Document:

Exhibit 4.1

BP p.l.c.  

RULES OF THE BP p.l.c.
PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN  

Adoption:              [•] 2006  

 

	Linklaters	 
	One
      Silk Street

      London EC2Y 8HQ	 
	 	 
	Telephone
        (44-20) 7456 2000
	  

	 Facsimile
        (44-20) 7456 2222
	  

	  
	  

	 Ref
        01/145/G Rowlands-Hempel
	  

 

 

 

Table of Contents

	  
	 Contents
	 Page

	  
	 1
	 Definitions
	 1
	  

	  
	 2
	 Eligibility
	 2
	  

	  
	 3
	 Granting
        Restricted Share Units
	 3
	  

	  
	 4
	 Restricted
        Share Units
	 5
	  

	  
	 5
	 Making
        Awards
	 5
	  

	  
	 6
	 Leaving
        the Group before the end of the Restricted Period
	 6
	  

	  
	 7
	 Variations
        in share capital, demergers and special distributions
	 8
	  

	  
	 8
	 Exchange
        of Restricted Share Units
	   9

	  
	 9
	 Restrictions
        on issue of Shares
	 10

	  
	 10
	 Terms
        of employment
	 10

	  
	 11
	 General
	 11

	  
	 12
	 Changing
        the Plan and termination
	 13

	  
	 13
	 Governing
        law and jurisdiction
	 13

	  
	 Schedule
        1 US
	 14

	  
	 Schedule
        2 Restricted Cash Units
	 17

							

 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

i

 

 

 

Rules of the BP p.l.c. Performance Share Plan

Introduction

This plan sets out the terms on which awards of shares will be made to certain employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Employees selected for participation in the Plan will be granted restricted share units giving them a conditional entitlement to an award of shares. The number of shares to be granted in respect of a restricted share unit may depend on the extent to which a performance condition is satisfied over the Financial Year prior to grant.

	
            1
 	
            Definitions
 

In these rules:

“Acquiring Company” means a person who obtains Control of the Company;

“ADS” means an American depositary share representing ordinary shares of the Company;”

“Award” means an award of Shares under rule 5.1;

“Award Date” means the date on which an Award is made under any of rules 5.1, 6 or 7;

“Business Day” means a day on which the London Stock Exchange (or, if relevant and if the Designated Corporate Officer determines, any stock exchange nominated by the Designated Corporate Officer on which the Shares are traded) is open for the transaction of business;

“Company” means BP p.l.c.;

“Control” has the meaning given to it by Section 840 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988;

“Dealing Restrictions” means restrictions imposed by statute, order, regulation or Government directive, or by the Model Code or any code adopted by the Company based on the Model Code;

“Designated Corporate Officer” means the Group Chief Executive or other appropriate Corporate Officer authorised under the BP Management Framework and associated delegations;

“Financial Year” means the calendar year by reference to which the conditions relating to individual performance imposed under rule 2.2 are measured;

“Grant Date” means the date which the Plan Administrator sets for the grant of Restricted Share Units;

“London Stock Exchange” means London Stock Exchange plc;

“Member of the Group” means:

	
             
 	
            (i)
 	
            the Company; and
 

	
             
 	
            (ii)
 	
            its Subsidiaries from time to time; and
 

	
             
 	
            (iii)
 	
            any other company which is associated with the Company and is so designated by the Designated Corporate Officer;
 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

1

 

 

“Model Code” means the UK Listing Authority Model Code for transactions in securities by directors, certain employees and persons connected with them;

“Participant” means a person who is participating in the Plan;

“Performance Conditions” means the conditions imposed under rule 3.3;

“Plan” means these rules known as “The BP p.l.c. Performance Share Plan” as changed from time to time;

“Plan Administrator” means the person or persons appointed by the Designated Corporate Officer as the plan administrator for the purposes of this Plan;

“Regulatory Information Service” means a service that is approved by the Financial Services Authority as meeting the Primary Information Provider Criteria and is on the list of the Regulatory Information Services maintained by the Financial Services Authority;

“Restricted Period” means the period determined by the Designated Corporate Officer and which will normally be 3 calendar years from the start of the calendar year in which Restricted Share Units are granted;

“Restricted Share Unit” means a conditional entitlement to an Award granted to a Participant;

“Shares” means fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of the Company or where the context requires ADSs (see rule 5.5); and

“Subsidiary” means a company which is a subsidiary of the Company within the meaning of Section 736 of the Companies Act 1985.

	
            2
 	
            Eligibility
 

The Plan may be operated in respect of Participants who have been selected for a grant of Restricted Share Units by reference to a particular Financial Year (rule 2.1) or otherwise (rule 2.5).

	
            2.1
 	
            Participation in respect of individual performance in a Financial Year
 

	
             
 	
            2.1.1
 	
            Under this rule 2.1, the Company may select any employee of the Company or any Subsidiary to join the Plan and become a Participant. Participation will be by reference to individual performance in a particular Financial Year. However, participation may not be extended to an employee who at the start of the Financial Year in which the Plan is to be operated is either (i) a director of the Company or (ii) an employee whose employment has been terminated whether or not such termination is lawful, unless in the case of (ii) the Designated Corporate Officer considers that special circumstances exist.
 

	
             
 	
            2.1.2
 	
            Rule 2.4 applies where a person has ceased to be an employee of the Company or Subsidiary or an event occurs as described in rules 7.2, 7.3 or 7.5 prior to the Grant Date.
 

	
            2.2
 	
            Notice of Selection for Participation
 

Where a Participant has been selected to participate in the Plan under rule 2.1,
as soon as practicable after the start of the Financial Year to which the Plan
relates the Company will notify him of his selection for participation in the
Plan and any conditions which need to be

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

2

 

 

satisfied in order for the employee to
be made a grant of Restricted Share Units. The conditions may be different for
different employees. The Company, subject to the approval of the Designated
Corporate Officer, may waive or change such conditions in accordance with their
terms or in any way the Designated Corporate Officer sees fit. 

	
            2.3
 	
            Joining the Plan during the Financial Year
 

If anyone is selected to participate in the Plan under rule 2.1 but after the start of a Financial Year in respect of which the Plan is being operated, his grant of Restricted Share Units (if any) may, at the discretion of the Designated Corporate Officer, be pro-rated by reference to the period between selection and the end of the relevant Financial Year as a proportion of the whole Financial Year.

	
            2.4
 	
            Leaving employment before the grant of Restricted Share Units
 

	
             
 	
            2.4.1
 	
            A Participant who has been selected to participate in the Plan under rule 2.1 will not be eligible for the grant of Restricted Share Units if he ceases to be an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary at any time during the Financial Year in which the Plan is operated.
 

	
             
 	
            2.4.2
 	
            Where a Participant ceases to be an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary for any of the reasons set out in rules 6.2.1(i), (ii), (v), (vi), (vii) or 6.4, after the end of the relevant Financial Year but prior to the grant of Restricted Share Units, or where during that period an event described in rules 7.2, 7.3 or 7.5 takes place, then the Company may grant the Participant Restricted Share Units and an Award may be made to him.
 

	
            2.5
 	
            Participation otherwise than in respect of individual performance in a Financial Year
 

	
             
 	
            2.5.1
 	
            Under this rule 2.5, the Company may select any employee of the Company or any Subsidiary for the grant of Restricted Share Units. Selection of employees and the grant of Restricted Share Units will be made without reference to individual performance in a particular Financial Year. However, Restricted Share Units may not be granted to an employee who on the Grant Date is either (i) a director of the Company or (ii) an employee whose employment has been terminated whether or not such termination is lawful, unless in the case of (ii) the Designated Corporate Officer considers that special circumstances exist.
 

