Document:

exv10w38

 

Exhibit 10.38

NORTEL NETWORKS LIMITED

DIRECTORS’ DEFERRED

SHARE COMPENSATION PLAN

AS AMENDED AND RESTATED

Amended and Restated on December 18, 2003

 

 

NORTEL NETWORKS LIMITED

DIRECTORS’ DEFERRED

SHARE COMPENSATION PLAN

AS AMENDED AND RESTATED

1. BACKGROUND; PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

The Nortel Networks Limited Directors’ Deferred Share Compensation Plan was amended and restated to
reflect the transactions contemplated by the plan of arrangement (the “Plan of Arrangement”)
described in the Amended and Restated Arrangement Agreement, made as of January 26, 2000, as
amended and restated March 13, 2000, among BCE Inc., Nortel Networks Corporation, New Nortel Inc.
and the other parties thereto. On May 1, 2000, the effective date of the Plan of Arrangement, New
Nortel Inc. acquired from the holders of the common shares (other than BCE Inc. and its affiliates)
of Nortel Networks Corporation all of the Nortel Networks Corporation common shares then held by
such shareholders in exchange for an equal number of common shares of New Nortel Inc. and each
shareholder of BCE Inc. received approximately 0.78 common shares of New Nortel Inc. for each
common share of BCE Inc. then held by such BCE shareholder. In addition, the common shares of New
Nortel Inc. were listed on the New York Stock Exchange and The Toronto Stock Exchange in
substitution for the common shares of Nortel Networks Corporation. Also, as part of the Plan of
Arrangement, Nortel Networks Corporation changed its name to Nortel Networks Limited (“Nortel
Limited”) and New Nortel Inc. changed its name to Nortel Networks Corporation (“Nortel
Corporation”).

In connection with, and effective as of May 1, 2000, Share Units granted or to be granted under the
Plan and the shares subject to the Plan were adjusted and common shares of Nortel Corporation were
substituted for common shares of Nortel Limited. In all other respects, the terms and provisions
of the Plan were reaffirmed, as therein provided.

On May 25, 2000, the Board suspended the operation of the Plan, effective April 27, 2000, with the
effect that, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, (i) no further Share Units would be
credited to Participants in respect of Annual Retainer Fees (as defined in the Plan as at that
date) or any other fees payable on or after April 27, 2000 in respect of services rendered by
Participants to Nortel Limited or Nortel Corporation, (ii) Share Units, as so adjusted, credited to
Participants’ accounts prior to April 27, 2000 would remain outstanding, (iii) Share Units, as so
adjusted, would continue to be credited under Section 7 of the Plan for the period prior to the
Settlement Date, and (iv) Share Units, as so adjusted, would be settled subject to and in
accordance with the Plan and the terms and conditions of the Share Units.

 

 

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On June 9, 2000, the Board approved the amendment and restatement of the Plan, (i) effective as of
May 1, 2000, to provide that Share Units would be credited to Participants in respect of services
rendered by Participants to Nortel Limited only and that the Plan would be administered by the
Board or by a Committee of the Board, and (ii) to reflect the suspension of the operation of the
Plan, effective April 27, 2000, until otherwise specifically determined by the Board, with respect
to the payment of Annual Retainer Fees (as defined in the Plan as at that date) or other fees
payable to Participants after April 27, 2000.

On January 24, 2002, the Board approved a further amendment and restatement of the Plan, effective
as of January 1, 2002, (i) to provide for the crediting of Share Units to Participants in respect
of all services rendered by such Participants as members of the Board; (ii) to provide that each
member of the Board who qualifies as an Eligible Director shall receive all fees payable to such
member for services as a member of the Board in the form of Share Units credited in respect of such
member under the Plan; and (iii) to reflect the re-commencement of the operation of the Plan as
amended and restated herein.

On May 29, 2003, the Board approved an amendment to the Plan, effective immediately, to permit
Eligible Directors to elect to receive between 0-100% of all fees payable to such member for
services as a member of the Board in the form of Share Units, with the remainder of such fees to be
settled in cash.

On December 18, 2003, the Board approved an amendment to the Plan, effective immediately, with
respect to the manner in which Eligible Directors may elect to receive cash in lieu of Share Units
under the Plan.

The purpose of the Plan is to assist Nortel Limited in attracting and retaining individuals with
experience and ability to serve as members of the Board and to promote a greater alignment of
interests between Eligible Directors and the shareholders of Nortel Corporation.

2. DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of the Plan, the terms contained in this Section shall have the following
meanings.

“Administrator” shall mean such administrator as may be appointed by Nortel Limited from time to
time to assist in the administration of the Plan in accordance with Section 3 hereof.

“affiliated companies” shall have the meaning ascribed to the term “affiliated bodies corporate” in
Section 2(2) of the CBCA or such other meaning, and shall include such other entities, as may be
determined by the Committee.

