Attached files
Exhibit 10.2
SEPARATION, CONSULTING AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT
THIS SEPARATION, CONSULTING AND GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of the first date on the signature page hereto, by and between HCP, Inc. (the “Company”) and J. Alberto Gonzalez-Pita (“Executive”) (together, the “Parties”).
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, Executive is employed by the Company as its Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and
WHEREAS, Executive desires to leave his employment with the Company to pursue other business and legal interests and therefore, the Parties wish to make arrangements to terminate their employment relationship and resolve, fully and finally, all outstanding matters between them.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth hereinafter, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. EXECUTIVE’S SEPARATION. Executive’s separation from the Company shall be effective June 30, 2011 (the “Separation Date”). Executive hereby agrees that he will resign from his employment as an officer of the Company and any other position he may hold with the Company as of the Separation Date, and Executive agrees that he will execute any and all documents necessary to effect such resignations. Upon the Separation Date, Executive shall return to the Company all files, records, credit cards, keys, equipment, and all other Company property or documents maintained by Executive for the Company’s use or benefit. From the date of this Agreement through the Separation Date, Executive will remain employed by the Company as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at his current base salary rate, with continued participation in all applicable employee benefit plans, except equity plans, and subject to the eligibility requirements, terms and conditions of each plan or program then in effect. Any Company stock options, restricted stock or other equity or equity-related compensation previously granted to Executive that are not vested as of the Separation Date will be cancelled and Executive shall have no further right, title or interest in or under such awards.
2. CONSULTING SERVICES. In consideration of Executive’s representations, releases, waivers and promises set forth in this Agreement, the Company agrees that, conditioned upon the timely execution (and non-revocation) of this Agreement, for the period commencing on the Separation Date and ending on the date that is six (6) months following the Separation Date (the “Consulting Term”), Executive shall provide consulting services to the Company on the following terms and conditions:
a. Executive will be reasonably available to consult with the Company on an as-needed basis on matters familiar to him as a result of his prior work with the Company.
b. The Company will pay Executive a consulting fee of $50,000 per month, payable in semi-monthly installments during such Consulting Term, and Executive shall be solely responsible for all taxes owed on such payments. If Executive believes that any payment owed under this paragraph has not been properly paid to him, he shall advise the Company’s Chief Executive Officer in writing, and the Company shall have fifteen (15) days to correct any mistaken or inadvertent non-payment.
c. At the end of the Consulting Term, if Executive has satisfactorily performed the consulting services and abided by all terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company shall pay him a bonus in the amount of $115,000; conditioned upon Executive’s execution and non-revocation of a supplemental waiver and general release of claims in a form provided by the Company which shall not include terms that exceed the terms of this Agreement.
d. Executive agrees that, during the Consulting Term, he is retained solely as an independent contractor to the Company. Executive agrees that he is not, and will not claim or represent himself to be, an employee or agent of the Company, that he has no authority to enter into any contracts or agreements on behalf of the Company or to otherwise bind the Company in any manner, and that he will not represent to any person or entity that he has any such authority
3. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION. In further consideration of the terms, representations, waivers and releases in this Agreement, the Company will provide Executive with the following additional payments and benefits:
a. Severance payments in the amount of $125,000 per month, minus all applicable tax withholdings and other authorized deductions, for a period of twelve (12) months following the Separation Date, payable in semi-monthly installments on the Company’s regular payroll schedule and commencing on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following both the Separation Date and the Effective Date (as defined in Section 3d. below);
b. A lump sum payment in the amount of $50,000, less all applicable tax withholdings and other authorized deductions, payable on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following both the Separation Date and the Effective Date, to reimburse Executive for the estimated premiums for twenty-four (24) months of COBRA continuation coverage for himself and his eligible dependents pursuant to Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code or the applicable state equivalent (“COBRA”). It shall be Executive’s sole responsibility to timely elect COBRA coverage and make the required premium payments; and
c. A cash lump sum amount equal to that portion of Executive’s account under the Company’s 401(k) plan (including, without limitation, any 401(k)
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matching contributions), if any, that has not become vested under the terms of such plan as of the Separation Date, payable on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following both the Separation Date and the Effective Date.
d. For purposes of this Agreement, the “Effective Date” shall be the eighth (8th) calendar day following the date that Executive signs and returns this Agreement to the Company, provided that Executive does not revoke or attempt to revoke his acceptance of this Agreement prior to such date. Executive shall have the period of twenty-one (21) calendar days from the date he receives this Agreement to sign it and return it to the Company.
Executive acknowledges and agrees that under the terms of this Agreement he is receiving consideration beyond that which he would otherwise be entitled to and which, but for the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, the Company would not otherwise be obligated to provide. Executive further agrees that the payments and benefits provided hereunder are in addition to any wages and accrued but unused vacation earned through the Separation Date.