	
             
 	
            2.5.2
 	
            For the avoidance of doubt, where a Participant has been selected to participate in the Plan under this rule 2.5, rules 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 3.1.1 do not apply.
 

	
            2.6
 	
            Rights prior to the grant of Restricted Share Units
 

Selection for participation in the Plan does not entitle any Participant to the grant of Restricted Share Units and a Participant shall have no rights to or in respect of Restricted Share Units until a grant has been made to him.

	
            3
 	
            Granting Restricted Share Units 
 

	
            3.1
 	
            Grant
 

	
             
 	
            3.1.1
 	
            
Where a Participant has been selected to participate in the Plan under rule 2.1,
as soon as practicable following the end of the Financial Year in which the Plan
is 
 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

3

 

 

	
             
 	
             
 	
            
operated the Company will determine whether and to what extent the
conditions, if any, set under rule 2.2 have been satisfied and how many
Restricted Share Units should be granted in respect of each Participant.

 

	
             
 	
            3.1.2
 	
            Restricted Share Units granted under the Plan, and the terms of those Restricted Share Units, must be approved in advance by the Designated Corporate Officer.
 

	
            3.2
 	
            Time of Operation
 

Restricted Share Units may only be granted within 42 days starting on any of the following:

	
             
 	
            3.2.1
 	
            the date of adoption of the Plan;
 

	
             
 	
            3.2.2
 	
            the day after the announcement of the Company’s results through a Regulatory Information Service for any period;
 

	
             
 	
            3.2.3
 	
            any day on which the Designated Corporate Officer resolves that exceptional circumstances exist which justify the grant of Restricted Share Units; 
 

	
             
 	
            3.2.4
 	
            any day on which changes to the legislation or regulations affecting share plans are announced, effected or made; or
 

	
             
 	
            3.2.5
 	
            the lifting of Dealing Restrictions which prevented the granting of Restricted Share Units during any period specified above.
 

	
            3.3
 	
            Conditions
 

	
             
 	
            3.3.1
 	
            Awards in respect of Restricted Share Units may be subject to the satisfaction of the Performance Conditions specified at the Grant Date. Performance Conditions may be different for different Participants. 
 

	
             
 	
            3.3.2
 	
            The Company, subject to the approval of the Designated Corporate Officer, may waive or change the Performance Conditions in accordance with their terms or in any way the Designated Corporate Officer sees fit. 
 

	
             
 	
            3.3.3
 	
            Notwithstanding anything else in the Plan, an Award will only be made in respect of Restricted Share Units to the extent that any Performance Conditions are satisfied or waived.
 

	
            3.4
 	
            Statements
 

Each Participant will receive a statement setting out the terms of the Restricted Share Units as soon as practicable after the Grant Date. If any statement is lost or damaged the Company may replace it on such terms as it decides.

	
            3.5
 	
            No payment
 

A Participant is not required to pay for the grant of Restricted Share Units.

	
            3.6
 	
            Disclaimer of Restricted Share Units
 

Any Participant may disclaim all or part of his Restricted Share Units within 30 days after the Grant Date by notice in writing to any person nominated by the Company. If this happens, the Restricted Share Units will be deemed never to have been granted under the Plan. A Participant is not required to pay for the disclaimer.

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

4

 

 

	
            4
 	
            Restricted Share Units
 

	
            4.1
 	
            Terms of Grant
 

Restricted Share Units are subject to the rules of the Plan. The terms of the grant of Restricted Share Units, as determined by the Company and approved by the Designated Corporate Officer, must be notified to the Participant and must include: 

	
             
 	
            4.1.1
 	
            the number of Shares which is comprised in an Award in respect of Restricted Share Units;
 

	
             
 	
            4.1.2
 	
            the Restricted Period; and
 

	
             
 	
            4.1.3
 	
            any Performance Conditions specified under rule 3.3
 

	
            4.2
 	
            Rights
 

A Participant will have no rights of a shareholder (e.g. voting or dividends) in respect of Shares notionally comprised in Restricted Share Units.

	
            4.3
 	
            Dividend equivalents 
 

The number of Restricted Share Units granted to a Participant shall be increased as determined by the Plan Administrator to take account of the net dividends that would have been paid on the Shares subject to his Restricted Share Units during the Restricted Period (“Additional Restricted Share Units”). Additional Restricted Share Units will be credited to a Participant at the time dividends are paid. All Additional Restricted Share Units shall be subject to the rules of the Plan and the terms of the Restricted Share Units by reference to which they were granted, including the same Restricted Period.

The Designated Corporate Officer may at any time decide to disapply this rule 4.3 in relation to all or part of a special dividend or dividend in specie which may otherwise be included in rule 4.3.

	
            5
 	
            Making Awards
 

	
            5.1
 	
            Determination of Performance Conditions and making of Awards
 

As soon as practicable following the end of the Restricted Period (or at any other time where the rules or the terms of the Performance Conditions state that the Performance Conditions should be applied) the Designated Corporate Officer will determine whether and to what extent
any Performance Conditions have been satisfied. The Designated Corporate Officer may decide to increase or decrease the number of Shares notified under rule 4.1.1 and which are to be awarded in respect of Restricted Share Units in accordance with the terms of any Performance Conditions. The Designated Corporate Officer may procure the transfer of such Shares subject to any conditions.

Once the determination is made under this rule 5.1 the Company will make an Award of Shares. 

	
            5.2
 	
            Consequences
 

To the extent that an Award has been made under any of rule 5, 6, or 7, the
Company will procure the transfer of Shares to the Participant (or as he may
direct) as soon as 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

5

 

 

practicable after the Award Date. The Participant will be
entitled to all rights to Shares where the record dates fall after the date of
transfer.

	
            5.3
 	
            Lapse
 

If any Restricted Share Units lapse under the Plan an Award cannot be made and a Participant has no rights in respect of those Restricted Share Units. 

	
            5.4
 	
            Cash alternative
 

The Company in its absolute discretion may decide to satisfy Awards by paying an equivalent amount in cash (subject to the withholding provisions in rule 5.6 (Withholding)). The cash amount must be equal to the Market Value of the Shares on the Award Date of that Award.

For the purposes of this rule, “Market Value” means in relation to a Share on any day: 

	
             
 	
            5.4.1
 	
            the middle market quotation (as derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange) on the immediately preceding Business Day; and
 

	
             
 	
            5.4.2
 	
            in relation to an ADS the average of the highest and lowest trading prices of an ADS as derived from the New York Stock Exchange Inc. on the immediately preceding Business Day. 
 

	
            5.5
 	
            ADSs
 

The Plan Administrator may determine that Restricted Share Units and Awards will be in respect of ADSs and references in these rules to Shares and Restricted Share Units etc. shall be construed accordingly.

	
            5.6
 	
            Withholding
 

The Company, any employing company or trustee of any employee benefit trust may withhold such amount and make such arrangements as it considers necessary to meet any liability to taxation or social security contributions in respect of Restricted Share Units or Awards. These arrangements may include the sale of any Shares on behalf of the Participant or the reduction in the number of Shares comprised in an Award.

	
            6
 	
            Leaving the Group before the end of the Restricted Period
 

	
            6.1
 	
            General rule on leaving employment
 

Unless rules 6.2 or 6.4 applies, if a Participant ceases to be an employee or director of a Member of the Group before the end of the Restricted Period, then all his Restricted Share Units lapse on the date of cessation and he shall not be entitled to any Shares.

