-----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, KQ0P90p/1aC372N47LPwjGxP7IH65bhjA4OWtaKuZ3rrKkHjmnK33AV0up43pkdo tVWocdiTUUmXcljV75YkHA== 0001047469-04-009065.txt : 20040324 0001047469-04-009065.hdr.sgml : 20040324 20040323185404 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001047469-04-009065 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-8 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 FILED AS OF DATE: 20040324 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20040324 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: VERSANT CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000865917 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE [7372] IRS NUMBER: 943079392 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-8 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-113871 FILM NUMBER: 04685850 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6539 DUMBARTON CIRCLE CITY: FREMONT STATE: CA ZIP: 94555 BUSINESS PHONE: 5107891500 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6539 DUMBARTON CIRCLE CITY: FREMONT STATE: CA ZIP: 94555 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19960428 S-8 1 a2131810zs-8.htm S-8
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Registration No. 333-



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


VERSANT CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

California
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  94-3079392
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

Versant Corporation
6539 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, CA 94555
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

Options to purchase common stock granted under the Poet Holdings, Inc.
Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Plan, 1999 Director Option Plan, and
2001 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan and assumed by Registrant
(Full Titles of the Plans)

Lee McGrath
Vice President, Finance and Administration
VERSANT CORPORATION
6539 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, California 94555
(510) 789-1500
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)


Copies to:
Kenneth Linhares, Esq.
Fenwick & West LLP
801 California Street
Mountain View, California 94041


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


Title of Securities To Be Registered
  Amount To
Be Registered(1)

  Proposed Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share(2)

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price

  Amount of
Registration Fee


Common Stock, no par value   1,784,780(3)   $3.54   $6,321,965   $801

(1)
This registration statement on Form S-8 (this "Registration Statement") shall also cover any additional shares of Common Stock, no par value per share (the "Common Stock"), of Versant Corporation (the "Registrant"), that become issuable in respect of the Assumed Options (as defined below) by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the Registrant's receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of the outstanding shares of Registrant's Common Stock.

(2)
Calculated solely for purposes of this offering under Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the basis of the weighted average exercise price of the outstanding options assumed by the Registrant.

(3)
Represents certain outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock under the Poet Holdings, Inc. ("Poet") Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Plan, 1999 Director Option Plan, and 2001 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan assumed by the Registrant on March 18, 2004 upon completion of the merger of Poet with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant (the "Merger"), upon which Poet became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant. The Merger was consummated pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 27, 2003 by and among the Registrant, Poet, and Puma Acquisition, Inc., as amended (the "Merger Agreement").





VERSANT CORPORATION
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8


PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference

        The following documents, previously filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and made a part hereof:

        (a)   The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003 filed with the Commission on January 16, 2004 (as amended on Forms 10-K/A filed on March 1, 2004 and March 2, 2004);

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

        (c)   The description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

        All reports and other documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in any document, all or a portion of which is incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained or incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.

Item 4. Description of Securities.

        Not applicable.

Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.

        As of the date of this Registration Statement, attorneys of Fenwick & West LLP and family members thereof beneficially own an aggregate of approximately 700 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock.

Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

        Section 317 of the California Code authorizes a court to award, or a corporation's board of directors to grant, indemnity to directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to indemnify such persons, under certain circumstances, for liabilities (including reimbursement of expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles") include a provision that eliminates the liability of the Registrant's directors for monetary damages to the fullest extent permissible under California law. This limitation has no effect on a director's liability (i) for acts or omissions that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing and culpable violation of law, (ii) for acts or omissions that a director believes to be contrary to the best interests of the Registrant or its shareholders or that involve the absence of good faith on the part of the director, (iii) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit, (iv) for acts or omissions that show a reckless disregard for the director's duty to the Registrant or its shareholders in circumstances in which the director was aware, or should have been aware, in the



ordinary course of performing a director's duties, of a risk of a serious injury to the Registrant or its shareholders, (v) for acts or omissions that constitute an unexcused pattern of inattention that amounts to an abdication of the director's duty to the Registrant or its shareholders, (vi) under Section 310 of the California Corporations Code (the "California Code") concerning contracts or transactions between the Registrant and a director or (vii) under Section 316 of the California Code concerning directors' liability for improper dividends, loans and guarantees. This provision in the Articles does not extend to acts or omissions of a director in his capacity as an officer. Further, the provision will not affect the availability of injunctions and other equitable remedies available to the Registrant's shareholders for any violation of a director's fiduciary duty to the Registrant or its shareholders.

        The Articles also authorize the Registrant to indemnify its agents (as defined in Section 317 of the California Code), through bylaw provisions, by agreement or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Pursuant to this provision, the Registrant's Bylaws provide that the Registrant shall indemnify and advance expenses to its directors and officers to the fullest extent permissible under California law, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, the Registrant, at its discretion, may provide indemnification to persons whom the Registrant is not obligated to indemnify. The Bylaws also allow the Registrant to enter into indemnity agreements with individual directors, officers, employees and other agents. The Registrant has entered into indemnity agreements with all of its directors and officers providing the maximum indemnification permitted by law, subject to certain exceptions. These agreements, together with the Registrant's Bylaws and Articles, may require the Registrant, among other things, to indemnify these directors or officers against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers and to advance expenses to them as such expenses are incurred (provided that they undertake to repay the amount advanced if it is ultimately determined by a court that they are not entitled to indemnification).

Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.

        Not applicable.

Item 8. Exhibits—

Exhibit No.

  Description
4.01   Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on March 18, 2004.

4.02

 

Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 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).

4.03

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 27, 2003, by and among the Registrant, Poet Holdings, Inc. and Puma Acquisition, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on November 13, 2003).

4.04

 

Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 20, 2004, by and among the Registrant, Poet Holdings, Inc. and Puma Acquisition, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on January 2004).

4.05

 

Poet Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Plan and Forms of Stock Option Agreement and Exercise Notice thereunder.

4.06

 

Poet Holdings, Inc. 1999 Director Option Plan and Forms of Director Option Agreement and Director Option Exercise Notice thereunder.

4.07

 

Poet Holdings, Inc. 2001 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan and Forms of Stock Option Agreement and Exercise Notice thereunder.
     


5.01

 

Opinion of Fenwick & West LLP.

23.01

 

Consent of Fenwick & West LLP (included in Exhibit 5.01).

23.02

 

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.

23.03

 

Consent of KPMG LLP.

24.01

 

Power of Attorney (see signature page).

99.01

 

Form of Letter from Registrant to optionholders of Poet Holdings, Inc., regarding assumption of options by Registrant.

Item 9. Undertakings.

(a)
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

            (1)   To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

              (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

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

              (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) shall not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

            (2)   That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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

(b)
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c)
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has

    been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.



POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Nick Ordon and Lee McGrath, 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 Fremont, State of California, on this 23rd day of March, 2004.

    VERSANT CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/  
NICK ORDON      
Nick Ordon
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/  
NICK ORDON      
Nick Ordon

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director

 

March 23, 2004

Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer:

 

 

 

 

/s/  
LEE MCGRATH      
Lee McGrath

 

Vice President Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

March 23, 2004

Additional Directors:

 

 

 

 

/s/  
UDAY BELLARY      
Uday Bellary

 

Director

 

March 23, 2004
         


/s/  
WILLIAM HENRY DELEVATI      
William Henry Delevati

 

Director

 

March 23, 2004

/s/  
HERBERT MAY      
Herbert May

 

Director

 

March 23, 2004

/s/  
JOCHEN WITTE      
Jochen Witte

 

President of European Operations and a Director

 

March 23, 2004


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
  Description
   
4.01   Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on March 18, 2004.    

4.02

 

Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 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).

 

 

4.03

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 27, 2003, by and among the Registrant, Poet Holdings, Inc. and Puma Acquisition, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on November 13, 2003).

 

 

4.04

 

Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 20, 2004, by and among the Registrant, Poet Holdings, Inc. and Puma Acquisition, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on January 2004).

 

 

4.05

 

Poet Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Plan and Forms of Stock Option Agreement and Exercise Notice thereunder.

 

 

4.06

 

Poet Holdings, Inc. 1999 Director Option Plan and Forms of Director Option Agreement and Director Option Exercise Notice thereunder.

 

 

4.07

 

Poet Holdings, Inc. 2001 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan and Forms of Stock Option Agreement and Exercise Notice thereunder.

 

 

5.01

 

Opinion of Fenwick & West LLP.

 

 

23.01

 

Consent of Fenwick & West LLP (included in Exhibit 5.01).

 

 

23.02

 

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.

 

 

23.03

 

Consent of KPMG LLP.

 

 

24.01

 

Power of Attorney (see signature page).

 

 

99.01

 

Form of Letter from Registrant to optionholders of Poet Holdings, Inc., regarding assumption of options by Registrant.

 

 



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VERSANT CORPORATION REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8
PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
POWER OF ATTORNEY
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EX-4.01 3 a2131810zex-4_01.htm EXHIBIT 4.01
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EXHIBIT 4.01


AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
VERSANT CORPORATION

        The undersigned, NICK ORDON and LEE MCGRATH, hereby certify that:

        1.     They are the President and Secretary, respectively, of Versant Corporation, a California corporation.

        2.     The Articles of Incorporation of this corporation (including the Certificate of Determination stating the preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon the corporation's Series A Preferred Stock filed with the California Secretary of State on July 13, 1999), as amended to the date of the filing of this certificate, including amendments set forth herein but not separately filed (and with the omissions required by Section 910 of the California Corporations Code), are restated in their entirety as set forth in Exhibit "1" attached hereto and made a part hereof by this reference.

        3.     The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation set forth herein have been duly approved by the Board of Directors.

        4.     The amendments to the Articles of Incorporation (and the above-mentioned Certificate of Determination) included in the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation set forth herein (other than omissions required by Section 910 of the Corporations Code) have been duly approved by the required vote of the shareholders of the corporation in accordance with Sections 902 and 903 of the California Corporations Code. The corporation has two classes of stock, and the total number of outstanding shares of the Corporation is fourteen million eight hundred thousand two hundred twenty seven (14,800,227) shares of Common Stock and one million three hundred thirteen thousand seven hundred forty three (1,313,743) shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The number of shares voting in favor of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation set forth herein equaled or exceeded the vote required. The percentage vote required was more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock, voting together as one class.

        We further declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the matters set forth in this certificate are true and correct of our own knowledge.


Dated: March 18, 2004

/s/
NICK ORDON
Nick Ordon, President

 

/s/
LEE MCGRATH
Lee McGrath, Secretary

EXHIBIT "1


AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
VERSANT CORPORATION

I

        The name of this Corporation is Versant Corporation.

