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LENNOX INTERNATIONAL INC. CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

Change of Control Agreement

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This Change of Control Agreement involves

LENNOX INTERNATIONAL INC

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Title: LENNOX INTERNATIONAL INC. CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
Governing Law: Texas     Date: 12/17/2008
Industry: Misc. Capital Goods     Sector: Capital Goods

LENNOX INTERNATIONAL INC. CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT, Parties: lennox international inc
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Exhibit 10.1 LENNOX INTERNATIONAL INC.
CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT
THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), effective as of December 11, 2008 (the "Effective Date") is made by and between Lennox International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and [Name] ("Executive"). WHEREAS, the Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to foster the continued employment of key management personnel; WHEREAS, the Board (as defined in Appendix A hereto) recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, the possibility of a change in control exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which may raise among management, may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders; WHEREAS, the Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of key members of the Company’s management, including Executive, to their assigned duties without the distraction of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a change in control; WHEREAS, the Company wishes to enter into this Agreement to protect Executive’s reasonable expectations regarding compensation and duties if a change in control of the Company occurs, thereby encouraging Executive to remain in the employ of the Company notwithstanding the possibility of a change in control; WHEREAS, it is understood that if Executive has an existing employment agreement (the "Employment Agreement") with the Company, then this Agreement is intended to provide certain protections to Executive that are not afforded by the Employment Agreement; provided however, this Agreement is not intended to provide benefits that are duplicative of Executive’s current benefits; and WHEREAS, upon the Effective Date, this Agreement will supersede all previous agreements, if any, between the Company and Executive that provides benefits to Executive upon a change in control of the Company; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows: 1.  Term of Agreement . The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue in effect through December 31, 2009; provided, however, that commencing on January 1, 2010 and each January 1 thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year (collectively, the "Term"); and further provided, however, that if a Change in Control (as defined in Appendix A hereto) shall have occurred during the Term, the Term shall expire two years following the event which constitutes a Change in Control.

 

 




 

2. Company’s Obligations. 2.1 General Obligations . The Company agrees, under the conditions described herein, to pay Executive the Severance Payments (as defined in Section 5.1 herein) and the other payments and benefits described herein. No Severance Payments shall be payable under this Agreement unless there shall have been a termination of Executive’s employment as described in Section 5.1. 2.2 Equity and Other Performance Based Awards . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, upon a Change in Control, each and every stock option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award, performance share unit award and other equity-based award and any other performance award granted to Executive that is outstanding immediately prior to the Change in Control shall (i) immediately vest and become exercisable and any restrictions on the sale or transfer of such shares (other than any such restriction arising by operation of law) with respect to such shares shall terminate, and (ii) be considered to have vested at the highest possible award level with respect to each such award. 2.3 Notice of Change in Control . The Company shall promptly notify Executive in writing of the occurrence of a Change in Control. 3. Terms of Employment Post-CIC. 3.1 Employment Period . Upon a Change in Control, the Company hereby agrees to continue Executive in its employ, and Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and provisions of this Agreement, for the period commencing on the date upon which there occurs a Change in Control and ending on the second anniversary of the Change in Control (the "CIC Employment Period"). 3.2 Position and Duties . (i) During the CIC Employment Period, (A) Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned by or to Executive at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Change in Control, and (B) Executive’s services shall be performed at the location where Executive was employed immediately preceding the Change in Control or at another location within 35 miles thereof. (ii) During the CIC Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which Executive is entitled, Executive agrees to devote reasonable attention and time to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Executive hereunder, to use Executive’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities. It is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any activities (including, but not limited to, service on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees) have been conducted by Executive prior to the Change in Control, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Change in Control shall not be deemed to interfere with the performance of Executive’s responsibilities to the Company.

