CHANGE OF CONTROL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT THIS CHANGE OF CONTROL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the 'Agreement') entered into between FLEMING COMPANIES, INC., an Oklahoma corporation (the 'Company'), and __________________, an individual (the 'Executive'), dated as of the ____ day of _______, 1999. The Board of Directors of the Company (the 'Board'), has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat, or occurrence of a 'Change of Control' (as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement) of the Company. The Board believes it is important to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control, and to encourage the Executive's full attention and dedication to the affairs of the Company during the term of this Agreement and upon the occurrence of such event. The Board also believes the Company is best served by providing the Executive with compensation arrangements upon a Change of Control which provide the Executive with individual financial security and which are competitive with those of other corporations. In order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS: 1. Certain Definitions. (a) The 'Effective Date' shall be the first date during the 'Change of Control Period' (as defined in Section 1(b) of this Agreement) on which a Change of Control (as defined below) occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which a Change of Control occurs, and it is reasonably demonstrated that such termination (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change of Control or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or anticipation of a Change of Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the 'Effective Date' shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination. (b) Subject to the provisions of Section 11 of this Agreement, the 'Change of Control Period' is the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the earlier to occur of (i) the third anniversary of such date or (ii) the first day of the month next following the Executive's attainment of age 65 ('Normal Retirement Date'); provided, however, that commencing on the date one year after the date hereof, and on each annual anniversary of such date (such date and each annual anniversary thereof is hereinafter referred to as the 'Renewal Date'), the Change of Control Period shall be automatically extended so as to terminate on the earlier of (i) three years from such Renewal Date or (ii) the first day of the month coinciding with or next following the Executive's Normal Retirement Date, unless at least 60 days prior to the Renewal Date, the Company shall give notice that the Change of Control Period shall not be so extended in which event this Agreement shall continue for the remainder of its then current term and terminate as provided herein. 2. Change of Control. For the purpose of this Agreement, a 'Change of Control' shall mean: (i) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Exchange Act')) (a 'Person') of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more (the 'Triggering Percentage') of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the 'Outstanding Company Common Stock') or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the 'Outstanding Company Voting Securities'); provided, however, in the event the 'Incumbent Board' (as such term is hereinafter defined) pursuant to authority granted in any rights agreement to which the Company is a party (the 'Rights Agreement') lowers the acquisition threshold percentages set forth in such Rights Agreement, the Triggering Percentage shall be automatically reduced to equal the threshold percentages set pursuant to authority granted to the board in the Rights Agreement; and provided, further, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (x), (y), and (z) of subsection (iii) of this Section 2; or (ii) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the 'Incumbent Board') cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, appointment or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for purposes of this definition, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or (iii) Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a reorganization, share exchange, merger or consolidation or acquisition of assets of another corporation (a 'Business Combination'), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (x) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction will own the Company through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (y) no Person (excluding any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (z) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination will have been members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or (iv) Approval by the shareholders of the Company of (x) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or, (y) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, other than to a corporation, with respect to which following such sale or other disposition, (A) more than 50% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors will be beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such sale or other disposition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such sale or other disposition, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) less than 20% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors will be beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any Person (excluding any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation), except to the extent that such Person owned 20% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities prior to the sale or disposition, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of such corporation will have been members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such sale or other disposition of assets of the Company. 3. Employment Period. The Company hereby agrees to continue the Executive in its employ, and the Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, for the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the earlier to occur of (a) the third anniversary of such date or (b) the first day of the month coinciding with or next following the Executive's Normal Retirement Date (the 'Employment Period'). 4. Terms of Employment. (a) Position and Duties. (i) During the Employment Period, (A) the Executive's position (including status, offices, secretarial and administrative support, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 90- day period immediately preceding the Effective Date and (B) the Executive's services shall be performed at the location where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Effective Date or any office or location less than 25 miles from such location. (ii) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote reasonable attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive's reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities. During the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities as an associate of the Company in accordance with this Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Effective Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective Date shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities to the Company. (b) Compensation. (i) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an annual base salary ('Base Salary') at least equal to the greater of (i) his annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date or (ii) the highest average annual base salary paid or payable to the Executive by the Company and its subsidiaries during the five fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Effective Date occurs; provided, however, that the three (which need not be consecutive) highest annual base salaries paid or payable during the past five fiscal years which yield the highest annual base salary payable shall be utilized to compute the highest average annual base salary. Such Base Salary shall be payable monthly in cash. Base Salary shall be computed prior to any reductions for (i) any deferrals of compensation made pursuant to Sections 125 or 401(c) of the Code and (ii) any withholding, income or