II

        The purpose of this Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of California other than the banking business, the trust company business or the practice of a profession permitted to be incorporated by the California Corporations Code.

III

        This Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, "Common Stock" and Preferred Stock," both of which shall have no par value. The total number of shares of all classes which the Corporation is authorized to issue is seventy-eight million (78,000,000) shares. The total number of shares of Common Stock authorized to be issued is seventy-five million (75,000,000) shares. The total number of shares of Preferred Stock authorized to be issued is three million (3,000,000) shares, two million (2,000,000) of which are designated as "Series A Preferred Stock"

        The Preferred Stock authorized by the Articles of Incorporation of this corporation may be issued from time to time in series. Subject to compliance with applicable protective voting rights which may be granted to the Preferred Stock or series thereof in Certificates of Determination or the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors of this Corporation is authorized, from time to time, to determine or alter the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to, or imposed upon, any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock, and to fix the number of shares of any such series of Preferred Stock and the designation of any such series of Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors, within the limits and restrictions stated in any resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors originally fixing the number of shares constituting any series, may increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series prior to or subsequent to the issuance of shares of that series.

IV

        1.    Limitation of Director's Liability.    The liability of the directors of the Corporation for monetary damages shall be eliminated to the fullest extent permissible under California law.

        2.    Indemnification of Corporate Agents.    The Corporation is authorized to provide indemnification of agents (as defined in Section 317 of the California Corporations Code) through bylaw provisions, agreements with agents, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, in excess of the indemnification otherwise permitted by Section 317 of the California Corporations Code, subject only to the applicable limits set forth in Section 204 of the California Corporations Code with respect to actions for breach of duty to the Corporation and its shareholders.

        3.    Repeal or Modification.    Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article IV by the shareholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.



V

        This Corporation shall not have cumulative voting. This provision shall become effective only when this Corporation becomes a listed corporation within the meaning of Section 301.5 of the California Corporations Code.

VI

        In addition to any other approval of its Board of Director or shareholders that may be required by applicable law, these Articles of Incorporation or the Corporation's Bylaws, during (and only during) the Special Period (as that term is defined below):

              (i)  the Corporation shall not take any action that would be a Material Asset Action (as that term is defined below) unless such Material Asset Action has been duly authorized and approved by the Corporation's Board of Directors by the affirmative vote of at least eighty percent (80%) of the members of the Corporation's Board of Directors then in office;

             (ii)  the Corporation's Board of Directors shall not change the authorized number of members of the Corporation's members from five (5) directors; and

            (iii)  the Corporation shall not amend the provisions of this Article VI unless such amendment is approved by the affirmative vote of at least eighty percent (80%) of the members of the Corporation's Board of Directors then in office.

        The provisions of this Article VI shall not apply, and shall have no further effect, at any time on or after expiration of the Special Period.

        As used in this Article VI, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

        "Material Asset Action" means: (i) any acquisition or purchase by the Corporation from a third party (other than from Poet Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation) of a business or of assets that will, immediately after being acquired by the Corporation, represent a material portion of the Corporation's total consolidated business or assets; (ii) any sale or disposition by the Corporation of any line of business or product line; or (iii) any material change in the operation or the nature of any material line of business that is conducted by the Corporation or by any of its Subsidiaries (as that term is defined below) as of immediately after the Poet Merger Effective Time (as that term is defined below).

        The "Poet Merger" means the merger of Poet Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Poet") with and into Puma Acquisition, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a Subsidiary of the Corporation ("Sub") pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 27, 2003, by and among the Corporation, Poet and Sub, as such may be amended from time to time.

        "Poet Merger Effective Time" means the time and date upon which the Poet Merger became or becomes effective under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

        "Special Period" shall mean that one (1) year period beginning immediately after the Poet Merger Effective Time and ending exactly one (1) year after the Poet Merger Effective Time.

        "Subsidiary" means any entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which at least a majority of the issued and outstanding securities or ownership interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors or other persons performing similar functions for such entity is, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by the Corporation and/or by one or more of its respective Subsidiaries.



VII

        A statement of the preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon the Series A Preferred Stock and the holders thereof is as follows:

        1.    Definitions.    For purposes of this Article VII and the statement of the preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon the Series A Preferred Stock, the following definitions shall apply:

            1.1   "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

            1.2   "Company" shall mean this corporation.

            1.3   "Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock of the Company.

            1.4   "Common Stock Dividend" shall mean a stock dividend declared and paid on the Common Stock that is payable in shares of Common Stock.

            1.5   "Dividend Rate" shall mean $0.3408 per share per annum for the Series A Preferred Stock.

            1.6   "Original Issue Date" shall mean the date on which the first share of Series A Preferred Stock is issued by the Company.

            1.7   "Original Issue Price" shall mean $4.26 per share for the Series A Preferred Stock.

            1.8   "Permitted Repurchases" shall mean the repurchase by the Company of shares of Common Stock held by employees, officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors, advisors, or other persons performing services for the Company or a subsidiary that are subject to restricted stock purchase agreements or stock option exercise agreements under which the Company has the option but not the obligation to repurchase such shares: (i) at cost, upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the termination of employment or services; or (ii) at any price pursuant to the Company's exercise of a right of first refusal to repurchase such shares.

            1.9   "Premium" shall mean an amount equal to the Original Issue Price times (i) 50% percent prior to the first anniversary of Original Issue Date; (ii) 150% after the second anniversary of the Original Issue Date; and (iii) 100% from the first anniversary to the second anniversary.

            1.10 "Price Contingency" shall mean the closing price of the Company's Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq or other exchange upon which it is traded has exceeded twelve dollars per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Conversion Price as provided in Section 5.4) for forty-five consecutive trading days.

            1.11 "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting stock is at the time owned directly or indirectly by the Company or by one or more of such subsidiary corporations.

            1.12 The "Poet Merger" means the merger of Poet Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Poet") with and into Puma Acquisition, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a subsidiary of the Company ("Sub") pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 27, 2003, by and among the Company, Poet and Sub, as such may be amended from time to time.

            1.13 "Poet Merger Effective Time" means the time and date upon which the Poet Merger became or becomes effective under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

        2.    Dividend Rights.    

            2.1    Series A Preferred Stock.    Subject to the rights of Preferred Stock that may be determined by the Board pursuant to Article III of the Company's Articles of Incorporation in the future, in each calendar year, the holders of the then outstanding Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of any funds and assets of the


    Company legally available therefor, noncumulative dividends at the annual Dividend Rate for the Series A Preferred Stock, prior and in preference to the payment of any dividends on the Common Stock in such calendar year (other than a Common Stock Dividend). No dividends (other than a Common Stock Dividend) shall be paid, with respect to the Common Stock during any calendar year unless dividends in the total amount of the annual Dividend Rate for the Series A Preferred Stock shall have first been paid or declared and set apart for payment to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock during that calendar year; provided, however, that this restriction shall not apply to Permitted Repurchases. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock shall not be mandatory or cumulative, and no rights or interest shall accrue to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock by reason of the fact that the Company shall fail to declare or pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock in the amount of the annual Dividend Rate for the Series A Preferred Stock or in any other amount in any calendar year or any fiscal year of the Company, whether or not the earnings of the Company in any calendar year or fiscal year were sufficient to pay such dividends in whole or in part.

            2.2    Participation Rights.    Unless full dividends of the Series A Preferred Stock for the current calendar year shall have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart pursuant to subsection 2.1 above, no dividend whatsoever (other than a Common Stock Dividend) shall be paid or declared and no distribution shall be made, on the Common Stock except as set forth in the balance of this subsection 2.2. If, after dividends in the full preferential amount specified in this Section 2 for the Series A Preferred Stock have been paid or declared and set apart in any calendar year of the Company, the Board shall declare additional dividends out of funds legally available therefor in that calendar year, then, subject to the rights of Preferred Stock that may be determined by the Board pursuant to Article III of the Company's Articles of Incorporation in the future, such additional dividends shall be declared pro rata on the Common Stock and the Series A Preferred Stock on a pari passu basis according to the number of shares of Common Stock held by such holders, where each holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock is to be treated for this purpose as holding the greatest whole number of shares of Common Stock then issuable upon conversion of all shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder pursuant to Section 5.

            2.3    Non-Cash Dividends.    Whenever a dividend provided for in this Section 2 shall be payable in property other than cash, the value of such dividend shall be deemed to be the fair market value of such property as determined in good faith by the Board.

            2.4    Payment on Conversion.    If the Company shall have declared and unpaid dividends with respect to any Series A Preferred Stock, then immediately prior to, and upon a conversion of any of the Series A Preferred Stock as provided in Section 5, the Company shall, subject to the legal availability of funds and assets therefor, pay in cash to the holder of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock being converted the full amount of any dividends declared and unpaid on such shares. If the Company shall not have legally available funds and assets to make lawful payment of such declared and unpaid dividends, the Company shall, in lieu of making a full cash payment of all such declared and unpaid dividends, make payment thereof in cash to the extent the Company has legally available funds and assets therefor, and shall pay the balance of the declared and unpaid dividends in whole shares of Common Stock, valued at the fair market value as determined in good faith by the Board, plus cash in lieu of any fractional share.

        3.    Liquidation Rights.    In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the funds and assets of the Company that may be legally distributed to the Company's shareholders (the "Available Funds and Assets") shall be distributed to shareholders in the following manner:

            3.1    Series A Preferred Stock.    Subject to the rights of Preferred Stock that may be determined by the Board pursuant to Article III of the Company's Articles of Incorporation in the future, the holders of each share of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid, out of the Available Funds and Assets, and prior and in preference to any payment or


    distribution (or any setting apart of any payment or distribution) of any Available Funds and Assets on any shares of Common Stock, an amount per share equal to the Original Issue Price of the Series A Preferred Stock plus all declared but unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock plus the Premium. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, and subject to the rights of Preferred Stock that may be determined by the Board pursuant to Article III of the Company's Articles of Incorporation in the future, the Available Funds and Assets shall be insufficient to permit the payment to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock of their full preferential amount described in this subsection, then all of the remaining Available Funds and Assets shall be distributed among the holders of the then outstanding Series A Preferred Stock pro rata, according to the number of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by each holder thereof.

