-----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, O08Eichgdg345Ure2P606PYubgZYNs/JIWnzHGMIL5uJxoKSSMVOSDRRws4avAeY Er1AV8wmun9lMcm8Px55Vw== 0000950135-08-006206.txt : 20080924 0000950135-08-006206.hdr.sgml : 20080924 20080924172455 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950135-08-006206 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-8 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080924 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080924 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20080924 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: 333-153662 FILM NUMBER: 081087186 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 350 CAMPUS DRIVE CITY: MARLBOROUGH STATE: MA ZIP: 01752-3064 BUSINESS PHONE: 508-323-1000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 350 CAMPUS DRIVE CITY: MARLBOROUGH STATE: MA ZIP: 01752-3064 S-8 1 b72345s8sv8.htm 3COM CORPORATION sv8
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2008
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 of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
350 Campus Drive
Marlborough, MA 01752

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
3Com Corporation 2003 Stock Plan, as amended
Amended and Restated 3Com Corporation 1984 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Stand Alone Restricted Stock Agreement with Saar Gillai
Stand Alone Stock Option Agreement with Saar Gillai

(Full title of the plans)
 
Neal D. Goldman, Esq.
Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer and Secretary

350 Campus Drive
Marlborough, MA 01752
(Name and address of agent for service)
(508) 323-1000
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
                             
 
              Proposed Maximum     Proposed Maximum        
  Title of Securities to     Amount     Offering Price     Aggregate Offering     Amount of  
  be Registered (1)     to be Registered (2)     Per Share (3)     Price (3)     Registration Fee (4)  
 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (2003 Stock Plan)
    23,000,000     $1.925     $44,275,000     $1,740.01  
 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (1984 ESPP)
    8,000,000     $1.925     $15,400,000     $605.22  
 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (Inducement Grant – Restricted Stock)
    250,000     $1.925     $481,250     $18.91  
 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (Inducement Grant – Stock Options)
    500,000     $1.925     $962,500     $37.83  
 
Total
    31,750,000           $61,118,750     $2,401.97  
 
 
(1)   Shares of 23 million to be issued pursuant to the Registrant’s 2003 Stock Plan and shares of 8 million to be issued pursuant to the Registrant’s Amended and Restated 1984 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Shares of 250,000 to be offered pursuant to the Registrant’s Stand Alone Restricted Stock Agreement with Saar Gillai in the form attached as an exhibit hereto expected to be entered into on the grant date, October 7, 2008, assuming commencement of employment in September 2008. Shares of 500,000 to be offered pursuant to the Registrant’s Stand Alone Stock Option Agreement with Saar Gillai in the form attached as an exhibit hereto expected to be entered into on the grant date, October 7, 2008, assuming commencement of employment in September 2008. Each share of common stock includes a preferred stock purchase right. The preferred stock purchase rights, which are attached to the shares of common stock being registered hereunder, will be issued for no additional consideration. Accordingly, no additional registration fee is payable.
 
(2)   Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to the extent additional shares of common stock may be issued or issuable as a result of a stock split or other distribution declared at any time by the Board of Directors while this registration statement is in effect, this registration statement is hereby deemed to cover all such additional shares of common stock.
 
(3)   The Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share and the Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price are estimated in accordance with Rule 457(c) and 457(h) solely for the purpose of calculating the filing fee on the basis of $1.925 per share, which represents the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on September 17, 2008 (a date within five business days of September 24, 2008, the filing date).
 
(4)   The Amount of Registration Fee is based on a fee rate of $39.30 per million. The total filing fee for Common Stock registered herein of $2,401.97 is offset pursuant to Rule 457(p) of the Securities Act by filing fees totaling $4,737 previously paid with respect to unsold shares registered pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed by 3Com Corporation on May 31, 2006 (a date within five years of the date of the filing of this Registration Statement) for the Stand Alone Option Agreement with Scott Murray dated January 25, 2006 (Commission File No. 333-134610). (An amount of $1,789.04 has been previously offset against the May 31, 2006 registration statement.) Therefore, no fee is being paid herewith.
 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
PART II
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Item 4. Description of Securities
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed
Item 8. Exhibits
Item 9. Undertakings
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Ex-5.1 Opinion of Jeffrey M. Held
Ex-10.3 Form of Stand Alone Restricted Stock Agreement
Ex-10.4 Form of Stand Alone Stock Option Agreement
Ex-23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP


Table of Contents

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.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
     The following documents and information heretofore filed by Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) are hereby incorporated by reference in this registration statement:
  (a)   The Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2008, filed pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”);
 
  (b)   The Registrant’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on June 23, July 15, August 1, September 5, and September 24, 2008 and the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on July 7, 2008;
 
  (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 and amended on September 28, 2007.
     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 other report 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

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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 validity of the shares of our common stock offered by this Registration Statement will be passed upon for us by Jeffrey M. Held, Esq., our Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary. Mr. Held is paid a salary by 3Com Corporation, is a participant in various employee benefit plans offered to employees of 3Com Corporation generally, owns shares of 3Com Corporation common stock and has options to purchase shares of 3Com Corporation common stock.
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.
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
     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.

