2.Change of Control. For the purpose of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” shall mean:
(a) The acquisition by any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, of ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Company’s stock; or
(b) Either, (i) the acquisition by any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, during the twelve consecutive month period ending on the date of the most recent such acquisition, of ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total voting power of the Company’s stock, or (ii) the replacement of a majority of the members of the Company’s Board of Directors during any twelve month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors before the date of the appointment or election; or
(c) The acquisition by any person, or more than one person acting as a group, during the twelve month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition, of assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to 40% or more of the total gross fair market value of all of the Company’s assets immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions.
3.Employment Period. The Company hereby agrees to continue the Executive in its employ, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the period (the “Employment Period”) commencing on the Change of Control Date and ending on the third anniversary of such date, unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 5.
4.Terms of Employment.
(a)Position and Duties.
(i) During the Employment Period, (A) the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned to the Executive at any time during the120-day period immediately preceding the Change of Control Date, and (B) the Executive’s services shall be performed within the Statesville/Charlotte, North Carolina, area, unless the Executive otherwise consents. Subject to the foregoing, the Executive may be transferred to the payroll of an entity that is controlled by, or controls, the Company, and in such event the term “Company” shall be deemed to include such entity.
(ii) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote the Executive’s attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities. It shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions, and (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement.
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