FORECROSS CORPORATION
1994 STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Option Plan are to
attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants of
the Company and its Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's
business. Options granted under the Plan may be incentive stock options
(as defined under Section 422 of the Code) or non-statutory stock options,
as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of an option and subject
tothe applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code, as amended,
and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees
appointed pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan.
(b) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(c) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) "Committee" means a Committee appointed by the Board of
Directors in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(e) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.
(f) "Company" means Forecross Corporation, a California corporation.
(g) "Consultant" means any person who is engaged by the Company or
any Parent or Subsidiary to render consulting or advisory services and is
compensated for such services, and any director of the Company whether
compensated for such services or not, provided that if and in the event the
Company registers any class of any equity security pursuant to the Exchange Act,
the term Consultant shall thereafter not include directors who are not
compensated for their services or are paid only a director's fee by the Company.
(h) "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant" means that the
employment or consulting relationship with the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary is not interrupted or terminated. Continuous Status as an Employee or
Consultant shall not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) any leave of
absence approved by the Company, including sick leave, military leave, or any
other personal leave; provided, however, that for purposes of Incentive Stock
Options, no such leave may exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon the
expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract (including certain Company
policies) or statute; provided, further, that on the ninety-first (91st) day of
any such leave (where reemployment is not guaranteed by contract or statute) the
Optionee's Incentive Stock Option shall cease to be treated as an Incentive
Stock Option
and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option; or (ii)
transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent,
its Subsidiaries or its successor.
(i) "Employee" means any person, including officers and directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. The payment
of a director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient to constitute
"employment" by the Company.
(j) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(k) "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
National Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") System, its Fair Market Value shall 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 the last market trading day
prior to the time of determination) as reported in The Wall Street Journal or
such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is listed the Vancouver Stock
Exchange ("VSE"), its Fair Market Value shall 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 the last market trading day prior to the time of
determination) as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable;
(iii) If the Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ System
(but not on the National Market System thereof) or regularly quoted by a
recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair
Market Value shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the
Common Stock or;
(iv) In the absence of an established market for the
Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by
the Administrator.
(l) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as
an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(m) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(n) "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.
(o) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
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(p) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.
(q) "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an
Option.
(r) "Parent" means a "parent corporation", whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(s) "Plan" means this 1994 Stock Option Plan.
(t) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 12 below.
(u) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of the
Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock. The shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
If an Option should expire or become unexercisable for any reason
without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject
thereto shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, become available for
future grant under the Plan.
4. Administration of the Plan.
(a) Initial Plan Procedure. Prior to the date, if any, upon which
the Company becomes subject to the Exchange Act, the Plan shall be administered
by the Board or a committee appointed by the Board.
(b) Plan Procedure after the Date, if any, upon which the Company
becomes subject to the Exchange Act.
(i) Administration with Respect to Directors and Officers.
With respect to grants of Options to Employees who are also officers or
directors of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board if the
Board may administer the Plan in compliance with Rule 16b-3 promulgated under
the Exchange Act or any successor thereto ("Rule 16b-3") with respect to a plan
intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan, or (B) a committee
designated by the Board to administer the Plan, which committee shall be
constituted in such a manner as to permit the Plan to comply with Rule 16b-3
with respect to a plan intended to qualify thereunder as a discretionary plan.
Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to serve in its designated
capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may
increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional members thereof,
remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new
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members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove all
members of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the
extent permitted by Rule 16b-3 with respect to a plan intended to qualify
thereunder as a discretionary plan.
(ii) Multiple Administrative Bodies. If permitted by Rule
16b-3, the Plan may be administered by different bodies with respect to
directors, non-director officers and Employees who are neither directors nor
officers.
(iii) Administration With Respect to Consultants and Other
Employees. With respect to grants of Options to Employees or Consultants who are
neither directors nor officers of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by
(A) the Board or (B) a committee designated by the Board, which committee shall
be constituted in such a manner as to satisfy the legal requirements relating to
the administration of incentive stock option plans, if any, of California
corporate and securities laws, the securities laws of British Columbia, of the
Code, and of any applicable stock exchange (the "Applicable Laws"). Once
appointed, such Committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity
until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase
the size of the Committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members
(with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill
vacancies, however caused, and remove all members of the Committee and
thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by the
Applicable Laws.
