1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 13D
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 4)
THE COOPER COMPANIES, INC.
(Name of Issuer)
Common Stock, $.10 par value
(Title of Class of Securities)
216648 10 5
(CUSIP Number)
Louis A. Craco, Esq.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher
One Citicorp Center
153 East 53rd Street
New York, New York 10022
(212) 821-8000
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
December 21, 1994
(Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule
13G to report the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and
is filing this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(b)(3) or (4), check the
following box [ ].
Check the following box if a fee is being paid with the statement[].
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall
not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that
section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act
(however, see the Notes).
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SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 216648-10-5
1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
Steven Singer
2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
a [X]
b [ ]
3. SEC USE ONLY
4. SOURCE OF FUNDS*
PF
5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDING IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS
2(d) or 2(e) [ ]
6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
U.S.
7. SOLE VOTING POWER
423,502
NUMBER OF 8. SHARED VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY None
OWNED BY
EACH 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING
PERSON 423,502
10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
None
11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH PERSON
423,502
12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*[ ]
13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
1.3%
14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
IN
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SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 216648-10-5
1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
Gary Singer
2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
a [X]
b [ ]
3. SEC USE ONLY
4. SOURCE OF FUNDS*
PF
5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDING IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS
2(d) or 2(e) [X]
6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
U.S.
7. SOLE VOTING POWER
492,561
NUMBER OF 8. SHARED VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY 113,553
OWNED BY
EACH 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING
PERSON 492,561
10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
113,553
11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH PERSON
606,114
12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*[ ]
13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
1.8%
14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
IN
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SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 216648-10-5
1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
Karen Singer
2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
a [X]
b [ ]
3. SEC USE ONLY
4. SOURCE OF FUNDS*
PF
5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDING IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS
2(d) or 2(e) [ ]
6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
U.S.
7. SOLE VOTING POWER
None
NUMBER OF 8. SHARED VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY 113,553
OWNED BY
EACH 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING
PERSON None
10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
113,553
11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH PERSON
113,553
12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*[ ]
13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
0.3%
14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
IN
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SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 216648-10-5
1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
Brad Singer
2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
a [X]
b [ ]
3. SEC USE ONLY
4. SOURCE OF FUNDS*
PF
5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDING IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS
2(d) or 2(e) [ ]
6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
U.S.
7. SOLE VOTING POWER
235,578
NUMBER OF 8. SHARED VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY None
OWNED BY
EACH 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING
PERSON 235,578
10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
None
11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH PERSON
235,578
12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*[ ]
13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
0.7%
14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
IN
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SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 216648-10-5
1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
Norma Brandes
2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
a [X]
b [ ]
3. SEC USE ONLY
4. SOURCE OF FUNDS*
PF
5. CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDING IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS
2(d) or 2(e) [ ]
6. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
U.S.
7. SOLE VOTING POWER
527,200
NUMBER OF 8. SHARED VOTING POWER
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY None
OWNED BY
EACH 9. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING
PERSON 527,200
10. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
None
11. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH PERSON
527,200
12. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*[ ]
13. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
1.6%
14. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
IN
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The Statement on Schedule 13D, dated April 26, 1991, as amended by
Amendment No. 1 dated June 5, 1992, Amendment No. 2 dated June 9, 1992 and
Amendment No. 3 dated July 14, 1992, on behalf of the Reporting Persons
identified above is further amended and restated as set forth below.
This is the first electronic filing made by the Reporting Persons
with respect to their ownership interests in the Company (as defined below)
since the Company's EDGAR phase-in-date. Although Rule 101(a)(2)(ii) of
Regulation S-T would suggest that the entire text of the Statement on Schedule
13D be restated, including all amendments thereto, in the interest of
providing an accurate and readable document this Amendment No. 4 contains only
current information and those aspects of the Schedule 13D, and the previous
amendments thereto, that remain applicable. Any reader interested in
reviewing the initial Schedule 13D, and the previous amendments thereto,
should refer to the paper filings of those documents.
Item 1. Security and Issuer.
The class of equity securities to which this statement relates is
the Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), of The Cooper
Companies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). The address of the
principal executive offices of the Company is One Bridge Plaza, Fort Lee, New
Jersey 07024.
