EPRT 8-K/A
Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (EPRT)
8-K/A
2026-05-08
For: 2025-12-16
View Original
Added on
May 08, 2026
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K/A
(Amendment No. 1)
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||||||||
| Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: | ( | |||||||||||||
| Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligations of the registrant under any of the following provisions: | |||||
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act 17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act ☐
Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
As previously disclosed on a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) on December 17, 2025 (the “Original Form 8-K”), Robert W. Salisbury was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective as of January 1, 2026.
The Company is filing this Amendment to the Original Form 8-K to provide information regarding the terms of an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) it entered into with Mr. Salisbury, effective as of May 7, 2026.
The Employment Agreement provides for an initial term through May 7, 2030, with automatic one-year extension periods absent prior written notice electing not to extend Mr. Salisbury’s employment by the Company or Mr. Salisbury. During the employment term, Mr. Salisbury will receive a base salary at an annual rate of not less than $475,000 (“Base Salary”). For each fiscal year during the term of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Salisbury will be eligible to receive an annual performance bonus (the “Annual Performance Bonus”) with a minimum target annual bonus equal to 125% of Base Salary. The amount of the Annual Performance Bonus earned for any year will be determined based upon the achievement of annual performance targets as established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”). During the term of the Employment Agreement and subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee, Mr. Salisbury will continue to be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual long-term incentive program (in such form and with such terms as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion) in respect of each fiscal year during the term.
If Mr. Salisbury’s employment is terminated during the term of the Employment Agreement (i) by the Company without “Cause” or (ii) by Mr. Salisbury for “Good Reason” (each, as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Salisbury will be entitled to receive: (a) accrued benefits; (b) an amount equal to two times the sum of (x) his Base Salary plus (y) the average Annual Performance Bonus actually paid to him for the three years prior to the year in which the date of termination occurs; provided, however, that if the date of termination occurs during the 24 months following a Change in Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement) (the “CIC Period”), an amount equal to three times the sum of (x) his Base Salary plus (y) the target Annual Performance Bonus for the year in which the date of termination occurred, payable in equal installments over 24 months (or over 36 months if the termination occurs during the CIC Period); (c) a pro rata Annual Performance Bonus, based on actual performance (or at target if the termination occurs during the CIC Period) and prorated for the portion of the fiscal year Mr. Salisbury was employed prior to the date of termination; (d) up to 18 months of continued health care coverage; and (e) the vesting of any outstanding awards granted under any equity plans, with such awards to be payable within 60 days following the date of termination.
Mr. Salisbury’s Employment Agreement includes 12-month restrictive covenants regarding non-competition and non-solicitation following its termination as well as confidentiality and non-disparagement obligations. The summary of the Employment Agreement set forth in this Item 5.02 is qualified in its entirety by reference to Exhibit 10.1 hereto.
Except as expressly set forth herien, this Amendment to the Original Form 8-K does not modify or update any other disclosures contained in the Original Form 8-K.
Item 9.01 — Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. | Description | |||||||
| Employment Agreement, effective as of May 7, 2026, by and between Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. and Robert W. Salisbury | ||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). | |||||||
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.
Date: May 8, 2026 | ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES REALTY TRUST, INC. | |||||||
| By: | /s/ Robert W. Salisbury | |||||||
| Robert W. Salisbury | ||||||||
| Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary | ||||||||
Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated and effective as of May 7, 2026 (the “Effective Date”), is made by and between Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (together with any successor thereto, the “Company”), and Robert W. Salisbury (the “Executive”).
RECITALS
The parties have entered into this Agreement to set forth the terms of continued employment of the Executive in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the respective covenants and agreements set forth below, and other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment.
(a) Employment Term. The Company shall continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby accepts continued employment with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, for the period beginning on the Effective Date and, subject to Section 3, ending on the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). This Agreement shall automatically renew and extend for successive one-year periods (each such one-year period, a “Renewal Term”) unless either party elects not to renew this Agreement and gives written notice thereof to the other party not less than 60 days prior to the expiration of the then-existing Initial Term or Renewal Term; provided, however, that if either the Executive or the Company has provided a notice of non-renewal hereunder, the Company may determine, in its sole discretion, that such termination shall be effective on any date prior to the end of the then-existing Initial or Renewal Term (and in such event, the Company shall pay the Executive through the end of such 60-day period regardless of the Company’s election to commence such termination earlier than specified in the notice of non-renewal), and it shall not change the basis for the Executive’s termination of employment nor be construed or interpreted as a termination of employment pursuant to Section 3 below. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement may be terminated at any time in accordance with Section 3. The period during which the Executive is employed shall be referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”
(b) Position and Duties. The Executive shall serve as the Company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, with such responsibilities, duties and authority as are customarily assigned to such position and such other duties and responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned to the Executive by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”) or the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). The Executive shall report directly to the CEO. The Executive shall devote the Executive’s full
business time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company. The Executive also agrees to observe and comply with the rules, procedures and policies of the Company as adopted by the Company from time to time. As long as the Executive remains employed by the Company, the Executive shall not engage in any other business enterprises or commercial activities; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not restrict the Executive from (i) managing passive investments for personal and family accounts in accordance with the Company’s compliance procedures, or (ii) serving on civic or charitable boards or committees, provided, that such activities do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company or its affiliates. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Executive shall not become a director of any for-profit entity without first receiving the approval of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board.
2. Compensation and Related Matters.
(a) Base Salary. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall receive a base salary at a rate of $475,000 per annum (the “Base Salary”), less applicable deductions and withholdings, which shall be paid in arrears in accordance with the customary payroll practices of the Company (as in effect from time to time). The Company, in its sole and absolute discretion, may increase the Executive’s Base Salary during the Employment Term, in which case such increased base salary shall be the “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement.