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Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
     Not Applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits.
     
Exhibit    
Number   Description
 
   
4.1
  Third Amended and Restated Preferred Shares Rights Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2002 (the “Rights Plan”) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-A/A (File No. 0-12867) filed on November 27, 2002)
 
   
4.2
  Amendment No. 1 to Rights Plan, dated as of September 28, 2007 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K/A (File No. 0-12867) filed on September 28, 2007)
 
   
5.1
  Opinion of Jeffrey M. Held, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Registrant*
 
   
10.1
  3Com Corporation 2003 Stock Plan, as amended and approved by stockholders on September 24, 2008 (Beijing, China-time) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (File No. 0-12867) filed on September 24, 2008)
 
   
10.2
  Amended and Restated 3Com Corporation 1984 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as approved by stockholders on September 24, 2008 (Beijing, China-time) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K (File No. 0-12867) filed on September 24, 2008)
 
   
10.3
  Form of Stand Alone Restricted Stock Agreement*
 
   
10.4
  Form of Stand Alone Stock Option Agreement*
 
   
23.1
  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm*
 
   
23.2
  Consent of Jeffrey M. Held, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Registrant (contained in Exhibit 5.1)*
 
   
24.1
  Power of Attorney (see page II-6)*
 
*   Filed herewith
Item 9. Undertakings.
          (a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
               (i) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
                    (1) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”);
                    (2) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was

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registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
                    (3) 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 paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
               (ii) 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.
               (iii) 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 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of any 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 of 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.

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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 September 24, 2008.
         
  3COM CORPORATION
 
 
  By:   /s/ NEAL D. GOLDMAN    
    Neal D. Goldman, Esq.   
    Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer and Secretary   

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POWER OF ATTORNEY
     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Neal D. Goldman and Jeffrey M. Held, and each of them acting individually, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution, to sign and execute on behalf of the undersigned any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, 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 all exhibits thereto and all 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 foregoing, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, and each of the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or any 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 date indicated.
         
Signature   Title   Date
 
       
/s/ Robert Y. L. Mao
 
Robert Y. L. Mao
  Director and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)   Sept. 24, 2008
 
       
/s/ Jay Zager
 
Jay Zager
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)   Sept. 24, 2008
 
       
/s/ Eric A. Benhamou
 
Eric A. Benhamou
   Chairman of the Board   Sept. 24, 2008
 
       
/s/ Gary T. DiCamillo
 
Gary T. DiCamillo
   Director   Sept. 24, 2008
 
       
/s/ James R. Long
 
James R. Long
   Director   Sept. 24, 2008
 
       
/s/ Ronald A. Sege
 
Ronald A. Sege
  Director and President and Chief Operating Officer   Sept. 24, 2008
 
       
/s/ Dominique Trempont
 
Dominique Trempont
   Director   Sept. 24, 2008

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
     
Exhibit    
Number   Description
 
   
4.1
  Third Amended and Restated Preferred Shares Rights Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2002 (the “Rights Plan”) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-A/A (File No. 0-12867) filed on November 27, 2002)
 
   
4.2
  Amendment No. 1 to Rights Plan, dated as of September 28, 2007 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K/A (File No. 0-12867) filed on September 28, 2007)
 
   
5.1
  Opinion of Jeffrey M. Held, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Registrant*
 
   
10.1
  3Com Corporation 2003 Stock Plan, as amended and approved by stockholders on September 24, 2008 (Beijing, China-time) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (File No. 0-12867) filed on September 24, 2008)
 
   
10.2
  Amended and Restated 3Com Corporation 1984 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as approved by stockholders on September 24, 2008 (Beijing, China-time) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K (File No. 0-12867) filed on September 24, 2008)
 
   
10.3
  Form of Stand Alone Restricted Stock Agreement*
 
   
10.4
  Form of Stand Alone Stock Option Agreement*
 
   
23.1
  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm*
 
   
23.2
  Consent of Jeffrey M. Held, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Registrant (contained in Exhibit 5.1)*
 
