Document:

Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance

 

EXHIBIT 10.116

August 22, 2007

Mr. David G. Durham

5831 S. Birch Court

Greenwood Village, Colorado 80121

Dear David:

StarTek, Inc. (“Company”) is very pleased to offer you, David G. Durham (“Employee”),
employment as Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer. This letter
(“Agreement”) states the complete terms and conditions of your employment with Company. If you
agree to these terms and conditions, please initial the bottom of each page and sign at the end of
this letter in the spaces indicated.

1. Effective date of Employment. Employee’s employment by the Company in
the capacity of Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer shall be effective
September 10, 2007 (the “Effective Date”).

2. At-Will Employment. It is understood and agreed by Company and Employee
that this Agreement does not contain any promise or representation concerning the duration of
Employee’s employment with Company. Employee specifically acknowledges that his employment with
Company is at-will and may be altered or terminated by either Employee or Company at any time, with
or without cause and/or with or without notice. The nature, terms or conditions of Employee’s
employment with Company cannot be changed by any oral representation, custom, habit or practice, or
any other writing. In addition, that the rate of salary, any bonuses, paid time off, other
compensation, or vesting schedules are stated in units of years or months or weeks does not alter
the at-will nature of the employment, and does not mean and should not be interpreted to mean that
Employee is guaranteed employment to the end of any period of time or for any period of time. In
the event of conflict between this disclaimer and any other statement, oral or written, present or
future, concerning terms and conditions of employment, the at-will relationship confirmed by this
disclaimer shall control. This at-will status cannot be altered except in a writing signed by
Employee and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”).

44 Cook Street, Denver CO 80206

 

 

 

3. Duties. Employee shall render exclusive, full-time services to Company
as its Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer. Employee’s principal
initial duties include but are not limited to finance, budgeting and planning, treasury, investor
relations, real estate and facilities, and risk management. Employee shall perform services
under this Agreement primarily at the Denver office of Company, and from time to time at such other
locations as is necessary to perform Employee’s duties hereunder. In its sole discretion, Company
may change, add to, or eliminate any of Employee’s responsibilities, working conditions and duties.
Employee shall devote Employee’s best efforts and full business time, skill and attention to the
performance of such duties and responsibilities on behalf of Company.

4. Policies and Procedures. Employee is subject to and shall comply with
the policies and procedures of Company, as such policies and procedures may be modified, added to
or eliminated from time to time at the sole discretion of Company, except to the extent any such
policy or procedure specifically conflicts with the express terms of this Agreement. No written or
oral policy or procedure of Company constitutes a contract between Company and Employee.

5. Base Salary. Employee’s initial Base Salary (hereafter defined) shall be
$320,000 per annum. For all services rendered and to be rendered hereunder, Company shall pay
Employee, and Employee shall accept a salary as may be fixed by the Company from time to time
(“Base Salary”) which will be paid periodically in accordance with normal Company payroll
practices and shall be subject to Deductions. The term “Deductions” means such
employment taxes, deductions and withholdings as Company is required to make pursuant to law, or by
further agreement with the Employee. Employee’s Base Salary shall be subject to periodic review
and adjustment by Company.

6. Stock Options. To the extent that Company has or may grant Employee
options to purchase shares of Company common stock (“Options”), the vesting schedule, including
without limitation, any acceleration upon change-in-control, and all other terms, conditions and
limitations of such Options will be those set forth in the StarTek, Inc. Stock Option Plan, Option
grant notices and Option agreements approved by the Board of Directors and entered into by
Employee.

7. Bonus. On or before October 10, 2007, Company shall pay Employee a
one-time, lump-sum signing bonus of $64,000, provided Employee remains employed by Company on that
date, which bonus payment shall be subject to Deductions. Also, Employee may be eligible to
participate in Company’s annual Incentive Bonus Plan with a bonus potential of 60% of Base Salary
at 100% target attainment pursuant to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth therein. For
CY2007 only:

(a) One hundred percent (100%) of Employee’s bonus will be based on Company revenue and
earnings per share goals.

(b) The bonus will be administered per the 2007 StarTek Incentive Bonus Plan.

(c) The bonus will be prorated based on the number of full months of service Employee renders
to Company during 2007, and be subject to a guaranteed minimum of $64,000.

 

 2.

 

8. Other Benefits. While employed by Company as provided herein:

(a) Employee Benefits. Employee shall be entitled to all benefits to which other executive
officers of Company are entitled, on terms comparable thereto, including, without limitation,
participation in pension and profit sharing plans, 401(k) plan, group insurance policies and plans,
medical, health, vision, and disability insurance policies and plans, and the like, which may be
maintained by Company for the benefit of its executives. Company reserves the right to alter,
amend, or eliminate any of such benefits from time to time at Company’s discretion.

(b) Expense Reimbursement. Company shall reimburse Employee for direct and reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Employee in connection with the performance of Employee’s duties
hereunder, according to the policies of Company which Company may, in its sole discretion, change
from time to time.

(c) Paid Time Off (PTO). Employee will be entitled to paid time off according to Company’s
policy, which Company may change in its discretion. Notwithstanding such policy, the minimum
amount of paid time off shall be 160 hours per annum, which will accrue in semi-monthly increments.

(d) Restricted Stock. Upon Employee’s entering the employ of the Company on the Effective
Date, the Company and Employee shall enter into the Restricted Stock Agreement that is attached
hereto as Exhibit C.

(e) Stock Options. Upon Employee’s entering the employ of the Company on the Effective Date,
the Company and Employee shall enter into the Stock Option Agreement that is attached hereto as
Exhibit D.

9. Confidential Information, Rights and Duties.

(a) Proprietary Information. Employee agrees to execute and abide by Company’s Proprietary
Information and Inventions Agreement (the “Proprietary Information Agreement”), attached hereto as
Exhibit A.

(b) Exclusive Property. Employee agrees that all Company-related business procured by
Employee, and all Company-related business opportunities and plans made known to Employee while
employed by Company, are and shall remain the permanent and exclusive property of Company.

(c) Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation. Employee agrees that for a period of twelve months
following his last day of employment with Company, he shall continue to comply with the
non-competition and non-solicitation obligations set forth in the Proprietary Information
Agreement.

10. Termination. Employee and Company each acknowledge that either party
has the right to terminate Employee’s employment with Company at any time for any reason
whatsoever, with or with out cause or advance notice pursuant to the following:

 

 3.

 

(a) Termination by Death or Disability. Subject to applicable state or federal law, in the
event that Employee shall die during his employment hereunder or become permanently disabled, as
evidenced by notice to Company and Employee’s inability to carry out his job responsibilities for a
continuous period of more than six months, Employee’s employment and Company’s obligation to make
payments hereunder shall terminate on the date of his death, or the date upon which, in the sole
determination of the Board of Directors, Employee has become permanently disabled, except that
Company shall pay Employee any salary earned but unpaid prior to termination, any benefits accrued
prior to termination, all accrued but unused vacation, and any business expenses that were incurred
but not reimbursed as of the date of termination (the “Accrued Compensation”). Vesting of all
options shall cease on the date of such termination.

(b) Voluntary Resignation by Employee. In the event that Employee voluntarily terminates his
employment with Company for other than Good Reason (as defined below), Company’s obligation to make
payments hereunder shall cease upon such termination, except Company shall pay Employee all Accrued
Compensation. Vesting of all options shall cease on the date of such termination.

(c) Termination for Cause. In the event that Employee is terminated by Company for Cause (as
defined below), Company’s obligation to make payments hereunder shall cease upon the date of
receipt by Employee of written notice of such termination, except Company shall pay Employee all
Accrued Compensation. Vesting of all options shall cease on the termination date.

