Exhibit 10.54
EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT
This Executive Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of March 1, 2009, by and among State Auto Financial Corporation, an Ohio corporation (“State Auto Financial”), State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company, an Ohio domiciled mutual insurance company (“State Auto Mutual”), and Robert P. Restrepo, Jr. (the “Executive”).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
State Auto Financial is a majority-controlled, publicly-traded holding company subsidiary of State Auto Mutual, which is the ultimate controlling entity of the State Auto holding company system and, together with their respective operating subsidiaries and affiliates, State Auto Financial and State Auto Mutual engage in the property casualty insurance business. Each of State Auto Financial and State Auto Mutual (collectively, the “Companies”) considers the establishment and maintenance of a sound and vital management to be an important part of their overall corporate strategy and to be essential to protecting and enhancing the interests of the Companies and their respective owners. As part of this corporate strategy, the Companies wish to act to retain their well-qualified executive officers notwithstanding any actual or threatened change in control of State Auto Financial or State Auto Mutual.
Executive is a party to an Employment Agreement with the Companies dated as of March 1, 2009, as it may be amended from time to time (the “Employment Agreement”). The Employment Agreement does not address the impact of a Change in Control (as defined below), except to incorporate by reference the provisions of this Agreement.
Executive is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of State Auto Financial and State Auto Mutual and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, and the Executive’s services, experience and knowledge of the business of the Companies, and reputation and contacts in the industry are extremely valuable to the Companies. The Executive’s continued dedication, availability, advice, and counsel to the Companies are deemed important to the Companies, the Boards of Directors of State Auto Financial and State Auto Mutual (collectively, the “Board”), and their shareholders and policyholders, respectively. It is, therefore, in the best interests of the Companies to secure the continued services of the Executive notwithstanding any actual or threatened change in control of the Companies. Accordingly, the Boards of State Auto Financial and State Auto Mutual, acting by and through the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee, respectively, have approved this Agreement with the Executive and authorized its execution and delivery on behalf of the Companies.
STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT
In consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein and INTENDING TO BE LEGALLY BOUND HEREBY, the Companies and Executive hereby agree as follows:
1.Term of Agreement.This Agreement will begin on the date entered above and will continue in effect through December 31, 2011; provided, that this Agreement shall terminate concurrent with the termination of the Employment Agreement. Notwithstanding the above, if a “Change of Control” (as defined herein) of the Companies occurs during the term of this Agreement, the term of this Agreement will be extended for the lesser of thirty-six (36) months beyond the end of the month in which any such Change of Control occurs, or until Executive attains age 65.
2.Definitions. The following defined terms shall have the meanings set forth below, for purposes of this Agreement:
(a)Annual Award.“Annual Award” means the cash payment paid or payable to the Executive with respect to a fiscal year under the Companies’ Incentive Bonus Arrangement with Executive.
(b)Annual Base Salary.“Annual Base Salary” means the greater of (1) the highest annual rate of base salary in effect for the Executive during the 12 month period immediately prior to a Change of Control or, (2) the annual rate of base salary in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given (or on the date employment is terminated if no Notice of Termination is required).
(c)Cause.“Cause” shall be given the meaning used in the Employment Agreement.
(d)Change of Control. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) Any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of State Auto Financial representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of State Auto Financial’s then outstanding securities, excluding (i) any acquisition by State Auto Financial or any Subsidiary; (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by State Auto Financial, a Subsidiary or State Auto Mutual or any such acquisition by State Auto Mutual; or
(2) A majority of the Board of Directors of State Auto Financial at any time is comprised of other than Continuing Directors (for purposes of this Agreement, the term “Continuing Director” means a director who was either (A) first elected or appointed as a Director prior to the date of this Agreement; or (B) subsequently elected or appointed as a director if such director was nominated by the Nominating and Governance Committee of State Auto Financial or appointed by at least two thirds of the then Continuing Directors); or
(3) Any event or transaction if State Auto Financial would be required to report it in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act; or
(4) Any of the following occurs:
(A) a merger or consolidation of State Auto Financial, other than a merger or consolidation in which the voting securities of State Auto Financial immediately prior to the merger or consolidation continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of State Auto Financial or surviving entity immediately after the merger or consolidation with another entity;
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(B) a sale, exchange, lease, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition (in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of State Auto Financial which shall include, without limitation, the sale of assets or earning power aggregating more than 50% of the assets or earning power of State Auto Financial on a consolidated basis;
(C) a reorganization, reverse stock split, or recapitalization of State Auto Financial which would result in any of the foregoing; or
(D) a transaction or series of related transactions having, directly or indirectly, the same effect as any of the foregoing.
