EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT EMPLOYMENT, CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.7
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT
PARTIES TO AGREEMENT
Section 1.01 Parties: This Employment Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered
into by and between Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, a California banking corporation (the “Bank” or the “Employer”), its successors and assigns, and Xxxx Xxxxxx (hereinafter referred to as “Employee”). The Bank and Employee
are sometimes collectively referred to hereinafter as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.
EMPLOYMENT
Section 2.01 Employment: The Bank hereby agrees to employ Employee, and Employee hereby accepts such
employment with the Bank, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Section 2.02 Term of Employment: This Agreement shall become effective on December 9, 2024. This
Agreement shall terminate on December 31, 2025 unless earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions of Part VII herein. If this Agreement is not terminated pursuant to Part VII, and provided Employee enters into an effective general release of
claims at the time of the expiration of this Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, the Agreement shall renew automatically for an additional two year term, and upon reaffirmation of Exhibit A at each renewal date for successive
additional two year terms thereafter, unless earlier terminated pursuant to the provisions of Part VII.
DUTIES OF EMPLOYEE
Section 3.01 General Duties: During the term of this Agreement, Employee shall be employed as Executive
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer under the direction of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and shall perform and discharge well and faithfully the duties that may be assigned to Employee from time to time by the
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer in connection with the conduct of the Bank’s business. Nothing herein shall preclude the Bank’s Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer from changing Employee’s title or duties as long as the
resulting title and duties are reasonably commensurate with the education, employment background and qualifications of the Employee and involve similar responsibilities and scope of duties and any such changes will not be deemed a case of
Termination for Good Reason under the terms of this Agreement.
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Section 3.02 Outside Activities: Employee agrees that, while employed by the Bank, Employee will refrain from any outside activities which actually or
potentially are in direct conflict with the essential enterprise-related or reputational interest of the Bank, that would cause disruption of the Bank’s operations, or that would be in direct competition with the Bank or assist competitors of the
Bank. It shall not be a violation of this Agreement for Employee (A) to serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, or (B) to deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements, so long as such activities do not significantly
interfere with the performance of Employee’s responsibilities as an employee of the Bank; provided, however, that Employee shall give the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer not less than fourteen (14) days’ notice of any actions contemplated by
clauses (A) or (B), and will refrain from any such action to which the Chief Executive Officer in his/her sole discretion, objects. It shall not be a violation of this Agreement for Employee to manage personal investments, so long as such
activities do not represent a conflict with the Bank, as described in the Bank’s Employee Code of Conduct, and other pertinent policies and agreements.
COMPENSATION
Section 4.01 Salary: Employee shall be paid an annual base salary of no less than $400,000 per year.
This base salary shall be paid to Employee in such intervals and at such times as other salaried executives of the Bank are paid. The Bank’s Board of Directors reserves the right to set the timing and level of salary adjustments for all employees
and any particular employee at its sole discretion.
Section 4.02 Incentive and Retention Programs: Employee shall be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive bonus. The amount of any incentive bonus shall
be determined from time to time by the Bank’s Board of Directors annually by January 31st of each following
year and shall be paid no later than February 28th of each following year. Any incentive bonus is intended
for retention purposes, and as a consequence, it will only be paid provided Employee is still employed by Employer on the payment date. Employee has the bonus potential of $300,000 per year starting in 2025.
Employee shall be entitled beginning in the 1st quarter of 2025 to participate in the “Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan
– Equity Component,” with an annual target of $300,000 which is a totally discretionary contribution as determined by the Board of Directors, the terms and conditions of which are set forth in separate agreement so titled.
Section 4.03 Sign-On Bonus: Employee shall be entitled to a $25,000 sign-on bonus in-lieu of a
relocation benefit.
PART V
BENEFITS
Section 5.01 Benefits: Employee shall be entitled to participate in whatever vacation, medical, dental,
pension, sick leave, 401(k), profit sharing, disability insurance or other plans of general application, or other benefits which are in effect as to other officers of equivalent title of the Bank, or as may be in effect from time to time, in
accordance with the rules established for individual participation in any such plan.
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Section 5.02 Automobile Allowance: The Bank shall provide Employee with an automobile allowance of
$1,000 per month as per Bank policy. However, at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and/or the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, the Bank reserves the right to change or eliminate this benefit at any time.
Section 5.03 Membership Fees: The Bank shall reimburse Employee for all appropriate and reasonable
expenses incurred in performing Employee’s duties, including providing and paying for the dues and fees of membership in local service and civic clubs and/or organizations as the Bank deems appropriate and necessary for enhancement of its
presence within the local business community. In order to be eligible for reimbursement of these expenses, Employee must obtain pre-approval for such memberships from the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer and must provide the Bank with receipts and
documented evidence as is required by federal and state laws and regulations.
Section 5.04 Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Coverage: To the extent commercially reasonable
to do so under prevailing conditions in the insurance market, the Bank shall provide directors and officers liability insurance coverage for the protection of Employee on terms and conditions no less favorable to Employee than are in effect on
the date that this Agreement shall become effective. Following any termination of Employee’s employment with the Bank, such coverage shall be continued under substantially the same terms and conditions as are in effect immediately prior to such
termination of employment at no cost to Employee until all applicable statutes of limitation expire with respect to claims arising prior to such termination of employment. Employee expressly acknowledges, however, that the Bank cannot and shall
not guarantee the performance of the insurance company issuing such directors and officers liability insurance coverage pursuant to this Section. In addition to the foregoing, the Bank shall also continue to make indemnification and advancement
of litigation expense payments to Employee to the maximum extent and for the maximum period permitted by law; provided, however, that the obligation of the Bank to advance litigation expense payments shall be subject to Employee having executed
and delivered to the Bank, in a form approved by the Bank, an undertaking to return such payments in the event that a court shall have determined that Employee is not entitled to indemnification under the applicable legal standards.
