Document:

entest_ex10-1.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

July 19, 2011

Dr. Kathy Snell

Dr. Ron Titterington

Titterington Veterinary Services, Inc.

Dba Emerald Valley Pet Medical Center

3880 West 11th Avenue, Eugene OR 97042

Re:           Non-Binding Letter of Intent

Dear Dr. Snell and Dr. Titterington:

This Letter of Intent (“LOI”) constitutes a proposal from Entest BioMedical Inc.  (hereinafter, “Buyer”) to Titterington Veterinary Services, Inc. (“Seller”) to buy all the assets owned by Seller and utilized by the Seller  in connection with the operation and management of its business located at 3880 West 11th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon (the “Business”) with the exception of any cash accounts (“Business Assets”). Buyer and Seller may be referred to individually as “Party” and collectively as “Parties”. The contemplated transaction shall be referred to as “the Transaction”

This proposal supersedes any other previous written or oral proposals or communications between the parties.  The terms of this proposal shall be as follows:

	
1.

	
Purchase Price.

 

The Purchase Price for the acquisition of 100% of the Business Assets shall be seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000.00) to be paid as follows.

  

	  	
b.

	
Buyer shall deposit as collateral for the completion of the Transaction a total of 700,000 common shares of the Seller’s stock (“Escrow Deposit”) with Herman H. Pettegrove (“Escrow Agent”), Attorney at Law, 1350 Main Street, Venice, CA 90291 – 310.392.5400 within three (3) days of execution by the parties of This LOI.  The terms of the Escrow shall provide that:

 

	  	
i.

	
In the event that Definitive Purchase Agreement (“DPA” as defined in Section 2) is not executed by the Parties on or before  September 1, 2011 then the Escrow Deposit shall be returned to Buyer;

 

	  	
ii.

	
In the event that negotiations regarding the Transaction terminate due to  a breach of 3(e) or 3(f) by the Seller then the Escrow Deposit shall be returned to Buyer and;

 

	  	
iii.

	
It is agreed by the Parties that Escrow Agent shall serve as such regarding any escrow which is required to be established in accordance with any DPA entered into by and among the Parties.

	
2.

	
Due Diligence

 

Upon the deposit of the Escrow Deposit by Buyer and for a period of thirty (30) days thereafter (the “Due Diligence Period”), Seller shall provide Buyer with reasonable access to all of the Business’s books, records, legal documents, assets and other information (the “Books and Records”), all as no cost to Buyer. At such time as Due Diligence Period has expired the Parties shall use their best efforts to negotiate and execute a Definitive Purchase Agreement (“DPA”) whereby Seller shall sell 100% of the Business Assets under terms and conditions similar to those set forth herein. The Parties agree and acknowledge that this list of terms and conditions set forth herein is not intended to be all inclusive and the DPA to be executed by the Parties may contain terms different or in addition to those set forth herein. Both Parties shall use their best efforts to execute a DPA no later than September 1, 2011with the Transaction closing no later than September 30, 2011 (the “Closing”).

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

	
3.

	
Basic Terms.

 

The DPA shall include terms and conditions similar to the following:

 

	
  

	
(a)

	
Upon the mutual execution by the Parties of the Definitive Purchase Agreement, Buyer shall have no contingencies and his obligation to close the Transaction shall be unconditional;

	
  

	
(b)

	
Both of Dr. Ron Titterington and Dr. Kathy Snell shall continue to operate the Business for a mutually agreed upon period of years from the Closing Date (“Post Transaction Period”). During the Post Transaction period neither Dr. Ron Titterington nor Dr. Kathy Snell shall directly or indirectly engage in the practice veterinary medicine except in connection with the operation of the Business.

 

	
  

	
(c)

	
Subsequent to the Closing of the Transaction, the Buyer shall lease the Business Assets to the Seller in order that the Business Assets may be utilized in connection with the operation of the Business on terms mutually agreeable to the Seller and the Buyer.

 

	
  

	
(d)

	
Subsequent to the Closing of the Transaction, the Seller shall enter into an agreement with the Buyer whereby the Buyer shall provide  agreed upon services to the Seller during the Post Transaction Period for which the Buyer shall be compensated by receiving a mutually agreed upon percentage of the revenues generated by the Business.

	
  

	
(e)

	
If any Party fails to negotiate in good faith, or if each Party hereto has not entered into the Definitive Purchase Agreement by September 1, 2011, then any obligation to negotiate and prepare the DPA or otherwise deal with any other Party to this LOI shall immediately terminate.

 

	
  

	
(f)

	
Seller agrees that it shall not entertain any offers to purchase the Business Assets or Business during the term of this LOI;

	
  

	
(g)

	
Each Party shall be solely responsible for its own expenses, legal fees and consulting fees related to the negotiations described in the LOI, whether or not any of the transactions contemplated in the LOI are consummated;

	
  

	
(h)

	
VENUE, CHOICE OF LAW. The terms and conditions of the LOI shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without reference to its choice of law rules. Any action arising as a result of this Letter shall be brought in the state courts located in San Diego County, State of California.

	
  

	
(i)

	
Other than the covenants in Sections 1(b), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h) and 3(i) of this LOI, this LOI is not binding upon either the buyer or the Seller, and the contemplated Transaction is subject to the negotiation and execution of a DPA between the Buyer and Seller.

 

 

 

  

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Very truly yours,

“Buyer”

By:/s/David Koos

David R. Koos

Chairman and CEO

Seller

By: Ron Titterington, DVM

Ron Titterington, DVM

Seller and Co-Owner

By: Kathy Snell, DVM

Kathy Snell, DVM

Seller and Co-Owner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

3ex10-1.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

INX INC.

 

2011 INCENTIVE PLAN

 

 

SECTION 1.

 

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO

 

PLAN GOVERNANCE, COVERAGE AND BENEFITS

 

 

1.1           PURPOSE

 

The INX Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) has been established to foster and promote the long-term financial success of INX Inc. (the “Company”) and its Subsidiaries and to increase stockholder value by: (a) encouraging the commitment of selected key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors, (b) motivating superior performance of key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors by means of long-term performance related incentives, (c) encouraging and providing key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors with a program for obtaining ownership interests in the Company which link and align their personal interests to those of the Company's stockholders, (d) attracting and retaining key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors by providing competitive incentive compensation opportunities, and (e) enabling key Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors to share in the long-term growth and success of the Company.

 

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

 

1.2           DEFINITIONS

 

The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

(a)  APPRECIATION. The difference between the option exercise price per share of the Nonstatutory Stock Option to which a Tandem SAR relates and the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise of the Tandem SAR.

 

(b)  AUTHORIZED OFFICER. The Chairman of the Board, the CEO or any other senior officer of the Company to whom either of them delegate the authority to execute any Incentive Agreement for and on behalf of the Company. No officer or director shall be an Authorized Officer with respect to any Incentive Agreement for himself.

 

  

 

  

 

(c)  BOARD. The Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(d)  CAUSE. When used in connection with the termination of a Grantee's Employment, shall mean the termination of the Grantee's Employment by the Company or any Subsidiary by reason of (i) the conviction of the Grantee by a court of competent jurisdiction as to which no further appeal can be taken of a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony; (ii) the proven commission by the Grantee of a material act of fraud upon the Company or any Subsidiary, or any customer or supplier thereof; (iii) the willful and proven misappropriation of any funds or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, or any customer or supplier thereof; (iv) the willful, continued and unreasonable failure by the Grantee to perform the material duties assigned to him which is not cured to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company within 30 days after written notice of such failure is provided to Grantee by the Board or a designated officer of the Company or a Subsidiary; (v) the knowing engagement by the Grantee in any direct and material conflict of interest with the Company or any Subsidiary without compliance with the Company's or Subsidiary's conflict of interest policy, if any, then in effect; or (vi) the knowing engagement by the Grantee, without the written approval of the Board, in any material activity which competes with the business of the Company or any Subsidiary or which would result in a material injury to the business, reputation or goodwill of the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

(e)  CEO. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

 

(f)  CHANGE IN CONTROL. Any of the events described in and subject to Section 6.7.