            3.2    Remaining Assets.    If there are any Available Funds and Assets remaining after the payment or distribution (or the setting aside for payment or distribution) to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock of their full preferential amounts described above in this Section 3, then, subject to the rights of Preferred Stock that may be determined by the Board pursuant to Article III of the Company's Articles of Incorporation in the future all such remaining Available Funds and Assets shall be distributed among the holders of the then outstanding Common Stock and the Series A Preferred Stock pro rata according to the number of shares of Common Stock held by each holder thereof (where, for this purpose, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will be deemed to hold the greatest whole number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock).

            3.3    Merger or Sale of Assets.    The following shall each be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company as those terms are used in this Section 3: (i) a consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other corporation or corporations in which the holders of the Company's outstanding shares immediately before such consolidation or merger do not, immediately after such consolidation or merger, retain stock representing a majority of the voting power of the surviving corporation of such consolidation or merger; or (ii) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; provided however, that. notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3, the Poet Merger shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company as those terms are used in this Section 3.

            3.4    Non-Cash Consideration.    If any assets of the Company distributed to shareholders in connection with any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company are other than cash, then the value of such assets shall be their fair market value as determined by the Board, except that any securities to be distributed to shareholders in a liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company shall be valued as follows:

              (a)   The method of valuation of securities not subject to investment letter or other similar restrictions on free marketability shall be as follows:

                  (i)  if the securities are then traded on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market (or a similar national quotation system), then the value shall be deemed to be the average of the closing prices of the securities on such exchange or system over the 30-day period ending three (3) days prior to the distribution; and

                 (ii)  if there is no active public market, then the value shall be the fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company.

              (b)   The method of valuation of securities subject to investment letter or other restrictions on free marketability shall be to make an appropriate discount from the market value determined as above in subparagraphs (a)(i),(ii) or (iii) of this subsection to reflect the approximate fair market value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board.


        4.    Voting Rights.    

            4.1    Common Stock.    Each holder of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each share thereof held.

            4.2    Series A Preferred Stock.    Each holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to the largest whole number of votes equal to one half of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such shares of Series A Preferred Stock could be converted pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 below at the record date for the determination of the shareholders entitled to vote on such matters or, if no such record date is established, the date such vote is taken or any written consent of shareholders is solicited.

            4.3    General.    Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 4, each holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall have full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of Common Stock, and shall be entitled to notice of any shareholders' meeting in accordance with the bylaws of the Company (as in effect at the time in question) and applicable law, and shall be entitled to vote, together with the holders of Common Stock, with respect to any question upon which holders of Common Stock have the right to vote, except as may be otherwise provided by applicable law. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by law, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock and the holders of Common Stock shall vote together and not as separate classes.

        5.    Conversion Rights.    The outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be convertible into Common Stock as follows:

            5.1    Optional Conversion.    

              (a)   At the option of the holder thereof, each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be convertible into fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock as provided herein.

              (b)   Each holder of Series A Preferred Stock who elects to convert the same into shares of Common Stock shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed, at the office of the Company or any transfer agent for the Series A Preferred Stock or Common Stock, and shall give written notice to the Company at such office that such holder elects to convert the same and shall state therein the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock being converted. Thereupon the Company shall promptly issue and deliver at such office to such holder a certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder is entitled upon such conversion. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be converted, and the person entitled to receive the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such shares of Common Stock on such date.

            5.2    Automatic Conversion.    

              (a)   Each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall automatically be converted into fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock upon the earliest to occur of: (i) satisfaction of the Price Contingency, (ii) the Company's receipt of the written consent of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, or (iii) immediately after the Poet Merger Effective Time.

              (b)   Upon the occurrence of any event specified in subparagraph 5.2(a) above, the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be converted into Common Stock automatically without the need for any further action by the holders of such shares and whether or not the certificates representing such shares are surrendered to the Company or its transfer agent; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to issue certificates evidencing the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion unless the certificates evidencing such shares of Series A Preferred Stock are either delivered to the Company or its



      transfer agent as provided below, or the holder notifies the Company or its transfer agent that such certificates have been lost, stolen or destroyed and executes an agreement satisfactory to the Company to indemnify the Company from any loss incurred by it in connection with such certificates. Upon the occurrence of such automatic conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall surrender the certificates representing such shares at the office of the Company or any transfer agent for the Series A Preferred Stock or Common Stock. Thereupon, there shall be issued and delivered to such holder promptly at such office and in its name as shown on such surrendered certificate or certificates, a certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Series A Preferred Stock surrendered were convertible on the date on which such automatic conversion occurred.

            5.3    Conversion Price.    Each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be convertible in accordance with subsection 5.1 or subsection 5.2 above into the number of shares of Common Stock which results from dividing the Original Issue Price for such series of Series A Preferred Stock by the conversion price for such series of Series A Preferred Stock that is in effect at the time of conversion (the "Conversion Price"). The initial Conversion Price for the Series A Preferred Stock shall be the Original Issue Price for the Series A Preferred Stock divided by two; provided however, that effective upon the Poet Merger Effective Time, the Conversion Price shall be $1.42. The Conversion Price shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided below. Following each adjustment of the Conversion Price, such adjusted Conversion Price shall remain in effect until a further adjustment of such Conversion Price hereunder.

            5.4    Adjustment Upon Common Stock Event.    Upon the happening of a Common Stock Event (as hereinafter defined), the Conversion Price of the Series A Preferred Stock shall, simultaneously with the happening of such Common Stock Event, be adjusted by multiplying the Conversion Price of such series of Series A Preferred Stock in effect immediately prior to such Common Stock Event by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to such Common Stock Event, and (ii) the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately after such Common Stock Event, and the product so obtained shall thereafter be the Conversion Price for the Series A Preferred Stock. The Conversion Price for the Series A Preferred Stock shall be readjusted in the same manner upon the happening of each subsequent Common Stock Event. As used herein, the term "Common Stock Event" shall mean (i) the issue by the Company of additional shares of Common Stock as a dividend on outstanding Common Stock, (ii) a subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares of Common Stock, or (iii) a combination of the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares of Common Stock.

            5.5    Adjustments for Other Dividends and Distributions.    If at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date the Company pays a dividend or makes another distribution to the holders of the Common Stock payable in securities of the Company other than shares of Common Stock, then in each such event provision shall be made so that the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall receive upon conversion thereof, in addition to the number of shares of Common Stock receivable upon conversion thereof, the amount of securities of the Company which they would have received had their Series A Preferred Stock been converted into Common Stock on the date of such event (or such record date, as applicable) and had they thereafter, during the period from the date of such event (or such record date, as applicable) to and including the conversion date, retained such securities receivable by them as aforesaid during such period, subject to all other adjustments called for during such period under this Section 5 with respect to the rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock or with respect to such other securities by their terms.

            5.6    Adjustment for Reclassification, Exchange and Substitution.    If at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date the Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock is changed into the same or a different number of shares of any class or



    classes of stock, whether by recapitalization, reclassification or otherwise (other than by a Common Stock Event or a stock dividend, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets provided for elsewhere in this Section 5), then in any such event each holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall have the right thereafter to convert such stock into the kind and amount of stock and other securities and property receivable upon such recapitalization, reclassification or other change by holders of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such shares of Series A Preferred Stock could have been converted immediately prior to such recapitalization, reclassification or change, all subject to further adjustment as provided herein or with respect to such other securities or property by the terms thereof.

            5.7    Certificate of Adjustment.    In each case of an adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price for a series of Series A Preferred Stock, the Company, at its expense, shall cause its Chief Financial Officer to compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the provisions hereof and prepare a certificate showing such adjustment or readjustment, and shall send such certificate by Federal Express or other recognized international courier service to each registered holder of the Series A Preferred Stock at the holder's address as shown in the Company's stock record books.

            5.8    Fractional Shares.    No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon any conversion of Series A Preferred Stock. In lieu of any fractional share to which the holder would otherwise be entitled, the Company shall pay the holder cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by the Common Stock's fair market value as determined in good faith by the Board as of the date of conversion.

            5.9    Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion.    The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, such number of its shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock; and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company will take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purpose. If any shares of Common Stock reserved for the purpose of conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock require registration, qualification or listing with, or approval of, any governmental authority, stock exchange or other regulatory body under any federal or state law or regulation or otherwise before such shares may be validly issued or delivered upon conversion, the Company will, in good faith, at its own expense and as expeditiously as possible, endeavor to secure such registration, qualification, listing or approval, as the case may be.

            5.10    Notices.    Any notice required by the provisions of this Section 5 to be given to the holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be deemed given upon the earlier of actual receipt or three days after being sent by Federal Express or other recognized international courier service to each holder of record at the address of such holder appearing on the books of the Company.

            5.11    No Impairment.    The Company shall not avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms to be observed or performed hereunder by the Company, but shall at all times in good faith assist in carrying out all such action as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in order to protect the conversion rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock against impairment.

            5.12    Minimum Adjustment.    No adjustment to the Conversion Price of a series of Series A Preferred Stock shall be made in an amount less than Three-Tenths of One Cent ($0.003) per share (subject to appropriate adjustment for stock splits and stock dividends) and provided that at such time as events causing adjustments accumulating One Cent ($0.01) or more have occurred adjustment to the Conversion Price of each series of Series A Preferred Stock shall be made.



        6.    Restrictions and Limitations    

        So long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the Company shall not, without the consent of the holders of a majority of the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding, voting as a separate class:

              (i)  amend or change the rights, preferences, privileges or the restrictions of the Series A Preferred Stock;

             (ii)  create any class of stock having rights, preferences or privileges superior to the Series A Preferred Stock or increase the rights preferences or privileges or the number of authorized shares of any class having rights, preferences or privileges superior to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock;

            (iii)  reclassify any outstanding shares of securities of the Company into shares having rights, preferences or privileges senior to the preferences of the Series A Preferred Stock;

            (iv)  merge or consolidate with or into one or more other corporations in which the shareholders of the Company after such merger or consolidation hold stock representing less than a majority of the voting power of the outstanding stock of the surviving corporation; or

             (v)  sell all or substantially all of the Company's assets in a single transaction or series of related transactions.

        7.    No Reissuance of Preferred Stock.    No share or shares of Series A Preferred Stock acquired by the Company by reason of purchase, conversion or otherwise shall be reissued, and all such shares shall be canceled, retired and eliminated from the shares which the Company shall be authorized to issue.

        8.    Reservation.    The Board reserves all rights under Article III of the Company's Articles of Incorporation to from time to time to determine or alter the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions granted to, or imposed upon, any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock, to fix the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock and the designation of any such series of Preferred Stock, and to reduce the number of shares issuable under any series of Preferred Stock to a number not less than the number of shares previously issued under such series."





