EXHIBIT 10(a)97
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT ("Agreement") made and entered into by
and between The Southern Company ("Southern"), Southern Company Services, Inc.
(the "Company") and Mr. W. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ("▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is the Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company wish to provide to ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ certain severance
benefits under certain circumstances following a change in control (as defined
herein) of Southern or the Company;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and the agreements of
the parties set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the following meanings:
(a) "Annual Compensation" shall mean ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ highest
annual base salary rate for the twelve (12) month period immediately
preceding the date of the Change in Control plus market level target
annual bonus as set forth on Exhibit A hereof.
(b) "Beneficial Ownership" shall mean beneficial ownership
within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
(c) "Board" shall mean the board of directors of the Company.
(d) "Business Combination" shall mean a reorganization, merger
or consolidation of Southern or sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of Southern.
(e) "Change in Control" shall mean any of the following:
(i) The Consummation of an acquisition by any Person
of Beneficial Ownership of 20% or more of Southern's Voting
Securities; provided, however, that for purposes of this
Paragraph 1.(e)(i), the following acquisitions of Southern's
Voting Securities shall not constitute a Change in Control:
(A) any acquisition directly from Southern;
(B) any acquisition by Southern;
(C) any acquisition by any employee benefit
plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by
Southern or any Southern Subsidiary;
(D) any acquisition by a qualified pension
plan or publicly held mutual fund;
(E) any acquisition by a Group composed
exclusively of employees of Southern, or any Southern
Subsidiary;
(F) any acquisition by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any
Group of which ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is a party; or
(G) any Business Combination which would not
otherwise constitute a change in control because of
the application of clauses (A), (B) and (C) of
Paragraph 1.(e)(iii);
(ii) A change in the composition of the Southern
Board whereby individuals who constitute the Incumbent Board
cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the
Southern Board;
(iii) Consummation of a Business Combination,
provided, however, that such a Business Combination shall not
constitute a Change in Control if all three (3) of the
following conditions are met:
(A) all or substantially all of the
individuals and entities who held Beneficial
Ownership, respectively, of Southern's Voting
Securities immediately prior to such Business
Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly,
65% or more of the combined voting power of the
Voting Securities of the corporation surviving or
resulting from such Business Combination, (including,
without limitation, a corporation which as a result
of such transaction holds Beneficial Ownership of all
or substantially all of Southern's Voting Securities
or all or substantially all of Southern's assets)
(such surviving or resulting corporation to be
referred to as "Surviving Company"), in substantially
the same proportions as their ownership, immediately
prior to such Business Combination, of Southern's
Voting Securities;
(B) no Person (excluding any corporation
resulting from such Business Combination, any
employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Southern,
any Southern Subsidiary or Surviving Company, ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, any Group of which ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is a
party, any Group composed exclusively of Company
employees, any qualified pension plan (or related
trust) or any publicly held mutual fund) holds
Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 20%
or more of the combined voting power of the then
outstanding Voting Securities of Surviving Company
except to the extent that such ownership existed
prior to the Business Combination; and
(C) at least a majority of the members of
the board of directors of Surviving Company were
members of the Incumbent Board at the earlier of the
date of execution of the initial agreement, or of the
action of the Southern Board, providing for such
Business Combination. (iv) The Consummation of an
acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of
50% or more of the combined voting power of the then
outstanding Voting Securities of the Company;
provided, however, that for purposes of this
Paragraph 1.(e)(iv), any acquisition by ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, any Group composed exclusively of
employees of the Company, any Group of which ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is a party, any qualified pension plan (or
related trust), any publicly held mutual fund, any
employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
maintained by Southern or any Southern Subsidiary
shall not constitute a Change in Control;
(v) Consummation of a reorganization, merger or
consolidation of the Company (an "Employing Company Business
Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Employing
Company Business Combination, Southern Controls the
corporation or other entity surviving or resulting from such
Employing Company Business Combination; or
(vi) Consummation of the sale or other disposition of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a
corporation or other entity which Southern does not Control.
(f) "COBRA Coverage" shall mean any continuation coverage to
which ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or his dependents may be entitled pursuant
to Code Section 4980B.