Item 2. Identity and Background.
(a) This statement is being filed by Gary Singer, Karen Singer,
Steven Singer, Brad Singer and Norma Brandes (collectively, the "Reporting
Persons") who believe that they may be deemed a "group" under Regulation 13D-G
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act").
(b) and (c) The business or residence address and present principal
occupation of each Reporting Person is as follows:
Name and Present Principal
Address Occupation
Gary Singer No principal occupation
113 Jackson Drive
Cresskill, New Jersey 07626
Karen Singer No principal occupation
113 Jackson Drive
Cresskill, New Jersey 07626
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Steven Singer Vice President,
10 Loman Court Singer Holdings, Inc.
Cresskill, New Jersey 07626
Brad Singer Project Manager,
25 Coligni Ave. Mars Associates, Inc.
New Rochelle, New York 10801
Norma Brandes No principal occupation
20 Rock Ridge Circle
New Rochelle, New York 10804
(d) Except as set forth below, during the last five years none of
the Reporting Persons has been convicted in any criminal proceeding (excluding
traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).
On November 10, 1992, Gary Singer, formerly Co-Chairman of the Board
of Directors of the Company, and the Company were charged in an indictment
(the "Indictment") filed in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York in connection with a "frontrunning" arrangement involving
the purchase and sale of high yield bonds. Subsequently, Gary Singer and his
wife, Karen Singer, entered into a stipulation (the "Stipulation") with the
United States of America in which they consented to the forfeiture of all of
their Shares to the United States of America upon conviction of Gary Singer on
certain counts of the Indictment in the action styled United States v. Gary
Singer et ano., No. 92 Cr. 964 (S.D.N.Y.) (RJW). On January 13, 1994, Gary
Singer was found guilty on various counts arising out of the Indictment. As a
result of such conviction, the Shares beneficially owned by Gary and Karen
Singer are subject to forfeiture pursuant to the Stipulation, although such
forfeiture has not yet occurred pending sentencing. No sentencing date has
been set for Mr. Singer.
(e) During the last five years none of the Reporting Persons was a
party to any civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of
competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to
a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or
prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities
laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
(f) Each of the Reporting Persons is a citizen of the United
States.
Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.
Each of the Reporting Persons acquired the Shares beneficially owned
by him or her (i) from time to time in open market purchases or privately
negotiated purchases using personal
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funds, (ii) in the case of Reporting Persons who have also served as officers
of the Company, in purchases pursuant to grants under the Company's employee
benefit plans, or (iii) in the case of Steven Singer, pursuant to the
Settlement Agreement (as described in Items 5 and 6 below).
Item 4. Purpose of the Transaction.
The Reporting Persons other than Gary and Karen Singer hold their
Shares for investment purposes and currently intend to continue to hold them
for such purposes. Such Reporting Persons from time to time review the merits
of their respective investments in the Shares and evaluate their options with
respect thereto. Subject to such review and evaluation, any or all of such
Reporting Persons may determine to acquire additional Shares (or securities
convertible into Shares) through open market purchases or privately negotiated
transactions, may determine to sell Shares (or securities convertible into
Shares) and/or may pursue any other options with respect to their investment
in the Company.
Gary and Karen Singer hold their Shares subject to the Stipulation,
and, pursuant thereto, such Shares are subject to forfeiture to the United
States of America.
Other than as described in this Amendment No. 4, the Reporting
Persons do not have any specific plans or proposals that relate to or would
result in any of the actions specified in clauses (a) through (j) of Item 4 of
Schedule 13D.
Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer.
(a) and (b) As of the date of this Amendment No. 4, the Reporting
Persons beneficially owned as follows 1,792,394 Shares, representing, in the
aggregate, 5.3% of the 33,880,111 Shares confirmed by the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc. as outstanding as of September 30, 1994:
Reporting Person Number of Shares % of Outstanding
Norma Brandes 527,200 1.6
Gary Singer 492,561 1.5
Steven Singer 423,502 1.3
Brad Singer 235,578 0.7
Karen Singer 113,553 0.3
Total 1,792,394
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Except for the Shares beneficially owned by Karen Singer, each of the
Reporting Persons has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the
Shares reported as owned by him or her. Gary Singer may be deemed to share
voting and dispositive power with respect to the Shares beneficially owned by
Karen Singer.
