WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 27, 2009
Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
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Delaware |
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001-34064 |
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95-4546874 |
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(State or other jurisdiction |
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(Commission |
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(IRS Employer |
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of incorporation) |
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File Number) |
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Identification No.) |
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8800 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA |
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90069 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
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Registrants telephone number, including area code: (310) 360-3300
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
ITEM 5.02. DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS
On July 27, 2009, Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc. (the Company) entered into a new employment agreement with Eric Korman, Executive Vice President of the Company and President of Ticketmaster (the Korman Employment Agreement). The Korman Employment Agreement replaces Mr. Kormans prior employment agreement with the Company, the term of which ran through April 10, 2009.
Among other things, the Korman Employment Agreement provides for:
i. A three-year term from the date of the Korman Employment Agreement.
ii. An annual base salary in the amount of $750,000 effective July 17, 2009 through the end of the term, together with retroactive salary in the amount of $220,961.47 (subject to applicable withholdings).
iii. A discretionary annual bonus with a target amount of 100% of Mr. Kormans base salary.
iv. A grant of an option to acquire 300,000 shares of common stock of the Company at a per share exercise price of $5.33, which shall vest annually in equal installments over four years (the option was previously granted on April 29, 2009, and was further memorialized as part of the Korman Employment Agreement).
The foregoing summary of the Korman Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Korman Employment Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
Separately, on July 30, 2009, the Company entered into an amendment to the employment agreement dated May 19, 2008 (the Regan Employment Agreement) with Brian Regan, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company (the Regan Employment Agreement Amendment).
The Regan Employment Agreement Amendment modifies the Regan Employment Agreement as follows:
i. Mr. Regans base salary is immediately increased from $375,000 per year to $500,000 per year.
ii. Mr. Regan will be paid a one-time signing bonus of $100,000 promptly following the date of the Regan Employment Agreement Amendment.
The foregoing summary of the Regan Employment Agreement Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Regan Employment Agreement Amendment, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
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ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(d) Exhibits.
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Exhibit No. |
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Description |
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10.1 |
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Employment Agreement by and between Eric Korman and Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc., dated as of July 27, 2009. |
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10.2 |
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Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement dated as of May 19, 2008, between Brian Regan and Ticketmaster L.L.C. |
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10.3 |
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Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated as of May 19, 2008, between Brian Regan and Ticketmaster L.L.C. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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TICKETMASTER ENTERTAINMENT, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Chris Riley |
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Name: |
Chris Riley |
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Title: |
SVP & Acting General Counsel |
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Date: July 31, 2009 |
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EXHIBIT LIST
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Exhibit No. |
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Description |
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10.1 |
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Employment Agreement by and between Eric Korman and Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc., dated as of July 27, 2009. |
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10.2 |
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Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement dated as of May 19, 2008, between Brian Regan and Ticketmaster L.L.C. |
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10.3 |
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Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated as of May 19, 2008, between Brian Regan and Ticketmaster L.L.C. |
Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ( Agreement ) is entered into by and between Eric Korman ( Executive ) and Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company ), as of the 27 th day of July, 2009 (the Effective Date ).
