UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 30, 2006
ZIMMER HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Delaware
|
|
001-16407
|
|
13-4151777
|
|
(State or other
|
|
(Commission
|
|
(IRS Employer
|
|
jurisdiction of
|
|
File Number)
|
|
Identification No.)
|
|
incorporation)
|
|
|
|
|
345 East Main Street
Warsaw, Indiana 46580
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrants telephone number, including area code:
(574) 267-6131
Not applicable
(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 (
see
General
Instruction A.2. below):
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 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Effective as of June 30, 2006, Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (Zimmer Holdings), Zimmer GmbH
(the Company), a subsidiary of Zimmer Holdings, and Richard Fritschi entered into a Separation
Agreement (the Separation Agreement) regarding Mr. Fritschis separation from the Company. Mr.
Fritschi most recently served as President, Zimmer Europe and Australasia.
In accordance with that certain Employment Contract, executed on or about September 10, 2004,
between the Company and Mr. Fritschi, the Company provided Mr. Fritschi six months notice that his
employment would terminate effective June 30, 2006. During the six month notice period, Mr.
Fritschi was entitled to receive his base salary, car allowance and pro-rata target bonus amount
for the 2006 calendar year, as well as all contractual pension, insurance and benefits
contributions and other employment benefits required to be provided by the Company under applicable
Swiss law.
In addition, under the Separation Agreement, Mr. Fritschi will receive cash compensation equal
to his base compensation for his accrued and unused vacation days, and all Zimmer Holdings stock
options held by Mr. Fritschi vested and became immediately exercisable as of June 30, 2006, and may
be exercised by Mr. Fritschi between June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006.
In connection with the Separation Agreement, effective as of June 30, 2006, Zimmer Holdings,
the Company and Mr. Fritschi also entered into a Post-Employment Non-Disclosure, Non-Competition
and Non-Solicitation Agreement (the New Non-Compete Agreement). As of July 1, 2006, the New
Non-Compete Agreement supersedes and replaces that certain Confidentiality, Non-Competition and
Non-Solicitation Employment Agreement, executed on or about October 18, 2004, between the Company
and Mr. Fritschi (the Existing Non-Compete Agreement). In consideration for Mr. Fritschi
entering into the New Non-Compete Agreement, the Separation Agreement provides that the Company
will make the following installment payments to Mr. Fritschi: CHF 100,000 on January 1, 2007; CHF
150,000 on December 31, 2007; and CHF 500,000 on June 30, 2008; provided, however, that if a court
of law decides that Mr. Fritschi has breached (i) the Separation Agreement, (ii) the terms of the
Existing Non-Compete Agreement on or before June 30, 2006, or (iii) the terms of the New
Non-Compete Agreement from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2008, Mr. Fritschi will forfeit the right
to receive the installment payments and must refund to the Company any installment payments
previously paid by the Company.
The New Non-Compete Agreement provides that Mr. Fritschi may not disclose, transfer or use (or
seek to induce others to disclose, transfer or use) any confidential information of the Company,
and he must notify the Company in writing of any circumstances that may constitute unauthorized
disclosure, transfer or use of confidential information. In addition, any invention conceived by
Mr. Fritschi during his employment with the Company or within six months after June 30, 2006 that
relates to the Companys present or future business is solely the property of the Company.
Under the New Non-Compete Agreement, during the non-competition period beginning on July 1,
2006 and continuing through June 30, 2008 (unless otherwise extended by Mr. Fritschis breach of
the New Non-Compete Agreement), Mr. Fritschi may not seek or obtain employment with, consult with
or lend assistance to (i) any competing organization in a same or similar capacity in the
restricted geographic area (which includes the countries of the European Community and the European
Free Trade Association, Central and Eastern European countries, the Mediterranean countries, and
the countries in the Middle East and Africa); (ii) any competing organization in any capacity if it
is likely that he would disclose confidential information or inventions of the Company; (iii) any
competing organization in any capacity involving any competing product; or (iv) any customers or
potential customers in the restricted geographic area in a competitive capacity. Mr. Fritschi also
may not: (i) solicit, attempt to solicit or
-1-
engage in discussions with any customer or potential customer of the Company; (ii) interfere
adversely with past, present or prospective business relationships between the Company and any
customers, potential customers, suppliers, distributors, agents, sales representatives, employees
or others with which the Company conducts business; (iii) solicit for employment any individual
employed by the Company during the last two years of Mr. Fritschis employment with the Company; or
(iv) make any disparaging or derogatory statements about the Company, its products or its officers,
directors or employees.
