Document:

cei_ex103.htm

 EXHIBIT 10.3
  
 SECURITY AGREEMENT
  
 This Security Agreement (the “Security Agreement”) is made as of April 23, 2021 by and between CAMBER ENERGY, INC., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”) whose principal address is 1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 3500, Houston, Texas 77002, and DISCOVER GROWTH FUND, LLC, a U.S. Virgin Islands limited liability company (the “Secured Party”) whose principal address is 5330 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite 206, St. Thomas, VI 00802-5013. The Company and the Secured Party may be hereinafter referred to singularly as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties”.
  
 W I T N E S S E T H:
  
 WHEREAS, the Parties have entered into that certain Promissory Note dated effective as of April 23, 2021 (the “Promissory Note”) under which the Company has agreed to pay the Secured Party those certain amounts outstanding under the Promissory Note from time to time, the principal amount not to exceed Two Million Five Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($2,500,000.00), a true and complete copy of which is attached as Exhibit A to this Security Agreement. Certain capitalized terms used, but not defined, herein, shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Promissory Note;
  
 NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed by the Parties as follows:
  
 1. Defined Terms. 
  
 As used in this Security Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
  
 “Collateral” has the meaning specified in Section 2.
  
 “Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 10.
  
 “Proceeds” means all proceeds of, and all other profits, rentals or receipts, in whatever form, arising from the collection, sale, lease, exchange, assignment, licensing or other disposition of, or realization upon, Collateral, including, without limitation, all claims of the Company against third parties for loss of, damage to or destruction of, or for proceeds payable under, or unearned premiums with respect to, policies of insurance in respect of, any Collateral, and any condemnation or requisition payments with respect to any Collateral, in each case whether now existing or hereafter arising.
  
 “Receivables” means all “accounts”, “chattel paper”, “instruments”, “documents”, “general intangibles” (including “payment intangibles”) (as each such term is defined in the UCC) and other obligations owed to the Company of any kind, now or hereafter existing, whether or not arising out of or in connection with the sale or lease of goods or the rendering of services, and whether or not evidenced by a written agreement, and all rights now or hereafter existing in and to all security agreements, leases, and other contracts including support agreements (as such term is defined in the UCC) (all such written or unwritten agreements, security agreements, leases and other contracts, including all support agreements, being the “Related Contracts”), securing or otherwise relating to any such accounts, chattel paper, instruments, documents, general intangibles or other obligations.
  
 “Secured Liabilities” means all present and future obligations and liabilities (whether actual or contingent and whether now or hereafter owed jointly or severally or as principal, Company, guarantor, surety or otherwise or as the equivalent obligor under the laws of any jurisdiction) of the Company pursuant to the terms of the Promissory Note, together with:
  
 	 
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 (i) all costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Secured Party in connection with or arising out of the protection, preservation or enforcement of the Secured Party’s rights under the Promissory Note; 
  
 (ii) any modification, renewal or extension of or increase in any of those obligations or liabilities;
  
  
 (iii) any claim for damages or restitution in the event of rescission of any of those obligations or liabilities or otherwise in connection with the Promissory Note;
   
 (iv) any claim against the Company flowing from the recovery by the Company of a payment or discharge in respect of any of those obligations or liabilities on grounds of preference or otherwise;
   
 (v) all other amounts now or in the future owed by the Company to the Secured Party pursuant to the terms of the Promissory Note; and
   
 (vi) any amounts that would be included in any of the foregoing but for any discharge, non-provability, unenforceability or non-allowability of the same in any insolvency, bankruptcy or other proceedings.
   
 “Security Interest” means the security interest granted in accordance with Section 2, as well as all other security interests created or assigned as additional Collateral for the Secured Liabilities in accordance with the provisions of this Security Agreement or otherwise.
  
 “Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” means any legally existing entity that the Company owns in whole or if in part, has control of greater than a majority of the equity ownership and/or a majority voting control thereof. 
  
 “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code in effect from time to time in the State of Texas; provided that if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, the perfection or the effect of perfection or non-perfection of the Security Interest in any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of Texas, “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions of this Agreement relating to such perfection or effect of perfection or non-perfection.
  
 	 
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 2. Security Interest.  
  
 (a) In order to secure the full and punctual payment of the Secured Liabilities in accordance with the terms thereof, including to secure the performance of all of the obligations of the Company under the Promissory Note, the Company hereby grants and assigns to the Secured Party a continuing security interest in and to all right, title and interest of the Company (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not its Subsidiaries) in all of the following property, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising and regardless of where located (all being collectively referred to as the “Collateral”):
  
 (i) Accounts. All accounts (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC) whether now owned or existing or hereafter arising or acquired by the Company, and all returned or repossessed goods arising from or relating to any such accounts, or other proceeds of any sale, lease or other disposition of inventory, and expressly including all notes, drafts, acceptances, instruments and chattel paper arising from any of the foregoing, and all refunds and rights to reimbursement. 
  
 (ii) Inventory. All inventory (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC), including all goods, merchandise, raw materials, work in process, finished goods and other tangible personal property, wheresoever located, whether now owned or existing or hereafter arising or acquired by the Company, and (a) leased by the Company as lessor, (b) held for sale or lease or furnished or to be furnished under contracts for service, (c) furnished by the Company under a contract of service, or (d) used or consumed in the Company’s business, and all additions and accessions thereto and all purchase orders, leases and contracts with respect thereto and all documents of title evidencing or representing any part thereof, and all products and proceeds thereof, whether in the possession of the Company, a warehouseman, a bailee, or any other person. 
  
 (iii) Fixtures. All fixtures (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC) and appurtenances thereto, whether now owned or existing or hereafter arising or acquired by the Company, and such other goods, chattels, fixtures, equipment and personal property affixed or in any manner attached to the real estate and/or building(s) or structure(s), including all attachments, appurtenances, additions and accessions thereto and replacements thereof and articles in substitution therefor, howsoever attached or affixed (together with all tools, components, parts and equipment now or hereafter added to or used in connection with the foregoing). 
  
