-----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, VqqikF+3FAPMAKDajZiyqPEClcyrUxP4iY57Tt+n5Cf3jrBPVqC3qCufNRmOcA8e oj6G+ld9j8YKgn5A+UTW7w== 0000891618-97-002704.txt : 19970626 0000891618-97-002704.hdr.sgml : 19970626 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000891618-97-002704 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-8 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 FILED AS OF DATE: 19970624 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 19970624 SROS: NASD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000865917 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE [7372] IRS NUMBER: 943079392 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-8 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-29947 FILM NUMBER: 97629148 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1380 WILLOW RD CITY: MENLO PK STATE: CA ZIP: 94025 BUSINESS PHONE: 4153297500 S-8 1 FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. 1 As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 1997 Registration No. 333-_____ - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) CALIFORNIA 94-3079392 (State or Other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer of Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.) 1380 WILLOW ROAD MENLO PARK, CA 94025 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) 1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN 1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN 1996 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (Full Title of the Plans) GARY RHEA CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1380 WILLOW ROAD MENLO PARK, CA 94025 (415) 329-7500 (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Agent For Service) COPIES TO: Jeffery L. Donovan, Esq. Fenwick & West LLP Two Palo Alto Square Palo Alto, California 94306 CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROPOSED MAXIMUM AMOUNT PROPOSED MAXIMUM AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF TO BE OFFERING PRICE OFFERING REGISTRATION TITLE OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PER SHARE PRICE FEE Common Stock, no par value 1,050,000 (1) $ 6.03125 (2) $ 6,332,813 $ 1,920 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Represents shares registered pursuant to this Registration Statement that are available for issuance under the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan. Pursuant to Rule 429 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the prospectuses relating to this Registration Statement also relate to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-08537. A total of 1,050,000 shares issuable under the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan have been previously registered under the Securities Act. (2) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act, based on the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market on June 20, 1997, solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee. 2 VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8 PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF PREVIOUS REGISTRATION STATEMENT. Pursuant to General Instruction E of Form S-8, this Registration Statement is filed solely to register additional shares, in the amounts stated, under the following employee benefit plans of Versant Object Technology Corporation (the "Registrant"): (i) the Registrant's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan (50,000 shares); (ii) the Registrant's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (200,000 shares); and (iii) the Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (800,000 shares). The increase in shares for each of these employee benefit plans was approved by the Registrant's stockholders at the Registrant's Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 5, 1997. Pursuant to Instruction E, the contents of the Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-08537 are hereby incorporated by reference. 2 3 POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints David Banks and Gary Rhea, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, 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 premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or her or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Menlo Park, State of California, on this 24th day of June, 1997. VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION By: /s/ David Banks ----------------------------------------- David Banks President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER: /s/ David Banks President, Chief Executive June 24, 1997 - ----------------------------- Officer and a Director David Banks PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER: /s/ Gary Rhea Vice President Finance and June 24, 1997 - ----------------------------- Administration, Chief Financial Gary Rhea Officer, Treasurer and Secretary ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS: /s/ Mark Leslie Chairman of the Board of June 24, 1997 - ----------------------------- Directors Mark Leslie /s/ Stephen J. Gaal Director June 24, 1997 - ----------------------------- Stephen J. Gaal /s/ Lawrence K. Orr Director June 24, 1997 - ----------------------------- Lawrence K. Orr /s/ James Simpson Director June 24, 1997 - ----------------------------- James Simpson
3 4 EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description - ----------- ----------- 4.01 Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-4910-LA originally filed with the Commission on May 24, 1996, as subsequently amended on June 18, 1996 and July 16, 1996 (the "Form SB-2")). 4.02 Registrant's Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation filed prior to the closing of the Registrant's initial public offering (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.02 of the Form SB-2). 4.03 Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation filed following the closing of the Registrant's initial public offering (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.03 of the Form SB-2). 4.04 Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws adopted prior to the closing of the Registrant's initial public offering (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 of the Form SB-2). 4.05 Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, and related documents. 4.06 Registrant's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended, and related documents. 4.07 Registrant's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, and related documents. 5.01 Opinion of Fenwick & West LLP. 23.01 Consent of Fenwick & West LLP (included in Exhibit 5.01). 23.02 Consent of Arthur Anderson LLP, Independent Public Accountants. 24.01 Power of Attorney (see page 3).
EX-4.05 2 1996 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED. 1 EXHIBIT 4.05 VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN As Adopted May 21, 1996 As Amended June 5, 1997 1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Plan is to provide incentives to attract, retain and motivate eligible persons whose present and potential contributions are important to the success of the Company, its Parent and Subsidiaries, by offering them an opportunity to participate in the Company's future performance through awards of Options, Restricted Stock and Stock Bonuses. Capitalized terms not defined in the text are defined in Section 23. 2. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. 2.1 Number of Shares Available. Subject to Sections 2.2 and 18, the total number of Shares reserved and available for grant and issuance pursuant to this Plan will be 1,650,000 Shares. Subject to Sections 2.2 and 18, Shares that: (a) are subject to issuance upon exercise of an Option but cease to be subject to such Option for any reason other than exercise of such Option; (b) are subject to an Award granted hereunder but are forfeited or are repurchased by the Company at the original issue price; or (c) are subject to an Award that otherwise terminates without Shares being issued will again be available for grant and issuance in connection with future Awards under this Plan. Any authorized shares not issued or subject to outstanding grants under the Versant Object Technology Corporation 1989 Stock Option Plan (the "Prior Plan") on the Effective Date (as defined below) and any shares that: (a) are issuable upon exercise of options granted pursuant to the Prior Plan that expire or become unexercisable for any reason without having been exercised in full; (b) are subject to an award granted pursuant to the Prior Plan but are forfeited or are repurchased by the Company at the original issue price; or (c) are subject to an award granted pursuant to the Prior Plan that otherwise terminates without shares being issued will no longer be available for grant and issuance under the Prior Plan, but will be available for grant and issuance under this Plan. At all times the Company shall reserve and keep available a sufficient number of Shares as shall be required to satisfy the requirements of all outstanding Options granted under this Plan and all other outstanding but unvested Awards granted under this Plan. 2.2 Adjustment of Shares. In the event that the number of outstanding Shares is changed by a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, reclassification or similar change in the capital structure of the Company without consideration, then (a) the number of Shares reserved for issuance under this Plan, (b) the Exercise Prices of and number of Shares subject to outstanding Options, and (c) the number of Shares subject to other outstanding Awards will be proportionately adjusted, subject to any required action by the Board or the shareholders of the Company and compliance with applicable securities laws; provided, however, that fractions of a Share will not be issued but will either be replaced by a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of such fraction of a Share or will be rounded up to the nearest whole Share, as determined by the Committee. 3. ELIGIBILITY. ISO (as defined in Section 5 below) may be granted only to employees (including officers and directors who are also employees) of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. All other Awards may be granted to employees, officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors and advisors of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company; provided such consultants, contractors and advisors render bona fide services not in connection with the offer and sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction. No person will be eligible to receive more than 400,000 Shares in any calendar year under this Plan pursuant to the grant of Awards hereunder, other than new employees of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company (including new employees who are also officers and directors of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company) who are eligible to receive up to a maximum of 600,000 Shares in the calendar year in which they commence their employment. A person may be granted more than one Award under this Plan. 2 4. ADMINISTRATION. 4.1 Committee Authority. This Plan will be administered by the Committee or by the Board acting as the Committee. Subject to the general purposes, terms and conditions of this Plan, and to the direction of the Board, the Committee will have full power to implement and carry out this Plan. Without limitation, the Committee will have the authority to: (a) construe and interpret this Plan, any Award Agreement and any other agreement or document executed pursuant to this Plan; (b) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to this Plan; (c) select persons to receive Awards; (d) determine the form and terms of Awards; (e) determine the number of Shares or other consideration subject to Awards; (f) determine whether Awards will be granted singly, in combination with, in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to, other Awards under this Plan or any other incentive or compensation plan of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company; (g) grant waivers of Plan or Award conditions; (h) determine the vesting, exercisability and payment of Awards; (i) correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement; (j) determine whether an Award has been earned; and (k) make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan. 4.2 Committee Discretion. Any determination made by the Committee with respect to any Award will be made in its sole discretion at the time of grant of the Award or, unless in contravention of any express term of this Plan or Award, at any later time, and such determination will be final and binding on the Company and on all persons having an interest in any Award under this Plan. The Committee may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant an Award under this Plan to Participants who are not Insiders of the Company. 4.3 Exchange Act Requirements. If two or more members of the Board are Outside Directors, the Committee will be comprised of at least two (2) members of the Board, all of whom are Outside Directors and Disinterested Persons. During all times that the Company is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Company will take appropriate steps to comply with the disinterested administration requirements of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, which will consist of the appointment by the Board of a Committee consisting of not less than two (2) members of the Board, each of whom is a Disinterested Person. 5. OPTIONS. The Committee may grant Options to eligible persons and will determine whether such Options will be Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of the Code ("ISO") or Nonqualified Stock Options ("NQSOS"), the number of Shares subject to the Option, the Exercise Price of the Option, the period during which the Option may be exercised, and all other terms and conditions of the Option, subject to the following: 5.1 Form of Option Grant. Each Option granted under this Plan will be evidenced by an Award Agreement which will expressly identify the Option as an ISO or an NQSO ("STOCK -2- 3 OPTION AGREEMENT"), and will be in such form and contain such provisions (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee may from time to time approve, and which will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. 5.2 Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option will be the date on which the Committee makes the determination to grant such Option, unless otherwise specified by the Committee. The Stock Option Agreement and a copy of this Plan will be delivered to the Participant within a reasonable time after the granting of the Option. 5.3 Exercise Period. Options may be exercisable immediately (subject to repurchase pursuant to Section 12 of this Plan) or may be exercisable within the times or upon the events determined by the Committee as set forth in the Stock Option Agreement governing such Option; provided, however, that no Option will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Option is granted; and provided further that no ISO granted to a person who directly or by attribution owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company ("TEN PERCENT SHAREHOLDER") will be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date the ISO is granted. The Committee also may provide for the exercise of Options to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise, in such number of Shares or percentage of Shares as the Committee determines. 5.4 Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of an Option will be determined by the Committee when the Option is granted and may be not less than 85% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant; provided that: (i) the Exercise Price of an ISO will be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant; and (ii) the Exercise Price of any ISO granted to a Ten Percent Shareholder will not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant. Payment for the Shares purchased may be made in accordance with Section 8 of this Plan. 5.5 Method of Exercise. Options may be exercised only by delivery to the Company of a written stock option exercise agreement (the "EXERCISE AGREEMENT") in a form approved by the Committee (which need not be the same for each Participant), stating the number of Shares being purchased, the restrictions imposed on the Shares purchased under such Exercise Agreement, if any, and such representations and agreements regarding Participant's investment intent and access to information and other matters, if any, as may be required or desirable by the Company to comply with applicable securities laws, together with payment in full of the Exercise Price for the number of Shares being purchased. 5.6 Termination. Notwithstanding the exercise periods set forth in the Stock Option Agreement, exercise of an Option will always be subject to the following: (a) If the Participant is Terminated for any reason except death or Disability, then the Participant may exercise such Participant's Options only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable upon the Termination Date no later than three (3) months after the Termination Date (or such shorter or longer time period not exceeding five (5) years as may be determined by the Committee, with any exercise beyond three (3) months after the Termination Date deemed to be an NQSO), but in any event, no later than the expiration date of the Options. (b) If the Participant is Terminated because of Participant's death or Disability (or the Participant dies within three (3) months after a Termination other than because of Participant's death or disability), then Participant's Options may be exercised only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by Participant on the Termination Date and must be exercised by Participant (or Participant's legal representative or authorized assignee) no later than twelve (12) months after the Termination Date (or such shorter or longer time period not exceeding five (5) years as may be determined by the Committee, with any such exercise beyond (a) three (3) months after the Termination Date when the Termination is for any reason other than the Participant's death or Disability, or -3- 4 (b) twelve (12) months after the Termination Date when the Termination is for Participant's death or Disability, deemed to be an NQSO), but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options. (c) If a Participant is determined by the Board to have committed an act of theft, embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty or a breach of fiduciary duty to the Company or Subsidiary, neither the Participant, the Participant's estate nor such other person who may then hold the Option shall be entitled to exercise any Option with respect to any Shares whatsoever, after termination of service, whether or not after termination of service the Participant may receive payment from the Company or Subsidiary for vacation pay, for services rendered prior to termination, for services rendered for the day on which termination occurs, for salary in lieu of notice, or for any other benefits. In making such determination, the Board shall give the Participant an opportunity to present to the Board evidence on his behalf. For the purpose of this paragraph, termination of service shall be deemed to occur on the date when the Company dispatches notice or advice to the Participant that his service is terminated. 5.7 Limitations on Exercise. The Committee may specify a reasonable minimum number of Shares that may be purchased on any exercise of an Option, provided that such minimum number will not prevent Participant from exercising the Option for the full number of Shares for which it is then exercisable. 5.8 Limitations on ISO. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of grant) of Shares with respect to which ISO are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or under any other incentive stock option plan of the Company, Parent or Subsidiary of the Company) will not exceed $100,000. If the Fair Market Value of Shares on the date of grant with respect to which ISO are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, then the Options for the first $100,000 worth of Shares to become exercisable in such calendar year will be ISO and the Options for the amount in excess of $100,000 that become exercisable in that calendar year will be NQSOs. In the event that the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder are amended after the Effective Date of this Plan to provide for a different limit on the Fair Market Value of Shares permitted to be subject to ISO, such different limit will be automatically incorporated herein and will apply to any Options granted after the effective date of such amendment. 