(b) Annual Bonus. For each fiscal year during the Employment Term, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual performance bonus (the “Annual Performance Bonus”), with a minimum target annual bonus equal to 125% of Base Salary for each year during the Employment Term in which Executive participates in the Annual Performance Bonus program. The actual amount of the Annual Performance Bonus earned by and payable to Executive for any year shall be determined based upon the achievement of annual performance targets of the Executive and the Company and its affiliates, as established by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”). The Executive’s eligibility to receive any Annual Performance Bonus, and the amount of any such bonus (including whether above or below the target established by the Compensation Committee), shall be subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. The Annual Performance Bonus, if any, shall be payable in a lump sum (less applicable deductions and withholdings) on or before March 15th of the year following the fiscal year to which such bonus relates; provided, however, that the Executive must be employed on the date any such Annual Performance Bonus payment is made to receive such payment (except as otherwise specifically provided in Section 4, below).
(c) Long-Term Incentive Program. Subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual long-term incentive program (in such amount, form and with such terms as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion) in respect of each fiscal year during the Employment Term.
(d) Benefits. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in employee benefit plans and programs of the Company, as may be in effect from
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time to time, which are applicable to similarly situated senior officers of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan documents. The Company expressly reserves the right to modify, substitute, or eliminate such employee benefit plans and programs, including its healthcare plans, at any time.
(e) Expenses. During the Employment Term, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable business-related expenses, in accordance with the Company’s expenses policy applicable to similarly situated senior officers of the Company and in accordance with Section 25 hereof. Such expenses shall be submitted and processed in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy, as may be in effect from time to time.
(f) Indemnification. The Executive shall be indemnified by the Company as provided in the Company’s Bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation and pursuant to applicable law. During the Employment Term and thereafter (with respect to events occurring during the Employment Term), the Company also shall provide the Executive with coverage under its current directors’ and officers’ liability policy to the same extent that it provides such coverage to its other executive officers.
3. Termination. The Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated prior to the expiration of any then-existing Initial Term or Renewal Term by the Company or the Executive, as applicable, under the following circumstances:
(a) Circumstances.
(i) Death. The Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon the Executive’s death, subject to the provisions of Section 4(a), below.
(ii) Disability. The Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company by reason of the Executive’s Disability (as defined in Section 13(d)), subject to the provisions of Section 4(a), below.
(iii) Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause (as defined in Section 13(a)).
(iv) Termination without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause, subject to the provisions of Section 4(b), below.
(v) Resignation for Good Reason. The Executive may resign his employment for Good Reason (as defined in Section 13(e)).
(vi) Resignation without Good Reason. The Executive may resign his employment without Good Reason, subject to the provisions of Section 3(e), below.
(b) Notice of Termination. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive under this Section 3 (other than termination pursuant to Section 3(a)(i)) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto indicating
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the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, setting forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated (if applicable), and specifying a Date of Termination (as defined in Section 13) (a “Notice of Termination”). Upon the Company’s receipt of Notice of Termination from the Executive to terminate this Agreement by resignation with or without Good Reason, the Company may, in its sole discretion, elect that the Executive’s resignation be effective prior to the date provided by the Executive in the Notice of Termination, and such election shall not affect the reason for the termination of the Executive’s employment under this Section 3.
(c) Company Obligations upon Termination. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive (or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries, as applicable) shall be entitled to receive the sum of the Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination not theretofore paid (payable no later than the next payroll date following the Date of Termination), any expenses accrued prior to the Date of Termination owed to the Executive under Section 2(f), and any amount accrued and arising from the Executive’s participation in, or benefits accrued and fully vested, under any employee benefit plans and programs under Section 2(e), which amounts shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of such employee benefit plans or programs. Other than the payments described in Section 4 (if applicable), the Executive shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits from the Company or any of its affiliates.
(d) Executive’s Termination Obligations.
(i) Resignation as Director and Officer. Except as otherwise agreed to between the Company and the Executive, effective as of the Date of Termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all officer and board positions, if any, then held with the Company or any of its affiliates. At the Company’s request, the Executive shall execute and deliver such documentation as the Company may prescribe in order to effectuate such resignation(s).
(ii) Return of Property. The Executive hereby agrees to return to the Company, no later than the Date of Termination, all files, Confidential Information (as defined in Section 5) (in any form contained, including any copies thereof), access keys, desk keys, identity badges, computers, electronic devices, passwords and passcodes, telephones, credit cards, automobile, and such other property of the Company or its affiliates as may be in the Executive’s possession. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, the Executive will promptly deliver to the Company all property of the Company and its affiliates.
(e) Notice Period. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause, or the Executive may resign from employment without Good Reason, at any time on 75 days’ prior written notice. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to waive all or part of this 75-day notice period (the “Notice Period”) and terminate the Executive’s employment prior to the conclusion of this period, and will not be required to pay the Executive’s Base Salary (or any other amounts) following the effective date of such termination.
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To the extent the Company does not waive all or part of the Notice Period, then the Executive shall remain employed through the Notice Period (or portion thereof), but the Company may, in its sole discretion, direct the Executive to cease performing some or all of the Executive’s duties, transition the Executive’s duties to other individuals, perform other or different duties as the Company deems appropriate, and/or refrain from entering the Company’s premises through the Notice Period. For avoidance of doubt, subject to Section 25, the Executive will remain a Company employee, continue to be paid the Executive’s then-current Base Salary, and continue to be bound by the terms of this Agreement during any Notice Period.