EXPENSES
Travel and Entertainment Expenses: During the term of this Agreement, the Bank shall reimburse Employee for reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in connection with the Bank’s business, including travel expenses, food and lodging while away
from Employee’s home, subject to such policies as the Bank may from time to time establish for other officers of equivalent title. Employee shall keep records of Employee’s travel and entertainment expenses in a form suitable to the Internal
Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board to qualify this reimbursement as a federal and state income tax deduction for the Bank. In addition, Employee shall provide the Bank with receipts for all expenses for which Employee seeks reimbursement.
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Section 7.01 Termination without Cause or for Good Reason: The Bank may
terminate this Agreement at any time and without “Cause” (as defined below) by giving Employee sixty (60) days written notice of the Bank’s intent to terminate this Agreement. The 60th day after Notice of Termination shall be deemed Employee’s
Separation Date. This Agreement may also be terminated by Employee for “Good Reason” (as defined below) by giving written notice to Employer in reasonable detail of the basis for “Good Reason” within thirty (30) days of the first date on which
Employer has knowledge of such conduct and providing Employer at least thirty (30) days following the date on which notice is provided to cure such conduct. Failing such cure, the end of the cure period shall be deemed Employee’s Separation
Date. In the event Employee’s employment is terminated by the Bank or Employee pursuant to this Section, Employee shall be paid all accrued salary, accrued but unused vacation, and reimbursement expenses for which expense reports have been
provided to the Bank, or which are provided to the Bank prior to the Separation Date, in accordance with the Bank’s policies and this Agreement. In addition to the foregoing amounts, if Employee is terminated by the Bank or Employee pursuant to
this Section, and subject to (A) Employee’s continued employment through, and termination of employment on, the Separation Date; (B) Employee’s continued loyalty to the Bank, which includes, but is not limited to, Employee or any outside third
party, operating under the direction of Employee, refraining from any announcements to anyone inside or outside the Bank that the Employee is leaving the Bank; and (C) Employee’s execution and non-revocation of a general release of all claims in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”), which Release becomes irrevocable within sixty (60) days following the Separation Date or such earlier deadline provided by the Bank, then Employee will be entitled to receipt of the
following Severance Package:
| 2. |
A Severance Bonus in an amount equal to the pro-rated annual bonus based on the number of months from the end of the previous fiscal year-end to the Separation Date. The Severance Bonus shall be paid in a
lump sum on the Employee’s Separation Date.
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| 3. |
Payment of all awards of benefit plans and incentive and retention programs in accordance with the terms of those plans and programs, including applicable vesting and forfeiture provisions. Any such payment
or distribution from a nonqualified deferred compensation plan shall be governed by the terms of such plan relating to the timing of distributions.
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“Good Reason” for purposes of this Agreement shall be defined as a material breach by Employer of any of the covenants in this Agreement, any material reduction in Employee’s annual base salary or annual discretionary incentive bonus
opportunity, any material and adverse change in Employee’s position, title or reporting lines or any change in Employee’s job duties, authority or responsibilities to those of lesser status, or a material change in the geographic location of
Employer’s headquarters, which shall mean the relocation of the Employer’s headquarters to a location that is more than 50 miles from its current location, in each case, without Employee’s consent.
Section 7.02 Termination for Cause: The Bank may terminate Employee’s employment at any time for “Cause”
upon written Notice of Termination to Employee, setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for the determination of “Cause.” Termination for Cause shall be effective immediately upon receipt of the Notice of Termination by Employee, and the
date on which the Notice of Termination is received shall be deemed to be the Separation Date. If Employee is terminated pursuant to this Section 7.02, Employee shall be entitled only to accrued salary, vacation and reimbursement of expenses for
which expense reports have been provided to the Bank, or which are provided to the Bank prior to the Separation Date, in accordance with the Bank’s policies and this Agreement. Employee shall be entitled to no further compensation or severance
payment of any nature; provided however, that Employee will also be entitled to payment of all awards of benefit plans and incentive and retention programs in accordance with the terms of those plans, including any applicable vesting and
forfeiture provisions. Any such payment or distribution from a nonqualified deferred compensation plan shall be governed by the terms of such plan relating to the timing of distributions.
