133. Koziar’s conduct with regard to these matters, and the Taft firm’s investigation of that conduct, ultimately led the DPL Companies’ auditor to conclude that it would not accept representations and certifications from only Koziar and Muhlenkamp, thereby preventing the DPL Companies from completing their Form 10-K filings on time. The consequences of the failure to file the Form 10-Ks have included incurring penalties under loan agreements, being forced to borrow at higher interest rates, suspending dividend payments, and violating debt covenants.
134. Koziar also breached his fiduciary duty of care and loyalty when he terminated the Valley Partners Agreements without the necessary approvals. Moreover, Koziar also breached his fiduciary duty of care and loyalty when he purported to authorize other change of control protections for Forster and Muhlenkamp, as contained in letters from Koziar to Forster and Muhlenkamp dated February 2, 2004 (purporting to “confirm” that the DPL Companies must require any transferee in a change in control scenario to expressly assume and agree to perform the obligations under the MVE Incentive Program), even though those protections had not been approved by the Compensation Committee.
135. In connection with these actions, Koziar failed to perform his duties with the care that an ordinary prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances, in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.
136. Koziar’s actions were not taken in good faith, as he was motivated by his personal interests and acted with reckless disregard for the best interests of the DPL Companies. Koziar’s actions and omissions demonstrate malice, aggravated or egregious fraud, oppression, or insult in breaching his fiduciary duty to the DPL Companies, and caused actual damages.
137. As a result of Koziar’s breach of fiduciary duty, the DPL Companies incurred damages exceeding $25,000, including, but not limited to, the loss of substantial deductions for federal tax purposes, attorneys’ fees, interest costs, and other substantial costs for failing to complete their Form 10-K filings on time.
WHEREFORE, the DPL Companies respectfully request that this Court enter judgment in their favor and grant it the following relief against Koziar:
(a) damages exceeding $25,000;
(b) punitive damages exceeding $25,000;
(c) disgorgement of all amounts improperly withdrawn by Koziar from the DPL Companies’ plans;
(d) interest and such costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees as are available under applicable law; and
(e) such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.
Count IV -- Breach Of Contract
(Forster)
138. The DPL Companies and MVE reallege Paragraphs 1-137 as if fully set forth herein.
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139. Prior to Forster’s breach, the DPL Companies performed all of their obligations under the Forster Consulting Agreement.
140. The Forster Consulting Agreement contains an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, pursuant to which Forster had a duty to perform his obligations under the contract in good faith and not to take actions detrimental to the DPL Companies.
141. The Forster Consulting Agreement also imposes upon Forster an obligation to “perform such other duties as may be required by law.” Included among these duties is Forster’s fiduciary duty of care and loyalty to the DPL Companies. The duty of care required that the Forster perform his duties with the care that an ordinary prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. The duty of loyalty required that Forster perform his duties in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.
142. Forster breached his fiduciary duty of care and loyalty by engaging in deception to convince the Compensation Committee to approve the proposed amendments to the Deferred Compensation Plans and MSIP. Forster misled and withheld information from the Compensation Committee in order to cause the Committee to approve the amendments to the Deferred Compensation Plans and MSIP that were beneficial to Forster, Muhlenkamp and Koziar, but detrimental to the DPL Companies.
143. Forster knew or reasonably should have known numerous highly significant and material aspects of the proposed amendments, including: (i) that any participants would be entitled to an immediate distribution of cash as a result of the amendments; (ii) that cash distributions would be made within a matter of weeks; (iii) that the specific persons who would be entitled to distributions would be Defendants, and only Defendants; (iv) that Defendants
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would be able to withdraw $33 million right away; (v) that Defendants’ withdrawal would not be subjected to a 10% penalty; and (vi) that such a large distribution would cause the DPL Companies to lose substantial deductions for federal tax purposes, reducing net income by more than $9 million.
