Document:

EXHIBIT 10.23

 

SANMINA CORPORATION

 

2009 INCENTIVE PLAN

 

(As amended on March 11, 2013)

 

1.                                      Purposes of the Plan.  The purposes of this Plan are:

 

·                  to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility,

 

·                  to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors, and Consultants, and

 

·                  to promote the success of the Company’s business.

 

The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units, Performance Shares and other stock or cash awards as the Administrator may determine.

 

2.                                      Definitions.  As used herein, the following definitions will apply:

 

(a)                                 “Accounts Payable Days” means as to any Performance Period the ratio of 365 days to Accounts Payable Turns.

 

(b)                                 “Accounts Payable Turns” means as to any Performance Period the ratio of four times the Company’s cost of goods sold for the Performance Period to accounts payable on the last day of the Performance Period, in each case calculated in accordance with GAAP.

 

(c)                                  “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

 

(d)                                 “Affiliate” means any corporation or any other entity (including, but not limited to, partnerships and joint ventures) controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company.

 

(e)                                  “Annual Revenue” means the Company’s or a business unit’s net sales for the Performance Period, determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

(f)                                   “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.

 

(g)                                  “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units (including Performance Units payable in cash), Performance Shares and other stock or cash awards as the Administrator may determine.

 

(h)                                 “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

(i)                                     “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(j)                                    “Cash Collections” means the actual cash or other freely negotiable consideration, in any currency, received in satisfaction of accounts receivable created by the sale of any Company products or services.

 

(k)                                 “Cash Cycle Days” means the ratio of 365 days to Inventory Turns, plus Days Sales Outstanding minus Accounts Payable Days.

 

(l)                                     “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(i)                                     A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group, (“Person”) acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control; or

 

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(ii)                                  A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to effectively control the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or

 

(iii)                               A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

 

(iv)                              For purposes of this Section 2(l), persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.

 

(m)                             “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code.

 

(n)                                 “Committee” means a committee of Directors or of one or more other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

 

(o)                                 “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

 

(p)                                 “Company” means Sanmina Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.

 

(q)                                 “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, who is (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services, or (ii) serving as a member of the Board of Directors of an Affiliate and is compensated for such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service, shall not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of the Plan.

 

(r)                                    “Customer Satisfaction MBOs” means as to any Participant, the objective and measurable individual goals set by a “management by objectives” process and approved by the Administrator, which goals relate to the satisfaction of external or internal customer requirements.

 

(s)                                   “Days Sales Outstanding” means as to any Performance Period the ratio of accounts receivable, net, on the last day of the Performance Period calculated in accordance with GAAP, to average daily net sales for the Performance Period.

 

(t)                                    “Determination Date” means the latest possible date that will not jeopardize the qualification of an Award granted under the Plan as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m).

 

(u)                                 “Director” means a member of the Board.

 

(v)                                 “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Code Section 22(e)(3), provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.

 

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(w)                               “Earnings Per Share” means as to any Performance Period, the Company’s Net Income or a business unit’s Pro Forma Net Income, divided by a weighted average number of Shares outstanding and dilutive common equivalent Shares deemed outstanding.

 

(x)                                 “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or its Affiliates. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.

 

(y)                                 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(z)                                  “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

 

(i)                                     If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for such date, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

 

(ii)                                  If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock for such date, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

 

(iii)                               In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

 

(iv)                              Notwithstanding the preceding, for federal, state, and local income tax reporting purposes and for such other purposes as the Administrator deems appropriate, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Administrator in accordance with uniform and nondiscriminatory standards adopted by it from time to time.

 

(aa)                          “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.

 

(bb)                          “Free Cash Flow” means as to any Performance Period the combination of cash provided by (used in) operations of the Company and cash provided by (used in) investing activities of the Company, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

(cc)                            “GAAP” means United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

 

(dd)                          “Gross Margin” means as to any Performance Period Gross Profit of the Company or any business unit divided by gross revenue of the Company or such business unit, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

(ee)                            “Gross Profit” means as to any Performance Period the difference between gross revenue of the Company or any business unit and cost of goods sold of the Company or such business unit, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

(ff)                              “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Code Section 422 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(gg)                            “Inventory Turns” means as to any Performance Period the ratio of four times cost of goods sold for the Performance Period to inventory on the last day of the Performance Period, in each case calculated in accordance with GAAP.

 

(hh)                          “Net Income” means as to any Performance Period, the income after taxes of the Company determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

(ii)                                  “New Orders” means as to any Performance Period, the firm orders for a system, product, part, or service that are being recorded for the first time as defined in the Company’s order recognition policy.

 

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(jj)                                “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

(kk)                          “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(ll)                                  “Operating Income” means as to any Performance Period, the difference between Gross Profit and operating expenses, determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

(mm)                  “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to Section 6 of the Plan.

 

(nn)                          “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).

 

(oo)                          “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.

 

(pp)                          “Performance-Based Award” means any Awards that are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 13. All Performance-Based Awards are intended to qualify as qualified performance-based compensation under Code Section 162(m).