“Cause” for purposes of this Agreement shall be defined as follows:
| 1. |
The death of Employee;
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| 2. |
Conviction of a felony resulting in a material economic adverse effect on the Bank or its affiliates;
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| 3. |
Committing acts of dishonesty, theft, embezzlement or other acts of moral turpitude against the Bank or its affiliates;
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| 5. |
An unauthorized, willful, knowing or reckless disclosure of any confidential information concerning the Bank or its affiliates or any of its directors, shareholders, customers or employees; or
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Section 7.03 Termination by Employee without Good Reason: This Agreement may be terminated by Employee
without Good Reason at Employee’s sole discretion by giving ninety (90) days written Notice of Resignation to the Bank. If Employee terminates his/her employment pursuant to this Section 7.03, and subject to Employee’s continued satisfactory
performance of such tasks and duties that may be assigned to Employee through the Separation Date, and Employee’s continued loyalty to the Bank through the Separation Date (which includes, but is not limited to, refraining from any announcements
by Employee or any outside third party, operating under the direction of Employee, to anyone inside or outside the Bank that the Employee is leaving the Bank), Employee shall receive accrued salary and payment for accrued but unused vacation
through the Separation Date. Employee shall also be entitled to payment of all awards of benefit plans and incentive and retention programs, in accordance with the terms of those plans, including applicable vesting and forfeiture provisions. Any
such payment or distribution from a nonqualified deferred compensation plan shall be governed by the terms of such plan relating to the timing of distributions. Alternatively, the Bank may, at its option, at any time after Employee gives written
Notice of Resignation as herein provided, pay Employee’s accrued salary up to and including the effective Separation Date set forth in Employee’s Notice of Resignation, and thereupon immediately release and terminate Employee’s employment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Bank determines at any time during the 90-day notice period that Employee materially breaches the obligations imposed by the provisions of this Section 7.03 and Part VIII of this Agreement, the Bank may
shorten the notice period and accelerate the Separation Date, thereby reducing the compensation otherwise payable to Employee pursuant to this Section.
Section 7.04 Option to Terminate on Permanent Disability: Employer may terminate this Agreement if, during the term of this Agreement, Employee shall become “Permanently Disabled”, as that term in defined herein. A termination
pursuant to this Section 7.04 shall be deemed a termination upon Permanent Disability and upon such termination Employee shall only be entitled to their benefits governed by such non-qualified retirement plan and/or components thereof in which
the Employee is a participant. For purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be deemed to have become Permanently Disabled if Employee is unable to perform his/her current duties, with or without accommodation, for an aggregate of 120 working
days over a six month period, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment. Employer shall issue its Notice of Termination to Employee on or after 90 working days of Permanent Disability, as defined herein.
Section 7.05 Change of Control:
| 1. |
If a Change of Control of the Bank or Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (the “Bancorp”) closes during the term of this Agreement, while Employee is still employed by the Bank, the Bank will provide the Employee
with the following Change of Control Compensation Package to be paid and commence immediately prior to the closing of the Change of Control:
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(a)
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Twelve (12) times Employee’s highest monthly base salary, which Employee has earned during Employee’s employment with the Bank and the pro-rated annual bonus based on the number of months from the end
of the previous fiscal year-end to the closing date of the Change of Control.
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(b)
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Employee’s monthly premium for continuation coverage under COBRA (as defined in Section 7.07), determined as of immediately prior to the Change of Control, multiplied by twelve (12) months, whether or not such continuation coverage is elected by Employee. |
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(c)
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A gross-up payment as defined and set forth herein in Section 7.05.3. In addition, Employee will be entitled to payment of all awards of benefit plans and incentive and retention programs in accordance with the terms of those plans and programs, including applicable vesting and forfeiture provisions. |
Payment of the Change of Control Compensation Package shall be contingent upon the execution by Employee and non-revocation of (A) a general Release of all claims provided by Employer in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and (B) a
non-competition and non-solicitation agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B. Employee shall receive disbursement of payments due Employee under this Section (except for payments or distributions from or pursuant to any
nonqualified deferred compensation plan), in one lump sum payment immediately prior to the closing of the Change of Control, subject to Section 10.02 below, less any withholding required by state, federal or local law. Any payment or distribution
from or pursuant to any nonqualified deferred compensation plan shall be governed by the terms of such plan. If Employee becomes entitled to payment under this Section 7.05, Employee shall not be entitled to the Severance Package under Section
7.01, notwithstanding Employee’s subsequent termination of employment pursuant to that Section.
| 3. |
Gross-Up Payment: Employee shall be entitled to a “Gross-Up Payment” under the terms and conditions set forth herein, and such payment shall include the Excise Tax reimbursement due pursuant to Section
7.05.3.a and any federal and state tax reimbursements due pursuant to Section 7.05.3.b.
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It is further intended that in the event that any payments would be subject to other “penalty” taxes (in addition to the Excise Tax in section 7.05.3.a) imposed applicable federal tax law, that these taxes would also
be included in the calculation of the Gross-Up Payment, including any federal and state tax reimbursements pursuant to section 7.05.3.b.
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Section 7.06 Non-Renewal of Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, if this Agreement is not renewed automatically by reason of Employee’s failure to execute an
effective general Release pursuant to Section 2.02, Employee will not be entitled to the Severance Package specified in Section 7.01.
Section 7.07 Continuation of Medical Benefits: In the event Employee’s employment is terminated Employee
shall be afforded the right to continue his/her medical benefits to the extent provided in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), at his/her expense. The Bank shall provide Employee with the appropriate COBRA notification
within the time required by the law from the Separation Date.
