Company: ASB
Filing Date: 2025-03-17
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0000007789-25-000025
Chunk: 34

Company: ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
Filing Date: 2025-03-17
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 34
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would reflect adversely on the integrity, character or reputation of Associated or that would cause harm to its customer

relations, operations or business prospects; (2) breach of a fiduciary duty to Associated; (3) violation or threatening to violate a

restrictive covenant agreement (such as a non-compete, non-solicit or non-disclosure agreement) between an eligible person and

us or a subsidiary; (4) unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential information or trade secrets; (5) violation of any lawful

policies or rules of Associated, including any applicable code of conduct; (6) commission of criminal activity; (7) failure to

reasonably cooperate in any investigation or proceeding concerning Associated; (8) determination by a governmental authority

or agency that bars or prohibits the participant from being employed in their current position; or (9) neglect or misconduct in

the performance of a participant’s duties that remains unresolved ten days after we have given notice of the neglect or

misconduct, in each case as determined by the Committee. However, if a participant is subject to a services agreement with us

that contains a different definition of “cause,” the definition contained in the services agreement will control.

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For purposes of the 2025 Plan, “early retirement” means the participant terminates employment or service with Associated after

reaching age 55 and working with Associated or a subsidiary for at least 15 years. For purposes of the 2025 Plan, “normal

retirement” means the participant terminates employment or service with Associated after reaching age 62 and working with

Associated or a subsidiary for at least five years.

**Amendment and Termination**

Unless the 2025 Plan is earlier terminated by Associated’s Board of Directors, the 2025 Plan will automatically terminate on the

earlier of (1) the date all shares subject to the 2025 Plan have been purchased or acquired and the restrictions on all restricted

stock granted under the 2025 Plan have lapsed, and (2) the tenth anniversary of the 2025 Plan’s effective date. Awards granted

before the termination of the 2025 Plan may extend beyond that date in accordance with their terms. The Board of Directors is

permitted to amend the 2025 Plan and the Committee is permitted to amend the terms and conditions of outstanding awards.

However, no amendment of the 2025 Plan or an award may adversely affect the rights of any participant with respect to

outstanding awards without the applicable participant’s