 

(qq)                          “Performance Bonus Award” means a cash award set forth in Section 12.

 

(rr)                                “Performance Goals” will have the meaning set forth in Section 11 of the Plan.

 

(ss)                              “Performance Period” means any Fiscal Year of the Company or such other period as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

 

(tt)                                “Performance Share” means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of Performance Goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine pursuant to Section 10.

 

(uu)                          “Performance Unit” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of Performance Goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which, in the Administrator’s sole discretion, may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 10, in the Administrator’s sole discretion.

 

(vv)                          “Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.

 

(ww)                      “Plan” means this 2009 Incentive Plan.

 

(xx)                          “Pro Forma Net Income” means as to any business unit for any Performance Period, the Net Income of such business unit, minus allocations of designated corporate expenses.

 

(yy)                          “Product Shipments” means as to any Performance Period, the quantitative and measurable number of units of a particular product that shipped during such Performance Period.

 

(zz)                            “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to an Award of Restricted Stock under Section 8 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.

 

(aaa)                   “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 9. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.

 

(bbb)                   “Return on Designated Assets” means as to any Performance Period, the Pro Forma Net Income of a business unit, divided by the average of beginning and ending business unit designated assets, or Net Income of the Company, divided by the average of beginning and ending designated corporate assets.

 

(ccc)                      “Return on Equity” means, as to any Performance Period, the percentage equal to the value of the Company’s or any business unit’s common stock investments at the end of such Performance Period, divided by the value of

 

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such common stock investments at the start of such Performance Period, excluding any common stock investments so designated by the Administrator.

 

(ddd)                   “Return on Sales” means as to any Performance Period, the percentage equal to the Company’s Net Income or the business unit’s Pro Forma Net Income, divided by the Company’s or the business unit’s Annual Revenue.

 

(eee)                      “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.

 

(fff)                         “Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

 

(ggg)                      “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

 

(hhh)                   “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 15 of the Plan.

 

(iii)                               “Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 7 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.

 

(jjj)                            “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f).

 

(kkk)                   “Successor Corporation” has the meaning given to such term in Section 17(c) of the Plan.

 

3.                                      Stock Subject to the Plan.

 

(a)  Stock Subject to the Plan.  Subject to the provisions of Section 17 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be awarded and sold under the Plan is 16,400,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

 

(b)  Full Value Awards.  Any Shares subject to Awards other than Options or Stock Appreciation Rights will be counted against the numerical limits of this Section 3 as 1.36 Shares for every one Share subject thereto. Further, if Shares acquired pursuant to any such Award are forfeited or repurchased by the Company and would otherwise return to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(c), 1.36 times the number of Shares so forfeited or repurchased will return to the Plan and will again become available for issuance.

 

(c)  Lapsed Awards.  If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units which are to be settled in Shares, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the forfeited or repurchased Shares) which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right settled in Shares, the gross number of Shares covered by the portion of the Award so exercised will cease to be available under the Plan. If unvested Shares of Restricted Stock, or unvested Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units are repurchased by or forfeited to the Company, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares used to pay the tax and exercise price of an Award will not become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment provided in Section 17, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3(a), plus, to the extent allowable under Code Section 422, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan under this Section 3(b).

 

(d)  Share Reserve.  The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

 

4.                                      Administration of the Plan.

 

(a)                                 Procedure.

 

(i)                                     Multiple Administrative Bodies.  Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.

 

(ii)                                  Section 162(m).  To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify Awards granted hereunder as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), the Plan will be administered by a Committee of two or more “outside directors” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m).

 

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(iii)                               Rule 16b-3.  To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.

 

(iv)                              Delegation to an Officer.  The Board may delegate to one or more Officers of the Company the authority to do one or both of the following (i) designate Employees or Consultants of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries who are not Officers to be recipients of Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units and the terms thereof, and (ii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to such Awards granted to such Employees and Consultants; provided, however, that the Board resolutions regarding such delegation shall specify the total number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to the Awards granted by such Officer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4(a), the Board may not delegate to an Officer authority to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock pursuant to Section 4(b) below.

 

(v)                                 Other Administration.  Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.

 

(b)  Powers of the Administrator.  Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:

 

(i)                                     to determine the Fair Market Value;

 

(ii)                                  to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;

 

(iii)                               to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder;

 

(iv)                              to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;

 

(v)                                 to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws;

 

(vi)                              to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 22(c) of the Plan). Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the Administrator may not modify or amend an Option or Stock Appreciation Right to reduce the exercise price of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right after it has been granted (except for adjustments made pursuant to Section 17), and neither may the Administrator cancel any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right in exchange for cash, other awards or an Option or Stock Appreciation Right with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original Option or Stock Appreciation Right, unless such action is approved by stockholders prior to such action being taken;

 

(vii)                           to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;

 

(viii)                        to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under an Award pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine; and

 

(ix)                              to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.

 

(c)  Effect of Administrator’s Decision.  The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.

 

5.  Eligibility.  Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares and such other cash or stock awards as the Administrator determines may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.

