
         
Dated: May 27, 2005  Quiksilver, Inc.
(Registrant)
 
 
  By:   /s/Steven L. Brink    
    Steven L. Brink   
    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer   
 

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Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

     
Exhibit No.   Exhibit Title or Description
10.1
  Employment Agreement between Robert B. McKnight, Jr. and Quiksilver, Inc. dated May 25, 2005
 
   
10.2
  Employment Agreement between Bernard Mariette and Quiksilver, Inc. dated May 25, 2005
 
   
10.3
  Employment Agreement between Charles S. Exon and Quiksilver, Inc. dated May 25, 2005
 
   
10.4
  Employment Agreement between Steven L. Brink and Quiksilver, Inc. dated May 25, 2005

5

EX-10.1 2 a09361exv10w1.htm EXHIBIT 10.1 Exhibit 10.1
 

Exhibit 10.1

(QUIKSILVER LOGO)

May 25, 2005

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

Robert B. McKnight, Jr.
Quiksilver, Inc.
15202 Graham Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Re:     Employment at Quiksilver, Inc.

Dear Bob:

     This letter (“Agreement”) will confirm our understanding and agreement regarding your continued employment with Quiksilver, Inc. (“Quiksilver” or the “Company”). This Agreement is effective May 25, 2005 and completely supersedes and replaces any existing or previous oral or written understandings or agreements, express or implied, between you and the Company regarding your employment, including, without limitation, the August 1, 2004 agreement.

  1.   Position; Exclusivity. The Company hereby agrees to employ you as its Chief Executive Officer. During your employment with Quiksilver, you will devote your full professional and business time, interest, abilities and energies to the Company and will not render any services to any other person or entity, whether for compensation or otherwise, or engage in any business activities competitive with or adverse to the Company’s business or welfare, whether alone, as an employee, as a partner, as a member, or as a shareholder, officer or director of any other corporation, or as a trustee, fiduciary or in any other similar representative capacity of any other entity.
 
  2.   Base Salary. Your base salary, retroactive to November 1, 2004, will be $73,333.33 per month ($880,000 on an annualized basis), less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on the Company’s regular payroll dates. Your salary will be reviewed at the time management salaries are reviewed periodically and may be adjusted (but not below $73,333.33 per month) at the Company’s discretion in light of the Company’s performance, your performance, market conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Company.

-1-


 

  3.   Bonus. For the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter so long as such plans remain in effect and the requisite stockholder approval of such plans under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code has been obtained to ensure the deductibility of payments made pursuant thereto, you shall be eligible to receive a bonus under the Company’s stockholder approved Annual Incentive Plan and/or Long-Term Incentive Plan of up to 300% of your original base salary hereunder based on achievement of certain incentive goals established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Any bonus earned pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan shall be paid within thirty (30) days following the date the Company publicly releases its annual audited financial statements (the “Bonus Payment Date”). In the event that your employment with the Company terminates prior to the end of the applicable fiscal year for any reason other than termination for Cause (as defined in Paragraph 9(b), but excluding subparagraphs (i) and (ii) thereof), you shall be entitled to receive a pro rata portion of the bonus otherwise payable to you under the Annual Incentive Plan based upon the actual number of days which you were actively employed by the Company during the applicable fiscal year, which shall be paid on the Bonus Payment Date. Payment of any bonus earned under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and proration thereof on termination of your employment shall be governed by the terms of the Long-Term Incentive Plan. Any bonus payments shall be less applicable withholdings and deductions.
 
  4.   Vacation. Since Quiksilver does not have a vacation policy for executives of your level, no vacation days will be treated as earned or accrued.
 
  5.   Health and Disability Insurance. You (and any eligible dependents you elect) will be covered by the Company’s group health insurance programs on the same terms and conditions applicable to comparable employees. You will also be covered by the long-term disability plan for senior executives on the same terms and conditions applicable to comparable employees. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, or eliminate such coverages in its discretion.
 
  6.   Clothing Allowance. You will be provided a clothing allowance of $4,000 per year at the Company’s wholesale prices.
 
  7.   Stock Options. You shall continue to be a participant in Quiksilver’s Stock Incentive Plan, or any successor equity plan. The amount and terms of any restricted stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights or other interests to be granted to you will be determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion and covered in separate agreements, but shall be substantially similar to those granted to other senior executives of Quiksilver of equivalent level. Stock options granted to you after the date hereof through the termination of your employment shall provide that if you are terminated by the Company without Cause (as hereinafter defined), as a result of your death or permanent disability, or you terminate your employment for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined), any

-2-


 

      such options outstanding will automatically vest in full on an accelerated basis so that the options will immediately prior to such termination become exercisable for all option shares and remain exercisable until the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of such termination, (ii) the end of the option term, or (iii) termination pursuant to other provisions of the applicable option plan or agreement (e.g., a corporate transaction).
 
  8.   Life Insurance. The Company will pay the premium on a term life insurance policy on your life with a company and policy of our choice, and a beneficiary of your choice, in the face amount determined by the Company of not less than $2,000,000. Our obligation to obtain and maintain this insurance is contingent upon your establishing and maintaining insurability, and we are not required to pay premiums for such a policy in excess of $5,000 annually.
 
  9.   Unspecified Term; At Will Employment; Termination.
 
      (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in your prior employment relationship with the Company, express or implied, your employment is for an unspecified term and either you or Quiksilver may terminate your employment at will and with or without Cause (as defined below) or notice at any time for any reason; provided, however, that you agree to provide the Company with thirty (30) days advance written notice of your resignation (during which time the Company may elect, in its discretion, to relieve you of all duties and responsibilities). This at-will aspect of your employment relationship can only be changed by an individualized written agreement signed by both you and an authorized officer of the Company.
 
      (b) The Company may also terminate your employment immediately, without notice, for Cause, which shall include, but not be limited to, (i) your death, (ii) your permanent disability which renders you unable to perform your duties and responsibilities for a period in excess of three consecutive months, (iii) willful misconduct in the performance of your duties, (iv) commission of a felony or violation of law involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, (v) self-dealing, (vi) willful breach of duty, (vii) habitual neglect of duty, or (viii) a material breach by you of your obligations under this Agreement. If the Company terminates your employment for Cause, or you terminate your employment other than for Good Reason (as defined below), you (or your estate or beneficiaries in the case of your death) shall receive your base salary and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the termination of your employment and, in the case of a termination pursuant to subparagraphs (i) or (ii) only, a pro rata portion of your bonus, if any, as provided in Paragraph 3 for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable withholdings and deductions, and you shall have no further rights to any other compensation or benefits hereunder on or after the termination of your employment.

