<PAGE> 1
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2, 2000
Registration No. 333-________
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
-------------------
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
The Securities Act of 1933
-------------------
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA 77-0059951
(State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer Identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)
170 WEST TASMAN DRIVE, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95134-1706
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
-------------------
GROWTH NETWORKS, INC.
1999 STOCK PLAN
-------------------
(Full title of the Plans)
-------------------
JOHN T. CHAMBERS
PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND DIRECTOR
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
170 WEST TASMAN DRIVE, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95134-1706
(Name and address of agent for service)
(408) 526-4000
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
-------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================================
Proposed Proposed
Title of Maximum Maximum
Securities Amount Offering Aggregate Amount of
to be to be Price Offering Registration
Registered Registered(1) per Share Price Fee
---------- -------------- ---------- --------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Growth Networks, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan 115,058 shares $42.78(2) $ 4,922,182(2) $ 1,299.46
Common Stock, par value $0.01
===============================================================================================================
(1) This Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of Registrant's Common Stock which
become issuable under the Growth Networks, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan 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 Registrant's outstanding shares of Common
Stock.
(2) Calculated solely for purposes of this offering under Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, on the basis of the weighted average exercise price of the outstanding options.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 2
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Cisco Systems, Inc. (the "Registrant") hereby incorporates by reference
into this Registration Statement the following documents previously filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"):
(a) The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1999, filed with the Commission on September 28,
1999, as amended on Form 10-K405/A filed with the Commission on
February 3, 2000, pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act");
(b) The Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended October 30, 1999, filed with the Commission on
December 14, 1999, as amended on Form 10-Q/A filed with the
Commission on February 3, 2000, and the Registrant's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 29, 2000
filed with the Commission on March 14, 2000;
(c) The Registrant's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the
Commission on March 16, 2000, March 27, 2000, March 28, 2000,
and April 3, 2000;
(d) The Registrant's Registration Statement No. 000-18225 on Form 8-A
filed with the Commission on January 11, 1990, together with
Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-A/A filed with the Commission on February
15, 1990, and including any other amendments or reports filed for
the purpose of updating such description, in which there is
described the terms, rights and provisions applicable to the
Registrant's Common Stock, and;
(e) The Registrant's Registration Statement No. 000-18225 on Form 8-A
filed with the Commission on June 11, 1998, including any amendments
or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description, in
which there is described the terms, rights and provisions applicable
to the Registrant's Preferred Stock Purchase Rights.
All reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed
pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after the date of
this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective
amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or
which de-registers all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a
document incorporated or deemed to be 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 herein or in any subsequently filed
document which also is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Registration Statement.
Item 4. Description of Securities
Not Applicable.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Not Applicable.
II-1
<PAGE> 3
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 317 of the California Corporations 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 permit indemnification (including
reimbursement of expenses incurred) under certain circumstances for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "1933 Act"). The
Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and Amended and
Restated Bylaws provide for indemnification of its directors, officers,
employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the California
Corporations Code. In addition, the Registrant has entered into Indemnification
Agreements with each of its directors and officers.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed
Not Applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
- ------- -------
<S> <C>
4 Instruments Defining the Rights of Stockholders. Reference is made
to Registrant's Registration Statements No. 000-18225 on Form 8-A,
together with the amendments and exhibits thereto, which are
incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Items 3(d) and 3(e).
5 Opinion and consent of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP.
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Accountants.
23.2 Consent of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP is contained in Exhibit
5.
24 Power of Attorney. Reference is made to page II-4 of this
Registration Statement.
99.1 Growth Networks, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan
99.2 Form of Stock Option Agreement.
99.3 Form of Option Assumption Agreement.
</TABLE>
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 1933 Act, (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts
or events arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or
the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this
Registration Statement and (iii) to include any material information with
respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this
Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this
Registration Statement; provided, however, that clauses (1)(i) and (1)(ii) shall
not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective
amendment by those clauses is contained in periodic reports filed by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 1934 Act that are
incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement; (2) that for the
purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and (3) to remove
from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the Growth Networks,
Inc. 1999 Stock Plan.
B. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
1934 Act that is incorporated by reference into 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.
II-2
<PAGE> 4
C. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
1933 Act may be permitted to directors, officers or controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the indemnification provisions summarized in Item 6 or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the
Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-3
<PAGE> 5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8, and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California on this 2nd day
of May, 2000.
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
By: /s/ John T. Chambers
----------------------------------
John T. Chambers
President and Chief Executive
Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints John T. Chambers and Larry R. Carter, and
each of them, as such person's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents,
with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person and in such
person's name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement,
and to file same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons on
behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ John T. Chambers President, Chief Executive May 2, 2000
- ----------------------------- Officer and Director
John T. Chambers (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Larry R. Carter Senior Vice President, Finance May 2, 2000
- ----------------------------- and Administration, Chief Financial
Larry R. Carter Officer and Secretary
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
/s/ John P. Morgridge Chairman of the Board and May 2, 2000
- ----------------------------- Director
John P. Morgridge
/s/ Donald T. Valentine Vice Chairman of the Board and May 2, 2000
- ----------------------------- Director
Donald T. Valentine
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE> 6
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Director May_____, 2000
- -----------------------------
James F. Gibbons
/s/ Steven M. West Director May 2, 2000
- -----------------------------
Steven M. West
/s/ Edward R. Kozel Director May 2, 2000
- -----------------------------
Edward R. Kozel
/s/ Carol A. Bartz Director May 2, 2000
- -----------------------------
Carol A. Bartz
/s/ James C. Morgan Director May 2, 2000
- -----------------------------
James C. Morgan
/s/ Mary Cirillo Director May 2, 2000
- -----------------------------
Mary Cirillo
Director May_____, 2000
- -----------------------------
Arun Sarin
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE> 7
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
- ------- -------
<S> <C>
4 Instruments Defining the Rights of Stockholders. Reference is made
to Registrant's Registration Statements No. 000-18225 on Form 8-A,
together with the amendments and exhibits thereto, which are
incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Items 3(d) and 3(e).
5 Opinion and consent of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP.
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Accountants.
23.2 Consent of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP is contained in Exhibit
5.
24 Power of Attorney. Reference is made to page II-4 of this
Registration Statement.
99.1 Growth Networks, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan.
99.2 Form of Stock Option Agreement.
99.3 Form of Option Assumption Agreement.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5
OPINION AND CONSENT OF BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP
May 2, 2000
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, California 95134-1706
Re: Cisco Systems, Inc. - Registration Statement for Offering of
115,058 Shares of Common Stock
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Cisco Systems, Inc., a California corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the registration on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of
115,058 shares of common stock (the "Shares") and related stock options under
the Growth Networks, Inc. 1999 Stock Plan (the "Plan")
This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of
Item 8 of Form S-8 and Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K.
We have reviewed the Company's charter documents and the corporate
proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the assumption of the Plan.
Based on such review, we are of the opinion that if, as and when the Shares are
issued and sold (and the consideration therefor received) pursuant to the
provisions of option agreements duly authorized under the Plan, and in
accordance with the Registration Statement, such Shares will be duly authorized,
legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5 to the
Registration Statement.
This opinion letter is rendered as of the date first written above and we
disclaim any obligation to advise you of facts, circumstances, events or
developments which hereafter may be brought to our attention and which may
alter, affect or modify the opinion expressed herein. Our opinion is expressly
limited to the matters set forth above and we render no opinion, whether by
implication or otherwise, as to any other matters relating to the Company, the
Plan, or the Shares.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP
-----------------------------------
BROBECK, PHLEGER & HARRISON LLP
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of Cisco Systems, Inc. of our report dated August 10, 1999
relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appears in Cisco
Systems, Inc.'s 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by
reference in its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended July 31, 1999.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated August 10,
1999 relating to the financial statement schedule, which appears in such Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our
report dated August 10, 1999, except as to the pooling of interest transactions
as described in Note 3b which is as of November 24, 1999, relating to the
supplementary consolidated financial statements of Cisco Systems, Inc. which
appears in the Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated February 3, 2000.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLC
- -------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC
San Jose, California
April 28, 2000
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
GROWTH NETWORKS INC.
1999 STOCK PLAN
1. PURPOSES OF THE PLAN. The purposes of this 1999 Stock Plan are to
attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants of
the Company and its Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's
business. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options (as
defined under Section 422 of the Code) 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, as amended, 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 its Committee appointed
pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan.
(b) "AFFILIATE" means an entity other than a Subsidiary in which
the Company owns an equity interest or which, together with the Company, is
under common control of a third person or entity.
(c) "APPLICABLE LAWS" means the legal requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under applicable U.S. state corporate laws,
U.S. federal and applicable state securities laws, the Code, any Stock Exchange
rules or regulations and the applicable laws of any other country or
jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are granted under the Plan,
as such laws, rules, regulations and requirements shall be in place from time to
time.