   
24.1
  Power of Attorney (see page II-6)*
 
*   Filed herewith

 

EX-5.1 2 b72345s8exv5w1.htm EX-5.1 OPINION OF JEFFREY M. HELD exv5w1
EXHIBIT 5.1
September 24, 2008
3Com Corporation
350 Campus Drive
Marlborough, MA 01752
     
Re:
  Registration Statement on Form S-8
I am Deputy General 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 (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about September 24, 2008 (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 31,750,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock and associated preferred stock purchase rights issuable pursuant to the Company’s 2003 Stock Plan, as amended, as to 23 million shares, the Company’s Amended and Restated 1984 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as to 8 million shares, the Stand Alone Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and Saar Gillai as to 250,000 shares and the Stand Alone Stock Option Agreement between the Company and Saar Gillai as to 500,000 shares (together, the “Shares” and the “Plans”). 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 and associated Rights, when issued and sold by the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the Plans, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
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 Deputy General Counsel 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/ Jeffrey M. Held
Jeffrey M. Held
Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
3Com Corporation

 

EX-10.3 3 b72345s8exv10w3.htm EX-10.3 FORM OF STAND ALONE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT exv10w3
EXHIBIT 10.3
3COM CORPORATION
[FORM STAND ALONE RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT]
     3Com Corporation has granted                      (the “Participant”) Restricted Stock shares in accordance with the Participant’s offer letter dated                      (the “Offer Letter”), subject to the following terms and conditions as set forth in this Award Agreement. The “Effective Date” of this Award Agreement shall be                     .
     1. Definitions; Vesting and Reacquisition Rights. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
          (a) “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be administering the Award.
          (b) “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of restricted stock 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 any other applicable laws.
          (c) “Award” means, individually or collectively, the grant of Restricted Stock under this Award Agreement and Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock.
          (d) “Award Agreement” means this Stand Alone Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and the Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of this Award.
          (e) “Board” means the Board of Directors of 3Com Corporation.
          (f) “Change of Control” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto (or to any similar definition such as “Change in Control”) in the Management Retention Agreement between the Company and the Participant, as amended from time to time.
          (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 the Applicable Laws, appointed by the Board.
          (i) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
          (j) “Company” shall mean 3Com Corporation and any successor corporation thereto.
          (k) “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary as an independent contractor to render services to such entity.
          (l) “Date of Restricted Stock Grant” shall mean the “Date of Grant” as set forth in the Notice of Grant.
          (m) “Director” means a member 3Com’s Board of Directors.
          (n) “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. Neither service as a

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Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
          (o) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
          (p) “Initial Vesting Date” shall be the date occurring one (1) year after the Date of Restricted Stock Grant.
          (q) “Notice of Grant” shall mean the “NOTICE OF GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK”. The Notice of Grant is part of this Award Agreement.
          (r) “Number of Restricted Stock” shall mean the “Total Number of Restricted Stock Granted” as set forth in the Notice of Grant.
          (s) “Offer Letter” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
          (t) “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.
          (u) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
          (v) “Restricted Stock” means shares of Common Stock or units/rights to acquire shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to this Agreement that are subject to vesting, as adjusted in accordance with this Agreement.
          (w) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
          (x) “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.
          Vesting, Restrictions on Unvested Shares and Unvested Share Reacquisition Right.
          Vesting. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement, and provided that the Participant remains a Service Provider through each vesting date, the Restricted Stock shall become “Vested Shares” for purposes of this Award Agreement in three (3) equal, annual installments, commencing on the Initial Vesting Date. Until the shares of Restricted Stock vest and become Vested Shares, which unvested shares shall be called Unvested Shares (as defined below), neither the Unvested Shares, nor any right with respect to the Unvested Shares of Restricted Stock under this Agreement, may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise conveyed or encumbered and shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Any attempted sale, assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other conveyance or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any affiliate of the Company. Upon becoming Vested Shares, such restrictions shall lapse. A legend or legends may be affixed to share certificates representing the Restricted Stock evidencing these restrictions.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant shall receive accelerated vesting with respect to all or a portion of the Participant’s then outstanding unvested portion of the Award, subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Management Retention Agreement (“MRA”) and the Severance Benefits Agreement (“SBA”), as the same may be amended from time to time, each by and between the Company and the Participant.
          Unvested Share Reacquisition Right. In the event that the Participant’s Service Provider relationship with the Company is terminated for any reason, with or without cause, the Company shall

