Document:

Exhibit 4.2

 

MANCHESTER UNITED PLC
 2012 EQUITY INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

 

ARTICLE 1.

 

PURPOSE

 

The purpose of the Manchester United plc 2012 Equity Incentive Award Plan (as it may be amended or restated from time to time, the “Plan”) is to promote the success and enhance the value of Manchester United plc (the “Company”) by linking the individual interests of the members of the Board, Employees, and Consultants to those of Company shareholders and by providing such individuals with an incentive for outstanding performance to generate superior returns to Company shareholders. The Plan is further intended to provide flexibility to the Company in its ability to motivate, attract, and retain the services of members of the Board, Employees, and Consultants upon whose judgment, interest, and special effort the successful conduct of the Company’s operation is largely dependent.

 

ARTICLE 2.

 

DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

 

Wherever the following terms are used in the Plan they shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The singular pronoun shall include the plural where the context so indicates.

 

2.1               “Administrator” shall mean the entity that conducts the general administration of the Plan as provided in Article 12. With reference to the duties of the Committee under the Plan which have been delegated to one or more persons pursuant to Section 12.6, or as to which the Board has assumed, the term “Administrator” shall refer to such person(s) unless the Committee or the Board has revoked such delegation or the Board has terminated the assumption of such duties.

 

2.2               “Applicable Law” shall mean any applicable law, including without limitation: (i) provisions of the Code, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and any rules or regulations thereunder; (ii) corporate, securities, tax or other laws, statutes, rules, requirements or regulations, whether federal, state, local or foreign; and (iii) rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted or traded.

 

2.3               “Automatic Exercise Date” shall mean, with respect to an Option or a Share Appreciation Right, the last business day of the applicable Option Term or Share Appreciation Right Term that was initially established by the Administrator for such Option or Share Appreciation Right (e.g., the last business day prior to the tenth anniversary of the date of grant of such Option or Share Appreciation Right if the Option or Share Appreciation Right initially had a ten-year Option Term or Share Appreciation Right Term, as applicable).

 

2.4               “Award” shall mean an Option, an award of Restricted Shares, a Restricted Share Unit award, a Dividend Equivalents award, an award of Deferred Shares, a Deferred Share 

 

1

 

Unit award, a Share Payment award or a Share Appreciation Right, which may be awarded or granted under the Plan (collectively, “Awards”).

 

2.5               “Award Agreement” shall mean any written notice, agreement, terms and conditions, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Award, including through electronic medium, which shall contain such terms and conditions with respect to an Award as the Administrator shall determine consistent with the Plan.

 

2.6               “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

2.7               “Change in Control” means the occurrence of (a) any transaction or series of transactions which within a 12-month period constitute a change in control where: (i) more than 50% of the then-outstanding Shares are (for cash, property (including, without limitation, shares or stock in any corporation), or indebtedness, or any combination thereof) redeemed by the Company or purchased by any person(s), firm(s) or entity(ies), other than the Glazer family and its affiliates, or exchanged for shares in any other corporation whether or not affiliated with the Company, or any combination of such redemption, purchase or exchange, or (ii) more than 50% of the Company’s assets are purchased by any person(s), firm(s) or entity(ies) whether or not affiliated with the Company, other than the Glazer family or its affiliates, for cash, property (including, without limitation, shares or stock in any corporation) or indebtedness or any combination thereof, or (iii) the Company is amalgamated, merged or consolidated with another corporation regardless of whether the Company is the survivor (except any such transaction solely for the purpose of changing the Company’s domicile or which does not change the ultimate beneficial ownership of the equity interests in the Company), or (b) any substantial equivalent of any such redemption, purchase, exchange, change, transaction or series of transactions, acquisition, amalgamation, merger or consolidation constituting such a change in control. For purposes hereof, the term “control” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto under the Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder. For purposes of clause (a)(ii) above, or as appropriate for purposes of clause (b) above, the Company shall be deemed to include on a consolidated basis all subsidiaries and other affiliated corporations or other entities with the same effect as if they were divisions.

 

2.8               “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, together with the regulations and official guidance promulgated thereunder.

 

2.9               “Committee” shall mean the Remuneration Committee of the Board, or another committee or subcommittee of the Board or the Compensation Committee, appointed as provided in Section 12.1.

 

2.10             “Company” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 1.

 

2.11             “Consultant” shall mean any consultant or adviser engaged to provide services to the Company or any Subsidiary that qualifies as a consultant under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for registration of shares on a Form S-8 Registration Statement.

 

2.12             “Deferred Shares” shall mean a right to receive Shares awarded under Section 9.3.

 

2

 

2.13             “Deferred Share Units” shall mean a right to receive Shares awarded under Section 9.4.

 

2.14             “Director” shall mean a member of the Board, as constituted from time to time.

 

2.15             “Dividend Equivalent” shall mean a right to receive the equivalent value (in cash or Shares) of dividends paid on Shares, awarded under Section 9.1.

 

2.16             “DRO” shall mean a domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, or the rules thereunder.

 

2.17             “Effective Date” shall mean the day prior to the Public Trading Date.

 

2.18             “Eligible Individual” shall mean any person who is an Employee, a Consultant or a Non-Employee Director, as determined by the Committee (save as amended pursuant to Section 13.9 below).

 

2.19             “Employee” shall mean any officer or other employee (as determined in accordance with Section 3401(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder) of the Company or of any Subsidiary.

 

2.20             “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

2.21             “Fair Market Value” shall mean, as of any given date, the value of a Share determined as follows:

 

(a)           If the Shares are listed on any (i) established securities exchange (such as the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Market and the NASDAQ Global Select Market), (ii) national market system or (iii) automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted or traded, the Fair Market Value of a Share shall be the closing sales price for a Share as quoted on such exchange or system for such date or, if there is no closing sales price for a Share on the date in question, the closing sales price for a Share on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

 

(b)           If the Shares are not listed on an established securities exchange, national market system or automated quotation system, but the Shares are regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer, the Fair Market Value of a Share shall be the mean of the high bid and low asked prices for such date or, if there are no high bid and low asked prices for a Share on such date, the high bid and low asked prices for a Share on the last preceding date for which such information exists, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

 

(c)           If the Shares are neither listed on an established securities exchange, national market system or automated quotation system nor regularly quoted by a recognized 

 

3

 

securities dealer, the Fair Market Value of a Share shall be established by the Administrator in good faith.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award granted after the effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement relating to its initial public offering and prior to the Public Trading Date, the Fair Market Value shall mean the initial public offering price of a Share as set forth in the Company’s final prospectus relating to its initial public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

2.22             “Greater Than 10% Shareholder” shall mean an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any subsidiary corporation (as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code) or parent corporation thereof (as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code).

 

2.23             “Holder” shall mean a person who has been granted an Award.

 

2.24             “Incentive Share Option” shall mean an Option that is intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” and conforms to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code.

 

2.25             “Non-Employee Director” shall mean a Director of the Company who is not an Employee.

 

2.26             “Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.

 

2.27             “Non-Qualified Share Option” shall mean an Option that is not an Incentive Share Option.

 

2.28             “Option” shall mean a right to purchase Shares at a specified exercise price, granted under Article 5. An Option shall be either a Non-Qualified Share Option or an Incentive Share Option; provided, however, that Options granted to Non-Employee Directors and Consultants shall only be Non-Qualified Share Options.

 

2.29             “Option Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4.

 

2.30             “Parent” shall mean any entity (other than the Company), whether domestic or foreign, in an unbroken chain of entities ending with the Company if each of the entities other than the Company beneficially owns, at the time of the determination, securities or interests representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of securities or interests in one of the other entities in such chain.

 

2.31             “Permitted Transferee” shall mean, with respect to a Holder, any “family member” of the Holder, as defined in the instructions to Form S-8 under the Securities Act, or any other transferee specifically approved by the Administrator after taking into account Applicable Law.

 

2.32             “Plan” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 1.

 

4

 

2.33             “Program” shall mean any program adopted by the Administrator pursuant to the Plan containing the terms and conditions intended to govern a specified type of Award granted under the Plan and pursuant to which such type of Award may be granted under the Plan.

 

2.34             “Public Trading Date” shall mean the first date upon which Shares are listed (or approved for listing) upon notice of issuance on any securities exchange or designated (or approved for designation) upon notice of issuance as a national market security on an interdealer quotation system.

 

2.35             “Restricted Shares” shall mean Shares awarded under Article 7 that is subject to certain restrictions and may be subject to risk of forfeiture or repurchase.

 

2.36             “Restricted Share Units” shall mean the right to receive Shares awarded under Article 8.

 

2.37             “Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

2.38             “Shares” shall mean shares of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares of nominal or par value US $0.0005 each having the rights, and being subject to the limitations, set forth in the Company’s Articles of Association.

 

2.39             “Share Appreciation Right” shall mean a share appreciation right granted under Article 11.

 

2.40             “Share Appreciation Right Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.4.

 

2.41             “Share Payment” shall mean (a) a payment in the form of Shares, or (b) an option or other right to purchase Shares, as part of a bonus, deferred compensation or other arrangement, awarded under Section 9.2.

 

2.42             “Subsidiary” shall mean any entity (other than the Company), whether domestic or foreign, in an unbroken chain of entities beginning with the Company if each of the entities other than the last entity in the unbroken chain beneficially owns, at the time of the determination, securities or interests representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of securities or interests in one of the other entities in such chain.

 

2.43             “Substitute Award” shall mean an Award granted under the Plan upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding equity awards previously granted by a company or other entity in connection with a corporate transaction, such as a merger, combination, consolidation or acquisition of property or stock; provided, however, that in no event shall the term “Substitute Award” be construed to refer to an award made in connection with the cancellation and repricing of an Option or Share Appreciation Right.

 

5

 

2.44             “Termination of Service” shall mean:

 

(a)           As to a Consultant, the time when the engagement of a Holder as a Consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, with or without cause, including, without limitation, by resignation, discharge, death or retirement, but excluding terminations where the Consultant simultaneously commences or remains in employment or service with the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

(b)           As to a Non-Employee Director, the time when a Holder who is a Non-Employee Director ceases to be a Director for any reason, including, without limitation, a termination by resignation, failure to be elected, death or retirement, but excluding terminations where the Holder simultaneously commences or remains in employment or service with the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

(c)           As to an Employee, the time when the employee-employer relationship between a Holder and the Company or any Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, including, without limitation, a termination by resignation, discharge, death, disability or retirement; but excluding terminations where the Holder simultaneously commences or remains in employment or service with the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

The Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to any Termination of Service, including, without limitation, the question of whether a Termination of Service resulted from a discharge for cause and all questions of whether particular leaves of absence constitute a Termination of Service; provided, however, that, with respect to Incentive Share Options, unless the Administrator otherwise provides in the terms of the Program, the Award Agreement or otherwise, or as otherwise required by Applicable Law, a leave of absence, change in status from an employee to an independent contractor or other change in the employee-employer relationship shall constitute a Termination of Service only if, and to the extent that, such leave of absence, change in status or other change interrupts employment for the purposes of Section 422(a)(2) of the Code and the then-applicable regulations and revenue rulings under said Section. For purposes of the Plan, a Holder’s employee-employer relationship or consultancy relations shall be deemed to be terminated in the event that the Subsidiary employing or contracting with such Holder ceases to remain an Subsidiary following any merger, sale of stock or other corporate transaction or event (including, without limitation, a spin-off).

 

ARTICLE 3.

 

SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

 

3.1           Number of Shares.

 

(a)           Subject to Sections 3.1(b) and 13.2, the aggregate number of Shares which may be issued or transferred pursuant to Awards under the Plan is 16,000,000.