 

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3.3 Compensation and Benefits . (i)  Annual Base Salary . During the CIC Employment Period, Executive shall receive an annual base salary not less than the base salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control ("Annual Base Salary"), which shall be paid in accordance with the normal business practice of the Company. During this period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually and shall be increased at any time and from time to time as shall be substantially consistent with increases in base salary generally awarded in the ordinary course of business to executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. Any increase in Annual Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to Executive under this Agreement. Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase and the term "Annual Base Salary" as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Annual Base Salary as so increased. As used in this Agreement, the term "affiliated companies" shall include, when used with reference to the Company, any company controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company. (ii)  Annual Bonus . In addition to Annual Base Salary, Executive shall be awarded, for each fiscal year or portion thereof during the CIC Employment Period, an annual bonus (the "Annual Bonus") in cash equal to no less than the Executive’s target short-term incentive bonus percentage immediately prior to the Change in Control multiplied by the Executive’s Annual Base Salary, prorated for any period consisting of less than twelve full months. The Annual Bonus awarded for a particular fiscal year shall be paid no later than the fifteenth day of the third month following the end of such year. (iii)  Equity and Performance Based Awards . During the CIC Employment Period, Executive shall be granted on an annual basis a long-term incentive package consisting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance share unit awards and other equity-based awards and performance awards, as selected by the Company, with an aggregate value (as determined by an independent consulting firm selected by Executive and reasonably acceptable to the Company) that shall be not less than the aggregate value of the most valuable long-term incentive package awarded Executive in any of the three years immediately preceding the Change in Control. (iv)  Benefits . During the CIC Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits, in each such case, no less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable plan, practice, program or policy of the Company and its affiliates applicable to similarly situated executives immediately in effect prior to the commencement of the Change in Control or in effect at any time after the Change in Control:

 

(a)

 

profit-sharing, savings and retirement plans that are tax-qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code (as defined in Appendix A hereto), and all plans that are supplemental to any such tax-qualified plans; and

 

     

 

(b)

 

welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs; and

 

     

 

(c)

 

prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive; and

 

     

 

(d)

 

fringe benefits and perquisites; and

 

     

 

(e)

 

paid vacation.

 

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4. Termination of Employment for Disability, Death and Cause . 4.1 Disability . During the CIC Employment Period, during any period that Executive fails to perform Executive’s duties with the Company as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness, the Company shall pay Executive’s salary to Executive at the rate in effect at the commencement of any such period, together with all compensation and benefits payable to Executive under the terms of the Company’s written plans as in effect during such period, until Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Disability (as defined in Appendix A hereto). 4.2 Death . During the CIC Employment Period, in the event of Executive’s death, the Company shall pay to Executive’s estate, Executive’s salary, together with all compensation and benefits payable to Executive under the terms of the Company’s written plans as in effect immediately prior to the date of death, through the date Executive’s employment is terminated by death. 4.3 Cause . During the CIC Employment Period, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause (as defined in Appendix A hereto). In such event, the Company shall pay Executive’s salary, together with all compensation and benefits payable to Executive under the terms of the Company’s written plans as in effect immediately prior to the date the Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause. 5.  Termination of Employment by Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason . 5.1 Payments to Executive . If Executive’s employment is terminated following a Change in Control and during the CIC Employment Period either (i) by the Company without Cause or (ii) by Executive with Good Reason (as defined in Appendix A hereto), then the Company shall pay Executive the amounts, and provide Executive the benefits, set forth in this Section 5.1 (collectively referred to as, "Severance Payments"). (A) Cash Payment . In lieu of (x) any further salary and bonus payments to Executive for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 7.2 herein), and (y) any severance benefit otherwise payable to Executive under the Employment Agreement, if any, the Company shall pay to Executive a lump sum severance payment, in cash, on the date that is six months and two days after Executive’s date of termination (the "Designated Date") from the Company equal to: (i) three (3) times the Executive’s Annual Base Salary, plus (ii) three (3) times the Executive’s target short-term incentive bonus percentage immediately prior to the Change in Control or in effect at any time after the Change in Control, whichever is greater, multiplied by the Executive’s Annual Base Salary, plus

