Exhibit 10.3
HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION
EXECUTIVE BENEFITS PROTECTION PLAN
(GROUP 3A)
The Hershey Foods Corporation Executive Benefits Protection Plan (Group
3A), as set forth herein, is intended to help attract and retain qualified
management employees and maintain a stable work environment by making provision
for the protection of covered employees in connection with a Change in Control
as set forth herein.
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
As hereinafter used, the following words shall have the meanings set
forth below.
1.1 AIP means the Annual Incentive Program under the KEIP.
1.2 ANNUAL BASE SALARY means with respect to an Executive the
higher of:
1.2.1 his highest annual base salary in effect during the
one (1) year period preceding a Change in Control; or
1.2.2 his highest annual base salary in effect during the one
year period preceding his Date of Termination.
For purposes of the foregoing, salary reduction elections pursuant to
Sections 125 and 401(k) of the Code shall not be taken into account.
1.3 ANNUAL BONUS means with respect to an Executive the highest of:
1.3.1 the average of the three highest bonuses paid or
payable, including any bonus or portion thereof which has been earned but
deferred, to him by the Company in respect of the five fiscal years (or such
shorter period during which he has been employed by the Company or eligible to
receive any bonus payment) immediately preceding the fiscal year in which a
Change in Control occurs (annualized for any fiscal year during such period
consisting of less than twelve full months or with respect to which he has been
employed by the Company or eligible to receive a bonus for less than twelve full
months);
1.3.2 the bonus paid or payable (annualized as described
above), including any bonus or portion thereof which has been earned but
deferred, to him by the Company in respect of the most recently completed fiscal
year prior to the Change in Control;
1.3.3 the bonus paid or payable (annualized as described
above), including any bonus or portion thereof which has been earned or
deferred, for the most recently completed fiscal year preceding his Date of
Termination; and
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1.3.4 his 100% target bonus award amount for the year
including his Date of Termination.
For purposes herein, only payments under the AIP, as well as payments
under any successor or replacement substitute plan, shall be treated as bonus
payments.
1.4 BASE AMOUNT shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code.
1.5 BOARD means the Board of Directors of the Company.
1.6 CAUSE means with respect to an Executive:
1.6.1 his willful and continued failure to substantially
perform his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from
incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for
substantial performance is delivered to him by the Board or the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the
Board or Chief Executive Officer believes that the Executive has not
substantially performed his duties; or
1.6.2 his willfully engaging in illegal conduct or gross
misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.
For purposes of this Section 1.6, no act or failure to act, on the part
of an Executive, shall be considered willful unless it is done, or omitted to be
done, by him in bad faith and without reasonable belief that his action or
omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act,
based upon prior approval given by the Board or upon the instruction or with the
approval of the Chief Executive Officer or an Executive's superior or based upon
the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done,
or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests
of the Company. The cessation of employment of an Executive shall not be deemed
to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to him a copy
of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than
three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board
called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to him and
he is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the
Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, he is guilty of
the conduct described in Subsection 1.6.1 or 1.6.2 above, and specifying the
particulars thereof in detail.
1.7 CLRP means the Hershey Foods Corporation Compensation Limit
Replacement Plan and any successor or replacement plan thereof.
1.8 CHANGE IN CONTROL means:
1.8.1 individuals who, on June 8, 1999, constitute the Board
(the "Incumbent Directors") cease for any reason to constitute at least a
majority of the Board, provided that any
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person becoming a director subsequent to June 8, 1999, whose election or
nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the
Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by specific vote or by approval of
the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as nominee for
director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent
Director; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no individual initially elected or nominated
as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election
contest (as described in Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "Exchange Act")) ("Election Contest") or other actual or threatened
solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any person (as such term
is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Section
13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) ("Person") other than the Board
("Proxy Contest"), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or
settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest, shall be deemed an Incumbent
Director; and PROVIDED FURTHER, HOWEVER, that a director who has been approved
by the Hershey Trust while it beneficially owns more than 50% of the combined
voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled
to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting
Power") shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;
1.8.2 the acquisition or holding by any Person of beneficial
ownership (within the meaning of Section 13(d) under the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) of shares of the Common Stock
and/or the Class B Common Stock of the Company representing 25% or more of
either (i) the total number of then outstanding shares of both Common Stock and
Class B Common Stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Stock") or (ii)
the Outstanding Company Voting Power; provided that, at the time of such
acquisition or holding of beneficial ownership of any such shares, the Hershey
Trust does not beneficially own more than 50% of the Outstanding Company Voting
Power; and provided, further, that any such acquisition or holding of beneficial
ownership of shares of either Common Stock or Class B Common Stock of the
Company by any of the following entities shall not by itself constitute such a
Change in Control hereunder: (i) the Hershey Trust; (ii) any trust established
by the Company or by any Subsidiary for the benefit of the Company and/or its
employees or those of a Subsidiary; (iii) any employee benefit plan (or related
trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary; (iv) the
Company or any Subsidiary or (v) any underwriter temporarily holding securities
pursuant to an offering of such securities;
1.8.3 the approval by the stockholders of the Company of any
merger, reorganization, recapitalization, consolidation or other form of
business combination (a "Business Combination") if, following consummation of
such Business Combination, the Hershey Trust does not beneficially own more than
50% of the total voting power of all outstanding voting securities eligible to
elect directors of (x) the surviving entity or entities (the "Surviving
Corporation") or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that
directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the combined
voting power of the then outstanding voting securities eligible to elect
directors of the Surviving Corporation; or
1.8.4 the approval by the stockholders of the Company of (i)
any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company, other than to a corporation (the "Acquiring Corporation") if, following
consummation of such sale or other disposition, the Hershey Trust beneficially
owns more than 50% of the total voting power of all outstanding
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voting securities eligible to elect directors (x) of the Acquiring Corporation
or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that directly or
indirectly has beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the combined voting
power of the then outstanding voting securities eligible to elect directors of
the Acquiring Corporation, or (ii) a liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
1.9 CODE means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
time to time.
1.10 COMPANY means Hershey Foods Corporation, a Delaware
corporation.
1.11 COVERAGE PERIOD means the period commencing on the date on
which a Change in Control occurs and ending on the date which is the second
anniversary thereof.
1.12 DATE OF TERMINATION has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 4.2 hereof.
1.13 DEFERRAL ELECTION means with respect to an Executive each o
his elections to defer all or any part of any of his AIP or PSU awards as
permitted under the Deferred Compensation Plan or any deferral arrangements in
effect prior to the effective date thereof.
1.14 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN means the Hershey Foods Corporation
Deferred Compensation Plan and any successor or replacement plan thereof.
1.15 DISABILITY means with respect to an Executive his absence from his
duties with the Company on a full-time basis for 180 consecutive business days
as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined
to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers
and acceptable to the Executive or his legal representative (such agreement as
to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably), provided that such absence
shall constitute Disability only if the Executive is entitled to long-term
disability benefits for the period of his disability after such 180 day period
at lest equal to 70% of the greater of his base salary as of the first day of
such 180 day period or his Annual Base Salary.
1.16 EFFECTIVE DATE means June 8, 1999.
1.17 EXECUTIVE means each person who is listed on Schedule I hereto, as
it may be amended from time to time pursuant to Article 7 hereof.
1.18 EXCISE TAX means any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of
the Code.