COVENANTS
Section 8.01 Confidential Nature of Relationship. Employee acknowledges (i) the highly competitive
nature of the business and the industry in which the Bank competes; (ii) that as a key executive of the Bank he/she has participated in and will continue to participate in the service of current customers and/or the solicitation of prospective
customers, through which, among other things, Employee has obtained and will continue to obtain knowledge of the “know-how” and business practices of the Bank, in which matters the Bank has a substantial proprietary interest;(iii) that his/her
employment hereunder renders the performance of services which are special, unique, extraordinary and intellectual in character, and his/her position with the Bank placed and places him/her in a position of confidence and trust with the customers
and employees of the Bank; and (iv) that his/her rendering of services to the customers of the Bank necessarily requires the disclosure to Employee of Trade and Business Secrets, Proprietary and Confidential Information, and Bank Materials (as
defined in Section 8.03 below) of the Bank. In the course of Employee’s employment with the Bank, Employee has and will continue to develop a personal relationship with the customers and prospective customers (defined for purposes of this
Agreement as customers that the Bank is either actively soliciting or in the process of making a proposal for services to as of Employee’s Separation Date) of the Bank and a knowledge of those customers’ and prospective customers’ affairs and
requirements, and the relationship of the Bank with its established clientele has been, and will continue to be, placed in Employee’s hands in confidence and trust. Employee consequently agrees that it is a legitimate interest of the Bank, and
reasonable and necessary for the protection of the confidential information, goodwill and business of the Bank, which is valuable to the Bank, that Employee make the covenants contained herein.
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Employee Initials
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Section 8.02 Restrictions: Accordingly, Employee agrees that during the period that he/she is employed
by the Bank, unless in the normal course of business, he/she shall not, as an individual, employee, consultant, independent contractor, partner, shareholder, or in association with any other person, business or enterprise, directly or indirectly,
and regardless of the reason for him/her ceasing to be employed by the Bank, engage in the following:
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Employee Initials
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Section 8.03 Definitions:
A. TRADE AND BUSINESS SECRETS means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program,
device, method, technique or process that derives independent economic value, actual or potential from not being generally known to the public or to other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, and is the subject of
efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.
B. PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION means trade secrets, computer programs, designs, technology,
ideas, know-how, processes, formulas, compositions, data, techniques, improvements, inventions (whether patentable or not), works of authorship, or other information concerning the Bank’s:
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(i)
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Business Activities, including but not limited to: actual or anticipated strategic plans and initiatives; marketing plans, advertising and collateral materials; new product development plans;
competitor analyses; analyses of internal financial performance; financial forecasts and budgets; customer and prospect strategies and lists; proprietary designs of facilities and other delivery systems and processes; and any similar
information to which Employee has access by virtue of performing his/her duties for the Bank.
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(ii)
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Customers, including but not limited to: information about the Bank’s customers or prospective customers, such as the customer’s or prospect’s key decision-makers; customer preferences; customer strategies; terms of any contractual arrangements with the Bank; business considerations; loan, deposit and other product and service pricing, terms and conditions, repayment structures, fee arrangements, structure of guarantees from other entities; and any similar information to which Employee has access by virtue of performing his/her duties for the Bank. |
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(iii)
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Employees, including but not limited to: names of and contact information for the Bank’s employees; their compensation, incentive plans, retirement plans, terms of employment, areas of expertise,
projects, and experience; and any similar information to which Employee has access by virtue of performing his/her duties for the Bank.
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“Proprietary and Confidential Information” includes any information, in whatever form or format, including that which has not been memorialized in writing.
C. BANK MATERIALS means documents or other media or tangible items that contain or embody PROPRIETARY
AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION or any other information concerning the business, operations or plans of the Bank and its customers and prospective customers, whether such documents have been prepared by Employee or by others. BANK MATERIALS
include, but are not limited to blueprints, drawings, photographs, charts, graphs, notebooks, customer lists, computer disks, photographs of proprietary information or documents on cell phones, iPads or other electronic devices, photocopies of
proprietary information or documents, emails, text messages, tapes or printouts, sound recordings and other printed, typewritten, handwritten or computer generated documents, as well as samples, prototypes, product collateral materials,
advertising materials, models, products and the like.
Section 8.04 Return of the Bank’s Property: Upon termination of his/her employment with the Bank for any
reason, Employee will promptly deliver to the Bank, without copying or summarizing, all Trade and Business Secrets, Proprietary and Confidential Information, and Bank Materials that are in Employee’s possession or under Employee’s control,
including, without limitation, all physical property, keys, documents, lists, electronic storage media, cell phones, iPads, manuals, letters, notes, reports, including all originals, reproductions, recordings, disks, or other media.
Employee acknowledges that Employee has been apprised of the provisions of Labor Code Section 2860 which provides: “Everything which an Employee acquires by virtue of his employment, except
the compensation which is due him from his Employer, belongs to the Employer, whether acquired lawfully or unlawfully, or during or after the expiration of the term of his employment.” Employee understands that any work that Employee created or
helped create at the request of the Bank, including user manuals, training materials, sales materials, customer and prospective customer information and business data, process manuals, and other written and visual works, are works made for hire in
which the Bank owns the copyright. Employee may not reproduce or publish these copyrighted works, except in the pursuit of his/her employment duties with the Bank.
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Employee Initials
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Section 8.05 Separate Covenants: The covenants of Part VIII of this Agreement shall be construed as
separate covenants covering their particular subject matter. In the event that any covenant shall be found to be judicially unenforceable, said covenant shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other part of this Agreement.