 

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

 

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

 

  

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The Board shall have the power to fill vacancies on the Committee arising by resignation, death, removal or otherwise. The Board, in its sole discretion, may bifurcate the powers and duties of the Committee among 

one or more separate committees, or retain all powers and duties of the Committee in a single Committee. The members of the Committee shall serve at the discretion of the Board.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this Section 1.2(h), the term “Committee” as used in the Plan with respect to any Incentive Award for an Outside Director shall refer to the entire Board. In the case of an Incentive Award for an Outside Director, the Board shall have all the powers and responsibilities of the Committee hereunder as to such Incentive Award, and any actions as to such Incentive Award may be acted upon only by the Board (unless it otherwise designates in its discretion). When the Board exercises its authority to act in the capacity as the Committee hereunder with respect to an Incentive Award for an Outside Director, it shall so designate with respect to any action that it undertakes in its capacity as the Committee.

 

(i)  COMMON STOCK. The common stock of the Company, $.01 par value per share, and any class of common stock into which such common shares may hereafter be converted, reclassified or recapitalized.

 

(j)  COMPANY. INX Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and any successor in interest thereto.

 

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

 

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

 

(m)  DEFERRED STOCK. Shares of Common Stock to be issued or transferred to a Grantee under an Other Stock-Based Award granted pursuant to Section 5 at the end of a specified deferral period, as set forth in the Incentive Agreement pertaining thereto.

 

(n)  DISABILITY. As determined by the Committee in its discretion exercised in good faith, a physical or mental condition of the Employee that would entitle him to payment of disability income payments under the Company's long term disability insurance policy or plan for employees, as then effective, if any; or in the event that the Grantee is not covered, for whatever reason, under the Company's long-term disability insurance policy or plan, “Disability”, means a permanent and total disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. A determination of Disability may be made by a physician selected or approved by the Committee and, in this respect, the Grantee shall submit to any reasonable examination by such physician upon request.

 

  

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

 

(p)  EMPLOYMENT. Employment by the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary), or by any corporation issuing or assuming an Incentive Award in any transaction described in Section 424(a) of the Code, or by a parent corporation or a subsidiary corporation of such corporation issuing or assuming such Incentive Award, as the parent-subsidiary relationship shall be determined at the time of the corporate action described in Section 424(a) of the Code. In this regard, neither the transfer of a Grantee from Employment by the Company to Employment by any Parent or Subsidiary, nor the transfer of a Grantee from Employment by any Parent or Subsidiary to Employment by the Company, shall be deemed to be a termination of Employment of the Grantee. Moreover, the Employment of a Grantee shall not be deemed to have been terminated because of an approved leave of absence from active Employment on account of temporary illness, authorized vacation or granted for reasons of professional advancement, education, health, or government service, or military leave, or during any period required to be treated as a leave of absence by virtue of any applicable statute, Company personnel policy or agreement. Whether an authorized leave of absence shall constitute termination of Employment hereunder shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion. Unless otherwise provided in the Incentive Agreement, the term “Employment”; for purposes of the Plan is also defined to include (i) compensatory or advisory services performed by a Consultant for the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary) and (ii) membership on the Board by an Outside Director.

 

(q)  EXCHANGE ACT. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(r)  FAIR MARKET VALUE. If the Company is not a Publicly Held Corporation at the time a determination of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock is required to be made hereunder, the determination of Fair Market Value for purposes of the Plan shall be made by the Committee in its discretion. In this respect, the Committee may rely on such financial data, appraisals, valuations, experts, and other sources, in its discretion, as it deems advisable under the circumstances.

 

If the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the date in question is deemed to be (i) the closing sales price on the immediately preceding business day of a share of Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or other principal securities exchange on which Shares are then listed or admitted to trading, or (ii) if not so reported, the average of the closing bid and asked prices for a Share on the immediately preceding business day as quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”), or (iii) if not quoted on NASDAQ, the average of the closing bid and asked prices for a Share as quoted by the National Quotation Bureau's  “Pink Sheets” or the National Association of Securities Dealers' OTC Bulletin Board System. If there was no public trade of Common Stock on the date in question, Fair Market Value shall be determined by reference to the last preceding date on which such a trade was so reported.

 

  

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

 

(t)  IMMEDIATE FAMILY. With respect to a Grantee, the Grantee's child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships.

 

(u)  INCENTIVE AWARD. A grant of an award under the Plan to a Grantee, including any Nonstatutory Stock Option, Incentive Stock Option, Reload Options, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock Award, Performance Unit, Performance Share, or Other Stock-Based Award, as well as any Supplemental Payment.

 

(v)  INCENTIVE AGREEMENT. The written agreement entered into between the Company and the Grantee setting forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which an Incentive Award is granted under the Plan, as such agreement is further defined in Section 6.1(a).

 

(w)  INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION. A Stock Option granted by the Committee to an Employee under Section 2 which is designated by the Committee as an Incentive Stock Option and intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code.

 

(x)  INDEPENDENT SAR. A Stock Appreciation Right described in Section 2.5.

 

(y)  INSIDER. If the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, an individual who is, on the relevant date, an officer, director or ten percent (10%) beneficial owner of any class of the Company's equity securities that is registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, all as defined under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

(z)  NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION. A Stock Option granted by the Committee to a Grantee under Section 2 that is not designated by the Committee as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

(aa) OPTION PRICE. The exercise price at which a Share may be purchased by the Grantee of a Stock Option.

 

(bb)  OTHER STOCK-BASED AWARD. An award granted by the Committee to a Grantee under Section 5.1 that is valued in whole or in part by reference to, or is otherwise based upon, Common Stock, and is payable in Common Stock or cash.

 

  

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(cc)  OUTSIDE DIRECTOR. A member of the Board who is not, at the time of grant of an Incentive Award, an employee of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary.

 

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

 

(ee)  PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS. An award granted by the Committee to the Grantee under Section 4 which may include Performance Shares or Performance Units.

 

(ff)  PERFORMANCE-BASED EXCEPTION. The performance-based exception from the tax deductibility limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code, as prescribed in Code Section 162(m) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(e) (or its successor), which is applicable during such period that the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation.

 

(gg)  PERFORMANCE PERIOD. A period of time determined by the Committee and set out in the Incentive Agreement over which performance is measured for the purpose of determining a Grantee's right to and the payment value of any Performance Unit, Performance Share or Other Stock-Based Award.

 

(hh)  PERFORMANCE SHARE OR PERFORMANCE UNIT. An Incentive Award representing a contingent right to receive cash or shares of Common Stock (which may be Restricted Stock) at the end of a Performance Period and which, in the case of Performance Shares, is denominated in Common Stock, and, in the case of Performance Units, is denominated in cash values.

 

(ii)  PLAN. INX Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan, as set forth herein and as it may be amended from time to time.

 

(jj)  PUBLICLY HELD CORPORATION. A corporation issuing any class of common equity securities required to be registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

 

(kk)  RESTRICTED STOCK. Shares of Common Stock issued or transferred to a Grantee pursuant to Section 3.

 

(ll)  RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD. An authorization by the Committee to issue or transfer Restricted Stock to a Grantee.

 

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

 

(nn)  RETIREMENT. The voluntary termination of Employment from the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary constituting retirement for age on any date after the Employee attains the normal retirement age of 65 years, or such other age as may be designated by the Committee in the Employee's Incentive Agreement.

 

(oo)  SHARE. A share of the Common Stock of the Company.