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      (c) If Quiksilver elects to terminate your employment without Cause, or if you terminate your employment with the Company for Good Reason within six (6) months of the action constituting Good Reason, the Company will (i) continue to pay your base salary (but not any employment benefits) on its regular payroll dates for a period of twenty-four (24) months, (ii) pay you a pro rata portion of your bonus, if any, as provided by Paragraph 3 for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable withholdings and deductions and (iii) pay you an amount equal to two (2) times the average annual bonus earned by you pursuant to Paragraph 3 during the two (2) most recently completed fiscal years of the Company payable over a two-year period following termination in equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll dates, less applicable withholdings and deductions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such termination without Cause or for Good Reason occurs within twelve (12) months immediately following a Change of Control (as defined in Addendum “A”) the Company will instead (i) continue to pay your base salary (but not any employment benefits) on its regular payroll dates for a period of thirty-six (36) months, (ii) pay you a pro rata portion of your bonus, if any, as provided by Paragraph 3 for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable withholdings and deductions, and (iii) pay you an amount equal to three (3) times the average annual bonus earned by you pursuant to Paragraph 3 during the two (2) most recently completed fiscal years of the Company payable over a three year period following termination in equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll dates, less applicable withholdings and deductions. In order for you to be eligible to receive the payments specified in this Paragraph 9(c), you must execute a general release of claims in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company. You shall have no further rights to any other compensation or benefits hereunder on or after the termination of your employment. You shall not have a duty to seek substitute employment and the Company shall not have the right to offset any compensation due you against any compensation or income received by you after the date of such termination.
 
      “Good Reason” for you to terminate employment means a voluntary termination as a result of (i) the assignment to you of duties materially inconsistent with your position as set forth above without your consent, (ii) a material change in your reporting level from that set forth in this Agreement without your consent, (iii) a material diminution of your authority without your consent, (iv) a material breach by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, (v) a failure by the Company to obtain from any successor, before the succession takes place, an agreement to assume and perform the obligations contained in this Agreement, or (vi) the Company requiring you to be based (other than temporarily) at any office or location outside of the Southern California area without your consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Good Reason shall not exist unless you provide the Company notice of termination on account thereof and, if such event or condition is curable, the Company fails to cure such event or condition within thirty (30) days of such notice.

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      (d) In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by you (collectively, the “Payments”) would constitute a parachute payment within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), then the following limitation shall apply:
 
      The aggregate present value of those Payments shall be limited in amount to the greater of the following dollar amounts (the “Benefit Limit”):
 
      (i) 2.99 times your Average Compensation (as defined below), or (ii) the amount which yields you the greatest after-tax amount of Payments under this Agreement after taking into account any excise tax imposed under Code Section 4999 on those Payments.
 
      The present value of the Payments will be measured as of the date of the Change in Control and determined in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 280G(d)(4).
 
      Average Compensation means the average of your W-2 wages from the Company for the five (5) calendar years completed immediately prior to the calendar year in which the Change in Control is effected. Any W-2 wages for a partial year of employment will be annualized, in accordance with the frequency which such wages are paid during such partial year, before inclusion in Average Compensation.
 
  10.   Trade Secrets; Confidential and/or Proprietary Information. The Company owns certain trade secrets and other confidential and/or proprietary information which constitute valuable property rights, which it has developed through a substantial expenditure of time and money, which are and will continue to be utilized in the Company’s business and which are not generally known in the trade. This proprietary information includes the list of names of the customers and suppliers of Quiksilver, and other particularized information concerning the products, finances, processes, material preferences, fabrics, designs, material sources, pricing information, production schedules, sales and marketing strategies, sales commission formulae, merchandising strategies, order forms and other types of proprietary information relating to our products, customers and suppliers. You agree that you will not disclose and will keep strictly secret and confidential all trade secrets and proprietary information of the Company, including, but not limited to, those items specifically mentioned above.
 
  11.   Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse you for documented reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by you while engaged in business activities for the Company’s benefit on such terms and conditions as shall be generally available to other executives of the Company.

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  12.   Compliance With Business Policies. You will devote your full business time and attention to Quiksilver and will not be involved in other business ventures without written authorization from the Company’s Board of Directors. You will be required to observe the Company’s personnel and business policies and procedures as they are in effect from time to time. In the event of any conflicts, the terms of this Agreement will control.
 
  13.   Entire Agreement. This Agreement, its addenda, and any stock option agreements the Company may enter into with you contain the entire integrated agreement between us regarding these issues, and no modification or amendment to this Agreement will be valid unless set forth in writing and signed by both you and an authorized officer of the Company.
 
  14.   Arbitration as Exclusive Remedy. To the fullest extent allowed by law, any controversy, claim or dispute between you and the Company (and/or any of its affiliates, owners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, volunteers or agents) relating to or arising out of your employment or the cessation of that employment will be submitted to final and binding arbitration in Orange County, California, for determination in accordance with the American Arbitration Association’s (“AAA”) National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes, as the exclusive remedy for such controversy, claim or dispute. In any such arbitration, the parties may conduct discovery to the same extent as would be permitted in a court of law. The arbitrator shall issue a written decision, and shall have full authority to award all remedies which would be available in court. The Company shall pay the arbitrator’s fees and any AAA administrative expenses. Any judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Possible disputes covered by the above include (but are not limited to) unpaid wages, breach of contract, torts, violation of public policy, discrimination, harassment, or any other employment-related claims under laws including but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code and any other statutes or laws relating to an employee’s relationship with his/her employer, regardless of whether such dispute is initiated by the employee or the Company. Thus, this bilateral arbitration agreement fully applies to any and all claims that the Company may have against you, including (but not limited to) claims for misappropriation of Company property, disclosure of proprietary information or trade secrets, interference with contract, trade libel, gross negligence, or any other claim for alleged wrongful conduct or breach of the duty of loyalty. Nevertheless, claims for workers’ compensation benefits or unemployment insurance, those arising under the National Labor Relations Act, and any other claims where mandatory arbitration is prohibited by law, are not covered by this arbitration agreement, and such claims may be presented by either the Company or you to the appropriate court or government agency. BY AGREEING TO THIS BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION, BOTH YOU AND THE COMPANY GIVE UP ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY. This mutual arbitration

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      agreement is to be construed as broadly as is permissible under applicable law.
 
  15.   Successors and Assigns. This Agreement will be assignable by the Company to any successor or to any other company owned or controlled by the Company, and will be binding upon any successor to the business of the Company, whether direct or indirect, by purchase of securities, merger, consolidation, purchase of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or otherwise.

Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter to me for our files to acknowledge your agreement with the above.

     
 
  Very truly yours,
 
 
   
  /s/ Bernard Mariette
  Bernard Mariette
President

Enclosure

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:

     
/s/ Robert B. McKnight, Jr.
   