 

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(iii) an amount equal to Executive’s target short-term incentive bonus percentage immediately prior to the Change in Control or in effect at any time after the Change in Control, whichever is greater, multiplied by the Executive’s Annual Base Salary, prorated for any period consisting of less than twelve full months, plus (iv) any deferred compensation previously awarded to or earned by Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon); provided any amounts paid to Executive will be paid in accordance with the applicable deferred compensation plan, plus (v) payment in lieu of any accrued but unused vacation as of Executive’s Date of Termination, plus (vi) an amount equal to 15% of Executive’s Annual Base Salary (this amount being paid in lieu of outplacement services), plus (vii) an amount equal to 45% of Executive’s Annual Base Salary (this amount being paid in lieu of the perquisites). (B) Health and Welfare Benefit Plans . For the 36-month period immediately following the Date of Termination, the Company shall provide Executive and covered dependents as of Executive’s Date of Termination, medical and health benefits and group life and supplemental group life substantially similar to those provided to Executive and such covered dependents immediately prior to the Date of Termination (such continuation of such benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as "Welfare Benefit Contribution"). The Company shall timely pay or provide to Executive and/or Executive’s family any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which Executive and/or Executive’s family is eligible to receive pursuant to this Agreement and under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company and its affiliated companies as in effect and applicable generally to other executives and their families on the Date of Termination. (C) Non-Qualified Pension . For purposes of calculating benefits under the Company’s Supplemental Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing Restoration Plan, the Company shall add an additional three years of vesting service and credited service to Executive’s years of vesting and credited service, as well as an incremental three years added to Executive’s age.

 

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(D) Certain Pre-Change in Control Terminations . Any provision in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if a Change in Control occurs and if Executive’s employment with the Company has been terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive with Good Reason in either case within six (6) months prior to the date on which the Change in Control occurs, then Executive shall be entitled to the severance and other benefits as if Executive’s termination had been following a Change in Control, payable on the Designated Date.  Any amounts to be paid to Executive shall be reduced by and offset dollar-for-dollar by any severance benefits payable to Executive under the Employment Agreement or any other separation agreement in connection with such termination. 5.2 Gross-Up Payment . (A) Whether or not Executive becomes entitled to the Severance Payments, if any payments or benefits received or to be received by Executive whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company, or with any Person whose actions result in a Change in Control or any Person affiliated with the Company or such Person (such payments or benefits, excluding the Gross-Up Payment (as defined below), being hereinafter referred to as the "Total Payments") are subject to the Excise Tax (any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code ), the Company shall pay to Executive an additional amount (the "Gross-Up Payment") such that the net amount retained by Executive, after deduction of any Excise Tax on the Total Payments and any federal, state and local income and employment taxes and Excise Tax upon the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Total Payments. (B) For purposes of determining whether any of the Total Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, (i) all of the Total Payments shall be treated as "parachute payments" (within the meaning of Code Section 280G(b)(2)) unless, in the opinion of the Company, such payments or benefits (in whole or in part) do not constitute parachute payments, including by reason of Code Section 280G(b)(4)(A), (ii) all "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of Code Section 280G(b)(1) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax unless, in the opinion of the Company, such excess parachute payments (in whole or in part) represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered (within the meaning of Code Section 280G(b)(4)(B)) in excess of the Base Amount allocable to such reasonable compensation, or are otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax, and (iii) the value of any noncash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company in accordance with the principles of Code Section 280G(d)(3) and (4). The Company and Executive agree that the determinations described in this Section 4.2(B) shall take the form of a letter from the Company accompanied by calculations prepared by the Company and certified by a national accounting firm selected by the Company.

 

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(C) The Gross-Up Payment (or portion thereof) will be paid to Executive on the day of the payment of the Total Payments (or portion thereof) that give rise to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that if the amount of such Gross-Up Payment (or portion thereof) cannot be fully determined on or before the date on which payment is due, the Company will pay to E


 
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