<PAGE>
NISOURCE INC.
1994 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
AS AMENDED AND RESTATED EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2000
<PAGE>
-i-
NISOURCE INC.
1994 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C> <C>
1. Purpose................................................................................................-1-
2. Administration.........................................................................................-1-
3. Common Shares Subject to the Plan......................................................................-1-
4. Participants...........................................................................................-2-
5. Awards Under the Plan..................................................................................-2-
6. Section 162(m) Limitations.............................................................................-3-
7. NonQualified Stock Options.............................................................................-3-
(a) Option Price..................................................................................-3-
(b) Exercise of Option............................................................................-3-
(c) Payment for Shares............................................................................-3-
(d) Transferability...............................................................................-4-
(e) Rights Upon Termination of Employment.........................................................-4-
8. Incentive Stock Options................................................................................-5-
(a) Option Price..................................................................................-5-
(b) Exercise of Option............................................................................-5-
(c) Payment for Shares............................................................................-6-
(d) Transferability...............................................................................-6-
(e) Rights Upon Termination of Employment.........................................................-6-
9. Stock Appreciation Rights..............................................................................-7-
(a) Awards........................................................................................-7-
(b) Term..........................................................................................-7-
(c) Payment.......................................................................................-7-
<PAGE>
10. Performance Units......................................................................................-8-
(a) Performance Period............................................................................-8-
(b) Valuation of Units............................................................................-8-
(c) Performance Targets...........................................................................-8-
(d) Adjustments...................................................................................-8-
(e) Payments of Units.............................................................................-8-
(f) Termination of Employment.....................................................................-8-
(g) Other Terms...................................................................................-9-
11. Restricted Stock Awards................................................................................-9-
(a) Restriction Period............................................................................-9-
(b) Restrictions Upon Transfer....................................................................-9-
(c) Certificates..................................................................................-9-
(d) Lapse of Restrictions........................................................................-10-
(e) Termination Prior to Lapse of Restrictions...................................................-10-
12. Contingent Stock Awards...............................................................................-10-
(a) Restriction Period...........................................................................-10-
(b) Lapse of Restrictions........................................................................-10-
(c) Termination Prior to Lapse of Restrictions...................................................-11-
13. Supplemental Cash Payments............................................................................-11-
14. Dividend Equivalents..................................................................................-11-
15. General Restrictions..................................................................................-12-
16. Rights as a Shareholder...............................................................................-12-
17. Employment Rights.....................................................................................-12-
18. Tax--Withholding.......................................................................................-12-
19. Change in Control.....................................................................................-13-
20. Amendment or Termination..............................................................................-13-
21. Effect on Other Plans.................................................................................-13-
22. Assumption of Options.................................................................................-14-
23. Duration of the Plan..................................................................................-15-
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
NISOURCE INC.
1994 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
(AS AMENDED AND RESTATED EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2000)
WHEREAS, NiSource Inc. (formerly NIPSCO Industries, Inc.) (the "Company")
adopted the NIPSCO Industries, Inc. 1994 Long-Term Incentive Plan effective
April 13, 1994, as last amended and restated effective April 14, 1999, and now
known as the NiSource Inc. 1994 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("Plan"); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 20 of the Plan, the Company wishes to
further amend the Plan in certain respects and restate it in a single document;
NOW THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby amended and restated, effective
January 1, 2000, as follows:
1. PURPOSE. The purpose of the NiSource Inc. 1994 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the
"Plan") is to further the earnings of NiSource Inc. (the "Company") and its
subsidiaries. The Plan provides long-term incentives to those officers and key
executives who make substantial contributions by their ability, loyalty,
industry and invention. The Company intends that the Plan will thereby
facilitate securing, retaining, and motivating management employees of high
caliber and potential.
2. ADMINISTRATION. The Plan shall be administered by the Nominating and
Compensation Committee ("Committee") of the Board of Directors of the Company
("Board"). The Committee shall be composed of not fewer than two members of the
Board who are "nonemployee directors" of the Company within the meaning of Rule
16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("1934 Act"), and
"outside directors" of the Company within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, ("Code"), and the regulations
thereunder. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee may
interpret the Plan, prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating
to it, determine the terms and provisions of awards to officers and other key
executive employees under the Plan (which need not be identical), and make such
other determinations as it deems necessary or advisable for the administration
of the Plan. The decisions of the Committee under the Plan shall be conclusive
and binding. No member of the Board or of the Committee shall be liable for any
action taken, or determination made, hereunder in good faith. Service on the
Committee shall constitute service as a director of the Company so that members
of the Committee shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement as
directors of the Company, pursuant to its by-laws.
<PAGE>
-2-
3. COMMON SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. (a) Subject to the provisions of
subsection 3(b), the shares that may be issued, or may be the measure of stock
appreciation rights granted, under the Plan shall not exceed in the aggregate
11,000,000 of the common shares without par value of the Company (the "Common
Shares"). Such shares may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares.