144. Forster also breached his fiduciary duty of care and loyalty when he intentionally used scrubbing software on his personal laptop computer to delete approximately 740 files, after having been advised to retain all records, including electronic materials, as a result of the investigation by the Audit Committee and its counsel.
145. Forster also breached his fiduciary duty of care and loyalty when he terminated the Valley Partners Agreements without the necessary approvals. Moreover, Forster also breached his fiduciary duty of care and loyalty when he accepted purported change of control protections as contained in a letter from Koziar to Forster dated February 2, 2004 (purporting to “confirm” that the DPL Companies must require any transferee in a change in control scenario to expressly assume and agree to perform the obligations under the MVE Incentive Program), even though those protections had not been approved by the Compensation Committee.
146. Forster also breached his fiduciary duty of care and loyalty by failing to cooperate with Taft and D&T, and by failing to provide information requested by Taft in a timely, unaltered way, thereby preventing the DPL Companies from completing their Form 10-K filings. The consequences of the failure to file the Form 10-Ks have included incurring penalties under loan agreements, being forced to borrow at higher interest rates, suspending dividend payments, and violating debt covenants.
147. In connection with these actions, Forster failed to perform his duties with the care that an ordinary prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances, in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.
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148. Forster’s actions were not taken in good faith, as he was motivated by his personal interests and acted with reckless disregard for the best interests of the DPL Companies.
149. Forster’s breach of his fiduciary duty constituted a breach of the Forster Consulting Agreement.
150. As a proximate result of Forster’s breach of the Forster Consulting Agreement, the DPL Companies suffered damages in excess of $25,000, including, but not limited to, the loss of substantial deductions for federal tax purposes, attorneys’ fees, interest costs, and other substantial costs for failing to complete their Form 10-K filings.
WHEREFORE, the DPL Companies respectfully request that this Court enter judgment in their favor and grant it the following relief against Forster:
(a) damages exceeding $25,000;
(b) interest and such costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees as are available under applicable law; and
(c) such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.
Count V -- Breach Of Contract
(Muhlenkamp)
151. The DPL Companies and MVE reallege Paragraphs 1-150 as if fully set forth herein.
152. Prior to Muhlenkamp’s breach, the DPL Companies performed all of their obligations under the Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement.
153. The Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement contains an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, pursuant to which Muhlenkamp had a duty to perform her obligations under the contract in good faith and not to take actions detrimental to the DPL Companies. The Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement also specifically required that Muhlenkamp use her best efforts to perform her duties faithfully and efficiently.
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154. Muhlenkamp breached her fiduciary duty of care by failing to see that the Compensation Committee understood the full financial and tax implications of the proposed amendments to the Deferred Compensation Plans and MSIP. As CFO, Muhlenkamp had an obligation to see that the financial information and the financial effects on the DPL Companies being presented to the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors were accurate, fair and complete. Nevertheless, over $33 million was withdrawn and distributed to Defendants as a result of her breach of fiduciary duty and failure to uphold her obligations as described above.
155. Muhlenkamp knew or reasonably should have known numerous highly significant and material aspects of the proposed amendments, including: (i) that any participants would be entitled to an immediate distribution of cash as a result of the amendments; (ii) that cash distributions would be made within a matter of weeks; (iii) that the specific persons who would be entitled to distributions would be Defendants, and only Defendants; (iv) that Defendants would be able to withdraw $33 million right away; (v) that Defendants’ withdrawal would not be subjected to a 10% penalty; and (vi) that such a large distribution would cause the DPL Companies to lose substantial deductions for federal tax purposes, reducing net income by more than $9 million.
156. Muhlenkamp also breached her fiduciary duty of care and loyalty when she terminated the Valley Partners Agreements without the necessary approvals. Moreover, Muhlenkamp also breached her fiduciary duty of care and loyalty when she accepted purported change of control protections as contained in a letter from Koziar to Muhlenkamp dated February 2, 2004 (purporting to “confirm” that the DPL Companies must require any transferee in a
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change in control scenario to expressly assume and agree to perform the obligations under the MVE Incentive Program), even though those protections had not been approved by the Compensation Committee.