(g) "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
(h) "Company" shall mean Southern Company Services, Inc., its
successors and assigns.
(i) "Consummation" shall mean the completion of the final act
necessary to complete a transaction as a matter of law, including, but
not limited to, any required approvals by the corporation's
shareholders and board of directors, the transfer of legal and
beneficial title to securities or assets and the final approval of the
transaction by any applicable domestic or foreign governments or
governmental agencies.
(j) "Control" shall mean, in the case of a corporation,
Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of the combined voting power of
the corporation's Voting Securities, or in the case of any other
entity, Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% of such entity's voting
equity interests.
(k) "Effective Date" shall mean the date of execution of this
Agreement.
(l) "Employee Outplacement Program" shall mean the program
established by the Company from time to time for the purpose of
assisting participants covered by the plan in finding employment
outside of the Company which provides for the following services:
(i) self-assessment, career decision and goal
setting; (ii) job market research and job sources;
(iii) networking and interviewing skills; (iv)
planning and implementation strategy; (v) resume
writing, job hunting methods and salary negotiation;
and (vi) office support and job search resources.
(m) "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
(n) "Good Reason" shall mean, without ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ express
written consent, after written notice to the Board, and after a thirty
(30) day opportunity for the Board to cure, the continuing occurrence
of any of the following events:
(i) Inconsistent Duties. A meaningful and detrimental
alteration in ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ position or in the nature or
status of his responsibilities from those in effect
immediately prior to the Change in Control;
(ii) Reduced Salary. A reduction of five percent (5%)
or more by the Company in either of the following: (i) ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ annual base salary rate as in effect immediately
prior to the Change in Control (except for a less than ten
percent (10%), across-the-board annual base salary rate
reduction similarly affecting at least ninety-five percent
(95%) of the Executive Employees of the Company); or (ii) the
sum of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ annual base salary rate plus target
bonus under the PPP Plan (except for a less than ten percent
(10%), across-the-board reduction of annual base salary rate
plus target bonus under the PPP Plan similarly affecting at
least ninety-five percent (95%) of the Executive Employees of
the Company);
(iii) Pension and Compensation Plans. The failure by
the Company to continue in effect any pension or compensation
plan or agreement in which ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ participates or is a
party as of the date of the Change in Control or the
elimination of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ participation therein, (except
for across-the-board plan changes or terminations similarly
affecting at least ninety-five percent (95%) of the Executive
Employees of the Company); For purposes of this Paragraph
1.(n), a "pension plan or agreement" shall mean any written
arrangement executed by an authorized officer of the Company
which provides for payments upon retirement; and a
"compensation plan or arrangement" shall mean any written
arrangement executed by an authorized officer of the Company
which provides for periodic, non-discretionary compensatory
payments in the nature of bonuses.
(iv) Relocation. A change in ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ work
location to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the
office where ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is located at the time of the
Change in Control, unless such new work location is within
fifty (50) miles from ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ principal place of
residence at the time of the Change in Control. The
acceptance, if any, by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ of employment by the
Company at a work location which is outside the fifty mile
radius set forth in this Paragraph 1.(n)(iv) shall not be a
waiver of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ right to refuse subsequent transfer
by the Company to a location which is more than fifty (50)
miles from ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ principal place of residence at the
time of the Change in Control, and such subsequent unconsented
transfer shall be "Good Reason" under this Agreement; or
(v) Benefits and Perquisites. The taking of any
action by the Company which would directly or indirectly
materially reduce the benefits enjoyed by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ under
the Company's retirement, life insurance, medical, health and
accident, disability, deferred compensation or savings plans
in which ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ was participating immediately prior to
the Change in Control; or the failure by the Company to
provide ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ with the number of paid vacation days to
which ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is entitled on the basis of years of
service with the Company in accordance with the Company's
normal vacation policy in effect immediately prior to the
Change in Control (except for across-the-board plan or
vacation policy changes or plan terminations similarly
affecting at least ninety-five percent (95%) of the Executive
Employees of the Company).
(vi) For purposes of this Paragraph 1.(n), the term
"Executive Employee" shall mean those employees of the Company
of Grade Level 10 or above. (o) "Group" shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act. (p) "Group
Health Plan" shall mean the group health plan covering ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, as such plan may be amended from time to time.