Except as otherwise provided herein, any shares subject to an option or right
which for any reason expires or is terminated, unexercised as to such shares,
shall again be available under the Plan.
(b) (i) Appropriate adjustments in the aggregate number of Common Shares
issuable pursuant to the Plan, the number of Common Shares subject to each
outstanding award granted under the Plan, the option price with respect to
options and connected stock appreciation rights, the specified price of stock
appreciation rights not connected to options, and the value for Units, shall be
made to give effect to any increase or decrease in the number of issued Common
Shares resulting from a subdivision or consolidation of shares, whether through
recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, spin-off, spin-out or other
distribution of assets to stockholders, stock distributions or combinations of
shares, payment of stock dividends, other increase or decrease in the number of
such Common Shares outstanding effected without receipt of consideration by the
Company, or any other occurrence for which the Committee determines an
adjustment is appropriate.
(ii) In the event of any merger, consolidation or reorganization of the
Company with any other corporation or corporations, or an acquisition by the
Company of the stock or assets of any other corporation or corporations, there
shall be substituted on an equitable basis, as determined by the Committee in
its sole discretion, for each Common Share then subject to the Plan, and for
each Common Share then subject to an award granted under the Plan, the number
and kind of shares of stock, other securities, cash or other property to which
the holders of Common Shares of the Company are entitled pursuant to such
transaction.
(iii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of
this paragraph, any such adjustment shall be deemed to have prevented any
dilution or enlargement of a participant's rights, if such participant receives
in any such adjustment, rights that are substantially similar (after taking into
account the fact that the participant has not paid the applicable option price)
to the rights the participant would have received had he exercised his
outstanding award and become a shareholder of the Company immediately prior to
the event giving rise to such adjustment. Adjustments under this paragraph shall
be made by the Committee, whose decision as to the amount and timing of any such
adjustment shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
4. PARTICIPANTS. Persons eligible to participate shall be limited to those
officers and other key executive employees of the Company and its subsidiaries
who are in positions in which their decisions, actions and counsel significantly
impact upon profitability. Directors who are not otherwise officers or employees
shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan.
<PAGE>
5. AWARDS UNDER THE PLAN. Awards under the Plan may be in the form of stock
options (both options designed to satisfy statutory requirements necessary to
receive favorable tax treatment pursuant to any present or future legislation
and options not designed to so qualify), incentive stock options, stock
appreciation rights, performance units, restricted shares, contingent stock
awards, or such combinations of the above as the Committee may in its discretion
deem appropriate. Except in accordance with equitable adjustments as provided in
subsection 3(b), no stock option granted under the Plan shall at any time be
repriced or subject to cancellation and replacement.
6. SECTION 162(M) LIMITATIONS. Subject to subsection 3(b) of the Plan, the
maximum number of stock options and stock appreciation rights granted to any
person who qualifies as an executive officer named from time to time in the
summary compensation table in the Company's annual meeting proxy statement and
who is employed by the Company on the last day of the taxable year (the "SCT
Executives") shall be 300,000 options and stock appreciation rights with respect
to Common Shares per year and 1,500,000 options and stock appreciation rights
with respect to Common Shares during the term of the Plan. The maximum number of
performance units granted to any SCT Executive shall be 200,000 units per year,
provided that no more than 400,000 units may be awarded in any three year period
and that the maximum number of units granted to any SCT Executive during the
term of the Plan shall be 750,000. The maximum number of restricted stock awards
granted to any SCT Executive shall be 200,000 Common Shares per year, provided
that no more than 400,000 Shares of restricted stock may be awarded in any
three-year period and that the maximum number of Shares of restricted stock
granted to any SCT Executive during the term of the Plan shall be 750,000. The
maximum number of contingent stock awards granted to any SCT Executive shall be
200,000 Common Shares per year provided that no more than 400,000 Common Shares
may be subject to contingent stock awards granted in any three year period and
the maximum number of Common Shares subject to contingent stock awards to any
SCT Executive during the term of the Plan shall be 750,000.
7. NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS. Options shall be evidenced by stock option
agreements in such form and not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee
shall approve from time to time, which agreements shall contain in substance the
following terms and conditions:
(a) OPTION PRICE. The purchase price per Common Share deliverable upon
the exercise of an option shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value
of a Common Share on the day the option is granted, as determined by the
Committee. Fair market value of Common Shares for purposes of the Plan shall be
the average of the high and low prices on the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Transactions on the date of the grant, or on any other applicable date.
(b) EXERCISE OF OPTION. Each stock option agreement shall state the
period or periods of time within which the option may be exercised by the
optionee, in whole or in part, which shall be such period or periods of time as
may be determined by the Committee, provided that the option exercise period
shall not commence earlier than six months after the date of the grant of the
option nor end later than ten years after the date of the grant of the option.