“Election Form and Agreement” shall mean the election form and agreement, as it may be amended from
time to time, entered into between Nortel Limited and an Eligible Director in accordance with
Section 6 hereof.

“Aggregate Purchase Price” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 8 hereof.

“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of Nortel Limited.

 

 

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“Broker” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 10 hereof.

“Business Day” shall mean a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which banking institutions in
Canada and the United States are not authorized or obligated by law to close.

“CBCA” shall mean the Canada Business Corporations Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.C-44, as amended from time
to time.

“Committee” shall mean such committee of the Board comprised of members of the Board as the Board
shall from time to time appoint to administer the Plan; provided, however, that if the Board does
not appoint a Committee to administer the Plan, all references to the Committee shall be deemed to
be references to the Board, mutatis mutandis.

“Common Share” shall mean a common share of Nortel Corporation, subject to Section 16.

“Eligible Director” shall mean each member of the Board who, at the relevant time, is not an
employee of a Nortel Networks Company and such member shall continue to be an Eligible Director for
so long as such member continues to be a member of the Board and is not an employee of a Nortel
Networks Company; provided, however, that the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine from
time to time that one or more members of the Board who is or are employees of a Nortel Networks
Company shall be an Eligible Director or Eligible Directors or that one or more members of the
Board, who would otherwise be an Eligible Director or Eligible Directors, shall not be.

“Fees” shall mean the amount, expressed in U.S. dollars, of all fees payable by Nortel Limited to
an Eligible Director (i) for all services rendered as a member of the Board, and/or any committees
thereof, and (ii) for all services rendered as an executive or non-executive chairperson of the
Board, and/or any committees thereof; except that, Fees shall not include any other fee that may be
payable by Nortel Limited to the Eligible Director in connection with services rendered by such
Eligible Director to Nortel Limited in any capacity other than as a member or chairperson of the
Board, and/or any committees thereof.

“Market Value” of a Common Share shall mean the fair market value thereof, which shall be the price
per common share which is equal to the average of the high and low prices for a board lot of the
Common Shares traded in Canadian dollars on The Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSE”) on the relevant day
or, if the volume of Common Shares traded on the composite tape in the United States exceeds the
volume of Common Shares traded in Canadian dollars on the TSE on such relevant day, the average of
the high and low prices for a board lot of Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).
The Market Value so determined may be in Canadian dollars or in U.S. dollars. As a result, the
Market Value of a Common Share covered by a Share Unit shall be either (a) such Market Value as
determined above, if in Canadian dollars, or (b) such Market Value as determined above converted
into Canadian dollars at the noon rate of exchange of the Bank of Canada on the relevant day, if in
U.S. dollars. If on the relevant day, there is not a board lot trade in the Common Shares on the
TSE or NYSE, any of such exchanges are not open for trading, or there is not a noon rate of
exchange of the Bank of Canada, if required, then the Market Value of a Common Share shall be
determined as provided above on the first day immediately preceding the relevant day for which
there were such board lot trades in

 

 

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the Common Shares and a noon rate of exchange. If at any time the Common Shares are no longer
listed or traded on the TSE or the NYSE, the Market Value shall be calculated in such manner as may
be determined by the Committee from time to time, but shall always be established in relation to
the fair market value of a Common Share. The Market Value of a Common Share shall be rounded up to
the nearest whole cent.

“Nortel Corporation” shall mean Nortel Networks Corporation (known prior to May 1, 2000 as New
Nortel Inc.) or its successors.

“Nortel Limited” shall mean Nortel Networks Limited (known prior to May 1, 2000 as Nortel Networks
Corporation) or its successors.

“Nortel Networks Companies” shall mean, collectively, Nortel Corporation, Nortel Limited and their
respective Subsidiaries and affiliated companies or, individually, any corporate entity included
within such group, as the context indicates, and Nortel Networks Company shall mean any one of such
corporate entities.

“Participant” shall mean an Eligible Director who participates in the Plan.

“Plan” shall mean the Nortel Networks Limited Directors’ Deferred Share Compensation Plan (as
amended and restated) set forth herein and as may be further amended or restated from time to time.

“Plan of Arrangement” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1 hereof.

“Price per Common Share” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 8 hereof.

“Quarter” means any of the four quarters of any financial year of Nortel Limited as may be adopted
from time to time and, until the financial year of Nortel Limited is changed, shall mean the
quarters ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.

“Quarterly Fee” shall mean the Fees earned for services rendered by an Eligible Director in the
applicable Quarter.