(d) Termination by the Company without Cause or Resignation by Employee for Good Reason. In
the event Employee’s employment is terminated without Cause (as defined herein) or Employee resigns
for Good Reason (as defined herein) and provided Employee executes a release in the form attached
as Exhibit B (“Release”), and written acknowledgment of Employee’s continuing obligations under the
Proprietary Information Agreement, then in addition to payment of the Accrued Compensation,
Employee shall be entitled to receive (i) the equivalent of twelve months of Employee’s annual Base
Salary as in effect immediately prior to the termination date (“Ending Base Salary”), payable on
the same basis and at the same time as previously paid and subject to Deductions, commencing on the
first regularly scheduled pay date following the Effective Date of the Release; (ii) a bonus
payment of 60% of the Ending Base Salary, subject to Deductions and payable in a lump-sum within
thirty (30) days after the termination date; and (iii) provided that Employee is eligible for and
timely elects continuation of health insurance pursuant to COBRA, for a period of twelve months
Company shall also reimburse Employee for a portion of the cost of Employee’s COBRA premiums that
is equal to, and does not exceed, Company’s monthly contribution towards Employee’s health benefit
premiums as of the date of termination provided, however, that Company’s obligation to pay
Employee’s COBRA premiums will cease immediately in the event Employee becomes eligible for group
health insurance during the twelve month period, and Employee hereby agrees to promptly notify
Company if Employee becomes eligible to be covered by group health insurance in such event ((i)
(ii) and (iii) collectively, the “Severance Benefits”).

 

 4.

 

(e) Definition of Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means (i) Employee’s
incompetence or failure or refusal to perform satisfactorily any duties reasonably required of the
Employee by Company; (ii) Employee’s violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic
violations, misdemeanors or similar offenses) or cease-and-desist order, court order, judgment,
regulatory directive or agreement; (iii) the commission or omission of or engaging in any act or
practice which constitutes a material breach of the Employee’s fiduciary duty to Company, involves
personal dishonesty on the part of the Employee or demonstrates a willful or continuing disregard
for the best interests of Company; (iv) the Employee’s engaging in dishonorable or disruptive
behavior, practices or acts which would be reasonably expected to harm or bring disrepute to
Company, its business or any of its customers, employees or vendors; or (v) the Employee’s failure,
on or after March 10, 2008, to own at least 5,000 shares of the common stock of the Company, other
than shares granted pursuant to the Restricted Stock Agreement.

(f) Definition of Good Reason. Employee may voluntarily terminate Employee’s employment for
“Good Reason” by notifying Company in writing, within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of one
of the following events taken without Employee’s consent, that Employee intends to terminate
Employee’s employment for Good Reason on the thirtieth (30th) day following Company’s receipt of
Employee’s notice, if Company has not cured the event that gives rise to Good Reason before the end
of such thirty (30) day period: (i) a reduction in Employee’s Base Salary, bonus (if any) or
benefits that would materially diminish the aggregate value of Employee’s total compensation and
benefits and which for purposes of this Section 10(f) shall constitute a material breach of the
Employment Agreement except to the extent that the aggregate value of the compensation and benefits
of other executive officers is accordingly reduced; (ii) the assignment to Employee of duties that
are substantially and materially inconsistent with the Employee’s position and that are not a
reasonable advancement of Employee’s position within Company; or (iii) a material change in
geographic location (more than 60 miles) from Employee’s current principal place of performing
services on behalf of Company.

11. Code Section 409A Compliance. Severance Benefits pursuant to Section
10(d) above, to the extent of payments made from the termination date through March 15 of the
calendar year following such termination, are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes
of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations and thus payable pursuant to the “short-term
deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations; to the extent such
payments are made following said March 15, they are intended to constitute separate payments for
purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations made upon an involuntary termination
from service and payable pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations, to
the maximum extent permitted by said provision, with any excess amount being regarded as subject to
the distribution requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the “Code”), including, without limitation, the requirement of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of
the Code that payment to Employee be delayed until 6 months after Employee’s separation from
service if Employee is a “specified employee” within the meaning of the aforesaid section of the
Code at the time of such separation from service.

 

 5.

 

12. Miscellaneous.

(a) Taxes. Employee agrees to be responsible for the payment of any taxes due on any and all
compensation, stock option, or benefit provided by Company pursuant to this Agreement. Employee
agrees to indemnify Company and hold Company harmless from any and all claims or penalties asserted
against Company for any failure to pay taxes due on any compensation, stock option, or benefit
provided by Company pursuant to this Agreement. Employee expressly acknowledges that Company has
not made, nor herein makes, any representation about the tax consequences of any consideration
provided by Company to Employee pursuant to this Agreement.

(b) Modification/Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended, modified, superseded, canceled,
renewed or expanded, or any terms or covenants hereof waived, except by a writing executed by each
of the parties hereto or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. Failure of any
party at any time or times to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect
such Party’s right at a later time to enforce the same. No waiver by a party of a breach of any
term or covenant contained in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more
instances shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of agreement
contained in the Agreement.

(c) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of any successor or assignee of the business of Company. This Agreement shall not be
assignable by the Employee.

(d) Notices. All notices given hereunder shall be given by certified mail, addressed, or
delivered by hand, to the other party at the address as set forth herein for such party, or at any
other address hereafter furnished by notice given in like manner. Employee promptly shall notify
Company of any change in Employee’s address. Each notice shall be dated the date of its mailing or
delivery and shall be deemed given, delivered or completed on such date.

(e) Governing Law; Personal Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement and all disputes relating
to this Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Colorado as such
laws are applied to agreements between Colorado residents entered into and performed entirely in
Colorado. The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement constitutes the minimum contacts to
establish personal jurisdiction in Colorado and agree to Colorado court’s exercise of personal
jurisdiction.

(f) Entire Agreement. This Agreement together with the Exhibits A, B, C, and D attached
hereto, set forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with regard to the
employment of the Employee by Company and supersede any and all prior agreements, arrangements and
understandings, written or oral, pertaining to the subject matter hereof. No representation,
promise or inducement relating to the subject matter hereof has been made to a party that is not
embodied in these Agreements, and no party shall be bound by or liable for any alleged
representation, promise or inducement not so set forth.

 

 6.

 

We look forward to having you work with us at StarTek, Inc. If you wish to accept this offer under
the terms and conditions described above, please sign and date this letter and the attached
Proprietary Information Agreement and return them to me at your earliest convenience, but in any
event by August 31, 2007. If you have any questions about the terms of this offer, please do not
hesitate to call me to discuss our offer at your earliest convenience.

StarTek, Inc.

	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ A. Laurence Jones
 

A. Laurence Jones
	 	 
	Its:

	 	Chief Executive Officer	 	 

I have read this offer, and I understand and accept its terms.

	 	 	 
	/s/ David G. Durham
 

David G. Durham

	 	 

Date:   8/22/07          

 

 7.

 

Exhibit A

MANAGER, EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL OR ASSISTANTS’

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION, INVENTIONS,

NON-COMPETITION, AND NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENT

This Manager, Executive Personnel or Assistants’ Proprietary Information, Inventions,
Non-competition, and Non-solicitation Agreement (“Agreement”) is made in consideration for my
employment or continued employment by StarTek, Inc. or its subsidiaries or affiliates (the
"Company”), and the compensation now and hereafter paid to me. I hereby agree as follows:

1. Nondisclosure.

1.1 Recognition of Company’s Rights; Nondisclosure. At all times during my employment and
thereafter, I will hold in strictest confidence and will not disclose, use, lecture upon or publish
any of the Company’s Proprietary Information (defined below), except as such disclosure, use or
publication may be required in connection with my work for the Company, or unless an officer of the
Company expressly authorizes such in writing. I will obtain Company’s written approval before
publishing or submitting for publication any material (written, verbal, or otherwise) that relates
to my work at Company and/or incorporates any Proprietary Information. I hereby assign to the
Company any rights I may have or acquire in such Proprietary Information and recognize that all
Proprietary Information shall be the sole property of the Company and its assigns.

1.2 Proprietary Information. The term “Proprietary Information” shall mean any and all
confidential and/or proprietary knowledge, data or information of the Company. By way of
illustration but not limitation, Proprietary Information includes (a) trade secrets, inventions,
mask works, ideas, processes, formulas, source and object codes, data, programs, other works of
authorship, know-how, improvements, discoveries, developments, designs and techniques (hereinafter
collectively referred to as “Inventions”); and (b) information regarding plans for research,
development, new products, marketing and selling, business plans, budgets and unpublished financial
statements, licenses, prices and costs, suppliers and customers; and (c) information regarding the
skills and compensation of other employees of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is
understood that, at all such times, I am free to use information which is generally known in the
trade or industry, which is not gained as result of a breach of this Agreement, and my own, skill,
knowledge, know-how and experience to whatever extent and in whichever way I wish.

1.3 Third Party Information. I understand, in addition, that the Company has received and in the
future will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party
Information”) subject to a duty on the Company’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such
information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the term of my employment and
thereafter, I will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and will not disclose
to anyone (other than Company personnel who need to know such information in connection with their
work for the Company) or use, except in connection with my work for the Company, Third Party
Information unless expressly authorized by an officer of the Company in writing.

