Document:

a6515131ex10-1.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

DeVry Inc.

 

Amended and Restated Incentive Plan of 2005

 

 

	
1.

	
Purpose.  The purposes of the DeVry Inc. Incentive Plan of 2005 (the “Plan”) are (i) to encourage outstanding individuals to accept or continue employment with DeVry Inc. (“DeVry” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries or to serve as directors of DeVry, and (ii) to furnish maximum incentive to those persons to improve operations and increase profits and to strengthen the mutuality of interest between those persons and DeVry’s shareholders by providing them stock options and other stock and cash incentives.

 

	
2.

	
Administration.  The Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the DeVry Board of Directors, which consists of two or more directors as the Board may designate from time to time, each of whom shall satisfy such requirements as:

 

	
  

	
(a)

	
the Securities and Exchange Commission may establish for administrators acting under plans intended to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3 or its successor under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”);

 

	
  

	
(b)

	
the New York Stock Exchange may establish pursuant to its rule-making authority; and

 

	
  

	
(c)

	
the Internal Revenue Service may establish for outside directors acting under plans intended to qualify for exemption under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

The Committee shall have the authority to construe and interpret the Plan and any awards granted thereunder, to establish and amend rules for Plan administration, to change the terms and conditions of options and other awards at or after grant, and to make all other determinations which it deems necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The determinations of the Committee shall be made in accordance with their judgment as to the best interests of DeVry and its shareholders and in accordance with the purposes of the Plan. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and all determinations of the Committee shall be made by a majority of its members. Any determination of the Committee under the Plan may be made without notice or meeting of the Committee, in writing signed by all the Committee members. The Committee shall authorize the Company’s chief executive officer (the “CEO”) or one or more other officers of the Company to (i) select employees to participate in the Plan, (ii) determine, from the total number of option shares and other awards approved by the Committee, the number of option shares and other awards to be granted to such participants, and (iii) determine the applicable terms and conditions of such awards, except in each case with respect to awards to officers subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or officers who are or may become “covered employees” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (“Covered Employees”).  Any reference in the Plan to the Committee (other than in Section 19) shall include such authorized officer or officers. The CEO or such other officer(s) authorized to select employees to receive such option shares and other awards shall provide written notice of all such action to the Committee.

 

	
3.

	
Participants.  Participants may consist of all employees of DeVry and its subsidiaries and all non-employee directors of DeVry. Any corporation or other entity in which a 50% or greater interest is at the time directly or indirectly owned by DeVry shall be a subsidiary for purposes of the Plan. Designation of a participant in any year shall not require the Committee to designate that person to receive an award in any other year or to receive the same type or size of award as granted to the participant in any other year or as granted to any other participant in any year. The Committee or, if authorized pursuant to Section 2 hereof, the CEO or one or more other officers of the Company shall consider all factors deemed relevant in selecting participants and in determining the type and amount of their respective awards.

 

  

  

  

 

	
4.

	
Shares Available Under the Plan.  There is hereby reserved for issuance under the Plan an aggregate of 6 million shares of DeVry common stock. If there is (i) a lapse, expiration, termination or cancellation of any Stock Option or other award prior to the issuance of shares thereunder or (ii) a forfeiture of any shares of restricted stock or shares subject to stock awards prior to vesting, the shares subject to these options or other awards shall be added to the shares available for awards under the Plan. Shares covered by an award granted under the Plan shall not be counted as used unless and until they are actually issued and delivered to a participant. Any shares covered by a Stock Appreciation Right shall be counted as used only to the extent shares are actually issued to the participant upon exercise of the right. In addition, any shares covered by an award which is settled in cash, shall be added to the shares available for awards under the Plan. All shares issued under the Plan may be either authorized and unissued shares or issued shares reacquired by DeVry. Under the Plan, no participant may receive in any fiscal year (i) Stock Options relating to more than 150,000 shares, (ii) Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units relating to more than 50,000 shares, (iii) Stock Appreciation Rights relating to more than 125,000 shares, or (iv) Performance Shares relating to more than 50,000 shares. No non-employee director may receive in any fiscal year Stock Options relating to more than 15,000 shares or Restricted Stock Units relating to more than 5,000 shares. The shares reserved for issuance and the limitations set forth above shall be subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 15 hereof. All of the available shares may, but need not, be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Section 4 the number of shares that may be issued under the Plan for awards other than Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights shall not exceed a total of 2 million shares (subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 15 hereof).

