Employment Agreement - Image Entertainment Inc. and Jeff Framer
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of
---------
this 1st day of July, 1994, by and between IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT INC., a
California corporation ("Image"), and JEFF FRAMER, an individual ("Executive").
----- ---------
RECITALS
A. Image is engaged in the business of licensing, manufacturing,
promoting, marketing and selling laserdisc format programming.
B. Executive has unique experience with respect to sales and marketing,
management and other aspects of the business of Image.
C. Executive desires to render to Image, on an exclusive basis,
Executive's professional services with respect to Executive's
experience and abilities, and Image desires to secure, on an
exclusive basis, Executive's services, on the terms and conditions
set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. TERM OF AGREEMENT.
Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect for a 2-year term commencing on the date
hereof and ending on June 30, 1996 (the "Term"); provided, however, that
---- -------- -------
unless Executive receives written notice on or before June 30, 1995 that
this Agreement will not be renewed at June 30, 1996 the Term will
automatically extend to June 30, 1997. In the event of any additional
extensions, Image must give Executive at least 1 year's prior written
notice if the Term will not be further extended.
2. ENGAGEMENT.
Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, Image hereby engages
the services of Executive (the "Services") and Executive hereby accepts
--------
such engagement and agrees to render Executive's Services to Image for the
Term. Executive shall report directly to the President of Image and shall
have the title of "CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER."
a. EXTENT OF SERVICES AND DUTIES. Executive shall perform such duties,
compatible with Executive's position as an "Executive Officer" (as
defined below) and as a majority of the Board of Directors of Image
may reasonably require. In rendering Services to Image, Executive
shall use Executive's best efforts and ability to maintain, further
and promote the interests and welfare of Image. For purposes of this
Agreement "Executive Officer" shall include any person similarly
-----------------
designated as an "Executive Officer" in that person's Employment
Agreement with Image.
<PAGE>
b. EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT. Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that
the engagement of Executive by Image under this Agreement is
exclusive and that during the Term hereof Executive shall not,
directly or indirectly, whether for compensation or otherwise,
engage in any business that is competitive with the business of
Image, or render any services of a business, commercial or
professional nature to any other person or organization that is a
competitor of Image or in a business similar to that of Image,
without the prior written consent of Image.
3. COMPENSATION.
a. BASE SALARY. Image hereby agrees to pay Executive for Services to
be rendered hereunder, including all services to be rendered as an
Image director, a minimum annual base salary of $115,000 for each
year of the Term, payable in equal biweekly installments or as
otherwise provided in accordance with Image's regular Executive
Officer compensation procedures in effect from time to time ("Base
Salary") . ----
------
b. BONUS COMPENSATION. Executive shall receive such bonus compensation
equal to 5/8% of "Pre-Tax Profits" (as defined in Exhibit A), if
any, as shall be payable to Executive in accordance with the terms
and conditions of that certain Bonus Plan for Executive Officers,
attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference as Exhibit
A. Image may modify the Bonus Plan from time-to-time and, so long as
such modifications are of general applicability to all participants
in such program, all such modifications shall be applicable to
Executive hereunder ("Bonus Compensation") .
------------------
4. STOCK OPTIONS.
In addition to Base Salary and Bonus Compensation, Image may grant stock
options to Executive in such form and amounts, and at such time or times,
as Image's Board of Directors (or, if applicable, Image's stock option
plan administrators) shall determine. If this Agreement is terminated
early "Without "Cause" under Subparagraph 12(b) or due to a "Change In
Control" under Paragraph 13, all unvested options granted to Executive
will immediately vest. Further, unless this Agreement is terminated early
for Cause under Subparagraph 12(a), all vested options granted to
Executive shall be exercisable for the longest period permissible under
the grant after employment ceases.
5. FRINGE BENEFITS.
a. Image agrees to provide Executive with fringe benefits including but
not limited to the medical, dental and life insurance, expense
allowance and vacation time described below:
i. MEDICAL, DENTAL, LIFE & LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE. Image
shall purchase (or, if applicable, maintain) during the Term
medical, dental and life insurance for Executive,
<PAGE>
and provide coverage under the medical and dental policies for
Executive's direct dependent beneficiaries (e.g., spouse and
minor children), on terms no less favorable than the terms and
conditions in effect as of the date hereof and at all times at
least equal to that received by any other Executive Officer
(collectively "Insurance").
