Document:

exv10w6

 

Exhibit 10.6

SECOND AMENDMENT

TO

Cooperative Joint Venture Contract and Articles of Association of

SES (Zaozhuang) New Gas Company Ltd

between

Shandong Hai Hua Coal & Chemical Company Ltd

and

Synthesis Energy Systems Investments, Inc.

 

 

Second amendment to Cooperative Joint Venture Contract and Articles of Association of SES
(Zaozhuang) New Gas Company Ltd (the “JV Company”) between Shandong Hai Hua Coal & Chemical Company
Ltd (“Hai Hua”) and Synthesis Energy Systems Investments, Inc. (“SES”)

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Hai Hua and SES have entered into a joint venture contract dated 6 July 2006 and articles
of association dated 27 July 2006 (hereinafter called the “JV Contract” and the “Articles”); and
entered into an amendment agreement (the “First Amendment”) on November 8th, 2006.

WHEREAS, Hai Hua and SES wish to clarify certain sections of the JV Contract, Articles and First
Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed by and between the Parties hereto as follows:

	 	1.	 	Delete Articles 10 of the JV Contract and Articles, and Section 1 of the First
Amendment, in their entirety and substitute the following in lieu thereof:

Article 10 The registered capital of the JV Company shall be USD $ 9,606,062, (approximately an
equivalent RMB 75,934,960, 40% of the total investment).

	 	(1)	 	SES shall contribute US Dollar $9,125,759, (approximately RMB
72,138,212) in cash as its registered capital contribution to the JV Company for a
95% Ownership Share in the JV Company; and

Hai Hua shall contribute,US Dollar equivalent $480,303, (approximately RMB 3,796,748 for a
5% Ownership Share in the JV Company.

Except as expressly revised and amended by this Amendment to the JV Contract Articles and First
Amendment, the JV Contract, Articles and First Amendment in all other respects are ratified,
confirmed, and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with the original agreements
and their attachments.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly
authorized representatives on 12 February 2007 in Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, PRC by the
authorized representatives of the Parties.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Shandong Hai Hua Coal & Chemical
Company Ltd.	 	Synthesis Energy Systems Investments, Inc.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Ding Zhongmin
 

Name: Ding Zhongmin
	 	By:
	 	/s/ Donald P. Bunnell
 

Name: Donald P. Bunnell
	 	 
	 

	 	Title: Chairman
	 	 	 	Title: Authorized Representativeexv10w13

 

Exhibit 10.13

SYNTHESIS ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.

2005 INCENTIVE PLAN

(as amended and restated effective August 5, 2006)

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Page
	SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAN GOVERNANCE, COVERAGE AND BENEFITS	 	 	1	 
	 

	 	 	1.1	 	 	Purpose
	 	 	1	 
	 

	 	 	1.2	 	 	Definitions
	 	 	2	 
	 

	 	 	1.3	 	 	Plan Administration
	 	 	6	 
	 

	 	 	1.4	 	 	Shares of Common Stock Available for Incentive Awards
	 	 	8	 
	 

	 	 	1.5	 	 	Share Pool Adjustments for Awards and Payouts.
	 	 	9	 
	 

	 	 	1.6	 	 	Common Stock Available.
	 	 	9	 
	 

	 	 	1.7	 	 	Participation
	 	 	10	 
	 

	 	 	1.8	 	 	Types of Incentive Awards
	 	 	10	 
	 

	 	 	1.9	 	 	Other Compensation Programs
	 	 	10	 
	 

	 	 	1.10	 	 	Repricing
	 	 	10	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	SECTION 2. STOCK OPTIONS	 	 	11	 
	 

	 	 	2.1	 	 	Grant of Stock Options
	 	 	11	 
	 

	 	 	2.2	 	 	Stock Option Terms
	 	 	11	 
	 

	 	 	2.3	 	 	Stock Option Exercises
	 	 	12	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	SECTION 3. RESTRICTED STOCK	 	 	14	 
	 

	 	 	3.1	 	 	Award of Restricted Stock
	 	 	14	 
	 

	 	 	3.2	 	 	Restrictions
	 	 	15	 
	 

	 	 	3.3	 	 	Delivery of Shares of Common Stock
	 	 	16	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	SECTION 5. PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAN PARTICIPATION	 	 	16	 
	 

	 	 	5.1	 	 	Plan Conditions
	 	 	16	 
	 

	 	 	5.2	 	 	Transferability and Exercisability
	 	 	18	 
	 

	 	 	5.3	 	 	Rights as a Stockholder
	 	 	19	 
	 

	 	 	5.4	 	 	Listing and Registration of Shares of Common Stock
	 	 	19	 
	 

	 	 	5.5	 	 	Change in Stock and Adjustments
	 	 	19	 
	 

	 	 	5.6	 	 	Termination of Employment, Death, Disability and Retirement
	 	 	22	 
	 

	 	 	5.7	 	 	Change in Control
	 	 	22	 
	 

	 	 	5.8	 	 	Exchange of Incentive Awards
	 	 	24	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	SECTION 6. GENERAL	 	 	25	 
	 

	 	 	6.1	 	 	Effective Date and Grant Period
	 	 	25	 
	 

	 	 	6.2	 	 	Funding and Liability of Company
	 	 	25	 
	 

	 	 	6.3	 	 	Withholding Taxes
	 	 	25	 
	 

	 	 	6.4	 	 	No Guarantee of Tax Consequences
	 	 	26	 
	 

	 	 	6.5	 	 	Designation of Beneficiary by Grantee
	 	 	26	 
	 

	 	 	6.6	 	 	Deferrals
	 	 	26	 
	 

	 	 	6.7	 	 	Amendment and Termination
	 	 	26	 
	 

	 	 	6.8	 	 	Requirements of Law
	 	 	27	 
	 

	 	 	6.9	 	 	Rule 16b-3 Securities Law Compliance and Compliance with Company Policies
	 	 	27	 

 i

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Page
	 

	 	 	6.10	 	 	Compliance with Code Section 162(m)
	 	 	28	 
	 

	 	 	6.11	 	 	Successors
	 	 	28	 
	 

	 	 	6.12	 	 	Miscellaneous Provisions
	 	 	28	 
	 

	 	 	6.13	 	 	Severability
	 	 	28	 
	 

	 	 	6.14	 	 	Gender, Tense and Headings
	 	 	29	 
	 

	 	 	6.15	 	 	Governing Law
	 	 	29	 
	 

	 	 	6.16	 	 	Code Section 409A
	 	 	29	 

 ii

 

 

SYNTHESIS ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.

2005 INCENTIVE PLAN

SECTION 1.

GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO

PLAN GOVERNANCE, COVERAGE AND BENEFITS

          WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc. authorized the establishment
of Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc. 2005 Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) originally effective November 7,
2005 and effective August 5, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized the amendment and restatement
of the Plan to increase the number of Shares authorized under the Plan, subject to shareholder
approval as provided herein;

          NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby amended and restated as follows:

	1.1	 	Purpose

          The purpose of the Plan is to foster and promote the long-term financial success of Synthesis
Energy Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) and its Subsidiaries and to increase stockholder value by: (a)
encouraging the commitment of selected key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors, (b)
motivating superior performance of key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors by means of
long-term performance related incentives, (c) encouraging and providing key Employees, Consultants
and Outside Directors with a program for obtaining ownership interests in the Company which link
and align their personal interests to those of the Company’s stockholders, (d) attracting and
retaining key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors by providing competitive incentive
compensation opportunities, and (e) enabling key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors to
Share in the long-term growth and success of the Company.

          The Plan provides for payment of various forms of incentive compensation and it is not
intended to be a plan that is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended (“ERISA”). The Plan shall be interpreted, construed and administered consistent with its
status as a plan that is not subject to ERISA.

          The Plan shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect, subject to the right
of the Board to amend or terminate the Plan at any time pursuant to Section 5.7, until all
Shares subject to the Plan have been purchased or acquired according to its provisions. However,
in no event may an Incentive Award be granted under the Plan after the expiration of ten (10) years
from November 7, 2005. Subject to the approval of stockholders, the Plan is amended and restated
effective as of August 5, 2006 (the “Effective Date”).

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	1.2	 	Definitions

          The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

     (a) Authorized Officer. The Chief Executive Officer or any other senior
officer of the Company to whom either of them delegate the authority to execute any
Incentive Agreement for and on behalf of the Company. No officer or director shall be an
Authorized Officer with respect to any Incentive Agreement for himself.

     (b) Board. The Board of Directors of the Company.

     (c) Change in Control. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Grantee’s
Incentive Agreement, any of the events described in and subject to Section 4.7.

     (d) Code. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations
and other authority promulgated thereunder by the appropriate governmental authority.
References herein to any provision of the Code shall refer to any successor provision
thereto.