 

	
5.

	
Types of Awards.  Awards under the Plan shall consist of Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Stock, Performance Cash Awards, Annual Management Incentive Awards and Other Stock or Cash Awards, all as described below.

 

	
6.

	
Stock Options.  Stock Options may be granted to participants, at any time as determined by the Committee. The Committee or, if authorized pursuant to Section 2 hereof, the CEO or one or more other officers of the Company shall determine the number of shares subject to each option and whether the option is an Incentive Stock Option. The option price for each option shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of DeVry’s common stock on the date the option is granted. Each option shall expire at such time as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant. Options shall be exercisable at such time and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine; provided, however, that no option shall be exercisable later than the tenth anniversary of its grant. The option price, upon exercise of any option, shall be payable to DeVry in full by (a) cash payment or its equivalent, (b) tendering previously acquired shares having a fair market value at the time of exercise equal to the option price or certification of ownership of such previously-acquired shares, (c) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice, together with irrevocable instructions to a broker to promptly deliver to DeVry the amount of sale proceeds from the option shares or loan proceeds to pay the exercise price and any withholding taxes due to DeVry, and (d) such other methods of payment as the Committee, at its discretion, deems appropriate. In no event shall the Committee cancel any outstanding Stock Option for the purpose of reissuing the option to the participant at a lower exercise price or reduce the option price of an outstanding option.

 

  

  

  

 

	
7.

	
Stock Appreciation Rights.  Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) may be granted to participants at any time as determined by the Committee. The Committee or, if authorized pursuant to Section 2 hereof, the CEO or one or more other officers of the Company shall determine the number of SARs to be granted to each participant. A SAR may be granted in tandem with a Stock Option granted under this Plan or on a free-standing basis. The grant price of a tandem SAR shall be equal to the option price of the related option. The grant price of a free-standing SAR shall be equal to the fair market value of DeVry’s common stock on the date of its grant. A SAR may be exercised upon such terms and conditions and for the term as the Committee in its sole discretion determines; provided, however, that the term shall not exceed the option term in the case of a tandem SAR or ten years in the case of a free-standing SAR. Upon exercise of a SAR, the participant shall be entitled to receive payment from DeVry in an amount determined by multiplying the excess of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of exercise over the grant price of the SAR by the number of shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. The payment may be made in cash or stock, at the discretion of the Committee. In no event shall the Committee cancel any outstanding SAR for the purpose of reissuing the right to the participant at a lower exercise price or reduce the exercise price of an outstanding SAR.

 

	
8.

	
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.  Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may be awarded to participants under such terms and conditions as shall be established by the Committee. The Committee or, if authorized pursuant to Section 2 hereof, the CEO or one or more other officers of the Company shall determine the amount or number of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units to be granted to each participant. Restricted Stock Units provide participants the right to receive shares at a future date upon the attainment of certain conditions specified by the Committee. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee determines, including, without limitation, any of the following:

 

	
  

	
(a)

	
a prohibition against sale, assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other encumbrance for a specified period;

 

	
  

	
(b)

	
a requirement that the holder forfeit such shares or units in the event of termination of employment during the period of restriction; or

 

	
  

	
(c)

	
the attainment of performance goals described in Section 13 hereof.

 

 All restrictions shall expire at such times as the Committee shall specify.

 

	
9.

	
Performance Stock.  The Committee or, if authorized pursuant to Section 2 hereof, the CEO or one or more other officers of the Company shall designate the participants to whom performance stock (“Performance Stock”) is to be awarded and determine the number of shares, the length of the performance period and the other terms and conditions of each such award; provided the stated performance period will not be less than 12 months. Each award of Performance Stock shall entitle the participant to a payment in the form of shares of common stock upon the attainment of performance goals and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee.

 

 Notwithstanding satisfaction of any performance goals, the number of shares issued under a Performance Stock award may be adjusted by the Committee on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine. However, the Committee may not, in any event, increase the number of shares earned upon satisfaction of any performance goal by any participant who is a Covered Employee. The Committee may, in its discretion, make a cash payment equal to the fair market value of shares of common stock otherwise required to be issued to a participant pursuant to a Performance Stock award.

 

  

  

  

 

	
10.

	
Performance Cash Awards.  The Committee or, if authorized pursuant to Section 2 hereof, the CEO or one or more other officers of the Company shall designate the participants to whom Performance Cash Awards (“Performance Cash Awards”) are to be awarded and determine the number of units and the terms and conditions of each such award; provided the stated performance period will not be less than 12 months. Each Performance Cash Award shall entitle the participant to a payment in cash upon the attainment of performance goals and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee.