	
            6.2
 	
            Leaving in exceptional circumstances
 

	
             
 	
            6.2.1
 	
            If a Participant ceases to be an employee or director of any Member of the Group before the end of the Restricted Period for any of the reasons set out below, then his Restricted Share Units do not lapse and an Award may be made to him at the end of the Restricted Period in accordance with Rule 5.1. The Designated Corporate Officer will determine the number of Shares to be awarded in respect of Restricted Share Units. The reasons are:
 

	
             
 	
            (i)
 	
            ill-health, injury or disability; 
 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

6

 

 

	
             
 	
            (ii)
 	
            retirement at normal retirement age, or otherwise with the agreement of the Company;
 

	
             
 	
            (iii)
 	
            the Participant’s employing company ceasing to be under the Control of the Company;
 

	
             
 	
            (iv)
 	
            a transfer of the undertaking, or the part of the undertaking, in which the Participant works to a person which is not under the Control of either the Company or a Member of the Group;
 

	
             
 	
            (v)
 	
            redundancy, but only in circumstances which give rise to a redundancy payment; 
 

	
             
 	
            (vi)
 	
            termination or severance by the Participant’s employer except where the Plan Administrator determines that an Award should not be made due to the conduct or performance of the Participant; or 
 

	
             
 	
            (vii)
 	
            any other reason, if the Designated Corporate Officer so decides in any particular case.
 

	
             
 	
            6.2.2
 	
            The Designated Corporate Officer and the Plan Administrator must exercise any discretion provided for in rule 6.2.1(vii) within 30 days after they become aware of the cessation of the relevant Participant’s employment or office and where the discretion is not exercised in favour of the Participant the Restricted Share Units will be treated as having lapsed on the date of cessation. 
 

	
            6.3
 	
            Leaving after the end of the Restricted Period but before the making of an Award or the transfer of Shares
 

If
a Participant ceases to be an employee or director of any member Group for any
reason in circumstances where the Restricted Period has ended but either Awards
have not yet been made or, to the extent Awards have been made, Shares have not
yet been transferred in accordance with rule 5.2 (because of, for example, any
Dealing Restrictions), neither his
Restricted Share Units nor Awards will lapse unless the cessation is by reason
of the termination or severance by the Participant’s employer and the Plan
Administrator determines that an Award should not be made due to the conduct or
performance of the Participant. In these circumstances, Awards may still be made
in accordance with rule 5.1. Rule 5.2 will equally apply to determine the
consequences of the making of an Award.

	
            6.4
 	
            Death
 

If a Participant dies, his Restricted Share Units do not lapse and an Award may be made to his personal representatives as soon as possible after the date of death. The Designated Corporate Officer will determine the number of Shares to be awarded in respect of Restricted Share Units. For the avoidance of doubt, the Plan Administrator may decide to satisfy such Awards in cash calculated in accordance with rule 5.4.

	
            6.5
 	
            Meaning of “ceasing to be an employee or director”
 

For the purposes of this rule 6, a Participant will not be treated as ceasing to be an employee or director of a Member of the Group until he ceases to be an employee or director of all Members of the Group or if he recommences employment with a Member of the Group within 7 days. 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

7

 

 

	
            7
 	
            Variations in share capital, demergers and special distributions
 

	
            7.1
 	
            Application of rule
 

If, before the transfer of Shares pursuant to an Award, there is:

	
             
 	
            7.1.1
 	
            a variation in the equity share capital of the Company, including a capitalisation or rights issue, sub-division, consolidation or reduction of share capital; or
 

	
             
 	
            7.1.2
 	
            a demerger (in whatever form) or exempt distribution by virtue of Section 213 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988; or
 

	
             
 	
            7.1.3
 	
            a special dividend or distribution,
 

then the number of Shares comprised in an Award shall be adjusted in such manner as the Designated Corporate Officer may determine.

	
            7.2
 	
            Takeovers
 

Where, before the end of the Restricted Period, a person (or a group of persons acting in concert) obtains Control of the Company as a result of making an offer to acquire Shares, an Award will be made to a Participant, subject to rule 7.4 (Exchange), on the date the person obtains Control. The Designated Corporate Officer will determine the number of Shares to be awarded in respect of Restricted Share Units.

	
            7.3
 	
            Schemes of arrangement
 

When,
before the end of the Restricted Period, a court sanctions a compromise or
arrangement in connection with the acquisition of Shares, Awards will be made to
Participants subject to rule 7.4. This rule applies to a court sanction under
Section 425 of the Companies Act 1985 or equivalent procedure under local
legislation. The Designated Corporate Officer will determine the number of
Shares to be awarded in respect of Restricted Share Units.

	
            7.4
 	
            Exchange
 

An Award will not be made under either rule 7.2 or 7.3 but Restricted Share Units will be exchanged under rule 8 (Exchange of Restricted Share Units) to the extent that:

	
             
 	
            7.4.1
 	
            an offer to exchange the Restricted Share Units is made and accepted by a Participant; or 
 

	
             
 	
            7.4.2
 	
            the Designated Corporate Officer, with the consent of the Acquiring Company, decides before the person obtains Control (where rule 7.2 applies) or court sanction (where rule 7.3 applies) that the Restricted Share Units will be automatically exchanged.
 

	
            7.5
 	
            Demergers or other corporate events
 

	
             
 	
            7.5.1
 	
            
If the Designated Corporate Officer becomes aware that the Company is or is
expected to be affected by any demerger, distribution (other than an ordinary
dividend) or other transaction not falling within rules 7.2 (Takeover), or 7.3
(Schemes of arrangement) which, in the opinion of the Designated Corporate
Officer would affect the current or future value of any Restricted Share Units,
the Designated Corporate Officer may determine that an Award will be made to a

 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

8

 

 

	
             
 	
             
 	
            

Participant. The Designated Corporate Officer will determine the number of
Shares to be awarded in respect of Restricted Share Units.
 

	
             
 	
            7.5.2
 	
            The Company will notify any Participant who is affected by the Designated Corporate Officer exercising their discretion under this rule.
 

	
            7.6
 	
            Designated Corporate Officer
 

In this rule, “Designated Corporate Officer” means the person who was the Designated Corporate Officer immediately before the change of Control. 

	
            7.7
 	
            Overseas transfer
 

If a Participant is transferred to work in another country and, as a result of that transfer he would:

	
             
 	
            7.7.1
 	
            suffer a tax disadvantage in relation to his Restricted Share Units and/or the making of an Award (this being shown to the satisfaction of the Designated Corporate Officer); or
 

	
             
 	
            7.7.2
 	
            become subject to restrictions on his ability to receive or to hold or deal in the Shares or the proceeds of the sale of the Shares because of the security laws or exchange control laws of the country to which he is transferred;
 

then if the Participant continues to hold an office or employment with a Member of the Group, the Designated Corporate Officer may in exceptional circumstances decide that the Awards will be made on a date the Designated Corporate Officer chooses before or after the transfer takes effect. The Award will be made in respect of the number of Restricted Share Units the Designated Corporate Officer permits. 

	
            8
 	
            Exchange of Restricted Share Units
 

	
            8.1
 	
            Timing of exchange
 

Where Restricted Share Units are to be exchanged under rules 7.2 and 7.3 (Takeovers and Schemes of arrangements) the exchange will take place as soon as practicable after the relevant event. 