1.4 No Improper Use of Information of Prior Employers and Others. During my employment by the
Company I will not improperly use or disclose any confidential information or trade secrets, if
any, of any former employer or any other person to whom I have an obligation of confidentiality,
and I will not bring onto the premises of the Company any unpublished documents or any property
belonging to any former employer or any other person to whom I have an obligation of
confidentiality unless consented to in writing by that former employer or person. I will use in
the performance of my duties only information which is generally known and used by persons with
training and experience comparable to my own, which is common knowledge in the industry or
otherwise legally in the public domain, or which is otherwise provided or developed by the Company.

 

 

 

2. Assignment of Inventions.

2.1 Proprietary Rights. The term “Proprietary Rights” shall mean all trade secret,
patent, copyright, mask work and other intellectual property rights throughout the world.

2.2 Prior Inventions. Inventions, if any, patented or unpatented, which I made prior to the
commencement of my employment with the Company are excluded from the scope of this Agreement. To
preclude any possible uncertainty, I have set forth on Schedule A (Previous Inventions) attached
hereto a complete list of all Inventions that I have, alone or jointly with others, conceived,
developed or reduced to practice or caused to be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior
to the commencement of my employment with the Company, that I consider to be my property or the
property of third parties and that I wish to have excluded from the scope of this Agreement
(collectively referred to as “Prior Inventions”). If disclosure of any such Prior Invention would
cause me to violate any prior confidentiality agreement, I understand that I am not to list such
Prior Inventions in Schedule A but am only to disclose a cursory name for each such invention, a
listing of the party(ies) to whom it belongs and the fact that full disclosure as to such
inventions has not been made for that reason. A space is provided on Schedule A for such purpose.
If no such disclosure is attached, I represent that there are no Prior Inventions. If, in the
course of my employment with the Company, I incorporate a Prior Invention into a Company product,
process or machine, the Company is hereby granted and shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free,
irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license (with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of
sublicensees) to make, have made, modify, use and sell such Prior Invention. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, I agree that I will not incorporate, or permit to be incorporated, Prior Inventions in
any Company Inventions without the Company’s prior written consent.

2.3 Assignment of Inventions. Subject to Sections 2.4, and 2.6, I hereby assign and agree to
assign in the future (when any such Inventions or Proprietary Rights are first reduced to practice
or first fixed in a tangible medium, as applicable) to the Company all my right, title and interest
in and to any and all Inventions (and all Proprietary Rights with respect thereto) whether or not
patentable or registrable under copyright or similar statutes, made or conceived or reduced to
practice or learned by me, either alone or jointly with others, during the period of my employment
with the Company. Inventions assigned to the Company, or to a third party as directed by the
Company pursuant to this Section 2, are hereinafter referred to as “Company Inventions.”

2.4 Nonassignable Inventions. I recognize that this Agreement will not be deemed to require
assignment of any invention which was developed entirely on my own time without using the Company’s
equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secrets and neither related to the Company’s actual or
anticipated business, research or development, nor resulted from work performed by me for the
Company (“Nonassignable Inventions”).

2.5 Obligation to Keep Company Informed. During the period of my employment and for six months
after the last day of my employment with the Company, I will promptly disclose to the Company fully
and in writing all Inventions authored, conceived or reduced to practice by me, either alone or
jointly with others. In addition, I will promptly disclose to the Company all patent applications
filed by me or on my behalf within a year after termination of employment. At the time of each
such disclosure, I will advise the Company in writing of any Inventions that I believe are
Nonassignable Inventions and I will at that time provide to the Company in writing all evidence
necessary to substantiate that belief. The Company will keep in confidence and will not use for
any purpose or disclose to third parties without my consent any confidential information disclosed
in writing to the Company pursuant to this Agreement relating to Inventions that have been
identified as Nonassignable Inventions.

2.6 Government or Third Party. I also agree to assign all my right, title and interest in and to
any particular Invention to a third party, including without limitation the United States, as
directed by the Company.

2.7 Works for Hire. I acknowledge that all original works of authorship which are made by me
(solely or jointly with others) within the scope of my employment and which are protectable by
copyright are “works made for hire,” pursuant to United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C., Section
101).

2.8 Enforcement of Proprietary Rights. I will assist the Company in every proper way to obtain,
and from time to time enforce, United States and foreign Proprietary Rights relating to Company
Inventions in any and all countries. To that end I will execute, verify and deliver such documents
and perform such other acts (including appearances as a

 

 

 

witness) as the Company may reasonably request for use in applying for, obtaining, perfecting,
evidencing, sustaining and enforcing such Proprietary Rights and the assignment thereof. In
addition, I will execute, verify and deliver assignments of such Proprietary Rights to the Company
or its designee. My obligation to assist the Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating
to such Company Inventions in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of my
employment, but the Company shall compensate me at a reasonable rate after my termination for the
time actually spent by me at the Company’s request on such assistance.

In the event the Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to secure my signature
on any document needed in connection with the actions specified in the preceding paragraph, I
hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as
my agent and attorney in fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and in my
behalf to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts
to further the purposes of the preceding paragraph with the same legal force and effect as if
executed by me. I hereby waive and quitclaim to the Company any and all claims, of any nature
whatsoever, which I now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assigned
hereunder to the Company.

3. No Conflicts or Solicitation. I agree that during the period of my employment
by the Company I will not, without the Company’s express written consent, engage in any other
employment or business activity directly related to the business in which the Company is now
involved or becomes involved, nor will I engage in any other activities which conflict with my
obligations to the Company. To protect the Company’s Proprietary Information, and because of the
position in the Company that I hold, I agree that during my employment with the Company whether
full-time or part-time and for a period of twelve months after my last day of employment with the
Company, I will not (a) directly or indirectly solicit or induce any employee of the Company to
terminate or negatively alter his or her relationship with the Company or (b) directly or
indirectly solicit the business of any client or customer of the Company (other than on behalf of
the Company) or (c) directly or indirectly induce any client, customer, supplier, vendor,
consultant or independent contractor of the Company to terminate or negatively alter his, her or
its relationship with the Company. I agree that the geographic scope of the non-solicitation
should include the “Restricted Territory” (as defined below).

4. Covenant Not to Compete. I acknowledge that during my employment I will have
access to and knowledge of Proprietary Information. I also acknowledge that during my employment
with the Company, I have held and/or will hold a management or executive position or am, or will
be, an assistant to a manager or executive. To protect the Company’s Proprietary Information, and
because of the position in the Company that I may hold, I agree that during my employment with the
Company whether full-time or part-time and for a period of twelve months after my last day of
employment with the Company, I will not directly or indirectly personally participate or engage in
(whether as an employee, consultant, proprietor, partner, director or otherwise), or have any
ownership interest in, or participate in the financing, operation, management or control of, any
person, firm, corporation or business that engages in a “Restricted Business” in a “Restricted
Territory” (as defined below). It is agreed that ownership of (i) no more than one percent (1%) of
the outstanding voting stock of a publicly traded corporation, or (ii) any stock I presently own
shall not constitute a violation of this provision.

4.1 Reasonable. I agree and acknowledge that the time limitation on the restrictions in this
paragraph, combined with the geographic scope, is reasonable. I also acknowledge and agree that
this paragraph is reasonably necessary for the protection of Company’s Proprietary Information as
defined in paragraph 1.2 herein, that through my employment I shall receive adequate consideration
for any loss of opportunity associated with the provisions herein, and that these provisions
provide a reasonable way of protecting Company’s business value which will be imparted to me.

4.2 As used herein, the terms:

(i) "Restricted Business” shall mean the design, development, marketing, commercialization or
sales of any products or services that directly compete in the marketplace with any such product
then sold by the Company or then in development by the Company and projected to be sold within one
(1) year of my last day of employment with the Company.

(ii) "Restricted Territory” shall mean any state, county, or locality in the United States in
which the Company conducts business and any other country, city, state, jurisdiction, or
territory in which the Company does business.

 

 

 

5. Records. I agree to keep and maintain adequate and current records (in the
form of notes, sketches, drawings and in any other form that may be required by the Company) of all
Proprietary Information developed by me and all Inventions made by me during the period of my
employment at the Company, which records shall be available to and remain the sole property of the
Company at all times.