157. Muhlenkamp also breached her fiduciary duty by failing to cooperate with the DPL Companies’ auditor and by failing to provide information requested by the auditor, causing the auditor ultimately to conclude that it would not accept representations and certifications from only the Defendants, and preventing the DPL Companies from completing their Form 10-K filings on time. The consequences of the failure to file the Form 10-Ks have included incurring penalties under loan agreements, being forced to borrow at higher interest rates, suspending dividend payments, and violating debt covenants.
158. In connection with these actions, Muhlenkamp failed to perform her duties with the care that an ordinary prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances, in good faith and in a manner she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.
159. Muhlenkamp’s actions were not taken in good faith, as she was motivated by her personal interests and acted with reckless disregard for the best interests of the DPL Companies.
160. Muhlenkamp’s breach of her fiduciary duty constituted a breach of the Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement.
161. Muhlenkamp also breached the Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement by failing to cooperate with the DPL Companies’ auditor, failing to provide information requested by the auditor, and causing the auditor to lose confidence in Defendants such that the auditor ceased to be able to work with Muhlenkamp, therefore rendering herself unable to perform her duties under the Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement.
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162. As a proximate result of Muhlenkamp’s breach of the Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement, the DPL Companies suffered damages in excess of $25,000, including, but not limited to, the loss of substantial deductions for federal tax purposes, attorneys’ fees, interest costs, and other substantial costs for failing to complete their Form 10-K filings on time.
WHEREFORE, the DPL Companies respectfully request that this Court enter judgment in their favor and grant it the following relief against Muhlenkamp:
(a) damages exceeding $25,000;
(b) interest and such costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees as are available under applicable law; and
(c) such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.
Count VI -- Breach Of Contract
(Koziar)
163. The DPL Companies and MVE reallege Paragraphs 1-162 as if fully set forth herein.
164. Prior to Koziar’s breach, the DPL Companies performed all of their obligations under the Koziar Employment Agreement.
165. The Koziar Employment Agreement contains an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, pursuant to which Koziar had a duty to perform his obligations under the contract in good faith and not to take actions detrimental to the DPL Companies. The Koziar Employment Agreement also specifically required that Koziar use his best efforts to perform his duties faithfully and efficiently.
166. Koziar breached his fiduciary duty of care and loyalty by misleading and withholding information from the Compensation Committee in order to convince the Committee to approve proposed amendments to the Deferred Compensation Plans and MSIP that were beneficial to Forster, Muhlenkamp and Koziar, but that were detrimental to the DPL Companies.
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167. Koziar knew or reasonably should have known numerous highly significant and material aspects of the proposed amendments, including: (i) that any participants would be entitled to an immediate distribution of cash as a result of the amendments; (ii) that cash distributions would be made within a matter of weeks; (iii) that the specific persons who would be entitled to distributions would be Defendants, and only Defendants; (iv) that Defendants would be able to withdraw $33 million right away; and (v) that Defendants’ withdrawal would not be subjected to a 10% penalty. In addition, Koziar knew, based on extensive discussions with counsel, that such a large distribution would cause the DPL Companies to lose substantial deductions for federal tax purposes, reducing net income by more than $9 million.
168. Koziar’s conduct with regard to these matters, and the Taft firm’s investigation of that conduct, ultimately led the DPL Companies’ auditor to conclude that it would not accept representations and certifications from only Koziar and Muhlenkamp, thereby preventing the DPL Companies from completing their Form 10-K filings on time. The consequences of the failure to file the Form 10-Ks have included incurring penalties under loan agreements, being forced to borrow at higher interest rates, suspending dividend payments, and violating debt covenants.