WHEREAS , the Company and Executive are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of April 10, 2006, (the Prior Employment Agreement );
WHEREAS , the Company desires to establish its right to the services of Executive for a period beginning on the Effective Date, in the capacity described below, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, and Executive is willing to accept such employment on such terms and conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, Executive and the Company have agreed and do hereby agree as follows:
1A. EMPLOYMENT . During the Term (as defined below), the Company shall employ Executive, and Executive shall be employed, as Executive Vice President of the Company and President of Ticketmaster. During Executives employment with the Company, Executive shall do and perform all services and acts necessary or advisable to fulfill the duties and responsibilities as are commensurate and consistent with Executives position and shall render such services on the terms set forth herein. Executive shall do and perform all services and acts necessary or advisable to fulfill the duties and responsibilities as are commensurate and consistent with Executives position and shall render such services on the terms set forth herein. Executive shall have the duties, responsibilities and authority commensurate with these positions and such other duties, responsibilities and authority as set forth herein and as reasonably assigned by the Reporting Officer (as defined below). During Executives employment with the Company, Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, or, in the event the proposed merger (the Merger ) contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, among the Company, Live Nation, Inc. and Merger Sub is consummated after which there is not a Chief Executive Officer of the Company, directly to the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Executive Chairman of the ultimate parent company of the Company or its successor (each, the Reporting Officer ) as determined by the Company. Executive agrees to devote all of Executives working time, attention and efforts to the Company and to perform the duties of Executives position in accordance with the Companys policies of which Executive is aware as in effect from time to time.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Executive may (i) serve as a director or member of a committee or organization involving no actual or potential conflict of interest with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates; (ii) deliver lectures and fulfill speaking engagements; (iii) engage in charitable and community activities; and (iv) invest his personal assets in such form or manner that will not violate this Agreement or require services on the part of Executive in the operation or affairs of the companies in which those investments are made; provided the activities described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) do not materially affect or interfere with the performance of Executives duties and obligations to the Company or conflict with such policies as may be adopted from time to time by the Company or the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board ). Executives principal place of employment shall be the Companys offices located in the County of Los Angeles, CA.
2A. TERM . The term of this Agreement (the Term ) shall begin on the Effective Date and shall end on the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the Effective Date subject to earlier termination in accordance with the provisions of Section 1 of the Standard Terms and Conditions attached hereto. Notwithstanding the termination of the Term, certain terms and conditions herein may specify a greater period of effectiveness.
3A. COMPENSATION .
(e) BENEFITS . Commencing on the Effective Date and continuing during the Term through the date of termination of Executives employment with the Company for any reason, Executive shall be entitled to participate in any welfare, health, life insurance, pension, perquisite and fringe benefit programs as may be adopted from time to time by the Company on the same basis as provided to similarly situated Executives of the Company. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
4A. NOTICES . All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by first-class mail, certified or registered with return receipt requested, or by hand delivery, or by overnight delivery by a nationally recognized carrier, in each case to the applicable address set forth below, and any such notice is deemed effectively given when received by the recipient (or if receipt is refused by the recipient, when so refused):
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If to the Company: |
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Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc. |
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8800 Sunset Boulevard |
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West Hollywood, CA 90069 |
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Attention: General Counsel |
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If to the Executive: |
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Eric Korman |
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822 North Norman Place |
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Los Angles, CA 90049 |
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with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: |
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Andrew Gaines |
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Weil, Gotshal & Manges |
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767 Fifth Avenue |
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New York, NY 10153 |
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Either party may change such partys address for notices by notice duly given pursuant hereto.
5A. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION . This Agreement and the legal relations thus created between the parties hereto (including, without limitation, any dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement) shall be governed by and construed under and in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California without reference to its principles of conflicts of laws. Any dispute between the parties hereto arising out of or related to this Agreement will be heard and determined before an appropriate federal court located in the State of California in Los Angeles County, or, if not maintainable therein, then in an appropriate California state court located in Los Angeles County, and each party hereto submits itself and its property to the exclusive jurisdiction of the foregoing courts with respect to such disputes.
Each party hereto (i) agrees that service of process may be made by mailing a copy of any relevant document to the address of the party set forth above, (ii) waives to the fullest extent permitted by law any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the courts referred to above on the grounds of inconvenient forum or otherwise as regards any dispute between the parties hereto arising out of or related to this Agreement, (iii) waives to the fullest extent permitted by law any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue in the courts referred to above as regards any dispute between the parties hereto arising out of or related to this Agreement, and (iv) agrees that a judgment or order of any court referred to above in connection with any dispute between the parties hereto arising out of or related to this Agreement is conclusive and binding on it and may be enforced against it in the courts of any other jurisdiction.
6A. COUNTERPARTS . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
7A. STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS . Executive expressly understands and acknowledges that the Standard Terms and Conditions attached hereto are incorporated herein by reference, deemed a part of this Agreement and are binding and enforceable provisions of this Agreement. References to this Agreement or the use of the term hereof shall refer to this Agreement and the Standard Terms and Conditions attached hereto, taken as a whole.
