Exhibit 10.4
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT by and between EEX CORPORATION (the "Company") and
Richard L. Edmonson (the "Executive") is entered into as of July 3, 2000.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive, and the Executive is
willing to serve in the employ of the Company, upon the terms and conditions
provided in this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes that, as is the case with many corporations,
there exists the possibility of a change of control of the Company, and that
such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise, may
result in the distraction of key management personnel to the detriment of the
Company and its affiliates and shareholders, and the Board has determined that
appropriate steps should be taken as set forth in this Agreement to reinforce
and encourage the Executive's continued attention and dedication of his assigned
duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances
arising from the possibility of a change of control;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this
Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
All words and phrases defined shall have the meanings described below
unless in the context some other meaning is clearly intended.
1.1 "AFFILIATE" means, with respect to any entity, another entity that
controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the first entity.
1.2 "AGREEMENT" means this employment agreement entered into between the
Company and the Executive.
1.3 "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
1.4 "CASH INCENTIVE COMPENSATION" means that compensation described in
Section 6.2.
1.5 "CAUSE" Termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for
"Cause" shall mean termination upon (A) the willful and continued failure by the
Executive substantially to perform his duties with the Company (other than any
such failure resulting from
his incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a demand for
substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board which
specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the
Executive has not substantially performed his duties, and a reasonable period of
opportunity for such substantial performance is provided, or (B) the willful
engaging by the Executive in illegal misconduct materially and demonstrably
injurious to the Company. For purposes of this paragraph, no act, or failure to
act, on the Executive's part shall be considered "willful" unless done, or
omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable
belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Any
act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly
adopted by the Board 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 interest of the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause
unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a
resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters
of the entire membership of the Board, excluding the Executive, if applicable,
at a meeting of the Board called and held for that purpose (after reasonable
notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with his
counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion
of the Board the Executive was guilty of conduct set forth above in clauses (A)
or (B) in this paragraph and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
1.6 "COMPENSATION COMMITTEE" means the Compensation Committee of the
Board.
1.7 "CONFLICT OF INTEREST" means a condition where the loyalty of the
Executive is divided between that owed to the Company and another interest such
as an investment or other relationship that would reasonably promote the
Executive to take or refrain from taking an action that might not be in the best
interest of the Company.
1.8 "DISABILITY" means the Executive's incapacity resulting from injury or
illness, whether mental or physical, which prevents the Executive from
performing his normal duties under this Agreement. The presence or absence of
the condition is to be determined by an independent physician selected by mutual
agreement of the Company and the Executive.
1.9 "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date of this Agreement.
1.10 "EXECUTIVE" means Richard L. Edmonson.
1.11 "GOOD REASON" for the Executive to terminate his employment shall
mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following:
(a) an adverse change in the Executive's status or position(s) as
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the
Company including, without limitation, any adverse change in the
Executive's status or position as a result of a material diminution in
his duties or responsibilities, or a material change in the
Executive's business location or the assignment to the Executive of
any duties or responsibilities which are inconsistent with such status
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or position(s), or any removal of the Executive from or any failure to
reappoint or reelect the Executive to such position(s) (except in
connection with the termination of his employment for Cause,
Disability or Retirement or as a result of the Executive's death or by
the Executive other than for Good Reason); or
(b) a reduction by the Company in the Executive's Minimum Annual
Salary or in the number of vacation days to which the Executive is
entitled hereunder; or
(c) the taking of any action by the Company (including the
elimination of a plan without providing substitutes therefor or the
reduction of the Executive's awards thereunder) that would diminish or
the failure by the Company to take any action which would maintain the
aggregate projected value of the Executive's awards (other than any
change in such aggregate projected value occurring solely as a result
of a change in the fair market value of the underlying common stock of
the Company) under the Company's bonus or stock option or management
incentive unit plans in which the Executive participates; or
(d) the taking of any action by the Company that would diminish
or the failure by the Company to take any action which would maintain
the aggregate value of the benefits provided the Executive under the
Company's medical, health, dental, accident, disability, life
insurance, stock purchase or retirement plans in which the Executive
participates or as otherwise provided in this Agreement; or
(e) the taking of any action by the Company that would diminish
the level of insurance for officer's liability to a level of coverage
below $25 million per claim or the failure of the Company to take any
action that would maintain indemnification or insurance for officers'
liability; or
(f) a failure by the Company to obtain from any Successor (as
hereinafter defined) the assent to this Agreement contemplated by
Section 16.2 hereof; or
(g) any purported termination by the Company of Executive's
employment that is not effected pursuant to Section 1.5 above; or
(h) a failure by the Company to take such action as is clearly
required by state or federal statute, rule or regulation which failure
could reasonably subject Executive to individual civil or criminal
liability.
1.12 "LONG TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS" means those awards described in
Section 6.6
1.13 "MINIMUM ANNUAL SALARY" means that compensation described in
Section 6.1.
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1.14 "NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS" means any options to acquire stock of
the Company granted to the Executive which do not qualify as incentive stock
options under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any
successor statute.
1.15 "RESTRICTED STOCK BONUSES" means the grants of shares of performance
based restricted common stock of the Company pursuant to the Stock Incentive
Plan.
1.16 "RETIREMENT" means the termination of the Executive's employment with
the Company and all of its Affiliates as a result of his reaching a retirement
age (not less than 65 years of age) established by the Board for his retirement
in accordance with the Company's general policy for retirement of executives,
provided that for purposes of the change of control provisions referred to in
Section 10.7 below, the retirement age shall be as specified in the change of
control agreement.
1.17 "STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN" means Enserch Exploration, Inc. 1996 Revised
and Amended Stock Incentive Plan.
1.18 "STOCK OPTIONS" means the Non-Qualified Stock Options, if any, now or
hereafter granted to the Executive.
ARTICLE II
EMPLOYMENT
The Company hereby employs the Executive and the Executive hereby accepts
employment with the Company upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.
ARTICLE III
TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement becomes effective as of the Effective Date. On the
Effective Date and on each and every date thereafter the term of this Agreement
shall be for a period of two (2) years following such day unless either party
shall give written notice to the other of its intent to terminate this
Agreement, in which event the term of this Agreement shall end on the day after
the second anniversary of the date upon which such notice is given. Such
notice, when delivered by the Company, shall be treated as a "termination
without Cause by the Company" under Section 10.3 of this Agreement. Such
notice, when delivered by the Executive, shall be treated as a "termination
without Good Reason" under Section 10.1 of this Agreement, or a "termination
with Good Reason" under Section 10.2 of this Agreement, as applicable.
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ARTICLE IV
DUTIES
The Executive is hereby employed, and during the term of this Agreement
shall be employed, as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate
Secretary of the Company reporting to the Chairman, CEO and President. The
Executive agrees to perform all of the duties normally incident to that office
for as long as he shall hold that office and to perform all other duties and
responsibilities as may be prescribed by the Chairman, CEO and President or the
Board from time to time and which are commensurate with his executive capacity
as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the
Company.
ARTICLE V
EXTENT OF SERVICE
The Executive is employed on a full time basis. Therefore, during the
period of his employment, except for illness, reasonable vacation periods and
reasonable leaves of absence, the Executive shall devote all of his business
time, attention, skill and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties
under this Agreement. However, the Executive may devote a small but reasonable
amount of time to pursue and monitor personal investments and charitable,
professional, educational or community services and, with the approval of the
Board, from time to time, the Executive may serve or continue to serve on the
boards of directors of and hold any other offices or position in companies or
organizations that in the Board's reasonable judgment will not present any
Conflict of Interest with the Company or any of its Affiliates or materially
affect the performance of the Executive's duties under this Agreement. The
provisions of this Article V shall not prohibit Executive from providing
reasonable assistance with claims, litigation or the wrapping up of business for
the benefit of his former employer, such assistance not to interfere with the
performance of Executive's duties as set out herein.
ARTICLE VI
COMPENSATION
For services rendered by the Executive under this Agreement the Company
agrees to pay and provide to the Executive compensation and benefits
commensurate with his position and experience level within the oil and gas
industry, which compensation and benefits (i) initially shall be as set forth in
this Article VI and (ii) shall not at any time during the term of this Agreement
be less than as set forth in this Article VI.
6.1 MINIMUM ANNUAL SALARY. During each calendar year the Company shall
pay the Executive base compensation in equal semi-monthly installments based
upon the minimum annual salary for the Executive of $200,000, subject to annual
review by the Compensation Committee and which may be increased but not
decreased on the basis of such review. The term
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"Minimum Annual Salary" as used in this Agreement shall include all increases
granted by the Board.