4. MUTUAL RELEASE AND WAIVER.
a. Executive’s Release.
(i) In exchange for the consideration described in Sections 2 and 3 above and other terms, representations, waivers and releases in this Agreement, Executive hereby forever releases and discharges the Company and its parents, affiliates, successors, and assigns, as well as each of its past and present officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, and shareholders (collectively, the “Company Released Parties”), from any and all claims, charges, complaints, liens, demands, causes of action, obligations, damages, and liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Executive had, now has, or may hereafter claim to have against the Company Released Parties arising out of or relating in any way to Executive’s employment with, or resignation from, the Company, or otherwise relating to any of the Company Released Parties from the beginning of time to the Effective Date (the “Executive’s Release”). Executive’s Release specifically extends to, without limitation, any and all claims or causes of action for wrongful termination, breach of an express or implied contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, misrepresentation, defamation, slander, infliction of emotional distress, disability, loss of future earnings, and any claims under any applicable state, federal, or local statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended, the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (the “ADA”), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended (“ADEA”), as amended, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, as amended, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended (the “WARN Act”), Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, as amended, and the
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California Family Rights Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, as amended and California Labor Code Section 1400 et seq.; provided, however, that this Release does not waive, release or otherwise discharge any claim or cause of action that cannot legally be waived, including, but not limited to, any claim for unpaid wages, workers’ compensation benefits, unemployment benefits and any claims for indemnification under applicable law.
(ii) For the purpose of implementing a full and complete release, Executive understands and agrees that this Agreement is intended to include all claims, if any, which Executive may have and which Executive does not now know or suspect to exist in his favor against the Company Released Parties and this Agreement extinguishes those claims. Accordingly, Executive expressly waives all rights afforded by Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California (“Section 1542”) and any similar statute or regulation in any other applicable jurisdiction. Section 1542 states as follows:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
(iii) This Agreement shall not prevent Executive from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (or similar state or local agency) or participating in any investigation conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (or similar state or local agency); provided, however, that Executive acknowledges and agrees that any claims by Executive for personal relief in connection with such a charge or investigation (such as reinstatement or monetary damages) hereby are barred.
b. The Company’s Release.
(i) The Company hereby forever releases and discharges Executive, his heirs, successors, and assigns, from any and all claims, charges, complaints, liens, demands, causes of action, obligations, damages, and liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that the Company had, now has, or may hereafter claim to have against Executive (the “Company’s Release”). The Company’s Release specifically extends to, without limitation, any and all claims or causes of action under common law as well as any claims under any applicable state, federal, or local statutes and regulations; provided, however, that the Company’s Release does not waive, release, or otherwise discharge any claim or cause of action to enforce any rights the Company may have with respect to the confidentiality of Company information, the assignment of inventions or the solicitation of the Company’s customers, clients or employees or any claim or cause of action that cannot legally be waived.
(ii) For the purpose of implementing a full and complete release, the Company understands and agrees that this Agreement is intended to include
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all claims, if any, which the Company may have and which the Company does not now know or suspect to exist in its favor against Executive and this Agreement extinguishes those claims. Accordingly, the Company expressly waives all rights afforded by Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California (“Section 1542”) and any similar statute or regulation in any other applicable jurisdiction. Section 1542 states as follows:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
5. ADEA WAIVER AND RELEASE. Executive understands and agrees that he is waiving his rights under the ADEA and thus:
a. Executive has been informed and understands and agrees that he has the period of twenty-one (21) calendar days after receipt of this Agreement to consider whether to sign it.
b. Executive has been informed and understands and agrees that he may revoke this Agreement at any time during the seven (7) calendar days after this Agreement is signed and returned to the Company, in which case none of the provisions of this Agreement will have any effect. Executive acknowledges and agrees that if he wishes to revoke this Agreement, he must do so in writing, and that such revocation must be signed by Executive and received by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company no later than the seventh (7th) day after Executive has signed the Agreement. Executive acknowledges and agrees that, in the event Executive revokes the Agreement, he shall have no right to receive any of the consideration described in Sections 2 and 3 above and the other benefits, waiver and release provided under the terms of this Agreement.
c. Executive agrees that prior to signing this Agreement, he read and understood each and every provision of this Agreement.
d. Executive understands and agrees that he has been advised in this writing to consult with an attorney of his choice concerning the legal consequences of this Agreement and Executive hereby acknowledges that prior to signing this Agreement, he had the opportunity to consult with an attorney of his choosing regarding the effect of each and every provision of this Agreement.
e. Executive acknowledges and agrees that he knowingly and voluntarily entered into this Agreement with complete understanding of all relevant facts, and that he was neither fraudulently induced nor coerced to enter into this Agreement.
f. Executive understands that he is not waiving, releasing or otherwise discharging any claims under the ADEA that may arise after the date she signs this Agreement.
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6. CODE SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE. This Agreement and the payments provided for hereunder are intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4)(i). The parties hereto agree that in the event it is determined that this Agreement or any payment hereunder is subject to and not compliant with Code Section 409A they shall negotiate in good faith to amend the Agreement to the extent possible to avoid the imposition of additional taxes under Section 409A of the Code.
7. REPRESENTATIONS. Executive and the Company make the following representations, each of which is an important consideration to the other party’s willingness to enter into this Agreement:
a. Executive acknowledges that the Company is not entering into this Agreement because it believes that Executive has any cognizable legal claim against the Company Released Parties. If Executive elects not to sign this Agreement, the fact that this Agreement was offered will not be understood as an indication that the Company Released Parties believed Executive was treated unlawfully in any respect.
b. Executive understands and agrees that he has been advised to consult with an attorney of his choice concerning the legal consequences of this Agreement. Executive hereby acknowledges that prior to signing this Agreement, he had the opportunity to consult with an attorney of his choosing regarding the effect of each and every provision of this Agreement.
c. Executive and the Company, on behalf of himself and itself, acknowledge and agree that he and it knowingly and voluntarily entered into this Agreement with complete understanding of all relevant facts, and that neither party was fraudulently induced nor coerced to enter into this Agreement.
d. The Parties each represent and warrant to the other that they have the capacity and authority to enter into this Agreement and be bound by its terms.
8. CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS AND RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.
a. During the Consulting Term and at all times thereafter to the extent consistent with applicable law, Executive agrees that he will not use or disclose any confidential information, trade secrets, or financial, personnel, proprietary information, or client information which Executive learned while employed by, or providing consulting services to, the Company;
b. Executive agrees that if during the Consulting Term he accepts any consulting or employment relationship with a publicly-traded healthcare REIT that is a direct competitor of the Company, the Consulting Term and all of the benefits and payments to him provided under Section 2 above will automatically end, unless the Company waives this provision in writing.
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c. During the Consulting Term, Executive agrees that he will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage any Company employee to leave his or her employment with the Company.
9. MUTUAL NON-DISPARAGEMENT. Executive agrees that he will not, at any time, make, directly or indirectly, any oral or written public statements that are disparaging of the Company, its products or services, and any of its present or former officers, directors or employees. The Company (limited to its officers and directors) agrees that it will not, at any time, make, directly or indirectly, any oral or written public statements that are disparaging of Executive.
10. COOPERATION. Executive agrees that he will cooperate with the Company, including executing documents and providing requested information, as may reasonably be required to give effect to the provisions of this Agreement or for the Company to comply with applicable securities laws.
11. INDEMNIFICATION. The Company represents and warrants that the Indemnification Agreement by and between Executive and the Company will remain in full force and effect following the Separation Date, in accordance with its terms. For the period of six (6) years following the Separation Date, Executive shall be covered under the Company’s existing or successor directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy.
12. REMEDIES. If Executive fails to comply with or otherwise breaches any of the promises, representations, or releases in this Agreement, the Company may immediately stop any payments or benefits otherwise owing under this Agreement and may seek additional relief or remedy as provided under applicable law, including injunctive relief.
13. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and all rights, duties, and remedies hereunder shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without reference to its choice of law rules, except as preempted by federal law.
14. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. Executive agrees that this Agreement will be binding upon, and pass to the benefit of, the successors and assigns of the Company. Any payments and benefits due to the Executive hereunder shall be payable to his estate or representative in the event of his death or disability.
15. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may not be amended or modified other than by a written instrument signed by an authorized representative of the Company and Executive.
16. DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS. The section headings contained herein are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
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17. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile and .pdf signatures will suffice as original signatures.
18. NOTICES. All notices hereunder shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by United States registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested:
If to the Company:
HCP, Inc.
3760 Kilroy Airport Way, Suite 300
Long Beach, California 90806
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
If to Executive:
J. Alberto Gonzalez-Pita
at the most recent address in the payroll records of the Company
19. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof and merges and supersedes all prior discussions, agreements, and understandings of every kind and nature between the Parties hereto, and neither Party shall be bound by any term or condition other than as expressly set forth or provided for in this Agreement.
(SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the first date set forth below.
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HCP, INC..
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J. ALBERTO GONZALEZ-PITA
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By:
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/s/ JAMES F. FLAHERTY III
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/s/ J. ALBERTO GONZALEZ-PITA
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Its:
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Chief Executive Officer
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Date:
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May 26, 2011
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Date:
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May 26, 2011
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