 (iv) Equipment. All equipment (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC) of every nature and description whatsoever, whether now owned or existing or hereafter arising or acquired by the Company, including all appurtenances and additions and accessions thereto and substitutions therefor and replacements thereof, wheresoever located, including all tools, parts, components and accessories used in connection therewith, and expressly including all vehicles, rolling stock, and goods (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC) other than inventory, farm products and consumer goods. 
  
 (v) General Intangibles. All general intangibles (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC) and other personal property, whether now owned or existing or hereafter arising or acquired by the Company, and expressly including any personal property, including things in action, other than accounts, chattel paper, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, documents, goods, instruments, investment property, letter of credit rights, letters of credit, money, oil, gas or other minerals before extraction. The term “general intangibles” includes (a) payment intangibles (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC), (b) software (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC), (c) all patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, processes, formulae, know-how, prototypes, samples, plans, scientific and/or technical information, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary information, items under development, in application or other “pending” status, and all other items of a similar nature used in the conduct of the Company’s business, and (d) all benefits, rights, titles and interests under all partnership, joint venture and limited liability company agreements between or among the Company and any other party (but none of Company’s liabilities or obligations with respect thereto); however, the term “general intangibles” shall not include any swap agreement (as defined in 11 U.S.C. Sec. 101) with Secured Party. 
  
 	 
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 (vi) Chattel Paper. All chattel paper (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC), whether now owned or existing or hereafter arising or acquired by the Company. 
  
 (vii) Instruments. All instruments (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC), including promissory notes, whether now owned or existing or hereafter arising or acquired by the Company. 
  
 (viii) Documents. All documents (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC) whether now owned or existing or hereafter arising or acquired by the Company.
   
 (ix) Letter of Credit Rights. All letter of credit rights (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC) whether now owned or existing or hereafter arising or acquired by the Company.
   
 (x) Deposit Accounts. All deposit accounts (as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC), whether now owned or existing or hereafter arising or acquired by the Company, and expressly including without limitation all cash, money, property, deposit accounts, accounts, securities, documents, chattel paper, claims, demands, instruments, items or deposits of the Company, now held or hereafter coming within Secured Party’s custody or control, including without limitation, all certificates of deposit and other depository accounts, whether such have matured or the exercise of Secured Party’s rights results in loss of interest or principal or other penalty on such deposits, but excluding deposits subject to tax penalties if assigned.
   
 (b) The Security Interest is granted as security only and shall not subject the Secured Party to, or transfer or in any way affect or modify, any obligation or liability of the Company with respect to any of the Collateral or any transaction in connection therewith.
  
 (c) The inclusion of Proceeds in this Agreement does not authorize the Company to sell, dispose of or otherwise use the Collateral in any manner not specifically authorized hereby.
  
 3. Representations and Warranties. The Company represents and warrants as follows:
   
 (a) The exact legal name of the Company, as the legal name appears in the Company’s certificate of formation as of the date of this Agreement, is as set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Security Agreement. The Company has no other trade name, assumed name or alias.
   
 (b) The place of business or, if the Company has more than one place of business, the chief executive office is located at the address of the Company specified in the introductory paragraph of this Security Agreement.
   
 (c) The office where the Company keeps its records concerning the Receivables, and all originals of all chattel paper which evidence Receivables, is located at the address of the Company specified in paragraph 3(b) of this Security Agreement. None of the Receivables is evidenced by a promissory note or other instrument.
   
 (d) The Company owns the Collateral free and clear of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance. No effective financing statement or other instrument similar in effect covering all or any part of the Collateral is on file in any recording office.
   
 	 
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 (e) This Agreement creates a valid and perfected first priority security interest in the Collateral, securing the payment of the Secured Liabilities, and all filings and other actions necessary or desirable to perfect and protect such security interest have been duly taken.
   
 (f) No authorization, approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority or regulatory body is required either (i) for the grant by the Company of the security interest granted hereby or for the execution, delivery or performance of this Security Agreement by the Company, or (ii) for the perfection of or the exercise by the Secured Party of their rights and remedies under the Promissory Note or this Security Agreement, including without limitation, the filing of a UCC-1 financing statement.
   
 (g) The Company is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Nevada, qualified to do business in all jurisdictions in which the nature of the business conducted by the Company makes such qualification necessary and where failure so to qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, operations, prospects or business, or the Company’s ability to perform all the Company’s obligations under this Security Agreement and the Promissory Note.
   
 (h) The Company is not in violation of any applicable law, which violations, individually or in the aggregate, would affect the Company’s performance of any obligation under this Security Agreement or the Promissory Note; there is no litigation before any court or governmental authority now pending or (to the Company’s knowledge after reasonable inquiry) threatened against the Company which, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, operations, prospects or business as a whole, or ability to perform all the Company’s obligations under the Security Agreement and the Promissory Note.
   
 (i) The Company is the holder of all governmental approvals, permits and licenses required to permit the Company to conduct its business as currently conducted and to enter into and perform the Company’s obligations under this Security Agreement and the Promissory Note.
   
 (j) None of the execution and delivery of this Security Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Security Agreement or the Promissory Note, or compliance with the terms and provisions of this Security Agreement or the Promissory Note will conflict with or result in a breach of, or require any consent under, the Company’s articles of incorporation or by laws, or any applicable law, or any agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound or to which the Company or any of the Company’s respective assets are subject, or constitute a default under any such agreement or instrument.
   
 (k) The Company has all necessary power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the Company’s respective obligations under this Security Agreement and the Promissory Note; the Company’s execution, delivery and performance of this Security Agreement and the Promissory Note have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the Company’s part; and this Security Agreement and the Promissory Note have been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and each constitutes the Company’s legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its and their terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles.
   
 	 
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 4. Places of Business. The Company will notify the Secured Party promptly of the addition or discontinuance of any place of business or any change in the address of its principal or any other place of business. None of the Collateral shall be removed from the Company’s principal place of business set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Security Agreement until, as from time to time supplemented, unless the Secured Party is given thirty (30) days prior written notice of such removal, which notice shall state the location or locations to which said Collateral will be removed, or the Company has paid all amounts relating to the purchase price of such Collateral. The Company warrants that all of the Collateral is and shall continue to be located at the locations set forth herein or such other locations of which the Secured Party receives notice in accordance with this Section.
   