 

  

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(pp)  SHARE POOL. The number of shares authorized for issuance under Section 1.4, as adjusted for awards and payouts under Section 1.5 and as adjusted for changes in corporate capitalization under Section 6.5.

 

(qq)  SPREAD. The difference between the exercise price per Share specified in any Independent SAR grant and the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise of the Independent SAR.

 

(rr)  STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT OR SAR. A Tandem SAR described in Section 2.4 or an Independent SAR described in Section 2.5.

 

(ss)  STOCK OPTION OR OPTION. Pursuant to Section 2, (i) an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee, or (ii) a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted to an Employee, Consultant or Outside Director, whereunder such option the Grantee has the right to purchase Shares of Common Stock. In accordance with Section 422 of the Code, only an Employee may be granted an Incentive Stock Option.

 

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

 

(uu)  SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT. Any amount, as described in Sections 2.7, 3.4 and/or 4.2, that is dedicated to payment of income taxes which are payable by the Grantee resulting from an Incentive Award.

 

(vv)  TANDEM SAR. A Stock Appreciation Right that is granted in connection with a related Stock Option pursuant to Section 2.4, the exercise of which shall require forfeiture of the right to purchase a Share under the related Stock Option (and when a Share is purchased under the Stock Option, the Tandem SAR shall similarly be canceled).

 

1.3           PLAN ADMINISTRATION

 

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

 

  

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

 

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

 

(d)  MODIFICATION OF OUTSTANDING INCENTIVE AWARDS. Subject to the provisions of Section 6.5(a) and the stockholder approval requirements of Section 7.7 if applicable, the Committee may, in its discretion, provide for the extension of the exercisability of an Incentive Award, accelerate the vesting or exercisability of an Incentive Award, eliminate or make less restrictive any restrictions contained in an Incentive Award, waive any restriction or other provisions of an Incentive Award, or otherwise amend or modify an Incentive Award in any manner that is either (i) not adverse to the Grantee to whom such Incentive Award was granted or (ii) consented to by such Grantee.

 

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

 

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

 

(g)  SURRENDER OF PREVIOUS INCENTIVE AWARDS. THE COMMITTEE MAY, IN ITS ABSOLUTE DISCRETION, GRANT INCENTIVE AWARDS TO GRANTEES ON THE CONDITION THAT SUCH GRANTEES SURRENDER TO THE COMMITTEE FOR CANCELLATION SUCH OTHER INCENTIVE AWARDS (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, INCENTIVE AWARDS WITH HIGHER EXERCISE PRICES) AS THE COMMITTEE DIRECTS. INCENTIVE AWARDS GRANTED ON THE CONDITION PRECEDENT OF SURRENDER OF OUTSTANDING INCENTIVE AWARDS SHALL NOT COUNT AGAINST THE LIMITS SET FORTH IN SECTION 1.4 UNTIL SUCH TIME AS SUCH PREVIOUS INCENTIVE AWARDS ARE SURRENDERED AND CANCELLED.

 

  

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

 

1.4           SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE FOR INCENTIVE AWARDS

 

Subject to adjustment under Section 6.5, the total number of Shares of Common Stock that may be delivered to participants and their beneficiaries under the Plan shall be equal to the sum of: (i) 500,000 shares of Stock; and (ii) any shares of Stock that are represented by awards granted under the INX Inc. Incentive Plan (the "Prior Plan") that are forfeited, expire or are canceled after the Effective Date without delivery of shares of Stock or which result in the forfeiture of the shares of Stock back to the Company to the extent that such shares would have been added back to the reserve under the terms of the Prior Plan. The total number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan (pursuant to the previous sentence) shall be available for any one of the following types of grants: Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, SAR, Restricted Stock, a payment of a Performance Share in Shares, a payout of a Performance Unit in Shares, a payout of an Other Stock-Based Award in Shares described in Section 5 (which includes, without limitation, Deferred Stock, purchase rights, shares of Common Stock awarded which are not subject to any restrictions or conditions, convertible or exchangeable debentures, other rights convertible into Shares, Incentive Awards valued by reference to the value of securities of or the performance of a specified Subsidiary, division or department, and settlement in cancellation of rights of any person with a vested interest in any other plan, fund, program or arrangement that is or was sponsored, maintained or participated in by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary. The number of Shares of Common Stock that are the subject of Incentive Awards under this Plan, that are forfeited or terminated, expire unexercised, are settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock or in a manner such that all or some of the Shares covered by an Incentive Award are not issued to a Grantee or are exchanged for Incentive Awards that do not involve Common Stock, shall again immediately become available for Incentive Awards hereunder. The Committee may from time to time adopt and observe such procedures concerning the counting of Shares against the Plan maximum as it may deem appropriate. The Board and the appropriate officers of the Company shall from time to time take whatever actions are necessary to file any required documents with governmental authorities, stock exchanges and transaction reporting systems to ensure that Shares are available for issuance pursuant to Incentive Awards.

 

  

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During any period that the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation, then unless and until the Committee determines that a particular Incentive Award granted to a Covered Employee is not intended to comply with the Performance-Based Exception, the following rules shall apply to grants of Incentive Awards to Covered Employees:

 

(a)  Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6.5, the maximum aggregate number of Shares of Common Stock (including Stock Options, SARs, Restricted Stock, Performance Units and Performance Shares paid out in Shares, or Other Stock-Based Awards paid out in Shares) that may be granted or that may vest, as applicable, in any calendar year pursuant to any Incentive Award held by any individual Covered Employee shall be 500,000 Shares.

 

(b)  Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6.5, the maximum aggregate number of Shares of Common Stock with respect to which Stock Options and SARs may be granted to any Employee during any calendar year shall be 500,000 Shares.

 

(c)  The maximum aggregate cash payout (including SARs, Performance Units and Performance Shares paid out in cash, or Other Stock-Based Awards paid out in cash) with respect to Incentive Awards granted in any calendar year which may be made to any Covered Employee shall be Twenty Million dollars ($20,000,000).

 

(d)  With respect to any Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted to a Covered Employee that is canceled or repriced, the number of Shares subject to such Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall continue to count against the maximum number of Shares that may be the subject of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights granted to such Covered Employee hereunder and, in this regard, such maximum number shall be determined in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

(e)  The maximum number of shares of Stock that may be delivered to Participants and their beneficiaries with respect to Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be 500,000 shares.

 

  

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

 

1.5           SHARE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR AWARDS AND PAYOUTS.

 

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

 

(a)  Stock Option;

 

(b)  SAR (except a Tandem SAR);

 

(c)  Restricted Stock;

 

(d)  A payout of a Performance Share in Shares;

 

(e)  A payout of a Performance Unit in Shares; and

 

(f)  A payout of an Other Stock-Based Award in Shares.

 

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

 

(a)  A Payout of an SAR, Tandem SAR, Restricted Stock Award, or Other Stock-Based Award in the form of cash;

 

(b)  A cancellation, termination, expiration, forfeiture, or lapse for any reason (with the exception of the termination of a Tandem SAR upon exercise of the related Stock Option, or the termination of a related Stock Option upon exercise of the corresponding Tandem SAR) of any Shares subject to an Incentive Award; and

 

(c)  Payment of an Option Price with previously acquired Shares or by withholding Shares which otherwise would be acquired on exercise (i.e., the Share Pool shall be increased by the number of Shares turned in or withheld as payment of the Option Price).

 

1.6           COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE.

 

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

 

1.7           PARTICIPATION

 

(a)  ELIGIBILITY. Except as otherwise specified herein, Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants are eligible to receive any type of Incentive Award under the Plan. The Committee shall from time to time designate those Employees, Consultants and/or Outside Directors, if any, to be granted Incentive Awards under the Plan, the type of Incentive Awards granted, the number of Shares, Stock Options, rights or units, as the case may be, which shall be granted to each such person, and any other terms or conditions relating to the Incentive Awards as it may deem appropriate to the extent consistent with the provisions of the Plan. A Grantee who has been granted an Incentive Award may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional Incentive Awards at any time.