6. No Conflicting Obligation. I represent that my performance of all the terms
of this Agreement and as an employee of the Company does not and will not breach any agreement to
keep in confidence information acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my employment by
the Company. I have not entered into, and I agree I will not enter into, any agreement either
written or oral in conflict herewith.

7. Return Of Company Materials. When I leave the employ of the Company, I will
deliver to the Company any and all drawings, notes, memoranda, specifications, devices, formulas,
and documents, together with all copies thereof, and any other material containing or disclosing
any Company Inventions, Third Party Information or Proprietary Information of the Company. I
further agree that any property situated on the Company’s premises and owned by the Company,
including disks and other storage media, filing cabinets or other work areas, is subject to
inspection by Company personnel at any time with or without notice.

8. Legal And Equitable Remedies.  Because my services are personal and unique and
because I may have access to and become acquainted with the Proprietary Information of the Company,
the Company shall have the right to enforce this Agreement and any of its provisions by injunction,
specific performance or other equitable relief, without bond and without prejudice to any other
rights and remedies that the Company may have for a breach of this Agreement.

9. Notices. Any notices required or permitted hereunder shall be given to the
appropriate party at the address specified below or at such other address as the party shall
specify in writing. Such notice shall be deemed given upon personal delivery to the appropriate
address or if sent by certified or registered mail, three days after the date of mailing.

10. Notification Of New Employer. In the event that I leave the employ of the
Company, I hereby consent to the notification of my new employer of my rights and obligations under
this Agreement.

11. General Provisions.

11.1 Governing Law; Consent to Personal Jurisdiction and Exclusive Forum. This Agreement will be
governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Colorado without regard to
conflicts of law principles. I hereby expressly understand and consent that my employment is a
transaction of business in the State of Colorado and constitutes the minimum contacts necessary to
make me subject to the personal jurisdiction of the federal courts located in the State of
Colorado, and the state courts located in the County of Boulder County, Colorado, for any lawsuit
filed against me by Company arising from or related to this Agreement. I agree and acknowledge
that any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof, or any
claim or action to enforce this Agreement or portion thereof, or any controversy or claim requiring
interpretation of this Agreement must be brought in a forum located within the State of Colorado.

12. Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall, for
any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity,
illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the other provisions of this Agreement, and this
Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been
contained herein. If any restriction set forth in this Agreement is found by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it extends for too long a period of time or over
too great a range of activities or in too broad a geographic area, it shall be interpreted to
extend only over the maximum period of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which it
may be enforceable.

12.1 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement will be binding upon my heirs, executors,
administrators and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Company, its
successors, and its assigns.

 

 

 

12.2 Survival. The provisions of this Agreement shall survive the termination of my employment and
the assignment of this Agreement by the Company to any successor in interest or other assignee.

12.3 No Employment Rights. I agree and understand that my employment is at-will which means I or
the company each have the right to terminate my employment at will, with or without advanced notice
and with or without cause. I further agree and understand that nothing in this Agreement shall
confer any right with respect to continuation of employment by the Company, nor shall it interfere
in any way with my right or the Company’s right to terminate my employment at any time, with or
without cause.

12.4 Waiver. No waiver by the Company of any breach of this Agreement shall be a waiver of any
preceding or succeeding breach. No waiver by the Company of any right under this Agreement shall
be construed as a waiver of any other right. The Company shall not be required to give notice to
enforce strict adherence to all terms of this Agreement.

12.5 Entire Agreement. The obligations pursuant to Sections 1 through 4 and Sections 6 and 7
(including all subparts) of this Agreement shall apply to any time during which I was previously
employed, or am in the future employed, by the Company as a consultant if no other agreement
governs nondisclosure and assignment of inventions during such period. This Agreement is the
final, complete and exclusive agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
and supersedes and merges all prior discussions between us. No modification of or amendment to
this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, will be effective unless in
writing and signed by the party to be charged. Any subsequent change or changes in my duties,
salary or compensation will not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement

This Agreement shall be effective as of the first day of my employment with the Company,
namely: September 10, 2007.

I have read this Agreement carefully and understand its terms. I have completely filled
out SCHEDULE a to this Agreement.

Dated:                                         

	 	 	 
	 
	 	 
	 

David G. Durham

	 	 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE A

	 	 	 	 	 
	TO:

	 	StarTek, Inc.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	FROM:
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	DATE:
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	SUBJECT:

	 	Previous Inventions	 	 

1. Except as listed in Section 2 below, the following is a complete list of all inventions or
improvements relevant to the subject matter of my employment by StarTek, Inc. (the “Company”) that
have been made or conceived or first reduced to practice by me alone or jointly with others prior
to my engagement by the Company:

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	o
	 	No inventions or improvements.
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	o
	 	See below:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	o
	 	Additional sheets attached.

2. Due to a prior confidentiality agreement, I cannot complete the disclosure under Section 1
above with respect to inventions or improvements generally listed below, the proprietary rights and
duty of confidentiality with respect to which I owe to the following party(ies):

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Invention or Improvement	 	Party(ies)	 	Relationship
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	1.
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	2.
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	3.
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 
	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	o
	 	Additional sheets attached.

 

 

 

Exhibit B

RELEASE

In exchange for the consideration provided to me by this Agreement that I am not otherwise entitled
to receive, I hereby generally and completely release the Company and its directors, officers,
employees, shareholders, partners, agents, attorneys, predecessors, successors, parent and
subsidiary entities, insurers, affiliates, and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities and
obligations, both known and unknown, that arise out of or are in any way related to events, acts,
conduct, or omissions related to my employment with the Company or the termination of that
employment, including, but not limited to: (1) all claims related to my compensation or benefits
from the Company, including salary, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, expense reimbursements,
severance pay, fringe benefits, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in the
Company; (2) all claims for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and breach of the implied
covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (3) all tort claims, including claims for fraud,
defamation, emotional distress, and discharge in violation of public policy; and (4) all federal,
state, and local statutory claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation,
attorneys’ fees, or other claims arising under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended),
the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment
Act of 1967 (as amended) (“ADEA”), and the Colorado state law (as amended). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, nothing contained in this Release is intended to release the Company from any claim
arising out of or with regard to: (i) any payment to be made to me by the Company in connection the
termination of employment as contemplated by the Employment Agreement, or (ii) any statutory
obligation that the Company may have with regard to the continuation of benefits.

ADEA Waiver and Release. I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing
any rights I may have under the ADEA, as amended. I also acknowledge that the consideration given
for the waiver and release in the preceding paragraph hereof is in addition to anything of value to
which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I have been advised by this writing, as
required by the ADEA, that: (a) my waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that
may arise after the execution date of this Agreement; (b) I have been advised that I have the right
to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (c) I have been given twenty-one
(21) days to consider this Agreement; (d) I have seven (7) days following the execution of this
Agreement by the parties to revoke the Agreement; and (e) this Agreement will not be effective
until the date upon which the revocation period has expired, which will be the eighth day after
this Agreement is executed by you, provided that the Company has also executed this Agreement by
that date (“Effective Date”). The parties acknowledge and agree that revocation by you of the ADEA
Waiver and Release is not effective to revoke your waiver or release of any other claims pursuant
to this Agreement.

I agree not to disparage Company or Company’s officers, directors, employees, shareholders,
parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and agents, in any manner likely to be harmful to them or their
business, business reputation or personal reputation; provided that I may respond accurately and
fully to any question, inquiry or request for information when required by legal process

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	 	 	 	 	Date:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	David G. Durham	 	 	 	 	 	 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

STARTEK, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Date of Grant: September 10, 2007

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of the date of grant
first stated above (the “Date of Grant”), is delivered by StarTek, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the “Company”), to David G. Durham (the “Participant”), who is an
employee of the Company.

Recitals

A. Participant entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company pursuant to which
Participant is to become employed by the Company on the Date of Grant (the “Employment
Agreement”) and in which the Company has agreed to grant to Participant the shares of
restricted stock set forth herein (the “Award”), subject to the terms and conditions
hereof.

B. The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors
(the “Board”) shall have full authority to administer this Award.

Agreement

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions. Except as expressly indicated herein, defined terms used in this Agreement
shall have the meanings set forth in the StarTek, Inc. Stock Option Plan (“Plan”) even
though this Award is not granted under the Plan.

2. Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the
Company, with the approval and at the direction of the Committee, hereby grants to the Participant,
10,000 restricted shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Restricted Stock”). The
number of shares of Restricted Stock subject to this Award shall be adjusted by the Committee to
prevent accretion, or to protect against dilution, in the event of a change in the capital
structure of the Company, including, without limitation, any change resulting from a
recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, consolidation, rights offering, spin-off,
reorganization, or liquidation and any transaction in which shares of Common Stock are changed into
or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares of stock or other securities of the Company
or another corporation.

3. Vesting and Forfeiture of Restricted Stock.

(a) Vesting of Restricted Stock. The shares of Restricted Stock subject to this Award
shall be subject to the restrictions contained in this Agreement and subject to forfeiture to the
Company unless and until the shares of Restricted Stock have vested in accordance with the terms
and conditions of this Agreement. The shares of Restricted Stock that have not previously vested or
been forfeited will vest as follows:

 

 

 

On September 10, 2008:                    3,333 shares of Restricted Stock

On September 10, 2009:                    3,333 shares of Restricted Stock

On September 10, 2010:                    3,334 shares of Restricted Stock

Upon Termination of Employment for any reason, Participant shall forfeit any shares of Restricted
Stock that are not vested on the date of Termination of Employment.

(b) Forfeiture. In the event (a) of a Termination of Employment of the Participant,
(b) the Participant attempts to sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of, or mortgage, pledge
or otherwise encumber any of the shares of Restricted Stock or (c) the shares of Restricted Stock
become subject to attachment or any similar involuntary process, then any shares of Restricted
Stock that have not previously vested shall be forfeited by the Participant to the Company, the
Participant shall thereafter have no right, title or interest whatever in such shares of Restricted
Stock, and, if the Company does not have custody of any and all certificates representing shares of
Restricted Stock so forfeited, the Participant shall immediately return to the Company any and all
certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock so forfeited. Additionally, the Participant
will deliver to the Company a stock power duly executed in blank relating to any and all
certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock forfeited to the Company in accordance with
the previous sentence or, if such stock power has previously been tendered to the Company, the
Company will be authorized to deem such previously tendered stock power delivered, and the Company
will be authorized to cancel any and all certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock so
forfeited and to cause a book entry to be made in the records of the Company’s transfer agent in
the name of the Participant (or a new stock certificate to be issued, if requested by the
Participant) evidencing any shares that vested prior to forfeiture. If the shares of Restricted
Stock are evidenced by a book-entry made in the records of the Company’s transfer agent, then the
Company will be authorized to cause such book-entry to be adjusted to reflect the number of shares
of Restricted Stock so forfeited.

(c) Lapse of Restrictions; Issuance of Unrestricted Stock. Upon the vesting of any
shares of Restricted Stock, such vested shares will no longer be subject to forfeiture as provided
in paragraph 3(b) of this Agreement. Upon the vesting of any shares of Restricted Stock, all
restrictions on such shares will lapse and the Company will issue to the Participant a certificate
or electronically transfer by book-entry the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company that
are free of any transfer or other restrictions arising under this Agreement.

4. Rights as a Stockholder. As of the Date of Grant specified at the beginning of this
Agreement, the Participant shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company with
respect to the shares of Restricted Stock (including voting rights and the right to receive
dividends and other distributions), except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement.

5. Non-Transferability of Award. The Award and the shares of Restricted Stock shall not be
assignable or transferable by the Participant except, in case of the death of the Participant, by
will or the laws of descent and distribution. In addition, the Award and shares of Restricted Stock
shall not be subject to attachment, execution or other similar process. In the event of (i) any
attempt by the Participant to alienate, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of the
Award and Restricted Stock, except as provided for herein, or (ii) the levy of any attachment,
execution or similar process upon the rights or interest hereby conferred, the Company may
terminate the Award by notice to the Participant and the shares of Restricted Stock subject to the
Award shall thereupon be forfeited.

 

 

 

6. Transferability of Restricted Stock. Any book-entry or stock certificates representing the
Restricted Stock may, at the Committee’s discretion, contain a notation or bear the following
legend (as well as any notations or legends required by applicable state and federal corporate and
securities laws) noting the existence of the restrictions contained in this Agreement:

“THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS [BOOK-ENTRY] [CERTIFICATE] MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE
STOCKHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.”

The Company shall not be required to bear any expenses of compliance with the Act, other applicable
securities laws, or the rules and regulations of any national securities exchange or other
regulatory authority in connection with the registration, qualification or transfer, as the case
may be, of the Restricted Shares. In addition to the other restrictions on transfer set forth
herein, the shares of Restricted Stock may not be transferred unless (i) the Company shall have
been furnished with a satisfactory opinion of counsel to the effect that such transfer will be in
compliance with the Act and all other applicable securities laws, or (ii) the transfer of the
shares of Restricted Stock shall have been duly registered in compliance with the Act and all other
applicable securities laws.

7. Employment Not Affected. Neither the granting of the Award shall be construed as granting
to the Participant any right with respect to continuance of employment with the Company or any
Subsidiary. Except as may otherwise be limited by a written agreement between the Company or any
Subsidiary and the Participant, the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate at will the
Participant’s employment with it at any time (whether by dismissal, discharge, retirement or
otherwise) is specifically reserved by the Company or Subsidiary (whichever the case may be), and
acknowledged by the Participant.

8. Amendment of Restricted Stock Award. The Award may be amended by the Board or the Committee
at any time (i) if the Board or the Committee determines, in its reasonable discretion, that
amendment is necessary or advisable in the light of any addition to or change in the Code or in the
regulations issued thereunder, or any federal or state securities law or other law or regulation,
which change occurs after the Date of Grant and by its terms applies to the Award; provided that,
such amendment shall not materially and adversely affect the rights of the Participant hereunder;
or (ii) other than in the circumstances described in clause (i), with the consent of the
Participant.

9. Notice. Any notice to the Company provided for in this Agreement shall be addressed to the
Company in care of its Secretary at its executive offices at 44 Cook Street, Suite 400, Denver,
Colorado 80206, and any notice to the Participant shall be addressed to the Participant at the
current address shown on the payroll records of the Company. Any notice shall be deemed to be duly
given if and when properly addressed and posted by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid.

 

 

 

10. Tax Consequences and Withholding. The Participant understands that unless a proper and
timely Section 83(b) election has been made as further described below, generally under Section 83
of the Code, at the time the shares of Restricted Stock vest, the Participant will be obligated to
recognize ordinary income and be taxed in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value as of the date
of vesting for the shares of Restricted Stock then vesting. The Participant shall be solely
responsible for any tax obligations that may arise as a result of the shares of Restricted Stock,
provided that the Company may require the forfeiture of a number of shares of Restricted Stock
having a Fair Market Value as of the date of vesting equal to the amount of any required
withholding.

The Participant has been informed that, with respect to the grant of the Award, an election
may be filed by the Participant with the Internal Revenue Service, within 30 days of the date of
grant, electing pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed currently on the Fair Market
Value of the Restricted Stock on the date of grant. The Participant acknowledges that it is the
Participant’s sole responsibility to timely file the election under Section 83(b) of the Code. If
the Participant makes such election, the Participant shall promptly provide the Company a copy and
the Company may require at the time of such election an additional payment for withholding tax
purposes based on the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Stock as of the date of issuance.

11. Governing Law. The validity, construction, interpretation and effect of this Agreement
shall exclusively be governed by and determined in accordance with the laws of the State of
Delaware, except to the extent preempted by federal law, which shall to the extent of such
preemptive govern.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the Date of Grant
specified above.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	STARTEK, INC.	 	 	 	ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	A. Laurence Jones
	 	 	 	David G. Durham, Participant
	 

	 	President and Chief Executive Officer	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	Date:                                         

 

 

 

EXHIBIT D

STARTEK, INC.

OPTION AGREEMENT

Date of Grant: September 10, 2007

THIS OPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of the date of grant first stated
above (the “Date of Grant”), is delivered by StarTek, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”) to David G. Durham, the (“Participant”), who is an employee of the Company or
one of its Subsidiaries.

I. Recitals

A. The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has adopted, with
subsequent shareholder approval, the StarTek, Inc. Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”).

B. The Plan provides for the granting of nonqualified stock options (“NSO’s) by a committee to
be appointed by the Board (the “Committee”) to key employees of the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company to purchase, or to exercise certain rights with respect to, shares of the
common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), in accordance with the
terms and provisions thereof; and

C. The Committee considers the Participant to be a person who is eligible for a
grant of stock options under the Plan, and has determined that it would be in the best interest of
the Company to grant to Participant the stock options set forth herein, subject to the terms and
conditions hereof.