“Reference Date” shall mean, with respect to any Quarter, the date used to determine the Market
Value of a Common Share for purposes of determining the number of Share Units to be credited in
respect of such Quarter to a Participant’s account and the Canadian dollar equivalent of the
Quarterly Fee in respect to such Quarter pursuant to Section 4 hereof; which date shall be, unless
otherwise determined by the Committee and approved by the Board,

	 	(i)  	the last trading day of such Quarter on which the Market Value of a Common
Share may be determined and on which the Bank of Canada published a noon rate of
exchange for U.S. dollars, or

	 
	 	(ii)  	the Resignation Date of such Participant, if the Settlement Date with respect
to a Participant occurs during the Quarter prior to the last trading day of such
Quarter; provided that, if such Resignation Date is not a trading day on which the
Market Value of a Common Share or, if required, a day on which the Bank of Canada

 

 

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	   	noon rate of exchange for U.S. dollars may be determined, the Reference Date shall
be the immediately preceding trading day on which such Market Value and, if
required, the Bank of Canada noon rate of exchange for U.S. dollars may be
determined.

“Resignation Date” shall mean, in respect of a Participant, the earliest date on which both of the
following conditions are met:

(a) the Participant has ceased to be a member of the Board for any reason whatsoever, including
the death of the Participant; and

(b) the Participant is neither an employee nor a member of the board of directors of any Nortel
Networks Company.

“Settlement Date” shall mean, unless otherwise determined by the Committee for the purpose of
Section 8, the date on which Common Shares shall be delivered in settlement of Share Units in
accordance with Section 8 hereof.

“Share Unit” shall mean a unit credited to a Participant’s account in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Plan.

“Subsidiary” shall mean a body corporate that is a subsidiary of Nortel Limited or Nortel
Corporation within the meaning of Section 2(5) of the CBCA.

3. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

Except as herein otherwise specifically provided, the Plan shall be administered by the Committee
in accordance with its terms, the whole subject to applicable law. The Committee shall have full
and complete authority to interpret the Plan, to prescribe such rules and regulations and to make
such other determinations as it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.
The Committee may from time to time, subject to the terms of the Plan, delegate to officers or
employees of a Nortel Networks Company or to third parties, including an Administrator if one is
appointed, the whole or any part of the administration of the Plan and shall determine the scope
and terms and conditions of such delegation, including the authority to prescribe rules and
regulations. Any interpretation, rule, regulation or determination made or other act of the
Committee shall be final and binding on the Participants and their beneficiaries and legal
representatives and Nortel Limited and its shareholders.

No member of the Committee or the Board shall be liable for any action or determination made in
good faith pursuant to the Plan. To the full extent permitted by law, Nortel Limited shall
indemnify and save harmless each person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action or
proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a member of the Committee or is or was
a member of the Board and, as such, is or was required or entitled to take action pursuant to the
terms of the Plan.

Except as Participants may otherwise be advised by prior written notice of at least thirty (30)
days, all costs of the Plan, including any administration fees and reasonable brokerage fees
related to the purchase of Common Shares pursuant to Section 8, shall be paid by Nortel Limited.

 

 

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For greater certainty, Nortel Limited shall not pay or be responsible for brokerage or other fees
incurred by Participants in respect of the disposition of any Common Shares.

4. PARTICIPATION

All Eligible Directors shall participate in the Plan. Each Eligible Director shall be paid one
hundred percent (100%) of his or her Fees in the form of Share Units, in lieu of cash unless the
Eligible Director elects prior to the beginning of a calendar year to receive between 0-100% of his
or her Fees for the next calendar year (and each calendar year thereafter unless and until such
Eligible Director changes such election with respect to Fees payable for the calendar year
commencing after such change in election is made) in the form of Share Units, with the remainder of
such Fees to be paid in cash. Fees payable to an Eligible Director in the calendar quarter in
which such Eligible Director is first appointed or elected to the Board shall be paid one hundred
percent (100%) in the form of Share Units, in lieu of cash, and such Eligible Director may elect
within 30 days of his or her appointment or election (or the date he or she otherwise becomes an
Eligible Director) to receive between 0-100% of his or her Fees for the remainder of such calendar
year (and future calendar years) in the Form of Share Units, with the remainder of such Fees to be
paid in cash.

The number of Share Units (including fractional Share Units rounded to four decimal places) to be
credited on a quarterly basis with effect on the last day of each Quarter to an Eligible Director’s
account under Section 9 hereof with respect to each Quarter shall be equal to the quotient
determined by dividing: (i) the entire amount, expressed in U.S. dollars, of the Eligible
Director’s Quarterly Fee for such Quarter which is to be paid in Share Units, converted into
Canadian dollars at the noon rate of exchange of the Bank of Canada on the Reference Date for such
Quarter; by (ii) the Market Value of a Common Share on the Reference Date for such Quarter,
expressed in Canadian dollars.

A Participant who becomes an employee of a Nortel Networks Company or who, as a result of a
determination by the Committee, shall no longer be eligible to continue to participate in the Plan,
shall not be entitled to receive Share Units under this Section 4 in respect of any of his or her
future Fees. Share Units already credited to any such Participant’s account shall remain governed
by the Plan and the Election Form and Agreement, and such Participant shall be entitled to continue
to receive Share Units under Section 7 until such Participant’s Settlement Date.

5. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

Neither Nortel Limited nor Nortel Corporation shall be required to cause to be delivered Common
Shares or certificates evidencing Common Shares pursuant to the Plan unless and until such delivery
is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, rules, orders of governmental or regulatory
authorities and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which shares of Nortel Corporation are
listed or traded. Neither Nortel Corporation nor Nortel Limited shall in any event be obligated to
the Participants to take any action to comply with any such laws, regulations, rules, orders or
requirements. Subject to the foregoing, Nortel Limited may from time to time provide a Broker with
funds on the Settlement Date as herein provided to

 

 

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purchase Common Shares on behalf of Participants on the open market or by private transaction as
required in order to administer the Plan in accordance with its terms.

In the event Nortel Limited or Nortel Corporation determines that Common Shares or certificates
evidencing Common Shares shall not be delivered to a Participant or Participants in accordance with
the foregoing, the Participant shall be entitled to receive from Nortel Limited, in cash, an amount
equal to the Market Value of the Common Shares that would otherwise be delivered in settlement of
Share Units on the Settlement Date, less any amounts withheld by Nortel Limited in accordance with
Section 14 in respect of taxes payable or other source deductions in respect of such cash payment.

6. EXECUTION OF ELECTION FORM AND AGREEMENT

Each Eligible Director shall, as soon as practicable after the date on which his or her term as a
member of the Board (or his or her status as an Eligible Director) commences or at such other time
as Nortel Limited deems appropriate, enter into an Election Form and Agreement in writing with
Nortel Limited and, if applicable, the Administrator with respect to his or her participation in
the Plan. Such Election Form and Agreement shall set out certain rights and obligations of the
parties thereto pursuant to and in accordance with the Plan, and shall remain in full force and
effect until all such Share Units credited to the account of such Participant shall have been
settled and/or cancelled.

7. DIVIDENDS AND RELATED AMOUNTS

A Participant shall, from time to time during such Participant’s period of participation under the
Plan, including the period following the Resignation Date and until the Settlement Date referred to
in Section 8 hereof, be credited on each dividend payment date in respect of Common Shares with
additional Share Units, the number of which shall be equal to the quotient determined by dividing:
(i) the product determined by multiplying (a) one hundred percent (100%) of each dividend declared
and paid by Nortel Corporation on its Common Shares on a per share basis (excluding stock dividends
payable in Common Shares, but including dividends which may be paid in cash or in shares at the
option of the shareholder), which, if declared in U.S. dollars, shall be converted into Canadian
dollars at the noon rate of exchange of the Bank of Canada on the dividend payment date for such
dividend, or if on such dividend payment date a noon rate of exchange of the Bank of Canada is not
available, converted into Canadian dollars at the noon rate of exchange of the Bank of Canada on
the immediately preceding day on which such exchange rate may be determined, by (b) the number of
Share Units recorded in the Participant’s account on the record date for the payment of any such
dividend, by (ii) the Market Value of a Common Share on the dividend payment date for such
dividend, in each case, with fractions computed to four decimal places.

8. SETTLEMENT OF SHARE UNITS

Except as may be otherwise determined by the Committee or except as set forth below in this Section
8, the settlement date (“Settlement Date”) for a Participant with respect to whom a Resignation
Date shall have occurred shall be the fourth trading day following the release of Nortel
Corporation’s quarterly or annual financial results immediately following the Resignation

 

 

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Date with respect to such Participant, provided that, if such Resignation Date occurs on the same
date as the release of Nortel Corporation’s financial results, the Settlement Date shall, in such a
case, be the fifth trading day immediately following such release of Nortel Corporation’s financial
results. A Participant shall receive, in full satisfaction of the number of Share Units recorded
in the Participant’s account on the Settlement Date, a whole number of Common Shares equal to the
whole number of Share Units then recorded in the account of the Participant (or as may be adjusted
pursuant to Section 16 hereof), reduced to reflect the amount of any applicable withholding taxes
and other source deductions withheld by Nortel Limited in connection with the satisfaction of the
Participant’s Share Units in accordance with Section 14. Any entitlement to fractional Common
Shares shall be paid in cash by Nortel Limited based on the Price per Common Share (as defined
below) on the Settlement Date.

If the Settlement Date would otherwise fall between the record date for a dividend on the Common
Shares and the related dividend payment date, the Settlement Date shall be the day immediately
following the date of payment of such dividend for purposes of recording in the account of the
Participant the additional Share Units referred to in Section 7 hereof and making the calculation
of Share Units recorded in the Participant’s account pursuant to this Section 8. Notwithstanding
any other provision of the Plan, the Settlement Date shall not be later than the last day of the
first calendar year that begins after the Resignation Date.

In the event that Nortel Limited is unable, by a Participant’s Settlement Date, to compute the
final number of Share Units credited to such Participant’s account by reason of the fact that any
of the data required in order to compute the Market Value of a Common Share is not available to
Nortel Limited, then the Settlement Date shall be the next following trading day on which such data
is available to Nortel Limited.