4. Severance Payments.
(a) Termination Due to Death or Disability. If the Executive’s employment is terminated due to the Executive’s death or by the Company due to the Executive’s Disability, the Executive shall receive the following payments, subject to and conditioned upon the Executive’s (or the Executive’s estate’s or beneficiaries’) compliance with Section 4(d), below:
(i) any Annual Performance Bonus that had been awarded for the preceding fiscal year but not yet paid, which Annual Performance Bonus shall be payable at the same time and in the same manner as those paid to similarly situated executives, but in any event no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the applicable performance year;
(ii) any Annual Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Executive’s employment is terminated based on actual Company performance and prorated for the portion of the fiscal year the Executive was employed prior to the Date of Termination, payable at the same time and in the same manner as those paid to similarly situated executives, but in any event no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the year in which the Executive’s termination occurs;
(iii) during the 18-month period commencing immediately after the Date of Termination and subject to the Executive’s timely and proper election of COBRA benefits, monthly reimbursement to the Executive (or his estate or beneficiaries, as applicable) for the costs of maintaining coverage for health benefits at the Executive’s current levels of benefits in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination (including family coverage, if such coverage was in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination) under COBRA, payable in accordance with the terms of Section 4(e), below; and
(iv) if upon the Date of Termination, the Executive holds any awards granted under any equity plan maintained by the Company that were granted after the Effective Date, including stock options, restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and any other stock-based award, all such awards shall become fully vested, exercisable, and payable upon such Date of Termination, with such awards to be payable within 60 days following such Date of Termination (or, if later, within 60 days following the lapse of the substantial risk of forfeiture with respect to such award) or exercisable in the case of stock options for the post-termination exercise period set forth in such stock option agreement, with the achievement of any performance-based vesting conditions determined based on actual
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performance through the Date of Termination, as determined by the Compensation Committee, unless otherwise set forth in the underlying equity award agreement.
(b) Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or if the Executive Resigns for Good Reason, then the Executive shall receive the following payments, subject to and conditioned upon the Executive’s compliance with Section 4(d), below:
(i) any Annual Performance Bonus that had been awarded for the preceding fiscal year but not yet paid, which Annual Performance Bonus shall be payable at the same time and in the same manner as those paid to similarly situated executives, but in any event no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the applicable performance year;
(ii) a severance payment (the “Cash Severance”) equal to two times the sum of (a) the Executive’s Base Salary then in effect under Section 2(a), plus (b) the average Annual Performance Bonus actually paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 2(b) for the three years prior to the year in which the Date of Termination occurs; provided, however, that if the Date of Termination occurs during the 24 months following a Change in Control (the “CIC Period”), then the Cash Severance shall equal three times the sum of (a) the Executive’s Base Salary then in effect under Section 2(a), plus (b) the Executive’s target Annual Performance Bonus for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, and in each case, the Cash Severance shall be payable in equal installments over 24 months following the Date of Termination or, in the case of a termination during the CIC Period, 36 months following the Date of Termination, and payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices commencing within 60 days following the Date of Termination; provided, that if the payment of any amounts under this Section 4(b)(ii) is delayed pending the Executive’s execution and non-revocation of the Release (as defined in Section 4(d)), on the next payroll date first following the effective date of the Release, the Company shall pay the Executive a lump-sum amount equal to the cumulative amounts that would have otherwise been previously paid to the Executive under this Section 4(b)(ii) prior to the effectiveness of such Release;
(iii) during the 18-month period commencing immediately after the Date of Termination and subject to the Executive’s timely and proper election of COBRA benefits, monthly reimbursement to the Executive for the costs of maintaining coverage for health benefits at the Executive’s current levels of benefits in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination (including family coverage, if such coverage was in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination) under COBRA, payable in accordance with the terms of Section 4(e), below;
(iv) the Company shall pay a bonus, based on actual performance and prorated for the portion of the fiscal year the Executive was employed prior to the Date of Termination, payable at the same time and in the same manner as those paid to similarly situated executives, but in any event no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the year in which the Executive’s termination occurs; provided, however, if the termination occurs during the CIC Period, the pro rata bonus under this Section 4(b)(iv) shall be determined based on the Executive’s target Annual Performance Bonus, prorated for the portion of the fiscal year the
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Executive was employed prior to the Date of Termination and payable within 60 days following the Date of Termination; and
(v) if upon the Date of Termination, the Executive holds any awards granted under any equity plan maintained by the Company that were granted after the Effective Date, including stock options, restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and any other stock-based award, all such awards shall become fully vested, exercisable, and payable upon such Date of Termination, with such awards to be payable within 60 days following such Date of Termination (or, if later, within 60 days following the lapse of the substantial risk of forfeiture with respect to such award) or exercisable in the case of stock options for the post-termination exercise period set forth in such stock option agreement, with the achievement of any performance-based vesting conditions determined based on actual performance through the Date of Termination, as determined by the Compensation Committee, unless otherwise set forth in the underlying equity award agreement; provided, however, that if the Date of Termination occurs during the CIC Period and during the first year of any performance period, then the performance level for such performance-based equity award will be deemed achieved at the target performance level unless otherwise set forth in the underlying equity award agreement.
(c) Termination as a Result of Non-Renewal. If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to the Company’s or the Executive’s non-renewal election as provided for in Section 1(a), then the Executive shall receive (i) any Annual Performance Bonus that had been awarded for the preceding fiscal year but not yet paid, which Annual Performance Bonus shall be payable at the same time and in the same manner as those paid to similarly situated executives, but in any event no later than March 15th of the calendar year following the applicable performance year, and (ii) reimbursement of expenses in accordance with Section 2(f).
(d) Release. The Executive’s right to the payments under Sections 4(a) and (b), above, is conditioned upon (i) the Executive’s (or the Executive’s estate’s or beneficiaries’) execution and non-revocation of a general release in favor of the Company and all related persons and entities from any and all claims relating to the Executive’s employment or its termination in a customary form provided by the Company (the “Release”) within 52 days following the Date of Termination; and (ii) the Executive’s compliance with the terms and obligations of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, Sections 5 and 6 hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, no payments pursuant to Sections 4(a) or (b) will be made to the Executive until the Executive (or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries) has signed the Release and it has become irrevocable. In the event of a material breach by the Executive of the material terms or obligations of this Agreement or the Release, the Company shall have the right to cease making further payments to the Executive, in addition to any other remedies it may have at law or in equity.