 

  

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

 

1.8           TYPES OF INCENTIVE AWARDS

 

The types of Incentive Awards under the Plan are Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and Supplemental Payments as described in Section 2, Restricted Stock and Supplemental Payments as described in Section 3, Performance Units, Performance Shares and Supplemental Payments as described in Section 4, Other Stock-Based Awards and Supplemental Payments as described in Section 5, or any combination of the foregoing.

 

SECTION 2.

 

STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

 

2.1           GRANT OF STOCK OPTIONS

 

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

 

  

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2.2           STOCK OPTION TERMS

 

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

 

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

 

(c)  EXERCISE PRICE. The exercise price per Share of Common Stock under each Stock Option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that such exercise price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date the Stock Option is granted (or 110% with respect to an Incentive Stock Option for 10% or greater shareholders pursuant to Section 1.7(b)). Each Stock Option shall specify the method of exercise which shall be consistent with the requirements of Section 2.3(a).

 

(d)  TERM. In the Incentive Agreement, the Committee shall fix the term of each Stock Option which shall be not more than ten (10) years from the date of grant (five years for ISO grants to 10% or greater shareholders pursuant to Section 1.7(b)). In the event no term is fixed, such term shall be ten (10) years from the date of grant.

 

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

 

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

 

  

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2.3           STOCK OPTION EXERCISES

 

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

 

The Option Price upon exercise of any Stock Option shall be payable to the Company in full either: (i) in cash or its equivalent, or (ii) subject to prior approval by the Committee in its discretion, by tendering previously acquired Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value at the time of exercise equal to the total Option Price (provided that the Shares which are tendered must have been held by the Grantee for at least six (6) months prior to their tender to satisfy the Option Price), or (iii) subject to prior approval by the Committee in its discretion, by withholding Shares which otherwise would be acquired on exercise having an aggregate Fair Market Value at the time of exercise equal to the total Option Price, or (iv) subject to prior approval by the Committee in its discretion, by a combination of (i), (ii), and (iii) above. Any payment in Shares of Common Stock shall be effected by the delivery of such Shares to the Secretary of the Company, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by stock powers duly executed in blank, together with any other documents as the Secretary or Committee may require from time to time.

 

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

 

  

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

 

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

 

Subject to Section 6.2, during the lifetime of a Grantee, each Option granted to him shall be exercisable only by the Grantee (or his legal guardian in the event of his Disability) or by a broker-dealer acting on his behalf pursuant to a cashless exercise under the  foregoing provisions of this Section 2.3(a).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  

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(d)  PROCEEDS OF OPTION EXERCISE. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of Shares pursuant to Stock Options exercised under the Plan shall be used for general corporate purposes.

 

2.4           STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS IN TANDEM WITH NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTIONS

 

(a)  GRANT. The Committee may, at the time of grant of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, or at any time thereafter during the term of the Nonstatutory Stock Option, grant Stock Appreciation Rights with respect to all or any portion of the Shares of Common Stock covered by such Nonstatutory Stock Option. A Stock Appreciation Right in tandem with a Nonstatutory Stock Option is referred to herein as a “TANDEM SAR”.

 

(b)  GENERAL PROVISIONS. The terms and conditions of each Tandem SAR shall be evidenced by an Incentive Agreement. The Option Price per Share of a Tandem SAR shall be fixed in the Incentive Agreement and shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the grant date of the Nonstatutory Stock Option to which it relates.

 

(c)  EXERCISE. A Tandem SAR may be exercised at any time the Nonstatutory Stock Option to which it relates is then exercisable, but only to the extent such Nonstatutory Stock Option is exercisable, and shall otherwise be subject to the conditions applicable to such Nonstatutory Stock Option. When a Tandem SAR is exercised, the Nonstatutory Stock Option to which it relates shall terminate to the extent of the number of Shares with respect to which the Tandem SAR is exercised. Similarly, when a Nonstatutory Stock Option is exercised, the Tandem SARs relating to the Shares covered by such Nonstatutory Stock Option exercise shall terminate. Any Tandem SAR which is outstanding on the last day of the term of the related Nonstatutory Stock Option shall be automatically exercised on such date for cash, without the need for any action by the Grantee, to the extent of any Appreciation.

 

(d)  SETTLEMENT. Upon exercise of a Tandem SAR, the holder shall receive, for each Share with respect to which the Tandem SAR is exercised, an amount equal to the Appreciation. The Appreciation shall be payable in cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, as specified in the Incentive Agreement (or in the discretion of the Committee if not so specified). The Appreciation shall be paid within 30 calendar days of the exercise of the Tandem SAR. The number of Shares of Common Stock which shall be issuable upon exercise of a Tandem SAR shall be determined by dividing (1) by (2), where (1) is the number of Shares as to which the Tandem SAR is exercised multiplied by the Appreciation in such shares and (2) is the Fair Market Value of a Share on the exercise date.

 

  

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2.5           STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS INDEPENDENT OF NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTIONS

 

(a)  GRANT. The Committee may grant Stock Appreciation Rights independent of Nonstatutory Stock Options (“INDEPENDENT SARS”).

 

(b)  GENERAL PROVISIONS. The terms and conditions of each Independent SAR shall be evidenced by an Incentive Agreement. The exercise price per share of Common Stock shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the Independent SAR. The term of an Independent SAR shall be determined by the Committee.

 

(c)  EXERCISE. Independent SARs shall be exercisable at such time and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall specify in the Incentive Agreement for the Independent SAR grant.

 

(d) SETTLEMENT. Upon exercise of an Independent SAR, the holder shall receive, for each Share specified in the Independent SAR grant, an amount equal to the Spread. The Spread shall be payable in cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, in the discretion of the Committee or as specified in the Incentive Agreement. The Spread shall be paid within 30 calendar days of the exercise of the Independent SAR. The number of Shares of Common Stock which shall be issuable upon exercise of an Independent SAR shall be determined by dividing (1) by (2), where (1) is the number of Shares as to which the Independent SAR is exercised multiplied by the Spread in such Shares and (2) is the Fair Market Value of a Share on the exercise date.

 

2.6      Reload Options.

 

At the discretion of the Committee, the Grantee may be granted under an Incentive Agreement, replacement Stock Options under the Plan that permit the Grantee to purchase an additional number of Shares equal to the number of previously owned Shares surrendered by the Grantee to pay for all or a portion of the Option Price upon exercise of his Stock Options. The terms and conditions of such replacement Stock Options shall be set forth in the Incentive Agreement.

 

2.7           SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT ON EXERCISE OF NONSTATUTORY STOCKOPTIONS OR STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

 

The Committee, either at the time of grant or as of the time of exercise of any Nonstatutory Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right, may provide in the Incentive Agreement for a Supplemental Payment by the Company to the Grantee with respect to the exercise of any Nonstatutory Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right. The Supplemental Payment shall be in the amount specified by the Committee, which amount shall not exceed the amount necessary to pay the federal and state income tax payable with respect to both the exercise of the Nonstatutory Stock Option and/or Stock Appreciation Right and the receipt of the Supplemental Payment, assuming the holder is taxed at either the maximum effective income tax rate applicable thereto or at a lower tax rate as deemed appropriate by the Committee. The Committee shall have the discretion to grant Supplemental Payments that are payable solely in cash or Supplemental Payments that are payable in cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee at the time of payment.

 

  

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SECTION 3.