II. Agreement

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions. Except as expressly indicated herein, defined terms used in this Agreement
shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.

2. Grant of Option. Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Company, with
the approval and at the direction of the Committee, hereby grants to the Participant, as of the
Date of Grant, an option to purchase up to 165,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $                     per share, the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock as of the Date of Grant. Such option is
hereinafter referred to as the “Option” and the shares of Common Stock purchasable upon
exercise of the Option are hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Option Shares”.

3. Vesting and Termination of the Option

(a). Vesting of Option. Subject to the provisions of the Plan which provide for
acceleration of exercisability of the Option in certain circumstances as provided therein and such
further limitations as are provided in the Plan and this Agreement, the Option shall vest and be
exercisable as to the Option Shares (subject to adjustment as provided in paragraph 10 of the Plan)
as follows:

 

 

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	On the first anniversary of the Date
of Grant:
	 	25% or the option to purchase
approximately 41,250 shares;
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Thereafter, monthly vesting for the
each of the following 35 months
after the first anniversary:
	 	2.0833% per month or options to
purchase approximately 3,437 shares;
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Thereafter, monthly vesting for the

final month:
	 	The balance of options not
theretofore vested.

Except as provided below, upon Termination of his Employment for any reason, a Participant shall
forfeit any Options that are not vested on the date of Termination of Employment. Notwithstanding
the vesting schedule contained herein, upon Termination of Employment of the Participant for Cause,
all Options granted to the Participant will be immediately cancelled and forfeited by the
Participant upon delivery to him of notice of such Termination of Employment.

(b) Termination of Option. The Option granted under this Agreement will expire as
of the earliest of:

(i) the date on which it is forfeited under the provisions of paragraph 3(a)
hereof;

(ii) three months after the Participant’s Termination of Employment for any
reason other than death; or

(iii) six months after the Participant’s death.

4. Exercise of Options.

(a) Notice and Payment. To exercise an Option in whole or in part, a Participant
(or, after his death, his executor or administrator) must give written notice to the Committee,
stating the number of shares as to which he intends to exercise the Option together with payment of
the Option Price. The Option Price (and any required withholding) may be paid (i) in cash, (ii) in
shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, as determined on the date of
delivery, equal to the Option Price, or (iii) by delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker
to promptly deliver to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay for all
Common Stock acquired through such exercise and any tax withholding obligations resulting from such
exercise.

(b) Delivery of Certificate. On the exercise date specified in the Participant’s
notice or as soon thereafter as is practicable, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the
Participant, a certificate or certificates for the Option Shares then being purchased (out of
theretofore unissued Common Stock or reacquired Common Stock, as the Company may elect) upon full
payment for such Option Shares. The obligation of the Company

 

 

 

to deliver Common Stock shall, however, be subject to the condition that if at any time the
Committee shall determine in its discretion that the listing, registration or qualification of the
Option or the Option Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the
consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition
of, or in connection with, the Option or the issuance or purchase of Common Stock thereunder, the
Option may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification,
consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to
the Committee.

(c) Failure to Pay. If the Participant fails to pay for any of the Option Shares
specified in such notice and any required withholding tax or fails to accept delivery of the Option
Shares, the Participant’s right to purchase such Option Shares may be terminated by the Company.
The date specified in the Participant’s notice as the date of exercise shall be deemed the date of
exercise of the Option, provided that payment in full for the Option Shares to be purchased upon
such exercise and any required tax withholding shall have been received by such date.

5. Non-Transferability to Option. During the Participant’s lifetime, the Option shall be
exercisable only by the Participant or any guardian or legal representative of the Participant, and
the Option shall not be assignable or transferable by the Participant except, in case of the death
of the Participant, by will or the laws of intestate succession. In addition, the Option shall not
be subject to attachment, execution or other similar process. In the event of (i) any attempt by
the Participant to alienate, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of the Option, except
as provided for herein, or (ii) the levy of any attachment, execution or similar process upon the
rights or interest hereby conferred, the Company may terminate the Option by notice to the
Participant and it shall thereupon become null and void.

6. Transferability of Option Shares. The Participant hereby agrees that

the Option Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall be acquired for the Participant’s own
account for investment purposes only and not with a view to any distribution or public offering
thereof within the meaning of the Act, or other applicable securities laws. If the Board so
determines, any stock certificates issued upon exercise of the Option shall bear a legend to the
effect that the Option Shares have been so acquired. The Company shall not be required to bear any
expenses of compliance with the Act, other applicable securities laws, or the rules and regulations
of any national securities exchange or other regulatory authority in connection with the
registration, qualification or transfer, as the case may be, of the Option or any Option Shares
acquired upon exercise thereof. The foregoing restrictions on the transfer of Option Shares shall
not apply if (i) the Company shall have been furnished with a satisfactory opinion of counsel to
the effect that such transfer will be in compliance with the Act and all other applicable
securities laws, or (ii) the Option Shares shall have been duly registered in compliance with the
Act and all other applicable securities laws.

7. Employment Not Affected. Neither the granting of the Option nor its exercise shall be construed
as granting to the Participant any right with respect to continuance of employment with the Company
or any Subsidiary. Except as may otherwise be limited by a written agreement between the Company
or any Subsidiary and the Participant, the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate at
will the Participant’s employment with it at any time (whether by
dismissal, discharge, retirement or otherwise) is specifically reserved by the Company or
Subsidiary (whichever the case may be), and acknowledged by the Participant.

 

 

 

8. Amendment of Option. The Option may be amended by the Board or the Committee at any time (i)
if the Board or the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that amendment is necessary or
advisable in the light of any addition to or change in the Code or in the regulations issued
thereunder, or any federal or state securities law or other law or regulation, which change occurs
after the Date of Grant and by its terms applies to the Option or (ii) other than in the
circumstances described in clause (i), with the consent of the Participant.

9. Notice. Any notice to the Company provided for in this Agreement shall be addressed to the
Company in care of its Secretary at its executive offices at 44 Cook Street, 4th Floor,
Denver, Colorado 80206, and any notice to the Participant shall be addressed to the Participant at
the current address shown on the payroll records of the Company. Any notice shall be deemed to be
duly given if and when properly addressed and posted by registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid.

10. Incorporation of Plan by Reference. The Option is granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan,
the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and the Option shall in all respects be
interpreted in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan. The Committee
shall interpret and construe the Plan and this Agreement, and its interpretations and
determinations shall be conclusive and binding on the parties hereto and any other person claiming
an interest hereunder, with respect to any issue arising hereunder or thereunder. If any terms of
this Agreement conflict with the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.

11. Governing Law. The validity, construction, interpretation and effect of this Agreement
shall exclusively be governed by and determined in accordance with the laws of the State of
Delaware, except to the extent preempted by federal law, which shall to the extent of such
preemptive govern.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the Date of Grant
specified above.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Attest:	 	 	 	StarTek, Inc., a Delaware corporation
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	 	 	 	 	By:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Susan L. Morse
	 	 	 	 	 	A. Larry Jones
	 

	 	Assistant Secretary
	 	 	 	 	 	President and Chief Executive Officer

	 	 	 
	 
	 	 
	 

	 	ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:
	 
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 

	 	David G. Durham
	 

	 	Participant
	 
	 	 
	 

	 	Date:Exhibit 4(a)

                         INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

      AGREEMENT, dated September 29, 2006, between Merrill Lynch Funds For
Institutions Series (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust, on behalf of
Merrill Lynch Treasury Fund (the "Fund") and BlackRock Advisors, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company (the "Advisor").

      WHEREAS, the Advisor has agreed to furnish investment advisory services to
the Fund, a series of the Trust, an open-end management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act");

      WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust has established and designated
the Fund as a series of the Trust; and

      WHEREAS, this Agreement has been approved in accordance with the
provisions of the 1940 Act, and the Advisor is willing to furnish such services
upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants
herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which
is hereby acknowledged, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto as
follows:

      1. In General. The Advisor agrees, all as more fully set forth herein, to
act as investment advisor to the Fund with respect to the investment of the
Fund's assets and to supervise and arrange for the day to day operations of the
Fund and the purchase of securities for and the sale of securities held in the
investment portfolio of the Fund.