6.2 CASH INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. For each calendar year during the term
of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to earn a bonus equal to a
percentage or within a range of percentages (as previously established by the
Compensation Committee) of the Executive's Minimum Annual Salary for such year
upon attaining such goals as are established annually by the Compensation
Committee. The goals shall be established by the Compensation Committee after
consultation with the Executive, shall be consistent with the Company's
standards, and shall be established to produce a reasonable expectation, in the
sole judgment of the Compensation Committee, that the Executive will receive a
bonus for such year equal to that certain percentage specified by the
Compensation Committee and applicable for such year of the Executive's Minimum
Annual Salary for such year (the "Target Percentage"). The Cash Incentive
Compensation earned by the Executive for any calendar year, to the extent not
deferred pursuant to Section 6.3, will be paid to the Executive within ninety
(90) days following the end of such calendar year. Any Cash Incentive
Compensation to be awarded to the Executive for any calendar year and the
Executive's entitlement thereto shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of
the Compensation Committee, whose decision in that regard shall be final and
binding on all parties.
6.3 DEFERRAL ARRANGEMENT. The Executive will be permitted to defer some
or all of the Cash Incentive Compensation and up to 50% of the Minimum Annual
Salary under the EEX Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (or comparable plan
of the Company), the terms of which have been provided to the Executive.
6.4 STOCK OPTIONS. On or promptly after the Effective Date, the Company
shall grant to the Executive an initial signing bonus award of Stock Options to
acquire 50,000 shares of the common stock of the Company with an exercise price
based on the average of the high and low prices on the date of grant and shall
be conditioned upon the execution by the Executive of a stock option agreement
substantially in the form as attached hereto as Exhibit A. Subject to annual
determinations at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, annual stock
options may be granted in amounts and consistent with Executive's position in
the Company and with other executives. No Stock Options shall be granted
subsequent to termination of employment. The Company shall use its best efforts
to cause a registration statement on Form S-8 (or comparable successor form)
covering all shares subject to Stock Options granted to the Executive to remain
effective until sixty (60) days after the later of exercise or termination of
all Stock Options granted to the Executive.
6.5 RESTRICTED STOCK BONUSES. On or promptly after the Effective Date,
the Company shall award to the Executive an initial Restricted Stock Bonus for
8,000 shares of performance-based restricted stock of the Company pursuant to
its Stock Incentive Plan and conditioned upon the execution by the Executive of
a Restricted Stock Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit B. Subject to annual determinations at the discretion of the
Compensation Committee, annual awards of performance-based restricted stock may
be granted in amounts and consistent with Executive's position in the Company
and with other
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executives. No Restricted Stock Bonuses shall be granted subsequent to
termination of employment. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause a
registration statement on Form S-8 (or comparable successor form) covering all
shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive as Restricted Stock Bonuses
to remain effective until sixty (60) days after the lapse of all restrictions on
the shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive as Restricted Stock
Bonuses.
6.6 LONG TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS. The Executive shall be entitled to
participate in any other long term incentive award program as is approved in the
future by the Compensation Committee.
6.7 OTHER COMPANY COMPENSATION PROGRAMS. The Executive shall be entitled
to participate at an appropriate level in all other compensation programs
adopted by the Company.
ARTICLE VII
FRINGE BENEFITS
The Company shall provide the Executive at no charge while the Executive is
employed with the Company pursuant to this Agreement, with the following fringe
benefits at a level commensurate with his position with the Company:
(a) annual physical examinations;
(b) reimbursement of dues and special assessments for membership in
one dining or country club;
(c) parking in a reserved area;
(d) four weeks paid vacation yearly; and
(e) a customary benefit and perquisite package for a senior executive
in his position, provided however, that such package will include
at least (i) medical and dental coverage, (ii) disability
insurance covering 60% of Minimum Annual Salary, (iii) $500,000
of life insurance, and (iv) participation in a nonqualified plan
providing benefits that the Executive would have received under
the Company's qualified retirement plans taking into account the
Executive's Minimum Annual Salary and Cash Incentive Compensation
(regardless of whether or not the Executive elects to defer any
such amounts under Section 6.3) but for the limitations on
compensation and benefits under Sections 415 and 401(a)(17) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 relating to qualified plans.
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ARTICLE VIII
WORKING FACILITIES
The Company shall furnish the Executive with a private office and a private
secretary and all other assistance and accommodations as are suitable to the
character of the Executive's position with the Company and adequate for the
performance of his duties under this Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
EXPENSES
The Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses for the promotion
of the business of the Company including expenses for entertainment, travel and
other similar items. The Company shall pay or reimburse the Executive for all
reasonable items of expense incurred by the Executive in performing his
obligations under this Agreement. The Executive must, however, in each case
provide the Company adequate substantiation of the expense that has been
incurred by the Executive.
ARTICLE X
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
The following provisions specify the amounts payable under this Agreement
in the event of a termination of the Executive's employment for the reasons set
forth. In each case the payments as stated constitute all payments and benefits
to which the Executive will be entitled under this Agreement. The benefits, if
any, to which the Executive is entitled under the terms of all restricted stock
agreements, stock option agreements, the Company's defined benefit pension plan,
and all other then vested benefits of the Executive shall be governed by the
respective plans and other documents creating such benefits. The provisions in
the event of a termination of the Executive's employment under this Agreement
are as follows:
10.1 TERMINATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON BY THE EXECUTIVE. Upon termination
by the Executive of his employment with the Company without Good Reason, the
Company shall pay the Executive, within 30 days of such termination, a cash sum
equal to that portion of his Minimum Annual Salary and any other accrued
entitlements which have been earned but unpaid prior to the date of the
Executive's termination.
10.2 TERMINATION WITH GOOD REASON BY THE EXECUTIVE. Upon termination by
the Executive of employment with the Company with Good Reason during the term of
this Agreement, the Company shall, in addition to the amounts payable under
Section 10.1, pay the Executive, within 30 days of such termination, a cash sum
equal to his then Minimum Annual Salary times the number of years (including
portions thereof) remaining in the term of this Agreement, plus earned but
unpaid Cash Incentive Compensation for the previous year, if any, plus the Cash
Incentive Compensation that would have accrued to the Executive (calculated at
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the Target Percentage of the Executive's then Minimum Annual Salary which is
applicable for the year in which such termination occurs, pursuant to Section
6.2) through the number of years (including portions thereof) remaining in the
term of this Agreement. Any Cash Incentive Compensation to be awarded to the
Executive for any calendar year pursuant to this Section 10.2 and the
Executive's entitlement thereto shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of
the Compensation Committee, whose decision in that regard shall be final and
binding on all parties.
10.3 TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE BY THE COMPANY. If there is a termination
without Cause of the Executive's employment by the Company, the Company shall
pay and provide to the Executive the same compensation and benefits described in
Section 10.2 for termination with Good Reason by the Executive.
10.4 TERMINATION FOR CAUSE BY THE COMPANY. If the Executive's employment
is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall pay the Executive,
within thirty (30) days of such termination, a cash sum equal to that portion of
his then Minimum Annual Salary and any other accrued entitlements which have
been earned but unpaid prior to the date of the Executive's termination.
10.5 TERMINATION FOR DISABILITY. If the Executive is terminated for
Disability, the Company shall pay the Executive in equal semi-monthly
installments his then Minimum Annual Salary for one year from the date on which
his employment is terminated due to Disability. In addition, the Executive
shall be entitled to receive pay for vested but unused vacation as of the date
on which his employment is terminated due to Disability.
10.6 TERMINATION FOR DEATH. If the Executive dies while in the employ of
the Company, the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive's estate the
same compensation and benefits described in Section 10.5 for termination for
Disability, assuming that his employment was terminated due to Disability on the
date of his death, except that his then Minimum Annual Salary shall be payable
for three months instead of one year.
10.7 CHANGE OF CONTROL. The Company and the Executive shall enter into
the change of control agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit C and the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits therein provided
upon a "Change in Control" as therein defined. In the event of a Change in
Control pursuant to which the Executive's employment is terminated under
circumstances entitling the Executive to benefits under Section 10.2 or 10.3 of
this Agreement and under Section 4 of the Change in Control Agreement, the
Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided herein and in the Change in
Control Agreement, provided that in the event the terms of this Agreement and
the Change in Control Agreement provide for the same type of benefit or payment
based on the same operative event or facts then the Executive shall be entitled
to the higher benefit or payment under the agreements but not duplicate benefits
or payments.
10.8 RETIREMENT. Upon Retirement, the Company shall pay the Executive his
Minimum Annual Salary which has been earned but is unpaid as of the date of
Retirement.