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automatically reacquire all shares of Restricted Stock that are not Vested Shares as of the termination date (the “Unvested Shares”) without any action on the part of Participant, who shall forfeit such shares immediately, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any payment therefor (the “Unvested Share Reacquisition Right”).
     2. Leaves of Absence. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise or as otherwise required by Applicable Laws, the Restricted Stock shall cease to vest on the 91st day of any unpaid leave of absence and shall only recommence upon the Participant’s return to active service.
     3. Rights as a Shareholder or Employee. The Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock until such time as the shares are issued to the Participant in the form of a certificate or certificates or other appropriate means as determined by the Company in its discretion. Except as provided in this Agreement, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such shares are issued.
     4. No Guarantee of Continued Service. THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS AN EMPLOYEE OR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THE RESTRICTED STOCK OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). THE PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AWARD AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS AN EMPLOYEE OR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH THE PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS AN EMPLOYEE OR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE COMPANY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE OR NOTICE.
     5. 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, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Award, 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 Administrator, 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 the Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for the

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Participant to have the right to exercise his Award until ten (10) days prior to such transaction as to all of the stock covered thereby, including shares of Restricted Stock 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 the 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, if applicable, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
          (c) Change of Control. 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 of Restricted Stock 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 of Restricted Stock and each unit/right to acquire a share of Restricted Stock 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 of Restricted Stock and each unit/right to acquire a share of Restricted Stock 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 of Restricted Stock 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.
     6. Non-Transferability of Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock 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.
     7. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. No Restricted Stock shall be issued pursuant to this Award Agreement if the issuance and delivery of such Restricted Stock would constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state securities law or other law or regulation, or would fail to satisfy the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Restricted Stock may then be listed. As a condition to the issuance and delivery of the Restricted Stock, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate, to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as may be requested by the Company. The Company shall not be required (a) to transfer on its books any shares which are sold or transferred in violation of any of the provisions set forth in this Award Agreement or the Offer Letter, or (b) to treat as the owner of the shares or to accord the right to vote as such owner or to pay dividends to any transferee to whom the shares shall have been so transferred.
     8. Legends. The Company may at any time place legends referencing the Unvested Share Reacquisition Right set forth above and any applicable federal and/or state securities law or other restrictions on any and all certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock subject to the provisions of this Award Agreement. The Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing shares of Restricted Stock acquired under this Award Agreement in the possession of the Participant in order to carry out the provisions of this Section 8. Unless otherwise specified by the Company, legends placed on such certificates may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

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          “THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THIS AWARD AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CORPORATION AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER, OR SUCH HOLDER’S PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION.”
     9. Escrow.
          (a) Establishment of Escrow. To ensure that the Restricted Shares subject to the Unvested Share Reacquisition Right will be available for reacquisition, the Company may require the Participant to deposit the certificate or certificates evidencing the Unvested Shares with an escrow agent designated by the Company under the terms and conditions of an escrow agreement approved by the Company. If the Company does not require such deposit as a condition of the issuance of Restricted Stock to the Participant, the Company reserves the right at any time to require the Participant to so deposit the Unvested Share certificate or certificates in escrow. The Company shall bear the expenses of the escrow.
          (b) Delivery of Shares to the Participant. As soon as practicable after the expiration of the Unvested Share Reacquisition Right, the escrow agent shall deliver to the Participant the Restricted Stock no longer subject to such restriction.
     10. Section 83(b) Election; Withholding. The Participant acknowledges and understands that when the shares of Restricted Stock become Vested Shares under this Award Agreement, Section 83 of the Code imposes a tax at ordinary income rates with respect to such Vested Shares in an amount equal to the fair market value of such Vested Shares, determined on the date such shares become Vested Shares. The Participant also understands that (i) alternatively, the Participant may elect to be taxed in the year the shares were granted rather than when the shares become Vested Shares by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty (30) days from the Grant Date; (ii) if the Participant files such an election, the Participant will be taxed at ordinary income rates on the fair market value of the shares on the Grant Date; (iii) if the Participant makes such an election he must provide the Company with a copy of the election no later than three (3) business days after filing the election with the Internal Revenue Service; and (iv) the Participant must file another copy of the election with his federal income tax return for the tax year in which Participant filed the election. The Participant acknowledges that it is the Participant’s sole responsibility and not the Company’s responsibility to determine whether it is advisable to make the election and, if the Participant so elects, to file the election in a timely fashion and to make any filings under corresponding provisions of state tax law.
     At the time that this Award Agreement is executed, or at any time thereafter as determined by the Company, the Company shall have the right to withhold the applicable minimum withholding taxes, including but not limited to federal tax, state tax, foreign taxes, or social taxes, if any, which arise in connection with the acquisition of Restricted Stock pursuant to this Award Agreement or the Offer Letter, including, without limitation, obligations arising upon (i) the transfer, in whole or in part, of any shares of Restricted Stock, (ii) the lapse of any restriction with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock acquired pursuant to this Award Agreement or the Offer Letter, or (iii) the filing of an election to recognize a tax liability. The Participant authorizes the Company to withhold from the Participant’s compensation such amounts as may be necessary to satisfy the minimum applicable tax withholding obligations arising in connection with the issuance of the shares of Restricted Stock pursuant to this Award Agreement or the Offer Letter. The Company shall have no obligation to issue a certificate as to the shares and/or to release the shares from escrow until applicable withholding obligations have been satisfied.
     11. Trade Shares for Taxes. Please circle the applicable election below if you wish to trade shares to satisfy the minimum required tax withholding determined upon the date of vesting outlined in this Agreement. If you elect to trade shares to satisfy the minimum taxes due, the remaining amount due