Martin Singer died on October 26, 1993, and his estate succeeded to
the Shares then owned by him. At such date Martin Singer ceased to be a
member of any "group" that may be formed by the Reporting Persons with respect
to the Shares.
Except with respect to shared beneficial ownership reported above,
each of the Reporting Persons disclaims beneficial ownership of any Shares
beneficially owned by any other Reporting Person. In addition, the Shares
beneficially owned by Gary and Karen Singer are subject to the Stipulation.
(c) During the past 60 days, Steven Singer sold Shares in open
market transactions on the dates and at the prices listed below:
Date Amount Sold Price
December 12, 1994 52,500 $2 1/8
December 14, 1994 25,000 2 1/4
December 15, 1994 9,800 2 1/4
December 16, 1994 18,645 2 1/4
During the past 60 days, Brad Singer sold Shares in open market
transactions on the dates and at the prices listed below:
Date Amount Sold Price
December 16, 1994 11,355 $2 1/4
December 19, 1994 25,000 2 3/8
5,000 2 1/2
December 20, 1994 37,600 2 3/8
December 21, 1994 18,100 2 3/8
30,000 2 1/4
Except as set forth above, no transactions in the Shares have been effected by
any of the Reporting Persons during the past 60 days.
Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with
Respect to Securities of the Issuer.
Steven Singer and the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement
(the "Settlement Agreement"), dated as of June 30, 1994, and executed on
August 30, 1994, providing for the termination of Steven Singer's employment
with the Company and
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settling claims that Steven Singer could assert in connection with the
termination of his employment. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the
Company lifted the restrictions on, and delivered to Steven Singer, 182,611
Shares previously granted to Steven Singer pursuant to the Company's 1988 Long
Term Incentive Plan and delivered to him an additional 133,333 unrestricted
Shares. In addition, the Settlement Agreement provides that all of any award
to which Steven Singer may be entitled under the Company's Turn-Around
Incentive Plan will be paid in the form of unrestricted Shares.
The foregoing description of the Settlement Agreement is qualified
in its entirety by the terms of the Settlement Agreement, a copy of which is
filed with this Amendment No. 4 as Exhibit A.
While no Reporting Person has any formal or informal agreement or
understanding with any other Reporting Person with respect to his or her
respective investments in the Shares, such Reporting Persons believe that they
may be deemed a "group" under Regulation 13D-G under the 1934 Act.
Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits.
Exhibit A Settlement Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1994, and executed on
August 30, 1994, between the Company and Steven G. Singer.
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SIGNATURES
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief,
I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete
and correct.
Dated: December 21, 1994
/s/ Brad Singer
Brad Singer
/s/ Gary Singer
Gary Singer
/s/ Karen Singer
Karen Singer
/s/ Steven Singer
Steven Singer
/s/ Norma Brandes
Norma Brandes
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Description Page No.
Exhibit A Settlement Agreement, dated
as of June 30, 1994, and
executed on August 30, 1994,
between the Company and
Steven G. Singer.
1
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Settlement Agreement (this "Agreement"), dated as of June 30, 1994,
and executed on August 30, 1994, between The Cooper Companies, Inc. ("Cooper")
and Steven G. Singer ("Singer").
WHEREAS, on August 28, 1991, Cooper and Singer entered into an employment
agreement (the "1991 Agreement") governing Singer's employment by Cooper;
WHEREAS, on June 2, 1993, Cooper and Singer entered into a letter
agreement (the "1993 Agreement") modifying the 1991 Agreement in certain
respects (the 1991 Agreement and the 1993 Agreement collectively hereinafter,
the "Employment Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, Cooper and Singer wish to terminate Singer's employment by
Cooper and to compromise and settle any and all claims that Singer might
assert in connection with the termination of his employment, including any
claims for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and damage to personal
reputation, all in accordance with the terms set forth in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained
herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the
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receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Cooper and Singer
agree as follows:
1. Singer's employment by Cooper is terminated as of June 30, 1994 (the
"Separation Date"). As of the Separation Date, Singer shall be deemed to have
resigned from all of his officer and director positions in Cooper and any of
its subsidiaries and affiliates. Thereafter, conditioned upon the Closing (as
hereinafter defined) having been completed as provided herein, Cooper and
Singer shall have no further obligations to each other except the obligations
set forth in this Agreement.