169. Koziar also breached his fiduciary duty of care and loyalty when he terminated the Valley Partners Agreements without the necessary approvals. Moreover, Koziar also breached his fiduciary duty of care and loyalty when he purported to authorize other change of control protections for Forster and Muhlenkamp, as contained in letters from Koziar to Forster and Muhlenkamp dated February 2, 2004 (purporting to “confirm” that the DPL Companies must require any transferee in a change in control scenario to expressly assume and agree to perform the obligations under the MVE Incentive Program), even though those protections had not been approved by the Compensation Committee.
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170. In connection with these actions, Koziar failed to perform his duties with the care that an ordinary prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances, in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation.
171. Koziar’s actions were not taken in good faith, as he was motivated by his personal interests and acted with reckless disregard for the best interests of the DPL Companies.
172. Koziar’s breach of his fiduciary duty constituted a breach of the Koziar Employment Agreement.
173. As a proximate result of Koziar’s breach of the Koziar Employment Agreement, the DPL Companies suffered damages in excess of $25,000, including, but not limited to, the loss of substantial deductions for federal tax purposes, attorneys’ fees, interest costs, and other substantial costs for failing to complete their Form 10-K filings on time.
WHEREFORE, the DPL Companies respectfully request that this Court enter judgment in their favor and grant it the following relief against Koziar:
(a) damages exceeding $25,000;
(b) interest and such costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees as are available under applicable law; and
(c) such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.
Count VII -- Declaratory Judgment Regarding
Consulting and Employment Agreements
(All Defendants)
174. The DPL Companies and MVE reallege Paragraphs 1-173 as if fully set forth herein.
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175. There exists an actual controversy surrounding the parties’ rights and obligations rights under the Forster Consulting Agreement, the Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement, the Koziar Employment Agreement, and the relevant compensation plans.
176. The parties have adverse legal interests because the DPL Companies and MVE maintain that because of Defendants’ material breaches of the Forster Consulting Agreement, the Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement, and the Koziar Employment Agreement, Defendants are not entitled to any further salary (or consulting fees or director fees), MVE Incentive Program payments, vesting of any unvested stock options, distribution of any remaining cash balances in Defendants’ SDAs, conversion of any SIUs, payment of expenses, change of control severance, legal fees and expenses, or indemnification.
177. Moreover, Defendants claim that they are entitled to the same or similar benefits even if Defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the DPL Companies. However, it would violate public policy to provide those benefits to the Defendants notwithstanding their breaches of fiduciary duty. The lack of sufficient adverse consequences for a breach fiduciary duty under the circumstances of this case would tend to induce the kind of behavior among corporate management that has led to so many recent corporate scandals and that has motivated legislative action such as the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Public policy strongly favors encouraging corporate officers to honor and fulfill their fiduciary duties, and condoning the contrary violates that public policy.
178. The parties also are in controversy regarding a flurry of letters that Koziar signed dated February 2 and 3, 2004, purportedly relating to the Forster Consulting Agreement and the Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement. Defendants Forster and Muhlenkamp claim that Koziar’s letters to each of them dated February 2, 2004 effectively provided them with new
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change in control protections for their MVE Incentive Program payments that had been lost when Defendants terminated the Valley Partners Agreements. Defendant Forster also claims that a letter dated February 2, 2004 and another one dated February 3, 2004, each signed by Koziar, effectively revised the terms of his consulting agreement to change the manner in which Forster’s bonus was calculated, revised the terms of the non-compete provision, amended the MVE Incentive Program, increased Forster’s salary, and awarded Forster a performance bonus of $300,000 in cash and $700,000 in restricted stock units. However, none of Koziar’s letters were effective because they were never approved by the Compensation Committee.
179. Thus, the controversy between the DPL Companies and the Defendants is of sufficient immediacy to permit an action for a declaratory judgment.