 

(b)           If any Shares subject to an Award are forfeited or expire or such Award is settled for cash (in whole or in part), the Shares subject to such Award shall, to the extent of such forfeiture, expiration or cash settlement, again be available for future grants of Awards under the 

 

6

 

Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the following Shares shall not be added to the Shares authorized for grant under Section 3.1(a) and shall not be available for future grants of Awards: (i) Shares tendered by a Holder or withheld by the Company in payment of the exercise price of an Option; (ii) Shares tendered by the Holder or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to an Award; (iii) Shares subject to a Share Appreciation Right that are not issued in connection with the settlement of the Share Appreciation Right on exercise thereof; and (iv) Shares purchased on the open market with the cash proceeds from the exercise of Options. Any Shares repurchased by the Company under Section 7.4 at the same price paid by the Holder so that such Shares are returned to the Company shall again be available for Awards. The payment of Dividend Equivalents in cash in conjunction with any outstanding Awards shall not be counted against the Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 3.1(b), no Shares may again be optioned, granted or awarded if such action would cause an Incentive Share Option to fail to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code.

 

(c)           Substitute Awards shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under the Plan. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by shareholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under the Plan; provided that Awards using such available Shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not employed by or providing services to the Company or its Subsidiaries immediately prior to such acquisition or combination.

 

3.2               Shares Distributed. Any Shares distributed pursuant to an Award may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Shares, treasury Shares or Shares purchased on the open market.

 

ARTICLE 4.

 

GRANTING OF AWARDS

 

4.1               Participation. The Administrator may, from time to time, select from among all Eligible Individuals, those to whom an Award shall be granted and shall determine the nature and amount of each Award, which shall not be inconsistent with the requirements of the Plan. Except as provided in Section 4.5 regarding the grant of Awards pursuant to the Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy, no Eligible Individual shall have any right to be granted an Award pursuant to the Plan.

 

4.2               Award Agreement. Each Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions and limitations for such Award, which may include the term 

 

7

 

of the Award, the provisions applicable in the event of the Holder’s Termination of Service, and the Company’s authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind an Award. Award Agreements evidencing Incentive Share Options shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code.

 

4.3               At-Will Employment; Voluntary Participation. Nothing in the Plan or in any Program or Award Agreement hereunder shall confer upon any Holder any right to continue in the employ of, or as a Director or Consultant for, the Company or any Subsidiary, or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and any Subsidiary, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge any Holder at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, and with or without notice, or to terminate or change all other terms and conditions of employment or engagement, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Holder and the Company or any Subsidiary. Participation by each Holder in the Plan shall be voluntary and nothing in the Plan shall be construed as mandating that any Eligible Individual shall participate in the Plan.

 

4.4               Foreign Holders. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws in countries other than the United States in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate or have Employees, Non-Employee Directors or Consultants, or in order to comply with the requirements of any foreign securities exchange, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to: (a) determine which Subsidiaries shall be covered by the Plan; (b) determine which Eligible Individuals outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan; (c) modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to Eligible Individuals outside the United States to comply with applicable foreign laws or listing requirements of any such foreign securities exchange; (d) establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent such actions may be necessary or advisable (any such subplans and/or modifications shall be attached to the Plan as appendices); provided, however, that no such subplans and/or modifications shall increase the share limitations contained in Section 3.1; and (e) take any action, before or after an Award is made, that it deems advisable to obtain approval or comply with any necessary local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals or listing requirements of any such foreign securities exchange. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, that would violate Applicable Law. For purposes of the Plan, all references to foreign laws, rules, regulations or taxes shall be references to the laws, rules, regulations and taxes of any applicable jurisdiction other than the United States or a political subdivision thereof.

 

4.5               Non-Employee Director Awards. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide that Awards granted to Non-Employee Directors shall be granted pursuant to a written nondiscretionary formula established by the Administrator (the “Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy”), subject to the limitations of the Plan. The Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy shall set forth the type of Award(s) to be granted to Non-Employee Directors, the number of Shares to be subject to Non-Employee Director Awards, the conditions on which such Awards shall be granted, become exercisable and/or payable and expire, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine in its sole discretion. The Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Policy may be modified by the Administrator from time to time in its sole discretion.

 

8

 

4.6               Stand-Alone and Tandem Awards. Awards granted pursuant to the Plan may, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, be granted either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with, any other Award granted pursuant to the Plan. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards.

 

ARTICLE 5.

 

GRANTING OF OPTIONS

 

5.1               Granting of Options to Eligible Individuals. The Administrator is authorized to grant Options to Eligible Individuals from time to time, in its sole discretion, on such terms and conditions as it may determine, which shall not be inconsistent with the Plan.

 

5.2               Qualification of Incentive Share Options. No Incentive Share Option shall be granted to any person who is not an Employee of the Company or any subsidiary corporation (as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code) of the Company. No person who qualifies as a Greater Than 10% Shareholder may be granted an Incentive Share Option unless such Incentive Share Option conforms to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code. Any Incentive Share Option granted under the Plan may be modified by the Administrator, with the consent of the Holder, to disqualify such Option from treatment as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which “incentive stock options” (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, but without regard to Section 422(d) of the Code) are exercisable for the first time by a Holder during any calendar year under the Plan, and all other plans of the Company and any parent or subsidiary corporation thereof (each as defined in Section 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code, respectively), exceeds $100,000, the Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Share Options to the extent required by Section 422 of the Code. The rule set forth in the immediately preceding sentence shall be applied by taking Options and other “incentive stock options” into account in the order in which they were granted and the Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the respective options were granted.

 

5.3               Option Exercise Price. The exercise price per Share subject to each Option shall be set by the Administrator, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the Option is granted (or, as to Incentive Share Options, on the date the Option is modified, extended or renewed for purposes of Section 424(h) of the Code). In addition, in the case of Incentive Share Options granted to a Greater Than 10% Shareholder, such price shall not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the Option is granted (or the date the Option is modified, extended or renewed for purposes of Section 424(h) of the Code).

 

5.4               Option Term. The term of each Option (the “Option Term”) shall be set by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided, however, that the Option Term shall not be more than ten (10) years from the date the Option is granted, or five (5) years from the date an Incentive Share Option is granted to a Greater Than 10% Shareholder. The Administrator shall determine the time period, including the time period following a Termination of Service, during which the Holder has the right to exercise the vested Options, which time period may not extend beyond the last day of the Option Term. Except as limited by the requirements of Section 409A 

 

9

 

or Section 422 of the Code and regulations and rulings thereunder or the first sentence of this Section 5.4, the Administrator may extend the Option Term of any outstanding Option, and may extend the time period during which vested Options may be exercised, in connection with any Termination of Service of the Holder, and may amend, subject to Section 13.1, any other term or condition of such Option relating to such a Termination of Service.

 

5.5               Option Vesting.

 

(a)           The period during which the right to exercise, in whole or in part, an Option vests in the Holder shall be set by the Administrator and the Administrator may determine that an Option may not be exercised in whole or in part for a specified period after it is granted. Such vesting may be based on service with the Company or any Subsidiary, any performance criteria, or any other criteria selected by the Administrator, and, except as limited by the Plan, at any time after the grant of an Option, the Administrator, in its sole discretion and subject to whatever terms and conditions it selects, may accelerate the period during which an Option vests.

 

(b)           No portion of an Option which is unexercisable at a Holder’s Termination of Service shall thereafter become exercisable, except as may be otherwise provided by the Administrator either in the applicable Program, the Award Agreement evidencing the grant of an Option, or by action of the Administrator following the grant of the Option. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator in the Award Agreement or by action of the Administrator following the grant of the Option, the portion of an Option that is unexercisable at a Holder’s Termination of Service shall automatically expire thirty (30) days following such Termination of Service.

 

5.6               Substitute Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article 5 to the contrary, in the case of an Option that is a Substitute Award, the price per share of the Shares subject to such Option may be less than the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant; provided that the excess of: (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the Shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (b) the aggregate exercise price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Administrator) of the shares of the predecessor entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate exercise price of such shares.

 

ARTICLE 6.

 

EXERCISE OF OPTIONS

 

6.1               Partial Exercise. An exercisable Option may be exercised in whole or in part. However, an Option shall not be exercisable with respect to fractional Shares and the Administrator may require that, by the terms of the Option, a partial exercise must be with respect to a minimum number of Shares.

 

10

 

6.2               Expiration of Option Term: Automatic Exercise of In-The-Money Options. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator (in an Award Agreement or otherwise) or as otherwise directed by an Option Holder in writing to the Company, each Option outstanding on the Automatic Exercise Date with an exercise price per share that is less than the Fair Market Value per Share as of such date shall automatically and without further action by the Option Holder or the Company be exercised on the Automatic Exercise Date. In the sole discretion of the Administrator, payment of the exercise price of any such Option shall be made pursuant to Section 11.1(b) or 11.1(c) and the Company or any Subsidiary shall deduct or withhold an amount sufficient to satisfy all taxes associated with such exercise in accordance with Section 11.2. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, this Section 6.2 shall not apply to an Option if the Holder of such Option incurs a Termination of Service on or before the Automatic Exercise Date. For the avoidance of doubt, no Option with an exercise price per share that is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value per Share on the Automatic Exercise Date shall be exercised pursuant to this Section 6.2.

 

6.3               Manner of Exercise. All or a portion of an exercisable Option shall be deemed exercised upon delivery of all of the following to the Secretary of the Company, the stock plan administrator of the Company or such other person or entity designated by the Administrator, or his, her or its office, as applicable:

 

(a)           A written or electronic notice complying with the applicable rules established by the Administrator stating that the Option, or a portion thereof, is exercised. The notice shall be signed by the Holder or other person then entitled to exercise the Option or such portion of the Option;

 

(b)           Such representations and documents as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable to effect compliance with Applicable Law. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may also take whatever additional actions it deems appropriate to effect such compliance including, without limitation, placing legends on share certificates and issuing stop-transfer notices to agents and registrars;

 

(c)           In the event that the Option shall be exercised pursuant to Section 11.3 by any person or persons other than the Holder, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option, as determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator; and

 

(d)           Full payment of the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes to the stock plan administrator of the Company for the Shares with respect to which the Option, or portion thereof, is exercised, in a manner permitted by Sections 11.1 and 11.2.

 

6.4               Notification Regarding Disposition. The Holder shall give the Company prompt written or electronic notice of any disposition of Shares acquired by exercise of an Incentive Share Option which occurs within (a) two years from the date of granting (including the date the Option is modified, extended or renewed for purposes of Section 424(h) of the Code) such Option to such Holder, or (b) one year after the transfer of such Shares to such Holder.

 

11

 

ARTICLE 7.

 

AWARD OF RESTRICTED SHARES

 

7.1           Award of Restricted Shares.

 

(a)           The Administrator is authorized to grant Restricted Shares to Eligible Individuals, and shall determine the terms and conditions, including the restrictions applicable to each award of Restricted Shares, which terms and conditions shall not be inconsistent with the Plan, and may impose such conditions on the issuance of such Restricted Shares as it deems appropriate.

 

(b)           The Administrator shall establish the purchase price, if any, and form of payment for Restricted Shares; provided, however, that if a purchase price is charged, such purchase price shall be no less than the par value, if any, of the Shares to be purchased, unless otherwise permitted by Applicable Law. In all cases, legal consideration shall be required for each issuance of Restricted Shares.

 

7.2               Rights as Shareholders. Subject to Section 7.4, upon issuance of Restricted Shares, the Holder shall have, unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, all the rights of a shareholder with respect to said Shares, subject to the restrictions in the applicable Program or in each individual Award Agreement, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect to the Shares; provided, however, that, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, any extraordinary distributions with respect to the Shares shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7.3.

 

7.3               Restrictions. All Restricted Shares (including any shares received by Holders thereof with respect to Restricted Shares as a result of stock dividends, stock splits or any other form of recapitalization) shall, in the terms of the applicable Program or in each individual Award Agreement, be subject to such restrictions and vesting requirements as the Administrator shall provide. Such restrictions may include, without limitation, restrictions concerning voting rights and transferability and such restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times and pursuant to such circumstances or based on such criteria as selected by the Administrator, including, without limitation, criteria based on the Holder’s duration of employment, directorship or consultancy with the Company, performance criteria, Company performance, individual performance or other criteria selected by the Administrator. By action taken after the Restricted Shares is issued, the Administrator may, on such terms and conditions as it may determine to be appropriate, accelerate the vesting of such Restricted Shares by removing any or all of the restrictions imposed by the terms of the applicable Program or Award Agreement. Restricted Shares may not be sold or encumbered until all restrictions are terminated or expire.