(q) "Group Life Insurance Plan" shall mean the group life
insurance program covering ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, as such plan may be amended
from time to time.
(r) "Incumbent Board" shall mean those individuals who
constitute the Southern Board as of the Effective Date plus any
individual who shall become a director subsequent to such date whose
election or nomination for election by Southern's shareholders was
approved by a vote of at least 75% of the directors then comprising the
Incumbent Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no individual who shall
become a director of the Southern Board subsequent to the Effective
Date whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual
or threatened election contest (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of
the Regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the
election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened
solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other
than the Southern Board shall be a member of the Incumbent Board.
(s) "Month of Service" shall mean any calendar month during
which ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has worked at least one (1) hour or was on approved
leave of absence while in the employ of the Company or any affiliate or
subsidiary of Southern.
(t) "Pension Plan" shall mean The Southern Company Pension
Plan, as such plan may be amended from time to time. (u) "Performance
Dividend Plan" shall mean the Southern Company Performance Dividend
Plan or any replacement thereto, as such plans may be amended from time
to time.
(v) "Performance Stock Plan" shall mean the Southern Company
Performance Stock Plan or any replacement thereto, as such plans may be
amended from time to time.
(w) "Person" shall mean any individual, entity or group within
the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of Act.
(x) "Performance Pay Plan" or "PPP Plan" shall mean the
Southern Company Performance Pay Plan or any replacement thereto, as
such plans may be amended from time to time.
(y) "Productivity Improvement Plan" or "PIP Plan" shall mean
the Southern Company Productivity Improvement Plan or replacement
thereto, as such plans may be amended from time to time.
(z) "Southern" shall mean The Southern Company, its successors
and assigns.
(aa) "Southern Board" shall mean the board of directors of
Southern.
(bb) "Southern Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation or other
entity Controlled by Southern.
(cc) "Termination for Cause" or "Cause" shall mean the
termination of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ employment by the Company upon the
occurrence of any of the following:
(i) The willful and continued failure by ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ substantially to perform his duties with the Company
(other than any such failure resulting from ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
Total Disability or from ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ retirement or any
such actual or anticipated failure resulting from termination
by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ for Good Reason) after a written demand for
substantial performance is delivered to him by the Southern
Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in
which the Southern Board believes that he has not
substantially performed his duties; or
(ii) The willful engaging by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in conduct
that is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company,
monetarily or otherwise, including, but not limited to any of
the following:
(A) any willful act involving fraud or
dishonesty in the course of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
employment by the Company;
(B) the willful carrying out of any activity
or the making of any statement which would materially
prejudice or impair the good name and standing of the
Company, Southern or any Southern Subsidiary or would
bring the Company, Southern or any Southern
Subsidiary into contempt, ridicule or would
reasonably shock or offend any community in which the
Company, Southern or such Southern Subsidiary is
located;
(C) attendance at work in a state of
intoxication or otherwise being found in possession
at his workplace of any prohibited drug or substance,
possession of which would amount to a criminal
offense;
(D) violation of the Company's policies on
drug and alcohol usage, fitness for duty requirements
or similar policies as may exist from time to time as
adopted by the Company's safety officer;
(E) assault or other act of violence against
any person during the course of employment; or
(F) indictment of any felony or any
misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
No act or failure to act by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall be deemed
"willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ not in
good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission
was in the best interest of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall not be
deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall
have been delivered to him a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the
affirmative vote of not less than three quarters of the entire
membership of the Southern Board at a meeting of the Southern Board
called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and an opportunity for him, together with counsel, to be
heard before the Southern Board), finding that, in the good faith
opinion of the Southern Board, ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ was guilty of conduct set
forth above in clause (i) or (ii) of this Paragraph 1.(cc) and
specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
(dd) "Termination Date" shall mean the date on which ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ employment with the Company is terminated; provided,
however, that solely for purposes of Paragraph 2.(c) hereof, the
Termination Date shall be the effective date of his retirement pursuant
to the terms of the Pension Plan.
(ee) "Total Disability" shall mean ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ total
disability within the meaning of the Pension Plan.