The Committee shall have the power to permit in its discretion an acceleration
of the previously determined exercise terms, within the terms of the Plan, under
such circumstances and upon such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate.
<PAGE>
(c) PAYMENT FOR SHARES. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in
any stock option agreement, the optionee shall pay the purchase price of the
Common Shares upon the exercise of any option (i) in cash, (ii) in cash received
from a broker-dealer to whom the optionee has submitted an exercise notice
consisting of a fully endorsed option (however in the case of an optionee
subject to Section 16 of the 1934 Act, this payment option shall only be
available to the extent such payment procedures comply with Regulation T issued
by the Federal Reserve Board), (iii) by delivering Common Shares having an
aggregate fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the option exercise
price, (iv) by directing the Company to withhold such number of Common Shares
otherwise issuable upon exercise of such option having an aggregate fair market
value on the date of exercise equal to the option exercise price, (v) by such
other medium of payment as the Committee, in its discretion, shall authorize at
the time of grant, or (vi) by any combination of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v).
In the case of an election pursuant to (i) or (ii) above, cash shall mean cash
or check issued by a federally insured bank or savings and loan association, and
made payable to NiSource Inc. In the case of payment pursuant to (ii), (iii) or
(iv) above, the optionee's election must be made on or prior to the date of
exercise and shall be irrevocable. In lieu of a separate election governing each
exercise of an option, an optionee may file a blanket election with the
Committee which shall govern all future exercises of options until revoked by
the optionee. The Company shall issue, in the name of the optionee, stock
certificates representing the total number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to
the exercise of any option as soon as reasonably practicable after such
exercise, provided that any Common Shares purchased by an optionee through a
broker-dealer pursuant to clause (ii) above, shall be delivered to such
broker-dealer in accordance with 12 C.F.R.ss. 220.3(e)(4), or other applicable
provision of law.
(d) TRANSFERABILITY. Each stock option agreement shall provide that the
option subject thereto is not transferable by the optionee otherwise than by
will or the laws of descent or distribution. Notwithstanding the preceding
sentence, an optionee, at any time prior to his death, may assign all or any
portion of the option to (i) his spouse or lineal descendant, (ii) the trustee
of a trust for the primary benefit of his spouse or lineal descendant, or (iii)
a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code. In such
event the spouse, lineal descendant, trustee or tax-exempt organization will be
entitled to all of the rights of the optionee with respect to the assigned
portion of such option, and such portion of the option will continue to be
subject to all of the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to the
option as set forth herein, and in the related stock option agreement,
immediately prior to the effective date of the assignment. Any such assignment
will be permitted only if (i) the optionee does not receive any consideration
therefor, and (ii) the assignment is expressly approved by the Committee or its
delegate. Any such assignment shall be evidenced by an appropriate written
document executed by the optionee, and a copy thereof shall be delivered to the
Committee or its delegate on or prior to the effective date of the assignment.
This paragraph shall apply to all nonqualified stock options granted under the
Plan at any time.
<PAGE>
(e) RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. In the event that an
optionee ceases to be an employee for any reason other than death, disability or
retirement, the optionee shall have the right to exercise the option during its
term within a period of thirty days after such termination to the extent that
the option was exercisable at the date of such termination of employment, or
during such other period and subject to such terms as may be determined by the
Committee. In the event that an optionee dies, retires, or becomes disabled
prior to termination of his option without having fully exercised his option,
the optionee or his successor shall have the right to exercise the option during
its term within a period of three years after the date of such termination due
to death, disability or retirement, to the extent that the option was
exercisable at the date of termination due to death, disability or retirement,
or during such other period and subject to such terms as may be determined by
the Committee. For purposes of the Plan, the term "disability" shall mean
disability as defined in the Company's Long-Term Disability Plan. The Committee,
in its sole discretion, shall determine the date of any disability. For purposes
of the Plan, the term "retirement" shall mean retirement as defined in the
Company's pension plan.
8. INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. Incentive stock options shall be evidenced by stock
option agreements in such form and not inconsistent with the Plan as the
Committee shall approve from time to time, which agreements shall contain in
substance the following terms and conditions:
(a) OPTION PRICE. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 8(b), the
purchase price per share of stock deliverable upon the exercise of an incentive
stock option shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common
Shares on the day the option is granted, as determined by the Committee.