2. All deliveries to be made by Singer and Cooper hereunder shall be
made at a closing (the "Closing") to be held at the offices of Gibson, Dunn &
Crutcher in New York City at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 1994.
3. On the date of execution of this Agreement (the "Execution Date"),
Cooper shall lift the restrictions on, and at the Closing, Cooper shall
deliver to Singer 182,611 shares of Cooper's stock previously granted pursuant
to Cooper's 1988 Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP"), plus a number of
additional unrestricted shares equal in number to the greater of (i) 200,000
divided by the last quoted price-of Cooper stock on the New York Stock
Exchange on the last trading day before the Execution Date, or (ii) 133,333;
provided, however, that Cooper shall withhold
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from delivery to Singer the number of shares representing Cooper's withholding
tax obligation on account of the transfer of the 182,611 shares referred to
above.
4. Over a period of 84 business days beginning on the Execution Date,
Cooper shall make periodic payments to Singer (at the same rate and with the
same frequency as his salary) representing accrued and unused vacation time.
5. For a period of three years beginning on the Execution Date, Cooper
shall make the payments directly to the coverage providers necessary to
continue in force all term life, medical, and dental insurance coverage
currently paid for by Cooper on Singer's behalf pursuant to paragraph 3(d) of
the 1991 Agreement, said coverage to be maintained without charge to Singer at
the current level of benefits, subject only to any reduction of benefits that
is a general reduction applicable to all similarly situated participants in a
group insurance program in which Singer is a participant; provided, however,
that in the event that a choice of benefits is offered in connection with any
such general reduction, Singer shall be entitled, without charge to him, to
the option most favorable to him.
6. For a period of three years beginning on the Execution Date, Cooper
will provide Singer with an automobile allowance of $1,000 per month; provided
that, at the Closing Singer will
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deliver to the Company, in good condition, the Mercedes-Benz automobile
currently provided to Singer by Cooper.
7. For a period of three years beginning on the Execution Date, Cooper
will pay Singer an office and secretarial services allowance of $1,000 per
month, to be applied for such purposes in Singer's discretion.
8. By no later than the Closing Date, Cooper shall deliver to Singer
the personal computers (including associated software but not including any
work files) used by him and his secretary at Cooper, as well as the
furnishings of the office used by him at Cooper.
9. Cooper shall amend its Retirement Income Plan (the "Plan") in such a
manner as to permit Singer to withdraw the present value (currently valued at
$7,259.43) of his vested retirement benefits and roll said amount over into an
Individual Retirement Account; provided, however, that Cooper shall have no
obligation under this paragraph if Cooper's Board of Directors determines, in
its sole discretion, informed by whatever professional advice it deems
appropriate, that such an amendment would not be in the best interests of
Cooper or the Plan.
10. Cooper, at Singer's request, shall take any steps reasonably
required to facilitate the transfer of Singer's 401(k) account at Cooper.
5
11. Solely for purposes of Singer's eligibility for an award under
Cooper's Turn-Around Incentive Plan ("TIP") and the 1993 Agreement, in the
event that Cooper's share price achieves the $3.00 target level (Target 2) as
specified in the TIP, the date of the termination of Singer's employment by
Cooper shall be deemed to be three years after the Separation Date; provided,
however, that Singer shall receive all of any such award in unrestricted
shares of Cooper's stock, as follows: within 30 days of the achievement of the
$3.00 target level, Cooper shall deliver to Singer additional unrestricted
shares equal in number to the greater of (i) 400,000 divided by the last
quoted price of Cooper stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last
trading day before the date of delivery of the shares, or (ii) 133,333, and
that Singer shall fully adhere to the covenants set forth in paragraphs 12 and
13 below.
