-----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, DNr41ZgeUeKjgAf4EtdyftnPHUysnOgbIG0po1+eqcf/2j46nDihrSM/gIK0/sU4 qArXc4AopKTiTfFDCj//SQ== 0000738076-05-000031.txt : 20051117 0000738076-05-000031.hdr.sgml : 20051117 20051117171948 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000738076-05-000031 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-8 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 20051117 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20051117 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20051117 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: 3COM CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000738076 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT [3576] IRS NUMBER: 942605794 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0531 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-8 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-129785 FILM NUMBER: 051213400 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 350 CAMPUS DRIVE CITY: MARLBOROUGH STATE: MA ZIP: 01752-3064 BUSINESS PHONE: 508-323-5000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 350 CAMPUS DRIVE CITY: MARLBOROUGH STATE: MA ZIP: 01752-3064 S-8 1 form_s8.htm

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 2005

Registration No. 333-        


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

___________________________________

 

FORM S-8

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under

The Securities Act of 1933

 

3COM CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

Delaware

 

94-2605794

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

350 Campus Drive

Marlborough, MA 01752

(Address, including zip code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

3Com Corporation 2003 Stock Plan, as amended

(Full title of the plan)

 

 

Neal D. Goldman, Esq.

Senior Vice President, Management Services,

General Counsel and Secretary

350 Campus Drive

Marlborough, MA 01752

(508) 323-1000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title of Securities to be Registered

 

  

Amount to be

Registered (1)

 

  

Proposed Maximum

Offering Price

Per Share (2)

 

  

Proposed Maximum

Aggregate Offering

Price (2)

 

  

Amount of

Registration

Fee

 

Common Stock $0.01 par value per share (3)

  

30,000,000 shares

  

$3.78

  

$113,400,000

  

$13,348

 

 

 

(1)

This Registration Statement covers an aggregate of 30,000,000 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), which may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 3Com Corporation 2003 Stock Plan, as amended (the “2003 Plan”). Pursuant to Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act, this Registration Statement also registers such indeterminate number of additional shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock as may be issuable under the 2003 Plan, in connection with stock splits, stock dividends, or similar transactions.

 

(2)

Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(c) and 457(h) solely for the purpose of calculating the filing fee on the basis of $3.78 per share, which represents the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ National Market on November 16, 2005.

 

(3)

Each share of common stock includes preferred share purchase rights that, prior to the occurrence of certain events, will not be exercisable or evidenced separately from the common stock.

 

 

 


 

PART I

 

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS

 

Information required by Part I to be contained in the Section 10(a) Prospectus is omitted from this registration statement in accordance with Rule 428 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the “Note” to Part I of Form S-8.

 

PART II

 

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

 

Item 3.

Incorporation of Documents by Reference.

 

The following documents have been filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and are incorporated herein by reference:

 

(a)

The Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 3, 2005, filed with the Commission on August 5, 2005;

 

(b)

All other reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) since the end of the fiscal year covered by the Registrant’s Annual Report referred to in (a) above;

 

(c)

The description of the Registrant’s common stock contained in the registration statement on Form 8-A, filed with the Commission on September 18, 1984, and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description; and

 

(d)

The description of the Registrant’s preferred share purchase rights contained in the registration statement on Form 8-A, filed with the Commission on September 22, 1989, as amended and restated on November 27, 2002.

 

All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to the registration statement which indicates that all of the shares of common stock offered have been sold or which deregisters all of such shares then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents; except as to any portion of any future annual or quarterly report to stockholders or document that is not deemed filed under such provisions. For the purposes of this registration statement, any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.

 

Item 4.

Description of Securities.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.

Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.

 

The legality of the shares of Common Stock being registered pursuant to this Registration Statement will be passed upon for the Registrant by Garrison R. Smith, Senior Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Registrant. Mr. Smith holds options to purchase shares of Common Stock, owns shares of Common Stock and is eligible to participate in the Registrant’s equity incentive plans, including the 2003 Stock Plan.