 

7.4               Repurchase or Forfeiture of Restricted Shares. Except as otherwise determined by the Administrator at the time of the grant of the Award or thereafter, if no price was paid by the Holder for the Restricted Shares, upon a Termination of Service during the applicable restriction period, the Holder’s rights in unvested Restricted Shares then subject to restrictions shall lapse, and such Restricted Shares shall be surrendered to the Company and cancelled 

 

12

 

without consideration. If a price was paid by the Holder for the Restricted Shares, upon a Termination of Service during the applicable restriction period, the Company shall have the right to repurchase from the Holder the unvested Restricted Shares then subject to restrictions at a cash price per share equal to the price paid by the Holder for such Restricted Shares or such other amount as may be specified in the applicable Program or Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide that upon certain events, including a Change in Control, the Holder’s death, retirement or disability or any other specified Termination of Service or any other event, the Holder’s rights in unvested Restricted Shares shall not lapse, such Restricted Shares shall vest and, if applicable, the Company shall not have a right of repurchase.

 

7.5               Certificates for Restricted Shares. Restricted Shares granted pursuant to the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Administrator shall determine. Certificates or book entries in respect of Restricted Shares shall include an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Shares. The Company, in its sole discretion, may (a) retain physical possession of any stock certificate evidencing Restricted Shares until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed and/or (b) require that the stock certificates (if any) issued in respect of Restricted Shares be held in custody by a designated escrow agent (which may but need not be the Company) until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that the Holder deliver a duly-executed but undated share transfer form endorsed in blank, together with the grant of authority in a form acceptable to the Administrator to deal with such Restricted Shares, relating to such Restricted Shares.

 

7.6               Section 83(b) Election. If a Holder makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed with respect to the Restricted Shares as of the date of transfer of the Restricted Shares rather than as of the date or dates upon which the Holder would otherwise be taxable under Section 83(a) of the Code, the Holder shall be required to deliver a copy of such election to the Company promptly after filing such election with the Internal Revenue Service along with proof of the timely filing thereof with the Internal Revenue Service.

 

ARTICLE 8.

 

AWARD OF RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS

 

8.1               Grant of Restricted Share Units. The Administrator is authorized to grant Awards of Restricted Share Units to any Eligible Individual selected by the Administrator in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the Administrator.

 

8.2               Term. Except as otherwise provided herein, the term of a Restricted Share Unit award shall be set by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

 

8.3               Purchase Price. The Administrator shall specify the purchase price, if any, to be paid by the Holder to the Company with respect to any Restricted Share Unit award; provided, however, that value of the consideration shall not be less than the par value of a Share, unless otherwise permitted by Applicable Law.

 

8.4               Vesting of Restricted Share Units. At the time of grant, the Administrator shall specify the date or dates on which the Restricted Share Units shall become fully vested and 

 

13

 

nonforfeitable, and may specify such conditions to vesting as it deems appropriate, including, without limitation, vesting based upon the Holder’s duration of service to the Company or any Subsidiary, one or more performance criteria, Company performance, individual performance or other specific criteria, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods, as determined by the Administrator.

 

8.5               Maturity and Payment. At the time of grant, the Administrator shall specify the maturity date applicable to each grant of Restricted Share Units, which shall be no earlier than the vesting date or dates of the Award and may be determined at the election of the Holder (if permitted by the applicable Award Agreement); provided that, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, set forth in any applicable Award Agreement, and subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code, in no event shall the maturity date relating to each Restricted Share Unit occur following the later of (a) the 15th day of the third month following the end of calendar year in which the applicable portion of the Restricted Share Unit vests; or (b) the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the applicable portion of the Restricted Share Unit vests. On the maturity date, the Company shall, subject to Section 11.4(e), transfer to the Holder one unrestricted, fully transferable Share for each Restricted Share Unit scheduled to be paid out on such date and not previously forfeited, or in the sole discretion of the Administrator, an amount in cash equal to the Fair Market Value of such Shares on the maturity date or a combination of cash and Shares as determined by the Administrator.

 

8.6               Payment upon Termination of Service. An Award of Restricted Share Units shall only be payable while the Holder is an Employee, a Consultant or a member of the Board, as applicable; provided, however, that the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide (in an Award Agreement or otherwise) that a Restricted Share Unit award may be paid subsequent to a Termination of Service in certain events, including a Change in Control, the Holder’s death, retirement or disability or any other specified Termination of Service.

 

8.7               No Rights as a Shareholder. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, a Holder of Restricted Share Units shall possess no incidents of ownership with respect to the Shares represented by such Restricted Share Units, unless and until such Shares are transferred to the Holder pursuant to the terms of this Plan and the Award Agreement.

 

ARTICLE 9.

 

AWARD OF DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS, SHARE PAYMENTS, DEFERRED SHARES, DEFERRED SHARE UNITS

 

9.1               Dividend Equivalents.

 

(a)           Dividend Equivalents may be granted by the Administrator based on dividends declared on the Shares, to be credited as of dividend payment dates with respect to dividends with record dates that occur during the period between the date an Award is granted to a Holder and the date such Award vests, is exercised, is distributed or expires, as determined by the Administrator. Such Dividend Equivalents shall be converted to cash or additional Shares by 

 

14

 

such formula and at such time and subject to such restrictions and limitations as may be determined by the Administrator.

 

9.2               Share Payments. The Administrator is authorized to make Share Payments to any Eligible Individual. The number or value of Shares of any Share Payment shall be determined by the Administrator and may be based upon one or more performance criteria or any other specific criteria, including service to the Company or any Subsidiary, determined by the Administrator. Shares underlying a Share Payment which is subject to a vesting schedule or other conditions or criteria set by the Administrator shall not be issued until those conditions have been satisfied. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, a Holder of a Share Payment shall have no rights as a Company shareholder with respect to such Share Payment until such time as the Share Payment has vested and the Shares underlying the Award have been issued to the Holder. Share Payments may, but are not required to, be made in lieu of base salary, bonus, fees or other cash compensation otherwise payable to such Eligible Individual.

 

9.3               Deferred Shares. The Administrator is authorized to grant Deferred Shares to any Eligible Individual. The number of Deferred Shares shall be determined by the Administrator and may (but is not required to) be based on one or more performance criteria or other specific criteria, including service to the Company or any Subsidiary, as the Administrator determines, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator. Shares underlying a Deferred Share award which is subject to a vesting schedule or other conditions or criteria set by the Administrator shall be issued on the vesting date(s) or date(s) that those conditions and criteria have been satisfied, as applicable. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, a Holder of Deferred Shares shall have no rights as a Company shareholder with respect to such Deferred Shares until such time as the Award has vested and any other applicable conditions and/or criteria have been satisfied and the Shares underlying the Award have been issued to the Holder.

 

9.4               Deferred Share Units. The Administrator is authorized to grant Deferred Share Units to any Eligible Individual. The number of Deferred Share Units shall be determined by the Administrator and may (but is not required to) be based on one or more performance criteria or other specific criteria, including service to the Company or any Subsidiary, as the Administrator determines, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator. Each Deferred Share Unit shall entitle the Holder thereof to receive one Share on the date the Deferred Share Unit becomes vested or upon a specified settlement date thereafter (which settlement date may (but is not required to) be the date of the Holder’s Termination of Service). Shares underlying a Deferred Share Unit award which is subject to a vesting schedule or other conditions or criteria set by the Administrator shall not be issued until on or following the date that those conditions and criteria have been satisfied. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, a Holder of Deferred Share Units shall have no rights as a Company shareholder with respect to such Deferred Share Units until such time as the Award has vested and any other applicable conditions and/or criteria have been satisfied and the Shares underlying the Award have been issued to the Holder.

 

9.5               Term. The term of a Dividend Equivalent award, Share Payment award, Deferred Share award and/or Deferred Share Unit award shall be established by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

 

15

 

9.6               Purchase Price. The Administrator may establish the purchase price of Shares distributed as a Share Payment award, Deferred Shares or Shares distributed pursuant to a Deferred Share Unit award; provided, however, that value of the consideration shall not be less than the par value of a Share, unless otherwise permitted by Applicable Law.

 

9.7               Termination of Service. A Share Payment award, Dividend Equivalent award, Deferred Shares award and/or Deferred Share Unit award is distributable only while the Holder is an Employee, Director or Consultant, as applicable. The Administrator, however, in its sole discretion, may provide that the Dividend Equivalent award, Share Payment award, Deferred Shares award and/or Deferred Share Unit award may be distributed subsequent to a Termination of Service in certain events, including a Change in Control, the Holder’s death, retirement or disability or any other specified Termination of Service.

 

ARTICLE 10.

 

AWARD OF SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS

 

10.1             Grant of Share Appreciation Rights.

 

(a)           The Administrator is authorized to grant Share Appreciation Rights to Eligible Individuals from time to time, in its sole discretion, on such terms and conditions as it may determine, which shall not be inconsistent with the Plan.

 

(b)           A Share Appreciation Right shall entitle the Holder (or other person entitled to exercise the Share Appreciation Right pursuant to the Plan) to exercise all or a specified portion of the Share Appreciation Right (to the extent then exercisable pursuant to its terms) and to receive from the Company an amount determined by multiplying the difference obtained by subtracting the exercise price per share of the Share Appreciation Right from the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of the Share Appreciation Right by the number of Shares with respect to which the Share Appreciation Right shall have been exercised, subject to any limitations the Administrator may impose. Except as described in (c) below, the exercise price per Share subject to each Share Appreciation Right shall be set by the Administrator, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date the Share Appreciation Right is granted.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 10.1(b) to the contrary, in the case of a Share Appreciation Right that is a Substitute Award, the price per share of the Shares subject to such Share Appreciation Right may be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant; provided that the excess of: (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date such Substitute Award is granted) of the Shares subject to the Substitute Award, over (ii) the aggregate exercise price thereof does not exceed the excess of: (x) the aggregate fair market value (as of the time immediately preceding the transaction giving rise to the Substitute Award, such fair market value to be determined by the Administrator) of the shares of the predecessor entity that were subject to the grant assumed or substituted for by the Company, over (y) the aggregate exercise price of such shares.

 

16

 

10.2             Share Appreciation Right Vesting.

 

(a)           The period during which the right to exercise, in whole or in part, a Share Appreciation Right vests in the Holder shall be set by the Administrator and the Administrator may determine that a Share Appreciation Right may not be exercised in whole or in part for a specified period after it is granted. Such vesting may be based on service with the Company or any Subsidiary, any performance criteria, or any other criteria selected by the Administrator. Except as limited by the Plan, at any time after grant of a Share Appreciation Right, the Administrator, in its sole discretion and subject to whatever terms and conditions it selects, may accelerate the period during which a Share Appreciation Right vests.

 

(b)           No portion of a Share Appreciation Right which is unexercisable at a Holder’s Termination of Service shall thereafter become exercisable, except as may be otherwise provided by the Administrator in the applicable Program, the Award Agreement evidencing the grant of a Share Appreciation Right, or by action of the Administrator following the grant of the Share Appreciation Right.

 

10.3             Manner of Exercise. All or a portion of an exercisable Share Appreciation Right shall be deemed exercised upon delivery of all of the following to the Secretary of the Company, the stock plan administrator of the Company, or such other person or entity designated by the Administrator, or his, her or its office, as applicable:

 

(a)           A written or electronic notice complying with the applicable rules established by the Administrator stating that the Share Appreciation Right, or a portion thereof, is exercised. The notice shall be signed by the Holder or other person then entitled to exercise the Share Appreciation Right or such portion of the Share Appreciation Right;

 

(b)           Such representations and documents as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable to effect compliance with Applicable Law. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may also take whatever additional actions it deems appropriate to effect such compliance, including, without limitation, placing legends on share certificates and issuing stop-transfer notices to agents and registrars;

 

(c)           In the event that the Share Appreciation Right shall be exercised pursuant to this Section 10.3 by any person or persons other than the Holder, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Share Appreciation Right, as determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator; and

 

(d)           Full payment of the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes to the stock plan administrator of the Company for the Shares with respect to which the Share Appreciation Right, or portion thereof, is exercised, in a manner permitted by Sections 11.1 and 11.2.