(ff) "Voting Securities" shall mean the outstanding voting
securities of a corporation entitling the holder thereof to vote
generally in the election of such corporation's directors.
(gg) "Waiver and Release" shall mean the Waiver and Release
attached hereto as Exhibit B.
(hh) "Year of Service" shall mean ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Months of
Service divided by twelve (12) rounded to the nearest whole year,
rounding up if the remaining number of months is seven (7) or greater
and rounding down if the remaining number of months is less than seven
(7). If ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has a break in his service with the Company, he
will receive credit under this Agreement for service prior to the break
in service only if the break in service is less than five years.
2. Severance Benefits.
(a) Eligibility. Except as otherwise provided in this
Paragraph 2.(a), if ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ employment is involuntarily
terminated by the Company at any time during the two year period
following a Change in Control for reasons other than Cause, or if ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company for
Good Reason at any time during the two year period following a Change
in Control, ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall be entitled to receive the benefits
described in this Agreement upon the Company's receipt of an effective
Waiver and Release. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein,
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall not be eligible to receive benefits under this
Agreement if ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇:
(i) voluntarily terminates his employment with the
Company for other than Good Reason;
(ii) has his employment terminated by the Company for
Cause;
(iii) accepts the transfer of his employment to
Southern, any Southern Subsidiary or any employer that
succeeds to all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company, Southern or any Southern Subsidiary;
(iv) refuses an offer of continued employment with
the Company, any Southern Subsidiary, or any employer that
succeeds to all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company, Southern, or any Southern Subsidiary under
circumstances where such refusal would not amount to Good
Reason for voluntary termination of employment; or
(v) elects to receive the benefits of any other
voluntary or involuntary severance or separation program
maintained by the Company; provided however, that the receipt
of benefits under the terms of any retention plan or agreement
shall not be deemed to be the receipt of severance or
separation benefits for purposes of this Agreement. (b)
Severance Benefits. If ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ meets the eligibility
requirements of Paragraph 2.(a) hereof, he shall be entitled
to a cash severance benefit in an amount equal to three times
his Annual Compensation (the "Severance Amount"). If any
portion of the Severance Amount constitutes an "excess
parachute payment" (as such term is defined under Code Section
280G ("Excess Parachute Payment")), the Company shall pay to
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ an additional amount calculated by determining
the amount of tax under Code Section 4999 that he otherwise
would have paid on any Excess Parachute Payment with respect
to the Change in Control and dividing such amount by a decimal
determined by adding the tax rate under Code Section 4999
("Excise Tax"), the hospital insurance tax under Code Section
3101(b) ("HI Tax") and federal and state income tax measured
at the highest marginal rates ("Income Tax") and subtracting
such result from the number one (1) (the "280G Gross-up");
provided, however, that no 280G Gross-up shall be paid unless
the Severance Amount plus all other "parachute payments" to
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ under Code Section 280G exceeds three (3) times
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ "base amount" (as such term is defined under
Code Section 280G ("Base Amount")) by ten percent (10%) or
more; provided further, that if no 280G Gross-up is paid, the
Severance Amount shall be capped at three (3) times ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Base Amount, less all other "parachute payments"
(as such term is defined under Code Section 280G) received by
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, less one dollar (the "Capped Amount"), if the
Capped Amount, reduced by HI Tax and Income Tax, exceeds what
otherwise would have been the Severance Amount, reduced by HI
Tax, Income Tax and Excise Tax.
For purposes of this Paragraph 2.(b), whether any amount would
constitute an Excess Parachute Payment and any other calculations of
tax, e.g., Excise Tax, HI Tax, Income Tax, etc., or other amounts,
e.g., Base Amount, Capped Amount, etc., shall be determined by the tax
department of the independent public accounting firm then responsible
for preparing Southern's consolidated federal income tax return, and
such calculations or determinations shall be binding upon the parties
hereto.
(c) Welfare Benefits. If ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ meets the eligibility
requirements of Paragraph 2.(a) hereof and is not otherwise eligible to
receive retiree medical and life insurance benefits provided to certain
retirees pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan, the Group Health
Plan and the Group Life Insurance Plan, he shall be entitled to the
benefits set forth in this Paragraph 2.(c).
