exe4-1_0910.htm




 


EXHIBIT 4.1




3PAR INC.


 


2007 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN


 


(Amended and Restated July 21, 2008)


 


1.           Purposes of the Plan.  The purposes of this Plan are:


 



	
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to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility,







 



	
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to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and







 



	
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to promote the success of the Company’s business.







 


                              The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units and Performance Shares.


 


2.           Definitions.  As used herein, the following definitions will apply:


 


          (a)   “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.


 


          (b)   “Affiliate” means any corporation or any other entity (including, but not limited to, partnerships and joint ventures) controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company.


 


          (c)   “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.


 


          (d)   “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares.


 


          (e)            “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan.  The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.


 


          (f)    “Award Transfer Program” means any program instituted by the Committee which would permit Participants the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity approved by the Committee.


 


 




  





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          (g)            “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.


 


          (h)            “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:


 


                                                  (i)   Any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities;


 


                                                  (ii)          The consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets;


 


                                                 (iii)          A change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two (2)-year period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors.  “Incumbent Directors” means directors who either (A) are Directors as of the effective date of the Plan, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but will not include an individual whose election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company); or


 


                                                 (iv)         The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation.


 


          (i)             “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Any reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code.


 


          (j)             “Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 hereof.


 


          (k)   “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.


 


          (l)    “Company” means 3PAR Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.


 


          (m)           “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or any of its Affiliates to render services to such entity.


 


          (n)   “Determination Date” means the latest possible date that will not jeopardize the qualification of an Award granted under the Plan as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.


 


          (o)   “Director” means a member of the Board.


 


 




  





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          (p)           “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.


 


          (q)           “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates.  Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.


 


          (r)            “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


 


          (s)   “Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for Awards of the same type (which may have lower exercise prices and different terms), Awards of a different type, and/or cash, and/or (ii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is reduced or increased.  The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its sole discretion.


 


          (t)   “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:


 


                                                 (i)            If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;


 


                                                 (ii)           If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;


 


                                                 (iii)          For purposes of any Awards granted on the Registration Date, the Fair Market Value will be the initial price to the public as set forth in the final prospectus included within the registration statement in Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the initial public offering of the Company’s Common Stock; or


 


                                                 (iv)          In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.


 


          (u)   “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.


 


          (v)   “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.


 


          (w)          “Inside Director” means a Director who is an Employee.


 


 




  





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          (x)            “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.


 


          (y)            “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.


 


          (z)            “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.


 


          (aa)          “Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.


 


          (bb)         “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.


 


          (cc)          “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.


 


          (dd)         “Performance Goals” will have the meaning set forth in Section 12 of the Plan.


 


          (ee)          “Performance Period” means any Fiscal Year or such other period as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.


 


          (ff)           “Performance Share” means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of Performance Goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine pursuant to Section 10.


 


          (gg)         “Performance Unit” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of Performance Goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing  pursuant to Section 10.  


 


          (hh)         “Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture.  Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance or Performance Goals, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.


 


          (ii)            “Plan” means this 2007 Equity Incentive Plan.


 


          (jj)            “Registration Date” means the effective date of the first registration statement that is filed by the Company and declared effective pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, with respect to any class of the Company’s securities.


         


          (kk)          “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock award under Section 7 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.


 


          (ll)            “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 8.  Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.


 


 




  





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          (mm)         “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.


 


          (nn)         “Section 16(b)”  means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.


 


          (oo)         “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.


 


          (pp)         “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 15 of the Plan.


 


          (qq)         “Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 9 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.


 


          (rr)           “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation”, whether now or hereafter exist­ing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.


 


3.   Stock Subject to the Plan.


 


          (a)   Stock Subject to the Plan.  Subject to the provisions of Section 15, of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is ten million three hundred seventy-five thousand (10,375,000) Shares, plus an automatic increase on the first day of each Fiscal Year beginning with the 2009 Fiscal Year, in an amount equal to the least of (A) five million (5,000,000) Shares, (B) five percent (5%) of the outstanding Shares on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year or (C) such number of Shares determined by the Board.


 


          (b)   Lapsed Awards.  If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to failure to vest, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options or Stock Appreciation Rights the forfeited or repurchased Shares) which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated).  With respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, only Shares actually issued pursuant to a Stock Appreciation Right will cease to be available under the Plan; all remaining Shares under Stock Appreciation Rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated).  Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan.  Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan.  To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan.  Notwithstanding anything in the Plan, or any Award Agreement to the contrary, Shares actually issued pursuant to Awards transferred under any Award Transfer Program will not be again available for grant under the Plan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3(a), plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to  this Section 3(b).


 


 




  





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          (c)   Share Reserve.  The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.


 


4.   Administration of the Plan.


 


          (a)   Procedure.


 


                                                 (i)            Multiple Administrative Bodies.  Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.


 


                                                 (ii)   Section 162(m).  To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify Awards granted hereunder as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan will be administered by a Committee of two (2) or more “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.


 


                                                 (iii)          Rule 16b-3.  To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.


 


                                                 (iv)          Other Administration.  Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.


 


          (b)   Powers of the Administrator.  Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:


 


                                                 (i)            to determine the Fair Market Value;


 


                                                 (ii)           to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;


 


                                                 (iii)          to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;


 


                                                 (iv)          to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;


 


                                                 (v)           to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder.  Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised or vest (which may be based on performance criteria or Performance Goals), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator will determine;


 


 




  





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                                                 (vi)          to determine the terms and conditions of any, and to institute any Exchange Program;


 


                                                 (vii)         to determine the terms and conditions of any, and to institute any, Award Transfer Program;


 


                                                 (viii)        to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;


 


                                                 (ix)           to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws;


 


                                                 (x)   to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 20(c) of the Plan), including but not limited to the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards and to extend the maximum term of an Option (subject to Section 6(b) regarding Incentive Stock Options);


 


                                                 (xi)           to allow Participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations in such manner as prescribed in Section 16;  


 


                                                 (xii)          to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;


 


                                                 (xiii)        to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under an Award pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine; and


 


                                                 (xiv)        to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.


 


          (c)   Effect of Administrator’s Decision.  The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.


 


5.   Eligibility.  Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units may be granted to Service Providers.  Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.


 


6.   Stock Options.


 


          (a)           Limitations.


 


                                                 (i)           Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.  However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year 


 


 




  





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(under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.  For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted.  The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.


 


                                                 (ii)           The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Options granted to any Service Provider, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no Service Provider will be granted Options to purchase more than an aggregate of 1,000,000 Shares.  Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, in connection with his or her initial service, a Service Provider may be granted Options to purchase an aggregate of up to an additional 4,000,000 Shares.


 


          (b)           Term of Option.  The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement.  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term will be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.  Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.


 


          (c)            Option Exercise Price and Consideration.


 


                                                 (i)   Exercise Price.  The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following:


 


                                                                 (1)           In the case of an Incentive Stock Option


 


                                                                                 a)   granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.


 


                                                                                 b)   granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.


 


                                                                 (2)   In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.


 


                                                                 (3)         Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code.


 


 




  





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                                                 (ii)   Waiting Period and Exercise Dates.  At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.


 


                                                 (iii)          Form of Consideration.  The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment.  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant.  Such consideration may consist entirely of: (1) cash; (2) check; (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised and provided that accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, shall not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company; (5) consideration received by the Company under a broker-assisted (or other) cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; (6) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or (7) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.


 


          (d)          Exercise of Option.


 


                                                 (i)            Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder.  Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement.  An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.


 


                                                                        An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable tax withholding).  Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan.  Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse.  Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.  The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised.  No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 15 of the Plan.


 


                                                   Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.


 


                                                 (ii)   Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider.  If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s termination as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the 


 


 




  





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Award Agreement).  In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Participant’s termination.  Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan.  If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.


 


                                                 (iii)   Disability of Participant.  If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement).  In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s termination.  Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan.  If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.


 


                                                 (iv)          Death of Participant.  If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event may the option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator.  If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution.  In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following Participant’s death.  Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan.  If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.


 


                                                 (v)   Other Termination.  A Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would result in liability under Section 16(b), then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (A) the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in the Award Agreement, or (B) the 10th day after the last date on which such exercise would result in such liability under Section 16(b).  Finally, a Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of Shares would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (A) the expiration of the term of the Option, or (B) the expiration of a period of three (3) months after the termination of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.


 


 




  





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7.   Restricted Stock.


 


          (a)            Grant of Restricted Stock.  Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine, provided that during any Fiscal Year no Service Provider will be granted more than an aggregate of 500,000 Shares of Restricted Stock.  Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, in connection with his or her initial service, a Service Provider may be granted an aggregate of up to an additional 2,000,000 Shares of Restricted Stock.


 


          (b)            Restricted Stock Agreement.  Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.  Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.


 


          (c)            Transferability.  Except as provided in this Section 7, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.


 


          (d)   Other Restrictions.  The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.


 


          (e)           Removal of Restrictions.  Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction or at such other time as the Administrator may determine.  The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.


 


          (f)   Voting Rights.  During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.


 


          (g)           Dividends and Other Distributions.  During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise.  If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.


 


          (h)           Return of Restricted Stock to Company.  On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.


 


 




  





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          (i)            Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions.  For purposes of qualifying grants of Restricted Stock as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals.  The Performance Goals will be set by the Administrator on or before the Determination Date.  In granting Restricted Stock which is intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).


 


8.   Restricted Stock Units.


 


          (a)   Grant.  Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator.  After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Stock Units.  The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Restricted Stock Units granted to any Service Provider, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no Service Provider will be granted more than an aggregate of 500,000 Restricted Stock Units.  Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, in connection with his or her initial service, a Service Provider may be granted an aggregate of up to an additional 2,000,000 Restricted Stock Units.


 


          (b)            Vesting Criteria and Other Terms.  The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant.  The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment), or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.


 


          (c)           Earning Restricted Stock Units.  Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Administrator.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.


 


          (d)           Form and Timing of Payment.  Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement.  The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may only settle earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.


 


          (e)            Cancellation.  On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.


 


          (f)            Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions.  For purposes of qualifying grants of Restricted Stock Units as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals.  The Performance Goals will be set by the Administrator on or before the Determination Date.  In granting Restricted Stock Units which are intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).


 


 




  





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9.   Stock Appreciation Rights.


 


          (a)            Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.


 


          (b)           Number of Shares.  The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any Service Provider, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no Service Provider will be granted Stock Appreciation Rights covering more than an aggregate of 500,000 Shares.  Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, in connection with his or her initial service, a Service Provider may be granted Stock Appreciation Rights covering up to an aggregate of an additional 2,000,000 Shares.


 


          (c)            Exercise Price and Other Terms.  The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.  Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan.


 


          (d)            Stock Appreciation Right Agreement.  Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.


 


          (e)            Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights.  A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(b) and Section 6(d) also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.


 


          (f)             Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount.  Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:


 


                                                 (i)            The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times


 


                                                 (ii)   The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.


 


                  At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.


 


 




  





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10.         Performance Units and Performance Shares.


 


          (a)   Grant of Performance Units/Shares.  Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.  The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Performance Units and Performance Shares granted to each Participant, provided that during any Fiscal Year, (i) no Service Provider will be granted Performance Units having an initial value in the aggregate greater than $1,000,000, and (ii) no Service Provider will be granted in the aggregate more than 500,000 Performance Shares.  Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, in connection with his or her initial service, a Service Provider may be granted in the aggregate up to an additional 2,000,000 Performance Shares and Performance Units having an initial value in the aggregate up to an additional $1,000,000.