 5. Encumbrances. The Company will not create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist now or at any time throughout the duration of the term of this Security Agreement, any lien, security interest or other encumbrances against the Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except for liens in favor of the Secured Party and any other liens allowed in writing by the Secured Party. The Company will notify the Secured Party of any lien, security interest or other encumbrance securing an obligation against the Collateral, and will defend the Collateral against such claim, lien, security interest or other encumbrance adverse to the Secured Party.
   
 6. Maintenance of Collateral. The Company shall preserve the Collateral for the benefit of the Secured Party. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company shall:
   
 (a) make all such repairs, replacements, additions and improvements to the equipment necessary to prevent the deterioration or loss thereof;
  
 (b) preserve all beneficial contract rights to the extent commercially reasonable;
  
 (c) in conjunction with, and at the direction of, the Secured Party, take commercially reasonable steps to collect all Receivables; and
  
 (d) pay all taxes, assessments or other charges on the Collateral when due, unless the amount or validity of such taxes, assessments or charges are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and reserves have been deposited with the Secured Party with respect thereto.
  
 7. Additional Provisions Concerning the Collateral.
   
 (a) The Company authorizes the Secured Party to file, without the signature of the Company, where permitted by law, one or more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto, relating to the Collateral, all in the discretion of the Secured Party.
  
 (b) If there is an Event of Default, the Company hereby irrevocably appoints the Secured Party as its attorney-in-fact (which power of attorney is coupled with an interest) and proxy, with full authority in the place and stead of the Company and in its name or otherwise, from time to time in the Secured Party’s discretion, to take any action or execute any instrument which the Secured Party may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, including, without limitation: (i) to obtain and adjust insurance required to be paid to the Secured Party pursuant to Section 8 hereof; (ii) to ask, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compound, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in respect of any of the Collateral; (iii) to receive, endorse, and collect any checks, drafts or other instruments, documents, and chattel paper in connection with clause (i) or clause (ii) above; (iv) to sign the Company's name on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any account, on drafts against customers, on schedules and assignments of accounts, on notices of assignment, financing statements and other public records, on verification of accounts and on notices to customers (including notices directing customers to make payment directly to the Secured Party); (v) during the continuation of an Event of Default hereunder, to notify the postal authorities to change the address for delivery of its mail to an address designated by the Secured Party, to receive, open and process all mail addressed to the Company; (vi) to send requests for verification of accounts to customers; and (vii) to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings which the Secured Party may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any of the Collateral or otherwise to enforce the rights of the Secured Party with respect to any of the Collateral. The Company hereby ratifies and approves in advance all acts of said attorney; and so long as the attorney acts in good faith and without gross negligence it shall have no liability to the Company for any act or omission as to such attorney.
  
 	 
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 (c) If the Company fails to perform any agreement contained herein and such failure to perform remains uncured for a period of ten (10) days following receipt of written notice by Secured Party, the Secured Party may perform, or cause performance of, such agreement or obligation, and the reasonable costs and expenses of the Secured Party incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by the Company immediately upon demand by Secured Party, shall bear interest at the highest legal rate from the date incurred until paid and shall be fully secured hereby.
  
 (d) The powers conferred on the Secured Party hereunder are solely to protect its interest in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Secured Party to exercise any such powers. Except for the safe custody of any Collateral in its possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder, the Secured Party shall have no duty as to any Collateral or as to the taking of any necessary steps to preserve rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining to any Collateral.
  
 (e) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (i) the Company shall remain liable under any contracts and agreements relating to the Collateral, to the extent set forth therein, to perform all of its obligations thereunder, to the same extent as if this Security Agreement had not been executed; (ii) the exercise by the Secured Party of any of its rights hereunder shall not release the Company from any of its obligations under the contracts and agreements relating to the Collateral; and (iii) the Secured Party shall not have any obligation or liability by reason of this Security Agreement under any contracts and agreements relating to the Collateral, nor shall the Secured Party be obligated to perform any of the obligations or duties of the Company thereunder or to take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder.
  
 (f) In the event the Company acquires a Subsidiary with the proceeds of the Promissory Note (in whole or in part), as a condition thereto and simultaneously with such acquisition, the Company shall pledge the securities of such Subsidiary by executing a new Security Agreement-Pledge in the form of Schedule A attached hereto in favor of the Secured Party.
  
 (g) Until the Secured Liabilities are paid in full, the Company agrees that the Company will (i) preserve the Company’s corporate existence and not, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, convert to a different type of entity, merge into or consolidate with any other entity (other than in connection with the Company’s pending merger with Viking Energy Group, Inc., which merger is expressly approved), or sell all or substantially all of its assets; (ii) not change the state of the Company’s organization; and (iii) not change the Company’s name or identity in any manner, unless in the case of this clause (iii) only, the Company shall have given the Secured Party not less than forty-five (45) days prior notice thereof.
  
 8. Insurance. The Company shall maintain insurance covering the Collateral with financially sound and reputable insurers satisfactory to the Secured Party against such risks as are customarily insured by a business in the same or a similar industry and similarly situated for an amount not less than the full replacement value of such Collateral. All such insurance policies covering property on and after the date such property becomes subject to the Security Interest shall be written so as to be payable in the event of loss to the Secured Party, and shall provide for at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Secured Party prior to the cancellation or modification of each such policy. At the request of the Secured Party, all insurance policies covering property subject to the Security Interest shall be furnished to and held by the Secured Party. If, while any Secured Liabilities are outstanding, any proceeds with respect to any casualty loss are paid to the Secured Party under such policies on account of such casualty loss, and no default has occurred and is continuing, the Secured Party will pay over such proceeds in whole or in part to the Company, for the purpose of repairing or replacing the Collateral destroyed or damaged, with any such repaired or replaced Collateral to be secured by this Security Agreement. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Secured Party may apply the proceeds as Secured Party deems fit, subject to applicable law and may cancel, assign or surrender any such insurance policies.
   