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after the trade, less than the value of one share, will be deducted from your cash compensation. If you wish to change your election during the life of the Award Agreement, you must contact stock administration at least thirty (30) days prior to the applicable vesting date.
TRADE SHARES FOR TAXES DUE (please circle one):           YES              NO
If you do not wish to trade shares for taxes, and select “no” above, you must provide payment to stock administration within fifteen (15) days from date of vesting. If payment is not provided within fifteen (15) days after applicable taxes are due, stock administration will have the authority and discretion to (i) trade shares to satisfy such applicable taxes or (ii) to withhold the entire tax obligation from your compensation.
     12. Broker. Your Restricted Stock will be deposited directly into your brokerage account with the Company’s approved broker when vested and the applicable withholding obligations have been satisfied.
     13. Further Instruments; Binding Effect. The parties hereto agree to execute such further instruments and to take such further action as may reasonably be necessary to carry out the intent of this Award Agreement. This Award Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.
     14. Administration; Amendment or Termination. All questions of interpretation concerning this Award Agreement shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. All determinations by the Administrator shall be final and binding upon all persons having an interest in this Award Agreement. The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Agreement; provided, however, that no such amendment, alteration, suspension or termination may adversely affect the Restricted Stock hereof without the written consent of the Participant. Termination of the Agreement shall not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Agreement prior to the date of such termination.
     15. Entire Agreement; Applicable Law; Severability. This Award Agreement, along with the Participant’s Offer Letter and the MRA and SBA referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Award Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and all disputes hereunder shall be governed by, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to its conflict of laws rules.
     If one or more provisions of this Award Agreement are held invalid, illegal and/or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision(s) shall be deemed null and void; provided, however, to the extent permissible under applicable law, that any such provision(s) shall be first construed, interpreted and/or revised to permit this Award Agreement to be construed so as to foster the intent of this Award Agreement.
     16. Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company hereunder shall be in writing and shall be addressed to the Company at its then current principal executive office or to such other address as the Company may hereafter designate to the Participant. Any notice to be given to the Participant hereunder shall be addressed to the Participant at the last address known to the Company, or at such other address as the Participant may hereafter designate to the Company. A notice shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail to the party entitled to receive it.

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     17. Data Privacy. By entering into this Award Agreement, the Participant consents to the collection, use and transfer of personal data as described in this Section. The Participant understands that the Company and its subsidiaries hold certain personal information about the Participant including, but not limited to, the Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social security number or equivalent tax identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all shares or other entitlements to shares awarded, cancelled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in the Participant’s favor, for the purpose of managing and administering this Award Agreement (“Data”). The Participant further understands that the Company and/or its subsidiaries will transfer Data amongst themselves as necessary for the purposes of implementation, administration, and management of the Participant’s participation in this Award Agreement, and that the Company and/or its subsidiaries may each further transfer Data to any third parties assisting the Company in the implementation, administration and management of this Award Agreement (“Data Recipients”). Where the Company or any of its subsidiaries transfer Data to any Data Recipients, it will take into account any legal obligations which apply with respect to the processing of that Data. The Participant understands that these Data Recipients may be located in the Participant’s country of residence, the European Economic Area, or elsewhere throughout the world, including, but not limited to, the United States. The Participant hereby authorizes the Data Recipients to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data in electronic or other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering and managing the Participant’s participation in this Award Agreement, including any transfer of such Data, as may be required for the administration of this Award Agreement and/or the subsequent holding of shares of Restricted Stock on the Participant’s behalf, to a broker or third party with whom the shares acquired upon vest may be deposited. The Participant understands that he or she may, at any time, review the Data, require any necessary amendments to it or withdraw the consent herein in writing by contacting the Company’s Stock Administration Department. The Participant further understands that withdrawing consent may affect the Participant’s ability to participate in this Award Agreement. Without prejudice to other provisions of this Award Agreement, the Company hereby reserves the right to terminate the Participant’s participation in this Award Agreement (including, but not limited to, the Participant’s ability to vest in the shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder) if, by withdrawal of the Participant’s consent to the collection, use and transfer of Data, the Company and/or Data Recipients may not, in the Company’s sole discretion, lawfully administer the Participant’s participation in this Award Agreement.