(c) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan and, in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board
to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant authorities,
including the approval, if required, of any stock exchange upon which the Common
Stock is listed, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its
discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock,
in accordance. with Section 2(k) of the Plan;
(ii) to select the Consultants and Employees to whom
Options may from time to time be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine whether and to what extent Options are
granted hereunder;
(iv) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to
be covered by each such award granted hereunder;
(v) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;
(vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder,
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(vii) to determine whether and under what circumstances an
Option may be settled in cash under subsection 9(f) instead of Common Stock;
(viii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the
then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock
covered by such Option has declined since the date the Option was granted,
provided that if and for so long as the Stock is listed on the Vancouver Stock
Exchange, such reductions shall be approved in accordance with applicable
policies of the Vancouver Stock Exchange; and
(ix) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and
awards granted pursuant to the Plan.
(d) Effect of Administrator's Decision. All decisions,
determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and
binding on all Optionees and any other holders of any Options.
5. Eligibility.
(a) Nonstatutory Stock Options may be granted to Employees and
Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. An
Employee or Consultant who has been granted an Option may, if otherwise
eligible, be granted additional Options.
(b) Each Option shall be designated in the written option agreement
as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However,
notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares underlying Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the
first time by any Optionee during any calendar year (under all plans of the
Company or any Parent or Subsidiary) in excess of $ 100,000, such excess shall
be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.
(c) For purposes of Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be
taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market
Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect
to such Shares is granted.
(d) The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with
respect to continuation of employment or consulting relationship with the
Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with his or her right or the
Company's right to terminate his or her employment or consulting relationship at
any time, with or without cause.
(e) Upon the Company or a successor corporation issuing any class of
common equity securities required to be registered under Section 12 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or upon the Plan being assumed by a
corporation having a class of common equity securities required to be registered
under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act, the following limitations shall
apply to grants of Options to Employees:
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(i) No Employee shall be granted, in any fiscal year of the
Company, Options to purchase more than 500,000 Shares.
(ii) The foregoing limitation shall be adjusted
proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as
described in Section 12(a).
(iii) If an Option is cancelled (other than in connection
with a transaction described in Section 12), the cancelled Option will be
counted against the limit set forth in Section 5(e)(i). For this purpose, if the
exercise price of an Option is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a
cancellation of the Option and the grant of a new Option.
6. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to occur
of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the shareholders of
the Company, as described in Section 18 of the Plan. It shall continue in effect
for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 14 of the
Plan.
7. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be the term stated in the
Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than ten
(10) years from the date of grant thereof. However, in the case of an Incentive
Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the 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 term of the
Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter
term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.
8. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(a) The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued
pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the
Board, but shall be subject to the following:
(i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
(A) granted to an Employee who, at the time of
the grant of such Incentive Stock Option, 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 shall be no less than 110% of
the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B) granted to any Employee other than an
Employee described in the preceding paragraph, the per Share exercise price
shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of
grant.
(ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option
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(A) granted to a person who, at the time of the
grant of such Option, 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 shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market
Value per Share on the date of the grant.
(B) granted to any person, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.
(b) The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined by
the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be
determined at the time of grant) and may consist entirely of (1) cash, (2)
check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares which (x) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an Option have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender and (y) have a Fair Market Value on the
date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to
which said Option shall be exercised, (5) delivery of a properly executed
exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Administrator and
the broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and
delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the
exercise price, or (6) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In
making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Board
shall consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to
benefit the Company.
9. Exercise of Option.
(a) Procedure for Exercise: Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions
as determined by the Board, including performance criteria with respect to the
Company and/or the Optionee, and as shall be permissible under the terms of the
Plan.
An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of
such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the
Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by the
Company. Full payment may, as authorized by the Board, consist of any
consideration and method of payment allowable under Section 8(b) of the Plan.
Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the
Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the stock
certificate evidencing such Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any
other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock,
notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to
be issued) such stock certificate promptly upon exercise of the Option. No
adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date
is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in
Section 12 of the Plan.
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Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in
the number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the
Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the
Option is exercised.