Robert B. McKnight, Jr.
   

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ADDENDUM A

DEFINITION OF CHANGE IN CONTROL

     “Change in Control” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events: (i) any corporation, partnership, person, other entity, or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (collectively, a “Person”) acquires shares of capital stock of the Company representing more than 50% of the total number of shares of capital stock that may be voted for the election of directors of the Company, (ii) a merger, consolidation, or other business combination of the Company with or into another Person is consummated, or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company are acquired by another Person, as a result of which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction own, immediately after consummation of such transaction equity securities possessing less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring Person (or any Person in control of the surviving or acquiring Person, the equity securities of which are issued or transferred in such transaction), or (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

-Addendum A-

EX-10.2 3 a09361exv10w2.htm EXHIBIT 10.2 Exhibit 10.2
 

Exhibit 10.2

May 25, 2005

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

Bernard Mariette
Quiksilver, Inc.
15202 Graham Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Re:     Employment at Quiksilver, Inc.

Dear Bernard:

     This letter (“Agreement”) will confirm our understanding and agreement regarding your continued employment with Quiksilver, Inc. (“Quiksilver” or the “Company”). This Agreement is effective May 25, 2005 and completely supersedes and replaces any existing or previous oral or written understandings or agreements, express or implied, between you and the Company regarding your employment, including, without limitation, the August 1, 2004 agreement.

  1.   Position; Exclusivity. The Company hereby agrees to employ you as its President, currently reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. During your employment with Quiksilver, you will devote your full professional and business time, interest, abilities and energies to the Company and will not render any services to any other person or entity, whether for compensation or otherwise, or engage in any business activities competitive with or adverse to the Company’s business or welfare, whether alone, as an employee, as a partner, as a member, or as a shareholder, officer or director of any other corporation, or as a trustee, fiduciary or in any other similar representative capacity of any other entity.
 
  2.   Base Salary. Your base salary, retroactive to November 1, 2004, will be $50,000 per month ($600,000 on an annualized basis), less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on the Company’s regular payroll dates. Your salary will be reviewed at the time management salaries are reviewed periodically and may be adjusted (but not below $50,000 per month) at the Company’s discretion in light of the Company’s performance, your performance, market conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Company.
 
  3.   Bonus. For the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter so long as such plans remain in effect and the requisite stockholder approval of such plans under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code has been obtained to ensure the deductibility of payments made pursuant thereto, you shall be eligible to receive a bonus under the

-1-


 

      Company’s stockholder approved Annual Incentive Plan and/or Long-Term Incentive Plan of up to 300% of your original base salary hereunder based on achievement of certain incentive goals established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Any bonus earned pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan shall be paid within thirty (30) days following the date the Company publicly releases its annual audited financial statements (the “Bonus Payment Date”). In the event that your employment with the Company terminates prior to the end of the applicable fiscal year for any reason other than termination for Cause (as defined in Paragraph 9(b), but excluding subparagraphs (i) and (ii) thereof), you shall be entitled to receive a pro rata portion of the bonus otherwise payable to you under the Annual Incentive Plan based upon the actual number of days which you were actively employed by the Company during the applicable fiscal year, which shall be paid on the Bonus Payment Date. Payment of any bonus earned under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and proration thereof on termination of your employment shall be governed by the terms of the Long-Term Incentive Plan. Any bonus payments shall be less applicable withholdings and deductions.
 
  4.   Vacation. Since Quiksilver does not have a vacation policy for executives of your level, no vacation days will be treated as earned or accrued.
 
  5.   Health and Disability Insurance. You (and any eligible dependents you elect) will be covered by the Company’s group health insurance programs on the same terms and conditions applicable to comparable employees. You will also be covered by the long-term disability plan for senior executives on the same terms and conditions applicable to comparable employees. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, or eliminate such coverages in its discretion.
 
  6.   Clothing Allowance. You will be provided a clothing allowance of $4,000 per year at the Company’s wholesale prices.
 
  7.   Stock Options. You shall continue to be a participant in Quiksilver’s Stock Incentive Plan, or any successor equity plan. The amount and terms of any restricted stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights or other interests to be granted to you will be determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion and covered in separate agreements, but shall be substantially similar to those granted to other senior executives of Quiksilver of equivalent level. Stock options granted to you after the date hereof through the termination of your employment shall provide that if you are terminated by the Company without Cause (as hereinafter defined), as a result of your death or permanent disability, or you terminate your employment for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined), any such options outstanding will automatically vest in full on an accelerated basis so that the options will immediately prior to such termination become exercisable for all option shares and remain exercisable until the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of such termination, (ii) the end of the option term, or (iii) termination pursuant to other provisions of the applicable option plan or agreement (e.g., a corporate transaction).

-2-


 

  8.   Life Insurance. The Company will pay the premium on a term life insurance policy on your life with a company and policy of our choice, and a beneficiary of your choice, in the face amount determined by the Company of not less than $2,000,000. Our obligation to obtain and maintain this insurance is contingent upon your establishing and maintaining insurability, and we are not required to pay premiums for such a policy in excess of $5,000 annually.
 
  9.   Unspecified Term; At Will Employment; Termination.
 
      (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in your prior employment relationship with the Company, express or implied, your employment is for an unspecified term and either you or Quiksilver may terminate your employment at will and with or without Cause (as defined below) or notice at any time for any reason; provided, however, that you agree to provide the Company with thirty (30) days advance written notice of your resignation (during which time the Company may elect, in its discretion, to relieve you of all duties and responsibilities). This at-will aspect of your employment relationship can only be changed by an individualized written agreement signed by both you and an authorized officer of the Company.
 
      (b) The Company may also terminate your employment immediately, without notice, for Cause, which shall include, but not be limited to, (i) your death, (ii) your permanent disability which renders you unable to perform your duties and responsibilities for a period in excess of three consecutive months, (iii) willful misconduct in the performance of your duties, (iv) commission of a felony or violation of law involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, (v) self-dealing, (vi) willful breach of duty, (vii) habitual neglect of duty, or (viii) a material breach by you of your obligations under this Agreement. If the Company terminates your employment for Cause, or you terminate your employment other than for Good Reason (as defined below), you (or your estate or beneficiaries in the case of your death) shall receive your base salary and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the termination of your employment and, in the case of a termination pursuant to subparagraphs (i) or (ii) only, a pro rata portion of your bonus, if any, as provided in Paragraph 3 for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable withholdings and deductions, and you shall have no further rights to any other compensation or benefits hereunder on or after the termination of your employment.
 