1.19 GOOD REASON means with respect to an Executive:
1.19.1 the assignment to him of any duties inconsistent in any
respect with his position (including status, offices, titles and reporting
relationships), authority, duties or responsibilities immediately prior to
either the Potential Change in Control which precedes the Change in Control or
the Change in Control or any other action by the Company which results in a
diminution in any respect in such position, authority, duties or
responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and
inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company
promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
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1.19.2 a reduction by the Company in his annual base salary as
in effect, as applicable, on the Effective Date or as the same may be increased
from time to time, or on the date he first becomes an Executive if he was not an
Executive on the Effective Date or as the same may be increased from time to
time;
1.19.3 the Company's requiring him to be based at any office
or location that is more than 35 miles from his office or location immediately
prior to either the Potential Change in Control which precedes the Change in
Control or the Change in Control;
1.19.4 the Company's requiring him to travel on Company
business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to
either the Potential Change in Control which precedes the Change in Control or
the Change in Control;
1.19.5 the failure by the Company, without his consent, to pay
to him any portion of his current compensation, or to pay to him any portion of
an installment of deferred compensation under any deferred compensation program
of the Company within seven (7) days of the date such compensation is due;
1.19.6 the failure by the Company to continue in effect any
compensation plan in which he participates immediately prior to either the
Potential Change in Control preceding the Change in Control or the Change in
Control which is material to his total compensation, including but not limited
to the KEIP, the CLRP, and the SERP, as applicable, or any substitute or
alternative plans adopted prior to either such Potential Change in Control or
Change in Control, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing
substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan, or the
failure by the Company to continue the Executive's participation therein (or in
such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable,
both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of his
participation relative to other participants, as existed at the time of such
Potential Change in Control or Change in Control;
1.19.7 the failure by the Company to continue to provide him
with benefits substantially similar to those enjoyed by him under any of the
Company's pension, life insurance, medical, health and accident, disability or
other welfare plans in which he was participating at the time of either the
Potential Change in Control preceding the Change in Control or the Change in
Control, the taking of any action by the Company which would directly or
indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits or deprive him of any material
fringe benefit enjoyed by him at the time of such Potential Change in Control or
Change in Control, or the failure by the Company to provide him with the number
of paid vacation days to which he is entitled on the basis of years of service
with the Company in accordance with the Company's normal vacation policy in
effect at the time of such Potential Change in Control or Change in Control;
1.19.8 any purported termination by the Company of his
employment after a Change in Control otherwise than in accordance with the
termination procedures of Sections 4.1 through 4.4 hereof;
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1.19.9 any material failure by the Company to comply with and
satisfy any of its obligations under this Plan after a Potential Change in
Control that is followed within one (1) year by a Change in Control; or
1.19.10 any material failure by the Company to comply with and
satisfy any of its obligations under any grantor trust established by the
Company to provide itself with a source of funds to assist itself in satisfying
its liabilities under this Plan after (i) a Change in Control described in
Subsection 1.8.1, clause (ii) of Subsection 1.8.4, or clause (i) of Subsection
1.8.4 other than a sale or other disposition to a corporation; (ii) a Change in
Control described in Subsection 1.8.2 if during the Coverage Period, Incumbent
Directors, as described in Subsection 1.8.1, cease for any reason to constitute
at least a majority of the Board; (iii) a Change in Control described in
Subsection 1.8.3 if, at any time during the Coverage Period, Incumbent
Directors, as described in Subsection 1.8.1, do not constitute at least a
majority of the board of directors of the Surviving Corporation; or (iv) a
Change in Control described in clause (i) of Subsection 1.8.4 involving a sale
or other disposition to a corporation if, at any time during the Coverage
Period, Incumbent Directors, as described in Subsection 1.8.1, do not constitute
at least a majority of the board of directors of such corporation.
For purposes of this Plan, any good faith determination of Good Reason
made by the Executive shall be conclusive.
1.20 HERSHEY PENSION PLAN means the Hershey Foods Corporation
Retirement Plan and any successor or replacement plan thereof.
1.21 HERSHEY TRUST means either or both of (a) the Hershey
Trust Company, a Pennsylvania corporation, as Trustee for the Milton Hershey
School, or any successor to the Hershey Trust Company as such trustee, and (b)
the Milton Hershey School, a Pennsylvania not-for-profit corporation.
1.22 HIGHEST PSU AMOUNT means with respect to an Executive the
highest of:
1.22.1 the average of the cash values of the three highest PSU
awards paid or payable, including any PSU award or portion thereof which has
been earned but deferred, to him by the Company in respect of the five fiscal
years (or such shorter period during which he has been employed by the Company
or eligible to receive a PSU award) immediately preceding the fiscal year in
which the Change in Control occurs;
1.22.2 the cash value of the PSU award paid or payable,
including any PSU award or portion thereof which has been earned but deferred,
to him by the Company in respect of the most recently completed fiscal year
prior to the Change in Control;
1.22.3 the cash value of the PSU award paid or payable,
including any PSU award or portion thereof which has been earned but deferred,
to him by the Company for the most recently completed fiscal year preceding his
Date of Termination; and
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1.22.4 the cash value of his 100% target PSU award for the
year including his Date of Termination (each such PSU award being valued at the
higher of (i) the highest closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange during the period running from sixty (60) days prior to the
Change in Control until the Executive's Date of Termination, and (ii) if the
Change in Control involves a transaction in which an offer is made to purchase
shares of Common Stock from the Company's stockholders, the price at which such
offer is made).
1.23 KEIP means the Hershey Foods Corporation Key Employee
Incentive Plan and any successor or replacement plan thereof.
1.24 NOTICE OF INTENT TO TERMINATE shall have the meaning assigned
to such term in Section 4.1 hereof.
1.25 MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE means age sixty-five (65) in the
case of an Executive who has served for a minimum of two (2) years at a high
level executive or high policy-making position and who is entitled to a
nonforfeitable, immediate, annual employer-provided retirement benefit from any
source, which is at least equal to a benefit, computed as a life annuity, of at
least $44,000 per year (or such other amount as may be provided by future
legislation). In the case of all other Executives, there shall be no Mandatory
Retirement Age.
1.26 PLAN means the Hershey Foods Corporation Executive
Benefits Protection Plan (Group 3A), as set forth herein, as amended from time
to time.
1.27 PLAN ADMINISTRATOR means the person appointed by the
Company's Chief Executive Officer from time to time to administer the Plan.
1.28 POTENTIAL CHANGE IN CONTROL means the occurrence of any of
the following:
1.28.1 the Hershey Trust by action of any of the Board of
Directors of Hershey Trust Company; the Board of Managers of Milton Hershey
School; the Investment Committee of the Hershey Trust; and/or any of the
officers of Hershey Trust Company or Milton Hershey School (acting with
authority) undertakes consideration of any action the taking of which would lead
to a Change in Control as defined herein, including, but not limited to
consideration of (1) an offer made to the Hershey Trust to purchase any number
of its shares in the Company such that if the Hershey Trust accepted such offer
and sold such number of shares in the Company the Hershey Trust might no longer
have more than 50% of the Outstanding Company Voting Power, (2) an offering by
the Hershey Trust of any number of its shares in the Company for sale such that
if such sale were consummated the Hershey Trust might no longer have more than
50% of the Outstanding Company Voting Power or (3) entering into any agreement
or understanding with a person or entity that would lead to a Change in Control;
or
1.28.2 the Board approves a transaction described in
Subsection 1.8.2, 1.8.3 or 1.8.4 of the definition of a Change in Control
contained herein.
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1.29 SERP means the Hershey Foods Corporation Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan and any successor or replacement plan thereof.
1.30 SEVERANCE BENEFITS has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 3.2 hereof.
1.31 SUBSIDIARY means any corporation controlled by the Company,
directly or indirectly.
1.32 VESTED CURRENT BONUS AMOUNT shall have the meaning assigned
to such term in Section 2.1 hereof.
1.33 VESTED CURRENT PSU AMOUNT shall have the meaning assigned to
such term in Section 2.2 hereof.
1.34 VESTED DEFERRED BONUS AMOUNT shall have the meaning assigned
to such term in Section 2.1 hereof.
1.35 VESTED DEFERRED PSU AMOUNT shall have the meaning assigned to
such term in Section 2.2 hereof.
1.36 VESTED PENSION BENEFIT shall have the meaning assigned to
such term in Section 2.3 hereof.
1.37 VESTED PENSION AMOUNT shall have the meaning assigned to such
term in Section 2.3 hereof.
1.38 WELFARE BENEFITS shall have the meaning assigned to such term
in Subsection 3.2.2 hereof.