5.9 Modification, Extension or Renewal. The Committee may modify, extend or renew outstanding Options and authorize the grant of new Options in substitution therefor, provided that any such action may not, without the written consent of a Participant, impair any of such Participant's rights under any Option previously granted. Any outstanding ISO that is modified, extended, renewed or otherwise altered will be treated in accordance with Section 424(h) of the Code. The Committee may reduce the Exercise Price of outstanding Options without the consent of Participants affected by a written notice to them; provided, however, that the Exercise Price may not be reduced below the minimum Exercise Price that would be permitted under Section 5.4 of this Plan for Options granted on the date the action is taken to reduce the Exercise Price. 5.10 No Disqualification. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, no term of this Plan relating to ISO will be interpreted, amended or altered, nor will any discretion or authority granted under this Plan be exercised, so as to disqualify this Plan under Section 422 of the Code or, without the consent of the Participant affected, to disqualify any ISO under Section 422 of the Code. 6. RESTRICTED STOCK. A Restricted Stock Award is an offer by the Company to sell to an eligible person Shares that are subject to restrictions. The Committee will determine to whom an offer will be made, the number of Shares the person may purchase, the price to be paid (the "PURCHASE PRICE"), the restrictions to which the Shares will be subject, and all other terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Award, subject to the following: 6.1 Form of Restricted Stock Award. All purchases under a Restricted Stock Award made pursuant to this Plan will be evidenced by an Award Agreement ("RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT") that will be in such form (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee will from time to time -4- 5 approve, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. The offer of Restricted Stock will be accepted by the Participant's execution and delivery of the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement and full payment for the Shares to the Company within thirty (30) days from the date the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement is delivered to the person. If such person does not execute and deliver the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement along with full payment for the Shares to the Company within thirty (30) days, then the offer will terminate, unless otherwise determined by the Committee. 6.2 Purchase Price. The Purchase Price of Shares sold pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award will be determined by the Committee and will be at least 85% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date the Restricted Stock Award is granted, except in the case of a sale to a Ten Percent Shareholder, in which case the Purchase Price will be 100% of the Fair Market Value. Payment of the Purchase Price may be made in accordance with Section 8 of this Plan. 6.3 Restrictions. Restricted Stock Awards will be subject to such restrictions (if any) as the Committee may impose. The Committee may provide for the lapse of such restrictions in installments and may accelerate or waive such restrictions, in whole or part, based on length of service, performance or such other factors or criteria as the Committee may determine. 7. STOCK BONUSES. 7.1 Awards of Stock Bonuses. A Stock Bonus is an award of Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock) for services rendered to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Stock Bonus may be awarded for past services already rendered to the Company, or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to an Award Agreement (the "STOCK BONUS AGREEMENT") that will be in such form (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee will from time to time approve, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. A Stock Bonus may be awarded upon satisfaction of such performance goals as are set out in advance in the Participant's individual Award Agreement (the "PERFORMANCE STOCK BONUS AGREEMENT") that will be in such form (which need not be the same for each Participant) as the Committee will from time to time approve, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. Stock Bonuses may vary from Participant to Participant and between groups of Participants, and may be based upon the achievement of the Company, Parent or Subsidiary and/or individual performance factors or upon such other criteria as the Committee may determine. 7.2 Terms of Stock Bonuses. The Committee will determine the number of Shares to be awarded to the Participant and whether such Shares will be Restricted Stock. If the Stock Bonus is being earned upon the satisfaction of performance goals pursuant to a Performance Stock Bonus Agreement, then the Committee will determine: (a) the nature, length and starting date of any period during which performance is to be measured (the "PERFORMANCE PERIOD") for each Stock Bonus; (b) the performance goals and criteria to be used to measure the performance, if any; (c) the number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant; and (d) the extent to which such Stock Bonuses have been earned. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Stock Bonuses that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria. The number of Shares may be fixed or may vary in accordance with such performance goals and criteria as may be determined by the Committee. The Committee may adjust the performance goals applicable to the Stock Bonuses to take into account changes in law and accounting or tax rules and to make such adjustments as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to reflect the impact of extraordinary or unusual items, events or circumstances to avoid windfalls or hardships. 7.3 Form of Payment. The earned portion of a Stock Bonus may be paid currently or on a deferred basis with such interest or dividend equivalent, if any, as the Committee may determine. Payment may be made in the form of cash, whole Shares, including Restricted Stock, or a combination thereof, either in a lump sum payment or in installments, all as the Committee will determine. 7.4 Termination During Performance Period. If a Participant is Terminated during a Performance Period for any reason, then such Participant will be entitled to payment (whether in Shares, cash or -5- 6 otherwise) with respect to the Stock Bonus only to the extent earned as of the date of Termination in accordance with the Performance Stock Bonus Agreement, unless the Committee will determine otherwise. 8. PAYMENT FOR SHARE PURCHASES. 8.1 Payment. Payment for Shares purchased pursuant to this Plan may be made in cash (by check) or, where expressly approved for the Participant by the Committee and where permitted by law: (a) by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Participant; (b) by surrender of shares that either: (1) have been owned by Participant for more than six (6) months and have been paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144 (and, if such shares were purchased from the Company by use of a promissory note, such note has been fully paid with respect to such shares); or (2) were obtained by Participant in the public market; (c) by tender of a full recourse promissory note having such terms as may be approved by the Committee and bearing interest at a rate sufficient to avoid imputation of income under Sections 483 and 1274 of the Code; provided, however, that Participants who are not employees or directors of the Company will not be entitled to purchase Shares with a promissory note unless the note is adequately secured by collateral other than the Shares; (d) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Participant for services rendered; (e) with respect only to purchases upon exercise of an Option, and provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists: (1) through a "same day sale" commitment from the Participant and a broker-dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (an "NASD DEALER") whereby the Participant irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to sell a portion of the Shares so purchased to pay for the Exercise Price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the Company; or (2) through a "margin" commitment from the Participant and a NASD Dealer whereby the Participant irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased to the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the Exercise Price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the Company; or (f) by any combination of the foregoing. 8.2 Loan Guarantees. The Committee may help the Participant pay for Shares purchased under this Plan by authorizing a guarantee by the Company of a third-party loan to the Participant. 9. WITHHOLDING TAXES. 9.1 Withholding Generally. Whenever Shares are to be issued in satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan, the Company may require the Participant to remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local withholding tax requirements prior to the delivery of any certificate or certificates for such Shares. Whenever, under this Plan, payments in satisfaction of Awards are to be made in cash, such payment will be net of an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local withholding tax requirements. -6- 7 9.2 Stock Withholding. When, under applicable tax laws, a Participant incurs tax liability in connection with the exercise or vesting of any Award that is subject to tax withholding and the Participant is obligated to pay the Company the amount required to be withheld, the Committee may in its sole discretion allow the Participant to satisfy the minimum withholding tax obligation by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld, determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined (the "TAX DATE"). All elections by a Participant to have Shares withheld for this purpose will be made in writing in a form acceptable to the Committee and will be subject to the following restrictions: (a) the election must be made on or prior to the applicable Tax Date; (b) once made, then except as provided below, the election will be irrevocable as to the particular Shares as to which the election is made; (c) all elections will be subject to the consent or disapproval of the Committee; (d) if the Participant is an Insider and if the Company is subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act: (1) the election may not be made within six (6) months of the date of grant of the Award, except as otherwise permitted by SEC Rule 16b-3(e) under the Exchange Act, and (2) either (A) the election to use stock withholding must be irrevocably made at least six (6) months prior to the Tax Date (although such election may be revoked at any time at least six (6) months prior to the Tax Date) or (B) the exercise of the Option or election to use stock withholding must be made in the ten (10) day period beginning on the third day following the release of the Company's quarterly or annual summary statement of sales or earnings; and (e) in the event that the Tax Date is deferred until six (6) months after the delivery of Shares under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Participant will receive the full number of Shares with respect to which the exercise occurs, but such Participant will be unconditionally obligated to tender back to the Company the proper number of Shares on the Tax Date. 10. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP. 10.1 Voting and Dividends. No Participant will have any of the rights of a shareholder with respect to any Shares until the Shares are issued to the Participant. After Shares are issued to the Participant, the Participant will be a shareholder and have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to such Shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other distributions made or paid with respect to such Shares; provided, that if such Shares are Restricted Stock, then any new, additional or different securities the Participant may become entitled to receive with respect to such Shares by virtue of a stock dividend, stock split or any other change in the corporate or capital structure of the Company will be subject to the same restrictions as the Restricted Stock; provided, further, that the Participant will have no right to retain such stock dividends or stock distributions with respect to Shares that are repurchased at the Participant's original Purchase Price pursuant to Section 12. 10.2 Financial Statements. The Company will provide financial statements to each Participant prior to such Participant's purchase of Shares under this Plan, and to each Participant annually during the period such Participant has Awards outstanding; provided, however, the Company will not be required to provide such financial statements to Participants whose services in connection with the Company assure them access to equivalent information. 11. TRANSFERABILITY. Awards granted under this Plan, and any interest therein, will not be transferable or assignable by Participant, and may not be made subject to execution, attachment or similar process, otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or as consistent with the specific Plan and Award Agreement provisions relating thereto. During the lifetime of the Participant an Award will be exercisable only by the Participant, and any elections with respect to an Award, may be made only by the Participant. -7- 8 12. RESTRICTIONS ON SHARES. At the discretion of the Committee, the Company may reserve to itself and/or its assignee(s) in the Award Agreement a right to repurchase a portion of or all held by a Participant following such Participant's Termination at any time within ninety (90) days after the later of Participant's Termination Date and the date Participant purchases Shares under this Plan, for cash and/or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness, at: (A) with respect to Shares that are "Vested" (as defined in the Award Agreement), the higher of: (l) Participant's original Purchase Price, or (2) the Fair Market Value of such Shares on Participant's Termination Date, provided, that such right of repurchase (i) must be exercised as to all such "Vested" Shares unless a Participant consents to the Company's repurchase of only a portion of such "Vested" Shares and (ii) terminates when the Company's securities become publicly traded; or (B) with respect to Shares that are not "Vested" (as defined in the Award Agreement), at the Participant's original Purchase Price, provided, that the right to repurchase at the original Purchase Price lapses at the rate of at least 20% per year over five (5) years from the date the Shares were purchased (or from the date of grant of options in the case of Shares obtained pursuant to a Stock Option Agreement and Stock Option Exercise Agreement), and if the right to repurchase is assignable, the assignee must pay the Company, upon assignment of the right to repurchase, cash equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of the Shares over the original Purchase Price. 13. CERTIFICATES. All certificates for Shares or other securities delivered under this Plan will be subject to such stock transfer orders, legends and other restrictions as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable, including restrictions under any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law, or any rules, regulations and other requirements of the SEC or any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may be listed or quoted. 14. ESCROW; PLEDGE OF SHARES. To enforce any restrictions on a Participant's Shares, the Committee may require the Participant to deposit all certificates representing Shares, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer approved by the Committee, appropriately endorsed in blank, with the Company or an agent designated by the Company to hold in escrow until such restrictions have lapsed or terminated, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends referencing such restrictions to be placed on the certificates. Any Participant who is permitted to execute a promissory note as partial or full consideration for the purchase of Shares under this Plan will be required to pledge and deposit with the Company all or part of the Shares so purchased as collateral to secure the payment of Participant's obligation to the Company under the promissory note; provided, however, that the Committee may require or accept other or additional forms of collateral to secure the payment of such obligation and, in any event, the Company will have full recourse against the Participant under the promissory note notwithstanding any pledge of the Participant's Shares or other collateral. In connection with any pledge of the Shares, Participant will be required to execute and deliver a written pledge agreement in such form as the Committee will from time to time approve. The Shares purchased with the promissory note may be released from the pledge on a pro rata basis as the promissory note is paid. 15. EXCHANGE AND BUYOUT OF AWARDS. The Committee may, at any time or from time to time, authorize the Company, with the consent of the respective Participants, to issue new Awards in exchange for the surrender and cancellation of any or all outstanding Awards. The Committee may at any time buy from a Participant an Award previously granted with payment in cash, Shares (including Restricted Stock) or other consideration, based on such terms and conditions as the Committee and the Participant may agree. 16. SECURITIES LAW AND OTHER REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. An Award will not be effective unless such Award is in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations of any governmental body, and the requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may then be listed or quoted, as they are in effect on the date of grant of the Award and also on the date of exercise or other issuance. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, the Company will have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates for Shares under this Plan prior to: (a) obtaining any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable; and/or (b) completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal law or ruling of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable. The Company will be under no obligation to register the Shares with the SEC or to effect compliance with the registration, qualification or listing requirements of any state securities laws, stock exchange or automated quotation system, and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so. -8- 9 17. NO OBLIGATION TO EMPLOY. Nothing in this Plan or any Award granted under this Plan will confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship with, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to terminate Participant's employment or other relationship at any time, with or without cause. 18. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS. 18.1 Assumption or Replacement of Awards by Successor. In the event of (a) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (b) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly-owned subsidiary, a reincorporation of the Company in a different jurisdiction, or other transaction in which there is no substantial change in the shareholders of the Company or their relative stock holdings and the Awards granted under this Plan are assumed, converted or replaced by the successor corporation, which assumption will be binding on all Participants), (c) a merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but the Company's shareholders prior to the merger (other than any shareholder that merges, or controls another corporation that merges, with the Company) own less than 51% of the surviving corporation, or (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, any or all outstanding Awards may be assumed, converted or replaced by the successor corporation (if any), which assumption, conversion or replacement will be binding on all Participants. In the alternative, the successor corporation may substitute equivalent Awards or provide substantially similar consideration to Participants as was provided to shareholders (after taking into account the existing provisions of the Awards). The successor corporation may also issue, in place of outstanding Shares of the Company held by the Participant, substantially similar shares or other property subject to repurchase restrictions no less favorable to the Participant. In the event such successor corporation (if any) refuses to assume or substitute Awards, as provided above, pursuant to a transaction described in this Subsection 18.1, such Awards will expire on such transaction at such time and on such conditions as the Board will determine. 