(b) EXERCISE OF OPTION. Each stock option agreement shall state the
period or periods of time within which the option may be exercised by the
optionee, in whole or in part, which shall be such period or periods of time as
may be determined by the Committee, provided that the option period shall not
commence earlier than six months after the date of the grant of the option nor
end later than ten years after the date of the grant of the option. The
aggregate fair market value (determined with respect to each incentive stock
option at the time of grant) of the Common Shares with respect to which
incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by an individual
during any calendar year (under all incentive stock option plans of the Company
and its parent and subsidiary corporations) shall not exceed $100,000. If the
aggregate fair market value (determined at the time of grant) of the Common
Shares subject to an option, which first becomes exercisable in any calendar
year exceeds the limitation of this Section 8(b), so much of the option that
does not exceed the applicable dollar limit shall be an incentive stock option
and the remainder shall be a nonqualified stock option; but in all other
respects, the original option agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
As used in this Section 8, the words "parent" and "subsidiary" shall have the
meanings given to them in Section 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code. Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, if an incentive stock option is granted to an
individual who owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of its parent or
subsidiary corporations, within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code,
(i) the purchase price of each Common Share subject to the incentive stock
option shall be not less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market
value of the Common Shares on the date the incentive stock option is granted,
and (ii) the incentive stock option shall expire, and all rights to purchase
Common Shares thereunder shall cease, no later than the fifth anniversary of the
date the incentive stock option was granted.
<PAGE>
(c) PAYMENT FOR SHARES. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in
any stock option agreement, the optionee shall pay the purchase price of the
Common Shares upon the exercise of any option, (i) in cash, (ii) in cash
received from a broker-dealer to whom the optionee has submitted an exercise
notice consisting of a fully endorsed option (however in the case of an optionee
subject to Section 16 of the 1934 Act, this payment option shall only be
available to the extent such payment procedures comply with Regulation T issued
by the Federal Reserve Board), (iii) by delivering Common Shares having an
aggregate fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the option exercise
price, (iv) by directing the Company to withhold such number of Common Shares
otherwise issuable upon exercise of such option having an aggregate fair market
value on the date of exercise equal to the option exercise price, (v) by such
other medium of payment as the Committee, in its discretion, shall authorize at
the time of grant, or (vi) by any combination of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v).
In the case of an election pursuant to (i) or (ii), cash shall mean cash or
check issued by a federally insured bank or savings and loan association, and
made payable to NiSource Inc. In the case of payment pursuant to (ii), (iii) or
(iv) above, the optionee's election must be made on or prior to the date of
exercise and shall be irrevocable. In lieu of a separate election governing each
exercise of an option, an optionee may file a blanket election with the
Committee which shall govern all future exercises of options until revoked by
the optionee. The Company shall issue, in the name of the optionee, stock
certificates representing the total number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to
the exercise of any option as soon as reasonably practicable after such
exercise, provided that any Common Shares purchased by an optionee through a
broker-dealer pursuant to clause (ii) above, shall be delivered to such
broker-dealer in accordance with 12 C.F.R. ss. 220.3(e)(4), or other applicable
provision of law.
(d) TRANSFERABILITY. Each stock option agreement shall provide that it
is not transferable by the optionee otherwise by will or the laws of descent or
distribution.
(e) RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. In the event that an
optionee ceases to be an employee for any reason other than death, disability or
retirement, the optionee shall have the right to exercise the option during its
term within a period of thirty days after such termination to the extent that
the option was exercisable at the date of such termination of employment, or
during such other period and subject to such terms as may be determined by the
Committee. In the event that an optionee dies, retires, or becomes disabled
prior to termination of his option without having fully exercised his option,
the optionee or his successor shall have the right to exercise the option during
its term within a period of three years after the date of such termination due
to death, disability or retirement, to the extent that the option was
exercisable at the date of termination due to death, disability or retirement,
or during such other period and subject to such terms as may be determined by
the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with Section 422 of
the Code, if an incentive stock option is exercised more than ninety days after
termination of employment, that portion of the option exercised after such date
shall automatically be a nonqualified stock option, but in all other respects,
the original option agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
<PAGE>
The provisions of this Section 8 shall be construed and applied, and (subject to
the limitations of Section 23) shall be amended from time to time so as to
comply with Section 422 or its successors of the Code and regulations issued
thereunder.
9. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. Stock appreciation rights shall be evidenced by
stock appreciation right agreements in such form and not inconsistent with the
Plan as the Committee shall approve from time to time, which agreements shall
contain in substance the following terms and conditions:
(a) AWARDS. A stock appreciation right shall entitle the grantee to
receive upon exercise the excess of (i) the fair market value of a specified
number of shares of the Company Common Shares at the time of exercise over (ii)
a specified price which shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of
the Common Shares at the time the stock appreciation right was granted, or, if
connected with a previously issued stock option, not less than 100% of the fair
market value of Common Shares at the time such option was granted. A stock
appreciation right may be granted in connection with all of any portion of a
previously or contemporaneously granted stock option or not in connection with a
stock option.