8A. SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE .
(a) To the extent applicable, it is intended that the compensation arrangements under this Agreement be in full compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and the rules and regulations issued thereunder ( Section 409A ) (it being understood that certain compensation arrangements under this Agreement are intended not to be subject to Section 409A). It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and the Companys and Executives exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent. If, however, any such benefit or payment is deemed to not comply with Section 409A, the Company and the Executive agree to renegotiate in good faith any such benefit or payment (including, without limitation, as to the timing of any severance payments payable hereof) so that either (i) Section 409A will not apply or (ii) compliance with Section 409A will be achieved; provided, however, that any resulting renegotiated terms shall result in no additional cost to the Company. In no event shall the Company be required to pay Executive any gross-up or other payment with respect to any taxes or penalties imposed under Section 409A with respect to any benefit paid to Executive under this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that he has been advised to obtain independent legal, tax or other counsel in connection with Section 409A.
(b) With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, all such payments shall be made on or before the last day of calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense occurred. Such reimbursement obligations pursuant to this Agreement are not subject to liquidation or exchange for
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another benefit and the amount of such benefits that Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits that Executive receives in any other taxable year.
(c) A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits that constitute non-qualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a resignation, termination, terminate, termination of employment or like terms shall mean separation from service.
(d) Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of termination), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company.
(e) If under this Agreement, an amount is paid in two or more installments, for purposes of Section 409A, each installment shall be treated as a separate payment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer and Executive has executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.
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TICKETMASTER ENTERTAINMENT, INC. |
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/s/ CHRIS RILEY |
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By: CHRIS RILEY |
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Title: SVP |
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/S/ ERIC KORMAN |
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ERIC KORMAN |
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STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
(D) the Company shall pay Executive, if earned, a pro rata annual bonus based on actual performance during the year in which the Qualifying Termination occurred and based on the number of days of Executives employment during such year relative to 365 days, payable at such time as annual bonuses are paid to Company employees generally.
(iii) Section 409A. If any payment, compensation or other benefit provided to the Executive in connection with his employment termination is determined, in whole or in part, to constitute nonqualified deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A and the Executive is a specified employee as defined in Section 409A(2)(B)(i), no part of such payment, compensation or benefits shall be paid or provided before the day that is six (6) months plus one (1) day after the date of Executives termination of employment or Executives earlier death (the New Payment Date ). The aggregate of any payments that otherwise would have been paid to the Executive during the period between the date of termination and the New Payment Date shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum on such New Payment Date. Thereafter, any payments that remain outstanding as of the day immediately following the New Payment Date shall be paid without delay over the time period originally scheduled, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(iv) Good Reason Defined. For purposes of this Agreement, Good Reason shall mean the occurrence of any of the following without Executives prior written consent: (A) a change of more than 25 miles in the geographic location at which Executive is required by the Reporting Officer to permanently perform his services; (B) a material or significant diminishment by the Company of Executives duties, responsibilities or operational authority from those set forth in Section 1A above; (C) Executive is required to report to someone other than the Reporting Officer; or (D) the Company materially breaches any material term or condition of this Agreement; provided that in no event shall Executives resignation be for Good Reason unless (x) Executive provides the Company with written notice thereof within ninety (90) days after Executive has knowledge of the occurrence or existence of such event or circumstance, which notice specifically identifies the event or circumstance that Executive believes constitutes Good Reason, (y) if the circumstance or event is curable, the Company fails to correct the circumstance or event so identified within twenty (20) days after the receipt of such notice, and (z) Executive resigns within twenty (20) days after the expiration of the Companys cure period referred to in clause (y) above.
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(e) OFFSET . If Executive obtains other employment (whether or not comparable and whether or not in the same geographic location) during the Severance Period, the amount of any Base Salary payments otherwise owing to Executive pursuant to Section 1(d)(i)(A) above during the Severance Period shall be reduced only by the amount of cash compensation earned by Executive from such other employment during the Severance Period. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing right of offset shall not apply with respect to any stock options, restricted stock or other equity incentives, benefits or expense reimbursements, received by Executive from such other employment during the Severance Period. For purposes of this Section 1(e), Executive shall have an obligation to inform the Company regarding Executives employment status following termination and during the Severance Period.