     (e) Committee. A committee appointed by the Board consisting of not less than
two directors as appointed by the Board to administer the Plan. During such period that
the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, the Plan shall be administered by a committee
appointed by the Board consisting of not less than two directors who fulfill the
“non-employee director” requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, the “outside
director” requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and the “independent” requirements of
the rules of any national securities exchange or the NASDAQ, as the case may be, on which
any of the securities of the Company are traded, listed or quoted. The Committee may be
the Compensation Committee of the Board, or any subcommittee of the Compensation Committee,
provided that the members of the Committee satisfy the requirements of the previous
provisions of this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the composition of the
Board does not provide the Company the ability to establish a committee meeting the
foregoing requirements, the Plan shall be administered by the full Board.

     The Board shall have the power to fill vacancies on the Committee arising by
resignation, death, removal or otherwise. The Board, in its sole discretion, may bifurcate
the powers and duties of the Committee among one or more separate committees, or retain all
powers and duties of the Committee in a single Committee. The members of the Committee
shall serve at the discretion of the Board.

     Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs, the term “Committee” as used in the Plan with
respect to any Incentive Award for an Outside Director shall refer to the entire Board. In
the case of an Incentive Award for an Outside Director, the Board shall have all the powers
and responsibilities of the Committee hereunder as to such Incentive Award, and any actions
as to such Incentive Award may be acted upon only by the Board (unless it otherwise
designates in its discretion). When the Board exercises its authority to act in the
capacity as the Committee hereunder with respect to an Incentive Award for

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an Outside
Director, it shall so designate with respect to any action that it undertakes in its
capacity as the Committee.

     (f) Common Stock. The common stock of the Company, $0.01 par value per Share,
and any class of common stock into which such common Shares may hereafter be converted,
reclassified or recapitalized.

     (g) Company. Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc., a corporation organized under
the laws of the State of Delaware, and any successor in interest thereto.

     (h) Consultant. An independent agent, consultant, attorney, an individual who
has agreed to become an Employee within the next six (6) months, or any other individual
who is not an Outside Director or employee of the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary) and
who (i), in the opinion of the Committee, is in a position to contribute to the growth or
financial success of the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary), (ii) is a natural person
and (iii) provides bona fide services to the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary), which
services are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital raising
transaction, and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the
Company’s securities.

     (i) Covered Employee. A named executive officer who is one of the group of
covered employees, as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code and Treasury Regulation §
1.162-27(c) (or its successor), during such period that the Company is a Publicly Held
Corporation.

     (j) Employee. Any employee of the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary)
within the meaning of Section 3401(c) of the Code who, in the opinion of the Committee, is
in a position to contribute to the growth, development and financial success of the Company
(or any Parent or Subsidiary), including, without limitation, officers who are members of
the Board.

     (k) Employment. Employment by the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary), or
by any corporation issuing or assuming an Incentive Award in any transaction described in
Section 424(a) of the Code, or by a parent corporation or a subsidiary corporation of such
corporation issuing or assuming such Incentive Award, as the parent-subsidiary relationship
shall be determined at the time of the corporate action described in Section 424(a) of the
Code. In this regard, neither the transfer of a Grantee from Employment by the Company to
Employment by any Parent or Subsidiary, nor the transfer of a Grantee from Employment by
any Parent or Subsidiary to Employment by the Company, shall be deemed to be a termination
of Employment of the Grantee. Moreover, the Employment of a Grantee shall not be deemed to
have been terminated because of an approved leave of absence from active Employment on
account of temporary illness, authorized vacation or granted for reasons of professional
advancement, education, health, or government service, or military leave, or during any
period required to be treated as a leave of absence by virtue of any applicable statute,
Company personnel policy or agreement. Whether an authorized leave of absence shall

3

 

constitute termination of Employment hereunder shall be determined by the Committee in its
discretion.

     Unless otherwise provided in the Incentive Agreement, the term “Employment” for
purposes of the Plan is also defined to include (i) compensatory or advisory services
performed by a Consultant for the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary) and (ii) membership
on the Board by an Outside Director.

     (l) Exchange Act. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     (m) Fair Market Value. Except as set forth below, the Fair Market Value of
one Share of Common Stock on the date in question is deemed to be (i) the closing price of
a Share of Common Stock as reported on the consolidated reporting system for the securities
exchange(s) on which Shares are then listed or admitted to trading (as reported in the Wall
Street Journal or other reputable source), or (ii) if not so reported, the closing price
for a Share as quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”), or (iii) if not quoted
on NASDAQ, the closing price for a Share as quoted by the National Quotation Bureau’s “Pink
Sheets” or the National Association of Securities Dealers’ OTC Bulletin Board System or any
other method permitted by Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder or as required
by other applicable law or regulation as determined by the Committee. If there was no
public trade of Common Stock on the date in question, Fair Market Value shall be determined
by reference to the last preceding date on which such a trade was so reported or any other
method permitted by Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder.

     If the Company is not a Publicly Held Corporation at the time a determination of the
Fair Market Value of the Common Stock is required to be made hereunder, the determination of
Fair Market Value for purposes of the Plan shall be made by the Committee in its discretion
exercised in good faith and consistent with Code Section 409A as it shall determine. In
this respect, the Committee may rely on such financial data, valuations, experts, and other
sources, in its discretion, as it deems advisable under the circumstances.

     (n) Grantee. Any Employee, Consultant or Outside Director who is granted an
Incentive Award under the Plan.

     (o) Immediate Family. With respect to a Grantee, the Grantee’s spouse,
children or grandchildren (including legally adopted and step children and grandchildren).

     (p) Incentive Agreement. The written agreement entered into between the
Company and the Grantee setting forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which an
Incentive Award is granted under the Plan, as such agreement is further defined in
Section 5.1(a).

     (q) Incentive Award. A grant of an award under the Plan to a Grantee,
including any Nonqualified Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, Reload Option, Restricted
Stock Award, Other Stock-Based Award or Performance Award.

4

 

     (r) Incentive Stock Option or ISO. A Stock Option granted by the Committee to
an Employee under Section 2 which is designated by the Committee as an Incentive
Stock Option and intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the
Code.

     (s) Insider. An individual who is, on the relevant date, an officer, director
or ten percent (10%) beneficial owner of any class of the Company’s equity securities that
is registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, all as defined under Section 16
of the Exchange Act.

     (t) Nonqualified Stock Option. A Stock Option granted by the Committee to a
Grantee under Section 2 that is not designated by the Committee as an Incentive
Stock Option.

     (u) Option Price. The exercise price at which a Share may be purchased by the
Grantee of a Stock Option.

     (v) Outside Director. A member of the Board who is not, at the time of grant
of an Incentive Award, an employee of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary within the
meaning of 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and who is certified by the Board as an independent
director; provided, however, that a person who is a control person or director of an entity
that is the beneficial owner of 25% or more of outstanding Shares of the Company shall not
be deemed to be a “non-employee” director.

     (w) Parent. Any corporation (whether now or hereafter existing) which
constitutes a “parent” of the Company, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

     (x) Plan. The Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc. 2005 Incentive Plan as set forth
herein and as it may be amended from time to time.

     (y) Publicly Held Corporation. A corporation issuing any class of common
equity securities required to be registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

     (z) Restricted Stock. Shares of Common Stock issued or transferred to a
Grantee pursuant to Section 3.

     (aa) Restricted Stock Award. An authorization by the Committee to issue or
transfer Restricted Stock to a Grantee.

     (bb) Restriction Period. The period of time determined by the Committee and
set forth in the Incentive Agreement during which the transfer of Restricted Stock by the
Grantee is restricted.

     (cc) Share. A Share of the Common Stock.

     (dd) Share Pool. The number of Shares authorized for issuance under
Section 1.4, as adjusted for awards and payouts under Section 1.5 and as
adjusted for changes in corporate capitalization under Section 4.5.

5

 

     (ee) Stock Option or Option. Pursuant to Section 2, (i) an Incentive
Stock Option granted to an Employee or (ii) a Nonqualified Stock Option granted to an
Employee, Consultant or Outside Director, where under such stock option the Grantee has the
right to purchase Shares of Common Stock. In accordance with Section 422 of the Code, only
an Employee may be granted an Incentive Stock Option.

     (ff) Subsidiary. Any corporation (whether now or hereafter existing) which
constitutes a “subsidiary” of the Company, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

     (gg) Supplemental Payment. Any amount, as described in Sections 3.4 or 4.3,
that is dedicated to payment of income taxes which are payable by the Grantee resulting
from an Incentive Award.

	1.3	 	Plan Administration

     (a) Authority of the Committee. Except as may be limited by law and subject
to the provisions herein, the Committee shall have full power to (i) select Grantees who
shall participate in the Plan; (ii) determine the sizes, duration and types of Incentive
Awards; (iii) determine the terms and conditions of Incentive Awards and Incentive
Agreements; (iv) determine whether any Shares subject to Incentive Awards will be subject
to any restrictions on transfer; (v) construe and interpret the Plan and any Incentive
Agreement or other agreement entered into under the Plan; and (vi) establish, amend, or
waive rules for the Plan’s administration. Further, the Committee shall make all other
determinations which may be necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan
including, without limitation, correcting any defect, supplying any omission or reconciling
any inconsistency in the Plan or any Incentive Agreement. The determinations of the
Committee shall be final and binding.

