-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, SiiZYa2YKuK73reITiHzsUaCzgrpXzVDqH11nmeMwW3Kw63fvvuMJdIbHbaEJ5t0 4B1ow7WF/01jOPJVk751ow== 0001047469-98-015930.txt : 19980422 0001047469-98-015930.hdr.sgml : 19980422 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001047469-98-015930 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-8 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 19980421 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 19980421 SROS: NASD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SCOOP INC/DE CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001025315 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-COMPUTER PROCESSING & DATA PREPARATION [7374] IRS NUMBER: 330726608 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-8 SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-50633 FILM NUMBER: 98598210 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2540 RED HILL AVENUE STREET 2: SUITE 100 CITY: SANTA ANA STATE: CA ZIP: 92705 BUSINESS PHONE: 7142256000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2540 RED HILL AVENUE STREET 2: SUITE 100 CITY: SANTA ANA STATE: CA ZIP: 92705 S-8 1 FORM S-8 As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 1998 Registration No. 333-______ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 -------------------- FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 -------------------- SCOOP, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 33-0726608 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) -------------------- 2540 RED HILL AVENUE SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92705 -------------------- 1996 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF SCOOP, INC., AS AMENDED (Full title of the plan) -------------------- RAND BLEIMEISTER COPY TO: CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND WILLIAM J. CERNIUS, ESQ. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LATHAM & WATKINS 2540 RED HILL AVENUE 650 TOWN CENTER DRIVE, SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92705 TWENTIETH FLOOR (714) 225-6000 COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA 92626 (714) 540-1235 (Name and address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) --------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROPOSED PROPOSED MAXIMUM AMOUNT MAXIMUM AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF TITLE OF SECURITIES TO BE OFFERING PRICE OFFERING REGISTRATION TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PER SHARE (1) PRICE (1) FEE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock. . . . 1,500,000 $2.03 $3,035,667 $895 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h). The Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price is the sum of (i) the product of the number of options previously granted and outstanding (836,482) and the weighted average of the exercise prices of the options previously granted and outstanding ($2.82), and (ii) the product of the remaining options available for future grants under the plan (663,518) and the average ($1.02) of the high and low prices of the common stock as reported on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, on April 17, 1998 (which were $1 3/16 and $27/32, respectively.) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROPOSED SALE TO TAKE PLACE AS SOON AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS OPTIONS GRANTED UNDER THE OPTION PLAN ARE EXERCISED. Total Pages [32] Exhibits Index on Page 6 PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS The information called for in Part I of Form S-8 is not being prepared with or included in this Form S-8 (by incorporation by reference or otherwise) in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE The following documents filed with the Commission are incorporated herein by reference: (a) Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, filed by Scoop, Inc. (the "Company") with the Commission. (b) The description of the Common Stock contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission on March 24, 1997, File #000-22281, including any subsequently filed amendments and reports updating such description. All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), after the date of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part of it from the respective dates of filing such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement. ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES Not applicable. ITEM 5. NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL Not applicable. 2 ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS As permitted by Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company eliminates the liability of Directors to the Company or to its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except to the extent otherwise required by the DGCL. The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company indemnify each person who was or is made a party to any proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a Director or Officer of the Company all expense, liability and loss reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith to the fullest extent authorized by DGCL. The Company has also entered into indemnification agreements with certain of its Directors and Officers that require the Company to indemnify such Directors and Officers to the fullest extent permitted by applicable provisions of the DGCL, provided that any settlement of a third party against a Director or Officer is approved by the Company, and subject to limitations for actions initiated by the Director or Officer, penalties paid by insurance, and violations of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and similar laws. The inclusion of the above provisions in the Certificate of Incorporation may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of stockholder derivative suits against directors and may discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their duty of care, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have benefitted the Company and its stockholders. ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED Not applicable. ITEM 8. EXHIBITS See Index to Exhibits on page 6. ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"); (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in this Registration Statement; and (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement. 3 PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement. (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof. (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at termination of the offering. (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof. (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. 4 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Santa Ana, State of California, on this _____ day of April, 1998. SCOOP, INC. a Delaware corporation By:___________________________ Rand Bleimeister Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer) POWER OF ATTORNEY Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes and appoints Rand Bleimeister as attorney-in-fact and agent, with full powers of substitution to sign on his or her behalf, individually and in the capacities stated below, and to file any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to perform any other act on behalf of the undersigned required to be done in the premises. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE --------- ----- ---- ________________ Chief Executive Officer, Chief _______________, 1998 Rand Bleimeister Financial Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer, and Principal Financial Officer) _______________________ Controller (Principal _______________, 1998 Kristy Allan Accounting Officer) _______________________ Director _______________, 1998 Karl-Magnus S. Karlsson _______________________ Director _______________, 1998 Michael J. Baum
5 INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT PAGE - ------- ---- 5.1 Opinion of Latham & Watkins. 7 10.1 The 1996 Stock Incentive Plan of Scoop, Inc., as Amended 8 ---- 23.1 Consent of Latham & Watkins (included in Exhibit 5.1). 7 23.2 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP 9 24.1 Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement). 5
6 EX-5.1 2 EXHIBIT 5.1 [LETTERHEAD] EXHIBIT 5.1 April 20, 1998 Board of Directors Scoop, Inc. 2540 Red Hill Avenue Suite 100 Santa Ana, California 92705 Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8 ---------------------------------- Gentlemen: At your request we have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed by you with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 1,500,000 shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value, of Scoop, Inc. (the "Company"), none of which are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof, but which are issuable upon exercise of options previously granted under the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan of Scoop, Inc. (the "Plan"), as amended. We have examined such matters of fact and questions of law as we have considered appropriate for purposes of rendering the opinions expressed below. We are opining herein as to the effect on the subject transaction of only the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and we assume no responsibility as to the application to the subject transaction, or the effect thereon, of any other laws, of the laws of any other jurisdiction or as to any matters of municipal law or the laws of any other local agencies within any other state. Subject to the foregoing and in reliance thereon, we are of the opinion that, upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Plan and the issuance and sale of the Shares, each in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement and each in accordance with the terms of the Plan, and subject to the Company completing all action and proceedings required on its part to be taken prior to the issuance of the Shares pursuant to the terms of the Plan and the Registration Statement, including, without limitation, collection of required payment for the Shares, the Shares will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable securities of the Company. We consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Very truly yours, /s/ Latham & Watkins 7 EX-10.1 3 EXHIBIT 10.1 EXHIBIT 10.1 THE 1996 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF SCOOP, INC. Scoop, Inc., a California corporation, has adopted The 1996 Stock Incentive Plan of Scoop, Inc. (the "Plan"), effective April 23, 1996, for the benefit of its eligible employees, consultants and directors. The Plan consists of two plans, one for the benefit of key Employees (as such term is defined below) and consultants and one for the benefit of Independent Directors (as such term is defined below). The purposes of this Plan are as follows: (1) To provide an additional incentive for directors, key Employees and consultants to further the growth, development and financial success of the Company by personally benefiting through the ownership of Company stock and/or rights which recognize such growth, development and financial success. (2) To enable the Company to obtain and retain the services of directors, key Employees and consultants considered essential to the long range success of the Company by offering them an opportunity to own stock in the Company and/or rights which will reflect the growth, development and financial success of the Company. ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS 1.1 GENERAL. Wherever the following terms are used in this Plan they shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 1.2 AWARD LIMIT. "Award Limit" shall mean 300,000 shares of Common Stock. 1.3 BOARD. "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company. 1.4 CHANGE IN CONTROL. "Change in Control" shall mean a change in ownership or control of the Company effected through either of the following transactions: (a) any person or related group of persons (other than the Company or a person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company) directly or indirectly acquires beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made directly to the Company's shareholders which the Board does not recommend such shareholders to accept; or (b) there is a change in the composition of the Board over a period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months (or less) such that a majority of the Board members (rounded up to the nearest whole number) ceases, by reason of one or more proxy contests for the election of Board members, to be comprised of individuals who either (i) have been Board members continuously 1 since the beginning of such period or (ii) have been elected or nominated for election as Board members during such period by at least a majority of the Board members described in clause (i) who were still in office at the time such election or nomination was approved by the Board. 1.5 CODE. "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 1.6 COMMITTEE. "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board, or another committee of the Board, appointed as provided in Section 9.1. 1.7 COMMON STOCK. "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of the Company, and any equity security of the Company issued or authorized to be issued in the future, but excluding any preferred stock and any warrants, options or other rights to purchase Common Stock. Debt securities of the Company convertible into Common Stock shall be deemed equity securities of the Company. 1.8 COMPANY. "Company" shall mean Scoop, Inc., a California corporation. 1.9 CORPORATE TRANSACTION. "Corporate Transaction" shall mean any of the following shareholder-approved transactions to which the Company is a party: (a) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving entity, except for a transaction the principal purpose of which is to change the State in which the Company is incorporated, form a holding company or effect a similar reorganization as to form whereupon this Plan and all Options are assumed by the successor entity; (b) the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company in a transaction not covered by the exceptions to clause (a), above; or (c) any reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but in which securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities are transferred or issued to a person or persons different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such merger. 1.10 DEFERRED STOCK. "Deferred Stock" shall mean Common Stock awarded under Article VII of this Plan. 1.11 DIRECTOR. "Director" shall mean a member of the Board. 1.12 DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT. "Dividend Equivalent" shall mean a right to receive the equivalent value (in cash or Common Stock) of dividends paid on Common Stock, awarded under Article VII of this Plan. 1.13 EMPLOYEE. "Employee" shall mean any officer or other employee (as defined in accordance with Section 3401(c) of the Code) of the Company, or of any corporation which is a Subsidiary. 1.14 EXCHANGE ACT. "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 2 1.15 FAIR MARKET VALUE. "Fair Market Value" of a share of Common Stock as of a given date shall be (i) the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the principal exchange on which shares of Common Stock are then trading, if any (or as reported on any composite index which includes such principal exchange), on the trading day previous to such date, or if shares were not traded on the trading day previous to such date, then on the next preceding date on which a trade occurred, or (ii) if Common Stock is not traded on an exchange but is quoted on NASDAQ or a successor quotation system, the mean between the closing representative bid and asked prices for the Common Stock on the trading day previous to such date as reported by NASDAQ or such successor quotation system; or (iii) if Common Stock is not publicly traded on an exchange and not quoted on NASDAQ or a successor quotation system, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as established by the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) acting in good faith and in accordance with 10 California Code of Regulations ("CCR") 260.140.50. 1.16 GRANTEE. "Grantee" shall mean an Employee or consultant granted a Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, Stock Payment or Stock Appreciation Right, or an award of Deferred Stock, under this Plan. 1.17 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION. "Incentive Stock Option" shall mean an option which conforms to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code and which is designated as an Incentive Stock Option by the Committee. 1.18 INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR. "Independent Director" shall mean a member of the Board who is not an Employee of the Company. 1.19 NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION. "Non-Qualified Stock Option" shall mean an Option which is not designated as an Incentive Stock Option by the Committee. 1.20 OPTION. "Option" shall mean a stock option granted under Article III of this Plan. An Option granted under this Plan shall, as determined by the Committee, be either a Non-Qualified Stock Option or an Incentive Stock Option; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Options granted to Independent Directors and consultants shall be Non-Qualified Stock Options. 1.21 OPTIONEE. "Optionee" shall mean an Employee, consultant or Independent Director granted an Option under this Plan. 1.22 PERFORMANCE AWARD. "Performance Award" shall mean a cash bonus, stock bonus or other performance or incentive award that is paid in cash, Common Stock or a combination of both, awarded under Article VII of this Plan. 1.23 PLAN. "Plan" shall mean The 1996 Stock Incentive Plan of Scoop, Inc. 1.24 QDRO. "QDRO" shall mean a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder. 1.25 RESTRICTED STOCK. "Restricted Stock" shall mean Common Stock awarded under Article VI of this Plan. 1.26 RESTRICTED SHAREHOLDER. "Restricted Shareholder" shall mean an Employee or 3 consultant granted an award of Restricted Stock under Article VI of this Plan. 1.27 RULE 16(b)-3. "Rule 16(b)-3" shall mean that certain Rule 16(b)-3 under the Exchange Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time. 1.28 STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT. "Stock Appreciation Right" shall mean a stock appreciation right granted under Article VIII of this Plan. 1.29 STOCK PAYMENT. "Stock Payment" shall mean (i) a payment in the form of shares of Common Stock, or (ii) an option or other right to purchase shares of Common Stock, as part of a deferred compensation arrangement, made in lieu of all or any portion of the compensation, including without limitation, salary, bonuses and commissions, that would otherwise become payable to a key Employee or consultant in cash, awarded under Article VII of this Plan. 1.30 SUBSIDIARY. "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain then owns stock possessing 50 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. 1.31 TERMINATION OF CONSULTANCY. "Termination of Consultancy" shall mean the time when the engagement of an Optionee, Grantee or Restricted Shareholder as a consultant to the Company or a Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, with or without cause, including, but not by way of limitation, by resignation, discharge, death or retirement; but excluding terminations where there is a simultaneous commencement of employment with the Company or any Subsidiary. The Committee, in its absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to Termination of Consultancy, including, but not by way of limitation, the question of whether a Termination of Consultancy resulted from a discharge for good cause, and all questions of whether particular leaves of absence constitute Terminations of Consultancy. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Company or any Subsidiary has an absolute and unrestricted right to terminate a consultant's service at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in writing. 1.32 TERMINATION OF DIRECTORSHIP. "Termination of Directorship" shall mean the time when an Optionee who is an Independent Director ceases to be a Director for any reason, including, but not by way of limitation, a termination by resignation, failure to be elected, death or retirement. The Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to Termination of Directorship with respect to Independent Directors. 1.33 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. "Termination of Employment" shall mean the time when the employee-employer relationship between an Optionee, Grantee or Restricted Shareholder and the Company or any Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, with or without cause, including, but not by way of limitation, a termination by resignation, discharge, death, disability or retirement; but excluding (i) terminations where there is a simultaneous reemployment or continuing employment of an Optionee, Grantee or Restricted Shareholder by the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) at the discretion of the Committee, terminations which result in a temporary severance of the employee-employer relationship, and (iii) at the discretion of the Committee, terminations which are followed by the simultaneous establishment of a consulting relationship by the Company or a Subsidiary with the former employee. The Committee, in its absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to Termination of Employment, including, but not by way of limitation, the question of whether a Termination of Employment resulted from a discharge for good cause, and all questions of whether particular 4 leaves of absence constitute Terminations of Employment; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, a leave of absence, change in status from an employee to an independent contractor or other change in the employee-employer relationship shall constitute a Termination of Employment if, and to the extent that, such leave of absence, change in status or other change interrupts employment for the purposes of Section 422(a)(2) of the Code and the then applicable regulations and revenue rulings under said Section. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Company or any Subsidiary has an absolute and unrestricted right to terminate an Employee's employment at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in writing. ARTICLE II SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN 2.1 SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN. (a) The shares of stock subject to Options, awards of Restricted Stock, Performance Awards, Dividend Equivalents, awards of Deferred Stock, Stock Payments or Stock Appreciation Rights shall be Common Stock. The aggregate number of such shares which may be issued upon exercise of such options or rights or upon any such awards under the Plan shall not exceed One Million Five Hundred Thousand (1,500,000); provided, however, that at no time shall the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of all outstanding Options, rights or awards under the Plan and the total number of shares of Common stock called for under any other stock bonus or similar plan of the Company exceed 30% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (as calculated in accordance with the conditions and exclusions of 10 CCR 260.140.45) unless a higher percentage is approved by at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote. The shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such options or rights or upon any such awards may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. (b) The maximum number of shares which may be subject to Options or Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan to any individual in any calendar year shall not exceed the Award Limit. To the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, shares subject to Options which are canceled continue to be counted against the Award Limit and if, after grant of an Option, the price of shares subject to such Option is reduced, the transaction is treated as a cancellation of the Option and a grant of a new Option and both the Option deemed to be canceled and the Option deemed to be granted are counted against the Award Limit. Furthermore, to the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, if, after grant of a Stock Appreciation Right, the base amount on which stock appreciation is calculated is reduced to reflect a reduction in the Fair Market Value of the Company's Common Stock, the transaction is treated as a cancellation of the Stock Appreciation Right and a grant of a new Stock Appreciation Right and both the Stock Appreciation Right deemed to be canceled and the Stock Appreciation Right deemed to be granted are counted against the Award Limit. 2.2 ADD-BACK OF OPTIONS AND OTHER RIGHTS. If any Option, or other right to acquire shares of Common Stock under any other award under this Plan, expires or is canceled without having been fully exercised, or is exercised in whole or in part for cash as permitted by this Plan, the number of shares subject to such Option or other right but as to which such Option or other right was not exercised prior to its expiration, cancellation or exercise may again be optioned, granted or awarded hereunder, subject to the limitations of Section 2.1. Furthermore, any shares subject to Options or other awards which are adjusted pursuant to Section 10.3 and become exercisable with respect to shares of stock 5 of another corporation shall be considered cancelled and may again be optioned, granted or awarded hereunder, subject to the limitations of Section 2.1. Shares of Common Stock which are delivered by the Optionee or Grantee or withheld by the Company upon the exercise of any Option or other award under this Plan, in payment of the exercise price thereof, may again be optioned, granted or awarded hereunder, subject to the limitations of Section 2.1. If any share of Restricted Stock is forfeited by the Grantee or repurchased by the Company pursuant to Section 6.6 hereof, such share may again be optioned, granted or awarded hereunder, subject to the limitations of Section 2.1. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.2, no shares of Common Stock may again be optioned, granted or awarded if such action would cause an Incentive Stock Option to fail to qualify as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code. ARTICLE III GRANTING OF OPTIONS 3.1 ELIGIBILITY. Any Employee or consultant selected by the Committee pursuant to Section 3.4(a)(i) shall be eligible to be granted an Option. Each Independent Director of the Company shall be eligible to be granted Options at the times and in the manner set forth in Section 3.4(d). 3.2 DISQUALIFICATION FOR STOCK OWNERSHIP. No person may be granted an Incentive Stock Option under this Plan if such person, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any then existing Subsidiary or parent corporation (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) unless such Incentive Stock Option conforms to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code. 3.3 QUALIFICATION OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who is not an Employee. 3.4 GRANTING OF OPTIONS (a) The Committee shall from time to time, in its absolute discretion, and subject to applicable limitations of this Plan: (i) Determine which Employees are key Employees and select from among the key Employees or consultants (including Employees or consultants who have previously received Options or other awards under this Plan) such of them as in its opinion should be granted Options; (ii) Subject to the Award Limit, determine the number of shares to be subject to such Options granted to the selected key Employees or consultants; (iii) Subject to Section 3.3, determine whether such Options are to be Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options and whether such Options are to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code; and (iv) Determine the terms and conditions of such Options, consistent with this Plan; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the terms and conditions of Options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code shall include, 6 but not be limited to, such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code. (b) Upon the selection of a key Employee or consultant to be granted an Option, the Committee shall instruct the Secretary of the Company to issue the Option and may impose such conditions on the grant of the Option as it deems appropriate. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Committee may, in its discretion and on such terms as it deems appropriate, require as a condition on the grant of an Option to an Employee or consultant that the Employee or consultant surrender for cancellation some or all of the unexercised Options, awards of Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments or other rights which have been previously granted to him under this Plan or otherwise. An Option, the grant of which is conditioned upon such surrender, may have an option price lower (or higher) than the exercise price of such surrendered Option or other award, may cover the same (or a lesser or greater) number of shares as such surrendered Option or other award, may contain such other terms as the Committee deems appropriate, and shall be exercisable in accordance with its terms, without regard to the number of shares, price, exercise period or any other term or condition of such surrendered Option or other award. (c) Any Incentive Stock Option granted under this Plan may be modified by the Committee to disqualify such option from treatment as an "incentive stock option" under Section 422 of the Code. (d) During the term of the Plan, each person who is an Independent Director shall be granted (i) on the date he or she becomes an Independent Director, an Option to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10.3) and (ii) during the fourth year from the prior grant on the date of the annual meeting of Shareholders so long as the Independent Director is reelected to the Board, an Option to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10.3). Members of the Board who are employees of the Company who subsequently retire from the Company and remain on the Board will not receive an initial Option grant pursuant to clause (i) of the preceding sentence, but to the extent that they are otherwise eligible, will receive, after retirement from employment with the Company, Options as described in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence. All the foregoing Option grants authorized by this Section 3.4(d) are subject to shareholder approval of the Plan. ARTICLE IV TERMS OF OPTIONS 4.1 OPTION AGREEMENT. Each Option shall be evidenced by a written Stock Option Agreement, which shall be executed by the Optionee and an authorized officer of the Company and which shall contain such terms and conditions as the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) shall determine, consistent with this Plan. Stock Option Agreements evidencing Options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code. Stock Option Agreements evidencing Incentive Stock Options shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code. 7 4.2 OPTION PRICE. The price per share of the shares subject to each Option shall be set by the Committee; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock, unless otherwise permitted by applicable state law, and (i) in the case of Incentive Stock Options and Options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, such price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted; (ii) in the case of Incentive Stock Options granted to an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Subsidiary or parent corporation thereof (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) such price shall not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted; and (iii) in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors, such price shall equal 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the price of each share subject to each Option granted to Independent Directors on the date of the initial public offering of Common Stock shall equal the initial public offering price (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) per share of Common Stock. 4.3 OPTION TERM. The term of an Option shall be set by the Committee in its discretion; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, (i) in the case of Incentive Stock Options, the term shall not be more than five (5) years from the date the Incentive Stock Option is granted if the Incentive Stock Option is granted to an individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Subsidiary or parent corporation thereof (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code); and (ii) no Option shall have a term more than ten (10) years from the date of grant. Except as limited by requirements of Section 422 of the Code and regulations and rulings thereunder applicable to Incentive Stock Options, the Committee may extend the term of any outstanding Option in connection with any Termination of Employment or Termination of Consultancy of the Optionee, or amend any other term or condition of such Option relating to such a termination. 