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ARTICLE XI
POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE
All payments and benefits due the Executive under this Agreement shall be
subject to the Executive's compliance with the following provisions:
11.1 ASSISTANCE IN LITIGATION, ETC. During the period of his employment
and for a reasonable period after the Executive's termination of employment not
to exceed the greater of the uncompleted balance of the term of this Agreement,
the Executive shall, in addition to his other duties hereunder and upon
reasonable notice, furnish all reasonably required information and proper
assistance including, without limitation, testimony, to the Company as may
reasonably be required by the Company in connection with any litigation or other
administrative or regulatory proceeding in which it or any of its subsidiaries
or Affiliates is, or may become, a party, or in connection with any filing or
similar procedure or obligation of the Company imposed by any law or any taxing,
administrative or regulatory authority (collectively, "Litigation Matters").
The Company shall be obligated to pay all of the reasonable expenses (including
reasonable attorney fees) incurred by the Executive in complying with these
provisions. The foregoing notwithstanding, however, the Company will not
require the Executive to provide more than forty (40) hours of uncompensated
time after termination of employment in assisting with Litigation Matters. If
more than forty (40) hours of such time of the Executive are needed to resolve
Litigation Matters, the Executive will be compensated on an hourly rate equal to
the quotient of the Executive's Minimum Annual Salary (determined immediately
prior to termination of employment) divided by 2,000.
11.2 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Executive shall not knowingly use for
his personal benefit or disclose or reveal to any unauthorized person any trade
secret or other confidential information relating to the Company or its
Affiliates or to any of the businesses operated by them, nor take with him, upon
leaving employment with the Company, any document or other record relating to
such information. The Executive confirms that such information constitutes the
exclusive property of the Company.
11.3 NO SOLICITATION OF COMPANY EMPLOYEES. The Executive shall not,
during the period of his employment and for a period of six months afterwards,
solicit, induce or actively encourage any persons then employed by the Company
or any of its Affiliates to leave the employment of such entity. Nothing in
this Section shall prohibit or in any way limit the Executive's right to employ
and/or discuss terms of employment with any persons who seek employment and/or
initiate discussions, if that action occurs subsequent to the Executive's
termination of employment and off the business premises of the Company.
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ARTICLE XII
RELIANCE ON GENERAL CREDIT OF COMPANY
All payments to the Executive under this Agreement shall be paid in cash
from the general funds of the Company, and no special or separate fund shall be
established and no other segregation of assets shall be made to assure payment.
The Executive shall have no right, title, or interest in any investments that
the Company may make to aid the Company in meeting its obligations for these
payments.
ARTICLE XIII
PAYMENT OF LEGAL FEES
The Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable legal fees and
expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the Executive's enforcing
any right or benefit provided by this Agreement. The reimbursement of such
legal fees and expenses shall be made within thirty (30) days after the
Executive's request for payment accompanied by satisfactory evidence of the fees
and expenses incurred.
ARTICLE XIV
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
14.1 AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement may not be modified or
amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties to this
Agreement.
14.2 WAIVER. No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to
have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any
provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged
with waiver or estoppel. No written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver
unless the continuing nature of the waiver is expressly stated therein. Each
waiver shall operate only as to that specific term or condition; it will not be
deemed a waiver of future conditions or as to any act other than that
specifically waived.
ARTICLE XV
ARBITRATION
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or
breach of it, shall be settled by arbitration in Houston, Texas or such other
jurisdiction as shall be mutually agreeable to the parties in accordance with
the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and
judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court
of competent jurisdiction.
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ARTICLE XVI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
16.1 FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company shall withhold from any
benefits payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city, or other taxes
as shall be required under any law or governmental regulation or ruling.
16.2 SUCCESSORS; ENFORCEABILITY.
(a) SUCCESSOR MUST ASSUME. The Company will require any successor
(whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
liquidation, dissolution or otherwise) to all or substantially
all of the aggregate business and/or assets of the Company
(including consolidated subsidiaries) to expressly assume and
agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the
same extent to which the Company would be required to perform if
no succession had taken place.
(b) AGREEMENT ENFORCEABLE AFTER THE EXECUTIVE'S DEATH. This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the
Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and
legatees.
16.3 NONASSIGNABILITY. Except as provided in this Section 16.3, neither
this Agreement nor any right or interest granted in it shall be assignable by
either the Company or the Executive, or their successors or representatives,
without the other party's prior written consent. This Section shall not
preclude the Executive from designating a beneficiary to receive any benefit
payable under this Agreement upon his death, nor shall it preclude the
executors, administrators, or other legal representatives of the Executive or
his estate from assigning any rights under this Agreement to the person or
persons entitled to them.
16.4 NO ATTACHMENT. Except as required by law, no right to receive
payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, computation,
alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, or hypothecation or
to execution, attachment, levy, or similar process or assignment by operation of
law. Any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be
null, void and of no effect.
16.5 DELIVERY OF NOTICES. Any notice required to be given under this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given and
received upon the earlier of (i) receipt by the party to whom the notice is sent
or (ii) delivery of the notice to the address for notice of the party to whom
the notice is sent as set forth on the signature page hereof or as changed
pursuant to the terms hereof. Any address may be changed from time to time by
serving notice to the other party as required in this Section.
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16.6 SEVERABILITY. If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement is
held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this
Agreement not also held invalid, and each other provision shall to the full
extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.
16.7 HEADINGS. The headings of Articles and Sections are included solely
for convenience of reference. The descriptive heading shall not control the
meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
16.8 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement has been executed and delivered in the
State of Texas, and its validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement
shall be governed by the laws of that State.
16.9 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together shall constitute a single Agreement.
ARTICLE XVII
ENTIRE AGREEMENT
As of the Effective Date, this Agreement shall constitute the entire
agreement of the parties with respect to the matters covered hereby, and shall
supersede all prior written and oral agreements pertaining to the subject matter
hereof.
The parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the date first
written in this Agreement.
EEX CORPORATION
"COMPANY"
By: /s/ T. M Hamilton
-----------------
T. M Hamilton, President
Address: 2500 City West Blvd.
Suite 1400
Houston, Texas 77042
EXECUTIVE
/s/ Richard L. Edmonson
-----------------------
Richard L. Edmonson
Address: 17606 Comoro Lane
Spring, Texas 77379
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EXHIBIT A
NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
Pursuant to the
EEX CORPORATION
1996 REVISED AND AMENDED STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into, in duplicate, as of July 3, 2000, by
and between EEX Corporation, a Texas corporation (hereinafter referred to as the
"Company") and Richard L. Edmonson, 17606 Comoro Lane, Spring, Texas 77379
(hereinafter referred to as the "Grantee").
WITNESSETH, That:
WHEREAS, the Company has duly adopted the Enserch Exploration, Inc. 1996
Revised and Amended Stock Incentive Plan, a copy of which Plan presently in
effect is on file with the Company and is hereinafter referred to as the "1996
Plan"; and
WHEREAS, the Company's Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
(the "Committee") referred to in the 1996 Plan, pursuant to authority vested in
it by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"), has approved the granting
to the Grantee of a non-qualified stock option (hereinafter referred to as an
"option") to purchase shares of stock of the Company, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions hereinafter set forth, and the Company desires by this
instrument to grant said option and to specify the terms and conditions thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby covenanted and agreed by and between the
Company and the Grantee as follows:
SECTION 1. The Company hereby grants to the Grantee an option to purchase
an aggregate of Fifty Thousand (50,000) shares of the presently authorized $1.00
par value common stock of the Company ("Shares"). Subject to all the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth, such option shall be irrevocable.
SECTION 2. The option price with respect to the Shares covered by this
Agreement shall be Five Dollars and Seventy-eight Cents ($5.78) per Share.
SECTION 3. Subject to all of the other terms and conditions hereinafter
set forth, the option may be exercised by the Grantee on or after the respective
dates hereinafter specified and on or before the tenth (10th) anniversary date
of this Agreement, namely:
(a) Options are exercisable in accordance with the following schedule,
and, except as otherwise provided herein, only to the extent that the
Grantee remains in the continuous employ of the Company/1/:
The option may be exercised in respect of one-third (1/3) of the
aggregate number of Shares specified in Section 1 hereof on and after
each anniversary date of this Agreement, so that the Grantee shall
become fully (100%) vested in the option on and after the third
anniversary date of this Agreement.