     (b) Meetings. The Committee shall designate a chairman from among its members
who shall preside at all of its meetings, and shall designate a secretary, without regard
to whether that person is a member of the Committee, who shall keep the minutes of the
proceedings and all records, documents, and data pertaining to its administration of the
Plan. Meetings shall be held at such times and places as shall be determined by the
Committee and the Committee may hold telephonic meetings. The Committee may take any
action otherwise proper under the Plan by the affirmative vote, taken with or without a
meeting, of a majority of its members. The Committee may authorize any one or more of
their members or any officer of the Company to execute and deliver documents on behalf of
the Committee.

     (c) Decisions Binding. All determinations and decisions made by the Committee
shall be made in its discretion pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, and shall be final,
conclusive and binding on all persons including the Company, its stockholders, Employees,
Grantees, and their estates and beneficiaries. The Committee’s decisions and
determinations with respect to any Incentive Award need not be uniform and may be made
selectively among Incentive Awards and Grantees, whether or not such Incentive Awards are
similar or such Grantees are similarly situated.

6

 

     (d) Modification of Outstanding Incentive Awards. Subject to the stockholder
approval requirements of Section 5.7 if applicable, the Committee may, in its
discretion, provide for the extension of the exercisability of an Incentive Award,
accelerate the vesting or exercisability of an Incentive Award, eliminate or make less
restrictive any restrictions contained in an Incentive Award, waive any restriction or
other provisions of an Incentive Award, or otherwise amend or modify an Incentive Award in
any manner (including the repricing of an Incentive Award) that is either (i) not adverse
to the Grantee to whom such Incentive Award was granted or (ii) consented to by such
Grantee. With respect to an Incentive Award that is an incentive stock option (as
described in Section 422 of the Code), no adjustment to such option shall be made to the
extent constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) unless
otherwise agreed to by the Grantee in writing, and with respect to any Stock Option no
adjustment will be made if it constitutes a modification or results in deferred
compensation under Code Section 409A unless otherwise agreed to by the Grantee in writing.

     (e) Delegation of Authority. The Committee may delegate to designated
officers or other employees of the Company any of its duties under this Plan pursuant to
such conditions or limitations as the Committee may establish from time to time; provided,
however, while the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, the Committee may not delegate
to any person the authority to (i) grant Incentive Awards, or (ii) take any action which
would contravene the requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or the
Performance-Based Exception under Section 162(m) of the Code.

     (f) Expenses of Committee. The Committee may employ legal counsel, including,
without limitation, independent legal counsel and counsel regularly employed by the
Company, and other agents as the Committee may deem appropriate for the administration of
the Plan. The Committee may rely upon any opinion or computation received from any such
counsel or agent. All expenses incurred by the Committee in interpreting and administering
the Plan, including, without limitation, meeting expenses and professional fees, shall be
paid by the Company.

     (g) Surrender of Previous Incentive Awards. The Committee may, in its
absolute discretion, grant Incentive Awards to Grantees on the condition that such Grantees
surrender to the Committee for cancellation such other Incentive Awards (including, without
limitation, Incentive Awards with higher exercise prices) as the Committee directs.
Incentive Awards granted on the condition precedent of surrender of outstanding Incentive
Awards shall not count against the limits set forth in Section 1.4 until such time
as such previous Incentive Awards are surrendered and canceled.

     (h) INDEMNIFICATION. EACH PERSON WHO IS OR WAS A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE, OR
OF THE BOARD, SHALL BE INDEMNIFIED BY THE COMPANY AGAINST AND FROM ANY DAMAGE, LOSS,
LIABILITY, COST AND EXPENSE THAT MAY BE IMPOSED UPON OR REASONABLY INCURRED BY HIM IN
CONNECTION WITH OR RESULTING FROM ANY CLAIM, ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING TO WHICH HE MAY BE
A PARTY OR IN WHICH HE

7

 

MAY BE INVOLVED BY REASON OF ANY ACTION TAKEN OR FAILURE TO ACT
UNDER THE PLAN (INCLUDING SUCH INDEMNIFICATION FOR A PERSON’S OWN, SOLE, CONCURRENT OR
JOINT NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY), EXCEPT FOR ANY SUCH ACT OR OMISSION CONSTITUTING
WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE. SUCH PERSON SHALL BE INDEMNIFIED BY THE COMPANY
FOR ALL AMOUNTS PAID BY HIM IN SETTLEMENT THEREOF, WITH THE COMPANY’S APPROVAL, OR PAID BY
HIM IN SATISFACTION OF ANY JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING AGAINST HIM,
PROVIDED HE SHALL GIVE THE COMPANY AN OPPORTUNITY, AT ITS OWN EXPENSE, TO HANDLE AND DEFEND
THE SAME BEFORE HE UNDERTAKES TO HANDLE AND DEFEND IT ON HIS OWN BEHALF. THE FOREGOING
RIGHT OF INDEMNIFICATION SHALL NOT BE EXCLUSIVE OF ANY OTHER RIGHTS OF INDEMNIFICATION TO
WHICH SUCH PERSONS MAY BE ENTITLED UNDER THE COMPANY’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OR BYLAWS,
AS A MATTER OF LAW, OR OTHERWISE, OR ANY POWER THAT THE COMPANY MAY HAVE TO INDEMNIFY THEM
OR HOLD THEM HARMLESS.

	1.4	 	Shares of Common Stock Available for Incentive Awards

          Subject to adjustment under Section 4.5, there shall be available for Incentive Awards
that are granted wholly or partly in Common Stock (including rights or Options that may be
exercised for or settled in Common Stock) of six (6) million Shares. The total number of Shares
reserved for issuance under the Plan (pursuant to the previous sentence) that shall be available
for Incentive Stock Options shall be six (6) million. The number of Shares of Common Stock that
are the subject of Incentive Awards under this Plan, that are forfeited or terminated, expire
unexercised, withheld for tax withholding requirements, are settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock
or in a manner such that all or some of the Shares covered by an Incentive Award are not issued to
a Grantee or are exchanged for Incentive Awards that do not involve Common Stock, shall again
immediately become available for Incentive Awards hereunder. The Committee may from time to time
adopt and observe such procedures concerning the counting of Shares against the Plan maximum as it
may deem appropriate. The Board and the appropriate officers of the Company shall from time to
time take whatever actions are necessary to file any required documents with governmental
authorities, stock exchanges and transaction reporting systems to ensure that Shares are available
for issuance pursuant to Incentive Awards.

          During any period that the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, the following rules shall
apply to grants of Incentive Awards to Employees:

     (a) Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.5, the maximum aggregate
number of Shares of Common Stock (including Stock Options, SARs, Restricted Stock,
Performance Units and Performance Shares paid out in Shares, or Other Stock-Based Awards
paid out in Shares) that may be granted or that may vest, as applicable, in any calendar
year pursuant to any Incentive Award held by any individual Employee shall be five million
(5,000,000).

8

 

     (b) The maximum aggregate cash payout (including SARs, Performance Units and
Performance Shares paid out in cash, or Other Stock-Based Awards paid out in cash) with
respect to Incentive Awards granted in any calendar year which may be made to any
individual Employee shall be five million dollars ($5,000,000).

     (c) With respect to any Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted to an
Employee that is canceled or repriced, the number of Shares subject to such Stock Option or
stock appreciation right shall continue to count against the maximum number of Shares that
may be the subject of Stock Options or stock appreciation rights granted to such Employee
hereunder to the extent such is required in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code.

     (d) The limitations of subsections (a), (b) and (c) above
shall be construed and administered so as to comply with the Performance-Based Exception.

	1.5	 	Share Pool Adjustments for Awards and Payouts.

          The following Incentive Awards and payouts shall reduce, on a one Share for one Share basis,
the number of Shares authorized for issuance under the Share Pool:

     (a) Stock Options;

     (b) Restricted Stock Awards; and

     (c) A payout of an Other Stock-Based Award or Performance Awards in Shares.

          The following transactions shall restore, on a one Share for one Share basis, the number of
Shares authorized for issuance under the Share Pool:

          (a) A payout of an Other Stock-Based Award or Performance Awards in the form of cash;

          (b) A cancellation, termination, expiration, forfeiture, or lapse for any reason of any
Shares subject to an Incentive Award; and

          (c) Payment of an Option Price or Restricted Stock purchase price as provided in the
Incentive Agreement or as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion
with previously acquired Shares or by withholding Shares that otherwise would be acquired on
exercise or grant (i.e., the Share Pool shall be increased by the number of Shares turned in
or withheld as payment of the Option Price or Restricted Stock purchase price).

	1.6	 	Common Stock Available.

          The Common Stock available for issuance or transfer under the Plan shall be made available
from Shares now or hereafter (a) held in the treasury of the Company, (b) authorized but unissued
Shares, or (c) Shares to be purchased or acquired by the Company. No fractional Shares shall be
issued under the Plan; payment for fractional Shares shall be made in cash.

