<PAGE> 1
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 1999
Registration No. 333-______
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-------------------
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
-------------------
GERON CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 75-2287752
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
230 CONSTITUTION DRIVE
MENLO PARK, CA 94025
(Address of principal executive offices)
-------------------
1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
(Full title of the Plan)
-------------------
RONALD W. EASTMAN
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
GERON CORPORATION
230 CONSTITUTION DRIVE
MENLO PARK, CA 94025
(650) 473-7700
(Name, address and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
-------------------
COPY TO:
SCOTT RING
VENTURE LAW GROUP
2800 SAND HILL ROAD
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 94025
(650) 233-8454
(Calculation of Registration Fee on following page)
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<PAGE> 2
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===============================================================================================
PROPOSED PROPOSED
AMOUNT TO MAXIMUM MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF SECURITIES TO BE BE OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
REGISTERED REGISTERED(1) PER SHARE OFFERING PRICE FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, $0.001
par value................. 500,000 shares $12.00(2) $6,000,000 $1,668
===============================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) This Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of
Common Stock which become issuable under the 1992 Stock Option Plan by
reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or any other
similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration which
results in an increase in the number of the Registrant's outstanding shares
of Common Stock.
(2) Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act solely
for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. The computation is
based upon the average of the high and low prices of Geron Corporation's
Common Stock as reported on The Nasdaq National Market on January 25, 1999.
================================================================================
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<PAGE> 3
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.
The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") are hereby incorporated by reference:
(a) The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), which contains audited financial
statements for the Registrant's latest fiscal year for which such statements
have been filed (File No. 0-20859).
(b) All other reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a)
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the
audited financial statements in (a) above.
(c) The description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission under
Section 12 of the Exchange Act on June 13, 1996. (File No. 0-20859).
All documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have
been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be
part hereof from the date of filing such documents.
Item 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES. Not applicable.
Item 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL. Not applicable.
Item 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes a court
to award or a corporation's Board of Directors to grant indemnification to
directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such
indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including
reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the 1933 Act. Article VII,
Section 6 of the Registrant's Bylaws provides for mandatory indemnification of
its directors and officers and permissible indemnification of employees and
other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation
Law. The Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation provides that, pursuant to
Delaware law, its directors shall not be liable for monetary damages for breach
of the directors' fiduciary duty as directors to the Registrant and its
stockholders. This provision in the Certificate of Incorporation does not
eliminate the directors' fiduciary duty, and in appropriate circumstances
equitable remedies such as injunctive or other forms of non-monetary relief will
remain available under Delaware law. In addition, each director will continue to
be subject to liability for breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
Registrant for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional
misconduct, for knowing violations of law, for actions leading to improper
personal benefit to the director, and for payment of dividends or approval of
stock repurchases or redemptions that are unlawful under Delaware law. The
provision also does not affect a director's responsibilities under any other
law, such as the federal securities laws or state or federal environmental laws.
The Registrant has entered into Indemnification Agreements with its officers and
directors which provide such officers and directors with further indemnification
to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Item 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED. Not applicable.
-3-
<PAGE> 4
Item 8. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number
-------
<S> <C>
5.1 Opinion of Venture Law Group, A Professional
Corporation
23.1 Consent of Venture Law Group, A Professional
Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
24.1 Power of Attorney (see page 6)
99.1 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended
</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 to include any
material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement.
(2) that, for purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(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 offering.
B. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes
of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
C. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in a successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered hereunder, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
the question has already been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification
by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be
governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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<PAGE> 5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, Geron Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Delaware, certifies that it has reasonable grounds to
believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Menlo Park, State of
California, on this 26th day of January 1999.
Geron Corporation
By: /s/ David L. Greenwood
--------------------------------------
David L. Greenwood
Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE> 6
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Ronald W. Eastman and David L. Greenwood,
jointly and severally, his attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with the power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place or stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Registration Statement on
Form S-8, and to file such amendments, together with exhibits and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting to each attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and
about the premises, as fully as he might or could do in person, and ratifying
and confirming all that the attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his or her
substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Ronald W. Eastman President, Chief Executive Officer January 26, 1999
- ----------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
Ronald W. Eastman
/s/ David L. Greenwood Chief Financial Officer, Vice January 26, 1999
- ----------------------------- President of Corporate
David L. Greenwood Development, Treasurer,
Secretary (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Alexander E. Barkas Director January 26, 1999
- -----------------------------
Alexander E. Barkas, Ph.D.
/s/ Edward V. Fritzky Director January 26, 1999
- -----------------------------
Edward V. Fritzky
- ----------------------------- Director January __, 1999
Thomas D. Kiley
/s/ Gary L. Neil Director January 26, 1999
- -----------------------------
Gary L. Neil
/s/ Robert B. Stein Director January 26, 1999
- -----------------------------
Robert B. Stein, M.D., Ph.D.
/s/ John P. Walker Director January 26, 1999
- -----------------------------
John P. Walker
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 7
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number
- --------------
<S> <C>
5.1 Opinion of Venture Law Group, A Professional Corporation
23.1 Consent of Venture Law Group, A Professional Corporation
(included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
24.1 Power of Attorney (see page 6)
99.1 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.1
January 26, 1999
Geron Corporation
230 Constitution Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement") filed by you with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") on January 26, 1999 in connection with the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of a total of 500,000
shares of your Common Stock (the "Shares") reserved for issuance under the 1992
Stock Option Plan. As your counsel in connection with this transaction, we have
examined the proceedings taken and are familiar with the proceedings proposed to
be taken by you in connection with the sale and issuance of the Shares.
It is our opinion that upon conclusion of the proceedings being taken or
contemplated by us, as your counsel, to be taken prior to the issuance of the
Shares, and upon completion of the proceedings being taken in order to permit
such transactions to be carried out in accordance with the securities laws of
the various states where required, the Shares when issued and sold in the manner
described in the Registration Statement will be legally and validly issued,
fully paid and non-assessable.
We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement, including the Prospectuses constituting a part thereof,
and in any amendment thereto.
Very truly yours,
VENTURE LAW GROUP
A Professional Corporation
/s/ Venture Law Group
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the 1992 Stock Option Plan of Geron Corporation of our report
dated February 13, 1998 with respect to the financial statements of Geron
Corporation included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Palo Alto, California
January 26, 1999
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
GERON CORPORATION
1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
(AS AMENDED THROUGH MARCH 27, 1998)
I. PURPOSES OF THE PLAN
This 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is intended to promote the
interests of Geron Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), by
providing a method whereby eligible individuals who provide valuable services to
the Corporation (or its parent or subsidiary corporations) may be offered
incentives and rewards which will encourage them to acquire a proprietary
interest, or otherwise increase their proprietary interest, in the Corporation
and continue to render services to the Corporation (or its parent or subsidiary
corporations).