18.2 Other Treatment of Awards. Subject to any greater rights granted to Participants under the foregoing provisions of this Section 18, in the event of the occurrence of any transaction described in Section 18.1, any outstanding Awards will be treated as provided in the applicable agreement or plan of merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation, sale of assets or other "corporate transaction." 18.3 Assumption of Awards by the Company. The Company, from time to time, also may substitute or assume outstanding awards granted by another company, whether in connection with an acquisition of such other company or otherwise, by either; (a) granting an Award under this Plan in substitution of such other company's award; or (b) assuming such award as if it had been granted under this Plan if the terms of such assumed award could be applied to an Award granted under this Plan. Such substitution or assumption will be permissible if the holder of the substituted or assumed award would have been eligible to be granted an Award under this Plan if the other company had applied the rules of this Plan to such grant. In the event the Company assumes an award granted by another company, the terms and conditions of such award will remain unchanged (except that the exercise price and the number and nature of Shares issuable upon exercise of any such option will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to Section 424(a) of the Code). In the event the Company elects to grant a new Option rather than assuming an existing option, such new Option may be granted with a similarly adjusted Exercise Price. 19. ADOPTION AND SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. This Plan will become effective on the date on which the registration statement filed by the Company with the SEC under the Securities Act registering the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock is declared effective by the SEC (the "EFFECTIVE DATE"); provided, however, that if the Effective Date does not occur on or before December 31, 1996, this Plan will terminate having never become effective. This Plan shall be approved by the shareholders of the Company (excluding Shares issued pursuant to this Plan), consistent with applicable laws, within twelve (12) months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. Upon the Effective Date, the Board may grant Awards pursuant to this Plan; provided, however, that: (a) no Option may be exercised prior to initial shareholder approval of this Plan; (b) no Option granted pursuant to an increase in the number of Shares subject to this Plan approved by the Board will be exercised prior to the time such increase has been approved by the shareholders of the Company; and (c) in -9- 10 the event that shareholder approval of such increase is not obtained within the time period provided herein, all Awards granted hereunder will be canceled, any Shares issued pursuant to any Award will be canceled, and any purchase of Shares hereunder will be rescinded. So long as the Company is subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 (or its successor), as amended, with respect to shareholder approval. 20. TERM OF PLAN/GOVERNING LAW. Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, this Plan will terminate ten (10) years from the date this Plan is adopted by the Board or, if earlier, the date of shareholder approval. This Plan and all agreements thereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. 21. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN. The Board may at any time terminate or amend this Plan in any respect, including without limitation amendment of any form of Award Agreement or instrument to be executed pursuant to this Plan; provided, however, that the Board will not, without the approval of the shareholders of the Company, amend this Plan in any manner that requires such shareholder approval pursuant to the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder as such provisions apply to ISO plans or (if the Company is subject to the Exchange Act or Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act) pursuant to the Exchange Act or Rule 16b-3 (or its successor), as amended, thereunder, respectively. 22. NONEXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN. Neither the adoption of this Plan by the Board, the submission of this Plan to the shareholders of the Company for approval, nor any provision of this Plan will be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such additional compensation arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock options and bonuses otherwise than under this Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. 23. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Plan, the following terms will have the following meanings: "AWARD" means any award under this Plan, including any Option, Restricted Stock or Stock Bonus. "AWARD AGREEMENT" means, with respect to each Award, the signed written agreement between the Company and the Participant setting forth the terms and conditions of the Award. "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company. "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. "COMMITTEE" means the committee appointed by the Board to administer this Plan, or if no such committee is appointed, the Board. "COMPANY" means Versant Object Technology Corporation or any successor corporation. "DISABILITY" means a disability, whether temporary or permanent, partial or total, within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, as determined by the Committee. "DISINTERESTED PERSON" means a director who has not, during the period that person is a member of the Committee and for one year prior to commencing service as a member of the Committee, been granted or awarded equity securities pursuant to this Plan or any other plan of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, except in accordance with the requirements set forth in Rule 16b-3(c)(2)(i) (and any successor regulation thereto) as promulgated by the SEC under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, as such rule is amended from time to time and as interpreted by the SEC. "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. -10- 11 "EXERCISE PRICE" means the price at which a holder of an Option may purchase the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option. "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the value of a share of the Company's Common Stock determined as follows: (a) if such Common Stock is then quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, its closing price on the Nasdaq National Market on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal; (b) if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal; (c) if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is not quoted on the Nasdaq National Market nor listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal; (d) in the case of an Award made on the Effective Date, the price per share at which shares of the Company's Common Stock are initially offered for sale to the public by the Company's underwriters in the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act; or (d) if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Committee in good faith. "INSIDER" means an officer or director of the Company or any other person whose transactions in the Company's Common Stock are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. "OUTSIDE DIRECTOR" means any director who is not; (a) a current employee of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company; (b) a former employee of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company who is receiving compensation for prior services (other than benefits under a tax-qualified pension plan); (c) a current or former officer of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company; or (d) currently receiving compensation for personal services in any capacity, other than as a director, from the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company; provided, however, that at such time as the term "Outside Director", as used in Section 162(m) of the Code is defined in regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code, "Outside Director" will have the meaning set forth in such regulations, as amended from time to time and as interpreted by the Internal Revenue Service. "OPTION" means an award of an option to purchase Shares pursuant to Section 5. "PARENT" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if at the time of the granting of an Award under this Plan, each of such corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. "PARTICIPANT" means a person who receives an Award under this Plan. "PLAN" means this Versant Object Technology Corporation1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time. "RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD" means an award of Shares pursuant to Section 6. "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission. -11- 12 "SECURITIES ACT" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. "SHARES" means shares of the Company's Common Stock reserved for issuance under this Plan, as adjusted pursuant to Sections 2 and 18, and any successor security. "STOCK BONUS" means an award of Shares, or cash in lieu of Shares, pursuant to Section 7. "SUBSIDIARY" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. "TERMINATION" or "TERMINATED" means, for purposes of this Plan with respect to a Participant, that the Participant has for any reason ceased to provide services as an employee, director, consultant, or advisor to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. An employee will not be deemed to have ceased to provide services in the case of (i) sick leave, (ii) military leave, or (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the Committee, provided, that such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute or unless provided otherwise pursuant to formal policy adopted from time to time by the Company and issued and promulgated to employees in writing. In the case of any employee on an approved leave of absence, the Committee may make such provisions respecting suspension of vesting of the Option while on leave from the employ of the Company or a Subsidiary as it may deem appropriate, except that in no event may an Option be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the Option agreement. The Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether a Participant has ceased to provide services and the effective date on which the Participant ceased to provide services (the "TERMINATION DATE"). -12- 13 NO.____ VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT This Stock Option Agreement (this "AGREEMENT") is made and entered into as of the date of grant set forth below (the "DATE OF GRANT") by and between Versant Object Technology Corporation, a California corporation (the "COMPANY"), and the participant named below ("PARTICIPANT"). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Company's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "PLAN"). PARTICIPANT: _______________________________ SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: _______________________________ PARTICIPANT'S ADDRESS: _______________________________ _______________________________ TOTAL OPTION SHARES: _______________________________ EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE: _______________________________ DATE OF GRANT: _______________________________ VESTING START DATE: _______________________________ EXPIRATION DATE: _______________________________ TYPE OF STOCK OPTION _______________________________ (CHECK ONE): [ ] INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION [ ] NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION 1. GRANT OF OPTION. The Company hereby grants to Participant an option (this "OPTION") to purchase up to the total number of shares of Common Stock of the Company set forth above (collectively, the "SHARES") at the Exercise Price Per Share set forth above (the "EXERCISE PRICE"), subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan. If designated as an Incentive Stock Option above, this Option is intended to qualify as an "incentive stock option" ("ISO") within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE"). 2. VESTING; EXERCISE PERIOD. [NOTE: THE PLAN PROVIDES THAT OPTIONS MAY BE EXERCISABLE IMMEDIATELY OR AS THEY VEST. CHOOSE #1 IF YOU HAVE CONSULTED WITH COMPANY COUNSEL AND THE COMPANY DESIRES TO GRANT AN IMMEDIATELY EXERCISABLE OPTION. CHOOSE #2 IF THE COMPANY DESIRES TO ISSUE OPTIONS WHICH ARE EXERCISABLE ONLY AS THEY VEST.] 14 Versant Object Technology Corporation Stock Option Agreement [#1] 2.1 Vesting of Right to Exercise Option. This Option is immediately exercisable although the Shares issued upon exercise of the Option will be subject to the Repurchase Option set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement. Provided Participant continues to provide services to the Company or to any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company from the Date of Grant through the First Vesting Date and has not been Terminated on or before the First Vesting Date, the Shares issuable upon exercise of this Option will become vested with respect to ______ percent (__%) of the Shares [USUALLY 25%] on ___, 199__ (the "FIRST VESTING DATE") and thereafter as long as Participant continuously provides services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company and is not Terminated, at the end of each full succeeding month after the First Vesting Date an additional ________ percent (___%) [USUALLY 2.08333%] of the Shares will become vested until the Shares are vested with respect to 100% of the Shares, provided that if application of the vesting percentage causes a fractional share, such share shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, Options for Unvested Shares (as defined in Section 2.2 of this Agreement) will not be exercisable on or after Participant's Termination Date. [#2] 2.1 Vesting of Right to Exercise Option. This Option shall become exercisable as to portions of the Shares as follows: (a) this Option shall not be exercisable with respect to any of the Shares until , 199 (the "FIRST VESTING DATE"); (b) if Participant has continuously provided services to the Company or any Subsidiary or Parent of the Company from the Date of Grant through the First Vesting Date and has not been Terminated on or before the First Vesting Date, then on the First Vesting Date this Option shall become exercisable as to percent ( %) of the Shares; and [ALTERNATIVE #1 (ANNUAL VESTING) (c) thereafter, so long as Participant continuously provides services to the Company or any Subsidiary or Parent of the Company and is not Terminated, on the first anniversary of the First Vesting Date and on each successive anniversary of the First Vesting Date thereafter, this Option shall become exercisable as to an additional percent ( %) of the Shares; provided that this Option shall in no event ever become exercisable with respect to more than 100% of the Shares.] OR [ALTERNATIVE #2 (MONTHLY VESTING) (c) thereafter, so long as Participant continuously provides services to the Company or any Subsidiary or Parent of the Company and is not Terminated, upon the expiration of each successive full month after the first anniversary of the First Vesting Date, this Option shall become exercisable as to an additional percent ( %) of the Shares; provided that this Option shall in no event ever become exercisable with respect to more than 100% of the Shares.] 2.2 Vesting of Options. Shares that are vested pursuant to the schedule set forth in Section 2.1 are "VESTED SHARES." Shares that are not vested pursuant to the schedule set forth in Section 2.1 are "UNVESTED SHARES." Unvested shares may not be sold or otherwise transferred by Optionee without the Company's prior written consent. 2.3 Expiration. This Option shall expire on the Expiration Date set forth above and must be exercised, if at all, on or before the earlier of the Expiration Date or the date on which this Option is earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 3. 3. TERMINATION. -2- 15 Versant Object Technology Corporation Stock Option Agreement 3.1 Termination for Any Reason Except Death, Disability or Cause. If Participant is Terminated for any reason, except Participant's death, Disability or cause (as set forth in Section 5.6(c) of the Plan), then this Option, to the extent (and only to the extent) that it is exercisable by Participant on the date of Termination, may be exercised by Participant no later than three (3) months after the date of Termination, but in any event no later than the Expiration Date. 3.2 Termination Because of Death or Disability. If Participant is Terminated because of death or Disability of Participant, then this Option, to the extent that it is exercisable by Participant on the date of Termination, may be exercised by Participant (or Participant's legal representative) no later than twelve (12) months after the date of Termination, but in any event no later than the Expiration Date. 3.3 Termination for Cause. If Participant is Terminated for cause (as set forth in Section 5.6(c) of the Plan), this Option will expire on the date of Termination. 3.4 No Obligation to Employ. Nothing in the Plan or this Agreement shall confer on Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or other relationship with, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to terminate Participant's employment or other relationship at any time, with or without cause. 4. MANNER OF EXERCISE. 4.1 Stock Option Exercise Agreement. To exercise this Option, Participant (or in the case of exercise after Participant's death, Participant's executor, administrator, heir or legatee, as the case may be) must deliver to the Company an executed stock option exercise agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or in such other form as may be approved by the Company from time to time (the "EXERCISE AGREEMENT"), which shall set forth, inter alia, Participant's election to exercise this Option, the number of Shares being purchased, any restrictions imposed on the Shares and any representations, warranties and agreements regarding Participant's investment intent and access to information as may be required by the Company to comply with applicable securities laws. If someone other than Participant exercises this Option, then such person must submit documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company that such person has the right to exercise this Option. 4.2 Limitations on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised unless such exercise is in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws, as they are in effect on the date of exercise. This Option may not be exercised as to fewer than 100 Shares unless it is exercised as to all Shares as to which this Option is then exercisable. -3- 16 Versant Object Technology Corporation Stock Option Agreement 4.3 Payment. The Exercise Agreement shall be accompanied by full payment of the Exercise Price for the Shares being purchased in cash (by check), or where permitted by law: (a) by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Participant; (b) by surrender of shares of the Company's Common Stock that either: (1) have been owned by Participant for more than six (6) months and have been paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144 (and, if such shares were purchased from the Company by use of a promissory note, such note has been fully paid with respect to such shares); or (2) were obtained by Participant in the open public market; and (3) are clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests; (c) by tender of a full recourse promissory note having such terms as may be approved by the Committee and bearing interest at a rate sufficient to avoid imputation of income under Sections 483 and 1274 of the Code; provided, however, that Participants who are not employees or directors of the Company shall not be entitled to purchase Shares with a promissory note unless the note is adequately secured by collateral other than the Shares; (d) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to Participant for services rendered; (e) provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists: (1) through a "same day sale" commitment from Participant and a broker-dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (an "NASD DEALER") whereby Participant irrevocably elects to exercise this Option and to sell a portion of the Shares so purchased to pay for the exercise price and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the exercise price directly to the Company; or (2) through a "margin" commitment from Participant and a NASD Dealer whereby Participant irrevocably elects to exercise this Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased to the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the exercise price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the exercise price directly to the Company; or (f) by any combination of the foregoing. 