9

 

	1.7	 	Participation

     (a) Eligibility. Under the Plan, Incentive Awards may be granted as
determined by the Committee to a Grantee. The Committee shall from time to time designate
those Employees, Consultants and/or Outside Directors, if any, to be granted Incentive
Awards under the Plan, the type of Incentive Awards granted, the number of Shares or Stock
Options, as the case may be, which shall be granted to each such person, and any other
terms or conditions relating to the Incentive Awards as it may deem appropriate to the
extent not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan. A Grantee who has been granted an
Incentive Award may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional Incentive Awards at any
time.

     (b) Incentive Stock Option Eligibility. No Consultant or Outside Director
shall be eligible for the grant of any Incentive Stock Option. In addition, no Employee
shall be eligible for the grant of any Incentive Stock Option who owns or would own
immediately before the grant of such Incentive Stock Option, directly or indirectly, stock
possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company, or any Parent or Subsidiary. This restriction does not apply if, at
the time such Incentive Stock Option is granted, the Option Price with respect to the
Incentive Stock Option is at least one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market
Value on the date of grant and the Incentive Stock Option by its terms is not exercisable
after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant. For the purpose of the
immediately preceding sentence, the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code shall
apply for the purpose of determining an Employee’s percentage ownership in the Company or
any Parent or Subsidiary. This paragraph shall be construed consistent with the
requirements of Section 422 of the Code.

	1.8	 	Types of Incentive Awards

          The types of Incentive Awards that may be granted under the Plan are Stock Options as
described in Section 2, Restricted Stock as described in Section 3 or any
combination of the foregoing.

	1.9	 	Other Compensation Programs

          The existence and terms of the Plan shall not limit the authority of the Board or Company or
any Company affiliate in compensating directors, Outside Directors, Employees or Consultants of the
Company, in such other forms and amounts, including compensation pursuant to any other plans or
programs (including but not limited to bonus programs) as may be currently in effect or adopted in
the future, as it may determine from time to time.

	1.10	 	Repricing

          In connection with any Incentive Award, the Committee shall have the authority to reprice such
award. “Repricing” may include, as determined by the Committee, but not be limited to, any of the
following or any other action that has the same effect:

     (a) lowering the strike price of a Stock Option after it is granted.

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     (b) any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted
accounting principles, or

     (c) canceling a Stock Option at a time when its exercise price exceeds the Fair Market
Value of the underlying stock, in exchange for another stock option, Restricted Stock, or
other equity, unless the cancellation and exchange occurs in connection with a merger,
acquisition, spin-off or other similar corporate transaction.

SECTION 2.

STOCK OPTIONS

	2.1	 	Grant of Stock Options

          The Committee is authorized to grant (a) Nonqualified Stock Options to Employees, Consultants
and/or Outside Directors and (b) Incentive Stock Options to Employees only, in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Plan, and with such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent
with the Plan, as the Committee shall determine in its discretion. Successive grants may be made
to the same Grantee whether or not any Stock Option previously granted to such person remains
unexercised.

	2.2	 	Stock Option Terms

     (a) Written Agreement. Each grant of a Stock Option shall be evidenced by a
written Incentive Agreement. Among its other provisions, each Incentive Agreement shall
set forth the extent to which the Grantee shall have the right to exercise the Stock Option
following termination of the Grantee’s Employment. Such provisions shall be determined in
the discretion of the Committee, shall be included in the Grantee’s Incentive Agreement and
need not be uniform among all Stock Options issued pursuant to the Plan.

     (b) Number of Shares. Each Stock Option shall specify the number of Shares of
Common Stock to which it pertains.

     (c) Exercise Price. The Option Price with respect to each Stock Option shall
be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock
Option, the Option Price shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date the Incentive Stock Option is granted (110% for 10% or
greater stockholders pursuant to Section 1.7(b)). To the extent that the Company
is a Publicly Held Corporation and the Stock Option is intended to qualify for the
Performance-Based Exception, or to the extent the Stock Option is intended to be exempt
from Code Section 409A, the Option Price shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%)
of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date the Stock Option is granted. Each Stock
Option shall specify the method of exercise which shall be consistent with the requirements
of Section 2.3(a).

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     (d) Term. In the Incentive Agreement, the Committee shall fix the term of
each Stock Option (which shall be not more than five (5) years from the date of grant). In
the event no term is fixed, such term shall be five (5) years from the date of grant.

     (e) Exercise. The Committee shall determine the time or times at which a
Stock Option may be exercised in whole or in part. Each Stock Option may specify the
required period of continuous Employment and/or the performance objectives to be achieved
before the Stock Option or portion thereof will become exercisable. Each Stock Option, the
exercise of which, or the timing of the exercise of which, is dependent, in whole or in
part, on the achievement of designated performance objectives, may specify a minimum level
of achievement in respect of the specified performance objectives below which no Stock
Options will be exercisable and a method for determining the number of Stock Options that
will be exercisable if performance is at or above such minimum but short of full
achievement of the performance objectives. All such terms and conditions shall be set
forth in the Incentive Agreement.

     (f) $100,000 Annual Limit on Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding any
contrary provision in the Plan, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value
(determined as of the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted) of the Shares of Common
Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by
any Grantee during any single calendar year (under the Plan and any other stock option
plans of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Parent) exceeds the sum of $100,000, such
Incentive Stock Option shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option to the extent in
excess of the $100,000 limit, and not an Incentive Stock Option, but all other terms and
provisions of such Stock Option shall remain unchanged. This paragraph shall be applied by
taking Incentive Stock Options into account in the order in which they were granted and
shall be construed in accordance with Section 422(d) of the Code. In the absence of such
regulations or other authority, or if such regulations or other authority require or permit
a designation of the Options which shall cease to constitute Incentive Stock Options, then
such Incentive Stock Options, only to the extent of such excess, shall automatically be
deemed to be Nonqualified Stock Options but all other terms and conditions of such
Incentive Stock Options, and the corresponding Incentive Agreement, shall remain unchanged.

	2.3	 	Stock Option Exercises

     (a) Method of Exercise and Payment. Stock Options shall be exercised by the
delivery of a signed written notice of exercise to the Company as of a date set by the
Company in advance of the effective date of the proposed exercise. The notice shall set
forth the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is to be exercised, accompanied
by full payment for the Shares.

     The Option Price upon exercise of any Stock Option shall be payable to the Company in
full either: (i) in cash, or (ii) subject to prior approval by the Committee in its
discretion, by withholding Shares which otherwise would be acquired on exercise having an
aggregate Fair Market Value at the time of exercise equal to the total Option

12

 

Price, or (iv)
subject to prior approval by the Committee in its discretion, by a combination of (i), and
(ii) above.

     The Committee, in its discretion, also may allow the Option Price to be paid with such
other consideration as shall constitute lawful consideration for the issuance of Shares
(including, without limitation, effecting a “cashless exercise” with a broker of the
Option), subject to applicable securities law restrictions and tax withholdings, or by any
other means which the Committee determines to be consistent with the Plan’s purpose and
applicable law. A “cashless exercise” of an Option is a procedure by which a broker
provides the funds to the Grantee to effect an Option exercise, to the extent consented to
by the Committee in its discretion. At the direction of the Grantee, the broker will either
(i) sell all of the Shares received when the Option is exercised and pay the Grantee the
proceeds of the sale (minus the Option Price, withholding taxes and any fees due to the
broker) or (ii) sell enough of the Shares received upon exercise of the Option to cover the
Option Price, withholding taxes and any fees due the broker and deliver to the Grantee
(either directly or through the Company) a stock certificate for the remaining Shares.
Dispositions to a broker effecting a cashless exercise are not exempt under Section 16 of
the Exchange Act (if the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation). In no event will the
Committee allow the Option Price to be paid with a form of consideration, including, but not
limited to, a loan to employee if such form of consideration would violate the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as determined by the Committee in its discretion.

     The Committee, in its discretion, may also allow an Option to be exercised by a
broker-dealer acting on behalf of the Grantee if (i) the broker-dealer has received from the
Grantee a duly endorsed Incentive Agreement evidencing such Option and instructions signed
by the Grantee requesting the Company to deliver the shares of Common Stock subject to such
Option to the broker-dealer on behalf of the Grantee and specifying the account into which
such shares should be deposited, (ii) adequate provision has been made with respect to the
payment of any withholding taxes due upon such exercise, and (iii) the broker-dealer and the
Grantee have otherwise complied with Section 220.3(e)(4) of Regulation T, 12 CFR Part 220
(or its successor).

     As soon as practicable after receipt of a written notification of exercise and full
payment, the Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to or on behalf of the
Grantee, in the name of the Grantee or other appropriate recipient, Share certificates for
the number of Shares purchased under the Stock Option. Such delivery shall be effected for
all purposes when the Company or a stock transfer agent of the Company shall have deposited
such certificates in the United States mail, addressed to Grantee or other appropriate
recipient.

     Subject to Section 4.2, during the lifetime of a Grantee, each Option granted
to him shall be exercisable only by the Grantee (or his legal guardian in the event of his
disability as determined by the Committee or as defined in the Incentive Agreement) or by a
broker-dealer acting on his behalf pursuant to a cashless exercise under the foregoing
provisions of this Section 2.3(a).