(d) "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(e) "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(f) "COMMITTEE" means one or more committees or subcommittees of
the Board appointed by the Board to administer the Plan in accordance with
Section 4 below.
(g) "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock of the Company.
(h) "COMPANY" means Growth Networks Inc., a California
corporation.
(i) "CONSULTANT" means any person, including an advisor, who
renders services to the Company, or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, and is
compensated for such services, and any director of the Company whether
compensated for such services or not.
(j) "CONTINUOUS SERVICE STATUS" means the absence of any
interruption or termination of service as an Employee or Consultant to the
Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate. Continuous Service Status shall
not be considered interrupted in the case of: (i) sick
<PAGE> 2
leave; (ii) military leave; (iii) any other leave of absence approved by the
Administrator, provided that such leave is for a period of not more than 90
days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by
contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to Company policy
adopted from time to time; or (iv) in the case of transfers between locations of
the Company or between the Company, its Parents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates or
their respective successors. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, a
change in status from an Employee to a Consultant or from a Consultant to an
Employee will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service Status.
(k) "CORPORATE TRANSACTION" means a sale of all or substantially
all of the Company's assets, or a merger, consolidation or other capital
reorganization of the Company with or into another corporation.
(l) "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board.
(m) "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company.
The payment by the Company of a director's fee to a Director shall not be
sufficient to constitute "employment" of such Director by the Company.
(n) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(o) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the fair market
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 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 system or exchange on the date of determination, or if no trading
occurred on the date of determination, on 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 quoted on the Nasdaq System (but
not on the 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
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; 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.
(p) "INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" means an Option intended to qualify
as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, as
designated in the applicable Option Agreement.
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<PAGE> 3
(q) "LISTED SECURITY" means any security of the Company that is
listed or approved for listing on a national securities exchange or designated
or approved for designation as a national market system security on an
interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.
(r) "NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, as designated in the applicable Option
Agreement.
(s) "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(t) "OPTION AGREEMENT" means a written document, the form(s) of
which shall be approved from time to time by the Administrator, reflecting the
terms of an Option granted under the Plan and includes any documents attached to
or incorporated into such Option Agreement, including, but not limited to, a
notice of stock option grant and a form of exercise notice.
(u) "OPTION EXCHANGE PROGRAM" means a program approved by the
Administrator whereby outstanding Options are exchanged for Options with a lower
exercise price.
(v) "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an Option
or a Stock Purchase Right.
(w) "OPTIONEE" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an
Option.
(x) "PARENT" means a "parent corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code, or any successor
provision.
(y) "PARTICIPANT" means any holder of one or more Options or Stock
Purchase Rights, or of the Shares issuable or issued upon exercise of such
awards, under the Plan.
(z) "PLAN" means this 1999 Stock Plan.
(aa) "REPORTING PERSON" means an officer, Director, or greater than
10% shareholder of the Company within the meaning of Rule 16a-2 under the
Exchange Act, who is required to file reports pursuant to Rule 16a-3 under the
Exchange Act.
(bb) "RESTRICTED STOCK" means shares of Common Stock acquired
pursuant to a grant of a Stock Purchase Right under Section 10 below.
(cc) "RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT" means a written
document, the form(s) of which shall be approved from time to time by the
Administrator, reflecting the terms of a Stock Purchase Right granted under the
Plan and includes any documents attached to such agreement.
(dd) "RULE 16B-3" means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange
Act, as the same may be amended from time to time, or any successor provision.
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<PAGE> 4
(ee) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 12 of the Plan.
(ff) "STOCK EXCHANGE" means any stock exchange or consolidated
stock price reporting system on which prices for the Common Stock are quoted at
any given time.
(gg) "STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT" means the right to purchase Common
Stock pursuant to Section 10 below.
(hh) "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code, or any successor
provision.
(ii) "TEN PERCENT HOLDER" means a person who owns stock
representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company or any Parent or Subsidiary.
3. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. Subject to the provisions of Section 12
of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be sold under the
Plan is 2,300,000 Shares of Common Stock. The Shares may be authorized, but
unissued, or reacquired Common Stock. If an Option expires or becomes
unexercisable for any reason without having been exercised in full, or is
surrendered pursuant to an Option Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares that
were subject thereto shall, unless the Plan shall have been terminated, become
available for future grant under the Plan. In addition, any Shares of Common
Stock that are retained by the Company upon exercise of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right in order to satisfy the exercise or purchase price for such
Option or Stock Purchase Right or any withholding taxes due with respect to such
exercise shall be treated as not issued and shall continue to be available under
the Plan. Shares issued under the Plan and later repurchased by the Company
pursuant to any repurchase right that the Company may have shall not be
available for future grant under the Plan.
4. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) GENERAL. The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a
Committee, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Board. The Plan may be
administered by different administrative bodies with respect to different
classes of Optionees and, if permitted by the Applicable Laws, the Board may
authorize one or more officers to grant Options or Stock Purchase Rights under
the Plan.
(b) ADMINISTRATION WITH RESPECT TO REPORTING PERSONS. With respect
to Options granted to Reporting Persons and Named Executives, the Plan may (but
need not) be administered so as to permit such Options to qualify for the
exemption set forth in Rule 16b-3 and to qualify as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.
(c) COMMITTEE COMPOSITION. If a Committee has been appointed
pursuant to this Section 4, 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 any 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
a Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent
permitted by the
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<PAGE> 5
Applicable Laws and, in the case of a Committee administering the Plan pursuant
to Section 4(b) above, to the extent permitted or required by Rule 16b-3 and
Section 162(m) of the Code.
(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, 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(o) of the Plan;
(ii) to select the Consultants and Employees to whom Options
and Stock Purchase Rights or any combination thereof may from time to time be
granted;
(iii) to determine whether and to what extent Options and
Stock Purchase Rights or any combination thereof are granted;
(iv) to determine the number of Shares of Common Stock to be
covered by each such award 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, which terms and
conditions include but are not limited to the exercise or purchase price, the
time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights 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,
Optioned Stock, Stock Purchase Right or Restricted Stock, based in each case on
such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine;
(vii) to determine whether and under what circumstances an
Option may be settled in cash under Section 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 shall have declined since the date the Option was granted and to
make any other amendments or adjustments to any Option that the Administrator
determines, in its discretion and under the authority granted to it under the
Plan, to be necessary or advisable, provided however that no amendment or
adjustment to an Option that would materially and adversely affect the rights of
any Optionee shall be made without the prior written consent of the Optionee;
(ix) to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to
Stock Purchase Rights and the Restricted Stock purchased by exercising such
Stock Purchase Rights;
(x) to initiate an Option Exchange Program;
(xi) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and
awards granted under the Plan; and
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<PAGE> 6
(xii) in order to fulfill the purposes of the Plan and
without amending the Plan, to modify grants of Options or Stock Purchase Rights
to Participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the United
States in order to recognize differences in local law, tax policies or customs.
(e) EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATOR'S DECISION. All decisions,
determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and
binding on all Participants.
5. ELIGIBILITY.
(a) RECIPIENTS OF GRANTS. Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock
Purchase Rights may be granted to Employees and Consultants. Incentive Stock
Options may be granted only to Employees; provided however that Employees of
Affiliates shall not be eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options. An Employee
or Consultant who has been granted an Option or Stock Purchase Right may, if he
or she is otherwise eligible, be granted additional Options or Stock Purchase
Rights.
(b) TYPE OF OPTION. Each Option shall be designated in the 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 with respect to which Options designated as
Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee
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, and
the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to an Incentive Stock Option shall
be determined as of the date of grant of such Option.
(c) AT-WILL RELATIONSHIP. The Plan shall not confer upon any
Participant any right with respect to continuation of employment or consulting
relationship with the Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with such
holder's right or the Company's right to terminate his or her employment or
consulting relationship at any time, with or without cause.
6. TERM OF PLAN. The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by
the Board. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten years unless sooner
terminated under Section 15 of the Plan.
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
years from the date of grant thereof or such shorter term as may be provided in
the Option Agreement. However, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted
to an Optionee who, at the time the Option is granted, is a Ten Percent Holder,
the term of such Option shall be five years from the date of grant thereof or
such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.
8. OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION.
(a) The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued
pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the
Administrator and set forth in the Option Agreement, but shall be subject to the
following:
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<PAGE> 7
(i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is:
(A) granted to an Employee who at the time of grant is
a Ten Percent Holder, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of
the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B) granted to any other Employee, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.
(ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option that is:
(A) granted prior to the date, if any, on which the
Common Stock becomes a Listed Security to a person who at the time of grant is a
Ten Percent Holder, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of
the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of the grant if required by the
Applicable Laws and, if not so required, shall be such price as is determined by
the Administrator.
(B) granted prior to the date, if any, on which the
Common Stock becomes a Listed Security to any other eligible person, the per
Share exercise price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per
Share on the date of grant if required by the Applicable Laws and, if not so
required, shall be such price as is determined by the Administrator.
