-----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, CXfBr7fYAC67msx7yFXk7HyeEjJMJ0LkWifpG8M6EbtWxjZJk2R8XfNVDfMgnn02 BbO1o/OH35yaHT7S2Wl53g== 0001214659-11-000619.txt : 20110225 0001214659-11-000619.hdr.sgml : 20110225 20110225092258 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001214659-11-000619 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20110222 ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Other Events ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20110225 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20110225 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ante5, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001490161 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-MOTION PICTURE & VIDEO TAPE PRODUCTION [7812] IRS NUMBER: 272345075 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-53952 FILM NUMBER: 11638634 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE HUGHES CENTER DRIVE STREET 2: SUITE 606 CITY: LAS VEGAS STATE: NV ZIP: 89169 BUSINESS PHONE: 323-330-9881 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE HUGHES CENTER DRIVE STREET 2: SUITE 606 CITY: LAS VEGAS STATE: NV ZIP: 89169 8-K 1 b2241108k.htm b2241108k.htm


 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 8-K



Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  February 22, 2011


ANTE5, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)


000-53952
27-2345075
(Commission File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
10275 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 310, Minnetonka, Minnesota
55305
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(952) 426-1241
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions.
 
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR240.14d-2(b))
   
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under Exchange Act (17 CFR240.14a-12)
   
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR240.14d-2(b))
   
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR240.13e-4(c))
 


 
 

 
 
Table of Contents



Section 5  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
1
   
Item 5.02  Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors;
                  
Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements Of Certain Officers.
1
   
Section 8  OTHER EVENTS
2
   
Item 8.01  Other Events
2
   
Section 9  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
2
   
SIGNATURES
3
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
SECTION 5.  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Item 5.02.  Departure of Directors and Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

General.  On February 22, 2011, Ante5, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), experienced the following management changes among its executive officers:  (1) Joshua Wert voluntarily resigned as the Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective March 14, 2011, (2) James A. Moe was appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective March 14, 2011, (3) Bradley Berman voluntarily resigned as the Corporate Secretary of the Company, effective February 22, 2011, and (4) Joshua Wert was appointed as the new Corporate Secretary of the Company, effective February 22, 2011.

Compensation Arrangements.  In consideration for James A Moe’s service as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, the Company has agreed to pay to Mr. Moe the following compensation: an annual salary of $135,000, participation in Company employee benefit programs if and as they are implemented by the Company, such as 401(k) plans and disability and life insurance coverage, and 500,000 stock options to purchase up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.65 per share, exercisable for a period of ten (10) years from the date of grant (i.e. until February 22, 2021), vesting according to the following schedule: none on the date of grant, 166,667 on March 14, 2012, 166,666 on March 14, 2013, and 166,666 on March 14, 2014.

Joshua Wert received no additional compensation in consideration for his service as corporate secretary of the Company.

Biographical Information.

James A. Moe.  Mr. Moe has been the Chief Financial Officer of Northern Contours Inc., a multi-state manufacturing company located in Mendota Heights, Minnesota specializing in cabinet doors and work surfaces, since August 2005.  From January 2004 to August 2005, he was the Chief Financial Officer of Trimodal Inc., a trucking and container handling company located in Bloomington, Minnesota, which operated in seven cities in the Midwest and East Coast.  From April 2000 to December 2003, Mr. Moe was the Corporate Controller of Simondelivers.com, a venture capital backed start-up company located in Golden Valley, Minnesota providing home delivery of groceries ordered over the internet.  From October 1994 to April 2000, he was the Corporate Con troller of Recovery Engineering Inc., a high growth publicly traded manufacturer and distributor of small-scale water filters located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.  From November 1989 to October 1994, Mr. Moe was the Controller of Standard Iron and Wire Works, a privately held multi-division metal fabricator operating three plants in Minnesota.  Upon graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 1985, Mr. Moe worked as a Senior Accountant in audit assurance until November 1989 for Boulay, Heutmaker, Zibell & Company, a Minnesota based regional audit and tax accounting firm.  Mr. Moe is 53 years old.

A comprehensive description of the experience and qualifications of Joshua Wert is included in our Report on Form 8-K, dated November 12, 2010, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 
1

 

SECTION 8.  OTHER EVENTS

Item 8.01.  Other Events.

On February 22, 2011, the board of directors of Ante5, Inc. unanimously approved the formation of an audit committee, the adoption of the Audit Committee Charter, the formation of a compensation committee, and the adoption of a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers.  The audit committee is comprised of two outside independent directors who were appointed to the audit committee by the unanimous consent of the board of directors, Mr. Benjamin S. Oehler, the chairman of the audit committee, and Mr. Morris Goldfarb, the other member of the audit committee.  The compensation committee is comprised of two outside independent directors who were appointed to the compensation committee by the unanimous consent of the board of directors, Mr. Benjamin S. Oehler, the chairman of the compensation committee, and Mr. Morri s Goldfarb, the other member of the compensation committee.  A comprehensive description of the experience and qualifications of the audit and compensation committee members is included in our Report on Form 8-K, dated November 12, 2010, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Copies of our Audit Committee Charter and Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers are attached to this Report on Form 8-K as exhibits.  See Section 9. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Statements & Exhibits.

On February 22, 2011, the board of directors of Ante5, Inc. unanimously approved an amendment to the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan for the directors, officers, employees and key consultants of the Company, effective June 10, 2010, (the “Plan”) in order to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan from 4,200,000 to 6,000,000, to increase the maximum number of share awards that may be granted to a single individual in any fiscal year under the Plan from 750,000 to 1,000,000 shares, and to allow for the aggregate number of shares of the amount reserved for issuance under the Plan to be increased automatically by the lesser of: (a) a number of shares equal to five percent (5%) of the total number of authorized shares remaining on the immediately preceding December 31st; (b) 300,000 shares; or (c) such lesser number of shares as the board of directors, in its sole discretion, determines.  The Company plans to submit the Plan, as amended, to the Company’s shareholders for their consideration so that the Plan, as amended, can be ratified by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Company on or before June 10, 2011.
 