      2. Duties and Obligations of the Advisor with Respect to Investment of
Assets of the Fund. Subject to the succeeding provisions of this section and
subject to the direction and control of the Trust's Board of Trustees, the
Advisor shall (i) act as investment advisor for and supervise and manage the
investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets and in connection therewith
have complete discretion in purchasing and selling securities and other assets
for the Fund and in voting, exercising consents and exercising all other rights
appertaining to such securities and other assets on behalf of the Fund; (ii)
supervise continuously the investment program of the Fund and the composition of
its investment portfolio; (iii) arrange, subject to the provisions of paragraph
4 hereof, for the purchase and sale of securities and other assets held in the
investment portfolio of the Fund; and (iv) provide investment research to the
Fund.

      3. Duties and Obligations of Advisor with Respect to the Administration of
the Fund. The Advisor also agrees to furnish office facilities and equipment and
clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services (other than such services, if
any, provided by the Fund's Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing
Agent and other service providers) for the Fund. To the extent requested by the
Fund, the Advisor agrees to provide the following administrative services:

            (a) Oversee the determination and publication of the Fund's net
asset value in accordance with the Fund's policy as adopted from time to time by
the Board of Trustees;

<PAGE>

            (b) Oversee the maintenance by the Fund's Custodian and Transfer
Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent of certain books and records of the Fund as
required under Rule 31a1(b)(4) of the 1940 Act and maintain (or oversee
maintenance by such other persons as approved by the Board of Trustees) such
other books and records required by law or for the proper operation of the Fund;

            (c) Oversee the preparation and filing of the Fund's federal, state
and local income tax returns and any other required tax returns;

            (d) Review the appropriateness of and arrange for payment of the
Fund's expenses;

            (e) Prepare for review and approval by officers of the Trust's
financial information for the Fund's semiannual and annual reports, proxy
statements and other communications with shareholders required or otherwise to
be sent to Fund shareholders, and arrange for the printing and dissemination of
such reports and communications to shareholders;

            (f) Prepare for review by an officer of the Trust the Fund's
periodic financial reports required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") on Form N-SAR, Form N-CSR, Form N-PX, Form N-Q, and such
other reports, forms and filings, as may be mutually agreed upon;

            (g) Prepare such reports relating to the business and affairs of the
Fund as may be mutually agreed upon and not otherwise appropriately prepared by
the Fund's custodian, counsel or auditors;

            (h) Make such reports and recommendations to the Board of Trustees
concerning the performance of the independent accountants as the Board of
Trustees may reasonably request or deems appropriate;

            (i) Make such reports and recommendations to the Board of Trustees
concerning the performance and fees of the Fund's Custodian and Transfer Agent
and Dividend Disbursing Agent as the Board of Trustees may reasonably request or
deems appropriate;

            (j) Oversee and review calculations of fees paid to the Fund's
service providers;

            (k) Oversee the Fund's portfolio and perform necessary calculations
as required under Section 18 of the 1940 Act;

            (l) Consult with the Trust's officers, independent accountants,
legal counsel, custodian, accounting agent and transfer and dividend disbursing
agent in establishing the accounting policies of the Fund and monitor financial
and shareholder accounting services;

            (m) Determine the amounts available for distribution as dividends
and distributions to be paid by the Fund to its shareholders; prepare and
arrange for the printing of dividend notices to shareholders; and provide the
Fund's dividend disbursing agent and

                                       2
<PAGE>

custodian with such information as is required for such parties to effect the
payment of dividends and distributions and to implement the Fund's dividend
reinvestment plan;

            (n) Prepare such information and reports as may be required by any
banks from which the Fund borrows funds;

            (o) Provide such assistance to the Custodian and the Fund's counsel
and auditors as generally may be required to properly carry on the business and
operations of the Fund;

            (p) Respond to or refer to the Trust's officers or transfer agent,
shareholder (including any potential shareholder) inquiries relating to the
Fund; and

            (q) Supervise any other aspects of the Fund's administration as may
be agreed to by the Trust and the Advisor.

      All services are to be furnished through the medium of any directors,
officers or employees of the Advisor or its affiliates as the Advisor deems
appropriate in order to fulfill its obligations hereunder.

      The Fund will reimburse the Advisor or its affiliates for all out of
pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with the performance of the
administrative services described in this paragraph 3. The Fund will reimburse
the Advisor and its affiliates for their costs in providing accounting services
to the Fund.

      4. Covenants. (a) In the performance of its duties under this Agreement,
the Advisor shall at all times conform to, and act in accordance with, any
requirements imposed by: (i) the provisions of the 1940 Act and the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and all applicable Rules and Regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission; (ii) any other applicable provision of
law; (iii) the provisions of the Declaration of Trust and By Laws of the Trust,
as such documents are amended from time to time; (iv) the investment objectives
and policies of the Fund as set forth in its Registration Statement on Form N-1A
and/or the resolutions of the Board of Trustees; and (v) any policies and
determinations of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and

            (b) In addition, the Advisor will:

            (i) place orders either directly with the issuer or with any broker
      or dealer. Subject to the other provisions of this paragraph, in placing
      orders with brokers and dealers, the Advisor will attempt to obtain the
      best price and the most favorable execution of its orders. In placing
      orders, the Advisor will consider the experience and skill of the firm's
      securities traders as well as the firm's financial responsibility and
      administrative efficiency. Consistent with this obligation, the Advisor
      may select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing
      services they provide to the Fund and other clients of the Advisor.
      Information and research received from such brokers will be in addition
      to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by the
      Advisor hereunder. A commission paid to such brokers may be higher than
      that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the
      same transaction, provided that the Advisor

                                       3
<PAGE>

      determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms
      either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of the Advisor to
      the Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by the
      Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the
      long term. Subject to the foregoing and the provisions of the 1940 Act,
      the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other applicable
      provisions of law, the Advisor may select brokers and dealers with which
      it or the Trust is affiliated;

            (ii) maintain a policy and practice of conducting its investment
      advisory services hereunder independently of the commercial banking
      operations of its affiliates. When the Advisor makes investment
      recommendations for the Fund, its investment advisory personnel will not
      inquire or take into consideration whether the issuer of securities
      proposed for purchase or sale for the Fund's account are customers of the
      commercial department of its affiliates; and

            (iii) treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the
      Fund all records and other information relative to the Fund, and the
      Fund's prior, current or potential shareholders, and will not use such
      records and information for any purpose other than performance of its
      responsibilities and duties hereunder, except after prior notification to
      and approval in writing by the Fund, which approval shall not be
      unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Advisor may be
      exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply,
      when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted
      authorities, or when so requested by the Fund.

      5. Services Not Exclusive. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the
Advisor or any officer, employee or other affiliate thereof from acting as
investment advisor for any other person, firm or corporation, or from engaging
in any other lawful activity, and shall not in any way limit or restrict the
Advisor or any of its officers, employees or agents from buying, selling or
trading any securities for its or their own accounts or for the accounts of
others for whom it or they may be acting; provided, however, that the Advisor
will undertake no activities which, in its judgment, will adversely affect the
performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

      6. Sub-Advisors. The Advisor may from time to time, in its sole discretion
to the extent permitted by applicable law, appoint one or more sub-advisors,
including, without limitation, affiliates of the Advisor, to perform investment
advisory services with respect to the Fund. The Advisor may terminate any or all
sub-advisors in its sole discretion at any time to the extent permitted by
applicable law.

      7. Books and Records. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3
under the 1940 Act, the Advisor hereby agrees that all records which it
maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust and further agrees to
surrender promptly to the Trust any such records upon the Trust's request. The
Advisor further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2
under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the
1940 Act.

      8. Expenses. During the term of this Agreement, the Advisor will bear all
costs and expenses of its employees and any overhead incurred in connection with
its duties hereunder and

                                       4
<PAGE>

shall bear the costs of any salaries or trustees' fees of any officers or
trustees of the Trust who are affiliated persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of
the Advisor; provided that the Board of Trustees of the Trust may approve
reimbursement to the Advisor of the pro rata portion of the salaries, bonuses,
health insurance, retirement benefits and all similar employment costs for the
time spent on Fund operations, (including, without limitation, compliance
matters) (other than the provision of investment advice and administrative
services required to be provided hereunder) of all personnel employed by the
Advisor who devote substantial time to Fund operations or the operations of
other investment companies advised by the Advisor.