 	 
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 9. Fixtures. It is the intention of the Parties hereto that none of the equipment or other property securing the Secured Liabilities hereunder shall become fixtures.
   
 10. Default. Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an event of default (an “Event of Default”):
   
 (a) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by the Company in this Security Agreement shall prove to have been materially incorrect, false, incomplete or misleading; or
  
 (b) the occurrence of an “Event of Default” as defined in the Promissory Note. 
  
 11. Remedies. 
   
 (a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at any time or times during the continuance thereof, unless such Event of Default shall have been cured within the applicable time period, if any, or waived in writing by the Secured Party, and subject to the provisions of applicable law, the Secured Party may exercise any one or more of the following remedies:
  
 (i) The Secured Party shall have full power and authority to sell or otherwise dispose of the Collateral or any part thereof. Any such sale or other disposition, subject to the provisions of applicable law, may be by public or private proceedings and may be made by one or more contracts, as a unit or in parcels, at such time and place, by such method, in such manner and on such terms as the Secured Party may determine. Except as required by law, such sale or other disposition and such notice will be deemed to have been sufficiently given if such notice is hand-delivered or mailed postage prepaid, at least ten (10) days before the time of such sale or other disposition, to the Company at its address as specified in the Security Agreement. To the extent permitted by law, the Secured Party may buy any or all of the Collateral upon any sale thereof. To the extent permitted by law, upon any such sale or sales, the Collateral so purchased shall be held by the purchaser absolutely free from any claims or rights of whatsoever kind or nature, including any claim of redemption and any similar rights being hereby expressly waived and released by the Company. In connection with any such sale, the Secured Party shall be permitted to limit its warranties to the maximum extent provided in the UCC. After deducting all reasonable costs and expenses of collection, custody, sale or other disposition or delivery (including legal costs and reasonable attorneys' fees) and all other charges due against the Collateral, the residue of the proceeds of any such sale or other disposition shall be applied to the payment of the Secured Liabilities, except as otherwise provided by law or directed by any court of competent jurisdiction, and any surplus after the payment in full of the Secured Liabilities shall be returned to the Company, except as otherwise provided by law or any such court. The Company shall be liable for any deficiency in payment of the Secured Liabilities, including all reasonable costs and expenses of collection, custody, sale or other disposition or delivery and all other charges due against the Collateral, as herein enumerated.
  
 (ii) The Secured Party may notify an account Company of the Company to make payment to the Secured Party whether the Company or the Secured Party were previously making collections on any of the accounts receivable; and the Secured Party may also take control of any proceeds from any Collateral.
  
 (iii) At any time whether or not an Event of Default has occurred, with or without notice, the Secured Party is authorized to offset and charge against any other credits and obligations ever owed by the Secured Party to the Company, any amount for which the Company may become obligated to the Secured Party at any time, whether under the Promissory Note or otherwise. The obligations secured by the Security Interest granted and by the Secured Party’s right of offset includes all obligations of any kind or type now or hereafter arising, owed by the Company to the Secured Party, whether liquidated or unliquidated, direct or indirect, contingent or not.
  
 	 
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 (iv) The Secured Party may commence proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a receiver (which term shall include a receiver-manager) of the Collateral or of any part thereof or may by instrument in writing appoint any person to be a receiver of the Collateral or any part thereof and may remove any receiver so appointed by the Secured Party and appoint another in his stead; and any such receiver appointed by instrument in writing shall have power (a) to take possession of the Collateral or any part thereof, (b) to carry on the business of the Company, (c) to borrow money on the security of the Collateral in priority to this Security Agreement to the extent required for the maintenance, preservation or protection of the Collateral or any part thereof or for the carrying on of the business of the Company, and (d) to sell lease or otherwise dispose of the whole or any part of the Collateral at public auction, by public tender or by private sale, either for cash or upon credit, at such time and upon such terms and conditions as the receiver may determine; provided that any such receiver shall be deemed the agent of the Company and the Secured Party shall not be in any way responsible for any misconduct or negligence of any such receiver.
  
 (v) The Secured Party shall have all other rights and remedies of a secured party provided under the UCC.
  
 (vi) The Secured Party shall have all other rights and remedies allowed at law and/or in equity.
  
 (b) It is provided, however, that in the Secured Party’s efforts in collection on the Collateral, the Company shall be liable and responsible for any deficiency.
  
 12. Limitation on Duty of the Secured Party in Respect of Collateral. The powers conferred on the Secured Party under this Security Agreement are solely to protect the Secured Party’s interests in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Secured Party to exercise any such powers. Except for reasonable care in the custody of any Collateral in the Secured Party’s possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by the Secured Party under this Security Agreement, the Secured Party shall have no duty as to any Collateral or as to the taking of any necessary steps to preserve rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining to any Collateral. The Secured Party shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Collateral in the Secured Party’s possession if the Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which the Secured Party accords its own property, it being understood that the Secured Party shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage to any of the Collateral, or for any diminution in the value thereof, by reason of the act or omission of any warehouseman, carrier, forwarding agency, consignee or other bailee selected by the Secured Party in good faith. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 12, the Company has the risk of loss of the Collateral. Further, the Secured Party has no duty to collect any income accruing on the Collateral or to preserve any rights relating to the Collateral. The Secured Party shall have no obligation to clean up or otherwise prepare the Collateral for sale.
   
 13. Concerning Secured Party. In furtherance and not in derogation of the rights, privileges and immunities of the Secured Party:
   
 (a) The Secured Party is authorized to take all such action as is provided to be taken by the Secured Party under this Security Agreement and all other action reasonably incidental thereto. As to any matters not expressly provided for in this Security Agreement (including the timing and methods of realization upon the Collateral), the Secured Party shall act or refrain from acting in the Secured Party’s sole reasonable discretion.
   
 (b) The Secured Party shall not be responsible for the existence, genuineness or value of any of the Collateral or for the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of the Security Interests in any of the Collateral, whether impaired by operation of law or by reason of any action or omission to act on the Secured Party’s part under this Security Agreement. The Secured Party shall have no duty to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms of this Security Agreement by the Company.
  