Mr. Fritschi may accept employment with, consult with, or lend assistance to an organization
if the division or unit with which he will be affiliated is not a competing organization, it does
not involve any competing product, he provides the Company with a written description of his
anticipated activities with the organization, his affiliation will not likely cause him to use or
disclose any confidential information, and his affiliation does not constitute a competitive
disadvantage to the Company.
The foregoing description of the Separation Agreement and the New Non-Compete Agreement is not
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Separation
Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference, and the
full text of the New Non-Compete Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Separation Agreement by and among Zimmer Holdings, Inc.,
Zimmer GmbH and Richard Fritschi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Post-Employment Non-Disclosure, Non-Competition and
Non-Solicitation Agreement by and among Zimmer Holdings,
Inc., Zimmer GmbH and Richard Fritschi
|
-2-
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.
Dated: July 6, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ZIMMER HOLDINGS, INC.
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ CHAD F. PHIPPS
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
Chad F. Phipps
|
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Associate General Counsel and Secretary
|
|
-3-
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit No.
|
|
Description
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Separation Agreement by and among Zimmer Holdings, Inc.,
Zimmer GmbH and Richard Fritschi
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Post-Employment Non-Disclosure, Non-Competition and
Non-Solicitation Agreement by and among Zimmer Holdings,
Inc., Zimmer GmbH and Richard Fritschi
|
Exhibit 10.1
SEPARATION AGREEMENT
This Separation Agreement is made as of June 30, 2006, by and among Richard Fritschi
(
Fritschi
), Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (
Zimmer Holdings
), and Zimmer GmbH (Zimmer
GmbH), a subsidiary of Zimmer Holdings. Zimmer Holdings and Zimmer GmbH, together with all of
their subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide, are sometimes collectively referred to herein as
Zimmer
.
Recitals
A. Fritschi has been an employee of Zimmer GmbH, most recently serving as President, Zimmer
Europe and Australasia. Zimmer GmbH and Fritschi are parties to the following agreements: (i)
Employment Contract, executed on or about September 10, 2004 (the
Employment Contract
),
and (ii) Confidentiality, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Employment Agreement, executed on or
about October 18, 2004 (the
Existing Non-Compete Agreement
). Additionally, Zimmer
Holdings and Fritschi are parties to three separate stock option award agreements, one of which was
executed in January 2004, and the other two of which were executed in January 2005 (collectively,
the
Stock Option Agreements
).
B. On December 2, 2005, Zimmer GmbH notified Fritschi that it was exercising its right to
terminate his employment following the six-month notice period required by the Employment Contract.
Zimmer GmbH placed Fritschi on immediate garden leave (
Freistellung
) and notified him that the
effective date of the termination will be June 30, 2006 (the
Termination Effective Date
).
Zimmer GmbH and Fritschi executed a letter agreement on December 2, 2005 setting forth certain
mutual understandings concerning the notice of termination and garden leave arrangement.
C. Solely in exchange for Fritschis agreement to enter into a new post-employment restrictive
covenant against competition, Zimmer is prepared to provide certain special compensation to
Fritschi. The parties mutually desire to enter into this Agreement to memorialize certain terms
and conditions that will be in effect for a period of time subsequent to the Termination Effective
Date.
Agreement
In consideration of the foregoing and the following mutual undertakings, Fritschi and Zimmer
agree as follows:
1.
Recitals
.
The recitals set forth above are incorporated into and are a part of
this Agreement.
2.
Payments During the Garden Leave Period
.
(a) Throughout the balance of the current garden leave period concluding on the Termination
Effective Date, Zimmer GmbH will continue to pay to Fritschi his current monthly base salary,
monthly car allowance, and pro-rata target bonus amount for the 2006 calendar year pursuant to the
Zimmer Executive Performance Incentive Plan. In addition, during
the garden leave period, Fritschi is entitled to all contractual pension, insurance and
benefits contributions, and any other employment benefits required to be provided by Zimmer GmbH
under applicable Swiss law.
(b) Fritschi acknowledges and agrees that Zimmer has fully satisfied (i) the incentive
compensation (i.e., bonus) payment obligations owed to Fritschi pursuant to the Zimmer Executive
Performance Incentive Plan for the 2005 fiscal year, and (ii) the year two bonus payment
obligations owed to Fritschi pursuant to the Zimmer Supplemental Performance Incentive Plan
relating to the Centerpulse integration. Fritschi acknowledges and agrees that, as a consequence
of his employment termination, he shall not be entitled to be considered for a year three (i.e.,
2006) payment under the Zimmer Supplemental Performance Incentive Plan.
