EX-10 4 exh10_5.txt EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH STEVE MENCARINI EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AGREEMENT by and between ePlus inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and Steven J. Mencarini ("Executive"), dated as of the 31st day of October 2003. The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"), has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication of Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below) of the Company and to allow the Executive to execute his position as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer without duress for any other reasoning relative to the accounting and the related financial reporting related process of the position. The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control and to encourage Executive's full attention and dedication to the Company currently and in the event of any threatened or pending Change of Control, and to provide Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon a Change of Control or to execute his position without duress regarding his ability to process the corporation's accounting records under generally accepted accounting principles as deemed proper by Executive, which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of Executive will be satisfied and which are competitive with those of other corporations. Therefore, 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" regarding Change of Control shall mean the first date during the Change of Control Period (as defined in Section l(b)) on which a Change of Control (as defined in Section 2) occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if a Change of Control occurs and if Executive's employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change of Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by Executive that such termination of employment (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 in 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 of employment. Effective date for any other reason shall mean October 31, 2003. (b) The "Change of Control Period" shall mean the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the second anniversary of the date hereof; 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 shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Renewal Date"), unless previously terminated, the Change of Control Period shall be automatically extended so as to terminate two years from such Renewal Date, unless at least 60 days prior to the Renewal Date the Company shall give notice to Executive that the Change of Control Period shall not be so extended. 2. Change of Control. For the purposes of this Agreement, a "Change of Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the 1934 Act) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of 30% or more of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities"); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition by a Person who is on the Effective Date the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, or (b) Individuals who, as of the Effective Date, 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 Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders, 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 this purpose, 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 (c) Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a "Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company's assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, and (ii) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of 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 (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Company resulting from such Business Combination were 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 (d) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company. 3. Employment Period. The Company hereby agrees to continue Executive in its employ, and Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the second anniversary of such date (the "Employment Period"). 4. Terms of Employment. (a) Position and Duties. (i) During the Employment Period, (A) Executive's position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities shall, considered in their entirety and as a whole, be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date, however this provision is not triggered by reorganizations so long as Executive's position, authority, duties and responsibilities are not in their entirety diminished by such a reorganization and (B) Executive's services shall be performed at the location where Executive was employed immediately preceding the Effective Date or any office or location less than 35 miles from such location. (ii) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which Executive is entitled, 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 Executive hereunder, to use 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 Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees subject to pre-approval by the Chief Executive Officer, said approval not to be unreasonably withheld, or (B) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of Executive's responsibilities as an employee 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 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 Executive's responsibilities to the Company. (b) Compensation. (i) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, Executive shall receive an annual base salary ("Annual Base Salary") at a rate at least equal to the rate of base salary in effect on the date of this Agreement or, if greater, on the Effective Date, paid or payable (including any base salary which has been earned but deferred) to Executive by the Company and its affiliated companies. During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed no more than 12 months after the last salary increase awarded to Executive prior to the Effective Date and thereafter at least annually. Any increase in Annual Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to Executive under this Agreement. Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase and the term Annual Base Salary as used in this Agreement shall refer to Annual Base Salary as so increased. As used in this Agreement, the term "affiliated companies" shall include any company controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company. (ii) Annual Bonus. In addition to Annual Base Salary, Executive may be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Period, an annual bonus (the "Annual Bonus") in cash under the Company's annual incentive bonus plan or plans, which may be paid pro-rata on a quarterly basis at the discretion of the Company. (iii) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide Executive with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its affiliated companies for Executive under such plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or if more favorable to Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. (iv) Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Employment Period, Executive and/or Executive's eligible dependents, 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 affiliated companies (including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies and programs provide Executive with benefits which are less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of such plans, practices, policies and programs in effect for Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. (v) Expenses. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in accordance with the most favorable policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its affiliated companies in effect for Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. (vi) Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs and policies of the Company and its affiliated companies in effect for Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. (vii) Vacation. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company and its affiliated companies as in effect for Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. Regardless, Employee shall not have fewer than 20 days of paid vacation per year. 5. Termination of Employment. (a) Death or Disability. Executive's employment shall terminate automatically upon Executive's death during the Employment Period. If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth below), it may give to Executive written notice in accordance with Section 13(b) of this Agreement of its intention to terminate Executive's employment. In such event, Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), provided that, within the 30 days after such receipt, Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of Executive's duties. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean the absence of Executive from Executive's duties with the Company on a full-time basis for 90 consecutive business days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to Executive or Executive's legal representative. (b) Cause. The Company may terminate Executive's employment during the Employment Period for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean: (i) The willful and continued failure of Executive to perform substantially Executive's reasonably assigned duties with the Company or one of its affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or from the assignment to Executive of duties that would constitute Good Reason under Section 5(c)(i), and specifically excluding any failure by Executive, after reasonable efforts, to meet performance expectations), which failure continues for a period of at least 30 days after a written demand for substantial performance, signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company, has been delivered to Executive which specifically identifies the manner in which Executive has failed to substantially performed his duties; provided, however, that no failure to perform by Executive after a Notice of Termination is given to the Company by Executive shall constitute Cause for purposes of this Agreement, or (ii) The willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company. For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of Executive, shall be considered "willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Executive's action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or upon the instructions of a senior officer of the Company or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of employment of Executive shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there shall have been delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by an affirmative vote of not less than three quarters of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to Executive and Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board). (c) Good Reason. Executive's employment may be terminated by Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean: (i) The assignment to Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with 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, authority, duties or responsibilities, including specifically and without limitation, Executive's failure to continue reporting directly to the CEO and/or the COO, but 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 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 within 30 days after receipt of notice thereof given by Executive; (iii) The Company's requiring Executive to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 4(a)(i)(B) hereof; (iv) Any purported termination by the Company of Executive's employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; (v) Any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Section 13 (c) of this Agreement; (vi) Any other material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement; or (vii) A termination of employment by the Executive for any reason during the 90-day period immediately following a Change of Control provided that for purposes of transition he provides 180 days' notice to the Company. In this event Executive shall receive one years salary and paid benefits only. Good Reason shall not include Executive's death or Disability. Executive's continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstance constituting Good Reason hereunder. For purposes of this Section 5(c), any good faith determination of "Good Reason" made by Executive shall be conclusive. (d) Notice of Termination. Any termination for any reason by the Company or Executive 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 provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of 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. If a dispute exists concerning the provisions of this Agreement that apply to Executive's termination of employment, the parties shall pursue the resolution of such dispute with reasonable diligence. Within fifteen (15) days of such a resolution, any party owing any payments pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall make all such payments together with interest accrued thereon at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The failure by Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Executive's or the Company's rights hereunder. (e) Date of Termination. "Date of Termination" means (i) if Executive's employment is terminated other than by reason of death or Disability, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein, as the case may be, or (ii) if Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of death of Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be. (f) Voluntary Termination. Executive's employment may be terminated voluntarily by Executive for any reason. 6. Obligations of the Company upon Termination. (a) Termination by the Company Other Than for Cause or Disability; Termination by Executive for Good Reason. If, during the Employment Period, the Company shall terminate Executive's employment other than for Cause or Disability, or Executive shall terminate employment for Good Reason: (i) The Company shall pay to Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination the aggregate of the following amounts: A. The sum of (1) Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (2) the product of (x) the higher of (I) the Recent Annual Bonus or (II) the Annual Bonus paid or payable, including any bonus or portion thereof which has been earned but deferred (and annualized for any fiscal year consisting of less than twelve full months or during which Executive was employed for less than twelve full months), for the most recently completed fiscal year during the Employment Period, if any (such higher amount being referred to as the "Highest Annual Bonus") and (y) 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, (3) any accrued vacation pay to the extent not theretofore paid, and (4) unless Executive has elected a different payout date in a prior deferral election, any compensation previously deferred by Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Accrued Obligations"); and B. The amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (x) Executive's Annual Base Salary (ii) For two years after the Date of Termination, or such longer period as may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or policy, the Company shall continue benefits to Executive and/or Executive's eligible dependents 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 Executive's employment had not been terminated or, if more favorable to Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies and their families, provided, however, that if Executive becomes re-employed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility; and (iii) All grants of restricted stock of the Company ("Restricted Stock") if any, held by Executive as of the Date of Termination will become immediately vested as of the Date of Termination; and (iv) All of Executive's options to acquire Common Stock of the Company ("Options") held by Executive as of the Date of Termination will become immediately vested and exercisable as of the Date of Termination, and notwithstanding the provisions of the applicable Option agreement, all of such Options shall remain exercisable through the earlier of (A) the original expiration date of the Option, or (B) the second anniversary of the Date of Termination; and (v) To the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide to Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which Executive is eligible to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company and its affiliated companies (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Other Benefits"). (b) Death. If Executive's employment is terminated by reason of Executive's death during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive's legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits. Accrued Obligations shall be paid to Executive's estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. With respect to the provision of Other Benefits, the term Other Benefits as used in this Section 6(b) shall include, without limitation, and Executive's estate and/or beneficiaries shall be entitled to receive, benefits under such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to death benefits, if any, as are applicable to Executive on the date of his death. (c) Disability. If Executive's employment is terminated by reason of Executive's Disability during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive, other than for payment of his current salary for a total of six months in one lump sum amount and the continuation of whatever current benefits that are provided such as family health insurance, disability insurance and life insurance and others as they may be provided. All stock options will vest immediately and be exercisable for up to two years subsequent to the date of disability. (d) Termination for Cause; Resignation Other than for Good Reason. If Executive's employment shall be terminated for Cause during the Employment Period, or if Executive voluntarily terminates his employment for any reason other than a Good Reason or other than his death or