Anything contained in this section to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Grantee shall become fully (100%) vested in the option upon his
termination of employment with the Company for reasons of death,
Disability or Retirement (as each of such terms is defined in the
Grantee's employment agreement with the Company dated July 3, 2000
("Employment Agreement")), upon the sale of a Subsidiary (as such term
is defined in the 1996 Plan) to an unaffiliated company such that he
no longer remains in the employ of the Company; or if in the sole
discretion of the Committee, the Committee determines that
acceleration of the option vesting schedule would be desirable for the
Company; and as provided in Section 10 hereof.
(b) The Grantee may exercise the option in respect of Shares on and after
the appropriate anniversary date set forth in the above schedule (and
before a date or event of termination or cancellation) in whole at any
time, or in part from time to time. The Grantee shall give the
Company a written notice to exercise the option in whole or in a
specified part, and such notice shall be accompanied by a check or
money order payable to the order of the Company in full payment for
the Shares then being purchased, or by transfer to the Company of
Shares previously acquired by the Grantee and held for such period, if
any, as may be determined by the Committee (such transfer to be in
accordance with procedures to be adopted by the Committee) and having
a "Fair Market Value" on the date of exercise equal to the price for
which the Shares may be purchased or by a combination of cash and
Shares or by such financing arrangements as may be approved by the
Board and in a manner authorized by law, together with any federal,
state or local income taxes for which the Company has a withholding
obligation in connection with such exercise. Options shall be deemed
to be exercised on the date that the notice of exercise and the check
or money order and/or Shares (or other authorized payment), together
with payment of any withholding obligation, are received in the office
of the Corporate Secretary of the Company at 2500 City West Blvd.,
Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77042, or at such other location as may be
established in accordance with Section 12 hereof. The "Fair Market
Value" of
- --------------
/1/ Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, unless the
Option shall have earlier terminated, an option becomes 100% vested upon the
occurrence of a change in control ("Change in Control") as defined in the
1996 Plan.
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the Shares being used in payment of the option price is defined by the
1996 Plan to mean (i) the average of the high and low price per share
of the Shares as reported in the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Transactions Report (or any other consolidated transactions reporting
system which subsequently may replace such Composite Transactions
Report) (the "Consolidated Tape") for the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE") on the date as of which the determination is being made or, if
there are no sales on such date, in accordance with applicable
Treasury Regulations relating to the determination of fair market
value of stock options or (ii) in the event that the Shares are not
listed for trading on the NYSE, an amount determined in accordance
with standards adopted by the Committee.
SECTION 4.
(a) In no event may the option be exercised after the tenth (10th)
anniversary date of this Agreement (the "Expiration Date"); provided,
however, that the option may be sooner terminated in accordance with
the provisions of the 1996 Plan and of this Section 4 (the date of
this Agreement is also the date of Grant)./2/
(b) In the event of the Grantee's termination of employment with the
Company for Cause (as such term is defined in the Employment
Agreement) the option shall immediately terminate.
(c) In the event of the Grantee's voluntary termination of employment with
the Company without the written consent of the Company and for reasons
other than death, Disability or Retirement (as each of such terms is
defined in the Employment Agreement), the option shall, to the extent
not already vested, immediately terminate. To the extent that the
option is vested on or prior to the date of such termination of
employment, it may be exercised only for the 90-day period following
the date of termination.
(d) In the event of the Grantee's termination of employment by the Company
without Cause or by Grantee for Good Reason (as each of such terms is
defined in the Employment Agreement) and for reasons other than death,
Disability or Retirement (as each of such terms is defined in the
Employment Agreement), such option shall become vested pro rata based
upon the ratio of (i) the number of days elapsed between the date of
this Agreement and the date of termination to (ii) three years (1,095
days). The portion of the option which does not vest pursuant to the
preceding sentence shall immediately terminate. The vested portion of
the option may be exercised only for the 90-day period following the
date of such termination of employment.
- --------------
/2/ Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, an option held
at the time of a Change in Control shall not terminate before the tenth
(10th) anniversary date of this Agreement.
A-3
(e) In the event of the death of the Grantee while he is employed by the
Company or during a period described in Section 4(f) or 4(g) hereof,
the option shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable and
may be exercised during the period ending on the earlier of (i) the
first anniversary of the Grantee's death or (ii) the option's
Expiration Date by the persons or persons named as the Grantee's
beneficiary. For purposes of this Section 4(e), the Grantee may
designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries and may change this
designation in writing at any time. In the event there is no
designated beneficiary, the person or persons to whom the rights under
the option are transferred by will or the laws of descent and
distribution shall enjoy the rights of the Grantee's beneficiary
described above.
(f) In the event of the Grantee's termination of employment with the
Company on account of Disability (as such term is defined in the
Employment Agreement), the option shall become fully vested and
immediately exercisable and may be exercised during the period ending
on the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the Grantee's
termination of employment or (ii) the option's Expiration Date.
(g) In the event of the termination of employment of the Grantee, other
than a termination for Cause, after the age established by the Board
for his Retirement (as such term is defined in the Employment
Agreement), the option shall become fully vested and immediately
exercisable and may be exercised during the entire period ending on
the option's Expiration Date.
(h) The Grantee's transfer of employment between the Company and its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates (as such terms are defined in the 1996
Plan) shall not constitute a termination of employment, and the
Committee shall determine in each case whether an authorized leave of
absence for military service or otherwise shall constitute a
termination of employment.
(i) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, nothing in
this Section 4 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed or
construed as extending the ten (10) year period described in Section
4(a) above.
SECTION 5. At the time of exercise of the option, notice having been given
as aforesaid, Shares shall be delivered by the Company in exchange for full
payment of the option price with respect to the Shares delivered, subject to the
provisions of Section 6 hereof.
SECTION 6. The option shall not be exercisable in whole or in part, and no
certificates representing Shares subject to the option shall be delivered,
(a) if any requisite approval or consent of any governmental authority
having jurisdiction over the exercise of options shall not have been
secured or if the issuance of Shares subject to the option would
violate any federal, state or local law, regulation or order that may
be applicable; or
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(b) at any time that the Shares of the Company are listed on a stock
exchange if the Shares subject to the option shall not have been
effectively listed on such exchange, unless the Company is advised by
its counsel that such listing is not required.
The Company shall use its best efforts to obtain any such approval or consent
and to effect compliance with any such applicable law, regulation, order, or
listing requirement, and the Grantee or any other person entitled to exercise
the option shall take any action reasonably requested by the Company in such
connection.
SECTION 7. Each option is personal to the Grantee and, unless otherwise
determined by the Committee, is not transferable by the Grantee otherwise than
by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Each option is exercisable,
during the Grantee's lifetime, only by the Grantee; provided, however, that
should the Grantee die or become incapacitated, the option may be exercised by
his estate, legal representative or beneficiary subject to all other terms and
conditions contained in the 1996 Plan and herein.
SECTION 8. The Grantee shall be entitled to the privileges of stock
ownership only as to such Shares as are issued or delivered to the Grantee
hereunder.
SECTION 9. In the event of a subdivision or consolidation of the issued
Shares, the number of Shares subject to this option, the option price and other
relevant provisions of this Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted as
provided in Article V(b) of the 1996 Plan. Similar adjustments may be made, in
the absolute discretion of the Board, for any other capital adjustment, the
payment of a stock dividend or the distribution to holders of the Shares of
rights, warrants, assets or evidences of indebtedness.
SECTION 10. In the event that the Company shall, pursuant to action by its
Board, at any time after the date of this Agreement propose to merge into,
consolidate with, or sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its
assets to another corporation and provision is not made pursuant to the terms of
such transaction for the assumption by the surviving, resulting or acquiring
corporation of outstanding options under the 1996 Plan, or for the substitution
of new options with substantially equivalent benefits therefor, each outstanding
option shall become fully (100%) vested and immediately exercisable. The
Committee shall advise the Grantee, in writing, of the manner and terms under
which such fully vested option shall be exercised.
SECTION 11. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed by implication or
otherwise to impose any limitation on any right of the Company or any Subsidiary
or Affiliate (as such terms are defined in the 1996 Plan) or on the Grantee to
terminate the Grantee's employment at any time.
SECTION 12. Any notice to be given hereunder by the Grantee shall be sent
by mail addressed to the Company for the attention of the Corporate Secretary at
2500 City West Blvd., Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77042, and any notice by the
Company to the Grantee shall be sent
A-5
by mail addressed to the Grantee at the address shown on page 1 hereof. Either
party may, by notice given to the other in accordance with the provisions of
this section, change the address to which subsequent notices shall be sent.
SECTION 13. So long as this Agreement shall remain in effect, the Company
will furnish to the Grantee, as and when available, a copy of each Prospectus
issued with respect to the Shares covered hereby, and also copies of all
material hereinafter distributed by the Company to its stockholders.