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AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF VERSANT CORPORATION
AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF VERSANT CORPORATION
EX-4.05 4 a2131810zex-4_05.htm EXHIBIT 4.05
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EXHIBIT 4.05


POET HOLDINGS, INC.
1995 STOCK PLAN
(Amended and Restated)

        1.    Purposes of the Plan.    The purposes of this 1995 Stock Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants of the Company and its Parent or Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's business. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of an Option and subject to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Stock Purchase rights may also be granted under the Plan.

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

            (a)   "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees appointed pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan.

            (b)   "Applicable Laws" means the legal requirements relating to the administration of stock option plans under United States state corporate laws, federal and state securities laws, the Code any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights will be granted under the Plan.

            (c)   "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (d)   "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

            (e)   "Committee" means a Committee appointed by the Board of Directors in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

            (f)    "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.

            (g)   "Company" means POET Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

            (h)   "Consultant" means any person who is engaged by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.

            (i)    "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant" means that the employment or consulting relationship with the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary is not interrupted or terminated. Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. A leave of absence approved by the Company shall include sick leave, military leave, or any other personal leave approved by an authorized representative of the Company. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract, including Company policies. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, on the ninety-first (91st) day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

            (j)    "Director" means a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (k)   "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. The payment of a Director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

            (l)    "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.



            (m)  "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

                (i)  If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq National Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") System, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the last market trading day prior to the time of determination and reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

               (ii)  If the Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ System (but not on the Nasdaq National Market thereof) or regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination and reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or

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

            (n)   "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

            (o)   "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

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

            (q)   "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

            (r)   "Option Agreement" means an agreement between the Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

            (s)   "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or a Stock Purchase Right.

            (t)    "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right granted under the plan.

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

            (v)   "Plan" means this 1995 Stock Plan.

            (w)  "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to a grant of a Stock Purchase Right under Section 11 below.

            (x)   "Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement" means a written agreement between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the terms and restrictions applying to stock purchased under a Stock Purchase Right. The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Notice of Grant.

            (y)   "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

            (z)   "Share" means a share of the Company's Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 12 below.

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            (aa) "Stock Purchase Right" means a right to purchase Common Stock pursuant to Section 11 below.

            (bb) "Sub-Plan" means a Sub-Plan created under and subject to the terms of this Plan, pursuant to which Options and/or Stock Purchase Rights which qualify for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws may be granted to Employees and Consultants of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.

            (cc) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

        3.    Stock Subject to the Plan.    Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be subject to option and sold under the Plan is one million two hundred thousand (1,200,000) Shares, plus an annual increase will be added on the first day of the fiscal year beginning in 2000, equal to (i) 230,889 shares, (ii) 2% of the outstanding shares on that date, (ii) or a lesser amount determined by the Board. The Shares may be authorized but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

        If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an option exchange program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). However, Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan, upon exercise of either an Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall not be returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at their original purchase price, and the original purchaser of such Shares did not receive any benefits of ownership of such Shares, such Shares shall become available for future grant under the Plan. For purposes of the preceding sentence, voting rights shall not be considered a benefit of Share ownership.

        4.    Administration of the Plan.    

            (a)    Multiple Administrative Bodies.    If permitted by Rule 16b-3, the Plan may be administered by different bodies with respect to Directors, Officers and Employees who are neither Directors nor Officers.

            (b)    Administration With Respect to Directors and Officers.    With respect to grants of Options and Stock Purchase Rights to Employees who are also Officers or Directors of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board if the Board may administer the Plan in compliance with the rules under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor thereto ("Rule 16b-3") relating to the disinterested administration of employee benefit plans under which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and awards of equity securities are to be made and any other Applicable Laws, or (B) a Committee designated by the Board to administer the Plan, which Committee shall be constituted to comply with the rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the disinterested administration of employee benefit plans under which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and awards of equity securities are to be made and any other Applicable Laws. Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove all members of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by the rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the disinterested administration of employee benefit plans under which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and awards of equity securities are to be made.

            (c)    Administration With Respect to Other Employees and Consultants.    With respect to grants of Options and Stock Purchase Rights to Employees or Consultants who are neither Directors nor

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    Officers of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee designated by the Board, which committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to satisfy the Applicable Laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Company's Common Stock is listed. Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove all members of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent permitted by the Applicable Laws.

            (d)    Powers of the Administrator.    Subject to the provisions of the Plan and, in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant authorities, including the approval, if required, of any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed, the Administrator shall have the authority in its discretion:

                (i)  to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, in accordance with Section 2(m) of the Plan;

               (ii)  to select the Consultants and Employees to whom Options and Stock Purchase Rights may from time to time be granted hereunder;

              (iii)  to determine whether and to what extent Options and Stock Purchase Rights or any combination thereof are granted hereunder;

              (iv)  to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each such Option or Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder;

               (v)  to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

              (vi)  to determine the terms and conditions of any Option or Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder;

             (vii)  to determine whether and under what circumstances an Option may be settled in cash under subsection 9(f) instead of Common Stock;

            (viii)  to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered by such Option has declined since the date the Option was granted;

              (ix)  to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to Sub-Plans established for the purpose of qualifying Options or Stock Purchase Rights for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws;

               (x)  to provide for early exercise of Options for the purchase of unvested Shares, subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator may determine; and

              (xi)  to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Options or Stock Purchase Rights granted pursuant to the Plan.

            (e)    Effect of Administrator's Decision.    All decisions, determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and binding on all Optionees and any other holders of any Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

        5.    Eligibility and Limitations.    

            (a)   Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be granted to Employees and Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. An Employee or

4


    Consultant who has been granted an Option or Stock Purchase Right may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

            (b)   Each Option shall be designated in the written option agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of Shares subject to an Optionee's Incentive Stock Options granted by the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary, which become exercisable for the first time during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

            (c)   Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to continuation of his or her employment or consulting relationship with the Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with his or her right or the Company's right to terminate his or her employment or consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause. Options under the Plan are granted in a discretionary fashion, and the grant of one or more Options and/or Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan shall not give rise to a right in any Employee or Consultant to receive additional Option and/or Stock Purchase Right grants in the future. Further, the Board retains the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate the Plan for any reason, or no reason, at any time.

            (d)   The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options and Stock Purchase Rights:

                (i)  No Employee or Consultant shall be granted, in any fiscal year of the Company, Options and Stock Purchase Rights to purchase more than 200,000 Shares.

               (ii)  The foregoing limitation shall be adjusted proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as described in Section 12.

              (iii)  If an Option or Stock Purchase Right is canceled in the same fiscal year of the Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction described in Section 12), the canceled Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be counted against the limit set forth in Section 5(d)(i). For this purpose, if the exercise price of an Option or Stock Purchase Right is reduced, such reduction will be treated as a cancellation of the Option or Stock Purchase Right and the grant of a new Option or Stock Purchase Right.

        6.    Term of Plan.    The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval by the stockholders of the Company, as described in Section 18 of the Plan. The Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 14 thereof.

        7.    Term of Option.    The term of each Option shall be the term stated in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.

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        8.    Option Exercise Price and Consideration.    

            (a)   The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the Administrator, but shall be subject to the following:

                (i)  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                (1)   granted to an Employee who, at the time of grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                (2)   granted to any other Employee, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

               (ii)  In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option

                (1)   granted to a person who, at the time of grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of the grant.

                (2)   granted to any other person, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

            (b)   The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined by the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be determined at the time of grant). Such consideration may consist of (1) cash, (2) check, (3) wire transfer, (4) promissory note, (5) other Shares which (x) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised, (6) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Administrator and a broker, if applicable, shall require to effect a "cashless' exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price, or (7) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator shall consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company.

        9.    Exercise of Option.    

            (a)    Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder.    Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator, including performance criteria with respect to the Company and/or the Optionee, and as shall be permissible under the terms of the Plan, but in no case at a rate of less than twenty percent (20%) per year over five (5) years from the date the Option is granted. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

            An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of such exercise (in such form as the Board approves, including the form attached hereto as Exhibit A) has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by the Company. Full payment may, as authorized by the Administrator, consist of any consideration

6



    and method of payment allowable under Section 8(b) hereof. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right to vote, receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly upon exercise of the Option. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 12 hereof.

            Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in the number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the Plan and the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

            (b)    Termination of Employment or Consulting Relationship.    In the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant (but not in the event of an Optionee's change of status from Employee to Consultant (in which case an Employee's Incentive Stock Option shall automatically convert to a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the date three (3) months and one (1) day following such change of status) or from Consultant to Employee), such Optionee may, but only within such period of time as is determined by the Administrator, of at least thirty (30) days, with such determination in the case of an Incentive Stock Option not exceeding three (3) months after the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise his or her Option to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of such termination, or if the Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate and the Shares converted by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

            (c)    Disability of Optionee.    In the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of his or her disability, the Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination (and in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination. If such disability is not a "disability" as such term is defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option such Incentive Stock Option shall automatically cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the day three (3) months and one (1) day following such termination. To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if the Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

            (d)    Death of Optionee.    In the event of the death of an Optionee, the Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant) by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option on the date of death. If, at the time of death, the Optionee was not entitled to exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. If, after the Optionee's death, the Optionee's estate or a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance does not exercise the Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

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            (e)    Rule 16b-3.    Options granted to persons subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act must comply with Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such additional conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to Plan transactions.

            (f)    Buyout Provisions.    The Administrator may at any time offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

        10.    Non-Transferability of Stockholder Rights.    Options and Stock Purchase Rights may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

        11.    Stock Purchase Rights.    

            (a)    Rights to Purchase.    Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other Options or Stock Purchase Rights granted under the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator determines that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the offeree in writing of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and the time within which such person must accept such offer, which shall in no event exceed ninety (90) days from the date upon which the Administrator makes the determination to grant the Stock Purchase Right. The offer shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the form determined by the Administrator.

            (b)    Repurchase Option.    Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company a repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the purchaser's employment with the Company for any reason (including death or disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall be the original price paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. This repurchase option shall lapse at such rate as the Administrator may determine, but in no case at a rate of less than twenty percent (20%) per year over five years from the date of purchase.

            (c)    Other Provisions.    The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. In addition, the provisions of Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements need not be the same with respect to each purchaser.

            (d)    Rights as a Stockholder.    Once the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, the purchaser shall have rights equivalent to those of a stockholder and shall be a stockholder when his or her purchase is entered upon the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 12 of the Plan.

        12.    Adjustments upon Changes in Capitalization or Merger.    

            (a)    Changes in Capitalization.    Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock Purchase Right, as well as the price per Share of Common Stock covered by each such

8


    outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company. The conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Administrator, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock Purchase Right.