(i) ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall be eligible to participate in
the Company's Group Health Plan, upon payment of both the
Company's and his monthly premium under such plan, for a
period of six (6) months for each of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Years of
Service, not to exceed five (5) years. If ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ elects
to receive this extended medical coverage, he shall also be
entitled to elect coverage under the Group Health Plan for his
dependents who were participating in the Group Health Plan on
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Termination Date (and for such other
dependents as may be entitled to coverage under the provisions
of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
1996) for the duration of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ extended medical
coverage under this Paragraph 2.(c)(i) to the extent such
dependents remain eligible for dependent coverage under the
terms of the Group Health Plan.
(A) The extended medical coverage afforded
to ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ pursuant to Paragraph 2.(c)(i), as
well as the premiums to be paid by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in
connection with such coverage shall be determined in
accordance with the terms of the Group Health Plan
and shall be subject to any changes in the terms and
conditions of the Group Health Plan as well as any
future increases in premiums under the Group Health
Plan. The premiums to be paid by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in
connection with this extended coverage shall be due
on the first day of each month; provided, however,
that if he fails to pay his premium within thirty
(30) days of its due date, such extended coverage
shall be terminated.
(B) Any Group Health Plan coverage provided
under Paragraph 2.(c)(i) shall be a part of and not
in addition to any COBRA Coverage which ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
or his dependents may elect. In the event that ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or his dependents become eligible to be
covered, by virtue of re-employment or otherwise, by
any employer-sponsored group health plan or is
eligible for coverage under any government-sponsored
health plan during the above period, coverage under
the Company's Group Health Plan available to ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or his dependent by virtue of the
provisions of Paragraph 2.(c)(i) shall terminate,
except as may otherwise be required by law, and shall
not be renewed. (ii) ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall be entitled
to receive cash in an amount equal to the Company's
and ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ cost of premiums for three (3)
years of coverage under the Group Health Plan and
Group Life Insurance Plan in accordance with the
terms of such plans as of the date of the Change in
Control.
(d) Incentive Plans. If ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ meets the eligibility
requirements of Paragraph 2.(a) hereof he shall be entitled to the
following benefits under the Company's incentive plans:
(i) Stock Option Plan.
(A) Any of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Options and Stock
Appreciation Rights under the Performance Stock Plan
(the defined terms of which are incorporated in this
Paragraph 2.(d)(i) by reference) which are
outstanding as of the Termination Date and which are
not then exercisable and vested, shall become fully
exercisable and vested to the full extent of the
original grant; provided, that in the case of a Stock
Appreciation Right, if ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is subject to
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, such Stock
Appreciation Right shall not become fully vested and
exercisable at such time if such actions would result
in liability to ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ under Section 16(b) of
the Exchange Act, provided further, that any such
actions not taken as a result of the rules under
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act shall be effected
as of the first date that such activity would no
longer result in liability under Section 16(b) of the
Exchange Act..
(B) The restrictions and deferral
limitations applicable to any of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
Restricted Stock as of the Termination Date shall
lapse, and such Restricted Stock shall become free of
all restrictions and limitations and become fully
vested and transferable to the full extent of the
original grant.
(C) The restrictions and deferral
limitations and other conditions applicable to any
other Awards held by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ under the Stock
Performance Plan as of the Termination Date shall
lapse, and such other Awards shall become free of all
restrictions, limitations or conditions and become
fully vested and transferable to the full extent of
the original grant. (ii) Performance Pay Plan.
Provided ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is not entitled to benefits
under Article V of the PPP Plan, (the defined terms
of which are incorporated in this Paragraph 2.(d)(ii)
by reference), if the PPP Plan is in place through
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Termination Date and to the extent
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is entitled to participate therein, ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall be entitled to receive cash in an
amount equal to a prorated payout of his Incentive
Pay Awards under the PPP Plan for the Performance
Period in which the Termination Date shall have
occurred, at target performance under the PPP Plan
and prorated by the number of months which have
passed since the beginning of the Performance Period
until the Termination Date.