4.4 Tax Withholding. Prior to the issuance of the Shares upon exercise of this Option, Participant must pay or provide for any applicable federal or state withholding obligations of the Company. If the Committee permits, Participant may provide for payment of withholding taxes upon exercise of this Option by requesting that the Company retain Shares with a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount of taxes required to be withheld. In such case, the Company shall issue the net number of Shares to the Participant by deducting the Shares retained from the Shares issuable upon exercise. -4- 17 Versant Object Technology Corporation Stock Option Agreement 4.5 Issuance of Shares. Provided that the Exercise Agreement and payment are in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, the Company shall issue the Shares registered in the name of Participant, Participant's authorized assignee, or Participant's legal representative, and shall deliver certificates representing the Shares with the appropriate legends affixed thereto. 5. NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF ISO SHARES. If this Option is an ISO, and if Participant sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (a) the date two (2) years after the Date of Grant, and (b) the date one (1) year after transfer of such Shares to Participant upon exercise of this Option, then Participant shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Participant agrees that Participant may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by Participant from the early disposition by payment in cash or out of the current wages or other compensation payable to Participant. 6. REPURCHASE OPTION. The Company, or its assignee, shall have the right to repurchase all Unvested Shares held by Participant (the "REPURCHASE OPTION") if Participant is Terminated for any reason. The Company shall exercise such Repurchase Option within 90 days after the Participant's Termination Date for cash at the Participant's Exercise Price, proportionately adjusted for any stock split or similar change in the capital structure of the Company as set forth in Section 2.2 of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall retain the Repurchase Option for Unvested Shares only as to that number of Unvested Shares (whether or not exercised) that exceeds the number of shares that remain exercisable. 7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS. The exercise of this Option and the issuance and transfer of Shares shall be subject to compliance by the Company and Participant with all applicable requirements of federal and state securities laws and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange on which the Company's Common Stock may be listed at the time of such issuance or transfer. Participant understands that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission or any stock exchange to effect such compliance. 8. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. This Option may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant. The terms of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, successors and assigns of Participant. 9. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the Date of Grant of some of the federal and California tax consequences of exercise of this Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PARTICIPANT SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISOR BEFORE EXERCISING THE OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES. -5- 18 Versant Object Technology Corporation Stock Option Agreement 9.1 Exercise of ISO. If this Option qualifies as an ISO, there will be no regular federal or California income tax liability upon the exercise of this Option, although the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price will be treated as a tax preference item for federal income tax purposes and may subject the Participant to the alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise. 9.2 Exercise of Nonqualified Stock Option. If this Option does not qualify as an ISO, there may be a regular federal and California income tax liability upon the exercise of this Option. Participant will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. The Company will be required to withhold from Participant's compensation or collect from Participant and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise. 9.3 Disposition of Shares. If the Shares are held for more than twelve (12) months after the date of the transfer of the Shares pursuant to the exercise of this Option (and, in the case of an ISO, are disposed of more than two (2) years after the Date of Grant), then any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long term capital gain for federal and California income tax purposes. If Shares purchased under an ISO are disposed of within one (1) year of exercise or within two (2) years after the Date of Grant, then any gain realized on such disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income rates) to the extent of the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. The Company may be required to withhold from Participant's compensation or collect from Participant and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise. [ADD PARAGRAPH 9.4 IF OPTIONS ARE IMMEDIATELY EXERCISABLE.] 9.4. Section 83(b) Election for Unvested Shares. With respect to Unvested Shares, which are subject to the Repurchase Option, unless an election is filed by the Participant with the Internal Revenue Service (and, if necessary, the proper state taxing authorities), within 30 days of the purchase of the Unvested Shares, electing pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (and similar state tax provisions, if applicable) to be taxed currently on any difference between the Exercise Price of the Unvested Shares and their Fair Market Value on the date of purchase, there may be a recognition of taxable income (including, where applicable, alternative minimum taxable income) to the Participant, measured by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Unvested Shares at the time they cease to be Unvested Shares, over the Exercise Price of the Unvested Shares. 10. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP. Participant shall not have any of the rights of a shareholder with respect to any Shares until Participant exercises this Option and pays the Exercise Price. -6- 19 Versant Object Technology Corporation Stock Option Agreement 11. INTERPRETATION. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Agreement shall be submitted by Participant or the Company to the Committee for review. The resolution of such a dispute by the Committee shall be final and binding on the Company and Participant. 12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement and the Plan and the Exercise Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings and agreements with respect to such subject matter. 13. NOTICES. Any notice required to be given or delivered to the Company under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at its principal corporate offices. Any notice required to be given or delivered to Participant shall be in writing and addressed to Participant at the address indicated above or to such other address as such party may designate in writing from time to time to the Company. All notices shall be deemed to have been given or delivered upon: personal delivery; three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail by certified or registered mail (return receipt requested); one (1) business day after deposit with any return receipt express courier (prepaid); or one (1) business day after transmission by rapifax or telecopier. 14. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and Participant's heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns. 15. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to that body of law pertaining to choice of law or conflict of law. 16. ACCEPTANCE. Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and this Agreement. Participant has read and understands the terms and provisions thereof, and accepts this Option subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement. Participant acknowledges that there may be adverse tax consequences upon exercise of this Option or disposition of the Shares and that the Company has advised Participant to consult a tax advisor prior to such exercise or disposition. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed in duplicate by its duly authorized representative and Participant has executed this Agreement in duplicate as of the Date of Grant. VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY PARTICIPANT CORPORATION By:_______________________________ __________________________________ -7- 20 Versant Object Technology Corporation Stock Option Agreement (Signature) __________________________________ _________________________________ (Please print name) (Please print name) __________________________________ (Please print title) -8- 21 EXHIBIT A VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (THE "PLAN") STOCK OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT I hereby elect to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock of VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION (the "Company") as set forth below: Participant_____________________ Number of Shares Purchased:________________ Social Security Number:_________ Purchase Price per Share:__________________ Address:________________________ Aggregate Purchase Price:__________________ ________________________ Date of Option Agreement:__________________ ___________ Type of Option: [ ] Incentive Stock Option Exact Name of Title to Shares:_____________ [ ] Nonqualified ___________________________________________ Stock Option 1. DELIVERY OF PURCHASE PRICE. Participant hereby delivers to the Company the Aggregate Purchase Price, to the extent permitted in the Option Agreement (the "Option Agreement") as follows (check as applicable and complete): [ ] in cash (by check) in the amount of $_____________________, receipt of which is acknowledged by the Company; IF THE COMMITTEE ALLOWED PAYMENT BY OTHER MEANS IN THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, ADD ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING, AS APPLICABLE: [ ] by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to Participant in the amount of $___________________________________; [ ] by delivery of ______________________________ fully-paid, nonassessable and vested shares of the Common Stock of the Company owned by Participant for at least six (6) months prior to the date hereof (and which have been paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144), or obtained by Participant in the open public market, and owned free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, valued at the current Fair Market Value of $____________________ per share; [ ] by the waiver hereby of compensation due or accrued to Participant for services rendered in the amount of $____________________________________ ; [ ] by tender of a full recourse promissory note in the principal amount of $__________________________, secured by a Pledge Agreement of even date herewith (the par value of the Shares is tendered in cash (by check) receipt of which is acknowledged by the Company); [ ] through a "same-day-sale" commitment, delivered herewith, from Participant and the NASD Dealer named therein, in the amount of $_______________________________; or [ ] through a "margin" commitment, delivered herewith from Participant and the NASD Dealer named therein, in the amount of $_________________________________________. 2. MARKET STANDOFF AGREEMENT. Participant, if requested by the Company and an underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, agrees not to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by Participant during the period requested by the managing underwriter following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act, provided that all officers and directors of the Company are required to enter into similar agreements. Such agreement shall be in writing in a form satisfactory to the Company and such underwriter. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of such period. 3. TAX CONSEQUENCES. PARTICIPANT UNDERSTANDS THAT PARTICIPANT MAY SUFFER ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPANT'S PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES. PARTICIPANT REPRESENTS THAT PARTICIPANT HAS CONSULTED WITH ANY TAX CONSULTANT(S) -9- 22 PARTICIPANT DEEMS ADVISABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES AND THAT PARTICIPANT IS NOT RELYING ON THE COMPANY FOR ANY TAX ADVICE. 4. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Agreement, the Plan and the Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior understandings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and are governed by California law except for that body of law pertaining to choice of law or conflict of law. Date:______________________________ ___________________________ SIGNATURE OF PARTICIPANT -2- 23 SPOUSAL CONSENT I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing Stock Option Exercise Agreement (the "Agreement") and that I know its contents. I hereby consent to and approve all the provisions of the Agreement, and agree that the shares of the Common Stock of Edify Corporation purchased thereunder (the "Shares") and any interest I may have in such Shares are subject to all the provisions of the Agreement. I will take no action at any time to hinder operation of the Agreement on these Shares or any interest I may have in or to them. ______________________________________ Date:_______________________ SIGNATURE OF PARTICIPANT'S SPOUSE ______________________________________ SPOUSE'S NAME - TYPED OR PRINTED ______________________________________ PARTICIPANT'S NAME - TYPED OR PRINTED -3- 24 EXHIBIT A VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (THE "PLAN") STOCK OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT I hereby elect to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock of VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION (the "Company") as set forth below: Participant_____________________ Number of Shares Purchased:________________ Social Security Number:_________ Purchase Price per Share:__________________ Address:________________________ Aggregate Purchase Price:__________________ Date of Option Agreement:__________________ Type of Option: [ ] Incentive Stock Option Exact Name of Title to Shares:_____________ [ ] Nonqualified ___________________________________________ Stock Option 1. DELIVERY OF PURCHASE PRICE. Participant hereby delivers to the Company the Aggregate Purchase Price, to the extent permitted in the Option Agreement (the "Option Agreement") as follows (check as applicable and complete): [ ] in cash (by check) in the amount of $_____________________, receipt of which is acknowledged by the Company; IF THE COMMITTEE ALLOWED PAYMENT BY OTHER MEANS IN THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, ADD ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING, AS APPLICABLE: [ ] by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to Participant in the amount of $___________________________________; [ ] by delivery of ______________________________ fully-paid, nonassessable and vested shares of the Common Stock of the Company owned by Participant for at least six (6) months prior to the date hereof (and which have been paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144), or obtained by Participant in the open public market, and owned free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, valued at the current Fair Market Value of $____________________ per share; [ ] by the waiver hereby of compensation due or accrued to Participant for services rendered in the amount of $____________________________________ ; [ ] by tender of a full recourse promissory note in the principal amount of $__________________________, secured by a Pledge Agreement of even date herewith (the par value of the Shares is tendered in cash (by check) receipt of which is acknowledged by the Company); [ ] through a "same-day-sale" commitment, delivered herewith, from Participant and the NASD Dealer named therein, in the amount of $_______________________________; or [ ] through a "margin" commitment, delivered herewith from Participant and the NASD Dealer named therein, in the amount of $_________________________________________. 2. MARKET STANDOFF AGREEMENT. Participant, if requested by the Company and an underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, agrees not to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by Participant during the period requested by the managing underwriter following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act, provided that all officers and directors of the Company are required to enter into similar agreements. Such agreement shall be in writing in a form satisfactory to the Company and such underwriter. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of such period. 3. TAX CONSEQUENCES. PARTICIPANT UNDERSTANDS THAT PARTICIPANT MAY SUFFER ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPANT'S PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES. PARTICIPANT REPRESENTS THAT PARTICIPANT HAS CONSULTED WITH ANY TAX CONSULTANT(S) PARTICIPANT DEEMS ADVISABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES AND THAT PARTICIPANT IS NOT RELYING ON THE COMPANY FOR ANY TAX ADVICE. 4. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Agreement, the Plan and the Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior understandings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and are governed by California law except for that body of law pertaining to choice of law or conflict of law. Date:_____________________________ ___________________________________ SIGNATURE OF PARTICIPANT 25 SPOUSAL CONSENT I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing Stock Option Exercise Agreement (the "Agreement") and that I know its contents. I hereby consent to and approve all the provisions of the Agreement, and agree that the shares of the Common Stock of Versant Object Technology Corporation purchased thereunder (the "Shares") and any interest I may have in such Shares are subject to all the provisions of the Agreement. I will take no action at any time to hinder operation of the Agreement on these Shares or any interest I may have in or to them. _____________________________________ Date:__________________ SIGNATURE OF PARTICIPANT'S SPOUSE _____________________________________ SPOUSE'S NAME - TYPED OR PRINTED _____________________________________ PARTICIPANT'S NAME - TYPED OR PRINTED EX-4.06 3 1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN, AS AMENDED. 1 EXHIBIT 4.06 VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN As Adopted May 21, 1996 As Amended June 5, 1997 1. PURPOSE. This 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan (this "PLAN") is established to provide equity incentives for nonemployee members of the Board of Directors of Versant Object Technology Corporation (the "COMPANY"), who are described in Section 6.1 below, by granting such persons options to purchase shares of stock of the Company. 2. ADOPTION AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. After this Plan is adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "BOARD"), this Plan will become effective on the time and date (the "EFFECTIVE DATE") on which the registration statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SECURITIES ACT"), to register the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock is declared effective by the SEC; provided, however, that if the Effective Date does not occur on or before December 31, 1996, this Plan and any Options granted hereunder will terminate. This Plan shall be approved by the stockholders of the Company, consistent with applicable laws, within twelve (12) months after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. Options ("OPTIONS") may be granted under this Plan after the Effective Date provided that, in the event that stockholder approval is not obtained within the time period provided herein, this Plan, and all Options granted hereunder, shall terminate. No Option that is issued as a result of any increase in the number of shares authorized to be issued under this Plan shall be exercised prior to the time such increase has been approved by the stockholders of the Company and all such Options granted pursuant to such increase shall similarly terminate if such stockholder approval is not obtained. So long as the Company is subject to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "EXCHANGE ACT") the Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 with respect to stockholder approval. 