(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted
with a per Share exercise price other than as required above pursuant to a
merger or other corporate transaction.
(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) and may consist entirely of (1) cash; (2)
check; (3) delivery of Optionee's promissory note with such recourse, interest,
security and redemption provisions as the Administrator determines to be
appropriate (subject to the provisions of Section 409 of the California General
Corporation Law); (4) cancellation of indebtedness; (5) other Shares that (x) in
the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, either have been owned
by the Optionee for more than six months on the date of surrender or such other
period as may be required to avoid a charge to the Company's earnings or were
not acquired, directly or indirectly, from the Company, 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) authorization for the
Company to retain from the total number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date of
exercise equal to the exercise price for the total number of Shares as to which
the Option is exercised; (7) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice
together with such other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if
applicable, shall require to effect exercise of the Option and prompt delivery
to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the exercise price
and any applicable withholding taxes; (8) any combination of the foregoing
methods of payment; or (9) such other consideration and method of payment for
the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted under the Applicable Laws. In
making its
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<PAGE> 8
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, and the Administrator may refuse to accept a particular
form of consideration at the time of any Option exercise if, in its sole
discretion, acceptance of such form of consideration is not in the best
interests of the Company at such time.
9. EXERCISE OF OPTION.
(a) PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE; RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions
as determined by the Administrator, consistent with the term of the Plan and
reflected in the Option Agreement, including vesting requirements and/or
performance criteria with respect to the Company and/or the Optionee; provided
however, that, if required by the Applicable Laws, any Option granted prior to
the date, if any, upon which the Common Stock becomes a Listed Security shall
become exercisable at the rate of at least 20% per year over five years from the
date the Option is granted. In the event that any of the Shares issued upon
exercise of an Option (which exercise occurs prior to the date, if any, upon
which the Common Stock becomes a Listed Security) should be subject to a right
of repurchase in the Company's favor, such repurchase right shall, if required
by the Applicable Laws, lapse at the rate of at least 20% per year over five
years from the date the Option is granted. Notwithstanding the above, in the
case of an Option granted to an officer, Director or Consultant of the Company
or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, the Option may become
fully exercisable, or a repurchase right, if any, in favor of the Company shall
lapse, at any time or during any period established by the Administrator. The
Administrator shall have the discretion to determine whether and to what extent
the vesting of Options shall be tolled during any leave of absence; provided
however that in the absence of such determination, vesting of Options shall be
tolled during any such leave.
An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option shall be deemed exercised when written 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 the Company has received full payment
for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full payment may,
as authorized by the Administrator, consist of any consideration and method of
payment allowable under Section 8(b) 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
shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, not withstanding 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 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.
Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in the
number of Shares that 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.
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<PAGE> 9
(b) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTING RELATIONSHIP. In the
event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Service Status with the
Company, such Optionee may, but only within three months (or such other period
of time, not less than 30 days, as is determined by the Administrator, with such
determination in the case of an Incentive Stock Option being made at the time of
grant of the Option) 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 the Option to the extent so
entitled within the time specified above, the Option shall terminate and the
Optioned Stock underlying the unexercised portion of the Option shall revert to
the Plan. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, no termination shall
be deemed to occur and this Section 9(b) shall not apply if (i) the Optionee is
a Consultant who becomes an Employee, or (ii) the Optionee is an Employee who
becomes a Consultant.
(c) DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.
(i) Notwithstanding Section 9(b) above, in the event of
termination of an Optionee's Continuous Service Status as a result of his or her
total and permanent disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the
Code), such Optionee may, but only within twelve months (or such other period of
time as is determined by the Administrator, with such determination in the case
of an Incentive Stock Option made at the time of grant of the Option) from 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 the Option
to the extent otherwise 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 termination, or if the Optionee does not exercise such Option to the
extent so entitled within the time specified above, the Option shall terminate
and the Optioned Stock underlying the unexercised portion of the Option shall
revert to the Plan.
(ii) In the event of termination of an Optionee's Continuous
Service Status as a result of a disability which does not fall within the
meaning of total and permanent disability (as set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of
the Code), such Optionee may, but only within twelve months (or such other
period of time as is determined by the Administrator, with such determination in
the case of an Incentive Stock Option made at the time of grant of the Option)
from 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
the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such
termination. However, to the extent that such Optionee fails to exercise an
Option that is an Incentive Stock Option (within the meaning of Section 422 of
the Code) within three months of the date of such termination, the Option will
not qualify for Incentive Stock Option treatment under the Code. 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 period specified above, the Option shall terminate and
the Optioned Stock underlying the unexercised portion of the Option shall revert
to the Plan.
(d) DEATH OF OPTIONEE. In the event of the death of an Optionee
during the period of Continuous Service Status since the date of grant of the
Option, or within 30 days
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<PAGE> 10
following termination of the Optionee's Continuous Service Status, the Option
may be exercised, at any time within twelve months following the date of death
(but in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such Option as
set forth in the Option Agreement), by such Optionee's estate or by a person who
acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to
the extent of the right to exercise that had accrued at the date of death or, if
earlier, the date of termination of the Optionee's Continuous Service Status. To
the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date
of death or termination, as the case may be, or if the Optionee does not
exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified above,
the Option shall terminate and the Optioned Stock underlying the unexercised
portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.
(e) EXTENSION OF EXERCISE PERIOD. The Administrator shall have
full power and authority to extend the period of time for which an Option is to
remain exercisable following termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as
an Employee or Consultant from the periods set forth in Sections 9(b), 9(c) and
9(d) above or in the Option Agreement to such greater time as the Board shall
deem appropriate, provided, that in no event shall such Option be exercisable
later than the date of expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the
Option Agreement.
(f) BUY-OUT PROVISIONS. The Administrator may at any time offer to
buy out for a payment in cash or Shares an Option previously granted under the
Plan based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and
communicate to the Optionee at the time such offer is made.
10. STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.
(a) RIGHTS TO PURCHASE. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either
alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards 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 30 days from the date upon
which the Administrator made the determination to grant the Stock Purchase
Right. If required by the Applicable Laws, the purchase price of Shares subject
to Stock Purchase Rights shall not be less than 85% of the Fair Market Value of
the Shares as of the date of the offer, or, in the case of a person owning stock
representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the price shall not be less
than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date of the offer. If
the Applicable Laws do not impose restrictions on the purchase price, the
purchase price of Shares subject to Stock Purchase Rights shall be as determined
by the Administrator. The offer to purchase Shares subject to Stock Purchase
Rights 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
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<PAGE> 11
pursuant to the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall be the original
purchase 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 such rate as the Administrator may determine; provided, however, that with
respect to a purchaser who is not an officer, Director or Consultant of the
Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, it shall lapse at a
minimum rate of 20% per year if required by the Applicable Laws.
(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 SHAREHOLDER. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
shareholder, and shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon
the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment
will 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.
11. TAXES.
(a) As a condition of the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase
Right granted under the Plan, the Participant (or in the case of the
Participant's death, the person exercising the Option or Stock Purchase Right)
shall make such arrangements as the Administrator may require for the
satisfaction of any applicable federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax
obligations that may arise in connection with the exercise of Option or Stock
Purchase Right and the issuance of Shares. The Company shall not be required to
issue any Shares under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied.
(b) In the case of an Employee and in the absence of any other
arrangement, the Employee shall be deemed to have directed the Company to
withhold or collect from his or her compensation an amount sufficient to satisfy
such tax obligations from the next payroll payment otherwise payable after the
date of an exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right.
(c) This Section 11(c) shall apply only after the date, if any,
upon which the Common Stock becomes a Listed Security. In the case of a
Participant other than an Employee (or in the case of an Employee where the next
payroll payment is not sufficient to satisfy such tax obligations, with respect
to any remaining tax obligations), in the absence of any other arrangement and
to the extent permitted under the Applicable Laws, the Participant shall be
deemed to have elected to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued
upon exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares having
a Fair Market Value determined as of the applicable Tax Date (as defined below)
equal to the minimum statutory withholding rates for federal and state tax
purposes, including payroll taxes, applicable to the exercise. For purposes of
this Section 11, 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
under the Applicable Laws (the "Tax Date").
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<PAGE> 12
(d) If permitted by the Administrator, in its discretion, a
Participant may satisfy his or her tax withholding obligations upon exercise of
an Option or Stock Purchase Right by surrendering to the Company Shares that (i)
in the case of Shares previously acquired from the Company, have been owned by
the Participant for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii)
have a Fair Market Value determined as of the applicable Tax Date equal to the
minimum statutory withholding rates for federal and state tax purposes,
including payroll taxes, applicable to the exercise.
(e) Any election or deemed election by a Participant to have
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations under Section 11(c) or
(d) above shall be irrevocable as to the particular Shares as to which the
election is made and shall be subject to the consent or disapproval of the
Administrator. Any election by a Participant under Section 11(d) above must be
made on or prior to the applicable Tax Date.