---------
ii. BUSINESS/TRAVEL EXPENSES. Executive shall be reimbursed in
full for all reasonable and actual out-of-pocket business and
travel expenses incurred in the performance of Executive's
Services, on terms and at all times at least equal to that
received by any other Executive Officer, provided Executive
shall first present an itemized account of such expenditures
together with supporting vouchers.
iii. VACATION TIME. Executive is entitled to 4 weeks of paid
vacation time per year of the Term. Any unused vacation time
will continue to accrue throughout the Term and will not be
subject to any offset, reduction, deduction or maximum accrual
limitation of any kind.
6. SEVERANCE.
Upon expiration of the Term, Executive shall be entitled to receive:
a. Base Salary continuation for a period of 6 months; and
b. a prorated portion of Bonus Compensation, if any, otherwise payable
pursuant to Subparagraph 3(b) for 6 months or any partial fiscal
year that has occurred prior to the expiration of the Term,
whichever is greater; and
c. Insurance continuation for a period of 6 months.
7. WITHHOLDING.
There shall be deducted from all compensation payable to Executive
hereunder (except Paragraph 5(b)(ii) compensation), such sums, including
without limitation, social security, income tax withholding and
unemployment insurance, as Image is by law obligated to deduct.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY.
In consideration of the payments to be received hereunder, Executive
agrees as follows:
a. That during the Term of this Agreement he will have access to and
become acquainted with various "Trade Secrets" (as defined below)
and proprietary information of Image. Except as Executive's duties
may require or as Image may otherwise consent to in writing,
Executive will not at any time disclose or use to the detriment of
Image or the sole benefit of Executive, either directly or
indirectly, and either during or subsequent to the Term hereof, any
information, knowledge or data he receives in
<PAGE>
confidence or acquires from Image or which relates to the Trade
Secrets of Image. For purposes of this Agreement "Trade Secrets"
-------------
shall include, but not be limited to:
i. Financial information, such as Image's earnings, assets,
debts, prices, pricing structure, volumes of purchases or
sales or other financial data, whether relating to Image
generally, or to particular products, services, geographic
areas, or time periods;
ii. Supply and service information, such as goods and services,
supplier's names or addresses, terms of supply or service
contracts, or of particular transactions, or related
information about potential suppliers, to the extent that such
information is not generally known to the public, and to the
extent that the combination of suppliers or use of a
particular supplier, though generally known or available,
yields advantages to Image, the details of which are not
generally known;
iii. Marketing information, such as details about ongoing or
proposed marketing programs or agreements by or on behalf of
Image, sales forecasts or results of marketing efforts or
information about impending transactions;
iv. Licensing or Distribution information, such as details about
ongoing or proposed negotiations or agreements by or on behalf
of Image, terms and details of such negotiations or agreements
or results of licensing or distribution efforts or information
about impending transactions; or,
v. Customer information, such as any compilation of past,
existing or prospective customers, customers' proposals or
agreements between customers and status of customers accounts
or credit, or related information about actual or prospective
customers.
b. That all files, records, documents, data information and customer
lists are special, valuable and unique assets of Image and are
essential to its continued business success, and that under no
circumstance during the Term hereof or subsequent thereto will he
influence or attempt to influence any employee of Image to terminate
his or her employment with Image to work for any competitor of
Image, nor shall the Executive solicit, directly or indirectly, any
customers of Image or disclose or use for the purpose of such
solicitation, without the prior written consent of Image, any files,
records, documents, data, information, customer lists or any other
proprietary information of Image.
c. Executive acknowledges that any violation of the terms of this
Paragraph 8 will constitute a material breach of this Agreement and
will cause Image immediate and irreparable harm and that the damages
which Image will suffer may be difficult or impossible to measure.
Therefore, upon any actual or impending violation of this Paragraph
8, Image shall be entitled to the issuance of a
<PAGE>
restraining order, preliminary and permanent injunction, without
bond, restraining or enjoining such violation by Executive or any
entity or person acting in concert with Executive. Such remedy shall
be additional to and not in limitation of any other remedy which may
otherwise be available to Image.
9. INDEMNIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE.
Image will, to the maximum extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold
Executive harmless against expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees,
judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with any proceeding arising by reason of
Executive's employment by Image. Image shall advance to Executive any
expenses incurred in defending any proceeding to the maximum extent
permitted by law. Image will at all times maintain directors' and
officers' liability insurance ("D&O Insurance"), or have sufficient funds
-------------
to self-insure, in amounts and on terms at least as favorable as the D&O
Insurance policy in effect on the date hereof.