 

Notwithstanding the satisfaction of any performance goals, the amount to be paid under a Performance Cash Award may be adjusted by the Committee on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine. However, the Committee may not, in any event, increase the amount earned under Performance Cash Awards upon satisfaction of any performance goal by any participant who is a Covered Employee and the maximum amount earned by a Covered Employee in any fiscal year may not exceed $1,000,000. The Committee may, in its discretion, substitute actual shares of common stock for the cash payment otherwise required to be made to a participant pursuant to a Performance Cash Award.

 

	
11.

	
Annual Management Incentive Awards.  The Committee may designate DeVry executive officers who are eligible to receive a monetary payment in any fiscal year based on a percentage of an incentive pool equal to 5% of DeVry’s consolidated operating earnings for the fiscal year. The Committee shall allocate an incentive pool percentage to each designated participant for each fiscal year. In no event may the incentive pool percentage for any one participant exceed 20% of the total pool. Consolidated operating earnings shall mean the consolidated earnings before income taxes of the Company, computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, but shall exclude the effects of Special Items. Special Items shall include (i) gains or losses on the disposition of a business, (ii) changes in tax or accounting regulations or laws, or (iii) the effect of a merger or acquisition, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

As soon as possible after the determination of the incentive pool for a fiscal year, the Committee shall calculate the participant’s allocated portion of the incentive pool based upon the percentage established at the beginning of the fiscal year. The participant’s incentive award then shall be determined by the Committee based on the participant’s allocated portion of the incentive pool subject to adjustment in the sole discretion of the Committee. In no event may the portion of the incentive pool allocated to a participant who is a Covered Employee be increased in any way, including as a result of the reduction of any other participant’s allocated portion.

 

	
12.

	
Other Stock or Cash Awards.  In addition to the incentives described in sections 6 through 11 above, the Committee may grant other incentives payable in cash or in common stock under the Plan as it determines to be in the best interests of DeVry and subject to such other terms and conditions as it deems appropriate; provided an outright grant of stock will not be made unless it is offered in exchange for cash compensation that has otherwise already been earned by the recipient.

 

  

  

  

 

	
13.

	
Performance Goals.  Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Stock, Performance Cash Awards and other incentives made under the Plan to employees who are designated by the Committee as a member of the Company’s senior leadership team shall be made subject to the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, including, but not limited to, cash flow; cost; ratio of debt to debt plus equity; profit before tax, economic profit; earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; earnings per share; operating earnings; economic value added; ratio of operating earnings to capital spending; free cash flow; net profit; net sales; sales growth; price of DeVry common stock; return on net assets, equity, invested capital or shareholders’ equity; market share; or total return to shareholders (“Performance Criteria”). Awards of Stock Options under the Plan may be made subject to attainment of such performance goals. Any Performance Criteria may be used to measure the performance of the Company as a whole or any business unit of the Company and may be measured relative to a peer group or index. Any Performance Criteria may include or exclude Special Items (as defined in section 11 above). In all other respects, Performance Criteria shall be calculated in accordance with the Company’s financial statements, generally accepted accounting principles, or under a methodology established by the Committee prior to the issuance of an award which is consistently applied and identified in the audited financial statements, including footnotes, or the Management Discussion and Analysis section of the Company’s annual report. However, the Committee may not in any event increase the amount of compensation payable to a Covered Employee upon the attainment of a performance goal.

 

	
14.

	
Change in Control.  Except as otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant of an award, upon a Change in Control of DeVry, all performance goals shall be deemed achieved at target levels and all other terms and conditions met; all outstanding Stock Options and SARs shall become vested and exercisable; all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall lapse; all Performance Stock shall be delivered; all Performance Cash Awards and Restricted Stock Units shall be paid out as promptly as practicable; all Annual Management Incentive Awards shall be paid out based on the consolidated operating earnings of the immediately preceding year or such other method of payment as may be determined by the Committee at the time of award or thereafter but prior to the Change in Control; and all Other Stock or Cash Awards shall be delivered or paid. A “Change in Control” shall mean:

 

	
  

	
(i)

	
the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (or any transaction having a similar effect);

 

	
  

	
(ii)

	
the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity other than (A) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting interests of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting interests of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting interests of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction); or

 

	
  

	
(iii)

	
the acquisition, other than from the Company, by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of the then outstanding voting interests of the Company but excluding, for this purpose, any such acquisition by the Company or any of its affiliates, or by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or any of its affiliates.