	
            8.2
 	
            Exchange terms
 

Where a Participant is granted new restricted share units in exchange for existing Restricted Share Units, the new restricted share units:

	
             
 	
            8.2.1
 	
            must be equivalent to the existing Restricted Share Units;
 

	
             
 	
            8.2.2
 	
            are treated as having been acquired at the same time as the existing Restricted Share Units and Awards will be made in the same manner and at the same time;
 

	
             
 	
            8.2.3
 	
            are governed by the Plan as if references to Shares were references to the shares in respect of which the new conditional awards are granted and references to the Company were references to the Acquiring Company.
 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

9

 

 

	
            9
 	
            Restrictions on issue of Shares
 

No Shares will be issued or transferred from treasury to satisfy Awards unless the Company in general meeting approves in advance such issue or transfer if such approval is required. 

 

	
            10
 	
            Terms of employment
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.1
 	
            For the purposes of this rule, “Employee” means any person who is or will be eligible to be a Participant.
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.2
 	
            This rule applies:
 

	
             
 	
            (i)
 	
            whether the Company has full discretion in the operation of the Plan, or whether the Company could be regarded as being subject to any obligations in the operation of the Plan;
 

	
             
 	
            (ii)
 	
            during an Employee’s employment or employment relationship; and
 

	
             
 	
            (iii)
 	
            after the termination of an Employee’s employment or employment relationship, whether the termination is lawful or unlawful.
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.3
 	
            Nothing in the rules or the operation of the Plan forms part of the contract of employment or employment relationship of an Employee. The rights and obligations arising from the employment relationship between the Employee and the Company are separate from, and are not affected by, the Plan. Participation in the Plan does not create any right to, or expectation of, continued employment or a continued employment relationship.
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.4
 	
            The grant of Restricted Share Units on a particular basis in any year does not create any right to or expectation of the grant of Restricted Share Units on the same basis, or at all, in any future year.
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.5
 	
            The benefit to an Employee of participating in the Plan shall not form any part of his remuneration or count as his remuneration for any purpose and shall not be pensionable.
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.6
 	
            No Employee is entitled to participate in the Plan, or be considered for participation in it, at a particular level or at all. Participation in one operation of the Plan does not imply any right to participate, or to be considered for participation in any later operation of the Plan.
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.7
 	
            Without prejudice to an Employee’s right in respect of Restricted Share Units or an Award subject to and in accordance with the express terms of the Plan, no Employee has any rights in respect of the exercise or omission to exercise any discretion, or the making or omission to make any decision, relating to the Restricted Share Units or the Award. Any and all discretions, decisions or omissions relating to the Restricted Share Units or the Award may operate to the disadvantage of the Employee, even if this could be regarded as capricious or unreasonable, or could be regarded as in breach of any implied term between the Employee and his employer, including any implied duty of trust and confidence. Any such implied term is excluded and overridden by this rule.
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.8
 	
            No Employee has any right to compensation for any loss in relation to the Plan, including:
 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

10

 

 

	
             
 	
            (i)
 	
            any loss or reduction of any rights or expectations under the Plan in any circumstances or for any reason (including lawful or unlawful termination of employment or the employment relationship);
 

	
             
 	
            (ii)
 	
            any exercise of a discretion or a decision taken in relation to Restricted Share Units or to the Plan, or any failure to exercise a discretion or take a decision;
 

	
             
 	
            (iii)
 	
            the operation, suspension, termination or amendment of the Plan.
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.9
 	
            Participation in the Plan is permitted only on the basis that the Participant accepts all the provisions of its rules, including in particular this rule. By participating in the Plan, an Employee waives all rights under the Plan, other than the right to acquire shares subject to and in accordance with the express terms of the Plan and the Performance Conditions, in consideration for, and as a condition of, the grant of Restricted Share Units under the Plan.
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.10
 	
            Nothing in this Plan confers any benefit, right or expectation on a person who is not an Employee. No such third party has any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Plan. This does not affect any other right or remedy of a third party which may exist.
 

	
             
 	
            10.1.11
 	
            Each of the provisions of this rule is entirely separate and independent from each of the other provisions. If any provision is found to be invalid then it will be deemed never to have been part of these rules and to the extent that it is possible to do so, this will not affect the validity or enforceability of any of the remaining provisions.
 

	
            11
 	
            General
 

	
            11.1
 	
            Decisions are final and binding
 

The decision of the Designated Corporate Officer and where relevant the Plan Administrator on the interpretation of the Plan or in any dispute relating to Restricted Share Units, an Award or matter relating to the Plan will be final and conclusive.

	
            11.2
 	
            Documents sent to shareholders
 

The Company may send to Participants copies of any documents or notices normally sent to the holders of its Shares at or around the same time as issuing them to the holders of its Shares.

	
            11.3
 	
            Costs
 

The Company may ask a Participant’s employer to bear the costs in respect of Restricted Share Units or an Award to that Participant. 

	
            11.4
 	
            Regulations
 

The Designated Corporate Officer has the power from time to time to make or vary regulations for the administration and operation of the Plan but these must be consistent with its rules.

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

11

 

 

	
            11.5
 	
            Employee trust
 

The Company and any Subsidiary may provide money to the trustee of any trust or any other person to enable them or him to acquire Shares to be held for the purposes of the Plan, or enter into any guarantee or indemnity for those purposes, to the extent permitted by Section 153 of the Companies Act 1985.

	
            11.6
 	
            Data protection
 

By participating in the Plan the Participant consents to the holding and processing of personal data provided by the Participant to the Company for all purposes relating to the operation of the Plan. These include, but are not limited to:

	
             
 	
            11.6.1
 	
            administering and maintaining Participant records;
 

	
             
 	
            11.6.2
 	
            providing information to trustees of any employee benefit trust, registrars, brokers or third party administrators of the Plan;
 

	
             
 	
            11.6.3
 	
            providing information to future purchasers of the Company or the business in which the Participant works;
 

	
             
 	
            11.6.4
 	
            transferring information about the Participant to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area.
 

To the extent a Participant has already entered into any other data protection agreement, with any Member of the Group this rule 11.6 will be interpreted so as not to be inconsistent with or to limit that existing or this agreement. 

	
            11.7
 	
            Consents
 

All allotments and transfers of Shares will be subject to any necessary consents under any relevant enactments or regulations for the time being in force in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. The Participant will be responsible for complying with any requirements he needs to fulfil in order to obtain or avoid the necessity for any such consent.

	
            11.8
 	
            Articles of association
 

Any Shares acquired under the Plan are subject to the articles of association of the Company from time to time in force.

	
            11.9
 	
            Notices
 

	
             
 	
            11.9.1
 	
            Any notice or other document which has to be given to a person who is or will be eligible to be a Participant under or in connection with the Plan may be:
 

	
             
 	
            (i)
 	
            delivered or sent by post to him at his home address according to the records of his employing company; or
 

	
             
 	
            (ii)
 	
            sent by e-mail or fax to any e-mail address or fax number which according to the records of his employing company is used by him;
 

  	  
	 or
            in either case such other address, for example, work address, which
            the Plan Administrator considers appropriate.

     

  	
             
 	
            11.9.2
 	
            
Any notice or other document which has to be given to the Plan Administrator or
other duly appointed agent under or in connection with the Plan may be delivered
or sent by post to it at its registered office (or such other place as the
Designated Corporate Officer or duly appointed agent may from time to time
decide and notify 
 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

12

 

 

	
             
 	
             
 	
            
to Participants) or sent by e-mail or fax to any e-mail
address or fax number notified to the Participant.
 

Notices sent by post will be deemed to have been given on the second day after the date of posting. However, notices sent by or to a Participant who is working overseas will be deemed to have been given on the seventh day after the date of posting. Notices sent by e-mail or fax, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, will be deemed to have been received on the day after sending.

	
            12
 	
            Changing the Plan and termination
 

	
            12.1
 	
            Designated Corporate Officer’s powers
 

The Designated Corporate Officer may at any time change the Plan in any way.