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Award Agreement as of the day and year first above written. By signing below, the Participant acknowledges that he/she has read, understood and accepted all of the terms, conditions and restrictions of this Award Agreement.
         
PARTICIPANT
  3COM CORPORATION    
 
 
       
 
 
 
   
 
       
 
       
 
       
Date
  Date    

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EX-10.4 4 b72345s8exv10w4.htm EX-10.4 FORM OF STAND ALONE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT exv10w4
EXHIBIT 10.4
3COM CORPORATION
[FORM STAND ALONE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT]
     3Com Corporation has granted                      (the “Participant”) an Option to purchase certain Shares in accordance with the Participant’s offer letter dated                     (“Offer Letter”), subject to the following terms and conditions as set forth in this Award Agreement. The “Effective Date” of this Award Agreement shall be                     .
     1. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
          (a) “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be administering the Award.
          (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 any other applicable laws.
          (c) “Award” means, individually or collectively, the grant of an Option under the Award Agreement.
          (d) “Award Agreement” means this stand alone stock option agreement between the Company and the Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of this Award.
          (e) “Board” means the Board of Directors of 3Com Corporation.
          (f) “Change of Control” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto (or to any similar definition such as “Change in Control”) in the Management Retention Agreement between the Company and the Participant, as amended from time to time.
          (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 the Applicable Laws, appointed by the Board.
          (i) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
          (j) “Company” shall mean 3Com Corporation and any successor corporation thereto.
          (k) “Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary as an independent contractor to render services to such entity.
          (l) “Date of Option Grant” shall mean the “Date of Grant” as set forth in the Notice of Grant.
          (m) “Director” means a member 3Com’s Board of Directors.
          (n) “Disability” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Management Retention Agreement between the Company and the Participant, as amended from time to time.
          (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. Neither service as a

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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) “Initial Vesting Date” shall be the date occurring one (1) year after the Date of Option Grant.
          (r) “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means any Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
          (s) “Notice of Grant” shall mean the “NOTICE OF GRANT OF STOCK OPTION”. The Notice of Grant is part of this Award Agreement.
          (t) “Number of Option Shares” shall mean the “Total Number of Option Shares Granted” as set forth in the Notice of Grant.
          (u) “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.
          (v) “Option” means this option to purchase Shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to this Award Agreement.
          (w) “Optioned Stock” means the Common Stock subject to the Option.
          (x) “Option Termination Date” shall mean the date occurring seven (7) years after the Date of Option Grant.
          (y) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
          (z) “Person” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term under Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
          (aa) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
          (bb) “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 10 of the Agreement.
          (cc) “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.
          (dd)“Vested Ratio” means:
         
    Vested Ratio
Prior to Initial Vesting Date
    0  
 
       
On Initial Vesting Date, for each full year of the Participant’s remaining a Service Provider from the Date of Option Grant until the Initial Vesting Date
    1/4  
 
       
Plus
       
 
       
For each subsequent full year thereafter of the Participant’s remaining a Service Provider from the Initial Vesting Date
    1/4  
 
       
In no event shall the Vested Ratio exceed 1/1.
       