1.39 SECTION 1.39 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT means:
1.39.1 with respect to an Executive who is the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company on the date on which a Change in Control occurs, the
termination of his employment with the Company by him in his sole and complete
discretion for any reason other than his death or Disability or by the Company
for any reason (a) on or after the later of (i) the first day of the ninth (9th)
calendar month following the date on which the Potential Change in Control (if
any) preceding the Change in Control occurs and (ii) the first day of the sixth
(6th) calendar month of the Coverage Period; and (b) on or before the earlier of
(x) the date the Executive attains his Mandatory Retirement Age, if applicable,
and (y) the last day of the thirteenth (13th) calendar month of the Coverage
Period; and
1.39.2 with respect to an Executive who is not the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company on the date on which a Change in Control
occurs, the termination of his employment with the Company by him in his sole
and complete discretion for any reason other than his death or Disability or by
the Company for any reason at any time during the thirteenth (13th) calendar
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month of the Coverage Period and prior to the date he attains his Mandatory
Retirement Age, if applicable.
For purposes of this Section 1.39, a partial month shall be treated as
a "calendar month."
ARTICLE 2
VESTING OR PAYMENT OF CERTAIN BENEFITS
IN THE EVENT OF A CHANGE IN CONTROL
2.1 VESTING OF AIP BENEFITS; PAYMENT OF BENEFITS. Upon the
occurrence of a Change in Control:
2.1.1 each Executive shall have a vested and nonforfeitable
right hereunder to receive in cash an amount equal to the sum of:
2.1.1.1 the greater of (x) the 100% target award
amount of all then outstanding contingent target AIP grants made to him under
the KEIP, and (y) the amount that would have been payable to him under such
contingent target AIP grants as of the end of the applicable award period
calculated using as the applicable performance factors, his and the Company's
actual performance on an annualized basis as of the date of the Change in
Control (the greater of (x) and (y) is herein referred to as the "Vested Current
Bonus Amount"); and
2.1.1.2 the value of all AIP Awards, as defined
in the KEIP ("AIP Awards") previously earned by him for which payment has been
deferred ("Deferred AIP Awards") (this value, calculated as of the date of
payment to the Executive and taking into account his selection of Investment
Options as defined in the Deferred Compensation Plan and his Deferral Elections
applicable thereto is herein referred to as the "Vested Deferred Bonus Amount");
2.1.2 the Company shall, within five (5) business days
following the Change in Control, pay to each Executive a lump sum cash payment
equal to his Vested Current Bonus Amount; and
2.1.3 the Company shall, on the later of (i) the first day of
January of the year first following the year during which the Change in Control
occurs and (ii) the one hundred twentieth (120th) day following the Change in
Control, pay to each Executive a lump sum cash payment equal to his Vested
Deferred Bonus Amount attributable to his Deferred AIP Awards not previously
paid to him in accordance with any of his applicable Deferral Elections if prior
to the Change in Control, he elects, in his sole discretion, to receive such
lump sum cash payment at such time.
2.2 VESTING OF PSU BENEFITS; PAYMENT OF BENEFITS. Upon the
occurrence of a Change in Control:
2.2.1 each Executive shall have a vested and nonforfeitable
right hereunder to receive in cash an amount equal to the sum of:
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2.2.1.1 the 100% target award amount of the
contingent target Performance Stock Unit ("PSU") grants, if any, made to him
under the KEIP for the cycle ending in the year of the Change in Control valued
at the higher of (i) the highest closing price of the Company's Common Stock on
the New York Stock Exchange during the sixty (60) day period preceding and
including the date of the Change in Control, and (ii) if the Change in Control
involves a transaction in which an offer is made to purchase shares of Common
Stock from the Company's stockholders, the price at which such offer is made
("Vested Current PSU Amount"); and
2.2.1.2 the value of all PSU Awards, as defined
in the KEIP ("PSU Awards"), previously earned by the Executive for which payment
has been deferred ("Deferred PSU Awards"), where, for purposes of calculating
the value of the Executive's Deferred PSU Awards ("Vested Deferred PSU Amount")
as of the date of payment to him (whether in accordance with his election as
described in Subsection 2.2.3, his election as described in Subsection 3.4.3, or
in the absence of any such election in accordance with his applicable Deferral
Elections), all components of his Deferred PSU Awards that are denominated in
shares of the Company's Common Stock shall be valued at the higher of (i) the
highest closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the New York Stock
Exchange during the sixty (60) day period preceding and including the date of
the Change in Control, and (ii) if the Change in Control involves a transaction
in which an offer is made to purchase shares of Common Stock from the Company's
stockholders, the price at which such offer is made and investment credits shall
be applied thereto and to all components of such Deferred PSU Awards that are
not denominated in shares of the Company's Common Stock in accordance with the
provisions of the Deferred Compensation Plan from the date of the Change in
Control to the date of payment to the Executive in accordance with his selection
of Investment Options as defined in the Deferred Compensation Plan.;
2.2.2 the Company shall, within five (5) business days
following the Change in Control, pay to each Executive a lump sum cash payment
equal to his Vested Current PSU Amount; and
2.2.3 the Company shall, on the later of (i) the first day of
January of the year first following the year during which the Change in Control
occurs and (ii) the one hundred twentieth (120th) day following the Change in
Control, pay to each Executive a lump sum cash payment equal to his Vested
Deferred PSU Amount attributable to his Deferred PSU Awards not previously paid
to him in accordance with any of his applicable Deferral Elections if prior to
the Change in Control, he elects, in his sole discretion, to receive such lump
sum cash payment at such time.
2.3 VESTED PENSION AMOUNT. Upon the occurrence of a Change in
Control:
2.3.1 each Executive who either is a participant in the SERP
on the date of the Change in Control or was a participant in the SERP on the
date of the Potential Change in Control preceding the Change in Control shall
have a vested and nonforfeitable right hereunder to receive in cash an amount
equal to the actuarial present value (as determined in accordance with
Subsection 2.3.1.3 hereof) of the monthly retirement benefit (including the
spousal survivor
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benefit) to which he and his spouse would be entitled under Section 4 of the
SERP if he retired as of the date of the Change in Control, taking into account
Subsections 2.3.1.1 and 2.3.1.2 hereof (the amount of such monthly retirement
benefits for him and his spouse being herein referred to as such Executive's
"SERP Benefit", the actuarial present value of such SERP Benefit being herein
referred to as such Executive's "Vested Pension Benefit" and the Vested Pension
Benefit plus all investment credits applied thereto in accordance with the
provisions of Section 2.5 hereof being herein referred to as "Vested Pension
Amount"), where:
2.3.1.1 for purposes of determining such
Executive's SERP Benefit as of the date of a Change in Control, he shall: (i) be
credited for all purposes under the SERP with additional Years of Service (as
defined in the SERP) equal to the lesser of three (3) or the number of years
(including fractions thereof) from the date of the Change in Control until he
would attain Mandatory Retirement Age if applicable to him; (ii) be credited for
purposes of only Section 3 of the SERP (and not for the purposes of any other
provision of the SERP, including but not limited to Section 4(a)(1) and Section
4(b)(1)) with additional Years of Service (as defined in the SERP) equal to the
excess, if any, of ten (10) over his actual number of Years of Service
(including fractions thereof) completed as of the date of the Change in Control;
(iii) be deemed for the purposes of Section 3 of the SERP (and not for the
purposes of any other provision of the SERP) to have five (5) years of
participation in the performance share unit portion of the KEIP during his last
ten (10) years of employment with the Company regardless of his actual years of
participation in the performance share unit portion of the KEIP at the time of
the Change in Control; (iv) be deemed for all purposes under the SERP (including
but not limited to clause (4) of Section 4.b of the SERP) to have his age
increased by three (3) years (or such lesser number of years (including
fractions) until he would attain Mandatory Retirement Age if applicable to him);
and (v) be deemed to have been paid his Annual Base Salary and Annual Bonus for
three (3) additional years (or such lesser number of years (including fractions)
until he would attain Mandatory Retirement Age if applicable to him) for
purposes of calculating "Final Average Compensation" in Section 2.f. of the
SERP;
2.3.1.2 if such Executive has not yet attained
age fifty-five (55) (after increasing his age by three (3) years as provided in
the preceding Subsection 2.3.1.1), he shall upon the occurrence of the Change in
Control be deemed nevertheless to have attained age fifty-five (55), with the