 

Item 6.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

 

Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware authorizes a Delaware corporation to indemnify officers, directors, employees, and agents of the corporation, in connection with actual or threatened actions, suits or proceedings provided that such officer, director, employee, or agent acted in good faith and in a manner such officer reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, and, for criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. This authority is sufficiently broad to permit indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

The Registrant's By-laws provide for indemnification of officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. In addition, the Registrant has, and intends in the future to enter into, agreements to provide indemnification for directors and officers in addition to that provided for in the Bylaws. These agreements, among other things, indemnify the Registrant's directors and officers for certain expenses (including attorney fees), judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by or in the right of the Registrant, arising out of such person's services as a director or officer of the Registrant, any subsidiary of the Registrant or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at the request of the Registrant. The Registrant believes that these provisions and agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified directors and officers.

The Registrant maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is a director or officer against any loss arising from any claim asserted against such person and expense incurred by such person in any capacity, subject to certain exclusions.

 

Item 7.

Exemption from Registration Claimed.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 8.

Exhibits.

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

Exhibit Number

 

 

Exhibit Description

 

Form

 

File No.

 

Exhibit

Filing Date

Filed Herewith

4.1

Third Amended and Restated Preferred Shares Rights Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2002

8-A/A

0-12867

4.1

11/27/02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.1

Opinion of Garrison R. Smith, Senior Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary.

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

3Com Corporation 2003 Stock Plan, as amended

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23.1

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23.2

Consent of Garrison R. Smith, Senior Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary (included in Exhibit 5.1).

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.1

Power of Attorney (included on the signature page).

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Item 9.

Undertakings.

 

A. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1)

To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i)

To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a) (3) of the Securities Act;

 

(ii)

To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement;

 

(iii)

To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement; provided, however, that clauses (A)(1)(i) and (A)(1)(ii) shall not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those clauses is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 of Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference into this registration statement.

 

(2)

That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(3)

To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

 

B. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

C. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Marlborough, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on November 14, 2005.

 

3COM CORPORATION

 

 

By: /s/ Donald M. Halsted, III

Donald M. Halsted, III

Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Neal D. Goldman and Garrison R. Smith, and each of them, his or her attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective statements), and to sign any registration statement for the same offering covered by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all post-effective amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Bruce L. Claflin

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

November 10, 2005

(Bruce L. Claflin)

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Donald M. Halsted, III

 

Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

November 14, 2005

(Donald M. Halsted, III)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Eric A. Benhamou

 


Chairman of the Board

 


November 16, 2005

(Eric A. Benhamou)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Gary T. DiCamillo

 

Director

 

November 14, 2005

(Gary T. DiCamillo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ James R. Long

 

Director

 

November 7, 2005

(James R. Long)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Raj Reddy

 

Director

 

November 8, 2005

(Raj Reddy)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Director

 

 

(Julie St. John)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ David C. Wajsgras

 

Director

 

November 10, 2005

(David C. Wajsgras)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Paul G. Yovovich

 

Director

 

November 14, 2005

(Paul G. Yovovich)

 

 

 

 


 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

Exhibit Number

 

 

Exhibit Description

 

Form

 

File No.

 

Exhibit

Filing Date

Filed Herewith

4.1

Third Amended and Restated Preferred Shares Rights Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2002

8-A/A

0-12867

4.1

11/27/02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.1

Opinion of Garrison R. Smith, Senior Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary.

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

3Com Corporation 2003 Stock Plan, as amended

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23.1

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23.2

Consent of Garrison R. Smith, Senior Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary (included in Exhibit 5.1).

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.1

Power of Attorney (included on the signature page).

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EX-5 2 exhibit_5.htm

 

Exhibit 5.1

 

November 15, 2005

 

3Com Corporation

350 Campus Drive

Marlborough, MA 01752

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

I am Senior Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary for 3Com Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and am issuing this opinion in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about November 17, 2005 (as such may thereafter be amended or supplemented, the “Registration Statement”) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 30,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Shares”) that are to be issued pursuant to the 3Com Corporation 2003 Stock Plan, as amended (the “2003 Plan”). I have examined and am familiar with originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of (i) the Registration Statement; (ii) the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended; and (iii) such records of the corporate proceedings of the Company as I have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth herein; and (iv) such other records and documents as I have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion set forth herein.

 

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, I am of the opinion that the Shares have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and sold by the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the 2003 Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. 

 

This opinion is furnished by me as Senior Corporate and Assistant Secretary for the Company in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement and is not to be used, circulated or quoted for any other purpose or otherwise referred to or relied upon by any other person without the prior express written permission of the Company other than in connection with the offer and sale of Shares while the Registration Statement is in effect.