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     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant shall receive accelerated vesting with respect to all or a portion of the Participant’s then outstanding unvested portion of the Award, subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Management Retention Agreement (“MRA”) and the Severance Benefits Agreement (“SBA”), as the same may be amended from time to time, each by and between the Company and the Participant.
     2. Grant of Option. The Administrator hereby grants to the Participant the Option to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant, subject to the provisions of this Award Agreement and the Notice of Grant, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Option referenced herein are not intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options as defined in Section 422 of the Code and shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Notice of Grant and shall be seven (7) years from the Date of Grant.
     3. Exercise of the Option.
          (a) Right to Exercise. The Option shall be exercisable during its terms in accordance with the Notice of Grant and this Award Agreement and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator. The Option shall first become exercisable on the Initial Vesting Date. Each Option shall be exercisable on and after the Initial Vesting Date and prior to the termination of the Option in the amount equal to the Number of Option Shares multiplied by the Vested Ratio as set forth in Section 1(dd) above less the number of Shares previously acquired upon exercise of the Option. In no event shall an Option be exercisable for more Shares than the Number of Option Shares. Exercising an Option in any manner approved hereunder shall decrease the number of Shares thereafter available for sale under the Option by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
          (b) Method of Exercise. Each Option shall be exercisable by written or electronic notice to the Company which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares being exercised, and such other representations and agreements as to the Participant’s investment intent with respect to the Shares as may be required pursuant to the provisions of this Award Agreement. Such notice shall be signed by the Participant or person entitled to exercise the Option and shall be delivered to the Company’s Stock Administration Department, or other authorized representative of the Company, prior to the termination of the Option as set forth in Section 5 below, accompanied by full payment of the option price for the number of Shares being purchased.
          (c) Form of Payment of Option Price. Subject to the Applicable Laws, such payment shall be made (1) in cash, by check, or cash equivalent, (2) by tender of Shares of the Company’s stock owned by the Participant and having a fair market value not less than the option price, which (i) either have been owned by the Participant for more than six (6) months or were not acquired, directly or indirectly from the Company, and (ii) have a fair market value not less than the option price, (3) proceeds from a broker-assisted cashless exercise program acceptable to the Company, in its sole discretion, or (4) by any combination of the foregoing.
          (d) Withholding. At the time the Option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at any time thereafter as determined by the Company, the Company shall have the right to withhold the applicable minimum withholding taxes, including but not limited to federal tax, state tax, foreign taxes, or

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social taxes, if any, which arise in connection with the Option including, without limitation, obligations arising upon (i) the exercise of the Option in whole or in part, (ii) the transfer, in whole or in part, of any Shares acquired on exercise of the Option, or (iii) the lapsing of any restriction with respect to any Shares acquired on exercise of the Option. The Participant shall make adequate provision for the Company to meet its minimum withholding obligations.
          (e) Certificate Registration. The Shares as to which an Option shall be exercised shall be issued in the the name of the Participant, the heirs of the Participant (if applicable), or, if requested in writing by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. If payment of the option price is accomplished using a broker-assisted cashless exercise program acceptable to the Company, in its sole discretion, the certificate or certificates may, at the Company’s sole discretion be registered in the name of a nominee who is an authorized broker for the Company’s same-day sale program. 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 10 herein.
          (f) Restriction on Grant of Option and Issuance of Shares. The grant of the Option and the issuance of Shares pursuant to the Option shall be subject to compliance with all Applicable Laws. The Option may not be exercised if the issuance of Shares upon such exercise would constitute a violation of any Applicable Laws. In addition, no Option may be exercised unless (i) a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall at the time of exercise of any Option be in effect with respect to the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option, or (ii) in the opinion of legal counsel to the Company, the Shares issuable upon exercise of any Option may be issued in accordance with the terms of an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of said Act. As a condition to the exercise of any Option, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate, to evidence compliance with any Applicable Laws and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as may be requested by the Company.
          (g) Fractional Shares. The Company shall not be required to issue fractional Shares upon the exercise of the Option.
          (h) Survival of Award Agreement Provisions. To the extent contemplated herein, the provisions of this Award Agreement shall survive any exercise of the Option and shall remain in full force and effect.
     4. Non-Transferability of the Option. The Option 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. The terms of this Award Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assignees of the Participant.
     5. Termination of the Option. The Option shall terminate and may no longer be exercised on the first to occur of (i) the Option Termination Date as defined above, (ii) the last date for exercising the Option following termination as a Service Provider as described herein, or as otherwise set forth in this Award Agreement.