adjustments provided for in Subsection 2.3.1.1 hereof being made on this basis;
2.3.1.3 the actuarial present value of such
Executive's SERP Benefit, as determined in accordance with the foregoing
provisions of this Section 2.3 shall be determined using: (i) the 83 GAM
mortality tables; and (ii) an interest rate equal to 100% of the interest rate
that would be used (as of the date of the Change in Control) by the Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation for purposes of determining the present value of a
lump sum distribution on plan termination; and (iii) the date of the Change in
Control as the date on which payment of the Executive's SERP Benefit is to
commence and as the date as of which the actuarial present value of such SERP
Benefit is calculated; and
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2.3.2 each Executive who neither is a participant in the SERP
on the date of the Change in Control nor was a participant in the SERP on the
date of the Potential Change in Control preceding the Change in Control shall
have a vested and nonforfeitable right hereunder to receive in cash an amount
equal to the sum of:
2.3.2.1 a lump sum cash amount equal to the
actuarial equivalent of the excess of (x) the retirement pension (determined as
a straight life annuity commencing at Normal Retirement Age, as defined in the
Hershey Pension Plan) which he would have accrued under the terms of the Hershey
Pension Plan (as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control),
determined as if he were fully vested thereunder and had accumulated thirty-six
(36) additional months of service credit thereunder during each of which he will
be deemed to have been paid one-twelfth (1/12th) of the sum of his highest
annual rate of compensation as an employee of the Company and his Annual Bonus
(but in no event shall he be deemed to have accumulated additional months of
service credit after he would have attained Mandatory Retirement Age, if
applicable) over (y) the retirement pension (determined as a straight life
annuity commencing at Normal Retirement Age) which he has accrued pursuant to
the terms of the Hershey Pension Plan as of the date of the Change in Control;
and
2.3.2.2 if he is a participant in the CLRP, a lump
sum cash amount ("CLRP Benefit") equal to his Excess Account, as defined in the
CLRP (as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control) determined as if
he were fully vested thereunder and had accumulated thirty-six (36) additional
months of service credit thereunder during each of which he will be deemed to
have been paid one-twelfth (1/12th) of the sum of his highest annual rate of
compensation as an employee of the Company and his Annual Bonus, but in no event
shall he be deemed to have accumulated additional months of service credit after
he would have attained Mandatory Retirement Age, if applicable (the sum of the
amounts described in Subsections 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.2.2 is herein referred to as
such Executive's "Vested Pension Benefit" and the Vested Pension Benefit plus
all, if any, investment credit applied thereto in accordance with the provisions
of Section 2.5 hereof is herein referred to as such Executive's "Vested Pension
Amount").
For purposes of this Subsection 2.3.2, "actuarial equivalent" amounts
shall be determined using the same methods and assumptions prescribed under the
Hershey Pension Plan immediately prior to the Change in Control.
2.4 PAYMENT OF VESTED PENSION AMOUNT UPON TIMELY ELECTION. The
Company shall, on the later of (i) the first day of January of the year first
following the year during which the Change in Control occurs and (ii) the
one-hundred twentieth (120th) day following the Change in Control, pay to each
Executive a lump sum cash payment equal to his Vested Pension Amount plus
interest thereon at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code from
the date of the Change in Control to the date of payment if, prior to the Change
in Control, he elects, in his sole discretion, to receive such lump sum cash
payment at such time.
2.5 CONVERSION OF VESTED PENSION BENEFIT TO DEFERRED
COMPENSATION PLAN ACCOUNT IN ABSENCE OF SECTION 2.4 ELECTION. In the event the
Executive makes no election under Section 2.4 hereof, an amount equal to his
Vested Pension Benefit shall be credited to him under
12
the Deferred Compensation Plan and subject to the provisions of this Subsection
2.5, the provisions of the Deferred Compensation Plan shall apply thereto as if
such amount were a Deferred AIP Award. Within ten (10) days of the Change in
Control the Executive shall select one or more Investment Options as defined in
the Deferred Compensation Plan to be effective with respect to such amount and
thereafter may change his selection of such Investment Options in accordance
with the provisions of the Deferred Compensation Plan. Investment credits shall
be applied to the amount of his Vested Pension Benefit in accordance with the
provisions of the Deferred Compensation Plan from the date of the Change in
Control to the date of payment to the Executive in accordance with his selection
of such Investment Options. If the Executive makes no election under Section 2.4
hereof and does not select one or more Investment Options as defined in the
Deferred Compensation Plan within ten (10) days of the Change in Control in
accordance with the provisions of the second sentence of this Section 2.5,
investment credits shall be applied to the amount of his Vested Pension Benefit
from the date of the Change in Control to the earlier of the date he makes a
selection of Investment Options with respect thereto in accordance with the
provisions of the Deferred Compensation Plan and the date of payment in
accordance with the latest of his pre-Change in Control selections of Investment
Options relating to his Deferred AIP Awards or Deferred PSU Awards, if any. If
there are no such pre-Change in Control selections of Investment Options, then
investment credits shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of the
immediately preceding sentence by treating the Hershey Fixed Income Fund
Investment Option under the Deferred Compensation Plan as his latest pre-Change
in Control selection of Investment Options. Within ten (10) days of the Change
in Control the Executive shall make a Deferral Election with respect to his
Vested Pension Amount. If the Executive makes no election under Section 2.4
hereof and makes no Deferral Election within ten (10) days of the Change in
Control in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, then for purposes
hereof he will be considered to have made a Deferral Election under the Deferred
Compensation Plan to have his Vested Pension Amount paid to him, his designated
beneficiaries or his estate, as applicable, in accordance with the latest of his
pre-Change in Control Deferral Elections relating to his Deferred AIP Awards or
Deferred PSU Awards, if any. If there are no such pre-Change in Control Deferral
Elections, then for purposes hereof he will be considered to have made a
Deferral Election under the Deferred Compensation Plan to have his Vested
Pension Amount paid to him, his designated beneficiaries or his estate, as
applicable, on the first day of the month following his termination of
employment by the Company. His Vested Pension Amount shall be paid to him in
accordance with the Deferral Election described in the preceding three
sentences, as applicable, or any subsequent Deferral Election with respect
thereto permitted in accordance with the provisions of the Deferred Compensation
Plan.
2.6 SERP OR CLRP AMENDMENTS. Notwithstanding any provision of
the SERP, CLRP, or Deferred Compensation Plan, none of the SERP, CLRP, or
Deferred Compensation Plan may be terminated or amended in any manner that is
adverse to the interests of any Executive without his consent either: (i) after
a Potential Change in Control occurs and for one (1) year following the
cessation of the Potential Change in Control, or (ii) after a Change in Control.
Any termination or amendment of the SERP, CLRP, or Deferred Compensation Plan in
a manner adverse to the interests of an Executive within one (1) year prior to a
Potential Change in Control shall not be given effect for purposes of Section
2.3 or Section 2.5 hereof.
13
ARTICLE 3
EXECUTIVE BENEFITS AND RIGHTS
UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
3.1 GENERAL TERMINATION RIGHTS AND BENEFITS. If an Executive's
employment by the Company is terminated at any time after a Change in Control
for any reason (whether by him or the Company), the Company shall pay to him the
payments described in Subsections 3.1.1 through 3.1.7 below.
3.1.1 PREVIOUSLY EARNED SALARY. The Company shall pay his full
salary to him through his Date of Termination at the highest rate in effect
during the period between the Potential Change in Control preceding the Change
in Control and the date the Notice of Intent to Terminate is given, together
with all compensation and benefits payable to him through the Date of
Termination under the terms of any compensation or benefit plan, program or
arrangement maintained by the Company during such period.
3.1.2 PREVIOUSLY EARNED BENEFITS. The Company shall pay his
normal post-termination compensation and benefits to him as such payments become
due. Such post-termination compensation and benefits shall be determined under,
and paid in accordance with the Company's retirement, insurance, pension,
welfare and other compensation or benefit plans, programs and arrangements.
3.1.3 PAYMENT OF VESTED CURRENT BONUS AMOUNT. Except to the
extent that the Company has previously paid or concurrently pays to him all or a
portion of his Vested Current Bonus Amount pursuant to Section 2.1, Subsection
3.1.1 or Subsection 3.1.2 hereof, the Company shall pay to him a lump sum cash
payment equal to his Vested Current Bonus Amount.