WHEREFORE, the DPL Companies and MVE respectfully request that this Court enter judgment in their favor and grant them the following relief against the Defendants:
(a) An order declaring that the Defendants breached their fiduciary duties;
(b) An order declaring the DPL Companies and MVE are excused from any further obligations to Defendants under the Forster Consulting Agreement, Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement and Koziar Employment Agreement because
| (1) the Defendants materially breached the contracts; and |
| |
| (2) the Forster Consulting Agreement, Muhlenkamp Employment Agreement and Koziar Employment Agreement are not enforceable to require a corporation to make continued payments to directors or officers who have breached their fiduciary duties to that corporation; |
(c) An order declaring the letters signed by Koziar and dated February 2, 2004 and February 3, 2004, as described in paragraph 178, are not effective to create any obligations or cause any amendments to any consulting or employment agreements;
(d) Interest and such costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees as are available under applicable law; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.
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Count VIII - Declaratory Judgment Regarding Advancement Of Fees
(All Defendants)
180. The DPL Companies and MVE reallege Paragraphs 1-179 as if fully set forth herein.
181. The DPL Companies had agreed to advance reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Defendants in connection with certain specific legal proceedings and investigations, subject to the receipt of an undertaking by the Defendants to repay such amounts unless it shall ultimately be determined that the Defendants are entitled to be indemnified by the DPL Companies. The specific legal proceedings and investigations for which the DPL Companies agreed to advance fees are set forth in the undertakings signed by the Defendants. Pursuant to that agreement, the DPL Companies have advanced certain fees incurred by Defendants.
182. Because of Defendants’ myriad of breaches of fiduciary duty, however, there are no circumstances under which it ultimately will be determined that Defendants are entitled to be indemnified by the DPL Companies. Defendants failed to act in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the DPL Companies. Indeed, Defendants repeatedly and flagrantly ignored their contractual duties and fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to the DPL Companies and acted with reckless disregard for the best interests of the DPL Companies.
183. As a result of their egregious conduct, Defendants are not entitled to indemnification from the DPL Companies. Therefore, the DPL Companies have no obligation to advance attorneys’ fees and expenses to the Defendants, and Defendants are required to repay all attorneys’ fees and expenses previously advanced by the DPL Companies.
WHEREFORE, the DPL Companies respectfully request that this Court enter judgment in their favor and grant them the following relief against the Defendants:
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(a) An order declaring that the Defendants breached their fiduciary duties;
(b) An order declaring the DPL Companies are excused from any further obligations to advance attorneys’ fees and expenses to Defendants because the Defendants breached their fiduciary duties and will not be entitled to indemnification by the DPL Companies;
(c) An order declaring that Defendants are required to repay any attorneys’ fees and expenses previously advanced by the DPL Companies;
(d) Interest and such costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees as are available under applicable law; and
(e) Such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.
| Respectfully submitted, |
| |
| |
| DPL, INC., THE DAYTON POWER |
| AND LIGHT COMPANY, and MVE, INC. |
| |
| By: | |
| |
|
| One Of Their Attorneys |
| |
| Neil F. Freund (#0012183) |
| nfreund@ffalaw.com |
| Vaseem S. Hadi (#0075617) |
| vhadi@ffalaw.com |
| FREUND, FREEZE & ARNOLD |
| One Dayton Centre, Suite 1800 |
| 1 South Main Street |
| Dayton, Ohio 45402-2017 |
| (937) 222-2424 |
| (937) 222-5369 facsimile |
| |
| Attorneys For DPL Inc. and The Dayton |
| Power and Light Company, and MVE, Inc. |
Of Counsel: | |
Jerold S. Solovy (jsolovy@jenner.com) | |
William D. Heinz (wheinz@jenner.com) | |
J. Kevin McCall (jmccall@jenner.com) | |
JENNER & BLOCK LLP | |
One IBM Plaza | |
Chicago, Illinois 60611 | |
(312) 222-9350 | |
(312) 527-0484 facsimile | |
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JURY DEMAND
Plaintiffs demand a trial by jury as to all issues set forth herein.
|
|
| Attorney For DPL Inc. and The Dayton Power and Light Company, and MVE, Inc. |
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