SECTION 14. This Agreement is effective pursuant to the adoption of the
1996 Plan by the Board of Directors of the Company and the approval of the 1996
Plan by the Company shareholders.
SECTION 15. This option is granted pursuant to the Company's 1996 Plan (a
copy of which is delivered to the Grantee concurrently with such grant). The
grant is subject to all the terms and provisions of the 1996 Plan, which are
incorporated into this Agreement by reference. In the event of a conflict
between the terms of this option and the terms of the 1996 Plan, the latter
shall prevail.
SECTION 16. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Texas. It may not be modified orally.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, EEX Corporation has caused this Agreement to be
executed in its corporate name and the Grantee has executed the same in evidence
of the Grantee's acceptance hereof upon the terms and conditions herein set
forth, the day and year first above written.
ATTEST EEX Corporation
"Company"
/s/ Ashley E. Quinn /s/ T. M Hamilton
- ------------------- -----------------
Corporate Secretary T. M Hamilton
Title Chairman and President,
Chief Executive Officer
GRANTEE
/s/ Richard L. Edmonson
-----------------------
Richard L. Edmonson
A-6
EXHIBIT B
EEX CORPORATION
1996 REVISED AND AMENDED STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT
(For Executives)
Upon your execution of this Agreement ("Agreement"), with EEX Corporation
(the "Company") the Compensation Committee ("Compensation Committee") of the
Board of Directors (the "Board") of the Company has awarded to you 8,000 shares
of the Company's Common Stock (the "Award), effective July 3, 2000 (the "Award
Date"), pursuant to the 1996 Revised and Amended Stock Incentive Plan of Enserch
Exploration, Inc. (the "Plan").
The shares which are the subject of this Award shall be fully paid and non-
assessable, and shall be represented by a certificate registered in your name,
stamped with an appropriate legend referring to the restrictions contained in
this Agreement. The Company shall retain such certificate until the expiration
of the restrictions with respect to the Award or any portion thereof. You shall
have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to such shares, including the
right to vote the shares and to receive all dividends or other distributions
paid or made with respect to the shares; provided that the shares themselves,
and any new or additional or different shares of stock of the Company which you
may become entitled to receive with respect to such shares by virtue of a
subdivision or combination of shares of Common Stock, a dividend payable in
Common Stock, a reclassification of Common Stock, or any other changes in
capital structure or shares of Common Stock, shall be subject to the
restrictions hereinafter, and in the Plan, set forth.
You agree to deliver to the Company a stock power endorsed in blank,
relating to the shares covered by the Award.
You agree that all of the shares received by you pursuant to the Plan and
this Agreement shall be subject to all of the restrictions, terms and conditions
specified in this Agreement and that all of such restrictions, terms and
conditions of the Plan are incorporated, by reference, into this Agreement. To
the extent there may be any conflict between any term or provision of the Plan
and any term or provision of this Agreement, the term or provision of the Plan
shall control.
One-third (1/3) of the total number of shares awarded hereunder shall
become vested on each anniversary of the Award Date so that all of the shares
which are the subject of this Award shall be fully vested on the third
anniversary of the Award Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if your employment with the Company
terminates prior to the date on which all of the shares awarded hereunder
become fully vested, and such
termination is a result of termination by the Company without Cause, by you
for "Good Reason" (as each of such terms is defined in your employment
agreement with the Company dated July 3, 2000), your death, Disability, or
Retirement (as each of such terms is defined in your Employment Agreement)
or, with the Board's approval, early retirement, all of the nonvested
shares shall become vested upon such termination of employment, the
restrictions on transferability shall be automatically lifted and the
certificate for the restricted shares shall be delivered as soon as
practicable. If your employment with the Company terminates prior to the
date on which all of the shares awarded hereunder become fully vested, and
such termination is for any reason other than those described above, all
shares which are not then vested in accordance with the terms hereof shall
be immediately forfeited.
Merger, Consolidation or Change-in-Control: As provided in the Plan, in
the event of a merger, consolidation or Change-in-Control (as such term is
defined in the Plan) of the Company, all nonvested shares shall become
vested upon the effective date of such merger, consolidation or Change-in-
Control, the restrictions on transferability shall be automatically lifted
and the certificate for the restricted shares shall be delivered as soon as
practicable thereafter.
Determination by Compensation Committee: All determinations of entitlement
to delivery of restricted shares shall be made by the Compensation
Committee.
You agree that any shares received by you pursuant to the Plan shall not be
sold, exchanged, assigned, transferred, discounted, pledged or otherwise
disposed of prior to the date such shares are vested in accordance with the
foregoing provisions.
You agree that you will immediately notify the Company of any election you
make under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any
issuance of restricted stock under this Plan.
You agree that the Company shall have the right to withhold from any
transfer or payment under this Plan, or from any other payment then due you from
the Company, all Federal, State, City or other taxes as shall be required
pursuant to any statute or governmental regulation or ruling, and that you shall
complete any documentation necessary to effect such withholding. You agree that
the Company may condition delivery of vested, non-restricted stock certificates
upon receipt of payment of, or the Company in its discretion may retain
sufficient shares to pay, any applicable employment or withholding taxes.
You agree that the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding
upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, yourself and your executors or
administrators, heirs, and personal and legal representatives. If you so
choose, you may designate a beneficiary for any portion of your Award as to
which restrictions might terminate due to your death. This Agreement shall be
construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
B-2
You agree that this Agreement together with the Plan sets forth all of the
promises, agreements, conditions, understandings, warranties, and
representations between the parties with respect to the Award and that there are
no promises, agreements, conditions, understandings, warranties, or
representations, oral or written, express or implied, between the parties with
respect to the Award, other than as set forth in such Plan and this Agreement.
You agree that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment,
or any guarantee thereof, and that the Company's rights regarding continued
employment of any employee remain unaffected by the grant of this Award, by the
Plan or by the execution of this Agreement.
You represent that you will abide by all applicable federal securities laws
in connection with any shares of the Company's Common Stock you may receive
under the Plan.
You agree that in the event of invalidity of any part or provision of the
Plan or this Agreement, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of any
other part or provision of the Plan or this Agreement.
EEX CORPORATION
"Company"
By: /s/ T. M Hamilton Dated as of: July 3, 2000
----------------------------
T. M Hamilton
Title: President and Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer
ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
By: /s/ Richard L. Edmonson Date: July 3, 2000
----------------------------
Richard L. Edmonson
B-3
EXHIBIT C
July 3, 2000
Ms. Richard L. Edmonson
17606 Comoro Lane
Spring, Texas 77379
Dear Mr. Edmonson:
EEX Corporation (the "Company) considers the establishment and maintenance
of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the
best interest of the Company and its shareholders. In this connection, the
Company recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations,
the possibility of a change in control may exist and that such possibility, and
the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among management, may result in
the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the
Company and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Company's Board of Directors
(the "Board") has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce
and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the
Company's, its division's and subsidiaries' management, including yourself, to
their assigned duties without distraction in the face of the potentially
disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control of
the Company.
In order to induce you to remain in the employ of the Company, this
Agreement sets forth certain benefits which the Company agrees will be provided
to you in the event there is a termination of your employment with the Company
that is associated with (as described in Section 3 hereof) a change in control
of the Company (as defined in Section 2 hereof) under the circumstances
described below.
1. TERM. This Agreement shall have an initial term expiring on the earlier
of (a) the third anniversary of the date hereof, assuming there has been no
change in control of the Company during the term hereof and prior to such date,
or (b) your Normal Retirement Date as defined herein; provided, however, that
upon each anniversary date of this Agreement the term of this Agreement under
clause (a) (as the same may be extended by this proviso) shall be automatically
extended annually for an additional period of one (1) year on a continuing basis
unless either party shall give written notice of intention not to so extend at
least six (6) months prior to such anniversary date. No notice by the Company of
its intention not to extend shall be effective if, within one year prior to the
original expiration date, or if this Agreement is in a renewal period, within
one year prior to the termination date proposed by the Company, the Company has
received notice, official or unofficial, or otherwise has reason to believe that
a Person (as defined herein) has taken or is considering steps that would when
completed bring
about a change in control of the Company. This Agreement shall in any case
continue in effect for three (3) years following a change in control of the
Company.