3.
Vacation Pay
.
The parties agree that, during the six-month garden leave period
expiring on the Termination Effective Date, Fritschi has used (or shall use) a total of 35
previously accrued vacation days. After applying the 35 vacation days used during the garden leave
period, Zimmer GmbH shall make a cash payment to Fritschi in order to account for the balance of
accrued and unused vacation days, which payment shall be made on or about the Termination Effective
Date. Zimmer GmbH and Fritschi agree that, in accordance with the preceding sentence, Fritschi
shall receive cash compensation in the amount of CHF 224,587, which sum equals the base
compensation for 127 accrued and unused vacation days.
4.
Stock Options
.
All Zimmer Holdings stock options held by Fritschi shall vest and
become exercisable immediately, provided that Fritschi complies fully with the terms and conditions
of the Existing Non-Compete Agreement and New Non-Compete Agreement (as defined below). As of
March 7, 2006, pursuant to the Stock Option Agreements, Fritschi holds the following stock options
concerning Zimmer Holdings common stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant Date
|
|
Grant Type
|
|
Grant Price
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/14/2004
|
|
2004 MSOP Grant
|
|
$70.33 /share
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
|
1/18/2005
|
|
2005 MSOP Grant
|
|
$79.60 /share
|
|
|
27,143
|
|
|
|
|
1/18/2005
|
|
2005 Performance Options
|
|
$79.60 /share
|
|
|
18,240
|
|
|
|
Fritschi may exercise any or all of the above-referenced stock options at any time between the
execution date of this Agreement and September 30, 2006. After September 30, 2006, any Zimmer
Holdings stock options that have not previously been exercised by Fritschi shall be canceled and
terminated.
5.
New Non-Compete Agreement and Additional Compensation Terms
(a) On even date herewith, Fritschi, Zimmer Holdings and Zimmer GmbH have executed the new
Post-Employment Non-Disclosure, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement attached hereto as
Attachment A
, which is incorporated herein by reference and forms and integral part hereof
(the
New Non-Compete Agreement
). The parties acknowledge and agree that, effective as of
July 1, 2006, the New Non-Compete Agreement shall supersede and replace the Existing Non-Compete
Agreement in its entirety. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Zimmer may continue to enforce its
rights and remedies under
2
and pursuant to the Existing Non-Compete Agreement for any violation which occurred on or
before June 30, 2006.
(b) In consideration for Fritschi entering into the New Non-Compete Agreement, provided that
Fritschi complies fully with all of the covenants set forth in the New Non-Compete Agreement,
Zimmer will issue the following installment payments to Fritschi:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment Date
|
|
Payment Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Installment 1
|
|
January 1, 2007
|
|
CHF 100,000.00
|
|
Installment 2
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
CHF 150,000.00
|
|
Installment 3
|
|
June 30, 2008
|
|
CHF 500,000.00
|
The foregoing sums shall be net payments to Fritschi and Zimmer shall be responsible for all
appropriate Swiss Social Security, pension and insurance payments relating to the foregoing three
installment payments. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, subsequent to the
Termination Effective Date, Zimmer shall have no further monetary obligations to or concerning
Fritschi. Income earned by Fritschi from other non-competitive activities during either the garden
leave period or the non-competition period set forth in the New Non-Compete Agreement will not
reduce the payment sums otherwise owing by Zimmer to Fritschi. In order for Zimmer to confirm that
Fritschis activities are non-competitive, Fritschi undertakes to notify Zimmer by e-mail
correspondence to Chad Phipps, Associate General Counsel & Secretary (or his successor), of the
sources of income and activities engaged in by Fritschi during the balance of the garden leave
period and the non-competition period. The foregoing sums shall also be due and owing in the event
of Fritschis death during the term of the New Non-Compete Agreement, provided that Fritschi was in
compliance with the terms of the New Non-Compete Agreement at the time of his death. In such
event, any remaining payments shall be delivered by Zimmer to Fritschis heirs in accordance with
the installment payment schedule set forth above.
6.
Release and Discharge and Covenant Not To Sue
.