	
            12.2
 	
            Notice
 

The Plan Administrator may give written notice of any changes made to any Participant affected.

	
            12.3
 	
            National Provisions
 

Notwithstanding
any other provision of the Plan, but subject always to rule 12.1 the Company may
amend or add to the provisions of the Plan it considers necessary or desirable
to take account of, or to mitigate, or to comply with relevant overseas laws
including but not limited to taxation, securities or exchange control laws,
provided that the terms of Restricted Share Units granted to such Participants
are not more favourable overall than the terms of Restricted Share Units granted
to other Participants.

	
            12.4
 	
            Termination
 

The Designated Corporate Officer may terminate the Plan at any time. However, Restricted Share Units granted before such termination will continue to be valid and Awards may be made in respect of those Restricted Share Units as described in these rules.

 

	
            13
 	
            Governing law and jurisdiction
 

English law governs the Plan and all Restricted Share Units and Awards and their construction. The English Courts have non-exclusive jurisdiction in respect of disputes arising under or in connection with the Plan, Restricted Share Units or any Award. 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

13

 

 

Schedule 1

US

This United States (“US”) Schedule has been adopted by the Company pursuant to rule 12.3 of the Plan and shall vary the terms of the Plan (and any other related documents) accordingly for all US Participants (defined below) and other affected Participants whose benefits are subject to US taxation.

  Rule
    1 Meaning of Words

  “US
    Participant” means, for purposes of rules 14.2
    to 14.9 of this US Schedule, a Participant who is a US citizen or US permanent
    resident (as evidenced by a so-called “green card” and participation
    in a US tax-qualified pension plan sponsored by a Member of the Group). 

For all other purposes under this US Schedule, a “US Participant” means a Participant who is:

	
            (i)
 	
            a US citizen; 
 

	
            (ii)
 	
            a US permanent resident (as evidenced by a so-called “green card” and participation in a US tax-qualified pension plan sponsored by a Member of the Group); or 
 

	
            (iii)
 	
            a non-US citizen who is posted to the US as of an Award Date and who is (or expected to become) subject to US taxation as a resident alien.
 

Rule 5 (Transfer of Shares) shall be varied by adding the following:

Unless an election has been permitted and made under rule 14.2 of this Schedule 1 the transfers described in rule 5.2 and rule 5.4 shall be made no later than 2 1⁄2 months after the end of the calendar year containing the date of the applicable Award.

  	 5.8
	 Deductions
          and Offsets from Restricted Share Units

It shall be a condition of any Award to a US Participant, including an Award deferred pursuant to rule 14 of this Schedule, that the Company, a Member of the Group, or another company employing a US Participant may deduct from and set off against the Transferred Shares (whether payable in cash or Shares and whenever payable) any debt, obligation, liability, or other amount owed by the US Participant to a Member of the Group, including but not limited to amounts under an expatriate tax policy (as currently in effect or as amended from time to time), as determined in the sole discretion of the Company.

Rule 6 (Leaving the Group before the end of the Restricted Period) shall be varied as follows:

Rule 6.2.1 shall be extended as follows:

Where a Participant becomes Disabled before the end of the Restricted Period, Restricted Share Units do not lapse and an Award may be made to him on the date on which he is treated for the purposes of his employment as becoming Disabled. 

For the purposes of this Rule 6.2.1 a Participant will be Disabled if he is (i)
unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically
determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in
death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (ii) by reason of any medically determinable physical or
mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to
last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income
replacement benefits for a period

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

14

 

 

 of not less than 3 months under an accident
and health plan covering employees of a Member of the Group or (iii) otherwise
disabled within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (“Code”).

Rule 6.2.1(i) shall not apply. 

Rule 6.2.1(ii) shall be replaced with the following:

	(ii) 	retirement
with the agreement of the Company

The following shall be added as rule 14:

Rule 14 US Tax Compliance and Deferrals

	14.1  	Compliance
with Section 409A 

	 	
To
the extent that the grant of Restricted Share Units results (other than due to a US
Participant’s election described under 14.2 of this Schedule) in the deferral of
compensation under Section 409A of the Code, (1) the Plan is intended to comply with the
rules under Section 409A, (2) for persons who receive such grants and are subject to  US
taxation, the delivery of Shares or other property in connection with a waiver of
Performance Conditions under rule 3.3, or in connection with the application of rules 5.1
or 6, will not occur until the earliest date permitted under Section 409A(a)(2) and
(a)(3), and (3) notwithstanding the provisions of rule 11.5, the Plan shall be unfunded
for the purposes of Section 409A. 

	 	
All
taxes, penalties, or interest imposed on any Participant due to any failure to comply
with Section 409A of the Code or other tax rule shall be the Participant’s
responsibility and no Member of the Group shall have any obligation to keep the
Participant whole. 

	14.2  	Election
to Defer 

	 	
To
the extent offered by the Company, US Participants may, no later than a date permitted
under Section 409A of the Code, make an election to defer the date on which the Shares
shall be distributed.  

	14.3  	Form
of Election 

	 	
The
election to defer shall be in a form and subject to such terms as prescribed by the Plan
Administrator. It is intended that terms and procedures for such elections and deferrals
shall comply with applicable requirements of Section 409A.  

	14.4  	Notice
of Award 

	 	
As
of the Award Date, a US Participant who has deferred an Award shall receive notice of the
number of Shares, if any, that comprise his Award, and such Award shall be credited as
notional Shares under a notional Share account. 

	14.5  	Notional
Dividends and Other Rights 

	 	
A
US Participant’s notional Share account shall be credited with notional dividends as
of the date dividend payments are made to shareholders of record. Notional dividends on
newly awarded notional Shares shall only be credited if those US Participants who did not
defer would be entitled to dividends on their newly awarded Shares. No shareholder voting
rights as such shall arise with respect to notional Shares. 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

15

 

 

	14.6  	Distribution
of Deferred Accounts 

	 	
          A US Participant’s notional Share account shall be distributed
          in accordance with his or her distribution election and only those notional
          Shares that are to be distributed at a particular point in time shall
          be converted to actual Shares. The Plan Administrator may make any arrangements
          necessary, including the conversion of distributable notional Shares
          into cash, if so determined. 

	14.7  	No
Fund Created 

	 	
          Nothing in these rules shall either require any Member of the Group
          to make any contributions or create any fund with respect to an Award
          that has been deferred prior to a relevant distribution date or cause
          any Member of the Group to establish any fund or otherwise set aside
          any assets for the purpose of paying an Award with regard to US Participants.
          

	14.8  	Deferrals
Subject to General Creditors 

	 	
All
deferred awards shall remain subject to the general creditors of the Company until their
actual distribution to a US Participant. 

	14.9  	Construction 

	 	
The
Plan shall be construed to give effect, for US tax purposes, to elective deferrals
pursuant to rules 14.2 and 14.3, consistent with compliance under Section 409A of the
Code. 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

16

 

 

Schedule 2

Restricted Cash Units

	
            1
 	
            Rules
 

The rules of the BP p.l.c. Performance Share Plan (“Plan”) will apply to grants made under this Schedule 2, as modified by the terms of this Schedule 2.

	
            2
 	
            Definitions
 

“Restricted Cash Units” means a conditional entitlement to an award of cash as described in paragraph 3 of this Schedule 2;

“Unrestricted Cash Units” means an unconditional entitlement to an award of cash as described in paragraph 6 of this Schedule 2.