 	 
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 14. Payment of Taxes, Charges, Etc. The Secured Party, at its option, after notice to the Company, may discharge any taxes, charges, assessments, security interest, liens or other encumbrances upon the Collateral or otherwise protect the value thereof. All such expenditures incurred by the Secured Party shall become payable by the Company to the Secured Party upon demand, shall bear interest at the highest legal rate from the date incurred to the date of payment, and shall be secured by the Collateral.
   
 15. Waivers. To the extent permitted by law, the Company hereby waives demand for payment, notice of dishonor or protest and all other notices of any kind in connection with the Secured Liabilities except notices required hereby, by law or by any other agreement between the Company and the Secured Party, including, but not limited to the Promissory Note, if any. The Secured Party may release, supersede, exchange or modify any Collateral or security which it may from time to time hold and may release, surrender or modify the liability of any third party without giving notice hereunder to the Company. Such modifications, changes, renewals, releases or other actions shall in no way affect the Company's obligations hereunder.
   
 16. Transfer Expenses, Etc. The Company will pay, indemnify and hold the Secured Party harmless from and against all reasonable costs and expenses (including taxes, if any) arising out of or incurred in connection with any transfer of Collateral into or out of the name of the Secured Party and all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, of the Secured Party arising out of or incurred in connection with this Security Agreement.
   
 17. Termination. This Security Interest shall terminate following the full payment, satisfaction, or discharge of all Secured Liabilities. Upon such termination, the Secured Party will deliver to the Company appropriate UCC termination statements with respect to Collateral so released from the Security Interest for filing with each filing officer with which UCC financing statements have been filed by the Secured Party to perfect the Security Interest in such Collateral.
   
 18. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and the Secured Party and their respective successors and assigns.
   
 19. Severability of Provisions. Any provision of any provision of this Security Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Security Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of this Security Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
   
 	 
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 20. Submission to Jurisdiction. (a) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT AND THE PROMISSORY NOTE MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS OR OF THE UNITED STATES LOCATED IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND, BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF THE COMPANY’S PROPERTY, UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. THE COMPANY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OUT OF ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED COURTS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO THE COMPANY PURSUANT TO SECTION 22, SUCH SERVICE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER SUCH MAILING. NOTHING IN THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE SECURED PARTY TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO COMMENCE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR OTHERWISE PROCEED AGAINST THE COMPANY IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.
   
 (b) THE COMPANY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH THE COMPANY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY OF THE AFORESAID ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN THE COURTS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (a) OF THIS SECTION 20 AND HEREBY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.
  
 21. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE COMPANY HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY RIGHTS UNDER THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR UNDER ANY AMENDMENT, INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT DELIVERED OR WHICH MAY IN THE FUTURE BE DELIVERED IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO ANY RELATIONSHIP EXISTING IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT, AND AGREES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A COURT AND NOT BEFORE A JURY.
   
 22. Notice. Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be deemed to be delivered, whether actually received or not, three (3) business days after being sent via courier service (such as Federal Express), and addressed to the intended recipient at the address set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Security Agreement. Any address for notice may be changed by written notice delivered as provided herein. 
  
 23. Governing Law. THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY MANDATORY PROVISIONS OF LAW AND EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE VALIDITY OR PERFECTION OF THE SECURITY INTERESTS, OR REMEDIES UNDER THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT, IN RESPECT OF ANY PARTICULAR COLLATERAL ARE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
   
 24. Prevailing Party. If any legal action or other proceeding is brought for the enforcement of this Agreement executed in connection with, or because of an alleged dispute, breach, default or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Agreement or any document, instrument or agreement executed in connection herewith, the successful prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs and all other costs and expenses incurred in that action or proceeding.
   
 	 
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 25. Drafting. Each of the Parties hereto acknowledges that each Party was actively involved in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and that no law or rule of construction shall be raised or used in which the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in favor or against any Party hereto because one is deemed to be the author thereof.
  
 26. No Waiver of Right of Remedies. No failure or delay by Secured Party in exercising any right, power, or privilege given by any provision of this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of the provision. Additionally, no single or partial exercise of any right, power, or privilege shall preclude any other or further exercise of that or any other right, power, or privilege.
  
 27. COUNSEL. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE PARTIES ARE EXECUTING A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT CONTAINS CERTAIN DUTIES, OBLIGATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS AS SPECIFIED HEREIN. EACH PARTY FURTHERMORE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EACH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THEIR RIGHT TO RETAIN LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT EACH PARTY HAS EITHER BEEN REPRESENTED BY LEGAL COUNSEL PRIOR TO THEIR EXECUTION HEREOF OR HAS KNOWINGLY ELECTED NOT TO BE SO REPRESENTED.
  
 	 
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 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Security Agreement as of the date first written above.
  
 	  
	 COMPANY:
  
 CAMBER ENERGY, INC.
  
  
 By: /s/ James A. Doris                        
 Name: James A. Doris
 Title:  President & Chief Executive Officer
  
 SECURED PARTY: 
  
 DISCOVER GROWTH FUND, LLC
  
  
 By: /s/ John Kirkland                          
 Name: John Kirkland
 Title:  President of G.P. of Member

  
  
 	 
	13a101retentionrsagrantagr

      Associated Banc-Corp  2020 Incentive Compensation Plan  Cover Page to Retention Agreement   (The Retention Agreement has been delivered simultaneously herewith)    Grantee Name: PARTICIPANT NAME    Grant Date:  February 19, 2021  Grant Date FMV: $225,000  Grant Price: GRANT DATE FMV    Grant Acceptance Process:  Step 1: Please read the below Retention Agreement in its entirety, and print for your records.  Step 2: After thoroughly reviewing the Retention Agreement, review your individual award information.  Step 3: Electronically accept your grant via the Online Grant Agreement portal of Fidelity’s website.      Share Information Subject to this Award:  Restricted Stock Award    Pursuant and subject to the Associated Banc-Corp 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) and  the Retention Agreement delivered to Grantee simultaneously herewith, the Committee has awarded the  Grantee named above shares of restricted Common Stock of Associated Banc-Corp (“Restricted  Shares”) as follows:      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, as of the Grant Date the Company hereby grants to the Grantee  the Restricted Shares pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Retention Agreement  delivered simultaneously herewith and the terms and conditions of the Plan.    ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP     Philip B. Flynn, President & CEO        Please electronically accept your grant via the Online Grant Agreement portal of Fidelity’s  website.  Failure to do so by March 26, 2021 may result in forfeiture of the Restricted  Shares.  Restricted Stock Shares Awarded: NUMBER OFSHARES GRANTED  