(5) As respects State Auto Mutual, any of the following occurs:
(A) State Auto Mutual affiliates with or is merged into or consolidated with a third party and as a result, a majority of the Board of Directors of State Auto Mutual or its successor is comprised of other than Continuing Directors (as defined above); or
(B) State Auto Mutual completes a conversion to a stock insurance company and as a result of which a majority of the Board of Directors of State Auto Mutual or its successor is comprised of other than Continuing Directors (as defined above).
(6) Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this Change of Control definition, the percentage of securities ownership listed under subsection (d)(1) above (i.e., 25%) shall increase or decrease, as the case may be, such that the percentage of securities ownership is consistent with any future changes to the percentage of securities ownership represented in the Change of Control definition in Section 11(B)(2)(a) (or any successor Section) of the State Auto Financial Corporation Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time.
(e)Change Year.“Change Year” means the fiscal year in which a Change of Control occurs.
(f)Disability.“Disability” shall be given the meaning used in the Employment Agreement.
(g)Employee Benefits.“Employee Benefits” means the perquisites, benefits, and service credit for benefits as provided under any and all employee retirement income and welfare benefit policies, plans, programs, or arrangements in which the Executive is entitled to participate, including without limitation any stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation, savings, pension, supplemental executive retirement, or other retirement income or welfare benefit, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, group or other life, health, medical/hospital, or other insurance (whether funded by actual insurance or self-insured by the Companies), disability, salary continuation, expense reimbursement, and other employee benefit policies, plans, programs, or arrangements that may now exist or any equivalent successor policies, plans, programs, or arrangements that may be adopted hereafter, providing perquisites and benefits at least as great in a monetary equivalent as are payable thereunder prior to a Change in Control.
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(h)Employment Agreement.“Employment Agreement” means as described above.
(i)Good Reason.“Good Reason” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following:
(1) The assignment to the Executive of duties which are materially and adversely different from or inconsistent with the duties, responsibilities, and status of the Executive’s position at any time during the 12 month period prior to such Change of Control, or which result in a significant change in the Executive’s authority and responsibility as the Chief Executive Officer of the Companies;
(2) A material reduction by the Companies in the Executive’s Annual Base Salary in place as of the day immediately prior to a Change of Control, or the failure to grant salary increases and bonus payments on a basis comparable to those granted to other executives of the Companies, or a reduction of the Executive’s most recent highest incentive bonus potential under the Executive’s Incentive Bonus Arrangement prior to such Change of Control, or any successor to such arrangement;
(3) A demand by the Companies that the Executive relocate to a location in excess of 35 miles from the location where the Executive is currently based, or in the event of any such relocation with the Executive’s express written consent, the failure of the Companies or a Subsidiary to pay (or reimburse the Executive for) all reasonable moving expenses incurred by the Executive relating to a change of principal residence in connection with such relocation and to indemnify the Executive against any loss in the sale of the Executive’s principal residence in connection with any such change of residence and any expenses incurred by Executive that are directly attributable to such sale (for purposes of this provision, “loss” is understood to mean a sale of such principal residence at a price less than the adjusted basis in such residence);
(4) The failure of the Companies to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to the Companies to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 17 of this Agreement;
(5) The failure of the Companies to provide the Executive with substantially the same Employee Benefits that were provided to him immediately prior to the Change in Control, or with a package of Employee Benefits that, though one or more of such benefits may vary from those in effect immediately prior to such Change in Control, is substantially comparable in all material respects to such Employee Benefits taken as a whole; or
(6) Any material reduction in the Executive’s compensation or benefits or adverse change in the Executive’s location or duties, if such reduction or adverse change occurs at any time after the commencement of any discussion with a third party relating to a possible Change of Control of the Companies involving such third party, if such reduction or adverse change is in contemplation of such possible Change of Control and such Change of Control is actually consummated within 12 months after the date of such reduction or adverse change.