For purposes of the Plan, the following provisions shall be applicable
in determining the parent and subsidiary corporations of the Corporation:
(i) Any corporation (other than the Corporation) in an unbroken
chain of corporations ending with the Corporation shall be considered to be a
parent corporation of the Corporation, provided each such corporation in the
unbroken chain (other than the Corporation) owns, at the time of the
determination, stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations
in such chain.
(ii) Each corporation (other than the Corporation) in an unbroken
chain of corporations beginning with the Corporation shall be considered to be a
subsidiary of the Corporation, provided each such corporation (other than the
last corporation) in the unbroken chain owns, at the time of the determination,
stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power
of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
II. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
A. A Committee comprised of non-employee members of the Board who
satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "1934 Act") as it is then in effect to exempt stock awards made hereunder
from the short-swing profit recovery rules of Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act (the
"Primary Committee") shall have sole and exclusive authority to administer the
Plan with respect to Section 16 Insiders.
B. Administration of the Plan with respect to all other persons
eligible to participate in the Plan may, at the Board's discretion, be vested in
the Primary Committee or a second committee comprised of one or more Board
members ( the "Secondary Committee"), or the Board may retain the power to
administer the Plan with respect to all such persons. The members of the
Secondary Committee may be individuals who are Employees eligible to receive
option grants under the Plan or any stock option, stock appreciation, stock
bonus or other stock plan of the Corporation (or any Parent or Subsidiary) or
who have any other business relationship with the Company outside their roles as
members of the Board.
<PAGE> 2
C. Members of the Primary Committee or any Secondary Committee shall
serve for such period of time as the Board may determine and may be removed by
the Board at any time. The Board may also at any time terminate the functions of
any Secondary Committee and reassume all powers and authority previously
delegated to such committee.
D. Each Plan Administrator shall, within the scope of its
administrative functions under the Plan, have full power and authority (subject
to the provisions of the Plan) to establish such rules and regulations as it may
deem appropriate for proper administration of the Plan and to make such
determinations under, and issue such interpretations of, the provisions of the
Plan and any outstanding options thereunder as it may deem necessary or
advisable. Decisions of the Plan Administrator within the scope of its
administrative functions under the Plan shall be final and binding on all
parties who have an interest in the Plan under its jurisdiction or any option
thereunder.
E. Service on the Primary Committee or the Secondary Committee shall
constitute service as a Board member, and members of each such committee shall
accordingly be entitled to full indemnification and reimbursement as Board
members for their service on such committee. No member of the Primary Committee
or the Secondary Committee shall be liable for any act or omission made in good
faith with respect to the Plan or any grants under the Plan.
III. ELIGIBILITY FOR OPTION GRANTS
A. The persons eligible to receive option grants under the Plan are
as follows:
(i) key employees (including officers and directors) of the
Corporation (or its parent or subsidiary corporations);
(ii) the non-employee members of the Board or the non-employee
members of the board of directors of any parent or subsidiary corporation; and
(iii) those Consultants who provide valuable services to the
Corporation (or its parent or subsidiary corporations).
B. Each Plan Administrator shall have full authority to determine
which eligible individuals are to receive option grants under the Plan, the
number of shares to be covered by each such grant, whether the granted option is
to be an incentive stock option ("Incentive Option") which satisfies the
requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code or a non-statutory
option not intended to meet such requirements, the time or times at which each
such option is to become exercisable, and the maximum term for which the option
is to remain outstanding.
IV. STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
A. The stock issuable under the Plan shall be shares of the
Corporation's authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock. The aggregate
number of shares which may be issued over the term of the Plan shall not exceed
9,985,000 shares. The total number of shares
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<PAGE> 3
issuable under the Plan shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in
accordance with the provisions of this Section IV.
B. The number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under
the Plan shall automatically increase on the first trading day of the 1997,
1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 calendar years by an amount equal to two percent (2%)
of the shares of Common Stock outstanding on December 31 of the immediately
preceding calendar year; but in no event shall any such annual increase exceed
300,000 shares.
C. No one person participating in the Plan may receive options for
more than 500,000 shares of Common Stock per calendar year, beginning with the
1996 calendar year.
D. Shares subject to outstanding options shall be available for
subsequent option grants under the Plan to the extent (i) options expire or
terminate for any reason prior to exercise in full and (ii) options are
cancelled in accordance with the cancellation-regrant provisions of Section VIII
of the Plan. Shares subject to outstanding options shall not be available for
subsequent option grants under the Plan to the extent options are surrendered in
accordance with the limited cash-out rights provisions of Section IX of the
Plan. Shares repurchased by the Corporation pursuant to its repurchase rights
under the Plan shall not be available for subsequent option grants.
E. In the event any change is made to the Common Stock issuable
under the Plan by reason of any stock split, stock dividend, combination of
shares, exchange of shares or other change affecting the outstanding Common
Stock as a class without receipt of consideration, appropriate adjustments shall
be made to (i) the aggregate number and/or class of shares issuable under the
Plan, (ii) the number of shares for which any one person may be granted options
per calendar year and (iii) the aggregate number and/or class of shares and the
option price per share in effect under each outstanding option in order to
prevent the dilution or enlargement of benefits thereunder. The adjustments
determined by the Plan Administrator shall be final, binding and conclusive.
V. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS
A. Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall be authorized by
action of the Plan Administrator and may, at the Plan Administrator's
discretion, be either Incentive Options or non-statutory options. Individuals
who are not Employees (as defined in subsection D.3 below) may only be granted
non-statutory options. Each granted option shall be evidenced by one or more
instruments in the form approved by the Plan Administrator; provided, however,
that each such instrument shall comply with and incorporate the terms and
conditions specified below. Each instrument evidencing an Incentive Option
shall, in addition, be subject to the applicable provisions of Section VI.
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<PAGE> 4
B. Option Price.
1. The option price per share shall be fixed by the Plan
Administrator. In no event, however, shall the option price per share be less
than eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of a
share of Common Stock on the date of the option grant.
