EXHIBIT 10.3
BILL GROSS' IDEALAB!
1999 EXECUTIVE STOCK PLAN
1. PURPOSES OF THE PLAN. The purposes of this Stock Plan are to attract
and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional ince ntive to Employees, Directors and
Consultants and to promote the success of the Company's business. Options
granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock
Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant. Stock
Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan.
2. DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) "ADMINISTRATOR" means the Board or any of its Committees as shall
be administering the Plan in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(b) "APPLICABLE LAWS" means the requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are
granted under the Plan.
(c) "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(e) "COMMITTEE" means a committee of Directors appointed by the Board
in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(f) "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock of the Company.
(g) "COMPANY" means Bill Gross' idealab!, a California corporation.
(h) "CONSULTANT" means any person who is engaged by the Company or any
Parent or Subsidiary to render consulting or advisory services to such entity.
(i) "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board of Directors of the
Company.
(j) "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service
Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of
absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.
For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days,
unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or
contract. If reemployment
upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so
guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by
the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be
treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Neither service as a
Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be sufficient to
constitute "employment" by the Company.
(k) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(l) "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 Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, 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 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
on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination; or
(iii) 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.
(m) "INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" means an Option intended to qualify as
an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(n) "NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(o) "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.
(p) "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(q) "OPTION AGREEMENT" means a written or electronic agreement
between the Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an
individual Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan.
(r) "OPTION EXCHANGE PROGRAM" means a program whereby outstanding
Options are exchanged for Options with a lower exercise price.
(s) "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or
a Stock Purchase Right.
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(t) "OPTIONEE" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted under the Plan.
(u) "PARENT" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(v) "PLAN" means this 1999 Stock Plan.
(w) "RESTRICTED STOCK" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant
to a grant of a Stock Purchase Right under Section 11 below.
(x) "SECTION 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended.
(y) "SERVICE PROVIDER" means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(z) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 12 below.
(aa)"STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT" means a right to purchase Common Stock
pursuant to Section 11 below.
(bb)"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 subject to option
and sold under the Plan is 17,500,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized but
unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes unexercisable
without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option
Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become
available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated). However, Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan, upon
exercise of either an Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall not be returned to
the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan,
except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at
their original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for future
grant under the Plan.
4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a Committee
appointed by the Board, which Committee shall be constituted to comply with
Applicable Laws.
(b) 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, the
Administrator shall have the authority in its discretion:
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(i) to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Options and Stock
Purchase Rights may from time to time be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each such
award granted hereunder;
(iv) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;
(v) to determine the terms and conditions, of any Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted hereunder.
(vi) to determine whether and under what circumstances an Option
may be settled in cash under subsection 9(f) instead of Common Stock;
(vii) 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;
(viii) to initiate an Option Exchange Program;
(ix) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under
foreign tax laws;
(x) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations
by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares having a
Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market
Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the
amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by Optionees to
have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and under such
conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable; and
(xi) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards
granted pursuant to the Plan.
(c) EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATOR'S DECISION. All decisions, determinations
and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and binding on all
Optionees.
5. ELIGIBILITY.
(a) Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be
granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to
Employees.
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(b) Each Option shallbe designated in the Option Agreement as either
an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this
Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order
in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be
determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.
(c) Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's
relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall it interfere in
any way with his or her right or the Company's right to terminate such
relationship at any time, with or without cause.
6. TERM OF PLAN. The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the
Board. 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 stated in the Option
Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than ten (10) years
from the date of grant thereof. 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 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 upon
exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the Administrator,
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 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 exercise
price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date
of grant.
(B) granted to any other Employee, 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 the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.
(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with
a per Share exercise price other than as required above pursuant to a merger or
other corporate transaction.
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(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). Such consideration may consist 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 such Option shall be exercised, (5) consideration received by the Company
under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with
the Plan, or (6) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In making
its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator
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 according to the terms of the Plan and at
such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in the Option Agreement. Except in the case of Options granted to
Officers, Directors and Consultants, Options shall become exercisable at a rate
of no less than 20% per year over five (5) years from the date the Options are
granted. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:(i)
written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The
Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 12 of the Plan.
Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in
the number of Shares thereafter 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 RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER. If an Optionee
ceases to be a Service Provider, such Optionee may exercise his or her Option
within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement (of at least
thirty (30) days) to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of the Option
as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the
Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months
following the Optionee's termination. If, on the
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date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option,
the Shares covered by the unvested 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. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service
Provider as a result of the Optionee's disability, the Optionee may exercise his
or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement
(of at least six (6) months) to the extent the Option is vested on the date of
termination, but in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. In the absence of a specified time
in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12)
months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the
Optionee is not vested as to the entire Option, the Shares covered by the
unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination,
the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
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 cease to be treated as an Incentive
Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock
Option on the day three months and one day following such termination.
(d) DEATH OF OPTIONEE. If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider,
the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the
Option Agreement (of at least six (6) months) to the extent that the Option is
vested on the date of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the
term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement) by the Optionee's
estate or by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest
or inheritance. In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to the
entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall
revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.
(e) 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 AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS. Options and
Stock Purchase Rights 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. STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.
(a) RIGHTS TO PURCHASE. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either
alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan
and/or cash awards made outside
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of the Plan. After the Administrator determines that it will offer Stock
Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the offeree in writing or
electronically of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer,
including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled to purchase,
the price to be paid, and the time within which such person must accept such
offer. The purchase price for the Shares subject to the Stock Purchase Right
shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares at the time the
Stock Purchase Right is granted. The offer shall be accepted by execution of a
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the form determined by the Administrator.
(b) REPURCHASE OPTION. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise,
the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall grant the Company a repurchase
option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the
purchaser's service with the Company for any reason (including death or
disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the
Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original price paid by the
purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser
to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate as the
Administrator may determine. Except with respect to Shares purchased by
Officers, Directors and Consultants, the repurchase option shall in no case
lapse at a rate of less than 20% per year over five years from the date of
purchase.
(c) OTHER PROVISIONS. The Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall
contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the
Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
(d) RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have rights equivalent to those of a shareholder
and shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon the records
of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment shall be
made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the
date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 12 of
the Plan.
12 ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, MERGER OR ASSET SALE.
(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 or Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, 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. The 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
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respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option
or Stock Purchase Right.
(b) DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Option or
Stock Purchase Right shall 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, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be
assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor
corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. If, in such
event, an Option or Stock Purchase Right is not assumed or substituted for, the
Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate as of the date of the closing of
the merger. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase
Right shall be considered assumed if, following the merger, the option or right
confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock
subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger,
the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or 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 is 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 or
Stock Purchase Right, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or
Stock Purchase Right, 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.
13. TIME OF GRANTING OPTIONS AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS. The date of
grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date
on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock
Purchase Right, or such other date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice
of the determination shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to whom an
Option or Stock Purchase Right is so granted within a reasonable time after the
date of such grant.
14. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The Board may at any time amend, alter,
suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b) SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. The Board shall obtain shareholder approval
of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with
Applicable Laws.
(c) EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION. No amendment, alteration,
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the
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Optionee and the Company. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the
Administrator's ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with
respect to Options granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
15. CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES.
(a) LEGAL COMPLIANCE. 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 shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further
subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance.
(b) INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIONS. As a condition to the exercise of an
Option, the Administrator 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.
16. INABILITY TO OBTAIN AUTHORITY. The inability of the Company to
obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority
is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and
sale of any Shares hereunder, 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.
17. RESERVATION OF SHARES. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
shall at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
18. SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is
adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner
required under Applicable Laws.
19. INFORMATION TO OPTIONEES AND PURCHASERS. The Company shall provide
to each Optionee and to each individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the
Plan, not less frequently than annually during the period such Optionee or
purchaser has one or more Options or Stock Purchase Rights outstanding, and, in
the case of an individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the
period such individual owns such Shares, copies of annual financial statements.
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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