 

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ Garrison R. Smith  

Garrison R. Smith

Senior Corporate Counsel and Assistant Secretary

 

 

 

 

EX-10 3 exhibit_10.htm

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

3COM CORPORATION

 

2003 STOCK PLAN, AS AMENDED

 









 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Page
1.   Purposes of the Plan   1  
2.  Definitions  1  
         (a)  “Administrator” ”  1  
         (b)  “ Applicable Laws ”  1  
         (c)  “ Award ”  1  
         (d)  “ Award Agreement ”  1  
         (e)  “ Cause ”  1  
         (f)  “ Change in Control ”  2  
         (g)  “ Code ”  2  
         (h)  “ Committee ”  2  
         (i)  “ Common Stock ”  2  
         (j)  “ Company ”  2  
         (k)  “ Consultant ”  2  
         (l)  “ Director ”  2  
         (m)  “ Disability ”  2  
         (n)  “ Discretionary Options ”  2  
         (o)  “ Employee ”  3  
         (p)  “ Exchange Act ”  3  
         (q)  “ Fair Market Value ”  3  
         (r)  “ Incentive Stock Option ”  3  
         (s)  “ Independent Director ”  3  
         (t)  “ Inside Director ”  3  
         (u)  “ Nonstatutory Stock Option ”  3  
         (v)  “ Notice of Grant ”  3  
         (w)  “ Officer ”  4  
         (x)  “ Option ”  4  
         (y)  “ Optioned Stock ”  4  
         (z)  “ Parent ”  4  
         (aa)  “ Participant ”  4  
         (bb)  “ Plan ”  4  
         (cc)  “ Qualifying Board Retirement ”  4  
         (dd)  “ Restricted Stock ”  4  
         (ee)  “ Rule 16b-3 ”  4  
         (ff)  “ Section 16(b) ”  4  
         (gg)  “ Service Provider ”  4  
         (hh)  “ Share ”  4  
         (ii)  “ Stock Appreciation Right ” or “ SAR ”  4  
         (jj)  “ Subsidiary ”  4  
3.  Stock Subject to the Plan  4  
4.  Administration of the Plan  5  
         (a)  Procedure  5  
         (b)  Powers of the Administrator  5  
         (c)  Effect of Administrator’s Decision  6  
5.  Eligibility  6  
         (a)  Awards and Discretionary Stock Options  6  
         (b)  Automatic Independent Director Option Grants  6  
6.  Limitations  7  
7.  Term of Plan  8  
8.  Stock Options  8  
         (a)  Term of Option  8  
         (b)  Option Exercise Price, Waiting Period and Consideration  8  
         (c)  Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider  10  
         (d)  Disability of Optionee  10  
         (e)  Death of Optionee  10  
9.  Restricted Stock  11  
         (a)  Grant of Restricted Stock  11  
         (b)  Exercise Price and other Terms  11  
         (c)  Restricted Stock Award Agreement  11  
10.  Stock Appreciation Rights  11  
         (a)  Grant of SARs  11  
         (b)  Exercise Price and other Terms  11  
         (c)  Payment of SAR Amount  11  
         (d)  Payment upon Exercise of SAR  12  
         (e)  Cash Settlements and Plan Share Allocation  12  
         (f)  SAR Agreement  12  
         (g)  Expiration of SARs  12  
         (h)  Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider  12  
         (i)  Disability of Participant  12  
         (j)  Death of Participant  13  
11.  Option Grants to Independent Directors  13  
         (a)  Nonstatutory Stock Options  13  
         (b)  Administration  13  
         (c)  Guidelines  13  
         (d)  Initial Grant  13  
         (e)  Pro-Rata Grant  14  
         (f)  Annual Grant  14  
         (g)  Other Option Terms:  14  
12.  Leaves of Absence  15  
13.  Non-Transferability of Awards  15  
14.  Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Liquidation or Change of Control  15  
         (a)  Changes in Capitalization  15  
         (b)  Dissolution or Liquidation  16  
         (c)  Change of Control  16  
15.  Award Date of Grant  17  
16.  Amendment and Termination of the Plan  18  
         (a)  Amendment and Termination; No Repricing  18  
         (b)  Stockholder Approval  18  
         (c)  Effect of Amendment or Termination  18  
17.  Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares  18  
         (a)  Legal Compliance  18  
         (b)  Investment Representations  18  
18.  Inability to Obtain Authority  18  
19.  Reservation of Shares  18  
20.  Stockholder Approval  18  

 


 

3COM CORPORATION

2003 STOCK PLAN, AS AMENDED

1.

Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this 2003 Stock Plan are:

to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility,

to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants, and

to promote the success of the Company’s business.

 

The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Stock Appreciation Rights. In addition, the Plan provides for automatic option grants to Independent Directors.

2.

Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

(a)        “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

(b)        “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of stock option plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted under the Plan.

(c)        “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, SARs or Restricted Stock.

(d)        “Award Agreement” means the written agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(e)        “Cause” means (i) an act of personal dishonesty taken by the Participant in connection with his or her responsibilities as an employee and intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of the Participant, (ii) Participant being convicted of or pleading nolo contendere to a felony, (iii) a willful act by the Participant which constitutes gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Company, (iv) following delivery to the Participant of a written demand for performance from the Company which describes the basis for the Company’s reasonable belief that the Participant has not substantially performed his or her duties, continued violations by the Participant of the Participant’s obligations to the Company which are demonstrably willful and deliberate on the Participant’s part.

(f)

Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i)   Any Person becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or

(ii)   The consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the Company’s assets; or

(iii)  The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or

(iv)  A change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two-year period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” shall mean directors who either (A) are directors of the Company as of the date upon which this Agreement was entered into, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of those directors whose election or nomination was not in connection with any transaction described in subsections (i), (ii), or (iii) above, or in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company.

(g)

Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(h)        “Committee” means a committee, which may consist of one or more persons whom may or may not be Board members, as is consistent with Applicable Laws, appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

(i)

Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

(j)

Company” means 3Com Corporation.

 

(k)        “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.

(l)

Director” means a member 3Com’s Board of Directors.

(m)       “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.

(n)        “Discretionary Options” means Incentive Stock Options and Nonstatutory Stock Options that are not issued pursuant to the Independent Director option grant provisions of Section 11.

(o)        “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or any leave for which a return to employment is guaranteed under Applicable Laws, or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.

(p)

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(q)        “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

(i)   If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

(ii)   If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

(iii)  in the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

(r)         “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(s)

Independent Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.

(t)

Inside Director” means a Director who is an Employee.

 

(u)        “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

(v)        “Notice of Grant” means a written or electronic notice evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Award. The Notice of Grant is part of the Award Agreement.

(w)       “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(x)

Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

(y)

Optioned Stock” means the Common Stock subject to an Option or SAR.

(z)         “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

(aa)       “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award granted under the Plan.

(bb)      “Plan” means this 2003 Stock Plan, as from time to time amended and in effect.

(cc)       “Qualifying Board Retirement” means an Independent Director’s termination from Board membership, including pursuant to the Independent Director’s death or Disability, if such termination follows ten full years of Board service or five full years of Board service and attainment of age 62 or greater.

(dd)      “Restricted Stock” means shares of Common Stock or units/rights to acquire shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan that are subject to vesting.

(ee)       “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.

(ff)

Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

 

(gg)

Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

(hh)       “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 14 of the Plan.

(ii)         “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with a related Option, that pursuant to Section 10 is designated as an SAR.

(jj)        “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation”, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code and also include partnerships, limited liability companies and other entities that are at least 30% owned by the Company.

3.          Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 14 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan is 50,000,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock. If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, is forfeited back to or repurchased by the Company, the unpurchased Shares (or for Restricted Stock, the forfeited or repurchased shares) which were subject thereto shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). With respect to SARs, all shares which are the subject of an issued SAR shall cease to be available under the Plan, except for SARs which expire or become unexercisable without having been exercised in full. Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award shall not be returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at their original purchase price or are forfeited to the Company, such Shares shall become available for future grant under the Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, except for Awards which expire or become unexercisable without having been exercised in full, the following Shares shall not become available for issuance under the Plan: (i) Shares tendered by Participants as full or partial payment to the Company upon exercise of Options granted under the Plan; (ii) Shares reserved for issuance upon the grant of SARs, to the extent the number of reserved Shares exceeds the number of Shares actually issued upon exercise of the SARs; and (iii) Shares withheld by, or otherwise remitted to, the Company to satisfy a Participant’s tax withholding obligations upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock or the exercise of options or SARs granted under the Plan or upon any other payment or issuance of Shares under the Plan.