 

RESTRICTED STOCK

 

3.1           AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK

 

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

 

(b) IMMEDIATE TRANSFER WITHOUT IMMEDIATE DELIVERY OF RESTRICTED STOCK. Unless otherwise specified in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement, each Restricted Stock Award shall constitute an immediate transfer of the record and beneficial ownership of the Shares of Restricted Stock to the Grantee in consideration of the performance of services as an Employee, Consultant or Outside Director, as applicable, entitling such Grantee to all voting and other ownership rights in such Shares.

 

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

 

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

 

  

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3.2           RESTRICTIONS

 

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

 

(b) ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES. Reasonably promptly after the date of grant with respect to Shares of Restricted Stock, the Company shall cause to be issued a stock certificate, registered in the name of the Grantee to whom such Shares of Restricted Stock were granted, evidencing such Shares; provided, however, that the Company shall not cause to be issued such a stock certificate unless it has received a stock power duly endorsed in blank with respect to such Shares. Each such stock certificate shall bear the following legend or any other legend approved by the Company:

 

THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS (INCLUDING FORFEITURE AND RESTRICTIONS AGAINST TRANSFER) CONTAINED IN THE INX INC. INCENTIVE PLAN AND AN INCENTIVE AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE REGISTERED OWNER OF SUCH SHARES AND INX INC. A COPY OF THE PLAN AND INCENTIVE AGREEMENT ARE ON FILE IN THE CORPORATE OFFICES OF INX INC.

 

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

 

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

 

  

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3.3           DELIVERY OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

 

Subject to withholding taxes under Section 7.3 and to the terms of the Incentive Agreement, a stock certificate evidencing the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which the restrictions in the Incentive Agreement have been satisfied shall be delivered to the Grantee or other appropriate recipient free of restrictions. Such delivery shall be effected for all purposes when the Company shall have deposited such certificate in the United States mail, addressed to the Grantee or other appropriate recipient.

 

3.4           SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT ON VESTING OF RESTRICTED STOCK

 

The Committee, either at the time of grant or vesting of Restricted Stock, may provide for a Supplemental Payment by the Company to the holder in an amount specified by the Committee, which amount shall not exceed the amount necessary to pay the federal and state income tax payable with respect to both the vesting of the Restricted Stock and receipt of the Supplemental Payment, assuming the Grantee is taxed at either the maximum effective income tax rate applicable thereto or at a lower tax rate as deemed appropriate by the Committee. The Committee shall have the discretion to grant Supplemental Payments that are payable solely in cash or Supplemental Payments that are payable in cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee at the time of payment.

 

SECTION 4.

 

PERFORMANCE UNITS AND PERFORMANCE SHARES

 

4.1           PERFORMANCE BASED AWARDS

 

(a)  GRANT. The Committee is authorized to grant Performance-Based Awards consisting of Performance Units and Performance Shares to selected Grantees who are Employees, Outside Directors or Consultants. Each grant of Performance Units and/or Performance Shares shall be evidenced by an Incentive Agreement in such amounts and upon such terms as shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee may make grants of Performance Units or Performance Shares in such a manner that more than one Performance Period is in progress concurrently. For each Performance Period, the Committee shall establish the number of Performance Units or Performance Shares and their contingent values which may vary depending on the degree to which performance criteria established by the Committee are met.

 

  

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(b)  PERFORMANCE CRITERIA. The Committee may establish performance goals applicable to Performance-Based Awards based upon criteria in one or more of the following categories: (i) performance of the Company as a whole, (ii) performance of a segment of the Company's business, and (iii) individual performance. Performance criteria for the Company shall relate to the achievement of predetermined financial objectives for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Performance criteria for a segment of the Company's business shall relate to the achievement of financial and operating objectives of the segment for which the participant is accountable. Examples of performance criteria shall include (but are not limited to) pre-tax or after-tax profit levels, including: earnings per share, earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, net operating profits after tax, and net income; total stockholder return; return on assets, equity, capital or investment; cash flow and cash flow return on investment; economic value added and economic profit; growth in earnings per share; levels of operating expense and maintenance expense or measures of customer satisfaction and customer service as determined from time to time including the relative improvement therein. Individual performance criteria shall relate to a participants overall performance, taking into account, among other measures of performance, the attainment of individual goals and objectives. The performance goals may differ among participants.

 

(c)  MODIFICATION. If the Committee determines, in its discretion exercised in good faith, that the established performance measures or objectives are no longer suitable to the Company's objectives because of a change in the Company's business, operations, corporate structure, capital structure, or other conditions the Committee deems to be appropriate, the Committee may modify the performance measures and objectives to the extent it considers such modification to be necessary. The Committee shall not permit any such modification that would cause the Performance-Based Awards to fail to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, if applicable.

 

(d)  PAYMENT. The basis for payment of Performance-Based Awards for a given Performance Period shall be the achievement of those performance objectives determined by the Committee at the beginning of the Performance Period as specified in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement. If minimum performance is not achieved for a Performance Period, no payment shall be made and all contingent rights shall cease. If minimum performance is achieved or exceeded, the number of Performance-Based Awards may be based on the degree to which actual performance exceeded the pre-established minimum performance standards. The amount of payment shall be determined by multiplying the number of Performance-Based Awards granted at the beginning of the Performance Period times the final Performance Award value. Payments shall be made, in the discretion of the Committee as specified in the Incentive Agreement.

 

(e)  SPECIAL RULE FOR COVERED EMPLOYEES. No later than the ninetieth (90th) day following the beginning of a Performance Period (or twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Period) the Committee shall establish performance goals as described in Section 4.1 applicable to Performance-Based Awards awarded to Covered Employees in such a manner as shall permit payments with respect thereto to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, if applicable. If a Performance Award granted to a Covered Employee is intended to comply with the Performance-Based Exception, the Committee in establishing performance goals shall comply with Treasury Regulation Section l.162-27(e)(2) (or its successor). As soon as practicable following the Company's determination of the Company's financial results for any Performance Period, the Committee shall certify in writing: (i) whether the Company achieved its minimum performance for the objectives for the Performance Period, (ii) the extent to which the Company achieved its performance objectives for the Performance Period, (iii) any other terms that are material to the grant of Performance-Based Awards, and (iv) the calculation of the payments, if any, to be paid to each Grantee for the Performance Period.

 

  

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4.2           SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT ON VESTING OF PERFORMANCE UNITS OR PERFORMANCE SHARES

 

The Committee, either at the time of grant or at the time of vesting of Performance Units or Performance Shares, may provide for a Supplemental Payment by the Company to the Grantee in an amount specified by the Committee, which amount shall not exceed the amount necessary to pay the federal and state income tax payable with respect to both the vesting of such Performance Units or Performance Shares and receipt of the Supplemental Payment, assuming the Grantee is taxed at either the maximum effective income tax rate applicable thereto or at a lower tax rate as seemed appropriate by the Committee. The Committee shall have the discretion to grant Supplemental Payments that are payable in cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee at the time of payment.

 

SECTION 5.

 

OTHER STOCK-BASED AWARDS

 

5.1           GRANT OF OTHER STOCK-BASED AWARDS

 

Other Stock-Based Awards may be awarded by the Committee to selected Grantees that are denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise related to, Shares of Common Stock, as deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan and the goals of the Company. Other types of Stock-Based Awards include, without limitation, Deferred Stock, purchase rights, Shares of Common Stock awarded which are not subject to any restrictions or conditions, convertible or exchangeable debentures, other rights convertible into Shares, Incentive Awards valued by reference to the value of securities of or the performance of a specified Subsidiary, division or department, and settlement in cancellation of rights of any person with a vested interest in any other plan, fund, program or arrangement that is or was sponsored, maintained or participated in by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary. As is the case with other Incentive Awards, Other Stock-Based Awards may be awarded either alone or in addition to or in tandem with any other Incentive Awards.