4.4 OPTION VESTING (a) The period during which the right to exercise an Option in whole or in part vests in the Optionee shall be set by the Committee and the Committee may determine that an Option may not be exercised in whole or in part for a specified period after it is granted; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, unless the Committee otherwise provides in the terms of the Option or otherwise, no Option shall be exercisable by any Optionee who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act within the period ending six months and one day after the date the Option is granted; and provided, further, that Options granted to Independent Directors after the Company's initial registration of Common Stock under Section 12 of the Exchange Act shall become exercisable in cumulative annual installments of 25% on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date of Option grant, without variation or acceleration hereunder except as provided in Section 10.3(b); and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that each Option granted to an Employee who is not an Officer or Director shall become exercisable no later than five years after such Option is granted, and at least 20% of each such Option shall become exercisable by each anniversary of the date such Option is granted. At any time after grant of an Option, the Committee may, in its sole and absolute discretion and subject to whatever terms and conditions it selects, accelerate the period during which an Option (except an Option granted to an Independent Director) vests. (b) No portion of an Option which is unexercisable at Termination of Employment, Termination of Directorship or Termination of Consultancy, as applicable, shall thereafter become exercisable, except as may be otherwise provided by the Committee in the case of Options granted to Employees or consultants either in the Stock Option Agreement or by action of the Committee following 8 the grant of the Option. (c) To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of stock with respect to which "incentive stock options" (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, but without regard to Section 422(d) of the Code) are exercisable for the first time by an Optionee during any calendar year (under the Plan and all other incentive stock option plans of the Company and any Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Options to the extent required by Section 422 of the Code. The rule set forth in the preceding sentence shall be applied by taking Options into account in the order in which they were granted. For purposes of this Section 4.4(c), the Fair Market Value of stock shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such stock is granted. (d) Unless Termination of Employment is for good cause, the right of an Employee to exercise his or her Options in the event of Termination of Employment, to the extent that the Employee is entitled to exercise his or her Options on the date of termination, shall be as follows: (i) At least 6 months from the date of termination if termination was caused by death or disability. (ii) At least 30 days from the date of termination if termination was caused by other than death or disability. 4.5 CONSIDERATION. In consideration of the granting of an Option, the Optionee shall agree, in the written Stock Option Agreement, to remain in the employ of (or to consult for or to serve as an Independent Director of, as applicable) the Company or any Subsidiary for a period of at least one year (or such shorter period as may be fixed in the Stock Option Agreement or by action of the Committee following grant of the Option) after the Option is granted (or, in the case of an Independent Director, until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company). Nothing in this Plan or in any Stock Option Agreement hereunder shall confer upon any Optionee any right to continue in the employ of, or as a consultant for, the Company or any Subsidiary, or as a director of the Company, or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and any Subsidiary, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge any Optionee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without good cause. ARTICLE V EXERCISE OF OPTIONS 5.1 PARTIAL EXERCISE. An exercisable Option may be exercised in whole or in part. However, an Option shall not be exercisable with respect to fractional shares and the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may require that, by the terms of the Option, a partial exercise be with respect to a minimum number of shares. 5.2 MANNER OF EXERCISE. All or a portion of an exercisable Option shall be deemed exercised upon delivery of all of the following to the Secretary of the Company or his office: (a) A written notice complying with the applicable rules established by the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) stating that the Option, or a portion thereof, is exercised. The notice shall be signed by the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise the Option or such portion; 9 (b) Such representations and documents as the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors), in its absolute discretion, deems necessary or advisable to effect compliance with all applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any other federal or state securities laws or regulations. The Committee or Board may, in its absolute discretion, also take whatever additional actions it deems appropriate to effect such compliance including, without limitation, placing legends on share certificates and issuing stop-transfer notices to agents and registrars; (c) In the event that the Option shall be exercised pursuant to Section 10.1 by any person or persons other than the Optionee, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option; and (d) Full cash payment to the Secretary of the Company for the shares with respect to which the Option, or portion thereof, is exercised. However, the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors), may in its discretion (i) allow a delay in payment up to thirty (30) days from the date the Option, or portion thereof, is exercised; (ii) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery of shares of Common Stock owned by the Optionee, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Option or exercised portion thereof; (iii) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the surrender of shares of Common Stock then issuable upon exercise of the Option having a Fair Market Value on the date of Option exercise equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Option or exercised portion thereof; (iv) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery of property of any kind which constitutes good and valuable consideration; (v) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery of a full recourse promissory note bearing interest (at no less than such rate as shall then preclude the imputation of interest under the Code) and payable upon such terms as may be prescribed by the Committee or the Board; (vi) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery of a notice that the Optionee has placed a market sell order with a broker with respect to shares of Common Stock then issuable upon exercise of the Option, and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in satisfaction of the Option exercise price; or (vii) allow payment through any combination of the consideration provided in the foregoing subparagraphs (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi). In the case of a promissory note, the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may also prescribe the form of such note and the security to be given for such note. The Option may not be exercised, however, by delivery of a promissory note or by a loan from the Company when or where such loan or other extension of credit is prohibited by law. 5.3 CONDITIONS TO ISSUANCE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares of stock purchased upon the exercise of any Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions: (a) The admission of such shares to listing on all stock exchanges on which such class of stock is then listed; (b) The completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law, or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body which the Committee or Board shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable; (c) The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Committee (or Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable; 10 (d) The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the Option as the Committee (or Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience; and (e) The receipt by the Company of full payment for such shares, including payment of any applicable withholding tax. 5.4 RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDERS. The holders of Options shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, shareholders of the Company in respect of any shares purchasable upon the exercise of any part of an Option unless and until certificates representing such shares have been issued by the Company to such holders; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall provide to Optionees, on an annual basis, such financial and other information as it provides to its Shareholders. 5.5 OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS. The Committee (or Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors), in its absolute discretion, may impose such restrictions on the ownership and transferability of the shares purchasable upon the exercise of an Option as it deems appropriate. Any such restriction shall be set forth in the respective Stock Option Agreement and may be referred to on the certificates evidencing such shares. The Committee may require the Employee to give the Company prompt notice of any disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired by exercise of an Incentive Stock Option within (i) two years from the date of granting such Option to such Employee or (ii) one year after the transfer of such shares to such Employee. The Committee may direct that the certificates evidencing shares acquired by exercise of an Option refer to such requirement to give prompt notice of disposition. 5.6 LIMITATIONS ON EXERCISE OF OPTIONS GRANTED TO INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS. No Option granted to an Independent Director may be exercised to any extent by anyone after the first to occur of the following events: (a) The expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of the Optionee's death; (b) the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of the Optionee's Termination of Directorship by reason of his permanent and total disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code); (c) the expiration of three (3) months from the date of the Optionee's Termination of Directorship for any reason other than such Optionee's death or his permanent and total disability, unless the Optionee dies within said three-month period; or (d) The expiration of ten years from the date the Option was granted. ARTICLE VI AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK 6.1 AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK (a) The Committee may from time to time, in its absolute discretion: 11 (i) Select from among the key Employees or consultants (including Employees or consultants who have previously received other awards under this Plan) such of them as in its opinion should be awarded Restricted Stock; and (ii) Determine the purchase price, if any, and other terms and conditions applicable to such Restricted Stock, consistent with this Plan. (b) The Committee shall establish the purchase price, if any, and form of payment for Restricted Stock; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such purchase price shall be no less than the par value of the Common Stock to be purchased, unless otherwise permitted by applicable state law. In all cases, legal consideration shall be required for each issuance of Restricted Stock. (c) Upon the selection of a key Employee or consultant to be awarded Restricted Stock, the Committee shall instruct the Secretary of the Company to issue such Restricted Stock and may impose such conditions on the issuance of such Restricted Stock as it deems appropriate. 6.2 RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT. Restricted Stock shall be issued only pursuant to a written Restricted Stock Agreement, which shall be executed by the selected key Employee or consultant and an authorized officer of the Company and which shall contain such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine, consistent with this Plan. 6.3 CONSIDERATION. As consideration for the issuance of Restricted Stock, in addition to payment of any purchase price, the Restricted Shareholder shall agree, in the written Restricted Stock Agreement, to remain in the employ of, or to consult for, the Company or any Subsidiary for a period of at least one year after the Restricted Stock is issued (or such shorter period as may be fixed in the Restricted Stock Agreement or by action of the Committee following grant of the Restricted Stock). Nothing in this Plan or in any Restricted Stock Agreement hereunder shall confer on any Restricted Shareholder any right to continue in the employ of, or as a consultant for, the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and any Subsidiary, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge any Restricted Shareholder at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without good cause. 6.4 RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDERS. Upon delivery of the shares of Restricted Stock to the escrow holder pursuant to Section 6.7, the Restricted Shareholder shall have, unless otherwise provided by the Committee, all the rights of a shareholder with respect to said shares, subject to the restrictions in his Restricted Stock Agreement, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect to the shares; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the discretion of the Committee, any extraordinary distributions with respect to the Common Stock shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 6.5. 6.5 RESTRICTION. All shares of Restricted Stock issued under this Plan (including any shares received by holders thereof with respect to shares of Restricted Stock as a result of stock dividends, stock splits or any other form of recapitalization) shall, in the terms of each individual Restricted Stock Agreement, be subject to such restrictions as the Committee shall provide, which restrictions may include, without limitation, restrictions concerning voting rights and transferability and restrictions based on duration of employment with the Company, Company performance and individual performance; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, unless the Committee otherwise provides in the terms of the Restricted Stock Agreement or 12 otherwise, no share of Restricted Stock granted to a person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall be sold, assigned or otherwise transferred until at least six months and one day have elapsed from the date on which the Restricted Stock was issued, and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that by action taken after the Restricted Stock is issued, the Committee may, on such terms and conditions as it may determine to be appropriate, remove any or all of the restrictions imposed by the terms of the Restricted Stock Agreement. Restricted Stock may not be sold or encumbered until all restrictions are terminated or expire. Unless provided otherwise by the Committee, if no consideration was paid by the Restricted Shareholder upon issuance, a Restricted Shareholder's rights in unvested Restricted Stock shall lapse upon Termination of Employment or, if applicable, upon Termination of Consultancy with the Company. 6.6 REPURCHASE OF RESTRICTED STOCK. The Committee shall provide in the terms of each individual Restricted Stock Agreement that the Company shall have the right to repurchase from the Restricted Shareholder the Restricted Stock then subject to restrictions under the Restricted Stock Agreement immediately upon a Termination of Employment or, if applicable, upon a Termination of Consultancy between the Restricted Shareholder and the Company, at a cash price per share equal to the price paid by the Restricted Shareholder for such Restricted Stock; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that provision may be made that no such right of repurchase shall exist in the event of a Termination of Employment or Termination of Consultancy without cause, or following a change in control of the Company or because of the Restricted Shareholder's retirement, death or disability, or otherwise. 6.7 ESCROW. The Secretary of the Company or such other escrow holder as the Committee may appoint shall retain physical custody of each certificate representing Restricted Stock until all of the restrictions imposed under the Restricted Stock Agreement with respect to the shares evidenced by such certificate expire or shall have been removed. 6.8 LEGEND. In order to enforce the restrictions imposed upon shares of Restricted Stock hereunder, the Committee shall cause a legend or legends to be placed on certificates representing all shares of Restricted Stock that are still subject to restrictions under Restricted Stock Agreements, which legend or legends shall make appropriate reference to the conditions imposed thereby. ARTICLE VII PERFORMANCE AWARDS, DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS, DEFERRED STOCK, STOCK PAYMENTS 7.1 PERFORMANCE AWARDS. Any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee may be granted one or more Performance Awards. The value of such Performance Awards may be linked to the market value, book value, net profits or other measure of the value of Common Stock or other specific performance criteria determined appropriate by the Committee, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Committee, or may be based upon the appreciation in the market value, book value, net profits or other measure of the value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock over a fixed period or periods determined by the Committee. In making such deter minations, the Committee shall consider (among such other factors as it deems relevant in light of the specific type of award) the contributions, responsibil ities and other compensation of the particular key Employee or consultant. 7.2 DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS. Any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee may be granted Dividend Equivalents based on the dividends declared on Common Stock, to be credited as of dividend payment dates, during the period between the date an Option, Stock 13 Appreciation Right, Deferred Stock or Performance Award is granted, and the date such Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Deferred Stock or Performance Award is exercised, vests or expires, as determined by the Committee. Such Dividend Equivalents shall be converted to cash or additional shares of Common Stock by such formula and at such time and subject to such limitations as may be determined by the Committee. With respect to Dividend Equivalents granted with respect to Options intended to be qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, such Dividend Equivalents shall be payable regardless of whether such Option is exercised. 7.3 STOCK PAYMENTS. Any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee may receive Stock Payments in the manner determined from time to time by the Committee. The number of shares shall be determined by the Committee and may be based upon the Fair Market Value, book value, net profits or other measure of the value of Common Stock or other specific performance criteria determined appropriate by the Committee, determined on the date such Stock Payment is made or on any date thereafter. 7.4 DEFERRED STOCK. Any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee may be granted an award of Deferred Stock in the manner determined from time to time by the Committee. The number of shares of Deferred Stock shall be determined by the Committee and may be linked to the market value, book value, net profits or other measure of the value of Common Stock or other specific performance criteria determined to be appropriate by the Committee, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Committee. Common Stock underlying a Deferred Stock award will not be issued until the Deferred Stock award has vested, pursuant to a vesting schedule or performance criteria set by the Committee. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, a Grantee of Deferred Stock shall have no rights as a Company shareholder with respect to such Deferred Stock until such time as the award has vested and the Common Stock underlying the award has been issued. 7.5 PERFORMANCE AWARD AGREEMENT, DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT AGREEMENT, DEFERRED STOCK AGREEMENT, STOCK PAYMENT AGREEMENT. Each Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, award of Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment shall be evidenced by a written agreement, which shall be executed by the Grantee and an authorized Officer of the Company and which shall contain such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine, consistent with this Plan. 7.6 TERM. The term of a Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, award of Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment shall be set by the Committee in its discretion. 7.7 EXERCISE UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. A Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, award of Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment is exercisable or payable only while the Grantee is an Employee or consultant; provided that the Committee may determine that the Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, award of Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment may be exercised or paid subsequent to Termination of Employment or Termination of Consultancy without cause, or following a change in control of the Company, or because of the Grantee's retirement, death or disability, or otherwise. 7.8 PAYMENT ON EXERCISE. Payment of the amount determined under Section 7.1 or 7.2 above shall be in cash, in Common Stock or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee. To the extent any payment under this Article VII is effected in Common Stock, it shall be made subject to satisfac tion of all provisions of Section 5.3. 7.9 CONSIDERATION. In consideration of the granting of a Performance Award, 14 Dividend Equivalent, award of Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment, the Grantee shall agree, in a written agreement, to remain in the employ of, or to consult for, the Company or any Subsidiary for a period of at least one year after such Performance Award, Dividend Equivalent, award of Deferred Stock and/or Stock Payment is granted (or such shorter period as may be fixed in such agreement or by action of the Committee following such grant). Nothing in this Plan or in any agreement hereunder shall confer on any Grantee any right to continue in the employ of, or as a consultant for, the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and any Subsidiary, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge any Grantee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without good cause. ARTICLE VIII STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS 8.1 GRANT OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. A Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to any key Employee or consultant selected by the Committee. A Stock Appreciation Right may be granted (i) in connection and simultaneously with the grant of an Option, (ii) with respect to a previously granted Option, or (iii) independent of an Option. A Stock Appreciation Right shall be subject to such terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as the Committee shall impose and shall be evidenced by a written Stock Appreciation Right Agree ment, which shall be executed by the Grantee and an authorized officer of the Company. The Committee, in its discretion, may determine whether a Stock Appreciation Right is to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code and Stock Appreciation Right Agreements evidencing Stock Appreciation Rights intended to so qualify shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may, in its discretion and on such terms as it deems appropriate, require as a condition of the grant of a Stock Appreciation Right to an Employee or consultant that the Employee or consultant surrender for cancellation some or all of the unexercised Options, awards of Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments, or other rights which have been previously granted to him under this Plan or otherwise. A Stock Appreciation Right, the grant of which is conditioned upon such surrender, may have an exercise price lower (or higher) than the exercise price of the surrendered Option or other award, may cover the same (or a lesser or greater) number of shares as such surrendered Option or other award, may contain such other terms as the Committee deems appropriate, and shall be exercisable in accordance with its terms, without regard to the number of shares, price, exercise period or any other term or condition of such surrendered Option or other award. 8.2 COUPLED STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS (a) A Coupled Stock Appreciation Right ("CSAR") shall be related to a particular Option and shall be exercisable only when and to the extent the related Option is exercisable. (b) A CSAR may be granted to the Grantee for no more than the number of shares subject to the simultaneously or previously granted Option to which it is coupled. (c) A CSAR shall entitle the Grantee (or other person entitled to exercise the Option pursuant to this Plan) to surrender to the Company unexercised a portion of the Option to which the CSAR relates (to the extent then exercisable pursuant to its terms) and to receive from the Company in exchange therefor an amount determined by multiplying the difference obtained by subtracting the Option exercise price from the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise of the 15 CSAR by the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the CSAR shall have been exercised, subject to any limitations the Committee may impose. 8.3 INDEPENDENT STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS (a) An Independent Stock Appreciation Right ("ISAR") shall be unrelated to any Option and shall have a term set by the Committee. An ISAR shall be exercisable in such installments as the Committee may determine. An ISAR shall cover such number of shares of Common Stock as the Committee may determine; provided, however, that unless the Committee otherwise provides in the terms of the ISAR or otherwise, no ISAR granted to a person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall be exercisable until at least six months have elapsed from (but excluding) the date on which the Option was granted. The exercise price per share of Common Stock subject to each ISAR shall be set by the Committee. An ISAR is exercisable only while the Grantee is an Employee or consultant; provided that the Committee may determine that the ISAR may be exercised subsequent to Termination of Employment or Termination of Consultancy without cause, or following a change in control of the Company, or because of the Grantee's retirement, death or disability, or otherwise. (b) An ISAR shall entitle the Grantee (or other person entitled to exercise the ISAR pursuant to this Plan) to exercise all or a specified portion of the ISAR (to the extent then exercisable pursuant to its terms) and to receive from the Company an amount determined by multiplying the difference obtained by subtracting the exercise price per share of the ISAR from the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise of the ISAR by the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the ISAR shall have been exercised, subject to any limitations the Committee may impose. 8.4 PAYMENT AND LIMITATIONS ON EXERCISE (a) Payment of the amount determined under Section 8.2(c) and 8.3(b) above shall be in cash, in Common Stock (based on its Fair Market Value as of the date the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised) or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee. To the extent such payment is effected in Common Stock it shall be made subject to satisfaction of all provisions of Section 5.3 above pertaining to Options. (b) Grantees of Stock Appreciation Rights may be required to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement or exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the discretion of the Board or Committee. 8.5 CONSIDERATION. In consideration of the granting of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Grantee shall agree, in the written Stock Appreciation Right Agreement, to remain in the employ of, or to consult for, the Company or any Subsidiary for a period of at least one year after the Stock Appreciation Right is granted (or such shorter period as may be fixed in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement or by action of the Committee following grant of the Restricted Stock). Nothing in this Plan or in any Stock Appreciation Right Agreement hereunder shall confer on any Grantee any right to continue in the employ of, or as a consultant for, the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and any Subsidiary, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge any Grantee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without good cause. 16 ARTICLE IX ADMINISTRATION 9.1 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE. Prior to the Company's initial registration of Common Stock under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, the Compensation Committee shall consist of the entire Board. Following such registration, the Compensation Committee (or another committee or a subcommittee of the Board assuming the functions of the Committee under this Plan) shall consist solely of two or more Independent Directors appointed by and holding office at the pleasure of the Board, each of whom is both a "non-employee director" as defined by Rule 16(b)-3 and an "outside director" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. Appointment of Committee members shall be effective upon acceptance of appointment. Committee members may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the Board. Vacancies in the Committee may be filled by the Board. 9.2 DUTIES AND POWERS OF COMMITTEE. It shall be the duty of the Committee to conduct the general administration of this Plan in accordance with its provisions. The Committee shall have the power to interpret this Plan and the agreements pursuant to which Options, awards of Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments are granted or awarded, and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation, and application of this Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the full Board, acting by a majority of its members in office, shall conduct the general administration of the Plan with respect to Options granted to Independent Directors. Any such grant or award under this Plan need not be the same with respect to each Optionee, Grantee or Restricted Shareholder. Any such interpretations and rules with respect to Incentive Stock Options shall be consistent with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code. In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under this Plan except with respect to matters which under Rule 16(b)-3 or Section 162(m) of the Code, or any regulations or rules issued thereunder, are required to be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee. 9.3 MAJORITY RULE; UNANIMOUS WRITTEN CONSENT. The Committee shall act by a majority of its members in attendance at a meeting at which a quorum is present or by a memorandum or other written instrument signed by all members of the Committee. 9.4 COMPENSATION; PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE; GOOD FAITH ACTIONS. Members of the Committee shall receive such compensation for their services as members as may be determined by the Board. All expenses and liabilities which members of the Committee incur in connection with the administration of this Plan shall be borne by the Company. The Committee may, with the approval of the Board, employ attorneys, consultants, accountants, appraisers, brokers, or other persons. The Committee, the Company and the Company's officers and Directors shall be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such persons. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee or the Board in good faith shall be final and binding upon all Optionees, Grantees, Restricted Shareholders, the Company and all other interested persons. No members of the Committee or Board shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to this Plan, Options, awards of Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equiva lents or Stock Payments, and all members of the Committee and the Board shall be fully protected by the Company in respect of any such action, determination or interpretation. 17 ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 10.1 NOT TRANSFERABLE. Options, Restricted Stock awards, Deferred Stock awards, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments under this Plan may not be sold, pledged, assigned, or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or, to the extent permitted by state law, pursuant to a QDRO, unless and until such rights or awards have been exercised, or the shares underlying such rights or awards have been issued, and all restrictions applicable to such shares have lapsed. No Option, Restricted Stock award, Deferred Stock award, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent or Stock Payment or interest or right therein shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Optionee, Grantee or Restricted Shareholder or his successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect, except to the extent that such disposition is permitted by the preceding sentence or unless approved in writing by the Committee after consultation with counsel regarding accounting, tax law and securities law consequences. During the lifetime of the Optionee or Grantee, only he may exercise an Option or other right or award (or any portion thereof) granted to him under the Plan, unless it has been disposed of pursuant to a QDRO. After the death of the Optionee or Grantee, any exercisable portion of an Option or other right or award may, prior to the time when such portion becomes unexercisable under the Plan or the applicable Stock Option Agreement or other agreement, be exercised by his personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Optionee's or Grantee's will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution. 10.2 AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THIS PLAN. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 10.2, this Plan may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Board or the Committee. However, without approval of the Company's shareholders given within twelve months before or after the action by the Board or the Committee, no action of the Board or the Committee may, except as provided in Section 10.3, increase the limits imposed in Section 2.1 on the maximum number of shares which may be issued under this Plan or modify the Award Limit, and no action of the Committee may be taken that would otherwise require shareholder approval as a matter of applicable law, regulation or rule. No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan shall, without the consent of the holder of Options, Restricted Stock awards, Deferred Stock awards, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments, alter or impair any rights or obligations under any Options, Restricted Stock awards, Deferred Stock awards, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments theretofore granted or awarded, unless the award itself otherwise expressly so provides. No Options, Restricted Stock, Deferred Stock, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments may be granted or awarded during any period of suspension or after termination of this Plan, and in no event may any Option be granted under this Plan after the first to occur of the following events: (a) The expiration of ten years from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board; or (b) The expiration of ten years from the date the Plan is approved by the 18 Company's shareholders under Section 10.4. 10.3 CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK OR ASSETS OF THE COMPANY, ACQUISITION OR LIQUIDATION OF THE COMPANY AND OTHER CORPORATE EVENTS. (a) Subject to Section 10.3(d), in the event that the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including, but not limited to, a Corporate Transaction), or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event, in the Committee's sole discretion (or in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors, the Board's sole discretion), affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is determined by the Committee to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to an Option, Restricted Stock award, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent, Deferred Stock award or Stock Payment, then the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of (i) the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) with respect to which Options, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments may be granted under the Plan, or which may be granted as Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 2.1 on the maximum number and kind of shares which may be issued and adjustments of the Award Limit), (ii) the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Options, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents, or Stock Payments, and in the number and kind of shares of outstanding Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock, and (iii) the grant or exercise price with respect to any Option, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent or Stock Payment. (b) Subject to Sections 10.3(b)(vii) and 10.3(d), in the event of any Corporate Transaction or other transaction or event described in Section 10.3(a) or any unusual or nonrecurring transactions or events affecting the Company, any affiliate of the Company, or the financial statements of the Company or any affiliate, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) in its discretion is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) determines that such action is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any option, right or other award under this Plan, to facilitate such transactions or events or to give effect to such changes in laws, regulations or principles: (i) In its sole and absolute discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may provide, either by the terms of the agreement or by action taken prior to the 19 occurrence of such transaction or event and either automatically or upon the optionee's request, for either the purchase of any such Option, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent, or Stock Payment, or any Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock for an amount of cash equal to the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of such option, right or award or realization of the optionee's rights had such option, right or award been currently exercisable or payable or fully vested or the replacement of such option, right or award with other rights or property selected by the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) in its sole discretion; (ii) In its sole and absolute discretion, the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may provide, either by the terms of such Option, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent, or Stock Payment, or Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such transaction or event that it cannot be exercised after such event; (iii) In its sole and absolute discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may provide, either by the terms of such Option, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent, or Stock Payment, or Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such transaction or event, that for a specified period of time prior to such transaction or event, such option, right or award shall be exercisable as to all shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in (i) Section 4.4 or (ii) the provisions of such Option, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent, or Stock Payment, or Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock; (iv) In its sole and absolute discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may provide, either by the terms of such Option, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent, or Stock Payment, or Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such transaction or event, that upon such event, such option, right or award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar options, rights or awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; and (v) In its sole and absolute discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may make adjustments in the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Options, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents, or Stock Payments, and in the number and kind of outstanding Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock and/or in the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the criteria included in, outstanding options, rights and awards and options, rights and awards which may be granted in the future. (vi) In its sole and absolute discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee may provide either by the terms of a Restricted Stock award or Deferred Stock award or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such event that, for a specified period of time prior to such event, the restrictions imposed under a Restricted Stock Agreement or a Deferred Stock Agreement upon some or all shares of Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock may 20 be terminated, and, in the case of Restricted Stock, some or all shares of such Restricted Stock may cease to be subject to repurchase under Section 6.6 or forfeiture under Section 6.5 after such event. (vii) None of the foregoing discretionary actions taken under of this Section 10.3(b) shall be permitted with respect to Options granted under Section 3.4(d) to Independent Directors to the extent that such discretion would be inconsistent with the applicable exemptive conditions of Rule 16(b)-3. In the event of a Change in Control or a Corporate Transaction, to the extent that the Board does not have the ability under Rule 16(b)-3 to take or to refrain from taking the discretionary actions set forth in Section 10.3(b)(iii) above, each Option granted to an Independent Director shall be exercisable as to all shares covered thereby upon such Change in Control or during the five days immediately preceding the consummation of such Corporate Transaction and subject to such consummation, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4.4 or the vesting schedule of such Options. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, to the extent that the Board does not have the ability under Rule 16(b)-3 to take or to refrain from taking the discretionary actions set forth in Section 10.3(b)(ii) above, no Option granted to an Independent Director may be exercised following such Corporate Transaction unless such Option is, in connection with such Corporate Transaction, either assumed by the successor or survivor corporation (or parent or subsidiary thereof) or replaced with a comparable right with respect to shares of the capital stock of the successor or survivor corporation (or parent or subsidiary thereof). (viii) In the event of any Corporate Transaction, each outstanding Option, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent, Stock Payment, Restricted Stock, or Deferred Stock award shall, immediately prior to the effective date of the Corporate Transaction, automatically become fully exercisable for all of the shares of Common Stock at the time subject to such rights or fully vested, as applicable, and may be exercised for any or all of those shares as fully- vested shares of Common Stock. However, an outstanding right shall not so accelerate if and to the extent: (i) such right is, in connection with the Corporate Transaction, either to be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation (or parent thereof) or to be replaced with a comparable right with respect to shares of the capital stock of the successor or survivor corporation (or parent thereof) or (ii) the acceleration of exercisability of such right is subject to other limitations imposed by the Plan Administrator at the time of grant. The determination of comparability of rights under clause (i) above shall be made by the Plan Administrator, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. When the Committee considers adjustment issues in connection with corporate transactions which the Company would like to account for under the "pooling" method, the Committee shall consult with the Company's accountants to make certain that any contemplated adjustments do not interfere with the desired accounting treatment. (c) Subject to Section 10.3(d) and 10.8, the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may, in its discretion, include such further provisions and limitations in any Option, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent, or Stock Payment, or Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock agreement or certificate, as it may deem equitable and in the best interests of the Company. (d) With respect to Incentive Stock Options and Options and Stock Appreciation Rights intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), no adjustment or action described in this Section 10.3 or in any other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the Plan to violate Section 422(b)(1) of the Code or would 21 cause such option or stock appreciation right to fail to so qualify under Section 162(m), as the case may be, or any successor provisions thereto. Furthermore, no such adjustment or action shall be authorized to the extent such adjustment or action would result in short-swing profits liability under Section 16 or violate the exemptive conditions of Rule 16(b)-3 unless the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) determines that the option or other award is not to comply with such exemptive conditions. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to any option, right or award shall always be rounded to the next whole number. 10.4 APPROVAL OF PLAN BY SHAREHOLDERS. This Plan will be submitted for the approval of the Company's shareholders within twelve months after the date of the Board's initial adoption of this Plan. Options, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments may be granted and Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock may be awarded prior to such shareholder approval, provided that such Options, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments shall not be exercisable and such Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock shall not vest prior to the time when this Plan is approved by the shareholders, and provided further that if such approval has not been obtained at the end of said twelve-month period, all Options, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments previously granted and all Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock previously awarded under this Plan shall thereupon be canceled and become null and void. The Company shall take such actions as may be necessary to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16(b)-3 under the Exchange Act, or any other comparable rule adopted thereunder then in effect. 10.5 TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company shall be entitled to require payment in cash or deduction from other compensation payable to each Optionee, Grantee or Restricted Shareholder of any sums required by federal, state or local tax law to be withheld with respect to the issuance, vesting or exercise of any Option, Restricted Stock, Deferred Stock, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent or Stock Payment. The Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may in its discretion and in satisfaction of the foregoing requirement allow such Optionee, Grantee or Restricted Shareholder to elect to have the Company withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable under such Option or other award (or allow the return of shares of Common Stock) having a Fair Market Value equal to the sums required to be withheld. 10.6 LOANS. The Committee may, in its discretion, extend one or more loans to key Employees in connection with the exercise or receipt of an Option, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent or Stock Payment granted under this Plan, or the issuance of Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock awarded under this Plan. The terms and conditions of any such loan shall be set by the Committee. 10.7 FORFEITURE PROVISIONS. Pursuant to its general authority to determine the terms and conditions applicable to awards under the Plan, the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) shall have the right (to the extent consistent with the applicable exemptive conditions of Rule 16(b)-3) to provide, in the terms of Options or other awards made under the Plan, or to require the recipient to agree by separate written instrument, that (i) any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by the recipient upon any receipt or exercise of the award, or upon the receipt or resale of any Common Stock underlying such award, must be paid to the Company, and (ii) the award shall terminate and any unexercised portion of such award (whether or not vested) shall be forfeited, if (a) a Termination of Employment, Termination of Consultancy or Termination of Directorship occurs prior to a specified date, or within a specified time period following receipt or exercise of the award, or (b) the recipient at any time, or during a specified time period, engages in any activity in competition with the Company, or which is inimical, contrary or harmful to the 22 interests of the Company, as further defined by the Committee (or the Board, as applicable). 10.8 LIMITATIONS APPLICABLE TO SECTION 16 PERSONS AND PERFORMANCE- BASED COMPENSATION. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, this Plan, and any Option, Performance Award, Stock Appreciation Right, Dividend Equivalent or Stock Payment granted, or Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock awarded, to any individual who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16(b)-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan, Options, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents, Stock Payments, Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule. Furthermore, notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, any Option or Stock Appreciation Right intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in Section 162(m) of the Code (including any amendment to Section 162(m) of the Code) or any regulations or rulings issued thereunder that are requirements for qualification as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, and this Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements. 10.9 EFFECT OF PLAN UPON OPTIONS AND COMPENSATION PLANS. The adoption of this Plan shall not affect any other compensation or incentive plans in effect for the Company or any Subsidiary. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company (i) to establish any other forms of incentives or compensation for Employees, Directors or Consultants of the Company or any Subsidiary or (ii) to grant or assume options or other rights otherwise than under this Plan in connection with any proper corporate purpose including but not by way of limitation, the grant or assumption of options in connection with the acquisition by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the business, stock or assets of any corporation, partnership, limited liability company firm or association. 10.10 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. This Plan, the granting and vesting of Options, Restricted Stock awards, Deferred Stock awards, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments under this Plan and the issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock and the payment of money under this Plan or under Options, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments granted or Restricted Stock or Deferred Stock awarded hereunder are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities law and federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. Any securities delivered under this Plan shall be subject to such restrictions, and the person acquiring such securities shall, if requested by the Company, provide such assurances and representations to the Company as the Company may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all appli cable legal requirements. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan, Options, Restricted Stock awards, Deferred Stock awards, Performance Awards, Stock Appreciation Rights, Dividend Equivalents or Stock Payments granted or awarded hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. 10.11 TITLES. Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Plan. 23 10.12 GOVERNING LAW. This Plan and any agreements hereunder shall be administered, interpreted and enforced under the internal laws of the State of California without regard to conflicts of laws thereof. * * * 24 EX-23.2 4 EXHIBIT 23.2 Exhibit 23.2 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Scoop, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated March 5, 1998, which includes an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of Scoop, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1997. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Costa Mesa, California April 15, 1998 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----