By signing this Agreement, Fritschi
irrevocably and unconditionally releases and forever discharges Zimmer Holdings and Zimmer GmbH and
their respective successors, insurers, assigns, parent companies and subsidiaries, affiliated
entities, directors, officers, agents, employees and anyone acting for or on behalf of Zimmer
(collectively, the Releasees) from any and all actions, claims and liabilities, whether known or
unknown, arising out of or connected with any act, omission, or event occurring in whole or in part
on or before the date of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising
from Fritschis employment with Zimmer or the termination of that employment, and including any
claims under Swiss employment laws. Fritschi also covenants not to sue any of the Releasees or
instigate or participate in any legal action against them. Fritschi agrees that he is not entitled
to, and waives any claim for, any payments, benefits or compensation of any kind, including, but
not limited to, under any Zimmer severance plan, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
The parties acknowledge that they intend this release and covenant not to sue to be construed as
broadly as possible. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated herein, Fritschi does not
release any claims, nor does he covenant not to
3
sue, on account of any violations by Zimmer of its obligations to Fritschi set forth in this
Agreement.
7.
Nondisparagement
.
Fritschi agrees that he will not make negative comments about or
otherwise disparage or try to injure the reputation of the Releasees. This obligation will include
refraining from negative statements about the Releasees, including their employees, directors,
officers, methods of doing business, management practices, the effectiveness of their policies, and
the quality of any of their services or products.
8.
Enforcement Remedies
.
In the event that a competent court of law has decided that
Fritschi has breached any provision of this Agreement or the terms of the Existing Non-Compete
Agreement on or before June 30, 2006 or the New Non-Compete Agreement from July 1, 2006 through
June 30, 2008, in addition to any other remedies set forth in the Existing Non-Compete Agreement
and the New Non-Compete Agreement and all other relief to which Zimmer may be entitled under law or
in equity, Fritschi and Zimmer agree that Fritschi shall forfeit the right to receive the payments
described under Section 5(b) above and Fritschi shall refund to Zimmer any sums previously paid by
Zimmer to Fritschi under said Section 5(b). In addition, Zimmer shall be entitled to recover from
Fritschi all litigation costs and attorneys fees incurred by Zimmer in any action or proceeding
relating to this Agreement, the Existing Non-Compete Agreement and/or the New Non-Compete
Agreement, in which Zimmer prevails.
9.
Knowledge and Voluntariness
.
Fritschi acknowledges that Zimmer provided him ample
time to review this Agreement and consult with an attorney of his choosing if he deems it advisable
to do so before signing this Agreement. He further agrees that he understands the meaning of this
Agreement, including the fact that he is releasing the Releasees from any and all claims that exist
as of the date of this Agreement, and that he voluntarily is entering into this Agreement.
10.
Non-Admission
.
Neither this Agreement nor any action pursuant to it constitutes
an admission by any of the Releasees of any liability to Fritschi arising under any employment or
other laws, and the Releasees specifically deny any such liability.
11.
Binding Agreement
.
This Agreement shall be binding upon Fritschi and Zimmer, and
upon Zimmers successors, and shall inure to the benefit of Fritschi and Zimmer, and to Zimmers
successors. For purposes of Section 5(b), this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of Fritschis
heirs.
12.
Language Construed as a Whole
.
The language of this Agreement shall in all cases
be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against either of
the parties.
13.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
.
This Agreement, including the jurisdiction
clause, shall be governed by, interpreted and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of
Switzerland. Exclusive jurisdiction for all disputes arising out of or in connection with this
Agreement shall be with the ordinary courts of Zurich 1.
4
14.
Entire Agreement
.
This Agreement, including the New Non-Compete Agreement
attached as
Attachment A
, sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with regard
to the subject matter hereof.
15.
Modification
.
This Agreement may not be amended, supplemented or modified except
by written instrument signed by Fritschi and a duly-authorized officer of Zimmer Holdings and
Zimmer GmbH. No waiver of any violation or non-performance of this Agreement in one instance shall
be deemed to be a waiver of any violation or non-performance in any other instance. All waivers
must be in writing.
16.
Severability
.
Should any clause, portion or paragraph of this Agreement be
declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable, invalid or illegal for any
reason, it shall not affect the enforceability, validity or legality of the remainder of this
Agreement so long as the economic or legal substance contemplated by this Agreement is not affected
in any manner materially adverse to any party.
17.
Publicity
.
The parties acknowledge and understand that Zimmer Holdings is
obligated to furnish this Agreement as an exhibit to a Form 8-K current report submitted to the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Fritschi, Zimmer Holdings and Zimmer GmbH each have executed this
Separation Agreement as of the date set forth below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ RICHARD FRITSCHI
|
|
|
|
RICHARD FRITSCHI
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ZIMMER HOLDINGS, INC.