(b) Termination of Employment or Consulting Relationship. In the
event that an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant
terminates (but not in the event of a change of status from Employee to
Consultant (in which case an Employee's Incentive Stock Option shall
automatically convert to a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the ninety-first (91st)
day following such change of status) or from Consultant to Employee), other than
upon the Optionee's death or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her
Option, but only within such period of time as is determined by the
Administrator, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise
it at the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the
term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant). If, at the date of
termination, the Optionee is not entitled to exercise his or her entire Option,
the Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall revert to
the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her
Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(c) Disability of Optionee. In the event of termination of an
Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status as an Employee as a
result of his or her disability, Optionee may, but only within six (6) months
from the date of such termination (and in no event later than the expiration
date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise
the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such
termination; provided, however, that if such disability is not a "disability" as
such term is defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, in the case of an
Incentive Stock Option such Incentive Stock Option shall automatically convert
to a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the day three months and one day following
such termination. To the extent that Optionee is not entitled to exercise the
Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option
to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(d) Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of an Optionee, the
Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date
of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option
as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or by a person
who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but
only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at the
date of death. If, at the time of death, the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable
portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. If, after death, the
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by
bequest or inheritance does not exercise the Option within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.
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(e) Rule 16b-3. Options granted to persons subject to Section 16(b)
of the Exchange Act must comply with Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such
additional conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify
for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to
Plan transactions.
(f) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to
buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based on
such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate
to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.
10. Non-Transferability of Options. Options 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 Optionee, only by the Optionee.
11. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization or Merger.
(a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have
been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet
been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or
expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered
by each such outstanding Option, shall be proportionately adjusted for any
increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting
from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or
reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the
number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option.
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Board shall notify the Optionee
at least fifteen (15) days prior to such proposed action. To the extent it has
not been previously exercised, the Option will terminate immediately prior to
the consummation of such proposed action.
(c) Merger. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into
another corporation, the Option shall be assumed or an equivalent option shall
be substituted by such successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such
successor corporation. If, in such event, the Option is not assumed or
substituted, the Option shall terminate as of the date of the closing of the
merger. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option shall be considered
assumed if, following the merger, the option confers the right to purchase, for
each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option immediately prior to the
merger, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or
9
property) received in the merger 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 merger was not solely common stock of the successor corporation
or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor
corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of
the Option for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option to be solely
common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market
value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the
merger.
12. Time of Granting Options. The date of grant of an Option shall, for all
purposes, be the date on which the Administrator makes the determination
granting such Option, or such other date as is determined by the Board. Notice
of the determination shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to whom an
Option is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
13. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration, suspension
or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of any Optionee
under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent. In addition, to
the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange
Act or with Section 422 of the Code (or any other applicable law or regulation,
including the requirements of the NASD or an established stock exchange), the
Company shall obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner
and to such a degree as required.
(b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. Any such amendment or
termination of the Plan shall not affect Options already granted, and such
Options shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been
amended or terminated, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and
the Board, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the
Company.
14. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued pursuant
to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance
and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all relevant
provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and
the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed,
and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with
respect to such compliance.
As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require
the person exercising such Option 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 by any of
the aforementioned relevant provisions of law.
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15. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will
at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
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, shall
relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell
such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.
16. Options shall be evidenced by written agreements in such form as the
Board shall approve from time to time.
17. Shareholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained
in the degree and manner required under applicable state and federal law and the
rules of any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed.
18. Information to Optionees and Purchasers. The Company shall provide to
each Optionee, not less frequently than annually, copies of annual financial
statements. The Company shall also provide such statements to each individual
who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan while such individual owns such Shares.
The Company shall not be required to provide such statements to key employees
whose duties in connection with the Company assure their access to equivalent
information.
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FORECROSS CORPORATION
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
1. Grant of Option. Forecross Corporation, a California corporation (the
"Company"), hereby grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant (the
"Optionee"), an option (the "Option") to purchase a total number of shares of
Common Stock (the "Shares") set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise
price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price") subject
to the terms, definitions and provisions of the 1994 Stock Option Plan (the
"Plan") adopted by the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the
same defined meanings in this Option.
If designated an Incentive Stock Option, this Option is intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
2. Exercise of Option. This Option shall be exercisable during its term in
accordance with the Exercise Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and with
the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan as follows:
(i) Right to Exercise.
(a) This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share.
(b) In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other
termination of employment, the exercisability of the Option is governed by
Sections 7, 8 and 9 below, subject to the limitation contained in subsection
2(i)(c).
(c) In no event may this Option be exercised after the date of
expiration of the term of this Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant.