2. The option price shall become immediately due upon exercise of
the option and shall, subject to the provisions of Section X and the instrument
evidencing the grant, be payable in one or more of the forms specified below:
(i) cash or check drawn to the Corporation's order;
(ii) in shares of Common Stock held by the optionee for the
requisite period necessary to avoid a charge to the Corporation's earnings for
financial reporting purposes and valued at Fair Market Value on the Exercise
Date; or
(iii) to the extent the option in exercised for vested shares,
through a special sale and remittance procedure pursuant to which the optionee
is to provide irrevocable written instructions (I) to a Corporation-designated
brokerage firm to effect the immediate sale of the purchased shares and remit to
the Corporation, out of the sale proceeds available on the settlement date, an
amount sufficient to cover the aggregate option price payable for the purchased
shares plus all applicable Federal, state and local income and employment taxes
required to be withheld by the Corporation by reason of such purchase and (II)
concurrently to the Corporation to deliver the certificates for the purchased
shares directly to such brokerage firm in order to effect the sale transaction.
For purposes of this subparagraph 2, the Exercise Date shall
be the first date on which there shall have been delivered to the Corporation
both written notice of the exercise of the option and, except to the extent such
sale and remittance procedure is utilized, payment of the option price for the
purchased shares.
3. The Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on any
relevant date under subparagraphs 1 or 2 above (and for all other valuation
purposes under the Plan) shall be determined in accordance with the following
provisions:
(i) If the Common Stock is not at the time listed or admitted
to trading on any stock exchange but is traded on the Nasdaq National Market,
the Fair Market Value shall be the closing selling price of one share of Common
Stock on the date in question, as such price is reported by the National
Association of Securities Dealers through its Nasdaq system or any successor
system. If there is no closing selling price for the Common Stock on the date in
question, then the closing selling price on the last preceding date for which
such quotation exists shall be determinative of Fair Market Value.
(ii) If the Common Stock is at the time listed or admitted to
trading on any stock exchange, then the Fair Market Value shall be the closing
selling price per share of Common Stock on the date in question on the stock
exchange determined by the Plan
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<PAGE> 5
Administrator to be the primary market for the Common Stock, as such price is
officially quoted in the composite tape of transactions on such exchange. If
there is no reported sale of Common Stock on such exchange on the date in
question, then the Fair Market Value shall be the closing selling price on the
exchange on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.
(iii) If the Common Stock at the time is neither listed nor
admitted to trading on any stock exchange nor traded in the over-the-counter
market, or if the Plan Administrator determines that the value determined
pursuant to subparagraphs (i) and (ii) above does not accurately reflect the
Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, then such Fair Market Value shall be
determined by the Plan Administrator after taking into account such factors as
the Plan Administrator shall deem appropriate, including one or more independent
professional appraisals.
C. Term and Exercise of Options.
Each option granted under the Plan shall be exercisable at such
time or times, during such period, and for such number of shares as shall be
determined by the Plan Administrator and set forth in the instrument evidencing
such option. No such option, however, shall have a maximum term in excess of ten
(10) years from the grant date and no Incentive Option granted to a 10%
Stockholder shall have a maximum term in excess of five (5) years from the grant
date. During the lifetime of the optionee, the option shall be exercisable only
by the optionee and shall not be assignable or transferable by the optionee
otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
D. Effect of Termination of Employment.
1. Except to the extent otherwise provided pursuant to
subparagraph 4 below, the following provisions shall govern the exercise period
applicable to any options held by the optionee at the time of cessation of
Service or death.
- Should the optionee cease to remain in Service for any
reason other than death or Disability, then the period during which each
outstanding option held by such optionee is to remain exercisable shall be
limited to the three (3)-month period following the date of such cessation of
Service.
- Should the optionee's Service terminate by reason of
Disability, then the period during which each outstanding option held by the
optionee is to remain exercisable shall be limited to the six (6)-month period
following the date of such cessation of Service. However, should such Disability
be deemed to constitute Permanent Disability, then the period during which each
outstanding option held by the optionee is to remain exercisable shall be
extended by an additional six (6) months so that the exercise period shall be
limited to the twelve (12)-month period following the date of the optionee's
cessation of Service by reason of such Permanent Disability. For the purposes of
the Plan, Disability shall mean the inability of an individual to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or
mental impairment and shall be determined by the Plan Administrator on the basis
of such medical evidence as the Plan Administrator deems warranted under the
circumstances.
-5-
<PAGE> 6
Disability shall be deemed to constitute Permanent Disability in the event that
such Disability is expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected
to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.
- Should the optionee die while holding one or more
outstanding options, then the period during which each such option is to remain
exercisable shall be limited to the twelve (12)-month period following the date
of the optionee's death. During such limited period, the option may be exercised
by the personal representative of the optionee's estate or by the person or
persons to whom the option is transferred pursuant to the optionee's will or in
accordance with the laws of descent and distribution.
- During the applicable post-Service exercise period, the
option may not be exercised in the aggregate for more than the number of vested
shares for which the option is exercisable on the date of the optionee's
cessation of Service. Upon the expiration of the applicable exercise period or
(if earlier) upon the expiration of the option term, the option shall terminate
and cease to be exercisable for any vested shares for which the option has not
been exercised. However, the option shall, immediately upon the optionee's
cessation of Service, terminate and cease to be outstanding with respect to any
option shares for which the option is not at that time exercisable or in which
the optionee is not otherwise at that time vested.
2. Under no circumstances shall any option be exercisable after
the specified expiration date of the option term.
3. For all purposes under the Plan, unless specifically provided
otherwise in the option agreement evidencing the option grant and/or the
purchase agreement evidencing the purchased shares, the optionee shall be deemed
to remain in Service for so long as such individual renders services on a
periodic basis to the Corporation or any parent or subsidiary corporation in the
capacity of an Employee, a non-employee member of the Board of Directors or a
consultant. The optionee shall be considered to be an Employee for so long as
such individual remains in the employ of the Corporation or one or more of its
parent or subsidiary corporations, subject to the control and direction of the
employer entity as to both the work to be performed and the manner and method of
performance.
4. The Board shall have full power and authority to extend the
period of time for which the option is to remain exercisable following the
optionee's termination of Service from the three (3)-month (six (6) months in
the case of Disability or twelve (12) months in the case of death or Permanent
Disability) or shorter period set forth in the option agreement to such greater
period of time as the Board shall deem appropriate; provided, that in no event
shall such option be exercisable after the specified expiration date of the
option term.
E. Stockholder Rights. An optionee shall have none of the rights of
a stockholder with respect to the shares subject to the option until such
individual shall have exercised the option and paid the option price.
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<PAGE> 7
F. Repurchase Rights. The shares of Common Stock acquired upon the
exercise of options granted under the Plan may be subject to one or more
repurchase rights of the Corporation in accordance with the following
provisions:
1. The Plan Administrator may in its discretion determine that it
shall be a term and condition of one or more options exercised under the Plan
that the Corporation (or its assignees) shall have the right, exercisable upon
the optionee's cessation of Service, to repurchase at the option price all or
(at the discretion of the Corporation and with the consent of the optionee) part
of the unvested shares of Common Stock at the time held by the optionee. Any
such repurchase right shall be exercisable by the Corporation (or its assignees)
upon such terms and conditions (including the establishment of the appropriate
vesting schedule and other provision for the expiration of such right in one or
more installments over the optionee's period of Service) as the Plan
Administrator may specify in the instrument evidencing such right.