(iii) PIP Plan. Provided ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is not
entitled to benefits under Article IV of the PIP Plan (the
defined terms of which are incorporated in this Paragraph
2.(d)(iii) by reference), if the PIP Plan is in place through
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Termination Date and to the extent ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is entitled to participate therein, ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
shall be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to his
Award Opportunity for the Computation Periods in which the
Termination Date shall have occurred at a target Value of
Performance Unit of $1.00, prorated for each Computation
Period by the number of months which have passed since the
beginning of the Computation Periods until the Termination
Date.
(iv) Performance Dividend Plan. Provided ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is not entitled to benefits under the Performance
Dividend Plan (the defined terms of which are incorporated in
this Paragraph 2.(d)(iv) by reference), if the Performance
Dividend Plan is in place through ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Termination
Date and to the extent ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is entitled to
participate therein, ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall be entitled to
receive cash for each Award held by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ on his
Termination Date, based on actual performance under Section
4.1 of the Performance Dividend Plan determined as of the most
recently completed calendar quarter of the Performance Period
in which the Termination Date shall have occurred, and the
Annual Dividend declared prior to the Termination Date.
(v) Other Short Term Incentive Plans. The provisions
of this Paragraph 2.(d)(v) shall apply if and to the extent
that ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is a participant in any other "short term
compensation plan" not otherwise previously referred to in
this Paragraph 2.(d). Provided ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is not otherwise
entitled to a plan payout under any change of control
provisions of such plans, if the "short term compensation
plan" is in place as of the Termination Date and to the extent
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is entitled to participate therein, ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall receive cash in an amount equal to his award
under the Company's "short term incentive plan" for the annual
performance period in which the Termination Date shall have
occurred, at ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ target performance level and
prorated by the number of months which have passed since the
beginning of the annual performance period until his
Termination Date. For purposes of this Paragraph 2.(d)(v) the
term "short term incentive compensation plan" shall mean any
incentive compensation plan or arrangement adopted in writing
by the Company which provides for annual, recurring
compensatory bonuses based upon articulated performance
criteria. (e) Payment of Benefits. Any amounts due under this
Agreement shall be paid in one (1) lump sum payment as soon as
administratively practicable following the later of: (i) ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Termination Date, or (ii) upon ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
tender of an effective Waiver and Release to the Company in
the form of Exhibit B attached hereto and the expiration of
any applicable revocation period for such waiver. In the event
of a dispute with respect to liability or amount of any
benefit due hereunder, an effective Waiver and Release shall
be tendered at the time of final resolution of any such
dispute when payment is tendered by the Company.
(f) Benefits in the Event of Death. In the event of ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ death prior to the payment of all amounts due under this
Agreement, ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ estate shall be entitled to receive as due
any amounts not yet paid under this Agreement upon the tender by the
executor or administrator of the estate of an effective Waiver and
Release.
(g) Legal Fees. In the event of a dispute between ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Company with regard to any amounts due hereunder, if
any material issue in such dispute is finally resolved in ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ favor, the Company shall reimburse ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ legal
fees incurred with respect to all issues in such dispute in an amount
not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
(h) Employee Outplacement Services. ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall be
eligible to participate in the Employee Outplacement Program, which
program shall not be less than six (6) months duration measured from
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Termination Date.
(i) Non-qualified Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plans.
The Parties agree that subsequent to a Change in Control, any claims by
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ for benefits under any of the Company's non-qualified
retirement or deferred compensation plans shall be resolved through
binding arbitration in accordance with the provisions and procedures
set forth in Paragraph 5 hereof and if any material issue in such
dispute is finally resolved in ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ favor, the Company shall
reimburse ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ legal fees in the manner provided in
Paragraph 2.(g) hereof. 3. Transfer of Employment. In the event that
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ employment by the Company is terminated during the two
year period following a Change in Control and ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ accepts
employment by Southern, a Southern Subsidiary, or any employer that
succeeds to all or substantially all of the assets of the Company,
Southern or any Southern Subsidiary, the Company shall assign this
Agreement to Southern, such Southern Subsidiary, or successor employer,
Southern shall accept such assignment or cause such Southern Subsidiary
or successor employer to accept such assignment, and such assignee
shall become the "Company" for all purposes hereunder.