(f) In the event an election to have Shares withheld is made by a
Participant and the Tax Date is deferred under Section 83 of the Code because no
election is filed under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Participant shall receive
the full number of Shares with respect to which the Option or Stock Purchase
Right is exercised but such Participant shall be unconditionally obligated to
tender back to the Company the proper number of Shares on the applicable Tax
Date.
12. NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS AND STOCK PURCHASE 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; provided however that, after the date, if any, upon
which the Common Stock becomes a Listed Security, the Administrator may in its
discretion grant transferable Nonstatutory Stock Options pursuant to Option
Agreements specifying (i) the manner in which such Nonstatutory Stock Options
are transferable and (ii) that any such transfer shall be subject to the
Applicable Laws. The designation of a beneficiary by an Optionee will not
constitute a transfer. An Option or Stock Purchase Right may be exercised,
during the lifetime of the holder of the Option or Stock Purchase Right, only by
such holder or a transferee permitted by this Section 12.
13. ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS
AND CERTAIN OTHER TRANSACTIONS.
(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 or Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock that have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or that 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 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, recapitalization or reclassification of the Common Stock (including
any change in the number of Shares of Common Stock effected in connection with a
change of domicile of the Company), or any other increase or decrease in the
number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
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<PAGE> 13
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the
Administrator, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and
conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of
shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of
any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with
respect to, the number or price of Shares of Common Stock subject to an Option
or Stock Purchase Right.
(b) DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION. In the event of the dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, each outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right
shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such action, unless
otherwise provided by the Administrator.
(c) CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS. In the event of a Corporate
Transaction, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be assumed
or an equivalent option or right shall be substituted by the successor
corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of such successor corporation, unless such
successor corporation does not agree to assume the outstanding Options or Stock
Purchase Rights or to substitute equivalent options or rights, in which case
such Options or Stock Purchase Rights shall terminate upon the consummation of
the transaction.
For purposes of this Section 13(c), an Option or a Stock Purchase
Right shall be considered assumed, without limitation, if, at the time of
issuance of the stock or other consideration upon a Corporate Transaction, each
holder of an Option or Stock Purchase Right would be entitled to receive upon
exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right the same number and kind of
shares of stock or the same amount of property, cash or securities as such
holder would have been entitled to receive upon the occurrence of the
transaction if the holder had been, immediately prior to such transaction, the
holder of the number of Shares of Common Stock covered by the Option or the
Stock Purchase Right at such time (after giving effect to any adjustments in the
number of Shares covered by the Option or Stock Purchase Right as provided for
in this Section 13); provided however that if such consideration received in the
transaction 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 exercise of the Option or
Stock Purchase Right to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or
its Parent equal to the Fair Market Value of the per Share consideration
received by holders of Common Stock in the transaction.
(d) CERTAIN DISTRIBUTIONS. In the event of any distribution to the
Company's shareholders of securities of any other entity or other assets (other
than dividends payable in cash or stock of the Company) without receipt of
consideration by the Company, the Administrator may, in its discretion,
appropriately adjust the price per Share of Common Stock covered by each
outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right to reflect the effect of such
distribution.
14. 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 the Administrator;
provided, however, that in the case of any Incentive Stock Option, the grant
date shall be the later of the date on which the Administrator makes the
determination granting such Incentive Stock Option or the date of commencement
of the
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<PAGE> 14
Optionee's employment relationship with the Company. 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.
15. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) AUTHORITY TO AMEND OR TERMINATE. The Board may at any time
amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan, but no amendment,
alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination (other than an adjustment
made pursuant to Section 13 above) shall be made that would materially and
adversely affect the rights of any Optionee or holder of Stock Purchase Rights
under any outstanding grant, without his or her consent. In addition, to the
extent necessary and desirable to comply with the Applicable Laws, the Company
shall obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to
such a degree as required.
(b) EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION. No amendment or
termination of the Plan shall materially and adversely affect Options already
granted, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the
Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and
the Company.
16. CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES. Notwithstanding any other
provision of the Plan or any agreement entered into by the Company pursuant to
the Plan, the Company shall not be obligated, and shall have no liability for,
failure to issue or deliver any Shares under the Plan unless such issuance or
delivery would comply with the Applicable Laws, with such compliance determined
by the Company in consultation with its legal counsel.
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 law.
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.
18. AGREEMENTS. Options and Stock Purchase Rights shall be evidenced by
Option Agreements and Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements, respectively, in
such form(s) as the Administrator shall from time to time approve.
19. SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. If required by the Applicable Laws,
continuance of the Plan shall be subject to approval by the shareholders of the
Company within twelve months before or after the date the Plan is adopted. Such
shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required under
the Applicable Laws.
20. INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS TO OPTIONEES AND PURCHASERS. Prior to the
date, if any, upon which the Common Stock becomes a Listed Security and if
required by the Applicable Laws, the Company shall provide financial statements
at least annually to each Optionee and to
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<PAGE> 15
each individual who acquired Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the period such
Optionee or purchaser has one or more Options or Stock Purchase Rights
outstanding, and in the case of an individual who acquired Shares pursuant to
the Plan, during the period such individual owns such Shares. The Company shall
not be required to provide such information if the issuance of Options or Stock
Purchase Rights under the Plan is limited to key employees whose duties in
connection with the Company assure their access to equivalent information. In
addition, at the time of issuance of any securities under the Plan, the Company
shall provide to the Optionee or the purchaser a copy of the Plan and any
agreement(s) pursuant to which securities granted under the Plan are issued.
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.2
GROWTH NETWORKS INC.
1999 STOCK PLAN
NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
<<Optionee>>
<<OptioneeAddress1>>
<<OptioneeAddress2>>
You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock ("Common Stock")
of Growth Networks Inc. (the "Company") as follows:
Board Approval Date: <<BoardApprovDate>>
Date of Grant (Later of Board
Approval Date or
Commencement of
Employment/Consulting): <<GrantDate>>
Vesting Commencement Date: <<VestingCommenceDate>>
Exercise Price Per Share: $<<ExercisePrice>>
Total Number of Shares Granted: <<NoofShares>>
Total Exercise Price: $<<TotalExercisePrice>>
Type of Option: Incentive Stock Option ("ISO")
Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO")
Term/Expiration Date: <<ExpirDate>>
Vesting Schedule: This Option may be exercised, in whole
or in part, in accordance with the
following schedule: 1/4th of the
Shares subject to the Option shall
vest on the 12 month anniversary of
the Vesting Commencement Date and
1/48th of the total number of Shares
subject to the Option shall vest at
the end of each month thereafter.
<PAGE> 2
Termination Period: This Option may be exercised for 90
days after termination of employment
or consulting relationship except as
set out in Sections 6 and 7 of the
Stock Option Agreement (but in no
event later than the Expiration Date).
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 1999 Stock Plan and the Stock Option Agreement, both
of which are attached and made a part of this document.
<<OPTIONEE>>: GROWTH NETWORKS INC.:
_____________________________________ By: _________________________________
Signature
_____________________________________ _________________________________
Print Name Print Name and Title
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<PAGE> 3
GROWTH NETWORKS INC.
1999 STOCK PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
1. GRANT OF OPTION. Growth Networks Inc., a California corporation (the
"Company"), hereby grants to <<Optionee>> ("Optionee") an option (the "Option")
to purchase a total number of shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") set forth in
the Notice of Stock Option Grant, at the exercise price per share set forth in
the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the "Exercise Price") subject to the terms,
definitions and provisions of the Stock Plan (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.
If designated an Incentive Stock Option, this Option is intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
2. EXERCISE OF OPTION. This Option shall be exercisable during its Term
in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Stock Option
Grant and with the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan as follows:
(a) RIGHT TO EXERCISE.
(i) This Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any
time after the Date of Grant, as to Shares which have not yet vested under the
vesting schedule indicated on the Notice of Stock Option Grant; provided,
however, that Optionee shall execute as a condition to such exercise of this
Option, the Early Exercise Notice and Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement
attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Early Exercise Agreement"). If Optionee
chooses to exercise this Option solely as to Shares which have vested under the
vesting schedule indicated on the Notice of Stock Option Grant, Optionee shall
complete and execute the form of Exercise Notice and Restricted Stock Purchase
Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Exercise Agreement").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may in its discretion prescribe or
accept a different form of notice of exercise and/or stock purchase agreement if
such forms are otherwise consistent with this Agreement, the Plan and
then-applicable law.
(ii) This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a
share.
(iii) In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other
termination of employment or consulting relationship, the exercisability of the
Option is governed by Sections 5, 6 and 7 below, subject to the limitation
contained in Section 2(a)(iv) below.
(iv) In no event may this Option be exercised after the
Expiration Date of this Option as set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant.