 

  

  

  

 

	
15.

	
Adjustment Provisions.

 

	
  

	
(a)

	
In the event of any change affecting the shares of DeVry Common Stock by reason of stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, spin-off, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, reorganization, share combination, exchange of shares, stock rights offering, liquidation, extraordinary cash dividend, disaffiliation of a subsidiary or similar event, the Committee shall make such adjustments (if any) as it deems appropriate and equitable, in its discretion, to outstanding awards to reflect such event, including without limitation, (1) adjustments in the aggregate number or class of shares which may be distributed under the Plan, the maximum number of shares which may be made subject to an award in any year and in the number, class and option price or other price of shares subject to the outstanding awards granted under the Plan; (2) the substitution of other property (including, without limitation, other securities) for the stock covered by outstanding awards; and (3) in connection with any disaffiliation of a subsidiary, arrangement for the assumption, or replacement with new awards, of awards held by participants employed by the affected subsidiary by the entity that controls the subsidiary following the disaffiliation.

 

	
  

	
(b)

	
In the event of any merger, consolidation or reorganization of DeVry with or into another corporation which results in the outstanding common stock of DeVry being converted into or exchanged for different securities, cash or other property, or any combination thereof, there shall be substituted, on an equitable basis as determined by the Committee in its discretion, for each share of common stock then subject to an award granted under the Plan, the number and kind of shares of stock, other securities, cash or other property to which holders of common stock of DeVry will be entitled pursuant to the transaction.

 

	
16.

	
Substitution and Assumption of Awards.  The Board of Directors or the Committee may authorize the issuance of awards under this Plan in connection with the assumption of, or substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted to individuals who become employees of DeVry or any subsidiary as a result of any merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, or reorganization other than a Change in Control, upon such terms and conditions as the Committee may deem appropriate.

 

	
17.

	
Nontransferability.  Each award granted under the Plan shall not be transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and each Stock Option and SAR shall be exercisable during the participant’s lifetime only by the participant or, in the event of disability, by the participant’s personal representative. In the event of the death of a participant, exercise of any award or payment with respect to any award shall be made only by or to the executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased participant or the person or persons to whom the deceased participant’s rights under the award shall pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at its discretion, the Committee may permit the transfer of a Stock Option by the participant, on a general or specific basis, subject to such terms and conditions as may be established by the Committee.

 

  

  

  

 

	
18.

	
Taxes.  DeVry shall be entitled to withhold the amount of any tax attributable to any amounts payable or shares deliverable under the Plan, after giving the person entitled to receive such payment or delivery notice and DeVry may defer making payment or delivery as to any award, if any such tax is payable until indemnified to its satisfaction. A participant may pay all or a portion of any required withholding taxes arising in connection with the exercise of a Stock Option or SAR or the receipt of shares hereunder by electing to have DeVry withhold shares of common stock, having a fair market value equal to the amount required to be withheld.

 

	
19.

	
Duration, Amendment and Termination.  No award shall be granted more than ten years after the date of adoption of this Plan by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the terms and conditions applicable to any award granted on or before such date may thereafter be amended or modified by mutual agreement between DeVry and the participant, or such other person as may then have an interest therein. The Board of Directors or the Committee may amend the Plan from time to time or terminate the Plan at any time. However, no such action shall reduce the amount of any existing award or change the terms and conditions thereof without the participant’s consent. No material amendment of the Plan shall be made without shareholder approval.

 

	
20.

	
Fair Market Value.  The fair market value of DeVry’s common stock at any time shall be determined in such manner as the Committee may deem equitable, or as required by applicable law or regulation.

 

	
21.

	
Other Provisions.

 

	
  

	
(a)

	
Any award under the Plan may also be subject to other provisions (whether or not applicable to an award granted to any other participant) as the Committee determines appropriate, including provisions intended to comply with federal or state securities laws and stock exchange requirements, understandings or conditions as to the participant’s employment, requirements or inducements for continued ownership of common stock after exercise or vesting of awards, or forfeiture of awards in the event of termination of employment shortly after exercise or vesting, or breach of noncompetition or confidentiality agreements following termination of employment.

