EXHIBIT 10.26
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND
GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS
By the terms of this Severance Agreement and General Release of all Claims
("RELEASE") and in consideration of the promises made herein and for good and
valuable consideration described below, intending to be legally bound, the
undersigned ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ("▇▇▇▇▇▇▇"), on behalf of himself, his heirs,
executors, administrators, and assigns, does hereby fully release, acquit and
discharge, separately and jointly, MTS, INCORPORATED dba TOWER RECORDS, as well
as its officers, directors, shareholders, managers, agents, employees, heirs,
affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, joint ventures, successors, assigns
and all other persons and associations (also referred to as "COMPANY"), from any
and all claims, demands, suits, losses, contracts, liabilities, obligations and
causes of action, known or unknown, whether in law or in equity, including but
not limited to claims for discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing
Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act (ADEA), claims under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining
Notification (WARN) Act, wrongful termination, claims under any provision of the
California Labor Code, breach of contract, breach of public policy, physical or
mental harm or distress or any other claims, which now exist or may arise from
any matter, fact, circumstance, happening or thing whatsoever, occurring or
failing to occur prior to the execution of this RELEASE, relating to or in any
connection with ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ employment with COMPANY (collectively "Claims") to the
full extent permitted by law.
1. Consideration
(a) In consideration for the execution of this RELEASE, COMPANY agrees to
pay ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ the total sum of six hundred forty eight thousand five hundred and
ten dollars ($648,510.00), which amount shall be paid in equal biweekly
installments, less applicable payroll deductions, over twenty (20) months
beginning with the next scheduled payroll date that is ten (10) calendar days
after the COMPANY receives the executed RELEASE.
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(b) As further consideration for this RELEASE, COMPANY agrees to forgive
all merchandise debt or other personal loans extended by COMPANY to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ as
of November 11, 2002 (totally $584.00), provided that ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is responsible for
all tax withholding and tax liability resulting from such debt and loan
forgiveness.
(c) As further consideration for this RELEASE, COMPANY agrees to pay
continuation of Company provided Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
coverage for ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and his dependents for eighteen (18) months, beginning the
first date of the first month following the Termination Date (defined below) as
long as ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ elects COBRA continuation coverage and as long as COMPANY
continues providing this coverage to its employees. The necessary forms for
COBRA continuation coverage will be provided by MTS' Human Resources department
as required by law.
(d) COMPANY further agrees to pay up to five thousand ($5,000) dollars for
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ attorneys' fees in reviewing this RELEASE. COMPANY will pay these fees
to ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ LLP within 30 days after the bills are
submitted to MTS. Privileged information may be redacted on bills.
(e) COMPANY agrees that ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and his wife may receive employee
discounts (to the extent that employees continue to receive said discounts) with
COMPANY for life, not to exceed one thousand ($1,000) dollars of discounted
merchandise purchased per calendar year. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to monitor the purchases
made by himself and his wife to ensure that no more than one thousand ($1,000)
dollars of discounted merchandise is purchased in any given calendar year.
(f) The parties agree that the compensation to be paid pursuant to section
1 of this RELEASE is specifically paid and designated to compensate ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
fully and totally for his release of any and all known and unknown CLAIMS
arising from or associated with his employment or the separation of his
employment with COMPANY, except for vested benefits accrued during his
employment.
(g) COMPANY makes no representations as to the taxable status of the
consideration paid pursuant to this RELEASE. If at some future date it should be
determined by any taxing entity that some
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portion or all of the amount referenced above should be treated differently,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to be solely responsible for characterizing, allocating and
reporting to taxing agencies the consideration stated herein, and for paying any
taxes, assessments, charges or penalties that may be attributable to the
consideration.
(h) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and COMPANY agree that this RELEASE shall not be construed as
a waiver of any rights ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ may have under section 2802 of the California
Labor Code for indemnification if ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is subject to a third-party claim made
arising out of conduct he engaged in within the course of his employment,
including any conduct he engaged in within the course and scope of his duties as
an officer and director for COMPANY.
2. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ hereby expressly acknowledges that his employment relationship
with COMPANY terminated effective November 7, 2002 ("Termination Date").
3. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledges that he has received payment for all wages and
other compensation owed to him through the Termination Date, including
compensation for all accrued, unused vacation or other paid time off to which he
is entitled, except for his pro-rata bonus payment. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and COMPANY agree
that COMPANY shall pay ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (1) his pro rata bonus payment of eighty-six
thousand three hundred and one dollars and thirty six cents ($86,301.36) less
appropriate deductions, and (2) a check for twenty-two thousand one hundred and
sixteen dollars and no cents ($22,116) less appropriate deductions, representing
his communicated but unpaid annual raise of $25,000 for the period of employment
in 2002 (46 of 52 weeks). Payment on these items will be made in 2003, but no
later than January 31, 2003.
4. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ covenants that at no time subsequent to the execution of this
RELEASE will he file or maintain, or cause or permit the filing or maintenance
of, in any state, federal or foreign court, or before any local, state, or
federal administrative agency, or any other tribunal, a lawsuit of any kind,
nature and character whatsoever, which he may have, has ever had, or may in the
future have against COMPANY which is based in whole or in part on any matter
relating to or in any connection with his employment with COMPANY, except for
vested benefits accrued during his employment.
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5. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ further expressly acknowledges that in executing this RELEASE
he is waiving both known CLAIMS, as well as claims that he does not know about.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ expressly acknowledges that this RELEASE constitutes a waiver of all
claims of any kind, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, suspected
or unsuspected; and in furtherance of this intention, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ expressly waives
and relinquishes all rights and benefits under Section 1542 of the California
Civil Code which provides:
"A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT
KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE
RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS
SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR."
6. This RELEASE does not constitute an admission of liability or
wrongdoing. Neither the execution and delivery of this RELEASE nor any payments
nor the performance of any acts in connection therewith shall be construed at
any time or place to be an admission by COMPANY that they at any time performed
or failed to perform any act, which performance or failure to perform was or is
in violation of the rights of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and/or which performance or failure to
perform gives rise to any valid claim for damages or any other relief
whatsoever.
7. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ represents that he has returned to the COMPANY, all COMPANY
files, memoranda, documents, records, tapes, computer disks, computers, copies
of the above items, credit cards, keys, and any other COMPANY property in
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ possession except for such materials that the COMPANY and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
agree that ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ may keep ("Retained Materials"). A general description of
those materials is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
8. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that he shall not disclose, provide or reveal, directly
or indirectly, any confidential information, proprietary information, or trade
secrets of COMPANY, and that he shall hold such information in the strictest
confidence (including, but not limited to, the Retained Materials). ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ may
only reveal such information when compelled to do so by a valid subpoena or as
otherwise compelled by law, but in either case only after providing MTS
INCORPORATED's Legal
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Department with prior written notice and opportunity to contest such subpoena or
other requirement. Written notice shall be provided as soon as practicable, but
in no event less than five (5) business days prior to any such disclosure or, if
later, within one business day after ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ receives notice compelling such
disclosure.
9. Non-Disparagement - ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that he will not knowingly make,
repeat, or authorize any statements, comments, remarks or publications of any
type or of any nature which would disparage the reputation of COMPANY, or its
current and former directors, officers, employees, and shareholders, or any of
them, at any time now or in the future (collectively, "DISPARAGING REMARKS").
This includes but is not limited to DISPARAGING REMARKS as to any events,
circumstances, occurrences, interactions, transactions, observations or dealings
of any kind, at any time, involving ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, COMPANY, or both.
10. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ represents and warrants that no other person had, or has, or
claims any interest in the claims referred to in this RELEASE; that he has the
sole right and exclusive authority to execute this RELEASE and to receive the
consideration therefore; and that he has not sold, assigned, transferred,
conveyed or otherwise disposed of any claim or demand relating to the CLAIMS
herein.
11. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that he has and shall keep the terms of this Agreement,
including the amount of consideration referred to in Paragraph 1, CONFIDENTIAL,
and he promises and covenants not to disclose, publicize, or cause to be
disclosed or publicized in any manner, directly or indirectly, the terms or
conditions of this Agreement except (i) to his accountants, auditors, insurance
agents, insurance companies or adjusters, financial advisors, attorneys, and
spouse, provided ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ first ensures that such persons also agree to this
pledge of confidentiality, (ii) to state and federal taxing authorities, and
(iii) as legally required when compelled by applicable law (i.e. under subpoena)
and then only under the procedures set forth in section 8 of this RELEASE.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledges that confidentiality is a key and material provision of
this RELEASE and that a violation of this provision could result in
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EMPLOYEE'S INITIALS ___
significant consequences to COMPANY and shall be considered a material breach of
the RELEASE, providing COMPANY with all available remedies under law.
12. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that he will cooperate with COMPANY with regard to
defending or prosecuting any future claims, lawsuits or actions which arose
during ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ employment with COMPANY, which may require ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ testimony,
deposition, or advice.
13. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ expressly states that he has read this RELEASE and understands
all of its terms. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ represents and acknowledges that he has not relied on
any oral or other extraneous representations in agreeing to execute this RELEASE
and that this RELEASE is executed voluntarily and with full knowledge of its
significance.
14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
(a) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ understands, represents and acknowledges that COMPANY
has given him twenty-one (21) days to consider whether or not to execute
this RELEASE;
(b) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ understands, represents and acknowledges that he has
been encouraged to consult with a financial advisor, accountant, attorney
and/or other advisor before deciding whether or not to sign this RELEASE.
COMPANY encourages ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to seek legal counsel before entering into this
RELEASE.
(c) After executing this RELEASE, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ understands, represents
and acknowledges that he has seven (7) calendar days from the date of
execution ("revocation period") to revoke his agreement to the terms of
this RELEASE. The parties agree and understand that any revocation under
this provision must be in writing and received (facsimile acceptable) by
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, V.P. Compensation and Benefits, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ (facsimile - 916-373-2434), by 11:59 p.m. on the last
day of the revocation period; and
(d) that in exchange for the consideration given to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in this
RELEASE, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is waiving any known or unknown claims for age
discrimination including, but not
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EMPLOYEE'S INITIALS ___
limited to, claims for age discrimination under the California Fair
Employment and Housing Act and Federal Age Discrimination in Employment
Act.
15. This RELEASE is the entire agreement between the parties related to
the subject matter of the RELEASE as well as the termination of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
employment with MTS, Incorporated. This RELEASE may not be modified or changed
in any manner nor may any provision of it or any legal remedy with respect to it
be waived except by a writing signed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the then current Chief
Executive Officer of the Company.
16. This RELEASE shall be construed under the laws of the State of
California. Venue for any dispute, mediation or arbitration related to this
RELEASE shall be in Sacramento County, California.
17. Dispute Resolution, Claims Related to Release
Employee and Company agree that any future dispute over this RELEASE, its
terms, or its enforceability shall be resolved under the following procedures:
(a) The party making a claim or grievance shall present such claim
or grievance and the relief requested to the other party in writing.
(b) If the other party does not agree to the relief requested or
otherwise satisfy the demand of the party claiming to be aggrieved, the parties
shall submit the dispute to non-binding mediation before a mediator jointly
selected by the parties. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, a mediator
shall be appointed by the Judicial Arbitration and Mediations Service (JAMS).
The costs of the mediation shall be borne equally by the parties. All applicable
statutes of limitations shall be tolled starting from the time period that the
written submission to mediation is received by JAMS and ending either exactly
six months later or five (5) business days after the mediation is completed,
whichever comes first.
(c) If the mediation does not produce a resolution of the dispute,
the parties agree that the dispute shall be resolved by final and binding
arbitration. Any such dispute shall be submitted to the American Arbitration
Association for binding arbitration unless the parties agree to another
arbitration
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forum in writing. The arbitration shall be conducted by an arbitrator approved
and agreed to by both parties, or if no agreement can be reached, then selected
in accordance with the Employment Rules of the American Arbitration Association.