2. CHANGE IN CONTROL. For purposes of this Agreement a "change in control
of the Company" or a "change in control" shall mean a change in control of a
nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item l(a) of the
Current Report on Form 8-K, as in effect on the date hereof, pursuant to Section
13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act")
or would have been required to be so reported but for the fact that such event
had been "previously reported" as that term is defined in Rule 12b-2 of
Regulation 12B of the Exchange Act; provided that, without limitation such a
change in control shall be deemed to have occurred if (a) any Person is or
becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act),
directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20% or more of
the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities
ordinarily (apart from rights accruing under special circumstances) having the
right to vote at elections of directors ("Voting Securities"), or (b)
individuals who constitute the Board on the date hereof (the "Incumbent Board")
cease for any reason to constitute at least two-thirds thereof, provided that
any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or
nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of
at least three-quarters of the directors comprising the Incumbent Board (either
by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which
such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such
nomination) shall be, for purposes of this clause (b), considered as though such
person were a member of the Incumbent Board, or (c) a recapitalization of the
Company occurs which results in either a decrease by 33% or more in the
aggregate percentage ownership of Voting Securities held by Independent
Shareholders (on a primary basis or on a fully diluted basis after giving effect
to the exercise of stock options and warrants) or an increase in the aggregate
percentage ownership of Voting Securities held by non-Independent Shareholders
(on a primary basis or on a fully diluted basis after giving effect to the
exercise of stock options and warrants) to greater than 50%, or (d) the
shareholders of the Company have approved an agreement to merge or consolidate
with or into another Person or an agreement to sell or otherwise dispose of all
or substantially all of the Company's assets (including a plan of liquidation)
to a Person. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Person" shall mean and
include any individual, corporation, partnership, group, association or other
"person," as such term is used in Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act, other than
the Company, a subsidiary of the Company or any employee benefit plan(s)
sponsored or maintained by the Company or any subsidiary thereof, and the term
"Independent Shareholder" shall mean any shareholder of the Company except any
employee(s) or director(s) of the Company or any employee benefit plan(s)
sponsored or maintained by the Company or any subsidiary thereof. The term
"Company" shall include successors to the Company including, without limitation,
the surviving company of the merger between the Company and Lone Star Energy
Plant Operations, Inc. as contemplated by the Distribution Agreement (as
hereinafter defined).
3. TERMINATION ASSOCIATED WITH A CHANGE IN CONTROL. If and only if any of
the events described in Section 2 hereof constituting a change in control of the
Company shall occur, you shall be entitled to the benefits provided in Section 4
hereof upon the termination of your employment as provided in this Section 3
within six (6) months prior to such
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change in control, or within six (6) months prior to and after the date that the
Board of Directors of the Company authorizes a merger, consolidation or other
transaction or event that if consummated would constitute a change in control
and such action is consummated (collectively herein referenced to as
"termination preceding a change in control"), or within three (3) years after
such change in control, unless such termination is (a) because of your death, or
Retirement on or after your Normal Retirement Date (that is, early retirement
initiated by the Company shall be treated as a dismissal and not a voluntary
early retirement), (b) by the Company for Cause or Disability or (c) by you
other than for Good Reason (including voluntary early retirement when there is
no concurrent Good Reason). (In the case of termination preceding a change in
control, references in the definition of "Good Reason" to conditions in effect
immediately prior to a change in control shall be deemed to mean conditions in
effect immediately prior to your termination.) References to actions by and
employment with the Company shall include actions by and employment with the
divisions and subsidiaries of the Company where the context so requires.
(i) Disability; Retirement.
(A) If, as a result of your incapacity due to physical or mental
illness, you shall have been unable for more than six (6) months to
perform your duties with the Company on a full time basis, and within
thirty (30) days after written notice of termination is given you
shall not have returned to the full time performance of your duties,
the Company may terminate your employment for "Disability."
(B) Termination of your employment based on "Retirement" shall
mean retirement in accordance with the terms of the Retirement and
Death Benefit Plan of 1969 of ENSERCH Corporation and Participating
Subsidiary Companies as in effect on January 1, 1996, or any successor
plan thereto or replacement retirement plan of the Company (the
"Retirement Plan"), including early retirement, or in accordance with
any retirement arrangement established with your consent with respect
to you. "Normal Retirement Date" as used herein shall have the
meaning provided in the Retirement Plan or any successor or substitute
plan or plans of the Company put into effect prior to a change in
control of the Company.
(ii) Cause. Termination of your employment by the Company for "Cause"
shall mean termination upon (A) the willful and continued failure by you
substantially to perform your duties with the Company (other than any such
failure resulting from your incapacity due to physical or mental illness),
after a demand for substantial performance is delivered to you by the
Chairman, CEO and President of the Company which specifically identifies
the manner in which such executive believes that you have not substantially
performed your duties, and a reasonable period of opportunity for such
substantial performance is provided, or (B) the willful engaging by you in
illegal misconduct materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.
For purposes of this paragraph, no act, or failure to act, on your part
shall be considered "willful" unless done,
C-3
or omitted to be done, by you not in good faith and without reasonable
belief that your action or omission was in the best interest of the
Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to
a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the advice of counsel
for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be
done, by you in good faith and in the best interest of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, you shall not be deemed to have been
terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to
you 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 that purpose (after reasonable notice to you
and an opportunity for you, together with your counsel, to be heard before
the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board you were
guilty of conduct set forth above in clauses (A) or (B) in this paragraph
and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
(iii) Good Reason. "Good Reason" for you to terminate your employment
shall mean any of the following occurrences:
(A) an adverse change in your status or position(s) as an
executive of the Company as in effect immediately prior to the change
in control or six months prior to such change, including, without
limitation, any adverse change in your status or position as a result
of a material diminution in your duties or responsibilities, or a
material change in your business location or the assignment to you of
any duties or responsibilities which are inconsistent with such status
or position(s), or a substantial increase in your business travel, or
any removal of you from or any failure to reappoint or reelect you to
such position(s) (except in connection with the termination of your
employment for Cause, Disability or Retirement or as a result of your
death or by you other than for Good Reason); or
(B) a reduction by the Company in your base salary as in effect
immediately prior to the change in control or in the number of
vacation days to which you are then entitled under any written
employment agreement between the Company and you or under the
Company's normal vacation policy (whichever is greater) as in effect
immediately prior to the change in control; or
(C) the taking of any action by the Company (including the
elimination of a plan without providing substitutes therefor or the
reduction of your awards thereunder) that would diminish or the
failure by the Company to take any action which would maintain the
aggregate projected value of your awards under the Company's bonus,
stock option or management incentive unit plans in which you were
participating at the time of a change in control of the Company; or
(D) the taking of any action by the Company that would diminish
or the failure by the Company to take any action which would maintain
the aggregate value of the benefits provided you under the Company's
medical, health, dental, accident, disability, life insurance, stock
purchase or retirement
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plans in which you were participating at the time of a change in
control of the Company; or
(E) the taking of any action by the Company that would diminish
the level of insurance for officer's liability to a level of coverage
below $25 million per claim, or the failure of the Company to take any
action that would maintain indemnification or insurance for officers'
liability; or
(F) a failure by the Company to obtain from any Successor (as
hereinafter defined) the assent to this Agreement contemplated by
Section 6 hereof; or
(G) any purported termination by the Company of your employment
that is not effected pursuant to a Notice of Termination satisfying
the requirements of paragraph (iv) below (and, if applicable,
paragraph (ii) above); for purposes of this Agreement, no such
purported termination shall be effective; or
(H) a failure by the Company to take such action as is clearly
required by state or federal statute, rule or regulation which failure
could reasonably subject Executive to individual civil or criminal
liability.
(iv) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company pursuant
to paragraphs (i) or (ii) above or by you pursuant to paragraph (iii) above
shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination to the other party
hereto. In the event of termination preceding a change in control, written
Notice of Termination to the other party hereto shall be communicated
within thirty (30) days following a change in control in order to reflect
termination by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (i) or (ii) above or by
you pursuant to paragraph (iii) above. For purposes of this Agreement, a
"Notice of Termination" shall mean a notice specifying the termination
provision in this Agreement relied upon and setting forth in reasonable
detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for
termination of your employment under the provision so specified.
(v) Date of Termination. "Date of Termination" shall mean (A) if your
employment is terminated for Disability, thirty (30) days after Notice of
Termination is given (provided that you shall not have returned to the
performance of your duties on a full-time basis during such thirty (30) day
period), (B) if you terminate your employment pursuant to paragraph (iii)
above, the date specified in the Notice of Termination, (C) in the case of
a termination preceding a change in control, the date of discharge if
termination is by the Company or the date notice of intention to leave is
given by the executive in the case of termination for Good Reason, and (D)
if your employment is terminated for any other reason except death or
Retirement, the date on which Notice of Termination is given.
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4. COMPENSATION UPON CHANGE IN CONTROL, TERMINATION OR DURING DISABILITY.