10. DEATH.
In the event of Executive's death, this Agreement will terminate on the
last day of the calendar month of Executive's death. In such event,
Executive's personal representative, heirs or beneficiaries shall be
entitled to receive:
a. Base Salary continuation for a period of 6 months or the expiration
of the Term, whichever occurs first; and
b. a prorated portion of Bonus Compensation, if any, otherwise payable
pursuant to Subparagraph 3(b) for 6 months or any partial fiscal
year that has occurred prior to the effective date of termination,
whichever is greater; and
c. dependent Insurance continuation for a period of 6 months or the
expiration of the Term, whichever occurs first.
11. PERMANENT DISABILITY/SUSPENSION.
If, for any reason including physical, mental illness, failure, refusal or
other inability, Executive does not perform a majority of Executive's
usual duties for a period of longer than 120 consecutive days, Image's
obligation to pay Base Salary will be suspended. If the suspension is
reasonably anticipated to exceed 180 consecutive days, Image may terminate
this Agreement effective upon 30 days prior written notice to Executive.
In such event, Executive shall be entitled to receive:
a. Base Salary continuation for a period of 6 months or the expiration
of the Term, whichever occurs first; and
b. a prorated portion of Bonus Compensation, if any, otherwise payable
pursuant to Subparagraph 3(b) for 6 months or any partial fiscal
year that has occurred prior to the effective date of termination,
whichever is greater; and
<PAGE>
c. Insurance continuation for a period of 6 months or the expiration of
the Term, whichever occurs first.
Disagreement as to the anticipation of a permanent disability/suspension
and/or the date such permanent disability/suspension commenced shall be
settled by the majority decision of 3 neutral arbitrators (or, if
applicable, licensed physicians) one to be selected by each party to the
dispute, the two thus appointed shall choose the third, and the three thus
appointed shall constitute the board of arbitration. Such board, acting by
majority vote within 30 days after choosing the third arbitrator, shall
resolve such disagreement and their decision shall be final and binding on
Executive, Image and any other person with an interest in the matter.
12. TERMINATION.
a. "CAUSE." In the event of "Cause" (as defined below), Image may
terminate this Agreement at any time effective upon delivery of
written notice to Executive. In such event, all of Image's
obligations hereunder will immediately terminate without further
liability. Moreover, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any
severance, fringe benefits, compensation or other such rights, nor
shall Executive be entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of Bonus
Compensation otherwise payable pursuant to Subparagraph 3(b). For
purposes of this Agreement "Cause" shall include, but is not limited
-----
to:
i. Executive's (i) fraud, felonious conduct or dishonesty or (ii)
willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of
Executive's duties hereunder; provided, however, that bona
-------- -------
fide disagreements or disputes as to expense reimbursement
shall not be deemed fraud or felonious conduct or Executive's
breach of any material provision of this Agreement; or
ii. Executive's breach of any material provision of this Agreement
or any other material agreement between Image and Executive.
b. "WITHOUT CAUSE." Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the
contrary, in the event this Agreement is terminated prior to
expiration of the Term for any reason other than pursuant to
Paragraphs 10 or 11 or for Cause, this Agreement shall be deemed to
have been terminated "Without Cause" and Executive shall be entitled
to receive all of the compensation, rights and benefits described in
Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 through the expiration of the Term and the
severance described in Paragraph 6, as if this Agreement were in
full force.
13. CHANGE IN CONTROL.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the terms and
conditions of this Paragraph 13 shall control following a "Change In
Control" (as defined below).
<PAGE>
a. TERMINATION. In the event this Agreement is terminated prior to
expiration of the Term for any reason other than pursuant to
Paragraphs 10 or 11 or for Cause following a Change In Control,
Executive shall be entitled to receive all of the compensation,
rights and benefits described in Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 for a period
of 1 year following the effective date of termination or through the
expiration of the Term, whichever is longer, and the severance
described in Paragraph 6, as if this Agreement were in full force.
If any other Executive Officer's options are acquired pursuant to a
Change In Control, Executive's options will be acquired on terms and
at all times at least equal to any other Officer. Executive must
receive 30 days prior written notice of termination regardless of
the reason for termination.
b. "CHANGE IN CONTROL." For purposes of this Agreement "Change In
---------
Control" shall mean and be deemed to have occurred on the earliest
-------
of the following dates:
i. the date, pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Act and the rules
promulgated thereunder, a person shall have acquired
beneficial ownership of more than 45% of the Voting Stock;
ii. the date the persons who were members of the Board at the
beginning of any 24-month period shall cease to constitute a
majority of the Board, unless the election, or the nomination
for election by Image's shareholders, of each new director was
approved by two-thirds of the members of the Board then in
office who were in office at the beginning of the 24-month
period; or
iii. the date Image's shareholders shall approve a definitive
agreement (a) to merge or consolidate Image with or into
another corporation, unless the holders of Image's capital
stock immediately before such merger or consolidation will,
immediately following such merger or consolidation, hold as a
group on a fully-diluted basis the ability to elect at least a
majority of the directors of the surviving corporation
(assuming cumulative voting, if applicable), or (b) to sell or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all the assets of
Image.
c. EXECUTIVE'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE FOR GOOD REASON. During the Term,
Executive shall be entitled to terminate Executive's employment with
Image for "Good Reason" (as defined below) following a Change In
Control. For purposes of this Agreement "Good Reason" shall mean any
of the following events which occurs without Executive's express
written consent:
i. the assignment of any duties inconsistent with Executive's
status as an Executive Officer or a substantial alteration in
the nature or status of Executive's responsibilities from
those in effect immediately prior to a Change In Control other
than any such alteration primarily attributable to the fact
that Image may no longer be a public company;
<PAGE>
ii. a reduction by Image in Base Salary, except for across-the-
board salary reductions similarly affecting all Executive
Officers and any subsidiaries and all executives of any
person, firm or entity in control of Image;
iii. the relocation of Image's principal executive offices to a
location more than 35 miles from the current locale or Image's
requiring Executive to be based anywhere other than Image's
principal executive offices except for required travel on
Image's business to an extent substantially consistent with
Executive's present travel obligations;
iv. the failure by Image to continue in effect without material
change any compensation or benefit plan in which Executive is
entitled to participate, or the failure by Image to continue
Executive's participation therein, or the taking of any action
by Image which would directly or indirectly materially reduce
any of the benefits of such plans enjoyed by Executive at the
time of the Change In Control, or the failure by Image to
provide Executive with the number of paid vacation days to
which Executive is entitled hereunder, or the taking of any
other action by Image which materially adversely changes the
conditions or perquisites of Executive's employment;
v. the failure of Image to obtain a satisfactory agreement from
any successor to assume and agree to perform the Services
contemplated by this Agreement;
vi. any purported termination of employment which is not effected
pursuant to Subparagraph 13(a), any such purported termination
shall not be effective for purposes of this Agreement;
vii. the failure of Image to maintain adequate D&O insurance
coverage pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; or
viii. the breach by Image of any material term of this Agreement.
d. LEGAL FEES AND EXPENSES. If Executive is terminated following a
Change In Control and Executive shall incur any legal fees or
expenses as a result of (i) seeking to obtain or enforce any right
or benefit provided by this Agreement or (ii) a claim of wrongful
discharge or breach of this Agreement, Image agrees to pay or
reimburse Executive for such fees and expenses; provided, however,
-------- -------
that any claims giving rise to such fees or expenses must be made in
good faith and for good cause. In the event there is a dispute
regarding Executive's good faith or the merits of Executive's claim,
and it is determined by the court that the claim lacked merit or was
made in bad faith, Executive shall not be entitled to recover any
fees and expenses including, reasonable attorneys' fees under the
terms of this Agreement and Executive shall be limited to recover
such fees and expenses, if any, as the court shall determine.
<PAGE>
14. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
a. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement is binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and any of their heirs,
legatees, devisees, personal representatives, assigns and successors
in interest of every kind and nature whatsoever. The parties hereto
agree that Executive's services are personal and that this Agreement
is executed with respect thereto. Executive shall have no right to
sell, transfer or assign this Agreement in any manner whatsoever.
b. ENTIRE UNDERSTANDING. This Agreement, and the Exhibits hereto,
constitute the entire understanding and agreement between the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; supersedes (I)
any and all prior and preliminary discussions, and (ii) any and all
prior written or oral and any and all contemporaneous written or
oral agreements, understandings and negotiations between the
parties; including but not limited to prior written or oral
employment agreements and severance agreements, and, there are no
warranties, representations or other agreements between the parties
in connection with the subject matter hereof except as set forth or
referred to herein. This Agreement shall not be modified, amended or
altered except by an instrument in writing executed by the parties
hereto.
c. SEVERABILITY. In case one or more of the provisions contained in
this Agreement (or any portion of any such provision) shall for any
reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect,
such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any
other provision of this Agreement (or any portion of any such
provision), but this Agreement shall be construed as if such
invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision (or portion thereof) had
never been contained herein.
d. WAIVER. The failure by Image, at any time, to require performance
by Executive of any of the provisions hereof, shall not be deemed a
waiver of any kind nor shall it in any way affect Image's rights
thereafter to enforce the same.
e. NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
provided for by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been given 24 hours after deposit there of for
mailing at any general or branch United States Post Office, enclosed
in a registered or certified postpaid envelope and addressed as
follows:
To Image: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
9333 Oso Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Attn: General Counsel
To Executive: JEFF FRAMER
[Address]
<PAGE>
The parties hereto may designate a different place at which notice
shall be given; provided, however, that any such notice of change of
address shall be effective only upon receipt.
f. GOOD FAITH. The parties hereto shall perform, fulfill and discharge
their duties and obligations hereunder in a reasonable manner in
good faith.
g. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and all rights, obligations and
liabilities arising hereunder shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of California.
h. ATTORNEYS' FEES. In the event it becomes necessary to commence any
proceeding or action to enforce the provisions of this Agreement,
the court before whom the same shall be tried may award the
prevailing party all costs and expenses thereof, including without
limitation, reasonable attorney's fees, the usual, customary and
lawfully recoverable court costs, and all other expenses in
connection therewith.
i. ADVICE OF COUNSEL. The parties represent and warrant that in
executing this Agreement, they have each had the opportunity to
obtain independent financial, legal, tax and other appropriate
advice, and are not relying upon any other party (or the attorneys
or other agents of such other party) for any such advice
j. SUBJECT HEADINGS AND DEFINED TERMS. Subject headings and choice of
defined terms are included for convenience only and shall not be
deemed part of this Agreement.
k. CUMULATIVE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. The rights and remedies provided
for in this Agreement shall be cumulative; resort to one right or
remedy shall not preclude resort to another or to any other right or
remedy provided for by law or in equity.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment
Agreement as of the date first above written.
"Image":
-----
IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT, INC.,
a California corporation
By:/s/ MARTIN W. GREENWALD
----------------------------------------
MARTIN W. GREENWALD, President
"Executive":
---------
/s/ JEFF FRAMER
-------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
JEFF FRAMER, an individual
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A to Jeff Framer's Employment Agreement
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BONUS COMPENSATION PLAN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
. OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN. In addition to Base Salary and stock options, to
provide Executive Officer incentive compensation based upon Image's
operating profits.
. "PRE-TAX PROFIT" PERCENTAGE. The incentive compensation plan is designed
to provide Executive Officers with a bonus based on Image's "Pre-Tax
Profits," as defined on the attached. The actual amount earned pursuant to
the Plan shall be based upon audited fiscal year end numbers and
determined using the calculation method attached. Concurrent with the
payment of Bonus Compensation, Image shall deliver to Executive a detailed
statement setting forth the numbers and method of calculation.
. PAYMENT. Bonus Compensation, if any, for the applicable fiscal year will
be paid, using best efforts, at the earliest practicable date following
completion of Image's annual audit, as conducted by Image's independent
certified public accountants, and the filing of Image's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for that fiscal year.
. AUDIT RIGHTS. Executive shall be entitled to audit, at Executive's own
expense, Image's records in order to verify any Bonus Compensation
statement rendered hereunder. Any such audit shall be conducted by a
certified public accountant upon reasonable notice to Image and during
Image's normal business hours. Any statement not questioned by Executive
in writing within 3 years from the date of such statement shall be deemed
final and conclusive. In the event an audit reveals a discrepancy of 5% or
more, Image shall bear the full cost of the audit and pay Executive
interest on any underage at the highest rate permitted by law.
. DISPUTES. Disagreement as to the computation of Bonus Compensation and/or
any numbers used in such computation shall be settled by the majority
decision of 3 certified public accountants, one to be selected by each
party to the dispute, the two thus appointed shall choose the third, and
the three thus appointed shall constitute the board of arbitration. Such
board, acting by majority vote within 30 days after choosing the third
arbitrator, shall resolve such disagreement and their decision shall be
final and binding on Executive, Image and any other person with an
interest in the matter.
. PRORATION OF BONUS COMPENSATION. For any partial fiscal year for which
Executive is entitled to receive Bonus Compensation, the proration shall
be determined by multiplying total Net Profits for the fiscal year within
which such partial fiscal year occurs by (a) the decimal equivalent of the
applicable percentage bonus and by (b) a number equal to the number of
months during any such partial fiscal year in which Executive was employed
by Image (or, if applicable, such longer period as is set forth in the
Employment Agreement), divided by 12.