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ J. RAYMOND ELLIOTT
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
J. Raymond Elliott
|
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Chairman, President & CEO
|
|
|
|
|
|
ZIMMER GmbH
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ ROLAND DIGGELMANN
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
Roland Diggelmann
|
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Sr. VP, Sales & Distribution, Europe & MEA
|
|
|
|
5
Exhibit 10.2
POST-EMPLOYMENT
NON-DISCLOSURE, NON-COMPETITION
AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT
This Post-Employment Non-Disclosure, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement (this
Agreement
) is made as of June 30, 2006, by and among Richard Fritschi
(
Fritschi
), Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (
Zimmer Holdings
), and Zimmer GmbH
(
Zimmer GmbH
), a subsidiary of Zimmer Holdings. Zimmer Holdings and Zimmer GmbH,
together with all of their subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide, are sometimes collectively
referred to herein as
Zimmer
.
Recitals
A. Fritschi has been an employee of Zimmer GmbH, most recently serving as President, Zimmer
Europe and Australasia. Zimmer GmbH and Fritschi are parties to the following agreements: (i)
Employment Contract, executed on or about September 10, 2004 (the
Employment Contract
),
and (ii) Confidentiality, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Employment Agreement, executed on or
about October 18, 2004 (the
Existing Non-Compete Agreement
). Additionally, Zimmer
Holdings and Fritschi are parties to three separate stock option award agreements, one of which was
executed in January 2004, and the other two of which were executed in January 2005 (collectively,
the
Stock Option Agreements
).
B. On December 2, 2005, Zimmer GmbH notified Fritschi that it was exercising its right to
terminate his employment following the six-month notice period required by the Employment Contract.
Zimmer GmbH placed Fritschi on immediate garden leave (
Freistellung
) and notified him that the
effective date of the termination will be June 30, 2006 (the
Termination Effective Date
).
C. On even date herewith, Fritschi, Zimmer Holdings and Zimmer GmbH entered into a Separation
Agreement (the Separation Agreement). As contemplated by Section 5 of the Separation Agreement,
the parties mutually desire to enter into this Agreement.
Agreement
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the promises contained herein and
in the Separation Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, Fritschi and Zimmer agree as follows:
1.
Recitals
.
The recitals set forth above are incorporated into and are a part of
this Agreement.
2.
Acknowledgements
. Fritschi acknowledges that Zimmer is engaged in the highly
competitive business of the development, manufacture, distribution and sale of orthopaedic-medical,
oral-rehabilitation, and/or spine or trauma devices, products, and services
throughout the world. Fritschi acknowledges that, during his employment with Zimmer, he had
responsibility for Zimmers competitive position and financial viability throughout the world and
had access to Confidential Information (as hereinafter defined) relating to all aspects of running
Zimmers business. Further, Fritschi acknowledges that during the course of his employment with
Zimmer, he: (a) was given access to Confidential Information (as hereinafter defined); (b)
participated in the development and/or usage of inventions, products, concepts, methods, or
technologies that are related to Zimmers business; (c) was given specialized, proprietary training
relating to Zimmers products, processes, and Confidential Information; and/or (d) was given access
to Zimmers customers and other business relationships.
3.
Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information
. Fritschi acknowledges that
Confidential Information is a valuable, special and unique asset of Zimmer and agrees to the
following:
(A)
Confidential Information Defined
. Confidential Information includes,
without limitation, any and all of Zimmers Trade Secrets (as defined by local law
and/or the law of the State of Indiana), Inventions (as defined herein),
confidential and proprietary information and all other information and data of
Zimmer that is not generally known to the public or other third parties, who could
derive economic value from its use or disclosure. Confidential Information
includes, without limitation, the following: (i) marketing, sales, and advertising
information, such as lists of actual or potential customers; customer-preference
data; marketing and sales techniques, strategies, efforts, and data; merchandising
systems and plans; confidential customer information including identification of
purchasing personnel, account status, needs and ability to pay; business plans;
product development and delivery schedules; market research and forecasts; marketing
and advertising plans, techniques, and budgets; overall pricing strategies; specific
advertising programs and strategies utilized, and the success or lack of success of
those programs and strategies; (ii) organizational information, such as personnel
and salary data; merger, acquisition and expansion information; information
concerning methods of operation; divestiture information; and competitive
information pertaining to Zimmers distributors; (iii) financial information such as
product costs; supplier information; overhead costs; profit margins; banking and
financing information; and pricing-policy practices; (iv) technical information,
such as product specifications, compounds, formulas, improvements, discoveries,
developments, designs, inventions, techniques, new products and surgical-training
methods; (v) information disclosed to Fritschi as part of any specialized,
proprietary training process; (vi) information of third parties provided to Fritschi
subject to non-disclosure restrictions; and (vii) any work product created by
Fritschi in rendering services for Zimmer.