4. No Mitigation. If ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is otherwise eligible to receive
benefits under Paragraph 2 of this Agreement, he shall have no duty or
obligation to seek other employment following his Termination Date and, except
as otherwise provided in Paragraph 2.(a)(iii) hereof, the amounts due ▇▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ hereunder shall not be reduced or suspended if ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ accepts
such subsequent employment.
5. Arbitration.
(a) Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or
relating to the Company's obligations to pay severance benefits under
this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled and resolved
solely by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration
Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") except as
otherwise provided herein. The arbitration shall be the sole and
exclusive forum for resolution of any such claim for severance benefits
and the arbitrators' award shall be final and binding. The provisions
of this Paragraph 5 are not intended to apply to any other disputes,
claims or controversies arising out of or relating to ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
employment by the Company or the termination thereof.
(b) Arbitration shall be initiated by serving a written notice
of demand for arbitration to ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, in the case of the Company,
or to the Southern Board, in the case of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.
(c) The arbitration shall be held in Atlanta, Georgia. The
arbitrators shall apply the law of the State of Georgia, to the extent
not preempted by federal law, excluding any law which would require the
application of the law of another state.
(d) The parties shall appoint arbitrators within fifteen (15)
business days following service of the demand for arbitration. The
number of arbitrators shall be three. One arbitrator shall be appointed
by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, one arbitrator shall be appointed by the Company, and
the two arbitrators shall appoint a third. If the arbitrators cannot
agree on a third arbitrator within thirty (30) business days after the
service of demand for arbitration, the third arbitrator shall be
selected by the AAA.
(e) The arbitration filing fee shall be paid by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.
All other costs of arbitration shall be borne equally by ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
and the Company, provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse
such fees and costs in the event any material issue in such dispute is
finally resolved in ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ favor and ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is
reimbursed legal fees under Paragraph 2.(g) hereof.
(f) The parties agree that they will faithfully observe the
rules that govern any arbitration between them, they will abide by and
perform any award rendered by the arbitrators in any such arbitration,
including any award of injunctive relief, and a judgment of a court
having jurisdiction may be entered upon an award.
(g) The parties agree that nothing in this Paragraph 5 is
intended to preclude upon application of either party any court having
jurisdiction from issuing and enforcing in any lawful manner such
temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and other
interim measures of relief as may be necessary to prevent harm to a
party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate pending the
conclusion of arbitration proceedings pursuant to this Agreement;
regardless of whether an arbitration proceeding under this Paragraph 5
has begun. The parties further agree that nothing herein shall prevent
any court from entering and enforcing any lawful manner such judgments
for permanent equitable relief as may be necessary to prevent harm to a
party's interests or as otherwise may be appropriate following the
issuance of arbitral awards pursuant to this Paragraph 5.
6. Miscellaneous.
(a) Funding of Benefits. Unless the Board in its discretion
shall determine otherwise, the benefits payable to ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ under
this Agreement shall not be funded in any manner and shall be paid by
the Company out of its general assets, which assets are subject to the
claims of the Company's creditors.
(b) Withholding. There shall be deducted from the payment of
any benefit due under this Agreement the amount of any tax required by
any governmental authority to be withheld and paid over by the Company
to such governmental authority for the account of ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.
(c) Assignment. ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall have no rights to sell,
assign, transfer, encumber, or otherwise convey the right to receive
the payment of any benefit due hereunder, which payment and the rights
thereto are expressly declared to be nonassignable and nontransferable.
Any attempt to do so shall be null and void and of no effect.
(d) Amendment and Termination. The Agreement may be amended or
terminated only by a writing executed by the parties.
(e) Construction. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Georgia, to
the extent not preempted by federal law, disregarding any provision of
law which would require the application of the law of another state.
(f) Pooling Accounting. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, if, but for any provision of this Agreement, a Change
in Control transaction would otherwise be accounted for as a
pooling-of-interests under ▇▇▇ ▇▇.▇▇ ("Pooling Accounting") (after
giving effect to any and all other facts and circumstances affecting
whether such Change in Control transaction would use Pooling
Accounting), such provision or provisions of this Agreement which would
otherwise cause the Change in Control transaction to be ineligible for
Pooling Accounting shall be void and ineffective in such a manner and
to the extent that by eliminating such provision or provisions of this
Agreement, Pooling Accounting would be required for such Change in
Control transaction.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement
this ____ day of __________________, 199__.