            (b)    Dissolution or Liquidation.    In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee at least fifteen (15) days prior to such proposed action. In addition, the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to any Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall lapse as to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

            (c)    Merger.    In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation, each outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right may be assumed or an equivalent option or right may be substituted by such successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation. If, in such event, an Option or Stock Purchase Right is not assumed or substituted, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate as of the date of the closing of the merger. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be considered assumed if, following the merger, the Option or Stock Purchase Right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if the holders are offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares). If such consideration received in the merger is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger.

            (d)    Shares Subject to Repurchase Option.    Any Shares subject to a repurchase option of the Company shall be exchanged for the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or asset sale by the holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction, as described in the preceding paragraph. If the Optionee receives shares of stock of the successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation in exchange for Shares subject to a repurchase option, and exchanged shares shall continue to be subject to the repurchase option as provided in the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement.

        13.    Time of Granting Options and Stock Purchase Rights.    The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such other date as is determined by

9


the Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be given to each Employee or Consultant to whom an Option or Stock Purchase Right is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

        14.    Amendment and Termination of the Plan.    

            (a)    Amendment and Termination.    The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration, suspension or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent. Such consent must be in writing and signed by the Optionee. In addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or with Section 422 of the Code (or any other applicable law or regulation, including the requirements of the NASD or an established stock exchange), the Company shall obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as required.

            (b)    Effect of Amendment or Termination.    Any such amendment or termination of the Plan shall not affect Options or Stock Purchase Rights already granted, and such Options and Stock Purchase Rights shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been amended or terminated, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.

        15.    Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.    Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such Option or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all relevant provisions of law, 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 upon which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

        As a condition to the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Company may require the person exercising such Option or Stock Purchase Right to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the aforementioned relevant provisions of law.

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

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

        17.    Agreements.    Options and Stock Purchase Rights shall be evidenced by written agreements in such form as the Administrator shall approve from time to time.

        18.    Stockholder Approval.    Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to approval by the stockholders of the company within twelve (12) months before or after the date the plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required under federal and state securities laws and the rules of any stock exchange upon which the Company's Common Stock is listed.

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POET HOLDINGS, INC.

1995 STOCK PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

        Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I. NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

[Optionee's Name and Address]

        You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows:


Grant Number

 

 

 


Date of Grant

 

 

 


Vesting Commencement Date

 

 

 


Exercise Price per Share

 

$

 


Total Number of Shares Granted

 

 

 


Total Exercise Price

 

$

 


Type of Option:

 


Incentive Stock Option

 

 


Nonstatutory Stock Option

Term/Expiration Date:

 

 

 

Vesting Schedule:

        This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule:

        Twelve forty-eighths (12/48) of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest on the last day of the twelfth month after the Vesting Commencement Date, and one forty-eighth (1/48) of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest on the last day of each month thereafter, so that all of the shares subject to the Option will be fully vested on the date four (4) years from the date of grant; provided, however, in each case that the Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant has not terminated prior such date of vesting.

    Termination Period:

        This Option may be exercised for three (3) months after termination of your employment or consulting relationship, or such longer period as may be applicable upon death or disability of Optionee as provided in the Plan. In the event of the Optionee's change in status from Employee to Consultant


or Consultant to Employee, this Option Agreement shall remain in effect. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above.

II. AGREEMENT

        1.    Grant of Option.    POET Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant (the "Optionee"), an option (the "Option") to purchase the total number of shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price") subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the 1995 Stock Plan as amended and restated from time to time (the "Plan") adopted by the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

        If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option ("ISO"), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code. Nevertheless, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), this Option shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO").

        2.    Exercise of Option.    

            (a)    Right to Exercise.    This Option shall be exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other termination of the employment or consulting relationship, this Option shall be exercisable in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

            (b)    Method of Exercise.    This Option shall be exercisable by written notice (in such form as the Board approves, including the form attached hereto as Exhibit A) which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, and such other representations and agreements as to the holder's investment intent with respect to such shares of Common Stock as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Such written notice shall be signed by the Optionee and shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the Secretary of the Company. The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such written notice accompanied by the Exercise Price.

            No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless such issuance and such exercise shall comply with all relevant provisions of law and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Shares.

        3.    Method of Payment.    Payment of the Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

            (a)   cash;

            (b)   check;

            (c)   wire transfer;

            (d)   promissory note;

            (e)   surrender of other shares of Common Stock of the Company which (A) in the case of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Company option, have been owned by the Optionee

2



    for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the Exercise Price of the Shares as to which the Option is being exercised; or

            (f)    consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan.

        4.    Restrictions on Exercise.    This Option may not be exercised until such time as the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, or if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of consideration for such Shares would constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state securities or other law or regulation, including any rule under Part 207 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("Regulation G") as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board.

        5.    Termination of Relationship.    In the event an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant terminates, Optionee may, to the extent otherwise so entitled at the date of such termination (the "Termination Date"), exercise this Option during the Termination Period set out in the Notice of Grant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise this Option at the date of such termination, or if Optionee does not exercise this Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

        6.    Disability of Optionee.    Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6 above, in the event of termination of an Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status as an Employee as a result of his or her disability, Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination (and in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination; provided, however, that if such disability is not a "disability" as such term is defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option such Incentive Stock Option shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the day three (3) months and one (1) day following such termination. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such option shall revert to the Plan.

        7.    Death of Optionee.    In the event of termination of Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of the death of Optionee, the Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the date of death (but in no event later than the date of expiration of the term of this Option as set forth in Section 10 below), by Optionee's estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent the Optionee could exercise the Option at the date of death.

        8.    Repurchase Option.    Unless the Administrator deter-mines other-wise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company a repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the purchaser's service with the Company for any reason (including death or Disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall be the original price paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at a rate determined by the Administrator.

        9.    Non-Transferability of Option.    This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by Optionee. The terms of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

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        10.    Term of Option.    This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option. The limitations set out in Section 7 of the Plan regarding Options designated as Incentive Stock Options and Options granted to stockholders who hold greater than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary shall apply to this Option.

        11.    Tax Consequences.    Set forth below is a brief summary as of the date of this Option of some of the federal and state 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. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

            (a)    Exercise of ISO.    If this Option qualifies as an ISO, there will be no regular federal income tax liability or state income tax liability upon the exercise of the 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 an adjustment to the alternative minimum tax for federal tax purposes and may subject the Optionee to the alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise.

            (b)    Exercise of ISO Following Disability.    If the Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant terminates as a result of disability that is not total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, to the extent permitted on the date of termination, the Optionee must exercise an ISO within ninety (90) days of such termination for the ISO to be qualified as an ISO.

            In the event that the Optionee ceases to be an Employee but remains a Consultant, any Incentive Stock Option of the Optionee that remains unexercised shall cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the date three (3) months and one (1) day following such change of status.

            (c)    Exercise of Nonstatutory Stock Option.    There may be a regular federal and state income tax liability upon the exercise of a Nonstatutory Stock Option. The 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. If Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required to withhold from Optionee's compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.

            (d)    Disposition of Shares.    In the case of an NSO, if Shares are held for at least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal and state income tax purposes. In the case of an ISO, if Shares transferred pursuant to the Option are held for at least one year after exercise and are disposed of at least two years after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will also be treated as long-term capital gain for federal and state income tax purposes. If Shares purchased under an ISO are disposed of within such one-year period or within two years after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on such disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income rates) to the extent of the difference between the Exercise Price and the lesser of (1) the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise, or (2) the sale price of the Shares.

            (e)    Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares.    If the Option granted to Optionee herein is an ISO, and if Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (1) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or

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    (2) the date one year after the date of exercise, the Optionee shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Optionee agrees that Optionee may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by the Optionee.

        12.    Entire Agreement; Governing Law.    The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan, this Option Agreement, the Exercise Notice and, if applicable, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Optionee. This agreement is governed by Delaware law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws.

    POET HOLDINGS, INC.
a Delaware corporation

 

 

By:


        OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OPTION HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING CONSULTANCY OR EMPLOYMENT AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOR IN THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLAN WHICH IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, SHALL CONFER UPON OPTIONEE ANY RIGHT WITH RESPECT TO CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY BY THE COMPANY, NOR SHALL IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE. OPTIONS UNDER THE PLAN ARE GRANTED IN A DISCRETIONARY FASHION, AND THE GRANT OF ONE OR MORE OPTIONS UNDER THE PLAN SHALL NOT GIVE RISE TO A RIGHT IN ANY EMPLOYEE OR CONSULTANT TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL OPTION GRANTS IN THE FUTURE. FURTHER, THE BOARD RETAINS THE RIGHT, IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, TO TERMINATE THE PLAN FOR ANY REASON, OR NO REASON, AT ANY TIME.

        Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully understands all provisions of the Option. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Option. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.


Dated:

 



 


        Optionee

 

 

 

 

Residence Address:

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 


5



EXHIBIT A

1995 STOCK PLAN

EXERCISE NOTICE

POET Holdings, Inc.
999 Baker Way
Suite 100
San Mateo, CA 94404

Attention: Secretary

        1.    Exercise of Option.    Effective as of today,                         , the undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to exercise Optionee's option to purchase                        shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") of POET Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") under and pursuant to the 1995 Stock Plan, as amended (the "Plan") and the [    ] Incentive [    ] Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement dated                        (the "Option Agreement"). Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price for the Shares.

        2.    Representations of Optionee.    Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

        3.    Rights as Stockholder.    Until the stock certificate evidencing such Shares is issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 12 of the Plan.

        Optionee shall enjoy rights as a stockholder until such time as Optionee disposes of the Shares or the Company and/or its assignee(s) exercises the Right of First Refusal or Repurchase Option contained in this Exercise Notice. Upon such exercise, Optionee shall have no further rights as a holder of the Shares so purchased except the right to receive payment for the Shares so purchased in accordance with the provisions of the Stock Purchase Agreement, and Optionee shall forthwith cause the certificate(s) evidencing the Shares so purchased to be surrendered to the Company for transfer or cancellation.

        4.    Tax Consultation.    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 consultants 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.

        5.    Entire Agreement.    The Plan, Notice of Grant/Option Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan, the Option Agreement, and, if applicable, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser.