(B)
Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information
. Fritschi agrees that he
will not disclose, transfer or use (or seek to induce others to disclose, transfer
or use) any Zimmer Confidential Information for any purpose.
(C)
Protection of Confidential Information
. Fritschi will notify Zimmer in
2
writing of any circumstances that may constitute unauthorized disclosure, transfer
or use of Confidential Information. Fritschi will use best efforts to protect
Confidential Information from unauthorized disclosure, transfer or use.
4.
Ownership of Confidential Information and Inventions
.
(A)
Invention Defined
. Invention includes, without limitation, ideas,
programs, processes, systems, intellectual property, works of authorship,
copyrightable materials, discoveries, and improvements of which Fritschi conceived,
alone or in conjunction with others, during his employment with Zimmer or within six
(6) months after the Termination Effective Date and that relate to Zimmers present
or future business. An Invention is covered by this Agreement regardless of whether
(i) Fritschi conceived of the Invention in the scope or outside the scope of his
employment with Zimmer; and/or (ii) the Invention is patentable.
(B)
Ownership of Confidential Information and Inventions
. Confidential
Information and Inventions are solely the property of Zimmer. Fritschi agrees that
he does not have any right, title or interest in any of the Confidential Information
or Inventions. Fritschi may be recognized as the inventor of an Invention without
retaining any other rights associated therewith.
5.
Non-Competition Covenants
. Fritschi acknowledges that the Existing Non-Compete
Agreement shall continue to be in full force and effect until the Termination Effective Date, and
that Zimmer may continue to enforce its rights and remedies under the Existing Non-Compete
Agreement subsequent to the Termination Effective Date for any violations which occurred on or
before June 30, 2006. Fritschi and Zimmer acknowledge and agree that the following
post-employment, non-competition covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate
interests of Zimmer, including, without limitation, the protection of Confidential Information and
Inventions. Fritschi further acknowledges and agrees that such covenants are an essential part of,
and consideration for, Zimmers promises contained in the Separation Agreement and this Agreement.
Commencing as of July 1, 2006, Fritschi agrees to, and covenants to comply with, each of the
following separate and divisible restrictions:
(A)
Definitions
.
1. Competing Product includes any reconstructive orthopaedic, spine and/or
trauma device, product, or service, including any new product formulation,
product modification, and/or product improvement (a) that resembles or
competes with a device, product or service Zimmer researched, developed,
manufactured, marketed, distributed, or sold during the term of Fritschis
employment with Zimmer leading up to the Termination Effective Date and (b)
with which Fritschi worked in the course of his employment with Zimmer or
about which Fritschi obtained Confidential Information in the course of his
employment with Zimmer.
3
2. Competing Organization includes: (a) any organization, or any division
or unit of an organization, that researches, develops, manufactures,
markets, distributes or sells any Competing Product; or (b) any
organization, or any division or unit of an organization, that plans to
research, develop, manufacture, market, distribute or sell any Competing
Product.
3. Diversified Competing Organization includes any Competing Organization
that controls or is under common control with entities that conduct business
in an industry other than the orthopaedic, spine-implant or trauma products
industries.
4. Same or Similar Capacity includes: (a) duties, responsibilities, or
functions Fritschi is expected to perform or does perform for a Competing
Organization which are the same as, or similar to, his duties,
responsibilities or functions during the last two years of his employment
with Zimmer; b) any executive or managerial capacity; or c) any other
capacity in which Fritschis knowledge of Zimmer Confidential Information or
Inventions would constitute a competitive disadvantage to Zimmer if used on
behalf of the Competitive Organization.
5. Restricted Geographic Area includes the countries of the European
Community and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Central and
Eastern European countries, the Mediterranean countries, and the countries
in the Middle East and Africa.
6. Non-Competition Period begins on July 1, 2006 and continues for a
period of twenty-four (24) months, expiring on June 30, 2008, unless
otherwise extended by Fritschis breach of this Agreement. The
Non-Competition Period shall not expire during any period in which Fritschi
is in violation of any of the restrictive covenants set forth herein, and
all restrictions shall automatically be extended by the period Fritschi was
in violation of any such restrictions.