 

10.4             Share Appreciation Right Term. The term of each Share Appreciation Right (the “Share Appreciation Right Term”) shall be set by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided, however, that the Share Appreciation Right Term shall not be more than ten (10) years from the date the Share Appreciation Right is granted. The Administrator shall determine the time period, including the time period following a Termination of Service, during which the Holder has the right to exercise the vested Share Appreciation Rights, which time period may not 

 

17

 

extend beyond the last day of the Share Appreciation Right Term applicable to such Share Appreciation Right. Except as limited by the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and regulations and rulings thereunder or the first sentence of this Section 10.4, the Administrator may extend the Share Appreciation Right Term of any outstanding Share Appreciation Right, and may extend the time period during which vested Share Appreciation Rights may be exercised, in connection with any Termination of Service of the Holder, and may amend, subject to Section 13.1, any other term or condition of such Share Appreciation Right relating to such a Termination of Service.

 

10.5             Payment. Payment of the amounts payable with respect to Share Appreciation Rights pursuant to this Article 10 shall be in cash, Shares (based on its Fair Market Value as of the date the Share Appreciation Right is exercised), or a combination of both, as determined by the Administrator.

 

10.6             Expiration of Share Appreciation Right Term: Automatic Exercise of In-The-Money Share Appreciation Rights. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator (in an Award Agreement or otherwise) or as otherwise directed by a Share Appreciation Right Holder in writing to the Company, each Share Appreciation Right outstanding on the Automatic Exercise Date with an exercise price per share that is less than the Fair Market Value per Share as of such date shall automatically and without further action by the Share Appreciation Right Holder or the Company be exercised on the Automatic Exercise Date. In the sole discretion of the Administrator, the Company or any Subsidiary shall deduct or withhold an amount sufficient to satisfy all taxes associated with such exercise in accordance with Section 11.2. For the avoidance of doubt, no Share Appreciation Right with an exercise price per share that is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value per Share on the Automatic Exercise Date shall be exercised pursuant to this Section 10.6.

 

ARTICLE 11.

 

ADDITIONAL TERMS OF AWARDS

 

11.1             Payment. The Administrator shall determine the methods by which payments by any Holder with respect to any Awards granted under the Plan shall be made, including, without limitation: (a) cash or check, (b) Shares (including, in the case of payment of the exercise price of an Award, Shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of the Award) or Shares held for such period of time as may be required by the Administrator in order to avoid adverse accounting consequences, in each case, having a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate payments required, (c) delivery of a written or electronic notice that the Holder has placed a market sell order with a broker acceptable to the Company with respect to Shares then issuable upon exercise or vesting of an Award, and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in satisfaction of the aggregate payments required; provided that payment of such proceeds is then made to the Company upon settlement of such sale, or (d) other form of legal consideration acceptable to the Administrator in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall also determine the methods by which Shares shall be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Holders. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, no Holder who is a Director or an “executive officer” of the Company within the meaning of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act shall be permitted to make payment 

 

18

 

with respect to any Awards granted under the Plan, or continue any extension of credit with respect to such payment, with a loan from the Company or a loan arranged by the Company in violation of Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act.

 

11.2             Tax Withholding. The Company or any Subsidiary shall have the authority and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Holder to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local and foreign taxes (including the Holder’s FICA, employment tax or other social security contribution obligation) required by law to be withheld with respect to any taxable event concerning a Holder arising as a result of the Plan. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and in satisfaction of the foregoing requirement, may withhold, or allow a Holder to elect to have the Company withhold, Shares otherwise issuable under an Award (or allow the surrender of Shares). The number of Shares which may be so withheld or surrendered shall be limited to the number of Shares which have a fair market value on the date of withholding or repurchase equal to the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign income tax and payroll tax purposes that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income. The Administrator shall determine the fair market value of the Shares, consistent with applicable provisions of the Code, for tax withholding obligations due in connection with a broker-assisted cashless Option or Share Appreciation Right exercise involving the sale of Shares to pay the Option or Share Appreciation Right exercise price or any tax withholding obligation.

 

11.3             Transferability of Awards.

 

(a)           Except as otherwise provided in Section 11.3(b) and 11.3(c):

 

(i)            No Award under the Plan may be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or, subject to the consent of the Administrator, pursuant to a DRO, unless and until such Award has been exercised, or the Shares underlying such Award have been issued, and all restrictions applicable to such Shares have lapsed;

 

(ii)           No Award or interest or right therein shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Holder or the Holder’s successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect, except to the extent that such disposition is permitted by Section 11.3(a)(i); and

 

(iii)          During the lifetime of the Holder, only the Holder may exercise an Award (or any portion thereof) granted to such Holder under the Plan, unless it has been disposed of pursuant to a DRO; after the death of the Holder, any exercisable portion of an Award may, prior to the time when such portion becomes unexercisable under the Plan or the applicable Program or Award Agreement, be exercised by the Holder’s personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Holder’s will or under the then-applicable laws of descent and distribution.

 

19

 

(b)           Notwithstanding Section 11.3(a), the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine to permit a Holder to transfer an Award other than an Incentive Share Option to any one or more Permitted Transferees, subject to the following terms and conditions: (i) an Award transferred to a Permitted Transferee shall not be assignable or transferable by the Permitted Transferee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a DRO; (ii) an Award transferred to a Permitted Transferee shall continue to be subject to all the terms and conditions of the Award as applicable to the original Holder (other than the ability to further transfer the Award); and (iii) the Holder and the Permitted Transferee shall execute any and all documents requested by the Administrator, including, without limitation documents to (A) confirm the status of the transferee as a Permitted Transferee, (B) satisfy any requirements for an exemption for the transfer under Applicable Law and (C) evidence the transfer.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding Section 11.3(a), a Holder may, in the manner determined by the Administrator, designate a beneficiary to exercise the rights of the Holder and to receive any distribution with respect to any Award upon the Holder’s death. A beneficiary, legal guardian, legal representative, or other person claiming any rights pursuant to the Plan is subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan and any Program or Award Agreement applicable to the Holder, except to the extent the Plan, the Program and the Award Agreement otherwise provide, and to any additional restrictions deemed necessary or appropriate by the Administrator. If the Holder is married or a domestic partner in a domestic partnership qualified under Applicable Law and resides in a community property state, a designation of a person other than the Holder’s spouse or domestic partner, as applicable, as the Holder’s beneficiary with respect to more than 50% of the Holder’s interest in the Award shall not be effective without the prior written or electronic consent of the Holder’s spouse or domestic partner. If no beneficiary has been designated or survives the Holder, payment shall be made to the person entitled thereto pursuant to the Holder’s will or the laws of descent and distribution. Subject to the foregoing, a beneficiary designation may be changed or revoked by a Holder at any time; provided that the change or revocation is filed with the Administrator prior to the Holder’s death.

 

11.4             Conditions to Issuance of Shares.

 

(a)           Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates or make any book entries evidencing Shares pursuant to the exercise of any Award, unless and until the Board or the Committee has determined, with advice of counsel, that the issuance of such Shares is in compliance with Applicable Law and the Shares are covered by an effective registration statement or applicable exemption from registration. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Board or the Committee may require that a Holder make such reasonable covenants, agreements and representations as the Board or the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems advisable in order to comply with Applicable Law.

 

(b)           Any share certificates delivered pursuant to the Plan and all Shares issued pursuant to book entry procedures are subject to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to comply with Applicable Law. The Administrator may place legends on any share certificate or book entry to reference restrictions applicable to the Shares.

 

20

 

(c)           The Administrator shall have the right to require any Holder to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement, distribution or exercise of any Award, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the sole discretion of the Administrator.

 

(d)           No fractional Shares shall be issued and the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine whether cash shall be given in lieu of fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares shall be eliminated by rounding down.

 

(e)           Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or required by Applicable Law, the Company shall not deliver to any Holder certificates evidencing Shares issued in connection with any Award and instead such Shares shall be recorded in the books of the Company (or, as applicable, its transfer agent or stock plan administrator).

 

11.5             Forfeiture and Claw-Back Provisions. Pursuant to its general authority to determine the terms and conditions applicable to Awards under the Plan, the Administrator shall have the right to provide, in an Award Agreement or otherwise, or to require a Holder to agree by separate written or electronic instrument, that:

 

(a)           (i) Any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by the Holder upon any receipt or exercise of the Award, or upon the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award, shall be paid to the Company, and (ii) the Award shall terminate and any unexercised portion of the Award (whether or not vested) shall be forfeited, if (x) a Termination of Service occurs prior to a specified date, or within a specified time period following receipt or exercise of the Award, or (y) the Holder at any time, or during a specified time period, engages in any activity in competition with the Company, or which is inimical, contrary or harmful to the interests of the Company, as further defined by the Administrator or (z) the Holder incurs a Termination of Service for “cause” (as such term is defined in the sole discretion of the Administrator, or as set forth in a written agreement relating to such Award between the Company and the Holder); and

 

(b)           All Awards (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by the Holder upon any receipt or exercise of any Award or upon the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award) shall be subject to the provisions of any claw-back policy implemented by the Company, including, without limitation, any claw-back policy adopted to comply with the requirements of Applicable Law, including without limitation the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder, to the extent set forth in such claw-back policy and/or in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

11.6             Option Repricing. The Administrator (a) may, without shareholder consent, (i) authorize the amendment of any outstanding Option or Share Appreciation Right to reduce its price per share or (ii) cancel any Option or Share Appreciation Right in exchange for cash or another Award when the Option or Share Appreciation Right price per share exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares; and (b) shall have the authority, without the approval of the shareholders of the Company, to amend any outstanding Award to increase the price per 

 

21

 

share or to cancel and replace an Award with the grant of an Award having a price per share that is greater than or equal to the price per share of the original Award.  The Administrator may take any action permitted by this Section 11.6 in connection with a transaction described in Section 13.2 or at any other time determined by the Administrator, subject only to any limitations specifically provided by Applicable Laws.  For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 11.6 explicitly permits repricings within the meaning of Section 303A.08 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual as in effect on the Effective Date.

 

ARTICLE 12.

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

12.1             Administrator. The Committee (or another committee or a subcommittee of the Board assuming the functions of the Committee under the Plan) shall administer the Plan (except as otherwise permitted herein). Additionally, to the extent the Board deems necessary to comply with Applicable Law, each of the individuals constituting the Committee (or another committee or subcommittee of the Board assuming the functions of the Committee under the Plan) shall be an “independent director” under the rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted or traded. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any action taken by the Committee shall be valid and effective, whether or not members of the Committee at the time of such action are later determined not to have satisfied the requirements for membership set forth in this Section 12.l or otherwise provided in any charter of the Committee. Except as may otherwise be provided in any charter of the Committee, appointment of Committee members shall be effective upon acceptance of appointment. Committee members may resign at any time by delivering written or electronic notice to the Board. Vacancies in the Committee may only be filled by the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) the full Board, acting by a majority of its members in office, shall conduct the general administration of the Plan with respect to Awards granted to Non-Employee Directors and, with respect to such Awards, the terms “Administrator” and “Committee” as used in the Plan shall be deemed to refer to the Board and (b) the Board or Committee may delegate its authority hereunder to the extent permitted by Section 12.6.

 

12.2             Duties and Powers of Committee. It shall be the duty of the Committee to conduct the general administration of the Plan in accordance with its provisions. The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan, the Program and the Award Agreement, and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are not inconsistent therewith, to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules and to amend any Program or Award Agreement; provided that the rights or obligations of the Holder of the Award that is the subject of any such Program or Award Agreement are not affected adversely by such amendment, unless the consent of the Holder is obtained or such amendment is otherwise permitted under Section 11.5 or Section 13.11. Any such grant or award under the Plan need not be the same with respect to each Holder. Any such interpretations and rules with respect to Incentive Share Options shall be consistent with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code. In its sole discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan except with respect to the rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted or traded are required to be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

 

22

 

12.3             Action by the Committee. Unless otherwise established by the Board or in any charter of the Committee, a majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and the acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, and acts approved in writing by all members of the Committee in lieu of a meeting, shall be deemed the acts of the Committee. Each member of the Committee is entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to that member by any officer or other employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, the Company’s independent certified public accountants, or any executive compensation consultant or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the administration of the Plan.