	
            3
 	
            Cash Awards
 

Restricted Share Units will be referred to for the purposes of this Schedule as Restricted Cash Units. Any Restricted Cash Units granted under this Schedule 2 will give Participants a right to receive a cash sum only. In addition, any dividend equivalents under rule 4.3 of the Plan will be paid in cash only. No shares may be transferred in satisfaction of grants under this Schedule 2 and references to Restricted Share Units and Awards shall be construed accordingly.

	
            4
 	
            No rights as shareholders
 

As a result only of their participation under this Schedule 2, Participants will have no rights as shareholders of the Company and no rights to acquire Shares. 

	
            5
 	
            Payments of cash
 

Subject to paragraph 6 of this Schedule, when the determinations are made under rule 5.1 of the Plan in respect of grants made under this Schedule 2 then the Plan Administrator will determine the number of Shares which would have been comprised in an Award had a grant of Restricted Share Units been made rather than a grant of Restricted Cash Units and shall make a cash payment to the Participant in accordance with rule 5.4.

	
            6
 	
            Grant of Unrestricted Cash Units
 

	
            6.1
 	
            The Plan Administrator may decide at any time that when the determinations are made under rule 5.1 of the Plan in respect of grants made under this Schedule 2, a Participant will be granted Unrestricted Cash Units rather than made a cash payment in accordance with paragraph 5 of this Schedule. 
 

	
            6.2
 	
            A grant of Unrestricted Cash Units will represent the number of Shares which would have been comprised in an Award had a grant of Restricted Share Units been made rather than a grant of Restricted Cash Units. Unrestricted Cash Units will give Participants a right to receive a cash sum only.
 

	
            6.3
 	
            Where a dividend is paid on a Share, the Plan Administrator may, in his absolute discretion, adjust the number of Unrestricted Cash Units held by a Participant or take any other such action which it deems appropriate.
 

	
            6.4
 	
            
A Participant may at any time direct the Company to make him a cash payment in
respect of all or part of his Unrestricted Cash Units. The direction will be in
such form as the
 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

17

 

 

	 	
Company
may decide. The payment will be made as soon as practicable after receipt of the
direction.  

	6.5  	The
cash payment to be made under paragraph 6.4 of this Schedule will be calculated by
multiplying the number of Unrestricted Cash Units in respect of which the direction is
made by the Market Value of a Share on a date to be determined by the Plan Administrator
on the basis of one Share for each Unrestricted Cash Unit. 

	6.6  	The
Plan Administrator may determine a minimum number of Unrestricted Cash Units that a
direction may be made in respect of.

	6.7  	Where
a Participant ceases to be employed by a Member of the Group, he shall be treated as
having made a direction as set out in paragraph 6.4 on the date on which he ceases to be
an employee.

	6.8  	Rule
5.6 of the Plan will apply in relation to any payments made under paragraph 6 of this
Schedule.

	6.9  	References
to “Market Value” in this paragraph 6 has the same meaning as set out in rule
5.4 of the Plan.

 

 

A05544061/0.36/20 Mar 2006

18DOCS-#1239183-v4-RLS___Quepasa_-_Employment_Agreement.DOC

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of March 21, 2006 by and between Quepasa Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), and Robert Stearns ("Stearns").

WHEREAS, the Company, through its Board of Directors, desires to retain the services of Stearns, and Stearns desires to be retained by the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

	EMPLOYMENT.  The Company hereby employs Stearns, and Stearns hereby accepts employment, as Chairman of the Board of Directors ("Chairman") and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") upon the terms of and subject to this Agreement.

	TERM.  The term (the "Term") of this Agreement shall commence on March 21, 2006, and shall continue for an initial term of three (3) years until otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

	DUTIES.  During his employment hereunder, Stearns will serve in such capacity and with such duties as shall be assigned from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company. Stearns shall diligently perform his duties as Chairman and CEO and shall devote the substantial portion of his business time and effort to his employment with the Company and his duties hereunder. During the Term, Stearns shall not, directly or indirectly, alone or as a member of a partnership, or as an officer, director, employee or agent of any other person, firm or business organization engage in any other business activities or pursuits requiring his personal service that materially conflict with his duties hereunder or the diligent performance of such duties.

	COMPENSATION.

	Initial Option.  During the first year of his employment hereunder, Stearns shall receive an option to purchase 180,000 shares of the Company's common stock ("Compensation Option").  The Compensation Option shall have the terms further described in the Stock Option Agreement executed simultaneously herewith.  Compensation due Stearns for the remaining two years of the Term (and any extension thereof) ("Salary") shall be established before each anniversary date of this Agreement by the Board of Directors or any Committee of the Board delegated the authority to review executive compensation.

	Option.  In addition to the Compensation Option and any Salary, Stearns shall be entitled to participate in the Company's Employee Stock Option Plan ("Stock Option Plan"). Under the Stock Option Plan, Stearns shall receive an option to purchase 420,000 shares of the Company's common stock ("Additional Option").  The Additional Option shall have the terms described in the Stock Option Agreement executed simultaneously herewith. 

	Bonus.  In addition, Stearns shall participate in any management bonus program established by the Company and offered to other key employees of the Company (hereafter the "Management Bonus Program").

	Warrants.  Upon the execution of this Agreement, Stearns shall receive two series of warrants to purchase the Company's common stock (the "Warrants").  The "Series 1 Warrants" shall be for 100,000 shares at an exercise price of $4.00 per share. The "Series 2 Warrants" shall be for 100,000 shares at an exercise price of $7.00 per share. The Warrants shall have such additional terms as are set forth in the Warrants upon issuance.

	Insurance.  During his employment hereunder, Stearns shall be entitled to participate in all such health, life, disability and other insurance programs, if any, that the Company may offer to other key executive employees of the Company from time to time.

	Other Benefits.  During his employment hereunder, Stearns shall be entitled to all such other benefits that the Company may offer to other key executive employees or members of the Board of Directors of the Company.

	Expense Reimbursement.  Stearns shall, upon submission of appropriate supporting documentation, be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of his duties hereunder in accordance with policies established by the Company and as is customary.

	Adjustment to Option Terms.  The exercise price and number of shares issuable pursuant to the Compensation Option and the Additional Option (together, the "Options") shall be proportionately adjusted upon the occurrence of any "Adjustment Event" (as hereinafter defined) such that Stearns shall have the right to purchase and receive upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified in the Options and in lieu of the shares of common stock immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the Options, such securities, money or other property as would have been issued or delivered to Stearns if he had exercised the Options and had received such shares of common stock prior to such Adjustment Event.  As used herein "Adjustment Event" shall mean (i) any reclassification, capital reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split or other capital reorganization or change of securities of the class or series issuable upon the exercise of the Options, (ii) any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity (other than a merger with a subsidiary in which merger the Company is the continuing corporation and which does not result in any reclassification, capital reorganization or other change of securities of the class or series issuable upon exercise of the Options) or (iii) any sale, lease or conveyance to another person or entity of all or substantially all the assets of the Company. The foregoing provisions shall similarly apply to successive Adjustment Events. This provision is not meant to broaden or lessen any rights the Stearns has with respect to the underlying securities available for purchase pursuant to the terms of the Options.

	GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION.  The Board of Directors of the Company may terminate this Agreement for Cause. As used herein, "Cause" shall mean any of the following: (i) an act of willful misconduct or gross negligence by Stearns in the performance of his material duties or obligations to the Company; if such act is capable of cure, Stearns shall be given written notice and such act shall not be deemed a basis for Cause if cured within 60 days after written notice is received by Stearns specifying the alleged failure in reasonable detail (and during such 60 day period, Stearns shall continue to be employed by the Company at full pay), or (ii) conviction of Stearns of a felony involving moral turpitude or (iii) a material act of dishonesty or breach of trust on the part of Stearns resulting or intended to result directly or indirectly in personal gain or enrichment at the expense of the Company.