On the Settlement Date, Nortel Limited shall notify the Broker as to the number of Common Shares to
be purchased by the Broker on behalf of the Participant on the TSE, the NYSE, or any other stock
exchange approved by the Committee. As soon as practicable thereafter, the Broker shall purchase
the number of Common Shares which Nortel Limited has requested the Broker to purchase on behalf of
the Participant and shall notify the Participant and Nortel Limited of:

	(a)  	the aggregate purchase price (“Aggregate Purchase Price”) of the Common Shares;

	 
	(b)  	the purchase price per Common Share or, if the Common Shares were purchased at different
prices, the average purchase price (computed on a weighted average basis) per Common Share
(“Price per Common Share”);

	 
	(c)  	the amount of any reasonable brokerage commission related to such purchase of Common Shares;
and

	 
	(d)  	the Settlement Date for such purchase of Common Shares.

On such Settlement Date, upon payment of the Aggregate Purchase Price and related reasonable
brokerage commission by Nortel Limited, the Broker shall deliver to the Participant, or to his
designated representative, the certificate representing the Common Shares purchased on behalf of
such Participant or shall cause such Common Shares to be transferred electronically to an account
designated by such Participant.

 

 

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If a Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than Canada, Nortel Limited shall have
the right, in its sole discretion, to pay entirely in cash on the Settlement Date an amount equal
to the Market Value of the Common Shares as of the Settlement Date that would otherwise be
delivered in settlement of Share Units (less any applicable tax withholdings or required source
deductions), should it deem it desirable to do so in light of the regulatory or other requirements
of the applicable foreign jurisdiction associated with the purchase of, or payment in, Common
Shares.

9. PARTICIPANT’S ACCOUNT

Nortel Limited shall maintain or cause to be maintained in its records an account for each
Participant recording at all times the number of Share Units credited to the Participant. Upon
payment in satisfaction of Share Units pursuant to Section 8 herein, such Share Units shall be
cancelled. A written notification of the balance in the account maintained for each Participant
shall be mailed by Nortel Limited or by an Administrator on behalf of Nortel Limited to each
Participant at least annually. A Participant shall not be entitled to any certificate or other
document evidencing the Share Units.

10. PURCHASES ON THE OPEN MARKET

Purchases of Common Shares pursuant to the Plan shall be made on the open market by a broker
independent from Nortel Corporation and Nortel Limited designated by the Participant and who is a
member of the TSE, the NYSE, or any such other stock exchange as may be determined by the Committee
from time to time (the “Broker”). Any such designation of a Broker may be changed from time to
time. Upon designation of a Broker or at any time thereafter, Nortel Limited may elect to provide
the designated Broker with a letter agreement to be executed by the Broker, the Participant and
Nortel Limited, setting forth, inter alia:

	(a)  	the Broker’s agreement with being so designated, to acting for the Participant’s account in
accordance with customary usage of the trade with a view to obtaining the best share price for
the Participant in respect of the Common Shares to be purchased for the Participant, and to
delivering to the Participant, or his or her representative, the share certificate for, or to
transferring electronically to an account designated by the Participant, the Common Shares
purchased upon receipt from Nortel Limited of payment of the Aggregate Purchase Price and
related reasonable brokerage commission; and

	 
	(b)  	Nortel Limited’s agreement to notify the Broker of the number of Common Shares to be
purchased and to pay the Aggregate Purchase Price and the related reasonable brokerage
commission,

provided, however, that none of the terms of such letter agreement shall have the effect of making
the Broker or deeming the Broker to be an affiliate of, or not independent from, Nortel Corporation
or Nortel Limited for purposes of any applicable corporate, securities or stock exchange
requirement.

The Share Units, and any related Common Shares that may be delivered under the Plan, have not been
registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as of the effective date of the Plan
and neither Nortel Corporation nor Nortel Limited has any obligation to register such Share

 

 

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Units or Common Shares. Accordingly, the Common Shares delivered under the Plan may not be offered
or sold in the United States unless they become registered or an exemption from registration is
otherwise available.

11. RIGHTS OF PARTICIPANTS

Except as specifically herein provided or provided in the Election Form and Agreement, no Eligible
Director, Participant or other person shall have any claim or right to any Common Shares to be
delivered in settlement of Share Units credited pursuant to the Plan. Nothing herein shall provide
any Participant with an entitlement or right to be elected or appointed a director of Nortel
Limited.

Under no circumstances shall Share Units be considered Common Shares nor shall they entitle any
Participant to exercise voting rights or any other rights attaching to the ownership or control of
Common Shares, nor shall any Participant be considered the owner of any Common Shares to be
delivered under the Plan until after the date of purchase of such Common Shares for the account of
such Participant as specifically provided herein.