3. TYPES OF OPTIONS AND SHARES. Options granted under this Plan shall be non-qualified stock options ("NQSOS"). The shares of stock that may be purchased upon exercise of Options granted under this Plan (the "SHARES") are shares of the Common Stock of the Company. 4. NUMBER OF SHARES. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to Options granted under this Plan (the "MAXIMUM NUMBER") is 125,000 Shares, subject to adjustment as provided in this Plan. If any Option is terminated for any reason without being exercised in whole or in part, the Shares thereby released from such Option shall be available for purchase under other Options subsequently granted under this Plan. At all times during the term of this Plan, the Company shall reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be required to satisfy the requirements of outstanding Options granted under this Plan; provided, however that if the aggregate number of Shares subject to outstanding Options granted under this Plan plus the aggregate number of Shares previously issued by the Company pursuant to the exercise of Options granted under this Plan equals or exceeds the Maximum Number of Shares, then notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no further Options may be granted under this Plan until the Maximum Number is increased or the aggregate number of Shares subject to outstanding Options granted under this Plan plus the aggregate number of Shares previously issued by the Company pursuant to the exercise of Options granted under this Plan is less than the Maximum Number. 5. ADMINISTRATION. This Plan shall be administered by the Board or by a committee of not less than two members of the Board appointed to administer this Plan (the "COMMITTEE"). As used in this Plan, references to the Committee shall mean either such Committee or the Board if no Committee has been established. The interpretation by the Committee of any of the provisions of this Plan or any Option granted under this Plan shall be final and binding upon the Company and all persons having an interest in any Option or any Shares purchased pursuant to an Option. 2 Versant Object Technology 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan 6. ELIGIBILITY AND AWARD FORMULA. 6.1 Eligibility. Options shall be granted only to directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, as those terms are defined in Section 18 below (each such person referred to as an "OPTIONEE"). 6.2 Initial Grant. Each Optionee who on or after the Effective Date is or becomes a member of the Board will automatically be granted an Option for 10,000 Shares (the "INITIAL GRANT") on the later of the Effective Date or the date such Optionee first becomes a member of the Board. 6.3 Succeeding Grants. On each anniversary of an Initial Grant, if the Optionee then is still a member of the Board and has served continuously as a member of the Board since the date of the Optionee's Initial Grant, the Optionee will automatically be granted an Option for 5,000 Shares (a "SUCCEEDING GRANT"). 7. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS. Subject to the following and to Section 6 above: 7.1 Form of Option Grant. Each Option granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by a written Stock Option Grant ("GRANT") in such form (which need not be the same for each Optionee) as the Committee shall from time to time approve, which Grant shall comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. 7.2 Vesting. The date an Optionee receives an Initial Grant or a Succeeding Grant is referred to in this Plan as the "START DATE" for such Option. (a) Initial Grants. Each Initial Grant will vest as to fifty percent (50%) of the Shares upon each of the first two successive anniversaries of the Start Date for such Initial Grant, so long as the Optionee continuously remains a director or a consultant of the Company. (b) Succeeding Grants. Each Succeeding Grant will vest as to fifty percent (50%) of the Shares on each of the first two successive anniversaries of the Start Date for such Succeeding Grant, so long as the Optionee continuously remains a director or a consultant of the Company. 7.3 Exercise Price. The exercise price of an Option shall be the Fair Market Value (as defined in Section 18.4) of the Shares, at the time that the Option is granted. 7.4 Termination of Option. Except as provided below in this Section, each Option shall expire ten (10) years after its Start Date (the "EXPIRATION DATE"). The Option shall cease to vest and unvested Options shall expire when the Optionee ceases to be a member of the Board or a consultant of the Company. The date on which the Optionee ceases to be a member of the Board or a consultant of the Company shall be referred to as the "TERMINATION DATE". An Option may be exercised after the Termination Date only as set forth below: (a) Termination Generally. If the Optionee ceases to be a member of the Board or consultant of the Company for any reason except death or disability, then each vested Option (as defined in Section 7.2 of this Plan) then held by such Optionee may be exercised by the Optionee within seven (7) months after the Termination Date, but in no event later than the Expiration Date. (b) Death or Disability. If the Optionee ceases to be a member of the Board or consultant of the Company because of the death of the Optionee or the disability of the Optionee within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE"), then each vested Option (as defined in Section 7.2 of this Plan) then held by such Optionee may be exercised by the Optionee (or the Optionee's legal representative) within twelve (12) months after the Termination Date, but in no event later than the Expiration Date. -2- 3 Versant Object Technology 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan 8. EXERCISE OF OPTIONS. 8.1 Exercise Period. Subject to the provisions of Section 8.5 of the Plan, Options shall be exercisable immediately (subject to repurchase pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan). 8.2 Notice. Options may be exercised only by delivery to the Company of an exercise agreement in a form approved by the Committee stating the number of Shares being purchased, the restrictions imposed on the Shares and such representations and agreements regarding the Optionee's investment intent and access to information as may be required by the Company to comply with applicable securities laws, together with payment in full of the exercise price for the number of Shares being purchased. 8.3 Payment. Payment for the Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option may be made (a) in cash or by check; (b) by surrender of shares of Common Stock of the Company that have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months (and which have been paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144 and, if such shares were purchased from the Company by use of a promissory note, such note has been fully paid with respect to such shares) or were obtained by the Optionee in the open public market, having a Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price of the Option; (c) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Optionee for services rendered; (d) provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists, through a "same day sale" commitment from the Optionee and a broker-dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (an "NASD DEALER") whereby the Optionee irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to sell a portion of the Shares so purchased to pay for the exercise price and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the exercise price directly to the Company; (e) provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists, through a "margin" commitment from the Optionee and an NASD Dealer whereby the Optionee irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased to the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the exercise price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the exercise price directly to the Company; or (f) by any combination of the foregoing. 8.4 Withholding Taxes. Prior to issuance of the Shares upon exercise of an Option, the Optionee shall pay or make adequate provision for any federal or state withholding obligations of the Company, if applicable. 8.5 Limitations on Exercise. Notwithstanding the exercise periods set forth in the Grant, exercise of an Option shall always be subject to the following limitations: (a) An Option shall not be exercisable until such time as this Plan (or, in the case of Options granted pursuant to an amendment increasing the number of shares that may be issued pursuant to this Plan, such amendment) has been approved by the stockholders of the Company in accordance with Section 16 hereof. (b) An Option shall not be exercisable unless such exercise is in compliance with the Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws, as they are in effect on the date of exercise. (c) The Committee may specify a reasonable minimum number of Shares that may be purchased upon any exercise of an Option, provided that such minimum number will not prevent the Optionee from exercising the full number of Shares as to which the Option is then exercisable. 9. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS. During the lifetime of the Optionee, an Option shall be exercisable only by the Optionee or by the Optionee's guardian or legal representative, unless otherwise permitted by the Committee. No Option may be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. 10. RESTRICTIONS ON SHARES. The Company shall reserve to itself and/or its assignee(s) in the Grant a right to repurchase all unvested Shares held by an Optionee if the Optionee ceases to be a member of the Board or a consultant of the Company. The Company shall exercise such repurchase right within ninety (90) days after the Optionee's Termination Date for cash at the Optionee's original exercise price. -3- 4 Versant Object Technology 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan 11. PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP. No Optionee shall have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to any Shares subject to an Option until the Option has been validly exercised. No adjustment shall be made for dividends or distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date of exercise, except as provided in this Plan. The Company shall provide to each Optionee a copy of the annual financial statements of the Company, at such time after the close of each fiscal year of the Company as they are released by the Company to its stockholders. 12. ADJUSTMENT OF OPTION SHARES. In the event that the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company is changed by a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, combination, reclassification or similar change in the capital structure of the Company without consideration, the number of Shares available under this Plan and the number of Shares subject to outstanding Options and the exercise price per share of such outstanding Options shall be proportionately adjusted, subject to any required action by the Board or stockholders of the Company and compliance with applicable securities laws; provided, however, that no fractional shares shall be issued upon exercise of any Option and any resulting fractions of a Share shall be rounded up to the nearest whole Share. 13. NO OBLIGATION TO CONTINUE AS DIRECTOR. Nothing in this Plan or any Option granted under this Plan shall confer on any Optionee any right to continue as a director of the Company. 14. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The grant of Options and the issuance of Shares upon exercise of any Options shall be subject to and conditioned upon compliance with all applicable requirements of law, including without limitation compliance with the Securities Act, compliance with all other applicable state securities laws and compliance with the requirements of any stock exchange or national market system on which the Shares may be listed. The Company shall be under no obligation to register the Shares with the SEC or to effect compliance with the registration or qualification requirement of any state securities laws, stock exchange or national market system. 15. ASSUMPTION OR REPLACEMENT OF OPTIONS BY SUCCESSOR. In the event of (a) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (b) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly-owned subsidiary, a reincorporation of the Company in a different jurisdiction, or other transaction in which there is no substantial change in the stockholders of the Company or their relative stock holdings and the Options granted under this Plan are assumed or replaced by the successor corporation, which assumption will be binding on all Optionees), (c) a merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation but after which the stockholders of the Company (other than any stockholder which merges (or which owns or controls another corporation which merges) with the Company in such merger) own less than 50% of the shares or other equity interests in the Company, (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (e) the acquisition, sale or transfer of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company by tender offer or similar transaction, the vesting of all options granted pursuant to this Plan will accelerate and the options will become exercisable in full prior to the consummation of such event at such times and on such conditions as the Committee determines, and if such options are not exercised prior to the consummation of the corporate transaction, they shall terminate in accordance with the provisions of this Plan. 16. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN. The Committee may at any time terminate or amend this Plan (but may not terminate or amend the terms of any outstanding option without the consent of the Optionee); provided, however, that the Committee shall not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, increase the total number of Shares available under this Plan (except by operation of the provisions of Sections 4 and 12 above) or change the class of persons eligible to receive Options. Further, the provisions in Sections 6 and 7 of this Plan shall not be amended more than once every six (6) months, other than to comport with changes in the Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act or the rules thereunder. In any case, no amendment of this Plan may adversely affect any then outstanding Options or any unexercised portions thereof without the written consent of the Optionee. 17. TERM OF PLAN. Options may be granted pursuant to this Plan from time to time within a period of ten (10) years from the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. -4- 5 Versant Object Technology 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan 18. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the following meanings: 18.1 "PARENT" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if, at the time of the granting of the Option, each of such corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. 18.2 "SUBSIDIARY" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of granting of the Option, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. 18.3 "AFFILIATE" means any corporation that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another corporation, where "control" (including the terms "controlled by" and "under common control with") means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to cause the direction of the management and policies of the corporation, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. 18.4 "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the value of a share of the Company's Common Stock determined as follows: (a) if such Common Stock is then quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, its closing price on the Nasdaq National Market on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal; (b) if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal; (c) if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is not quoted on the Nasdaq National Market nor listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal; or (d) in the case of an Initial Grant made on the Effective Date, the price per share at which shares of the Company's Common Stock are initially offered for sale to the public by the Company's underwriters in the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act; or (e) if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Committee in good faith. -5- 6 INITIAL GRANT VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN DIRECTORS NONQUALIFIED INITIAL STOCK OPTION GRANT This Stock Option Grant (this "GRANT") is made and entered into as of the date of grant set forth below (the "DATE OF GRANT") by and between Versant Object Technology Corporation, a California corporation (the "COMPANY"), and the Optionee named below ("OPTIONEE"). Optionee: ---------------------------------------------- Optionee's Address: ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- Total Shares Subject to Option: 10,000 ---------------------------------------------- Exercise Price Per Share: ---------------------------------------------- Date of Grant: ---------------------------------------------- Expiration Date: ----------------------------------------------