On February 22, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized management to proceed with the documents and filings necessary to (1) change the name of the Company to Ante5 Oil & Gas, Inc., and (2) reincorporate the Company under the laws of the State of Nevada.  The Company will seek and expects to obtain the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Company to the name change and reincorporation.



SECTION 9.                  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIALS & EXHIBITS
 
 
(a)
Financial Statements of Business Acquired
 
Not Applicable.
       
 
(b)
Pro Forma Financial Information
 
Not Applicable.
 
 
(c)
Shell Company Transactions
 
Not Applicable.

 
2

 
 
 
(d)
 Exhibits
 
 
10.1
2010 Stock Incentive Plan, effective June 10, 2010, and Amendment to 2010 Stock Incentive Plan for the directors, officers, employees and key consultants of Ante5, Inc., adopted February 22, 2011.
 
 
14. 
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers
 
 
99.1. 
Audit Committee Charter
 
 



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ANTE5, INC.
(Registrant)

  Date:  February 25, 2011


/s/  Bradley Berman, Chief Executive Officer
Bradley Berman, Chief Executive Officer
 
 
3

 
EX-10.1 2 ex10_1.htm 2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN ex10_1.htm
Exhibit 10.1
 
ANTE5, INC.

2010 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

(As adopted on June 10, 2010)


1.           Purpose.  The purpose of the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) of ante5, Inc. (the “Company”) is to increase stockholder value and to advance the interests of the Company by furnishing a variety of economic incentives (“Incentives”) designed to attract, retain and motivate employees, certain key consultants and directors of the Company.  Incentives may consist of opportunities to purchase or receive shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value, of the Company (“Common Stock”) on terms determined under this Plan.

2.       Administration.  The Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors or by a stock option or compensation committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company.  The Committee shall consist of not less than two directors of the Company and shall be appointed from time to time by the board of directors of the Company.  Each member of the Committee shall be (i) a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (including the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “1934 Act”) (a “Non-Employee Director”), and (ii) shall be an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder.  The Committee shall have complete authority to award Incentives under the Plan, to interpret the Plan, and to make any other determination which it believes necessary and advisable for the proper administration of the Plan.  The Committee’s decisions and matters relating to the Plan shall be final and conclusive on the Company and its participants. If at any time there is no stock option or compensation committee, the term “Committee”, as used in the Plan, shall refer to the Board of Directors.

3.           Eligible Participants.  Officers of the Company, employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, members of the Board of Directors, and consultants or other independent contractors who provide services to the Company or its subsidiaries shall be eligible to receive Incentives under the Plan when designated by the Committee. Participants may be designated individually or by groups or categories (for example, by pay grade) as the Committee deems appropriate.  Participation by officers of the Company or its subsidiaries and any performance objectives relating to such officers must be approved by the Committee.  Participation by others and any performance objectives relating to other s may be approved by groups or categories (for example, by pay grade) and authority to designate participants who are not officers and to set or modify such targets may be delegated.

4.           Types of Incentives.  Incentives under the Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of the following forms:  (a) incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options (section 6); (b) stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) (section 7); (c) stock awards (section 8); (d) restricted stock (section 8); and (e) performance shares (section 9).
 
 
-1-

 
 
 5.            Shares Subject to the Plan.

5.1.           Number of Shares.  Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10.6, the number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued under the Plan shall not exceed 4,200,000 shares of Common Stock.  Shares of Common Stock that are issued under the Plan or are subject to outstanding Incentives will be applied to reduce the maximum number of shares of Common Stock remaining available for issuance under the Plan.

5.2.           Cancellation.  To the extent that cash in lieu of shares of Common Stock is delivered upon the exercise of an SAR pursuant to Section 7.4, the Company shall be deemed, for purposes of applying the limitation on the number of shares, to have issued the greater of the number of shares of Common Stock which it was entitled to issue upon such exercise or on the exercise of any related option.  In the event that a stock option or SAR granted hereunder expires or is terminated or canceled unexercised as to any shares of Common Stock, such shares may again be issued under the Plan either pursuant to stock options, SARs or otherwise.  In the event that shares of Common Stock are iss ued as restricted stock or pursuant to a stock award and thereafter are forfeited or reacquired by the Company pursuant to rights reserved upon issuance thereof, such forfeited and reacquired shares may again be issued under the Plan, either as restricted stock, pursuant to stock awards or otherwise.  The Committee may also determine to cancel, and agree to the cancellation of, stock options in order to make a participant eligible for the grant of a stock option at a lower price than the option to be canceled.

5.3.           Type of Common Stock.  Common Stock issued under the Plan in connection with stock options, SARs, performance shares, restricted stock or stock awards, may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury stock, as designated by the Committee.

6.              Stock Options.  A stock option is a right to purchase shares of Common Stock from the Company.  Each stock option granted by the Committee under this Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

6.1.           Price.  The option price per share shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment under Section 10.6.

6.2.           Number.  The number of shares of Common Stock subject to the option shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10.6. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a stock option shall be reduced in the same proportion that the holder thereof exercises a SAR if any SAR is granted in conjunction with or related to the stock option.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no person shall receive grants of Stock Options under the Plan that exceed 750,000 shares during any one fiscal year of the Company.
 
 
-2-

 
 
6.3.           Duration and Time for Exercise.  Subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 10.4, the term of each stock option shall be determined by the Committee but shall not exceed ten years and one day from the date of grant.  Each stock option shall become exercisable at such time or times during its term as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant.  The Committee may accelerate the exercisability of any stock option.  Subject to the foregoing and with the approval of the Committee, all or any part of the shares of Common Stock with respect to which the right to purchase has accrued may be purchased by the Company at the time of such accrual or a t any time or times thereafter during the term of the option.

6.4.           Manner of Exercise.  A stock option may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice to the Company, specifying the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased and accompanied by the full purchase price for such shares.  The option price shall be payable (a) in United States dollars upon exercise of the option and may be paid by cash, uncertified or certified check or bank draft; (b) at the discretion of the Committee, by delivery of shares of Common Stock in payment of all or any part of the option price, which shares shall be valued for this purpose at the Fair Market Value on the date such option is exercised; or (c) at the discretion of the Committee, by instru cting the Company to withhold from the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the stock option shares of Common Stock in payment of all or any part of the exercise price and/or any related withholding tax obligations, which shares shall be valued for this purpose at the Fair Market Value or in such other manner as may be authorized from time to time by the Committee.  The shares of Common Stock delivered by the participant pursuant to Section 6.4(b) must have been held by the participant for a period of not less than six months prior to the exercise of the option, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.  Prior to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of a stock option, a participant shall have no rights as a stockholder.

6.5.           Incentive Stock Options.  Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the following additional provisions shall apply to the grant of stock options which are intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options (as such term is defined in Section 422 of the Code):

(a)           The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time the option is granted) of the shares of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any participant during any calendar year (under all of the Company’s plans) shall not exceed $100,000. The determination will be made by taking incentive stock options into account in the order in which they were granted.  If such excess only applies to a portion of an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee, in its discretion, will designate which shares will be treated as shares to be acquired upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option.

(b)           Any Incentive Stock Option certificate authorized under the Plan shall contain such other provisions as the Committee shall deem advisable, but shall in all events be consistent with and contain all provisions required in order to qualify the options as Incentive Stock Options.
 
 
-3-

 
 
(c)           All Incentive Stock Options must be granted within ten years from the earlier of the date on which this Plan was adopted by Board of Directors or the date this Plan was approved by the stockholders.

(d)           Unless sooner exercised, all Incentive Stock Options shall expire no later than 10 years after the date of grant.

(e)           The option price for Incentive Stock Options shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the option on the date of grant.

(f)           If Incentive Stock Options are granted to any participant who, at the time such option is granted, would own (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the employer corporation or of its parent or subsidiary corporation, (i) the option price for such Incentive Stock Options shall be not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the option on the date of grant and (ii) such Incentive Stock Options shall expire no later than five years after the date of grant.

7.              Stock Appreciation Rights.  An SAR is a right to receive, without payment to the Company, a number of shares of Common Stock, cash or any combination thereof, the amount of which is determined pursuant to the formula set forth in Section 7.4.  An SAR may be granted (a) with respect to any stock option granted under this Plan, either concurrently with the grant of such stock option or at such later time as determined by the Committee (as to all or any portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to the stock option), or (b) alone, without reference to any related stock option.  Each SAR granted by the Committee under this Plan shall be subject to the following ter ms and conditions:

7.1.           Number.  Each SAR granted to any participant shall relate to such number of shares of Common Stock as shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10.6.  In the case of an SAR granted with respect to a stock option, the number of shares of Common Stock to which the SAR pertains shall be reduced in the same proportion that the holder of the option exercises the related stock option.

7.2.           Duration.  Subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 10.4, the term of each SAR shall be determined by the Committee but shall not exceed ten years and one day from the date of grant.  Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, each SAR shall become exercisable at such time or times, to such extent and upon such conditions as the stock option, if any, to which it relates is exercisable.  The Committee may in its discretion accelerate the exercisability of any SAR.
 
 
-4-

 
 
7.3.           Exercise.  An SAR may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving written notice to the Company, specifying the number of SARs which the holder wishes to exercise.  Upon receipt of such written notice, the Company shall, within 90 days thereafter, deliver to the exercising holder certificates for the shares of Common Stock or cash or both, as determined by the Committee, to which the holder is entitled pursuant to Section 7.4.

7.4.           Payment.  Subject to the right of the Committee to deliver cash in lieu of shares of Common Stock (which, as it pertains to officers and directors of the Company, shall comply with all requirements of the 1934 Act), the number of shares of Common Stock which shall be issuable upon the exercise of an SAR shall be determined by dividing:

(a)           the number of shares of Common Stock as to which the SAR is exercised multiplied by the amount of the appreciation in such shares (for this purpose, the “appreciation” shall be the amount by which the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock subject to the SAR on the exercise date exceeds (1) in the case of an SAR related to a stock option, the purchase price of the shares of Common Stock under the stock option or (2) in the case of an SAR granted alone, without reference to a related stock option, an amount which shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, subject to adjustment under Section 10.6); by

(b)           the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date.

In lieu of issuing shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of a SAR, the Committee may elect to pay the holder of the SAR cash equal to the Fair Market Value on the exercise date of any or all of the shares which would otherwise be issuable.  No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon the exercise of an SAR; instead, the holder of the SAR shall be entitled to receive a cash adjustment equal to the same fraction of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date or to purchase the portion necessary to make a whole share at its Fair Market Value on the date of exercise.

8.              Stock Awards and Restricted Stock.  A stock award consists of the transfer by the Company to a participant of shares of Common Stock, without other payment therefor, as additional compensation for services to the Company.  A share of restricted stock consists of shares of Common Stock which are sold or transferred by the Company to a participant at a price determined by the Committee (which price shall be at least equal to the minimum price required by applicable law for the issuance of a share of Common Stock) and subject to restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the participant.  The transfer of Common Stock pursuant to stock awards and the transfer and sale of restricted stock shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
 
 
-5-

 
 
8.1.           Number of Shares.  The number of shares to be transferred or sold by the Company to a participant pursuant to a stock award or as restricted stock shall be determined by the Committee.

8.2.           Sale Price.  The Committee shall determine the price, if any, at which shares of restricted stock shall be sold to a participant, which may vary from time to time and among participants and which may be below the Fair Market Value of such shares of Common Stock at the date of sale.

8.3.           Restrictions.  All shares of restricted stock transferred or sold hereunder shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may determine, including, without limitation any or all of the following:

(a)           a prohibition against the sale, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance of the shares of restricted stock, such prohibition to lapse at such time or times as the Committee shall determine (whether in annual or more frequent installments, at the time of the death, disability or retirement of the holder of such shares, or otherwise);

(b)           a requirement that the holder of shares of restricted stock forfeit, or (in the case of shares sold to a participant) resell back to the Company at his or her cost, all or a part of such shares in the event of termination of his or her employment or consulting engagement during any period in which such shares are subject to restrictions;

(c)           such other conditions or restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable.

8.4.           Escrow.  In order to enforce the restrictions imposed by the Committee pursuant to Section 8.3, the participant receiving restricted stock shall enter into an agreement with the Company setting forth the conditions of the grant.  Shares of restricted stock shall be registered in the name of the participant and deposited, together with a stock power endorsed in blank, with the Company.  Each such certificate shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

The transferability of this certificate and the shares of Common Stock represented by it are subject to the terms and conditions (including conditions of forfeiture) contained in the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan of ante5, Inc. (the “Company”), and an agreement entered into between the registered owner and the Company.  A copy of the Plan and the agreement is on file in the office of the secretary of the Company.

8.5.           End of Restrictions.  Subject to Section 10.5, at the end of any time period during which the shares of restricted stock are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transfer, such shares will be delivered free of all restrictions to the participant or to the participant’s legal representative, beneficiary or heir.
 
 
-6-

 
 
8.6.           Stockholder.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, each participant receiving restricted stock shall have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to shares of stock during any period in which such shares are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transfer, including without limitation, the right to vote such shares.  Dividends paid in cash or property other than Common Stock with respect to shares of restricted stock shall be paid to the participant currently.

9.              Performance Shares.  A performance share consists of an award which shall be paid in shares of Common Stock, as described below.  The grant of performance share shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate, including the following:

9.1.           Performance Objectives.  Each performance share will be subject to performance objectives for the Company or one of its operating units to be achieved by the end of a specified period.  The number of performance shares granted shall be determined by the Committee and may be subject to such terms and conditions, as the Committee shall determine.  If the performance objectives are achieved, each participant will be paid in shares of Common Stock or cash.  If such objectives are not met, each grant of performance shares may provide for lesser payments in accordance with formulas established in the award.

9.2.           Not Stockholder.  The grant of performance shares to a participant shall not create any rights in such participant as a stockholder of the Company, until the payment of shares of Common Stock with respect to an award.

9.3.           No Adjustments.  No adjustment shall be made in performance shares granted on account of cash dividends which may be paid or other rights which may be issued to the holders of Common Stock prior to the end of any period for which performance objectives were established.

9.4.           Expiration of Performance Share.  If any participant’s employment or consulting engagement with the Company is terminated for any reason other than normal retirement, death or disability prior to the achievement of the participant’s stated performance objectives, all the participant’s rights on the performance shares shall expire and terminate unless otherwise determined by the Committee.  In the event of termination of employment or consulting by reason of death, disability, or normal retirement, the Committee, in its own discretion may determine what portions, if any, of the performance shares should be paid to the participant.
 
 
-7-

 
 
10.           General.

10.1.         Effective Date.  The Plan will become effective upon its approval by the Company’s stockholders.  Unless approved within one year after the date of the Plan’s adoption by the board of directors, the Plan shall not be effective for any purpose.

10.2.         Duration.  The Plan shall remain in effect until all Incentives granted under the Plan have either been satisfied by the issuance of shares of Common Stock or the payment of cash or been terminated under the terms of the Plan and all restrictions imposed on shares of Common Stock in connection with their issuance under the Plan have lapsed.  No Incentives may be granted under the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company.

10.3.         Non-transferability of Incentives.  No stock option, SAR, restricted stock or performance award may be transferred, pledged or assigned by the holder thereof (except, in the event of the holder’s death, by will or the laws of descent and distribution to the limited extent provided in the Plan or the Incentive), or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or the rules thereunder, and the Company shall not be required to recognize any attempted assignment of such rights by any participant.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, stock options may be transf erred by the holder thereof to Employee’s spouse, children, grandchildren or parents (collectively, the “Family Members”), to trusts for the benefit of Family Members, to partnerships or limited liability companies in which Family Members are the only partners or shareholders, or to entities exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  During a  participant’s lifetime, a stock option may be exercised only by him or her, by his or her guardian or legal representative or by the transferees permitted by the preceding sentence.

10.4.         Effect of Termination or Death.  In the event that a participant ceases to be an employee of or consultant to the Company for any reason, including death or disability, any Incentives may be exercised or shall expire at such times as may be determined by the Committee.

10.5.         Additional Condition.  Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary: (a) the Company may, if it shall determine it necessary or desirable for any reason, at the time of award of any Incentive or the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to any Incentive, require the recipient of the Incentive, as a condition to the receipt thereof or to the receipt of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant thereto, to deliver to the Company a written representation of present intention to acquire the Incentive or the shares of Common Stock issued pursuant thereto for his or her own account for investment and not for distribution; and (b) if at any time the Company further determines, in its sole discret ion, that the listing, registration or qualification (or any updating of any such document) of any Incentive or the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant thereto is necessary on any securities exchange or under any federal or state securities or blue sky law, or that the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with the award of any Incentive, the issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant thereto, or the removal of any restrictions imposed on such shares, such Incentive shall not be awarded or such shares of Common Stock shall not be issued or such restrictions shall not be removed, as the case may be, in whole or in part, unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company.
 
 
-8-

 
 
10.6.         Adjustment.  In the event of any recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares or other change in the Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock then subject to the Plan, including shares subject to restrictions, options or achievements of performance shares, shall be adjusted in proportion to the change in outstanding shares of Common Stock.  In the event of any such adjustments, the purchase price of any option, the performance objectives of any Incentive, and the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to any Incentive shall be adjusted as and to the extent appropriate, in the discretion of the Committee, to provide participants with the same relative rights be fore and after such adjustment.

10.7.         Incentive Plans and Agreements.  Except in the case of stock awards or cash awards, the terms of each Incentive shall be stated in a plan or agreement approved by the Committee.  The Committee may also determine to enter into agreements with holders of options to reclassify or convert certain outstanding options, within the terms of the Plan, as Incentive Stock Options or as non-statutory stock options and in order to eliminate SARs with respect to all or part of such options and any other previously issued options.

10.8.         Withholding.

(a)           The Company shall have the right to withhold from any payments made under the Plan or to collect as a condition of payment, any taxes required by law to be withheld.  At any time when a participant is required to pay to the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable income tax laws in connection with a distribution of Common Stock or upon exercise of an option or SAR, the participant may satisfy this obligation in whole or in part by electing (the “Election”) to have the Company withhold from the distribution shares of Common Stock having a value up to the minimum amount of withholding taxes required to be collected on the transaction.  The value of the shares to be withheld shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld shall be determined (“Tax Date”).

(b)           Each Election must be made prior to the Tax Date.  The Committee may disapprove of any Election, may suspend or terminate the right to make Elections, or may provide with respect to any Incentive that the right to make Elections shall not apply to such Incentive.  An Election is irrevocable.
 
 
-9-

 
 
10.9.         No Continued Employment, Engagement or Right to Corporate Assets.  No participant under the Plan shall have any right, because of his or her participation, to continue in the employ of the Company for any period of time or to any right to continue his or her present or any other rate of compensation.  Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed as giving an employee, a consultant, such persons’ beneficiaries or any other person any equity or interests of any kind in the assets of the Company or creating a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship of any kind between the Company and any such person.

10.10.       Deferral Permitted.  Payment of cash or distribution of any shares of Common Stock to which a participant is entitled under any Incentive shall be made as provided in the Incentive.  Payment may be deferred at the option of the participant if provided in the Incentive.

10.11.       Amendment of the Plan.  The Board may amend or discontinue the Plan at any time.  However, no such amendment or discontinuance shall adversely change or impair, without the consent of the recipient, an Incentive previously granted. Further, no such amendment shall, without approval of the shareholders of the Company,  (a) increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued to all participants under the Plan, (b) change or expand the types of Incentives that may be granted under the Plan, (c) change the class of persons eligible to receive Incentives under the Plan, or (d) materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the Plan.

10.12        Sale, Merger, Exchange or Liquidation.  Unless otherwise provided in the agreement for an Incentive, in the event of an acquisition of the Company through the sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets or through a merger, exchange, reorganization or liquidation of the Company or a similar event as determined by the Committee (collectively a “transaction”), the Committee shall be authorized, in its sole discretion, to take any and all action it deems equitable under the circumstances, including but not limited to any one or more of the following:

(1)  providing that the Plan and all Incentives shall terminate and the holders of (i) all outstanding vested options shall receive, in lieu of any shares of Common Stock they would be entitled to receive under such options, such stock, securities or assets, including cash, as would have been paid to such participants if their options had been exercised and such participant had received Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction (with appropriate adjustment for the exercise price, if any), (ii) performance shares and/or SARs that entitle the participant to receive Common Stock shall receive, in lieu of any shares of Common Stock each participant was entitled to receive as of the date of the transaction pursuant to the terms of such Incentive, if any, such stock, securities or assets, including cash, as would have been paid to such participant if such Common Stock had been issued to and held by the participant immediately prior to such transaction, and (iii) any Incentive under this Agreement which does not entitle the participant to receive Common Stock shall be equitably treated as determined by the Committee.
 
 
-10-

 
 
(2)  providing that participants holding outstanding vested Common Stock based Incentives shall receive, with respect to each share of Common Stock issuable pursuant to such Incentives as of the effective date of any such transaction, at the determination of the Committee, cash, securities or other property, or any combination thereof, in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of such Common Stock on a date within ten days prior to the effective date of such transaction over the option price or other amount owed by a participant, if any, and that such Incentives shall be cancelled, including the cancellation without consideration of all options that have an exercise price below the per share value of the consideration received by the Company in the transaction.

(3)  providing that the Plan (or replacement plan) shall continue with respect to Incentives not cancelled or terminated as of the effective date of such transaction and provide to participants holding such Incentives the right to earn their respective Incentives on a substantially equivalent basis (taking into account the transaction and the number of shares or other equity issued by such successor entity) with respect to the equity of the entity succeeding the Company by reason of such transaction.

(4)  providing that all unvested, unearned or restricted Incentives, including but not limited to restricted stock for which restrictions have not lapsed as of the effective date of such transaction, shall be void and deemed terminated, or, in the alternative, for the acceleration or waiver of any vesting, earning or restrictions on any Incentive.

The Board may restrict the rights of participants or the applicability of this Section 10.12 to the extent necessary to comply with Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Internal Revenue Code or any other applicable law or regulation. The grant of an Incentive award pursuant to the Plan shall not limit in any way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or business structure or to merge, exchange or consolidate or to dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

10.13.       Definition of Fair Market Value. For purposes of this Plan, the “Fair Market Value” of a share of Common Stock at a specified date shall, unless otherwise expressly provided in this Plan, be the amount which the Committee or the Board of Directors determines in good faith to be 100% of the fair market value of such a share as of the date in question; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, if such shares are listed on a U.S. securities exchange or are quoted on the Nasdaq National Market or Nasdaq Small-Cap Market (“Nasdaq”), then Fair Market Value shall be determined by reference to the last sale price of a share of Common Stock on such U.S. securities exchange or Nasdaq on the applicab le date.  If such U.S. securities exchange or Nasdaq is closed for trading on such date, or if the Common Stock does not trade on such date, then the last sale price used shall be the one on the date the Common Stock last traded on such U.S. securities exchange or Nasdaq.
 
 
-11-

 
 
10.14.       Change in Control. (a) Upon a Change in Control, as defined in paragraph (b) of this Section 10.14, any stock option or restricted stock award granted to any Participant under this Plan that would have become vested upon continued employment by the Participant shall immediately vest in full and become exercisable, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary of such award, and notwithstanding the discretion of the Committee pursuant to Section 10.12.

(b) For purposes of this Section 10.14, “Change in Control” means:

(1)  The acquisition by any person, entity or “group”, within the meaning of Section 13(d) (3) or 14(d) (2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) (excluding, for this purpose, (A) the Company, (B) any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries which acquires beneficial ownership of voting securities of the Company, or (C) Lyle Berman, Bradley Berman, Bradley Berman Irrevocable Trust, Julie Berman Irrevocable Trust, Jessie Lynn Berman Irrevocable Trust, Amy Berman Irrevocable Trust and Steven Lipscomb) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 33% or more of either the then outstanding shares of common stock or the combined voting power of the Compa ny’s then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; or

(2)  Individuals who, as of June 10, 2010, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to June 10, 2010 whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (other than an election or nomination of an individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the Directors of the Company, as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act) shall be, for purposes of this Agreement, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; o r

(3)  Approval by the stockholders of the Company of (A) a reorganization, merger or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which persons who were the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own more than 50% of the combined voting power of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company’s then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged or consolidated company, or (B) a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or (C) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

 
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Amendment of 2010 Stock Incentive Plan
 
of
 
Ante5, Inc., A Delaware Corporation
 



The 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) of Ante5, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), is hereby amended as follows:

 
1.
Section 5.1 of the Plan is hereby amended and restated to provide as follows:

“Number of Shares.  Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10.6, the number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued under the Plan shall not exceed 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock.  Shares of Common Stock that are issued under the Plan or are subject to outstanding Incentives will be applied to reduce the maximum number of shares of Common Stock remaining available for issuance under the Plan.”

 
2.
Section 6.2 of the Plan is hereby amended and restated to provide as follows:

“Number.  The number of shares of Common Stock subject to the option shall be determined by the Committee, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10.6. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to a stock option shall be reduced in the same proportion that the holder thereof exercises a SAR if any SAR is granted in conjunction with or related to the stock option.  In addition, on each anniversary of June 10, 2010 (the “Effective Date”) on or before the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date, commencing on June 10, 2011, the aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuance under this Plan shall be increased automatically by the lesser of: (a) a number of shares equal to five percent (5%) o f the total number of remaining authorized shares on the immediately preceding December 31st; (b) 300,000 shares; or (c) such lesser number of shares as the Board, in its sole discretion, determines.  These limits on the number of shares subject to the share reserve shall be subject to adjustment under Section 10.6 of the Plan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no person shall receive grants of Stock Options under the Plan that exceeds 1,000,000 shares during any one fiscal year of the Company.”

 
3.
The terms used in this Amendment have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan unless otherwise defined in this Amendment.  The Plan remains in full force and effect without modification, except as modified by this Amendment.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment to the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan for Ante5, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is effective this 22nd day of February 2011.
 
 
 

 
EX-14 3 ex14.htm CODE OF ETHICS FOR SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS ex14.htm
Exhibit 14
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT B

ANTE5, INC.

CODE OF ETHICS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
ANTE5, INC.
CODE OF ETHICS FOR SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS

 
Ante5, Inc. (the “Corporation”) believes that senior financial officers, including, but not limited to the Corporation’s chief executive officer, principal financial officer, controller or principal accounting officer, and persons who perform similar functions (collectively, the “Senior Financial Officers”), hold an important and elevated role in corporate governance.  The Corporation vests Senior Financial Officers with both the responsibility and authority to protect, balance, and preserve the interests of all persons involved with the Corporation, including but not limited to shareholders, customers, employees, and suppliers.  Senior Financial Officers fulfill this responsibility by prescribing and enforcing the policies and procedures employed in the operation of the Corporation 217;s finance department.

The Corporation shall consistently enforce its Code of Ethics through appropriate means of discipline.  Violations of the Code of Ethics shall promptly be reported to the Corporation’s Audit Committee.  Pursuant to procedures adopted by it, the Audit Committee shall determine whether violations of the Code of Ethics have occurred and, if so, shall determine the disciplinary measures to be taken against any Senior Financial Officer or member of the Corporation’s finance department who has so violated this Code of Ethics.

The disciplinary measures, which may be invoked at the discretion of the Audit Committee, include, but are not limited to, counseling, oral or written reprimands, warnings, probation or suspension without pay, demotions, reductions in salary, termination of employment, and restitution.

Persons subject to disciplinary measures shall include, in addition to the violator, others involved in the wrongdoing such as (i) persons who fail to use reasonable care to detect a violation, (ii) persons who if requested to divulge information withhold material information regarding a violation, and (iii) supervisors who approve or condone the violations or attempt to retaliate against employees or agents for reporting violations or violators.

I.             Honest and Ethical Conduct

Senior Financial Officers will exhibit and promote the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct through the establishment and operation of policies and procedures that:

 
·
Encourage and reward professional integrity in all aspects of the finance department, by eliminating inhibitions and barriers to responsible behavior, such as coercion, fear of reprisal, or alienation from the finance department or the Corporation itself.
 
 
-1-

 
 
 
·
Prohibit and eliminate the appearance or occurrence of conflicts between what is in the best interest of the Corporation and what could result in material personal gain for a member of the finance department, including Senior Financial Officers.  Such conflicts may include (i) employment by a competitor, or potential competitor, regardless of the nature of the employment, while employed by the Corporation, (ii) acceptance of gifts, payment, or services from those seeking to do business with the Corporation, (iii) placement of business with a firm owned or controlled by an officer, director or employee of the Corporation or his/her family, (iv) ownership of, or substantial interest in, a company that is a competitor, client or supplier of the Corporation, (v) acting as a consultant to a customer, client or supplier of the Corporation, or (vi) seeking the services or advice of an accountant or attorney w ho has provided services to the Corporation.  Members of the finance department, including Senior Financial Officers, are under a continuing obligation to disclose any situation that presents the possibility of a conflict or disparity of interest between the member and the Corporation.  Disclosure of any potential conflict is the key to remaining in full compliance with this Code of Ethics.

 
·
Provide a mechanism for members of the finance department to inform senior management promptly of deviations in practice from policies and procedures governing honest and ethical behavior.

 
·
Ensure that the Corporation’s proprietary information not be disclosed to anyone without proper authorization.

 
·
Demonstrate their personal support for such policies and procedures through periodic communication reinforcing these ethical standards throughout the finance department.

II.            Financial Records and Periodic Reports

Senior Financial Officers will establish and manage the Corporation’s transaction and reporting systems and procedures to ensure that:

 
·
Business transactions are properly authorized and completely and accurately recorded on the Corporation’s books and records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and established Corporation financial policy.

 
·
The retention or proper disposal of Corporation records shall be in accordance with established industry financial policies and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

 
·
Periodic financial communications and reports will be delivered in a manner that facilitates the highest degree of clarity of content and meaning so that readers and users will quickly and accurately determine their significance and consequence.
 
 
-2-

 
 
III.           Compliance with Applicable Laws, Rules and Regulations

Senior Financial Officers will establish and maintain mechanisms to:

 
·
Educate members of the finance department about any federal, state or local statute, regulation or administrative procedure that affects the operation of the finance department and the Corporation generally, including but not limited to prohibitions against insider trading.

 
·
Monitor the compliance of the finance department with any applicable federal, state or local statute, regulation or administrative rule.

 
·
Identify, report, and correct in a swift and certain manner any detected deviations from applicable federal, state or local statute or regulation.
 
 
·
Ensure that disclosure in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other public communications is full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable.

 
 
 
 
-3-

 
EX-99.1 4 ex99_1.htm AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER ex99_1.htm
Exhibit 99.1
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT A

ANTE5, INC.

AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
ANTE5, INC.

AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
 
I.             PURPOSE

The Audit Committee (the “Committee”) shall provide assistance to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Ante5, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”) in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to: (a) the quality and integrity of the Corporation’s financial statements, (b) the Corporation’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (c) the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, and (d) the performance of the Corporation’s internal audit function and the independent auditors.  The Committee has the authority to conduct any investigation appropriate to fulfilling its responsibilities, and it shall have direct access to the independent auditors as well as to anyone in the Corporation.  The Board and the Comm ittee are to represent the Corporation’s stockholders.  Accordingly, the independent auditors are accountable to the Board and the Committee.

Although the Committee has the powers and responsibilities set forth in this Charter, the role of the Committee is oversight.  The members of the Committee are not full-time employees of the Corporation.  They may or may not be accountants or auditors by profession or experts in the fields of accounting or auditing and, in any event, do not serve in such capacity.  Consequently, it is not the duty of the Committee to conduct audits or to determine that the Corporation’s financial statements and disclosures are complete and accurate, or that they are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations.  These are the responsibilities of the Corporation’s management (the “Management”) and the independent auditors.
 
II.           COMPOSITION

The Committee shall initially be comprised of two (2) directors, who are independent of the management of the Corporation and are free of any relationship, which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with his/her exercise of independent judgment as a member of the Committee.  The members of the Committee must have a working familiarity with basic finance and accounting practices and must have accounting or related financial management expertise.  The members of the Committee shall be elected by the Board of Directors annually and shall serve until their successors shall be duly elected and qualified.
 
III.           MEETINGS

The Committee shall meet at least four times annually, or more frequently as circumstances require.  Meetings of the Committee may be called at any time by any member of the Committee.  The Committee may require members of Management, the Corporation’s Chief Financial Officer and other members of its audit department, if any (the “Audit Department”), as well as the Corporation’s independent auditors and others to attend meetings and to provide pertinent information, as necessary.  As part of its job to foster open communications, the Committee shall meet in separate executive sessions during each of its four regularly scheduled meetings with Management, the head of the Corporation’s Audit Department and the Corporation’s independent auditors to discuss any matters that the Committee (or any of these groups) believes should be discussed privately.
 
 
- 1 -

 
 
IV.           RESPONSIBILITIES

In carrying out its responsibilities, the Committee believes its policies and procedures should remain flexible in order to best react to changing conditions relating to the corporate accounting and reporting practices of the Corporation and pertinent regulatory requirements.

In carrying out those responsibilities, the Committee will:

A.           Independent Auditors

·
Have the sole authority and responsibility to select, evaluate, and, where appropriate, replace the independent auditors or nominate the independent auditors for shareholder approval.  The Committee shall approve all audit engagement fees and terms and all non-audit engagements with the independent auditors.  The Committee shall consult with Management but shall not delegate these responsibilities.

·
Have the sole authority to review in advance, and grant any appropriate pre-approvals of (i) all auditing services to be provided by the independent auditors and (ii) all non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors as permitted by Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (iii) in connection therewith to approve all fees and other terms of engagement.  The Committee shall also review and approve disclosures required to be included in Securities and Exchange Commission periodic reports filed under Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to non-audit services.

·
Review the performance of the Corporation’s independent auditors on at least an annual basis.

·
On an annual basis, review and discuss with the independent auditors all relationships the independent auditors have with the Corporation in order to evaluate the independent auditors’ continued independence.  The Committee: (i) shall ensure that the independent auditors submit to the Committee on an annual basis a written statement (consistent with Independent Standards Board Standards No. 1) delineating all relationships and services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent auditors; (ii) shall discuss with the independent auditors any disclosed relationship or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent auditors; and (iii) shall satisfy itself as to the independent auditors’ independence.
 
 
- 2 -

 
 
·
At least annually, obtain and review an annual report from the independent auditors describing (i) the independent auditors’ internal quality control procedures and (ii) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or peer review, of the independent auditors, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the independent auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues.

·
Confirm that the lead audit partner for the Corporation’s independent auditors, or the lead audit partner responsible for reviewing the Corporation’s audit, has not performed audit services for the Corporation for the five previous fiscal years in a row.

·
Review all reports required to be submitted by the independent auditors to the Committee under Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

B.           Document/Reports Review

·
Review annually the adequacy of this Charter and make recommendations from time to time to the Board, if appropriate, to update or modify this Charter.

·
Review interim financial statements with Management, the head of the Corporation’s Audit Department, and the independent auditors prior to the filing of the Corporation’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including a discussion with the independent auditors of the matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61 (“SAS No. 61”), as amended.

·
Review with Management, the head of the Corporation’s Audit Department, and the independent auditors the Corporation’s annual financial statements prior to the filing of the Corporation’s annual report on Form 10-K, including a discussion with the independent auditors of the matters required to be discussed by SAS No. 61, as amended.

·
Recommend to the Board of Directors, if appropriate, that the Corporation’s annual audited financial statements be included in the Corporation’s annual report on Form 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

·
Prepare the report required by the Securities and Exchange Commission to be included in the Corporation’s annual proxy statement and any other Committee reports required by applicable securities laws or stock exchange listing requirements or rules.

C.           Financial Reporting Process

·
Meet with the independent auditors, the head of the Corporation’s Audit Department, and Management to review the scope of the proposed audit for the current year and the audit procedures to be utilized, and at the conclusion thereof review such audit, including any comments or recommendations of the independent auditors.
 
 
- 3 -

 
 
·
Periodically review separately with each of Management, the independent auditors and the Corporation’s Audit Department (i) any significant disagreement between Management and the independent auditors or the Corporation’s Audit Department in connection with the preparation of the financial statements, (ii) any difficulties encountered during the course of the audit (including any restrictions on the scope of work or access to required information), and (iii) Management’s response to each of those issues.

·
Periodically discuss with the independent auditors, without Management being present, (i) their judgments about the quality, appropriateness, and acceptability of the Corporation’s accounting principles and financial disclosure practices, as applied in its financial reporting and (ii) the completeness and accuracy of the Corporation’s financial statements.

·
Consider and approve, if appropriate, significant changes to the Corporation’s accounting principles and financial disclosure practices as suggested by the independent auditors, Management or the Corporation’s Audit Department.

·
Review with the independent auditors, Management, and the Corporation’s Audit Department, at appropriate intervals, the extent to which any changes or improvements in accounting or financial practices, as approved by the Committee, have been implemented.

·
Review with Management, the independent auditors, the Corporation’s Audit Department and the Corporation’s counsel, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters that could have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial statements, including significant changes in accounting standards or rules as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or other regulatory authorities with relevant jurisdiction.

·
Obtain and review an annual report from Management relating to the accounting principles used in preparation of the Corporation’s financial statements (including those policies for which Management is required to exercise discretion or judgments regarding the implementation thereof).

D.           Discussions with Management

·
Review and discuss with Management the Corporation’s earnings press releases (including the use of “pro forma” or “adjusted” non-GAAP information) as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies.

·
Review and discuss with Management all material off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations) and other relationships of the Corporation with unconsolidated entities or other persons, that may have a material current or future effect on financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources, capital reserves or significant components of revenues or expenses.
 
 
- 4 -

 
 
·
Inquire about the application of the Corporation’s accounting policies and its consistency from period to period, and the compatibility of these accounting policies with generally accepted accounting principles, and (where appropriate) the Corporation’s provisions for future occurrences which may have a material impact on the financial statements of the Corporation.

·
Review and discuss with Management (i) the Corporation’s major financial risk exposures and the steps Management has taken to monitor and control such exposures (including Management’s risk assessment and risk management policies), and (ii) the program that Management has established to monitor compliance with its code of business ethics and conduct for directors, officers and employees.

·
Review and discuss with Management all disclosures made by the Corporation concerning any material changes in the financial condition or operations of the Corporation.

·
Obtain explanations from Management for unusual variances in the Corporation’s annual financial statements from year to year, and review annually the independent auditors’ letter of the recommendations to Management and Management’s response.

E.           General

·
Retain such outside counsel, experts, and other advisors as the Committee may deem appropriate in its sole discretion.  The Committee shall have sole authority to approve related fees and retention terms.

·
Review and approve the appointment and replacement of the head of the Corporation’s Audit Department, and review on an annual basis the performance of the Corporation’s Audit Department.

·
Establish procedures for (i) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and (ii) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Corporation of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

·
Establish the policy for the Corporation’s hiring of employees or former employees of the independent auditors who were engaged on the Corporation’s account.

·
Review and monitor compliance with the Corporation’s Code of Ethics for senior financial officers of the Corporation, including its chief executive officer, principal financial officer, controller or principal accounting officer, and persons who perform similar functions.

·
Maintain minutes of meetings of the Committee.

·
Submit minutes of all meetings of the Committee to the Board, or report the matters discussed at each Committee meeting with the Board.
 
 
 
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