(ii) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by written
notice in the form attached as Exhibit A which shall state the election to
exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is
being exercised, and such other representations and agreements as to the
holder's investment intent with respect to such shares of Common Stock as may be
required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Such written
notice shall be signed by the Optionee and shall be delivered in person or by
certified mail to the Secretary of the Company. The written notice shall be
accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. This Option shall be deemed to be
exercised upon receipt by the Company of such written notice accompanied by the
Exercise Price.
No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option
unless such issuance and such exercise shall comply with all relevant provisions
of law and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then
be listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be
considered transferred to the Optionee on the date on which the Option is
exercised with respect to such Shares.
3. Optionee's Representations. In the event the Shares purchased pursuant
to the exercise of this Option are listed on the Vancouver Stock Exchange,
Optionee shall concurrently with the grant of this Option, deliver to the
Company for filing with the Vancouver Stock Exchange a Declaration of Stock
Option Position in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B. In the event the
Shares purchasable pursuant to the exercise of this Option have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time this Option
is exercised, Optionee shall, concurrently with the exercise of all or any
portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his or her Investment
Representation Statement in the form attached to the Notice of Exercise.
4. Method of Payment. Payment of the Exercise Price shall be by cash or
check.
5. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised until such
time as the Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company, or if the
issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable
federal or state securities or other law or regulation, including any rule under
Part 207 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("Regulation G") as
promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. As a condition to the exercise of this
Option, the Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty
to the Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.
6. Adjustments for Stock Splits, Recapitalizations.
(a) The Exercise Price and number of Shares subject to this Option
(as set forth on the Notice of Grant) shall be subject to adjustment as follows:
If the Company at any time (i) subdivides (by any stock split, stock dividend or
otherwise) the Common Stock into a greater number of shares, the Exercise Price
in effect immediately prior to such subdivision will be proportionately reduced
and the number of Shares issuable shall be proportionately increased, and (ii)
if the Company at any time combines (by reverse stock split or otherwise) the
Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, the Exercise Price in effect
immediately prior to such combination will be proportionately increased and the
number of Shares issuable shall be proportionately decreased.
(b) If at any time while this Option is outstanding there shall be
any reclassification or conversion of the Common Stock into the another class of
securities (other than a subdivision or combination or shares provided for in
the preceding paragraph), the Optionee shall thereafter be entitled to receive,
during the term hereof and upon payment of the Exercise Price, the number of
shares of stock to which a holder of the Common Stock would have been entitled
upon such
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reclassification or conversion had the Optionee exercised this Option
immediately prior to such reclassification or conversion.
7. Termination of Option.
(a) Upon Dissolution, Liquidation or Merger. In the event of the
proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company or a Change of Control, the
Board shall notify the Optionee at least fifteen (15) days prior to such
proposed action. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, the Option
will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(b) Upon Termination of Employment or Status as an Outside Director.
In the event of termination of Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or
Outside Director for any reason, including, without limitation, the total and
permanent disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may,
to the extent otherwise so entitled at the date of such termination (the
"Termination Date"), exercise this Option during the Termination Period set out
in the Notice of Grant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise
this Option at the date of such termination, or if Optionee does not exercise
this Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.
(c) Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of Optionee, the
Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date
of death (but in no event later than the date of expiration of the term of this
Option as set forth in Section 10 below), by Optionee's estate or by a person
who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but
only to the extent the Optionee could exercise the Option at the date of death.
8. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any
manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may
be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by him. The terms of this
Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors
and assigns of the Optionee.
9. Restriction on Transfer.
(a) The Optionee agrees that following the date of the exercise of
this Option, he or she shall not effect any sale or transfer of the Shares
issued pursuant to such exercise on the Vancouver Stock Exchange (the "VSE")
without first obtaining the prior written consent of the Board of Directors of
the Company (or any committee designated therefor), which consent shall be in
the sole discretion of the Board.
(b) All transferees of Shares or any interest therein shall be
required as a condition of such transfer to agree in writing in the form
satisfactory to the Company that they will receive and hold such Shares or
interests subject to the provisions of this Stock Option Agreement (the
"Agreement"), including, insofar as applicable, the restriction on resale set
forth in this Section 10.
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Any sale or transfer of the Company's Shares shall be void unless the provisions
of this Agreement are met.