7. Customer includes, without limitation, any distributor, health care
provider, health care dealer, hospital, hospital system, university
practitioner, surgeon, health care purchasing organization, or surgical
group with which Fritschi had a business relationship on behalf of Zimmer
during the last two years of his employment with Zimmer and that (a)
purchased, marketed or distributed any competing products during the last
two years of Fritschis Zimmer employment; (b) participated in or influenced
the purchasing decisions of any Customer of Zimmer; or (c) used Zimmers
devices, products or services purchased by a Customer of Zimmer.
8. Potential Customer includes, without limitation, any distributor,
4
health care provider, health care dealer, hospital, hospital system,
university practitioner, surgeon, health care purchasing organization, or
surgical group which Fritschi identified, marketed to or held discussions
with regarding the research, development, manufacture, distribution or sale
of any Competing Products during the last two years of Fritschis employment
with Zimmer.
(B)
Restrictive Covenants
. During the Non-Competition Period, Fritschi agrees
to be bound by each of the following independent and divisible restrictions:
1. Fritschi will not seek or obtain employment with, work for, consult with,
or lend assistance to any Competing Organization in a Same or Similar
Capacity in the Restricted Geographic Area.
2. Fritschi will not seek or obtain employment with, work for, consult with,
or lend assistance to any Competing Organization in any capacity if it is
likely that as part of such capacity, Fritschi would inevitably use or
disclose any of Zimmers Confidential Information or Inventions.
3. Fritschi will not seek or obtain employment with, work for, consult with,
or lend assistance to any Competing Organization in any capacity involving
any Competing Product.
4. Fritschi may accept employment with, work for, consult with, or lend
assistance to any Diversified Competing Organization provided that (a) the
division or unit of the Diversified Competing Organization with which
Fritschi will be affiliated is not a Competing Organization; (b) Fritschis
affiliation with the Diversified Competing Organization does not involve any
Competing Product; (c) Fritschi provides Zimmer with a written description
of his anticipated activities on behalf of the Diversified Competing
Organization; (d) Fritschi s affiliation with the Diversified Competing
Organization would not likely cause Fritschi to inevitably use and/or
disclose any Zimmer Confidential Information; and (e) Fritschi s
affiliation with the Diversified Competing Organization does not constitute
a competitive disadvantage to Zimmer.
5. Fritschi will not seek or obtain employment with, work for, consult with,
or lend assistance to any Customers or Potential Customers in the Restricted
Geographic Area in a competitive capacity in which his knowledge of Zimmers
Confidential Information would inevitably be used to Zimmers competitive
disadvantage or for a competitive purpose.
6. Fritschi will not solicit, attempt to solicit, or engage in discussions
or other communications with any Customer or Potential Customer with the
purpose or intent of promoting, marketing, selling or obtaining orders for
any Competing Product.
5
7. Fritschi will not interfere adversely with past, present or prospective
business relationships between Zimmer and any of its Customers, Potential
Customers, suppliers, distributors, agents, sales representatives,
employees, independent contractors or other persons or entities with which
Zimmer conducts business.
8. Fritschi will not solicit for employment, advise or recommend to any
other person or entity that such person or entity solicit for employment,
any individual employed by Zimmer during the last two years of Fritschis
employment with Zimmer, or otherwise induce or entice any such employee to
leave employment with Zimmer to work for, consult with, or lend assistance
to any Competing Organization.
9. Fritschi agrees to refrain from making any disparaging or derogatory
statements about Zimmer, its products, or its past, present and future
officers, directors, employees, attorneys and agents. Disparaging or
derogatory statements include, but are not limited to, negative statements
regarding Zimmers business or other practices.
10. Fritschi agrees that the divisible covenants contained in this Agreement
prohibit him from engaging in the restricted activities whether on his own
behalf or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, any other person or entity.
6.
Reasonableness of Terms
. Fritschi acknowledges that the restrictive covenants
contained in this Agreement are necessary to protect Zimmers legitimate interests in Confidential
Information, Inventions and goodwill. Fritschi further acknowledges that, in light of Zimmers
obligations under the Separation Agreement and otherwise, the restrictive covenants set forth in
this Agreement will not pose any hardship on Fritschi and that he will reasonably be able to earn
an equivalent livelihood without violating any provision of this Agreement.
7.
Severability and Modification of Restrictions
.