      (c) If Quiksilver elects to terminate your employment without Cause, or if you terminate your employment with the Company for Good Reason within six (6) months of the action constituting Good Reason, the Company will (i) continue to pay your base salary (but not any employment benefits) on its regular payroll dates for a period of eighteen (18) months, (ii) pay you a pro rata portion of your bonus, if any, as provided by Paragraph 3 for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable

-3-


 

      withholdings and deductions and (iii) pay you an amount equal to two (2) times the average annual bonus earned by you pursuant to Paragraph 3 during the two (2) most recently completed fiscal years of the Company payable over a two-year period following termination in equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll dates, less applicable withholdings and deductions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such termination without Cause or for Good Reason occurs within twelve (12) months immediately following a Change of Control (as defined in Addendum “A”) the Company will instead (i) continue to pay your base salary (but not any employment benefits) on its regular payroll dates for a period of thirty (30) months, (ii) pay you a pro rata portion of your bonus, if any, as provided by Paragraph 3 for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable withholdings and deductions, and (iii) pay you an amount equal to two and one-half (21/2) times the average annual bonus earned by you pursuant to Paragraph 3 during the two (2) most recently completed fiscal years of the Company payable over a thirty (30) month period following termination in equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll dates, less applicable withholdings and deductions. In order for you to be eligible to receive the payments specified in this Paragraph 9(c), you must execute a general release of claims in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company. You shall have no further rights to any other compensation or benefits hereunder on or after the termination of your employment. You shall not have a duty to seek substitute employment and the Company shall not have the right to offset any compensation due you against any compensation or income received by you after the date of such termination.
 
      “Good Reason” for you to terminate employment means a voluntary termination as a result of (i) the assignment to you of duties materially inconsistent with your position as set forth above without your consent, (ii) a material change in your reporting level from that set forth in this Agreement without your consent, (iii) a material diminution of your authority without your consent, (iv) a material breach by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, (v) a failure by the Company to obtain from any successor, before the succession takes place, an agreement to assume and perform the obligations contained in this Agreement, or (vi) the Company requiring you to be based (other than temporarily) at any office or location outside of France or the Southern California area without your consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Good Reason shall not exist unless you provide the Company notice of termination on account thereof and, if such event or condition is curable, the Company fails to cure such event or condition within thirty (30) days of such notice.
 
      (d) In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by you (collectively, the “Payments”) would constitute a parachute payment within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), then the following limitation shall apply:

-4-


 

      The aggregate present value of those Payments shall be limited in amount to the greater of the following dollar amounts (the “Benefit Limit”):
 
      (i) 2.99 times your Average Compensation (as defined below), or (ii) the amount which yields you the greatest after-tax amount of Payments under this Agreement after taking into account any excise tax imposed under Code Section 4999 on those Payments.
 
      The present value of the Payments will be measured as of the date of the Change in Control and determined in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 280G(d)(4).
 
      Average Compensation means the average of your W-2 wages from the Company for the five (5) calendar years completed immediately prior to the calendar year in which the Change in Control is effected. Any W-2 wages for a partial year of employment will be annualized, in accordance with the frequency which such wages are paid during such partial year, before inclusion in Average Compensation.
 
  10.   Trade Secrets; Confidential and/or Proprietary Information. The Company owns certain trade secrets and other confidential and/or proprietary information which constitute valuable property rights, which it has developed through a substantial expenditure of time and money, which are and will continue to be utilized in the Company’s business and which are not generally known in the trade. This proprietary information includes the list of names of the customers and suppliers of Quiksilver, and other particularized information concerning the products, finances, processes, material preferences, fabrics, designs, material sources, pricing information, production schedules, sales and marketing strategies, sales commission formulae, merchandising strategies, order forms and other types of proprietary information relating to our products, customers and suppliers. You agree that you will not disclose and will keep strictly secret and confidential all trade secrets and proprietary information of the Company, including, but not limited to, those items specifically mentioned above.
 
  11.   Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse you for documented reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by you while engaged in business activities for the Company’s benefit on such terms and conditions as shall be generally available to other executives of the Company.
 
  12.   Compliance With Business Policies. You will devote your full business time and attention to Quiksilver and will not be involved in other business ventures without written authorization from the Company’s Board of Directors. You will be required to observe the Company’s personnel and business policies and procedures as they are in effect from time to time. In the event of any conflicts, the terms of this Agreement will control.

-5-


 

  13.   Entire Agreement. This Agreement, its addenda, and any stock option agreements the Company may enter into with you contain the entire integrated agreement between us regarding these issues, and no modification or amendment to this Agreement will be valid unless set forth in writing and signed by both you and an authorized officer of the Company.
 
  14.   Arbitration as Exclusive Remedy. To the fullest extent allowed by law, any controversy, claim or dispute between you and the Company (and/or any of its affiliates, owners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, volunteers or agents) relating to or arising out of your employment or the cessation of that employment will be submitted to final and binding arbitration in Orange County, California, for determination in accordance with the American Arbitration Association’s (“AAA”) National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes, as the exclusive remedy for such controversy, claim or dispute. In any such arbitration, the parties may conduct discovery to the same extent as would be permitted in a court of law. The arbitrator shall issue a written decision, and shall have full authority to award all remedies which would be available in court. The Company shall pay the arbitrator’s fees and any AAA administrative expenses. Any judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Possible disputes covered by the above include (but are not limited to) unpaid wages, breach of contract, torts, violation of public policy, discrimination, harassment, or any other employment-related claims under laws including but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code and any other statutes or laws relating to an employee’s relationship with his/her employer, regardless of whether such dispute is initiated by the employee or the Company. Thus, this bilateral arbitration agreement fully applies to any and all claims that the Company may have against you, including (but not limited to) claims for misappropriation of Company property, disclosure of proprietary information or trade secrets, interference with contract, trade libel, gross negligence, or any other claim for alleged wrongful conduct or breach of the duty of loyalty. Nevertheless, claims for workers’ compensation benefits or unemployment insurance, those arising under the National Labor Relations Act, and any other claims where mandatory arbitration is prohibited by law, are not covered by this arbitration agreement, and such claims may be presented by either the Company or you to the appropriate court or government agency. BY AGREEING TO THIS BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION, BOTH YOU AND THE COMPANY GIVE UP ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY. This mutual arbitration agreement is to be construed as broadly as is permissible under applicable law.

-6-


 

  15.   Successors and Assigns. This Agreement will be assignable by the Company to any successor or to any other company owned or controlled by the Company, and will be binding upon any successor to the business of the Company, whether direct or indirect, by purchase of securities, merger, consolidation, purchase of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or otherwise.

Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter to me for our files to acknowledge your agreement with the above.