(e) COBRA Reimbursements. To receive reimbursement of COBRA premiums under Sections 4(a)(iii) and 4(b)(iii), above, the Executive (or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries, as applicable) must submit satisfactory proof of payment of COBRA premiums within 30 days of making the applicable payment (except that in the case of COBRA coverage
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for the month during which the Executive’s employment is terminated, the Executive shall have 60 days from the date of payment of such premiums to submit such proof). To the extent reimbursement is due hereunder, the Company will make such reimbursement within 30 days of receiving such proof from the Executive. If the payment of any amounts under this Section 4(e) is delayed pending the Executive’s (or the Executive’s estate’s or beneficiaries’) execution of the Release, on the next payroll date first following the date the Release becomes effective, the Company will pay the Executive a lump-sum amount equal to the cumulative amounts that would have otherwise been previously paid to the Executive under this Section 4(e) prior to the execution of such Release. Payments and benefits provided pursuant to this Section 4(e) shall be subject to the terms of Sections 24 and 25 below. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the Company’s reimbursement of COBRA continuation coverage may cease at any time the Executive (or the Executive’s family members or dependents, as applicable) is deemed eligible for group medical and/or dental coverage from another employer.
(f) Survival. The expiration or termination of the Employment Term shall not impair the rights or obligations of either party hereto that accrued prior to such expiration or termination, including, without limitation, the obligations set forth in Sections 5 and 6 of this Agreement.
(g) No Mitigation or Offset. Following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall have no duty to mitigate the obligation of the Company to pay the amounts described in this Section 4, and all compensation and benefits received by the Executive after such termination date shall not be subject to any offset or reduction, except as provided in Section 4(e), above.
5. Nondisclosure of Proprietary Information.
(a) Confidential Information. Except in connection with the faithful performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder, the Executive shall, during the Employment Term and at all times after the Date of Termination, maintain in strict confidence and shall not directly, indirectly or otherwise, use, copy, disseminate, disclose, publish, exploit, make available to any other person, firm, corporation or entity, or use for his benefit or the benefit of any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, any Confidential Information (as defined herein) of or relating to the Company, any of its affiliates (including, but not limited to the Company’s subsidiaries and its direct or indirect parents), or any of its or their collective officers, directors, partners, principals, members, employees, customers, or agents (collectively, the “Company Parties,” and each, a “Company Party”). “Confidential Information” means and includes information or trade secrets which are confidential and proprietary to the Company Parties, whether (without limitation) in written, oral or electronic form, including, but not limited to, corporate information, including plans, strategies, methods, policies; marketing information, including strategies, methods, customer identification lists, pricing data, billing practices, sources of supply, prospects, sales and marketing policies, plans, forecasting information, or market research data; financial information, including cost and performance data, budgets, debt arrangement, equity structure, investors and holdings; operational and technological information, including software, designs, computer programs and systems, know-how, techniques, product
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and component specifications, methods, processes, formulas, algorithms, compositions, procedures, formulas, discoveries, inventions, improvements, new products, and cost information; and personnel information; provided, however, that “Confidential Information” does not include information that (i) is already in the Executive’s possession, provided that such information is not subject to another confidentiality agreement with or other obligation of secrecy to any person or (ii) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure, directly or indirectly, by the Executive in breach of this Agreement and/or of any other agreement to which the Executive is bound or (iii) is or becomes available to the Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company or any of its equityholders or representatives, provided that such source is not known by the Executive to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with or other obligation of secrecy to any person. The parties hereby stipulate and agree that as between them the foregoing matters are important, material and confidential proprietary information and trade secrets and affect the successful conduct of the businesses of the Company (and any successor or assignee of the Company). Nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from disclosing Confidential Information (i) upon the order of any court or administrative agency, (ii) upon the request or demand of any regulatory agency or authority having jurisdiction over such party, (iii) to the extent required by law or regulation, (iv) to the extent necessary in connection with any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the exercise of any remedy hereunder and (v) to the Executive’s representatives that need to know such information and who agree to keep such information confidential on the terms set forth herein (it being understood and agreed that, in the case of clause (i), (ii) or (iii), unless prohibited by law, regulation, or any regulatory authority, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Executive shall notify the Company of the proposed disclosure as far in advance of such disclosure as practicable and use reasonable efforts to ensure that any information so disclosed is accorded confidential treatment, when and if available); provided, further, nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to limit the Executive’s ability to (x) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (y) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company or (z) under applicable United States federal law to (A) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (B) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
(b) Work Product. The Executive agrees that any and all improvements, inventions, discoveries, developments, creations, formulae, processes, methods, or designs, and any documents, things, or information relating thereto, whether patentable or not (individually and collectively, “Work Product”) within the scope of or pertinent to any field of business or research in which the Company or any of its affiliates are engaged or (if such is known to or ascertainable by the Executive) considering engaging, which the Executive may conceive or
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make, or may have conceived or made during the Executive’s employment with the Company, in whole or in part, whether alone or with others, at any time within or outside normal working hours, whether inside or outside of the Company’s offices, and whether with or without the use of the Company’s computers, systems, materials, equipment, or other property, shall be and remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company. The Company shall have the full right to use, assign, license, and/or transfer all rights in, with, to, or relating to Work Product. The Executive shall, whenever requested to do so by the Company (whether during the Executive’s employment or thereafter), at the Company’s expense, execute any and all applications, assignments, and/or other instruments, and do all other things (including giving testimony in any legal proceeding) which the Company may deem necessary or appropriate in order to (i) apply for, obtain, maintain, enforce, or defend patent, trademark, copyright, or similar registrations of the United States or any other country for any Work Product, and/or (ii) assign, transfer, convey, or otherwise make available to the Company any right, title or interest which the Executive might otherwise have in any Work Product. The Executive shall promptly communicate, disclose, and, upon request, report upon and deliver all Work Product to the Company, and shall not use or permit any Work Product to be used for any purpose other than on behalf of the Company, whether during the Executive’s employment or thereafter. Notwithstanding the terms and conditions of this Section 5(b) relating to Work Product, the Executive may use, during the Employment Term and thereafter, in the Executive’s business and personal affairs, any Residual Information. “Residual Information” means the ideas, know-how, methodologies, and techniques retained in the Executive’s unaided memory.