 

    RETENTION AGREEMENT  In accordance with and subject to the terms of the Associated Banc-Corp 2020 Incentive  Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) and this Agreement, the Committee granted to the person  named as grantee (the “Grantee”) on the cover page delivered simultaneously with this  Retention Agreement (the “Cover Page”) an award of Restricted Shares of Associated Banc- Corp (the “Company”) (the Cover Page and this Retention Agreement hereinafter referred to as  this “Agreement”).   To evidence such award and to set forth its terms, the Company and the Grantee agree as  follows.  All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set  forth in the Plan.   1. Grant of Restricted Shares. Subject to, and upon the terms and conditions set forth  in this Agreement and the Plan, the Committee granted to the Grantee the number of restricted  shares set forth on the Cover Page (the “Restricted Shares”), effective as of the grant date set  forth on the Cover Page (the “Grant Date”), and the Grantee hereby accepts the grant of the  Restricted Shares on a restricted basis, as set forth herein.  2. Limitations on Transferability. At any time prior to vesting in accordance with  Paragraph 3, 4 or 5 below, the Restricted Shares, or any interest therein, cannot be directly or  indirectly transferred, sold, assigned, encumbered or otherwise disposed.  3. Dates of Vesting. Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 4 and 5 below, the  Restricted Shares shall cease to be restricted and shall become non-forfeitable (thereafter being  referred to as “Vested Shares”) in accordance with the following schedule:    Vesting Date Percentage of Restricted Shares To Vest   1st anniversary of Grant Date 50%  2nd anniversary of Grant Date 50%    Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to Paragraphs 4 and 5 below, in the event that  the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service, any Restricted Shares that were unvested on the  date of such Termination of Service shall be immediately forfeited to the Company.  Accordingly, upon such Termination of Service, the Grantee shall have no right to receive  payment or the right to receive any value with respect to any unvested and forfeited portion of  the Restricted Shares.  Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Grantee shall not become  immediately vested in the Restricted Shares upon Early Retirement or Normal Retirement.   

 

    4. Termination of Service. Subject to Paragraph 5 below, the provisions of this  Paragraph 4 shall apply in the event the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service at any time  prior to all the Restricted Shares becoming Vested Shares pursuant to Paragraph 3 above:  (a) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service because of his or her death,  Disability, or an involuntary Termination of Service by the Company other than due to  Cause, any Restricted Shares that had not become Vested Shares prior to the date of such  Termination of Service shall become Vested Shares, and the Grantee shall immediately  own the Vested Shares free of all restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement  except for Vested Shares used to satisfy the tax withholding obligations set forth in  Paragraph 25 below or otherwise required by any taxing authority.  (b) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service for any reason other than as  stated in Paragraph 4(a) above, then any Restricted Shares that had not become Vested  Shares prior to the date of such Termination of Service shall be immediately forfeited to  the Company without consideration. Accordingly, upon such Termination of Service, the  Grantee shall have no right to receive payment or the right to receive any value with  respect to any unvested portion of the Restricted Shares.   5. Change in Control. Notwithstanding Paragraph 4 above, if the Grantee incurs an  involuntary Termination of Service by the Company (other than due to Cause) during the two  year period immediately following a Change in Control, any Restricted Shares that had not  become Vested Shares prior to the date of such Termination of Service shall become Vested  Shares, and the Grantee shall immediately own the Vested Shares free of all restrictions  otherwise imposed by this Agreement except for Vested Shares used to satisfy the tax  withholding obligations set forth in Paragraph 25 below or otherwise required by any taxing  authority. In addition, upon a Change in Control, the Grantee will have such rights with respect  to the Restricted Shares as are provided for in the Plan.  6. Transfer of Restricted Shares. The Company, in its sole discretion, shall credit the  Restricted Shares to the Grantee in a book entry on the records kept by the Company’s transfer  agent. The Restricted Shares shall be subject to restrictions on transfer until, and to the extent,  such Restricted Shares become Vested Shares pursuant to Paragraph 3, 4 or 5 above. To the  extent any Restricted Shares fail to become Vested Shares pursuant to Paragraph 3, 4 or 5 above,  the Company shall cancel such forfeited Restricted Shares pursuant to the terms of the Plan and  this Agreement without consideration. The Company shall release the restrictions in the book  entry records of its transfer agent once Restricted Shares become Vested Shares.   7. Restrictive Covenants.  (a) Trade Secrets.  The parties hereto acknowledge that the Company has  taken and will continue to take actions to protect that information which qualifies as a  trade secret under applicable law (a “Trade Secret”).  Accordingly, the Grantee agrees  that during the term of Grantee’s employment with the Company, and thereafter for so  long as such information remains a Trade Secret, Grantee shall not directly or indirectly  use or disclose any Trade Secret of the Company.  With respect to the disclosure of a  Trade Secret and in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 1833, Grantee shall not be held  