     
 
  Very truly yours,
 
 
   
  /s/ Robert B. McKnight, Jr.
  Robert B. McKnight, Jr.
  Chief Executive Officer

Enclosure

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:

     
/s/ Bernard Mariette
   
Bernard Mariette
   

-7-


 

ADDENDUM A

DEFINITION OF CHANGE IN CONTROL

     “Change in Control” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events: (i) any corporation, partnership, person, other entity, or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (collectively, a “Person”) acquires shares of capital stock of the Company representing more than 50% of the total number of shares of capital stock that may be voted for the election of directors of the Company, (ii) a merger, consolidation, or other business combination of the Company with or into another Person is consummated, or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company are acquired by another Person, as a result of which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction own, immediately after consummation of such transaction equity securities possessing less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring Person (or any Person in control of the surviving or acquiring Person, the equity securities of which are issued or transferred in such transaction), or (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

-Addendum A-

EX-10.3 4 a09361exv10w3.htm EXHIBIT 10.3 Exhibit 10.3
 

Exhibit 10.3

May 25, 2005

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

Charles S. Exon, Esq.
c/o Quiksilver, Inc.
15202 Graham Street
Huntington Beach, California 92649

Re:     Employment at Quiksilver, Inc.

Dear Charlie:

     This letter (“Agreement”) will confirm our understanding and agreement regarding your continued employment with Quiksilver, Inc. (“Quiksilver” or the “Company”). This Agreement is effective May 25, 2005, and completely supersedes and replaces any existing or previous oral or written understandings or agreements, express or implied, between you and the Company regarding your employment, including, without limitation, the August 1, 2004 agreement.

  1.   Position; Exclusivity. The Company hereby agrees to employ you as its Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs-International, reporting to the President or Chief Executive Officer. During your employment with Quiksilver, you will devote your full professional and business time, interest, abilities and energies to the Company and will not render any services to any other person or entity, whether for compensation or otherwise, or engage in any business activities competitive with or adverse to the Company’s business or welfare, whether alone, as an employee, as an attorney, as a partner, as a member, or as a shareholder, officer or director of any other corporation, or as a trustee, fiduciary or in any other similar representative capacity of any other entity. The Company agrees that you will be insured against, indemnified or otherwise covered for legal malpractice or similar claims that may arise out of your carrying out your duties and responsibilities hereunder.
 
  2.   Base Salary. Your base salary, retroactive to November 1, 2004, will be $33,333.33 per month ($400,000 on an annualized basis), less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on the Company’s regular payroll dates. Your salary will be reviewed at the time management salaries are reviewed periodically and may be adjusted (but not below $33,333.33 per month) at the Company’s discretion in light of the Company’s performance, your performance, market conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Company.

-1-


 

  3.   Bonus. For the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter, you shall be eligible to receive a discretionary bonus under the terms approved by the Board of Directors for such bonus. Any such bonus shall be paid within thirty (30) days following the date the Company publicly releases its annual audited financial statements (the “Bonus Payment Date”). In the event that your employment with the Company terminates prior to the end of the applicable fiscal year, your eligibility to receive a pro rata portion of the bonus is governed by Paragraph 9 below. Any bonus payments shall be less applicable withholdings and deductions.
 
  4.   Vacation. Since Quiksilver does not have a vacation policy for executives of your level, no vacation days will be treated as earned or accrued.
 
  5.   Health and Disability Insurance. You (and any eligible dependents you elect) will be covered by the Company’s group health insurance programs on the same terms and conditions applicable to comparable employees. You will also be covered by the long-term disability plan for senior executives on the same terms and conditions applicable to comparable employees. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, or eliminate such coverages in its discretion.
 
  6.   Clothing Allowance. You will be provided a clothing allowance of $4,000 per year at the Company’s wholesale prices.
 
  7.   Stock Options. You shall continue to be a participant in Quiksilver’s Stock Incentive Plan, or any successor equity plan. The amount and terms of any restricted stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights or other interests to be granted to you will be determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion and covered in separate agreements, but shall be substantially similar to those granted to other senior executives of Quiksilver of equivalent level. Stock options granted to you after the date hereof through the termination of your employment shall provide that if you are terminated by the Company without Cause (as hereinafter defined), as a result of your death or permanent disability, or you terminate your employment for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined), any such options outstanding will automatically vest in full on an accelerated basis so that the options will immediately prior to such termination become exercisable for all option shares and remain exercisable until the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of such termination, (ii) the end of the option term, or (iii) termination pursuant to other provisions of the applicable option plan or agreement (e.g., a corporate transaction).
 
  8.   Life Insurance. The Company will pay the premium on a term life insurance policy on your life with a company and policy of our choice, and a beneficiary of your choice, in the face amount determined by the

-2-


 

      Company of not less than $2,000,000. Our obligation to obtain and maintain this insurance is contingent upon your establishing and maintaining insurability, and we are not required to pay premiums for such a policy in excess of $5,000 annually.
 
  9.   Unspecified Term; At Will Employment; Termination.
 
      (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in your prior employment relationship with the Company, express or implied, your employment is for an unspecified term and either you or Quiksilver may terminate your employment at will and with or without Cause (as defined below) or notice at any time for any reason; provided, however, that you agree to provide the Company with thirty (30) days advance written notice of your resignation (during which time the Company may elect, in its discretion, to relieve you of all duties and responsibilities). This at-will aspect of your employment relationship can only be changed by an individualized written agreement signed by both you and an authorized officer of the Company.
 
      (b) The Company may also terminate your employment immediately, without notice, for Cause, which shall include, but not be limited to, (i) your death, (ii) your permanent disability which renders you unable to perform your duties and responsibilities for a period in excess of three consecutive months, (iii) willful misconduct in the performance of your duties, (iv) commission of a felony or violation of law involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, (v) self-dealing, (vi) willful breach of duty, (vii) habitual neglect of duty, or (viii) a material breach by you of your obligations under this Agreement. If the Company terminates your employment for Cause, or you terminate your employment other than for Good Reason (as defined below), you (or your estate or beneficiaries in the case of your death) shall receive your base salary and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the termination of your employment and, in the case of a termination pursuant to subparagraphs (i) or (ii) only, a pro rata portion of your bonus, if any, as provided in Paragraph 3 for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable withholdings and deductions, and you shall have no further rights to any other compensation or benefits hereunder on or after the termination of your employment.
 