 

5.2           OTHER STOCK-BASED AWARD TERMS

 

(a)  WRITTEN AGREEMENT. The terms and conditions of each grant of an Other Stock-Based Award shall be evidenced by an Incentive Agreement.

 

(b)  PURCHASE PRICE. Except to the extent that an Other Stock-Based Award is granted in substitution for an outstanding Incentive Award or is delivered upon exercise of a Stock Option, the amount of consideration required to be received by the Company shall be either (i) no consideration other than services actually rendered (in the case of authorized and unissued shares) or to be rendered, or (ii) in the case of an Other Stock-Based Award in the nature of a purchase right, consideration (other than services rendered or to be rendered) at least equal to 50% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares covered by such grant on the date of grant (or such percentage higher than 50% that is required by any applicable tax or securities law).

 

  

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(c)  PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND OTHER TERMS. In its discretion, the Committee may specify such criteria, periods or goals for vesting in Other Stock-Based Awards and payment thereof to the Grantee as it shall determine; and the extent to which such criteria, periods or goals have been met shall be determined by the Committee. All terms and conditions of Other Stock-Based Awards shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the Incentive Agreement. The Committee may also provide for a Supplemental Payment similar to such payment as described in Section 4.2.

 

(d)  PAYMENT. Other Stock-Based Awards may be paid in Shares of Common Stock or other consideration related to such Shares, in a single payment or in installments on such dates as determined by the Committee, all as specified in the Incentive Agreement.

 

(e)  DIVIDENDS. The Grantee of an Other Stock-Based Award shall be entitled to receive, currently or on a deferred basis, dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to the number of Shares covered by the Other Stock-Based Award only to the extent as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Incentive Agreement. The Committee may also provide in the Incentive Agreement that such amounts (if any) shall be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Shares of Common Stock.

 

SECTION 6.

 

PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLAN PARTICIPATION

 

6.1           PLAN CONDITIONS

 

(a)  INCENTIVE AGREEMENT. Each Grantee to whom an Incentive Award is granted shall be required to enter into an Incentive Agreement with the Company, in such a form as is provided by the Committee. The Incentive Agreement shall contain specific terms as determined by the Committee, in its discretion, with respect to the Grantee's particular Incentive Award. Such terms need not be uniform among all Grantees or any similarly-situated Grantees. The Incentive Agreement may include, without limitation, vesting, forfeiture and other provisions particular to the particular Grantee's Incentive Award, as well as, for example, provisions to the effect that the Grantee (i) shall not disclose any confidential information acquired during Employment with the Company, (ii) shall abide by all the terms and conditions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as may be imposed by the Committee, (iii) shall not interfere with the employment or other service of any employee, (iv) shall not compete with the Company or become involved in a conflict of interest with the interests of the Company, (v) shall forfeit an Incentive Award if terminated for Cause, (vi) shall not be permitted to make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code when applicable, and (vii) shall be subject to any other agreement between the Grantee and the Company regarding Shares that may be acquired under an Incentive Award including, without limitation, a stockholders' agreement or other agreement restricting the transferability of Shares by Grantee. An Incentive Agreement shall include such terms and conditions as are determined by the Committee, in its discretion, to be appropriate with respect to any individual Grantee. The Incentive Agreement shall be signed by the Grantee to whom the Incentive Award is made and by an Authorized Officer.

 

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED EXCEPT UPON SUCH REGISTRATION OR UPON RECEIPT BY THE CORPORATION OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION, IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE SATISFACTORY TO THE CORPORATION, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR SUCH SALE OR TRANSFER.

 

6.2           TRANSFERABILITY

 

Incentive Awards granted under the Plan shall not be transferable or assignable other than: (a) by will or the laws of descent and distribution or (b) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order (as defined by Section 414(p) of the Code); provided, however, only with respect to Incentive Awards consisting of Nonstatutory Stock Options, the Committee may, in its discretion, authorize all or a portion of the Nonstatutory Stock Options to be granted on terms which permit transfer by the Grantee to (i) the members of the Grantee's Immediate Family, (ii) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of such Immediate Family, (iii) a partnership in which such members of such Immediate Family are the only partners, or (iv) any other entity owned solely by members of the Immediate Family; provided that (A) there may be no consideration for any such transfer, (B) the Incentive Agreement pursuant to which such Nonstatutory Stock Options are granted must be approved by the Committee, and must expressly provide for transferability in a manner consistent with this Section 6.2, and (C) subsequent transfers of transferred Nonstatutory Stock Options shall be prohibited except in accordance with clauses (a) and (b) (above) of this sentence. Following any permitted transfer, the Nonstatutory Stock Option shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to transfer, provided that the term “Grantee” shall be deemed to refer to the transferee. The events of termination of employment, as set out in Section 6.6 and in the Incentive Agreement, shall continue to be applied with respect to the original Grantee, and the Incentive Award shall be exercisable by the transferee only to the extent, and for the periods, specified in the Incentive Agreement.

 

  

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

 

No transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution shall be effective to bind the Company unless the Committee has been furnished with a copy of the deceased Grantee's enforceable will or such other evidence as the Committee deems necessary to establish the validity of the transfer. Any attempted transfer in violation of this Section 6.2 shall be void and ineffective. All determinations under this Section 6.2 shall be made by the Committee in its discretion.

 

6.3           RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER

 

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

 

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

 

  

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6.4           LISTING AND REGISTRATION OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

 

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

 

6.5           CHANGE IN STOCK AND ADJUSTMENTS

 

(a)  CHANGES IN LAW OR CIRCUMSTANCES. Subject to Section 6.7 (which only applies in the event of a Change of Control), in the event of any change in applicable laws or any change in circumstances which results in or would result in any dilution of the rights granted under the Plan, or which otherwise warrants equitable adjustment because it interferes with the intended operation of the Plan, then, if the Committee should determine, in its absolute discretion, that such change equitably requires an adjustment in the number or kind of shares of stock or other securities or property theretofore subject, or which may become subject, to issuance or transfer under the Plan or in the terms and conditions of outstanding Incentive Awards, such adjustment shall be made in accordance with such determination. Such adjustments may include changes with respect to (i) the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan, (ii) the number of Shares subject to Incentive Awards, and (iii) the price per Share for outstanding Incentive Awards. Any adjustment under this paragraph of an outstanding Incentive Stock Option shall be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code unless otherwise agreed to by the Grantee in writing. The Committee shall give notice to each applicable Grantee of such adjustment which shall be effective and binding.  However, in no event shall this paragraph (a) be construed to permit a modification (including a replacement) of an Option or SAR if such modification either: (A) would result in accelerated recognition of income or imposition of additional tax under Section 409Aof the Code; or (B) would cause the Option or SAR subject to the modification (or cause a replacement Option or SAR) to be subject to Section 409A of the Code, provided that the restriction of this clause (B) shall not apply to any Option or SAR that, at the time it is granted or otherwise, is designated as being deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code.

 

  

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

 

(c)  RECAPITALIZATION OF THE COMPANY. Subject to Section 6.7 (which only applies in the event of a Change in Control), if while there are Incentive Awards outstanding, the Company shall effect any subdivision or consolidation of Shares of Common Stock or other capital readjustment, the payment of a stock dividend, stock split, combination of Shares, recapitalization or other increase or reduction in the number of Shares outstanding, without receiving compensation therefor in money, services or property, then the number of Shares available under the Plan and the number of Incentive Awards which may thereafter be exercised shall (i) in the event of an increase in the number of Shares outstanding, be proportionately increased and the Fair Market Value of the Incentive Awards awarded shall be proportionately reduced; and (ii) in the event of a reduction in the number of Shares outstanding, be proportionately reduced, and the Fair Market Value of the Incentive Awards awarded shall be proportionately increased. The Committee shall take such action and whatever other action it deems appropriate, in its discretion, so that the value of each outstanding Incentive Award to the Grantee shall not be adversely affected by a corporate event described in this subsection (c).