3.1.4 PAYMENT OF VESTED DEFERRED BONUS AMOUNT. Except to the
extent that the Company has previously paid or concurrently pays to him all or a
portion of his Vested Deferred Bonus Amount pursuant to Section 2.1, Subsection
3.1.1 or Subsection 3.1.2 hereof, the Company shall pay to him a lump sum cash
payment equal to his Vested Deferred Bonus Amount.
3.1.5 PAYMENT OF VESTED CURRENT PSU AMOUNTS. Except to the
extent that the Company has previously paid or concurrently pays to him all or a
portion of his Vested Current PSU Amount pursuant to Section 2.2, Subsection
3.1.1 or Subsection 3.1.2 hereof, the Company shall pay to him a lump sum cash
payment equal to his Vested Current PSU Amount.
3.1.6 PAYMENT OF VESTED DEFERRED PSU AMOUNTS. Except to the
extent that the Company has previously paid or concurrently pays to him all or a
portion of his Vested Deferred PSU Amount pursuant to Section 2.2, Subsection
3.1.1 or Subsection 3.1.2 hereof, the Company shall pay to him a lump sum cash
payment equal to his Vested Deferred PSU Amount.
3.1.7 PAYMENT OF VESTED PENSION AMOUNT. Except to the extent
that the Company has previously paid or concurrently pays to him his Vested
Pension Amount, the Company shall pay to him a lump-sum cash payment equal to
his Vested Pension Amount.
14
3.2 SEVERANCE BENEFITS. In addition to the payments provided
for by Section 3.1 hereof, the Company shall pay to an Executive the payments
described in Subsections 3.2.1 through 3.2.4 below (the "Severance Benefits") in
accordance with such Subsections upon termination of his employment with the
Company during the Coverage Period, if his termination of employment either (i)
is a Section 1.39 Termination of Employment, or (ii) is (a) not by the Company
for Cause, (b) not by reason of his death or Disability or after his Mandatory
Retirement Age, if applicable, and (c) not by him without Good Reason.
3.2.1 LUMP-SUM SEVERANCE PAYMENT. In lieu of any further
salary payments to him for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, the
Company shall pay to him a lump sum severance payment, in cash, equal to three
(3) (or, if less, the number of years, including fractions, from the Date of
Termination until he would have reached Mandatory Retirement Age, if applicable)
times the sum of (a), (b) and (c) where (a) equals his Annual Base Salary, (b)
equals his Annual Bonus and (c) equals his Highest PSU Amount.
3.2.2 CONTINUED BENEFITS. For a thirty-six (36) month period
(or, if less, the number of months from the Date of Termination until he would
have reached Mandatory Retirement Age, if applicable) after the Date of
Termination, the Company shall provide him with life insurance, health,
disability and other welfare benefits ("Welfare Benefits") substantially similar
in all respects to those which he was receiving immediately prior to the Notice
of Termination on substantially the same terms and conditions, including
contributions required from him for such benefits (without giving effect to any
reduction in such benefits subsequent to the Potential Change in Control
preceding the Change in Control or the Change in Control, which reduction
constitutes or may constitute Good Reason); provided that if he cannot continue
to participate in the Company plans providing Welfare Benefits, the Company
shall otherwise provide such benefits on the same after-tax basis as if
continued participation had been permitted. The Executive shall be entitled to
elect to change his level of coverage and/or his choice of coverage options
(such as Executive only or family medical coverage) with respect to the Welfare
Benefits to be provided by the Company to him to the same extent that actively
employed executives of the Company are permitted to make such changes; provided,
however, that in the event of any such changes he shall pay the amount of any
cost increase that would actually be paid by an actively employed executive of
the Company by reason of such actively employed executive making the same change
in level of coverage or coverage options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
event that the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and becomes
eligible to receive welfare benefits form such employer, the Welfare Benefits
described herein shall be secondary to such benefits, but only to the extent
that the Company reimburses him for any increased cost and provides any
additional benefits necessary to give him the Welfare Benefits provided
hereunder.
3.2.3 OUTSTANDING AWARDS. If an Executive's Date of
Termination occurs within the Coverage Period and during any calendar year
following the calendar year during which a Change in Control occurs, he shall be
entitled to a lump sum cash payment with respect to each outstanding contingent
target AIP and PSU grant under the KEIP or any similar types of grants under any
replacement plans or programs equal to the sum of :
15
3.2.3.1 the sum of the product of (x) and (y)for
each then outstanding contingent target PSU grant under the KEIP (or similar
types of grants under any replacement plan or program) for the applicable award
period that includes his Date of Termination, where (x) is an amount equal to
the 100% target award amount of such outstanding contingent target PSU grant and
(y) is a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days from and
including the first day of the award period applicable to such outstanding
contingent target PSU grant that includes the Executive's Date of Termination
until (and including) his Date of Termination and the denominator of which is
the number of days in the award period applicable to such outstanding contingent
target PSU grant; and
3.2.3.2 the sum of the product of (x) and (y) for
each then outstanding contingent target AIP grant made to him under the KEIP (or
similar types of grants under any replacement plans or programs) for the
applicable award period that includes his Date of Termination, where (x) is an
amount equal to the greater of (A) the 100% target award amount of such
outstanding contingent target AIP grant, and (B) the amount that would have been
payable to him under such contingent target AIP grant as of the end of the
applicable award period, calculated utilizing as the applicable performance
factors his and the Company's actual performance on an annualized basis as of
his Date of Termination, and (y) is a fraction the numerator of which is the
number of days from and including the first day of the award period applicable
to such outstanding contingent AIP grant that includes his Date of Termination
until (and including) his Date of Termination and the denominator of which is
the number of days in such applicable award period.
Contingent target PSU grants under the KEIP or a similar type of grant under a
replacement plan or program shall be valued at the highest closing price of the
Company's Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange during the period running
from sixty (60) days prior to the Change in Control until the Executive's Date
of Termination.
3.2.4 RELOCATION ALLOWANCE. In the event that an Executive
relocates following his Date of Termination and during the Coverage Period at
the request of a successor employer, the Company shall pay to him a relocation
allowance of $75,000; provided, however, that any such payment shall be reduced
by any payments received by him from such successor employer for the purpose of
reimbursing him for costs of relocation. The Company shall pay him such
relocation allowance within five (5) business days after delivery of his written
request and may condition the payment of the relocation allowance upon his
agreeing in writing to report to the Company any such payments from any
successor employer and agreeing in writing to reimburse to the Company any
amounts received from the Company pursuant to this Subsection 3.2.4 that should
have been so reduced.
3.3 GROSS-UP PAYMENT. In the event that an Executive becomes
entitled to the Severance Benefits or any other benefits or payments under this
Plan (other than pursuant to this Section 3.3), or the KEIP by reason of the
accelerated vesting of stock options thereunder (together, the "Total
Benefits"), and in the event that any of the Total Benefits will be subject to
the Excise Tax, the Company shall pay to him an additional amount (the "Gross-Up
Payment") such that the net amount retained by him, after deduction of any
Excise Tax on the Total Benefits
16
and any federal, state and local income tax, Excise Tax and FICA and Medicare
withholding taxes upon the payment provided for by this Section 3.3, shall be
equal to the Total Benefits.
For purposes of determining whether any of the Total Benefits will be
subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, (i) any other
payments or benefits received or to be received by an Executive in connection
with a Change in Control or his termination of employment (whether pursuant to
the terms of this Plan or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the
Company, any Person whose actions result in a Change in Control or any Person
affiliated with the Company or such Person) shall be treated as parachute
payments within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, and all excess
parachute payments within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) shall be treated as
subject to the Excise Tax, unless in the opinion of tax counsel ("Tax Counsel")
selected by the Company's independent auditors and acceptable to the Executive,
such other payments or benefits (in whole or in part) do not constitute
parachute payments, or such excess parachute payments (in whole or in part)
represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered within the
meaning of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code in excess of the Base Amount, or are
otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax, (ii) the amount of the Total Benefits
which shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax shall be equal to the lesser
of (A) the total amount of the Total Benefits reduced by the amount of such
Total Benefits that in the opinion of Tax Counsel are not parachute payments, or
(B) the amount of excess parachute payments within the meaning of Section
280G(b)(1) (after applying clause (i), above), and (iii) the value of any
non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the
Company's independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Sections
280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code. For purposes of determining the amount of the
Gross-Up Payment, an 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 Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the
highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of his residence on
the Date of Termination, net of the reduction in federal income taxes which
could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes (calculated by
assuming that any reduction under Section 68 of the Code in the amount of
itemized deductions allowable to him applies first to reduce the amount of such
state and local income taxes that would otherwise be deductible by him).