1. GRANT OF OPTION. The Company hereby grants to Optionee an option (this "OPTION") to purchase up to the total number of shares of Common Stock of the Company set forth above (collectively, the "SHARES") at the Exercise Price Per Share set forth above (the "EXERCISE PRICE"), subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Grant and the Company's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan (the "PLAN"). Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan. 2. EXERCISE PERIOD. 2.1 Exercise Period of Option. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Grant, this Option shall be exercisable immediately, although the Shares issued upon exercise of the Option will be subject to the Repurchase Option set forth in Section 6 of this Grant. Provided Optionee continuously remains a member of the Board of Directors (a "BOARD MEMBER") or a consultant of the Company, the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option will become vested with respect to fifty percent (50%) of the Shares on each of the first two successive anniversaries of the Date of Grant. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan or this Grant to the contrary, Options for Unvested Shares (as defined in Section 2.2 of this Grant) will not be exercisable on or after Optionee's Termination Date. 7 Versant Object Technology Corporation Directors Stock Option Grant - Initial Grant 2.2 Vesting of Options. Shares that are vested pursuant to the schedule set forth in Section 2.1 are "VESTED SHARES." Shares that are not vested pursuant to the schedule set forth in Section 2.1 are "UNVESTED SHARES." Unvested shares may not be sold or otherwise transferred by Optionee without the Company's prior written consent. 2.3 Expiration. The Option shall expire on the Expiration Date set forth above and must be exercised, if at all, on or before the Expiration Date. 3. RESTRICTION ON EXERCISE. This Option may not be exercised unless such exercise is in compliance with the Securities Act, and all applicable state securities laws, as they are in effect on the date of exercise, and the requirements of any stock exchange or national market system on which the Company's Common Stock may be listed at the time of exercise. Optionee understands that the Company is under no obligation to register, qualify or list the Shares with the SEC, any state securities commission or any stock exchange or national market system to effect such compliance. 4. TERMINATION OF OPTION. Except as provided below in this Section, this Option shall terminate and may not be exercised if Optionee ceases to be a Board Member or consultant of the Company. The date on which Optionee ceases to be a Board Member or consultant of the Company shall be referred to as the "TERMINATION DATE." 4.1 Termination Generally. If Optionee ceases to be a Board Member or consultant of the Company for any reason except death or disability, then this Option, to the extent that it is exercisable on Optionee's Termination Date, may be exercised by Optionee within seven (7) months after the Termination Date, but in no event later than the Expiration Date. 4.2 Death or Disability. If Optionee ceases to be a Board Member or consultant of the Company because of the death of Optionee or the disability of Optionee within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, then this Option, to the extent that it is exercisable on Optionee's Termination Date, may be exercised by Optionee (or Optionee's legal representative) within twelve (12) months after the Termination Date, but in no event later than the Expiration Date. 5. MANNER OF EXERCISE. 5.1 Exercise Agreement. This Option shall be exercisable by delivery to the Company of an executed written Directors Stock Option Exercise Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or in such other form as may be approved by the Committee, which shall set forth Optionee's election to exercise some or all of this Option, the number of shares being purchased, any restrictions imposed on the Shares and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company to comply with applicable securities laws. 5.2 Payment. Payment for the Shares purchased upon exercise of this Option may be made (a) in cash or by check; (b) by surrender of shares of Common Stock of the Company that have been owned by Optionee for more than six (6) months (and which have been paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144 and, if such shares were purchased from the Company by use of a promissory note, such note has been fully paid with respect to such shares) or were obtained by the Optionee in the open public market, having a Fair Market Value equal to the Exercise Price of the -2- 8 Versant Object Technology Corporation Directors Stock Option Grant - Initial Grant Option; (c) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to Optionee for services rendered; (d) provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists, through a "same day sale" commitment from the Optionee and a broker-dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (an "NASD DEALER") whereby the Optionee irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to sell a portion of the Shares so purchased to pay for the Exercise Price and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the Company; (e) provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists, through a "margin" commitment from the Optionee and a NASD Dealer whereby the Optionee irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased to the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the Exercise Price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the Company; or (f) by any combination of the foregoing. 5.3 Withholding Taxes. Prior to the issuance of the Shares upon exercise of this Option, Optionee shall pay or make adequate provision for any applicable federal or state withholding obligations of the Company. 5.4 Issuance of Shares. Provided that such notice and payment are in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, the Company shall cause the Shares to be issued in the name of Optionee or Optionee's legal representative. To enforce any restrictions on Optionee's Shares, the Committee may require Optionee to deposit all certificates, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer approved by the Committee appropriately endorsed in blank, with the Company or an agent designated by the Company to hold in escrow until such restrictions have lapsed or terminated, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends referencing such restrictions to be placed on the certificates. 6. REPURCHASE OPTION. The Company, or its assignee, shall have the right to repurchase all Unvested Shares held by Optionee (the "REPURCHASE OPTION") if Optionee ceases to be a member of the Board or a consultant of the Company for any reason. The Company shall exercise such Repurchase Option within 90 days after the Optionee's Termination Date for cash at the Optionee's Exercise Price, proportionately adjusted for any stock split or similar change in the capital structure of the Company as set forth in Section 12 of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall retain the Repurchase Option for Unvested Shares only as to that number of Unvested Shares (whether or not exercised) that exceeds the number of shares that remain exercisable. 7. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. During the lifetime of the Optionee, this Option shall be exercisable only by Optionee or by Optionee's guardian or legal representative, unless otherwise permitted by the Committee. This 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 and distribution. 8. INTERPRETATION. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Grant shall be submitted by Optionee or the Company to the Committee that administers the Plan, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Committee shall be final and binding on the Company and on Optionee. Nothing in the Plan or this Grant shall confer on Optionee any right to continue as a Board Member. -3- 9 Versant Object Technology Corporation Directors Stock Option Grant - Initial Grant 9. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the Date of Grant of some of the federal and California tax consequences of exercise of the Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THE OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES. 9.1 Exercise of Nonqualified Stock Option. There may be a regular federal and California income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option. Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. 9.2 Disposition of Shares. If the Shares are held for more than twelve (12) months after the date of the transfer of the Shares pursuant to the exercise of the Option for Vested Shares (or for more than twelve (12) months after the date of transfer of the Shares pursuant to the exercise of an Option for Unvested Shares for which a Section 83(b) election has been made), any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long term capital gain for federal and California income tax purposes. The Company may be required to withhold from Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise. 9.3 Section 83(b) Election for Unvested Shares. With respect to Unvested Shares which are subject to the Repurchase Option, unless an election is filed by the Optionee with the Internal Revenue Service (and, if necessary, the proper state taxing authorities), within 30 days of the purchase of the Unvested Shares, electing pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (and similar state tax provisions, if applicable) to be taxed currently on any difference between the Exercise Price of the Unvested Shares and their Fair Market Value on the date of purchase, there may be a recognition of taxable income to the Optionee, measured by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Unvested Shares at the time they cease to be Unvested Shares, over the Exercise Price of the Unvested Shares. -4- 10 Versant Object Technology Corporation Directors Stock Option Grant - Initial Grant 10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Plan and the Directors Stock Option Exercise Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and the terms and conditions thereof, are incorporated herein by reference. This Grant, the Plan and the Directors Stock Option Exercise Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings and agreements with respect to such subject matter. VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION By: ________________________________________ Name: _______________________________________ Title: _____________________________________ -5- 11 Versant Object Technology Corporation Directors Stock Option Grant - Initial Grant ACCEPTANCE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT Optionee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, represents that Optionee has read and understands the terms and provisions thereof, and accepts this Option subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Grant. Optionee acknowledges that there may be adverse tax consequences upon exercise of this Option or disposition of the Shares and that Optionee has been advised by the Company that Optionee should consult a qualified tax advisor prior to such exercise or disposition. _______________________________, Optionee [ACCEPTANCE SIGNATURE PAGE TO DIRECTORS NONQUALIFIED INITIAL STOCK OPTION GRANT] -6- 12 SUCCEEDING GRANT VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN DIRECTORS NONQUALIFIED SUCCEEDING STOCK OPTION GRANT This Stock Option Grant (this "GRANT") is made and entered into as of the date of Grant set forth below (the "DATE OF GRANT") by and between Versant Object Technology Corporation, a California corporation (the "COMPANY"), and the Optionee named below ("OPTIONEE"). Optionee: ----------------------------------------- Optionee's Address: ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- Total Shares Subject to Option: 5,000 ----------------------------------------- Exercise Price Per Share ----------------------------------------- Date of Grant: ----------------------------------------- Expiration Date: -----------------------------------------
1. Grant of Option. The Company hereby grants to Optionee an option (this "OPTION") to purchase up to the total number of shares of Common Stock of the Company set forth above (collectively, the "SHARES") at the Exercise Price Per Share set forth above (the "EXERCISE PRICE"), subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Grant and the Company's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan (the "PLAN"). Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan. 2. EXERCISE PERIOD. 2.1 Exercise Period of Option. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Grant, this Option shall be exercisable immediately, although the Shares issued upon exercise of the Option will be subject to the Repurchase Option set forth in Section 6 of this Grant. Provided Optionee continuously remains a member of the Board of Directors (a "BOARD MEMBER") or a consultant of the Company, the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option will become vested with respect to fifty percent (50%) of the Shares on each of the first two successive anniversaries of the Date of Grant. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan or this Grant to the contrary, Options for 13 Versant Object Technology Corporation Directors Stock Option Grant - Succeeding Grant Unvested Shares (as defined in Section 2.2 of this Grant) will not be exercisable on or after Optionee's Termination Date. 2.2 Vesting of Options. Shares that are vested pursuant to the schedule set forth in Section 2.1 are "VESTED SHARES." Shares that are not vested pursuant to the schedule set forth in Section 2.1 are "UNVESTED SHARES." Unvested shares may not be sold or otherwise transferred by Optionee without the Company's prior written consent. 2.3 Expiration. The Option shall expire on the Expiration Date set forth above and must be exercised, if at all, on or before the Expiration Date. 3. RESTRICTION ON EXERCISE. This Option may not be exercised unless such exercise is in compliance with the Securities Act, and all applicable state securities laws, as they are in effect on the date of exercise, and the requirements of any stock exchange or national market system on which the Company's Common Stock may be listed at the time of exercise. Optionee understands that the Company is under no obligation to register, qualify or list the Shares with the SEC, any state securities commission or any stock exchange or national market system to effect such compliance. 4. TERMINATION OF OPTION. Except as provided below in this Section, this Option shall terminate and may not be exercised if Optionee ceases to be a Board Member or consultant of the Company. The date on which Optionee ceases to be a Board Member or consultant of the Company shall be referred to as the "TERMINATION DATE." 4.1 Termination Generally. If Optionee ceases to be a Board Member or consultant of the Company for any reason except death or disability, then this Option, to the extent that it is exercisable on Optionee's Termination Date, may be exercised by Optionee within seven (7) months after the Termination Date, but in no event later than the Expiration Date. 4.2 Death or Disability. If Optionee ceases to be a Board Member or consultant of the Company because of the death of Optionee or the disability of Optionee within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, then this Option, to the extent that it is exercisable on Optionee's Termination Date, may be exercised by Optionee (or Optionee's legal representative) within twelve (12) months after the Termination Date, but in no event later than the Expiration Date. 5. MANNER OF EXERCISE. 5.1 Exercise Agreement. This Option shall be exercisable by delivery to the Company of an executed written Directors Stock Option Exercise Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or in such other form as may be approved by the Committee, which shall set forth Optionee's election to exercise some or all of this Option, the number of shares being purchased, any restrictions imposed on the Shares and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company to comply with applicable securities laws. 5.2 Payment. Payment for the Shares purchased upon exercise of this Option may be made (a) in cash or by check; (b) by surrender of shares of Common Stock of the Company that have -2- 14 Versant Object Technology Corporation Directors Stock Option Grant - Succeeding Grant been owned by Optionee for more than six (6) months (and which have been paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144 and, if such shares were purchased from the Company by use of a promissory note, such note has been fully paid with respect to such shares) or were obtained by the Optionee in the open public market, having a Fair Market Value equal to the Exercise Price of the Option; (c) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to Optionee for services rendered; (d) provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists, through a "same day sale" commitment from the Optionee and a broker-dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (an "NASD DEALER") whereby the Optionee irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to sell a portion of the Shares so purchased to pay for the Exercise Price and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the Company; (e) provided that a public market for the Company's stock exists, through a "margin" commitment from the Optionee and a NASD Dealer whereby the Optionee irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to pledge the Shares so purchased to the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the Exercise Price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such Shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the Company; or (f) by any combination of the foregoing. 5.3 Withholding Taxes. Prior to the issuance of the Shares upon exercise of this Option, Optionee shall pay or make adequate provision for any applicable federal or state withholding obligations of the Company. 5.4 Issuance of Shares. Provided that such notice and payment are in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, the Company shall cause the Shares to be issued in the name of Optionee or Optionee's legal representative. To enforce any restrictions on Optionee's Shares, the Committee may require Optionee to deposit all certificates, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer approved by the Committee appropriately endorsed in blank, with the Company or an agent designated by the Company to hold in escrow until such restrictions have lapsed or terminated, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends referencing such restrictions to be placed on the certificates. 6. REPURCHASE OPTION. The Company, or its assignee, shall have the right to repurchase all Unvested Shares held by Optionee (the "REPURCHASE OPTION") if Optionee ceases to be a member of the Board or a consultant of the Company for any reason. The Company shall exercise such Repurchase Option within 90 days after the Optionee's Termination Date for cash at the Optionee's Exercise Price, proportionately adjusted for any stock split or similar change in the capital structure of the Company as set forth in Section 12 of the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall retain the Repurchase Option for Unvested Shares only as to that number of Unvested Shares (whether or not exercised) that exceeds the number of shares that remain exercisable. 7. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION. During the lifetime of the Optionee, this Option shall be exercisable only by Optionee or by Optionee's guardian or legal representative, unless otherwise permitted by the Committee. This 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 and distribution. -3- 15 Versant Object Technology Corporation Directors Stock Option Grant - Succeeding Grant 8. INTERPRETATION. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Grant shall be submitted by Optionee or the Company to the Committee that administers the Plan, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Committee shall be final and binding on the Company and on Optionee. Nothing in the Plan or this Grant shall confer on Optionee any right to continue as a Board Member. 9. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the Date of Grant of some of the federal and California tax consequences of exercise of the Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THE OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES. 9.1 Exercise of Nonqualified Stock Option. There may be a regular federal and California income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option. Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. The Company will be required to withhold from Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise 9.2 Disposition of Shares. If the Shares are held for more than twelve (12) months after the date of the transfer of the Shares pursuant to the exercise of the Option for Vested Shares (or for more than twelve (12) months after the date of transfer of the Shares pursuant to the exercise of an Option for Unvested Shares for which a Section 83(b) election has been made), any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long term capital gain for federal and California income tax purposes. The Company may be required to withhold from Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise. 9.3 Section 83(b) Election for Unvested Shares. With respect to Unvested Shares which are subject to the Repurchase Option unless an election is filed by the Optionee with the Internal Revenue Service (and, if necessary, the proper state taxing authorities), within 30 days of the purchase of the Unvested Shares, electing pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (and similar state tax provisions, if applicable) to be taxed currently on any difference between the Exercise Price of the Unvested Shares and their Fair Market Value on the date of purchase, there may be a recognition of taxable income to the Optionee, measured by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Unvested Shares at the time they cease to be Unvested Shares, over the Exercise Price of the Unvested Shares -4- 16 Versant Object Technology Corporation Directors Stock Option Grant - Succeeding Grant 10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Plan and the Directors Stock Option Exercise Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and the terms and conditions thereof, are incorporated herein by reference. This Grant, the Plan and the Directors Stock Option Exercise Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior understandings and agreements with respect to such subject matter. VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION By: _____________________________________ Name: ____________________________________ Title: __________________________________ -5- 17 Versant Object Technology Corporation Directors Stock Option Grant - Succeeding Grant ACCEPTANCE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT Optionee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, represents that Optionee has read and understands the terms and provisions thereof, and accepts this Option subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Grant. Optionee acknowledges that there may be adverse tax consequences upon exercise of this Option or disposition of the Shares and that Optionee has been advised by the Company that Optionee should consult a qualified tax advisor prior to such exercise or disposition. _______________________________, Optionee [ACCEPTANCE SIGNATURE PAGE TO DIRECTORS NONQUALIFIED SUCCEEDING STOCK OPTION GRANT] -6- 18 EXHIBIT A DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT 19 Exhibit A VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN (THE "PLAN") DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION EXERCISE AGREEMENT I hereby elect to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock of VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION (the "Company") as set forth below: Optionee:_______________________________________________ Number of Shares Purchased:____________________________ Social Security Number:_________________________________ Purchase Price per Share:______________________________ Address:________________________________________________ Aggregate Purchase Price:______________________________ ________________________________________________________ Date of Stock Option Grant:____________________________ Type of Stock Option: Nonqualified Stock Option Exact Name of Title to Shares:_________________________ _______________________________________________________