	TERMINATION BY STEARNS FOR GOOD REASON.  Stearns may terminate this Agreement with Good Reason. In the event of termination by Stearns for Good Reason, Stearns shall be entitled to the benefits of Paragraph 8b of this Agreement.  "Good Reason" means:

	The Company materially breaches the provisions of this Agreement (except those set forth in Paragraph 4a) and Stearns provides at least 15 days' prior written notice to the Company of the existence of such breach and his intention to terminate this Agreement (no such termination shall be effective if such breach is cured during such period); or

	The Company fails to comply with the provisions of Paragraph 4a, fails to grant or otherwise facilitate the exercise of the Additional Option (or any part thereof) under the provisions of 4b, or to pay any amounts due under the Management Bonus Program provisions of Paragraph 4c for an uninterrupted 10 day period; or

	The Company requires Stearns to work in a non-supervisory or non-management position; or

	The Company decreases Stearns's compensation (salary or bonus opportunity); or

	The Company materially reduces Stearns's welfare benefits, including without limitation: paid vacation; paid sick time; paid legal and floating holidays; medical and dental insurance; any life or disability insurance (collectively, the "Benefits"); provided, however, that any change in Benefits that is made by the Company that applies to its employees generally, shall not be considered as giving rise to "Good Reason"; or

	Stearns is required, without his prior written consent, to relocate his office more than seventy-five miles from the office Stearns currently reports to.

7.VOLUNTARY TERMINATION BY STEARNS.  Stearns may at any time terminate this Agreement and resign from his employment with the Company without Good Reason ("Voluntary Termination").  In the event of a Voluntary Termination, Stearns shall be entitled to the benefits of Paragraph 8d of this Agreement.

8.PAYMENT AND OTHER PROVISIONS UPON TERMINATION.

a.In the event Stearns's employment with the Company (including its subsidiaries) is terminated by the Company for Cause as provided in Paragraph 5, then, on or before Stearns's last day of employment with the Company, the provisions of this Paragraph 8a shall apply.  

	Salary and Bonus Payments.  The Company shall pay in a lump sum to Stearns at the time of termination such amount of compensation due Stearns for services rendered to the Company, as well as compensation for unused vacation time and earned bonus, as has accrued but remains unpaid. Any and all other rights granted to Stearns under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of termination.

	Options.  The Stock Option Agreements which set forth Stearns' rights with respect to the Options shall set forth the rights, if any, Stearns has to the Options upon termination of employment hereunder.

b.In the event Stearns' employment with the Company (including its subsidiaries) is terminated by the Company for any reason other than for Cause as provided in Paragraph 5 and other than as a consequence of Stearns's death, disability, or normal retirement under the Company's retirement plans and practices, then the following provisions apply. These same provisions shall apply if Stearns terminates his employment with Good Reason as described in Paragraph 6. In addition to the amounts stated below, Stearns shall be paid any other amounts by the Company to which he is entitled.

i.Salary and Bonus Payments.  On or before Stearns's last day of employment with the Company, the Company shall pay in a lump sum to Stearns as compensation for services rendered to the Company a cash amount equal to any Salary which remains unpaid and any amount of the bonus under the Management Bonus Program to which he is entitled but which remains unpaid.

ii.Options.  The Stock Option Agreements which set forth Stearns' rights with respect to the Options shall set forth the rights, if any, Stearns has to the Options upon termination of employment hereunder.

	Benefit Plan Coverage.  The Company shall maintain in full force and effect for Stearns and his dependents for six months after the date of termination, all life, health, accident, and disability benefit plans and other similar employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements in which Stearns or his dependents were entitled to participate immediately prior to the date of termination, in such amounts as were in effect immediately prior to the date of termination, provided that such continued participation is possible under the general terms and provisions of such benefit plans, programs and arrangements.

In the event that participation in any benefit plan, program or arrangement described above is barred, or any such benefit plan, program or arrangement is discontinued or the benefits thereunder materially reduced, the Company shall arrange to provide Stearns and his dependents for six months after the date of termination with benefits substantially similar to those that they were entitled to receive under such benefit plans, programs and arrangements immediately prior to the date of termination. Notwithstanding any time period for continued benefits stated in this Paragraph 8b.iii, all benefits in this Paragraph 8b.iii will terminate on the date that Stearns becomes an employee of another employer and eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans of such other employer. To the extent that Stearns was required to contribute amounts for the benefits described in this Paragraph 8b.iii prior to his termination, he shall continue to contribute such amounts for such time as these benefits continue in effect after termination.

	Other Compensation.  Any awards previously made to Stearns under any of the Company's compensation plans or programs and not previously paid shall immediately vest on the date of his termination and shall be paid on that date and included as compensation in the year paid.

	Savings And Other Plans.  Except as otherwise more specifically provided herein or under the terms of the respective plans relating to termination of employment, Stearns's active participation in any applicable savings, retirement, profit sharing or supplemental employee retirement plans or any deferred compensation or similar plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries shall continue only through the last day of his employment. All other provisions, including any distribution and/or vested rights under such plans, shall be governed by the terms of those respective plans.

c.The provisions of this Paragraph 8 shall apply if Stearns's employment is terminated prior to or more than one year after the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in Paragraph 9c). From the occurrence of any Change of Control until the first anniversary of such Change of Control, the provisions of Paragraph 9 shall apply in place of this Paragraph 8, except that in the event that Stearns's employment is terminated by Stearns after a Change of Control without Good Reason, then the provisions of Paragraph 9 shall not apply and the provisions of Paragraph 8a shall apply. Termination upon death, disability and retirement are covered by Paragraphs 10, 11, and 12 respectively.

d.In the event of Voluntary Termination, the provisions of paragraph 8b.i and 8b.ii shall apply.

9.PAYMENT AND OTHER PROVISIONS AFTER CHANGE OF CONTROL.
a.Salary and Bonus Payments.  In the event Stearns's employment with the Company is terminated within one year following the occurrence of a Change of Control (other than as a consequence of his death or disability, or of his normal retirement under the Company's retirement plans and practices) either (i) by the Company for any reason whatsoever or (ii) by Stearns with Good Reason as provided in Paragraph 6, then Stearns shall be entitled to receive from the Company, the same amounts, rights and benefits described in paragraph 8b.

b.For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Change of Control" shall mean:
i.The acquisition, other than from the Company, by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of 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 l3d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) (any of the foregoing described in this Paragraph hereafter a "Person") of 30% or more of either (a) the then outstanding shares of Capital Stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Capital Stock") or (b) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Voting Securities"), provided, however, that any acquisition by (x) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (y) any Person that is eligible, pursuant to Rule l3d-l(b) under the Exchange Act, to file a statement on Schedule l3G with respect to its beneficial ownership of Voting Securities, whether or not such Person shall have filed a statement on Schedule 13G, unless such Person shall have filed a statement on Schedule l3D with respect to beneficial ownership of 30% or more of the Voting Securities or (z) any corporation with respect to which, following such acquisition, more than 60% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Capital Stock and Voting Securities immediately prior to such acquisition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such acquisition, of the Outstanding Capital Stock and Voting Securities, as the case may be, shall not constitute a Change of Control; or

ii.Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the Directors of the Company (as such terms are used in Rule l4a-ll of Regulation l4A, or any successor section, promulgated under the Exchange Act); or

iii.Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger or consolidation (a "Business Combination"), in each case, with respect to which all or substantially all holders of the Outstanding Capital Stock and Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination do not, following such Business Combination, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from Business Combination; or

iv.(a) A complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or (b) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company other than to a corporation with respect to which, following such sale or disposition, more than 60% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Capital Stock and Voting Securities immediately prior to such sale or disposition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Outstanding Capital Stock and Voting Securities, as the case may be, immediately prior to such sale or disposition.