 

6.                                      Stock Options.

 

(a)  Limitations.  Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any

 

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calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

 

(b)  Number of Shares.  The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Shares subject to an Option granted to any Participant, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no Participant will be granted an Option covering more than 833,333 Shares. Notwithstanding the limitation in the previous sentence, an Employee may be granted Options covering up to an additional 833,333 Shares during the fiscal year in which his or her initial service as an Employee begins.

 

(c)  Term of Option.  The Administrator will determine the term of each Option in its sole discretion; provided, however, that the term will be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.

 

(d)                                 Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

 

(i)                                     Exercise Price.  The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, but will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. In addition, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(c), Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Code Section 424(a).

 

(ii)                                  Waiting Period and Exercise Dates.  At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.

 

(iii)                               Form of Consideration.  The Administrator will determine the acceptable form(s) of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, which forms of consideration shall be set forth in the Award Agreement at the time of grant.

 

(e)                                  Exercise of Option.

 

(i)  Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder.  Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

 

An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator specifies from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with any applicable withholding taxes). No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 17 of the Plan.

 

(ii)  Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider.  If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s termination as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for ninety (90) days following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.

 

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(iii)  Disability of Participant.  If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for five (5) years following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.

 

(iv)  Death of Participant.  If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent of all of the shares subject to the Option, including Shares that had not yet vested on the date of death (but in no event may the option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for five (5) years following Participant’s death. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.

 

(v)  Other Termination.  A Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would result in liability under Section 16(b), then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (A) the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in the Award Agreement, or (B) the 10th day after the last date on which such exercise would result in such liability under Section 16(b). Finally, a Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of Shares would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (A) the expiration of the term of the Option, or (B) the expiration of a period of ninety (90) days after the termination of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.

 

7.                                      Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

(a)  Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.

 

(b)  Number of Shares.  The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any Participant, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no Participant will be granted Stock Appreciation Rights covering more than 833,333 Shares. Notwithstanding the limitation in the previous sentence, an Employee may be granted Stock Appreciation Rights covering up to an additional 833,333 Shares during the fiscal year in which his or her initial service as an Employee begins.

 

(c)  Exercise Price and Other Terms.  The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan, provided, however, that the exercise price will be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.

 

(d)  Stock Appreciation Right Agreement.  Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

 

(e)  Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights.  A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that the term will be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(e) also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

(f)  Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount.  Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:

 

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(i)                                     The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times

 

(ii)                                  The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.

 

At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.

 

(g)  Dividends and Other Distributions.  Service Providers holding unvested Stock Appreciation Rights shall not be entitled to receive dividends or other distributions in respect of such Awards until the time specified for payout of the Stock Appreciation Rights in the Award Agreement.

 

8.                                      Restricted Stock.

 

(a)  Grant of Restricted Stock.  Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

 

(b)  Restricted Stock Agreement.  Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, for Restricted Stock intended to qualify as “performance- based compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), during any Fiscal Year no Participant will receive more than an aggregate of 333,333 Shares of Restricted Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, for restricted stock intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), an Employee may be granted up to 333,333 additional Shares of Restricted Stock during the fiscal year in which his or her initial service as an Employee begins. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, Shares of Restricted Stock will be held by the Company as escrow agent until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.

 

(c)  Transferability.  Except as provided in this Section 16, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.

 

(d)  Other Restrictions.  The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate and contained in the Award Agreement on the date of grant, including granting an Award of Restricted Stock subject to the requirements of Section 13.

 

(e)  Removal of Restrictions.  Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.

 

(f)  Voting Rights.  During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.

 

(g)  Dividends and Other Distributions.  During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.

 

(h)  Return of Restricted Stock to Company.  On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.

 

(i)  Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions.  For purposes of qualifying grants of Performance Units/Shares as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set by the Compensation Committee on or before the Determination Date. In granting Performance Units/Shares which are intended to qualify under Code Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee will follow the provisions of Section 13 any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Code Section 162(m) (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).

 

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9.                                      Restricted Stock Units.

 

(a)  Grant.  Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator. Each Restricted Stock Unit grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine, including all terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, the number of Restricted Stock Units and the form of payout, which, subject to Section 9(d), may be left to the discretion of the Administrator. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection (a), for Restricted Stock Units intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), during any Fiscal Year of the Company, no Participant will receive more than an aggregate of 333,333 Restricted Stock Units. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, for Restricted Stock Units intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), an Employee may be granted up to 333,333 additional Restricted Stock Units during the fiscal year in which his or her initial service as an Employee begins.

 

(b)  Vesting Criteria and Other Terms.  The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant, including granting an Award of Restricted Stock Units subject to the requirements of Section 13. After the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any restrictions for such Restricted Stock Units. Each Award of Restricted Stock Units will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the vesting criteria, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

 

(c)  Earning Restricted Stock Units.  Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as specified in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.

 

(d)  Form and Timing of Payment.  Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination thereof. Shares represented by Restricted Stock Units that are fully paid in cash again will be available for grant under the Plan.