(b) TERM. Stock appreciation rights shall be granted for a period of
not less than one year nor more than ten years, and shall be exercisable in
whole or in part, at such time or times and subject to such other terms and
conditions, as shall be prescribed by the Committee at the time of grant,
subject to the following:
(i)......No stock appreciation right shall be exercisable in
whole or in part, during the six-month period starting with the date of
grant; and
(ii).....Stock appreciation rights will be exercisable only
during a grantee's employment, except that in the discretion of the
Committee a stock appreciation right may be made exercisable for up to
thirty days after the grantee's employment is terminated for any reason
other than death, disability or retirement. ln the event that a grantee
dies, retires, or becomes disabled without having fully exercised his
stock appreciation rights, the grantee or his successor shall have the
right to exercise the stock appreciation rights during their term
within a period of three years after the date of such termination due
to death, disability or retirement to the extent that the right was
exercisable at the date of such termination or during such other period
and subject to such terms as may be determined by the Committee.
The Committee shall have the power to permit in its discretion an
acceleration of previously determined exercise terms, within the terms
of the Plan, under such circumstances and upon such terms and
conditions as it deems appropriate.
(c) PAYMENT. Upon exercise of a stock appreciation right, payment shall
be made in cash, in the form of Common Shares at fair market value, or in a
combination thereof, as the Committee may determine.
<PAGE>
10. PERFORMANCE UNITS. Performance Units ("Units") shall be evidenced by
performance unit agreements in such form and not inconsistent with the Plan as
the Committee shall approve from time to time, which agreements shall contain in
substance the following terms and conditions:
(a) PERFORMANCE PERIOD. At the time of award, the Committee shall
establish with respect to each Unit award a performance period of not less than
two, nor more than five, years.
(b) VALUATION OF UNITS. At the time of award, the Committee shall
establish with respect to each such award a value for each Unit which shall not
thereafter change, or which may vary thereafter determinable from criteria
specified by the Committee at the time of award.
(c) PERFORMANCE TARGETS. At the time of award, the Committee shall
establish maximum and minimum performance targets to be achieved with respect to
each award during the performance period. The participant shall be entitled to
payment with respect to all Units awarded if the maximum target is achieved
during the performance period, but shall be entitled to payment with respect to
a portion of the Units awarded according to the level of achievement of
performance targets, as specified by the Committee, for performance during the
performance period which meets or exceeds the minimum target but fails to meet
the maximum target.
The performance targets established by the Committee shall relate to
corporate, division, or unit performance and may be established in terms of
growth in gross revenue, earnings per share, ratio of earnings to shareholders'
equity or to total assets, dividend payments and total shareholders' return.
Multiple targets may be used and may have the same or different weighting, and
they may relate to absolute performance or relative performance as measured
against other institutions or divisions or units thereof.
(d) ADJUSTMENTS. At any time prior to payment of the Units, the
Committee may adjust previously established performance targets and other terms
and conditions, including the corporation's, or division's or unit's financial
performance for Plan purposes, to reflect major unforeseen events such as
changes in laws, regulations or accounting practices, mergers, acquisitions or
divestitures or extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items or events.
() PAYMENTS OF UNITS. Following the conclusion of each performance
period, the Committee shall determine the extent to which performance targets
have been attained for such period as well as the other terms and conditions
established by the Committee. The Committee shall determine what, if any,
payment is due on the Units. Payment shall be made in cash, in the form of
Common Shares at fair market value, or in a combination thereof, as the
Committee may determine.
<PAGE>
(f) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. In the event that a participant holding
a Unit award ceases to be an employee prior to the end of the applicable
performance period by reason of death, disability or retirement, his Units, to
the extent earned under the applicable performance targets, shall be payable at
the end of the performance period in proportion to the active service of the
participant during the performance period, as determined by the Committee. Upon
any other termination of employment, participation shall terminate forthwith and
all outstanding Units held by the participant shall be canceled.
(g) OTHER TERMS. The Unit agreements shall contain such other terms
and provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as shall be
determined by the Committee.
11. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS. Restricted Stock Awards under the Plan shall be in
the form of Common Shares of the Company, restricted as to transfer and subject
to forfeiture, and shall be evidenced by restricted stock agreements in such
form and not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall approve from time
to time, which agreements shall contain in substance the following terms and
conditions:
(a) RESTRICTION PERIOD. Restricted Common Shares awarded pursuant to
the Plan shall be subject to such terms, conditions, and restrictions, including
without limitation: prohibitions against transfer, substantial risks of
forfeiture, attainment of performance objectives and repurchase by the Company
or right of first refusal, and for such period or periods as shall be determined
by the Committee at the time of grant. The Committee shall have the power to
permit in its discretion, an acceleration of the expiration of the applicable
restriction period with respect to any part or all of the Common Shares awarded
to a participant.
The performance objectives established by the Committee shall relate to
corporate, division or unit performance, and may be established in terms of
growth and gross revenue, earnings per share, ratio of earnings to shareholder's
equity or to total assets, dividend payments and total shareholders' return.
Multiple objectives may be used and may have the same or different weighting,
and they may relate to absolute performance or relative performance as measured
against other institutions or divisions or units thereof.