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     (b) Restrictions on Share Transferability. The Committee may impose such
restrictions on any grant of Stock Options or on any Shares acquired pursuant to the
exercise of a Stock Option as it may deem advisable, including, without limitation,
restrictions under (i) any buy/sell agreement or right of first refusal, non-competition,
and any other agreement between the Company and any of its securities holders or employees,
(ii) any applicable federal securities laws, (iii) the requirements of any stock exchange
or market upon which such Shares are then listed and/or traded, or (iv) any blue sky or
state securities law applicable to such Shares. Any certificate issued to evidence Shares
issued upon the exercise of an Incentive Award may bear such legends and statements as the
Committee shall deem advisable to assure compliance with federal and state laws and
regulations.

     Any Grantee or other person exercising an Incentive Award may be required by the
Committee to give a written representation that the Incentive Award and the Shares subject
to the Incentive Award will be acquired for investment and not with a view to public
distribution; provided, however, that the Committee, in its sole discretion, may release any
person receiving an Incentive Award from any such representations either prior to or
subsequent to the exercise of the Incentive Award.

     Notification of Disqualifying Disposition of Shares from Incentive Stock Options.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, a Grantee who disposes of Shares of Common
Stock acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option by a sale or exchange either
(i) within two (2) years after the date of the grant of the Incentive Stock Option under
which the Shares were acquired or (ii) within one (1) year after the transfer of such Shares
to him pursuant to exercise, shall promptly notify the Company of such disposition, the
amount realized and his adjusted basis in such Shares.

SECTION 3.

RESTRICTED STOCK

	3.1	 	Award of Restricted Stock

     (a) Grant. In consideration of the performance of Employment by any Grantee
who is an Employee, Consultant or Outside Director, Shares of Restricted Stock may be
awarded under the Plan by the Committee with such restrictions during the Restriction
Period as the Committee may designate in its discretion, any of which restrictions may
differ with respect to each particular Grantee. Restricted Stock shall be awarded for no
additional consideration or such additional consideration as the Committee may determine,
which consideration may be less than, equal to or more than the Fair Market Value of the
Shares of Restricted Stock on the grant date. The terms and conditions of each grant of
Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by an Incentive Agreement.

     (b) Immediate Transfer Without Immediate Delivery of Restricted Stock. Unless
otherwise specified in the Grantee’s Incentive Agreement, each Restricted Stock Award shall
constitute an immediate transfer of the record and beneficial ownership of

14

 

the Shares of
Restricted Stock to the Grantee in consideration of the performance of services as an
Employee, Consultant or Outside Director, as applicable, entitling such Grantee to all
voting and other ownership rights in such Shares.

     As specified in the Incentive Agreement, a Restricted Stock Award may limit the
Grantee’s dividend rights during the Restriction Period in which the Shares of Restricted
Stock are subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” (within the meaning given to such
term under Code Section 83) and restrictions on transfer. In the Incentive Agreement, the
Committee may apply any restrictions to the dividends that the Committee deems appropriate.
Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, if the grant or vesting of Shares
of Restricted Stock granted to a Covered Employee, if applicable, is designed to comply with
the requirements of the Performance-Based Exception, the Committee may apply any
restrictions it deems appropriate to the payment of dividends declared with respect to such
Shares of Restricted Stock, such that the dividends and/or the Shares of Restricted Stock
maintain eligibility for the Performance-Based Exception. In the event that any dividend
constitutes a derivative security or an equity security pursuant to the rules under Section
16 of the Exchange Act, if applicable, such dividend shall be subject to a vesting period
equal to the remaining vesting period of the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to
which the dividend is paid.

     Shares awarded pursuant to a grant of Restricted Stock may be (i) issued in the name of
the Grantee and held, together with a stock power endorsed in blank, by the Committee or
Company (or their delegates) or in trust or in escrow pursuant to an agreement satisfactory
to the Committee or (ii) issued in “book entry” form or other means of evidencing
uncertificated Shares, as determined by the Committee, until such time as the restrictions
on transfer have expired. All such terms and conditions shall be set forth in the
particular Grantee’s Incentive Agreement. The Company or Committee (or their delegates)
shall issue to the Grantee a receipt evidencing the certificates held by it which are
registered in the name of the Grantee.

	3.2	 	Restrictions

     (a) Forfeiture of Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock awarded to a Grantee may
be subject to the following restrictions until the expiration of the Restriction Period:
(i) a restriction that constitutes a “substantial risk of forfeiture” (as defined in Code
Section 83), or a restriction on transferability; (ii) unless otherwise specified by the
Committee in the Incentive Agreement, the Restricted Stock that is subject to restrictions
which are not satisfied shall be forfeited and all rights of the Grantee to such Shares
shall terminate; and (iii) any other restrictions that the Committee determines in advance
are appropriate, including, without limitation, rights of repurchase or first refusal in
the Company or provisions subjecting the Restricted Stock to a continuing substantial risk
of forfeiture in the hands of any transferee. Any such restrictions shall be set forth in
the particular Grantee’s Incentive Agreement.

     (b) Issuance of Certificates. Reasonably promptly after the date of grant
with respect to Shares of Restricted Stock, the Company shall cause to be issued a stock
certificate, registered in the name of the Grantee to whom such Shares of Restricted

15

 

Stock were granted, evidencing such Shares; provided, however, that the Company shall not cause
to be issued such a stock certificate unless it has received a stock power duly endorsed in
blank with respect to such Shares; provided, further, in lieu of issuing such a stock
certificate, the Committee may arrange to make “book entries” or other means of evidencing
uncertificated Shares of Restricted Stock. Each such stock certificate shall bear the
following legend or any other legend approved by the Company:

The transferability of this certificate and the shares of stock
represented hereby are subject to the restrictions, terms and
conditions (including forfeiture and restrictions against transfer)
contained in the Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc. 2005 Incentive Plan
and an Incentive Agreement entered into between the registered owner
of such shares and Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc. A copy of the
Plan and Incentive Agreement are on file in the corporate offices of
Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc.

Such legend shall not be removed from the certificate evidencing such Shares of Restricted
Stock until such Shares vest pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Agreement.

     (c) Removal of Restrictions. The Committee, in its discretion, shall have the
authority to remove any or all of the restrictions on the Restricted Stock if it determines
that, by reason of a change in applicable law or another change in circumstance arising
after the grant date of the Restricted Stock, such action is appropriate.

	3.3	 	Delivery of Shares of Common Stock

          Subject to withholding taxes under Section 5.3 and to the terms of the Incentive
Agreement, a stock certificate evidencing the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which the
restrictions in the Incentive Agreement have been satisfied shall be delivered to the Grantee or
other appropriate recipient free of restrictions. Such delivery shall be effected for all purposes
when the Company shall have deposited such certificate in the United States mail, addressed to the
Grantee or other appropriate recipient.

SECTION 4.

PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAN PARTICIPATION

	4.1	 	Plan Conditions

     (a) Incentive Agreement. Each Grantee to whom an Incentive Award is granted
shall be required to enter into an Incentive Agreement with the Company, in such a form as
is provided by the Committee. The Incentive Agreement shall contain specific terms as
determined by the Committee, in its discretion, with respect to the Grantee’s particular
Incentive Award. Such terms need not be uniform among all Grantees or any similarly
situated Grantees. The Incentive Agreement may include, without limitation, vesting,
forfeiture and other provisions particular to the particular

16

 

Grantee’s Incentive Award, as
well as, for example, provisions to the effect that the Grantee (i) shall not disclose any
confidential information acquired during Employment with the Company, (ii) shall abide by
all the terms and conditions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as may be
imposed by the Committee, (iii) shall not interfere with the employment or other service of
any employee, (iv) shall not compete with the Company or become involved in a conflict of
interest with the interests of the Company, (v) shall forfeit an Incentive Award if
terminated for cause as determined by the Committee or as defined in the Incentive
Agreement, (vi) shall not be permitted to make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code
when applicable, and (vii) shall be subject to any other agreement between the Grantee and
the Company regarding Shares that may be acquired under an Incentive Award including,
without limitation, an agreement restricting the transferability of Shares by Grantee. An
Incentive Agreement shall include such terms and conditions as are determined by the
Committee, in its discretion, to be appropriate with respect to any individual Grantee.
The Incentive Agreement shall be signed by the Grantee to whom the Incentive Award is made
and by an Authorized Officer.

     (b) No Right to Employment. Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed
pursuant to the Plan shall create any Employment rights (including without limitation,
rights to continued Employment) in any Grantee or affect the right of the Company to
terminate the Employment of any Grantee at any time without regard to the existence of the
Plan.

     (c) Securities Requirements. The Company shall be under no obligation to
effect the registration pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 of any Shares of Common
Stock to be issued hereunder or to effect similar compliance under any state laws.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated to
cause to be issued or delivered any certificates evidencing Shares pursuant to the Plan
unless and until the Company is advised by its counsel that the issuance and delivery of
such certificates is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental
authorities, and the requirements of any securities exchange on which Shares are traded.
The Committee may require, as a condition of the issuance and delivery of certificates
evidencing Shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms hereof, that the recipient of such
Shares make such covenants, agreements and representations, and that such certificates bear
such legends, as the Committee, in its discretion, deems necessary or desirable.