Confidential Information shall mean information about the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and their respective businesses, employees, consultants, contractors, clients and customers that is not disclosed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates for financial reporting purposes or otherwise generally made available to, or in the possession of, the public (other than by Executives breach of the terms hereof) and that was learned or developed by Executive in the course of employment by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, including (without limitation) any
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proprietary knowledge, trade secrets, data, formulae, information and client and customer lists and all papers, resumes, and records (including computer records) of the documents containing such Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if Executive is required to disclose any such confidential or proprietary information pursuant to applicable law or a subpoena or court order, Executive shall promptly notify the Company of any such requirement so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order or other appropriate remedy or waive compliance with the provisions hereof. Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company (at the Companys sole expense) to obtain such a protective order or other remedy. If such order or other remedy is not obtained prior to the time Executive is required to make the disclosure, or the Company waives compliance with the provisions hereof, Executive shall be permitted to disclose only that portion of the confidential or proprietary information which he is advised by counsel that he is legally required to so disclose. Executive acknowledges that such Confidential Information is specialized, unique in nature and of great value to the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates, and that such information gives the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates a competitive advantage. Executive agrees to deliver or return to the Company, at the Companys request at any time or upon termination or expiration of Executives employment or as soon thereafter as possible, all documents, computer tapes and disks, records, lists, data, drawings, prints, notes and written information (and all copies thereof) furnished by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates or prepared by Executive in the course of Executives employment by the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates, other than Executives personal files that do not contain Confidential Information and a copy of Executives rolodex. As used in this Agreement, subsidiaries and affiliates shall mean any company controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company. A company, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other entity ( Person ) shall be deemed to control another Person if such Person owns, directly or indirectly, or controls the right to vote, more than 50% of the equity of such other Person.
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3. TERMINATION OF PRIOR AGREEMENTS . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and, as of the Effective Date, terminates and supersedes (i) any and all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, and (ii) the Prior Employment Agreement. Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that neither of them, nor anyone acting on either of their behalf, has made to the other, and is not making to the other, and in executing this Agreement, each of them has not relied upon, any representations, promises or inducements of the other, except to the extent the same is expressly set forth in this Agreement.
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8. WAIVER; MODIFICATION . Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants, or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant, or condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of, or failure to insist upon strict compliance with, any right or power hereunder at any one or more times be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times. This Agreement shall not be modified in any respect except by a writing executed by each party hereto.
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF RELEASE
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SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
This Settlement and Release Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into by and between Ticketmaster L.L.C. for itself and all of its affiliated, parent, related, and subsidiary companies, joint venturers and partnerships, as well as their respective directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, attorneys, successors, and assigns, past and present, and each of them, including, but not limited to, Ticketmaster, a Delaware corporation (collectively Ticketmaster), on the one hand, and Eric Korman, on behalf of himself and his agents, representatives, heirs, executors, trustees, and assigns (collectively, Employee), on the other hand.
1. Severance of Employment Relationship . Employee and Ticketmaster agree and acknowledge that Employee will cease to be employed by Ticketmaster effective as of , 20 (the Termination Date). Employee hereby confirms his/her agreement and understanding that as of such Termination Date: (a) Employee will have no further continuing right to be employed by Ticketmaster; (b) Employee will no longer hold himself/herself out as an employee of Ticketmaster; (c) Employee will have received all compensation, expense reimbursement and other benefits to which he/she is or may be entitled to receive as an employee of Ticketmaster through the Termination Date, including but not limited to payment for all accrued but unused vacation time; and (d) Employee will have returned to Ticketmaster any and all documents, agreements, records, instruments, office equipment, keys and other property of Ticketmaster (and copies thereof) that are in his/her possession or under his/her control, if any. Furthermore, Employee understands and agrees that if he has been terminated for cause, any stock options that had been granted to him will have been cancelled pursuant to the terms of his stock option agreement.