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     6. Termination of the Participant’s Relationship as a Service Provider.
          (a) Termination of the Option. If the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any reason except by reason of death or Disability, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable by the Participant on the date on which the Participant ceased to be a Service Provider, may be exercised by the Participant within three (3) months after the date on which the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider terminates, but in any event no later than the Option Termination Date. If the Participant’s Service Provider relationship is terminated because of the death of the Participant or Disability of the Participant, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable by the Participant on the date on which the Participant ceased to be a Service Provider, may be exercised by the Participant (or the Participant’s estate or legal representative) at any time prior to the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of such termination, but in any event no later than the Option Termination Date. The Participant’s Service Provider relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on account of death if the Participant dies within three (3) months after the Participant’s termination of the Service Provider relationship.
          (b) 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 for twelve (12) months following such termination (but in any event no later than the Option Termination Date) and solely to the extent the Option is vested and exercisable on the date of 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.
          (c) Extension of Option Exercise Period. Notwithstanding the above, in the event that the Participant’s employment is terminated by the Company or by the Participant solely under the specified and limited circumstances specified in the SBA and/or the MRA, as applicable, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable by the Participant on the date of the Participant’s termination, may be exercised by the Participant until the earlier of (i) 165 calendar days after the Participant’s date of termination or (ii) the Option Termination Date, provided that the Participant complies with all of the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable SBA and/or MRA.
          (d) Change in Status. Notwithstanding the above, in the event of the Participant’s change in status from Consultant, Employee or Director to Employee, Consultant or Director (e.g., an Employee becoming a Consultant), the Participant’s’s status as a Service Provider shall continue notwithstanding the change in status.
          (e) Exercise Prevented by Applicable Laws. Except as provided in this Section 6, the Option shall terminate and may not be exercised after the Participant’s Service Provider relationship terminates unless the exercise of the Option in accordance with this Section 6 would constitute a violation of any Applicable Laws. If the exercise of the Option is so prevented, the Option shall remain exercisable until three (3) months after the date the Participant is notified by the Company or its Parent or Subsidiary for whom the Participant provides service that the Option is exercisable but in no event later than the Option Termination Date.
     7. Leaves of Absence. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise or as otherwise required by Applicable Laws, the Option shall cease to vest on the 91st day of any unpaid leave of absence and shall only recommence upon the Participant’s return to active service.

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     8. Rights as a Shareholder or Employee. The Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares until the date of the issuance of a certificate or certificates (or other appropriate method of delivery, in the Company’s discretion) for the Shares for which the Option has been exercised. No adjustment shall be made for dividends or distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such stock is so issued.
     9. No Guarantee of Continued Service. THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS AN EMPLOYEE OR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THE OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). THE PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AWARD AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS AN EMPLOYEE OR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH THE PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY’S RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS AN EMPLOYEE OR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE COMPANY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE OR NOTICE.
  10.   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, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Award, 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 Administrator, 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 the Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for the 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. 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. In the event of a Change of Control, each outstanding Option shall be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or

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subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option, the Participant shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise the Option as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If the 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 Option shall be fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, an Option shall be considered assumed if, following the Change of Control, the Option confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the 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 any Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the 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.
     11. 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 Participant or any authorized 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.
          (c) 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.
     12. Legends. The Company may at any time place legends referencing any applicable federal and/or state securities restrictions on all certificates representing shares of stock subject to the provisions of this Award Agreement. The Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing Shares acquired pursuant to the Option in the possession of the Participant in order to effectuate the provisions of this Section 12.
     13. Binding Effect. This Award Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.
     14. Amendment or Termination. The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Agreement; provided, however, that no such amendment, alteration, suspension or termination may adversely affect the Option or any unexercised portion hereof without the written

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consent of the Participant. Termination of the Agreement shall not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Agreement prior to the date of such termination.
     15. Entire Agreement; Applicable Law. This Award Agreement, along with the Participant’s Offer Letter and the referenced SBA and MRA, constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Award Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and all disputes hereunder shall be governed by, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to its conflict of laws rules.
     16. Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company hereunder shall be in writing and shall be addressed to the Company at its then current principal executive office or to such other address as the Company may hereafter designate to the Participant. Any notice to be given to the Participant hereunder shall be addressed to the Participant at the last address known to the Company, or at such other address as the Participant may hereafter designate to the Company. A notice shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail to the party entitled to receive it.

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PARTICIPANT
  3COM CORPORATION    
 
 
       
 
 
 
   
 
       
 
       
 
       
Date
  Date    

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EX-23.1 5 b72345s8exv23w1.htm EX-23.1 CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP exv23w1
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our reports dated July 25, 2008, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule of 3Com Corporation (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(Revised), Share-Based Payment), and the effectiveness of 3Com Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of 3Com Corporation for the year ended May 30, 2008.
/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
September 24, 2008

 

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