(i) Compensation During Disability. During any period that you fail
to perform your duties hereunder as a result of incapacity due to physical
or mental illness, you shall continue to receive your full base salary at
the rate then in effect, and any time of service for vesting purposes under
any plan shall continue to accrue during such period of incapacity until
and if your employment is terminated pursuant to Section 3(i) hereof (and
for any longer period as may be provided under applicable plans).
(ii) Compensation Upon Termination for Cause. If your employment is
terminated for Cause, the Company shall pay you your full base salary and
accrued vacation pay through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect
at the time Notice of Termination is given plus any benefits or awards
(including both the cash and stock components) which pursuant to the terms
of any plans have been earned or become payable, but which have not yet
been paid to you, and shall have no further obligations to you under this
Agreement.
(iii) Compensation Upon Termination Other than For Disability or Cause
or Good Reason. Subject to Section 8 hereof, if the Company terminates your
employment other than for Disability or Cause pursuant to Section 3(i) or
(ii) hereof or if you terminate your employment for Good Reason (which
termination may be effected by Retirement prior to your Normal Retirement
Date), then the Company shall pay to you (without regard to the provisions
of any benefit plan) in a lump sum on or before the tenth business day
following the Date of Termination ("Payment Date") an amount equal to the
sum of the following paragraphs (A) through (D), reduced by any of such
amounts already paid and the value of any severance amounts agreed to
between you and the Company and paid at the time of severance from the
Company in the case of a termination preceding a change in control:
(A) Your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the
rate in effect just prior to the time Notice of Termination is given,
plus any earned vacation time, plus any benefits or awards (including
both the cash and stock components) which pursuant to the terms of any
plans have been earned or become payable, but which have not yet been
paid to you; plus
(B) An amount equal to the greater of your largest target bonus
during either of the two years preceding the year in which the change
in control occurs or your target bonus for the year in which the Date
of Termination occurs, prorated for the current year; plus
(C) An amount equal to three times your "Annual Compensation", as
defined below, provided however, that such amount shall in no event
exceed the Annual Compensation you would have otherwise received had
your employment continued at such rate until your Normal Retirement
Date ("Annual
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Compensation" shall mean the greater of your annual base salary on the
Date of Termination or your highest annual base salary in effect
during either of the two years immediately prior to the change in
control plus an amount equal to the greater of your target bonus for
the year in which the Date of Termination occurs or your highest
target bonus during either of the two years immediately prior to the
change in control); and plus
(D) If you choose to receive cash for some or all unexercised
Company stock options in lieu of exercising such options, which choice
shall be communicated by you in writing to the Company, an amount
equal to the market value of the Company's common stock on the Date of
Termination or on any other date within 180 days preceding the Date of
Termination, on whichever date the value is highest, multiplied by the
number of options granted to you prior to the Date of Termination (you
should seek legal advice before choosing to receive cash for options
held less than six (6) months) under any stock option plan of the
Company or other arrangement pursuant to which options to purchase
common stock of the Company have been issued and which have not been
exercised through the Payment Date, less the aggregate value of the
option price of such options.
(iv) Discharge of Company's Obligation Payment in Lieu of Severance.
The payment to you of appropriate amounts under paragraph (D) shall be
considered for all purposes a discharge of all obligations pursuant to such
plan except as to options not cashed out. Payments hereunder shall be in
lieu of and no additional benefits shall be payable pursuant to the
Company's Severance Pay Plan.
(v) Base Salary; Severance Pay. For purposes of this Agreement, the
term "base salary" shall include any amounts deducted pursuant to Sections
125 and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and any amounts deducted under the ENSERCH Corporation Deferred
Compensation Plan. Amounts paid pursuant to this paragraph shall be deemed
severance pay and in lieu of any further salary for periods subsequent to
the Date of Termination.
(vi) Gross-Up Provision. In the event that you become entitled to the
payments provided by Sections 4(iii) hereof (the "Agreement Payments"), if
any of the Agreement Payments will be subject to the tax (the "Excise Tax")
imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax that may hereafter
be imposed), the Company shall pay to you at the time specified in
Subsection (vii) below an additional amount (the "Gross-up Payment") such
that the net amount retained by you, after deduction of any Excise Tax on
the Total Payments (as hereinafter defined) and any federal, state and
local income tax and Excise Tax upon the Gross-up Payment provided for by
this subsection (vi), but before deduction for any federal, state or local
income tax on the Agreement Payments, shall be equal to the "Total
Payments," as defined below.
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For purposes of determining whether any of the Agreement Payments will
be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, (a) any
other payments or benefits received or to be received by you in connection
with a change in control of the Company or your termination of employment
(whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan,
arrangement or agreement with the Company, any person whose actions result
in a change of control of the Company or any person affiliated with the
Company or such person) (which, together with the Agreement Payments, shall
constitute the "Total Payments") 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)(l) of the Code
shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless in the opinion of tax
counsel selected by the Company's independent auditors 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 within the meaning of
Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code or are otherwise not subject to the Excise
Tax, (b) the amount of the Total Payments which shall be treated as subject
to the Excise Tax shall be equal to the lesser of (1) the total amount of
the Total Payments or (2) the amount of excess parachute payments within
the meaning of Section 280G(b)(l) of the Code (after applying clause (a),
above), and (c) 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 280(G)(d)(3) and (4) of the
Code.
For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-up Payment, you
shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of
federal income taxation for the calendar year in which the Gross-up Payment
is to be made and the applicable state and local income taxes at the
highest marginal rate of taxation for the calendar year in which the Gross-
up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income
taxes which could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.
In the event that the Excise Tax is subsequently determined to be less than
the amount taken into account hereunder at the time the Gross-up Payment is
made, you 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 the portion of the Gross-up
Payment attributable to the Excise Tax and federal and state and local
income tax imposed on the portion of the Gross-up Payment being repaid by
you if such repayment results in a reduction in Excise Tax and/or a federal
and state and local income tax deduction), plus interest on the amount of
such repayment at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code.
In the event that the Excise Tax is determined to exceed the amount taken
into account hereunder at the time the Gross-up Payment is made (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 make an
additional gross-up payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest
payable with respect to such excess) at the time that the amount of such
excess is finally determined.
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(vii) Time of Gross-Up Payment; Estimated Payments; Loan Provision.
The Gross-up Payment or portion thereof provided for in Subsection (vi)
above shall be paid not later than the thirtieth day following payment of
any amounts under Sections 4(iii); provided, however, that if the amount of
such Gross-up Payment or portion thereof cannot be finally determined on or
before such day, the Company shall pay to you 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) as soon
as the amount thereof can be determined, but in no event later than the
forty-fifth day after payment of any amounts under Section 4(iii). 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 you, payable on the fifth day after demand by the
Company (together with interest at the rate provided in Section
1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code).
(viii) Continuation of Certain Benefits. If the Company terminates
your employment other than for Disability or Cause pursuant to Section 3(i)
or 3(ii) hereof or if you terminate your employment for Good Reason (either
of which termination may be effected by Retirement prior to your Normal
Retirement Date), the Company shall assign to you any club membership held
for your benefit and the Company shall maintain in full force and effect
for your continued benefit for a period terminating on the earliest of (A)
three years after the Date of Termination or (B) your Normal Retirement
Date, all life, health, accident and disability insurance plans and
programs in which you were a participant immediately prior to the Date of
Termination, provided that your continued participation is possible under
the terms and provisions of such plans and programs. In the event that your
participation in any such plan or program is barred, the Company shall
provide you with benefits substantially similar to those to which you would
be entitled as a participant in such plans and programs. Any required
statutory period of COBRA health benefit continuation that terminated
employees may elect shall not begin until the end of the period of coverage
provided hereby. The benefits provided under this Section, other than
assignment of any club membership, shall be reduced to the extent of
benefits received by you from another employer. At the end of the period of
coverage, you shall have the option to have assigned to you, at no cost and
with no apportionment of prepaid premiums, any assignable insurance policy
owned by the Company and relating specifically to you.
(ix) Lump Sum Payment for Additional Two Years of Service. If the
Retirement Income Restoration Plan of ENSERCH Corporation or the Company's
successor plan thereto ("RIRP") does not have provisions comparable to this
subparagraph (ix) when your employment with the Company is terminated
within the first three years after a change in control, by the Company
without Cause or by you for Good Reason, you shall receive from the
Company, at the time you first receive any payment under or with respect to
the Retirement Plan, an amount (calculated and paid in the form of a lump
sum) equal to the difference between (i) the "Lump Sum", as defined below,
value of any payment you receive at such time (or any monthly annuities
that you
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then become entitled to receive) from (a) the Retirement Plan and (b) from
the Company with respect to the portion, if any, of your Retirement Plan
pension which exceed the limitations on pension amounts to which the
Retirement Plan is subject and (ii) the Lump Sum value of payments that
would have been payable if it or they had been calculated as if you had
been deemed to have had two (2) additional "Years of Service", as defined
below. "Years of Service" shall be as defined in the Retirement Plan and
shall be applied as if you were a participant thereunder at the time of
your termination of employment, and "Lump Sum" shall mean an amount
calculated in accordance with the interest rate and other actuarial
assumptions set forth or used in connection with lump sum calculations
under the Retirement Plan. This subparagraph (ix) shall not be applicable
if the RIRP provides you with a comparable benefit.