 

(e)  Cancellation.  On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.

 

(f)  Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions.  For purposes of qualifying grants of Performance Units/Shares as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set by the Compensation Committee on or before the Determination Date. In granting Performance Units/Shares which are intended to qualify under Code Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee will follow the provisions of Section 13 any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Code Section 162(m) (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).

 

10.                               Performance Units and Performance Shares.

 

(a)  Grant of Performance Units/Shares.  Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units/Shares granted to each Participant provided that during any Fiscal Year, for Performance Units or Performance Shares intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), (i) no Participant will receive Performance Units having an initial value greater than $5,000,000, and (ii) no Participant will receive more than 333,333 Performance Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, for Performance Shares intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), in connection with his or her initial service, a Service Provider may be granted up to an additional 333,333 Performance Shares and additional Performance Units having an initial value up to $5,000,000.

 

(b)  Value of Performance Units/Shares.  Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.

 

(c)  Performance Objectives and Other Terms.  The Administrator will set Performance Goals or other vesting provisions (including, without limitation, continued status as a Service Provider) in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the

 

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Participant, including granting an Award of Performance Units and Performance Shares subject to the requirements of Section 13. The Administrator may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, or individual goals, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion. Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, Performance Goals, any other vesting provisions and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

 

(d)  Earning of Performance Units/Shares.  After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved. After the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Unit/Share.

 

(e)  Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares.  Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period and achievement of the performance criteria and other vesting provisions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.

 

(f)  Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares.  On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan to the extent such Performance Units/Shares were payable in Shares.

 

(g)  Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions.  For purposes of qualifying grants of Performance Units/Shares as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set by the Compensation Committee on or before the Determination Date. In granting Performance Units/Shares which are intended to qualify under Code Section 162(m), the Compensation Committee will follow the provisions of Section 13 any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Code Section 162(m) (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).

 

11.  Performance Goals.  The granting and/or vesting of Awards of Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units (including Performance Units payable in cash) and other incentives under the Plan may be made subject to the attainment of performance goals (“Performance Goals”) relating to one or more of the following measures: (a) Accounts Payable Days, (b) Accounts Payable Turns, (c) Annual Revenue, (d) Cash Collections, (e) Cash Cycle Days, (f) Customer Satisfaction MBOs, (g) Days Sales Outstanding, (h) Earnings Per Share, (i) Free Cash flow, (j) Gross Margin, (k) Gross Profit, (l) Inventory Turns, (m) Net Income, (n) New Orders, (o) Operating Income, (p) Pro Forma Net Income, (q) Return on Designated Assets, (r) Return on Equity, (s) Return on Sales, and (t) Product Shipments. Any Performance Goals may be used to measure the performance of the Company as a whole or a business unit of the Company and may be measured relative to a peer group or index. The Performance Goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to Award. The Compensation Committee may provide that partial achievement of the Performance Goals may result in the payment or vesting corresponding to a partial (but not necessarily proportional) portion of the Award. Prior to the Determination Date, the Compensation Committee is authorized to make adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment of Performance Goals for a Performance Period as follows: (i) to exclude restructuring and integration charges (including employee severance and benefits costs and charges related to excess facilities and assets); (ii) to exclude impairment charges for goodwill and intangible assets and amortization expense; (iii) to exclude exchange rate effects, as applicable, for non-U.S. dollar denominated net sales and operating earnings; (iv) to exclude the effects of changes to GAAP required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board; (v) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (vi) to exclude stock-based compensation expense determined under generally accepted accounting principles; (vii) to exclude any other unusual, non-recurring gain or loss or extraordinary item; (vii) to respond to, or in anticipation of, any unusual or extraordinary corporate item, transaction, event or development; (viii) to respond to, or in anticipation of, changes in applicable laws, regulations, accounting principles, or business conditions; (ix) to exclude the dilutive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (x) to assume that any business divested by the Company achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a Performance Period following such divestiture; (xi) to reflect a corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation, separation (including a spinoff or other distribution of stock or property by a corporation), or reorganization (whether or not such reorganization comes within the definition of such term in Code Section 368); and (xii) to reflect any partial or complete corporate liquidation. The Compensation Committee also retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due upon attainment of Performance Goals.

 

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12.  Performance Bonus Awards.  Any Service Provider selected by the Compensation Committee may be granted one or more Performance-Based Awards in the form of a cash bonus payable upon the attainment of Performance Goals that are established by the Compensation Committee for a Performance Period prior to the Determination Date. Performance-Based Awards in the form of cash bonuses may not exceed more than $5,000,000 in any Fiscal Year. Performance Bonus Awards established for any Participant who would be considered a “covered employee” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m) (hereinafter a “Covered Employee”) will be based upon Performance Goals established in accordance with Section 13. The provisions contained in this Plan permitting the Company to grant Performance-Based Awards in the form of cash bonuses shall not be the exclusive means for the payment of bonuses or other incentive compensation to Participants, including Covered Employees.