(b) METHOD OF EXERCISE. This Option shall be exercisable by
execution and delivery of the Early Exercise Agreement or the Exercise
Agreement, whichever is applicable, or of any other written notice approved for
such purpose by the Company which shall state the
<PAGE> 4
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 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
applicable law, including 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 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 cash,
check or any other method permitted under the Plan; provided however that the
Administrator may refuse to allow Optionee to tender a particular form of
payment (other than cash or check) if, in the Administrator's sole discretion,
acceptance of such form of consideration would not be in the best interests of
the Company at such time.
4. RESTRICTIONS ON EXERCISE. This Option may not be exercised until
such time as the Plan has been approved by the shareholders 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 as promulgated by the
Federal Reserve Board. 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.
5. TERMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP. In the event of termination of
Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant, 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 forth in the
Notice of Stock Option Grant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to
exercise this Option at such Termination Date, or if Optionee does not exercise
this Option within the Termination Period, the Option shall terminate.
6. DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5 above, in the
event of termination of Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or
Consultant as a result of his or her total and permanent disability (as defined
in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee may, but only within twelve months
from the Termination Date (but in no event later than the Expiration Date set
forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant and in Section 9 below), exercise this
Option to the extent he or she was entitled to exercise it at such Termination
Date. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option on the
Termination Date, or if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so
entitled within the time specified in this Section 6(a), the Option shall
terminate.
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<PAGE> 5
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5 above, in the
event of termination of Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status
as an Employee as a result of a disability not constituting a total and
permanent disability (as set forth in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), Optionee
may, but only within six months from the Termination Date (but in no event later
than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant and in
Section 9 below), exercise the Option to the extent Optionee was entitled to
exercise it as of such Termination Date; provided, however, that if this is an
Incentive Stock Option and Optionee fails to exercise this Incentive Stock
Option within three months from the Termination Date, this Option will cease to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option (as defined in Section 422 of the Code) and
Optionee will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received
ordinary income at the time of such exercise in an amount generally measured by
the difference between the Exercise Price for the Shares and the Fair Market
Value of the Shares on the date of exercise. To the extent that Optionee was not
entitled to exercise the Option at the Termination Date, or if Optionee does not
exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified in this
Section 6(b), the Option shall terminate.
7. DEATH OF OPTIONEE. In the event of the death of Optionee (a) during
the Term of this Option and while an Employee or Consultant of the Company and
having been in Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant since the date of
grant of the Option, or (b) within 30 days after Optionee's Termination Date,
the Option may be exercised at any time within six months following the date of
death (but in no event later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of
Stock Option Grant and in Section 9 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 of the right to exercise that had accrued at the Termination
Date.
8. 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 him or her. The terms
of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs,
successors and assigns of Optionee.
9. TERM OF OPTION. This Option may be exercised only within the Term
set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, subject to the limitations set
forth in Section 7 of the Plan.
10. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the date
of this Option of certain of the federal and California tax consequences of
exercise of this Option and disposition of the Shares under the laws in effect
as of the Date of Grant. 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 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION. If this Option qualifies
as an Incentive Stock Option, there will be no regular federal or California
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 Optionee to the alternative minimum tax
in the year of exercise.
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<PAGE> 6
(b) EXERCISE OF NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION. If this Option does not
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, there may be a regular federal income tax
liability and a California income tax liability upon the exercise of the Option.
Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at
ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value
of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price. If Optionee is an
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
equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise.
(c) DISPOSITION OF SHARES. In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock
Option, if Shares are held for more than one year, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal
and California income tax purposes. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, if
Shares transferred pursuant to the Option are held for more than 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 California income tax purposes. In either case, the
long-term capital gain will be taxed for federal income tax and alternative
minimum tax purposes at a maximum rate of 20% if the Shares are held more than
one year after exercise. If Shares purchased under an Incentive Stock Option are
disposed of within one year after exercise 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 (i) the Fair Market Value of the
Shares on the date of exercise, or (ii) the sale price of the Shares.
(d) NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION
SHARES. If the Option granted to Optionee herein is an Incentive Stock Option,
and if Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired
pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option on or before the later of (i) the date
two years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one year after the date of
exercise, Optionee shall immediately notify the Company in writing of such
disposition. Optionee acknowledges and agrees that he or she may be subject to
income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by
Optionee from the early disposition by payment in cash or out of the current
earnings paid to Optionee.
11. WITHHOLDING TAX OBLIGATIONS.
(a) GENERAL WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS. As a condition to the
exercise of Option granted hereunder, Optionee shall make such arrangements as
the Administrator may require for the satisfaction of any federal, state, local
or foreign withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with the
exercise, receipt or vesting of the Option. The Company shall not be required to
issue any Shares under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied. Optionee
understands that, upon exercising a Nonstatutory Stock 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 over the Exercise Price. If Optionee is an
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
equal to a percentage of this compensation income. Additionally, Optionee may at
some point be required to satisfy tax withholding obligations with respect to
the disqualifying disposition of an Incentive Stock Option. Optionee shall
satisfy his or her tax withholding obligation arising upon the exercise of this
Option by one or some combination of
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<PAGE> 7
the following methods: (i) by cash or check payment, (ii) out of Optionee's
current compensation, (iii) if permitted by the Administrator, in its
discretion, by surrendering to the Company Shares which (A) in the case of
Shares previously acquired from the Company, have been owned by Optionee for
more than six months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value
determined as of the applicable Tax Date (as defined in Section 11(c) below) on
the date of surrender equal to the amount required to be withheld, or (iv) by
electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise
of the Option, or the Shares to be issued in connection with the Stock Purchase
Right, if any, that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value determined as of
the applicable Tax Date equal to the amount required to be withheld.
(b) STOCK WITHHOLDING TO SATISFY WITHHOLDING TAX OBLIGATIONS. In
the event the Administrator allows Optionee to satisfy his or her tax
withholding obligations as provided in Section 11(a)(iii) or (iv) above, such
satisfaction must comply with the requirements of this Section (11)(b) and all
applicable laws. All elections by Optionee to have Shares withheld to satisfy
tax withholding obligations shall be made in writing in a form acceptable to the
Administrator and shall be subject to the following restrictions:
(i) the election must be made on or prior to the applicable
Tax Date (as defined in Section 11(c) below);
(ii) once made, the election shall be irrevocable as to the
particular Shares of the Option as to which the election is made; and
(iii) all elections shall be subject to the consent or
disapproval of the Administrator.
In the event the election to have Shares withheld is made by Optionee and
the Tax Date is deferred under Section 83 of the Code because no election is
filed under Section 83(b) of the Code, Optionee shall receive the full number of
Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised but Optionee shall be
unconditionally obligated to tender back to the Company the proper number of
Shares on the Tax Date.
(c) DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Section 11, 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 under the applicable laws (the
"Tax Date").
12. MARKET STANDOFF AGREEMENT. In connection with the initial public
offering of the Company's securities and upon request of the Company or the
underwriters managing such underwritten offering of the Company's securities,
Optionee agrees not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option for
the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any securities of the Company (other
than those included in the registration) without the prior written consent of
the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for such period of time
(not to exceed 180 days) from the effective date of such registration as may be
requested by the Company or such managing underwriters and to execute an
agreement reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by the underwriters at
the time of the Company's initial public offering.
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<PAGE> 8
[Signature Page Follows]
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<PAGE> 9
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one
document.
GROWTH NETWORKS INC.
By: _________________________________
Name: _______________________________
(print)
Title: ______________________________
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 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.
Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan 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 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.
Dated: ______________________________ _____________________________________
<<Optionee>>
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<PAGE> 10
EXHIBIT A
GROWTH NETWORKS INC.
1999 STOCK PLAN
EARLY EXERCISE NOTICE AND RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of ______________, by and between
Growth Networks Inc., a California corporation (the "Company"), and
<<Optionee>> ("Purchaser"). To the extent any capitalized terms used in this
Agreement are not defined, they shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the
Stock Plan.
1. EXERCISE OF OPTION. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof,
Purchaser hereby elects to exercise his or her option to purchase ______________
shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of the Company under and pursuant to
the Company's 1999 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the Stock Option Agreement dated
______________ (the "Option Agreement"). Of these Shares, Purchaser has elected
to purchase _______________ of those Shares which have become vested as of the
date hereof under the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice of Stock Option
Grant (the "Vested Shares") and _____________ Shares which have not yet vested
under such Vesting Schedule (the "Unvested Shares"). The purchase price for the
Shares shall be $0.60 per Share for a total purchase price of $_______________.
The term "Shares" refers to the purchased Shares and all securities received in
replacement of the Shares or as stock dividends or splits, all securities
received in replacement of the Shares in a recapitalization, merger,
reorganization, exchange or the like, and all new, substituted or additional
securities or other properties to which Purchaser is entitled by reason of
Purchaser's ownership of the Shares.