12. DEATH OF PARTICIPANT

In the event of a Participant’s death, any and all Share Units then credited to the Participant’s
account shall become payable to a dependant or relation of the Participant designated in writing by
the Participant and provided to Nortel Limited, failing which to the Participant’s legal
representative.

13. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS

Any obligation of Nortel Limited with respect to Common Shares pursuant to the terms of the Plan is
subject to compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, rules, orders of governmental or
regulatory authorities and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which shares of Nortel
Corporation are listed or traded. Should Nortel Limited, in its sole discretion, determine that it
is not desirable or feasible to provide for the settlement of Share Units in Common Shares pursuant
to Section 8 hereof, including by reason of any such laws, regulations, rules, orders or
requirements, such obligation shall be satisfied by means of a cash payment by Nortel Limited equal
to the Market Value of the Common Shares that would otherwise be delivered to a Participant in
settlement of Share Units on the Settlement Date (less any applicable tax withholdings or required
source deductions). Each Participant shall comply with all such laws, regulations, rules, orders
and requirements, and shall furnish Nortel Limited with any and all information and undertakings as
may be required to ensure compliance therewith.

14. WITHHOLDING TAXES

Nortel Limited may withhold from any payment to or for the benefit of a Participant any amount
required to comply with the applicable provisions of any federal, provincial, state or local law
relating to the withholding of tax or the making of any other source deductions, including on the
amount, if any, included in income of a Participant and may adopt and apply such rules and
regulations that in its opinion will ensure that Nortel Limited will be able to so comply.

 

 

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15. TRANSFERABILITY

The rights or interests of a Participant under the Plan, including the Share Units, shall not be
assignable or transferable, otherwise than in case of death as set out in the Plan, and such rights
or interests shall not be encumbered.

16. ALTERATION OF NUMBER OF SHARE UNITS SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

In the event that:

	(a)  	a dividend shall be declared upon the Common Shares or other securities of Nortel Corporation
payable in Common Shares or other securities of Nortel Corporation (other than a dividend
which may be paid in cash or in Common Shares at the option of the shareholder);

	 
	(b)  	the outstanding Common Shares shall be changed into or exchanged for a different number or
kind of shares or other securities of Nortel Corporation or of another corporation, whether
through an arrangement, plan of arrangement, amalgamation or other similar statutory
procedure, or a share recapitalization, subdivision or consolidation or otherwise;

	 
	(c)  	there shall be any change, other than those specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this
Section 16, in the number or kind of outstanding Common Shares or of any shares or other
securities into which such Common Shares shall have been changed or for which they shall have
been exchanged; or

	 
	(d)  	there shall be a distribution of assets or shares to shareholders of Nortel Corporation out
of the ordinary course of business,

then, if the Board shall in its sole discretion determine that such change equitably requires an
adjustment in the number of Share Units credited to Participants pursuant to the Plan but not yet
settled and cancelled, and/or a substitution, for each Common Share, of the kind of securities into
which each outstanding Common Share has been so changed or exchanged and/or any other adjustment,
then such adjustment and/or substitution shall be made by the Board and shall be effective and
binding for all purposes.

In the case of any such substitution, change or adjustment as provided for in this Section 16, the
variation shall generally require that the dollar value of the Share Units then recorded in the
Participant’s account prior to such substitution, change or adjustment will be proportionately and
appropriately varied so that it shall be approximately equal to such dollar value after the
variation.

No adjustment provided for in this Section shall entitle a Participant to receive a fractional
Common Share or other security and the total adjustment with respect to each Share Unit shall be
limited accordingly.

In the event that, at the time contemplated for the purchase of Common Shares under the Plan, there
is no public market for the Common Shares or for securities substituted therefor as

 

 

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provided by this Section 16, the obligations of Nortel Limited under the Plan shall be met by a
payment in cash on the Settlement Date in such amount as is reasonably determined by the Committee
to be fair and equitable in the circumstances, but shall always be established in relation to the
fair market value of a Common Share within the period that begins one year before the Resignation
Date and ends on the Settlement Date.

17. UNSECURED PLAN

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the obligations of Nortel Limited under the Plan
shall be general unsecured obligations of Nortel Limited.

18. EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN

The Plan was originally effective with respect to certain fees payable to Eligible Directors on or
after June 30, 1998. The Plan was amended and restated on April 27, 2000, effective as of May 1,
2000; was suspended on May 25, 2000, effective April 27, 2000; was amended and restated on June 9,
2000, effective May 1, 2000; was amended and restated and the suspension lifted on January 24,
2002, effective January 1, 2002; and was amended and restated on May 29, 2003. The Plan was
amended and restated on December 18, 2003, effective immediately.