 

13.                               Terms and Conditions of Any Performance-Based Award.

 

(a)  Purpose.  The purpose of this Section 13 is to provide the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) the ability to qualify Awards (other than Options and SARs) that are granted pursuant to the Plan as qualified performance-based compensation under Code Section 162(m). If the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, decides to grant a Performance-Based Award subject to Performance Goals to a Covered Employee, the provisions of this Section 13 will control over any contrary provision in the Plan; provided, however, that the Compensation Committee may in its discretion grant Awards that are not intended to qualify as “performance- based compensation” under Code Section 162(m) to such Participants that are based on Performance Goals or other specific criteria or goals but that do not satisfy the requirements of this Section 13.

 

(b)  Applicability.  This Section 13 will apply to those Covered Employees who are selected by the Compensation Committee to receive any Award subject to Performance Goals. The designation of a Covered Employee as being subject to Code Section 162(m) will not in any manner entitle the Covered Employee to receive an Award under the Plan. Moreover, designation of a Covered Employee subject to Code Section 162(m) for a particular Performance Period will not require designation of such Covered Employee in any subsequent Performance Period and designation of one Covered Employee will not require designation of any other Covered Employee in such period or in any other period.

 

(c)  Procedures with Respect to Performance Based Awards.  To the extent necessary to comply with the performance-based compensation requirements of Code Section 162(m), with respect to any Award granted subject to Performance Goals, within the first twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Period, but in no event more than ninety (90) days following the commencement of any Performance Period (or such other time as may be required or permitted by Code Section 162(m)), the Compensation Committee will, in writing, (a) designate one or more Participants who are Covered Employees, (b) select the Performance Goals applicable to the Performance Period, (c) establish the Performance Goals, and amounts or methods of computation of such Awards, as applicable, which may be earned for such Performance Period, and (d) specify the relationship between Performance Goals and the amounts or methods of computation of such Awards, as applicable, to be earned by each Covered Employee for such Performance Period. Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Compensation Committee will certify in writing whether the applicable Performance Goals have been achieved for such Performance Period. In determining the amounts earned by a Covered Employee, the Compensation Committee will have the right to reduce or eliminate (but not to increase) the amount payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Compensation Committee may deem relevant to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the Performance Period.

 

(d)  Payment of Performance Based Awards.  Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, a Covered Employee must be employed by the Company or an Affiliate on the day a Performance-Based Award for such Performance Period is paid to the Covered Employee. Furthermore, a Covered Employee will be eligible to receive payment pursuant to a Performance-Based Award for a Performance Period only if the Performance Goals for such period are achieved.

 

(e)  Additional Limitations.  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, any Award which is granted to a Covered Employee and is intended to constitute qualified performance based compensation under Code Section 162(m) will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in the Code (including any amendment to Code Section 162(m)) or any regulations and ruling issued thereunder that are requirements for qualification as qualified performance- based compensation as described in Code Section 162(m), and the Plan will be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements.

 

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14.  Compliance With Code Section 409A.  Awards will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Code Section 409A such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. The Plan and each Award Agreement under the Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Code Section 409A the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Code Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A.

 

15.  Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations.  Unless the Administrator provides otherwise or as provided by written Company policies, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence or as provided by written Company policies. A Service Provider will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and its Affiliates. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed three (3) months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then six (6) months and one day following the commencement of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

 

16.  Transferability of Awards.  Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. With the approval of the Administrator, a Participant may, in a manner specified by the Administrator, (a) transfer an Award to a Participant’s spouse or former spouse pursuant to a court-approved domestic relations order which relates to the provision of child support, alimony payments or marital property rights, and (b) transfer an Option by bona fide gift and not for any consideration, to (i) a member or members of the Participant’s immediate family, (ii) a trust established for the exclusive benefit of the Participant and/or member(s) of the Participant’s immediate family, (iii) a partnership, limited liability company of other entity whose only partners or members are the Participant and/or member(s) of the Participant’s immediate family, or (iv) a foundation in which the Participant and/or member(s) of the Participant’s immediate family control the management of the foundation’s assets. For purposes of this Section 13, “immediate family” will mean the Participant’s spouse, former spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces, nephews, parents-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, including adoptive or step relationships and any person sharing the Participant’s household (other than as a tenant or employee).

 

17.                               Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.

 

(a)  Adjustments.  In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of Shares covered by each outstanding Award, and the numerical Share limits set forth in Sections 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

 

(b)  Dissolution or Liquidation.  In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

 

(c)  Change in Control.  In the event of a Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation (the “Successor Corporation”). In the event that the Successor Corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award, the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock will lapse, and, with respect to Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units, all Performance Goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at target levels and all other terms and conditions met. In addition, if the Successor Corporation does not assume or substitute an Option or Stock Appreciation Right in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right

 

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will be fully vested and exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.