2. TIME AND PLACE OF EXERCISE. The purchase and sale of the Shares
under this Agreement shall occur at the principal office of the Company
simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement in accordance
with the provisions of Section 2(b) of the Option Agreement. On such date, the
Company will deliver to Purchaser a certificate representing the Shares to be
purchased by Purchaser (which shall be issued in Purchaser's name) against
payment of the purchase price therefor by Purchaser by (a) check made payable to
the Company, (b) cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to Purchaser, (c)
delivery of shares of the Common Stock of the Company in accordance with Section
3 of the Option Agreement, or (d) a combination of the foregoing.
3. LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER. In addition to any other limitation on
transfer created by applicable securities laws, Purchaser shall not assign,
encumber or dispose of any interest in the Shares while the Shares are subject
to the Company's Repurchase Option (as defined below). After any Shares have
been released from such Repurchase Option, Purchaser shall not assign, encumber
or dispose of any interest in such Shares except in compliance with the
provisions below and applicable securities laws.
(a) REPURCHASE OPTION.
(i) In the event of the voluntary or involuntary termination
of Purchaser's employment or consulting relationship with the Company for any
reason (including
<PAGE> 11
death or disability), with or without cause, the Company shall upon the date of
such termination (the "Termination Date") have an irrevocable, exclusive option
(the "Repurchase Option") for a period of 60 days from such date to repurchase
all or any portion of the Unvested Shares held by Purchaser as of the
Termination Date which have not yet been released from the Company's Repurchase
Option at the original purchase price per Share specified in Section 1 (adjusted
for any stock splits, stock dividends and the like).
(ii) The Repurchase Option shall be exercised by the Company
by written notice to Purchaser or Purchaser's executor and, at the Company's
option, (A) by delivery to Purchaser or Purchaser's executor with such notice of
a check in the amount of the purchase price for the Shares being purchased, or
(B) in the event Purchaser is indebted to the Company, by cancellation by the
Company of an amount of such indebtedness equal to the purchase price for the
Shares being repurchased, or (C) by a combination of (A) and (B) so that the
combined payment and cancellation of indebtedness equals such purchase price.
Upon delivery of such notice and payment of the purchase price in any of the
ways described above, the Company shall become the legal and beneficial owner of
the Shares being repurchased and all rights and interest therein or related
thereto, and the Company shall have the right to transfer to its own name the
number of Shares being repurchased by the Company, without further action by
Purchaser.
(iii) One hundred percent (100%) of the Unvested Shares shall
initially be subject to the Repurchase Option. The Unvested Shares shall be
released from the Repurchase Option in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set
forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant until all Shares are released from the
Repurchase Option. Fractional shares shall be rounded to the nearest whole
share.
(b) RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. Before any Shares held by Purchaser or
any transferee of Purchaser (either being sometimes referred to herein as the
"Holder") may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or
operation of law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first
refusal to purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Section 3(b) (the "Right of First Refusal").
(i) NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRANSFER. The Holder of the Shares
shall deliver to the Company a written notice (the "Notice") stating: (i) the
Holder's bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii) the
name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee ("Proposed Transferee");
(iii) the number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed Transferee; and
(iv) the terms and conditions of each proposed sale or transfer. The Holder
shall offer the Shares at the same price (the "Offered Price") and upon the same
terms (or terms as similar as reasonably possible) to the Company or its
assignee(s).
(ii) EXERCISE OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. At any time within
thirty 30 days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s)
may, by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less
than all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the
Proposed Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with
subsection (iii) below.
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<PAGE> 12
(iii) PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price ("Purchase Price")
for the Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section
3(b) shall be the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration
other than cash, the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall
be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith.
(iv) PAYMENT. Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at
the option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by
cancellation of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder
to the Company (or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee),
or by any combination thereof within 30 days after receipt of the Notice or in
the manner and at the times set forth in the Notice.
(v) HOLDER'S RIGHT TO TRANSFER. If all of the Shares
proposed in the Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not
purchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section
3(b), then the Holder may sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that
Proposed Transferee at the Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that
such sale or other transfer is consummated within 60 days after the date of the
Notice and provided further that any such sale or other transfer is effected in
accordance with any applicable securities laws and the Proposed Transferee
agrees in writing that the provisions of this Section 3 shall continue to apply
to the Shares in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described
in the Notice are not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period,
or if the Holder proposes to change the price or other terms to make them more
favorable to the Proposed Transferee, a new Notice shall be given to the
Company, and the Company and/or its assignees shall again be offered the Right
of First Refusal before any Shares held by the Holder may be sold or otherwise
transferred.
(vi) EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN FAMILY TRANSFERS. Anything to the
contrary contained in this Section 3(b) notwithstanding, the transfer of any or
all of the Shares during Purchaser's lifetime or on Purchaser's death by will or
intestacy to Purchaser's Immediate Family (as defined below) or a trust for the
benefit of Purchaser or Purchaser's Immediate Family shall be exempt from the
provisions of this Section 3(b). "Immediate Family" as used herein shall mean
spouse, lineal descendant or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In
such case, the transferee or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares
so transferred subject to the provisions of this Section, and there shall be no
further transfer of such Shares except in accordance with the terms of this
Section 3.
(c) INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER.
(i) COMPANY'S RIGHT TO PURCHASE UPON INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER.
In the event, at any time after the date of this Agreement, of any transfer by
operation of law or other involuntary transfer (including divorce or death, but
excluding, in the event of death, a transfer to Immediate Family as set forth in
Section 3(b)(vi) above) of all or a portion of the Shares by the record holder
thereof, the Company shall have the right to purchase all of the Shares
transferred at the greater of the purchase price paid by Purchaser pursuant to
this Agreement or the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of transfer.
Upon such a transfer, the person acquiring the Shares shall promptly notify the
Secretary of the Company of such
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<PAGE> 13
transfer. The right to purchase such Shares shall be provided to the Company for
a period of 30 days following receipt by the Company of written notice by the
person acquiring the Shares.
(ii) PRICE FOR INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER. With respect to any
stock to be transferred pursuant to Section 3(c)(i), the price per Share shall
be a price set by the Board of Directors of the Company that will reflect the
current value of the stock in terms of present earnings and future prospects of
the Company. The Company shall notify Purchaser or his or her executor of the
price so determined within 30 days after receipt by it of written notice of the
transfer or proposed transfer of Shares. However, if the Purchaser does not
agree with the valuation as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company,
the Purchaser shall be entitled to have the valuation determined by an
independent appraiser to be mutually agreed upon by the Company and the
Purchaser and whose fees shall be borne equally by the Company and the
Purchaser.
(d) ASSIGNMENT. The right of the Company to purchase any part of
the Shares may be assigned in whole or in part to any shareholder or
shareholders of the Company or other persons or organizations.
(e) RESTRICTIONS BINDING ON TRANSFEREES. All transferees of Shares
or any interest therein will receive and hold such Shares or interest subject to
the provisions of this Agreement, including, insofar as applicable, the
Repurchase Option. Any sale or transfer of the Shares shall be void unless the
provisions of this Agreement are satisfied.
(f) TERMINATION OF RIGHTS. The Right of First Refusal and the
Company's right to repurchase the Shares in the event of an involuntary transfer
pursuant to Section 3(c) above shall terminate upon the first sale of Common
Stock of the Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement
filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
(g) MARKET STANDOFF AGREEMENT. In connection with the initial
public offering of the Company's securities and upon request of the Company or
the underwriters managing such underwritten offering of the Company's
securities, Purchaser agrees not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant
any option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of any securities of the
Company (other than those included in the registration) without the prior
written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for
such period of time (not to exceed 180 days) from the effective date of such
registration as may be requested by the Company or such managing underwriters
and to execute an agreement reflecting the foregoing as may be requested by the
underwriters at the time of the Company's initial public offering.
4. ESCROW OF UNVESTED SHARES. For purposes of facilitating the
enforcement of the provisions of Section 3 above, Purchaser agrees, immediately
upon receipt of the certificate(s) for the Shares subject to the Repurchase
Option, to deliver such certificate(s), together with an Assignment Separate
from Certificate in the form attached to this Agreement as Attachment A executed
by Purchaser and by Purchaser's spouse (if required for transfer), in blank, to
the Secretary of the Company, or the Secretary's designee, to hold such
certificate(s) and Assignment Separate from Certificate in escrow and to take
all such actions and to effectuate all such transfers and/or releases as are in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Purchaser
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<PAGE> 14
hereby acknowledges that the Secretary of the Company, or the Secretary's
designee, is so appointed as the escrow holder with the foregoing authorities as
a material inducement to make this Agreement and that said appointment is
coupled with an interest and is accordingly irrevocable. Purchaser agrees that
said escrow holder shall not be liable to any party hereof (or to any other
party). The escrow holder may rely upon any letter, notice or other document
executed by any signature purported to be genuine and may resign at any time.
Purchaser agrees that if the Secretary of the Company, or the Secretary's
designee, resigns as escrow holder for any or no reason, the Board of Directors
of the Company shall have the power to appoint a successor to serve as escrow
holder pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
5. INVESTMENT AND TAXATION REPRESENTATIONS. In connection with the
purchase of the Shares, Purchaser represents to the Company the following:
(a) Purchaser is aware of the Company's business affairs and
financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to
reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Shares. Purchaser is
purchasing the Shares for investment for his or her own account only and not
with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any "distribution" thereof
within the meaning of the Securities Act.