1. DELIVERY OF PURCHASE PRICE. Optionee hereby delivers to the Company the Aggregate Purchase Price, to the extent permitted in the Directors Nonqualified Stock Option Grant referred to above (the "Grant") as follows (check as applicable and complete): [ ] in cash or by check in the amount of $___________________________, receipt of which is acknowledged by the Company; [ ] by delivery of _______________________ fully-paid, nonassessable and vested shares of the Common Stock of the Company owned by Optionee for at least six (6) months prior to the date hereof (and which have been paid for within the meaning of SEC Rule 144), or obtained by Optionee in the open public market, and owned free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances or security interests, valued at the current Fair Market Value of $___________________ per share; [ ] by the waiver hereby of compensation due or accrued to Optionee for services rendered in the amount of $_______________________________; [ ] through a "same-day-sale" commitment, delivered herewith, from Optionee and the NASD Dealer named therein, in the amount of $______________________________; or [ ] through a "margin" commitment, delivered herewith from Optionee and the NASD Dealer named therein, in the amount of $______________________________________. 2. MARKET STANDOFF AGREEMENT. Optionee, if requested by the Company and an underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, agrees not to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by Optionee during the period requested by the managing underwriter following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act, provided that all officers and directors of the Company are required to enter into similar agreements. Such agreement shall be in writing in a form satisfactory to the Company and such underwriter. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of such period. 3. TAX CONSEQUENCES. OPTIONEE UNDERSTANDS THAT OPTIONEE MAY SUFFER ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES AS A RESULT OF OPTIONEE'S PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES. OPTIONEE REPRESENTS THAT OPTIONEE HAS CONSULTED WITH ANY TAX CONSULTANT(S) OPTIONEE DEEMS ADVISABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES AND THAT OPTIONEE IS NOT RELYING ON THE COMPANY FOR ANY TAX ADVICE. 4. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Plan and the Grant are incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Grant constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior understandings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and are governed by California law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws. Date:____________________________ ________________________________________ SIGNATURE OF OPTIONEE 20 VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN SPOUSE'S CONSENT I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing Directors Stock Option Exercise Agreement (the "Agreement") and that I know its contents. I hereby consent to and approve all the provisions of the Agreement and agree that the shares of the Common Stock of Versant Object Technology Corporation purchased thereunder (the "Shares") and any interest I may have in such Shares are subject to all the provisions of the Agreement. I will take no action at any time to hinder operation of the Agreement on these Shares or any interest I may have on them. Date: - ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- SIGNATURE OF OPTIONEE'S SPOUSE - ----------------------------------------- OPTIONEE'S NAME - TYPED OR PRINTED - ----------------------------------------- SPOUSE'S NAME - TYPED OR PRINTED EX-4.07 4 1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. 1 EXHIBIT 4.07 VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN As Adopted May 21, 1996 As Amended June 5, 1997 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF PLAN. Versant Object Technology Corporation (the "COMPANY") proposes to grant options for purchase of the Company's Common Stock to eligible employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to this Employee Stock Purchase Plan (this "PLAN"). For purposes of this Plan, "PARENT CORPORATION" and "SUBSIDIARY" (collectively, "SUBSIDIARIES") shall have the same meanings as "parent corporation" and "subsidiary corporation" in Sections 424(e) and 424(f), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE"). The Company intends this Plan to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" under Section 423 of the Code (including any amendments to or replacements of such Section), and this Plan shall be so construed. Any term not expressly defined in this Plan but defined for purposes of Section 423 of the Code shall have the same definition herein. A total of 325,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock is reserved for issuance under this Plan. Such number shall be subject to adjustments effected in accordance with Section 14 of this Plan. 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Plan is to provide employees of the Company and Subsidiaries designated by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "BOARD") as eligible to participate in this Plan with a convenient means of acquiring an equity interest in the Company through payroll deductions, to enhance such employees' sense of participation in the affairs of the Company and Subsidiaries, and to provide an incentive for continued employment. 3. ADMINISTRATION. This Plan shall be administered by a committee appointed by the Board (the "COMMITTEE") consisting of at least two (2) members of the Board, each of whom is a Disinterested Person as defined in Rule 16b-3(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "EXCHANGE ACT"). As used in this Plan, references to the "Committee" shall mean either such committee or the Board if no committee has been established. After registration of the Company under the Exchange Act, Board members who are not Disinterested Persons may not vote on any matters affecting the administration of this Plan, but any such member may be counted for determining the existence of a quorum at any meeting of the Board. Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the limitations of Section 423 of the Code or any successor provision in the Code, all questions of interpretation or application of this Plan shall be determined by the Board and its decisions shall be final and binding upon all participants. Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services in connection with the administration of this Plan, other than standard fees as established from time to time by the Board for services rendered by Board members serving on Board committees. All expenses incurred in connection with the administration of this Plan shall be paid by the Company. 4. ELIGIBILITY. Any employee of the Company or the Subsidiaries is eligible to participate in an Offering Period (as hereinafter defined) under this Plan except the following: (a) employees who are not employed by the Company or Subsidiaries fifteen days before the beginning of such Offering Period, except that employees who are employed on the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SECURITIES ACT") registering the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock is declared effective by the SEC shall be eligible to participate in the first Offering Period under the Plan; (b) employees who are customarily employed for less than twenty (20) hours per week; (c) employees who are customarily employed for less than five (5) months in a calendar year; (d) employees who, together with any other person whose stock would be attributed to such employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code, own stock or hold options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or who, as a result of being granted an option under this Plan with respect to such Offering Period, would 2 Versant Object Technology 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan own stock or hold options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. 5. OFFERING DATES. The offering periods of this Plan (each, an "OFFERING PERIOD") shall be of twenty-four (24) months duration commencing on February 1 and August 1 of each year and ending on January 31 and July 31 of each year; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the first such Offering Period shall commence on the first business day on which price quotations for the Company's Common Stock are available on the Nasdaq National Market (the "FIRST OFFERING DATE") and shall end on July 31, 1998. Except for the first Offering Period, each Offering Period shall consist of four (4) six-month purchase periods (individually, a "PURCHASE PERIOD") during which payroll deductions of the participants are accumulated under this Plan. The first Offering Period shall consist of four Purchase Periods, the first of which shall be greater or less than six months. The first business day of each Offering Period is referred to as the "OFFERING DATE". The last business day of each Purchase Period is referred to as the "PURCHASE DATE". The Board shall have the power to change the duration of Offering Periods or Purchase Periods with respect to offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced at least fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period or Purchase Period to be affected. 6. PARTICIPATION IN THIS PLAN. Eligible employees may become participants in an Offering Period under this Plan on the first Offering Date after satisfying the eligibility requirements by delivering a subscription agreement to the Company's treasury department (the "TREASURY DEPARTMENT") not later than the 15th day of the month before such Offering Date unless a later time for filing the subscription agreement authorizing payroll deductions is set by the Board for all eligible employees with respect to a given Offering Period. An eligible employee who does not deliver a subscription agreement to the Treasury Department by such date after becoming eligible to participate in such Offering Period shall not participate in that Offering Period or any subsequent Offering Period unless such employee enrolls in this Plan by filing a subscription agreement with the Treasury Department not later than the 15th day of the month preceding a subsequent Offering Date. Once an employee becomes a participant in an Offering Period, such employee will automatically participate in the Offering Period commencing immediately following the last day of the prior Offering Period unless the employee withdraws or is deemed to withdraw from this Plan or terminates further participation in the Offering Period as set forth in Section 11 below. Such participant is not required to file any additional subscription agreement in order to continue participation in this Plan. 7. GRANT OF OPTION ON ENROLLMENT. Enrollment by an eligible employee in this Plan with respect to an Offering Period will constitute the grant (as of the Offering Date) by the Company to such employee of an option to purchase on the Purchase Date up to that number of shares of Common Stock of the Company determined by dividing (a) the amount accumulated in such employee's payroll deduction account during such Purchase Period by (b) the lower of (i) eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the Offering Date, or (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the Purchase Date, provided, however, that the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock subject to any option granted pursuant to this Plan shall not exceed the lesser of (a) the maximum number of shares set by the Board pursuant to Section 10(c) below with respect to the applicable Offering Period, or (b) the maximum number of shares which may be purchased pursuant to Section 10(b) below with respect to the applicable Offering Period. The fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock shall be determined as provided in Section 8 hereof. 8. PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price per share at which a share of Common Stock will be sold in any Offering Period shall be eighty-five percent (85%) of the lesser of: (a) the fair market value on the Offering Date; or (b) the fair market value on the Purchase Date. For purposes of this Plan, the term "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the value of a share of the Company's Common Stock determined as follows: (a) if such Common Stock is then quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, its closing price on the Nasdaq National Market on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal; -2- 3 Versant Object Technology 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (b) if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal; (c) if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is not quoted on the Nasdaq National Market nor listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal; or (d) if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Board in good faith, which in the case of the First Offering Period will be the price per share at which shares of the Company's Common Stock are initially offered for sale to the public by the Company's underwriters in the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act. 9. PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE; CHANGES IN PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS; ISSUANCE OF SHARES. (a) The purchase price of the shares is accumulated by regular payroll deductions made during each Offering Period. The deductions are made as a percentage of the participant's compensation in one percent (1%) increments not less than two percent (2%), nor greater than ten percent (10%) or such lower limit set by the Committee. Compensation shall mean all W-2 compensation, including, but not limited to base salary, wages, commissions, overtime, shift premiums and bonuses, plus draws against commissions; provided, however, that for purposes of determining a participant's compensation, any election by such participant to reduce his or her regular cash remuneration under Sections 125 or 401(k) of the Code shall be treated as if the participant did not make such election. Payroll deductions shall commence on the first payday following the Offering Date and shall continue to the end of the Offering Period unless sooner altered or terminated as provided in this Plan. (b) A participant may lower (but not increase) the rate of payroll deductions during an Offering Period by filing with the Treasury Department a new authorization for payroll deductions, in which case the new rate shall become effective for the next payroll period commencing more than fifteen (15) days after the Treasury Department's receipt of the authorization and shall continue for the remainder of the Offering Period unless changed as described below. Such change in the rate of payroll deductions may be made at any time during an Offering Period, but not more than one (1) change may be made effective during any Offering Period. A participant may increase or decrease the rate of payroll deductions for any subsequent Offering Period by filing with the Treasury Department a new authorization for payroll deductions not later than the 15th day of the month before the beginning of such Offering Period. (c) All payroll deductions made for a participant are credited to his or her account under this Plan and are deposited with the general funds of the Company. No interest accrues on the payroll deductions. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions. (d) On each Purchase Date, so long as this Plan remains in effect and provided that the participant has not submitted a signed and completed withdrawal form before that date which notifies the Company that the participant wishes to withdraw from that Offering Period under this Plan and have all payroll deductions accumulated in the account maintained on behalf of the participant as of that date returned to the participant, the Company shall apply the funds then in the participant's account to the purchase of whole shares of Common Stock reserved under the option granted to such participant with respect to the Offering Period to the extent that such option is exercisable on the Purchase Date. The purchase price per share shall be as specified in Section 8 of this Plan. Any cash remaining in a participant's account after such purchase of shares shall be refunded to such participant in cash, without interest. In the event that this Plan has been oversubscribed, all funds not used to purchase shares on the Purchase Date shall be returned to the participant, without interest. No Common Stock shall be purchased on a Purchase Date on behalf of any employee whose participation in this Plan has terminated prior to such Purchase Date. (e) As promptly as practicable after the Purchase Date, the Company shall arrange the delivery to each participant of a certificate representing the shares purchased upon exercise of his option. -3- 4 Versant Object Technology 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (f) During a participant's lifetime, such participant's option to purchase shares hereunder is exercisable only by him or her. The participant will have no interest or voting right in shares covered by his or her option until such option has been exercised. Shares to be delivered to a participant under this Plan will be registered in the name of the participant or in the name of the participant and his or her spouse. 10. LIMITATIONS ON SHARES TO BE PURCHASED. (a) No employee shall be entitled to purchase stock under this Plan at a rate which, when aggregated with his or her rights to purchase stock under all other employee stock purchase plans of the Company or any Subsidiary, exceeds $25,000 in fair market value, determined as of the Offering Date (or such other limit as may be imposed by the Code) for each calendar year in which the employee participates in this Plan. (b) No more than two hundred percent (200%) of the number of shares determined by using eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the Offering Date as the denominator may be purchased by a participant on any single Purchase Date. (c) No employee shall be entitled to purchase more than the Maximum Share Amount (as defined below) on any single Purchase Date. Not less than thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of any Offering Period, the Board may, in its sole discretion, set a maximum number of shares which may be purchased by any employee at any single Purchase Date (hereinafter the "MAXIMUM SHARE AMOUNT"). In no event shall the Maximum Share Amount exceed the amounts permitted under Section 10(b) above. If a new Maximum Share Amount is set, then all participants must be notified of such Maximum Share Amount not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the commencement of the next Offering Period. Once the Maximum Share Amount is set, it shall continue to apply with respect to all succeeding Purchase Dates and Offering Periods unless revised by the Board as set forth above. (d) If the number of shares to be purchased on a Purchase Date by all employees participating in this Plan exceeds the number of shares then available for issuance under this Plan, then the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the remaining shares in as uniform a manner as shall be reasonably practicable and as the Board shall determine to be equitable. In such event, the Company shall give written notice of such reduction of the number of shares to be purchased under a participant's option to each participant affected thereby. (e) Any payroll deductions accumulated in a participant's account which are not used to purchase stock due to the limitations in this Section 10 shall be returned to the participant as soon as practicable after the end of the applicable Purchase Period, without interest. 