19. AMENDMENTS TO, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF, THE PLAN

The Board may from time to time amend, suspend or terminate, in whole or in part, the Plan or amend
the terms of Share Units credited in accordance with the Plan. If any such amendment will
materially adversely affect the rights of a Participant with respect to Share Units credited to
such Participant or under any Election Form and Agreement, the written consent of such Participant
to such amendment shall be obtained. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obtaining of the written
consent of any Participant to an amendment which materially adversely affects the rights of such
Participant with respect to any credited Share Unit or under any Election Form and Agreement shall
not be required if such amendment is required to comply with applicable laws, regulations, rules,
orders of governmental or regulatory authorities or the requirements of any stock exchange on which
shares of Nortel Corporation are listed or traded.

If the Board terminates the Plan, Share Units previously credited to Participants shall, at the
discretion of the Board, either (a) become immediately payable in accordance with the terms of the
Plan in effect at such time, or (b) remain outstanding and in effect and settled subject to and in
accordance with their applicable terms and conditions.

20. GOVERNING LAW

Consent to membership on the Board and the resulting participation in the Plan by any Participant
shall be construed as acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Plan by the Participant and as
to the Participant’s agreement to be bound thereby. The Plan shall be construed in accordance with
and governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario.exv10w1

 

Exhibit 10.1

Nortel Networks Corporation

8200 Dixie Road, Suite 100

Brampton, Ontario L6T 5P6

January 10, 2005

Mr. Lynton (Red) Wilson, Chairman of the Board

Nortel Networks Corporation

8200 Dixie Road, Suite 100

Brampton, Ontario L6T 5P6

Dear Red:

     As the core executive leadership team responsible for management of Nortel Networks
Corporation (“Nortel” or the “Company”), we are writing to confirm our oral undertakings made in
anticipation of Nortel’s forthcoming restatement of financial results.

     We are aware that Nortel’s Audit Committee inquiry has identified improper accounting
activities at the Company. While we did not engage in improper conduct ourselves, we share the
Board’s deep disappointment in these actions and
events — and we are determined to make it clear to
our employees, our customers, our investors and others that such activities are unacceptable to us.

     Accordingly, as a matter of corporate leadership and integrity, the Company’s senior
management affirms our voluntary, unilateral and unconditional undertakings to do the following:
(1) we will pay to Nortel an amount equal to our respective Return to Profitability (“RTP”) bonus
paid to us in 2003 (net of taxes deducted at the source) regardless whether the profitability
metrics associated with the RTP were met on a restated basis; and (2) we do not intend to accept,
and accordingly disclaim, any potential award to us of either the third or fourth tranches of 2003
Restricted Stock Units (regardless whether applicable financial targets for these bonuses were
achieved). The specific amount to be paid by each of us, respectively, is set forth on Schedule A
attached to this letter; further mechanics associated with this undertaking (and as we have
discussed) are set forth on Schedule B attached to this letter.

 

 

     It is our hope that our undertakings, along with the actions being taken by the Company to
improve internal controls and to affirm Nortel’s commitment to good corporate governance from the
top down, will help to restore the Company’s reputation and will promote confidence in Nortel among
our employees, our customers, our investors and the general market.

Very truly yours,

	 	 	 
	/s/ Pascal Debon

	 	/s/ John Giamatteo
	 

	 	 
	Pascal Debon

	 	John Giamatteo
	 
	 	 
	/s/ Malcolm Collins

	 	/s/ Steven Pusey
	 

	 	 
	Malcolm Collins

	 	Steven Pusey
	 
	 	 
	/s/ Brian McFadden

	 	/s/ Chahram Bolouri
	 

	 	 
	Brian McFadden

	 	Chahram Bolouri
	 
	 	 
	/s/ Susan L. Spradley

	 	/s/ Robert Mao
	 

	 	 
	Susan L. Spradley

	 	Robert Mao
	 
	 	 
	/s/ Nicholas DeRoma

	 	/s/ Greg Mumford
	 

	 	 
	Nicholas DeRoma

	 	Greg Mumford
	 
	 	 
	/s/ William Donovan

	 	/s/ Dion Joannou
	 

	 	 
	William Donovan

	 	Dion Joannou

 

 

Schedule A

	 	 	 
	Name	 	RTP Amounts (Net)
	BOLOURI, Chahram

	 	C $891,697
	COLLINS, Malcolm

	 	GBP £395,409
	DEBON, Pascal

	 	US $1,078,963
	DeROMA, Nicholas

	 	C $953,747
	DONOVAN, Bill

	 	US $640,271
	GIAMATTEO, John

	 	US $259,875
	JOANNOU, Dion

	 	US $328,412
	MAO, Robert

	 	US $627,500
	McFADDEN, Brian

	 	C $899,630
	MUMFORD, Greg

	 	C $921,500
	PUSEY, Steve

	 	GBP £473,173
	SPRADLEY, Sue

	 	US $967,694

 

 

Schedule B

	1.  	I will pay my RTP Amount either in cash through regular or periodic deductions from my
payroll deposits or otherwise) or by the surrender to the Company for cancellation, without
return of capital, of Nortel Networks Corporation common shares (“NNC Shares”) or any
combination of cash or NNC Shares. If I do not pay my first scheduled payment in cash, I will
make such first scheduled payment in NNC Shares as provided in paragraph 4 below.
	 