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Employee Initials
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Section 8.06 Continuing Obligation: Employee’s obligations set forth in Part VIII of this Agreement
shall expressly continue in effect beyond Employee’s employment period in accordance with their terms and such obligations shall be binding on Employee’s assigns, executors, administrators and other legal representatives.
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Employee Initials
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PART IX
TAXES
Section 9.01 Withholding: All payments to be made to Employee under this Agreement will be subject to required withholding of federal, state and local income
and employment taxes as applicable.
Section 9.02 Section 409A:
A. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, the Bank shall delay the commencement of payments or benefits coverage to which Employee
would otherwise become entitled under the Agreement in connection with Employee’s termination of employment until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of Employee’s “separation from service” with the
Bank (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A of the Code (defined below)) or (ii) the date of Employee’s death, if the Bank in good faith determines that Employee is a “specified employee” within the meaning of
that term under Code Section 409A at the time of such separation from service and that such delayed commencement is otherwise required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2) of the Code. Upon the expiration of the
applicable Code Section 409A(a)(2) deferral period, all payments and benefits deferred pursuant to this Section10.02 (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such deferral) shall be paid
or reimbursed to Employee in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under the Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
B. In addition, to the extent the Bank is required pursuant to this Agreement to reimburse expenses incurred by Employee, and such reimbursement obligation is
subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Bank shall reimburse any such eligible expenses by the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred, subject to any earlier required deadline for payment
otherwise applicable under this Agreement; provided, however, that the following sentence shall apply to any tax gross-up payment and related expense reimbursement obligation, including any payment obligations described in Section 7.04, to the
extent subject to Section 409A. Any such tax gross-up payment will be made by the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Employee remits the related taxes.
C. For purposes of the provisions of this Agreement which require commencement of payments or benefits subject to Section 409A upon a termination of
employment, the terms “termination of employment” and “Separation Date” shall mean a “separation from service” with the Bank (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulations issued under Code Section 409A), notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary.
D. In each case where this Agreement provides for the payment to the Employee of an amount that constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation under Section
409A and such payment is subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims, (1) any payments delayed pending the effectiveness of the release shall be accumulated and paid in a lump sum following the effectiveness of the release,
with any remaining payments due paid in accordance with the schedule otherwise provided herein, and (2) if the period between the Separation Date and the last day on which the release could become irrevocable assuming the Employee’s latest
possible execution and delivery of the release spans two calendar years, then such deferred payments shall not be made before the second calendar year, even if the release becomes irrevocable in the first calendar year, if such payments
constitute nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A.
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E. Any series of payments provided under this Agreement (excluding plans or agreements incorporated by reference) shall for all purposes of Code Section 409A
be treated as a series of separate payments and not as single payments.
F. The provisions of this Part X are intended to comply with Code Section 409A and shall be interpreted consistent with such section.
PART X
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 10.01 - Notices: Any notice to be given to the Bank under the terms of this Agreement, and any
notice to be given to Employee, shall be addressed to such Party at the mailing address the Party may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been duly given four days after the same shall be enclosed
in a properly sealed and addressed envelope, registered or certified, and deposited (postage or registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government or upon actual
delivery to the Party by messenger or delivery service, with receipt acknowledged in writing by the Party to whom such notice is addressed.
Section 10.02 Entire Agreement: This Agreement and the agreement(s) incorporated by reference herein
(“Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California Executive Retirement Plan”) supersede any and all other agreements or understandings, whether oral, implied, or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof
and contain all of the covenants and agreements between the Parties with respect to such matters in their entirety. Each Party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, orally or otherwise, have
been made by any Party, or anyone acting on behalf of any Party, which is not embodied herein, and that no other agreement, statement or promise not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding. Any modification(s) to this Agreement will
be effective only if in writing and signed by the Parties hereto.
Section 10.03 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Agreement and all rights and
obligations of the Parties hereunder shall be subject to the provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations adopted thereunder, including without limitation 12 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 359.
Section 10.04 Partial Invalidity: If any provisions in this Agreement are held by a court of competent
jurisdiction or an arbitrator to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
Section 10.05 Continuing Obligations: The obligations of the covenants contained in this Agreement shall
survive the termination of the Agreement and any employment relationship between the Bank and Employee. Accordingly, neither the Bank nor Employee shall be relieved of the continuing obligations of the covenants contained in this Agreement.
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Section 10.06 Employee’s Representations: Employee represents and warrants that Employee is free to enter
into this Agreement and to perform each of the terms and covenants in it. Employee represents and warrants that Employee is not restricted or prohibited, contractually or otherwise, from entering into and performing this Agreement, and that
Employee’s execution and performance of this Agreement is not a violation or breach of any other agreement or other legal obligation between Employee and any other person or entity.
Section 10.07 Governing Law: This Agreement (not including any plans or agreements incorporated by
reference) shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and the rights of the Parties shall be governed by, the laws of the State of California.
Section 10.08 - Full Settlement: The Bank’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this
Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Bank may have against Employee or others. In no event shall Employee be
obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Employee under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amount shall not be reduced whether or not Employee obtains other
employment.
Section 10.09 No Waiver: The failure of any of
the Parties hereto to insist on strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement, or the failure to assert any right of any Party hereto may have hereunder, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or of any other
provision or right contained in this Agreement.
Section 10.10 Advice of Counsel: Employee warrants that he/she has consulted with legal counsel of his/her choice to advise him/her with respect to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement.