4.

Administration of the Plan.

 

(a)

Procedure.

 

(i)   Multiple Administrative Bodies. The Plan may be administered by different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers.

(ii)   Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify Awards granted hereunder as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan shall be administered by a Compensation Committee of two or more “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

(iii)  Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.

(iv)  Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Compensation Committee, or (B) a different Committee, in either case which shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws. Grants to Independent Directors under Section 11 of the Plan shall be administered by the Company’s Inside Directors.

(b)        Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan the Administrator shall have the authority, in its discretion:

(i)

to determine the Fair Market Value;

(ii)   to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;

(iii)  to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;

(iv)

to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

(v)  to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise or purchase price, the time or times when Awards may be vested, exercised, purchased or granted (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions or repurchase rights, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the shares of Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine;

(vi)  to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards granted pursuant to the Plan, including, but not limited to, a determination of a Participant’s date of termination with respect to any Award granted under the Plan;

(vii)  to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws, satisfying foreign securities law or achieving other foreign legal compliance objectives;

(viii)  to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 16 of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination vesting or exercisability of Awards longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan;

(ix)  to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option or SAR or upon the vesting or earlier tax recognition of Restricted Stock that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by a Participant to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;

(x)  to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator; and

(xi)  to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.

(c)        Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.

5.

Eligibility.

(a)        Awards and Discretionary Stock Options. Awards and Discretionary Options may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.

(b)        Automatic Independent Director Option Grants. Automatic Option grants under Section 11 hereof shall only be made to Independent Directors.

6.

Limitations.

(a)        Each Option shall be designated in the Option Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or subsidiary as defined in Code Section 424(f)) exceeds $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

(b)        Neither the Plan nor any Award shall confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing their relationship as a Service Provider, nor shall they interfere in any way with the right of the Participant or the right of the Company or its Parent or Subsidiaries to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause.

(c)        The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options and SARs with an exercise price equal to or exceeding 100% of Fair Market Value on the grant date:

(i)   No Service Provider shall be granted, in any fiscal year of the Company, Option or SARs to purchase more than 1,750,000 Shares.

(ii)   In connection with his or her initial service, a Service Provider may be granted Options to purchase up to an additional 1,750,000 Shares which shall not count against the limit set forth in subsection (i) above.

(iii)  The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted proportionately in connection with any change in the Company’s capitalization as described in Section 14(a).

(iv)  If an Option is cancelled in the same fiscal year of the Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction described in Section 14(c)), the cancelled Option will be counted against the limits set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above.

7.          Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the date of stockholder approval of the Plan in 2003. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years from the date upon which the Board approved the Plan subject to obtaining stockholder approval, namely July 15, 2013.

8.

Stock Options.

(a)        Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option Agreement and shall be no more than seven (7) years from the date of grant. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or subsidiary that qualifies under Code Section 424(f), the term of the Incentive Stock Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.

(b)

Option Exercise Price, Waiting Period and Consideration.

(i)   Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following:

(1)

In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

a)    granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Code Section 424(f) subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

b)   granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in paragraph a) immediately above, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

(2)        In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator, with a minimum exercise price equal to par value.

(ii)   Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may become vested or be exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the Option may vest or be exercised.

(iii)  Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration, subject to Applicable Laws, may consist entirely of:

(1)

cash;

 

(2)

check;

(3)

other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised;

(4)

consideration received by the Company under a broker-assisted cashless exercise program acceptable to the Company, in its sole discretion;

(5)

any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

(6)

such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

(iv)  Exercise of Option; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Option Agreement.

An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 14 of the Plan.

Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

(c)        Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee’s death or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Optionee’s termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

Notwithstanding the above, in the event of an Optionee’s change in status from Consultant, Employee or Director to Employee, Consultant or Director (e.g., an Inside Director becoming an Independent Director), an Optionee’s status as a Service Provider shall continue notwithstanding the change in status. However, in such event, an Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option three months and one day following such change of status.

