8-KLeadership ChangesExhibits & Filings

REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Feb 12, 2010)

Filed February 12, 2010For Securities:RSG

Summary

Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) filed an 8-K on February 11, 2010, to report the adoption of a new Executive Separation Policy by its Compensation Committee. This policy standardizes severance benefits for future executives who are not covered by individual employment agreements, aiming to provide a consistent framework rather than bespoke arrangements. The policy outlines specific benefits for termination without cause, including salary continuation, pro-rated bonuses, equity vesting, and continued medical benefits. Notably, the policy also details enhanced severance packages for terminations within one year following a change in control, providing a more substantial payout and immediate equity vesting. The filing also specifies that Michael Rissman, in connection with his promotion to General Counsel, has transitioned from his former employment agreement to this new policy. His severance terms have been adjusted, offering increased salary continuation and extended medical benefits compared to his previous agreement, aligning with the policy's provisions for Named Executive Officers.

Key Highlights

  • 1Adoption of a standardized Executive Separation Policy for future executives without individual employment agreements.
  • 2Policy defines severance benefits for termination without cause, including salary continuation, bonus, equity vesting, and medical benefits.
  • 3Enhanced severance benefits are provided for terminations within one year of a change in control.
  • 4Michael Rissman, newly promoted to General Counsel, has moved from an individual employment agreement to the new Executive Separation Policy.
  • 5Mr. Rissman's severance terms under the policy offer increased compensation (2x base salary + target bonus for change-in-control events) and extended medical benefits (2 years).
  • 6Severance benefits are contingent on signing non-compete/non-solicitation agreements and releasing company claims.
  • 7The policy can be modified or terminated by the company before a change in control, provided the modification applies to all executives in similar positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of the Executive Separation Policy is to establish a standardized and consistent framework for severance benefits for future executives who do not have individual employment agreements. This approach aims to streamline executive compensation and benefits related to termination rather than negotiating bespoke terms for each executive.

For Named Executive Officers terminated without cause, the policy generally provides 24 months of continued base salary, a pro-rated annual bonus based on actual performance for the year of termination, continued vesting of stock options and other equity awards for one year, and continued medical benefits for up to 24 months.

In the event of a termination without cause or a resignation for good reason within one year following a change in control, Named Executive Officers are eligible for enhanced severance benefits. These include a lump sum severance payment equal to two times base salary plus target bonus, full and immediate vesting of all stock options and other equity awards, continued medical benefits for up to two years, and payment of long-term incentives at targeted amounts.

To receive severance benefits under the policy, the executive must sign the Company's Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, Confidentiality and Arbitration Agreement and execute a separation agreement that includes a full release of all claims against the Company.