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The existence of Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute a waiver of the Executive’s rights with respect to any circumstance constituting Good Reason under this Agreement. The Executive’s determination of Good Reason shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties to this Agreement provided such determination has been made in good faith. Executive shall provide the Companies with written notice of his intent to terminate with Good Reason within a period not to exceed 90 days of the initial existence of the condition constituting Good Reason. The Companies shall have a period of 30 days in which it may remedy the condition and prevent Executive’s termination for Good Reason.
(j)Highest Incentive Bonus.“Highest Incentive Bonus” means the greater of the Executive’s Potential Annual Award for (a) the Change Year or (b) the year immediately preceding the Change Year.
(k)Incentive Bonus Arrangement.“Incentive Bonus Arrangement” means the Companies’ Incentive Bonus Arrangement (including the “LBP” as defined in the Employment Agreement and the payment due under the LTIP as defined in the Employment Agreement) for the Executive in effect for any calendar year(s) during the period this Agreement is in force.
(l)Notice of Termination.“Notice of Termination” means a written notice indicating the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for the separation from service under the provision so indicated.
(m)Potential Annual Award.“Potential Annual Award” means the maximum possible Annual Award the Executive could receive according to his or her Incentive Bonus Arrangement for the calendar year immediately preceding the Change Year or the calendar year that is the Change Year, whichever is higher, assuming that (1) the parameters for the maximum Annual Award, under the Executive’s Incentive Bonus Arrangement were met (whether or not such parameters for such maximum Annual Award actually were or could be met) and (2) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary is used to determine the Potential Annual Award.
(n)Retirement.“Retirement” means having reached normal retirement age as defined in the State Auto Insurance Companies Employee Retirement Plan (“State Auto Pension Plan”) or taking early retirement in accordance with the terms of the State Auto Pension Plan.
(o)Severance Benefits.“Severance Benefits” means the benefits described in Section 4 of this Agreement, as adjusted by the applicable provisions of Section 5 of this Agreement.
(p)Subsidiary.“Subsidiary” means any corporation, insurance company, or other entity a majority of the voting control of which is directly or indirectly owned or controlled at the time by State Auto Financial.
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3.Eligibility for Severance Benefits. The Companies or their successor shall pay or provide to the Executive the Severance Benefits if the Executive incurs a voluntary or involuntary separation from service (as defined in Section 409A of the Code), during the term of this Agreement, either:
(a) by the Companies at any time within 24 months after a Change of Control; or
(b) by the Executive for Good Reason at any time within 24 months after a Change of Control; or
(c) by the Companies at any time after an agreement has been reached with an unaffiliated third party, the performance of which agreement would result in a Change of Control involving such third party, if such Change of Control is actually consummated within 12 months after the date of such separation from service.
4.Severance Benefits.The Executive, if eligible under Section 3, shall receive the following Severance Benefits, adjusted by the applicable provisions of Section 5 (in addition to accrued compensation, bonuses, and vested benefits and other equity based awards);
(a)Annual Base Salary.In addition to any accrued compensation payable as of the Executive’s separation from service (either by reason of Executive’s Employment Agreement or otherwise), a lump sum cash amount equal to the Executive’s Annual Base Salary, multiplied by 2.99, unless at the time of such separation from service the Executive is within three years of mandatory retirement at age 65, in which case the benefit due under this Section 4(a) shall not exceed Executive’s Annual Base Salary multiplied by a factor equal to the number of months remaining until the Executive attains age 65, presented as a whole integer and a fraction of a partial year (e.g., 15 months equals 1.25).
(b)Annual Incentive Compensation.In addition to any compensation otherwise payable pursuant to the Executive’s Incentive Bonus Arrangement and the bonus payable under the Companies’ Quality Performance Bonus Plan (“QPB Plan”), a lump sum cash amount equal to the Executive’s Highest Incentive Bonus and the total bonus under the QPB Plan paid to Executive during the calendar year immediately preceding the Change Year, multiplied by 2.99 unless at the time of such separation from service the Executive is within three years of mandatory retirement at age 65, in which case the benefit due under this Section 4(b) shall not exceed the Executive’s Highest Incentive Bonus and total bonus under the QPB Plan, as aforesaid multiplied by a factor equal to the number of months remaining until the Executive attains age 65, presented as a whole integer and a fraction of a partial year (e.g., 15 months equals 1.25). In order to be entitled to a payment pursuant to this Section 4(b), the Executive must have been a party to an Incentive Bonus Arrangement at some time during the 12 month period immediately preceding the Change of Control.