(d)        Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Optionee’s Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee’s termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

(e)        Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee’s estate or by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that the Option is vested and exercisable on the date of death. In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee’s termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. The Option may be exercised by the executor or administrator of the Optionee’s estate or, if none, by the person(s) entitled to exercise the Option under the Optionee’s will or the laws of descent or distribution. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

9.

Restricted Stock.

(a)        Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, Restricted Stock may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall have complete discretion to determine (i) the number of Shares subject to a Restricted Stock award granted to any Participant, (ii) whether the form of the award shall be Shares or units/rights to acquire Shares, and (iii) the conditions that must be satisfied, including performance-based milestones, upon which is conditioned the grant or vesting of Restricted Stock. For Restricted Stock granted in the form of units/rights to acquire Shares, each such unit/right shall be the equivalent of one Share of Common Stock for purposes of determining the number of Shares subject to an Award. Until the Shares are issued, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the units/rights to acquire Shares.

(b)        Exercise Price and other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan. Restricted Stock grants shall be subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions determined by the Administrator at the time the stock is awarded, which may include such performance-based milestones as are determined appropriate by the Administrator. The Administrator may require the recipient to sign a Restricted Stock Agreement as a condition of the award. Any certificates representing the shares of Stock awarded shall bear such legends as shall be determined by the Administrator.

(c)        Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Each Restricted Stock grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the purchase price (if any) and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine; provided; however, that if the Restricted Stock grant has a purchase price, such purchase price must be paid no more than seven (7) years following the date of grant.

10.

Stock Appreciation Rights.

(a)        Grant of SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, SARs may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall have complete discretion to determine the number of SARs granted to any Participant.

(b)        Exercise Price and other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of SARs granted under the Plan; provided, however, that no SAR may have a term of more than seven (7) years from the date of grant.

(c)        Payment of SAR Amount. Upon exercise of a SAR, a Participant shall be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:

(i)   The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times

(ii)

The number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised.

(d)        Payment upon Exercise of SAR. At the discretion of the Administrator, payment for a SAR may be in cash, Shares or a combination thereof.

(e)        Cash Settlements and Plan Share Allocation. Cash payments of Stock Appreciation Rights as well as Common Stock issued upon exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights shall be applied against the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Plan. The number of shares to be applied against such maximum number of shares in such circumstances shall be the number of shares equal to the amount of the cash payment divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Stock Appreciation Right is granted.

(f)         SAR Agreement. Each SAR grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the exercise price, the term of the SAR, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine.

(g)        Expiration of SARs. A SAR granted under the Plan shall expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement.

(h)        Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Right within such period of time as is specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement to the extent that the Stock Appreciation Right is vested and exercisable on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement, the Stock Appreciation Right shall remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Participant’s termination. If, on the date of termination, the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Stock Appreciation Right, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Stock Appreciation Right shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Participant does not exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Right within the time specified by the Administrator, the Stock Appreciation Right shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Stock Appreciation Right shall revert to the Plan. Notwithstanding the above, in the event of a Participant’s change in status from Consultant, Employee or Director to Employee, Consultant or Director (e.g., an Inside Director becoming an Independent Director), a Participant’s status as a Service Provider shall continue notwithstanding the change in status.

(i)         Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Right within such period of time as is specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement to the extent the Stock Appreciation Right is vested and exercisable on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement, the Stock Appreciation Right shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s termination. If, on the date of termination, the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Stock Appreciation Right, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Stock Appreciation Right shall revert to the Plan.

If, after termination, the Participant does not exercise his or her Stock Appreciation Right within the time specified herein, the Stock Appreciation Right shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Stock Appreciation Right shall revert to the Plan.

(j)         Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Participant’s estate or by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that the Stock Appreciation Right is vested and exercisable on the date of death. In the absence of a specified time in the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement, the Stock Appreciation Right shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s termination. If, at the time of death, the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Stock Appreciation Right, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Stock Appreciation Right shall immediately revert to the Plan. The Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised by the executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate or, if none, by the person(s) entitled to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right under the Participant’s will or the laws of descent or distribution. If the Stock Appreciation Right is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Stock Appreciation Right shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Stock Appreciation Right shall revert to the Plan.