 

(d)  ISSUE OF COMMON STOCK BY THE COMPANY. Except as hereinabove expressly provided in this Section 6.5 and subject to Section 6.7 in the event of a Change in Control, the issue by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash or property, or for labor or services, either upon direct sale or upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon any conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of, or Fair Market Value of, any Incentive Awards then outstanding under previously granted Incentive Awards; provided, however, in such event, outstanding Shares of Restricted Stock shall be treated the same as outstanding unrestricted Shares of Common Stock.

 

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

 

  

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(f)  ASSUMPTION OF INCENTIVE AWARDS BY A SUCCESSOR. Subject to the accelerated vesting and other provisions of Section 6.7 that apply in the event of a Change in Control, in the event of a Corporate Event (defined below), each Grantee shall be entitled to receive, in lieu of the number of Shares subject to Incentive Awards, such shares of capital stock or other securities or property as may be issuable or payable with respect to or in exchange for the number of Shares which Grantee would have received had he exercised the Incentive Award immediately prior to such Corporate Event, together with any adjustments (including, without limitation, adjustments to the Option Price and the number of Shares issuable on exercise of outstanding Stock Options). For this purpose, Shares of Restricted Stock shall be treated the same as unrestricted outstanding Shares of Common Stock. A “Corporate Event” means any of the following: (i) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (ii) a sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, or (iii) a merger, consolidation or combination involving the Company (other than a merger, consolidation or combination (A) in which the Company is the continuing or surviving corporation and (B) which does not result in the outstanding Shares being converted into or exchanged for different securities, cash or other property, or any combination thereof). The Committee shall take whatever other action it deems appropriate to preserve the rights of Grantees holding outstanding Incentive Awards.

 

Notwithstanding the previous paragraph of this Section 6.5(f), but subject to the accelerated vesting and other provisions of Section 6.7 that apply in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee, in its discretion, if it determines that such action is in the best interests of the Company, shall have the right and power to:

 

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

 

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

 

  

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

 

(g)  SUBSTITUTE AWARDS. Incentive Awards granted under the Plan may, at the discretion of the Committee, be granted in substitution or exchange for, any other award granted under another plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company. Such substitution and exchange may be granted at any time. If an Incentive Award is granted in substitution or exchange for another award under another plan of the Company or a plan of a Subsidiary, the Committee shall require the surrender of such other award. Any Shares issued by the Company through substitution or exchange of outstanding grants under this Section 6.5(g) shall reduce the Shares available for grants under Section 1.4.

 

6.6           TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, DEATH, DISABILITY AND RETIREMENT

 

(a)  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement, if the Grantee's Employment is terminated for any reason other than due to his death, Disability, Retirement or for Cause, any non-vested portion of any Stock Option or other applicable Incentive Award at the time of such termination shall automatically expire and terminate and no further vesting shall occur after the termination date. In such event, except as otherwise expressly provided in his Incentive Agreement, the Grantee shall be entitled to exercise his rights only with respect to the portion of the Incentive Award that was vested as of his termination of Employment date for a period that shall end on the earlier of (i) the expiration date set forth in the Incentive Agreement or (ii) ninety (90) days (not exceeding 3 months in the case of a statutory stock option) after the date of his termination of Employment.

 

(b)  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CAUSE. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement, in the event of the termination of a Grantee's Employment for Cause, all vested and non-vested Stock Options and other Incentive Awards granted to such Grantee shall immediately expire, and shall not be exercisable to any extent, as of 12:01 a.m. (CST) on the date of such termination of Employment.

 

(c)  RETIREMENT. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement, upon the termination of Employment due to the Retirement of any Employee who is a Grantee:

 

(i) any non-vested portion of any outstanding Option or other Incentive Award shall immediately terminate and no further vesting shall occur; and

 

(ii) any vested Option or other Incentive Award shall expire on the earlier of (A) the expiration date set forth in the Incentive Agreement for such Incentive Award; or (B) the expiration of (1) six months after the date of his termination of Employment due to Retirement in the case of any Incentive Award other than an Incentive Stock Option or (2) three months after his termination date in the case of an Incentive Stock Option.

 

  

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(d)  DISABILITY OR DEATH. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement, upon termination of Employment as a result of the Grantee's Disability or death:

 

(i) any nonvested portion of any outstanding Option or other applicable Incentive Award shall immediately terminate upon termination of Employment and no further vesting shall occur; and

 

(ii) any vested Incentive Award shall expire on the earlier of either (A) the expiration date set forth in the Incentive Agreement or (B) the one year anniversary date of the Grantee's termination of Employment date.

 

In the case of any vested Incentive Stock Option held by an Employee following termination of Employment, notwithstanding the definition of “Disability” in Section 1.2, whether the Employee has incurred a “Disability” for purposes of determining the length of the Option exercise period following termination of Employment under this  paragraph (d) shall be determined by reference to Section 22(e)(3) of the Code to the extent required by Section 422(c)(6) of the Code. The Committee shall determine whether a Disability for purposes of this subsection (d) has occurred.

 

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

 

6.7           CHANGE IN CONTROL

 

Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan, in the event of a Change in Control (as defined below), the following actions shall automatically occur as of the day immediately preceding the Change in Control date unless expressly provided otherwise in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement:

 

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

 

  

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(b)  all of the restrictions and conditions of any Restricted Stock and any Other Stock-Based Awards then outstanding shall be deemed satisfied, and the Restriction Period with respect thereto shall be deemed to have expired, and thus each such Incentive Award shall become free of all restrictions and fully vested; and

 

(c)  all of the Performance Shares, Performance Units and any Other Stock-Based Awards shall become fully vested, deemed earned in full, and promptly paid within thirty (30) days to the affected Grantees without regard to payment schedules and notwithstanding that the applicable performance cycle, retention cycle or other restrictions and conditions have not been completed or satisfied.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Grantee's Incentive Agreement, the provisions of this Section 6.7 may not be terminated, amended, or modified to adversely affect any Incentive Award theretofore granted under the Plan without the prior written consent of the Grantee with respect to his outstanding Incentive Awards subject, however, to the last paragraph of this Section 6.7.

 

For all purposes of this Plan, a  “CHANGE IN CONTROL ‘ of the Companymeans the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:

 

(a)  The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act (a “PERSON ‘)) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the  “OUTSTANDING COMPANY STOCK”) or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “OUTSTANDING COMPANY VOTING SECURITIES”); provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) any acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary or by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary, or (iii) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a reorganization, merger, consolidation or similar business combination involving the Company (a  “MERGER”), if, following such Merger, the conditions described in clauses (i) and (ii) Section 6.7(c) (below) are satisfied;

 

(b)  Individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (“INCUMBENT BOARD”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board;

 

  

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(c)  Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a Merger, unless immediately following such Merger, (i) substantially all of the holders of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to Merger beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the common stock of the corporation resulting from such Merger in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Merger and (ii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Merger were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Merger;

 

(d)  The sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless immediately following such sale or other disposition, (i) substantially all of the holders of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to the consummation of such sale or other disposition beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the common stock of the corporation acquiring such assets in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to the consummation of such sale or disposition, and (ii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of such corporation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of execution of the initial agreement or action of the Board providing for such sale or other disposition of assets of the Company; or

 

(e)  Any other event that a majority of the Board, in its sole discretion, determines to constitute a Change in Control hereunder.

 

Notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the foregoing events of this Section 6.7 which would otherwise result in a Change in Control, the Board may determine in its discretion, if it deems it to be in the best interest of the Company, that an event or events otherwise constituting or reasonably leading to a Change in Control shall not be deemed a Change in Control hereunder. Such determination shall be effective only if it is made by the Board prior to the occurrence of an event that otherwise would be, or reasonably lead to, a Change in Control, or after such event only if made by the Board a majority of which is composed of directors who were members of the Board immediately prior to the event that otherwise would be, or reasonably lead to, a Change in Control.