12. During the three-year period described in paragraph 11 above, Singer
shall not participate, without the written consent of Cooper's Board of
Directors or a person authorized thereby, in the management or control of, or
act as a consultant for or employee of, any business operation or any
enterprise if such operation or enterprise engages in research and development
involving or the manufacture, sale, or distribution of (i) any surgical
products or instruments of a type designed primarily for use in or sale into
the in-office gynecological market, unless
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such employment or consulting is in a line of business unrelated to such
gynecological market business, or (ii) Verapamil hydrochloride or any other
calcium channel blocker for use in the treatment of glaucoma, macular
degeneration, or the effects of diabetes or in other topical ophthalmological
applications; provided, however, that the foregoing prohibition shall not
apply to the mere ownership of not more than 5% of the equity securities of
any enterprise or the participation in an investment banking firm or otherwise
engaging in investment banking activities and in that capacity serving or
advising enterprises in competition with Cooper or any of its subsidiaries,
divisions, affiliates, or new businesses or business units (collectively, the
"Companies").
13. In addition, Singer hereby acknowledges his legal obligation not to
disclose to anyone, without the written consent of Cooper's Board of Directors
or a person authorized thereby, any confidential information obtained by him
while in the employ of the Companies with respect to any of the Companies'
inventions, processes, customers, methods of distribution, methods of
manufacturing, existing or proposed products, attorney-client communications,
pending or contemplated acquisitions, or trade secrets, or any material which
the Companies inform him that they are obliged to keep confidential pursuant
to any confidentiality agreement or protective order;
7
provided, however, that confidential information shall not include any
information now known or which becomes known generally to the public (other
than as a result of an unauthorized disclosure by Singer) or any information
of a type not otherwise considered confidential by a person engaged in the
same businesses or a business similar to that conducted by the Companies.
14. The covenant set forth in paragraph 12 above shall apply within the
territories in which any of the Companies are actively engaged in the conduct
of business, including, without limitation, the territories in which customers
are then being solicited; provided, however, that the covenant described in
clause (ii) of paragraph 12 shall not be subject to any geographical
limitation.
15. Without limiting the right of the Companies to pursue all other
legal and equitable remedies available for violation by Singer of the
foregoing covenants, it is expressly agreed by Singer and the Companies that
such other remedies cannot fully compensate the Companies for any such
violation and that the Companies shall be entitled to injunctive relief to
prevent any such violation or any continuing violation thereof. In the event
any action for such relief should be brought, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover its costs and attorneys fees
8
in addition to any other relief that it may be entitled to recover.
16. Each party intends and agrees that if, in any action before any
court or agency legally empowered to enforce the foregoing covenants, any
term, restriction, covenant, or promise contained therein is found to be
unreasonable and accordingly unenforceable, then such term, restriction,
covenant, or promise shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make
it enforceable by such court or agency.
17. At the Closing, Cooper shall pay to Singer the sum of $68,000,
subject to the next sentence of this paragraph, in further satisfaction of any
and all claims compromised by this Agreement, including, but not limited to,
any claim that Singer is entitled to receive retirement benefits (by reason of
his employment by Cooper) exceeding the $974.28 monthly benefit, payable
beginning at age 65, to which Cooper agrees he is entitled under Cooper's
Retirement Income Plan (the present value of said benefit being $7,259.43).
The amount payable to Singer shall be offset and reduced by the amount of
$17,052.75, representing personal expenses charged by Singer to Cooper's
account with American Express and not reimbursed by Singer, unless Singer
shall have previously paid said amount to Cooper. In this regard, Singer
hereby reaffirms the following acknowledgments and statements set forth in the
1993 Agreement
9
concerning section 5(c)(iv) of the 1991 Agreement: that Singer is aware of the
claims asserted by Bruce D. Sturman in respect of a similar provision
contained in Sturman's Employment Agreement with Cooper dated March 9, 1990;
that Singer has reviewed the July 17, 1992 memorandum of Jed W. Brickner of
Latham & Watkins concerning said provision; and that Singer disavows and
waives any right to assert in any forum or context that the retirement benefit
described in said provision should be valued in any manner other than as
described in that memorandum.
18. At the Closing, Cooper shall pay to Singer's counsel, Willkie Farr &
Gallagher, the amount of $25,000, representing attorneys fees and expenses
incurred by Singer since January 13, 1994 in connection with the action styled
Securities and Exchange Commission v. The Cooper Companies, Inc., et al., No.