(b) RESTRICTIONS UPON TRANSFER. Common Shares awarded, and the right to
vote such Shares and to receive dividends thereon, may not be sold, assigned,
transferred, exchanged, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise encumbered, except
as herein provided, during the restriction period applicable to such Shares.
Subject to the foregoing, and except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the
participant shall have all the other rights of a shareholder including, but not
limited to, the right to receive dividends and the right to vote such Shares.
(c) CERTIFICATES. Each certificate issued in respect of Common Shares
awarded to a participant shall be deposited with the Company, or its designee,
and shall bear the following legend:
<PAGE>
"This certificate and the shares represented hereby are subject to the terms and
conditions (including forfeiture and restrictions against transfer) contained in
the NiSource Inc. 1994 Long-Term incentive Plan and an Agreement entered into by
the registered owner. Release from such terms and conditions shall obtain only
in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and Agreement, a copy of each of
which is on file in the office of the Secretary of said Company."
(d) LAPSE OF RESTRICTIONS. A restricted stock agreement shall specify
the terms and conditions upon which any restrictions upon Common Shares awarded
under the Plan shall lapse, as determined by the Committee. Upon the lapse of
such restrictions, Common Shares, free of the foregoing restrictive legend,
shall be issued to the participant or his legal representative.
(e) TERMINATION PRIOR TO LAPSE OF RESTRICTIONS. In the event of a
participant's termination of employment, other than due to death, disability or
retirement, prior to the lapse of restrictions applicable to any Common Shares
awarded to such participant, all Shares as to which there still remains unlapsed
restrictions shall be forfeited by such participant without payment of any
consideration to the participant, and neither the participant nor any
successors, heirs, assigns, or personal representatives of such participant
shall thereafter have any further rights or interest in such Shares or
certificates.
12. CONTINGENT STOCK AWARDS. Contingent stock awards under the Plan shall be in
the form of the issuance of Common Shares of the Company following the lapse of
restrictions applicable to such awards. Such awards shall be restricted as to
transfer and subject to forfeiture, and shall be evidenced by contingent stock
award agreements in such form and not inconsistent with the Plan as the
Committee shall approve from time to time, which agreements shall contain in
substance the following terms and conditions:
(a) RESTRICTION PERIOD. Contingent stock awards shall be subject to
such terms, conditions and restrictions, including without limitations,
prohibitions against transfer, substantial risk of forfeiture and attainment of
performance objectives, and for such period or periods, as shall be determined
by the Committee at the time of grant. The Committee shall have the power to
permit in its discretion an acceleration of the expiration of the applicable
restriction period with respect to any part or all of a contingent stock award.
The performance objectives established by the Committee shall relate to
corporate, division or unit performance, and may be established in terms of
growth and gross revenue, earnings per share, ratios of earnings to
shareholders' equity or to total assets, dividend payments and total
shareholders' return. Multiple objectives may be used and may have the same or
different weighting, and they may relate to absolute performance or relative
performance as measured against other institutions or divisions or units
thereof.
<PAGE>
(b) LAPSE OF RESTRICTIONS. A contingent stock award agreement shall
specify the terms and conditions upon which any restrictions applicable to such
award shall lapse as determined by the Committee. Upon lapse of such
restriction, Common Shares subject to such contingent stock award shall be
issued to the participant or his legal representative. Such Common Shares, when
issued to the participant or his legal representative, shall either be free of
any restrictions, or shall be subject to such further restrictions, as the
Committee shall determine. In the event that Common Shares issued pursuant to a
contingent stock award are subject to further restrictions, the certificates
issued in respect of the Common Shares awarded pursuant to the contingent stock
award shall be deposited with the Company, or its designee, and shall bear the
legend set forth in subsection 11(c) above. Upon the lapse of such restrictions,
Common Shares free of such restrictive legend shall be issued to the participant
or his legal representative.
(c) TERMINATION PRIOR TO LAPSE OF RESTRICTIONS. In the event of a
participant's termination of employment, other than due to death, disability or
retirement, prior to the lapse of restrictions applicable to any contingent
stock award granted to such participant, such award and all Common Shares
subject thereto as to which there still remain unlapsed restrictions, shall be
forfeited by such participant without payment of any consideration to the
participant and neither the participant nor any successors, heirs, assigns or
personal representatives of such participant shall have any further rights or
interests in such contingent stock awards or such Common Shares subject to
thereto.
13. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH PAYMENTS. Subject to the Company's discretion, stock
options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance units,
restricted stock agreements or contingent stock award agreements may provide for
the payment of a supplemental cash payment to a participant promptly after the
exercise of an option or stock appreciation right, or, at the time of payment of
a performance unit, or at the end of a restriction period of a restricted stock
or contingent stock award. Supplemental cash payments shall be subject to such
terms and conditions as shall be provided by the Committee at the time of grant,
provided that in no event shall the amount of each payment exceed:
(a) In the case of an option, the excess of the fair market value of a
Common Share on the date of exercise over the option price multiplied
by the number of Common Shares for which such option is exercised, or
(b) In the case of a stock appreciation right, performance unit,
restricted stock award or contingent stock award, the value of the
Common Shares and other consideration issued in payment of such award.