 

12.4             Authority of Administrator. Subject to the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Committee’s Charter and any specific designation in the Plan, the Administrator has the exclusive power, authority and sole discretion to:

 

(a)           Designate Eligible Individuals to receive Awards;

 

(b)           Determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each Eligible Individual;

 

(c)           Determine the number of Awards to be granted and the number of Shares to which an Award will relate;

 

(d)           Determine the terms and conditions of any Award granted pursuant to the Plan, including, but not limited to, the exercise price, grant price, purchase price, any performance criteria, any reload provision, any restrictions or limitations on the Award, any schedule for vesting, lapse of forfeiture restrictions or restrictions on the exercisability of an Award, and accelerations or waivers thereof, and any provisions related to non-competition and recapture of gain on an Award, based in each case on such considerations as the Administrator in its sole discretion determines;

 

(e)           Determine whether, to what extent, and pursuant to what circumstances an Award may be settled in, or the exercise price of an Award may be paid in cash, Shares, other Awards, or other property, or an Award may be canceled, forfeited, or surrendered;

 

(f)            Prescribe the form of each Award Agreement, which need not be identical for each Holder;

 

(g)           Decide all other matters that must be determined in connection with an Award;

 

(h)           Establish, adopt, or revise any rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or advisable to administer the Plan;

 

(i)            Interpret the terms of, and any matter arising pursuant to, the Plan, any Program or any Award Agreement;

 

(j)            Make all other decisions and determinations that may be required pursuant to the Plan or as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to administer the Plan; and

 

23

 

(k)           Accelerate wholly or partially the vesting or lapse of restrictions of any Award or portion thereof at any time after the grant of an Award, subject to whatever terms and conditions it selects and Section 13.2.

 

12.5             Decisions Binding. The Administrator’s interpretation of the Plan, any Awards granted pursuant to the Plan, any Program, any Award Agreement and all decisions and determinations by the Administrator with respect to the Plan are final, binding and conclusive on all parties.

 

12.6             Delegation of Authority. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Board or Committee may from time to time delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board or one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant or amend Awards or to take other administrative actions pursuant to this Article 12. Any delegation hereunder shall be subject to the restrictions and limits that the Board or Committee specifies at the time of such delegation, and the Board may at any time rescind the authority so delegated or appoint a new delegatee. At all times, the delegatee appointed under this Section 12.6 shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the Board and the Committee.

 

ARTICLE 13.

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

13.1             Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 13.1, the Plan may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Board or the Committee. However, without approval of the Company’s shareholders given within twelve (12) months before or after the action by the Administrator, no action of the Administrator may, except as provided in Section 13.2, increase the limits imposed in Section 3.1 on the maximum number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan. Except as provided in Section 11.5 and Section 13.11, no amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan shall, without the consent of the Holder, impair any rights or obligations under any Award theretofore granted or awarded, unless the Award itself otherwise expressly so provides. No Awards may be granted or awarded during any period of suspension or after termination of the Plan, and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event may any Award be granted under the Plan after the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date.

 

13.2             Changes in Shares or Assets of the Company, Acquisition or Liquidation of the Company and Other Corporate Events.

 

(a)           In the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to shareholders, or any other change affecting the shares in the Company’s capital stock or the price of the Company’s shares, the Administrator may make equitable adjustments, if any, to reflect such change with respect to: (i) the aggregate number and kind of Shares that may be issued under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 3.1 on the maximum number and kind of Shares which may be issued under the Plan, and adjustments of the Award Limit; (ii) the number and kind of Shares (or other 

 

24

 

securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards; (iii) the number and kind of Shares (or other securities or property) for which automatic grants are subsequently to be made to new and continuing Non-Employee Directors pursuant to Section 4.5; (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect thereto).

 

(b)           In the event of any transaction or event described in Section 13.2(a) or any unusual or nonrecurring transactions or events affecting the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company, or the financial statements of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of changes in Applicable Law or accounting principles, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, either by the terms of the Award or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such transaction or event and either automatically or upon the Holder’s request, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any Award under the Plan, to facilitate such transactions or events or to give effect to such changes in laws, regulations or principles:

 

(i)            To provide for either (A) termination of any such Award in exchange for an amount of cash, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Holder’s rights (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction or event described in this Section 13.2 the Administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Holder’s rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment) or (B) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, having an aggregate value not exceeding the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Holder’s rights had such Award been currently exercisable or payable or fully vested;

 

(ii)           To provide that such Award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar options, rights or awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices;

 

(iii)          To make adjustments in the number and type of shares in the Company’s capital (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards, and in the number and kind of outstanding Restricted Shares or Deferred Shares and/or in the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the criteria included in, outstanding Awards and Awards which may be granted in the future;

 

(iv)          To provide that such Award shall be exercisable or payable or fully vested with respect to all Shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or the applicable Program or Award Agreement; and

 

25

 

(v)           To provide that the Award cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after such event.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, in the event of a Change in Control, each outstanding Award shall continue in effect or be assumed or an equivalent Award substituted by the successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event an Award continues in effect or is assumed or an equivalent Award substituted, and a Holder incurs a Termination of Service upon or within twelve (12) months following the Change in Control, then such Holder shall be fully vested in such continued, assumed or substituted Award.

 

(d)           In the event that the successor corporation in a Change in Control refuses to assume or substitute for the Award, the Administrator may cause any or all of such Awards to become fully exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction and all forfeiture restrictions on any or all of such Awards to lapse. If an Award is exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator shall notify the Holder that the Award shall be fully exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, contingent upon the occurrence of the Change in Control, and the Award shall terminate upon the expiration of such period.

 

(e)           For the purposes of this Section 13.2, an Award shall be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control by holders of Shares for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Control was not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Award, for each Share subject to an Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent equal in fair market value to the per-share consideration received by holders of Shares in the Change in Control.

 

(f)            The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may include such further provisions and limitations in any Award, agreement or certificate, as it may deem equitable and in the best interests of the Company that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.

 

(g)           No adjustment or action described in this Section 13.2 or in any other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the Plan to violate Section 422(b)(1) of the Code.

 

(h)           The existence of the Plan, the Program, the Award Agreement and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company or the shareholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of stock or of options, warrants or rights to purchase stock or of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks whose 

 

26

 

rights are superior to or affect the Shares or the rights thereof or which are convertible into or exchangeable for Shares, 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.

 

(i)            No action shall be taken under this Section 13.2 which shall cause an Award to fail to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code or the Treasury Regulations thereunder.

 

(j)            In the event of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to shareholders, or any other change affecting the Shares or the share price of the Shares, for reasons of administrative convenience, the Company in its sole discretion, may refuse to permit the exercise of any Award during a period of up to thirty (30) days prior to the consummation of any such transaction.

 

13.3             Approval of Plan by Shareholders. The Plan shall be submitted for the approval of the Company’s shareholders within twelve (12) months after the date of the Board’s initial adoption of the Plan. Awards may be granted or awarded prior to such shareholder approval; provided that such Awards shall not be exercisable, shall not vest and the restrictions thereon shall not lapse and no Shares shall be issued pursuant thereto prior to the time when the Plan is approved by the shareholders; and provided, further, that if such approval has not been obtained at the end of said twelve (12) month period, all Awards previously granted or awarded under the Plan shall thereupon be canceled and become null and void.

 

13.4             No Shareholders Rights. Except as otherwise provided herein, a Holder shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to Shares covered by any Award until the Holder becomes the record owner of such Shares.

 

13.5             Paperless Administration. In the event that the Company establishes, for itself or using the services of a third party, an automated system for the documentation, granting or exercise of Awards, such as a system using an internet website or interactive voice response, then the paperless documentation, granting or exercise of Awards by a Holder may be permitted through the use of such an automated system.

 

13.6             Effect of Plan upon Other Compensation Plans. The adoption of the Plan shall not affect any other compensation or incentive plans in effect for the Company or any Subsidiary. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company or any Subsidiary: (a) to establish any other forms of incentives or compensation for Employees, Directors or Consultants of the Company or any Subsidiary, or (b) to grant or assume options or other rights or awards otherwise than under the Plan in connection with any proper corporate purpose including without limitation, the grant or assumption of options in connection with the acquisition by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the business, stock or assets of any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm or association.

 

13.7             Compliance with Laws. The Plan, the granting and vesting of Awards under the Plan and the issuance and delivery of Shares and the payment of money under the Plan or under 

 

27

 

Awards granted or awarded hereunder are subject to compliance with all Applicable Law (including but not limited to state, federal and foreign securities law and margin requirements), and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. Any securities delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such restrictions, and the person acquiring such securities shall, if requested by the Company, provide such assurances and representations to the Company as the Company may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all Applicable Law. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Plan and Awards granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to Applicable Law.

 

13.8             Titles and Headings, References to Sections of the Code or Exchange Act. The titles and headings of the Sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control. References to sections of the Code or the Exchange Act shall include any amendment or successor thereto.

 

13.9             Application of the Plan to United Kingdom Eligible Individuals.  In the United Kingdom only Employees shall be Eligible Individuals under the Plan.  Consultants and Non-Employee Directors who are resident in the United Kingdom will not be eligible to receive Awards under the Plan and to the extent that the Plan extends rights to individuals other than Employees or Former Employees, those provisions shall not apply in the United Kingdom. The Plan forms the rules of the employee share scheme applicable to the United Kingdom based Employees.  All awards granted to Employees who are based in the United Kingdom will be granted on similar terms.

 

13.10           Governing Law. The Plan and any agreements hereunder shall be administered, interpreted and enforced under Cayman law without regard to conflicts of laws thereof or of any other jurisdiction.

 

13.11           Section 409A and Section 457A. To the extent that the Administrator determines that any Award granted under the Plan is subject to Section 409A or Section 457A of the Code, the Program pursuant to which such Award is granted and the Award Agreement evidencing such Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions required by Section 409A or Section 457A of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan, the Program and any Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A and Section 457A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that following the Effective Date the Administrator determines that any Award may be subject to Section 409A or Section 457A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance (including such Department of Treasury guidance as may be issued after the Effective Date), the Administrator may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the applicable Program and Award Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate to (a) exempt the Award from Section 409A or Section 457A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the 

 

28

 

Award, or (b) comply with the requirements of Section 409A or Section 457A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance and thereby avoid the application of any penalty taxes under such Sections.

 

13.12           No Rights to Awards. No Eligible Individual or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Award pursuant to the Plan, and neither the Company nor the Administrator is obligated to treat Eligible Individuals, Holders or any other persons uniformly.

 

13.13           Unfunded Status of Awards. The Plan is intended to be an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Holder pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Program or Award Agreement shall give the Holder any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

13.14           Indemnification. To the extent allowable pursuant to Applicable Law, each member of the Committee or of the Board shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such member in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act pursuant to the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of judgment in such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her; provided he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled pursuant to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Memorandum and Articles of Association, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.

 

13.15           Relationship to other Benefits. No payment pursuant to the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare or other benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.

 

13.16           Expenses. The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

* * * * *

 

29

 

I hereby certify that the foregoing Plan was duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Manchester United plc on August 7, 2012.

 

* * * * *

 

I hereby certify that the foregoing Plan was approved by the shareholders of Manchester United plc on August 8, 2012.

 

Executed on this          day of August, 2012.

 

 

	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Corporate Secretary
    

 

30

 

Appendix A

 

MANCHESTER UNITED PLC

 

2012 UK COMPANY SHARE OPTION SUB-PLAN

 

Pursuant to the powers granted to the Administrator in Section 4.4 of the Manchester United plc 2012 Equity Incentive Award Plan, (the “Plan”) the Administrator has adopted this 2012 UK Company Share Option Sub-Plan (the “Scheme”).