      (c) If Quiksilver elects to terminate your employment without Cause, or if you terminate your employment with the Company for Good Reason within six (6) months of the action constituting Good Reason, the Company will (i) continue to pay your base salary (but not any employment benefits) on its regular payroll dates for a period of eighteen (18) months, (ii) pay you a pro rata portion of a bonus adopted pursuant to Paragraph 3, if any, for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable

-3-


 

      withholdings and deductions, and (iii) pay you an amount equal to two (2) times the average annual bonus earned by you pursuant to Paragraph 3 during the two (2) most recently completed fiscal years of the Company, payable over an eighteen (18) month period following termination in equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll dates, less applicable withholdings and deductions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such termination without Cause or for Good Reason occurs within twelve (12) months immediately following a Change of Control (as defined in Addendum “A”), the Company will instead (i) continue to pay your base salary (but not any employment benefits) on its regular payroll dates for a period of twenty-four (24) months, (ii) pay you a pro rata portion of a bonus, if any, for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable withholdings and deductions, and (iii) pay you an amount equal to two (2) times the average annual bonus earned by you pursuant to Paragraph 3 during the two (2) most recently completed fiscal years of the Company, payable over a twenty-four (24) month period following termination in equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll dates, less applicable withholdings and deductions. In order for you to be eligible to receive the payments specified in this Paragraph 9(c), you must execute a general release of claims in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company. You shall have no further rights to any other compensation or benefits hereunder on or after the termination of your employment. You shall not have a duty to seek substitute employment, and the Company shall not have the right to offset any compensation due you against any compensation or income received by you after the date of such termination.
 
      “Good Reason” for you to terminate employment means a voluntary termination as a result of (i) the assignment to you of duties materially inconsistent with your position as set forth above without your consent, (ii) a material change in your reporting level from that set forth in this Agreement without your consent, (iii) a material diminution of your authority without your consent, (iv) a material breach by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, (v) a failure by the Company to obtain from any successor, before the succession takes place, an agreement to assume and perform the obligations contained in this Agreement, or (vi) the Company requiring you to be based (other than temporarily) at any office or location outside of the Southern California area without your consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Good Reason shall not exist unless you provide the Company notice of termination on account thereof and, if such event or condition is curable, the Company fails to cure such event or condition within thirty (30) days of such notice.
 
      (d) In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by you (collectively, the “Payments”) would constitute a parachute payment within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal

-4-


 

      Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), then the following limitation shall apply:
 
      The aggregate present value of those Payments shall be limited in amount to the greater of the following dollar amounts (the “Benefit Limit”):
 
      (i) 2.99 times your Average Compensation (as defined below), or (ii) the amount which yields you the greatest after-tax amount of Payments under this Agreement after taking into account any excise tax imposed under Code Section 4999 on those Payments.
 
      The present value of the Payments will be measured as of the date of the Change in Control and determined in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 280G(d)(4).
 
      Average Compensation means the average of your W-2 wages from the Company for the five (5) calendar years completed immediately prior to the calendar year in which the Change in Control is effected. Any W-2 wages for a partial year of employment will be annualized, in accordance with the frequency which such wages are paid during such partial year, before inclusion in Average Compensation.
 
  10.   Trade Secrets; Confidential and/or Proprietary Information. The Company owns certain trade secrets and other confidential and/or proprietary information which constitute valuable property rights, which it has developed through a substantial expenditure of time and money, which are and will continue to be utilized in the Company’s business and which are not generally known in the trade. This proprietary information includes the list of names of the customers and suppliers of Quiksilver, and other particularized information concerning the products, finances, processes, material preferences, fabrics, designs, material sources, pricing information, production schedules, sales and marketing strategies, sales commission formulae, merchandising strategies, order forms and other types of proprietary information relating to our products, customers and suppliers. You agree that you will not disclose and will keep strictly secret and confidential all trade secrets and proprietary information of the Company, including, but not limited to, those items specifically mentioned above.
 
  11.   Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse you for documented reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by you while engaged in business activities for the Company’s benefit on such terms and conditions as shall be generally available to other executives of the Company.

-5-


 

  12.   Compliance With Business Policies. You will devote your full business time and attention to Quiksilver and will not be involved in other business ventures without written authorization from the Company’s Board of Directors. You will be required to observe the Company’s personnel and business policies and procedures as they are in effect from time to time. In the event of any conflicts, the terms of this Agreement will control.
 
  13.   Entire Agreement. This Agreement, its addenda, and any stock option agreements the Company may enter into with you contain the entire integrated agreement between us regarding these issues, and no modification or amendment to this Agreement will be valid unless set forth in writing and signed by both you and an authorized officer of the Company.
 
  14.   Arbitration as Exclusive Remedy. To the fullest extent allowed by law, any controversy, claim or dispute between you and the Company (and/or any of its affiliates, owners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, volunteers or agents) relating to or arising out of your employment or the cessation of that employment will be submitted to final and binding arbitration in Orange County, California, for determination in accordance with the American Arbitration Association’s (“AAA”) National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes, as the exclusive remedy for such controversy, claim or dispute. In any such arbitration, the parties may conduct discovery to the same extent as would be permitted in a court of law. The arbitrator shall issue a written decision, and shall have full authority to award all remedies which would be available in court. The Company shall pay the arbitrator’s fees and any AAA administrative expenses. Any judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Possible disputes covered by the above include (but are not limited to) unpaid wages, breach of contract, torts, violation of public policy, discrimination, harassment, or any other employment-related claims under laws including but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code and any other statutes or laws relating to an employee’s relationship with his/her employer, regardless of whether such dispute is initiated by the employee or the Company. Thus, this bilateral arbitration agreement fully applies to any and all claims that the Company may have against you, including (but not limited to) claims for misappropriation of Company property, disclosure of proprietary information or trade secrets, interference with contract, trade libel, gross negligence, or any other claim for alleged wrongful conduct or breach of the duty of loyalty. Nevertheless, claims for workers’ compensation benefits or unemployment insurance, those arising under the National Labor Relations Act, and any other claims where mandatory arbitration is prohibited by law, are not covered by this arbitration

-6-


 

      agreement, and such claims may be presented by either the Company or you to the appropriate court or government agency. BY AGREEING TO THIS BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION, BOTH YOU AND THE COMPANY GIVE UP ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY. This mutual arbitration agreement is to be construed as broadly as is permissible under applicable law.
 
  15.   Successors and Assigns. This Agreement will be assignable by the Company to any successor or to any other company owned or controlled by the Company, and will be binding upon any successor to the business of the Company, whether direct or indirect, by purchase of securities, merger, consolidation, purchase of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or otherwise.

Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter to me for our files to acknowledge your agreement with the above.