 

    criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of  a Trade Secret that (i) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government  official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, provided that, the information is  disclosed solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law;  or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding  filed under seal so that it is not disclosed to the public.  Grantee is further notified that if  Grantee files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation  of law, Grantee may disclose the Company’s Trade Secrets to Grantee’s attorney and use  the Trade Secret information in the court proceeding, provided that, Grantee files any  document containing the Trade Secret under seal so that it is not disclosed to the public,  and does not disclose the Trade Secret, except pursuant to court order.  (b) Confidential Information. The parties hereto acknowledge that the  Company has created and maintains at great expense strategic plans, sales data and sales  strategy, methods, products, procedures, processes, techniques, financial information,  customer and supplier lists, personal customer data, pricing policies, personnel data and  other similar confidential and proprietary information, and has received from its  customers certain non-Trade Secret confidential and proprietary information  (collectively, the “Confidential Information”). The parties hereto further acknowledge  that the Company has taken and will continue to take actions to protect the Confidential  Information. Accordingly, the Grantee agrees that during the term of the Grantee’s  employment with the Company, and until the sooner of (i) such time as the Confidential  Information becomes generally available to the public through no fault of the Grantee or  other person under the duty of confidentiality to the Company, (ii) such time as the  Confidential Information no longer provides a benefit to the Company, or (iii) two (2)  years after the termination of the Grantee’s employment with the Company, the Grantee  will not, in any capacity, use or disclose, or cause to be used or disclosed any  Confidential Information the Grantee acquired while employed by the Company. The  requirements of confidentiality and the limitations on use and disclosure described in this  Agreement shall not apply to Confidential Information that the Grantee can demonstrate  by clear and convincing evidence, at the time of disclosure by the Company to the  Grantee, was known to the Grantee as evidenced by the Grantee's contemporaneous  written records.   (c) Preservation of Rights.  The parties hereto agree that nothing in this  Agreement shall be construed to limit or negate the law of torts or trade secrets where it  provides the Company with broader protection than that provided herein.  (d) Return of Company Property. The parties hereto acknowledge that any  material (in computerized or written form) that the Grantee obtained in the course of  performing the Grantee’s employment duties are the sole and exclusive property of the  Company, the Grantee agrees to immediately return any and all records, files,  computerized data, documents, confidential or proprietary information, or any other  property owned or belonging to the Company in the Grantee’s possession or under his or  her control, without any originals or copies being kept by the Grantee or conveyed to any  other person, upon the Grantee’s separation from employment or upon the Company’s  request.  

 

    (e) Non-Interference with Customers. For a period of twelve (12) months  following the termination of the Grantee’s employment with the Company for any  reason, the Grantee will not, directly or indirectly, on behalf of him/herself or any other  person, entity or enterprise, do any of the following:  (i) solicit business from any person or entity who is an Active  Customer (as defined below) and to whom the Grantee has provided products or  services during the twelve (12) month period prior to the termination of the  Grantee’s employment with the Company (the “Reference Period”) for the  purpose of providing competitive products or services similar to those provided  by the Grantee during the Reference Period;  (ii) request or advise any of the Active Customers, to whom the  Grantee provided products or services during his/her employment with the  Company to withdraw, curtail or cancel any of their business relations with the  Company.   “Active Customer” shall mean any person or entity that, within the Reference Period,  received any products or services supplied by or on behalf of the Company or one of its  Subsidiaries.  (f)  Non-interference with Company Employees.  For a period of twelve (12)  months following the termination of the Grantee’s employment with the Company for  any reason, the Grantee will not, directly or indirectly, on behalf of him/herself or any  other person, entity or enterprise: directly or indirectly solicit any Restricted Person (as  defined below) to provide services to any Competitive Business (as defined below) in a  capacity (i) involving duties substantially similar to those performed by such Restricted  Person during his or her employment with the Company or (ii) which is reasonably likely  to involve the use or disclosure of Confidential information.    “Restricted Person” shall mean any Company employee who (1) has been  entrusted with the Company’s Confidential Information or Trade Secrets in connection  with his/her employment with the Company and (2) with whom Grantee directly worked  at any point during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the end, for  whatever reason, of Grantee’s employment with the Company.  “Competitive Business” shall mean that aspect of any firm, business, activity or  enterprise which competes with the Company in the state in which the Grantee is  employed by the Company, and any neighboring state in which the Company conducts  business.  (g) Remedies.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if the  Grantee breaches any provision of this Paragraph 7, any Restricted Shares shall be  immediately forfeited to the Company without consideration. In addition, the Company  shall be entitled to injunctive and other equitable relief (without the necessity of showing  actual monetary damages or of posting any bond or other security): (i) restraining and  enjoining any act which would constitute a breach, or (ii) compelling the performance of  

 

    any obligation which, if not performed, would constitute a breach, as well as any other  remedies available to the Company, including monetary damages. Upon the Company’s  request, the Grantee shall provide reasonable assurances and evidence of compliance with  the restrictive covenants set forth in this Paragraph 7.  If any court of competent  jurisdiction shall deem any provision in this Paragraph 7 too restrictive, the other  provisions shall stand, and the court shall modify the unduly restrictive provision to the  point of greatest restriction permissible by law. The restrictive covenants set forth in this  Paragraph 7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, the forfeiture of any  Restricted Shares, and the Grantee’s termination of employment for any reason, and the  Grantee shall continue to be bound by the terms of this Paragraph 7 as if this Agreement  was still in effect.  8. Liability of the Company. The inability of the Company to obtain approval from  any regulatory body having authority deemed by the Company to be necessary to the lawful  issuance and transfer of any Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall relieve the Company of any  liability with respect to the non-issuance or transfer of the Shares as to which such approval shall  not have been obtained. However, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to  obtain all such approvals.  9. Adjustment in Restricted Shares. This Award of Restricted Shares is subject to  adjustment as provided under Section 4.2 of the Plan.  10. Plan and Agreement Amendment.   (a) No discontinuation, modification, or amendment of the Plan may, without  the written consent of the Grantee, adversely affect the rights of the Grantee under this  Agreement, except as otherwise provided under the Plan.   (b) This Agreement may be amended as provided under the Plan, but no such  amendment shall adversely affect the Grantee’s rights under this Agreement without the  Grantee’s written consent, unless otherwise permitted by the Plan.  11. Shareholder Rights. The Grantee shall be entitled to receive any dividends that  become payable on or after the Grant Date with respect to the Restricted Shares and Vested  Shares; provided, however, that no dividends shall be payable (a) with respect to the Restricted  Shares on account of record dates occurring prior to the Grant Date and (b) with respect to  forfeited Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring on or after the date of such  forfeiture. The Grantee shall be entitled to vote the Restricted Shares on or after the Grant Date  to the same extent as would have been applicable to the Grantee if the Restricted Shares had then  been Vested Shares; provided, however, that the Grantee shall not be entitled to vote (a) the  Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring prior to the Grant Date and (b) with  respect to forfeited Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring on or after the date of  such forfeiture.   12. Employment Rights. This Agreement is not a contract of employment, and the  terms of employment of the Grantee or other relationship of the Grantee with an Employer shall  not be affected in any way by this Agreement except as specifically provided herein. The  