(c)Insurance Benefits.For a three year period, commencing on the date the employment is terminated, the Companies will arrange to provide to the Executive at the Companies’ expense, subject to the then current employee contribution being paid by Executive, with:
(1)Health Care. Health care coverage comparable to that in effect for the Executive immediately prior to the separation from service (or, if more favorable to the Executive, that furnished generally to salaried employees of the Companies on
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the date immediately preceding the Change in Control), including, but not limited to, hospital, surgical, medical, dental, prescription, and dependent coverage. In complete fulfillment of its obligations under this paragraph, the Companies shall pay Executive an amount equal to the Companies’ then current monthly per employee cost of providing State Auto’s health insurance benefit multiplied by 36, plus such additional amount that represents a gross up of the taxes due for that particular amount of income.
(2)Life Insurance. Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage (including any supplemental coverage, purchase opportunity, and double indemnity for accidental death that was available to the Executive) equal (including policy terms) to that in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given (or on the date the employment is terminated if no Notice of Termination is required) or, if more favorable to the Executive, equal to that in effect at the date immediately prior to the Change of Control.
(3)Disability Insurance. Disability insurance coverage (including policy terms) equal to that in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given (or on the date employment is terminated if no Notice of Termination is required) or, if more favorable to the Executive, equal to that in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control; provided, however, that no income replacement benefits will be payable under such disability policy with regard to the three year period following a separation from service provided that the payments payable under Sections 4(a) and (b) above have been made.
In the event the Executive’s participation in any such plan or program is not permitted, the Companies will directly provide, at no after-tax cost to the Executive, the benefits to which the Executive would be entitled under such plans and programs. Any taxable welfare benefits provided to Executive pursuant to this section 4(c) that are not “disability pay” or “death benefits” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(a)(5) (collectively, the “Applicable Benefits”) shall be subject to the following requirements in order to comply with Section 409A of the Code. The amount of any Applicable Benefits provided during one taxable year shall not affect the amount of the Applicable Benefits provided in any other taxable year. No Applicable Benefits may be liquidated or exchanged for another benefit. During the period of 6 months immediately following Executive’s separation from service, Executive shall be obligated to pay the Companies the full cost for any Applicable Benefits that do not constitute health benefits of the type required to be provided under Section 4980B of the Code, and the Companies shall reimburse Executive for any such payments on the first business day that is more than 6 months after Executive’s separation from service.
(d)Retirement Benefits.The Executive will be entitled to receive retirement benefits as provided herein, so that the total retirement benefits the Executive receives from the Companies will approximate the total retirement benefits the Executive would have received under the Companies’ defined benefit (qualified and nonqualified) retirement plans (which shall include the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”), but not include any severance plans) of the Companies in which the Executive participates were the Executive fully vested under such retirement plans and had the Executive continued in the employ of the Companies for 36 months following the date of the Executive’s separation from service or until the Executive’s
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Retirement, if earlier (provided that such additional period shall be inclusive of and shall not be in addition to any period of service credited under any severance plan of the Companies). The benefits specified in this subsection will be paid under the SERP or other similar nonqualified arrangement designated by the Companies according to its terms and conditions. The benefits specified in this subsection will include all ancillary benefits, such as early retirement and survivor rights and benefits available at retirement. The amount payable to the Executive or the Executive’s beneficiaries under this subsection shall equal the excess of (1) the retirement benefits that would be paid to the Executive or the Executive’s beneficiaries, under such defined benefit retirement plans of the Companies in which the Executive participates if (A) the Executive were fully vested under such plans, (B) the 36-month period (or the period until the Executive’s Retirement, if less) following the date of the Executive’s separation from service were added to the Executive’s credited service under such plans, (C) the terms of such plans were those most favorable to the Executive in effect at any time during the period commencing prior to the Change of Control and ending on the date of Notice of Termination (or on the separation from service date if no Notice of Termination is required), and (D) the Executive’s highest average annual compensation as defined under such defined benefit retirement plans and was calculated as if the Executive had been employed by the Companies for a 36-month period (or the period until the Executive’s Retirement, if earlier) following the date of the Executive’s separation from service and had the Executive’s compensation during such period been equal to the Executive’s compensation used to calculate the Executive’s benefit under Sections 4(a), and 4(b); over (2) the retirement benefits that are payable to the Executive or the Executive’s beneficiaries under such defined benefit retirement plans of the Companies in which the Executive participates.