11.        Option Grants to Independent Directors. All grants of Options to Independent Directors pursuant to this Section shall be shall be made strictly in accordance with the following provisions:

(a)        Nonstatutory Stock Options. All Options granted pursuant to this Section shall be Nonstatutory Stock Options and, except as otherwise provided herein, shall be subject to the other terms and conditions of the Plan.

(b)        Administration. Option grants under this Section 11 shall be administered by a committee consisting of the Company’s Inside Directors; provided, however, that such committee shall not have any discretion to select which Independent Directors shall be granted Options under this Section 11.

(c)        Guidelines. The committee of Inside Directors shall establish guidelines (the "Guidelines") that determine the number of shares to be subject to the options granted under this Section 11, subject to the per option limits set forth in Sections 11(d) and 11(f). The Guidelines must provide that on each grant date, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to each option automatically granted pursuant to Section 11(d) or 11(f), as the case may be, shall be equal for each eligible participant, subject to distinctions based on the outside director's position as Chairman of the Board, designation as the "lead" outside director, and service on Board committees, including service as chairman of such committees.

(d)        Initial Grant. Each person who first becomes an Independent Director following the effective date of this Plan shall be automatically granted an Option to purchase that number of shares as may be specified in the Guidelines then currently in effect (the "Guideline Amount") for service on the Board, not to exceed 120,000 shares of Common Stock (or 160,000 shares if the participant is the lead director or Chairman of the Board on the date of grant), at the first Board meeting following the date upon which he or she first becomes an Independent Director whether through election by the stockholders of the Company or appointment by the Board to fill a vacancy (the “Initial Grant”); provided, however, that an Inside Director who ceases to be an Inside Director and thereby becomes an Independent Director shall not receive an Initial Grant. Subject to accelerated vesting upon certain Change of Control transactions as specified in Section 14(c)(iii), the Initial Grant shall vest as to 25% of the shares subject thereto on each anniversary of the date of grant, so as to be 100% vested on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the Optionee remaining a director through such vesting dates.

(e)        Pro-Rata Grant. Additionally, at the time an Initial Grant is made to a new director, he or she shall receive an option grant with the number of shares subject thereto equal to the Guideline Amount multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full months of service remaining prior to the next annual stockholder meeting and the denominator of which is 12 (the “Pro-Rata Grant”). Subject to accelerated vesting upon a Change of Control as specified in Section 14(c)(iii), the Pro-Rata Grant will vest as to 50% of the shares subject thereto on each anniversary of the date of grant, so as to be 100% vested on the second anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the Optionee remaining a director through such vesting dates.

(f)         Annual Grant. On the date of each regularly scheduled Company annual stockholder meeting, each Independent Director, if as of such date, he or she shall have served as an Independent Director for at least the preceding six (6) months, shall be automatically granted an Option to purchase that number of shares equal to the Guideline Amount for service on the Board, not to exceed 120,000 shares of Common Stock, or 160,000 shares if the participant is the lead director or Chairman of the Board on the date of grant (the “Annual Grants”). Subject to accelerated vesting upon certain Change of Control transactions as specified in Section 14(c)(iii), Annual Grants shall vest as to 50% of the shares subject thereto on the day prior to the next year’s regularly scheduled Company annual stockholder meeting and as to the balance of the shares subject thereto on the day prior to the next year’s regularly scheduled Company annual stockholder meeting, so as to be 100% vested on the day prior to the Company annual stockholder meeting held approximately two years following the grant date, subject to the Optionee remaining a director through such vesting dates.

(g)        Other Option Terms: The other terms of each option granted pursuant to this Section 11 shall be as follows:

(i)

The option term shall be seven (7) years.

(ii)   The exercise price per Share shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

(iii)  In the event an Optionee’s service as a Director terminates more than six (6) months following the commencement of service as an Independent Director, then the Option shall immediately accelerate as to one year’s additional vesting or, with respect to an Annual Grant, as to the number of shares that would have vested on the day prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the stockholders. The Option shall remain exercisable, to the extent vested and exercisable on the date of termination of Board service, for one year following such termination date (but in no event longer than the original term of the Option); provided, however, that in the event of a Qualifying Board Retirement, the Option shall vest as to 100% of the Shares and shall remain exercisable for three years following such termination (but in no event longer than the original term of the Option); provided, further that in the event of the termination of service as an Independent Director due to the death or Disability of the Optionee while an Independent Director, the Option shall immediately accelerate as to one year’s additional vesting or, with respect to an Annual Grant, as to the number of shares that would have vested on the day prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the stockholders (or more, in any event, if the cessation of Board Service would have been a Qualifying Retirement) even if such termination of service is within six (6) months following the commencement of service as an Independent Director.