2. Release of Known and Unknown Claims .
(a) In consideration of the payments to be made by Ticketmaster pursuant to Section 1 of the Employment Agreement between Ticketmaster and the Employee dated July 27, 2009 (the Employment Agreement), Employee irrevocably and unconditionally releases and forever discharges Ticketmaster, as defined above, as well its affiliated, parent, related, and subsidiary companies, licensees, joint venturers and partnerships, as well as their respective directors, officers, shareholders, partners, employees, agents, attorneys, successors, and assigns, past and present, and each of them, from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, suits or damages of any type or kind, whether in law or in equity, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising from or in any way related to Employees employment with Ticketmaster, and/or the severance of such employment from Ticketmaster and/or any events regarding Employees employment occurring prior to the execution of the Agreement, including without limitation, all of those based on allegations of discrimination or harassment on the basis race, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability, handicap, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation or any other bases protected by federal, state or local laws; any claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e, et seq .; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq .; the Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq .; the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, California Government Code § 12900, et seq .; violation of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA); violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act or any other safety and/or health laws, statutes or regulations; violation of the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA); or any contract, tort, wage and hour law, and/or any federal, state or local fair employment practice or civil rights law, ordinance or executive order, or any other wrongdoing or improper conduct whatsoever, including but not limited to: any claims for violation of any state or federal law or regulations; or for breach of contract (express or implied); breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; wrongful discharge; retaliation; violation of public policy; sexual assault and/or battery; invasion of privacy; misrepresentation;
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defamation; fraud; fraudulent inducement; or emotional distress; and any and all other claims or torts whatsoever, all to the fullest extent permitted by law.
(b) Except as provided in Section 1 of the Employment Agreement and the obligations to Employee under Section 1 of the Employment Agreement, Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company has fully satisfied any and all obligations owed to him arising out of his employment with the Company, and no further sums are owed to him. Employee understands and agrees that any amounts payable under Section 1 of the Employment Agreement are not salary but rather severance and thus, among other things, such payment will not be eligible for 401(k) deductions or employer matching contributions and Ticketmaster may withhold Federal and state taxes at the rates applicable to unearned income.
(c) Nothing in this Section 2 shall be deemed to release (i) Employees rights under the provisions of the Employment Agreement or award agreements which are intended to survive termination of employment, (ii) Employees rights, if any, to any vested benefits as of Employees last day of employment with the Company, (iii) Employees rights to indemnification under any indemnification agreement he has with the Company or under the Companys charter or bylaws, or to whatever coverage Employee may have under the Companys directors and officers insurance policy for acts and omissions when Employee was an officer or director of the Company, (iv) any claim that cannot be waived under applicable law, including any rights to workers compensation or unemployment insurance, or (v) Employees rights as a stockholder.
3. Waiver of California Civil Code Section 1542 .
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.
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5. Warranties . Employee specifically represents that he/she has no pending complaints or charges against Ticketmaster with any state or federal court or any local, state or federal agency, division or department, based on any events occurring prior to the date of execution of this Agreement. Employee further represents that he/she will not in the future file, participate in, instigate or encourage the filing of any lawsuit by any party in any state or federal court or any proceeding before any local, state or federal agency, department or division, claiming that Ticketmaster has violated any local, state or federal laws, statutes, ordinances or regulations based upon events occurring prior to the date of the execution of this Agreement.
6. Non-Disclosure of this Agreement . Employee agrees that this Agreement is confidential and Employee will not disclose the existence of this Agreement or any of the terms of this Agreement to any person or entity, except: (1) to Employees attorneys, accountants or any governmental taxing authority on a need to know basis only; or (2) in response to an order or subpoena issued by a court or government agency; provided, however, that notice of receipt of such judicial order, inquiry or subpoena shall be communicated via facsimile within 72 hours to the General Counsel for Ticketmaster, at (310) 360-3373 so that Ticketmaster will have the opportunity to intervene to assert whatever rights it has to nondisclosure prior to Employees response to the order, inquiry or subpoena. Employee further agrees to inform any such attorneys, accountants and governmental authorities or agencies about this confidentiality provision and that they will agree to be bound by it.