The covenants and restrictions in
this Agreement are separate and divisible, and to the extent any clause, portion, or section of
this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable or invalid for any reason, Zimmer and Fritschi
acknowledge and agree that such unenforceability or invalidity shall not affect the enforceability
or validity of the remainder of the Agreement. If any particular covenant, provision or clause of
this Agreement is determined to be unreasonable or unenforceable for any reason, including, without
limitation, the temporal duration, scope of prohibited activity, and/or geographic area covered by
any non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement or non-disclosure covenant, provision, or
clause, Zimmer and Fritschi acknowledge and agree that such covenant, provision, or clause shall
automatically be deemed reformed such that the contested covenant, provision, or clause will have
the closest effect permitted by applicable law to the original form and shall be given effect and
enforced as so reformed to whatever extent would be reasonable and enforceable under applicable
law. The parties agree that any court interpreting this Agreement shall have the authority, if
necessary, to reform the Agreement to render it
6
enforceable under applicable law.
8.
Remedies
.
(A) In addition to all other relief to which Zimmer may be entitled, as provided in the
Separation Agreement, if Fritschi breaches the terms of this Agreement, as determined by a
competent court of law, Fritschi and Zimmer agree that Fritschi shall no longer receive the
payments described under Section 5(b) of the Separation Agreement and Fritschi shall refund to
Zimmer any sums previously paid by Zimmer to Fritschi under said Section 5(b).
(B) Fritschi acknowledges that a breach or threatened breach by him of this Agreement will
give rise to irreparable injury to Zimmer and that money damages will not be adequate relief for
such injury. However, for each violation of the covenants set forth in this Agreement, as
determined by a competent court of law, Fritschi shall pay Zimmer an amount equal to one times his
Zimmer 2005 annual base salary and target bonus amount as liquidated damages in addition to any
other damages as may be incurred by Zimmer. The payment of liquidated damages shall not operate as
a waiver of Zimmers rights or Fritschis obligations under this Agreement. Accordingly, Fritschi
agrees that Zimmer shall be entitled to obtain injunctive relief, including, but not limited to,
temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, or permanent injunctions, without having to
post any bond or other security, to restrain or prohibit such breach or threatened breach, in
addition to any other legal remedies that may be available.
(C) In the event Fritschi breaches the terms of this Agreement, Fritschi shall disgorge to
Zimmer any and all gains realized from stock option exercises relating to the Stock Option
Agreements.
(D) Zimmer shall be entitled to recover from Fritschi all litigation costs and attorneys
fees incurred by Zimmer in any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement, the Existing
Non-Compete Agreement and/or the Separation Agreement, in which Zimmer prevails, including, but not
limited to, any action or proceeding in which Zimmer seeks enforcement of this Agreement or seeks
relief from Fritschis violation of this Agreement.
9.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
. This Agreement, including the jurisdiction clause,
shall be governed by, interpreted and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of
Switzerland. Exclusive jurisdiction for all disputes arising out of or in connection with this
Agreement shall be with the ordinary courts of Zurich 1.
10.
Successors
. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and may be enforced by,
any and all successors of Zimmer, including, without limitation, by asset assignment, stock sale,
merger, consolidation or other corporate reorganization, and shall be binding on Fritschi and his
executors, administrators, personal representatives or other successors-in-interest.
11.
Modification
. This Agreement may not be amended, supplemented or modified except
by a written document signed by Fritschi and a duly-authorized officer of Zimmer Holdings and
Zimmer GmbH.
12.
No Waiver
. The failure of Zimmer to insist upon performance of any of the
7
provisions of this Agreement or to pursue its rights hereunder shall not be construed as a
waiver of any such provisions or the relinquishment of any such rights. All waivers must be in
writing.
13.
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but each of which when taken together will constitute one and the same
agreement.
14.
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement, together with the Separation Agreement,
constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subjects specifically addressed
herein, and supersedes any prior agreements, understandings, or representations, oral or written,
on the subjects addressed herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Zimmer may continue to enforce
its rights and remedies under and pursuant to the Existing Non-Compete Agreement.
Fritschis signature below indicates that he has been given ample time to consider the entire
Agreement, he has read the entire Agreement, he understands what he is signing, and he is signing
it voluntarily. Fritschi acknowledges that Zimmer advised him to consult with an attorney prior to
signing the Agreement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ RICHARD FRITSCHI
|
|
|
|
RICHARD FRITSCHI
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ZIMMER HOLDINGS, INC.
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ J. RAYMOND ELLIOTT
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
J. Raymond Elliott
|
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Chairman, President & CEO
|
|
|
|
|
|
ZIMMER GmbH
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/ ROLAND DIGGELMANN
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
Roland Diggelmann
|
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
Sr. VP, Sales & Distribution, Europe & MEA
|
|
|
|
8