 

6.8           EXCHANGE OF INCENTIVE AWARDS

 

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

 

6.9           FINANCING

 

To the extent permitted by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or other applicable laws, the Company may extend and maintain, or arrange for and guarantee, the extension and maintenance of financing to any Grantee to purchase Shares pursuant to exercise of an Incentive Award upon such terms as are approved by the Committee in its discretion.

 

  

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SECTION 7.

 

GENERAL

 

7.1           EFFECTIVE DATE AND GRANT PERIOD

 

This Plan is hereby adopted by the Board effective as of April 29, 2011, (the “EFFECTIVE DATE”) subject to the approval of the stockholders of the Company within one year from April 29, 2011. Incentive Awards may be granted under the Plan at any time prior to receipt of such stockholder approval; provided, however, if the requisite stockholder approval is not obtained then any Incentive Awards granted hereunder shall automatically become null and void and of no force or effect. Unless sooner terminated by the Board, no Incentive Award shall be granted under the Plan after ten (10) years from the Effective Date.

 

7.2           FUNDING AND LIABILITY OF COMPANY

 

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

 

7.3           WITHHOLDING TAXES

 

(a)  TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Grantee to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local taxes, domestic or foreign, required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising as a result of the Plan or an Incentive Award hereunder. Upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock, the Committee, in its discretion, may elect to satisfy the tax withholding requirement, in whole or in part, by having the Company withhold Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date the tax is to be determined equal to the minimum statutory total tax which could be imposed on the transaction.

 

  

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(b)  SHARE WITHHOLDING. With respect to tax withholding required upon the exercise of Stock Options or SARs, upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock, or upon any other taxable event arising as a result of any Incentive Awards, Grantees may elect, subject to the approval of the Committee in its discretion, to satisfy the withholding requirement, in whole or in part, by having the Company withhold Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date the tax is to be determined equal to the minimum statutory total tax which could be imposed on the transaction. All such elections shall be made in writing, signed by the Grantee, and shall be subject to any restrictions or limitations that the Committee, in its discretion, deems appropriate.

 

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

 

(d)  LOANS. To the extent permitted by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or other applicable law, the Committee may provide for loans, on either a short term or demand basis, from the Company to a Grantee who is an Employee or Consultant to permit the payment of taxes required by law.

 

7.4           NO GUARANTEE OF TAX CONSEQUENCES

 

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

 

7.5           DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY BY PARTICIPANT

 

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

 

7.6           DEFERRALS

 

The Committee may permit a Grantee to defer such Grantee's receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would, otherwise be due to such Grantee by virtue of the lapse or waiver of restrictions with respect to Restricted Stock, or the satisfaction of any requirements or goals with respect to Performance Units, Performance Shares or Other Stock-Based Awards. If any such deferral election is permitted, the Committee shall, in its discretion, establish rules and procedures for such payment deferrals to the extent required for tax deferral of compensation under the Code.  Except for Options and SARs designated at the time of grant or otherwise as intended to be subject to Section 409A of the Code, this Section 7.6 shall not be construed to permit the deferred settlement of Options or SARs, if such settlement would result in deferral of compensation under Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(b)(5)(i)(A)(3) (except as permitted in paragraphs (i) and (ii) of that section).

 

  

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7.7           AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

 

The Board and CEO shall each have the power and authority to terminate or amend the Plan at any time; provided, however, the Board or CEO shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company within the time period required by applicable law, (a) except as provided in Section 6.5, increase the maximum number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan pursuant to Section 1.4, (b) amend the requirements as to the class of Employees eligible to purchase Common Stock under the Plan, (c) extend the term of the Plan, or, if the Company is a Publicly Held Corporation (i) increase the maximum limits on Incentive Awards to Covered Employees as set for compliance with the Performance-Based Exception, or (ii) decrease the authority granted to the Committee under the Plan in contravention of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.

 

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

 

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

 

No amendment or termination shall be adopted or effective if it would result in accelerated recognition of income or imposition of additional tax under Section 409A of the Code or, except as otherwise provided in the amendment, would cause amounts that were not otherwise subject to Section 409A of the Code to become subject to Section 409Aof the Code.

 

7.8           REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

 

(a)  GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES AND SECURITIES EXCHANGES. The granting of Incentive Awards and the issuance of Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required. Certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock delivered under this Plan (to the extent that such shares are so evidenced) may be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange or transaction reporting system upon which the Common Stock is then listed or to which it is admitted for quotation, and any applicable federal or state securities law, if applicable. The Committee may cause a legend or legends to be placed upon such certificates (if any) to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

 

  

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(b)  SECURITIES ACT RULE 701. If no class of the Company's securities is registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, then unless otherwise determined by the Committee, grants of Incentive Awards to “Rule 701 Grantees” (as defined below) and issuances of the underlying shares of Common Stock, if any, on the exercise or conversion of such Incentive Awards are intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Securities Act Rule 701 (“Rule 701”), including, without limitation, the restrictions as to the amount of securities that may be offered and sold in reliance on Rule 701, so as  to qualify for an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Any ambiguities or inconsistencies in the construction of an Incentive Award or the Plan shall be interpreted to give effect to such intention. In accordance with Rule 701, each Grantee shall receive a copy of the Plan on or before the date an Incentive Award is granted to him, as well as the additional disclosure required by Rule 701(e) if the aggregate sales price or amount of securities sold during any consecutive 12-month period exceeds $5,000,000 as determined under Rule 701(e). If Rule 701 (or any successor provision) is amended to eliminate or otherwise modify any of the requirements specified in Rule 701, then the provisions of this subsection 7.8(b) shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with Rule 701 as so amended. For purposes of this subsection 7.8(b), as determined in accordance with Rule 701, “Rule 701 Grantees” shall mean any Grantee other than a director of the Company, the Company's chairman, chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, controller and any vice president of the Company, and any other key employee of the Company who generally has access to financial and other business related information and possesses sufficient sophistication to understand and evaluate such information.

 

7.9           RULE 16b-3 SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE FOR INSIDERS

 

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

 

7.10         COMPLIANCE WITH CODE SECTION 162(m) FOR PUBLICLY HELD CORPORATION

 

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

 

  

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7.11         COMPLIANCE WITH CODE SECTION 409A.

 

The provisions of the Plan shall be subject to the following:

 

           (a)  No provision of the Plan shall be construed to permit the grant of an Option or SAR if such action would cause the Option or SAR being granted or the option or stock appreciation right being replaced to be subject to Section 409A of the Code, provided that this paragraph (a) shall not apply to any Option or SAR (or option or stock appreciation right granted under another plan) being replaced that, at the time it is granted or otherwise, is designated as being deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code.

 

           (b)  Except with respect to an Option or SAR that, at the time it is granted or otherwise, is designated as being deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, no Option or SAR shall condition the receipt of dividends with respect to an Option or SAR on the exercise of such Award, or otherwise provide for payment of such dividends in a manner that would cause the payment to be treated as an offset to or reduction of the exercise price of the Option or SAR pursuant Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(b)(5)(i)(E).

 

           (c)  The Plan shall not be construed to permit a modification of an Award, or to permit the payment of a dividend or dividend equivalent, if such actions would result in accelerated recognition of taxable income or imposition of additional tax under Section 409A of the Code.

 

7.12         SUCCESSORS TO COMPANY

 

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

 

7.13         MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

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

 

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

7.14         SEVERABILITY

 

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

 

7.15         GENDER, TENSE AND HEADINGS

 

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

 

7.16         GOVERNING LAW

 

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

 

 

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