92 Civ. 8166 (S.D.N.Y.) (JFK) (the "SEC Action"), and related matters. Said
payment shall be in full satisfaction of any and all obligations (including
but not limited to obligations of advancement, payment, reimbursement, or
indemnification) that Cooper may have to Singer or his counsel with respect to
any fees or expenses, whenever incurred, in connection with the representation
of Singer in the SEC Action, the action styled United States v. Gary Singer et
ano., No. 92 Cr. 964 (S.D.N.Y.) (RJW) (the "Criminal Case"), any related
matter, or the negotiation of this Agreement, except only that Cooper agrees
to
10
continue to provide to Singer a defense in the two shareholder derivative
actions respectively styled Harry Lewis et ano. v. Gary A. Singer, et al.,
Civil Action No. 12584 (Del. Ch.), and Bruce D. Sturman v. Gary A. Singer, et
al., Index No. (N.Y. Sup. Ct.), by the same counsel retained by Cooper to
represent the other officer and director defendants in said action or by other
counsel retained by Cooper if such common representation is precluded by
applicable rules of professional ethics. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
deemed to be a limitation on or waiver or release of any right Singer may have
to indemnification for any matter, other than those described in the foregoing
sentence, arising prior to the Separation Date, which right is hereby
confirmed, or to require advancement or indemnification of fees and expenses
with respect to any claim not related to the SEC Action, the Criminal Case, or
the negotiation of this Agreement.
19. All payments and other benefits that Singer is entitled to receive
from Cooper pursuant to this Agreement or pursuant to the applicable
provisions of Cooper's charter documents, Delaware law, or Cooper's benefit
plans shall be guaranteed by those of Cooper's subsidiaries which were
guarantors under the 1993 Agreement in consideration of the services
previously provided by Singer to those subsidiaries, said guaranties to be
delivered at the Closing and in the form of, and subject to the same
exceptions as, the Subsidiary Guaranty adopted and approved on
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May 18, 1993 by Cooper's Board of Directors. Singer hereby agrees that the
Guaranty of any one (but not more than one) of such subsidiaries may, at
Cooper's election, be released, withdrawn, canceled, and of no further effect
in the event that such subsidiary is sold by Cooper, provided, however, that
(i) even if more than one such subsidiary is sold, only one subsidiary may be
released from its Guaranty as provided above, (ii) in no event shall the
Guaranty of CooperVision, Inc., a New York corporation, ever be released,
withdrawn, or canceled, whether or not such subsidiary is ever sold by Cooper,
and (iii) nothing herein shall prevent Cooper from merging CoastVision, Inc.
into CooperVision, Inc.
20. Except for the obligations of Cooper and the guaranty obligations of
Cooper subsidiaries set forth in this Agreement, Singer (on behalf of himself,
his representatives, agents, employees, attorneys, insurers, predecessors,
successors, and assigns, all of the members of his family by blood or marriage
(except Gary Singer), including but not limited to Karen Singer, Rebecca
Singer, Norma Brandes, and Joseph Brandes, and all entities owned or
controlled by Singer or any members of his family, including but not limited
to Normel Construction Corp., Brandes and Singer, and Romulus Holdings, Inc.,
and each of them, past and present) fully releases and forever discharges
Cooper and its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives,
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stockholders, attorneys, insurers, predecessors, successors, assigns, and
affiliated or subsidiary companies, and each of them, past and present
(collectively, as used in this paragraph only, "Cooper"), from any and all
manner of obligations, demands, liabilities, damages, suits, and claims of any
nature, kind, or description whatsoever, whether known or unknown, choate or
inchoate, direct or indirect, suspected or unsuspected, at law, in equity, or
otherwise, in any jurisdiction, which might exist or be asserted concerning
any aspect of any relationship between Cooper and Singer (including but not
limited to any aspect of the 1991 Agreement or the 1993 Agreement) or any of
the facts and events that form the subject matter of the SEC Action or the
Criminal Case. Singer hereby represents that he has full authority to release
any and all such claims on behalf of all of the members of his family by blood
or marriage and all entities owned or controlled by him or any members of his
family, and hereby agrees that, in the event any such person or entity
nevertheless asserts or pursues any such claim against Cooper, Singer will
indemnify and hold Cooper harmless from any costs, losses, damages, or
liabilities suffered by Cooper on account of any such claim or the defense of
any such claim.