Submitted by:

 

Accepted by:

OPTIONEE:

 

POET HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

By:



 

 

Its:





 

 

 
(Signature)      
Address:   Address:



 

999 Baker Way
Suite 100

  San Mateo, CA 94404


CONSENT OF SPOUSE

        I,                        , spouse of                        , have read and approve the foregoing Agreement. In consideration of granting of the right to my spouse to purchase shares of POET Holdings, Inc., as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact in respect to the exercise of any rights under the Agreement and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Agreement insofar as I may have any rights in said Agreement or any shares issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state of our residence as of the date of the signing of the foregoing Agreement.

Dated:  
   

 

 

 

 


2




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POET HOLDINGS, INC. 1995 STOCK PLAN (Amended and Restated)
POET HOLDINGS, INC. 1995 STOCK PLAN STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT A 1995 STOCK PLAN EXERCISE NOTICE
CONSENT OF SPOUSE
EX-4.06 5 a2131810zex-4_06.htm EXHIBIT 4.06
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EXHIBIT 4.06


POET HOLDINGS, INC.

1999 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN

        1.     Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this 1999 Director Option Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for service as Outside Directors (as defined herein) of the Company, to provide additional incentive to the Outside Directors of the Company to serve as Directors, and to encourage their continued service on the Board.

        All options granted hereunder shall be nonstatutory stock options.

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

            (a)   "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (b)   "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

            (c)   "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.

            (d)   "Company" means POET Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

            (e)   "Director" means a member of the Board.

            (f)    "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

            (g)   "Employee" means any person, including officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. The payment of a Director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient in and of itself to constitute "employment" by the Company.

            (h)   "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

            (i)    "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

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

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

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

            (j)    "Inside Director" means a Director who is an Employee.

            (k)   "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

            (l)    "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.

            (m)  "Optionee" means a Director who holds an Option.

            (n)   "Outside Director" means a Director who is not an Employee and who is not the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly, of



    securities of the Company representing more than one percent (1%) of the total voting power represented by the Company's outstanding voting securities on the date of any grant hereunder.

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

            (p)   "Plan" means this 1999 Director Option Plan.

            (q)   "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 10 of the Plan.

            (r)   "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

        3.     Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold under the Plan is 250,000 Shares (the "Pool"). The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

        If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan shall not be returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan.

        4.     Administration and Grants of Options under the Plan.

            (a)   Procedure for Grants. All grants of Options to Outside Director under this Plan shall be automatic in accordance with the following provisions:

                (i)  Each Outside Director shall be automatically granted an Option to purchase 40,000 Shares (the "First Option") on the later of the effective date of the Plan or on the date on which such person first becomes an Outside Director, whether through election by the stockholders of the Company or appointment by the Board to fill a vacancy; provided, however, that an Inside Director who ceases to be an Inside Director but who remains a Director shall not receive a First Option.

               (ii)  Each Outside Director shall be automatically granted an Option to purchase 10,000 Shares (a "Subsequent Option") on the date of each of annual meeting of the stockholders held after the effective date of this Plan, provided he or she is then an Outside Director and if as of such date, he or she shall have served on the Board for at least the preceding six (6) months.

              (iii)  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (i) and (ii) hereof, any exercise of an Option granted before the Company has obtained stockholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof shall be conditioned upon obtaining such stockholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof.

              (iv)  The terms of each First Option granted under this Section 4 shall be as follows:

                (A)  the term of the First Option shall be ten (10) years.

                (B)  the First Option shall be exercisable only while the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

                (C)  the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the initial public offering price per Share of Common Stock in the offering.

                (D)  subject to Section 10 hereof, the First Option shall become exercisable as to twenty five percent (25%) of the Shares subject to the First Option on each monthly anniversary of its date of grant, provided that the Optionee continues to serve as a Director on such dates.

                (E)  the First Option shall be a nonstatutory stock option.



               (v)  The terms of a Subsequent Option granted hereunder shall be as follows:

                (A)  the term of the Subsequent Option shall be ten (10) years.

                (B)  the Subsequent Option shall be exercisable only while the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

                (C)  the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the Subsequent Option.

                (D)  subject to Section 10 hereof, the Subsequent Option shall become exercisable as to 100% of the Shares subject to the Subsequent Option on the fourth (4) anniversary of its date of grant, provided that the Optionee continues to serve as a Director on such date,

                (E)  the Subsequent Option shall be a nonstatutory stock option.

              (vi)  In the event that any Option granted under the Plan would cause the number of Shares subject to outstanding Options plus the number of Shares previously purchased under Options to exceed the Pool, then the remaining Shares available for Option grant shall be granted under Options to the Outside Directors on a pro rata basis. No further grants shall be made until such time, if any, as additional Shares become available for grant under the Plan through action of the Board or the stockholders to increase the number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan or through cancellation or expiration of Options previously granted hereunder.

        5.     Eligibility. Options may be granted only to Outside Directors. All Options shall be automatically granted in accordance with the terms set forth in Section 4 hereof.

        The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to continuation of service as a Director or nomination to serve as a Director, nor shall it interfere in any way with any rights which the Director or the Company may have to terminate the Director's relationship with the Company at any time.

        6.     Term of Plan. The Plan was adopted by the Board in August 1999, and is subject to stockholder approval as described in Section 16 of the Plan. The Plan shall become effective immediately upon the effective date of the initial public offering of the Company's common stock pursuant to a registration statement filed under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. The Plan shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 11 of the Plan.

        7.     Form of Consideration. The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall consist of (i) cash, (ii) check, (iii) other shares which (x) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised, (iv) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan, or (v) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.

        8.     Exercise of Option.

            (a)   Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times as are set forth in Section 4 hereof; provided, however, that no Options shall be exercisable until stockholder approval of the Plan in accordance with Section 16 hereof has been obtained.

            An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

            An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when notice of such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been



    received by the Company. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment allowable under Section 7 of the Plan. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired shall be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 10 of the Plan.

            Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in the number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

            (b)   Termination of Continuous Status as a Director. Subject to Section 10 hereof, in the event an Optionee's status as a Director terminates (other than upon the Optionee's death or Disability), the Optionee may exercise his or her Option, but only within three (3) months following the date of such termination, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it on the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of its ten (10) year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an Option on the date of such termination and to the extent that the Optionee does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

            (c)   Disability of Optionee. In the event Optionee's status as a Director terminates as a result of Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option, but only within twelve (12) months following the date of such termination, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it on the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of its ten (10)-year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an Option on the date of termination, or if he or she does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

            (d)   Death of Optionee. In the event of an Optionee's death, the Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance may exercise the Option, but only within twelve (12) months following the date of death, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it on the date of death (but in no event later than the expiration of its ten (10) year term). To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an Option on the date of death, and to the extent that the Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise such Option does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

        9.     Non-Transferability of Options. The Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

        10.   Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or Asset Sale.

            (a)   Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of Shares covered by each outstanding Option, the number of Shares which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well as the price per Share covered by each such outstanding Option, and the number of Shares issuable pursuant to the automatic grant provisions of Section 4 hereof shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Except as expressly


    provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of Shares subject to an Option.

            (b)   Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent that an Option has not been previously exercised, it shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

            (c)   Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, outstanding Options may be assumed or equivalent options may be substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary thereof (the "Successor Corporation"). If an Option is assumed or substituted for, the Option or equivalent option shall continue to be exercisable as provided in Section 4 hereof for so long as the Optionee serves as a Director or a director of the Successor Corporation. Following such assumption or substitution, if the Optionee's status as a Director or director of the Successor Corporation, as applicable, is terminated other than upon a voluntary resignation by the Optionee, the Option shall become fully exercisable, including as to Shares for which it would not otherwise be exercisable. Thereafter, the Option or option shall remain exercisable in accordance with Sections 8(b) through (d) above.

            If the Successor Corporation does not assume an outstanding Option or substitute for it an equivalent option, the Option shall become fully vested and exercisable, including as to Shares for which it would not otherwise be exercisable. In such event the Board shall notify the Optionee that the Option shall be fully exercisable for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of such notice, and upon the expiration of such period the Option shall terminate.

            For the purposes of this Section 10(c), an Option shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the Option confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares). If such consideration received in the merger or sale of assets is not solely common stock of the Successor Corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the Successor Corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option, to be solely common stock of the Successor Corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets.

        11.   Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

            (a)   Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration, suspension, or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent. In addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule, the Company shall obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as required.

            (b)   Effect of Amendment or Termination. Any such amendment or termination of the Plan shall not affect Options already granted and such Options shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been amended or terminated.

        12.   Time of Granting Options. The date of grant of an Option shall, for all purposes, be the date determined in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

        13.   Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant



thereto shall comply with all relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, state securities laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

        As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares, if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the aforementioned relevant provisions of law.

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

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

        15.   Option Agreement. Options shall be evidenced by written option agreements in such form as the Board shall approve.

        16.   Stockholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required under applicable state and federal law and any stock exchange rules.


POET HOLDINGS, INC.

DIRECTOR OPTION AGREEMENT

        POET Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") has granted to                        (the "Optionee"), an option to purchase a total of            shares of the Company's Common Stock (the "Optioned Stock"), at the price determined as provided herein, and in all respects subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the Company's 1999 Director Option Plan (the "Plan") adopted by the Company which is incorporated herein by reference. The terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings herein.

        1.    Nature of the Option.    This Option is a nonstatutory option and is not intended to qualify for any special tax benefits to the Optionee.

        2.    Exercise Price.    The exercise price is $            for each share of Common Stock.

        3.    Exercise of Option.    This Option shall be exercisable during its term in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan as follows:

            (i)    Right to Exercise.    

              (a)   This Option shall become exercisable as to 25% of the Shares subject to the Option on each monthly anniversary of its date of grant; provided, however, that the Optionee continues to serve as a Director on such dates.

              (b)   This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share.

              (c)   In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other termination of service as a Director, the exercisability of the Option is governed by Section 8 of the Plan.

            (ii)    Method of Exercise.    This Option shall be exercisable by written notice which shall state the election to exercise the Option and the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised. Such written notice, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, shall be signed by the Optionee and shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the Secretary of the Company. The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of the exercise price.

        4.    Method of Payment.    Payment of the exercise price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

              (i)  cash;

             (ii)  check; or

            (iii)  surrender of other shares which (x) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised; or

            (iv)  delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Company and the broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price.

        5.    Restrictions on Exercise.    This Option may not be exercised if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state securities or other law or regulations, or if such issuance would not comply with the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed. As a condition to the exercise of this Option, the Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty to the Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.

        6.    Non-Transferability of Option.    This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of



Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

        7.    Term of Option.    This Option may not be exercised more than ten years from the date of grant of this Option, and may be exercised during such period only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option.