2. All of the Corporation's outstanding repurchase rights shall
automatically terminate upon the occurrence of any Corporate Transaction under
Section VII.
G. Limited Transferability of Options. During the lifetime of the
Optionee, the option shall be exercisable only by the Optionee and shall not be
assignable or transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution following the Optionee's death. However, a Non-Statutory Option may
be assigned in accordance with the terms of a Qualified Domestic Relations
Order. The assigned option may only be exercised by the person or persons who
acquire a proprietary interest in the option pursuant to such Qualified Domestic
Relations Order. The terms applicable to the assigned option (or portion
thereof) shall be the same as those in effect for the option immediately prior
to such assignment and shall be set forth in such documents issued to the
assignee as the Plan Administrator may deem appropriate
VI. INCENTIVE OPTIONS
The terms and conditions specified below shall be applicable to all
Incentive Options granted under the Plan. Incentive Options may only be granted
to individuals who are Employees of the Corporation. Options which are
specifically designated as "non-statutory" options when issued under the Plan
shall not be subject to such terms and conditions.
A. Option Price. The option price per Share of the Common Stock
subject to an Incentive Option shall in no event be less than one hundred
percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date
of grant. If the individual to whom the option is granted is the owner of stock
(as determined under Section 424(d) of the Internal Revenue Code) possessing ten
percent (10%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock
of the Corporation or any one of its parent or subsidiary corporations (such
person to be herein referred to as a 10% Stockholder), then the option price per
share shall not be less than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair
Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the grant date.
B. Dollar Limitation. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined
as of the respective date or dates of grant) of the Common Stock for which one
or more options granted to any Employee under this Plan (or any other option
plan of the Corporation or its parent or
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<PAGE> 8
subsidiary corporations) may for the first time become exercisable as incentive
stock options under the Federal tax laws during any one calendar year shall not
exceed the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000). To the extent the
Employee holds two or more such options which become exercisable for the first
time in the same calendar year, the foregoing limitation on the exercisability
thereof as incentive stock options under the Federal tax laws shall be applied
on the basis of the order in which such options are granted.
Except as modified by the preceding provisions of this Section
VI, all the provisions of the Plan shall be applicable to the Incentive Options
granted hereunder.
VII. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS
A. In the event of one or more of the following transactions
(a "Corporate Transaction"):
(i) a merger or consolidation in which the Corporation is
not the surviving entity, except for a transaction the principal purpose of
which is to change the State of the Corporation's incorporation,
(ii) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Corporation in complete liquidation or
dissolution of the Corporation, or
(iii) any reverse merger in which the Corporation is the
surviving entity but in which all of the Corporation's outstanding voting stock
is transferred to the acquiring entity or its wholly-owned subsidiary,
then each option outstanding under the Plan shall automatically accelerate so
that each such option shall, immediately prior to the effective date of the
Corporate Transaction, become fully exercisable for all of the shares of Common
Stock at the time subject to such option and may be exercised for any or all of
those shares as fully-vested shares of Common Stock.
B. Immediately following the consummation of the Corporate
Transaction, all outstanding options shall terminate and cease to be
outstanding, except to the extent assumed by the successor Corporation (or
parent thereof).
C. Each outstanding option which is assumed in connection with the
Corporate Transaction or is otherwise to continue in effect shall be
appropriately adjusted, immediately after such Corporate Transaction, to apply
and pertain to the number and class of securities which would be issuable, in
consummation of such Corporate Transaction, to an actual holder of the same
number of shares of Common Stock as are subject to such option immediately prior
to such Corporate Transaction, and appropriate adjustments shall also be made to
the option price payable per share, provided the aggregate option price payable
for such securities shall remain the same. Appropriate adjustments shall also be
made to the class and number of securities available for issuance under the Plan
following the consummation of such Corporate Transaction.
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<PAGE> 9
D. The portion of any Incentive Option accelerated in connection
with a Corporate Transaction or Change in Control shall remain exercisable as an
Incentive Option only to the extent the applicable One Hundred Thousand Dollar
limitation is not exceeded. To the extent such dollar limitation is exceeded,
the accelerated portion of such option shall be exercisable as a Non-Statutory
Option under the Federal tax laws.
E. The grant of options under this Plan shall in no way affect the
right of the Corporation to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise change
its capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate
or sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.
VIII. CANCELLATION AND REGRANT OF OPTIONS
The Plan Administrator shall have the authority to effect, at any time
and from time to time, with the consent of the affected optionees, the
cancellation of any or all outstanding options under the Plan and to grant in
substitution therefor new options under the Plan covering the same or different
numbers of shares of Common Stock but having an option price per share not less
than eighty-five percent (85%) of Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the
new grant date (or one hundred percent (100%) of such Fair Market Value in the
case of an Incentive Option or, in the case of an Incentive Option granted to a
10% Stockholder, not less than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of such Fair
Market Value).
IX. CASH-OUT OF OPTIONS
A. Once the Corporation's outstanding Common Stock is registered
under Section 12(g) of the 1934 Act, one or more optionees subject to the
short-swing profit restrictions of the Federal securities laws may, in the Plan
Administrator's sole discretion, be granted limited cash-out rights to operate
in tandem with their outstanding options under the Plan. Any option with such a
limited right in effect for at least six (6) months shall automatically be
cancelled upon the acquisition of fifty percent (50%) or more of the
Corporation's outstanding Common Stock (excluding the Common Stock holdings of
officers and directors of the Corporation who participate in this Plan) pursuant
to a tender or exchange offer made by a person or group of related persons
(other than the Corporation or a person that directly or indirectly controls, is
controlled by or is under common control with the Corporation) which the Board
does not recommend the Corporation's stockholders to accept. In return for the
cancelled option, the optionee shall be entitled to a cash distribution from the
Corporation in an amount equal to the excess of (i) the Cash-Out Price of the
shares of Common Stock in which the optionee is vested under the cancelled
option over (ii) the aggregate option price payable for such vested shares. The
cash distribution payable upon such cancellation shall be made within five (5)
days following the completion of such tender or exchange offer, and neither the
approval of the Plan Administrator nor the consent of the Board shall be
required in connection with such cancellation and distribution.