	2.  	I may pay all or any portion of my RTP Amount in advance of the scheduled payment dates. All
pre-payments will be applied against my next succeeding scheduled payment or payments.
	 
	3.  	I understand that I am only permitted to surrender my NNC Shares during open “Window Periods”
under Nortel Networks Corporate Procedure No. 320.28 – Use of Undisclosed Information
(“Procedure 320.28”) and only in circumstances when I am otherwise permitted to trade in
securities of Nortel in accordance with (i) Procedure No. 320.28, (ii) applicable law, and
(ii) any applicable orders of regulatory authorities having jurisdiction. I understand that I
am barred from trading in Nortel securities until notified by the Company to the contrary.
	 
	4.  	Except as otherwise provided below, I shall pay my RTP Amount in six equal scheduled payments
on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing on February 15, 2005 and ending on
August 15,2007. If I choose to make any scheduled payment in NNC Shares, such payment will be
made on the first business day of the next “Window Period” immediately following the
applicable scheduled payment date rather than on such scheduled payment date. If I choose to
make my first scheduled payment using NNC Shares and the trading prohibitions referred to in
paragraph 3 above are still in effect, I shall make such payment on the first business day of
the first open Window Period immediately following the termination or cessation of all such
trading prohibitions, together with any other payments scheduled to be made on such date. I
understand that the Company will notify me when there is an open Window Period and I am able
to surrender my NNC Shares.
	 
	5.  	For the purpose of facilitating the voluntary payments of the RTP Amount, unless I have
already prepaid the entire RTP Amount under paragraph 2 above or entered into an alternative
arrangement contemplated by paragraph 9 below, I will enter into appropriate escrow
arrangements as soon as reasonably practicable. I intend to deposit, with an escrow agent, NNC
Shares having a value, determined in accordance with paragraph 7 below as of the date of the
escrow deposit, of not less than my RTP Amount. The escrow arrangements described in this
paragraph 5 will be subject to compliance with all applicable legal requirements and, to the
extent necessary, to the receipt of all approvals, consents or orders from governmental or
regulatory authorities, which the Company and I will cooperate in obtaining.
	 
	6.  	Except where I am making my first payment in NNC shares, as contemplated in paragraph 4
above, if I do not make a scheduled payment on a scheduled payment date

 

 

	   	and have not otherwise pre-paid such amount, I will be deemed to have irrevocably instructed
the escrow agent to pay such amount to the Company by delivery of the applicable number of
NNC Shares on the first business day of the “Window Period” immediately following such
scheduled payment date pursuant to the terms of the escrow arrangements.
	 
	7.  	If I deliver, or instruct or am deemed to have instructed the escrow agent to deliver on my
behalf, NNC Shares to be surrendered for cancellation as payment:

	 	(a)  	on any day that is not a business day or before 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on
any business day, such shares will be valued at the closing price (as reported by the
New York Stock Exchange) on the most recent trading day prior to the day of delivery by
me of the NNC Shares to the Corporate Secretary of Nortel or to the day that I deliver
or am deemed to have delivered the instructions to the escrow agent, as the case may
be, for which a closing price has been reported; or
	 
	 	(b)  	after 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on any business day, such shares will be valued
at the closing price (reported by the applicable stock exchange referred to in
paragraph 7 (a) above) on such day, or if there is no closing price reported for such
day, at the closing price reported for the next succeeding day for which a closing
price is reported.

	8.  	If, after I have paid my RTP Amount in full, any of my NNC
Shares remain in escrow, such shares will be returned to me. If, after delivery to the Company of all NNC Shares held in
escrow on my behalf pursuant to the escrow arrangements, there remains any portion of my RTP
Amount that has not been paid, I will continue to make payments hereunder until my RTP Amount
has been paid in full.
	 
	9.  	As an alternative to the foregoing arrangements, I may arrange with the Company to make all
of my payments on a pre-arranged basis using NNC Shares, valued in accordance with paragraph 7
above and deposited pursuant to appropriate escrow arrangements acceptable to the Company,
such payments to be made on the first business day of the applicable “Window Period”
immediately following the scheduled payment dates referred to in paragraph 4 above.
	 
	10.  	My undertakings are voluntary, unilateral and unconditional, and I intend that payment of my
RTP Amount will survive my departure from Nortel or any of its subsidiaries, for any reason. I
do not expect that this voluntary undertaking will survive my death or permanent disability.
This attached letter and schedules, together with the applicable escrow arrangements, set
forth my undertaking concerning the payment of my RTP Amount.
	 
	11.  	I will assume responsibility to consult my own tax advisor as to the applicable income or
transfer tax consequences to me of the matters addressed in this letter and attached schedule,
including surrendering NNC Shares to the Company for cancellation.

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