<PAGE>
14. DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS. Each holder of an incentive stock option, a stock
appreciation right not granted in connection with a stock option, a performance
unit award, or a contingent stock award, shall receive a distribution of an
amount equivalent to the dividends payable in cash or property (other than stock
of the Company) that would have been payable to the holder with respect to the
number of Common Shares subject to such award, had the holder been the legal
owner of such Common Shares on the date on which such dividend is declared by
the Company on Common Shares. Such dividend payable in cash or property (other
than stock of the Company) shall be payable directly to the holder of the
applicable award at such time, in such form, and upon such terms and conditions,
as are applicable to the actual cash or property dividend actually declared with
respect to Common Shares. Any participant entitled to receive a cash dividend
pursuant to this section may, by written election filed with the Company, at
least ten days prior to the date for payment of such dividend, elect to have
such dividend credited to an account maintained for his benefit under a dividend
reinvestment plan maintained by the Company. Appropriate adjustments with
respect to awards shall be made to give effect to the payment of stock dividends
as set forth in subsection 3(b) above.
15. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS. Each award under the Plan shall be subject to the
requirement that, if at any time the Committee shall determine that (i) the
listing, registration or qualification of the Common Shares subject or related
thereto upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or (ii)
the consent or approval of any government regulatory body, or (iii) an agreement
by the recipient of an award with respect to the disposition of Common Shares,
is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting
of such award or the issue or purchase of Common Shares thereunder, such award
may not be consummated in whole or in part unless such listing, registration,
qualification, consent, approval or agreement shall have been effected or
obtained, free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.
16. RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. The recipient of any award under the Plan, unless
otherwise provided by the Plan, shall have no rights as a shareholder with
respect thereto unless and until certificates for Common Shares are issued to
the recipient.
17. EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS. Nothing in the Plan or in any agreement entered into
pursuant to the Plan shall confer upon any participant the right to continue in
employment or affect any right which his employer may have to terminate the
employment of such participant.
<PAGE>
18. TAX--WITHHOLDING. Whenever the Company proposes or is required to issue or
transfer Common Shares to a participant under the Plan, the Company shall have
the right to require the participant to remit to the Company an amount
sufficient to satisfy all federal, state and local withholding tax requirements
prior to the delivery of any certificate or certificates for such Common Shares.
If such certificates have been delivered prior to the time a withholding
obligation arises, the Company shall have the right to require the participant
to remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy all federal, state or
local withholding tax requirements at the time such obligation arises and to
withhold from other amounts payable to the participant, as compensation or
otherwise, as necessary. Whenever payments under the Plan are to be made to a
participant in cash, such payment shall be net of any amount sufficient to
satisfy all federal, state and local withholding tax requirements. In lieu of
requiring a participant to make a payment to the Company in an amount related to
the withholding tax requirement, the Committee may, in its discretion, provide
that, at the participant's election, the tax withholding obligation shall be
satisfied by the Company's withholding a portion of the Common Shares otherwise
distributable to the participant, such Common Shares being valued at their fair
market value at the date of exercise, or by the participant's delivering to the
Company a portion of the Common Shares previously delivered by the Company, such
Common Shares being valued at their fair market value as of the date of delivery
of such Common Shares by the participant to the Company. For this purpose, the
amount of required withholding shall be a specified rate not less than the
statutory minimum federal, state and local (if any) withholding rate, and not
greater than the maximum federal, state and local (if any) marginal tax rate
applicable to the participant and to the particular transaction. Notwithstanding
any provision of the Plan to the contrary, a participant's election pursuant to
the preceding sentences (a) must be made on or prior to the date as of which
income is realized by the recipient in connection with the particular
transaction, and (b) must be irrevocable. In lieu of a separate election on each
effective date of each transaction, a participant may file a blanket election
with the Committee which shall govern all future transactions until revoked by
the participant.
19. CHANGE IN CONTROL. (a) Effect of Change in Control. Notwithstanding any of
the provisions of the Plan or any agreement evidencing awards granted hereunder,
upon a Change in Control of the Company (as defined in subsection 19(b)) all
outstanding awards shall become fully exercisable and all restrictions thereon
shall terminate in order that participants may fully realize the benefits
thereunder. Further, the Committee, as constituted before such Change in
Control, is authorized, and has sole discretion, as to any award, either at the
time such award is granted hereunder or any time thereafter, to take any one or
more of the following actions: (i) provide for the exercise of any such award
for an amount of cash equal to the difference between the exercise price and the
then fair market value of the Common Shares covered thereby had such award been
currently exercisable; (ii) provide for the vesting or termination of the
restrictions on any such award; (iii) make such adjustment to any such award
then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Change in
Control; and (iv) cause any such award then outstanding to be assumed, by the
acquiring or surviving corporation, after such Change in Control.