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FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
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| By: | Date: | |||
| Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xx. | ||||
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Chairman of the Personnel Committee
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EMPLOYEE:
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Date:
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Xxxx Xxxxxx
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| Exhibit 10.7 |
EXHIBIT A
AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
This Agreement and General Release (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Xxxx Xxxxxx (“Employee”) and Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, California banking corporation (the “Bank” and together
with the Employee, the “Parties”).
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7.01 and 7.05 of the Parties’ Employment, Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement dated as of November 7, 2024, as may be amended or automatically renewed (“Employment Agreement”),
Employee is required to enter into a release of claims in the Bank’s favor in exchange for the payment of certain benefits or the automatic renewal of the Employment Agreement pursuant to Section 2.02; and
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to memorialize either the terms of Employee’s departure under Section 7.01 of the Employment Agreement or the payment of the Change of Control Compensation Package (as defined in Section 7.05
of the Employment Agreement) or the automatic renewal of the Employment Agreement under section 2.02, and to resolve all issues or disputes arising out of or related to (i) the employment relationship and the termination thereof under Section 7.01
of the Employment Agreement or (ii) the employment relationship prior to a Change of Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or the automatic renewal of the Employment Agreement, as the case may be.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
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| Exhibit 10.7 |
This Agreement recognizes the rights and responsibilities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (“DFEH”) to enforce the statutes which
come under their jurisdiction. This Agreement is not intended to prevent Employee from initiating or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the EEOC or the DFEH; provided, however, that nothing in this section limits or
affects the finality or the scope of the Release. Employee has waived and released any claim that he/she may have for damages based on any alleged discrimination, harassment or retaliation, that are based on facts occurring the day of and prior to
the day the Employee executes this Agreement, and may not recover damages in any proceeding conducted by the EEOC or the DFEH.
| Section 2. |
No Release of Vested Benefits. Notwithstanding anything in Section 2 hereof, Employee does not by this Agreement waive any rights he/she may have to
vested benefits or account balances in any retirement plan, which vested benefits or account balances, as the case may be, shall be paid over to Employee in accordance with the provisions of the respective plans, subject to any applicable
forfeiture provisions set forth therein.
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| Section 3. |
Confidentiality of Agreement. As a material of inducement to the Bank to enter into this Agreement, Employee represents and agrees that he/she will keep
all terms of this Agreement completely confidential, and that he/she will not disclose any information concerning this Agreement to any person, including, but not limited to, any past, present or prospective employee of the Bank, except
for his/her spouse, attorney, tax account and financial advisor. Employee further agrees that disclosure by him/her of the terms and conditions of this Agreement in violation of this Section constitutes a material breach of the Agreement.
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| Section 4. |
Confidentiality of Proprietary Information. Employee acknowledges and agrees that he/she has an obligation to continue to keep in confidence and not use
for his/her own or any other person’s or entity’s benefit all proprietary and confidential information concerning the Bank, as defined in Part VIII of the Employment Agreement.
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| Section 5. |
Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees to refrain from any disparagement, defamation, libel or slander of the Bank or Bank-affiliates or tortious
interference with the contracts and relationships of the Bank.
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Employee agrees not to act in any manner that might damage the business of the Bank. Employee agrees not to counsel or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes,
differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against the Bank and/or any officer, director, employee, agent, representative, shareholder or attorney of the Bank, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so.
| Section 6. |
Acknowledgments. Employee acknowledges, represents and agrees, in compliance with the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act, that:
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| (a) |
Employee has been fully informed and is fully aware of his/her right to discuss any and all aspects of this matter with an attorney of his/her choice and is specifically advised that
he/she should seek such advice;
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| (b) |
Employee has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement;
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| Exhibit 10.7 |
| (c) |
Employee has had up to and including a full twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement before executing it, unless by his/her own choice he/she has waived all or part of this period;
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| (d) |
Employee has a full seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement, and has been and is hereby advised in writing that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable as to Employee rights
under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (29 U.S.C. section 621 et seq.) until the revocation period has expired (but shall be immediately effective as to all other claims). Any revocation shall be made in writing and
delivered to Bank’s Chief Executive Officer on or before the seventh day following Employee execution of this Agreement; and
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| (e) |
Employee accepts the terms of this Agreement as fair and equitable under all the circumstances and voluntarily executes this Agreement.
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| Section 7. |
Non-Admission. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as an admission of liability by the Bank, its past and present affiliates, officers,
directors, owners, employees or agents, and the Bank specifically disclaims liability to or wrongful treatment of Employee on the part of itself, its past and present affiliates, officers, directors, owners, employees and agents.
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| Section 8. |
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
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| Section 9. |
Savings Clause. If any provision of this Agreement is invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be deemed to not be a part of this Agreement,
but shall not invalidate any other provision hereby.
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| Section 10. |
Integration Clause. This Agreement is intended by the parties to be their final agreement. The statements, promises and agreements in this Agreement may
not be contradicted by any prior understandings, agreements, promises or statements. Employee states and promises that in signing this Agreement he/she has not relied on any statements or promises made by the Bank, other than the promises
contained in this Agreement. Any changes to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
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THIS IS A RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS – READ THOROUGHLY BEFORE SIGNING
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Date:
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Employee:
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Xxxx Xxxxxx
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Date:
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FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
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By:
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Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xx.
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Chairman of the Personnel Committee
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EXHIBIT B
NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT
This Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Xxxx Xxxxxx (“Employee”) and Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, a California banking corporation (the
“Bank”).
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7.05 of the Parties’ Employment, Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement dated as of November 7, 2024, as may be amended or automatically renewed (“Employment Agreement”), the Parties
wish to memorialize the covenants to which Employee will become subject upon a Change of Control and the portion of Employee’s Change of Control Compensation Package that is intended to serve as compensation for compliance with such covenants;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
| Section 1. |
Change of Control Compensation Package. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Employee shall receive the following compensation for compliance with the terms of the
covenants described herein (the “Restrictive Covenants”), which compensation is part of (and not in addition to) the Change of Control Compensation Package described in Section 7.05 of the Employment Agreement to be paid or commence
immediately prior to a Change of Control: In the event of a Change of Control of Employer or Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (“Bancorp”), (A) Twelve (12) times Employee’s highest monthly base salary, which Employee has earned during
Employee’s employment with the Bank and the pro-rated annual bonus based on the number of months from the end of the previous fiscal year-end to the closing date of the Change of Control, (B) Employee’s monthly premium for continuation
coverage under COBRA (as defined in Section 7.05 of the Employment Agreement), determined as of the closing or other occurrence of the Change of Control, multiplied by twelve (12) months, whether or not such continuation coverage is
elected by Employee, and (C) a gross-up payment as defined and set forth in Section 7.05.3 of the Employment Agreement.
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The compensation set forth above is in consideration for the covenants of Employee as set forth in this Agreement.
| Section 2. |
Restrictive Covenants: Employee agrees that for a period of one (1) year following the Change of Control (in the event of a Change of Control of Employer, the Bank or
Bancorp under Section 7.05.2 of the Employment Agreement) (the “Restricted Period”), he shall not, as an individual, employee, consultant, independent contractor, partner, shareholder, or in association with any other person, business or
enterprise, directly or indirectly, and regardless of the reason for him/her ceasing to be employed by Employer, engage in the following (which periods shall run concurrent with the periods of the restrictive covenants described in
Section 8.02 of the Employment Agreement and not consecutively):
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| A. |
Non-Competition. Employee recognizes that if he were to become employed by, or substantially involved in, the business of a competitor of Employer or
any of its affiliates, it would be very difficult for Employee not to rely on or use Employer’s and its affiliates’ Trade and Business Secrets, Proprietary and
Confidential information or Employer Materials. To protect Employer’s Trade and Business Secrets, Proprietary and Confidential information and Employer Materials and its
affiliates’ relationships and goodwill with customers, Employee will not, directly or indirectly through any other Person, engage in, enter the employ of, render any services to, have any ownership interest in, or participate in the
financing, operation, management or control of, any Competing Business (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “directly or indirectly through any other Person” shall include, without limitation, any direct or
indirect ownership or profit participation interest in such enterprise, whether as an owner, stockholder, member, partner, joint venturer or otherwise, and shall include any direct or indirect participation in such enterprise as an
employee, independent contractor, consultant, director, officer, licensor of technology or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement, “Competing Business” means a Person which has a branch office or conducts material business in any
county in which the Bank has an office immediately prior to the Change of Control or opens a branch or office in any county in which the Bank, immediately prior to the Change of Control, has a branch office during the Restricted Period
(the “Restricted Area”) that competes with Employer and its affiliates by soliciting, offering and/or selling any services or products substantially similar in function or capability to or competitive with the existing services and
products sold, licensed, distributed, marketed, provided, being developed or otherwise offered, performed or provided by Employer and its affiliates as of the Change of Control, or the services or products of Employer and its affiliates
being actively planned or developed as of the Change of Control, or any other business, product or service in which Employee has been engaged for more than a de minimis amount of time during the twelve (12)-month period immediately
preceding the date of Change of Control. Nothing herein shall prohibit Employee from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as Employee has no
active participation in the business of such corporation. In view of the nature of Employee’s employment with Employer and Employee’s contribution of equity in Employer to the Change of Control, Employee likewise agrees that Employer and
its affiliates would be irreparably harmed by any such competition in violation of the terms of this paragraph and that Employer and its affiliates shall therefore be entitled to preliminary and/or permanent injunctive relief prohibiting
Employee from engaging in any activity or threatened activity in violation of the terms of this paragraph and to any other relief, including financial compensation commensurate with damages caused, available to them.
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| B. |
Solicitation of Employees. Employee recognizes that he possesses and will possess confidential information about other employees of Employer and its affiliates relating to
their education, experience, skills, abilities, compensation and benefits, and inter-personal relationships with customer(s) of Employer and its affiliates. Employee recognizes that the information he possesses and will possess about
these other employees is not generally known, is of substantial value to Employer and its affiliates in developing their business and in securing and retaining customers, and in managing general daily operations of Employer, and has been
and will be acquired by Employee because of his/her business position with Employer and its affiliates. Employee agrees that Employee will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or recruit any employee of Employer or its affiliates for the
purpose of being employed by, or serving as a consultant or information resource to, Employee, or any competitor of Employer or its affiliates on whose behalf Employee is acting as an agent, representative or employee, and that Employee
will not convey such confidential information or trade secrets about other employees of Employer and its affiliates to any other Person or legal entity. In view of the nature of Employee’s employment with Employer, Employee likewise
agrees that Employer and its affiliates would be irreparably harmed by any such solicitation or recruitment in violation of the terms of this paragraph and that Employer and its affiliates shall therefore be entitled to preliminary and/or
permanent injunctive relief prohibiting Employee from engaging in any activity or threatened activity in violation of the terms of this paragraph and to any other relief, including financial compensation commensurate with damages caused,
available to them.
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| C. |
Solicitation of Customers. Employee shall not, directly or indirectly (whether as an officer, director, owner, employee, partner, consultant or other participant), use any
Trade and Business Secret, Proprietary and Confidential information or Employer Materials to identify, solicit or entice any Customer or Prospective Customer of Employer or its affiliates to make any changes whatsoever in their current or
prospective relationships with Employer or its affiliates, and will not assist any other Person or entity to interfere with or dispute such current or prospective relationships. If Employee leaves Employer and goes to work for a new
employer that is a competitor of Employer, and if that new employer already has an existing relationship with a Customer or Prospective Customer of Employer or its affiliates, this paragraph does not preclude Employee from making contact
with such Customer or Prospective Customer on the new employer’s behalf, so long as such contact otherwise complies with the provisions of this paragraph. In view of the nature of Employee’s employment with Employer, Employee likewise
agrees that Employer and its affiliates would be irreparably harmed by any such interference or competitive actions in violation of the terms of this paragraph and that Employer and its affiliates shall therefore be entitled to
preliminary and/or permanent injunctive relief prohibiting Employee from engaging in any activity or threatened activity in violation of the terms of this paragraph, in addition to any other relief, including financial compensation
commensurate with damages caused, available to them.
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| D. |
Representations. Without limiting the generality of Employee’s
agreements in this Section 2, Employee (i) represents that he is familiar with and has carefully considered the Restrictive Covenants, (ii) represents that he is fully aware of his obligations hereunder, (iii) agrees to the reasonableness
of the length of time, scope and geographic coverage, as applicable, of the Restrictive Covenants, (iv) agrees that Employer and its affiliates currently conduct business throughout the Restricted Area, and (v) agrees that the Restrictive
Covenants will continue in effect for the applicable periods set forth above in this Section 2 regardless of whether Employee is then entitled to receive severance pay or benefits from Employer. Employee understands that the Restrictive
Covenants may limit his/her ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of Employer and any of its affiliates, but he nevertheless believes that he has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other
benefits as an employee of Employer and as otherwise provided hereunder or as described in the recitals hereto to clearly justify such restrictions which, in any event (given his/her education, skills and ability), Employee does not
believe would prevent him/her from otherwise earning a living. Employee agrees that the Restrictive Covenants do not confer a benefit upon Employer and its affiliates disproportionate to the detriment of Employee.
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| Section 3. |
Confidentiality of Agreement. As a material inducement to the Bank to enter into this Agreement, Employee represents and agrees that he will keep all terms of this Agreement
completely confidential, and that he will not disclose any information concerning this Agreement to any person, including, but not limited to, any past, present or prospective employee of the Bank, except for his/her spouse, attorney, tax
account and financial advisor. Employee further agrees that disclosure by him/her of the terms and conditions of this Agreement in violation of this Section constitutes a material breach of the Agreement.
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| Section 4. |
Confidentiality of Proprietary Information. Employee acknowledges and agrees that he has an obligation to continue to keep in confidence and not use for his/her own or any
other person's or entity's benefit all proprietary and confidential information concerning the Bank, as defined in Part VIII of the Employment Agreement.
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| Section 5. |
Non-Disparagement. Employee agrees to refrain from any disparagement, defamation, libel or slander of the Bank or Bank-affiliates or tortious interference with the contracts
and relationships of the Bank.
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Employee agrees not to act in any manner that might damage the business of the Bank. Employee agrees not to counsel or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any
disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against the Bank and/or any officer, director, employee, agent, representative, shareholder or attorney of the Bank, unless under a subpoena or other court order
to do so.
| Section 6. |
Acknowledgments. Employee acknowledges, represents and agrees that:
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| (a) |
Employee has been fully informed and is fully aware of his/her right to discuss any and all aspects of this matter with an attorney of his/her choice and is specifically advised that
he should seek such advice;
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| (b) |
Employee has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; and
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| (c) |
Employee accepts the terms of this Agreement as fair and equitable under all the circumstances and voluntarily executes this Agreement.
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| Section 7. |
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
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| Section 8. |
Savings Clause. If any provision of this Agreement is invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be deemed to not be a part of this Agreement, but shall not
invalidate any other provision hereby.
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| Section 9. |
Capitalized Terms. Any capitalized term in this Agreement that is not defined herein shall have the meaning given to such term in the Employment Agreement.
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| Section 10. |
Integration Clause. This Agreement is intended by the parties to be their final agreement. The statements, promises and agreements in this Agreement may not be contradicted
by any prior understandings, agreements, promises or statements. Employee states and promises that in signing this Agreement he has not relied on any statements or promises made by the Bank, other than the promises contained in this
Agreement. Any changes to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
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| Date: |
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| Employee: | ||
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Xxxx Xxxxxx
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FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
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| By: |
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Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xx.
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Chairman of the Personnel Committee
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