 

    execution of this Agreement shall not be construed as conferring any legal rights upon the  Grantee for a continuation of an employment or other relationship with an Employer, nor shall it  interfere with the right of an Employer to discharge the Grantee and to treat him or her without  regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him or her as a Grantee.  13. Disclosure Rights. Except as required by applicable law, the Company (or any of  its affiliates) shall not have any duty or obligation to disclose affirmatively to a record or  beneficial holder of Common Stock, Restricted Shares or Vested Shares, and such holder shall  have no right to be advised of, any material information regarding the Company at any time prior  to, upon or in connection with receipt of the Shares.  14. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive  laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Wisconsin. This Agreement, subject to the  terms and conditions of the Plan, represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect  to the grant of the Restricted Shares to the Grantee. The parties hereto each submit and consent  to the jurisdiction of the courts in the State of Wisconsin, Brown County, in any action brought  to enforce or otherwise relating to this Agreement.  15. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the  contrary:  (a)  the Company shall not be obligated to credit a book entry related to the  Restricted Shares or Vested Shares to be entered on the records of the Company’s  transfer agent, unless and until the Company is advised by its counsel that such book  entry is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority,  and the requirements of any exchange upon which Shares are traded;  (b) the Company may require, as a condition of such a book entry, and in  order to ensure compliance with such laws, regulations and requirements, that the  Grantee make whatever covenants, agreements, and representations, or execute whatever  documents or instruments, the Company, in its sole discretion, considers necessary or  desirable;  (c) no payment or benefit under this Agreement shall be provided to the  Grantee if it would violate any applicable Compensation Limitation; and  (d) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Restricted  Shares (including any proceeds, gains, or other economic benefit actually or  constructively received by the Grantee thereof upon the receipt or vesting thereof, or  resale of the Shares received pursuant hereto upon or after the Restricted Shares become  Vested Shares) shall be subject to the provisions of any clawback or recoupment policy  adopted by the Board and/or the Committee, including any such policy adopted to  comply with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, any rules  or regulations promulgated and in effect thereunder, or any SEC or securities exchange  rule.  

 

    16. Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this  Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon,  the succeeding administrators, heirs and legal representatives of the Grantee and the successors  and assigns of the Company.  17. No Limitation on Rights of the Company. This Agreement shall not in any way  affect the right of the Company to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise make changes in its  capital or business structure, or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or  any part of its business or assets.  18. Notices. Any communication or notice required or permitted to be given  hereunder shall be in writing, and, if to the Company, to its principal place of business, attention:  Secretary, and, if to the Grantee, to the address appearing on the records of the Company. Such  communication or notice shall be delivered personally or sent by certified, registered, or express  mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by a reputable overnight delivery service. Any  such notice shall be deemed given when received by the intended recipient.   19. Construction. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this  Agreement is made and the Restricted Shares are granted pursuant to the Plan and are in all  respects limited by and subject to the express provisions of the Plan, as amended from time to  time. This Agreement does not modify or amend the terms of the Plan. To the extent any  provision of this Agreement is inconsistent or in conflict with any term or provision of the Plan,  the Plan shall govern. The interpretation and construction by the Committee of the Plan, this  Agreement and any such rules and regulations adopted by the Committee for purposes of  administering the Plan shall be final and binding upon the Grantee and all other persons.  20. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire  obligation of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede any  prior expressions of intent or understanding with respect to this transaction.  21. Waiver; Cumulative Rights. The failure or delay of either party to require  performance by the other party of any provision hereof shall not affect its right to require  performance of such provision unless and until such performance has been waived in writing.  Each and every right hereunder is cumulative and may be exercised in part or in whole from time  to time.  22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in two counterparts, each of which  shall be an original, but both of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.   23. Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes  only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.  24. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be  invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision  hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were  omitted.  

 

    25. Tax Consequences. The Grantee acknowledges and agrees that the Grantee is  responsible for all taxes and tax consequences with respect to the grant of the Restricted Shares  or the lapse of restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement. The Grantee further  acknowledges that it is the Grantee’s responsibility to obtain any advice that the Grantee deems  necessary or appropriate with respect to any and all tax matters that may exist as a result of the  grant of the Restricted Shares or the lapse of restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement.  If the Grantee files a Code Section 83(b) election with respect to the Restricted Shares, he or she  will immediately notify the Company of such election. Notwithstanding any other provision of  this Agreement, the Restricted Shares shall not be released to the Grantee unless, as provided in  Section 17 of the Plan, the Grantee shall have paid to the Company, or made arrangements  satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any federal, state, local or foreign income  or employment taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the grant of the Restricted  Shares or the lapse of restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement.  26. Receipt of Plan. The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, and  represents that the Grantee is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts  the Restricted Shares subject to all the terms and provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan.  The Shares are granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated  herein by reference, and the Restricted Shares shall in all respects be interpreted in accordance  with the Plan. The Committee shall interpret and construe the Plan and this Agreement, and its  interpretation and determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto and any  other person claiming an interest hereunder, with respect to any issue arising hereunder or  thereunder.  27. Condition to Accept Agreement. This Agreement shall be null and void unless the  Grantee accepts this Agreement via the Online Grant Agreement portal of Fidelity’s website,  indicating Grantee’s acceptance of these Restricted Shares pursuant to the terms and conditions  of this Agreement, on or before the date listed at the end of the Cover Page.  By accepting this Agreement via the Online Grant Agreement portal of Fidelity’s  website, Grantee acknowledges and agrees to the terms and conditions of this Retention  Agreement, Cover Page, and the Plan, including, but not limited to, the terms of the Restrictive  Covenants contained in Paragraph 7 of this Agreement.

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