Disability, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive other than the obligation to pay to Executive (x) his Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination and his Annual Base Salary for the subsequent six months prorated in equal monthly amounts (to be reduced at the time of and by any salary amounts earned from any subsequent employment from his new employer during that six month period), (y) the amount of any compensation previously deferred by Executive, (z) Other Benefits, in each case to the extent theretofore unpaid and continued health insurance for up to one year as needed by the Executive. All Accrued Obligations shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. (e) Expiration of Employment Period. If Executive's employment shall be terminated as of October 31, 2005 due to the normal expiration of the Employment Period as defined in Section 3 of this agreement, the Company will notify Executive no less than 180 days in advance of October 31, 2005. Subsequent to the 180-day notice period, the Executive retains the contractual right to resign for any reason and the benefits provided in Section 6(d) of this agreement. If notice of termination is not provided and the Executive is retained subsequent to October 31, 2005, all terms and conditions in this agreement will remain and the employment period will extend on an annual basis from November 1. Subsequent to November 1, if the Company elects to terminate the employment of the Executive for any reason, at least 180 days' advanced notice of the date of termination will be required and within this notice period the Executive retains the contractual right to resign for any reason and the retain the benefits provided in Section 6(d) of this agreement. 7. Non-exclusivity of Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and for which Executive may qualify, nor, subject to Section 14(f), shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Executive may have under any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies. Amounts which are vested benefits or which Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement. 8. Full Settlement; No Mitigation. 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 Executive or others. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment. 9. Costs of Enforcement. The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (if the Executive is successful) by the Company, Executive 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 Executive about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code. Executive shall also be entitled to be paid all reasonable legal fees and expenses, if any, incurred in connection with any tax audit or proceeding to the extent attributable to the application of Section 4999 of the Code to any payment or benefit hereunder. Such payments shall be made within five (5) business days after delivery of Executive's respective written requests for payment accompanied with such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company reasonably may require. 10. Certain Additional Payments by the Company. (a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding and except as set forth below, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Section 10) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties are incurred by Executive 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 Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, 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 10(c), all determinations required to be made under this Section 10, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be used in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the Company's regular independent accounting firm at the expense of the Company or, at the election and expense of Executive, another nationally recognized independent accounting firm (the "Accounting Firm") which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Executive within 15 business days of the receipt of notice from Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change of Control, Executive shall appoint another nationally recognized accounting firm to make the determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 10, shall-be paid by the Company to Executive within five days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm's determination. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and 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 10(c) and 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 Executive. (c) 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 Executive is informed in writing 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. Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which it 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 Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, 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 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 of the foregoing provisions of this Section 10(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 Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and 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 Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such payment to Executive, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold 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 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 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 Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 10(c), Executive becomes entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, Executive shall (subject to the Company's complying with the requirements of Section 10(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 Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 10(c), a determination is made that- Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration of 30 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. 11. Confidential Information. 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 affiliated companies, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by Executive during Executive's employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by Executive or representatives of Executive in violation of this Agreement). After termination of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, 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 11 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to Executive under this Agreement. 12. Other Responsibilities of Executive. For a period of one year following termination of employment with the Company the Executive agrees not to personally solicit or hire any of the Company's employees however Executive's subsequent employer (if any) shall not be so restricted from hiring any person who responds to a general solicitation. Executive also agrees that at no time following termination of employment with the Company to make in either written or oral form any comments which may be viewed as disparaging about the Company, except that nothing contained herein shall prevent Employee from testifying in a truthful manner if so compelled by law, court order, regulation or statute. 13. Successors. (a) This Agreement is personal to Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by 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 as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. 14. Miscellaneous. (a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. 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 Executive: Steven J. Mencarini 1921 Batten Hollow Road Vienna, VA 22192 If to the Company: ePlus inc. 400 Herndon Parkway Herndon, VA 20170 Attention: Chairman of the Board 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, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. (e) Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 5(c)(i)-(v) of this Agreement, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. (f) Executive and the Company are parties to that certain Employment Agreement dated as of June 27, 1997 (the "Current Employment Agreement"). The Current Employment Agreement, or any successor employment agreement between Executive and the Company, shall continue to govern the terms of Executive's employment with the Company prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement. Executive and the Company acknowledge that, subject to Section 1(a) hereof, Executive's employment and/or this Agreement may be terminated by either Executive or the Company at any time prior to the Effective Date, in which case Executive shall have no further rights under this Agreement. From and after the Effective Date, this Agreement shall supersede any other agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including without limitation the Current Employment Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has hereunto set Executive's 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. /s/ Steven J. Mencarini ------------------------------- [Executive] Steven J. Mencarini ePlus, inc. By: /s/ Bruce M. Bowen -------------------------------