(c) Return of Confidential Information. In the event of a termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason, or at any other time at the Company’s written request, the Executive will promptly deliver to the Company all property, proprietary materials, Confidential Information, Work Product, documents and computer media in any form (and all copies thereof) relating or belonging to any Company Party that are in the Executive’s possession, custody or control, including, but not limited to, all correspondence, drawings, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, programs, plans, proposals, financial documents, or any other documents concerning the Company’s customers, business plans, marketing strategies, products or processes and any copies thereto.
(d) Legal Process. In the event the Executive is served with a subpoena, document request, interrogatory, or any other legal process that will or may require the Executive to disclose any Confidential Information, whether during the Executive’s employment or thereafter, the Executive shall immediately notify the Company of such fact, in writing, and provide a copy of such subpoena, document request, interrogatory, or other legal process, and the Executive agrees to thereafter cooperate with the Company (at its expense) in any lawful response to such subpoena, document request, interrogatory, or legal process as the Company may request, in which event the Executive may disclose only that portion of such information which the Executive is advised by his counsel in writing is legally required to be disclosed pursuant to the applicable subpoena or legal process.
(e) As used in this Section 5, the term “Company” shall include the Company and its affiliates (including, without limitation, subsidiaries and direct or indirect parents).
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6. Non-Competition: Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement.
(a) The Executive acknowledges that due to the Executive’s position with and relationship to the Company, the Executive has been responsible for developing and maintaining (in whole or in part) the goodwill of the Company. To protect the Company’s trade secrets and relationships and goodwill with customers, for a period of twelve months following the Date of Termination (regardless of whether the Executive resigns or is terminated, or the reason for any such resignation or termination), the Executive shall not, in any manner within the Restricted Territory, directly or indirectly, participate or engage in, or manage, operate, consult with, render services for or represent or own, directly or indirectly, alone or as a partner, joint venturer, member, equityholder, employee or otherwise, any entity that is engaged in the Business, except as an employee or consultant to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 6(a) shall not restrict the Executive from passive ownership of 5% or less of any entity whose securities have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
(i) “Business” means the business of acquiring, developing, investing, structuring or managing retail net lease or similarly structured real estate properties. For the avoidance of doubt, “Business” shall not include real estate lending activities to the extent such activities are not part of a broader strategy or platform that is directly or indirectly competitive with the Business of the Company.
(ii) “Territory” means the (y) United States of America and (z) Canada.
(b) The Executive agrees that he shall not, for a period of twelve months following the Date of Termination (regardless of whether the Executive resigns or is terminated, or the reason for any such resignation or termination), directly or indirectly through another person (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee, officer, director or manager of the Company or any of its affiliates to leave the employee of the Company, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any of its affiliates, on the one hand, and any employee, officer, manager or director thereof, on the other hand, (ii) solicit to hire any person who was an employee, officer, manager or director of the Company or any of its affiliates until one year after such individual’s employment or other relationship with the Company or its affiliates has been terminated or (iii) induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, or licensee of the Company to cease doing business with the Company or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company, on the one hand, and any such customer, supplier, or licensee, on the one hand; provided, however, that the foregoing prohibition set forth in clause (ii) shall not be deemed to have been breached by general solicitations or advertisements that are not directly targeted at the applicable person or persons.
(c) Mutual Non-Disparagement.
(i) The Executive agrees that the Executive will not at any time, whether during the Employment Term or after the Date of Termination, whether in public or in private:
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(A) make or publish, or assist any other person or entity in making or publishing, any statement that in any way disparages, criticizes, ridicules, or reflects negatively on any of the Company Parties to any third party, including, but not limited to, any individuals or entities with whom the Company has or may have a business relationship; or
(B) make or publish any negative public comments regarding any of the Company Parties (whether or not done anonymously) to, through or on any media source or outlet, including, but not limited to any reporters, news outlets, television stations, bloggers, weblogs, websites, magazines, periodicals, journals, “apps,” or the like, or in any movie, book, or theatrical production, nor will the Executive assist any other person or entity to do any of the foregoing.
(ii) The Company agrees that it will instruct its “executive officers,” as defined under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and members of the Board not to, at any time, whether during the Employment Term or after the Date of Termination, whether in public or in private:
(A) make or publish, or assist any other person or entity in making or publishing, any statement that in any way disparages, criticizes, ridicules, or reflects negatively on the Executive to any third party, including, but not limited to, any individuals or entities with whom the Executive has or may have a business relationship; or
(B) make or publish any negative public comments regarding the Executive (whether or not done anonymously) to, through or on any media source or outlet, including, but not limited to any reporters, news outlets, television stations, bloggers, weblogs, websites, magazines, periodicals, journals, “apps,” or the like, or in any movie, book, or theatrical production, nor assist any other person or entity to do any of the foregoing.
(iii) For avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 6(c) shall be construed in a manner that would violate any law.
(d) The Executive acknowledges that the limitations set forth in this Section 6 are fair and reasonable and will not prevent the Executive from earning a livelihood after the Executive leaves the Company’s employ. The Executive recognizes that these restrictions are appropriate based on the special and unique nature of the services the Executive will render, the access to the Company’s Confidential Information that the Executive will enjoy, the access to the Company’s customers that the Executive will have as a result of the Executive’s employment and position with the Company, and the risk of unfair competition that the Company will face absent such restrictions.