 

	
  

	
(b)

	
In the event any award under this Plan is granted to an employee who is employed or providing services outside the United States and who is not compensated from a payroll maintained in the United States, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, modify the provisions of the Plan as they pertain to such individuals to comply with applicable law, regulation or accounting rules.

 

	
  

	
(c)

	
As determined appropriate by the Committee, any Award to a Participant who is an officer subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act may include provisions requiring with respect to an Excess Award its forfeiture (regardless of whether or not the Award is vested) and/or recoupment by any method determined appropriate by the Committee, including but not limited to offset against other Awards under the Plan.

 

	
  

	
(d)

	
For purposes of Section 21(c):

 

	
  

	
(i)

	
“Excess Award” shall mean all or a portion of an Award that the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, either (A) was granted, vested and/or settled based on the financial results that subsequently become Restated Financials, and/or (B) its value was affected by the Restated Financials.

 

  

  

  

 

	
  

	
(ii)

	
“Restated Financials” shall mean any applicable financial results of DeVry and/or one or more of its affiliates that are subsequently restated due to conduct by the Participant that the independent directors of the Board of Directors or a committee of such board determine, in their sole discretion, was knowing, intentionally fraudulent or illegal.

 

	
22.

	
Governing Law.  The Plan and any actions taken in connection herewith shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Delaware (without regard to applicable Delaware principles of conflict of laws).

 

	
23.

	
Shareholder Approval.  The Plan, as amended, was adopted by the Board of Directors on August 28, 2010, subject to shareholder approval. The Plan and any awards granted thereunder shall be null and void if shareholder approval is not obtained at the next annual meeting of shareholders.Sterling Group Ventures, Inc - Exhibit 10.1

 Exhibit 10.1 

 Letter of Intent

  Regarding the development of Shimen County Phosphate Mine 

  between China Shimen County Merchants Bureau and Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.

  

 Party A: Shimen County Merchants Bureau, Hunan Province, China

  Party B: Sterling Group Ventures, Inc.

 Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. is listed on OTCBB, United States (Hereinafter "Sterling"). Sterling has intention to invest and develop Shimen Phosphate Mine located in Shimen County, Hunan Province, China. Through friendly negotiation by both parties, both parties have reached following letter of intent:  

	 
	 1.      	Party B shall set up a joint venture to develop Shimen Phosphate Mine based on Sino foreign joint venture law of People's Republic of China, and other Chinese laws and regulations. The form of joint venture shall be a liability limited company.  
	 
	 2.      	Joint Venture shall solely undertake early study of Shimen Phosphate development, and put forward development utilization plan for Shimen Phosphate project which shall be recognized by Party A. 
	 
	 3.      	Party A promises to give supports to Joint Venture on approval of the project and investment politic environment.
	 
	 4.      	In order to support production requirement of Party B's phosphate development project, Party B promises to build phosphate development project including mining, processing and chemical plant, at the same time, Party A promises to match needed phosphate resources from Shujiatai Phosphate property located in Nanbei Town of Shimen County. Sterling represents to apply the mining permit for matched phosphate resources according to China related laws and regulations. 
	 
	 5.      	The registered capital of Joint Venture is RMB 21 million Yuan in order to meet the requirement for building 400,000t/a processing plant and chemical plant. The first contribution shall be made within three months after the Joint Venture is approved.
    
	 
	 6.      	This letter of intent is valid for one and half years after it is signed by both parties. If the investment and construction do not start when the letter of intent expires, this letter of intent shall be terminated automatically. 
	 
	 7.      	Matters other than those provided herewith shall be dealt through further negotiations between the Parties. 
	 
	 
	 8.      	This letter of intent is signed by authorized persons of both parties in Shimen County of Hunan Province, China on November 10, 2010.  
	 

	
Party A: 
		
Party B: 
	
	
 Shimen County Merchants Bureau 
		
Sterling Group Ventures, Inc. 
	
	
No. 10, Liyang Road West 
		
4743 - 350 S.E. Marine Dr. 
	
	Chujiang Town, Shimen County 

		
Vancouver, BC, Canada 
	
	Hunan Province, China  

		
V5X 2S5 
	
	 

	
	
Tel: 0736-533-1610 
		
Tel: 001-604-689-4407 
	
	
Fax: 0736-532-5694 
		
Fax: 001-604-408-8515 
	
	 

	
	
Authorized person: 
		
Authorized person: 
	
	 

	
	
/s/Ruiqing Wu
		
/s/Richard Shao
	
	 

	
	
Date: November 10, 2010 
		
November 10, 2010

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