(iv)  The permissible forms of consideration for exercising the option shall be the same as for discretionary options as specified in Section 8(b)(iii) hereof.

(v)  The provisions of Section 8(b)(iv) hereof relating to stockholder rights shall also apply to options granted under this Section 11.

(vi)  The options granted under this Section 11 shall be subject to the other terms and conditions set forth in the form of option agreement selected by the committee of Inside Directors, in their sole discretion.

12.        Leaves of Absence. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise or as otherwise required by Applicable Laws, vesting of Awards granted hereunder shall cease commencing on the 91st day of any unpaid leave of absence and shall only recommence upon return to active service.

13.        Non-Transferability of Awards. An Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant.

14.        Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Liquidation or Change of Control.

(a)        Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Award, the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Awards have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Award, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Award and the 162(m) annual share issuance limits under Section 6(c) shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been “effected without receipt of consideration.” Such adjustment shall be made by the Compensation Committee, 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 Award.

(b)        Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for a Participant to have the right to exercise his or her Award until ten (10) days prior to such transaction as to all of the stock covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Award would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. In addition, the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option or forfeiture applicable to any Shares covered by an Award shall lapse as to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

(c)

Change of Control.

(i)   SARs and Discretionary Options. In the event of a Change of Control, each outstanding SAR and Discretionary 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 SAR and Discretionary Option, the Participant shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise the SAR or Discretionary Option as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an SAR or Discretionary Option becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a Change of Control, the Administrator shall notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the SAR or Discretionary Option shall be fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the SAR or Discretionary Option shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the SAR or Discretionary Option shall be considered assumed if, following the Change of Control, the SAR or option confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the SAR or Discretionary Option immediately prior to the Change of Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change of Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change of Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the SAR or Discretionary Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the SAR or Discretionary Option, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change of Control.

(ii)   Restricted Stock. In the event of a Change of Control, each outstanding Restricted Stock award shall be assumed or an equivalent award 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 Restricted Stock, the Participant shall fully vest in the Restricted Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Restricted Stock shall be considered assumed if, following the Change of Control, the Restricted Stock confers the right to receive, for each Share and each unit/right to acquire a Share that is subject to the Restricted Stock award immediately prior to the Change of Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change of Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share and each unit/right to acquire a Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change of Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received, for each Share and each unit/right to acquire a Share subject to the Restricted Stock award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change of Control.

(iii)  Automatic Independent Director Options. In the event of a Change of Control in which the Independent Directors are terminated or asked to resign either upon the Change of Control or within one year following the Change of Control, their Options granted under Section 11 hereof shall vest 100% immediately prior to such Change in Control. In the event of a Change of Control in which the Independent Directors are not terminated or asked to resign, their Options granted under Section 11 hereof shall be treated the same as Discretionary Options hereunder.

(iv)  Certain Terminations Within Twelve Months Following a Change of Control. In the event that, within twelve (12) months following a Change of Control a Participant’s employment with the Company, its Parent, or a Subsidiary is terminated involuntarily by his or her employer other than for Cause, then such Participant’s Awards shall have their vesting accelerated as to fifty percent (50%) of the Shares that are unvested as of the date of such termination of employment.

15.        Award Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

16.

Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

(a)        Amendment and Termination; No Repricing. The Committee may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan, provided that the Board may not amend the Plan to permit the repricing, including by way of exchange, or acquisition for cash or other consideration of any Award without receiving prior stockholder approval.

(b)        Stockholder Approval. The Company shall obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.

(c)        Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.

17.

Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

(a)        Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise or vesting of an Award unless the exercise or vesting of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

(b)        Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award 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.

18.        Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

19.        Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

20.        Stockholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval shall be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.

 


EX-23 4 exhibit_23.htm

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of 3Com Corporation on Form S-8 of our reports dated August 5, 2005, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedules (which includes an explanatory paragraph regarding the adoption of SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles”) and management’s report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of 3Com Corporation, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of 3Com Corporation for the year ended June 3, 2005.

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Boston, Massachusetts

November 15, 2005

 

 

 

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