21. Except for the obligations of Singer set forth in this Agreement,
Cooper (on behalf of itself and its officers, directors, employees, agents,
representatives, stockholders,
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attorneys, insurers, predecessors, successors, assigns, and affiliated or
subsidiary companies, and each of them, past and present) fully releases and
forever discharges Singer, his representatives, agents, employees, attorneys,
insurers, predecessors, successors, and assigns, all of the members of his
family by blood or marriage (except Gary Singer), and all entities owned or
controlled by Singer or any members of his family (except any entity, or any
interest in an entity, exclusively owned or controlled by Gary Singer) from
any and all manner of obligations, demands, liabilities, damages, suits, and
claims of any nature, kind, or description whatsoever, whether known or
unknown, choate or inchoate, direct or indirect, suspected or unsuspected, at
law, in equity, or otherwise, in any jurisdiction, which might exist or be
asserted concerning any aspect of any relationship between Cooper and Singer
or any of the facts and events that form the subject matter of the SEC Action
or the Criminal Case; provided, however, that Singer, his representatives,
agents, employees, attorneys, insurers, predecessors, successors, and assigns,
all of the members of his family by blood or marriage, and all entities owned
or controlled by Singer or any members of his family recognize that Cooper may
assert claims as to their conduct and/or receipt of benefits against any
disgorgement or restitution fund established in connection with the SEC Action
or the Criminal Case, and shall
14
not oppose or object in any manner to any claim by Cooper against, or any
payment to Cooper from such fund.
22. Cooper's rights and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to
the benefit of and be binding upon its successors and assigns, and Singer's
rights and obligations hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon his heirs, designated successors, legal representatives, and guardians.
23. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications made
pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered by hand or by
overnight mail or courier, and deemed duly given at the time delivered to the
respective parties as follows:
If to Cooper:
The Cooper Companies, Inc.
One Bridge Plaza, 6th Floor
Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024
Attn: Senior Vice President and General Counsel
If to Singer:
10 Loman Court
Cresskill, New Jersey 07626
with a copy to:
Louis A. Craco, Esq.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher
153 East 53rd Street
New York, New York 10022
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or to such other address as either party may have previously furnished to the
other in writing in the manner set forth above, such notice of change of
address to be effective upon receipt.
24. No provision of this Agreement may be modified unless such
modification is authorized by Cooper's Board of Directors and is agreed to in
writing and signed by Singer and an authorized executive officer of Cooper.
25. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements or understandings
between Cooper and Singer. Cooper and Singer agree that all consideration
received by Singer pursuant to this Agreement shall be in consideration of the
settlement and compromise of all claims of any type covered by this Agreement.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto relating
to the subject matter hereof, and there are no written or oral terms or
representations made by either party except those contained herein.
26. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and
governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its choice-
of-law rules.
27. The invalidity of any term or terms of this Agreement shall not
invalidate or otherwise affect any other terms of this Agreement, which shall
remain in full force and effect.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Settlement
Agreement as of the day and year first-above written.
THE COOPER COMPANIES, INC.
By:/s/ Robert S. Holcombe
Robert S. Holcombe
Its: Senior Vice-President
and General Counsel
/s/ Steven G. Singer
STEVEN G. SINGER
By their signatures below, and in consideration of the releases provided
in paragraph 21 of the following Settlement Agreement, the following persons
and entities hereby provide to Cooper (as defined in paragraph 20 of said
Agreement) the releases described in paragraph 20 of said Agreement, as of the
date of said Agreement.
/s/ Karen Singer
KAREN SINGER
/s/ Rebecca Singer
REBECCA SINGER
/s/ Norma Brandes
NORMA BRANDES
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/s/ Joseph Brandes
JOSEPH BRANDES
NORMEL CONSTRUCTION CORP.
By: /s/ Joseph Brandes
Its:
ROMULUS HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ Joseph Brandes
Its: