Document:

cogo_8k-ex1005.htm

Exhibit 10.5

 

 

 

Summary Translation of

Maximum Rights Pledge Contract

No.: 102061100317-2

 

Note:  This is only a summary translation.

 

Pledgee (Party A):  Guangdong Development Bank Holdings Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Branch

 

Legal Representative:  YANG Xiaozhou

Title: Branch Manager

 

Pledgor (Party B):  Comtech Software Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

Legal Representative:  ZHAO Bingfu

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

To assure the fulfillment of the debt obligation under the principal contract stipulated in Article 1 of this contract, Party B is willing to provide guarantee to Party A.  Unless otherwise provided in this contract, the interpretation of the terms used herein follows the definitions in the principal contract.

 

	
Article 1.

	
Principal Contract

 

Credit Facility Agreement (No. 102061100317) by and between the debtor of the principal contract and Party A of this guarantee contract, dated November 9, 2010

 

	
Article 2.

	
Maximum Guaranteed Amount

 

The maximum guaranteed amount under this contract is the sum of the following two items:

 

	
  

	
1.

	
The maximum outstanding balance of the principal of the guaranteed debts:

 

US$ 8,650,000.00

 

	
  

	
2.

	
All of the amount, fees and expenses stipulated in Article 4 of this contract

 

	
Article 3.

	
Pledged Rights

 

	
  

	
1.

	
See “List of Pledged Rights” provided by Party B.

 

	
  

	
2.

	
The yields on the pledge hereunder and pledged rights listed in “List of Pledged Rights” (including but not limited to interests, dividends, bonus, share allotment, share distribution, licensing fees of patents and trademarks and copy right use fees) and all subordinated rights.  Party A has the right to receive the yields on the pledged rights mentioned above and the subordinate rights.

 

	
  

	
3.

	
Subrogation for the pledge hereunder and pledged rights, including but not limited to insurance, compensation or reimbursement or sales consideration of the pledged rights.

  

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4.

	
The value of the pledged rights specified in “List of Pledged Rights” is not the basis on which Party A shall use to dispose the pledged rights pursuant to the provisions herein nor does it constitute any restriction on Party A’s exercise of its pledgee’s rights.

 

	
Article 4.

	
Scope of Pledge Guarantee

 

The scope of pledge guarantee include the principal, interest, compound interest, punitive interest, penalties, indemnifications, all fees associated with exercising a claim (including but not limited to litigation fees, arbitration fees, attorneys fees, travel expenses, execution fees, security fees, appraisal fees, auction or sales fees, transfer fees, advertising fees, etc) and any other fees due under the principal contract.

 

	
Article 5.

	
Delivery and Safekeeping of the Certificates of the Pledged Rights

 

	
  

	
1.

	
Upon the execution of this contract, Party B must deliver certificates of the pledged rights and other relevant documents to Party A for safekeeping.

 

	
  

	
2.

	
Party A must properly maintain such certificates of the pledged rights.

 

	
  

	
3.

	
Upon the occurrence of any event, for any reason not attributable to Party A, that may significantly reduce the value of the pledged rights, so much that it will harm Party A’s rights, Party A has the right to demand Party B to provide corresponding guarantee.

 

	
Article 6.

	
Registration of the Pledged Rights

 

	
Article 7.

	
Insurance

 

	
Article 8.

	
Realization of the Pledgee’s Rights

 

	
  

	
1.

	
After obtaining Party A’s written approval, Party B may transfer to a third party, or license to a third party, the pledged rights hereunder; however, all proceeds of the transfer consideration or licensing fees shall be first used to repay the claims under the guarantee or be put in an escrow with a thirty party that Party A approves.

 

	
  

	
2.

	
Party A can use the amount of acceptance fulfillment or the goods received (if such rights are pledged) to repay the debts under the guarantee, or deposit them with a third party approved by Party A with PB bearing all the associated fees.

 

	
  

	
3.

	
If, after the maturity of the debts obligation, the debtor fails to repay debts, thus causing the pledged rights to be sealed or retained by the people's court, Party A has the right to charge the natural yields or statutory yields on such pledged rights starting from the date of such seal or retention.

 

	
  

	
4.

	
Party A has the right to dispose of the pledged rights and use the proceeds from such disposal to be repaid first upon the occurrence of any of the following: dissolution of the principal contract pursuant to the provisions therein or to the law; the debt obligation have been accelerated due to the circumstances set forth in the principal contract.

  

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5.

	
If the claims under the guarantee are guarantee by both property security and by personal guarantee, and the debtor fails to repay the matured debts or any of the circumstances stipulated between the parties hereto occurs that triggers the exercise of its right to realize its claims, Party A has the right to choose the exercise of the right to the property security or to demand the guarantor to assume its responsibility for guarantee.

 

 

	
Article 9.

	
Representations and Warranties

 

Party B hereby makes representations and warranties as below:

 

	
  

	
1.

	
If Party B is a legal entity or an organization, it is legally incorporated and registered and has right and ability to execute and perform this contract;

 

	
  

	
2.

	
Party B guarantees that there are no joint owners of the pledged rights or, if there are, that Party B has already obtained the written consent from such joint owner.  Party B promises to provide such consent to Party A for safekeeping prior to the execution of this contract;

 

	
  

	
3.

	
Party B comprehends completely the content of the principal contract and the execution and fulfillment of this contract is based on Party B’s bono fide expression of intent and on the legitimate and valid authorization secured in accordance with the requirements of its articles of association or other internal management documents.

In case the guarantor is a company, the guarantee provided has been approved by the board of directors, or shareholders in accordance with its articles of association.  If its articles of association has limit on the maximum total amount of the guarantee or the amount of each guarantee, Party B warrants that the guarantee under this contract does not exceed such limit set forth in the articles of associations.

The legal representative or authorized agent who executed this contract on behalf of Party B has legitimate and valid authorization from the company; the execution and fulfillment of this contract will not constitute a violation of any contract, agreement or other legal documents that are binding to Party B;

 

	
  

	
4.

	
All the documents and materials provided by Party B to Party A are accurate, authentic, complete and valid.

 

	
  

	
5.

	
As of the date of execution of this contract, Party B has not concealed any existing security interest on the pledged rights;

  

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6.

	
If any security interest is established on the pledged rights or the pledged rights are involved in major litigation or arbitration, Party B must notify Party A promptly.

 

	
Article 10.

	
Contracting Negligence

 

After the contract is executed, if Party B refuses to process, or delays, the procedures of registration of the pledged rights or for any other reason on the part of Party B, the contract cannot take effect, it shall be contracting negligence of Party B, and Party B shall assume liability to compensate Party A for any consequent loss.

 

	
Article 11.

	
Disclosure of Related Party Transaction

 

 

	
Article 12.

	
Rights and Obligations of Party A

 

	
  

	
1.

	
Has the right to dispose the pledged rights hereunder if, upon the expiration of the principal contract, the debtor fails to repay debt principal, interests and other corresponding fees pursuant to the provisions therein.

 

	
  

	
2.

	
Has the right to demand Party B to take actions to prevent the pledged rights from being harmed by any third party.

 

	
  

	
3.

	
If equity rights are pledged, Party A has the right to know and enquire about Party B’s corporate operation activities and attend relevant board meetings or shareholder meetings.

 

4.           Has the obligation to properly maintain the certificates of the pledged rights.

 

	
  

	
5.

	
Within the effective period of this contract, Party A shall issue written notification promptly to Party B if Party A transfers, in accordance to the law, the principal claim of debt to a third party.

 

	
  

	
6.

	
If the debtor under the principal contract repay the debts according to the schedule specified or in advance, Party A must return certificates of the pledged rights and other relevant documents to Party B.

 

	
  

	
7.

	
Other rights or obligations pursuant to the law or the provisions herein.

 

 

	
Article 13.

	
Rights and Obligations of Party B

 

	
  

	
1.

	
Party B shall still bear joint and several liability within the original scope of guarantee stipulated in this contract if Party A transfers its claim of debt under the principal contract to a third party this contract becomes effective.

  

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2.

	
The agreement to amend the principal contract between Party A and the debtor under the principal contract does not require Party B’s consent, unless such amendment increases Party B’s liability under guarantee (with the exception of interest adjustment already provided), and Party B shall still bear guarantee liability within the scope of guarantee stipulated in this contract.

 

	
  

	
3.

	
The damage compensation and reimbursement received by Party B from a third party or from the State for appropriation must first be subrogated to the pledged rights to be used to pay off Party A or be escrowed.

 

	
  

	
4.

	
No drafts, checks, promissory notes, debentures, deposit slips, warehouse notes and delivery bill that are used as records of acceptance or delivery date shall be reported missing or lost during the effective period of the guarantee; and Party B must issue written documents to notify the relevant issuing bank or individual, lender and escrow agents.

 

	
  

	
5.

	
Party B shall not transfer or allow others to use the pledged rights hereunder without Party A's approval.

 

	
  

	
6.

	
After this contract has become effective, Party B must make proper arrangements for its pledge obligations hereunder if Party B undergoes spin-off, merger or equity restructuring.

 

	
  

	
7.

	
If Party A's pledgee's rights are or are likely to be harmed by a third party, Party B has the obligation to notify Party A and prevent Party A's rights from being harmed.

 

	
  

	
8.

	
Party B must notify Party A promptly in writing upon the occurrence of any of the following: changes in the operation structure, such as contracting operation, lease, joint operation, merger, spin-off, equity restructuring, joint venture with foreign enterprises; increase/decrease of registered capital or changes in the scope of operations; involvement in major economic disputes or litigation; disputes about the pledged rights; bankruptcy, going out of business, dissolution, forced shutdown, revocation of business license; change of address, telephone number and legal representative and others.

 

	
  

	
9.

	
Party B agrees that, if Party B fails to notify Party A of any change of contact information, all documents will be considered received if they are sent to the address specified herein.

 

	
  

	
10.

	
Party B has the right to demand the return of all certificates of the pledged rights after the debtor under the principal contract has repaid all the debts.

 

	
  

	
11.

	
Other rights or obligations pursuant to the law or the provisions herein.

  

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Article 14.

	
Assumption of Fees

 

Party B shall be responsible for all the fees in connection with the execution and performance of this contract and with the resolution of disputes arising from this contract, unless otherwise stipulated.

 

	
Article 15.

	
Event of Default

 

	
  

	
1.

	
Party B violates the provisions herein and transfers without authorization or disposes in any means, either in whole or in part, the pledged rights;

 

	
  

	
2.

	
Party B impedes by any means Party A's disposal of the pledged rights pursuant to this contract or law;

 

	
  

	
3.

	
When the value of the pledged rights hereunder is reduced or damaged, Party B refuses to provide additional corresponding guarantee as requested by Party A;

 

	
  

	
4.

	
The representation made by Party B in this contract is not authentic or Party B violates the warranties made under this contract;            Party B’s cessation of operation or its dissolution, dismantlement or bankruptcy; The occurrence of any event described in Section 6 of Article 7 that adversely affects Party B’s financial situation and its ability to perform this contract

 

	
  

	
5.

	
Violation by Party B of other provisions of this contract;

 

	
  

	
6.

	
Party B terminates its operations or is dissolved, its business license revoked or is bankrupt;

 

	
  

	
7.

	
The occurrence of events of default under by Party B under other contracts by and between Party B and Party A or other entities of Party A;

 

If any of events of default occurs, Party A is entitled to take any or all of the following actions:

 

	
  

	
1.

	
To request Party B to cure the default, and perform its guarantee obligations in time;

 

	
  

	
2.

	
To decrease, cease or terminate the credit line extended to Party B in whole or in part;

 

	
  

	
3.

	
To cease or terminate the business applications of Party B under this contract or under other contracts by and between Party A and Party B in whole or in part; to cease or terminate the issuance of loans that have not been issued, or the trade finance that has not been handled in whole or in part;

 

	
  

	
4.

	
To accelerate the payment of all principal and interest outstanding under other contracts by and between Party A and Party B, and such sums shall become immediately due;

  

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5.

	
To terminate or cancel this contract and other contracts by and between Party A and Part B in whole or in part;

 

	
  

	
6.

	
To request Party B to indemnify Party A’s loss caused by the default;

 

	
  

	
7.

	
Exercise Party A's pledgee's rights;

 

	
  

	
8.

	
Other methods that Party A considers to be necessary.

 

 

	
Article 16.

	
Effectiveness, Change, Cancellation and Termination

 

	
  

	
1.

	
The contract becomes effective upon execution of the two parties and the contract ends after the repayment of all the principal under the principal contract and its associated interest, punitive interest, compound interest, penalties, indemnifications, fees for realizing claims and all other fees due.

 

	
  

	
2.

	
The contract, upon effectuation, is legally binding to each party’s legal successors and assigns.

 

	
  

	
3.

	
This guarantee contract is independent from the principal contract, and shall not become void in the event the principal contract becomes null.

 

 

	
Article 17.

	
Notarization

 

	
Article 18.

	
The Status of This Contract

 

This contract is independent of the principal contract and its effectiveness shall not be affected by the determination of invalidity, in whole or in part, of the principal contract.

 

	
Article 19.

	
Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

 

	
  

	
1.

	
Governing Law: the laws of the People’s Republic of China

 

	
  

	
2.

	
Dispute Resolution: through negotiations. In the event the both parties fail to reach agreements through negotiation, both parties hereby agree to use the same dispute resolution set forth in the principal contract.

 

	
Article 20.

	
Special Statement

 

	
  

	
1.

	
Party B acknowledges that all the provisions under this contract have been  thoroughly negotiated among all parties; that it understands all of the contents of the contract; that the contract does not contain circumstances that limit or waive its liabilities and that it has not disputes with any of the provisions.

  

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2.

	
Party B authorizes that Party A may submit all of credit information during the term of loans (or credit lines) to the Credit Reference Center of the People’s Bank of China or other competent authorities, and that Party A may look up the aforesaid information submitted to such institutions.

 

	
Article 21.

	
Miscellaneous

 

 

	
Article 22.

	
Other Covenants

 

 

Party A:  Guangdong Development Bank Holdings Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Branch

Legal Representative/ Authorized Person:  /personal seal/ YANG Xiaozhou

Date: December 7, 2010

 

Party B:  Comtech Software Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.

Legal Representative/ Authorized Person:  /s/ ZHAO Bingfu

Date: December 7, 2010

 

 

Attachment 1: "List of Pledged Rights"

 

 

 

 

8Exhibit 10.7

 

COHERENT, INC.

 

VARIABLE COMPENSATION PLAN

 

SECTION 1

BACKGROUND, PURPOSE AND DURATION

 

1.1   Effective Date. The Plan was adopted effective as of October 4, 2009, was amended effective as of October 14, 2010, and will remain in effect until terminated by the Board or the Administrator.

 

1.2   Purpose of the Plan. The Plan is intended to increase shareholder value and the success of the Company by motivating selected employees (a) to perform to the best of their abilities and (b) to achieve the Company’s objectives.

 

SECTION 2

DEFINITIONS

 

The following words and phrases shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context:

 

2.1   “Actual Award” means as to any Performance Period, the actual award (if any) payable to a Participant under the Plan for the Performance Period, subject to the Administrator’s authority under Section 3.4 to modify the award.

 

2.2   “Administrator” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or officers of the Company as delegated by the Compensation Committee of the Board.  The Compensation Committee of the Board may appoint different officers to administer the Plan with respect to different groups of Employees and/or Participants.

 

2.3   “Affiliate” means any corporation or other entity (including, but not limited to, partnerships and joint ventures) controlled by the Company.

 

2.4   “Base Salary” means as to any Performance Period, the Participant’s annualized salary rate on the last day of the Performance Period.  Such Base Salary shall be before both (a) deductions for taxes or benefits, and (b) deferrals of compensation pursuant to Company sponsored plans and Affiliate sponsored plans.

 

2.5   “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

2.6   “Bonus Pool” means the pool of funds established by the Company for distribution to Participants.

 

2.7   “Company” means Coherent, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.

 

 

2.8   “Disability” means a permanent and total disability determined in accordance with uniform and nondiscriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.

 

2.9   “Employee” means any employee of the Company or of an Affiliate, whether such individual is so employed at the time the Plan is adopted or becomes so employed subsequent to the adoption of the Plan; provided, however that any Plan payout to a part-time employee Participant shall be pro-rated based upon their scheduled hours of work.

 

2.10    “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.

 

2.11    “Maximum Award” means the maximum award payable under the Plan to a Participant for the Performance Period, as determined by the Administrator in accordance with Section 3.2.

 

2.12    “Participant” means as to any Performance Period, an Employee who has been selected by the Administrator for participation in the Plan for that Performance Period.

 

2.13    “Performance Period” means the period of time for the measurement of the performance criteria that must be met to receive an Actual Award, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.  A Performance Period may be divided into one or more shorter periods if, for example, but not by way of limitation, the Administrator desires to measure some performance criteria over 12 months and other criteria over 3 months.  Multiple, overlapping Performance Periods (of different durations) may be in effect at any one time.

 

2.14    “Plan” means this Variable Compensation Plan, as set forth in this instrument and as hereafter amended from time to time.

 

2.15    “Target Award” means the target award, at 100% performance achievement, payable under the Plan to a Participant for the Performance Period, as determined by the Administrator in accordance with Section 3.2.

 

2.16    “Termination of Service” means a cessation of the employee-employer relationship between an Employee and the Company or an Affiliate for any reason, including, but not by way of limitation, a termination by resignation, discharge, death, Disability, retirement, or the disaffiliation of an Affiliate, but excluding any such termination where there is a simultaneous reemployment by the Company or an Affiliate.

 

SECTION 3

SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS AND DETERMINATION OF AWARDS

 

3.1   Selection of Participants. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall select the Employees who shall be Participants for any Performance Period.  Participation in the Plan is in the sole discretion of the Administrator, and shall be determined on a Performance Period by Performance Period basis.  Accordingly, an Employee who is a Participant for a given Performance Period in no way is guaranteed or assured of being selected for participation in any subsequent Performance Period or Periods.  Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in its discretion, any Employee who is a participant in a Company commission plan or program or is party to an

 

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agreement with the Company which provides for payment of commissions will not be eligible to be a Participant in the Plan.

 

3.2   Determination of Target Awards and Maximum Awards. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall establish a Target Award and a Maximum Award for each Participant.

 

3.3   Bonus Pool. Each Performance Period, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may establish a Bonus Pool.  Actual Awards for the relevant Performance Period shall be paid from any such Bonus Pool, to the extent it is funded.

 

3.4   Discretion to Modify Awards. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion and at any time, (a) increase, reduce or eliminate a Participant’s Actual Award, and/or (b) increase, reduce or eliminate the amount allocated to the Bonus Pool.  The Administrator may determine the amount of any reduction on the basis of such factors as it deems relevant, and shall not be required to establish any allocation or weighting with respect to the factors it considers.

 

3.5   Discretion to Determine Criteria. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, the Administrator shall, in its sole discretion, determine the performance requirements applicable to any Target Award.  The requirements may be on the basis of any factors the Administrator determines relevant, and may be on an individual, divisional, business unit or Company-wide basis.  Failure to meet the requirements will result in a failure to earn the Target Award, except as provided in Section 3.4.

 

3.6   Pro-Ration of Actual Awards.  Without limiting the generality of Section 3.4, with respect to any Performance Period, if an Employee becomes a Participant after the commencement of the Performance Period, the Participant’s Actual Award shall be pro-rated from the first day of participation in the Plan based on the number of days during the Performance Period that the Employee was a Participant in the Plan.

 

3.7   Discretion to Grant Awards Outside the Plan. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, the Board or a duly constituted committee of the Board (or their delegates) may, in its sole discretion and at any time, grant awards and cash bonuses to Employees and Participants outside the Plan.

 

SECTION 4

PAYMENT OF AWARDS

 

4.1   Right to Receive Payment. Each Actual Award shall be paid in cash solely from the general assets of the Company.  No provision of the Plan shall require the Company, for the purpose of satisfying any obligations under the Plan, to purchase assets or place any assets in a trust or other entity to which contributions are made or otherwise to segregate any assets, nor shall the Company maintain separate bank accounts, books, records or other evidence of the existence of a segregated or separately maintained or administered fund for such purposes.  Participants shall have no rights under the Plan other than as unsecured general creditors of the Company.

 

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4.2   Determination of Payment. The amount of each Actual Award shall be determined by the Administrator after assessing achievement against the established performance milestones for each Performance Period, and applying any discretion pursuant to Section 3.4 hereof.   Subject to the Administrator’s discretion, and subject to attainment of any threshold performance established by the Administrator, achievement at the target level shall result in a payout equal to 100% of the Target Awards and achievement at the stretch level or higher shall result in a payment of 100% of the Maximum Award.  Subject in each case to the Administrator’s discretion, achievement at a threshold level may result in a payout equal to a minimum level established by the Administrator, and achievement between the threshold, target and stretch levels shall result in payouts determined in accordance with the guidelines established by the Administrator for each Performance Period.

 

4.3   Timing of Payment. Payment of each Actual Award shall be made as soon as administratively practicable as determined by the Administrator after the end of the Performance Period during which the Actual Award was earned, but in no event later than (a) the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Company’s taxable year in which the Performance Period has ended, or (b) March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the applicable Performance Period has ended.

 

4.4   Form of Payment. Each Actual Award shall be paid in cash in a single lump sum.

 

SECTION 5

ADMINISTRATION

 

5.1   Administrator Authority. It shall be the duty of the Administrator to administer the Plan in accordance with the Plan’s provisions.  The Administrator shall have all powers and discretion necessary or appropriate to administer the Plan and to control its operation, including, but not limited to, the power to (a) determine which Employees shall be granted awards, (b) prescribe the terms and conditions of awards, (c) interpret the Plan and the awards, (d) adopt such procedures and subplans as are necessary or appropriate to permit participation in the Plan by Employees who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the United States, (e) adopt rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith, and (f) interpret, amend or revoke any such rules.

 

5.2   Decisions Binding. All determinations and decisions made by the Administrator, the Board, and any delegate of the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive, and binding on all persons, and shall be given the maximum deference permitted by law.

 

5.3   Delegation of Administration. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and on such terms and conditions as it may provide, may delegate all or part of its authority and powers under the Plan to one or more directors and/or officers of the Company. If the Administrator delegates any authority for the administration of the Plan, the term “Administrator” shall include the individuals delegated such authority.

 

5.4   Indemnification of Administrator.  The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless members of the Administrator, or any officer or employee of the Company delegated authority with respect to the administration of the Plan, for any expense, liability, or loss, including

 

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attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, any interest, assessments, or other charges imposed thereon, any federal, state, local, or foreign taxes, and all other costs and obligations, paid or incurred in connection with any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any payments under the Plan.  The Company shall bear all expenses and liabilities that members of the Administrator, or any officer of the Company delegated authority with respect to the administration of the Plan, incur in connection with the administration of the Plan.

 

SECTION 6

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

6.1   Tax Withholding. The Company shall withhold all applicable taxes from any Actual Award, including any federal, state and local taxes (including, but not limited to, the Participant’s FICA and SDI obligations).

 

6.2   No Effect on Employment or Service. Nothing in the Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company to terminate any Participant’s employment or service at any time, with or without cause.  For purposes of the Plan, transfer of employment of a Participant between the Company and any one of its Affiliates (or between Affiliates) shall not be deemed a Termination of Service.  Employment with the Company and its Affiliates is on an at-will basis only. The Company expressly reserves the right, which may be exercised at any time and without regard to when during a Performance Period such exercise occurs, to terminate any individual’s employment with or without cause, and to treat him or her without regard to the effect that such treatment might have upon him or her as a Participant.

 

6.3   Participation. No Employee shall have the right to be selected to receive an award under this Plan, or, having been so selected, to be selected to receive a future award.

 

6.4   Successors. All obligations of the Company under the Plan, with respect to awards granted hereunder, shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company.

 

6.5   Nontransferability of Awards. No award granted under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will, by the laws of descent and distribution, or to the limited extent provided in Section 6.5.  All rights with respect to an award granted to a Participant shall be available during his or her lifetime only to the Participant.

 

6.6   Section 409A of the Code.  It is intended that the Plan shall be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), pursuant to the requirement that all payments hereunder shall be paid within the applicable short-term deferral period as set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the final regulations issued under Section 409A.  The Administrator shall administer and interpret the Plan in a manner consistent with this short-term deferral exception and any other regulations or other Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect to Section 409A.

 

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SECTION 7

AMENDMENT, TERMINATION AND DURATION

 

7.1   Amendment, Suspension or Termination. The Company, by action of the Board or a duly constituted committee of members of the Board to whom the Board has delegated the authority to amend or terminate the Plan, in its sole discretion, may amend or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan shall not, without the consent of the Participant, alter or impair any rights or obligations under any Actual Award theretofore earned by such Participant.  No award may be granted during any period of suspension or after termination of the Plan.

 

7.2   Duration of the Plan. The Plan shall commence on the date specified herein, and subject to Section 7.1 (regarding the Company’s right to amend or terminate the Plan), shall remain in effect thereafter.

 

SECTION 8

LEGAL CONSTRUCTION

 

8.1   Gender and Number. Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine; the plural shall include the singular and the singular shall include the plural.

 

8.2   Severability. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.

 

8.3   Requirements of Law. The granting of awards under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

 

8.4   Governing Law. The Plan and all awards shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of California, but without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

 

8.5   Bonus Plan.  This Plan is intended to be a “bonus program” as defined under U.S. Department of Labor regulation section 2510.3-2(c) and shall be construed and administered by the Company in accordance with such intention.

 

8.6   Captions. Captions are provided herein for convenience only, and shall not serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of the Plan.

 

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