(b) Purchaser understands that the Shares have not been registered
under the Securities Act by reason of a specific exemption therefrom, which
exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of Purchaser's
investment intent as expressed herein.
(c) Purchaser understands that the Shares are "restricted
securities" under applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and that,
pursuant to these laws, Purchaser must hold the Shares indefinitely unless they
are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and qualified by
state authorities, or an exemption from such registration and qualification
requirements is available. Purchaser acknowledges that the Company has no
obligation to register or qualify the Shares for resale. Purchaser further
acknowledges that if an exemption from registration or qualification is
available, it may be conditioned on various requirements including, but not
limited to, the time and manner of sale, the holding period for the Shares, and
requirements relating to the Company which are outside of the Purchaser's
control, and which the Company is under no obligation and may not be able to
satisfy.
(d) 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 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. RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS AND STOP-TRANSFER ORDERS.
(a) LEGENDS. The certificate or certificates representing the
Shares shall bear the following legends (as well as any legends required by
applicable state and federal corporate and securities laws):
(i) THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE
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<PAGE> 15
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AND HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR
INVESTMENT AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION
WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF. NO SUCH SALE OR
DISTRIBUTION MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF
COUNSEL IN A FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933.
(ii) THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE
TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDER, A
COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE
COMPANY.
(iii) Any legend required to be placed thereon by the
California Commissioner of Corporations.
(b) STOP-TRANSFER NOTICES. Purchaser agrees that, in order to
ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may
issue appropriate "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent, if any,
and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate
notations to the same effect in its own records.
(c) REFUSAL TO TRANSFER. The Company shall not be required (i) to
transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in
violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner
of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser
or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.
(d) REMOVAL OF LEGEND. When all of the following events have
occurred, the Shares then held by Purchaser will no longer be subject to the
legend referred to in Section 6(a)(ii): (i) the termination of the Right of
First Refusal; (ii) the expiration or termination of the market standoff
provisions of Section 3(g) (and of any agreement entered pursuant to Section
3(g)); and (iii) the expiration or exercise in full of the Repurchase Option.
After such time, and upon Purchaser's request, a new certificate or certificates
representing the Shares not repurchased shall be issued without the legend
referred to in Section 6(a)(ii), and delivered to Purchaser.
7. NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any
manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent or Subsidiary
of the Company, to terminate Purchaser's employment or consulting relationship,
for any reason, with or without cause.
8. SECTION 83(b) ELECTION. Purchaser understands that Section 83(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), taxes as ordinary
income for a Nonstatutory
-6-
<PAGE> 16
Stock Option and as alternative minimum taxable income for an Incentive Stock
Option the difference between the amount paid for the Shares and the Fair Market
Value of the Shares as of the date any restrictions on the Shares lapse. In this
context, "restriction" means the right of the Company to buy back the Shares
pursuant to the Repurchase Option set forth in Section 3(a) of this Agreement.
Purchaser understands that Purchaser may elect to be taxed at the time the
Shares are purchased, rather than when and as the Repurchase Option expires, by
filing an election under Section 83(b) (an "83(b) Election") of the Code with
the Internal Revenue Service within 30 days from the date of purchase. Even if
the Fair Market Value of the Shares at the time of the execution of this
Agreement equals the amount paid for the Shares, the election must be made to
avoid income and alternative minimum tax treatment under Section 83(a) in the
future. Purchaser understands that failure to file such an election in a timely
manner may result in adverse tax consequences for Purchaser. Purchaser further
understands that an additional copy of such election form should be filed with
his or her federal income tax return for the calendar year in which the date of
this Agreement falls. Purchaser acknowledges that the foregoing is only a
summary of the effect of United States federal income taxation with respect to
purchase of the Shares hereunder, and does not purport to be complete. Purchaser
further acknowledges that the Company has directed Purchaser to seek independent
advice regarding the applicable provisions of the Code, the income tax laws of
any municipality, state or foreign country in which Purchaser may reside, and
the tax consequences of Purchaser's death.
Purchaser agrees that he or she will execute and deliver to the Company
with this executed Agreement a copy of the Acknowledgment and Statement of
Decision Regarding Section 83(b) Election (the "Acknowledgment") attached hereto
as Attachment B. Purchaser further agrees that he or she will execute and submit
with the Acknowledgment a copy of the 83(b) Election attached hereto as
Attachment C (for tax purposes in connection with the early exercise of an
option) if Purchaser has indicated in the Acknowledgment his or her decision to
make such an election.
9. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and all acts and transactions
pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be
governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of
California, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
(b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT; ENFORCEMENT OF RIGHTS. This Agreement sets
forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the
subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions between them. No
modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights
under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties
to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this
Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
(c) SEVERABILITY. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are
held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate
such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a
mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such
provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of
-7-
<PAGE> 17
the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and
(iii) the balance of the Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its
terms.
(d) CONSTRUCTION. This Agreement is the result of negotiations
between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective
counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product
of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or
against any one of the parties hereto.
(e) NOTICES. Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficient when delivered personally or
sent by telegram or fax or 48 hours after being deposited in the U.S. mail, as
certified or registered mail, with postage prepaid, and addressed to the party
to be notified at such party's address as set forth below or as subsequently
modified by written notice.
(f) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
together shall constitute one instrument.
(g) SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. The rights and benefits of this
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Company's
successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Purchaser under this
Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the Company.
(h) CALIFORNIA CORPORATE SECURITIES LAW. THE SALE OF THE
SECURITIES WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT OF THIS AGREEMENT HAS NOT BEEN QUALIFIED WITH
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE ISSUANCE OF
THE SECURITIES OR THE PAYMENT OR RECEIPT OF ANY PART OF THE CONSIDERATION
THEREFOR PRIOR TO THE QUALIFICATION IS UNLAWFUL, UNLESS THE SALE OF SECURITIES
IS EXEMPT FROM QUALIFICATION BY SECTION 25100, 25102 OR 25105 OF THE CALIFORNIA
CORPORATIONS CODE. THE RIGHTS OF ALL PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT ARE EXPRESSLY
CONDITIONED UPON THE QUALIFICATION BEING OBTAINED, UNLESS THE SALE IS SO EXEMPT.
[Signature Page Follows]
-8-
<PAGE> 18
The parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth
above.
COMPANY:
GROWTH NETWORKS INC.
By: _________________________________
Name: _______________________________
(print)
Title: ______________________________
500 Ellis Street
Mountain View, CA 94043
PURCHASER:
<<OPTIONEE>>
_____________________________________
(Signature)
_____________________________________
(Print Name)
Address:
<<OptioneeAddress1>>
<<OptioneeAddress2>>
I, ______________________, spouse of <<Optionee>>, have read and hereby approve
the foregoing Agreement. In consideration of the Company's granting my spouse
the right to purchase the Shares as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby agree
to be bound irrevocably by the Agreement and further agree that any community
property or similar interest that I may have in the Shares shall hereby be
similarly bound by the Agreement. I hereby appoint my spouse as my
attorney-in-fact with respect to any amendment or exercise of any rights under
the Agreement.
_____________________________________
Spouse of <<Optionee>>
-9-
<PAGE> 19
ATTACHMENT A
ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE
FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to that certain Early Exercise Notice and
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement between the undersigned ("Purchaser") and
Growth Networks Inc. (the "Company") dated _______________, ____ (the
"Agreement"), Purchaser hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto the Company
_________________________________ (________) shares of the Common Stock of the
Company, standing in Purchaser's name on the books of the Company and
represented by Certificate No. ____, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint Venture Law Group, A Professional Corporation, 2800 Sand Hill Road,
Menlo Park, CA 94025 to transfer said stock on the books of the Company with
full power of substitution in the premises. THIS ASSIGNMENT MAY ONLY BE USED AS
AUTHORIZED BY THE AGREEMENT AND THE ATTACHMENTS THERETO.
Dated: ____________, 19__.
Signature:
______________________________________
<<Optionee>>
______________________________________
Spouse of <<Optionee>> (if applicable)
Instruction: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The
purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise its Repurchase
Option set forth in the Agreement without requiring additional signatures on the
part of Purchaser.
<PAGE> 20
ATTACHMENT B
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND STATEMENT OF DECISION
REGARDING SECTION 83(b) ELECTION
The undersigned (which term includes the undersigned's spouse), a
purchaser of ___________ shares of Common Stock of Growth Networks Inc., a
California corporation (the "Company") by exercise of an option (the "Option")
granted pursuant to the Company's Stock Plan (the "Plan"), hereby states as
follows:
1. The undersigned acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan relating
to the offering of such shares. The undersigned has carefully reviewed the Plan
and the option agreement pursuant to which the Option was granted.