      9. Compensation of the Advisor. (a) The Trust, on behalf of the Fund,
agrees to pay to the Advisor and the Advisor agrees to accept as full
compensation for all services rendered by the Advisor as such, a monthly fee
(the "Investment Advisory Fee") in arrears at an annual rate equal to the amount
set forth in Schedule A hereto of the average daily value of the Fund's Net
Assets. "Net Assets" means the total assets of the Fund minus the sum of the
accrued liabilities. For any period less than a month during which this
Agreement is in effect, the fee shall be prorated according to the proportion
which such period bears to a full month of 28, 29, 30 or 31 days, as the case
may be.

            (b) For purposes of this Agreement, the net assets of the Fund shall
be calculated pursuant to the procedures adopted by resolutions of the Trustees
of the Trust for calculating the value of the Fund's assets or delegating such
calculations to third parties.

      10. Indemnity. (a) The Fund may, in the discretion of the Board of
Trustees of the Trust, indemnify the Advisor, and each of the Advisor's
directors, officers, employees, agents, associates and controlling persons and
the directors, partners, members, officers, employees and agents thereof
(including any individual who serves at the Advisor's request as director,
officer, partner, member, trustee or the like of another entity) (each such
person being an "Indemnitee") against any liabilities and expenses, including
amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and
penalties, and counsel fees (all as provided in accordance with applicable state
law) reasonably incurred by such Indemnitee in connection with the defense or
disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal,
before any court or administrative or investigative body in which such
Indemnitee may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with
which such Indemnitee may be or may have been threatened, while acting in any
capacity set forth herein or thereafter by reason of such Indemnitee having
acted in any such capacity, except with respect to any matter as to which such
Indemnitee shall have been adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the
reasonable belief that such Indemnitee's action was in the best interest of the
Trust and furthermore, in the case of any criminal proceeding, so long as such
Indemnitee had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful;
provided, however, that (1) no Indemnitee shall be indemnified hereunder against
any liability to the Trust or the Fund or its shareholders or any expense of
such Indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful misfeasance, (ii) bad faith,
(iii) gross negligence or (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of such Indemnitee's position (the conduct referred to in such clauses
(i) through (iv) being sometimes referred to herein as "disabling conduct"), (2)
as to any matter disposed of by settlement or a compromise payment by such
Indemnitee, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise, no indemnification either
for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless there has
been a determination that such settlement or compromise is in the best interests
of the Fund and that such Indemnitee

                                       5
<PAGE>

appears to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such
Indemnitee's action was in the best interest of the Fund and did not involve
disabling conduct by such Indemnitee and (3) with respect to any action, suit or
other proceeding voluntarily prosecuted by any Indemnitee as plaintiff,
indemnification shall be mandatory only if the prosecution of such action, suit
or other proceeding by such Indemnitee was authorized by a majority of the full
Board of Trustees of the Trust.

            (b) The Fund may make advance payments in connection with the
expenses of defending any action with respect to which indemnification might be
sought hereunder if the Trust receives a written affirmation of the Indemnitee's
good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification has
been met and a written undertaking to reimburse the Fund unless it is
subsequently determined that such Indemnitee is entitled to such indemnification
and if the Trustees of the Trust determine that the facts then known to them
would not preclude indemnification. In addition, at least one of the following
conditions must be met: (A) the Indemnitee shall provide security for such
Indemnitee undertaking, (B) the Trust shall be insured against losses arising by
reason of any unlawful advance, or (C) a majority of a quorum consisting of
Trustees of the Trust who are neither "interested persons" of the Trust (as
defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) nor parties to the proceeding
("Disinterested Non Party Trustees") or an independent legal counsel in a
written opinion, shall determine, based on a review of readily available facts
(as opposed to a full trial type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that
the Indemnitee ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

            (c) All determinations with respect to the standards for
indemnification hereunder shall be made (1) by a final decision on the merits by
a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that such
Indemnitee is not liable or is not liable by reason of disabling conduct, or (2)
in the absence of such a decision, by (i) a majority vote of a quorum of the
Disinterested Non Party Trustees of the Trust, or (ii) if such a quorum is not
obtainable or, even if obtainable, if a majority vote of such quorum so directs,
independent legal counsel in a written opinion. All determinations that advance
payments in connection with the expense of defending any proceeding shall be
authorized and shall be made in accordance with the immediately preceding clause
(2) above.

      The rights accruing to any Indemnitee under these provisions shall not
exclude any other right to which such Indemnitee may be lawfully entitled.

      11. Limitation on Liability. The Advisor will not be liable for any error
of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Advisor or by the
Fund in connection with the performance of this Agreement, except a loss
resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of
compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad
faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from
reckless disregard by it of its duties under this Agreement. As used in this
Section 11, the term "Advisor" shall include any affiliates of the Advisor
performing services for the Fund contemplated hereby and partners, directors,
officers and employees of the Advisor and of such affiliates.

      12. Duration and Termination. This Agreement shall become effective as of
the date hereof and, unless sooner terminated with respect to the Fund as
provided herein, shall continue in effect for a period of two years. Thereafter,
if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue in

                                       6
<PAGE>

effect with respect to the Fund for successive periods of 12 months, provided
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by both (a) the vote
of a majority of the Trust's Board of Trustees or the vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund at the time outstanding and entitled
to vote, and (b) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties
to this Agreement or interested persons of any party to this Agreement, cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated by the Trust, on
behalf of the Fund, at any time, without the payment of any penalty, upon giving
the Advisor 60 days' notice (which notice may be waived by the Advisor),
provided that such termination by the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, shall be
directed or approved by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust in
office at the time or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting
securities of the Fund at the time outstanding and entitled to vote, or by the
Advisor on 60 days' written notice (which notice may be waived by the Trust, on
behalf of the Fund). This Agreement will also immediately terminate in the event
of its assignment. (As used in this Agreement, the terms "majority of the
outstanding voting securities," "interested person" and "assignment" shall have
the same meanings of such terms in the 1940 Act.)

      13. Notices. Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing to the
other party at such address as the other party may designate from time to time
for the receipt of such notice and shall be deemed to be received on the earlier
of the date actually received or on the fourth day after the postmark if such
notice is mailed first class postage prepaid.

      14. Amendment of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended by the
parties only if such amendment is specifically approved by the vote of the Board
of Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of those Trustees who are not
parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and, where
required by the 1940 Act, by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund.

      15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York for contracts to be performed
entirely therein without reference to choice of law principles thereof and in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that
the applicable laws of the State of New York, or any of the provisions, conflict
with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.

      16. Use of the Name BlackRock. The Advisor has consented to the use by the
Trust of the name or identifying word "BlackRock" in the name of the Trust and
the Fund. Such consent is conditioned upon the employment of the Advisor as the
investment advisor to the Fund. The name or identifying word "BlackRock" may be
used from time to time in other connections and for other purposes by the
Advisor and any of its affiliates. The Advisor may require the Trust and the
Fund to cease using "BlackRock" in the name of the Trust and the Fund if the
Fund ceases to employ, for any reason, the Advisor, any successor thereto or any
affiliate thereof as investment advisor of the Fund.

      17. Miscellaneous. The captions in this Agreement are included for
convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the
provisions hereof or otherwise affect

                                       7
<PAGE>

their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held
or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder
of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding
on, and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors.

      18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts by the
parties hereto, each of which shall constitute an original counterpart, and all
of which, together, shall constitute one Agreement.

                                       8
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused the foregoing
instrument to be executed by their duly authorized officers, all as of the day
and the year first above written.

                                   MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS FOR INSTITUTIONS SERIES,
                                   on behalf of its series, MERRILL LYNCH
                                   TREASURY FUND

                                   By: _________________________________________
                                   Name:  Donald C. Burke
                                   Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                                   BLACKROCK ADVISORS, LLC

                                   By: _________________________________________
                                   Name:  Donald C. Burke
                                   Title: Managing Director

                                       9
<PAGE>

                                                Schedule A

                             Investment Advisory Fee

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Portion of Average Daily Value of Net Assets of the Fund                              Investment Advisory Fee
--------------------------------------------------------                              -----------------------
<S>                                                                                            <C>
Not exceeding $500 million...........................................................          0.35%

In excess of $500 million but not exceeding $750 million.............................          0.335%

In excess of $750 million but not exceeding $1 billion...............................          0.32%

In excess of $1 billion..............................................................          0.30%
</TABLE>

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