 

For the purposes of this subsection (c), an Award will be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) or, in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right upon the exercise of which the Administrator determines to pay cash or a Performance Share or Performance Unit which the Administrator can determine to pay in cash, the fair market value of the consideration received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Control is not solely common stock of the Successor Corporation, the Administrator may, with the consent of the Successor Corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Share or Performance Unit, for each Share subject to such Award (or in the case of an Award settled in cash, the number of implied shares determined by dividing the value of the Award by the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control), to be solely common stock of the Successor Corporation equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 17(c) to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more Performance Goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such Performance Goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such Performance Goals only to reflect the Successor Corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.

 

18.                               Tax Withholding

 

(a)  Withholding Requirements.  Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof), the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).

 

(b)  Withholding Arrangements.  The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld, (iii) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld, or (iv) selling a sufficient number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the amount required to be withheld. The amount of the withholding requirement will be deemed to include any amount which the Administrator agrees may be withheld at the time the election is made, not to exceed the amount determined by using the maximum federal, state or local marginal income tax rates applicable to the Participant with respect to the Award on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.

 

19.  No Effect on Employment or Service.  Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

 

20.  Date of Grant.  The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

 

21.  Term of Plan.  The Plan will become effective upon its approval by the stockholders and no Awards may be made under the Plan until such approval is obtained. The Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years after the date it becomes effective, unless terminated earlier under Section 22 of the Plan.

 

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22.                               Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

 

(a)  Amendment and Termination.  The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

 

(b)  Stockholder Approval.  The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.

 

(c)  Effect of Amendment or Termination.  No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan will impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.

 

23.                               Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

 

(a)  Legal Compliance.  Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

 

(b)  Investment Representations.  As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

 

24.  Inability to Obtain Authority.  The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.

 

25.                               Stockholder Approval.

 

(a)  General.  The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.

 

(b)  Section 162(m).  Subject to Section 22 (regarding the Administrator’s right to amend or terminate the Plan), the provisions of Section 13 relating to Awards intended to qualify as “performance based compensation” under Code Section 162(m) shall remain in effect thereafter through the Company’s 2013 Annual Meeting.

 

15Exhibit 4.28

 

LOAN AGREEMENT

 

This Loan Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”, excluding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan, for purposes of this agreement) as of November 30, 2012

 

by and between the following parties:

 

(1)                                 LENDER: Renren Games Network Technology Development (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Registered Address: Room 276i, No. 668 Shangda Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai, PRC

Legal Representative: He Chuan

 

and

 

(2)                                 BORROWER: He Chuan

PRC Identification Card No:

Address:

 

(individually, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”)

 

WHEREAS:

 

The Borrower had entered into a loan agreement (the “Prior Loan Agreement”) dated November 15, 2012 with Qianxiang Shiji Technology Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Qianxiang Shiji”) pursuant to which the Borrower borrowed from Qianxiang Shiji an aggregate principal amount of Seven Million Renminbi (RMB7,000,000);

 

Qianxiang Shiji and the Lender entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of November 30, 2012 pursuant to which Qianxiang Shiji agreed to assign, and the Lender agreed to assume, the Lender’s obligations under the Prior Loan Agreement; and

 

Borrower desires to borrow from the Lender, and the Lender desires to lend to the Borrower, an aggregate principal amount of Seven Million Renminbi (RMB7,000,000), pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

THEREFORE, the Parties, through friendly negotiation based on equal and mutual benefit, agree as follows:

 

1.                                      Principal Amount of the Loan

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Lender has agreed to lend to the Borrower, the principal amount of RMB7,000,000 (the “Loan”). Such Loan shall be interest-free throughout the term of the Loan.

 

2.                                      Loan Terms

 

2.1                               The term for such Loan will be ten (10) years, calculated from the date when the Borrower actually draws the Loan. The term under this Agreement shall be automatically extended for another ten years unless written notice to the contrary is given by the Lender three months prior to the expiration of this Agreement.

 

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2.2                               The Lender and the Borrower jointly agree and confirm that the Borrower shall not repay the Loan in advance except with the Lender’s prior written approval or the expiration of this Agreement. The Borrower shall repay the Loan by using all the funds obtained by him from transferring all of the Borrower’s equity in Shanghai Renren Games Technology Development Co., Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“Shanghai Renren”) to Lender or to any other third party designated by the Lender. In case the funds received by the Borrower from transferring the aforesaid equity is subject to any tax or administrative expenses, the Borrower shall only be obliged to repay the net portion of such funds (after deducting any applicable tax and expenses) to the Lender.  When all of such Borrower’s equity in Shanghai Renren is transferred as stipulated above and if all the fund thereof is repaid to the Lender by the Borrower, all the outstanding Loan hereunder shall be regarded as repaid.

 

2.4                               The Lender and the Borrower agree and confirm that the Borrower shall immediately repay the Loan in case any one of the following occurs:

 

2.4.1                     The Borrower dies or becomes a person with no or limited capacity for civil rights;

 

2.4.2                     The Borrower commits crime or is involved in crime;

 

2.4.3                     Any third party claims debt of the Borrower exceeding RMB 1,000,000 (RMB one million) which the Borrower is not able to repay;

 

2.4.4                     There are no legal restrictions for foreign investors to directly invest in the value-added telecommunication business under PRC law; or

 

2.4.5                     the Lender issues a written notice to the Borrower for repayment of the Loan.