(b) Definition of Change in Control. A "Change in Control" of the
Company shall be deemed to have occurred if any one of the occurrences of a
"Change in Control" set forth in the Change in Control and Termination
Agreements between the Company and certain executive officers thereof shall have
been satisfied.
20. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION. The Board or the Committee may at any time
terminate, suspend or amend the Plan without the authorization of shareholders
to the extent allowed by law, including without limitation any rules issued by
the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 16 of the 1934 Act, insofar
as shareholder approval thereof is required in order for the Plan to continue to
satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the 1934 Act, or the rules of any
applicable stock exchange. No termination, suspension or amendment of the Plan
shall adversely affect any right acquired by any participant under an award
granted before the date of such termination, suspension or amendment, unless
such participant shall consent; but it shall be conclusively presumed that any
adjustment for changes in capitalization as provided for herein does not
adversely affect any such right. Subject to the preceding sentence, the Plan as
amended and restated effective January 1, 2000 shall apply to all awards at any
time granted hereunder.
<PAGE>
21. EFFECT ON OTHER PLANS. Unless otherwise specifically provided, participation
in the Plan shall not preclude an employee's eligibility to participate in any
other benefit or incentive plan and any awards made pursuant to the Plan shall
not be considered as compensation in determining the benefits provided under any
other plan.
22. ASSUMPTION OF OPTIONS. Pursuant to the terms of Section 5.22 of the Amended
and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, Acquisition
Gas Company, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Bay State Gas
Company ("Bay State"), dated as of December 18, 1997 and amended and restated as
of March 4, 1998 and further amended as of November 16, 1998 (as may be further
amended, restated or supplemented, the "Agreement'), and at the Effective Time
defined in the Agreement, each outstanding stock option issued under the Bay
State Gas Company 1989 Key Employee Stock Option Plan ("Bay State Stock Option
Plan"), shall be assumed by the Company. Each such stock option ("Assumed
Option") shall be deemed to constitute an option to acquire Common Shares in an
amount and at a purchase price determined pursuant to Section 5.22 of the
Agreement. Each Assumed Option shall be subject to all of the terms and
conditions applicable to options granted under the Plan. Notwithstanding the
preceding sentence:
(1)......if the employment of the holder of an Assumed Option
with the Company and its subsidiaries terminates for any reason other
than death, disability, retirement or Cause, he, or his legal
representatives or beneficiary, may exercise the Assumed Option at any
time within three months immediately following such termination of
employment, but not later than the expiration of the term of such
Assumed Option;
(2)......if the holder of an Assumed Option that is a
non-qualified stock option terminates employment with the Company and
its subsidiaries because of death, disability or retirement, he, or his
legal representatives or beneficiary, may exercise the Assumed Option
at any time during the term of such Assumed Option to the extent he was
entitled to exercise it at the date of death, disability or retirement;
(3)......if the holder of an Assumed Option that is an
incentive stock option terminates employment with the Company and its
subsidiaries because of death, his legal representatives or beneficiary
may exercise the Assumed Option at any time during the term of such
Assumed Option to the extent he was entitled to exercise it at the date
of death;
(4)......if the holder of an Assumed Option that is an
incentive stock option terminates employment with the Company and its
subsidiaries because of disability or retirement, he, or his legal
representatives or beneficiary, may exercise the Assumed Option at any
time within three months immediately following such termination of
employment, but not later than the expiration of the term of such
Assumed Option;
<PAGE>
(5)......if the employment of the holder of an Assumed Option
with the Company and its subsidiaries terminates for Cause, the Assumed
Option shall expire as of the date of such termination of employment.
For purposes of this Section, "Cause" shall have the same meaning as
defined in the holder's severance agreement with the Company or any of
its subsidiaries in effect on the date of termination of employment. If
the holder has not entered into a severance agreement with the Company
or any subsidiary that is in effect on the date of termination of
employment, or if the term "Cause" is not defined therein, Cause shall
mean the holder's conviction for the commission of a felony, or the
holder's fraud or dishonesty which has resulted in or is likely to
result in material economic damage to the Company or any subsidiary.
Each Assumed Option shall be evidenced by an amended and restated stock
option agreement entered into as of the Effective Time by and among the
Company, Bay State and the applicable optionee.
23. DURATION OF THE PLAN. The Plan shall remain in effect until all awards under
the Plan have been satisfied by the issuance of Common Shares or the payment of
cash, but no award shall be granted more than six years after the date the Plan,
as amended and restated effective January 1, 2000, is approved by the
shareholders, which shall be its effective date of adoption.