 

The Scheme has been adopted to govern any Options granted under the Plan for the benefit of the Eligible Employees (as defined in this Scheme).

 

The rules set out in the Scheme do not provide for any rights that are more beneficial than the rights that may be granted under the Plan; and are more restrictive than the rules set out in the Plan, in order for Options granted to Eligible Employees to comply with the requirements of Schedule 4 (as defined in Clause 1).

 

1.                                     DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

1.1           Definitions

 

In this Scheme unless the context otherwise requires:

 

	
“Administrator”
    	
 
    	
means   the entity that conducts the general administration of the Plan and this   Scheme;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Award Agreement”
    	
 
    	
means   any written agreement, contract, or other instrument or document evidencing   an award (including through an electronic medium) which shall contain such   terms and conditions with respect to an Option as the Administrator shall   determine, consistent with the Scheme;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Board”
    	
 
    	
means   the Board of Directors of the Company from time to time or a duly authorised   administrator of the Board;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Change in   Control”
    	
 
    	
means   the occurrence of:

 

(a)        any transaction or series of transactions which   within a 12-month period constitute a change in control where:

 

(i)         more than 50% of the then-outstanding Shares are   (for cash, property (including, without limitation, shares or stock in any   corporation), or indebtedness, or any combination thereof) redeemed by the   Company or purchased by any person(s), firm(s) or entity(ies), other   than the Glazer family and its affiliates, or exchanged for 
    

 

A-1

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
shares   in any other corporation whether or not affiliated with the Company, or any   combination of such redemption, purchase or exchange, or

 

(ii)       more than 50% of the Company’s assets are purchased   by any person(s), firm(s) or entity(ies) whether or not affiliated with   the Company, other than the Glazer family or its affiliates, for cash,   property (including, without limitation, shares or stock in any corporation)   or indebtedness or any combination thereof, or

 

(iii)      the Company is amalgamated, merged or consolidated   with another corporation regardless of whether the Company is the survivor   (except any such transaction solely for the purpose of changing the Company’s   domicile or which does not change the ultimate beneficial ownership of the   equity interests in the Company), or

 

(b)       any substantial equivalent of any such redemption,   purchase, exchange, change, transaction or series of transactions,   acquisition, amalgamation, merger or consolidation constituting such a change   in control. For purposes hereof, the term “control” shall have the meaning   ascribed thereto under the Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder.

 

For purposes of clause (a)(ii) above, or   as appropriate for purposes of clause (b) above, the Company shall be   deemed to include on a consolidated basis all subsidiaries and other   affiliated corporations or other entities with the same effect as if they   were divisions;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Code”
    	
 
    	
means   the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Committee”
    	
 
    	
means   the Remuneration Committee of the board of directors of the Company, as   described in Section 12 of the Plan;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Class A   Ordinary Shares”
    	
 
    	
means   the Class A ordinary shares of the Company, par value $0.0005 per share;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Company”
    	
 
    	
means   Manchester United plc;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Control”
    	
 
    	
has   the meaning given in section 995(2) of the Income 
    

 

A-2

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
Tax   Act 2007 unless otherwise specified;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Date of Grant”
    	
 
    	
means   the date of the grant of an Option;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Director”
    	
 
    	
means   a member of the Board from time to time;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Eligible   Employee”
    	
 
    	
means:

 

(a)        a director of the Company or a Subsidiary who is   required to work for not less than 25 hours per week (excluding meal breaks);   or

 

(b)       any other employee of the Company or a Subsidiary, 

 

in either case, who does not have a Material   Interest and is not otherwise excluded by paragraph 9 of part 3 of Schedule 4   from being eligible to receive options under a scheme approved by HM Revenue &   Customs under Schedule 4;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Employer”
    	
 
    	
means   the company that employs the Eligible Employee;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Exchange Act”
    	
 
    	
means   the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Exercise Price”
    	
 
    	
means   the price per Share payable on exercise of the Option (whether in whole or a   part) determined in accordance with Clause 2.3;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Grantor”
    	
 
    	
means   in relation to an Option, the Company or such other person (including   Trustees) that has granted that Option;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Group”
    	
 
    	
means   the Company and its Subsidiaries from time to time;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Key Features”
    	
 
    	
means   those features of the Scheme that are necessary for it to comply with, and be   approved by HM Revenue & Customs under, the terms of Schedule 4;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“ITEPA”
    	
 
    	
means   the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions Act) 2003;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Market Value”
    	
 
    	
means   in relation to a Share on a given day:

 

(a)        if Shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange or   the New York Stock Exchange or any other Securities Market (but excluding the   Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange plc), the middle   market quotation on the appropriate officially recognized daily list of a   Share 
    

 

A-3

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
for that day, if   there is no middle market quotation for a Share as quoted on the appropriate   officially recognised daily list, the middle market quotation for a Share on   the last preceding date for which such quotation exists, as quoted on the   appropriate officially recognised daily list;

 

(b)       if Shares are not listed on the London Stock   Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange or any other Securities Market (but   excluding the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange   plc), the market value of a Share determined in accordance with the   provisions of Part VIII of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 and   agreed for the purposes of the Scheme with HM Revenue & Customs   Shares Valuation Division on or before that date;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Material   Interest”
    	
 
    	
has   the meaning given in paragraph 9 of Schedule 4;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“New Option”
    	
 
    	
has   the meaning given in Clause 5.1;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Old Option”
    	
 
    	
has   the meaning given in Clause 5.1;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Option”
    	
 
    	
means   the right to acquire or subscribe for Shares pursuant to this Scheme;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Option Limit”
    	
 
    	
means   the maximum number of Shares that may be acquired under an Option, as   determined in accordance with Clause 3;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Participant”
    	
 
    	
means   a person who has been granted an Option or, if the person has died and where   the context requires, his personal representatives;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Schedule 4”
    	
 
    	
means   schedule 4 to ITEPA;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Securities Act”
    	
 
    	
means   the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Securities Market”
    	
 
    	
means   a recognised investment exchange as defined by section 285 of the Financial   Services and Markets Act 2000 (including, without limitation, the Official   List of the London Stock Exchange plc, the New York Stock Exchange and   NASDAQ) together with the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock   Exchange plc;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Share”
    	
 
    	
means   a Class A Ordinary Share which both at the Date of Grant and on the date   of exercise of the Option, satisfies the conditions for being an “eligible   share” in 
    

 

A-4

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
terms   of part 4 of Schedule 4;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Subsidiary”
    	
 
    	
shall   mean any entity (other than the Company), whether domestic or foreign, in an   unbroken chain of entities beginning with the Company if each of the entities   other than the last entity in the unbroken chain beneficially owns, at the   time of the determination, securities or interests representing at least   fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of   securities or interests in one of the other entities in such chain;
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Tax Liability”
    	
 
    	
means   all and any liability for any income tax or employer’s and employee’s   National Insurance contributions in respect of the exercise of the Option;   and
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Termination   Date”
    	
 
    	
means   the date on which the Participant ceases to be an employee or Director (if not   also an employee) of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company (including   upon the death of the Participant).
    

 

1.2           Interpretation and Construction

 

Save to the extent that the context or the express provisions of this Scheme require otherwise, in this Scheme:

 

(a)           any reference to a Clause is to the relevant clause of this Scheme unless otherwise specified;

 

(b)           any reference to any legislation shall include any consolidation, modification, extension, amendment or re-enactment of that legislation and to any subordinate legislation made under it, for the time being in force;

 

(c)           any references to a “person” includes any individual, firm, company, corporation, body corporate, government, state or agency of state, trust or foundation, or any association, partnership or unincorporated body (whether or not having separate legal personality) or two or more of the foregoing;

 

(d)           words denoting the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and words denoting any gender shall include all genders;

 

(e)           general words shall not be given a restrictive meaning because they are followed by words which are particular examples of the acts, matters or things covered by the general words and “including”, “include” and “in particular” shall be construed without limitation;

 

(f)            the words “other” and “otherwise” shall not be construed eiusdem generis with any foregoing words where a wider construction is possible;

 

A-5

 

(g)           where Scheme provides that the Administrator has discretion, the Administrator will only be able to exercise that discretion if (i) there is a clearly stated right without the application of the discretion that the application of discretion can only improve that existing right; and (ii) the discretion will be applied on a fair and reasonable basis; and

 

(h)           with respect to Options granted otherwise than by the Company, references to any approval, determination or nomination made, or discretion exercised, by the Grantor shall be construed to mean an approval, determination or nomination made, or exercise of discretion, by the Grantor acting upon the recommendation and with the consent of the Board.

 

1.3           Headings

 

The table of contents and the headings in this Scheme are included for convenience only and shall be ignored in construing this Scheme.

 

2.                                     GRANT OF OPTIONS

 

2.1           Grant

 

(a)           The Administrator may, in its absolute discretion, from time to time grant Options or request a trustee to grant Options to Eligible Employees.

 

(b)           No Option shall be granted without the prior recommendation or approval of the Administrator and no person is entitled as of right to participate in this Scheme.

 

(c)           The Administrator may adopt any procedure for granting or procuring the grant of Options.

 

(d)           The Administrator shall, at its discretion, determine the terms of the Option (and may attach restrictions or conditions to the Option) and, subject to the Option Limit, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is granted.

 

(e)           Only Eligible Employees can be granted an Option.

 

2.2           Option Vesting

 

(a)           The period over which the right to exercise an Option vests shall be determined by the Administrator and set out in the Award Agreement.  The Administrator may determine that the Option may not be exercised in whole or part for a specified period after it is granted.

 

(b)           The Administrator may at its discretion at any time and to any extent accelerate the vesting of an Option.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding that the right to exercise the Option may have partly or fully vested, the Option cannot be exercised unless the conditions in Clause 4 have been met.

 

A-6

 

 

(d)           No portion of an Option which has not vested on the Termination Date shall thereafter vest and become exercisable, unless the Administrator determines otherwise, at its sole discretion.

 

2.3           Exercise Price

 

The Exercise Price shall be set by the Administrator, provided that the Exercise Price shall not be less than the Market Value at the Date of Grant (subject to the terms of Clause 11).

 

2.4           Award Agreement

 

Each Option shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement.  The Award Agreement shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the requirements set out in Schedule 4.  No Option will be granted unless the Eligible Employee enters into the Award Agreement.  The Award Agreement will be in a form determined by the Administrator and will specify:

 

(a)           the Date of Grant;

 

(b)           the Exercise Price;

 

(c)           the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is granted;

 

(d)           the earliest date on which the Option may be exercised; and

 

(e)           how the Option is to be exercised.

 

2.5           Cost of Grant

 

In consideration of the granting of an Option, the Participant shall agree, in the Award Agreement to pay to the Company the sum of £1.

 

3.                                     OPTION LIMIT

 

3.1           Number of Shares

 

The number of Shares in respect of which an Option is granted to an Eligible Employee shall be limited, and the Option shall take effect, so that the aggregate Market Value of Shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of that Option, when added to:

 

(a)           the aggregate Market Value of Shares in respect of which Options have previously been granted (and have not then been exercised nor ceased to be exercisable); and

 

(b)           the aggregate Market Value of Shares in respect of which rights to acquire such Shares have been obtained by the Eligible Employee under any other share option plan approved in terms of ITEPA (not being a savings-related share option plan) which has been established by the Company or by any Subsidiary (and have not then been exercised nor ceased to be exercisable),

 

A-7

 

shall not exceed, or further exceed £30,000, or such other limit as may be prescribed from time to time.

 

3.2           Relevant Date

 

For the purposes of Clause 3.1:

 

(a)           the Market Value of Shares shall be calculated as at the time the Option (or any other rights to acquire Shares referred to in Clause 3.1(b)), were granted, or such earlier time as may have been agreed in writing with the board of HM Revenue & Customs; and

 

(b)           the £30,000 limit referred to in Clause 3.1 will be converted into US dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the Date of Grant of the new Option being granted.