 

3.                                      Conditions Precedent to the Disbursement of the Loan

 

3.1                               The Lender shall not be obliged to make any disbursement of the Loan unless all of the following conditions have been satisfied or waived by the Lender:

 

3.1.1                     All the representations and warranties made by the Borrower are correct, accurate, complete and not misleading.

 

3.1.2                     The Borrower is not in breach of the covenants and undertakings made by such Borrower in Section 5 hereof.

 

3.1.3                     The Parties have executed an Equity Option Agreement (“Option Agreement”), pursuant to which the Borrower grants to the Lender or its designated person (legal or natural) an exclusive option to purchase all of the Borrower’s equity interest in Shanghai Renren, to the extent permitted under PRC laws.

 

3.1.4                     The Parties have executed an Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (“Pledge Agreement”), pursuant to which the Borrower pledges all of his equity interest in Shanghai Renren to the Lender, to the extent permitted under PRC laws.

 

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4.                                      Representations and Warranties

 

4.1                               The Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to the Lender, and confirms that the Lender executes and performs this Agreement in reliance of such representations and warranties:

 

4.1.1                     The Borrower has the full capacity and power to enter into this Agreement;

 

4.1.2                     The execution of this Agreement of the Borrower will not violate any law or binding obligations of the Borrower;

 

4.1.3                     This Agreement shall constitute a binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against him in accordance with its terms upon its execution;

 

4.1.4                     The Borrower neither commits criminal behaviors nor is involved in criminal activity;

 

4.1.5                     Except for the option under the Option Agreement and the pledge under the Pledge Agreement, without the prior consent of the Lender, the Borrower shall not create any pledge over part or whole of the Borrower’s right in Shanghai Renren or any priority for any third party where the beneficiary is neither the Lender nor its subsidiaries or affiliates;

 

4.2                               The Lender makes the following representations and warranties to the Borrower:

 

4.2.1                     The Lender is a company registered and validly existing under the laws of PRC;

 

4.2.2                     The execution and performance of this Agreement by the Lender is in compliance with the power of the Lender. The Lender has taken proper measures and has gained authorizations and approvals from all third parties and governmental departments or agencies, to execute and perform its obligations under this Agreement in accordance with the limitations of the laws and contracts which are binding or bear influences over the Lender; and

 

4.2.3                     This Agreement shall constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Lender, enforceable against the Lender in accordance with its terms upon its execution.

 

5.                                      Covenants and Undertakings of Borrower

 

5.1                               The Borrower, as a shareholder of Shanghai Renren, hereby undertakes to, and shall cause Shanghai Renren, to observe the following terms with all efforts during the term of this Agreement:

 

5.1.1                     It shall not modify in any way its articles of association or alter its shareholding structure without the prior written consent of the Lender;

 

5.1.2                     It shall not transfer or dispose of any material asset, or create any other security interest neither for the Lender nor for its subsidiaries / affiliates over the same without the prior written consent of the Lender;

 

5.1.3                     It shall not provide any warranty or assume any debt for any third party which is beyond its normal daily business scope without the prior written consent of the Lender;

 

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5.1.4                     It shall not enter into any material contracts without the prior written consent of the Lender, except those entered into in the ordinary course of business (for the purpose of this paragraph, any contract with a value exceeding RMB 100,000 shall be deemed to be a material contract);

 

5.1.5                     It shall not extend any loan or credit to any party without the prior written consent of the Lender;

 

5.1.6                     It shall not merge with or invest in any third party without the prior written consent of the Lender;

 

5.1.7                     It shall not declare in any way any bonus or dividends for its shareholders without the prior written consent of the Lender;

 

5.1.8                     It shall not conduct any business that is beyond the normal course of business;

 

5.1.9                     It shall not change or dismiss an executive director or to dismiss and replace any senior management members;

 

5.1.10              It shall not make significant adjustment to its business operation model, marketing strategy, operation policy or client relationship; and

 

5.1.11              It shall not have any of its subsidiaries do any of the foregoing.

 

5.2                               The Borrower further commits to the Lender, during the term of this Agreement, as follows:

 

5.2.1                     he shall take all the measures to guarantee and maintain his identification and status as a shareholder of Shanghai Renren;

 

5.2.2                     he shall not transfer or dispose of any of his equity interest or other rights or powers pertinent to his equity interest in Shanghai Renren;

 

5.2.3                     he shall procure that the shareholders’ meeting of Shanghai Renren shall not pass any decision about its merger with or investment in any third party without the prior written consent of the Lender;

 

5.2.4                     he shall not carry out any action bearing material influences on the assets, business, obligations or liabilities of Shanghai Renren without prior written consent of the Lender;

 

5.2.5                     he shall immediately and unconditionally transfer all or part of his equity interest in Shanghai Renren to the Lender or any third party designated by the Lender in accordance with PRC laws and, where applicable, procure all the other shareholders of Shanghai Renren waive any prior right over purchasing such shares, as required by the Lender;

 

5.2.6                     he shall strictly observe his commitments and guarantees under this Agreement and other related agreements.