2. The undersigned either [check and complete as applicable]:
(a)___has consulted, and has been fully advised by, the undersigned's own
tax advisor, _____________________________________, whose business
address is ______________________________, regarding the federal,
state and local tax consequences of purchasing shares under the
Plan, and particularly regarding the advisability of making
elections pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code") and pursuant to the corresponding
provisions, if any, of applicable state law; or
(b)___has knowingly chosen not to consult such a tax advisor.
3. The undersigned hereby states that the undersigned has decided
[check as applicable]:
(a)___to make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, and is
submitting to the Company, together with the undersigned's executed
Early Exercise Notice and Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, an
executed form entitled "Election Under Section 83(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986;" or
(b)___not to make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code.
<PAGE> 21
4. Neither the Company nor any subsidiary or representative of the
Company has made any warranty or representation to the undersigned with respect
to the tax consequences of the undersigned's purchase of shares under the Plan
or of the making or failure to make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
Code or the corresponding provisions, if any, of applicable state law.
Date: _______________________________ _____________________________________
<<Optionee>>
Date: _______________________________ _____________________________________
Spouse of<<Optionee>>
-2-
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.3
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
STOCK OPTION ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
GROWTH NETWORKS, INC.
1999 STOCK PLAN
OPTIONEE: <<First_Name>> <<Last_Name>>,
STOCK OPTION ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT effective as of the 24th day of March
2000 by Cisco Systems, Inc., a California corporation ("Cisco").
WHEREAS, the undersigned individual ("Optionee") holds one or more
outstanding options to purchase shares of the common stock of Growth Networks,
Inc., a California corporation ("Growth"), which were granted to Optionee under
the Growth 1999 Stock Plan (the "Plan").
WHEREAS, each outstanding Growth option is evidenced by a Stock Option
Agreement, with any shares purchased under such options to be subject to the
terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement. Such Stock Option
Agreement and Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall be collectively referred
to herein as the "Option Agreement."
WHEREAS, Growth has been acquired by Cisco through the merger of Growth
with Cisco (the "Merger") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization,
by and between Cisco and Growth (the "Merger Agreement").
WHEREAS, the provisions of the Merger Agreement require the obligations of
Growth under each outstanding option under the Plan to be assumed by Cisco at
the consummation of the Merger, and the holder of each such outstanding option
to be issued an agreement evidencing the assumption of such option.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the Merger Agreement, the exchange
ratio (the "Exchange Ratio") in effect for the Merger is 0.3492 of a share of
Cisco Common Stock ("Cisco Stock"), for each outstanding share of Growth common
stock ("Growth Stock").
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Agreement is to evidence the assumption by
Cisco of the outstanding options held by Optionee at the time of the
consummation of the Merger (the "Effective Time") and to reflect certain
adjustments to Optionee's outstanding options which have become necessary in
connection with their assumption by Cisco.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. The number of shares of Growth Stock subject to the options held by
Optionee immediately prior to the Effective Time (the "Growth Options") and the
exercise price
<PAGE> 2
payable per share are set forth below. Cisco hereby assumes, as of the Effective
Time, all the duties and obligations of Growth under each of the Growth Options.
In connection with such assumption, the number of shares of Cisco Stock
purchasable under each Growth Option hereby assumed and the exercise price
payable thereunder have been adjusted to reflect the Exchange Ratio.
Accordingly, the number of shares of Cisco Stock subject to each Growth Option
hereby assumed shall be as specified for that option below, and the adjusted
exercise price payable per share of Cisco Stock under the assumed Growth Option
shall also be as indicated for that option below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
GROWTH STOCK OPTIONS CISCO ASSUMED OPTIONS
------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
# of Shares of Growth Exercise Price # of Shares of Cisco Adjusted Exercise
Common Stock per Share Common Stock Price per Share
------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
Growth Shares $Growth Price Cisco Shares $Cisco Price
------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
</TABLE>
2. The intent of the foregoing adjustments to each assumed Growth
Option is to assure that the spread between the aggregate fair market value of
the shares of Cisco Stock purchasable under each such option and the aggregate
exercise price as adjusted pursuant to this Agreement will, immediately after
the consummation of the Merger, be substantially the same as (and in no event
greater than) than the spread which existed, immediately prior to the Merger,
between the then aggregate fair market value of the Growth Stock subject to the
Growth Option and the aggregate exercise price in effect at such time under the
Option Agreement. Such adjustments are also intended to preserve, immediately
after the Merger, on a per share basis, the same ratio of exercise price per
option share to fair market value per share which existed under the Growth
Option immediately prior to the Merger.
3. The following provisions shall govern each Growth Option hereby
assumed by Cisco:
(a) Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in the
Option Agreement and, if applicable, in the Plan (as incorporated into
such Option Agreement) shall be adjusted as follows; (i) all references to
the "Company" shall mean Cisco, (ii) all references to "Share" shall mean
shares of Cisco Stock, (iii) all references to "Common Stock" shall mean
Cisco Stock, (iv) all references to the "Board" shall mean the Board of
Directors of Cisco and (v) all references to the "Committee" shall mean
the Compensation Committee of the Cisco Board of Directors.
(b) The grant date and the expiration date of each assumed Growth
Option and all other provisions which govern either the exercise or the
termination of the assumed Growth Option shall remain the same as set
forth in the Option Agreement applicable to that option, and the
provisions of the Plan and the Option Agreements shall accordingly govern
and control Optionee's rights to purchase Cisco Stock under the assumed
Growth Option.
2
<PAGE> 3
(c) Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement and the Plan,
none of the Growth Options assumed by Cisco hereunder shall vest as to any
shares on an accelerated basis in connection with the Merger. Accordingly,
each assumed Growth Option shall continue to vest and become exercisable
for any unvested shares of Cisco Stock subject to that option in
accordance with the same installment vesting schedule in effect for that
option, pursuant to the provisions of the applicable Option Agreement,
immediately prior to the Effective Time; provided, however, that the
number of shares subject to each such installment shall be adjusted to
reflect the Exchange Ratio.
(d) Any unvested shares of Cisco Stock acquired upon the exercise
of the assumed Growth Options shall remain subject to a right of
repurchase, exercisable by Cisco (as the successor of Growth) at the
adjusted exercise price paid per share, upon Optionee's termination of
service with Cisco. The terms and provisions governing the exercise of
such repurchase right shall be as set forth in the Option Agreements
applicable to the assumed Growth Option under which those unvested shares
are acquired.
(e) For purposes of applying any and all provisions of the Option
Agreement and/or the Plan relating to Optionee's status as an employee or
a consultant of Growth, Optionee shall be deemed to continue in such
status as an employee or a consultant for so long as Optionee renders
services as an employee or a consultant to Cisco or any present or future
majority-owned Cisco subsidiary. Additionally, the provisions of the
Option Agreement governing the termination of the assumed Growth Options
or the exercise of Cisco's repurchase rights with respect to any unvested
Cisco Stock purchased under such options and unvested at the time of
Optionee's cessation of service as an employee or a consultant of Growth
shall hereafter be applied on the basis of Optionee's cessation of
employee or consultant status with Cisco and its majority-owned
subsidiaries. Each assumed Growth Option shall accordingly terminate,
within the designated time period in effect under the Option Agreement for
that option, following such cessation of service as an employee or a
consultant of Cisco and its majority-owned subsidiaries.
(f) The adjusted exercise price payable for the Cisco Stock
subject to each assumed Growth Option shall be payable in any of the forms
authorized under the Option Agreement applicable to that option. For
purposes of determining the holding period of any shares of Cisco Stock
delivered in payment of such adjusted exercise price, the period for which
such shares were held as Growth Stock prior to the Merger shall be taken
into account.
(g) In order to exercise each assumed Growth Option, Optionee must
deliver to Cisco a written notice of exercise in which the number of
shares of Cisco Stock to be purchased thereunder must be indicated. The
exercise notice must be accompanied by payment of the adjusted exercise
price payable for the purchased shares of Cisco Stock and should be
delivered to Cisco at the following address:
3
<PAGE> 4
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
MS 11-3
San Jose, CA 95134
Attention: Stock Administration
4. Except to the extent specifically modified by this Option Assumption
Agreement, all of the terms and conditions of each Option Agreement as in effect
immediately prior to the Merger shall continue in full force and effect and
shall not in any way be amended, revised or otherwise affected by this Stock
Option Assumption Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cisco, Inc. has caused this Stock Option Assumption
Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly-authorized officer as of the
24th day of March 2000.
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.
By: _________________________________
Title: ______________________________
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the foregoing Stock Option
Assumption Agreement and understands that all rights and liabilities with
respect to each of his or her Growth Options hereby assumed by Cisco are as set
forth in the Option Agreement, the Plan, as applicable, and such Stock Option
Assumption Agreement.
_____________________________________
<<First_Name>><<Last_Name>>, OPTIONEE
DATED: ________ ___, 2000
4