B. For purposes of calculating the cash distribution, the Cash-Out
Price per share of the vested Common Stock subject to the cancelled option shall
be deemed to be equal to the
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<PAGE> 10
greater of (i) the Fair Market Value per share on the date of surrender, as
determined in accordance with the valuation provisions of subsection V.B.3, or
(ii) the highest reported price per share paid in effecting the tender or
exchange offer. However, if the cancelled option is an Incentive Option, then
the Cash-Out Price shall not exceed the value per share determined under clause
(i) above.
C. The shares of Common Stock subject to any option cancelled for an
appreciation distribution in accordance with this Section IX shall not be
available for subsequent option grants under the Plan.
X. TAX WITHHOLDING
A. The Corporation's obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock
upon the exercise of options or upon the vesting of such shares under the Plan
shall be subject to the satisfaction of all applicable Federal, state and local
income and employment tax withholding requirements.
B. The Plan Administrator may, in its discretion, provide any or all
holders of Non-Statutory Options or unvested shares of Common Stock under the
Plan with the right to use shares of Common Stock in satisfaction of all or part
of the Taxes incurred by such holders in connection with the exercise of their
options. Such right may be provided to any such holder in either or both of the
following formats:
(i) Stock Withholding. The election to have the Corporation
withhold, from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon the exercise
of such Non-Statutory Option or the vesting of such shares, a portion of those
shares with an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the percentage of the Taxes
(not to exceed one hundred percent (100%)) designated by the holder.
(ii) Stock Delivery. The election to deliver to the Corporation,
at the time the Non-Statutory Option is exercised or the shares vest, one or
more shares of Common Stock previously acquired by such holder (other than in
connection with the option exercise or share vesting triggering the Taxes) with
an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the percentage of the Taxes (not to
exceed one hundred percent (100%)) designated by the holder.
XI. LOANS
A. The Plan Administrator may assist any optionee (including an
optionee who is an officer or director of the Corporation) in the exercise of
one or more options granted to such optionee, including the satisfaction of any
Federal, state and local income and employment tax obligations arising
therefrom, by
(i) authorizing the extension of a loan from the Corporation to
such optionee, or
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<PAGE> 11
(ii) permitting the optionee to pay the option price for the
purchased Common Stock in installments over a period of years.
B. The terms of any loan or installment method of payment (including
the interest rate and terms of repayment) shall be established by the Plan
Administrator in its sole discretion. Loans or installment payments may be
granted with or without security or collateral. However, any loan made to a
consultant or other non-employee advisor must be secured by property other than
the purchased shares of Common Stock. In all events, the maximum credit
available to each optionee may not exceed the sum of (i) the aggregate option
price payable for the purchased shares plus (ii) any Federal, state and local
income and employment tax liability incurred by the optionee in connection with
such exercise.
C. The Plan Administrator may, in its absolute discretion, determine
that one or more loans extended under the financial assistance program shall be
subject to forgiveness by the Corporation in whole or in part upon such terms
and conditions as the Board in its discretion deems appropriate.
XII. NO EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE RIGHTS
Nothing in the Plan shall confer upon the optionee any right to continue
in the service or employ of the Corporation (or any parent or subsidiary
corporation of the Corporation employing or retaining such optionee) for any
period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way
the rights of the Corporation (or any parent or subsidiary corporation of the
Corporation employing or retaining such optionee) or of the optionee, which
rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate the Service of the
optionee at any time for any reason, with or without cause.
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<PAGE> 12
XIII. AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN
A. The Board shall have complete and exclusive power and authority
to amend or modify the Plan in any or all respects whatsoever; provided,
however, that no such amendment or modification shall, without the consent of
the holders, adversely affect the rights and obligations with respect to options
at the time outstanding under the Plan; and provided, further that the Board
shall not, without the approval of the Corporation's stockholders, (i) increase
the maximum number of shares issuable under the Plan or the maximum number of
shares for which any person may be granted options per calendar year, except for
permissible adjustments under Section IV, (ii) materially modify the eligibility
requirements for the grant of options under the Plan or (iii) materially
increase the benefits accruing to Plan participants.
B. Options may be granted under this Plan to purchase shares of
Common Stock in excess of the number of shares then available for issuance under
the Plan, provided (i) an amendment to increase the maximum number of shares
issuable under the Plan is adopted by the Board prior to the initial grant of
any such option and within one (1) year thereafter such amendment is approved by
the Corporation's stockholders and (ii) each option granted is not to become
exercisable, in whole or in part, at any time prior to the obtaining of such
stockholder approval.
XIV. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM OF PLAN
A. The Plan became effective when adopted by the Board on May 21,
1992 and was approved by the Corporation's stockholders on July 8, 1992. On
November 13, 1992 the Board adopted an increase in the maximum aggregate number
of shares issuable over the term of the Plan from 650,000 to 1,650,000 shares.
The increase was approved by the Corporation's stockholders on December 8, 1992.
On August 11, 1993 the Board adopted a further increase in the maximum aggregate
number of shares issuable over the term of the Plan from 1,650,000 to 2,150,000
shares. The increase was approved by the Corporation's stockholders on October
8, 1993. On January 13, 1994, the Board approved a further increase in the
aggregate number of shares issuable over the term of the Plan from 2,150,000 to
2,500,000 shares. The increase was approved by the Corporation's stockholders on
June 28, 1994. On September 14, 1994, the Board approved a further increase of
3,385,000 shares in the aggregate number of shares issuable over the term of the
Plan bringing the new aggregate to 5,885,000 shares. The increase was approved
by the Corporation's stockholders on October 5, 1994. On April 25, 1996, the
Board approved a further increase of 2,800,000 shares in the aggregate number of
shares issuable over the term of the Plan bringing the new aggregate to
8,685,000 shares. This Action was approved by Written Consent of the
Stockholder's dated April 30, 1996. On May 22, 1996, the Board approved certain
amendments to the Plan in connection with the filing of a Registration Statement
for the initial public offering of the Company's Common Stock. These Amendments
were approved by Written Consent of the Stockholder's on July 24, 1996. On April
11, 1997, the Board approved a further increase of 800,000 shares in the
aggregate number of shares issuable over the term of the Plan bringing the new
aggregate to 9,485,000 shares. This Action was approved by the Stockholders at
the Company's Annual Meeting on May 23, 1997. On March 27, 1998, the Board
approved a further increase of 500,000 shares in the aggregate
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<PAGE> 13
number of shares issuable over the term of the Plan bringing the new aggregate
to 9,985,000 shares. This Action was approved by the Stockholders at the
Company's Annual Meeting on May 29, 1998. The Plan Administrator may grant
options under the Plan at any time after the effective date and before the date
fixed herein for termination of the Plan.