 


          (b)   Value of Performance Units/Shares.  Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant.  Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.


 


          (c)   Performance Objectives and Other Terms.  The Administrator will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions (including, without limitation, continued status as a Service Provider) in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Service Providers.  The time period during which the performance objectives or other vesting provisions must be met will be called the “Performance Period.”  Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.  The Administrator may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, or individual goals, applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.


 


          (d)   Earning of Performance Units/Shares.  After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved.  After the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Unit/Share.


 


          (e)   Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares.  Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period.  The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.


 


 




  





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          (f)     Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares.  On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.




 


          (g)            Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions.  For purposes of qualifying grants of Performance Units/Shares as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals.  The Performance Goals will be set by the Administrator on or before the Determination Date.  In granting Performance Units/Shares which are intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).


 


11.         Formula Awards to Outside Directors.


 


          (a)            General.  Outside Directors will be entitled to receive all types of Awards (except Incentive Stock Options) under this Plan, including discretionary Awards not covered under this Section 11.  All grants of Awards to Outside Directors pursuant to this Section 11 will be automatic and nondiscretionary, except as otherwise provided herein, and will be made in accordance with the following provisions:


 


          (b)           Type of Option.  If Options are granted pursuant to this Section 11 they will be Nonstatutory Stock Options and, except as otherwise provided herein, will be subject to the other terms and conditions of the Plan.


 


          (c)           No Discretion.  No person will have any discretion to select which Outside Directors will be granted Awards under this Section or to determine the number of Shares to be covered by such Awards (except as provided in Sections 11(i) and 15). 


 


          (d)          Initial Award.  Each person who first becomes an Outside Director following the Registration Date will be automatically granted an Option to purchase thirty-five thousand (35,000) Shares (the “Initial Award”) on the date on which such person first becomes an Outside Director, whether through election by the stockholders of the Company or appointment by the Board to fill a vacancy; provided, however, that an Inside Director who ceases to be an Inside Director, but who remains a Director, will not receive an Initial Award.


 


          (e)           Annual Award.  Each Outside Director will be automatically granted an Option to purchase eleven thousand two hundred fifty (11,250) Shares (the “Annual Award”) on each date of the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company beginning in 2008, if as of such date, he or she will have served on the Board for at least the preceding six (6) months.


 


          (f)            Chairman Initial Award.  Each Outside Director who first becomes a chairman of a committee of the Board (“Chairman”) following the Registration Date will be automatically granted an Option to purchase sixteen thousand (16,000) Shares (the “Initial Chairman Award”) on the date on which such person first becomes a Chairman.



 


          (g)           Chairman Annual Award.  Each Chairman will be automatically granted an Option to purchase four thousand (4,000) Shares (the “Annual Chairman Award”) on each date of the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company beginning in 2008, if as of such date, he or she will have served as a Chairman for at least the preceding six (6) months.


 


 




  





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          (h)   Terms.  The terms of each Award granted pursuant to this Section 11 will be as follows:






 


                                                 (i)            The term of the Award will be ten (10) years.


 


                                                 (ii)   The exercise price for Shares subject to Awards will be one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value on the grant date.


 


                                                 (iii)          Subject to Section 15, the Initial Award and Initial Chairman Award will vest and become exercisable as to 1/48th of the Shares subject to such Award on each monthly anniversary of the grant date (and if there is no corresponding day, on the last day of the month), provided that the Participant continues to serve as a Director or Chairman, as applicable, through such dates.


 


                                                 (iv)         Subject to Section 15, the Annual Award and Annual Chairman Award will vest and become exercisable as to 1/12th of the Shares subject to such Award on the thirty-seventh (37th) monthly anniversary of the grant date, and 1/12th of the Shares subject to such Award will vest each month thereafter on the same day of the month as the grant date (and if there is no corresponding day, on the last day of the month), provided that the Participant continues to serve as a Director or Chairman, as applicable, through such dates.