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
By:__________________________________
SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.
By: ________________________________
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
-----------------------------
W. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Exhibit A
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Target Annual Bonus for
Mr. W. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
45%
Exhibit B
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
The attached Waiver and Release is to be given to Mr. W. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ upon the occurrence of an event that triggers eligibility for
severance benefits under the Change in Control Agreement, as described in
Paragraph 2(a) of such agreement.
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Waiver and Release
I, W. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, understand that I am entitled to receive the
severance benefits described in Section 2 of the Change in Control Agreement
(the "Agreement") if I execute this Waiver and Release ("Waiver"). I understand
that the benefits I will receive under the Agreement are in excess of those I
would have received from The Southern Company and Southern Company Services,
Inc. (collectively, the "Company") if I had not elected to sign this Waiver.
I recognize that I may have a claim against the Company under the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended,
the Americans with Disabilities Act or other federal, state and local laws.
In exchange for the benefits I elect to receive, I hereby irrevocably
waive and release all claims, of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown
in connection with any claim which I ever had, may have, or now have against The
Southern Company, Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power
Company, Mississippi Power Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company,
Southern Communication Services, Inc., Southern Company Services, Inc., Southern
Energy Resources, Inc., Southern Company Energy Solutions, Inc., Southern
Nuclear Operating Company, Inc. and other direct or indirect subsidiaries of The
Southern Company and their past, present and future officers, directors,
employees, agents and attorneys. Nothing in this Waiver shall be construed to
release claims or causes of action under the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act or the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, which arise out of
events occurring after the execution date of this Waiver.
In further exchange for the benefits I elect to receive, I understand
and agree that I will respect the proprietary and confidential nature of any
information I have obtained in the course of my service with the Company or any
subsidiary or affiliate of The Southern Company. However, nothing in this Waiver
shall prohibit me from engaging in protected activities under applicable law or
from communicating, either voluntary or otherwise, with any governmental agency
concerning any potential violation of the law.
In signing this Waiver, I am not releasing claims to benefits that I am
already entitled to under any workers' compensation laws or under any retirement
plan or welfare benefit plan within the meaning of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, which is sponsored by or adopted by the
Company and/or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries; however, I understand
and acknowledge that nothing herein is intended to or shall be construed to
require the Company to institute or continue in effect any particular plan or
benefit sponsored by the Company and the Company hereby reserves the right to
amend or terminate any of its benefit programs at any time in accordance with
the procedures set forth in such plans.
In signing this Waiver, I realize that I am waiving and releasing,
among other things, any claims to benefits under any and all bonus, severance,
workforce reduction, early retirement, outplacement, or any other similar type
plan sponsored by the Company.
I have been encouraged and advised in writing to seek advice from
anyone of my choosing regarding this Waiver, including my attorney, and my
accountant or tax advisor. Prior to signing this Waiver, I have been given the
opportunity and sufficient time to seek such advice, and I fully understand the
meaning and contents of this Waiver.
I understand that I may take up to twenty-one (21) calendar days to
consider whether or not I desire to enter this Waiver. I was not coerced,
threatened or otherwise forced to sign this Waiver. I have made my choice to
sign this Waiver voluntarily and of my own free will.
I understand that I may revoke this Waiver at any time during the seven
(7) calendar day period after I sign and deliver this Waiver to the Company. If
I revoke this Waiver, I must do so in writing delivered to the Company. I
understand that this Waiver is not effective until the expiration of this seven
(7) calendar day revocation period. I understand that upon the expiration of
such seven (7) calendar day revocation period this entire Waiver will be binding
upon me and will be irrevocable.
I understand that by signing this Waiver I am giving up rights I may
have.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned hereby executes this Waiver this
____ day of ____________________, in the year _____.
W. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Sworn to and subscribed to me this ____ day of ____________, _____.
Notary Public
My Commission Expires:
(Notary Seal)
Acknowledged and Accepted by the Company, as defined in the Waiver.
By:
Date: