-----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, JrJwpN05ZXP/uyrYgJA8inYkpb9OytEE0KqTeGwiHjl3c/FMjocdF5zBDBPpSMsA DI6FDRxgqdWsewLqBR+khg== 0000350644-02-000010.txt : 20021112 0000350644-02-000010.hdr.sgml : 20021111 20021112114231 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000350644-02-000010 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEF 14C PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20021112 FILED AS OF DATE: 20021112 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20021112 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SCIENCE DYNAMICS CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000350644 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH APPARATUS [3661] IRS NUMBER: 222011859 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEF 14C SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-10690 FILM NUMBER: 02816058 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1919 SPRINGDALE RD CITY: CHERRY HILL STATE: NJ ZIP: 08003 BUSINESS PHONE: 8564240068 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: SCIENCE DYNAMICS CORP STREET 2: 1919 SPRINGDALE RD CITY: CHERRY HILL STATE: NJ ZIP: 08003 DEF 14C 1 def14c.txt DEFINITIVE SCHEDULE 14C SCHEDULE 14C (RULE 14C-101) Information Statement Pursuant to Section 14(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary Information Statement [X] Definitive Information Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14c-5(d)(2)) Science Dynamics Corporation (Name of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the Appropriate Box): [X] No fee required [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14c-5(g) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: (2) Aggregate number of securities to which the transaction applies: (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: (5) Total fee paid: [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials [ ] check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount previously paid: (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: (3) Filing Party: (4) Date Filed: SCIENCE DYNAMICS CORPORATION 2059 Springdale Road, Suite 100, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003 INFORMATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 AND REGULATION 14C AND SCHEDULE 14C THEREUNDER WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE NOT REQUESTED TO SEND US A PROXY Cherry Hill, New Jersey November 12, 2002 This information statement has been mailed on or about November 12, 2002 to the stockholders of record on November 6, 2002 (the "Record Date") of Science Dynamics Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company") in connection with certain actions to be taken by the written consent by the majority stockholders of the Company, dated by and through November 6, 2002. The actions to be taken pursuant to the written consent shall be taken on or about December 3, 2002, 20 days after the mailing of this information statement. THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS AND NO STOCKHOLDER MEETING WILL BE HELD TO CONSIDER ANY MATTER WHICH WILL BE DESCRIBED HEREIN. By Order of the Board of Directors, /s/ ALAN C. BASHFORTH Secretary - -1- NOTICE OF ACTION TO BE TAKEN PURSUANT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF MAJORITY STOCKHOLDERS IN LIEU OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS, DATED BY AND THROUGH NOVEMBER 6, 2002 To Our Stockholders: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following action will be taken pursuant to the written consent of a majority of stockholders dated by and through November 6, 2002, in lieu of a special meeting of the stockholders. Such action will be taken on or about December 3, 2002: 1. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, will be amended as follows: (a) increase the number of authorized shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock") of the Company from 45,000,000 shares to 200,000,000 shares; and (b) authorize the creation of 10,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock. 2. To approve the Company's 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan and reserve up to 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance thereunder. 3. To approve the Company's 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and to reserve up to 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance thereunder. OUTSTANDING SHARES AND VOTING RIGHTS As of the Record Date, the Company's authorized capitalization consisted of 45,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share (the "Common Stock") , of which 40,573,099 shares were issued and outstanding as of the Record Date. Holders of Common Stock of the Company have no preemptive rights to acquire or subscribe to any of the additional shares of Common Stock. Each share of Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote on each matter submitted to the stockholders. However, because stockholders holding at least a majority of the voting rights of all outstanding shares of capital stock as at the Record Date have voted in favor of the foregoing proposals by resolution dated by and through November 6, 2002; and having sufficient voting power to approve such proposals through their ownership of capital stock, no other stockholder consents will be solicited in connection with this Information Statement. Pursuant to Rule 14c-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the proposals will not be adopted until a date at least 20 days after the date on which this Information Statement has been mailed to the stockholders. The Company anticipates that the actions contemplated herein will be effected on or about the close of business on December 3, 2002. The Company has asked brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward this Information Statement to the beneficial owners of the Common Stock held of record by such persons and will reimburse such persons for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in forwarding such material. This Information Statement will serve as written notice to stockholders pursuant to Section 222 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. - -2- AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION As of November 6, 2002, the majority stockholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 45,000,000 to 200,000,000 and to authorize the creation of 10,000,000 shares of "blank check" preferred stock. The Company currently has authorized capital stock of 45,000,000 shares and approximately 40,783,590 shares of Common Stock are outstanding as of the Record Date. The Board believes that the increase in authorized common shares would provide the Company greater flexibility with respect to the Company's capital structure for such purposes as additional equity financing, and stock based acquisitions. The Company anticipates that the "blank check" preferred stock will be designated into classes as deemed appropriate by the Company in the future. INCREASE IN AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK The terms of the additional shares of Common Stock will be identical to those of the currently outstanding shares of Common Stock. However, because holders of Common Stock have no preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of the Company, the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock will reduce the current stockholders' percentage ownership interest in the total outstanding shares of Common Stock. This amendment and the creation of additional shares of authorized common stock will not alter the current number of issued shares. The relative rights and limitations of the shares of Common Stock will remain unchanged under this amendment. As of the Record Date, a total of 40,573,099 shares of the Company's currently authorized 45,000,000 shares of Common Stock are issued and outstanding. The increase in the number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock would enable the Company, without further stockholder approval, to issue shares from time to time as may be required for proper business purposes, such as raising additional capital for ongoing operations, business and asset acquisitions, stock splits and dividends, present and future employee benefit programs and other corporate purposes. The proposed increase in the authorized number of shares of Common Stock could have a number of effects on the Company's stockholders depending upon the exact nature and circumstances of any actual issuances of authorized but unissued shares. The increase could have an anti-takeover effect, in that additional shares could be issued (within the limits imposed by applicable law) in one or more transactions that could make a change in control or takeover of the Company more difficult. For example, additional shares could be issued by the Company so as to dilute the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to obtain control of the Company. Similarly, the issuance of additional shares to certain persons allied with the Company's management could have the effect of making it more difficult to remove the Company's current management by diluting the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to cause such removal. The Board of Directors is not aware of any attempt, or contemplated attempt, to acquire control of the Company, and this proposal is not being presented with the intent that it be utilized as a type of anti- takeover device. There are currently no plans, arrangements, commitments or understandings for the issuance of the additional shares of Common Stock which are proposed to be authorized. Stockholders do not have any preemptive or similar rights to subscribe for or purchase any additional shares of Common Stock that may be issued in the future, and therefore, future issuances of Common Stock may, depending on the circumstances, have a dilutive effect on the earnings per share, voting power and other interests of the existing stockholders. - -3- CREATION OF BLANK CHECK PREFERRED STOCK The amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, will create 10,000,000 authorized shares of "blank check" preferred stock. The proposed Amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, attached as Exhibit "A" to this Information Statement contains provisions related to the "blank check" preferred stock. The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the proposed Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation as set forth in Exhibit "A." The term "blank check" refers to preferred stock, the creation and issuance of which is authorized in advance by the stockholders and the terms, rights and features of which are determined by the Board of Directors of the Company upon issuance. The authorization of such blank check preferred stock would permit the Board of Directors to authorize and issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series. Subject to the provisions of the Company's Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation and the limitations prescribed by law, the Board of Directors would be expressly authorized, at its discretion, to adopt resolutions to issue shares, to fix the number of shares and to change the number of shares constituting any series and to provide for or change the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights (including whether the dividends are cumulative), dividend rates, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption prices, conversion rights and liquidation preferences of the shares constituting any series of the preferred stock, in each case without any further action or vote by the stockholders. The Board of Directors would be required to make any determination to issue shares of preferred stock based on its judgment as to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, would give the Board of Directors flexibility, without further stockholder action, to issue preferred stock on such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors deems to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The amendment will provide the Company with increased financial flexibility in meeting future capital requirements by providing another type of security in addition to its Common Stock, as it will allow preferred stock to be available for issuance from time to time and with such features as determined by the Board of Directors for any proper corporate purpose. It is anticipated that such purposes may include exchanging preferred stock for Common Stock and, without limitation, may include the issuance for cash as a means of obtaining capital for use by the Company, or issuance as part or all of the consideration required to be paid by the Company for acquisitions of other businesses or assets. Any issuance of preferred stock with voting rights could, under certain circumstances, have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company by increasing the number of outstanding shares entitled to vote and by increasing the number of votes required to approve a change in control of the Company. Shares of voting or convertible preferred stock could be issued, or rights to purchase such shares could be issued, to render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or otherwise. The ability of the Board of Directors to issue such additional shares of preferred stock, with the rights and preferences it deems advisable, could discourage an attempt by a party to acquire control of the Company by tender offer or other means. Such issuances could therefore deprive stockholders of benefits that could result from such an attempt, such as the realization of a premium over the market price that such an attempt could cause. Moreover, the issuance of such additional shares of preferred stock to persons friendly to the Board of Directors could make it more difficult to remove incumbent managers and directors from office even if such change were to be favorable to stockholders generally. - -4- While the amendment may have anti-takeover ramifications, the Board of Directors believes that the financial flexibility offered by the amendment outweighs any disadvantages. To the extent that the amendment may have anti-takeover effects, the amendment may encourage persons seeking to acquire the Company to negotiate directly with the Board of Directors enabling the Board of Directors to consider the proposed transaction in a manner that best serves the stockholders' interests. The Company has no present plans, arrangements, commitments or understandings for the issuance of additional shares of Preferred Stock. APPROVAL OF THE 2002 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN As of November 6, 2002, the majority stockholders of the Company authorized the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan (the "2002 Employee Stock Option Plan") and authorized 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock to be reserved for issuance thereunder. The following is a summary of principal features of the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan. The summary, however, does not purport to be a complete description of all the provisions of the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan. Any stockholder of the Company who wishes to obtain a copy of the actual plan document may do so upon written request to the Company's Secretary, Alan C. Bashforth, at the Company's principal offices at 2059 Springdale Road, Suite 100, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003. GENERAL The 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on August 13, 2002. The Board of Directors has initially reserved 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan. Under the Plan, options may be granted which are intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options ("ISOs") under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") or which are not ("Non-ISOs") intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options thereunder. The 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan and the right of participants to make purchases thereunder are intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan is not a qualified deferred compensation plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and is not subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). PURPOSE The primary purpose of the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan is to attract and retain the best available personnel for the Company in order to promote the success of the Company's business and to facilitate the ownership of the Company's stock by employees. In the event that the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan is not adopted the Company may have considerable difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, officers, directors and consultants. ADMINISTRATION The 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, when approved, will be administered by the Company's Board of Directors, as the Board of Directors may be composed from time to time. All questions of interpretation of the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan are determined by the Board, and its decisions are final and binding upon all participants. Any determination by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors at any meeting, or by written consent in lieu of a meeting, shall be deemed to have been made by the whole Board of Directors. - -5- Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may at any time, or from time to time, appoint a committee (the "Committee") of at least two members of the Board of Directors, and delegate to the Committee the authority of the Board of Directors to administer the Plan. Upon such appointment and delegation, the Committee shall have all the powers, privileges and duties of the Board of Directors, and shall be substituted for the Board of Directors, in the administration of the Plan, subject to certain limitations. Members of the Board of Directors who are eligible employees are permitted to participate in the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, provided that any such eligible member may not vote on any matter affecting the administration of the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan or the grant of any option pursuant to it, or serve on a committee appointed to administer the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan. In the event that any member of the Board of Directors is at any time not a "disinterested person", as defined in Rule 16b-3(c)(3)(i) promulgated pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Plan shall not be administered by the Board of Directors, and may only by administered by a Committee, all the members of which are disinterested persons, as so defined. ELIGIBILITY Under the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, options may be granted to key employees, officers, directors or consultants of the Company, as provided in the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan. TERMS OF OPTIONS The term of each Option granted under the Plan shall be contained in a stock option agreement between the Optionee and the Company and such terms shall be determined by the Board of Directors consistent with the provisions of the Plan, including the following: (a) Purchase Price. The purchase price of the Common Shares subject to each ISO shall not be less than the fair market value (as set forth in the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan), or in the case of the grant of an ISO to a Principal Stockholder, not less than 110% of fair market value of such Common Shares at the time such Option is granted. The purchase price of the Common Shares subject to each Non-ISO shall be determined at the time such Option is granted, but in no case less than 85% of the fair market value of such Common Shares at the time such Option is granted. The purchase price of the Common Shares subject to each Non-ISO. (b) Vesting. The dates on which each Option (or portion thereof) shall be exercisable and the conditions precedent to such exercise, if any, shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, in its discretion, at the time such Option is granted. (c) Expiration. The expiration of each Option shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, in its discretion, at the time such Option is granted; however, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors at the time such Option is granted, an Option shall be exercisable for ten (10) years after the date on which it was granted (the "Grant Date"). Each Option shall be subject to earlier termination as expressly provided in the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan or as determined by the Board of Directors, in its discretion, at the time such Option is granted. (d) Transferability. No Option shall be transferable, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and any Option may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by him. No Option granted under the Plan shall be subject to execution, attachment or other process. (e) Option Adjustments. The aggregate number and class of shares as to which Options may be granted under the Plan, the number and class shares covered by each outstanding Option and the exercise price per share thereof (but not the total price), and all such Options, shall each be proportionately adjusted for any increase decrease in the number of issued Common Shares resulting from split-up spin-off or consolidation of shares or any like Capital adjustment or the payment of any stock dividend. - -6- Except as otherwise provided in the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan, any Option granted hereunder shall terminate in the event of a merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization or liquidation of the Company. However, the Optionee shall have the right immediately prior to any such transaction to exercise his Option in whole or in part notwithstanding any otherwise applicable vesting requirements. (f) Termination, Modification and Amendment. The 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan (but not Options previously granted under the Plan) shall terminate ten (10) years from the earlier of the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors or the date on which the Plan is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon, and no Option shall be granted after termination of the Plan. Subject to certain restrictions, the Plan may at any time be terminated and from time to time be modified or amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company present, or represented, and entitled to vote at a meeting duly held in accordance with the applicable laws of the State of Delaware. FEDERAL INCOME TAX ASPECTS OF THE 2002 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN THE FOLLOWING IS A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE EFFECT OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION UPON THE PARTICIPANTS AND THE COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO THE PURCHASE OF SHARES UNDER THE 2002 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN. THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE AND DOES NOT ADDRESS THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO TAXPAYERS WITH SPECIAL TAX STATUS. IN ADDITION, THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT DISCUSS THE PROVISIONS OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY IN WHICH THE PARTICIPANT MAY RESIDE, AND DOES NOT DISCUSS ESTATE, GIFT OR OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OTHER THAN INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES. THE COMPANY ADVISES EACH PARTICIPANT TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATION IN THE 2002 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN AND FOR REFERENCE TO APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE. The 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan and the right of participants to make purchases thereunder are intended to qualify under the provisions of Sections 421, 422 and 423 of the Code. Under these provisions, no income will be recognized by a participant prior to disposition of shares acquired under the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan. If the shares are sold or otherwise disposed of (including by way of gift) more than two years after the first day of the offering period during which shares were purchased (the "Offering Date"), a participant will recognize as ordinary income at the time of such disposition the lesser of (a) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the purchase price of the shares or (b) 15% of the fair market value of the shares on the first day of the offering period. Any further gain or loss upon such disposition will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss. If the shares are sold for a sale price less than the purchase price, there is no ordinary income and the participant has a capital loss for the difference. If the shares are sold or otherwise disposed of (including by way of gift) before the expiration of the two-year holding period described above, the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the purchase date over the purchase price will be treated as ordinary income to the participant. This excess will constitute ordinary income in the year of sale or other disposition even if no gain is realized on the sale or a gift of the shares is made. The balance of any gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss and will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held more than one year. - -7- In the case of a participant who is subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the purchase date for purposes of calculating such participant's compensation income and beginning of the capital gain holding period may be deferred for up to six months under certain circumstances. Such individuals should consult with their personal tax advisors prior to buying or selling shares under the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan. The ordinary income reported under the rules described above, added to the actual purchase price of the shares, determines the tax basis of the shares for the purpose of determining capital gain or loss on a sale or exchange of the shares. The Company is entitled to a deduction for amounts taxed as ordinary income to a participant only to the extent that ordinary income must be reported upon disposition of shares by the participant before the expiration of the two-year holding period described above. RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE Certain officers and directors of the Company may be deemed to be "affiliates" of the Company as that term is defined under the Securities Act. The Common Stock acquired under the 2002 Employee Stock Option Plan by an affiliate may be reoffered or resold only pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. APPROVAL OF THE 2002 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN As of November 6, 2002, the majority stockholders of the Company authorized the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan") and authorized 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance thereunder. The following is a summary of principal features of the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The summary, however, does not purport to be a complete description of all the provisions of the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan . Any stockholder of the Company who wishes to obtain a copy of the actual plan document may do so upon written request to the Company's Secretary, Alan C. Bashforth, at the Company's principal offices at 2059 Springdale Road, Suite 100, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003. GENERAL The Company's 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is designed to encourage the purchase by participants of shares of Common Stock. The 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code, and to assure the participants of the tax advantages provided thereby (and described below in the section entitled "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences"). In order for the transfer of stock under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to qualify for this treatment, the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan must be approved by stockholders of the Company within 12 months of the plan's adoption. A total of 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock will be authorized for issuance under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The number of shares of Common Stock initially authorized for issuance under the related 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan are subject to adjustment by the Committee in the event of a recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend or similar corporate transaction. ELIGIBILITY Subject to certain procedural requirements, all employees of the Company who have at least one year of service and work more than 30 hours per week will be eligible to participate in the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, except that employees who are "highly compensated" within the meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code and employees who are five percent or more stockholders of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company will not be eligible to participate. - -8- Pursuant to the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, each eligible employee will be permitted to purchase shares of the Common Stock through regular payroll deductions (and/or cash payments) in an amount equal to 10% of the employee's base pay (as elected by the employee) for each payroll period. Participating employees will be able to purchase shares of Common Stock with such accumulated payroll deductions (and/or cash payments) at the end of a semi-annual cycle at a purchase price equal to the lesser of: (i) 85 percent of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the semi-annual cycle begins or (ii) 85 percent of the fair market value of Common Stock on the date the semi-annual cycle ends. Under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the fair market value of the shares of the Common Stock which may be purchased by any employee during any calendar year may not exceed $25,000. PURPOSE The purpose of the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is to align employee and shareholder long-term interests by facilitating the purchase of Common Stock by employees and to enable employees to develop and maintain significant ownership of Common Stock. An additional purpose of the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is to comply with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code, and thus to obtain for the participants the tax advantages provided thereby (described below in the section entitled "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences"). ADMINISTRATION The 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan shall be administered by the Board or a committee of members of the Board appointed by the Board. The Board or its committee shall have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe, interpret and apply the terms of the Plan, to determine eligibility and to adjudicate all disputed claims filed under the Plan. PARTICIPATION Subject to certain procedural requirements, all employees of the Company who have at least one year of service and work more than 30 hours per week will be eligible to participate in the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, except that employees who are "highly compensated" within the meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code and employees who are five percent or more stockholders of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company will not be eligible to participate. Designations of corporations participating in the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan may be made from time to time by the Compensation Committee from among the subsidiary corporations of the Company, including corporations which become subsidiaries after the adoption and approval of the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. PURCHASE OF SHARES Pursuant to the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, each eligible employee will be permitted to purchase shares of the Common Stock through regular payroll deductions (and/or cash payments) in an aggregate amount equal to up to 10% of the employee's base pay (as elected by the employee) for each payroll period. Under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock which may be purchased by any employee during any calendar year may not exceed $25,000. - -9- STOCK PURCHASE PRICE Participating employees will be able to purchase shares of Common Stock with payroll deductions (and/or cash payments) at the end of a semi-annual cycle at a purchase price equal to the lesser of: (i) 85 percent of the fair market value of Common Stock on the date the semi-annual cycle begins or (ii) 85 percent of the fair market value of Common Stock on the date the semi-annual cycle ends. NONTRANSFERABLE RIGHT TO PURCHASE A right to purchase shares of Common Stock which is granted to a participant under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable, during the participant's lifetime, only by the participant. TERM No right to purchase shares may be granted under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan with respect to any fiscal year after fiscal 2012. Rights to purchase shares which are granted before or during fiscal 2012, however, may extend beyond the end of fiscal 2012, and the provisions of the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan will continue to apply thereto. AMENDMENTS TO OR DISCONTINUANCE OF THE 2002 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN The Board may from time to time amend or terminate the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; provided, however, that (i) no such amendment or termination may adversely affect the rights of any participant without the consent of such participant and (ii) to the extent required by Section 423 of the Code or any other law, regulation or stock exchange rule, no such amendment shall be effective without the approval of stockholders entitled to vote thereon. Additionally, the Board may make such amendments as it deems necessary to comply with applicable laws,rules and regulations. CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES THE FOLLOWING IS A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE EFFECT OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION UPON THE PARTICIPANTS AND THE COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO THE PURCHASE OF SHARES UNDER THE 2002 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE AND DOES NOT ADDRESS THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO TAXPAYERS WITH SPECIAL TAX STATUS. IN ADDITION, THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT DISCUSS THE PROVISIONS OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY IN WHICH THE PARTICIPANT MAY RESIDE, AND DOES NOT DISCUSS ESTATE, GIFT OR OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OTHER THAN INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES. THE COMPANY ADVISES EACH PARTICIPANT TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATION IN THE 2002 OPTION PLAN AND FOR REFERENCE TO APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE. The 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" as defined in Section 423 of the Code. Assuming such qualification, a participant will not recognize any taxable income as a result of participating in the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, exercising options granted pursuant to the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan or receiving shares of Common Stock purchased pursuant to such options. A participant may, however, be required to recognize taxable income as described below. If a participant disposes of any share of Common Stock purchased pursuant to the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan after the later to occur of (i) two years from the grant date for the related option and (ii) one year after the exercise date for the related option (such disposition, a "Qualifying Transfer"), or if he or she dies (whenever occurring) while owning any share purchased under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the participant generally will recognize compensation income, for the taxable year in which such disposition or death occurs, in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the excess of the market value of the disposed share at the time of such disposition over its purchase price, and (ii) 15% of the market value of the disposed share on the grant date for the option to which such disposed share relates. In the case of a Qualifying Transfer, (a) the basis of the disposed share will be increased by an amount equal to the amount of compensation income so recognized, and (b) the participant will recognize a capital gain or loss, as the case may be, equal to the difference between the amount realized from the disposition of the shares and the basis for such shares. - -10- If the participant disposes of any share other than by a Qualifying Transfer, the participant generally will recognize compensation income in an amount equal to the excess of the market value of the disposed share on the date of disposition over its purchase price. In such event, the Company will be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount of compensation income recognized by the participant. Otherwise, the Company will not be entitled to any tax deduction with respect to the grant or exercise of options under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan or the subsequent sale by participants of shares purchased pursuant to the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. A transfer by the estate of the participant of shares purchased by the participant under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan has the same federal income tax effects on the Company as a Qualifying Transfer. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Company's annual report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 and quarterly report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 are being delivered to you with this Information Statement. The Company will furnish a copy of any exhibit thereto or other information upon request by a stockholder to the Company's principal offices at Science Dynamics Corporation, 2059 Springdale Road, Suite 100, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003; Attention: Alan C. Bashforth, Secretary. (856) 424-0068. By Order of the Board of Directors, /s/ Alan C. Bashforth Alan C. Bashforth Chief Executive Officer Cherry Hill, New Jersey November 12, 2002 - -11- EXHIBIT A CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF SCIENCE DYNAMICS CORPORATION The undersigned, being the President and Secretary of SCIENCE DYNAMICS CORPORATION a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, does hereby certify under the seal of the said corporation as follows: 1. The name of the Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") is Science Dynamics Corporation. The date of filing the original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware was May 24, 1973. The date of the filing of the First Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of the State of Delaware was October 31, 1980. The date of the filing of the Second Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of the State of Delaware was November 25, 1995. The date of the filing of the Third Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of the State of Delaware was May 23, 1984. The date of the filing of the Fourth Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of the State of Delaware was July 13, 1987. The date of the filing of the Fifth Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of the State of Delaware was November 8, 1996. The date of the filing of the Sixth Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of the State of Delaware was December 15, 1998. 2. The certificate of incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended by replacing Article Fourth, in its entirety, with the following: "FOURTH: The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock. One class of stock shall be Common Stock, par value $0.01. The second class of stock shall be Preferred Stock, par value $0.01. The Preferred Stock, or any series thereof, shall have such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as shall be expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors and may be made dependent upon facts ascertainable outside such resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors, provided that the matter in which such facts shall operate upon such designations, preferences, rights and qualifications; limitations or restrictions of such class or series of stock is clearly and expressly set forth in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such stock by the Board of Directors. - -12- The total number of shares of stock of each class which the Corporation shall have authority to issue and the par value of each share of each class of stock are as follows: Class Par Value Authorized Shares ----- --------- ----------------- Common $0.01 200,000,000 Preferred $0.01 10,000,000 Totals: 210,000,000 3. The amendment of the certificate of incorporation herein certified has been duly adopted by the unanimous written consent of the Corporation's Board of Directors and a majority of the Corporation's stockholders in accordance with the provisions of Sections 141(f), 228 and 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and this Certificate of Amendment of the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to be signed by Alan C. Bashforth, its President and Secretary, this ___ day of December, 2002. SCIENCE DYNAMICS CORPORATION By:_______________________________ Alan C. Bashforth, President and Secretary - -13- EX-99 3 esop.txt EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN SCIENCE DYNAMICS CORPORATION 2002 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN 1. Purposes This 2002 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is intended to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions with Science Dynamics Corporation or any of its subsidiary corporations (collectively, the "Company"), and to provide additional incentive to such employees and others to exert their maximum efforts toward the success of the Company. The above aims will be effectuated through the granting of certain stock options. Under the Plan, options may be granted which are intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options ("ISOs") under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") or which are not ("Non-ISOs") intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options thereunder. The term "subsidiary corporation" shall, for the purposes of the Plan, be defined in the same manner as such term is defined in Section 424(f) of the Code and shall include a subsidiary of any subsidiary. 2. Administration of the Plan (a) The Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors"), as the Board of Directors may be composed from time to time, except as provided in subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph 2. The determinations of the Board of Directors under the Plan, including without limitation as to the matters referred to in this Paragraph 2, shall be conclusive. Any determination by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors at any meeting, or by written consent in lieu of a meeting, shall be deemed to have been made by the whole Board of Directors. Within the limits of the express provisions of the Plan, the Board of Directors shall have the authority, in its discretion, to take the following actions under the Plan: (i) to determine the individuals to whom, and the time or times at which, ISOs to purchase the Company's shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ("Common Shares"), shall be granted, and the number of Common Shares to be subject to each ISO, (ii) to determine the individuals to whom, and the time or times at which, Non-ISOs to purchase the Common Shares, shall be granted, and the number of Common Shares to be subject to each Non- ISO, (iii) to determine the terms and provisions of the respective stock option agreements granting ISOs and Non-ISOs (which need not be identical), (iv) to interpret the Plan, (v) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and (vi) to make all other determinations and take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. In making such determinations, the Board of Directors may take into account the nature of the services rendered by such individuals, their present and potential contributions to the Company's success and such other factors as the Board of Directors, in its discretion, shall deem relevant. An individual to whom an option has been granted under the Plan is referred to herein as an "Optionee." (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Board of Directors may at any time, or from time to time, appoint a committee (the "Committee") of at least two members of the Board of Directors, and delegate to the Committee the authority of the Board of Directors to administer the Plan. Upon such appointment and delegation, the Committee shall have all the powers, privileges and duties of the Board of Directors, and shall be substituted for the Board of Directors, in the administration of the Plan, except that the power to appoint members of the Committee and to terminate, modify or amend the Plan shall be retained by the Board of Directors. In the event that any member of the Board of Directors is at any time not a "disinterested person," as defined in Rule 16b-3(c)(3)(i) promulgated pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Plan - -1- shall not be administered by the Board of Directors, and may only by administered by a Committee, all the members of which are disinterested persons, as so defined. The Board of Directors may from time to time appoint members of the Committee in substitution for or in addition to members previously appointed, may fill vacancies in the Committee and may discharge the Committee. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and all determinations shall be made by a majority of its members. Any determination reduced to writing and signed by a majority of the members shall be fully as effective as if it had been made by a majority vote at a meeting duly called and held. Members of the Committee shall not be eligible to participate in this Plan. 3. Shares Subject to the Plan The total number of Common Shares which shall be subject to ISOs and Non-ISOs granted under the Plan (collectively, "Options") shall be 20,000,000 in the aggregate, subject to adjustment as provided in Paragraph 8. The Company shall at all times while the Plan is in force reserve such number of Common Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of outstanding Options. The Common Shares to be issued upon exercise of Options shall in whole or in part be authorized and unissued or reacquired Common Shares. The unexercised portion of any expired, terminated or canceled Option shall again be available for the grant of Options under the Plan. 4. Eligibility (a) Subject to subparagraphs (b) and (c) of this Paragraph 4, Options may be granted to key employees, officers, directors or consultants of the Company, as determined by the Board of Directors. (b) An ISO may be granted, consistent with the other terms of the Plan, to an individual who owns (within the meaning of Sections 422(b)(6) and 424(d) of the Code), more than ten (10%) percent of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or a subsidiary corporation (any such person, a "Principal Stockholder") only if, at the time such ISO is granted, the purchase price of the Common Shares subject to the ISO is an amount which equals or exceeds one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market value of such Common Shares, and such ISO by its terms is not exercisable more than five (5) years after it is granted. (c) A director or an officer of the Company who is not also an employee of the Company and consultants to the Company shall be eligible to receive Non-ISOs but shall not be eligible to receive ISOs. (d) Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right to the Board of Directors to grant an ISO and Non-ISO concurrently under a single stock option agreement so long as each Option is clearly identified as to its status. Furthermore, if an Option has been granted under the Plan, additional Options may be granted from time to time to the Optionee holding such Options, and Options may be granted from time to time to one or more employees, officers or directors who have not previously been granted Options. (e) To the extent that the grant of an Option results in the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant) of the Common Shares (or other capital stock of the Company or any subsidiary) with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an Optionee during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and subsidiary corporation) to exceed $100,000, such Options shall be treated as a Non-ISO. The provisions of this subparagraph (e) of Paragraph 4 shall be construed and applied in accordance with Section 422(d) of the Code and the regulations, if any, promulgated thereunder. 5. Terms of Options The term of each Option granted under the Plan shall be contained in a stock option agreement between the Optionee and the Company and such terms shall be determined by the Board of Directors consistent with the provisions of the Plan, including the following: - -2- (a) The purchase price of the Common Shares subject to each ISO shall not be less than the fair market value (or in the case of the grant of an ISO to a Principal Stockholder, not less than 110% of fair market value) of such Common Shares at the time such Option is granted. Such fair market value shall be determined by the Board of Directors and, if the Common Shares are listed on a national securities exchange or traded on the over-the-counter market, the fair market value shall be the mean of the highest and lowest trading prices or of the high bid and low asked prices of the Common Shares on such exchange, or on the over-the-counter market as reported by the NASDAQ system or the National Quotation Bureau, Inc., as the case may be, on the day on which the ISO is granted or, if there is no trading or bid or asked price on that day, the mean of the highest and lowest trading or high bid and low asked prices on the most recent day preceding the day on which the ISO is granted for which such prices are available. (b) The purchase price of the Common Shares subject to each Non-ISO shall not be less than 85% of the fair market value of such Common Shares at the time such Option is granted. Such fair market value shall be determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph 5. The purchase price of the Common Shares subject to each Non-ISO shall be determined at the time such Option is granted. (c) The dates on which each Option (or portion thereof) shall be exercisable and the conditions precedent to such exercise, if any, shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, in its discretion, at the time such Option is granted. (d) The expiration of each Option shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, in its discretion, at the time such Option is granted; however, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors at the time such Option is granted, an Option shall be exercisable for ten (10) years after the date on which it was granted (the "Grant Date"). Each Option shall be subject to earlier termination as expressly provided in Paragraph 6 hereof or as determined by the Board of Directors, in its discretion, at the time such Option is granted. (e) Options shall be exercised by the delivery by the Optionee thereof to the Company at its principal office, or at such other address as may be established by the Board of Directors, of written notice of the number of Common Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price of such Common Shares. Payment for such Common Shares may be made (as determined by the Board of Directors) (i) in cash, (ii) by certified check or bank cashier's check payable to the order of the Company in the amount of such purchase price, (iii) by a promissory note issued by the Optionee in favor of the Company in the amount equal to such purchase price and payable on terms prescribed by the Board of Directors, which provides for the payment of interest at a fair market rate, as determined by the Board of Directors, (iv) by delivery of capital stock to the Company having a fair market value (determined on the date of exercise in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph 5) equal to said purchase price, or (v) by any combination of the methods of payment described in clauses (i) through (iv) above. (f) An Optionee shall not have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the Common Shares subject to his Option until such shares are issued to him upon the exercise of his Option as provided herein. (g) No Option shall be transferable, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and any Option may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by him. No Option granted under the Plan shall be subject to execution, attachment or other process. 6. Death or Termination of Employment (a) If employment or other relationship of an Optionee with the Company shall be terminated voluntarily by the Optionee and without the consent of the Company or for "Cause" (as hereinafter defined), and immediately after such termination such Optionee shall not then be employed by the Company, any Options granted to such Optionee to the extent not theretofore exercised shall expire forthwith. For purposes of the Plan, "Cause" shall mean "Cause" as defined in any - -3- employment agreement ("Employment Agreement") between Optionee and the Company, and, in the absence of an Employment Agreement or in the absence of a definition of "Cause" in such Employment Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (i) any continued failure by the Optionee to obey the reasonable instructions of the President or any member of the Board of Directors, (ii) continued neglect by the Optionee of his duties and obligations as an employee of the Company, or a failure to perform such duties and obligations to the reasonable satisfaction of the President or the Board of Directors, (iii) willful misconduct of the Optionee or other actions in bad faith by the Optionee which are to the detriment of the Company, including without limitation commission of a felony, embezzlement or misappropriation of funds or commission of any act of fraud or (iv) a breach of any material provision of any Employment Agreement not cured within 10 days after written notice thereof. (b) If such employment or other relationship shall terminate other than (i) by reason of death, (ii) voluntarily by the optionee and without the consent of the Company, or (iii) for Cause, and immediately after such termination such Optionee shall not then be employed by the Company, any Options granted to such Optionee may be exercised at any time within three months after such termination, subject to the provisions of subparagraph (d) of this Paragraph 6. After such three-month period, the unexercised Options shall expire. For the purposes of the Plan, the retirement of an Optionee either pursuant to a pension or retirement plan adopted by the Company or on the normal retirement date prescribed from time to time by the Company, and the termination of employment as a result of a disability (as defined in Section 22(e) (3) of the Code) shall be deemed to be a termination of such Optionee's employment or other relationship other than voluntarily by the Optionee or for Cause. (c) If an Optionee dies (i) while employed by, or engaged in such other relationship with, the Company or (ii) within three months after the termination of his employment or other relationship other than voluntarily by the Optionee and without the consent of the Company or for Cause, any options granted to such Optionee may be exercised at any time within twelve months after such Optionee's death, subject to the provisions of subparagraph (d) of this Paragraph 6. After the three month period, the unexercised Options shall expire. (d) An Option may not be exercised pursuant to this paragraph 6 except to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at the time of termination of employment or such other relationship, or death, and in any event may not be exercised after the expiration of the earlier of (i) the term of the option or (ii) ten (10) years from the date the Option was granted, or five (5) years from the date an ISO was granted if the optionee was a Principal Stockholder at that date. 7. Leave of Absence. For purposes of the Plan, an individual who is on military or sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence (such temporary employment by the United States or any state government) shall be considered as remaining in the employ of the Company for 90 days or such longer period as shall be determined by the Board of Directors. 8. Option Adjustments. (a) The aggregate number and class of shares as to which Options may be granted under the Plan, the number and class shares covered by each outstanding Option and the exercise price per share thereof (but not the total price), and all such Options, shall each be proportionately adjusted for any increase decrease in the number of issued Common Shares resulting from split-up spin-off or consolidation of shares or any like Capital adjustment or the payment of any stock dividend. (b) Except as provided in subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph 8, upon a merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization (other than a merger or reorganization of the Company in which the holders of Common Shares immediately prior to the merger or reorganization have the same proportionate ownership of Common Shares in the surviving corporation immediately after the merger or reorganization) or liquidation of the Company, as a result of which the stockholders of the Company receive cash, stock or other property in exchange for their Common Shares, any Option granted hereunder shall terminate, but, provided that the Optionee shall have the right immediately prior to any such merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization or liquidation to exercise his Option in whole or in part whether or not the vesting requirements set forth in the stock option agreement have been satisfied. - -4- (c) If the stockholders of the Company receive capital stock of another corporation ("Exchange Stock") in exchange for their Common Shares in any transaction involving a merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation or reorganization (other than a merger or reorganization of the Company in which the holders of Common Shares immediately prior to the merger or reorganization have the same proportionate ownership of Common Shares in the surviving corporation immediately after the merger or reorganization), all options granted hereunder shall terminate in accordance with the provision of subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph 8 unless the Board of Directors and the corporation issuing the Exchange Stock in their sole and arbitrary discretion and subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company and such corporation, agree that all such Options granted hereunder are converted into options to purchase shares of Exchange Stock. The amount and price of such options shall be determined by adjusting the amount and price of the Options granted hereunder in the same proportion as used for determining the number of shares of Exchange Stock the holders of the Common Shares receive in such merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation or reorganization. The vesting schedule set forth in the stock option agreement shall continue to apply to the options granted for the Exchange Stock. (d) All adjustments pursuant to this Paragraph 8 shall be made by the Board of Directors and its determination as to what adjustments shall be made, and the extent thereof, shall be final, binding and conclusive. 9. Further Conditions of Exercise. (a) Unless prior to the exercise of an Option the Common Shares issuable upon such exercise are the subject of a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and there is then in effect a prospectus filed as part of such registration statement meeting the Requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act, the notice of exercise with respect to such Option shall be accompanied by a representation or agreement of the individual exercising the Option to the Company to the effect that such shares are being acquired for investment only and not with a view to the resale or distribution thereof, or such other, documentation as may be required by the Company, unless, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, such representation, agreement or documentation is not necessary to comply with the Securities Act. (b) Anything in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated to issue or sell any Common Shares until they have been listed on each securities exchange on which the Common Shares may then be listed and until and unless, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, the Company may issue such shares pursuant to a qualification or an effective registration statement, or an exemption from registration, under such state and federal laws, rules or regulations as such counsel may deem applicable. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to effect such listing, qualification and registration, as the case may be. 10. Termination, Modification and Amendment (a) The Plan (but not Options previously granted under the Plan) shall terminate ten (10) years from the earlier of the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors or the date on which the Plan is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon, and no Option shall be granted after termination of the Plan. (b) The Plan may at any time be terminated and from time to time be modified or amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company present, or represented, and entitled to vote at a meeting duly held in accordance with the applicable laws of the State of Delaware. - -5- (c) The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time terminate the Plan or from time to time make such modifications or amendments of the Plan as it may deem advisable; provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall not (i) modify or amend the Plan in any way that would disqualify any ISO issued pursuant to the Plan as an Incentive Stock Option or (ii) without approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company present, or represented, and entitled to vote at a meeting duly held in accordance with the applicable laws of the State of Delaware, increase (except as provided by Paragraph 8) the maximum number of Common Shares as to which Options may be granted under the Plan or change the class of persons eligible to Options under the Plan. (d) No termination, modification or amendment of the Plan may adversely affect the rights conferred by any Options the consent of the Optionee thereof. 11. Effectiveness of the Plan The Plan shall become effective upon adoption by the Board of Directors. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon within one year following adoption of the Plan by the Board of Directors, and all Options granted prior to such approval shall be subject thereto. In the event such approval is withheld, the Plan and all Options which may have been granted thereunder shall become null and void. 12. Not a Contract of Employment Nothing contained in the Plan or in any stock option agreement executed pursuant hereto shall be deemed to confer upon any individual to whom an Option is or may be granted hereunder any right to remain in the employ of, or in another relationship with, the relationship with, the Company. 13. Miscellaneous (a) Nothing contained in the Plan or in any stock option agreement executed pursuant hereto shall be deemed to confer upon any individual to whom an Option is or may be granted hereunder any right to remain in the employ of, or other relationship with, the Company. (b) If an Option has been granted under the Plan, additional Options may be granted from time to time to the Optionee, and Options may be granted from time to time to one or more individuals who have not previously been granted options. (c) Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company to grant options otherwise than under the Plan in connection with the acquisition of the business and assets of any corporation, firm, person or association, including options granted to employees thereof who become employees of the Company, nor shall the provisions of the Plan be to limit the right of the Company to grant options Otherwise than under the Plan for other proper corporate purposes. (d) The Company shall have the right to require the Optionee to pay the Company the cash amount of any taxes the Company is required to withhold in connection with the exercise of an Option. (e) No award under this Plan shall be taken into account in determining an Optionee's compensation for purposes of an employee benefit plan of the Company. - -6- EX-99 4 stockpurplan.txt EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN SCIENCE DYNAMICS CORPORATION 2002 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN 1. Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to provide eligible Employees of the Company and its Designated Subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock of the Company through accumulated payroll deductions and to enhance such Employees' sense of participation in the affairs of the Company and its Designated Subsidiaries. It is the intention of the Company to have the Plan qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase Plan" under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The provisions of the Plan, accordingly, shall be construed so as to extend and limit participation in a manner consistent with the requirements of that section of the Code. 2. Definitions. a. Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company. b. Business Day shall mean any day on which the OTC Bulletin Board is open for trading. c. Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. d. Common Stock shall mean the Common Stock of the Company. e. Company shall mean Science Dynamics Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and any Designated Subsidiary of the Company. f. Compensation shall mean gross earnings and commissions, exclusive of payments for overtime, shift premium, incentive compensation, incentive payments, bonuses and other compensation. g. Designated Subsidiary shall mean any Subsidiary which has been designated by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to participate in the Plan. h. Employee shall mean any individual who is an Employee of the Company for tax purposes whose customary employment with the Company is at least thirty (30) hours per week and more than five (5) months in any calendar year. For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence approved by the Company. Where the period of leave exceeds 90 days and the individual's right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on the 91st day of such leave. i. Enrollment Date shall mean the first day of each Offering Period. j. Exercise Date shall mean the last day of each Offering Period. k. Fair Market Value shall mean, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows: (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq National Market, The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market or the OTC Bulletin Board, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the last market trading day on the date of such determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable, or; - -1- (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value shall be the mean of the closing bid and asked prices for the Common Stock on the date of such determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board deems reliable, or; (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the Board. l. Offering Period shall mean a period of approximately six (6) months during which an option granted pursuant to the Plan may be exercised, commencing on the first Trading Day on or after September 1st and terminating on the last Trading Day in the period ending the following February 28th, or commencing on the first Trading Day on or after March 1st and terminating on the last Trading Day in the period ending the following August 31st; provided, however, that the first Offering Period under the Plan shall commence with the first Trading Day on or after the date on which the Securities and Exchange Commission declares the Company's Registration Statement effective and ending on the last Trading Day on or before February 28th. The duration of Offering Periods may be changed pursuant to Section 4 of this Plan. m. Plan shall mean this Employee Stock Purchase Plan. n. Purchase Price shall mean an amount equal to 85% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date or on the Exercise Date, whichever is lower; provided, however, that the Purchase Price may be adjusted by the Board pursuant to Section 21. o. Reserves shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each option under the Plan which have not yet been exercised and the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but not yet placed under option. p. Subsidiary shall mean a corporation, domestic or foreign, of which not less than 50% of the voting shares are held by the Company or a Subsidiary, whether or not such corporation now exists or is hereafter organized or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary. q. Trading Day shall mean a day on which national stock exchanges and the Nasdaq System are open for trading. 3. Limitations on Stock to be Purchased. Any Employee of the Company on a given Enrollment Date shall be eligible to participate in the Plan except as follows: (i) to the extent that, immediately after the grant, such Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to such Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) would own capital stock of the Company and/or hold outstanding options to purchase such stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary, or (ii) to the extent that his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans of the Company and its subsidiaries accrues at a rate which exceeds Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) worth of stock (determined at the Fair Market Value of the shares at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time. (iii)in no event shall an Employee be permitted to purchase during each Offering Period more than [ ] shares (subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 21 below). - -2- (iv) Employees who are not employed by the Company or Designated Subsidiaries prior to the beginning of such Enrollment Date. (v) if the number of Common Stock to be purchased on an Exercise Date by all Employees participating in this Plan exceeds the number of shares then available for issuance under this Plan, then the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the remaining shares in as uniform a manner as shall be reasonably practicable and as the Board shall determine to be equitable. 4. Offering Periods. The Plan shall be implemented by consecutive Offering Periods with a new Offering Period commencing on the first Trading Day on or after September 1 and March 1 each year, or on such other date as the Board shall determine, and continuing thereafter until terminated in accordance with Section 21 hereof; provided, however, that the first Offering Period under the Plan shall commence with the first Trading Day on or after the date on which the Securities and Exchange Commission declares the Company's Registration Statement effective and ending on the last Trading Day on or before February 28th. The Board shall have the power to change the duration of Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with respect to future offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced at least five (5) Business Days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be affected thereafter. 5. Participation. a. An eligible Employee may become a participant in an Offering Period under the Plan by completing an Enrollment Form and a Subscription Agreement authorizing payroll deductions in the form of Exhibit A and Exhibit B to this Plan and filing it with the Company's Human Resources Department no later than five (5) Business Days prior to the applicable Enrollment Date. b. Once an Employee becomes a participant in an Offering Period, such Employee will automatically participate in the subsequent Offering Period unless the Employee withdraws or is deemed to withdraw from this Plan or terminates further participation in the Offering Period as set forth in Section 10 below. c. Payroll deductions for a participant shall commence on the first payroll following the Enrollment Date and shall end on the last payroll in the Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the participant as provided in Section 10 hereof. 6. Payroll Deductions. a. At the time a participant files his or her Subscription Agreement, he or she shall elect to have payroll deductions made on each pay day during the Offering Period in an amount not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the Compensation which he or she receives on each pay day during the Offering Period. - -3- b. All payroll deductions made for a participant shall be credited to his or her account under the Plan and shall be withheld in one percent (1%) increments only. A participant may not make any additional payments into such account. c. A participant may discontinue his or her participation in the Plan as provided in Section 10 hereof, or may increase or decrease the rate of his or her payroll deductions during the Offering Period by completing or filing with the Company a new Subscription Agreement authorizing a change in payroll deduction rate. The Board may, in its discretion, limit the number of participation rate changes during any Offering Period. The change in rate shall be effective with the first full payroll period following five (5) Business Days after the Company's receipt of the new Subscription Agreement unless the Company elects to process a given change in participation more quickly. A participant's Subscription Agreement shall remain in effect for successive Offering Periods unless terminated as provided in Section 10 hereof. d. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3(b) hereof, a participant's payroll deductions may be decreased to zero percent (0%) at any time during an Offering Period. Payroll deductions shall recommence at the rate provided in such participant's Subscription Agreement at the beginning of the first Offering Period which is scheduled to end in the following calendar year, unless terminated by the participant as provided in Section 10 hereof. e. At the time the option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Company's Common Stock issued under the Plan is disposed of, the participant must make adequate provision for the Company's federal, state, provincial, or other tax-withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the exercise of the option or the disposition of the Common Stock. At any time, the Company may, but shall not be obligated to withhold from the participant's Compensation the amount necessary for the Company to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Common Stock by the Employee. 7. Grant of Option. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period shall be granted an option to purchase on the Exercise Date of such Offering Period (at the applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of the Company's Common Stock determined by dividing: (a) the Employee's payroll deductions accumulated prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the Participant's account as of the Exercise Date by (b) the lesser of (i) eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Enrollment Date, and (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Exercise Date. Exercise of the option shall occur as provided in Section 8 hereof, unless the participant has withdrawn pursuant to Section 10 hereof. The Option shall expire on the last day of the Offering Period. - -4- 8. Exercise of Option. Unless a participant withdraws from the Plan as provided in Section 10 hereof, his or her option for the purchase of shares shall be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date, and the maximum number of full shares subject to option shall be purchased for such participant at the applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated payroll deductions in his or her account. No fractional shares shall be purchased; any payroll deductions accumulated in a participant's account which are not sufficient to purchase a full share shall be retained in the participant's account for the subsequent Offering Period, subject to earlier withdrawal by the participant as provided in Section 10 hereof. Any other monies left over in a participant's account after the Exercise Date shall be returned to the participant. During a participant's lifetime, a participant's option to purchase shares hereunder is exercisable only by him or her. 9. Delivery. As promptly as practicable after each Exercise Date on which a purchase of shares occurs, the Company shall arrange the delivery to each participant, as appropriate, the shares purchased upon exercise of his or her option. 10. Withdrawal. a. A participant may withdraw all but not less than all the payroll deductions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise his or her option under the Plan at any time by giving written notice to the Company in the form of Exhibit C to this Plan. All of the participant's payroll deductions credited to his or her account shall be paid to such participant promptly after receipt of notice of withdrawal and such participant's option for the Offering Period shall be automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the purchase of shares shall be made for such Offering Period. If a participant withdraws from an Offering Period, payroll deductions shall not resume at the beginning of the succeeding Offering Period unless the participant delivers to the Company a new Subscription Agreement. b. A participant's withdrawal from an Offering Period shall not have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan which may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods which commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the participant withdraws. 11. Termination of Employment. Upon a participant's ceasing to be an Employee for any reason, he or she shall be deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan and the payroll deductions credited to such participant's account during the Offering Period but not yet used to exercise the option shall be returned to such participant or, in the case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto under Section 15 hereof, and such participant's option shall be automatically terminated. 12. Interest. No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions of a participant in the Plan. 13. Stock. a. Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 20 hereof, the maximum number of shares of the Company's Common Stock which shall be made available for sale under the Plan shall be twenty million (20,000,000) shares. b. The participant shall have no interest or voting right in shares covered by his option until such option has been exercised. c. Shares to be delivered to a participant under the Plan shall be registered in the name of the participant or in the name of the participant and his or her designee (please note that if resident in the United States and you name someone other than your spouse, you will cause a "disqualifying disposition" of the shares and you will be deemed to have received ordinary income in the amount that the Fair Market Value of the shares on the date of purchase was greater than the amount you paid for the shares). 14. Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a committee of members of the Board appointed by the Board. The Board or its committee shall have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe, interpret and apply the terms of the Plan, to determine eligibility and to adjudicate all disputed claims filed under the Plan. Every finding, decision and determination made by the Board or its committee shall, to the full extent permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties. 15. Designation of Beneficiary. a. A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account under the Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to an Exercise Date on which the option is exercised but prior to delivery to such participant of such shares and cash. In addition, a participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the participant's account under the Plan in the event of such participant's death prior to exercise of the option. b. Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the participant at any time by written notice. In the event of the death of a participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who is living at the time of such participant's death, the Company shall deliver such shares and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the participant, or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such shares and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate. 16. Transferability. Neither payroll deductions credited to a participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive shares under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as provided in Section 15 hereof) by the participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 10 hereof. - -6- 17. Use of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions. 18. Reports. Individual accounts shall be maintained for each participant in the Plan. Statements of account shall be given to participating Employees at least annually, which statements shall set forth the amounts of payroll deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any. 19. Equal Rights and Privileges. All eligible Employees shall have equal rights and privileges with respect to this Plan so that this Plan qualifies as an "employee stock purchase plan" within the meaning of Section 423 or any successor provision of the Code and the related regulations. Any provision of this Plan which is inconsistent with Section 423 or any successor provision of the Code shall, without further act or amendment by the Company, or the Board, be reformed to comply with the requirements of Section 423. This Section 19 shall take precedence over all other provision in this Plan. 20. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Liquidation, Merger or Asset Sale. a. Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the Reserves, the maximum number of shares each participant may purchase per Offering Period (pursuant to Section 7), as well as the price per share and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration". Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an option. - -7- b. Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Offering Period then in progress shall be shortened by setting a new Exercise Date (the "New Exercise Date"), and shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed dissolution or liquidation, unless provided otherwise by the Board. The New Exercise Date shall be before the date of the Company's proposed dissolution or liquidation. The Board shall notify each participant in writing, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the participant's option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the participant's option shall be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 10 hereof. c. Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a proposed sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger of the Company with or into another corporation, each outstanding option shall be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the option, the Offering Period then in progress shall be shortened by setting a new Exercise Date (the "New Exercise Date"). The New Exercise Date shall be before the date of the Company's proposed sale or merger. The Board shall notify each participant in writing, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the participant's option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the participant's option shall be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 10 hereof. 21. Amendment or Termination. a. The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time and for any reason terminate or amend the Plan. Except as provided in Section 20 hereof, no such termination can affect options previously granted, provided that an Offering Period may be terminated by the Board of Directors on any Exercise Date if the Board determines that the termination of the Offering Period or the Plan is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Except as provided in Section 20 and Section 21 hereof, no amendment may make any change in any option theretofore granted which adversely affects the rights of any participant. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 423 of the Code (or any other applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule), the Company shall obtain shareholder approval in such a manner and to such a degree as required. b. Without stockholder consent and without regard to whether any participant rights may be considered to have been "adversely affected," the Board (or its committee) shall be entitled to change the Offering Periods, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company's processing of properly completed withholding elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the participant's Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Board (or its committee) determines in its sole discretion advisable which are consistent with the Plan. - -8- c. In the event the Board determines that the ongoing operation of the Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Board may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify or amend the Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to: (i) altering the Purchase Price for any Offering Period including an Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price; (ii) shortening any Offering Period so that Offering Period ends on a new Exercise Date, including an Offering Period underway at the time of the Board action; and (iii) allocating shares. Such modifications or amendments shall not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Plan participants. 22. Notices. All notices or other communications by a participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof. 23. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the person exercising such option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the aforementioned applicable provisions of law. 24. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the stockholders of the Company. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 21 hereof. - -9- -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----