7. Knowing and Voluntary . The parties acknowledge and represent that they have carefully read and fully understand all of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. The parties further acknowledge and represent that they enter into this Agreement freely, knowingly and without coercion and based on their own judgment and not in reliance upon any representation or promises made by any party or its attorneys to any other party.
8. Non Disparagement . Employee agrees not to make any negative, disparaging, detrimental or derogatory comments to any third party about Ticketmaster or about its businesses, employees, executives, agents or representatives at any time whatsoever. Employee further agrees not to make any statements that would adversely affect Ticketmasters business reputation.
9. Attorneys Fees . Should any party institute any action or proceeding to enforce, interpret or apply any provision of this Agreement, or any released claims, the parties agree that the prevailing party shall be entitled to reimbursement by the losing party of all costs and expenses, including, but not limited to, all of its attorneys fees.
10. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and governed by the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to its conflict of laws provisions.
11. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
12. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is deemed to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining parts shall not be affected.
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13. Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Employment Agreement dated as of July 27, 2009 and any equity award agreements between Employee and the Company (or its predecessors) contain all of the terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties regarding the subject matter of this Agreement. Any prior agreements, promises, negotiations, or representations, either oral or written, by either the parties hereto or their attorneys, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement not expressly set forth in this Agreement are of no force or effect. No modifications of this Agreement can be made except in writing signed by Employee and an authorized representative of Ticketmaster.
14. Denial of Liability . Employee expressly recognizes that this Agreement shall not in any way be construed as an admission by Ticketmaster of any unlawful or wrongful acts whatsoever. Ticketmaster expressly denies any breach of any contracts, policies or procedures, or a violation of any state or federal law or regulation.
15. Waiver . No waiver by any party of any breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall be a waiver of any preceding, concurrent or succeeding breach of this Agreement or of any other term or provision of this Agreement. No waiver shall be binding on the part of, or on behalf of, any other party entering into this Agreement.
16. Ambiguities . Both parties have participated in the negotiation of this Agreement and, thus, it is understood and agreed that the general rule that ambiguities are to be construed against the drafter shall not apply to this Agreement. In the event that any language of this Agreement is found to be ambiguous, each party shall have an opportunity to present evidence as to the actual intent of the parties with respect to any such ambiguous language.
THE SIGNATORIES HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THE PARTIES HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE CONTENTS OF THIS AGREEMENT FULLY EXPLAINED TO THEM BY THEIR ATTORNEYS. THE SIGNATORIES FULLY UNDERSTAND THE FINAL AND BINDING EFFECT OF THIS AGREEMENT. THE ONLY PROMISES MADE TO ANY SIGNATORY ABOUT THIS AGREEMENT, AND TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT, ARE CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT. THE SIGNATORIES ARE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY.
THIS SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
INCLUDES A RELEASE OF KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Settlement Agreement and Release on the dates set forth below.
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TICKETMASTER L.L.C. |
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DATED: , |
By: |
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This Amendment No. 2 (this Amendment ) is entered into as of July 30, 2009 (the Amendment Effective Date ), with regard to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of May 19, 2008, between Brian Regan ( Employee ) and Ticketmaster L.L.C. (the Company ), as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated as of December 31, 2008 (as amended, the Agreement ). All capitalized terms used herein without definition will have the meaning given them in the Agreement .
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to amend the terms of the Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. Effective as of the Amendment Effective Date, Section 3A of the Agreement is hereby amended to increase Employees Base Salary (as defined in the Agreement) to $500,000 per year.
2. The Company hereby agrees to pay Employee a one-time signing bonus of $100,000 promptly following the Amendment Effective Date, subject to all applicable withholdings.
3. Except as explicitly set forth in this Amendment, the Agreement will remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties above have executed this Amendment as of the first date written above:
TICKETMASTER L.L.C.
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/s/ CHRIS RILEY |
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/s/ BRIAN REGAN |
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Brian Regan
Exhibit 10.3
This Amendment No. 1 (this Amendment ) is entered into as of December 31, 2008, with regard to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of May 19, 2008, between Brian Regan and Ticketmaster L.L.C. (the Agreement ). All capitalized terms used herein without definition will have the meaning given them in the Agreement .
WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to amend the terms of the Agreement as set forth herein in order to comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time (the Code ), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree that the following amendments to the Agreement are adopted, effective as of December 31, 2008:
1. The following new Section 7A is hereby added to the Agreement immediately following Section 6A thereof:
7A. SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE.
(a) This Agreement is not intended to constitute a nonqualified deferred compensation plan within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations issued thereunder ( Section 409A ). It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and the Companys and Employees exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent.
(b) With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, all such payments shall be made on or before the last day of calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense occurred. Such reimbursement obligations pursuant to this Agreement are not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such benefits that Employee receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such benefits that Employee receives in any other taxable year.
2. Section 1(d) of the Standard Terms and Conditions included as part of the Agreement is hereby superseded and replaced in its entirety with the following:
(d) TERMINATION BY THE EMPLOYEE FOR GOOD REASON . The Employee may terminate this Agreement at any time prior to the expiration of the Term for Good Reason, which is defined as the occurrence of any of the following without Employees prior written consent: (i) the Company materially breaches any material term or condition of this Agreement; (ii) a material or significant decrease in the Employees duties, responsibilities and/or base compensation; provided that in no event shall Employees resignation be for Good Reason unless (x) an event or circumstance set forth in clauses (i) or (ii) shall have occurred that is an isolated and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and Employee provides the Company with written notice thereof within ninety (90) days after Employee has knowledge of the occurrence or existence of such event or circumstance, which notice specifically identifies the event or circumstance that Employee believes constitutes Good Reason, (y) if the circumstance or event is curable, the Company fails to correct the circumstance or event so identified within thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice, and (z) Employee resigns within thirty (30) days after the expiration of the Companys cure period referred to in clause (y) above.
3. Section 2(d) of the Standard Terms and Conditions included as part of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety.
4. The last sentence of Section 1(e) of the Standard Terms and Conditions included as part of the Agreement is hereby superseded and replaced in its entirety with the following:
The payment to Employee of the severance benefits described in this Section 1(e) shall be subject to Employees execution and non-revocation of a general release of the Company and its affiliates in a form substantially similar to that used for similarly situated executives of the Company and its affiliates, such general release to be executed and promptly delivered to the Company (and in no event later than 21 days following Employees termination of employment, or such longer period as may be required by applicable law). Any severance benefits due to Employee pursuant to Section 1(e)(i) shall be paid in equal biweekly installments (or, if different, in accordance with the Companys payroll practice as in effect from time to time) over the course of the then remaining Term, beginning on or immediately following the date that is 30 days following the date on which Employees termination occurs.
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5. The following new Section 10 is hereby added to the Agreement immediately following Section 9 of the Standard Terms and Conditions included as part of the Agreement:
10. SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE.
(a) A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a termination, termination of employment or like terms shall mean separation from service.
(b) If Employee is deemed on the date of termination to be a specified employee within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code, then with regard to the payments described in clause (i) of Section 1(e) and any other payment or the provision of any other benefit that is considered deferred compensation under Section 409A payable on account of a separation from service and that is not exempt from Section 409A as involuntary separation pay or a short-term deferral (or otherwise), such payment or benefit shall be made or provided at the date which is the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such separation from service of Employee or (ii) the date of Employees death (the Delay Period). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 10(b) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Employee in a lump sum without interest, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein. The provisions of this Section 10(b) shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A. In no event shall the Company be required to pay Employee any gross-up or other payment with respect to any taxes or penalties imposed under Section 409A with respect to any benefit paid to Employee hereunder.
(c) It is intended that any amounts payable under this Agreement and the Companys and Employees exercise of authority or discretion hereunder shall comply with and avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest under Section 409A. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties above have executed this Amendment as of the first date written above:
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TICKETMASTER L.L.C. |
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By: |
/s/ CHRIS RILEY |
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/s/ BRIAN REGAN |
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Brian Regan |
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