B. Unless sooner terminated in accordance with Section VII, the Plan
shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) the expiration of the ten (10) year
period measured from the date of the Board's adoption of the Plan, (ii) the date
on which all shares available for issuance under the Plan shall have been issued
pursuant to the exercise or surrender of options granted hereunder or (iii) the
termination of all outstanding options in connection with a Corporate
Transaction. If the date of termination is determined under clause (i) or (iii)
above, then options outstanding on such date shall thereafter continue to have
force and effect in accordance with the provisions of the instruments evidencing
such options.
XV. USE OF PROCEEDS
Any cash proceeds received by the Corporation from the sale of shares
pursuant to options granted under the Plan shall be used for general corporate
purposes.
XVI. REGULATORY APPROVALS
The implementation of the Plan, the granting of any option hereunder,
and the issuance of stock upon the exercise or surrender of any such option
shall be subject to the procurement by the Corporation of all approvals and
permits required by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Plan,
the options granted under it and the stock issued pursuant to it, including the
filing and effectiveness of the Form S-8 registration statement for the shares
of Common Stock issuable under the Plan, and all applicable listing requirements
of any stock exchange (or the Nasdaq National Market, if applicable) on which
Common Stock is then listed for trading.
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<PAGE> 14
GERON CORPORATION
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
WITNESSETH:
RECITALS
A. The Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted the Geron
Corporation 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") for the purpose of attracting
and retaining the services of selected key employees (including officers and
directors), non-employee members of the Board of Directors and consultants who
contribute to the financial success of the Corporation or its parent or
subsidiary corporations.
B. Optionee is an individual who is to render valuable services to
the Corporation or its parent or subsidiary corporations, and this Agreement is
executed pursuant to, and is intended to carry out the purposes of, the Plan in
connection with the Corporation's grant of a stock option to Optionee.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. GRANT OF OPTION. Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement, the Corporation hereby grants to Optionee, as of the
grant date (the "Grant Date") specified in the accompanying Notice of Grant of
Stock Option (the "Grant Notice"), a stock option to purchase up to that number
of shares of the Corporation's Common Stock (the "Option Shares") as is
specified in the Grant Notice. The Option Shares shall be purchasable from time
to time during the option term at the option price per share (the "Option
Price") specified in the Grant Notice.
2. OPTION TERM. This option shall have a maximum term of ten (10)
years measured from the Grant Date and shall accordingly expire at the close of
business on the expiration date (the "Expiration Date") specified in the Grant
Notice, unless sooner terminated in accordance with Paragraph 5 or 6.
3. LIMITED TRANSFERABILITY. This option shall be neither
transferable nor assignable by Optionee other than by will or by the laws of
descent and distribution following Optionee's death and may be exercised, during
Optionee's lifetime, only by Optionee. However, if this option is designated a
Non-Statutory Option in the Grant Notice, then this option may also be assigned
in accordance with the terms of a qualified domestic relations order. If so
assigned, the assigned option shall be exercisable only by the person or persons
who acquire a proprietary interest in the option pursuant to such qualified
domestic relations order. The terms applicable to the assigned option (or
portion thereof) shall be the same as those in effect for this option
immediately prior to such assignment and shall be set forth in such documents
issued to the assignee as the Plan Administrator may deem appropriate.
<PAGE> 15
4. DATES OF EXERCISE. This option shall become exercisable for the
Option Shares in one or more installments as is specified in the Grant Notice.
As the option becomes exercisable in one or more installments, the installments
shall accumulate and the option shall remain exercisable for such installments
until the Expiration Date or the sooner termination of the option term under
Paragraph 5 or Paragraph 6 of this Agreement.
5. ACCELERATED TERMINATION OF OPTION TERM. The option term specified
in Paragraph 2 shall terminate (and this option shall cease to be exercisable)
prior to the Expiration Date should any of the following provisions become
applicable:
(i) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (ii) or (iii)
below, should Optionee cease to remain in Service while this option is
outstanding, then the period for exercising this option shall be reduced
to a three (3)-month period commencing with the date of such cessation
of Service, but in no event shall this option be exercisable at any time
after the Expiration Date. Upon the expiration of such three (3)-month
period or (if earlier) upon the Expiration Date, this option shall
terminate and cease to be outstanding.
(ii) Should Optionee die while this option is outstanding, then
the personal representative of the Optionee's estate or the person or
persons to whom the option is transferred pursuant to the Optionee's
will or in accordance with the law of descent and distribution shall
have the right to exercise this option. Such right shall lapse and this
option shall cease to be exercisable upon the earlier of (A) the
expiration of the twelve (12) month period measured from the date of
Optionee's death or (B) the Expiration Date. Upon the expiration of such
twelve (12) month period or (if earlier) upon the Expiration Date, this
option shall terminate and cease to be outstanding.
(iii) Should Optionee cease Service by reason of Disability while
this option is outstanding, then Optionee shall have a period of six (6)
months (commencing with the date of such cessation of Service) during
which to exercise this option. However, should such Disability be deemed
to constitute Permanent Disability, then the period during which this
option is to remain exercisable shall be extended by an additional six
(6) months so that the exercise period shall be limited to the twelve
(12)-month period following the date of the Optionee's cessation of
Service by reason of such Permanent Disability. In no event shall this
option be exercisable at any time after the Expiration Date. Upon the
expiration of the applicable six (6) or twelve (12)-month period or (if
earlier) upon the Expiration Date, this option shall terminate and cease
to be outstanding. For the purposes of the Plan and of this Agreement,
DISABILITY shall mean the inability of the Optionee to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable
physical or mental impairment and shall be determined by the Plan
Administrator on the basis of such medical evidence as the Plan
Administrator deems warranted under the circumstances. Disability shall
be deemed to constitute PERMANENT DISABILITY in the event that such
Disability is expected to result in death
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<PAGE> 16
or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not
less than twelve (12) months.
Note: Exercise of this option on a date later than three (3)
months following cessation of Service due to Disability will
result in loss of favorable incentive stock option treatment,
unless such Disability constitutes Permanent Disability. In the
event that incentive stock option treatment is not available,
this option will be treated as a non-statutory stock option.
(iv) During the limited period of exercisability applicable under
subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii) above, this option may not be exercised
in the aggregate for more than the lesser of (a) the number of Option
Shares for which this option is, at the time of the Optionee's cessation
of Service, exercisable in accordance with the exercise schedule
specified in the Grant Notice or (ii) the number of Option Shares in
which Optionee is, at the time of the Optionee's cessation of Service,
vested in accordance with the vesting schedule specified in the Grant
Notice.