(c) The restriction on resale imposed by this Section 10 shall
terminate on the second anniversary of the date of exercise of this Option. Upon
termination of the restriction, at the Optionee's request the Company shall
issue a new certificate representing the Shares without a legend referring to
such restriction.
10. Legends. Optionee understands and agrees that the Company shall cause
the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be
placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with
any other legends that may be required by state or federal securities laws:
"THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR
INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE
OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF, NO SUCH SALE OR DISPOSITION MAY BE EFFECTED
WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933".
"THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY
AND THE SHAREHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE
SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY."
11. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set
out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option. The limitations set out
in Section 7 of the Plan regarding Options designated as Incentive Stock Options
and Options granted to more than ten percent (10%) shareholders shall apply to
this Option.
12. Certain Business Combinations. In the event it is determined by the
Board of Directors, upon receipt of a written opinion of the Company's
independent public accountants, that the enforcement of any Section or
subsection of this Agreement would preclude accounting for any proposed business
combination of the corporation involving a Change of Control as a pooling of
interests, and the Board otherwise desires to approve such a proposed business
transaction which requires as a condition to the closing of such transaction
that it be accounted for as a pooling of interests, that any such Section or
subsection of this Agreement shall be null and void.
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13. Tax Consequences. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the date of
this Option of some of the federal and state tax consequences of exercise of
this Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY
INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
OPTIONEE
SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF
THE SHARES.
(i) Exercise of Incentive Stock Option. If this Option qualifies as
an Incentive Stock Option, there will be no regular federal income tax liability
or state income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option, although the
excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise
over the Exercise Price will be treated as an adjustment to the alternative
minimum tax for federal tax purposes and may subject the Optionee to the
alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise.
(ii) Exercise of Nonqualified Stock Option. If this Option does not
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, there may be a regular federal income tax
liability and a state income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option. The
Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at
ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value
of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. If Optionee is an
employee, the Company will be required to withhold from Optionee's compensation
or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount
equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise.
(iii) Disposition of Shares. In the case of an Nonstatutory Stock
Option, if Shares are held for at least one year, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal
and state income tax purposes. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, if
Shares transferred pursuant to the Option are held for at least one year after
exercise and are disposed of at least two years after the Date of Grant, any
gain realized on disposition of the Shares will also be treated as long-term
capital gain for federal and state income tax purposes. If Shares purchased
under an Incentive Stock Option are disposed of within such one-year period or
within two years after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on such disposition
will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income rates) to the
extent of the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date
of exercise over the Exercise Price.
(iv) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of Incentive Stock Option
Shares. If the Option granted to Optionee herein is an Incentive Stock Option,
and if Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired
pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option on or before the later of (1) the date
two years after the Date of Grant, or (2) the date one year after transfer of
such Shares to the Optionee upon exercise of the Incentive Stock Option, the
Optionee shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition.
Optionee agrees that Optionee may be subject to income tax withholding by the
Company on the compensation income recognized by the Optionee from the early
disposition by payment in cash or out of the current earnings paid to the
Optionee.
5
14. Arbitration. Optionee agrees that any dispute or controversy arising out
of or relating to any interpretation, construction, performance or breach of
this Agreement, shall be settled by arbitration to be held in Saddle Brook, New
Jersey, in accordance with the rules then in effect of the American Arbitration
Association. The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in such
dispute or controversy. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final,
conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration. Judgement may be
entered on the arbitrator's decision in any court having jurisdiction. The
Company and Optionee shall each pay one-half of the costs and expenses of such
arbitration; each party shall separately pay its own counsel fees and expenses.
15. Miscellaneous.
(i) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of California excluding that body of
law pertaining to conflicts of law.
(ii) Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be
determined by a court of law to be illegal or unenforceable, the other
provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and shall remain enforceable.
NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOR IN THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION
PLAN WHICH IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, SHALL CONFER UPON OPTIONEE
ANY
RIGHT WITH RESPECT TO CONTINUATION OF STATUS AS AN OUTSIDE DIRECTOR OR OF
EMPLOYMENT BY THE COMPANY, NOR SHALL IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH THE
OPTIONEE'S OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S STATUS AS AN
OUTSIDE DIRECTOR OR EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TO, WITH OR WITHOUT
CAUSE.
6
EXHIBIT A
EXERCISE NOTICE
Forecross Corporation
90 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, California 94105
Attention: Secretary
1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today,___________,19__, the
undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to exercise Optionee's option to purchase
____________shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of Forecross Corporation
(the "Company") under and pursuant to the Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan, as
amended (the "Plan") and the [ ] Incentive [ ] Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreement dated (the "Option Agreement").
2. Representations of Optionee.
(a) Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has received, read and
understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound
by their terms and conditions.
(b) In the event the Shares being purchased pursuant to the exercise
of this Option have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, at the time this Option is exercised, Optionee shall, concurrently with
the exercise of all or any portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his or
her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto.
3 . Rights as Shareholder. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, Optionee shall have all of the rights of a shareholder of the Company
with respect to the Shares from and after the date that Optionee delivers full
payment of the Exercise Price until such time as Optionee disposes of the
Shares.
4. Tax Consultation. Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer adverse
tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of the
Shares. Optionee represents that Optionee has consulted with any tax consultants
Optionee deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the
Shares and that Optionee is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.
5. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under
this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure
to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the
restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this
Agreement shall be binding upon Optionee and his or her heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and assigns.
6. Arbitration. Optionee agrees that any dispute or controversy arising out
of or relating to any interpretation, construction, performance or breach of
this Agreement, shall be settled by arbitration to be held in Saddle Brook, New
Jersey, in accordance with the rules then in effect of the American Arbitration
Association. The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in such
dispute or controversy. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final,
conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration. Judgement may be
entered on the arbitrator's decision in any court having jurisdiction. The
Company and Optionee shall each pay one-half of the costs and expenses of such
arbitration; each party shall separately pay its own counsel fees and expenses.
7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of California excluding that body of law
pertaining to conflicts of law.
8. Severability. Should any provision of this Agreement be determined by a
court of law to be illegal or unenforceable, the other provisions shall
nevertheless remain effective and shall remain enforceable.
9. Notices. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in
writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon
deposit in the United States mail by certified mail, with postage and fees
prepaid, addressed to the other party at its address as shown below beneath its
signature, or to such other address as such party may designate in writing from
time to time to the other party.
10. Further Instruments. The parties agree to execute such further
instruments and to take such further action as may be reasonably necessary to
carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
11. Delivery of Payment. Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the full
Exercise Price for the Shares.
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12. Entire Agreement. The Plan, Notice of Grant/Option Agreement and, if
applicable, Investment Representation Statement are incorporated herein by
reference. This Agreement, the Plan, the Notice of Grant/Option Agreement and,
if applicable, Investment Representation Statement constitute the entire
agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings
and agreements of the company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and are governed by California law except for that body of law
pertaining to conflict of laws.
Submitted by: Accepted by:
OPTIONEE: FORECROSS CORPORATION
___________________________ By:___________________________
Signature
___________________________ Its: ___________________________
Print Name
Address: Address:
____________________________ 90 New Montgomery Street
____________________________ San Francisco,
California 94105
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EXHIBIT B
LISTINGS POLICY STATEMENT NO.1
FORMS
VSE 1-1A
DECLARATION OF STOCK OPTION POSITION
THIS FORM FOR COMPLETION BY OPTIONEE
RE:____________________
RE:___________incentive stock options in Forecross Corporation(No. of options)
(Company)
I, __________________, HEREBY CERTIFY that the aforesaid non-transferable
options have been granted to me in compliance with the requirements of the
V.S.E. Listings Policy Statement No. 1: and more particularly that at the time
of grant, I was not aware of any change in the affairs of the Company which
might have affected the trading price and had not been disclosed to the public.
If the Company is classified as a Venture Company as of the date of this
declaration, I confirm that I have not been granted a stock option in the said
Company within 2 years of the date of grant of the above-stated options.
I HEREBY FURTHER CERTIFY (complete either Part I or Part II as applicable):
PART I
THAT I have not been granted any director or employee incentive share options by
any other listed companies.
DATED the ____ day of __________, 19____ SIGNATURE ______________
PART II
THAT I hold as of the date of this Declaration existing incentive share options
which have been granted to me by the above named company or other listed
companies as follows:
Outstanding No. of
Balance as
Name of Shares Date of Date of at Date of
Listed Co. Optioned Exercise Grant Certificate
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
(Complete on separate sheet if insufficient space)
DATED the ____ day of __________, 19____ SIGNATURE ______________
Policy No. 1 December 14, 1990
Page 8 of 11
INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT
OPTIONEE : ______________________
COMPANY : FORECROSS CORPORATION
SECURITY : COMMON STOCK
AMOUNT : ______________________
DATE : ______________________
In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Shares, the undersigned
Optionee represents to the Company the following:
(a) Optionee is an employee of the Company, is under a contract to
provide management services to the Company or is an Outside Director of the
Company. Optionee is aware of the Company's business affairs and financial
condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an
informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Shares. Optionee is acquiring
the Shares for investment for Optionee's own account only and not with a view
to, or for resale in connection with, any "distribution" thereof within the
meaning of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act").
(b) Optionee understands that the Shares have not been registered under
the Securities Act, that no market presently exists for Shares, and that the
Shares may not be sold or transferred unless and until registered under the
Securities Act or unless, in the opinion of counsel, such transfer is exempt
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
(c) Optionee acknowledges and understands that the Shares constitute
"restricted securities" under the Securities Act and have been issued in
reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon,
among other things, the bona fide nature of Optionee's investment intent as
expressed herein. In this connection, Optionee understands that, in the view of
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the statutory basis for
such exemption may be unavailable if Optionee's representation was predicated
solely upon a present intention to hold these Shares for the minimum capital
gains period specified under tax statutes, for a deferred sale, for or until an
increase or decrease in the market price of the Shares, or for a period of one
year or any other fixed period in the future. Optionee further understands that
the Shares must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered
under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available.
Optionee further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no
obligation to register the Shares.
(d) Optionee is familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule 144,
each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited
public resale of "restricted securities" acquired, directly or indirectly from
the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of
certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule
701 at the time of exercise of the Option by the Optionee, such exercise will be
exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In the event the Company
later becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days thereafter securities
exempt under Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction of certain of
the conditions specified by Rule 144, including among other things: (1) the sale
being made through a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in
transactions directly with a market maker (as said term is defined under the
United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934); and, in the case of an
affiliate, (2) the availability of certain public information about the Company,
and the amount of securities being sold during any three month period not
exceeding the limitations specified in Rule 144(e), if applicable.
In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at the time
of exercise of the Option, then the Shares may be resold in certain limited
circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which requires among other
things: (1) the resale occurring not less than two years after the party has
purchased, and made full payment for, within the meaning of Rule 144, the
securities to be sold; and, in the case of an affiliate, or of a non-affiliate
who has held the securities less than three years, (2) the availability of
certain public information about the Company, (3) the sale being made through a
broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in transactions directly with
a market maker (as said term is defined under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934), and (4) the amount of securities being sold during any three month period
not exceeding the specified limitations stated therein, if applicable.
(e) Optionee further understands that in the event all of the
applicable requirements of Rule 701 or 144 are not satisfied, registration under
the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration
exemption will be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rules 144
and 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission
has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement
securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to
Rules 144 or 701 will have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an
exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such
persons and their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so
at their own risk. Optionee understands that no assurances can be given that any
such other registration exemption will be available in such event.
(f) Optionee agrees, in connection with the Company's initial
underwritten public offering of the Company's securities, (1) not to sell, make
short sale of, loan, grant any options for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose
of any shares of capital stock of the Company held by Optionee (other than those
shares included in the registration) without the prior written consent of the
Company or the underwriters managing such initial underwritten public offering
of the Company's
2
securities for one hundred eighty (180) days from the effective date of such
registration, and (2) further agrees to execute any agreement reflecting (1)
above as may be requested by the underwriters at the time of the public
offering; provided, however, that the Optionee shall be relieved of the
foregoing obligation unless the officers and directors of the Company who own
the stock of the Company also agree to similar restrictions.
(g) Optionee understands and agrees that the Company shall cause the
legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be
placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with
any other legends that may be required by state or federal securities laws:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
(THE "ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR
OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED
UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR,
IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE
SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES,
SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR
HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
(h) Stop-Transfer Notices. Optionee agrees that, in order to ensure
compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue
appropriate "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and
that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate
notations to the same effect in its own records.
(i) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to
transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in
violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement the Company's Articles of
Incorporation or the Company's Bylaws or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares
or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other
transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.
______________________________
Signature
______________________________
Print Name
Date: ___________, 19____