11. WITHDRAWAL. (a) Each participant may withdraw from an Offering Period under this Plan by signing and delivering to the Treasury Department a written notice to that effect on a form provided for such purpose. Such withdrawal may be elected at any time at least fifteen (15) days prior to the end of an Offering Period. (b) Upon withdrawal from this Plan, the accumulated payroll deductions shall be returned to the withdrawn participant, without interest, and his or her interest in this Plan shall terminate. In the event a participant voluntarily elects to withdraw from this Plan, he or she may not resume his or her participation in this Plan during the same Offering Period, but he or she may participate in any Offering Period under this Plan which commences on a date subsequent to such withdrawal by filing a new authorization for payroll deductions in the same manner as set forth above for initial participation in this Plan. (c) If the purchase price on the first day of any current Offering Period in which a participant is enrolled is higher than the purchase price on the first day of any subsequent Offering Period, the Company will automatically enroll such participant in the subsequent Offering Period. A participant does not need to file any forms with the Company to automatically be enrolled in the subsequent Offering Period. 12. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Termination of a participant's employment for any reason, including retirement, death or the failure of a participant to remain an eligible employee, immediately terminates his or her -4- 5 Versant Object Technology 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan participation in this Plan. In such event, the payroll deductions credited to the participant's account will be returned to him or her or, in the case of his or her death, to his or her legal representative, without interest. For purposes of this Section 12, an employee will not be deemed to have terminated employment or failed to remain in the continuous employ of the Company in the case of sick leave, military leave, or any other leave of absence approved by the Board; provided that such leave is for a period of not more than ninety (90) days or reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute. 13. RETURN OF PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS. In the event a participant's interest in this Plan is terminated by withdrawal, termination of employment or otherwise, or in the event this Plan is terminated by the Board, the Company shall promptly deliver to the participant all payroll deductions credited to such participant's account. No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions of a participant in this Plan. 14. CAPITAL CHANGES. Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each option under this Plan which has not yet been exercised and the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under this Plan but have not yet been placed under option (collectively, the "RESERVES"), as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each option under this Plan which has not yet been exercised, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company resulting from a stock split or the payment of a stock dividend (but only on the Common Stock) or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of any consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration". Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issue by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an option. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Offering Period will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action, unless otherwise provided by the Board. The Board may, in the exercise of its sole discretion in such instances, declare that the options under this Plan shall terminate as of a date fixed by the Board and give each participant the right to exercise his or her option as to all of the optioned stock, including shares which would not otherwise be exercisable. In the event of a proposed sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation, each option under this Plan shall be assumed or an equivalent option shall be substituted by such successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation, unless the Board determines, in the exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu of such assumption or substitution, that the participant shall have the right to exercise the option as to all of the optioned stock. If the Board makes an option exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger, consolidation or sale of assets, the Board shall notify the participant that the option shall be fully exercisable for a period of twenty (20) days from the date of such notice, and the option will terminate upon the expiration of such period. The Board may, if it so determines in the exercise of its sole discretion, also make provision for adjusting the Reserves, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each outstanding option, in the event that the Company effects one or more reorganizations, recapitalizations, rights offerings or other increases or reductions of shares of its outstanding Common Stock, or in the event of the Company being consolidated with or merged into any other corporation. 15. NONASSIGNABILITY. Neither payroll deductions credited to a participant's account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive shares under this Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as provided in Section 22 hereof) by the participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be void and without effect. 16. REPORTS. Individual accounts will be maintained for each participant in this Plan. Each participant shall receive promptly after the end of each Purchase Period a report of his or her account setting forth the total payroll -5- 6 Versant Object Technology 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan deductions accumulated, the number of shares purchased, the per share price thereof and the remaining cash balance, if any, carried forward to the next Purchase Period or Offering Period, as the case may be. 17. NOTICE OF DISPOSITION. Each participant shall notify the Company if the participant disposes of any of the shares purchased in any Offering Period pursuant to this Plan if such disposition occurs within two (2) years from the Offering Date or within one (1) year from the Purchase Date on which such shares were purchased (the "NOTICE PERIOD"). Unless such participant is disposing of any of such shares during the Notice Period, such participant shall keep the certificates representing such shares in his or her name (and not in the name of a nominee) during the Notice Period. The Company may, at any time during the Notice Period, place a legend or legends on any certificate representing shares acquired pursuant to this Plan requesting the Company's transfer agent to notify the Company of any transfer of the shares. The obligation of the participant to provide such notice shall continue notwithstanding the placement of any such legend on the certificates. 18. NO RIGHTS TO CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT. Neither this Plan nor the grant of any option hereunder shall confer any right on any employee to remain in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary, or restrict the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate such employee's employment. 19. EQUAL RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES. All eligible employees shall have equal rights and privileges with respect to this Plan so that this Plan qualifies as an "employee stock purchase plan" within the meaning of Section 423 or any successor provision of the Code and the related regulations. Any provision of this Plan which is inconsistent with Section 423 or any successor provision of the Code shall, without further act or amendment by the Company or the Board, be reformed to comply with the requirements of Section 423. This Section 19 shall take precedence over all other provisions in this Plan. 20. NOTICES. All notices or other communications by a participant to the Company under or in connection with this Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof. 21. TERM; STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. After this Plan is adopted by the Board, this Plan will become effective on the date that is the First Offering Date (as defined above); provided, however, that if the First Offering Date does not occur on or before December 31, 1996, this Plan will terminate having never become effective. This Plan shall be approved by the stockholders of the Company, in any manner permitted by applicable corporate law, within twelve (12) months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. No purchase of shares pursuant to this Plan shall occur prior to such stockholder approval. Thereafter, no later than twelve (12) months after the Company becomes subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 with respect to stockholder approval. This Plan shall continue until the earlier to occur of (a) termination of this Plan by the Board (which termination may be effected by the Board at any time), (b) issuance of all of the shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under this Plan, or (c) ten (10) years from the adoption of this Plan by the Board. 22. DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY. (a) A participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account under this Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to the end of an Purchase Period but prior to delivery to him of such shares and cash. In addition, a participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the participant's account under this Plan in the event of such participant's death prior to a Purchase Date. (b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the participant at any time by written notice. In the event of the death of a participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under this Plan who is living at the time of such participant's death, the Company shall deliver such shares or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the participant, or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such shares or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate. -6- 7 Versant Object Technology 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan 23. CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES; LIMITATION ON SALE OF SHARES. Shares shall not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. 24. APPLICABLE LAW. The Plan shall be governed by the substantive laws (excluding the conflict of laws rules) of the State of California. 25. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THIS PLAN. The Board may at any time amend, terminate or extend the term of this Plan, except that any such termination cannot affect options previously granted under this Plan, nor may any amendment make any change in an option previously granted which would adversely affect the right of any participant, nor may any amendment be made without approval of the stockholders of the Company obtained in accordance with Section 21 hereof within twelve (12) months of the adoption of such amendment (or earlier if required by Section 21) if such amendment would: (a) increase the number of shares that may be issued under this Plan; (b) change the designation of the employees (or class of employees) eligible for participation in this Plan; or (c) constitute an amendment for which stockholder approval is required in order to comply with Rule 16b-3 (or any successor rule) of the Exchange Act. -7- 8 VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN ENROLLMENT FORM Check One: Complete: [ ] New Enrollment Social Security No._________________________ [ ] Change Employee No.________________________________ 1. Name of Participant____________________________________________________ 2. Stock purchased under the Plan should be held in account with the Plan Broker in my name or in my name together with the name(s) indicated below: Name_________________________ Social Security No._____________________ Name_________________________ Social Security No._____________________ If spouse (circle one): Joint Tenants/Community Property PLEASE NOTIFY THE PLAN BROKER DIRECTLY TO TRANSFER OR SELL YOUR STOCK. 3. Payroll Deduction Level (from 2% to 10% in whole percentages): ______ (deductions will be made from your total compensation which equals base salary, bonuses, overtime pay and commissions). 4. I confirm my spouse's interest (if married) in the community property herein, and I hereby designate the following person(s) as my beneficiary(ies) to receive all payments and/or stock attributable to my interest under the Plan: NAME *To be ADDRESS divided as follows: _________________________________ ______ _________________________ Last First M.I. Number Street _________________________________ _________________________ Social Security No. Relationship City State Zip _________________________________ ______ _________________________ Last First M.I. Number Street _________________________________ _________________________ Social Security No. Relationship City State Zip * If more than one beneficiary: (1) insert "in equal shares", or (2) insert percentage to be paid to each beneficiary. 5. The information provided on this Enrollment Form will remain in effect unless and until I complete and submit to the Human Resources Department a new enrollment form. VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION OFFICE USE: Date received by the Signature:_________________ Human Resources Dept.:_________________ Name:______________________ Date entered into system:_________________ Date:______________________ PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO DAN BRUSH. 9 VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT 1. I elect to participate in the Versant Object Technology Corporation (the "COMPANY") 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "PLAN") and to subscribe to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock (the "SHARES") in accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the Plan. 2. I authorize payroll deductions from each of my paychecks in that percentage of my gross compensation as shown on my Enrollment Form, in accordance with the Plan. 3. I understand that such payroll deductions shall be accumulated for the purchase of Shares under the Plan at the applicable purchase price determined in accordance with the Plan. I further understand that except as otherwise set forth in the Plan, Shares will be purchased for me automatically at the end of each Purchase Period unless I withdraw from the Plan or otherwise become ineligible to participate in the Plan. 4. I understand that this Subscription Agreement will automatically re-enroll me in all subsequent Offering Periods unless I withdraw from the Plan or I become ineligible to participate in the Plan. 5. I acknowledge that I have a copy of and am familiar with the Company's most recent Prospectus which describes the Plan. A copy of the complete Plan and the Prospectus is on file with the Company. (In the case of the initial Plan Purchase Period, the Prospectus will be on file on the first day of the Offering Period.) 6. I understand that Shares purchased for me under the Plan will be held in a personal account with the Plan Broker unless I request otherwise. 7. I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Plan. The effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon my eligibility to participate in the Plan. 8. I have read and understood this Subscription Agreement. Signature:______________________________ Name:___________________________________ Date:___________________________________ 10 Versant Object Technology 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO DAN BRUSH. -2- EX-5.01 5 OPINION OF FENWICK & WEST. 1 [FENWICK & WEST LETTERHEAD] June 24, 1997 Versant Object Technology Corporation 1380 Willow Road Menlo Park, CA 94025 Gentlemen/Ladies: At your request, we have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed by you with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on or about June 24, 1997 in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of an aggregate of 1,050,000 shares of your Common Stock (the "Stock") subject to issuance by you upon the exercise of (i) purchase rights to be granted by you under your 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan"), (ii) stock options, stock bonuses or restricted stock awards to be granted by you under your 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"); and (iii) stock options to be granted by you under your 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan (the "Directors Plan") (collectively, with the Purchase Plan and the Incentive Plan, the "Plans"). In rendering this opinion, we have examined the following: (1) your Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation; (2) your Amended and Restated Bylaws. (3) the Plans and the applicable prospectus associated with each of the Plans; (4) the minutes of meetings and actions by written consent of your shareholders and your Board of Directors that are contained in your minute books in our possession; (5) your stock records in our possession, including records of stock options and other securities issued by you, and a verbal confirmation from your transfer agent regarding the current number of your outstanding shares; (6) your Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Number 333-4910-LA), as declared effective by the SEC on July 17, 1996; (7) your Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Commission File Number 0-28540), as declared effective by the SEC on July 17, 1996; and (8) a Management Certificate of even date herewith, duly executed and delivered by you. In our examination of documents for purposes of this opinion, we have assumed, and express no opinion as to, the genuineness of all signatures on original documents, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies, the lack of any undisclosed terminations, modifications, waivers or amendments to any documents reviewed by us and the due execution and delivery of all documents where due execution and delivery are prerequisites to the effectiveness thereof. 2 Versant Object Technology Corporation June 24, 1997 Page 2 As to matters of fact relevant to this opinion, we have relied solely upon our examination of the documents referred to above and have assumed the current accuracy and completeness of the information obtained from public officials and records included in the documents referred to above. We have made no independent investigations or other attempts to verify the accuracy of any of such information or to determine the existence or non-existence of any other factual matters; however, we are not aware of any facts that would lead us to believe that the opinion expressed herein is not accurate. Based on the foregoing, it is our opinion that the 1,050,000 shares of Stock that may be issued and sold by you upon, collectively, the exercise of (i) purchase rights to be granted under the Purchase Plan, (ii) stock options, stock bonuses or restricted stock awards to be granted under the Incentive Plan and (iii) stock options to be granted under the Directors Plan, each when issued and sold in the manner referred to in the applicable Plan, and the applicable prospectus associated with such Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and further consent to all references to us, if any, in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus constituting a part thereof and any amendments thereto. This opinion speaks only as of its date and is intended solely for the your use as an exhibit to the Registration Statement for the purpose of the above sale of the Stock and is not to be relied upon for any other purpose. Very truly yours, /s/ FENWICK & WEST LLP FENWICK & WEST LLP EX-23.02 6 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS. 1 EXHIBIT 23.02 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Versant Object Technology Corporation of our report dated January 22, 1997 (except for certain matters, as to which the date was March 19, 1997) included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 to be included in or made part of this Registration Statement for Versant Object Technology Corporation. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP San Jose, California June 19, 1997 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----