In the event that the Excise Tax is subsequently determined to be less
than the amount taken into account hereunder at the time of termination of an
Executive's employment, he shall repay to the Company, at the time that the
amount of such reduction in Excise Tax is finally determined, the portion of the
Gross-Up Payment attributable to such reduction (plus that portion of the
Gross-Up Payment attributable to the Excise Tax, federal, state and local income
taxes and FICA and Medicare withholding taxes imposed on the portion of the
Gross-Up Payment being repaid by him to the extent that such repayment results
in a reduction in Excise Tax, FICA and Medicare withholding taxes and/or
federal, state or local income taxes) plus interest on the amount of such
repayment at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code. The Company
may require an Executive to agree in writing to the repayment obligation imposed
by the preceding sentence as a condition to receiving the Gross-Up Payment. In
the event that the Excise Tax is determined to exceed the amount taken into
account hereunder at the time of the termination of an Executive's employment
(including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be
determined at the time of the Gross-Up Payment), the Company shall
17
make an additional Gross-Up Payment, determined as previously described, to him
in respect of such excess (plus any interest, penalties or additions payable by
him with respect to such excess) at the time that the amount of such excess is
finally determined.
3.4 TIMING OF PAYMENTS. The payments provided for:
3.4.1 in Subsections 3.1.1, 3.1.3, 3.1.5, 3.2.1 and 3.2.3, and
in Section 3.3 hereof shall be made to an Executive not later than the fifth
(5th) day following his Date of Termination; provided, however, that if the
amounts of such payments cannot be finally determined on or before such day the
Company shall pay to the Executive on such day an estimate, as determined in
good faith by the Company, of the minimum amount of such payments and shall pay
the remainder of such payments (together with interest at the rate provided in
Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code from the fifth (5th) day following the Date of
Termination to the payment of such remainder) as soon as the amount thereof can
be determined but in no event later than the thirtieth (30th) day after the Date
of Termination. In the event that the amount of the estimated payments exceeds
the amount subsequently determined to have been due, such excess shall
constitute a loan by the Company to the Executive, payable on the fifth (5th)
business day after demand by the Company (together with interest at the rate
provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code from the fifth (5th) day following
the Date of Termination to the payment of such remainder);
3.4.2 in Subsection 3.1.4 hereof shall be made to an Executive
on the later of (i) the first day of January of the year first following the
year during which his Date of Termination occurs and (ii) the one hundred
twentieth (120th) day following his Date of Termination if prior to his Date of
Termination he elects, in his sole discretion, to receive his previously unpaid
Deferred AIP Awards at such time. In the event the Executive makes such election
and the amount of the payment described in Subsection 3.1.4 cannot be finally
determined on or before the later of such one hundred twentieth (120th) day or
January 1, as applicable, the Company shall pay to the Executive on such one
hundred twentieth (120th) day or January 1, as applicable, an estimate, as
determined in good faith by the Company, of the minimum amount of such payment
and shall pay the remainder of such payment (together with interest at the rate
provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code from such one hundred twentieth
(120th) day or January 1, as applicable, to the payment of such remainder) as
soon as the amount thereof can be determined but in no event later than the
thirtieth (30th) day after such one hundred twentieth (120th) day or January 1,
as applicable. In the event that the amount of the estimated payment exceeds the
amount subsequently determined to have been due, such excess shall constitute a
loan by the Company to the Executive, payable on the fifth (5th) business day
after demand by the Company (together with interest at the rate provided in
Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code from the one hundred twentieth (120th) day
following the Date of Termination or January 1, as applicable, to the payment of
such remainder). In the event the Executive makes no such election, his
previously unpaid Deferred AIP Awards shall be paid in accordance with each of
his applicable Deferral Elections;
3.4.3 in Subsection 3.1.6 shall be made to an Executive on the
later of (i) the first day of January of the year first following the year
during which his Date of Termination occurs and (ii) the one hundred twentieth
(120th) day following his Date of Termination if prior
18
to his Date of Termination he elects, in his sole discretion, to receive his
previously unpaid Deferred PSU Awards at such time. In the event the Executive
makes such election and the amount of the payment provided for in Subsection
3.1.6 cannot be finally determined on or before the later of such one hundred
twentieth (120th) day or January 1, as applicable, the Company shall pay to the
Executive on such one hundred twentieth (120th) day or January 1, as applicable,
an estimate, as determined in good faith by the Company, of the minimum amount
of such payment and shall pay the remainder of such payment (together with
interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code from such one
hundred twentieth (120th) day or January 1, as applicable, to the payment of
such remainder) as soon as the amount thereof can be determined but in no event
later than the thirtieth (30th) day after such one hundred twentieth (120th day
or January 1, as applicable. In the event that the amount of the estimated
payment exceeds the amount subsequently determined to have been due, such excess
shall constitute a loan by the Company to the Executive, payable on the fifth
(5th) business day after demand by the Company (together with interest at the
rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code from the one hundred
twentieth (120th) day following the Date of Termination or January 1, as
applicable, to the payment of such remainder). In the event the Executive makes
no such election, his previously unpaid Deferred PSU Awards shall be paid in
accordance with each of his applicable Deferral Elections; and
3.4.4 in Subsection 3.1.7 shall be made to him on the later of
(i) the first day of January following his Date of Termination and (ii) the one
hundred twentieth (120th) day following his Date of Termination if, prior to his
Date of Termination, he elects, in his sole discretion, to receive such payment
at such time. In the event the Executive makes no such election, then his Vested
Pension Amount shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.5.
3.5 REIMBURSEMENT OF LEGAL COSTS. The Company shall pay to an
Executive all legal fees and expenses incurred by him as a result of a
termination of his employment which entitles him to any payments under this Plan
(including all such fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or
disputing any Notice of Intent to Terminate under Section 4.3 hereof or in
seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Plan or in
connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the
application of Section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit provided
hereunder). Such payments shall be made within five (5) business days after
delivery of his respective written requests for payment accompanied by such
evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company reasonably may require.
3.6 EXECUTIVES' COVENANT. The Company may condition the payment
of the amounts and provision of the benefits described in Article 3 of the Plan
to an Executive upon his providing to the Company a written agreement that,
subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan, in the event of a Potential
Change in Control, he will remain in the employ of the Company until the
earliest of (a) a date which is nine months after the date of such Potential
Change in Control, (b) the date of a Change in Control, (c) the date of his
termination of his employment for Good Reason (determined by treating the
Potential Change in Control for this purpose as a Change in Control in applying
the definition of Good Reason) or by reason of death or Disability, (d) the
termination by the Company of his employment for any reason or (e) his attaining
age sixty-five (65).
19
ARTICLE 4
TERMINATION PROCEDURES AND
COMPENSATION DURING DISPUTE
4.1 NOTICE OF INTENT TO TERMINATE. After a Change in Control,
any purported termination of an Executive's employment (other than by reason of
death) must be preceded by a written Notice of Intent to Terminate from him to
the Company or the Company to him, as applicable, in accordance with Section
8.17 hereof. For purposes of this Plan, a Notice of Intent to Terminate shall
mean a notice which shall indicate the notifying party's opinion regarding the
specific provisions of this Plan that will apply upon such termination and shall
set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a
basis for the application of the provisions so indicated. Further, a Notice of
Intent to Terminate for Cause is required to include a copy of a resolution duly
adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters (3/4) of the
entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board which was called and
held for the purpose of considering such termination (after reasonable notice to
the Executive and an opportunity for him, together with his counsel, to be heard
before the Board) finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, he was
guilty of conduct set forth in Subsection 1.6.1 or 1.6.2 herein, and specifying
the particulars thereof in detail.