(v) For purposes of this Paragraph 5 and for all other purposes
under this Agreement:
A. The Optionee shall be deemed to remain in SERVICE for so long as
the Optionee continues to render periodic services to the Corporation or any
parent or subsidiary corporation, whether as an Employee, a non-employee member
of the Board of Directors, or a consultant.
B. The Optionee shall be deemed to be an EMPLOYEE of the Corporation
and to continue in the Corporation's employ for so long as the Optionee remains
in the employ of the Corporation or one or more of its parent or subsidiary
corporations, subject to the control and direction of the employer entity as to
both the work to be performed and the manner and method of performance.
C. A corporation shall be considered to be a SUBSIDIARY corporation
of the Corporation if it is a member of an unbroken chain of corporations
beginning with the Corporation, provided each such corporation in the chain
(other than the last corporation) owns, at the time of determination, stock
possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
D. A corporation shall be considered to be a PARENT corporation of
the Corporation if it is a member of an unbroken chain ending with the
Corporation, provided each such corporation in the chain (other than the
Corporation) owns, at the time of determination, stock possessing fifty percent
(50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one
of the other corporations in such chain.
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<PAGE> 17
6. SPECIAL TERMINATION OF OPTION.
A. In the event of one or more of the following stockholder-approved
transactions (a "Corporate Transaction"):
(i) a merger or consolidation in which the Corporation is not
the surviving entity, except for a transaction the principal purpose of
which is to change the State of the Corporation's incorporation;
(ii) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Corporation in complete
liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation; or
(iii) any reverse merger in which the Corporation is the
surviving entity but in which all of the Corporation's outstanding
voting stock is transferred to the acquiring entity or its wholly-owned
subsidiary,
then this option, to the extent not previously exercised, shall automatically
accelerate so that, immediately prior to the effective date of the Corporate
Transaction, it shall become fully exercisable for all of the shares of Common
Stock at the time subject to this option and may be exercised for any or all of
those shares as fully-vested shares of Common Stock.
B. Immediately following the consummation of the Corporate
Transaction, all outstanding options shall terminate and cease to be
outstanding, except to the extent assumed by the successor Corporation (or
parent thereof).
C. The portion of any Incentive Option accelerated in connection
with a Corporate Transaction shall remain exercisable as an Incentive Option
only to the extent the applicable One Hundred Thousand Dollar limitation is not
exceeded. To the extent such dollar limitation is exceeded, the accelerated
portion of such option shall be exercisable as a Non-Statutory Option under the
Federal tax laws.
D. This Agreement shall not in any way affect the right of the
Corporation to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise make changes in its
capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate or
sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.
7. ADJUSTMENT IN OPTION SHARES.
A. In the event any change is made to the Corporation's outstanding
Common Stock by reason of any stock split, stock dividend, combination of
shares, exchange of shares, or other change affecting the outstanding Common
Stock as a class without receipt of consideration, then appropriate adjustments
shall be made to (i) the total number of Option Shares subject to this option,
(ii) the number of Option Shares for which this option is to be exercisable from
and after
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<PAGE> 18
each installment date specified in the Grant Notice and (iii) the Option Price
payable per share in order to reflect such change and thereby preclude a
dilution or enlargement of benefits hereunder.
B. If this option is to be assumed in connection with a Corporate
Transaction described in Paragraph 6 or is otherwise to remain outstanding, then
this option shall be appropriately adjusted, immediately after such Corporate
Transaction, to apply and pertain to the number and class of securities which
would have been issuable to the Optionee in the consummation of such Corporate
Transaction had the option been exercised immediately prior to such Corporate
Transaction, and appropriate adjustments shall also be made to the Option Price
payable per share, provided the aggregate Option Price payable hereunder shall
remain the same.
8. PRIVILEGE OF STOCK OWNERSHIP. The holder of this option shall not
have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the Option Shares until
such individual shall have exercised the option and paid the Option Price.
9. MANNER OF EXERCISING OPTION.
A. In order to exercise this option with respect to all or any part
of the Option Shares for which this option is at the time exercisable, Optionee
(or in the case of exercise after Optionee's death, the Optionee's executor,
administrator, heir or legatee, as the case may be) must take the following
actions:
(i) Execute and deliver to the Secretary of the Corporation a
Notice of Exercise (attached hereto as Exhibit A) for the Option Shares
for which the option is exercised.
(ii) Pay the aggregate Option Price for the purchased shares in
one or more of the following alternative forms:
1. full payment in cash or check; or
2. any other form which the Plan Administrator may, in
its discretion, approve at the time of exercise in accordance
with the provisions of paragraph 15 of this Agreement.(1)
3. in shares of Common Stock held by the Optionee for
the requisite period necessary to avoid a charge to the
Corporation's earnings for financial reporting purposes and
valued at Fair Market Value (as defined below) on the Exercise
Date; or
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(1) Authorization of a loan or installment payment method under such
provisions may, under currently proposed Treasury Regulations, result in the
loss of incentive stock option treatment under the Federal tax laws.
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<PAGE> 19
4. through a special sale and remittance procedure
pursuant to which the Optionee is to provide irrevocable written
instructions (a) to a Corporation-designated brokerage firm to
effect the immediate sale of the purchased shares and remit to
the Corporation, out of the sale proceeds available on the
settlement date, sufficient funds to cover the aggregate Option
Price payable for the purchased shares plus all applicable
Federal, state and local income and employment taxes required to
be withheld by the Corporation by reason of such purchase and (b)
to the Corporation to deliver the certificates for the purchased
shares directly to such brokerage firm in order to effect the
sale transaction.
(iii) Furnish to the Corporation appropriate documentation that
the person or persons exercising the option, if other than Optionee,
have the right to exercise this option.
Except to the extent the sale and remittance procedure is utilized in
connection with the exercise of the option, payment of the Option Price must
accompany the Purchase Agreement delivered to the Corporation.
B. For purposes of this Agreement, the Exercise Date shall be the
date on which the executed Purchase Agreement shall have been delivered to the
Corporation, and the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on any
relevant date shall be determined in accordance with subparagraphs (i) through
(iii) below:
(i) If the Common Stock is not at the time listed or admitted to
trading on any stock exchange but is traded on the Nasdaq National
Market, the Fair Market Value shall be the closing selling price of one
share of Common Stock on the date in question, as such price is reported
by the National Association of Securities Dealers through its Nasdaq
system or any successor system. If there is no closing selling price for
the Common Stock on the date in question, then the closing selling price
on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists shall be
determinative of Fair Market Value.