 

4.                                     EXERCISE OF OPTIONS

 

4.1           Restrictions on Exercise

 

The Option may not be exercised to any extent at any time when:

 

(a)           the Participant is precluded by paragraph 9 of Schedule 4 from participating in the Scheme because he has at that time or has had in the previous period of 12 months a Material Interest; or

 

(b)           Unless the Administrator determines otherwise in its sole discretion the Shares in respect of which the Option has been granted are no longer “eligible shares” in terms of part 4 of Schedule 4.

 

4.2           General Rules

 

Subject to the other terms of Clause 4 and the Award Agreement, any Option which has not lapsed may be exercised to the extent vested, upon or following:

 

(a)           the third anniversary of the Date of Grant;

 

(b)           the death of the Participant; or

 

(c)           the Participant becoming a Good Leaver.

 

4.3           Partial Exercise

 

If exercisable the Option may be exercised in whole or in part.  The Option shall not be exercisable with respect to fractional Shares and the Grantor may specify, in the Award Agreement, that a partial exercise be with respect to a minimum number of Shares.

 

4.4           Manner of Exercise

 

An Option shall be exercised by delivering all of the following to the Grantor:

 

A-8

 

(a)           a written notice complying with the applicable rules established by the Administrator from time to time stating the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is exercised.  The notice shall be signed by the Participant or other person then entitled to exercise the Option (pursuant to Clause 7.1);

 

(b)           in the event that the Option shall be exercised pursuant to Clause 7.1 by any person other than the Participant, appropriate proof of the right of that person to exercise the Option;

 

(c)           full cash payment of the Exercise Price for all Shares in respect of which the Option is exercised unless the Committee allows the use of a cashless exercise facility and pursuant to which the Participant has delivered a notice to the Administrator (in a form approved by HM Revenue & Customs) that the Participant has placed a market sell order with a broker with respect to Shares then issuable upon exercise of the Option and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in satisfaction of the aggregate Exercise Price, provided that payment of such proceeds is then made to the Company upon settlement of such sale;

 

(d)           full payment in cash, or deduction from other compensation payable to the Participant, of any sums required in respect of any Tax Liability; and

 

(e)           an election in the terms described in Clause 10.3.

 

5.             EXCHANGE OF OPTIONS ON A COMPANY REORGANISATION

 

5.1           Change of Control

 

If any company (the “Acquiring Company”):

 

(a)           obtains Control of the Company as a result of making a general offer to:

 

(i)            acquire the whole of the issued common shares of the Company which is made on a condition that, if it is satisfied the Acquiring Company will have Control of the Company; or

 

(ii)           acquire all the common shares in the Company which are of the same class as the Shares; or

 

(b)           obtains Control of the Company as a result of a compromise or arrangement sanctioned by a court under section 899 of the Companies Act 2006, or sanctioned under any other similar law of another jurisdiction which HM Revenue & Customs accepts is the same in intent and purpose; or

 

(c)           becomes bound or entitled under sections 979 to 982 of the Companies Act 2006 (or similar law of another jurisdiction which HM Revenue & Customs accepts is the same in intent and purpose) to acquire common shares of the same class as the Shares;

 

A-9

 

a Participant may at any time within the Appropriate Period (as defined in Clause 5.4) with the agreement of the Acquiring Company, release his rights under his Option (for the purposes of Clause 5, the “Old Option”) in consideration of the grant to him of new rights (the “New Option”) which are equivalent to his rights under the Old Option but which relate to shares in the Acquiring Company and satisfy the requirements of Clause 5.3.

 

5.2           Treatment as a replacement option

 

If the Participant does release his rights under the Old Option in consideration of the grant to him of the New Option, then:

 

(a)           the New Option shall be treated has having been granted on the date on which the Old Option was granted;

 

(b)           with effect from the release of the rights under the Old Option, references in this Scheme or other related documentation (including the Award Agreement) to the “Company” and “Shares” shall be construed respectively as if they were references to the “Acquiring Company” and to the applicable shares in the Acquiring Company; and

 

(c)           other than the New Options, no further options shall be granted under this Scheme.

 

5.3          Conditions to be met by New Options

 

The New Option must satisfy the following conditions:

 

(a)           it is over shares in the Acquiring Company or some other company falling within the definition of paragraph 27(2) of Schedule 4;

 

(b)           the shares over which the New Option is granted satisfy the conditions for being “eligible shares” in terms of part 4 of Schedule 4;

 

(c)           it is exercisable in the same manner as the Old Option and subject to the provisions of the Scheme as the Scheme had effect immediately before the release of the Old Option;

 

(d)           the total Market Value of the Shares subject to the Old Option immediately before the release of the Old Option must equal the total market value, immediately after the grant of the New Option, of the shares subject to the New Option; and

 

(e)           the total amount payable by the Participant for the acquisition of shares under the New Option must be equal to the total Exercise Price for all the Shares subject to the Old Option.

 

5.4           Appropriate Period

 

(a)           “Appropriate Period” means:

 

A-10

 

(i)            the period of six months beginning with the time when:

 

(A)          where Control is obtained in the way set out in Clause 5.1(a), the Acquiring Company obtains Control of the Company and any conditions subject to which the offer is made have been met or waived;

 

(B)          where Control is obtained in the way set out in Clause 5.1(b), the Court sanctions a compromise or arrangement; or

 

(ii)           where Clause 5.1(c) applies, within the period during which the Acquiring Company remains bound or entitled as mentioned within that Clause.

 

5.5           Non-Mandatory Treatment

 

(a)           The treatment of an Option as set out in Clause 5.1 to Clause 5.4 shall not be the mandatory treatment of an Option in the event of a Change in Control.

 

(b)           If:

 

(i)            a Change in Control occurs but the circumstances set out in Clause 5.1(a), (b) or (c) are not met by the Change in Control; or

 

(ii)           the Acquiring Company does not agree to grant a New Option pursuant to Clause 5.1; or

 

(iii)          the Administrator determines that Clause 5.1 should not apply to the Change in Control; then

 

Section 13.2 of the Plan will apply to the Option.

 

5.6           Lapse of Option

 

If the Acquiring Company does agree to grant a New Option but the Participant does not agree to release his rights under the Old Option in consideration of the grant to him of the New Option, then the Old Option shall lapse and cease to be exercisable at the end of the period within which the Participant could have accepted the invitation to release his rights under the Old Option in consideration for the grant of the New Option.

 

6.                                      LAPSE

 

In addition to the other circumstances when the Option will lapse (including as may be set out in the Award Agreement) the Option shall immediately lapse and cease to be exercisable on the earliest to occur of the following:

 

(a)           at the end of the day immediately before the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant;

 

(b)           where the Participant is an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary on death, the first anniversary of the Participant’s death;

 

A-11

 

(c)           the expiry of 90 days following the Participant ceasing to be an employee or director (unless he remains an employee) of the Company or a Subsidiary;

 

(d)           on the occurrence of a Change in Control, unless the Administrator, in its sole discretion, determines that the Options shall be dealt with in accordance with the terms of the Plan;

 

(e)           on the Participant being adjudicated bankrupt;

 

(f)            the expiry of six months from the date on which the Eligible Employee ceases to be employed by the Company or a Subsidiary by reason of his employing company leaving the Group or the transfer or sale of the undertaking in which he is employed to a person not within the Group.

 

7.                                     OPTION NOT ASSIGNABLE OR CHARGEABLE

 

7.1           No assignment or transfer

 

(a)           Subject to Clause 7.1(b), neither the Option nor any rights under or interest in the Option can be sold, pledged, assigned, or transferred in any manner.  Any purported sale, pledge, assignment or transfer shall cause the Option to lapse immediately.

 

(b)           For a period of 12 months after the death of the Participant any exercisable portion of an Option may, subject to the terms of this Scheme, be exercised by the Participant’s personal representatives.

 

7.2           No Charge

 

The Participant cannot make any Option nor the Shares the subject of any charge or security in any way.  Any purported charge shall cause the Option to lapse immediately.

 

8.                                     CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT

 

8.1           Relationship with contract of employment

 

(a)           The grant of an Option does not form part of a Participant’s entitlement to remuneration or benefits in terms of his employment with the Company or a Subsidiary.

 

(b)           The terms and conditions of employment of a Participant are not affected or changed in any way by the grant of the Option or the terms of this Scheme.

 

8.2           Compensation

 

This Scheme shall not afford the Participant any rights to compensation or damages including for any loss or potential loss that the Participant may suffer by reason of being unable to exercise the Option as a result of the termination of this Scheme, lapse of the Option or the termination of the Participant’s office or employment with the Company or 

 

A-12

 

any Subsidiary, including where the termination is subsequently held to be wrongful or unfair.

 

9.                                      ALLOTMENT OR TRANSFER OF SHARES AND RESTRICTIONS

 

9.1           Rights of Shareholders

 

The Participant shall not be, nor have any rights or privileges of, a shareholder of the Company in respect of any Shares until the Shares have been allotted, issued or transferred to the Participant.

 

9.2           Allotment or Transfer of Shares

 

The Grantor shall:

 

(a)           Within 30 days from when the Option is exercised issue, allot or procure (as appropriate) the transfer to the Participate of that number of Shares specified in the Exercise Notice; and

 

(b)           as soon as reasonably practicable after the issuance, allotment or transfer of the Shares but subject to stamping of the relevant instruments of transfer, as appropriate, procure:

 

(i)            the issue to the Participant of a share certificate or other acknowledgement of shareholding; and

 

(ii)           that if permission has been given for shares of the same class as the Shares to be traded or dealt in on a Securities Market, the Shares may also be traded or dealt in on that Securities Market.

 

9.3           Shares subject to Company’s constitutional and governing documents

 

(a)           The issue, allotment or transfer of any Shares shall be subject to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company in force from time to time and to any necessary consents of any authority under any enactment or regulations from time to time in force.  It shall be the responsibility of the Participant to comply with any requirements to be fulfilled in order to obtain, or obviate the necessity of, such consent.

 

(b)           The Shares shall rank equally in all respects with the Company’s shares of the same class in issue on the date of exercise with the exception of any rights attaching to any shares of the Company prior to the date of issue, allotment or transfer of the Shares.

 

9.4           Alterations to Company’s constitutional and governing documents etc.

 

Nothing in this Scheme shall be taken to impose any restriction or limitation on the exercise by the members of the Company of their rights to make alterations to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company or the shares in the capital of 

 

A-13

 

the Company.

 

10.                               TAXATION

 

10.1         Liability for Tax

 

Any Tax Liability will be the responsibility of and borne by the Participant.

 

10.2         Tax Indemnity

 

The Participant will indemnify and keep indemnified the Company, the Grantor (if different), the Employer and any other Subsidiary from and against any Tax Liability.

 

10.3         Election

 

If required by the Board, the Participant shall, prior to and as a condition of exercise of the Option, enter into an election with the Employer (in a form approved by the Administrator and HM Revenue & Customs and as provided for in paragraph 3B of schedule 1 to the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992) under which any liability to employer’s National Insurance contributions arising in respect of the exercise of the Option is transferred to and met by the Participant.

 

11.                              CHANGES IN CLASS A ORDINARY SHARES

 

11.1         The existence of outstanding Options shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company or its shareholders to make or authorise any Change in Control, or any adjustment, re-capitalisation, re-organisation or other change in the Company’s capital structure or affecting the Company’s Class A Ordinary Shares.

 

11.2         Subject to Clause 11.3, in the event that the Administrator determines in its sole discretion that any variation in the Class A Ordinary Shares (for example by way of capitalization or rights issue, sub-division, consolidation or reduction) affects the Class A Ordinary Shares such that an adjustment is determined by the Administrator to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available in respect of an Option, then the Administrator shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of:

 

(a)           the aggregate number or amount of Shares subject to the Option; or

 

(b)           the Exercise Price payable for each Share under the Option; or

 

(c)           the description of the Shares which may be acquired under the Option.

 

11.3         The adjustments set out in Clause 11.2 may only be made if:

 

(a)           the aggregate amount payable on the exercise of an Option in full is not increased;

 

(b)           the Exercise Price for a Share is not reduced below its nominal value;

 

A-14

 

(c)           HM Revenue & Customs has given its prior approval to the adjustment; and

 

(d)           following the adjustment the shares which may be acquired under the Option continue to be Shares.