10.TERMINATION BY REASON OF DEATH.  If Stearns shall die while employed by the Company both prior to termination of employment and during the effective Term of this Agreement, all Stearns's rights under this Agreement shall terminate with the payment of such amounts of annual Salary as have accrued but remain unpaid and a prorated amount of targeted bonus under the Company's Management Bonus Program through the month in which his death occurs, plus three additional months of the fixed salary and targeted bonus. All benefits under 8b.ii, 8b.iv and 8b.v shall be extended to Stearns's estate as described in such paragraphs. In addition, Stearns's eligible dependents shall receive continued benefit plan coverage under Paragraph 8b.iii for three months from the date of Stearns's death.

11.TERMINATION BY DISABILITY.  Stearns's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company or by the Stearns for "disability" (as defined below).  In such event, all Stearns's rights under this Agreement shall terminate with the payment of such amounts of annual Salary as have accrued but remain unpaid as of thirtieth (30th) day after such notice is given except that all benefits under Paragraphs 8b.ii, 8b.iii, 8b.iv and 8b.v shall be extended to Stearns as described in such paragraphs. 

For purposes of this Agreement, "disability" is defined to mean that, as a result of Stearns's incapacity due to physical or mental illness:
a.Stearns shall have been absent from his duties as an officer of the Company on a substantially full-time basis for six (6) consecutive months; and

b.Within thirty (30) days after the Company notifies Stearns in writing that it intends to replace him, Stearns shall not have returned to the performance of his duties as an officer of the Company on a full-time basis.

12.RETIREMENT.  Retirement by Stearns, whether occurring as a result of a voluntary termination by Stearns or an involuntary termination as the result of reaching the age retirement as set forth in the Company's retirement policies, shall be treated as a Voluntary Termination and the provisions of Paragraph 8d shall apply. If during the Term or any extension thereof, the Company adopts a retirement plan with respect to executive officers of the Company, Stearns shall have the right to participate in such policy and the provisions of such policy shall supersede the provisions of the preceding sentence.

13.INDEMNIFICATION.  If litigation shall be brought, in the event of breach or to enforce or interpret any provision contained herein, the non-prevailing party shall indemnify the prevailing party for reasonable attorney's fees (including those for negotiations, trial and appeals) and disbursements incurred by the prevailing party in such litigation, and hereby agrees to pay prejudgment interest on any money judgment obtained by the prevailing party calculated at the generally prevailing NationsBank of Florida, N.A. base rate of interest charged to its commercial customers in effect from time to time from the date that payment(s) to him should have been made under this Agreement.  Additionally, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Stearns from any and all liabilities and claims which arise out of his employment with the Company in conformance with the laws of the State of Nevada and/or the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company.

14.CONFIDENTIALITY.
a.Nondisclosure.  Stearns acknowledges and agrees that the Confidential Information (as defined below) is a valuable, special and unique asset of the Company's business. Accordingly, except in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder, Stearns shall not at any time during or subsequent to the term of his employment hereunder disclose, directly or indirectly, to any person, firm, corporation, partnership, association or other entity any proprietary or confidential information relating to the Company or any information concerning the Company's financial condition or prospects, the Company's customers, the design, development, manufacture, marketing or sale of the Company's products or the Company's methods of operating its business (collectively "Confidential Information"). Confidential Information shall not include information which, at the time of disclosure, is known or available to the general public by publication or otherwise through no act or failure to act on the part of Stearns.

b.Return of Confidential Information.  Upon termination of Stearns's employment, for whatever reason and whether voluntary or involuntary, or at any time at the request of the Company, Stearns shall promptly return all Confidential Information in the possession or under the control of Stearns to the Company and shall not retain any copies or other reproductions or extracts thereof. Stearns shall at any time at the request of the Company destroy or have destroyed all memoranda, notes, reports, and documents, whether in "hard copy" form or as stored on magnetic or other media, and all copies and other reproductions and extracts thereof, prepared by Stearns and shall provide the Company with a certificate that the foregoing materials have in fact been returned or destroyed.

c.Books and Records.  All books, records and accounts whether prepared by Stearns or otherwise coming into Stearns's possession, shall be the exclusive property of the Company and shall be returned immediately to the Company upon termination of Stearns's employment hereunder or upon the Company's request at any time.

15.INJUNCTION/SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE SETOFF. Stearns acknowledges that a breach of any of the provisions of Paragraph 14 hereof would result in immediate and irreparable injury to the Company which cannot be adequately or reasonably compensated at law. Therefore, Stearns agrees that the Company shall be entitled, if any such breach shall occur or be threatened or attempted, to a decree of specific performance and to a temporary and permanent injunction, without the posting of a bond, enjoining and restraining such breach by Stearns or his agents, either directly or indirectly, and that such right to injunction shall be cumulative to whatever other remedies for actual damages to which the Company is entitled. Stearns further agrees that the Company may set off against or recoup from any amounts due under this Agreement to the extent of any losses incurred by the Company as a result of any breach by Stearns of the provisions of Paragraph 14 hereof.

16.SEVERABILITY.  Any provision in this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating or affecting the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

17.SUCCESSORS.  This Agreement shall be binding upon Stearns and inure to his and his estate's benefit, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any permitted successor of the Company. Neither this Agreement nor any rights arising hereunder may be assigned or pledged by Stearns or anyone claiming through Stearns; or by the Company, except to any corporation which is the successor in interest to the Company by reason of a merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company. The foregoing sentence shall not be deemed to have any effect upon the rights of Stearns upon a Change of Control.

18.CONTROLLING LAW.  This Agreement shall in all respects be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Nevada.

19.NOTICES.  Any notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be written and sent by registered or certified mail, telecommunicated or hand delivered at the address set forth herein or to any other address of which notice is given:

To the Company:Quepasa Corporation

410 N. 44th Street, Suite 450

Phoenix, AZ 85008

Attention:  Chairman

To Stearns:Robert Stearns
[at such address as appears in the records of the Company as being the last-known address of the Stearns]

20.ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto on the subject matter hereof and may not be modified without the written agreement of both parties hereto.

21.WAIVER.  A waiver by any party of any of the terms and conditions hereof shall not be construed as a general waiver by such party.

22.COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original and both of which together shall constitute a single agreement.

23.INTERPRETATION.  In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and any other agreement or document defining rights and duties of Stearns or the Company upon Stearns's termination, the rights and duties set forth in this Agreement shall control.

24.CERTAIN LIMITATIONS ON REMEDIES.  Paragraph 8b provides that certain payments and other benefits shall be received by Stearns upon the termination of Stearns by the Company other than for Cause and states that these same provisions shall apply if Stearns terminates his employment for Good Reason. It is the intention of this Agreement that if the Company terminates Stearns other than for Cause (and other than as a consequence of Stearns's death, disability or normal retirement) or if Stearns terminates his employment with Good Reason, then the payments and other benefits set forth in Paragraph 8b shall constitute the sole and exclusive remedies of Stearns with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.

25.SURVIVAL.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 2, the provisions of Paragraph 14 shall survive the expiration or early termination of this Agreement.

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Employment Agreement has been executed by the parties as of the date first above written.

QUEPASA CORPORATION

By:

Name:

Title:

 

Robert Stearns

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00100-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00100-of-00352.parquet"}]]