 

5.3                               The Borrower hereby covenants and undertakes that upon the signing of this Agreement, the Borrower shall:

 

5.3.1                     pledge all equity interest in Shanghai Renren held by the Borrower for the benefit of Lender to guarantee the due repayment of the Loan hereunder, and enter into the Pledge Agreement with Lender;

 

5.3.2                     deliver a power of attorney to appoint and authorize individuals designated by the

 

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Lender to exercise the rights and powers pertinent to the equity interest in Shanghai Renren held by the Borrower;

 

5.3.3                     confirm and agree that the Lender shall have the right to acquire or to designate any third party of its choice to acquire from time to time part or all of the equity interest of Shanghai Renren from the Borrower at an agreed price pursuant to the Option Agreement.

 

6.                                      Default

 

If the Borrower fails to perform his repayment obligation pursuant to this Agreement, an overdue interest at the rate of 0.01% per day upon the outstanding amount of the Loan shall be payable to the Lender.

 

7.                                      Confidentiality

 

7.1                               The Parties acknowledge and confirm to take all possible measures to keep confidential all the confidential materials and information (the “Confidential Information”)  they get to know by this Agreement.

 

The Parties shall not disclose, provide or transfer such Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent of the other Party. In case of the termination of this Agreement, the receiving party of the Confidential Information shall return or destroy all the files, materials or software as required by the disclosing  party, and delete any of the Confidential Information from any memory equipments and discontinue using such Confidential Information.

 

7.2                               The Parties agree that this Section 7 shall survive the modification and termination of this Agreement.

 

8.                                      Notices

 

Unless a written notice of change of address is issued, all correspondence relating to this Agreement shall be delivered in person, or by registered or prepaid mail, or by recognized express services or facsimile to the addresses appointed by the other party from time to time.

 

9.                                      Governing Law and Dispute Settlement

 

9.1                               The execution, validity, performance and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the PRC.

 

9.2                               The Parties shall strive to settle any dispute arising from the interpretation or performance through friendly consultation. In case no settlement can be reached through consultation, either party may submit such matter to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“CIETAC”) Beijing headquarter for arbitration. The arbitration shall follow the then current rules of CIETAC, and the arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in Chinese and shall take place in Beijing. The arbitration award shall be final and binding upon the Parties. This article shall not be affected by the termination or elimination of this Agreement.

 

9.3                               In case of any disputes arising out of the interpretation and performance of this Agreement or any pending arbitration of such dispute, each party shall continue to perform their obligations under this Agreement, except for the matters in dispute.

 

10.                               Force Majeure

 

10.1                        Force Majeure refers to any accident which is beyond a Party’s control and is inevitable with the reasonable care of the other Party who shall be influenced,

 

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including but not limited to governmental activity, natural force, fire, explosion, storm, flood, earthquake, tide, lightening or war. However, the credit, capital or shortage of  financing shall not be deemed as the matters beyond one Party’s reasonable control. The Party influenced by the Force Majeure and seeking for exemption hereunder shall notify the other Party as soon as possible and inform the other Party of the measures to take in order to accomplish the performance of this Agreement.

 

10.2                        In case the performance of this Agreement is delayed or cumbered by the above-referenced Force Majeure, the Party who is influenced by the Force Majeure shall not bear any liability within the scope of delay and cumbrance, and shall take all the proper measures to reduce or eliminate the influence of Force Majeure, and shall make efforts to renew the performance of its obligations hereunder which has been delayed or cumbered by the Force Majeure. Each Party shall try its best to restore the performance of this Agreement once the Force Majeure is eliminated.

 

11.                               Effective Date

 

This Agreement shall be effective upon its being signed by the Parties hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Lender and the Borrower confirm that the Loan was duly and fully extended by the Lender prior to the execution of this Agreement.

 

12.                               Miscellaneous

 

12.1                        Any modification, termination or waiver of this Agreement shall not take effect without the written consent of each party.

 

12.2                        Any appendix attached hereto shall be of the same effect as this Agreement.

 

12.3                        The Borrower shall not transfer his rights and obligations hereunder to any third party without the prior written consent of the Lender.

 

12.4                        In case any terms and stipulations in this Agreement is regarded as illegal or cannot be performed in accordance with the applicable law, it shall be deemed to be deleted from this Agreement and lose its effect and this Agreement shall remain its effect and be treated as without it from the very beginning. Each Party shall replace the deleted stipulations with those lawful and effective ones, which are acceptable to the Lender, through mutual negotiation.

 

[The space below is intentionally left blank.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed on their behalf by a duly authorized representative as of the date first written above.

 

 

	
LENDER:   Renren   Games Network Technology Development (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    
	
(Company Seal)
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
/seal/
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:
    	
/s/ He Chuan
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Authorized Representative: He Chuan
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
BORROWER: He Chuan
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
By:
    	
/s/ He Chuan
    	
 
    	
 
    

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO LOAN AGREEMENT]

 

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