(e)Outplacement.The Companies shall pay all reasonable fees Executive actually incurs for appropriate outplacement services up to a maximum equal to 15% of the Executive’s Annual Base Salary used to calculate the Executive’s benefit under Section 4(a), plus provide a travel expense account of up to $5,000 to reimburse job search travel. Such reimbursements shall be limited to those amounts paid within 24 months of the Executive’s date of separation from service with the Companies.
(f)Stock Options.Stock Options or other Equity based awards held by the Executive become exercisable upon a Change of Control according to the terms of the Companies’ equity compensation plans and any option agreements effecting outstanding option grants or other equity based awards, as interpreted by State Auto Financial’s Compensation Committee as such Committee existed immediately prior to the Change of Control.
In computing and determining Severance Benefits under Sections 4(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) above, a decrease in the Executive’s salary, incentive bonus potential, or insurance benefits shall be disregarded if such decrease occurs within six months before a Change of Control, is in contemplation of such Change of Control, and is taken to avoid the effect of this Agreement should such action be taken after such Change of Control. In such event, the salary, incentive bonus potential, and/or insurance benefits used to determine Severance Benefits shall be that in effect immediately before the decrease that is disregarded pursuant to this Section 4.
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The Severance Benefits provided in Sections 4(a), and (b) above shall be paid not later than 45 business days following the date the Executive’s employment terminates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), any payments under this Agreement due to a separation from service (as defined in Section 409A of the Code) and subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be delayed until a date that is 6 months after the date of separation from service (or, if earlier, the date of death of Executive). Payments to which a “specified employee” would otherwise be entitled during the first 6 months following the date of separation shall be accumulated and paid as of the first day of the seventh month following the date of separation from service.
5.Tax Gross-Up.If any Severance Benefit or other benefit paid or provided under Section 4, or the acceleration of stock option vesting, or the payment or distribution of any Employee Benefit or similar benefit is subject to excise tax pursuant to Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (or any similar federal or state excise tax), the Companies shall pay to the Executive such additional compensation as is necessary (after taking into account all federal, state and local income taxes payable by the Executive as a result of the receipt of such additional compensation) to place the Executive in the same after-tax position he would have been in had no such excise tax (or any interest or penalties thereon) been paid or incurred with respect to any of such amounts (the “Tax Gross-Up”). The Companies shall pay such additional compensation at the time when the Companies withholds such excise tax from any payments to the Executive. The calculation of the Tax Gross-Up shall be approved by the Companies’ independent certified public accounting firm engaged by the Companies immediately prior to the Change in Control and the calculation shall be provided to the Executive in writing. The Executive shall then be given 15 days, or such longer period as the Executive reasonably requests, to accept or reject the calculation of the Tax Gross-Up. If the Executive rejects the Tax Gross-Up calculation and the parties are thereafter unable to agree within an additional 45 days, the arbitration provisions of Section 13 shall control. The Companies shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable legal and accounting fees incurred with respect to the calculation of the Tax Gross-Up and any disputes related thereto.
For purposes of determining the amount of the Tax Gross-Up, the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation in the calendar year in which the Tax Gross-Up is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rates of taxation in the state and locality of the Executive’s residence on the date of separation from service.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5, if any Severance Benefit or other benefit paid or provided under Section 4, or the acceleration of stock option vesting, or the payment or distribution of any Employee Benefits or similar benefits would be subject to excise tax pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar federal or state excise tax), but would not be so subject if the total of such payments would be reduced by 10% or less, then such payment shall be reduced by the minimum amount necessary so as not to cause Companies to have paid an Excess Severance Payment as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code and so the Executive will not be subject to Excise Tax pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code. The calculation of any potential reduction pursuant to this paragraph or any disputes related thereto shall be resolved as described above with respect to the calculation of the Tax Gross-Up. In the event that the amount of any Severance payments that would be payable to or for the benefit of Executive under this Agreement must be modified or reduced to comply with this provision, they shall be modified or reduced on a pro-rata basis. In no event shall the total payments be reduced by more than 10% in order to avoid treatment as an Excess Severance Payment.