        8.    Taxation Upon Exercise of Option.    Optionee understands that, upon exercise of this Option, he or she will recognize income for tax purposes in an amount equal to the excess of the then Fair Market Value of the Shares purchased over the exercise price paid for such Shares. Since the Optionee is subject to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under certain limited circumstances the measurement and timing of such income (and the commencement of any capital gain holding period) may be deferred, and the Optionee is advised to contact a tax advisor concerning the application of Section 83 in general and the availability a Section 83(b) election in particular in connection with the exercise of the Option. Upon a resale of such Shares by the Optionee, any difference between the sale price and the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise of the Option, to the extent not included in income as described above, will be treated as capital gain or loss.

        9.    Entire Agreement; Governing Law.    The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Optionee. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.


DATE OF GRANT:   POET HOLDINGS, INC.
         
         
    By:    

        Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto, and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions arising under the Plan.

Dated:    
   
Optionee

EXHIBIT A

DIRECTOR OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE

POET Holdings, Inc.
999 Baker Way, Suite 100
San Mateo, CA 94404

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

        1.    Exercise of Option.    The undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to exercise Optionee's option to purchase            shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of POET Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") under and pursuant to the Company's 1999 Director Option Plan and the Director Option Agreement dated                        (the "Agreement").

        2.    Representations of Optionee.    Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has received, read and understood the Agreement.

        3.    Federal Restrictions on Transfer.    Optionee understands that the Shares must be held indefinitely unless they are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or unless an exemption from such registration is available, and that the certificate(s) representing the Shares may bear a legend to that effect. Optionee understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the Shares and that an exemption may not be available or may not permit Optionee to transfer Shares in the amounts or at the times proposed by Optionee.

        4.    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.

        5.    Delivery of Payment.    Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the aggregate purchase price for the Shares that Optionee has elected to purchase and has made provision for the payment of any federal or state withholding taxes required to be paid or withheld by the Company.

        6.    Entire Agreement.    The Agreement is incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Notice and the Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Exercise Notice and the Agreement are governed by California law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws.

Submitted by:   Accepted by:

OPTIONEE:

 

POET HOLDINGS, INC.

Name:

 

 

 

By:

 

 
   
     
        Its:    

Signature
     
Address:       
  Address:   999 Baker Way, Suite 100
San Mateo, CA 94404
Dated:       Dated:    
   
     



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POET HOLDINGS, INC. 1999 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN
EX-4.07 6 a2131810zex-4_07.htm EXHIBIT 4.07
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Exhibit 4.07

POET HOLDINGS, INC.

2001 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN

        1.    Purposes of the Plan.    The Purposes of this Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan are:

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

    to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and

    to promote the success of the Company's business.

    Options granted under the Plan will be Nonstatutory Stock Options.

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

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

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

            (c)   "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (d)   "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

            (e)   "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

            (f)    "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.

            (g)   "Company" means POET Holdings, Inc. a Delaware corporation.

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

            (i)    "Director" means a member of the Board.

            (j)    "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

            (k)   "Employee" means any person, including Officers, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

            (l)    "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

            (m)  "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:

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


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

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

            (n)   "Notice of Grant" means a written or electronic notice evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.

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

            (p)   "Option" means a nonstatutory stock option granted pursuant to the Plan, that is not intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

            (q)   "Option Agreement" means an agreement between the Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

            (r)   "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby outstanding options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower exercise price.

            (s)   "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.

            (t)    "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option granted under the Plan.

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

            (v)   "Plan" means this 2001 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan.

            (w)  "Service Provider" means an Employee including an Officer, Consultant or Director.

            (x)   "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 12 of the Plan.

            (y)   "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

        3.    Stock Subject to the Plan.    Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold under the Plan is 250,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

        If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated).

        4.    Administration of the Plan.    

            (a)    Administration.    The Plan shall be administered by (i) the Board or (ii) a Committee, which committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.

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            (b)    Powers of the Administrator.    Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its discretion:

              (i)    to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock;

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

              (iii)  to determine whether and to what extent Options are granted hereunder;

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

              (v)   to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

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

              (vii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered by such Option shall have declined since the date the Option was granted;

              (viii) to institute an Option Exchange Program;

              (ix)  to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards granted pursuant to the Plan;

              (x)   to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws;

              (xi)  to modify or amend each Option (subject to Section 14(b) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan;

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

              (xiii) to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to Options;

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

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

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

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        5.    Eligibility.    Options may be granted to Service Providers.

        6.    Limitation.    Neither the Plan nor any Option shall confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with the Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause.

        7.    Term of Plan.    The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for ten (10) years, unless sooner terminated under Section 14 of the Plan.

        8.    Term of Option.    The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option Agreement.

        9.    Option Exercise Price and Consideration.    

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

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

            (c)    Form of Consideration.    The Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. Such consideration may consist entirely of:

              (i)    cash;

              (ii)   check;

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

              (iv)  consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;

              (v)   a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement;

              (vi)  such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or

              (vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.

        10.    Exercise of Option.    

            (a)    Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder.    Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Option Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

            An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if requested by the Optionee, in the name of the

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    Optionee and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 12 of the Plan.

            Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

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

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

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

            (e)    Buyout Provisions.    The Administrator may at any time offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

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        11.    Non-Transferability of Options.    Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee. If the Administrator makes an Option transferable, such Option shall contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.

        12.    Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or Asset Sale.    

            (a)    Changes in Capitalization.    Subject to any required action by the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Option, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option.

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

            (c)    Merger or Asset Sale.    In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, each outstanding Option shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise the Option as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an Option becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or electronically that the Option shall be fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock, immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such

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    consideration received in the merger or sale of assets is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets.

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

        14.    Amendment and Termination of the Plan.    

            (a)    Amendment and Termination.    The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

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

        15.    Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.    

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

            (b)    Investment Representations.    As a condition to the exercise of an Option the Company may require the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

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

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

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POET HOLDINGS, INC.

2001 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

        Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I.     NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

    [Optionee's Name and Address]

        You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows:

Grant Number      
Date of Grant      
Vesting Commencement Date      
Exercise Price per Share   $  
Total Number of Shares Granted      
Total Exercise Price   $  
Type of Option:     Nonstatutory Stock Option
Term/Expiration Date:      

    Vesting Schedule:

        This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule:

        Twelve thirty-sixths (12/36) of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest on the last day of the twelfth month after the Vesting Commencement Date, and one thirty-sixth (1/36) of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest on the last day of each month thereafter, so that all of the shares subject to the Option will be fully vested on the last day of the thirty sixth month after the Vesting Commencement Date provided, however, in each case that the Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant has not terminated prior to such date of vesting.

    Termination Period:

        This Option may be exercised for three months after Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option may be exercised for such longer period as provided in the Plan. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above.

II.    AGREEMENT

        1.    Grant of Option.    The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this Agreement (the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 14(b) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

        2.    Exercise of Option.    

            (a)    Right to Exercise.    This Option is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.


            (b)    Method of Exercise.    This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"), which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be completed by the Optionee and delivered to the Controller of the Company. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price.

            No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.

        3.    Method of Payment.    Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

            (a)   cash;

            (b)   check;

            (c)   consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; or

            (d)   surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares.

        4.    Non-Transferability of Option.    This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

        5.    Term of Option.    This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

        6.    Tax Consequences.    Some of the United States federal tax consequences relating to this Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

            (a)    Exercising the Option.    The Optionee may incur regular federal income tax liability upon exercise of an NSO. The 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 Exercised Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price. If the Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required to withhold from his or her compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.

2


            (b)    Disposition of Shares.    If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.

        7.    Entire Agreement; Governing Law.    The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Optionee. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of Delaware.

        8.    NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE.    OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.

        By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan and Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.

OPTIONEE   POET Holdings, Inc.

    

Signature

 

    

By

    

Print Name

 

    

Title

    

Residence Address

 

 

3



EXHIBIT A

POET Holdings, Inc.

2001 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN

EXERCISE NOTICE

POET Holdings, Inc.
999 Baker Way, Suite 200
San Mateo, CA 94404

Attention: Controller

        1.    Exercise of Option.    Effective as of today,                         ,            , the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase                        shares (the "Shares") of the Common Stock of POET Holdings,  Inc. (the "Company") under and pursuant to the 2001 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") and the Stock Option Agreement dated                        ,    (the "Option Agreement"). The purchase price for the Shares shall be $            , as required by the Option Agreement.

        2.    Delivery of Payment.    Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price for the Shares.

        3.    Representations of Purchaser.    Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

        4.    Rights as Shareholder.    Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired shall be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 12 of the Plan.

        5.    Tax Consultation.    Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.

        6.    Entire Agreement; Governing Law.    The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by means of a writing signed by



the Company and Purchaser. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of Delaware.

Submitted by:   Accepted by:

PURCHASER

 

POET Holdings, Inc.

    

Signature

 

    

By

    

Print Name

 

    

Title

 

 

    

Date Received

Address:

 

    


 

Address:

 

    


 

 

    


 

 

 

    


 

 

    


 

 

 

    

2




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POET HOLDINGS, INC. 2001 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
POET HOLDINGS, INC. 2001 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT A POET Holdings, Inc. 2001 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN EXERCISE NOTICE
EX-5.01 7 a2131810zex-5_01.htm EXHIBIT 5.01

EXHIBIT 5.01

        March 23, 2004

Versant Corporation
6539 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, California 94555

Gentlemen/Ladies:

        At your request, we have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed by Versant Corporation, a California corporation (the "Company"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on or about March 23, 2004 in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of an aggregate of 1,784,780 shares of the Company's Common Stock (the "Shares"), subject to issuance by the Company upon the exercise of stock options granted by Poet Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Poet"), under Poet's Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Plan, 1999 Director Option Plan, and 2001 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (collectively, the "Plans") and assumed by the Company (the "Options") upon completion of the Company's acquisition of Poet on March 18, 2004, pursuant to the terms of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, Poet and Puma Acquisition, Inc. ("Puma") dated as of September 27, 2003 as amended by that certain Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 20, 2004 among the Company, Poet and Puma (the "Merger Agreement"). In rendering this opinion, we have examined such matters of fact as we have deemed necessary in order to render the opinion set forth herein, which included examination of the following:

    (1)
    the Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, certified by the California Secretary of State on March 18, 2004;

    (2)
    the Company's Bylaws, certified by the Company's Secretary on March 18, 2004;

    (3)
    the Merger Agreement;

    (4)
    the Certificate of Merger filed by Poet on March 18, 2004 with the Delaware Secretary of State pursuant to the Merger Agreement, certified by the Delaware Secretary of Stated on March 18, 2004;

    (5)
    the Registration Statement, together with the Exhibits filed as a part thereof or incorporated therein by reference;

    (6)
    the Prospectus prepared in connection with the Registration Statement;

    (7)
    all actions, consents and minutes of meetings of, the Company's incorporator, Board of Directors and shareholders which are contained in the minute books of the Company in our possession, including the minutes of the meeting of the Company's Board of Directors held on September 27, 2003 approving the Merger Agreement, the assumption and conversion of the Options and the reservation of a sufficient number of shares of the Company's Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of the Options;

    (8)
    a representation from the Company dated as of the date of this letter confirming the total number of (i) all authorized shares of the Company's capital stock, (ii) all outstanding shares of its capital stock of each class and series as of the date of this letter, (iii) all issued and outstanding options, warrants and any other rights to purchase or acquire from the Company any shares of its capital stock as of the date of this letter and the total number of shares of its capital stock of each class and series that are potentially issuable upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of all such issued and outstanding options, warrants and rights, and (iv) all additional shares of capital stock that are, as of the date of this letter, reserved for future issuance in connection with the Company's stock option and stock purchase plans and all other plans, agreements or rights that exist as of the date of this letter;

    (9)
    a verification from Mellon Investor Services, the Company's transfer agent, dated as of March 22, 2004 verifying the number of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock, no par value as of March 19, 2004; and

    (10)
    a Management Certificate addressed to us and dated of even date herewith executed by the Company containing certain factual and other representations including, but not limited to, the representations described in paragraph 6 above (the "Management Certificate").