(e) As used in this Section 6, the term “Company” shall include the Company and its affiliates (including, without limitation, subsidiaries and direct or indirect parents).
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7. Injunctive Relief. It is recognized and acknowledged by the Executive that a breach of the covenants contained in Sections 5 and 6 will cause irreparable and continuing damage to Company and its goodwill, the exact amount of which will be impossible to ascertain, and that there are no adequate remedies at law for any such breach. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that in the event of a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 5 or 6, in addition to any other remedy which may be available at law or in equity, the Company will be entitled to obtain emergency equitable relief, including specific performance and injunctive relief, without (i) the necessity of posting bond or other security, (ii) the necessity of showing actual damages, and (iii) the necessity of showing that monetary damages are inadequate. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of any damages. Upon the issuance (or denial) of an injunction, the underlying merits of any dispute will be resolved in accordance with the arbitration provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement.
8. Arbitration.
(a) Except as provided in Section 7 of this Agreement, the Executive and the Company irrevocably and unconditionally agree that any past, present, or future dispute, controversy, or claim arising under or relating to this Agreement; arising under any federal, state, or local statute, regulation, law, ordinance, or the common law (including but not limited to any law prohibiting discrimination); or arising in connection with the Executive’s employment or the termination thereof; involving the Executive on the one hand and the Company or any of the other Company Parties on the other hand, including both claims brought by the Executive and claims brought against the Executive, shall be submitted for resolution to binding arbitration as provided herein. Any arbitration pursuant to this Agreement shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”); shall be conducted in accordance with AAA’s Arbitration Rules in connection with Employment Disputes, as modified herein; and shall be conducted by a single arbitrator, selected in accordance with such AAA Rules. Such arbitration will be conducted in New York, New York, and the arbitrator will apply Delaware law, including federal statutory law as applied in Delaware courts. Except as set forth in Section 7, above, the arbitrator, and not any federal, state, or local court or adjudicatory authority, shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, and/or formation of this Agreement, including but not limited to any dispute as to whether (i) a particular claim is subject to arbitration hereunder, and/or (ii) any part of this Section 8 is void or voidable. The arbitral award shall be in writing, state the reasons for the award, and be final and binding on the parties. The arbitration shall be conducted on a strictly confidential basis, and neither the Executive nor the Company shall disclose the existence or nature of any claim; any documents, correspondence, pleadings, briefings, exhibits, or information exchanged or presented in connection with any claim; or any rulings, decisions, or results of any claim or argument (collectively, “Arbitration Materials”) to any third party, with the sole exception of the their respective legal counsel (who each party shall ensure complies with these confidentiality terms), and, with respect to the Company, its affiliates, limited partners, and investors (which parties the Company shall ensure comply with these confidentiality terms). In any claim regarding the Executive’s alleged breach of any provision of Sections 5 or 6 hereunder, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award including its reasonable
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attorneys’ fees and costs, to the extent such an award is permitted by law. The arbitrator otherwise shall not have authority to award attorneys’ fees or costs, punitive damages, compensatory damages, damages for emotional distress, penalties, or any other damages or relief not measured by the prevailing party’s actual out-of-pocket losses, except to the extent such relief is explicitly available under a statute, ordinance, or regulation pursuant to which a claim is brought. The arbitrator also shall not have authority to entertain claims for class or collective relief.
(b) In the event of any court proceeding to challenge or enforce an arbitrator’s award, the parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in New York, New York; agree to exclusive venue in that jurisdiction; and waive any claim that such jurisdiction is an inconvenient or inappropriate forum. There shall be no interlocutory appeals to any court, or any motions to vacate any order of the arbitrator that is not a final award dispositive of the arbitration in its entirety, except as required by law. The parties agree to take all steps necessary to protect the confidentiality of the Arbitration Materials in connection with any court proceeding, agree to use their best efforts to file all Confidential Information (and documents containing Confidential Information) under seal, and agree to the entry of an appropriate protective order encompassing the confidentiality terms of this Agreement.
9. Modification; Blue Pencil. If any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction at any time deems the term of any particular restrictive covenant contained in Sections 5 or 6 too lengthy or the geographic area covered too extensive, the other provisions of Sections 5 or 6 shall nevertheless stand, the term shall be deemed to be the longest period permissible by law under the circumstances and the geographic area covered shall be deemed to comprise the largest territory permissible by law under the circumstances. The court or arbitrator in each case shall reduce the term and/or geographic area covered to permissible duration or size.
10. Executive Representations. The Executive represents and warrants that the Executive is not subject to any restrictive covenant notice, non-competition or non-solicitation provision with any former employer or any agreement that prevents the Executive from entering into employment by the Company or otherwise performing the services that the Executive will be performing for the Company. The Executive further warrants that should the Executive become aware of any reason the Executive cannot remain employed by the Company, or fully execute the Executive’s responsibilities for the Company, the Executive will immediately notify the Company in writing. The Executive represents that the Executive will abide by all contractual obligations the Executive may have to all prior employers and third parties and that the Executive will not retain, review, or utilize any other person’s or entity’s confidential or proprietary information or share or disclose any such information with or to any other person or entity. The Company disclaims any interest in any confidential or proprietary information of any person or entity other than the Company and instructs the Executive not to disclose or use any such confidential or proprietary information.
11. Executive Cooperation. During the Employment Term and for two years after the Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its affiliates, the Executive agrees to
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provide thorough and accurate information and testimony to or on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates regarding any threatened, pending or future investigation, court case or action by or against the Company or any of its affiliates that is initiated or pursued by any person or entity or by any government agency; provided, the Executive agrees not to disclose to or discuss with anyone who is not, on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates, directing or assisting in such investigation, court case or action, other than the Executive’s attorney, if any, the fact of or the subject matter of any such investigation, court case or action, except as required by law. The Company and its affiliates will cooperate with the Executive to arrange times that reasonably accommodate the Executive’s schedule and will reimburse the Executive for any out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result of the Executive’s compliance with this Section 11, provided such costs are pre-approved by the Company.