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6.Withholding of Taxes. The Companies may withhold from any amounts not subject to Section 409A of the Code and payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as required by law. The Companies may withhold from any amounts subject to Section 409A of the Code and payable under this Agreement all federal employment tax withholding obligations (FICA). In the event Section 409A of the Code is amended or revised to permit withholding of other federal, state or city taxes required by law, this provision of the Agreement shall be interpreted to permit the same.
7.Payments of Employment Taxes and Upon Violation of Code Section 409A.In accordance with Code Section 409A and the regulations issued thereunder, this Agreement shall permit the payment of amounts necessary to (a) satisfy the employment tax withholding obligations that arise under this Agreement prior to the date that payment may otherwise be made under this Agreement and/or (b) satisfy the excise tax or underpayment penalties owed under Section 409A of the Code in the event of a violation of Section 409A of the Code under this Agreement.
8.Delayed Payments.In the event of a genuine dispute between the Companies or any Subsidiary and the Executive regarding the amount or timing of benefits under this Agreement, a delay in the payment of amounts under this Agreement shall not cause the Executive to violate Section 409A of the Code to the extent that such delay satisfies the conditions set forth in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations thereunder.
9.Acknowledgement.The Companies hereby acknowledges that it will be difficult and may be impossible for the Executive to find reasonably comparable employment, or to measure the amount of damages which the Executive may suffer as a result of separation from service hereunder. Accordingly, the payment of the Severance Benefits by the Companies to the Executive in accordance with the terms of this Agreement is hereby acknowledged by the Companies to be reasonable and will be liquidated damages, and the Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor will any profits, income, earnings, or other benefits from any source whatsoever create any mitigation, offset, reduction, or any other obligation on the part of the Executive hereunder or otherwise, except for a reduction in health insurance coverage as provided in Section 4(c)(1). The Companies shall not be entitled to set off or counterclaim against amounts payable hereunder with respect to any claim, debt, or obligation of the Executive.
10.Enforcement Costs; Interest.The Companies is aware that, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Board or a stockholder of the Companies may then cause or attempt to cause the Companies to refuse to comply with their obligations under this Agreement, or may cause or attempt to cause the Companies to institute, or may institute, litigation, arbitration, or other legal action seeking to have this Agreement declared unenforceable, or may take, or attempt to take, other action to deny the Executive the benefits intended under this Agreement. In these circumstances, the purpose of this Agreement could be frustrated. It is the intent of the Companies that the Executive not be required to incur the expenses associated with the enforcement of the Executive’s rights under this Agreement by litigation, arbitration, or other legal action nor be bound to negotiate any settlement of the Executive’s rights hereunder under threat of incurring such expenses because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to the Executive under this Agreement. Accordingly, if following a Change in Control it should appear to the Executive that the Companies has failed to comply with any of their obligations under this Agreement, including the proper calculation of the Tax Gross-Up, or in the event that the Companies or any other person takes any action to declare this Agreement
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void or unenforceable, or institute any litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish or to recover from the Executive, the benefits intended to be provided to the Executive hereunder, the Companies irrevocably authorizes the Executive from time to time to retain counsel (legal and accounting) of the Executive’s choice at the expense of the Companies as provided in this Section 10 to represent the Executive in connection with the calculation of the Tax Gross-Up, or the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Companies or any director, officer, stockholder, or other person affiliated with the Companies. Notwithstanding any existing or prior attorney-client relationship between the Companies and such counsel, the Companies irrevocably consents to the Executive entering into an attorney-client relationship with such counsel, and in that connection the Companies and the Executive agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between the Executive and such counsel. The reasonable fees and expenses of counsel selected from time to time by the Executive as provided in this Section 10 shall be paid or reimbursed to the Executive by the Companies on a regular, periodic basis upon presentation by the Executive of a statement or statements prepared by such counsel in accordance with their customary practices; provided, however, that the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and provided further, that the reimbursement of any eligible expenses shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such expense was incurred. In any action involving this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to prejudgment interest on any amounts found to be due him from the date such amounts would have been payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement at an annual rate of interest equal to the prime commercial rate in effect at the corporation’s principal bank or their successor from time to time during the prejudgment period plus 4 percent.
11.Forfeiture Events.The Board may, in its discretion, require that all or any portion of the Severance Benefits defined under Section 4 above is subject to an obligation of repayment to the Companies upon: (i) the violation of any non-competition and confidentiality covenant applicable to the Executive, including such covenants in Article VI of the Employment Agreement; (ii) a financial restatement where (1) the amount of Executive’s Severance Benefits were calculated based upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a financial statement restatement; (2) Executive engaged in fraudulent misconduct that caused or substantially contributed to the need for the financial statement restatement; and (3) the amount of Executive’s Severance Benefits would have been lower than the amount actually awarded to such Executive had the financial results been properly reported; or (iii) Executive has engaged in any wrongful conduct during the employment term which has a material adverse effect on the Companies as determined by the Board, in good faith. This Section 11 shall not be the Companies’ exclusive remedy with respect to such matters.
12.Indemnification. From and after the earliest to occur of a Change of Control or separation from service, the Companies shall (a) for a period of five years after such occurrence, provide the Executive (including the Executive’s heirs, executors, and administrators) with coverage under a standard directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy at the Companies’ expense, and (b) indemnify and hold harmless the Executive, to the fullest extent permitted or authorized by the law of the State of Ohio as it may from time to time be amended, if the Executive is (whether before or after the Change of Control) made or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that the Executive is or was a director, officer, or employee of the Companies or any Subsidiary, or is or was serving at the request of the Companies or any Subsidiary, as a director, trustee, officer, or employee of an insurance company,
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corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise. The indemnification provided by this Section 12 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the Executive may be entitled under the charter or bylaws of the Companies or of any Subsidiary, or any agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in the Executive’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to the Executive after the Executive has ceased to be a director, trustee, officer, or employee and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of the Executive.
13.Arbitration.The initial method for resolving any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be nonbinding arbitration in accordance with this Section. Except as provided otherwise in this Section, arbitration pursuant to this Section shall be governed by the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. A party wishing to obtain arbitration of an issue shall deliver written notice to the other party, including a description of the issue to be arbitrated. Within 15 days after either party demands arbitration, the Companies and the Executive shall each appoint an arbitrator. Within 15 additional days, these two arbitrators shall appoint the third arbitrator by mutual agreement; if they fail to agree within this 15 day period, then the third arbitrator shall be selected promptly pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association for Commercial Arbitration. The arbitration panel shall hold a hearing in Columbus, Ohio, within 90 days after the appointment of the third arbitrator. The fees and expenses of the arbitrator, and any American Arbitration Association fees, shall be paid by the Companies. Both the Companies and the Executive may be represented by counsel (legal and accounting) and may present testimony and other evidence at the hearing. Within 90 days after commencement of the hearing, the arbitration panel will issue a written decision; the majority vote of two of the three arbitrators shall control. The majority decision of the arbitrators shall not be binding on the parties, and the parties may pursue other available legal remedies if the parties are not satisfied with the majority decision of the arbitrator, however, the Companies are no longer obligated to reimburse Executive’s legal expenses if the arbitration award is appealed by the Executive, as described in this sentence. The Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performances of the Executive’s rights under this Agreement during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.
14.Employment Rights.This Agreement sets forth the Severance Benefits payable to the Executive in the event the Executive’s employment with the Companies is terminated under certain conditions specified in Section 3. This Agreement is not an employment contract nor shall it confer upon the Executive any right to continue in the employ of the Companies or their Subsidiaries and shall not in any way affect the right of the Companies or their Subsidiaries to dismiss or otherwise terminate the Executive’s employment at any time with or without cause.
15.Arrangements Not Exclusive. The specific benefit arrangements referred to in this Agreement are not intended to exclude the Executive from participation in or from other benefits available to executive personnel generally or to preclude the Executive’s right to other compensation or benefits as may be authorized by the Board at any time. The provisions of this Agreement and any payments provided for hereunder shall not reduce any amounts otherwise payable, or in any way diminish the Executive’s existing rights, or rights which would accrue solely as the result of the passage of time under any compensation plan, benefit plan, incentive plan, stock option plan, employment agreement, or other contract, plan, or arrangement except as may be specified in such contract, plan or arrangement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 15, the Severance Benefits provided in Section 4 are in lieu of any benefits to which the Executive would be entitled following the Executive’s separation from service pursuant to any Employment Agreement with the Companies, if the separation from service is due to a Change of Control.
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16.Termination.This Agreement shall terminate if the employment of the Executive with the Companies shall terminate prior to a Change of Control; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not terminate upon Executive’s separation from service in the event of a pending Change of Control event as described in Section 3(c) above.
17.Successors; Binding Agreements.This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal and legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. The Executive’s rights and benefits under this Agreement may not be assigned, except that if the Executive dies while any amount would still be payable to the Executive hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, to the beneficiaries designated by the Executive to receive benefits under this Agreement in a writing on file with the Companies at the time of the Executive’s death or, if there is no such beneficiary, to the Executive’s estate. The Companies will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Companies (or of any division or Subsidiary thereof employing the Executive) to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Companies would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Companies to obtain such assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Executive to compensation from the Companies in the same amount and on the same terms to which the Executive would be entitled hereunder if the Executive terminated employment for Good Reason following a Change of Control.
18.No Vested Interest.Neither the Executive nor the Executive’s beneficiaries shall have any right, title, or interest in any benefit under this Agreement prior to the occurrence of the right to the payment of such benefit.
19.Notice.For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally or mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to such addresses as each party may designate from time to time to the other party in writing in the manner provided herein. Unless designated otherwise, notices to the Companies should be sent to the Companies at:
State Auto Financial Corporation
518 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Attention: General Counsel
Until designated otherwise, notices shall be sent to the employee at the address indicated on the Beneficiary Designation and Notice form attached hereto as Exhibit A. If the parties by mutual agreement supply each other with telecopier numbers for the purposes of providing notice by facsimile, such notice shall also be proper notice under this Agreement. Notice sent by certified or registered mail shall be effective two days after deposit by delivery to the U.S. Post Office.
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20.Savings Clause. If any payments otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement are prohibited or limited by any statute or regulation in effect at the time the payments would otherwise be payable (any such limiting statute or regulation a “Limiting Rule”):
(a) Companies will use their best efforts to obtain the consent of the appropriate governmental agency to the payment by Companies to the Executive of the maximum amount that is permitted (up to the amounts that would be due to the Executive absent the Limiting Rule); and
(b) the Executive will be entitled to elect to have apply, and therefore to receive benefits directly under, either (i) this Agreement (as limited by the Limiting Rule) or (ii) any generally applicable Companies severance, separation pay, and/or salary continuation plan that may be in effect at the time of the Executive’s separation from service.
Following any such election, the Executive will be entitled to receive benefits under this Agreement or plan elected only if and to the extent the Agreement or plan is applicable and subject to their specific terms.
21.Amendment; Waiver.This Agreement may not be amended or modified and no provision may be waived unless such amendment, modification, or waiver is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and the Companies; provided, however, that this Agreement shall be amended and/or modified as necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code or regulations issued thereunder.
22.Validity.The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
23.Counterparts.This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
24.Governing Law.Except as otherwise provided, this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, without giving effect to any conflict of law provisions.
25.Venue.The Companies and Executive designate either the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Ohio or the U.S. District Court in Columbus, Ohio as the exclusive courts of competent jurisdiction and venue for any actions or proceedings related to this Agreement and hereby irrevocably consent to such designation, jurisdiction and venue.
SIGNATURES APPEAR ON NEXT PAGE
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties have signed this Agreement on March 6, 2009 to be effective on the date and year first above written.
| State Auto Financial Corporation: | ||
| By: | /s/ Paul S. Williams | |
| Paul S. Williams, Chair of Compensation Committee | ||
| State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company | ||
| By: | /s/ Michael J. Fiorile | |
| Michael J. Fiorile, Chair of Nominating and Governance Committee | ||
| Executive: | ||
| /s/Robert P. Restrepo, Jr. | ||
| Robert P. Restrepo, Jr. | ||
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