(x) Lump Sum Payment if Not Vested under Retirement Plan. If you are
not vested under the Retirement Plan when your employment with the Company
is terminated within the first three years after a change in control by the
Company without Cause or by you for Good Reason, you shall receive from the
Company at the time payments are made pursuant to paragraph (iii) above, an
amount (calculated and paid in a lump sum) equal to the Lump Sum value of
any payment you would have been entitled to receive at your Normal
Retirement Date (or any annuities that you would have been entitled to
receive) from the Retirement Plan and the RIRP calculated (a) as if you
were 100% vested under such plans and (b) using actual years of service
increased by two (2) additional Years of Service.
(xi) Mitigation. You shall not be required to mitigate the amount of
any payment provided for in this Section 4 by seeking other employment or
otherwise, nor (except as provided in Section 4(viii)) shall the amount of
any payment or benefit provided for in this Section 4 be reduced by any
compensation earned or benefit received by you pursuant to Section 11.1 of
your Employment Agreement with the Company dated as of the date of this
Agreement or as the result of employment by another employer after the Date
of Termination, or otherwise.
(xii) Deferred Payment Election. Upon entering into this Agreement
and for a period of 14 days following each anniversary of the date hereof
(the "Election Period"), you may, in writing, direct the Company that any
amounts which should become payable to you pursuant to Section 4(iii)
hereof shall be paid to you in three (3) equal annual installments, with
the first such installment payable within five (5) business days of the
Date of Termination and each successive installment paid on the anniversary
of the Date of Termination or the next following business day if such date
is not a business day (the "Deferred Payment Election"). A Deferred Payment
Election, once made, cannot be revoked except during an Election Period;
provided, however, that no Deferred Payment Election can be made or revoked
by you during an Election Period that occurs after a change in control of
the Company or at a time when, in the judgment of the Company, a change in
control may occur within sixty (60) days of such Election Period.
Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, a Deferred
Payment Election
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shall be automatically revoked should you terminate your employment under
the circumstances described in Section 6 below.
5. EMPLOYEE'S COMMITMENT: RIGHT TO TERMINATE.
(i) Employee's Right to Terminate. Except as otherwise provided in
paragraph (ii) below, the Company or you may terminate your employment at
any time, subject to the Company's providing the benefits specified herein
in accordance with the terms hereof.
(ii) Employee's Commitment In Event of Tender or Exchange Offer. In
the event a tender offer or exchange offer is made by a Person for more
than 20% of the combined voting power of the Company's Voting Securities,
including shares of Common Stock of the Company, you agree that you will
not leave the employ of the Company (other than as a result of Disability
or upon Normal Retirement) and will render the services contemplated in
this Agreement until such tender offer or exchange offer has been abandoned
or terminated or a change in control of the Company has occurred.
(iii) Employee's Duty. During the life of this Agreement, you will
faithfully perform your duties to the best of your ability and in
accordance with the directions of the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
President and the Board of Directors, provided that after a change in
control of the Company such directions do not constitute Good Reason for
you to terminate your employment; and you will devote to the performance of
such duties your full working time, attention and energies.
(iv) Confidential and Proprietary Information. You will not at any
time during the life of this Agreement, or thereafter, communicate or
disclose to any unauthorized person, or use for your own account, without
the written consent of the Company, any proprietary processes, or other
confidential information of the Company or any subsidiary concerning their
business or affairs, suppliers or customers, it being understood, however,
that the obligations of this paragraph shall not apply to the extent that
the aforesaid matters (A) are disclosed in circumstances in which you are
legally required to do so or (B) become generally known to and available
for use by the public otherwise than by your wrongful act or omission.
6. SUCCESSOR'S BINDING AGREEMENT.
(i) Successor's Binding Agreement. The Company will seek, by written
request at least five (5) business days prior to the time a Person becomes
a Successor (as hereinafter defined), to have such Person, by agreement in
form and substance satisfactory to you, assent to the fulfillment of the
Company's obligations under this Agreement. Failure of such Person to
furnish such assent by the later of (A) three business days prior to the
time such Person becomes a Successor or (B) two business days after such
person receives a written request to so assent shall constitute Good Reason
for termination by you of your employment if a change in control of the
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Company occurs or has occurred. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Successor" shall mean any Person that succeeds to, or has the practical
ability to control (either immediately or with the passage of time), the
Company's business directly, by merger or consolidation, or indirectly, by
purchase of the Company's Voting Securities or otherwise. Whether or not
such assent is given by a Successor, this Agreement shall be binding on the
Successor and its assigns.
(ii) Enforceability by Employee's Successors. This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs,
distributees, devisees and legatees. If you should die before all amounts
that would still be payable to you hereunder if you had continued to live
are paid, all such unpaid amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall
be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to your devisee,
legatee, or other designee or, if there be no such designee, to your
estate.
7. FEES AND EXPENSES. The Company shall pay all legal fees, expenses of
arbitration and related expenses incurred by you in connection with this
Agreement following a change in control of the Company, including, without
limitation, (a) all such fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or
disputing any termination of your employment following a change in control or
incurred by you in seeking advice with respect to the matters set forth in
Section 6 hereof or (b) your seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit
provided by this Agreement.
8. TAXES. All payments to be made to you under this Agreement will be
subject to required withholding of applicable federal, state and local taxes.
9. INTEREST. All payments due under this Agreement and unpaid shall bear
interest at the rate of 10% per annum, compounded daily, beginning on the next
ensuing day after the Payment Date or such other date as they may be due.
10. NON-ALIENABILITY. Your interest under this Agreement is not subject to
anticipation, alienation, assignment or attachment and may not be transferred or
encumbered in any manner, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and any attempt
so to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, or charge
the same shall be null and void; neither shall the benefits hereunder be liable
for or subject to your debts, contracts, liabilities, engagement, or torts, nor
shall they be subject to garnishment, attachment, or other legal or equitable
process nor shall they be an asset in bankruptcy, except that no amount shall be
payable hereunder until and unless any and all amounts representing debts or
other obligations owed to any company by you shall have been fully paid and
satisfied.
11. SURVIVAL. The respective obligations of, and benefits afforded to, the
Company and you as provided in Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 15 of this Agreement
shall survive termination of this Agreement.
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12. NOTICE. Notices and all other communications provided for herein shall
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or
mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid addressed to the respective addresses set forth on the first page of
this Agreement or to such other address as either party may have furnished to
the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of
address shall be effective only upon receipt. All notices to the Company shall
be directed to the attention of the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
President of the Company with a copy to the Corporate Secretary of the Company.
13. MISCELLANEOUS. This Agreement does not supersede any other plan of the
Company or agreement with the Company. No provision of this Agreement may be
modified, waived or discharged except in writing specifically referring to such
provision and signed by you and such officer as may be specifically designated
by the Board of Directors of the Company. No waiver at any time by either party
hereto of the breach of any condition or provision of this Agreement, or of
compliance by the other party with the same, shall be deemed a waiver of any
other condition or provision at the same or at any other time. No agreement or
representation still in effect, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with
respect to the subject matter hereof has been made by either party other than
(i) those set forth expressly in this Agreement or (ii) those in any stock
option agreements, restricted stock agreements, or deferred compensation
agreements. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas.
14. VALIDITY. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions 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.
15. ARBITRATION. Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection
with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in the city
nearest to your principal residence which has an office of the American
Arbitration Association by one arbitrator in accordance with the rules of the
American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the
arbitrator's award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that you
shall be entitled to seek specific performance of your right to be paid until
the Date of Termination during the pendency of any dispute or controversy
arising under or in connection with this Agreement. The Company shall bear all
costs and expenses arising in connection with any arbitration proceeding
pursuant to this Section 15.
16. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.
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If this letter correctly sets forth our entire agreement on the subject
matter hereof, kindly sign and return one copy of this letter to the Company
which will then constitute our agreement on this subject.
Sincerely,
EEX Corporation
By: /s/ T. M Hamilton
------------------
T. M Hamilton, President
AGREED to as of the date
first above written.
/s/ Richard L. Edmonson
- -------------------------
Richard L. Edmonson
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