12. Assignment and Successors. The Company shall assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to its affiliates or any successor to all or a material portion of the business or the assets of the Company (including by merger or otherwise). This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Executive and their respective successors, assigns, personnel and legal representatives, executors, administrators and heirs, as applicable. None of the Executive’s rights or obligations may be assigned or transferred by the Executive, other than the Executive’s rights to payments hereunder, which may be transferred only by will or operation of law.
13. Certain Definitions.
(a) Cause. “Cause” shall be defined as the Executive’s (i) conviction or indictment of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, or any other crime involving moral turpitude; (ii) willful failure or refusal to perform, or gross neglect of, the Executive’s material duties and responsibilities to the Company Parties; provided, however, that any such failure resulting from the Executive’s Disability shall not provide the Company with a basis for Cause; (iii) engaging in conduct involving fraud, dishonesty, gross negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of fiduciary duty; or (iv) breach of a material term of (A) this Agreement (including any representation made under this Agreement), (B) any other written agreement between the Executive and the Company Parties, or (C) any written policy, procedure, or code of conduct established by the Company Parties, which breach (if curable, as reasonably determined by the Board in its sole discretion) is not cured by the Executive upon 30 days’ written notice thereof by the Company.
(b) Change in Control. “Change in Control” shall mean:
(i) An acquisition (other than directly from the Company) of any voting securities of the Company (the “Voting Securities”) by any “Person” (having the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, and as used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d)) immediately after which such Person has beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) (“Beneficial Ownership” and/or “Beneficially Owned”) of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities; provided, that in determining whether a Change in Control has occurred, Voting
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Securities which are acquired in a Non-Control Acquisition shall not constitute an acquisition which would cause a Change in Control;
(ii) The individuals who, as of the Effective Date, are members of the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, that if the election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall, for purposes of this clause (ii), be considered a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided, further, that no individual shall be considered a member of the Incumbent Board if such individual initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (as described in former Rule 14a-11 promulgated under the Exchange Act) (“Election Contest”) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board (a “Proxy Contest”), including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest;
(iii) Consummation of a merger, consolidation or reorganization involving the Company, unless such transaction is a Non-Control Transaction;
(iv) A complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or
(v) The sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person (other than a transfer to a Subsidiary).
(c) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” shall mean (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of his Disability, the date of the Executive’s Disability as determined pursuant to subsection 3(c), below; or (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Sections 3(a)(iii)-(vi), either the date indicated by the Company or the Executive, as applicable, in the Notice of Termination, or the date specified by the Company pursuant to Sections 3(b) or 3(e) whichever is earlier.
(d) Disability. “Disability” shall mean the occurrence of a condition that, in the reasonable judgment of a licensed physician satisfactory to the Company, will prevent the Executive from performing the Executive’s duties for a period of more than 120 days in any 12-month period or that actually results in the Executive’s failure to perform the Executive’s duties for a period of more than 120 days in any 12-month period.
(e) Good Reason. “Good Reason” shall be defined as (i) any material reduction by the Company of the Executive’s Base Salary; (ii) a material adverse diminution of the Executive’s duties, responsibilities or authority without the Executive’s consent; provided, however, that any diminution resulting from the termination of this Agreement (including any diminution occurring during any Notice Period) shall not provide the Executive with a basis for Good Reason; (iii) breach of a material term by the Company of (A) this Agreement (including any representation made under this Agreement) or (B) any other material written agreement between the Executive and the Company; or (iv) a relocation of the Executive’s principal place of employment to a location that is outside of a five (5) mile distance
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from Princeton, New Jersey, unless such relocation results in the principal place of employment being located closer to New York City, New York. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Good Reason shall exist unless the Executive (1) has given the Company written notice of the occurrence of such Good Reason event within 30 days after the Executive became aware (or should reasonably have been aware) of the initial existence of such event; (2) the Company has failed to cure such Good Reason event within 30 days of receiving such notice from the Executive; and (3) the Executive’s resignation of employment is effective within 30 days after the end of such 30-day cure period. If the Company cures the Good Reason event during such cure period, Good Reason shall be deemed not to have occurred.
(f) Non-Control Acquisition. “Non-Control Acquisition” shall mean an acquisition by (i) the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) an employee benefit plan (or a trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, or (iii) any Person in connection with a Non-Control Transaction.
(g) Non-Control Transaction. “Non-Control Transaction” shall mean a merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company in which: (i) the stockholders of the Company, immediately before such merger, consolidation or reorganization, own, directly or indirectly immediately following such merger, consolidation or reorganization, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the corporation or entity resulting from such merger, consolidation or reorganization (the “Surviving Company”) over which any Person has Beneficial Ownership in substantially the same proportion as their Beneficial Ownership of the Voting Securities immediately before such merger, consolidation or reorganization; (ii) the individuals who were members of the Incumbent Board immediately prior to the execution of the agreement providing for such merger, consolidation or reorganization constitute at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or equivalent body of the Surviving Company; and (iii) no Person (other than the Company, any Subsidiary, any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company, the Surviving Company or any Person who, immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization, had Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more of the then outstanding Voting Securities) has Beneficial Ownership of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Surviving Company’s then outstanding voting securities.
(h) Subsidiary. “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or similar entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, an equity interest possessing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the total outstanding equity interests of such entity.
14. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed, construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance with its express terms, and otherwise in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of New Jersey, without reference to the principles of conflicts of law of the State of New Jersey or any other jurisdiction, and, where applicable, the laws of the United States.