     If the Shares issuable on exercise of an Incentive Award are not registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, the Company may imprint on the certificate for such Shares the
following legend or any other legend which counsel for the Company considers necessary or
advisable to comply with the Securities Act of 1933:

THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE
AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED EXCEPT UPON SUCH REGISTRATION OR UPON
RECEIPT BY THE CORPORATION OF

17

 

AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE
CORPORATION, IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION, THAT
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR SUCH SALE OR TRANSFER.

	4.2	 	Transferability and Exercisability

     Incentive Awards granted under the Plan shall not be transferable or assignable other
than: (a) by will or the laws of descent and distribution or (b) pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order (as defined by Section 414(p) of the Code (“QDRO”); provided,
however, that an ISO may only be transferred pursuant to a QDRO if the Incentive Agreement
expressly permits such transfer and provided further that only with respect to Incentive
Awards of Nonqualified Stock Options, the Committee may, in its discretion, authorize all or
a portion of the Nonqualified Stock Options to be granted on terms which permit transfer by
the Grantee to (i) the members of the Grantee’s Immediate Family, (ii) a trust or trusts for
the exclusive benefit of such Immediate Family, or (iii) a partnership in which such members
of such Immediate Family are the only partners, provided that (A) there may be no
consideration for any such transfer, (B) the Incentive Agreement pursuant to which such
Nonqualified Stock Options are granted must be approved by the Committee, and must expressly
provide for transferability in a manner consistent with this Section 4.2, and (C)
subsequent transfers of transferred Options shall be prohibited except in accordance with
clauses (a) and (b) (above) of this sentence. Following any permitted transfer, any
Incentive Award shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were
applicable immediately prior to transfer, provided that the term “Grantee” shall be deemed
to refer to the transferee. The termination of employment events of Section 4.6 and
in the Incentive Agreement shall continue to be applied with respect to the original
Grantee, and the Incentive Award shall be exercisable by the transferee only to the extent,
and for the periods, specified in the Incentive Agreement.

     Except as may otherwise be permitted under the Code, in the event of a permitted
transfer of a Nonqualified Stock Option hereunder, the original Grantee shall remain subject
to withholding taxes upon exercise. In addition, the Company shall have no obligation to
provide any notices to a transferee including, for example, of the termination of an
Incentive Award following the original Grantee’s termination of employment.

     In the event that a Grantee terminates employment with the Company to assume a position
with a governmental, charitable, educational or other nonprofit institution, the Committee
may, in its discretion, subsequently authorize a third party, including but not limited to a
“blind” trust, to act on behalf of and for the benefit of such Grantee regarding any
outstanding Incentive Awards held by the Grantee subsequent to such termination of
employment. If so permitted by the Committee, a Grantee may designate a beneficiary or
beneficiaries to exercise the rights of the Grantee and receive any distribution under the
Plan upon the death of the Grantee.

18

 

     No transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution shall be effective to
bind the Company unless the Committee has been furnished with a copy of the deceased
Grantee’s enforceable will or such other evidence as the Committee deems necessary to
establish the validity of the transfer. Any attempted transfer in violation of this
Section 4.2 shall be void and ineffective. All determinations under this
Section 4.2 shall be made by the Committee in its discretion.

	4.3	 	Rights as a Stockholder

     (a) No Stockholder Rights. Except as otherwise provided in Section
3.1(b) for grants of Restricted Stock, a Grantee of an Incentive Award (or a permitted
transferee of such Grantee) shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any
Shares of Common Stock until the issuance of a stock certificate for such Shares.

     (b) Representation of Ownership. In the case of the exercise of an Incentive
Award by a person or estate acquiring the right to exercise such Incentive Award by reason
of the death or disability of a Grantee, the Committee may require reasonable evidence as
to the ownership of such Incentive Award or the authority of such person and may require
such consents and releases of taxing authorities as the Committee may deem advisable.

	4.4	 	Listing and Registration of Shares of Common Stock

          The exercise of any Incentive Award granted hereunder shall only be effective at such time as
counsel to the Company shall have determined that the issuance and delivery of Shares of Common
Stock pursuant to such exercise is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of
governmental authorities and the requirements of any securities exchange on which Shares of Common
Stock are traded. The Committee may, in its discretion, defer the effectiveness of any exercise of
an Incentive Award in order to allow the issuance of Shares of Common Stock to be made pursuant to
a registration statement, or an exemption from registration, or other methods for compliance
available under federal or state securities laws. The Committee shall inform the Grantee in
writing of its decision to defer the effectiveness of the exercise of an Incentive Award. During
the period that the effectiveness of the exercise of an Incentive Award has been deferred, the
Grantee may, by written notice to the Committee, withdraw such exercise and obtain the refund of
any amount paid with respect thereto.

	4.5	 	Change in Stock and Adjustments

     (a) Changes in Law or Circumstances. Subject to Section 4.7 (which
only applies in the event of a Change in Control), in the event of any change in applicable
law or any change in circumstances which results in or would result in any dilution of the
rights granted under the Plan, or which otherwise warrants an equitable adjustment because
it interferes with the intended operation of the Plan, then, if the Committee should so
determine, in its absolute discretion, that such change equitably requires an adjustment in
the number or kind of Shares of stock or other securities or property theretofore subject,
or which may become subject, to issuance or transfer under the Plan or in the terms and
conditions of outstanding Incentive Awards, such adjustment shall

19

 

be made in accordance
with such determination. Such adjustments may include changes with respect to (i) the
aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan, (ii) the number of Shares
subject to Incentive Awards, and (iii) the Option Price or other price per Share for
outstanding Incentive Awards. Any adjustment under this paragraph of an outstanding
Incentive Stock Option shall be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification”
within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code or with respect to a Stock Option to
the extent not constituting a modification or deferred compensation under Code Section 409A
and the regulations thereunder unless otherwise agreed to by the Grantee in writing. The
Committee shall give notice to each applicable Grantee of such adjustment which shall be
effective and binding.

     (b) Exercise of Corporate Powers. The existence of the Plan or outstanding
Incentive Awards hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company or
its stockholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalization,
reorganization or other changes in the Company’s capital structure or its business or any
merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issue of bonds, debentures, preferred or
prior preference stocks ahead of or affecting the Common Stock or the rights thereof, or
the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part
of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding whether of a similar
character or otherwise.

     (c) Recapitalization of the Company. Subject to Section 5.7 (which
only applies in the event of a Change in Control), if while there are Incentive Awards
outstanding, the Company shall effect any subdivision or consolidation of Shares of Common
Stock or other capital readjustment, the payment of a stock dividend, stock split,
combination of Shares, recapitalization or other increase or reduction in the number of
Shares outstanding, without receiving compensation therefor in money, services or property,
then the number of Shares available under the Plan and the number of Incentive Awards which
may thereafter be exercised shall (i) in the event of an increase in the number of Shares
outstanding, be proportionately increased and the Option Price or Fair Market Value of the
Incentive Awards awarded shall be proportionately reduced; and (ii) in the event of a
reduction in the number of Shares outstanding, be proportionately reduced, and the Option
Price or Fair Market Value of the Incentive Awards awarded shall be proportionately
increased. The Committee shall take such action and whatever other action it deems
appropriate, in its discretion, so that the value of each outstanding Incentive Award to
the Grantee shall not be adversely affected by a corporate event described in this
subsection (c).

     (d) Issue of Common Stock by the Company. Except as hereinabove expressly
provided in this Section 5.5 and subject to Section 4.7 in the event of a
Change in Control, the issue by the Company of Shares of stock of any class, or securities
convertible into Shares of stock of any class, for cash or property, or for labor or
services, either upon direct sale or upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe
therefor, or upon any conversion of Shares or obligations of the Company convertible into
such Shares or other securities, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof
shall be made with respect to, the number of, or Option Price or Fair Market Value of, any
Incentive Awards then outstanding under previously granted Incentive Awards;

20

 

provided, however, in such event, outstanding Shares of Restricted Stock shall be treated the same as
outstanding unrestricted Shares of Common Stock.

     (e) Assumption under the Plan of Outstanding Stock Options. Notwithstanding
any other provision of the Plan, the Committee, in its absolute discretion, may authorize
the assumption and continuation under the Plan of outstanding and unexercised stock options
or other types of stock-based incentive awards that were granted under a stock option plan
(or other type of stock incentive plan or agreement) that is or was maintained by a
corporation or other entity that was merged into, consolidated with, or whose stock or
assets were acquired by, the Company as the surviving corporation. Any such action shall
be upon such terms and conditions as the Committee, in its discretion, may deem
appropriate, including provisions to preserve the holder’s rights under the previously
granted and unexercised stock option or other stock-based incentive award, such as, for
example, retaining the treatment as a Stock Option. Any such assumption and continuation
of any such previously granted and unexercised incentive award shall be treated as an
outstanding Incentive Award under the Plan and shall thus count against the number of
Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to Section 1.4. In addition, any Shares
issued by the Company through the assumption or substitution of outstanding grants from an
acquired company shall reduce the Shares available for grants under Section 1.4.

     (f) Assumption of Incentive Awards by a Successor. Subject to the accelerated
vesting and other provisions of Section 4.7 that apply in the event of a Change in
Control, in the event of a Corporate Event (defined below), each Grantee shall be entitled
to receive, in lieu of the number of Shares subject to Incentive Awards, such Shares of
capital stock or other securities or property as may be issuable or payable with respect to
or in exchange for the number of Shares which Grantee would have received had he exercised
the Incentive Award immediately prior to such Corporate Event, together with any
adjustments (including, without limitation, adjustments to the Option Price and the number
of Shares issuable on exercise of outstanding Stock Options). For this purpose, Shares of
Restricted Stock shall be treated the same as unrestricted outstanding Shares of Common
Stock. A “Corporate Event” means any of the following: (i) a dissolution or liquidation of
the Company, (ii) a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, (iii) a
merger, consolidation or combination involving the Company (other than a merger,
consolidation or combination (A) in which the Company is the continuing or surviving
corporation and (B) which does not result in the outstanding Shares being converted into or
exchanged for different securities, cash or other property, or any combination thereof), or
(iv) if so determined by the Committee, any other “corporate transaction” as defined in
Code Sections 424 and 409A and the regulations thereunder. The Committee shall take
whatever other action it deems appropriate to preserve the rights of Grantees holding
outstanding Incentive Awards.

     Notwithstanding the previous paragraph of this Section 4.5(f), but subject to
the accelerated vesting and other provisions of Section 4.7 that apply in the event
of a Change in Control, in the event of a Corporate Event (described in the previous
paragraph), the Committee, in its discretion, shall have the right and power to:

21

 

     (i) cancel, effective immediately prior to the occurrence of the Corporate
Event, each outstanding Incentive Award (whether or not then exercisable) and, in
full consideration of such cancellation, pay to the Grantee an amount in cash equal
to the excess of (A) the value, as determined by the Committee, of the property
(including cash) received by the holders of Common Stock as a result of such
Corporate Event over (B) the exercise price of such Incentive Award, if any;
provided, however, this subsection (i) shall be inapplicable to an Incentive Award
granted within six (6) months before the occurrence of the Corporate Event but only
if the Grantee is an Insider and such disposition is not exempt under Rule 16b-3 (or
other rules preventing liability of the Insider under Section 16(b) of the Exchange
Act) and, in that event, the provisions hereof shall be applicable to such Incentive
Award after the expiration of six (6) months from the date of grant; or

     (ii) provide for the exchange or substitution of each Incentive Award
outstanding immediately prior to such Corporate Event (whether or not then
exercisable) for another award with respect to the Common Stock or other property
for which such Incentive Award is exchangeable and, incident thereto, make an
equitable adjustment as determined by the Committee, in its discretion, in the
Option Price or exercise price of the Incentive Award, if any, or in the number of
Shares or amount of property (including cash) subject to the Incentive Award; or

     (iii) provide for assumption of the Plan and such outstanding Incentive Awards
by the surviving entity or its parent.

The Committee, in its discretion, shall have the authority to take whatever action it deems
to be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the provisions of this subsection (f).

	4.6	 	Termination of Employment, Death, Disability and Retirement

          The Committee shall provide in the Grantee’s Incentive Agreement for exercisability periods
and vesting and any other terms in connection with the Grantee’s Termination of Employment, death,
disability or retirement. Subject to the conditions and limitations of the Plan and applicable law
and regulation in the event that a Grantee ceases to be an Employee, Outside Director or
Consultant, as applicable, for whatever reason, the Committee and Grantee may mutually agree with
respect to any outstanding Option or other Incentive Award then held by the Grantee (i) for an
acceleration or other adjustment in any vesting schedule applicable to the Incentive Award, (ii)
for a continuation of the exercise period following termination for a longer period than is
otherwise provided under such Incentive Award, or (iii) to any other change in the terms and
conditions of the Incentive Award. In the event of any such change to an outstanding Inventive
Award, a written amendment to the Grantee’s Incentive Agreement shall be required.

	4.7	 	Change in Control

          Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan, in the event of a Change in Control (as
defined below) the following actions shall automatically occur as of the day immediately

22

 

preceding
the Change in Control date unless expressly provided otherwise in the Grantee’s Incentive
Agreement:

     (a) all of the Stock Options then outstanding shall become one hundred percent (100%)
vested and immediately and fully exercisable;

     (b) If a Grantee is a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G of the
Code) and the accelerated vesting of an Incentive Award and/or the termination of the
restricted period occurs with respect to a Change in Control, together with any other
payments which the Grantee has the right to receive from the Company and its Affiliates,
whether or not under this Plan, would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in
Section 280G of the Code), then, except to the extent such Grantee has entered into an
Incentive Award Agreement or a written severance or employment agreement with the Company
that expressly provides for a “parachute tax gross-up”, such accelerated vesting and/or
termination of the restricted period provided under the paragraph above shall be reduced to
the extent necessary (beginning with Stock Options) so that the present value thereof (as
determined for parachute purposes) to the Grantee will be $1.00 less than three times the
Grantee’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G of the Code), but only if such
reduction produces a better net after-tax position to the Grantee. Such determinations
shall be made by the Company in good faith.

          Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the
Grantee’s Incentive Agreement, the provisions of this Section 4.7 may not be terminated,
amended, or modified to adversely affect any Incentive Award theretofore granted under the Plan
without the prior written consent of the Grantee with respect to his outstanding Incentive Awards
subject, however, to the last paragraph of this Section 4.7.

          For all purposes of this Plan, a “Change in Control” of the Company shall be deemed to occur
if:

     (a) any “person” (as defined in section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, and as such term
is modified in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, is or becomes the “beneficial
owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly of
securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the
Company’s then outstanding securities, provided however, that excluded are the following:
(i) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) a trustee or any fiduciary holding
securities under any Compensation Plan, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities
pursuant to an offering of such securities, (iv) a corporation owned, directly or
indirectly, by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their
ownership of the Company (for the purposes of this paragraph, “Compensation Plan” shall
mean any compensation arrangement, plan, policy, practice or program established,
maintained or sponsored by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, for its employees
generally or any specific group of employees, or to which the Company or any subsidiary of
the Company contributes, and which includes, by way of example and not limitation, any
incentive plan, bonus plan, 401(k) plan, pension plan, savings plan, equity or cash
incentive plan, phantom stock

23

 

plan, stock appreciation right plan, stock option plan,
restricted stock award plan, retirement plan, deferred compensation plan, or supplemental
benefit arrangement);

     (b) during any period of not more than two consecutive years, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director
designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a
transaction described in clause (a), (c) or (d) of this definition whose election by the
Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at
least a majority of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the
beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so
approved (hereinafter referred to as “Continuing Directors”), cease for any reason to
constitute at least a majority thereof;

     (c) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company
with any other corporation or entity, other than (i) 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), in combination with the ownership of any trustee or
other fiduciary holder of securities under a Compensation Plan, at least 50% of the
combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company (or such surviving entity)
outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (ii) a merger or
consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar
transaction) in which no person acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the
Company’s then outstanding securities;

     (d) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the
Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially
all of the Company’s assets; or

     (e) any securities offered to investors where such offering is greater than 50% of the
shares of the Company at the time of such offering; provided, further, any other event
determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion to be a Change in Control.

	4.8	 	Exchange of Incentive Awards

          The Committee may, in its discretion, permit any Grantee to surrender outstanding Incentive
Awards in order to exercise or realize his rights under other Incentive Awards or in exchange for
the grant of new Incentive Awards, or require holders of Incentive Awards to surrender outstanding
Incentive Awards (or comparable rights under other plans or arrangements) as a condition precedent
to the grant of new Incentive Awards.

24

 

SECTION 5.

GENERAL

	5.1	 	Effective Date and Grant Period

          This Plan, as amended and restated, is adopted by the Board effective as of the Effective Date
subject to the approval of the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months from the
Effective Date. Incentive Awards may be granted under the Plan at any time prior to receipt of
such stockholder approval; provided, however, if the requisite stockholder approval is not obtained
within the permissible time frame, then the Plan and any Incentive Awards granted hereunder shall
automatically become null and void and of no force or effect. Unless sooner terminated by the
Board pursuant to Section 5.7, no Incentive Award shall be granted under the Plan after ten
(10) years from November 7, 2005.

	5.2	 	Funding and Liability of 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. In addition, the Company shall
not be required to maintain separate bank accounts, books, records or other evidence of the
existence of a segregated or separately maintained or administered fund for purposes of the Plan.
Although bookkeeping accounts may be established with respect to Grantees who are entitled to cash,
Common Stock or rights thereto under the Plan, any such accounts shall be used merely as a
bookkeeping convenience. The Company shall not be required to segregate any assets that may at any
time be represented by cash, Common Stock or rights thereto. The Plan shall not be construed as
providing for such segregation, nor shall the Company, the Board or the Committee be deemed to be a
trustee of any cash, Common Stock or rights thereto. Any liability or obligation of the Company to
any Grantee with respect to an Incentive Award shall be based solely upon any contractual
obligations that may be created by this Plan and any Incentive Agreement, and no such liability or
obligation of the Company shall be deemed to be secured by any pledge or other encumbrance on any
property of the Company. Neither the Company, the Board nor the Committee shall be required to
give any security or bond for the performance of any obligation that may be created by the Plan.