employment taxes. During the Employment Period, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually and shall be increased at any time and from time to time as shall be substantially consistent with increases in base salary awarded in the ordinary course of business to other key management associates of the Company and its subsidiaries. Any increase in Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase. (ii) Annual Bonus. In addition to Base Salary, the Executive shall be paid, for each fiscal year during the Employment Period, an annual bonus in cash at least equal to the greater of (x) the middle target level bonus payable, regardless of whether any specified targets are met, under the Company's incentive compensation plan applicable to the Executive for the Executive's position, on the Effective Date (provided, however, if no middle target level has been set as of the Effective Date, the middle target level set for the fiscal year immediately preceding the Effective date shall be utilized, and (y) the maximum aggregate bonus paid (under the Company's incentive compensation plan applicable to the Executive or otherwise) during any of the five fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Effective Date occurs. The greater of the amounts described in clauses (x) and (y) of this Section 4(b)(ii) shall hereafter be called the 'Annual Bonus.' (iii) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. In addition to Base Salary and Annual Bonus, the Executive shall be entitled to participate during the Employment Period in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, supplemental retirement plan policies and programs applicable to other key management associates of the Company and its subsidiaries, in each case providing benefits which are the economic equivalent to those in effect immediately preceding the Effective Date or as subsequently amended. Such plans, practices, policies and programs, in the aggregate, shall provide the Executive with compensation, benefits and reward opportunities at least as favorable as the most favorable of such compensation, benefits and reward opportunities provided by the Company for the Executive under such plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided at any time thereafter with respect to other key management associates of the Company and its subsidiaries. (iv) Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Employment Period, the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its subsidiaries (including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, salary continuance, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs), at least as favorable as the most favorable of such plans, practices, policies and programs in effect at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as in effect at any time thereafter with respect to other key management associates of the Company and its subsidiaries. (v) Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the most favorable policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its subsidiaries in effect at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect at any time thereafter with respect to other key management associates of the Company and its subsidiaries. (vi) Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits, including use of an automobile and payment of related expenses, in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs and policies of the Company and its subsidiaries in effect at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect at any time thereafter with respect to other key management associates of the Company and its subsidiaries. (vii) Office and Support Staff. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to secretarial and other assistance, at least equal to the most favorable of the foregoing provided to the Executive by the Company and its subsidiaries at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided at any time thereafter with respect to other key management associates of the Company and its subsidiaries. (viii) Vacation. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its subsidiaries as in effect at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect at any time thereafter with respect to other key management associates of the Company and its subsidiaries. (ix) Effect of Increases. Any increase in Base Salary, Annual Bonus or any other benefit or perquisite described in the foregoing Sections (i)-(viii) shall in no way diminish any obligation of the Company under the Agreement. 5. Termination. (a) Death or Disability. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the Executive's death. If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of the Executive has occurred (pursuant to the definition of 'Disability' set forth below), it may give to the Executive written notice of its intention to terminate the Executive's employment. In such event, the Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after the date of such notice (the 'Disability Effective Date'), provided that, within such time period, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive's duties. For purposes of this Agreement, 'Disability' means disability (either physical or mental) which, at least 26 weeks after its commencement, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executive's legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably). (b) Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment for 'Cause.' For purposes of this Agreement, termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for Cause shall mean termination for one of the following reasons: (i) the conviction of the Executive of a felony by a federal or state court of competent jurisdiction; (ii) an act or acts of dishonesty taken by the Executive and intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of the Executive at the expense of the Company; or (iii) the Executive's 'willful' failure to follow a direct, reasonable and lawful written order from his supervisor, within the reasonable scope of the Executive's duties, which failure is not cured within 30 days. Further, for purposes of this Section (b): (1) No act or failure to act, on the Executive's part shall be deemed 'willful' unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that the Executive's action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. (2) The Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-fourths (3/4ths) of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive, together with the Executive's counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was guilty of conduct set forth in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. (c) Good Reason. The Executive's employment may be terminated by the Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, 'Good Reason' means: (i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with the Executive's position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 4(a) of this Agreement, or any other action by the Company which results in a diminution in such position, compensation, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; (ii) any failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of Section 4(b) of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; (iii) the Company's requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location other than that described in Section 4(a)(i)(B) hereof, except for periodic travel reasonably required in the performance of the Executive's responsibilities; (iv) any purported termination by the Company of the Executive's employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or (v) any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Section 12(c) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Section 5(c), any good faith determination of 'Good Reason' made by the Executive shall be conclusive. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, a termination by the Executive for any reason during the 30-day period immediately following the first anniversary of the Effective Date shall be deemed to be a termination for Good Reason for all purposes of this Agreement. (d) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 14(b) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a 'Notice of Termination' means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provisions in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) sets 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 and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than 15 days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason shall not waive any right of the Executive hereunder or preclude the Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights hereunder. (e) Date of Termination. 'Date of Termination' means the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination by either the Company or the Executive as the case may be or any later date specified therein; provided, however, that if the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be. 6. Obligations of the Company upon Termination. (a) Death. If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's death, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive's legal representatives under this Agreement, other than those obligations accrued or earned and vested (if applicable) by the Executive as of the Date of Termination, including, for this purpose (i) the Executive's annual full Base Salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect on the Date of Termination or, if higher, at the highest annual rate in effect at any time from the thirty-six month period preceding the Effective Date through the Date of Termination (the 'Highest Base Salary'), (ii) the product of the Annual Bonus (defined in Section 4(b)(ii)) paid to the Executive for the last full fiscal year and a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365 and (iii) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest thereon) and not yet paid by the Company and any accrued vacation pay not yet paid by the Company (such amounts specified in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) are hereinafter referred to as 'Accrued Obligations'). All such Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive's estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Executive's family shall be entitled to receive benefits at least equal to the most favorable benefits provided by the Company and any of its subsidiaries to surviving families of other key management associates of the Company and such subsidiaries under such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to family death benefits, if any, in accordance with the most favorable plans, programs, practices and policies of the Company and its subsidiaries in effect at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as in effect on the date of the Executive's death with respect to other key management associates of the Company and its subsidiaries and their families. (b) Disability. If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's Disability, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than those obligations accrued or earned and vested (if applicable) by the Executive as of the Date of Termination, including for this purpose, all Accrued Obligations. All such Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Executive shall be entitled after the Disability Effective Date to receive disability and other benefits at least equal to the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its subsidiaries to disabled key management associates and/or their families in accordance with such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to disability, if any, in accordance with the most favorable plans, programs, practices and policies of the Company and its subsidiaries in effect at any time during the 90- day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as in effect at any time thereafter with respect to other key management associates of the Company and its subsidiaries and their families. (c) Cause; Other than for Good Reason. If the Executive's employment shall be terminated for Cause, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive other than the obligation to pay to the Executive the Highest Base Salary through the Date of Termination plus the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with accrued interest thereon). If the Executive terminates employment other than for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than those obligations accrued or earned and vested (if applicable) by the Executive through the Date of Termination, including for this purpose, all Accrued Obligations. All such Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. (d) Good Reason; Termination Other Than for Cause or Disability. If, during the Employment Period, the Company shall terminate the Executive's employment other than for Cause, Disability, or death or if the Executive shall terminate his employment for Good Reason: (i) the Company shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination the aggregate of the following amounts: A. to the extent not theretofore paid, the Executive's Highest Base Salary through the Date of Termination; and B. the product of (i) the Annual Bonus or, if higher, an amount equal to the middle target level bonus payable, regardless of whether specified targets are met, under the Company's incentive compensation plan applicable to the Executive for his position on the Date of Termination (as applicable, the 'Highest Bonus') and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is 365; and C. the product obtained by multiplying 2.99 times the sum of (i) the Highest Base Salary and (ii) the Highest Bonus; and D. in the case of compensation previously deferred by the Executive, all amounts previously deferred (together with any accrued interest thereon) and not yet paid by the Company, and any accrued vacation pay not yet paid by the Company; and (ii) for the remainder of the Employment Period, or such longer period as any plan, program, practice or policy may provide, the Company shall continue benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive's family at least equal to those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies described in Section 4(b)(iv) of this Agreement if the Executive's employment had not been terminated, including health insurance and life insurance, in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs or policies of the Company and its subsidiaries during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect at any time thereafter with respect to other key management associates and their families and for purposes of eligibility for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans, practices, programs and policies, the Executive shall be considered to have remained employed until the end of the Employment Period and to have retired on the last day of such period. 7. Non-Exclusivity of Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any benefit, bonus, incentive or other plans, programs, policies or practices, provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries and for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any stock option or other agreements with the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of the Company or any of its subsidiaries at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program. 8. Full Settlement. The Company'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 Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Executive about the month of any payment pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement), plus in each case interest at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code. 9. Certain Additional Payments by the Company. (a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, including, by example and not by way of limitation, acceleration by the Company of the date of vesting or payment or rate of payment under any plan, program or arrangement of the Company (a 'Payment'), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the 'Code') or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the 'Excise Tax'), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a 'Gross-Up Payment') in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. (b) Subject to the provisions of Section 9(c), all determinations required to be made under this Section 9, including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, shall be made by Deloitte & Touche LLP (the 'Accounting Firm') which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the Executive within 15 business days of the receipt of notice from the Executive that there has been a Payment which would be subject to the Excise Tax, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. The initial Gross-Up Payment, if any, as determined pursuant to this Section 9(b), shall be paid to the Executive within five days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm's determination. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it shall furnish the Executive with an opinion that he has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on his federal income tax return. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made ('Underpayment'), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 9(c) and the Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive. (c) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of the Gross- Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable but no later than ten business days after the Executive knows of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall: (i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim, (ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company, (iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim, and (iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim; provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 9(c), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs the Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such payment to the Executive, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest or penalties with respect thereto, imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance; and further provided that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of the Executive with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company's control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross- Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority. (d) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 9(c), the Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to the Company's complying with the requirements of Section 9(c)) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 9(c), a determination is made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration of thirty days after such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid. 10. Confidential Information. The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the Executive's employment by the Company or any of its subsidiaries and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or his representatives in violation of this Agreement). After termination of the Executive's employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it. In no event shall an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 10 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement. 11. Termination of Employment Agreement. The Executive and the Company are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of __________, 1999 (the 'Employment Agreement'). Effective as of the Effective Date of this Agreement, the Employment Agreement shall be terminated and of no further force and effect. In the event the Effective Date is prior to _______ __, 2001, the term of this Agreement shall be extended by the number of days between the Effective Date and __________, 2001. 12. Successors. (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's legal representatives. (b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. (c) The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, 'Company' shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. 13. Indemnification and Insurance. The Executive shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company during the term of this Agreement and following any termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever in the same manner as would any other key management associate of the Company with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to (a) the termination of this Agreement or (b) the termination of employment of the Executive. In addition, during the term of this Agreement and for a period of five years following the termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, the Executive shall be covered by a Company held Directors and Officers liability insurance policy covering acts or omissions occurring prior to (a) the termination of this Agreement or (b) the termination of employment of the Executive. Provided, in no event will the obligation of the Company to indemnify the Executive or provide Directors and Officers insurance to the Executive under this Section 13 be less than the obligation and insurance coverage which the Company had to the Executive immediately prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control. 14. Miscellaneous. (a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives. (b) All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: If to the Executive: At his last known address evidenced on the Company's payroll records If to the Company: Fleming Companies, Inc. 6301 Waterford Boulevard P. O. Box 26647 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126-0647 Attention: General Counsel or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee. (c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. (d) The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. (e) The Executive's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision hereof shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or any other provision thereof. (f) This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Company and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof. (g) The Executive and the Company acknowledge that the employment of the Executive by the Company is 'at will,' and, prior to the Effective Date, may be terminated by either the Executive or the Company at any time. Upon a termination of the Executive's employment or upon the Executive's ceasing to be an officer of the Company, in each case, prior to the Effective Date, there shall be no further rights under this Agreement. 15. No Trust. No action under this Agreement by the Company or its Board of Directors shall be construed as creating a trust, escrow or other secured or segregated fund, in favor of the Executive or his beneficiary. The status of the Executive and his beneficiary with respect to any liabilities assumed by the Company hereunder shall be solely those of unsecured creditors of the Company. Any asset acquired or held by the Company in connection with liabilities assumed by it hereunder, shall not be deemed to be held under any trust, escrow or other secured or segregated fund for the benefit of the Executive or his beneficiary or to be security for the performance of the obligations of the Company, but shall be, and remain a general, unpledged, unrestricted asset of the Company at all times subject to the claims of general creditors of the Company. 16. No Assignability. Neither the Executive nor his beneficiary, nor any other person shall acquire any right to or interest in any payments payable under this Agreement, otherwise than by actual payment in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, or have any power to transfer, assign, anticipate, pledge, mortgage or otherwise encumber, alienate or transfer any rights hereunder in advance of any of the payments to be made pursuant to this Agreement or any portion thereof which is expressly declared to be nonassignable and nontransferable. No right or benefit hereunder shall in any manner be liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, or torts of the person entitled to such benefit. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set his hand and, pursuant to the authorization from its Board of Directors, the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written. _______________________________ 'EXECUTIVE' FLEMING COMPANIES, INC., an Oklahoma corporation By Scott M. Northcutt, Senior Vice President - Human Resources
Change of Control Employment Agreement - Fleming Companies Inc.
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