(ii) If the Common Stock is at the time listed or admitted to
trading on any stock exchange, then the Fair Market Value shall be the
closing selling price per share of Common Stock on the date in question
on the stock exchange determined by the Plan Administrator to be the
primary market for the Common Stock, as such price is officially quoted
in the composite tape of transactions on such exchange. If there is no
reported sale of Common Stock on such exchange on the date in question,
then the Fair Market Value shall be the closing selling price on the
exchange on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.
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<PAGE> 20
(iii) If the Common Stock at the time is neither listed nor
admitted to trading on any stock exchange nor traded in the
over-the-counter market, or if the Plan Administrator determines that
the value determined pursuant to subparagraphs (i) and (ii) above does
not accurately reflect the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, then
such Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Plan Administrator
after taking into account such factors as the Plan Administrator shall
deem appropriate, including one or more independent professional
appraisals.
C. As soon after the Exercise Date as practical, the Corporation
shall mail or deliver to Optionee or to the other person or persons exercising
this option a certificate or certificates representing the shares so purchased
and paid for, with the appropriate legends affixed thereto.
D. In no event may this option be exercised for any fractional
shares.
10. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
A. The exercise of this option and the issuance of Option Shares
upon such exercise shall be subject to compliance by the Corporation and the
Optionee with all applicable requirements of law relating thereto and with all
applicable regulations of any stock exchange on which shares of the
Corporation's Common Stock may be listed at the time of such exercise and
issuance.
B. In connection with the exercise of this option, Optionee shall
execute and deliver to the Corporation such representations in writing as may be
requested by the Corporation in order for it to comply with the applicable
requirements of Federal and state securities laws.
11. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. Except to the extent otherwise provided
in Paragraph 3 or 6, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of, and be binding upon, the successors, administrators, heirs, legal
representatives and assigns of Optionee and the successors and assigns of the
Corporation.
12. LIABILITY OF CORPORATION.
A. If the Option Shares covered by this Agreement exceed, as of the
Grant Date, the number of shares of Common Stock which may without stockholder
approval be issued under the Plan, then this option shall be void with respect
to such excess shares, unless stockholder approval of an amendment sufficiently
increasing the number of shares of Common Stock issuable under the Plan is
obtained in accordance with the provisions of Section XIII of the Plan.
B. The inability of the Corporation to obtain approval from any
regulatory body having authority deemed by the Corporation to be necessary to
the lawful issuance and sale of any Common Stock pursuant to this option shall
relieve the Corporation of any liability with
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respect to the non-issuance or sale of the Common Stock as to which such
approval shall not have been obtained. The Corporation, however, shall use its
best efforts to obtain all such approvals.
13. NOTICES. Any notice required to be given or delivered to the
Corporation under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed
to the Corporation in care of the Corporate Secretary at its principal corporate
offices. Any notice required to be given or delivered to Optionee shall be in
writing and addressed to Optionee at the address indicated below Optionee's
signature line on the Grant Notice. All notices shall be deemed to have been
given or delivered upon personal delivery or upon deposit in the U.S. mail,
postage prepaid and properly addressed to the party to be notified.
14. LOANS. The Plan Administrator may, in its absolute discretion and
without any obligation to do so, assist the Optionee in the exercise of this
option by (i) authorizing the extension of a loan to the Optionee from the
Corporation or (ii) permitting the Optionee to pay the Option Price for the
purchased Common Stock in installments over a period of years. The terms of any
such loan or installment method of payment (including the interest rate, the
requirements for collateral and the terms of repayment) shall be established by
the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion.
15. CONSTRUCTION. This Agreement and the option evidenced hereby are
made and granted pursuant to the Plan and are in all respects limited by and
subject to the express terms and provisions of the Plan. All decisions of the
Plan Administrator with respect to any question or issue arising under the Plan
or this Agreement shall be conclusive and binding on all persons having an
interest in this option.
16. GOVERNING LAW. The interpretation, performance, and enforcement
of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California
without resort to that State's conflict-of-laws rules.
17. ADDITIONAL TERMS APPLICABLE TO AN INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION. In the
event this option is designated an incentive stock option in the Grant Notice,
the following terms and conditions shall also apply to the grant:
A. This option shall cease to qualify for favorable tax treatment
as an incentive stock option under the Federal tax laws if (and to the extent)
this option is exercised for one or more Option Shares: (i) more than three (3)
months after the date the Optionee ceases to be an Employee for any reason other
than death or Permanent Disability or (ii) more than one (1) year after the date
the Optionee ceases to be an Employee by reason of Permanent Disability.
B. Should the exercisability of this option be accelerated upon a
Corporate Transaction, then this option shall qualify for favorable tax
treatment as an Incentive Option only to the extent the aggregate Fair Market
Value (determined at the Grant Date) of the Common Stock for which this option
first becomes exercisable in the calendar year in which the Corporate
Transaction occurs does not, when added to the aggregate value (determined as of
the respective date or dates of grant) of the Common Stock or other securities
for which this option or one or more
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other Incentive Options granted to Optionee prior to the Grant Date (whether
under the Plan or any other option plan of the Corporation or any Parent or
Subsidiary) first become exercisable during the same calendar year, exceed One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) in the aggregate. Should the applicable One
Hundred Thousand Dollar ($100,000) limitation be exceeded in the calendar year
of such Corporate Transaction, the option may nevertheless be exercised for the
excess shares in such calendar year as a Non-Statutory Option.
C. Should this option be designated as exercisable in installments
in the Grant Notice, then no installment under this option (whether annual or
monthly) shall qualify for favorable tax treatment as an incentive stock option
under the Federal tax laws if (and to the extent) the aggregate Fair Market
Value (determined at the Grant Date) of the Corporation's Common Stock for which
such installment first becomes exercisable hereunder will, when added to the
aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the respective date or dates of
grant) of the Corporation's Common Stock for which one or more other incentive
stock options granted to the Optionee prior to the Grant Date (whether under the
Plan or any other option plan of the Corporation or any parent or subsidiary
corporation) first become exercisable during the same calendar year, exceed One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) in the aggregate. Should such One Hundred
Thousand Dollar ($100,000) limitation be exceeded in any calendar year, this
option shall nevertheless become exercisable for the option shares in such
calendar year as a non-statutory stock option.
D. Should Optionee hold, in addition to this option, one or more
other options to purchase the Corporation's Common Stock which became
exercisable for the first time in the same calendar year as this option, then
the foregoing limitations on the exercisability of such options as incentive
stock options shall be applied on the basis of the order in which such options
are granted.
18. WITHHOLDING. Optionee hereby agrees to make appropriate
arrangements with the Corporation or parent or subsidiary corporation employing
Optionee for the satisfaction of all Federal, state or local income tax
withholding requirements and Federal social security employee tax requirements
applicable to the exercise of this option.
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