	5.3	 	Withholding Taxes

     (a) Tax Withholding. The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct
or withhold, or require a Grantee to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy
federal, state, and local taxes, domestic or foreign, required by law or regulation to be
withheld with respect to any taxable event arising as a result of the Plan or an Incentive
Award hereunder.

     (b) Share Withholding. With respect to tax withholding required upon the
exercise of Stock Options, upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock, or upon any
other taxable event arising as a result of any Incentive Awards, Grantees may elect,
subject to the approval of the Committee in its discretion, to satisfy the withholding

25

 

requirement, in whole or in part, by having the Company withhold Shares having a Fair
Market Value on the date the tax is to be determined equal to the statutory total tax which
could be imposed on the transaction. All such elections shall be made in writing, signed
by the Grantee, and shall be subject to any restrictions or limitations that the Committee,
in its discretion, deems appropriate. Any fraction of a Share required to satisfy such
obligation shall be disregarded and the amount due shall instead be paid in cash by the
Grantee.

     (c) Incentive Stock Options. With respect to Shares received by a Grantee
pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option, if such Grantee disposes of any such
Shares within (i) two (2) years from the date of grant of such Option or (ii) one (1) year
after the transfer of such Shares to the Grantee, the Company shall have the right to
withhold from any salary, wages or other compensation payable by the Company to the Grantee
an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local tax withholding requirements
attributable to such disqualifying disposition.

	5.4	 	No Guarantee of Tax Consequences

          Neither the Company nor the Committee makes any commitment or guarantee that any federal,
state or local tax treatment will apply or be available to any person participating or eligible to
participate hereunder.

	5.5	 	Designation of Beneficiary by Grantee

          Each Grantee may, from time to time, name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named
contingently or successively) to whom any benefit under the Plan is to be paid in case of his death
before he receives any or all of such benefit. Each such designation shall revoke all prior
designations by the same Grantee, shall be in a form prescribed by the Committee, and will be
effective only when filed by the Grantee in writing with the Committee during the Grantee’s
lifetime. In the absence of any such designation, benefits remaining unpaid at the Grantee’s death
shall be paid to the Grantee’s estate.

	5.6	 	Deferrals

          The Committee may permit a Grantee to defer such Grantee’s receipt of the payment of cash or
the delivery of Shares that would, otherwise be due to such Grantee by virtue of the lapse or
waiver of restrictions with respect to Restricted Stock, or the satisfaction of any requirements or
goals with respect to Other Stock-Based Awards. If any such deferral election is permitted, the
Committee shall, in its discretion, establish rules and procedures for such payment deferrals to
the extent consistent with the Code.

	5.7	 	Amendment and Termination

          The Board shall have complete power and authority to terminate or amend the Plan at any time;
provided, however, if the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, the Board shall not, without the
approval of the stockholders of the Company within the time period required by applicable law, (a)
except as provided in Section 4.5, increase the maximum number of Shares which may be
issued under the Plan pursuant to Section 1.4, (b) amend the requirements as to the

26

 

class of Employees eligible to purchase Common Stock under the Plan, (c) to the extent applicable,
increase the maximum limits on Incentive Awards to Covered Employees as set for compliance with the
Performance-Based Exception, (d) extend the term of the Plan, or (e) to the extent applicable,
decrease the authority granted to the Committee under the Plan in contravention of Rule 16b-3 under
the Exchange Act.

          No termination, amendment, or modification of the Plan shall adversely affect in any material
way any outstanding Incentive Award previously granted to a Grantee under the Plan, without the
written consent of such Grantee or other designated holder of such Incentive Award.

          In addition, to the extent that the Committee determines that (a) the listing for
qualification requirements of any national securities exchange or quotation system on which the
Common Stock is then listed or quoted, if applicable, or (b) the Code (or regulations promulgated
thereunder), require stockholder approval in order to maintain compliance with such listing
requirements or to maintain any favorable tax advantages or qualifications, then the Plan shall not
be amended in such respect without approval of the Company’s stockholders.

	5.8	 	Requirements of Law

          The granting of Incentive Awards and the issuance of Shares 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. The Committee may refuse to issue or transfer
any Shares or other consideration under an Incentive Award if, acting in its sole discretion, it
determines that the issuance or transfer of such Shares or other consideration might violate
applicable laws. Certificates evidencing Shares of Common Stock delivered under this Plan (to the
extent that such Shares are so evidenced) may be subject to such stop transfer orders and other
restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange or transaction reporting system upon which the
Common Stock is then listed or to which it is admitted for quotation, and any applicable federal or
state securities law, if applicable. The Committee may cause a legend or legends to be placed upon
such certificates (if any) to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

	5.9	 	Rule 16b-3 Securities Law Compliance and Compliance with Company Policies

          With respect to Insiders to the extent applicable, transactions under the Plan are intended to
comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. With respect to all
Grantees, transactions under the Plan are intended to comply with Securities Regulation BTR and the
Company’s insider trading policies as revised from time to time or such other similar Company
policies, including but not limited to, policies relating to black out periods. Any ambiguities or
inconsistencies in the construction of an Incentive Award or the Plan shall be interpreted to give
effect to such intention. However, to the extent any provision of the Plan or action by the
Committee fails to so comply, it shall be deemed null and void to the extent deemed advisable by
the Committee in its discretion.

27

 

	5.10	 	Compliance with Code Section 162(m)

          While the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, unless otherwise determined by the Committee
with respect to any particular Incentive Award, it is intended that the Plan shall comply fully
with the applicable requirements so that any Incentive Awards subject to Section 162(m) that are
granted to Covered Employees shall qualify for the Performance-Based Exception. If any provision
of the Plan or an Incentive Agreement would disqualify the Plan or would not otherwise permit the
Plan or Incentive Award to comply with the Performance-Based Exception as so intended, such
provision shall be construed or deemed to be amended to conform to the requirements of the
Performance-Based Exception to the extent permitted by applicable law and deemed advisable by the
Committee; provided, however, no such construction or amendment shall have any adverse effect on
the prior grant of an Incentive Award, or the economic value to a Grantee of any outstanding
Incentive Award, unless consented to in writing by the Grantee.

	5.11	 	Successors

          All obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Incentive 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 and/or assets of the Company.

	5.12	 	Miscellaneous Provisions

     (a) No Employee, Consultant, Outside Director, or other person shall have any claim or
right to be granted an Incentive Award under the Plan. Neither the Plan, nor any action
taken hereunder, shall be construed as giving any Employee, Consultant, or Outside Director
any right to be retained in the Employment or other service of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary.

     (b) No Shares of Common Stock shall be issued hereunder unless counsel for the Company
is then reasonably satisfied that such issuance will be in compliance with federal and
state securities laws, if applicable.

     (c) The expenses of the Plan shall be borne by the Company.

     (d) By accepting any Incentive Award, each Grantee and each person claiming by or
through him shall be deemed to have indicated his acceptance of the Plan.

	5.13	 	Severability

          In the event that any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal, invalid or unenforceable
for any reason, such provision shall be fully severable, but shall not affect the remaining
provisions of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal, invalid, or
unenforceable provision was not included herein.

28

 

	5.14	 	Gender, Tense and Headings

          Whenever the context so requires, words of the masculine gender used herein shall include the
feminine and neuter, and words used in the singular shall include the plural. Section headings as
used herein are inserted solely for convenience and reference and constitute no part of the
interpretation or construction of the Plan.

	5.15	 	Governing Law

          The Plan shall be interpreted, construed and constructed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Delaware without regard to its conflicts of law provisions, except as may be superseded by
applicable laws of the United States.

	5.16	 	Code Section 409A

          To the extent that any Incentive Award is subject to Code Section 409A as determined by the
Committee, the Incentive Agreement shall comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and the
notices and regulations thereunder in a manner as determined by the Committee in its sole
discretion including, but not limited to, using the more restrictive definition of Change in
Control from applicable Code Section 409A regulations and notices to the extent that it is more
restrictive than as defined in the Plan and using the more restrictive definition of Disability as
provided in Section 409A. The Committee may amend any Incentive Award to comply with Code Section
409A and the notices and regulations thereunder without a Grantee’s consent even if such amendment
would have an adverse affect on a Grantee’s Incentive Award. The Board may amend the Plan as it
deems necessary to comply with Section 409A and no Grantee consent shall be required even if such
an amendment would have an adverse effect on a Grantee’s Incentive Award.

[Signature Page Follows]

29

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc. has caused this Plan to be duly executed in
its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized officer effective as provided herein.

SYNTHESIS ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.

	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	  /s/ Timothy Vail
 

  Timothy Vail, President and Chief Executive Officer
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Date:

	 	August 16, 2006	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	  /s/ David Eicinger
 

  David Eichinger, Chief Financial Officer
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Date:

	 	August 16, 2006	 	 

30

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