        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 and completeness of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to originals and completeness of all documents submitted to us as copies, the legal capacity of all persons or entities executing the same, the lack of any undisclosed termination, modification, waiver or amendment to any document reviewed by us and the due authorization, execution and delivery of all documents where due authorization, execution and delivery are prerequisites to the effectiveness thereof. We have also assumed that the certificates representing the Shares have been, or will be, when issued, properly signed by authorized officers of the Company or their agents.

        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 the documents referred to above and the representations and warranties made by representatives of the Company to us, including but not limited to those set forth in the Management Certificate. We have made no independent investigation or other attempt 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 cause us to believe that the opinion expressed herein is not accurate.

        We are admitted to practice law in the State of California, and we render this opinion only with respect to, and express no opinion herein concerning the application or effect of the laws of any jurisdiction other than, the existing laws of the United States of America and of the State of California.

        Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the 1,784,780 Shares that may be issued and sold by the Company upon the exercise of the Options, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the applicable purchase agreements to be entered into and in the manner and for the consideration stated in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, 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 is intended solely for use in connection with issuance and sale of shares subject to the Registration Statement and is not to be relied upon for any other purpose. We assume no obligation to advise you of any fact, circumstance, event or change in the law or the facts that may hereafter be brought to our attention whether or not such occurrence would affect or modify the opinions expressed herein.

                        Very truly yours,

                        FENWICK & WEST LLP



EX-23.02 8 a2131810zex-23_02.htm EXHIBIT 23.02
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Exhibit 23.02


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

        We have issued our report dated November 14, 2003 accompanying the consolidated financial statements of Versant Corporation and subsidiaries appearing in the 2003 Annual Report of the Company to its shareholders and accompanying the schedules included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003 which are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of the aforementioned report.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

San Jose, CA
March 22, 2004




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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
EX-23.03 9 a2131810zex-23_03.htm EXHIBIT 23.03
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Exhibit 23.03


CONSENT OF KPMG LLP

To the Board of Directors
Versant Corporation

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form S-8 of our report dated November 26, 2002, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of Versant Corporation and subsidiaries as of October 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended and the related financial statement schedule which report appears in the October 31, 2003 annual report on Form 10-K of Versant Corporation.

GRAPHIC

Mountain View, California
March 22, 2004




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CONSENT OF KPMG LLP
EX-99.01 10 a2131810zex-99_01.htm EXHIBIT 99.01

EXHIBIT 99.01

March    , 2004

To the Former Option Holders of Poet Holdings, Inc.:

        Re:    Assumption of Your Poet Stock Options in Versant / Poet Merger

        On behalf of the Versant Corporation ("Versant"), I am pleased to inform you that on March 18, 2004, the merger ("Merger") of Puma Acquisition, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Versant ("Sub") into Poet Holdings, Inc. ("Poet") was completed. The Merger was effected pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 27, 2003, as amended, among Versant, Sub and Poet (the "Merger Agreement"). As a result of the Merger, on March 18, 2004, each outstanding share of Poet's common stock was converted into and become 1.40 shares of Versant common stock.

        Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and as a result of the Merger:

    Versant has assumed the obligations of Poet under each option to purchase shares of Poet common stock that was outstanding immediately before the Merger became effective (each, a "Poet Option"); and

    Each outstanding Poet option to purchase one (1) share of Versant common stock was automatically converted on March 18, 2004 into an option (each, an "Assumed Option") to purchase 1.40 shares of Versant common stock (the exact number of shares to be rounded up or down to the nearest whole number of shares of Versant common stock, as provided in the Merger Agreement), at a price per share of Versant common stock equal to the option exercise price per Poet share specified in the stock option agreement for the applicable Poet Option divided by 1.40 (the exact price to be rounded up or down to the nearest whole cent, as provided in the Merger Agreement).

        Except as noted above, your Assumed Option will be subject to the same terms and conditions as your former Poet Option, including the date of grant. All references to Poet in the applicable stock option agreement governing your Poet Option will now be deemed to refer to and mean Versant and such stock option agreement, together with this letter, represent the stock option agreement terms of your Assumed Option. The Merger neither affected the vesting schedule of your Assumed Option, nor triggered any vesting acceleration under the terms of the stock option plan under which your Poet Option was granted. Attached to this letter is a schedule, entitled "Exhibit A—Option Assumption" listing by date of grant (i) each Poet Option granted to you, (ii) its pre-Merger exercise price, (iii) the number of Poet shares that were subject to such Poet Option immediately prior to the Merger, (iv) its post-Merger exercise price per Versant common share, and (v) the number of shares of Versant common stock subject to such option immediately after the Merger, now that it is an Assumed Option(s).

        Please sign and date this letter below and return it promptly to the following address:

Versant Corporation
6539 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, CA 94555
Attn: Robin Steckhahn: Stock Administrator

        Until this letter is signed and dated by you and returned to us, you will not be able to exercise your Assumed Option.

    Sincerely,

 

 

Nick Ordon
President and Chief Executive Officer
Versant Corporation

Attachment:    Exhibit A—Option Assumption


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

        The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the foregoing letter (including Exhibit A—Option Assumption) explaining the effect of the Merger and understands that all rights and liabilities with respect to each Assumed Option are as set forth in the stock option agreement of the former Poet Option, the Poet plan under which such option was originally granted, and this letter (including Exhibit A—Option Assumption).

Dated:                        , 2004    

By:

 

 

 

 
   
[NAME]
   

Exhibit A—Option Assumption

Assumed Options of:            

Poet Option ID

  Pre-Merger Exercise
Price per Poet Share

  Number of Poet Shares
Subject to Option
Immediately Prior to
the Merger(1)

  Post-Merger Exercise
Price per Versant
Share

  Number of Versant
Shares Subject to
Option Immediately
After the Merger


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



March    , 2004

To the Former Option Holders of Poet Holdings, Inc.:

        Re:    Assumption of Your Poet Stock Options in Versant / Poet Merger

        On behalf of the Versant Corporation ("Versant"), I am pleased to inform you that on March 18, 2004, the merger ("Merger") of Puma Acquisition, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Versant ("Sub") into Poet Holdings, Inc. ("Poet") was completed. The Merger was effected pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 27, 2003, as amended, among Versant, Sub and Poet (the "Merger Agreement"). As a result of the Merger, on March 18, 2004, each outstanding share of Poet's common stock was converted into and become 1.40 shares of Versant common stock.

        Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and as a result of the Merger:

    Versant has assumed the obligations of Poet under each option to purchase shares of Poet common stock that was outstanding immediately before the Merger became effective (each, a "Poet Option"); and

    Each outstanding Poet option to purchase one (1) share of Versant common stock was automatically converted on March 18, 2004 into an option (each, an "Assumed Option") to purchase 1.40 shares of Versant common stock (the exact number of shares to be rounded up or down to the nearest whole number of shares of Versant common stock, as provided in the Merger Agreement), at a price per share of Versant common stock equal to the option exercise price per Poet share specified in the stock option agreement for the applicable Poet Option divided by 1.40 (the exact price to be rounded up or down to the nearest whole cent, as provided in the Merger Agreement).

        Except as noted above, your Assumed Option will be subject to the same terms and conditions as your former Poet Option, including the date of grant. All references to Poet in the applicable stock option agreement governing your Poet Option will now be deemed to refer to and mean Versant and such stock option agreement, together with this letter, represent the stock option agreement terms of your Assumed Option. Except as otherwise provided in your particular option grant, the Merger neither affected the vesting schedule of your Assumed Option, nor triggered any vesting acceleration under the terms of the stock option plan under which your Poet Option was granted. Attached to this letter is a schedule, entitled "Exhibit A—Option Assumption" listing by date of grant (i) each Poet Option granted to you, (ii) its pre-Merger exercise price, (iii) the number of Poet shares that were subject to such Poet Option immediately prior to the Merger, (iv) its post-Merger exercise price per Versant common share, and (v) the number of shares of Versant common stock subject to such option immediately after the Merger, now that it is an Assumed Option(s).

        Please sign and date this letter below and return it promptly to the following address:

Versant Corporation
6539 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, CA 94555
Attn: Robin Steckhahn: Stock Administrator

        Until this letter is signed and dated by you and returned to us, you will not be able to exercise your Assumed Option.

    Sincerely,

 

 

Nick Ordon
President and Chief Executive Officer
Versant Corporation

Attachment:    Exhibit A—Option Assumption


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

        The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the foregoing letter (including Exhibit A—Option Assumption) explaining the effect of the Merger and understands that all rights and liabilities with respect to each Assumed Option are as set forth in the stock option agreement of the former Poet Option, the Poet plan under which such option was originally granted, and this letter (including Exhibit A—Option Assumption).

Dated:                        , 2004    

By:

 

 

 

 
   
[NAME]
   

Exhibit A—Option Assumption

Assumed Options of:            

Poet Option ID

  Pre-Merger Exercise
Price per Poet Share

  Number of Poet Shares
Subject to Option
Immediately Prior to
the Merger(1)

  Post-Merger Exercise
Price per Versant
Share

  Number of Versant
Shares Subject to
Option Immediately
After the Merger


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 




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