The arbitrator shall have the authority to resolve the dispute and interpret the
RELEASE. The arbitrator shall not have authority to add to, modify, blue-line,
change or disregard any lawful terms of this Agreement or to issue an award that
is contrary to California law. The prevailing party in any such controversy or
claim shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees for actual hours worked at
a reasonable rate, without any premium or multiplier. The parties shall share in
the cost of the arbitration equally, unless otherwise ordered by the arbitrator
for good cause. The parties agree to submit their portion of the filing/forum
fees directly to the arbitrator/arbitration forum.
(d) Arbitration shall be the exclusive final remedy for any dispute
between the parties relating to the breach, enforceability, or interpretation of
this RELEASE.
18. Dispute Resolution - Claims Not Related to Release
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and COMPANY agree that in the event there are any future disputes
between the parties related to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ employment by the COMPANY but not
related to the enforceability, breach, or interpretation of this RELEASE, said
disputes shall be resolved as indicated in the preceding section, except that if
mediation is unsuccessful the dispute shall be resolved through the appropriate
court of law, without a jury, instead of the arbitration provisions above. The
parties recognize that they are both waiving certain rights to trial by jury,
and do so knowingly in order to hasten the resolution of any such dispute and
minimize costs. The prevailing party in any such controversy or claim shall be
entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees for actual hours worked at a reasonable
rate, without any premium or multiplier.
19. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and COMPANY understand and agree that if any provision of this
RELEASE is found to be unenforceable, all other portions shall remain fully
enforceable to the extent permitted by law.
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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - RELEASE OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS
I agree to all of the foregoing without reservation.
Executed at ________________________, this ____ day of ____________,2002.
____________________________________
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Executed at ________________________, this ____ day of ____________,2002.
MTS, INCORPORATED
____________________________________
By:
Its:
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NOTARY PUBLIC
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF )
ON December __, ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ appeared before me, the
undersigned, personally appeared, personally known to me or proved to me on the
basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person who executed the within
instrument, and that be his signature on the instrument, the person executed the
instrument. I declare under penalty of perjury that the person whose name is
subscribed to this instrument appears to be of sound mind and under no duress,
fraud, or undue influence.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
_________________________________________
Notary Public
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NOTARY PUBLIC
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF )
ON December__, 2002, ________________appeared before me, the undersigned,
personally appeared, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of
satisfactory evidence to be the person who executed the within instrument, and
that be his signature on the instrument, the person executed the instrument. I
declare under penalty of perjury that the person whose name is subscribed to
this instrument appears to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud, or undue
influence.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
_________________________________________
Notary Public
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EXHIBIT A
Proprietary Periods:
>
> Fiscal 98 - year end
>
> Fiscal 99 - year end
>
> Fiscal 00 - Quarterly
>
> Fiscal 01 - Monthly
>
> Fiscal 02 - Monthly
>
> Fiscal 03 - August/September
>
>
> Proprietary data:
>
> Bank Progress Reports ( begins May 01) and support data i.e.
> initiative calculations/restructuring costs/translation gains or losses
> Bank Compliance Certificates and supplemental reports i.e.
> collateral exhibits/forecasted balance sheet items
> Consolidated/Consolidating Balance Sheets
> Consolidated/Consolidating Income Statements
> Consolidated Cash Flow
> Consolidated Shareholders Equity
> Consolidating Trial Balance
> Account group analytics (comparative monthly/quarter/annual as
> applicable):
> MTS
> TRKK
> U.K.
> Ireland
> Bayside
> Tower Direct
> Singapore/Taiwan/Canada/Argentina if applicable
> Conversion spread sheets:
> TRKK
> U.K.