 

12.                               ADMINISTRATION

 

12.1         Incorporation of terms

 

The terms of Article 12 of the Plan shall apply to Options to the extent appropriate for Options governed by the Scheme.

 

12.2         Exercise of Discretion

 

Where the Board or the Administrator has the power to exercise its discretion in terms of the Scheme or the Plan, the discretion shall always be exercised fairly and reasonably.

 

12.3         Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan

 

The Administrator may from time to time amend the Scheme and may terminate the Scheme, provided that:

 

(a)           neither the termination of the Scheme, nor any amendment to it may materially adversely affect an Participant as regards an Option granted to him before the termination or amendment being made, without the consent of the Participant;

 

(b)           no amendment may be made which would make the terms on which an Option is granted materially more generous or would breach the Option Limit; and

 

(c)           no amendment that affects any Key Features shall have effect unless and until approved by HM Revenue & Customs.

 

12.4         Conflict between the rules of the Plan and the rules of the Scheme

 

(a)           The rules of the Scheme are to be construed and interpreted in so far as possible in accordance with the Plan.  If there is any conflict between the rules of the Scheme and the rules of the Plan, then in respect of Options governed by the terms of the Scheme, the terms of the Scheme shall prevail.

 

(b)           For the avoidance of doubt, only Options (as defined in and meeting the specifications set out in this Scheme) can be granted under and pursuant to this Scheme.  No other rights over or in respect of Shares (other than upon exercise of an Option) can be granted under and pursuant to this Scheme.

 

13.                              GOVERNING LAW

 

This Scheme is governed by and is to be construed in accordance with English law.

 

A-15Exhibit 10.1

 

MACKINAC FINANCIAL CORPORATION

2012 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

 

STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AWARD AGREEMENT

 

MACKINAC FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Michigan corporation (the “Company”), as permitted by the Mackinac Financial Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), hereby grants to the individual listed below (the “Participant”), a Stock Appreciation Right (each a “SAR”) as described herein, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement (this “Agreement”).

 

Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, the terms used in this Agreement have the same meaning as defined in the Plan.  The term “Service Provider” as used in this Agreement means an individual actively providing services to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.

 

1.             NOTICE OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT.

 

	
Participant:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Grant   Date:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Per   Share Exercise Price (the “Exercise Price”):
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Number   of Shares of Subject to this SAR:
    	
 
    

 

 

2.             GRANT OF SAR.  The Company hereby grants to the Participant, as of the Grant Date, a SAR on the number of shares specified above. The SAR represents the right, upon exercise, to receive payment of an amount determined by multiplying (a) the difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price, by (b) the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised (the product of (a) and (b) shall be referred to as the “SAR Payment Amount”).  Settlement of the SAR Payment Amount shall be made by delivering Shares having a Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise equal to the SAR Payment Amount, with cash paid in lieu of any fractional Shares.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not issue any Shares unless you have satisfied the requirements of Section 9 below.

 

3.             VESTING AND EXERCISE.

 

(a)           Vesting.  Subject to your continued service with the Company or its Subsidiaries unless otherwise provided in Section 3(c) and Section 4 below, the SARs shall become vested and may be exercised in accordance with the following schedule, by written notice to the Company in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company:

 

	
Anniversary Date of Great
    	
 
    	
Cumulative Vested Percentage
    
	
[    ]
    	
 
    	
[    %]
    
	
[    ]
    	
 
    	
[    %]
    
	
[    ]
    	
 
    	
[    %]
    

 

1

 

The right to exercise this SAR and to purchase the number of shares comprising each vested installment shall be cumulative, and once such right has become exercisable it may be exercised in whole at any time and in part from time to time until the date of termination of the Grantee’s rights hereunder.

 

(b)           Committee Discretion to Accelerate Vesting.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for accelerated vesting of the SAR at any time and for any reason.

 

(c)           Conditions on Exercise.  The Committee may suspend the right to exercise the SAR during any period for which the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that such suspension would be necessary or advisable in order to comply with the requirements of (i) any applicable federal securities law or rule or regulation thereunder, (ii) any rule of a national securities exchange, national securities association, or other self-regulatory organization, or (iii) any other federal or state law or regulation (each an “SAR Exercise Suspension”).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no SAR Exercise Suspension shall extend the term of the SAR in a manner that would result in the SAR becoming nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code.

 

4.             TERMINATION OF SERVICES; FORFEITURE.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:

 

(a)           Termination for Any Reason (Other than Death, Disability, or Retirement).  Upon the termination of Participant’s services with the Company or a Subsidiary for any reason (other than for Death, Disability or Retirement as described below), each SAR (whether vested or unvested) shall be immediately canceled and terminated.

 

(b)           Death; Disability.  Upon the termination of Participant’s services with the Company or a Subsidiary as a result of Participant’s death or “Disability” (as defined in the Plan), each SAR shall become fully vested and shall remain exercisable until the Expiration Date (as defined below).

 

(c)           Retirement.  Upon the termination of Participant’s services with the Company or a Subsidiary as a result of Participant’s Retirement, (1) each SAR which is exercisable at the date of such termination shall continue to be exercisable until the earlier of (i) the Expiration Date, or (ii) the date such Participant ceases to be Retired, and (2) each SAR which is not exercisable at the date of such termination shall continue to vest in accordance with the terms of Section 2 above as if Participant’s had not Retired and shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the Expiration Date, or (ii) the date such Participant ceases to be Retired.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Retirement” shall mean the Participant’s resignation from the Company on or after the date upon which the Participant has attained at least (i)        years of age, and (ii)        years of service with the Company[, subject to the Company’s consent].

 

2

 

(d)           Expiration.  Unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Plan and/or this Agreement, all portions of the SAR (whether vested or not vested) shall expire and shall no longer be exercisable after the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Grant Date (the “Expiration Date”).

 

5.             CHANGE OF CONTROL.  Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the SARs described in this Agreement shall become fully vested and exercisable.

 

6.             RIGHTS AS STOCKHOLDER.  Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares subject to this SAR until the SAR has been exercised and Shares relating thereto have been issued and recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agent or registrars.

 

7.             ADJUSTMENTS.  In the event of any stock dividend, reclassification, subdivision or combination, or similar transaction affecting this SAR, the rights of the Participant will be adjusted as provided in Section 4 of the Plan.

 

8.             NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF SAR.  Without the express written consent of the Committee, which may be withheld for any reason in its sole discretion, the SARs may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during your lifetime only by you. The terms of the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding upon your executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns.  Any attempt to transfer the SAR in any manner, contrary to the terms and provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan shall be null and void and without legal force or effect.

 

9.             TAX WITHHOLDING.  The Participant hereby agrees that the Participant shall make appropriate arrangements with the Company for such income and employment tax withholding as may be required of the Company under applicable United States federal, state or local law on account of this SAR.  The Participant may satisfy the obligation(s), in whole or in part, by electing (i) to make a payment to the Company in cash, by check or by other instrument acceptable to the Company, (ii) subject to the general or specific approval of the Committee, to have the Company withhold a number of shares which would otherwise be issued pursuant to this Agreement having a value not greater than the amount required to be withheld (such number may be rounded up to the next whole share), or (iii) subject to the general or specific approval of the Committee, by any combination of (i) and (ii).  The value of shares to be withheld (if permitted by the Committee) shall be based on the Fair Market Value of a share of the Company’s common stock as of the date the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined.

 

10.          THE PLAN; AMENDMENT.  The SAR is subject in all respects to the terms, conditions, limitations and definitions contained in the Plan.  In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this Agreement and the Plan, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall control.  The Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to modify or amend this Agreement from time to time in accordance with and as provided in the Plan. This Agreement may also be modified or amended by a writing signed by both the Company and the Participant.

 

3

 

The Company shall give written notice to the Participant of any such modification or amendment of this Agreement as soon as practicable after the adoption thereof.

 

11.          RIGHTS OF PARTICIPANTS; REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS.  Without limiting the generality of any other provision of this Agreement or the Plan, Articles 13 and 18 of the Plan pertaining to the Participants’ rights and “Regulatory Requirements” (as such term is defined in the Plan) are hereby explicitly incorporated into this Agreement.

 

12.          NOTICES.  Notices hereunder shall be mailed or delivered to the Company at its principal place of business and shall be mailed or delivered to the Participant at the address on file with the Company or, in either case, at such other address as one party may subsequently furnish to the other party in writing.

 

13.          GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, notwithstanding conflict of law provisions.

 

14.          TRANSFER OF PERSONAL DATA.  The Participant authorizes, agrees and unambiguously consents to the transmission by the Company (or any Subsidiary) of any personal data information related to the SAR awarded under this Agreement for legitimate business purposes (including, without limitation, the administration of the Plan). This authorization and consent is freely given by the Participant.

 

15.          BINDING AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENT.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon, and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns. The Participant shall not assign (except in accordance with Section 8 hereof) any part of this Agreement without the prior express written consent of the Company.

 

16.          HEADINGS.  The titles and headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.

 

17.          COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

18.          SEVERABILITY.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

19.          ACQUIRED RIGHTS.  The Participant acknowledges and agrees that: (a) the Company may terminate or amend the Plan at any time; (b) the award of the SAR made under this Agreement is completely independent of any other award or grant and is made at the sole discretion of the Company; (c) no past grants or awards (including, without limitation, the SAR awarded hereunder) give the Participant any right to any grants or awards in the future whatsoever; and (d) any benefits granted under this Agreement are not part of the Participant’s

 

4

 

ordinary salary, and shall not be considered as part of such salary in the event of severance, redundancy or resignation

 

20.          BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION.  The Participant hereby designates the following person(s) as the Participant’s beneficiary(ies) to whom shall be transferred any rights under this SAR which survive the Participant’s death.  If the Participant names more than one primary beneficiary and one or more of such primary beneficiaries die, the deceased primary beneficiary’s interest will be apportioned among any surviving primary beneficiaries before any contingent beneficiary receives any amount, unless the Participant indicates otherwise in a signed and dated additional page.  The same rule shall apply within the category of contingent beneficiaries.  Unless the Participant has specified otherwise herein, any rights which survive the Participant’s death will be divided equally among the Participant’s primary beneficiaries or contingent beneficiaries, as the case may be.

 

PRIMARY BENEFICIARY(IES)

 

	
Name
    	
 
    	
%
    	
 
    	
Address
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(a)
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    

 

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY(IES)

 

	
Name
    	
 
    	
%
    	
 
    	
Address
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(a)
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    

 

In the absence of an effective beneficiary designation, the Participant acknowledges that any rights under this SAR which survive the Participant’s death shall be rights of his or her estate.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

 

5

 

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which is deemed an original and all of which constitute one document.

 

	
 
    	
MACKINAC FINANCIAL   CORPORATION
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Dated:
    	
 
    	
, 
    	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    
						

 

PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT NOTHING IN THIS STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AWARD AGREEMENT, NOR IN THE COMPANY’S 2012 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN, WHICH IS INCORPORATED INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY REFERENCE, CONFERS ON PARTICIPANT ANY RIGHT WITH RESPECT TO CONTINUATION AS A SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE COMPANY OR ANY PARENT OR ANY SUBSIDIARY OR AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY, NOR INTERFERES IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S SERVICE PROVIDER RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE AND WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

 

BY ACCEPTING THIS AGREEMENT, PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COPY OF THE PLAN AND REPRESENTS THAT THE PARTICIPANT IS FAMILIAR WITH THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN.  PARTICIPANT ACCEPTS THIS STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.  PARTICIPANT HAS REVIEWED THE PLAN AND THIS AGREEMENT IN THEIR ENTIRETY.  PARTICIPANT AGREES TO ACCEPT AS BINDING, CONCLUSIVE AND FINAL ALL DECISIONS OR INTERPRETATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE UPON ANY QUESTIONS ARISING UNDER THE PLAN OR THIS AGREEMENT.

 

	
Dated:
    	
 
    	
, 
    	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    

 

6

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00207-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00207-of-00352.parquet"}]]