4.2 DATE OF TERMINATION. Date of Termination, with respect to
any purported termination of an Executive's employment after a Change in
Control, shall mean (except as provided in Section 4.3 hereof) (a) if his
employment is terminated by reason of his death, his date of death (b) if his
employment is terminated for Disability, thirty (30) days after Notice of Intent
to Terminate is given (provided that he shall not have returned to the full-time
performance of his duties during such thirty (30) day period), and (c) if his
employment is terminated for any other reason, the date specified in the Notice
of Intent to Terminate (which (i) in the case of a termination by the Company,
shall not be less than thirty (30) days, except in the case of a termination for
Cause in which case it shall not be less than ten (10) days, provided that the
Company may require him to not report to work during such ten (10) day period
and (ii) in the case of a termination by an Executive, shall not be less than
fifteen (15) days nor more than sixty (60) days, respectively, from the date
such Notice of Intent to Terminate is given).
4.3 DISPUTE CONCERNING TERMINATION. If within fifteen (15) days
after any Notice of Intent to Terminate is given (within eight (8) days in the
case of a termination for Cause by the Company), or, if later, prior to the Date
of Termination (as determined without regard to this Section 4.3), the person
receiving such Notice of Intent to Terminate notifies the person giving such
notice that a dispute exists concerning the termination or the provisions of
this Plan that apply to such termination, the Date of Termination shall be the
date on which the dispute is finally resolved, either by mutual written
agreement of the parties to such dispute or by a final judgment, order or decree
of a court of competent jurisdiction (which is not appealable or with respect to
which the time for appeal therefrom has expired and no appeal has been
perfected); provided, however, that the Date of Termination shall be extended by
a notice of dispute only if such notice is given in good faith and the person
giving such notice pursues the resolution of such dispute with reasonable
diligence.
20
4.4 COMPENSATION DURING DISPUTE. If a purported termination of
an Executive's employment occurs following a Change in Control and such
termination or the provisions of this Plan that apply upon such termination is
disputed in accordance with Section 4.3 hereof (including a dispute as to the
existence of good faith and/or reasonable diligence thereunder), the Company
shall continue to pay the Executive the full compensation (including, but not
limited to, salary) at his Annual Base Salary and continue his participation in
all compensation plans required to be maintained hereunder and continue to
provide to him the Welfare Benefits provided for in Subsection 3.2.2 hereof
until the dispute is finally resolved in accordance with Section 4.3 hereof.
Amounts paid under this Section 4.4 are in addition to all other amounts due
under this Plan (other than those due under Subsection 3.1.1 hereof) and shall
not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this Plan.
ARTICLE 5
PLAN ADMINISTRATION
5.1 AUTHORITY TO PLAN ADMINISTRATOR. The Plan shall be
interpreted, administered and operated by the Plan Administrator, subject to the
express provisions of the Plan.
5.2 DELEGATION OF DUTIES. The Plan Administrator may delegate
any of his duties hereunder to such person or persons from time to time as he
may designate.
5.3 ENGAGEMENT OF THIRD PARTIES. The Plan Administrator is
empowered, on behalf of the Plan, to engage accountants, legal counsel and such
other personnel as he deems necessary or advisable to assist him in the
performance of his duties under the Plan. The functions of any such persons
engaged by the Plan Administrator shall be limited to the specified services and
duties for which they are engaged, and such persons shall have no other duties,
obligations or responsibilities under the Plan. Such persons shall exercise no
discretionary authority or discretionary control respecting the management of
the Plan. All reasonable expenses thereof shall be borne by the Company.
ARTICLE 6
CLAIMS
6.1 CLAIMS PROCEDURE. Claims for benefits under the Plan shall be
filed with the Plan Administrator. If any Executive or other payee claims to be
entitled to a benefit under the Plan and the Plan Administrator determines that
such claim should be denied in whole or in part, the Plan Administrator shall
notify such person of its decision in writing. Such notification will be written
in a manner calculated to be understood by such person and will contain (a)
specific reasons for the denial, (b) specific reference to pertinent Plan
provisions, (c) a description of any additional material or information
necessary for such person to perfect such claim and an explanation of why such
material or information is necessary, and (d) information as to the steps to be
taken if the person wishes to submit a request for review. Such notification
will be given within 90 days after the claim is received by the Plan
Administrator. If such notification is not
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given within such period, the claim will be considered denied as of the last day
of such period and such person may request a review of his claim.
6.2 REVIEW PROCEDURE. Within 60 days after the date on which a
person receives a written notice of a denied claim (or, if applicable, within 60
days after the date on which such denial is considered to have occurred) such
person (or his duly authorized representative) may (a) file a written request
with the Plan Administrator for a review of his denied claim and of pertinent
documents and (b) submit written issues and comments to the Plan Administrator.
The Plan Administrator will notify such person of its decision in writing. Such
notification will be written in a manner calculated to be understood by such
person and will contain specific reasons for the decision as well as specific
references to pertinent Plan provisions. The decision on review will be made
within 60 days after the request for review is received by the Plan
Administrator. If the decision on review is not made within such period, the
claim will be considered denied.
6.3 CLAIMS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES NOT MANDATORY. The claims
procedure and review procedure provided for in this Article 6 are provided for
the use and benefit of Executives who may choose to use such procedures, but
compliance with the provisions of this Article 6 is not mandatory for any
Executive claiming benefits under the Plan. It shall not be necessary for any
Executive to file a claim with the Plan Administrator or to exhaust the
procedures and remedies provided for by this Article 6 prior to bringing any
legal claim or action, or asserting any other demand, for payments or other
benefits to which he claims entitlement hereunder.
ARTICLE 7
PLAN MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION
The Plan may be amended or terminated by resolution of the Board at any
time; provided, however, that: (a) Schedule I hereto may be amended at any time
and in any manner by resolution of the Compensation Committee of the Board upon
recommendation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer; and (b) Schedule I
hereto may be amended at any time by the Company's Chief Executive Officer to
delete any one or more persons therefrom. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (a) the
Plan may not be terminated or amended in a manner adverse to the interests of
any Executive, without his consent (including the amendment of Schedule I hereto
to delete him therefrom) (i) after a Potential Change in Control occurs and for
one (1) year following the cessation of a Potential Change in Control, or (ii)
for the two-year period following consummation of the transaction(s) resulting
from or in the Change in Control; and (b) no termination of this Plan or
amendment hereof in a manner adverse to the interests of any Executive, without
his consent (including the amendment of Schedule I hereto to delete him
therefrom), shall be effective if such termination or amendment occurs (i) at
the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect
a Change in Control or (ii) in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in
Control or Potential Change in Control. For this purpose, the cessation of a
Potential Change in Control occurs if a Change in Control has not occurred
within one year following the Potential Change in Control. In the event that the
termination of this Plan by the Company or an amendment hereof in a manner
adverse to the interests of any Executive (without his consent) occurs within
six (6) months prior to a Potential
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Change in Control or a Change in Control, there shall be a presumption that the
conditions of subclauses (i) and (ii) of clause (b) of the next preceding
sentence shall have been met. Upon the expiration of the Coverage Period, the
Plan may not be amended in any manner which would adversely affect the rights
which any Executive has at that time to receive any and all payments or benefits
pursuant to Articles 2, 3, and 4 by reason of a Change in Control which has
theretofore occurred or by reason of a termination of his employment during the
Coverage Period, and the Company's obligations to make such payments and provide
such benefits shall survive any termination of the Plan.