> Ireland
> Singapore/Taiwan/Canada/Argentina if applicable
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EMPLOYEE'S INITIALS ___
> Inventory/Gross Profit reconciliation to General Ledger
> Comp. Sales Reports
> Operating Budgets (FYE 96 - 02)
> Budget variance reports (fye 02)
> Store EBITDA report (fye 02)
> Store square footage reports (fye 02)
> CIT 3 year forecasts
> Current Restructuring Alternatives (PWC 05-07-02)
> Presentation to Management (Chilmark 07-12-01)
> MTS, Inc. Proposed Operating Plan (Betsy's Draft 11-01-02)
>
> Of the listed items not all items are represented each month i.e.
> quarterly/year end analytics would be in more detail than monthly.
>
> Quasi Public Data:
>
> Presentation to Vendor Committee (08-21-01)
> Investor Presentation (01-98 Bonds)
> Information Memorandum (09-97 Senior Secured)
> Lender Meeting Presentation (09-97 Senior Secured)
> MTS Offering Memorandum (04-98 Bonds)
> Prospectus - Offer to Exchange (Bonds 09-14-98)
> Proposal to Bank Group (06-06-02)
> Tower Records KK Confidential Information Memorandum (09-01)
>
> Other:
>
> Investment Banks introduction materials i.e. Chase, Jefferies, UBS
> Warburg, Credit Suisse, etc. Non-proprietary in nature based off
> public information.
>
> Not Listed:
>
> Public Information available through SEC or ▇▇▇▇▇
>
> Equipment (purchased):
>
> Dell T3000 P.C.
> Dell Terminal and Keyboard
> Laser Jet Printer
>> Lap Top P.C.
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EMPLOYEE'S INITIALS ___
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT
This AGREEMENT is between ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, on one hand, and MTS
INCORPORATED, on the other hand. This Agreement ("AGREEMENT") supplements the
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS ("SEVERANCE AGREEMENT")
presented to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ("▇▇▇▇▇▇▇") on December 20, 2002 and executed
on _________ __, 2002 ("Execution Date").
If ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ does not exercise his right to revoke the SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
pursuant to section 14(c) of the SEVERANCE AGREEMENT, MTS INCORPORATED ("MTS" or
"COMPANY") agrees to pay ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00),
less applicable payroll deductions, pursuant to Exhibit A. Payment shall be made
available to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ within fourteen (14) calendar days after the Execution Date
or ten (14) calendar days after this Agreement is fully executed by both
parties, whichever is later.
COMPANY makes no representations as to the taxable status of the
consideration paid pursuant to this RELEASE. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to be solely
responsible for characterizing, allocating and reporting to taxing agencies the
consideration stated herein, and for paying any taxes, assessments, charges or
penalties that may be attributable to the consideration. In addition, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
agrees to indemnify the COMPANY for any and all tax liability, interest, or
penalties that COMPANY is assessed because of a determination by any taxing
entity that withholding was not proper for the payment made pursuant to this
AGREEMENT.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that he shall keep the terms of this AGREEMENT, including
the amount of consideration paid under this AGREEMENT, CONFIDENTIAL, and he
promises and covenants that from the date of execution of this AGREEMENT forward
he shall not disclose, publicize, or cause to be disclosed or publicized in any
manner, directly or indirectly, the terms or conditions of this AGREEMENT except
(i) to his accountants, auditors, insurance agents, insurance companies or
adjusters, financial advisors, attorneys, and spouse, provided ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ first
ensures that such persons also agree to this pledge of confidentiality, (ii) to
state and federal taxing authorities, and (iii) as legally required when
compelled by applicable law (i.e. under subpoena). ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledges that
confidentiality is a key and material provision of this AGREEMENT and that a
violation of this provision could result in significant consequences to COMPANY
and shall be considered a material breach of this AGREEMENT, providing COMPANY
with all available remedies under law.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ expressly states that he has read this AGREEMENT and understands
all of its terms. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ represents and acknowledges that he has not relied on
any oral or other extraneous representations in agreeing to execute this
AGREEMENT and that this AGREEMENT is executed voluntarily and with full
knowledge of its significance. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has been given the opportunity to review
this AGREEMENT with an attorney.
Should ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ attempt to challenge any portion of this AGREEMENT, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
agrees that he must deliver a certified or cashier's check to the COMPANY equal
to all monetary benefits he has received pursuant to this AGREEMENT before
challenging this AGREEMENT. COMPANY shall deposit the amount that ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has
repaid in a separate interest bearing escrow account pending the determination
of the dispute/grievance. The money in escrow will be distributed at the end of
the dispute/grievance in accordance with the parties' agreement, or if no
agreement is reached, then in accordance with the arbitrator's decision.
1
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and COMPANY agree that any future dispute over this AGREEMENT, its
terms, or its enforceability shall be resolved under the following procedures:
(a) The party making a claim or grievance shall present such claim
or grievance and the relief requested to the other party in writing.
(b) If the other party does not agree to the relief requested or
otherwise satisfy the demand of the party claiming to be aggrieved, the parties
shall submit the dispute to non-binding mediation before a mediator jointly
selected by the parties. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, a mediator
shall be appointed by the Judicial Arbitration and Mediations Service (JAMS).
The costs of the mediation shall be borne equally by the parties. All applicable
statutes of limitations related to the grievance shall be tolled beginning on
the date that any party sends written notice to JAMS submitting the grievance to
mediation and ending five (5) business days after the mediation is completed or
six (6) months after the claim is submitted to JAMS for mediation, whichever
comes first.
(c) If the mediation does not produce a resolution of the dispute,
the parties agree that the dispute shall be resolved by final and binding
arbitration. Any such dispute shall be submitted to the American Arbitration
Association for binding arbitration, unless the parties agree in writing to
another arbitration forum. The arbitration shall be conducted in Sacramento
County by an arbitrator approved and agreed to by both parties, or if no
agreement can be reached, then selected in accordance with the Employment Rules
of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator shall have the authority
to resolve the dispute and interpret this AGREEMENT. The arbitrator shall not
have authority to add to, modify, blue-line, change or disregard any lawful
terms of this AGREEMENT or to issue an award that is contrary to California law.
The prevailing party in any such controversy or claim shall be entitled to
reasonable attorneys' fees for actual hours worked at a reasonable rate, without
any premium or multiplier. The parties shall share in the cost of the
arbitration equally, unless otherwise ordered by the arbitrator for good cause.
The parties agree to each pay their portion of the filing and forum fees
directly to the Arbitrator/Arbitration organization.
(d) Binding arbitration shall be the exclusive final remedy for any
dispute between the parties relating to the breach, enforceability, or
interpretation this AGREEMENT.
This AGREEMENT may not be modified or changed in any manner nor may any
provision of it or any legal remedy with respect to it be waived except by a
writing signed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the then current Chief Executive Officer or
President of the Company. This AGREEMENT shall not be effective unless actually
signed by BOTH ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and a representative of MTS INCORPORATED actually
authorized to enter into this Agreement in the signature line immediately below
this paragraph.
We agree to all of the foregoing without reservation.
Executed at ________________________, this ____ day of ____________,2002.
____________________________________
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Executed at ________________________, this ____ day of ____________,2002.
MTS, INCORPORATED
____________________________________
By:
Its:
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CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NOTARY PUBLIC
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF )
ON DECEMBER __, ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ appeared before me, the
undersigned, personally appeared, personally known to me or proved to me on the
basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person who executed the within
instrument, and that be his signature on the instrument, the person executed the
instrument. I declare under penalty of perjury that the person whose name is
subscribed to this instrument appears to be of sound mind and under no duress,
fraud, or undue influence.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
_________________________________________
Notary Public
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NOTARY PUBLIC
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF )
ON DECEMBER __, 2002, _________________appeared before me, the
undersigned, personally appeared, personally known to me or proved to me on the
basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person who executed the within
instrument, and that be his signature on the instrument, the person executed the
instrument. I declare under penalty of perjury that the person whose name is
subscribed to this instrument appears to be of sound mind and under no duress,
fraud, or undue influence.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
_________________________________________
Notary Public
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