 


                                                 (v)          To the extent not in conflict with the terms of this Section 11, the terms of Sections 6(c)(iii) and 6(d) shall apply to Initial Awards, Initial Chairman Awards, Annual Awards and Annual Chairman Awards.


 


          (i)            Adjustments.  The Administrator in its discretion may change and otherwise revise the terms of Awards granted under this Section 11, including, without limitation, the types of Awards granted, the number of Shares and exercise prices thereof, for Awards granted on or after the date the Administrator determines to make any such change or revision.


 


12.         Performance-Based Compensation Under Section 162(m) of the Code.


 


          (a)            General.  If the Administrator, in its discretion, decides to grant an Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the provisions of this Section 12 will control over any contrary provision in the Plan; provided, however, that the Administrator may in its discretion grant Awards that are not intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code to such Participants that are based on Performance Goals or other specific criteria or goals but that do not satisfy the requirements of this Section 12.


 


          (b)          Performance Goals.  The granting and/or vesting of Awards under the Plan may be made subject to the attainment of Performance Goals relating to one or more business criteria within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and may provide for a targeted level or levels of achievement including: (i) annual revenue, (ii) business divestitures and acquisitions, (iii) cash flow, (iv) cash position, (v) customer satisfaction, (vi) earnings, (vii) earnings before interest 


 


 




  





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and taxes, (viii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, (ix) earnings per Share, (x) employee satisfaction, (xi) expenses, (xii) gross margin, (xiii) gross profit dollars, (xiv) market share, (xv) net cash provided by operations, (xvi) net income, (xvii) net profit, (xviii) net sales, (xix) new product development, (xx) number of customers, (xxi) operating cash flow, (xxii) operating expenses, (xxiii) operating income, (xxiv) operating margin, (xxv) productivity, (xxvi) profit after taxes, (xxvii) profit before taxes, (xxviii) ratio of debt to equity, (xxix) ratio of operating earnings to capital spending, (xxx) return on assets, (xxxi) return on equity, (xxxii) return on gross fixed assets, (xxxiii) return on net assets, (xxxiv) return on sales, (xxxv) return on stockholder equity, (xxxvi) return to stockholders, (xxxvii) revenue, (xxxviii) revenue growth, (xxxix) sales, (xxxx) sales growth, (xxxxi) time to market, and (xxxxii) working capital.  Any Performance Goals may be used to measure the performance of the Company as a whole or a business unit of the Company and may be measured relative to a peer group or index.  The Performance Goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to Award.  Any criteria used may be measured, as applicable (i) in absolute terms, (ii) against another company or companies, (iii)  against the performance of the Company as a whole or a segment of the Company, (iv) on a per-share basis, and/or (v) on a pre-tax or post-tax basis (if applicable).  Prior to the Determination Date, the Administrator will determine whether any significant element(s) will be included in or excluded from the calculation of any Performance Goal with respect to any Participant.


 


          (c)   Procedures.  To the extent necessary to comply with the performance-based compensation provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code, with respect to any Award granted subject to Performance Goals, within the first twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Period, but in no event more than ninety (90) days following the commencement of any Performance Period (or such other time as may be required or permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code), the Administrator will, in writing: (i) designate one or more Participants to whom an Award will be made, (ii) select the Performance Goals applicable to the Performance Period, (iii) establish the Performance Goals, and amounts of such Awards, as applicable, which may be earned for such Performance Period, and (iv) specify the relationship between Performance Goals and the amounts of such Awards, as applicable, to be earned by each Participant for such Performance Period.  Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Administrator will certify in writing whether the applicable Performance Goals have been achieved for such Performance Period.  In determining the amounts earned by a Participant, the Administrator will have the right to reduce or eliminate (but not to increase) the amount payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Administrator may deem relevant to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the Performance Period.  A Participant will be eligible to receive payment pursuant to an Award for a Performance Period only if the Performance Goals for such period are achieved.


 


          (d)   Additional Limitations.  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, any Award which is granted to a Participant and is intended to constitute qualified “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in the Code (including any amendment to Section 162(m)) or any regulations and ruling issued thereunder that are requirements for qualification as qualified “performance-based compensation” as described in Section 162(m) of the Code, and the Plan will be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements.


 


13.         Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations.  Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of 


 




  





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absence.  A Service Provider will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between or among the Company and any of its Affiliates.  For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract.  If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then three (3) months following the ninety-first (91st) day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.


 


14.         Limited Transferability of Awards.


 


          (a)   General.  Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant.  If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.


 


          (b)          Award Transfer Program.  Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, the Administrator shall have all discretion and authority to determine and implement the terms and conditions of any Award Transfer Program instituted pursuant to this Section 14(b) and shall have the authority to amend the terms of any Award participating, or otherwise eligible to participate in, the Award Transfer Program, including (but not limited to) the authority to (i) amend (including to extend) the expiration date, post-termination exercise period and/or forfeiture conditions of any such Award, (ii) amend or remove any provisions of the Award relating to the Award holder’s continued service to the Company, (iii) amend the permissible payment methods with respect to the exercise or purchase of any such Award, (iv) amend the adjustments to be implemented in the event of changes in the capitalization and other similar events with respect to such Award, and (v) make such other changes to the terms of such Award as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion.


 


15.         Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.


 


          (a)           Adjustments.  In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of Shares covered by each outstanding Award, the numerical Share limits in Section 3 of the Plan, the number of Shares issuable pursuant to Awards to be granted under Section 11, and the numerical limits of Sections 6(a)(ii),  7(a), 8(a), 9(b), and 10(a) of the Plan.


 


          (b)          Dissolution or Liquidation.  In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction.  To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.


 


 




  





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          (c)   Change in Control.  In the event of a merger or Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines, including, without limitation, that each Award be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation.  The Administrator will not be required to treat all Awards similarly in the transaction.


 


                                                          In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award, the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all Performance Goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met.  In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is not assumed or substituted in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be fully vested and exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.


 


                                                          For the purposes of this subsection (c), an Award will be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Unit or Performance Share, for each Share subject to such Award (or in the case of an Award settled in cash, the number of implied shares determined by dividing the value of the Award by the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control), to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.


 


                                                         Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15(c) to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more Performance Goals or other performance criteria will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such Performance Goals or performance criteria without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such Performance Goals or performance criteria only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.


 


          (d)   Outside Director Awards.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, with respect to Awards granted to an Outside Director, upon a Change in Control the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights as to all of the Shares underlying such Award, including those Shares which would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Performance Units and Performance Shares, all Performance Goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met.


 


 




  





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16.         Tax Withholding.


 


          (a)   Withholding Requirements.  Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof), the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA obligation) required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).


 


          (b)           Withholding Arrangements.  The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (a) paying cash, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld, or (d) selling a sufficient number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld.  The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.


 


17.         No Effect on Employment or Service.  Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.


 


18.         Date of Grant.  The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator.  Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.


 


19.         Term of Plan.  Subject to Section 23 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon its adoption by the Board.  It will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years from the date adopted by the Board, unless terminated earlier under Section 20 of the Plan.


 


20.         Amendment and Termination of the Plan.


 


          (a)   Amendment and Termination.  The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.


 


          (b)   Stockholder Approval.  The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.


 


 




  





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(c)   Effect of Amendment or Termination.  No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan will impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company.  Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.


 


21.         Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.


 


(a)   Legal Compliance.  Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.


 


(b)   Investment Representations.  As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.


 


22.         Inability to Obtain Authority.  The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.


 


23.         Stockholder Approval.  The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.  Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.







 




  





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