ARTICLE 8
MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 TERMINATIONS IN ANTICIPATION OF CHANGE IN CONTROL. An
Executive's employment shall be deemed to have been terminated by the Company
without Cause during the Coverage Period if his employment is terminated by the
Company without Cause prior to a Change in Control or Potential Change in
Control and such termination of employment (a) was at the request of a third
party who had indicated an intention to take or had taken steps reasonably
calculated to effect a Change in Control, or (b) otherwise arose in connection
with or in anticipation of a Change in Control and (c) in either case, a Change
in Control does occur which may involve such third party (or a party competing
with such third party to effectuate a Change in Control). An Executive shall be
deemed to have terminated his employment for Good Reason during the Coverage
Period if he terminates his employment with Good Reason prior to a Change in
Control or Potential Change in Control if the circumstance or event which
constitutes Good Reason (a) occurred at the request of a third party who had
indicated an intention to take or had taken steps reasonably calculated to
effect a Change in Control, or (b) otherwise arose in connection with or in
anticipation of a Change in Control, and (c) in either case, a Change in Control
does occur which may involve such third party (or a party competing with such
third party to effectuate a Change in Control). In the event of a termination of
employment described in this Section 8.1, the Executive shall be entitled to all
payments and other benefits to which he would have been entitled had such
termination occurred during the Coverage Period (other than salary pursuant to
Subsection 3.1.1 hereof for any period after the actual date of termination) and
he shall be entitled to an additional payment in an amount which shall
compensate him to the extent that he was deprived by such termination of the
opportunity prior to termination of employment to exercise any stock options
granted to him under the KEIP (including any such stock options that were not
exercisable at the time of his termination of employment) at the highest market
price of the Company's Common Stock reached in connection with the Change in
Control or Potential Change in Control if a Potential Change in Control shall
occur and not be followed by a Change in Control within twelve (12) months of
the Potential Change in Control. In the event that the termination of employment
of an Executive as described in this Section 8.1 occurs following a Potential
Change in Control or within six (6) months prior to a Change in Control, there
shall be a presumption that clauses (a) and (b) of the first two sentences of
this Section 8.1 shall have been met.
8.2 BURDEN. In any proceeding (regardless of who initiates
such proceeding) in which the payment of Severance Benefits or other
compensation or benefits under this Plan is at issue,
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(i) the burden of proof as to whether Cause exists for purposes of this Plan
shall be upon the Company and (ii) in the event that the last sentence of
Section 8.1 applies, the Company shall have the burden to prove, by clear and
convincing evidence, that a termination of employment has not been made in
anticipation of a Change in Control as contemplated by Section 8.1.
8.3 NO RIGHT TO CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT. Nothing in the Plan
shall be deemed to give any Executive the right to be retained in the employ of
the Company, or to interfere with the right of the Company to discharge him at
any time and for any lawful reason, with or without notice, subject in all cases
to the terms of this Plan.
8.4 NO ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS. Except as otherwise provided
herein or by law, no right or interest of any Executive under the Plan shall be
assignable or transferable, in whole or in part, either directly or by operation
of law or otherwise, including without limitation by execution, levy,
garnishment, attachment, pledge or in any manner; no attempted assignment or
transfer thereof shall be effective; and no right or interest of any Executive
under the Plan shall be liable for, or subject to, any obligation or liability
of such Executive.
8.5 DEATH. This Plan shall inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by an Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If an
Executive shall die while any amount would still be payable to him hereunder
(other than amounts which, by their terms, terminate upon his death) if he had
continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be
paid in accordance with the terms of this Plan to the executors, personal
representatives or administrators of his estate.
8.6 INCOMPETENCY. Any benefit payable to or for the benefit
of an Executive, if legally incompetent or incapable of giving a receipt
therefor, shall be deemed paid when paid to his guardian or to the party
providing or reasonably appearing to provide for his care, and such payment
shall fully discharge the Company, the Plan Administrator and all other parties
with respect thereto.
8.7 REDUCTION OF BENEFITS BY LEGALLY REQUIRED BENEFITS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, if the Company
is obligated by law or by contract (other than under this Plan) to pay severance
pay, a termination indemnity, notice pay, or the like, to an Executive or if the
Company is obligated by law or by contract to provide advance notice of
separation ("Notice Period") to an Executive, then any Severance Benefits
payable to him hereunder shall be reduced by the amount of any such severance
pay, termination indemnity, notice pay or the like, as applicable, and by the
amount of any pay received during any Notice Period; provided however, that the
period following a Notice of Intent to Terminate shall not be considered a
Notice Period.
8.8 ENFORCEABILITY. If any provision of the Plan shall be held
invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provisions hereof, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if
such provisions had not been included.
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8.9 EFFECTIVE DATE. The Plan shall be effective as of the
Effective Date and shall remain in effect unless and until terminated by the
Board, subject to the requirements of Article 7 hereof.
8.10 NO MITIGATION. The Company agrees that, if an Executive's
employment by the Company is terminated during the Coverage Period, the
Executive is not required to seek other employment or to attempt in any way to
reduce any amounts payable to him by the Company pursuant to this Plan. Further,
the amount of any payment or benefit provided for under this Plan (other than to
the extent provided in Subsections 3.2.2 and 3.2.4) shall not be reduced by any
compensation earned by him as a result of employment by another employer, by
retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed to be owed by him to
the Company, or otherwise.
8.11 SUCCESSORS. In addition to any obligations imposed by law upon
any successor to the Company, the Company shall be obligated to require any
successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
operation of law, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business
and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform the
Company's obligations under this Plan in the same manner and to the same extent
that the Company would be required to perform them if no such succession had
taken place. Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption and agreement
prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall entitle each Executive
to compensation and benefits from the Company in the same amount and on the same
terms as he would be entitled to hereunder if he were to terminate his
employment for Good Reason during the Coverage Period.
8.12 CONSENT TO CANCELLATION OF AWARDS AND REDUCTION OF SERP BENEFIT.
The Company may condition the payment to an Executive of his Vested Current
Bonus Amount, Vested Current PSU Amount, Vested Deferred Bonus Amount and/or
Vested Deferred PSU Amount upon his providing a written consent to the
cancellation of the applicable contingent target AIP and PSU grants and AIP and
PSU Awards for which payment has been deferred on which his Vested Current Bonus
Amount, Vested Current PSU Amount, Vested Deferred Bonus Amount and/or Vested
Deferred PSU Amount is based and in lieu of which such amounts are paid. The
Company may condition the payment to an Executive of his Vested Pension Amount
or the providing of any benefit or payment under Section 2.5 or Subsection 3.4.4
hereof upon his providing a written consent to, as applicable, (i) the reduction
of the benefit to be paid under the SERP (whether in the form of a monthly
payment to him and his surviving spouse or as a lump sum) such reduction to be
in the amount of the SERP Benefit which was used in the calculation of his
Vested Pension Benefit or the amount of any payments or benefits provided under
Subsection 3.4.4, or (ii) the reduction of his Excess Account under the CLRP,
such reduction to be in the amount of the CLRP Benefit which was used in the
calculation of his Vested Pension Benefit.
8.13 EMPLOYMENT BY SUBSIDIARY. For purposes of this Plan, an
Executive who is employed by a Subsidiary shall be treated as if employed by the
Company and his entitlement to benefits hereunder shall be determined as if he
were employed by the Company. For such purpose, the Subsidiary shall be treated
as if it were an unincorporated division of the Company.
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8.14 WAIVER. No waiver by an Executive at any time of any breach of
the terms of this Plan, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this
Plan to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of similar or
dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent
time.
8.15 WITHHOLDING TAXES. Any payments to an Executive provided
for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable withholding required under
federal, state or local law and any additional withholding to which he has
agreed.
8.16 CONSTRUCTION. The headings and captions herein are provided
for reference and convenience only, shall not be considered part of the Plan,
and shall not be employed in the construction of the Plan. Neither the gender
nor the number (singular or plural) of any word shall be construed to exclude
another gender or number when a different gender or number would be appropriate.
8.17 NOTICES. Any notice or other communication required or
permitted pursuant to the terms hereof shall be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered or mailed by United States Mail, first class, postage prepaid,
addressed to the intended recipient at his last known address (which in the case
of an Executive shall be the address specified by him in any written notice
provided to the Company in accordance with this Section 8.17).
8.18 STATUTORY CHANGES. All references to sections of the
Exchange Act or the Code shall be deemed also to refer to any successor
provisions to such sections.
8.19 GOVERNING LAW. This Plan shall be construed and enforced
according to the laws of the State of Delaware to the extent not preempted by
Federal law, which shall otherwise control.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused the Plan to be adopted as of
the 8th day of June, 1999.
HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION
By: _________________________________
Robert M. Reese
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel
and Secretary
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