     
 
  Very truly yours,
 
 
   
  /s/ Robert B. McKnight, Jr.
  Robert B. McKnight, Jr.
  Chief Executive Officer
 
 
   
  /s/ Bernard Mariette
  Bernard Mariette
  President

Enclosure

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:

     
/s/ Charles S. Exon
   
Charles S. Exon
   

-7-


 

ADDENDUM A

DEFINITION OF CHANGE IN CONTROL

     “Change in Control” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events: (i) any corporation, partnership, person, other entity, or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (collectively, a “Person”) acquires shares of capital stock of the Company representing more than 50% of the total number of shares of capital stock that may be voted for the election of directors of the Company, (ii) a merger, consolidation, or other business combination of the Company with or into another Person is consummated, or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company are acquired by another Person, as a result of which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction own, immediately after consummation of such transaction equity securities possessing less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring Person (or any Person in control of the surviving or acquiring Person, the equity securities of which are issued or transferred in such transaction), or (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

-Addendum A-

EX-10.4 5 a09361exv10w4.htm EXHIBIT 10.4 Exhibit 10.4
 

Exhibit 10.4

May 25, 2005

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

Steven L. Brink
c/o Quiksilver, Inc.
15202 Graham Street
Huntington Beach, California 92649

Re:     Employment at Quiksilver, Inc.

Dear Steve:

     This letter (“Agreement”) will confirm our understanding and agreement regarding your continued employment with Quiksilver, Inc. (“Quiksilver” or the “Company”). This Agreement is effective May 25, 2005, and completely supersedes and replaces any existing or previous oral or written understandings or agreements, express or implied, between you and the Company regarding your employment, including, without limitation, the August 1, 2004 agreement.

  1.   Position; Exclusivity. The Company hereby agrees to employ you as its Chief Financial Officer, reporting to the President or Chief Executive Officer. During your employment with Quiksilver, you will devote your full professional and business time, interest, abilities and energies to the Company and will not render any services to any other person or entity, whether for compensation or otherwise, or engage in any business activities competitive with or adverse to the Company’s business or welfare, whether alone, as an employee, as a partner, as a member, or as a shareholder, officer or director of any other corporation, or as a trustee, fiduciary or in any other similar representative capacity of any other entity.
 
  2.   Base Salary. Your base salary, retroactive to November 1, 2004, will be $25,000 per month ($300,000 on an annualized basis), less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on the Company’s regular payroll dates. Your salary will be reviewed at the time management salaries are reviewed periodically and may be adjusted (but not below $25,000 per month) at the Company’s discretion in light of the Company’s performance, your performance, market conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Company.

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  3.   Bonus. For the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter, you shall be eligible to receive a discretionary bonus under the terms approved by the Board of Directors for such bonus. Any such bonus shall be paid within thirty (30) days following the date the Company publicly releases its annual audited financial statements (the “Bonus Payment Date”). In the event that your employment with the Company terminates prior to the end of the applicable fiscal year, your eligibility to receive a pro rata portion of the bonus is governed by Paragraph 9 below. Any bonus payments shall be less applicable withholdings and deductions.
 
  4.   Vacation. Since Quiksilver does not have a vacation policy for executives of your level, no vacation days will be treated as earned or accrued.
 
  5.   Health and Disability Insurance. You (and any eligible dependents you elect) will be covered by the Company’s group health insurance programs on the same terms and conditions applicable to comparable employees. You will also be covered by the long-term disability plan for senior executives on the same terms and conditions applicable to comparable employees. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, or eliminate such coverages in its discretion.
 
  6.   Clothing Allowance. You will be provided a clothing allowance of $4,000 per year at the Company’s wholesale prices.
 
  7.   Stock Options. You shall continue to be a participant in Quiksilver’s Stock Incentive Plan, or any successor equity plan. The amount and terms of any restricted stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights or other interests to be granted to you will be determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion and covered in separate agreements, but shall be substantially similar to those granted to other senior executives of Quiksilver of equivalent level. Stock options granted to you after the date hereof through the termination of your employment shall provide that if you are terminated by the Company without Cause (as hereinafter defined), as a result of your death or permanent disability, or you terminate your employment for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined), any such options outstanding will automatically vest in full on an accelerated basis so that the options will immediately prior to such termination become exercisable for all option shares and remain exercisable until the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of such termination, (ii) the end of the option term, or (iii) termination pursuant to other provisions of the applicable option plan or agreement (e.g., a corporate transaction).
 
  8.   Life Insurance. The Company will pay the premium on a term life insurance policy on your life with a company and policy of our choice, and a beneficiary of your choice, in the face amount determined by the Company of not less than $2,000,000. Our obligation to obtain and

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      maintain this insurance is contingent upon your establishing and maintaining insurability, and we are not required to pay premiums for such a policy in excess of $5,000 annually.
 
  9.   Unspecified Term; At Will Employment; Termination.
 
      (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in your prior employment relationship with the Company, express or implied, your employment is for an unspecified term and either you or Quiksilver may terminate your employment at will and with or without Cause (as defined below) or notice at any time for any reason; provided, however, that you agree to provide the Company with thirty (30) days advance written notice of your resignation (during which time the Company may elect, in its discretion, to relieve you of all duties and responsibilities). This at-will aspect of your employment relationship can only be changed by an individualized written agreement signed by both you and an authorized officer of the Company.
 
      (b) The Company may also terminate your employment immediately, without notice, for Cause, which shall include, but not be limited to, (i) your death, (ii) your permanent disability which renders you unable to perform your duties and responsibilities for a period in excess of three consecutive months, (iii) willful misconduct in the performance of your duties, (iv) commission of a felony or violation of law involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, (v) self-dealing, (vi) willful breach of duty, (vii) habitual neglect of duty, or (viii) a material breach by you of your obligations under this Agreement. If the Company terminates your employment for Cause, or you terminate your employment other than for Good Reason (as defined below), you (or your estate or beneficiaries in the case of your death) shall receive your base salary and other benefits earned and accrued prior to the termination of your employment and, in the case of a termination pursuant to subparagraphs (i) or (ii) only, a pro rata portion of your bonus, if any, as provided in Paragraph 3 for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable withholdings and deductions, and you shall have no further rights to any other compensation or benefits hereunder on or after the termination of your employment.
 
      (c) If Quiksilver elects to terminate your employment without Cause, or if you terminate your employment with the Company for Good Reason within six (6) months of the action constituting Good Reason, the Company will (i) continue to pay your base salary (but not any employment benefits) on its regular payroll dates for a period of eighteen (18) months, (ii) pay you a pro rata portion of a bonus adopted pursuant to Paragraph 3, if any, for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable withholdings and deductions, and (iii) pay you an amount equal to two (2) times the average annual bonus earned by you pursuant to

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      Paragraph 3 during the two (2) most recently completed fiscal years of the Company, payable over an eighteen (18) month period following termination in equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll dates, less applicable withholdings and deductions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such termination without Cause or for Good Reason occurs within twelve (12) months immediately following a Change of Control (as defined in Addendum “A”), the Company will instead (i) continue to pay your base salary (but not any employment benefits) on its regular payroll dates for a period of twenty-four (24) months, (ii) pay you a pro rata portion of a bonus, if any, for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, less applicable withholdings and deductions, and (iii) pay you an amount equal to two (2) times the average annual bonus earned by you pursuant to Paragraph 3 during the two (2) most recently completed fiscal years of the Company, payable over a twenty-four (24) month period following termination in equal installments on the Company’s regular payroll dates, less applicable withholdings and deductions. In order for you to be eligible to receive the payments specified in this Paragraph 9(c), you must execute a general release of claims in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company. You shall have no further rights to any other compensation or benefits hereunder on or after the termination of your employment. You shall not have a duty to seek substitute employment, and the Company shall not have the right to offset any compensation due you against any compensation or income received by you after the date of such termination.
 
      “Good Reason” for you to terminate employment means a voluntary termination as a result of (i) the assignment to you of duties materially inconsistent with your position as set forth above without your consent, (ii) a material change in your reporting level from that set forth in this Agreement without your consent, (iii) a material diminution of your authority without your consent, (iv) a material breach by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, (v) a failure by the Company to obtain from any successor, before the succession takes place, an agreement to assume and perform the obligations contained in this Agreement, or (vi) the Company requiring you to be based (other than temporarily) at any office or location outside of the Southern California area without your consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Good Reason shall not exist unless you provide the Company notice of termination on account thereof and, if such event or condition is curable, the Company fails to cure such event or condition within thirty (30) days of such notice.
 
      (d) In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by you (collectively, the “Payments”) would constitute a parachute payment within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), then the following limitation shall apply:

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      The aggregate present value of those Payments shall be limited in amount to the greater of the following dollar amounts (the “Benefit Limit”):
 
      (i) 2.99 times your Average Compensation (as defined below), or (ii) the amount which yields you the greatest after-tax amount of Payments under this Agreement after taking into account any excise tax imposed under Code Section 4999 on those Payments.
 
      The present value of the Payments will be measured as of the date of the Change in Control and determined in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 280G(d)(4).
 
      Average Compensation means the average of your W-2 wages from the Company for the five (5) calendar years completed immediately prior to the calendar year in which the Change in Control is effected. Any W-2 wages for a partial year of employment will be annualized, in accordance with the frequency which such wages are paid during such partial year, before inclusion in Average Compensation.
 
  10.   Trade Secrets; Confidential and/or Proprietary Information. The Company owns certain trade secrets and other confidential and/or proprietary information which constitute valuable property rights, which it has developed through a substantial expenditure of time and money, which are and will continue to be utilized in the Company’s business and which are not generally known in the trade. This proprietary information includes the list of names of the customers and suppliers of Quiksilver, and other particularized information concerning the products, finances, processes, material preferences, fabrics, designs, material sources, pricing information, production schedules, sales and marketing strategies, sales commission formulae, merchandising strategies, order forms and other types of proprietary information relating to our products, customers and suppliers. You agree that you will not disclose and will keep strictly secret and confidential all trade secrets and proprietary information of the Company, including, but not limited to, those items specifically mentioned above.
 
  11.   Expense Reimbursement. The Company will reimburse you for documented reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by you while engaged in business activities for the Company’s benefit on such terms and conditions as shall be generally available to other executives of the Company.

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  12.   Compliance With Business Policies. You will devote your full business time and attention to Quiksilver and will not be involved in other business ventures without written authorization from the Company’s Board of Directors. You will be required to observe the Company’s personnel and business policies and procedures as they are in effect from time to time. In the event of any conflicts, the terms of this Agreement will control.
 
  13.   Entire Agreement. This Agreement, its addenda, and any stock option agreements the Company may enter into with you contain the entire integrated agreement between us regarding these issues, and no modification or amendment to this Agreement will be valid unless set forth in writing and signed by both you and an authorized officer of the Company.
 
  14.   Arbitration as Exclusive Remedy. To the fullest extent allowed by law, any controversy, claim or dispute between you and the Company (and/or any of its affiliates, owners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees, volunteers or agents) relating to or arising out of your employment or the cessation of that employment will be submitted to final and binding arbitration in Orange County, California, for determination in accordance with the American Arbitration Association’s (“AAA”) National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes, as the exclusive remedy for such controversy, claim or dispute. In any such arbitration, the parties may conduct discovery to the same extent as would be permitted in a court of law. The arbitrator shall issue a written decision, and shall have full authority to award all remedies which would be available in court. The Company shall pay the arbitrator’s fees and any AAA administrative expenses. Any judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Possible disputes covered by the above include (but are not limited to) unpaid wages, breach of contract, torts, violation of public policy, discrimination, harassment, or any other employment-related claims under laws including but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code and any other statutes or laws relating to an employee’s relationship with his/her employer, regardless of whether such dispute is initiated by the employee or the Company. Thus, this bilateral arbitration agreement fully applies to any and all claims that the Company may have against you, including (but not limited to) claims for misappropriation of Company property, disclosure of proprietary information or trade secrets, interference with contract, trade libel, gross negligence, or any other claim for alleged wrongful conduct or breach of the duty of loyalty. Nevertheless, claims for workers’ compensation benefits or unemployment insurance, those arising under the National Labor Relations Act, and any other claims where mandatory arbitration is prohibited by law, are not covered by this arbitration agreement, and such claims may be presented by either the Company or

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      you to the appropriate court or government agency. BY AGREEING TO THIS BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION, BOTH YOU AND THE COMPANY GIVE UP ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY. This mutual arbitration agreement is to be construed as broadly as is permissible under applicable law.
 
  15.   Successors and Assigns. This Agreement will be assignable by the Company to any successor or to any other company owned or controlled by the Company, and will be binding upon any successor to the business of the Company, whether direct or indirect, by purchase of securities, merger, consolidation, purchase of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or otherwise.

Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter to me for our files to acknowledge your agreement with the above.

     
 
  Very truly yours,
 
 
   
  /s/ Robert B. McKnight, Jr.
  Robert B. McKnight, Jr.
  Chief Executive Officer
 
 
   
  /s/ Bernard Mariette
  Bernard Mariette
  President

Enclosure

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:

     
/s/ Steven L. Brink
   
Steven L. Brink
   

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ADDENDUM A

DEFINITION OF CHANGE IN CONTROL

     “Change in Control” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events: (i) any corporation, partnership, person, other entity, or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (collectively, a “Person”) acquires shares of capital stock of the Company representing more than 50% of the total number of shares of capital stock that may be voted for the election of directors of the Company, (ii) a merger, consolidation, or other business combination of the Company with or into another Person is consummated, or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company are acquired by another Person, as a result of which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction own, immediately after consummation of such transaction equity securities possessing less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring Person (or any Person in control of the surviving or acquiring Person, the equity securities of which are issued or transferred in such transaction), or (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

-Addendum A-

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