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15. Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
16. Notices. Any notice, request, claim, demand, document and other communication hereunder to any party shall be effective upon receipt (or refusal of receipt) and shall be in writing and shall be (a) personally delivered or (b) sent in PDF form by electronic mail (with a confirmation copy sent by one of the other methods authorized in this Section 16), or (c) sent by commercial overnight delivery service or certified or registered mail (return receipt requested), to the parties at the addresses set forth below (postage prepaid):
(a) If to the Company:
Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.
5 Vaughn Drive, Suite 202
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Attention: Board of Directors
(b) If to the Executive, at the address last provided by the Executive for his employee records.
17. 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 Agreement. The parties hereto agree to accept a signed facsimile or PDF copy of this Agreement as a fully binding original.
18. Entire Agreement. The terms of this Agreement are intended by the parties to be the final expression of their agreement with respect to the employment of the Executive by the Company and replace and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, whether written or oral. The parties further intend that this Agreement shall constitute the complete and exclusive statement of their terms and that no extrinsic evidence whatsoever may be introduced in any judicial, administrative or other legal proceeding to vary the terms of this Agreement. The parties specifically acknowledge and agree that they are not relying on any promises or assurances by the other party or parties, other than those expressly contained in this Agreement.
19. Clawbacks. The payments to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement are subject to forfeiture or recovery by the Company or other action pursuant to any clawback or recoupment policy which the Company may adopt from time to time, including without limitation the Company’s Executive Officer Incentive-Based Compensation Recovery Policy and any other policy or provision that the Company has included in any of its existing compensation programs or plans or that it may be required to adopt by applicable law.
20. Company Policies. The Executive shall be subject to additional Company policies as they may exist from time-to-time, including policies with regard to stock ownership by senior executives and policies regarding trading of securities.
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21. Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, waived, or terminated except by an instrument in writing, signed by the Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company. By an instrument in writing similarly executed, the Executive or a duly authorized officer of the Company may waive compliance by the other party or parties with respect to any specifically identified provision of this Agreement that such other party was or is obligated to comply with or perform; provided, however, that such waiver shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any other or subsequent failure. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising any right, remedy or power hereunder precludes any other or further exercise of any other right, remedy or power provided herein or by law or in equity. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the respective rights and obligations of the parties under this Agreement shall survive any termination of the Executive’s employment, regardless of the reason for such termination.
22. Construction. This Agreement shall be deemed drafted equally by both the parties. Its language shall be construed as a whole and according to its fair meaning. Any presumption or principle that the language is to be construed for or against any party shall not apply. The headings in this Agreement are only for convenience and are not intended to affect construction or interpretation of the terms herein.
23. Enforcement. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws effective during the term of this Agreement, such provision shall be fully severable; this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a portion of this Agreement; and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement. Furthermore, the patties agree that any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction shall have the authority to modify or “blue pencil” any such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision so as to render it enforceable while maintaining the parties’ original intent to the maximum extent possible to make such provision legal, valid and enforceable.
24. Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement any federal, state, local or foreign withholding or other taxes or charges which the Company is required to withhold.
25. Section 409A Compliance.
(a) This Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and shall be interpreted and construed consistently with such intent. The payments to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement are also intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code to the maximum extent possible, under either the separation pay exemption pursuant to Treasury regulation §1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) or as short-term deferrals pursuant to Treasury regulation §1.409A-1(b)(4). Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Company determines that any compensation or benefits payable or provided under this Agreement may be subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Company shall adopt such limited amendments to this Agreement and appropriate policies and procedures, including amendments and policies with
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retroactive effect, that the Company reasonably determines are necessary or appropriate to (i) exempt the compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the compensation and benefits provided with respect to this Agreement or (ii) comply with the requirements of or correct the Agreement to reduce the penalties under Section 409A of the Code.
(b) Any reimbursement payments will be made promptly and in accordance with Company policy; however, in no event will reimbursement payments be made later than the end of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred. The amounts eligible for reimbursement provided in one taxable year will not affect the amounts eligible for reimbursement provided in any other taxable year, and the right to reimbursement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
(c) For purposes of Section 409A of the Code, the Executive’s right to receive installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.
(d) To the extent any amounts under this Agreement are payable by reference to termination of employment, Date of Termination, or similar terms, such term shall be deemed to refer to a “separation from service,” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
(e) Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if at the time of the Executive’s separation from service, the Company determines that the Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), then to the extent any payment or benefit that the Executive becomes entitled to under this Agreement on account of such separation from service would be considered nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, such payment or benefit shall be paid or provided at the date which is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after such separation from service and (ii) the date of the Executive’s death (the “Delay Period”). Upon the expiration of the Delay Period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or provided to the Executive in a lump sum, 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.
(f) If the 60-day release timing period following a “separation from service” begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year (a “Crossover 60-Day Period”), then any payments subject to Section 409A of the Code that would otherwise occur during the portion of the Crossover 60-Day Period that falls within the first year will be delayed and paid in a lump sum during the portion of the Crossover 60-Day Period that falls within the second year.
26. Section 280G. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Executive expressly agrees that if the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement or any other payments and benefits which the Executive has the right to receive from the Company and its affiliates (collectively, the “Payments”), would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the Payments shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of the Payments will be one dollar ($1.00) less than
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three times the Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of the Payments received by the Executive shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to the Executive. The reduction of Payments, if any, shall be made by reducing first any Payments that are exempt from Section 409A of the Code and then reducing any Payments subject to Section 409A of the Code in the reverse order in which such Payments would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time). The determination as to whether any such reduction in the Payments is necessary shall be made by the Compensation Committee in good faith. If a reduced Payment is made or provided and, through error or otherwise, that Payment, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from Company (or its affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times the Executive’s base amount, then the Executive shall immediately repay such excess to the Company.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement on the date and year first above written.
THE COMPANY:
By: /s/ Peter M. Mavoides
Name: Peter M. Mavoides
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Title: Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE
/s/ Robert W. Salisbury
Name: Robert W. Salisbury
Name: Robert W. Salisbury
Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary