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EXHIBIT 99.6
THE SECURITIES WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT OF THIS AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN QUALIFIED
WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THE
ISSUANCE OF SUCH SECURITIES OR THE PAYMENT OR RECEIPT OF ANY PART OF THE
CONSIDERATION THEREFOR PRIOR TO SUCH 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 SUCH QUALIFICATION BEING OBTAINED, UNLESS THE
SALE IS SO EXEMPT.
THE SECURITY REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAS BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT
AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION THEREOF.
NO SUCH SALE OR DISPOSITION MAY BE EFFECTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT RELATED THERETO OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY
THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.
SILICON SPICE, INC.
IMMEDIATELY EXERCISABLE
NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
THIS IMMEDIATELY EXERCISABLE NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (the
"OPTION AGREEMENT") is made and entered into as of _________, 199__, by and
between Silicon Spice, Inc. and _________ (the "OPTIONEE").
The Company has granted to the Optionee pursuant to the Silicon Spice,
Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "PLAN") an option to purchase certain shares of
Stock, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Option Agreement (the
"OPTION"). The Option shall in all respects be subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.
1.1 DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized
terms shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Plan. Whenever used
herein, the following terms shall have their respective meanings set forth
below:
(a) "DATE OF OPTION GRANT" means _____________________, 199_.
(b) "NUMBER OF OPTION SHARES" means_________________ shares
of Stock, as adjusted from time to time pursuant to Section 9.
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(c) "EXERCISE PRICE" means $___________ per share of Stock,
as adjusted from time to time pursuant to Section 9.
(d) "INITIAL EXERCISE DATE" means the later of the Date of
Option Grant or the date the Optionee's Service commences.
(e) "INITIAL VESTING DATE" means the date occurring one (1)
year after (check one):
___ the Date of Option Grant.
___ _____________, 199 , the date the Optionee's
Service commenced.
(f) "VESTED RATIO" means, on any relevant date, the ratio
determined as follows:
Vested Ratio
------------
Prior to Initial Vesting Date 0
On Initial Vesting Date, provided the 1/4
Optionee's Service is continuous
from the later of the Date of Option
Grant or the Optionee's Service
commencement date until the Initial
Vesting Date
Plus
For each full month of the Optionee's 1/48
continuous Service from the Initial
Vesting Date until the Vested Ratio
equals 1/1, an additional
(g) "OPTION EXPIRATION DATE" means the date ten (10) years
after the Date of Option Grant.
(h) "COMPANY" means Silicon Spice, Inc., a California
corporation, or any successor corporation thereto.
(i) "DISABILITY" means the inability of the Optionee, in
the opinion of a qualified physician acceptable to the Company, to perform the
major duties of the Optionee's position with the Participating Company Group
because of the sickness or injury of the Optionee.
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(j) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
(k) "SECURITIES ACT" means the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
(l) "SERVICE" means the Optionee's employment or service
with the Participating Company Group, whether in the capacity of an Employee, a
Director or a Consultant. The Optionee's Service shall not be deemed to have
terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Optionee
renders Service to the Participating Company Group or a change in the
Participating Company for which the Optionee renders such Service, provided that
there is no interruption or termination of the Optionee's Service. The
Optionee's Service shall be deemed to have terminated either upon an actual
termination of Service or upon the corporation for which the Optionee performs
Service ceasing to be a Participating Company. Subject to the foregoing, the
Company, in its sole discretion, shall determine whether the Optionee's Service
has terminated and the effective date of such termination.
1.2 CONSTRUCTION. Captions and titles contained herein are for
convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any
provision of this Option Agreement. Except when otherwise indicated by the
context, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the
singular, and the term "or" shall include the conjunctive as well as the
disjunctive.
2. TAX CONSEQUENCES.
2.1 TAX STATUS OF OPTION. This Option is intended to be a
Nonstatutory Stock Option and shall not be treated as an Incentive Stock Option
within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.
2.2 ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b) OF THE CODE. If the Optionee
exercises this Option to purchase shares of Stock that are both nontransferable
and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the Optionee understands that
the Optionee should consult with the Optionee's tax advisor regarding the
advisability of filing with the Internal Revenue Service an election under
Section 83(b) of the Code, which must be filed no later than thirty (30) days
after the date on which the Optionee exercises the Option. Shares acquired upon
exercise of the Option are nontransferable and subject to a substantial risk of
forfeiture if, for example, (a) they are unvested and are subject to a right of
the Company to repurchase such shares at the Optionee's original purchase price
if the Optionee's Service terminates, or (b) the Optionee is subject to a
restriction on transfer to comply with "Pooling-of-Interests Accounting" rules.
Failure to file an election under Section 83(b), if appropriate, may result in
adverse tax consequences to the Optionee. The Optionee acknowledges that the
Optionee has been advised to consult with a tax advisor prior to the exercise of
the Option regarding the tax consequences to the Optionee of the exercise of the
Option. AN ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b) MUST BE FILED WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THE
DATE ON WHICH THE OPTIONEE PURCHASES SHARES. THIS TIME PERIOD CANNOT BE
EXTENDED. THE OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT TIMELY FILING OF A SECTION 83(b)
ELECTION IS THE OPTIONEE'S SOLE RESPONSIBILITY, EVEN IF THE OPTIONEE REQUESTS
THE COMPANY OR ITS
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REPRESENTATIVE TO FILE SUCH ELECTION ON HIS OR HER BEHALF.
3. ADMINISTRATION. All questions of interpretation concerning this Option
Agreement shall be determined by the Board, including any duly appointed
Committee of the Board. All determinations by the Board shall be final and
binding upon all persons having an interest in the Option. Any officer of a
Participating Company shall have the authority to act on behalf of the Company
with respect to any matter, right, obligation, or election which is the
responsibility of or which is allocated to the Company herein, provided the
officer has apparent authority with respect to such matter, right, obligation,
or election.
4. EXERCISE OF THE OPTION.
4.1 RIGHT TO EXERCISE. Except as otherwise provided herein, the
Option shall be exercisable on and after the Initial Exercise Date and prior to
the termination of the Option (as provided in Section 6) in an amount not to
exceed the Number of Option Shares less the number of shares previously acquired
upon exercise of the Option, subject to the Optionee's agreement that any shares
purchased upon exercise are subject to the Company's repurchase rights set forth
in Section 11 and Section 12.
4.2 METHOD OF EXERCISE. Exercise of the Option shall be by written
notice to the Company which must state the election to exercise the Option, the
number of whole shares of Stock for which the Option is being exercised and such
other representations and agreements as to the Optionee's investment intent with
respect to such shares as may be required pursuant to the provisions of this
Option Agreement. The written notice must be signed by the Optionee and must be
delivered in person, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested,
by confirmed facsimile transmission, or by such other means as the Company may
permit, to the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, or other authorized
representative of the Participating Company Group, prior to the termination of
the Option as set forth in Section 6, accompanied by (i) full payment of the
aggregate Exercise Price for the number of shares of Stock being purchased and
(ii) an executed copy, if required herein, of the then current forms of escrow
and security agreement referenced below. The Option shall be deemed to be
exercised upon receipt by the Company of such written notice, the aggregate
Exercise Price, and, if required by the Company, such executed agreements.
4.3 PAYMENT OF EXERCISE PRICE.
(a) FORMS OF CONSIDERATION AUTHORIZED. Except as otherwise
provided below, payment of the aggregate Exercise Price for the number of shares
of Stock for which the Option is being exercised shall be made (i) in cash, by
check, or cash equivalent, (ii) by tender to the Company of whole shares of
Stock owned by the Optionee having a Fair Market Value (as determined by the
Company without regard to any restrictions on transferability applicable to such
stock by reason of federal or state securities laws or agreements with an
underwriter for the Company) not less than the aggregate Exercise Price, (iii)
by means of a Cashless Exercise, as defined in Section 4.3(c), (iv) in the
Company's sole discretion at the time the Option is exercised, by the Optionee's
promissory note for the aggregate Exercise Price, or (v) by any combination of
the foregoing.
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(b) TENDER OF STOCK. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Option may not be exercised by tender to the Company of shares of Stock to the
extent such tender of Stock would constitute a violation of the provisions of
any law, regulation or agreement restricting the redemption of the Company's
stock. The Option may not be exercised by tender to the Company of shares of
Stock unless such shares either have been owned by the Optionee for more than
six (6) months or were not acquired, directly or indirectly, from the Company.
(c) CASHLESS EXERCISE. A "CASHLESS EXERCISE" means the
assignment in a form acceptable to the Company of the proceeds of a sale or loan
with respect to some or all of the shares of Stock acquired upon the exercise of
the Option pursuant to a program or procedure approved by the Company
(including, without limitation, through an exercise complying with the
provisions of Regulation T as promulgated from time to time by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System). The Company reserves, at any and all
times, the right, in the Company's sole and absolute discretion, to decline to
approve or terminate any such program or procedure.
(d) PAYMENT BY PROMISSORY NOTE. No promissory note shall be
permitted if an exercise of the Option using a promissory note would be a
violation of any law. The promissory note permitted in clause (iv) of Section
4.3(a) shall be a full recourse note in a form satisfactory to the Company, with
principal payable no more than four (4) years after the date the Option is
exercised. Interest on the principal balance of the promissory note shall be
payable in annual installments at the minimum interest rate necessary to avoid
imputed interest pursuant to all applicable sections of the Code. Such recourse
promissory note shall be secured by the shares of Stock acquired pursuant to the
then current form of security agreement as approved by the Company. At any time
the Company is subject to the regulations promulgated by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System or any other governmental entity affecting the
extension of credit in connection with the Company's securities, any promissory
note shall comply with such applicable regulations, and the Optionee shall pay
the unpaid principal and accrued interest, if any, to the extent necessary to
comply with such applicable regulations. Except as the Company in its sole
discretion shall determine, the Optionee shall pay the unpaid principal balance
of the promissory note and any accrued interest thereon upon termination of the
Optionee's Service with the Participating Company Group for any reason, with or
without cause.
4.4 TAX WITHHOLDING. At the time the Option is exercised, in whole
or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, the Optionee
hereby authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to the
Optionee, and otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for (including by
means of a Cashless Exercise to the extent permitted by the Company), any sums
required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding
obligations of the Participating Company Group, if any, which arise in
connection with the Option, including, without limitation, obligations arising
upon (i) the exercise, in whole or in part, of the Option, (ii) the transfer, in
whole or in part, of any shares acquired upon exercise of the Option, (iii) the
operation of any law or regulation providing for the imputation of interest, or
(iv) the lapsing of any restriction with respect to any shares acquired upon
exercise of the Option. The Optionee is cautioned that the Option is not
exercisable unless the tax
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withholding obligations of the Participating Company Group are satisfied.
Accordingly, the Optionee may not be able to exercise the Option when desired
even though the Option is vested, and the Company shall have no obligation to
issue a certificate for such shares or release such shares from any escrow
provided for herein.
4.5 CERTIFICATE REGISTRATION. Except in the event the Exercise
Price is paid by means of a Cashless Exercise, the certificate for the shares as
to which the Option is exercised shall be registered in the name of the
Optionee, or, if applicable, in the names of the heirs of the Optionee.
4.6 RESTRICTIONS ON GRANT OF THE OPTION AND ISSUANCE OF SHARES.
The grant of the Option and the issuance of shares of Stock upon exercise of the
Option shall be subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of
federal, state or foreign law with respect to such securities. The Option may
not be exercised if the issuance of shares of Stock upon exercise would
constitute a violation of any applicable federal, state or foreign securities
laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or
market system upon which the Stock may then be listed. In addition, the Option
may not be exercised unless (i) a registration statement under the Securities
Act shall at the time of exercise of the Option be in effect with respect to the
shares issuable upon exercise of the Option or (ii) in the opinion of legal
counsel to the Company, the shares issuable upon exercise of the Option may be
issued in accordance with the terms of an applicable exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act. THE OPTIONEE IS CAUTIONED THAT
THE OPTION MAY NOT BE EXERCISED UNLESS THE FOREGOING CONDITIONS ARE SATISFIED.
ACCORDINGLY, THE OPTIONEE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXERCISE THE OPTION WHEN DESIRED
EVEN THOUGH THE OPTION IS VESTED. The inability of the Company to obtain from
any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if any, deemed by the
Company's legal counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any
shares subject to the Option shall relieve the Company of any liability in
respect of the failure to issue or sell such shares as to which such requisite
authority shall not have been obtained. As a condition to the exercise of the
Option, the Company may require the Optionee to satisfy any qualifications that
may be necessary or appropriate, to evidence compliance with any applicable law
or regulation and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as
may be requested by the Company.
4.7 FRACTIONAL SHARES. The Company shall not be required to issue
fractional shares upon the exercise of the Option.
5. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF THE OPTION. The Option may be exercised during
the lifetime of the Optionee only by the Optionee or the Optionee's guardian or
legal representative and may not be assigned or transferred in any manner except
by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Following the death of the
Optionee, the Option, to the extent provided in Section 7, may be exercised by
the Optionee's legal representative or by any person empowered to do so under
the deceased Optionee's will or under the then applicable laws of descent and
distribution.
6. TERMINATION OF THE OPTION. The Option shall terminate and may no
longer be exercised on the first to occur of (a) the Option Expiration Date, (b)
the last date for exercising
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the Option following termination of the Optionee's Service as described in
Section 7, or (c) a Transfer of Control to the extent provided in Section 8.
7. EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF SERVICE.
7.1 OPTION EXERCISABILITY.
(a) DISABILITY. If the Optionee's Service with the
Participating Company Group is terminated because of the Disability of the
Optionee, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable on the date on
which the Optionee's Service terminated, may be exercised by the Optionee (or
the Optionee's guardian or legal representative) at any time prior to the
expiration of twelve (12) months after the date on which the Optionee's Service
terminated, but in any event no later than the Option Expiration Date.
(b) DEATH. If the Optionee's Service with the Participating
Company Group is terminated because of the death of the Optionee, the Option, to
the extent unexercised and exercisable on the date on which the Optionee's
Service terminated, may be exercised by the Optionee (or the Optionee's legal
representative, or other person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by
reason of the Optionee's death) at any time prior to the expiration of twelve
(12) months after the date on which the Optionee's Service terminated, but in
any event no later than the Option Expiration Date. The Optionee's Service shall
be deemed to have terminated on account of death if the Optionee dies within
sixty (60) days after the Optionee's termination of Service.
(c) OTHER TERMINATION OF SERVICE. If the Optionee's Service
with the Participating Company Group terminates for any reason, except
Disability or death, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable by
the Optionee on the date on which the Optionee's Service terminated, may be
exercised by the Optionee within sixty (60) days (or such other longer period of
time as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion) after the date on which
the Optionee's Service terminated, but in any event no later than the Option
Expiration Date.
7.2 ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS ON OPTION EXERCISE. Notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 7.1, the Option may not be exercised after the Optionee's
termination of Service to the extent that the shares to be acquired upon
exercise of the Option would be subject to the Unvested Share Repurchase Option
as provided in Section 11. Except as the Company and the Optionee otherwise
agree, exercise of the Option pursuant to Section 7.1 following termination of
the Optionee's Service may not be made by delivery of a promissory note as
provided in Section 4.3(a).
7.3 EXTENSION IF EXERCISE PREVENTED BY LAW. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the exercise of the Option within the applicable time periods set
forth in Section 7.1 is prevented by the provisions of Section 4.6, the Option
shall remain exercisable until three (3) months after the date the Optionee is
notified by the Company that the Option is exercisable, but in any event no
later than the Option Expiration Date.
7.4 EXTENSION IF OPTIONEE SUBJECT TO SECTION 16(b).
Notwithstanding the
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foregoing, if a sale within the applicable time periods set forth in Section 7.1
of shares acquired upon the exercise of the Option would subject the Optionee to
suit under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, the Option shall remain
exercisable until the earliest to occur of (i) the tenth (10th) day following
the date on which a sale of such shares by the Optionee would no longer be
subject to such suit, (ii) the one hundred and ninetieth (190th) day after the
Optionee's termination of Service, or (iii) the Option Expiration Date.
7.5 LEAVE OF ABSENCE. For purposes of Section 7.1, the Optionee's
Service with the Participating Company Group shall not be deemed to terminate if
the Optionee takes any military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of
absence approved by the Company of ninety (90) days or less. In the event of a
leave of absence in excess of ninety (90) days, the Optionee's Service shall be
deemed to terminate on the ninety-first (91st) day of such leave unless the
Optionee's right to reemployment with the Participating Company Group remains
guaranteed by statute or contract. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless
otherwise designated by the Company (or required by law), a leave of absence
shall not be treated as Service for purposes of determining the Optionee's
Vested Ratio.
8. TRANSFER OF CONTROL.
8.1 DEFINITIONS.
(a) An "OWNERSHIP CHANGE EVENT" shall be deemed to have
occurred if any of the following occurs with respect to the Company:
(i) the direct or indirect sale or exchange in a
single or series of related transactions by the shareholders of the Company of
more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock of the Company;
(ii) a merger or consolidation in which the Company
is a party; or
(iii) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company; or
(iv) a liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
(b) A "TRANSFER OF CONTROL" shall mean an Ownership Change
Event or a series of related Ownership Change Events (collectively, the
"TRANSACTION") wherein the shareholders of the Company immediately before the
Transaction do not retain immediately after the Transaction, in substantially
the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company's voting stock
immediately before the Transaction, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of
more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the
outstanding voting stock of the Company or the corporation or corporations to
which the assets of the Company were transferred (the "TRANSFEREE
CORPORATION(s)"), as the case may be. For purposes of the preceding sentence,
indirect beneficial ownership shall include, without limitation, an interest
resulting from ownership of the voting stock of one or more corporations
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which, as a result of the Transaction, own the Company or the Transferee
Corporation(s), as the case may be, either directly or through one or more
subsidiary corporations. The Board shall have the right to determine whether
multiple sales or exchanges of the voting stock of the Company or multiple
Ownership Change Events are related, and its determination shall be final,
binding and conclusive.
8.2 EFFECT OF TRANSFER OF CONTROL ON OPTION. In the event of a
Transfer of Control, the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing
corporation or parent corporation thereof, as the case may be (the "ACQUIRING
CORPORATION"), may either assume the Company's rights and obligations under the
Option or substitute for the Option a substantially equivalent option for the
Acquiring Corporation's stock. For purposes of this Section 8.2, the Option
shall be deemed assumed if, following the Transfer of Control, the Option
confers the right to purchase, for each share of Stock subject to the Option
immediately prior to the Transfer of Control, the consideration (whether stock,
cash or other securities or property) to which a holder of a share of Stock on
the effective date of the Transfer of Control was entitled. In the event the
Acquiring Corporation elects not to assume the Company's rights and obligations
under the Option or substitute for the Option in connection with the Transfer of
Control, all shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall become Vested
Shares for purposes of Section 11 as of the date ten (10) days prior to the date
of the Transfer of Control. Any vesting of the Option that was permissible
solely by reason of this Section 8.2 shall be conditioned upon the consummation
of the Transfer of Control. The Option shall terminate and cease to be
outstanding effective as of the date of the Transfer of Control to the extent
that the Option is neither assumed or substituted for by the Acquiring
Corporation in connection with the Transfer of Control nor exercised as of the
date of the Transfer of Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares acquired
upon exercise of the Option prior to the Transfer of Control and any
consideration received pursuant to the Transfer of Control with respect to such
shares shall continue to be subject to all applicable provisions of this Option
Agreement except as otherwise provided herein. Furthermore, notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the corporation the stock of which is subject to the Option
immediately prior to an Ownership Change Event described in Section 8.1(a)(i)
constituting a Transfer of Control is the surviving or continuing corporation
and immediately after such Ownership Change Event less than fifty percent (50%)
of the total combined voting power of its voting stock is held by another
corporation or by other corporations that are members of an affiliated group
within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Code without regard to the
provisions of Section 1504(b) of the Code, the Option shall not terminate unless
the Board otherwise provides in its sole discretion.
9. ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE. In the event of any
stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, recapitalization, combination,
reclassification, or similar change in the capital structure of the Company,
appropriate adjustments shall be made in the number, Exercise Price and class of
shares of stock subject to the Option. If a majority of the shares which are of
the same class as the shares that are subject to the Option are exchanged for,
converted into, or otherwise become (whether or not pursuant to an Ownership
Change Event) shares of another corporation (the "NEW SHARES"), the Board may
unilaterally amend the Option to provide that the Option is exercisable for New
Shares. In the event of any such amendment, the Number of Option Shares and the
Exercise Price shall be adjusted in a fair and equitable manner, as determined
by the Board, in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
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fractional share resulting from an adjustment pursuant to this Section 9 shall
be rounded up or down to the nearest whole number, as determined by the Board,
and in no event may the Exercise Price be decreased to an amount less than the
par value, if any, of the stock subject to the Option. The adjustments
determined by the Board pursuant to this Section 9 shall be final, binding and
conclusive.
10. RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER, EMPLOYEE OR CONSULTANT. The Optionee shall
have no rights as a shareholder with respect to any shares covered by the Option
until the date of the issuance of a certificate for the shares for which the
Option has been exercised (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of
the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). No
adjustment shall be made for dividends, distributions or other rights for which
the record date is prior to the date such certificate is issued, except as
provided in Section 9. Nothing in this Option Agreement shall confer upon the
Optionee any right to continue in the Service of a Participating Company or
interfere in any way with any right of the Participating Company Group to
terminate the Optionee's Service as an Employee or Consultant, as the case may
be, at any time.
11. UNVESTED SHARE REPURCHASE OPTION.
11.1 GRANT OF UNVESTED SHARE REPURCHASE OPTION. In the event the
Optionee's Service with the Participating Company Group is terminated for any
reason or no reason, with or without cause, or, if the Optionee, the Optionee's
legal representative, or other holder of shares acquired upon exercise of the
Option attempts to sell, exchange, transfer, pledge, or otherwise dispose of
(other than pursuant to an Ownership Change Event) any shares acquired upon
exercise of the Option which exceed the Vested Shares as defined in Section 11.2
below (the "UNVESTED SHARES"), the Company shall have the right to repurchase
the Unvested Shares under the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Section 11 (the "UNVESTED SHARE REPURCHASE OPTION").
11.2 VESTED SHARES AND UNVESTED SHARES DEFINED. The "VESTED
SHARES" shall mean, on any given date, a number of shares of Stock equal to the
Number of Option Shares multiplied by the Vested Ratio determined as of such
date and rounded down to the nearest whole share. On such given date, the
"UNVESTED SHARES" shall mean the number of shares of Stock acquired upon
exercise of the Option which exceed the Vested Shares determined as of such
date.
11.3 EXERCISE OF UNVESTED SHARE REPURCHASE OPTION. The Company may
exercise the Unvested Share Repurchase Option by written notice delivered
personally or forwarded by first class mail to the Optionee within sixty (60)
days after (a) termination of the Optionee's Service (or exercise of the Option,
if later) or (b) the Company has received notice of the attempted disposition of
Unvested Shares. If the Company fails to give notice within such sixty (60) day
period, the Unvested Share Repurchase Option shall terminate unless the Company
and the Optionee have extended the time for the exercise of the Unvested Share
Repurchase Option. The Unvested Share Repurchase Option must be exercised, if at
all, for all of the Unvested Shares, except as the Company and the Optionee
otherwise agree.
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11.4 PAYMENT FOR SHARES AND RETURN OF SHARES TO COMPANY. The
purchase price per share being repurchased by the Company shall be an amount
equal to the Optionee's original cost per share, as adjusted pursuant to Section
9 (the "REPURCHASE PRICE"). The Company shall pay the aggregate Repurchase Price
to the Optionee in cash within thirty (30) days after the date of personal
delivery or mailing of the written notice of the Company's exercise of the
Unvested Share Repurchase Option. For purposes of the foregoing, cancellation of
any indebtedness of the Optionee to any Participating Company shall be treated
as payment to the Optionee in cash to the extent of the unpaid principal and any
accrued interest canceled. The shares being repurchased shall be delivered to
the Company by the Optionee at the same time as the delivery of the Repurchase
Price to the Optionee.
11.5 ASSIGNMENT OF UNVESTED SHARE REPURCHASE OPTION. The Company
shall have the right to assign the Unvested Share Repurchase Option at any time,
whether or not such option is then exercisable, to one or more persons as may be
selected by the Company.
11.6 OWNERSHIP CHANGE EVENT. Upon the occurrence of an Ownership
Change Event, any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other
property to which the Optionee is entitled by reason of the Optionee's ownership
of Unvested Shares shall be immediately subject to the Unvested Share Repurchase
Option and included in the terms "Stock" and "Unvested Shares" for all purposes
of the Unvested Share Repurchase Option with the same force and effect as the
Unvested Shares immediately prior to the Ownership Change Event. While the
aggregate Repurchase Price shall remain the same after such Ownership Change
Event, the Repurchase Price per Unvested Share upon exercise of the Unvested
Share Repurchase Option following such Ownership Change Event shall be adjusted
as appropriate. For purposes of determining the Vested Ratio following an
Ownership Change Event, credited Service shall include all Service with any
corporation which is a Participating Company at the time the Service is
rendered, whether or not such corporation is a Participating Company both before
and after the Ownership Change Event.
12. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.
12.1 GRANT OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. Except as provided in
Section 12.7 below, in the event the Optionee, the Optionee's legal
representative, or other holder of shares acquired upon exercise of the Option
proposes to sell, exchange, transfer, pledge, or otherwise dispose of any Vested
Shares (the "TRANSFER SHARES") to any person or entity, including, without
limitation, any shareholder of the Participating Company Group, the Company
shall have the right to repurchase the Transfer Shares under the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 12 (the "RIGHT OF FIRST
REFUSAL").
12.2 NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRANSFER. Prior to any proposed transfer
of the Transfer Shares, the Optionee shall give a written notice (the "TRANSFER
NOTICE") to the Company describing fully the proposed transfer, including the
number of Transfer Shares, the name and address of the proposed transferee (the
"PROPOSED TRANSFEREE") and, if the transfer is voluntary, the proposed transfer
price, and containing such information necessary to show the bona fide nature of
the proposed transfer. In the event of a bona fide gift or involuntary transfer,
the proposed transfer price shall be deemed to be the Fair Market Value of the
Transfer Shares,
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as determined by the Board in good faith. If the Optionee proposes to transfer
any Transfer Shares to more than one Proposed Transferee, the Optionee shall
provide a separate Transfer Notice for the proposed transfer to each Proposed
Transferee. The Transfer Notice shall be signed by both the Optionee and the
Proposed Transferee and must constitute a binding commitment of the Optionee and
the Proposed Transferee for the transfer of the Transfer Shares to the Proposed
Transferee subject only to the Right of First Refusal.
12.3 BONA FIDE TRANSFER. If the Company determines that the
information provided by the Optionee in the Transfer Notice is insufficient to
establish the bona fide nature of a proposed voluntary transfer, the Company
shall give the Optionee written notice of the Optionee's failure to comply with
the procedure described in this Section 12, and the Optionee shall have no right
to transfer the Transfer Shares without first complying with the procedure
described in this Section 12. The Optionee shall not be permitted to transfer
the Transfer Shares if the proposed transfer is not bona fide.
12.4 EXERCISE OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. If the Company determines
the proposed transfer to be bona fide, the Company shall have the right to
purchase all, but not less than all, of the Transfer Shares (except as the
Company and the Optionee otherwise agree) at the purchase price and on the terms
set forth in the Transfer Notice by delivery to the Optionee of a notice of
exercise of the Right of First Refusal within thirty (30) days after the date
the Transfer Notice is delivered to the Company. The Company's exercise or
failure to exercise the Right of First Refusal with respect to any proposed
transfer described in a Transfer Notice shall not affect the Company's right to
exercise the Right of First Refusal with respect to any proposed transfer
described in any other Transfer Notice, whether or not such other Transfer
Notice is issued by the Optionee or issued by a person other than the Optionee
with respect to a proposed transfer to the same Proposed Transferee. If the
Company exercises the Right of First Refusal, the Company and the Optionee shall
thereupon consummate the sale of the Transfer Shares to the Company on the terms
set forth in the Transfer Notice within sixty (60) days after the date the
Transfer Notice is delivered to the Company (unless a longer period is offered
by the Proposed Transferee); provided, however, that in the event the Transfer
Notice provides for the payment for the Transfer Shares other than in cash, the
Company shall have the option of paying for the Transfer Shares by the present
value cash equivalent of the consideration described in the Transfer Notice as
reasonably determined by the Company. For purposes of the foregoing,
cancellation of any indebtedness of the Optionee to any Participating Company
shall be treated as payment to the Optionee in cash to the extent of the unpaid
principal and any accrued interest canceled.
12.5 FAILURE TO EXERCISE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. If the Company
fails to exercise the Right of First Refusal in full (or to such lesser extent
as the Company and the Optionee otherwise agree) within the period specified in
Section 12.4 above, the Optionee may conclude a transfer to the Proposed
Transferee of the Transfer Shares on the terms and conditions described in the
Transfer Notice, provided such transfer occurs not later than ninety (90) days
following delivery to the Company of the Transfer Notice. The Company shall have
the right to demand further assurances from the Optionee and the Proposed
Transferee (in a form satisfactory to the Company) that the transfer of the
Transfer Shares was actually carried out on the terms and conditions described
in the Transfer Notice. No Transfer Shares shall be transferred on the books of
the Company until the Company has received such assurances, if so demanded, and
has
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approved the proposed transfer as bona fide. Any proposed transfer on terms and
conditions different from those described in the Transfer Notice, as well as any
subsequent proposed transfer by the Optionee, shall again be subject to the
Right of First Refusal and shall require compliance by the Optionee with the
procedure described in this Section 12.
12.6 TRANSFEREES OF TRANSFER SHARES. All transferees of the
Transfer Shares or any interest therein, other than the Company, shall be
required as a condition of such transfer to agree in writing (in a form
satisfactory to the Company) that such transferee shall receive and hold such
Transfer Shares or interest therein subject to all of the terms and conditions
of this Option Agreement, including this Section 12 providing for the Right of
First Refusal with respect to any subsequent transfer. Any sale or transfer of
any shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall be void unless the
provisions of this Section 12 are met.
12.7 TRANSFERS NOT SUBJECT TO RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. The Right of
First Refusal shall not apply to any transfer or exchange of the shares acquired
upon exercise of the Option if such transfer or exchange is in connection with
an Ownership Change Event. If the consideration received pursuant to such
transfer or exchange consists of stock of a Participating Company, such
consideration shall remain subject to the Right of First Refusal unless the
provisions of Section 12.9 below result in a termination of the Right of First
Refusal.
12.8 ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. The Company shall have
the right to assign the Right of First Refusal at any time, whether or not there
has been an attempted transfer, to one or more persons as may be selected by the
Company.
12.9 EARLY TERMINATION OF RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. The other
provisions of this Option Agreement notwithstanding, the Right of First Refusal
shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon (a) the occurrence of
a Transfer of Control, unless the Acquiring Corporation assumes the Company's
rights and obligations under the Option or substitutes a substantially
equivalent option for the Acquiring Corporation's stock for the Option, or (b)
the existence of a public market for the class of shares subject to the Right of
First Refusal. A "PUBLIC MARKET" shall be deemed to exist if (i) such stock is
listed on a national securities exchange (as that term is used in the Exchange
Act) or (ii) such stock is traded on the over-the-counter market and prices
therefor are published daily on business days in a recognized financial journal.
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13. ESCROW.
13.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF ESCROW. To ensure that shares subject to the
Unvested Share Repurchase Option or the Right of First Refusal or securing any
promissory note will be available for repurchase, the Company may require the
Optionee to deposit the certificate evidencing the shares which the Optionee
purchases upon exercise of the Option with an agent designated by the Company
under the terms and conditions of escrow and security agreements approved by the
Company. If the Company does not require such deposit as a condition of exercise
of the Option, the Company reserves the right at any time to require the
Optionee to so deposit the certificate in escrow. Upon the occurrence of an
Ownership Change Event or a change, as described in Section 9, in the character
or amount of any of the outstanding stock of the corporation the stock of which
is subject to the provisions of this Option Agreement, any and all new,
substituted or additional securities or other property to which the Optionee is
entitled by reason of the Optionee's ownership of shares of Stock acquired upon
exercise of the Option that remain, following such Ownership Change Event or
change described in Section 9, subject to the Unvested Share Repurchase Option,
the Right of First Refusal or any security interest held by the Company shall be
immediately subject to the escrow to the same extent as such shares of Stock
immediately before such event. The Company shall bear the expenses of the
escrow.
13.2 DELIVERY OF SHARES TO OPTIONEE. As soon as practicable after
the expiration of the Unvested Share Repurchase Option and the Right of First
Refusal and after full repayment of any promissory note secured by the shares or
other property in escrow, but not more frequently than twice each calendar year,
the escrow agent shall deliver to the Optionee the shares and any other property
no longer subject to such restrictions and no longer securing any promissory
note.
13.3 NOTICES AND PAYMENTS. In the event the shares and any other
property held in escrow are subject to the Company's exercise of the Unvested
Share Repurchase Option or the Right of First Refusal, the notices required to
be given to the Optionee shall be given to the escrow agent, and any payment
required to be given to the Optionee shall be given to the escrow agent. Within
thirty (30) days after payment by the Company, the escrow agent shall deliver
the shares and any other property which the Company has purchased to the Company
and shall deliver the payment received from the Company to the Optionee.
14. STOCK DISTRIBUTIONS SUBJECT TO OPTION AGREEMENT. If, from time to
time, there is any stock dividend, stock split or other change, as described in
Section 9, in the character or amount of any of the outstanding stock of the
corporation the stock of which is subject to the provisions of this Option
Agreement, then in such event any and all new, substituted or additional
securities to which the Optionee is entitled by reason of the Optionee's
ownership of the shares acquired upon exercise of the Option shall be
immediately subject to the Unvested Share Repurchase Option, the Right of First
Refusal, and any security interest held by the Company with the same force and
effect as the shares subject to the Unvested Share Repurchase Option, the Right
of First Refusal, and such security interest immediately before such event.
15. LEGENDS. The Company may at any time place legends referencing the
Unvested Share Repurchase Option, the Right of First Refusal, and any applicable
federal, state or foreign
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securities law restrictions on all certificates representing shares of stock
subject to the provisions of this Option Agreement. The Optionee shall, at the
request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates
representing shares acquired pursuant to the Option in the possession of the
Optionee in order to carry out the provisions of this Section. Unless otherwise
specified by the Company, legends placed on such certificates may include, but
shall not be limited to, the following:
15.1 "THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD,
TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS THERE IS AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACT COVERING SUCH SECURITIES, THE SALE IS MADE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 144 OR RULE 701 UNDER THE ACT, OR THE COMPANY RECEIVES AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE HOLDER OF THESE SECURITIES REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO
THE COMPANY, STATING THAT SUCH SALE, TRANSFER, ASSIGNMENT OR HYPOTHECATION IS
EXEMPT FROM THE REGISTRATION AND PROSPECTUS DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH ACT."
15.2 Any legend required to be placed thereon by the Commissioner
of Corporations of the State of California.
15.3 "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO AN
UNVESTED SHARE REPURCHASE OPTION IN FAVOR OF THE CORPORATION OR ITS ASSIGNEE SET
FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CORPORATION AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER, OR SUCH
HOLDER'S PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL
OFFICE OF THIS CORPORATION."
15.4 "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A
RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OPTION IN FAVOR OF THE CORPORATION OR ITS ASSIGNEE SET
FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CORPORATION AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER, OR SUCH
HOLDER'S PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL
OFFICE OF THIS CORPORATION."
16. PUBLIC OFFERING. The Optionee hereby agrees that in the event of any
underwritten public offering of stock, including an initial public offering of
stock, made by the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement filed
under the Securities Act, the Optionee shall not offer, sell, contract to sell,
pledge, hypothecate, grant any option to purchase or make any short sale of, or
otherwise dispose of any shares of stock of the Company or any rights to acquire
stock of the Company for such period of time from and after the effective date
of such registration statement as may be established by the underwriter for such
public offering; provided, however, that such period of time shall not exceed
one hundred eighty (180) days from the effective date of the registration
statement to be filed in connection with such public offering. The foregoing
limitation shall not apply to shares registered in the public offering under the
Securities Act. The Optionee shall be subject to this Section provided and only
if the officers
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and directors of the Company are also subject to similar arrangements.
17. BINDING EFFECT. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth
herein, this Option Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators,
successors and assigns.
18. TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT. The Board may terminate or amend the Plan
or the Option at any time; provided, however, that except as provided in Section
8.2 in connection with a Transfer of Control, no such termination or amendment
may adversely affect the Option or any unexercised portion hereof without the
consent of the Optionee unless such termination or amendment is necessary to
comply with any applicable law or government regulation. No amendment or
addition to this Option Agreement shall be effective unless in writing.
19. INTEGRATED AGREEMENT. This Option Agreement and the Plan constitute
the entire understanding and agreement of the Optionee and the Participating
Company Group with respect to the subject matter contained herein and therein
and there are no agreements, understandings, restrictions, representations, or
warranties among the Optionee and the Participating Company Group with respect
to such subject matter other than those as set forth or provided for herein or
therein. To the extent contemplated herein or therein, the provisions of this
Option Agreement shall survive any exercise of the Option and shall remain in
full force and effect.
20. APPLICABLE LAW. This Option Agreement shall be governed by the laws
of the State of California as such laws are applied to agreements between
California residents entered into and to be performed entirely within the State
of California.
SILICON SPICE, INC.
By:
-------------------------------------
Title:
----------------------------------
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The Optionee represents that the Optionee is familiar with the terms and
provisions of this Option Agreement, including the Unvested Share Repurchase
Option set forth in Section 11 and the Right of First Refusal set forth in
Section 12, and hereby accepts the Option subject to all of the terms and
provisions thereof. The Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive
and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions
arising under this Option Agreement. The undersigned acknowledges receipt of a
copy of the Plan.
OPTIONEE
Date:
------------------------------ ----------------------------------------
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Date:____________
NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION
EXERCISE NOTICE
Silicon Spice, Inc.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Ladies and Gentlemen:
1. Exercise of Option. The undersigned optionee (the "Optionee") was
granted a nonstatutory stock option (the "Option") to purchase shares of the
common stock of Silicon Spice, Inc. (the "Company") on ____________, 19__,
pursuant to the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") and pursuant to
the Immediately Exercisable Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement dated
____________, 19__ (the "Option Agreement"). The Grant Number of the Option is
______________. The Optionee hereby elects to exercise the Option as to a total
of ___________ shares of the common stock of the Company (the "Shares"), of
which __________ are Vested Shares and _____ are Unvested Shares as determined
in accordance with the Option Agreement.
2. Payments. Enclosed herewith is full payment in the aggregate amount
of $___________ (representing $_____ per share) for the Shares in the manner set
forth in the Option Agreement. The Optionee authorizes payroll withholding and
otherwise will make adequate provision for foreign, federal and state tax
withholding obligations of the Company, if any.
In the event a portion of the option price for the Shares consists of
the Optionee's promissory note as approved by the Board of Directors of the
Company at the time the Option was granted, the Optionee will grant the Company
a security interest in the Shares as security for the full and timely payment of
such promissory note pursuant to the current form of security agreement as
approved by the Company and the Optionee agrees to deposit the certificate or
certificates evidencing the Shares, along with a blank stock assignment separate
from certificate executed by the Optionee, with an agent designated by the
Company, to be held by such agent pursuant to the security agreement, an
executed copy of which the Optionee has delivered herewith.
3. Binding Effect. The Optionee agrees that the Shares are being
acquired by the Optionee in accordance with and subject to the terms, provisions
and conditions of the Option Agreement, including the Unvested Share Repurchase
Option, and the Right of First Refusal set forth therein, to all of which the
Optionee hereby expressly assents. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the Optionee's heirs, executors, administrators, successors
and assigns. The Optionee agrees to deposit the certificate or certificates
evidencing the Shares, along with a blank stock assignment separate from
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certificate executed by the Optionee, with an escrow agent designated by the
Company, to be held by such escrow agent pursuant to the Company's standard
Joint Escrow Instructions, an executed copy of which the Optionee has delivered
herewith.
4. Transfer. The Optionee is aware that Rule 144, promulgated under the
Securities Act, which permits limited public resale of securities acquired in a
nonpublic offering, is not currently available with respect to the Shares and,
in any event, is available only if certain conditions are satisfied. The
Optionee understands that any sale of the Shares that might be made in reliance
upon Rule 144 may only be made in limited amounts in accordance with the terms
and conditions of such rule and that a copy of Rule 144 will be delivered to the
Optionee upon request.
The Optionee's address of record is:
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
----------------------------------- ------------------
and the Optionee's Social Security Number is:
------------------
5. Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code. The Optionee understands
and acknowledges that if the Optionee is exercising the Option to purchase
Unvested Shares (i.e., shares that remain subject to the Company's Unvested
Share Repurchase Option), the Optionee should consult with the Optionee's tax
advisor regarding the advisability of filing with the Internal Revenue Service
an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, which must be filed no later than
thirty (30) days after the date on which the Optionee exercises the Option.
The Optionee acknowledges that the Optionee has been advised to consult
with a tax advisor prior to the exercise of the Option regarding the tax
consequences to the Optionee of the exercise of the Option. AN ELECTION UNDER
SECTION 83(b) MUST BE FILED WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE ON WHICH THE OPTIONEE
PURCHASES SHARES. THIS TIME PERIOD CANNOT BE EXTENDED. THE OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES
THAT TIMELY FILING OF A SECTION 83(b) ELECTION IS THE OPTIONEE'S SOLE
RESPONSIBILITY, EVEN IF THE OPTIONEE REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES
TO FILE SUCH ELECTION ON HIS OR HER BEHALF.
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I understand that I am purchasing the Shares pursuant to the terms of
the Silicon Spice, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan and my Option Agreement, copies
of which I have received and carefully read and understand.
Very truly yours,
---------------------------------
(Signature)
---------------------------------
(Optionee's Name Printed)
Receipt of the above is hereby acknowledged.
Silicon Spice, Inc.
By:
----------------------------------
Title:
-------------------------------
Dated:
-------------------------------
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SILICON SPICE, INC.
1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
These Joint Escrow Instructions are entered into as of _________, 20__.
RECITALS
1. Silicon Spice, Inc, a California corporation (the "Company"), and
its undersigned employee (the "Optionee") desire to appoint Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx &
Freidenrich, Limited Liability Company, as their agent (the "Agent") with
respect to certain certificate(s) evidencing shares of the Company's common
stock purchased pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Exercise Notice attached
hereto as Exhibit A (the "Stock").
2. The Optionee purchased the Stock upon the exercise of an option to
purchase stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Stock Option
Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated by reference herein (the
"Option Agreement").
ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
The Company and the Optionee hereby authorize and direct the Agent to
hold the documents and certificate(s) delivered to the Agent pursuant to these
Escrow Instructions and to take the following actions with respect thereto, and
the Company and the Optionee hereby agree as follows:
1. The Optionee hereby delivers and/or agrees to deliver to the Agent
the Optionee's certificate(s) evidencing the Stock and an Assignment Separate
from Certificate executed in blank. The Optionee irrevocably authorizes the
Company to deposit with the Agent any certificate(s) evidencing shares of the
Company's common stock acquired by the Optionee pursuant to the exercise of the
option evidenced by the Option Agreement which the Company may from time to time
issue to the Optionee during the term of these Escrow Instructions.
2. The provisions of these Escrow Instructions shall apply for so long
as the Stock is subject to the Unvested Share Repurchase Option, or the Right of
First Refusal set forth in the Option Agreement (the "Repurchase Rights"). Upon
termination of the Company's Repurchase Rights pursuant to the Option Agreement,
this escrow shall terminate.
3. In the event the Company shall elect to exercise any of the
Repurchase Rights, the Company shall give to the Optionee and the Agent a
written notice (the "Repurchase Notice") which states (a) the terms and
conditions of such purchase,
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determined in accordance with the provisions of the Option Agreement, and (b) a
time and date for a closing hereunder at the principal office of the Company.
The Optionee and the Company hereby irrevocably authorize and direct the Agent
to close the transaction contemplated by the Repurchase Notice in accordance
with the terms of the Repurchase Notice. At the closing, the Agent shall deliver
the certificate(s) evidencing the shares of Stock to be transferred to the
Company against the simultaneous delivery by the Company to the Agent of the
consideration, if any, for the number of shares of Stock being thus purchased.
The balance of any such shares of Stock and the consideration so received shall
be retained by the Agent and held in accordance with these Escrow Instructions.
4. The Company may at any time release some or all of the Stock from
the provisions of these Escrow Instructions by giving written notice to the
Optionee and the Agent directing delivery to the Optionee of the shares of Stock
to be released. Once per calendar year the Optionee may request that the Company
direct the Agent to release from the provisions these Escrow Instructions the
shares of Stock which are no longer subject to the Company's Repurchase Rights.
The Company shall give to the Optionee and the Agent written notice directing
delivery to the Optionee of the shares of Stock to be released. The Agent shall
use its best efforts to cause the certificate(s) evidencing the Stock held by
the Agent to be delivered to the Optionee pursuant to such notice within ten
(10) days from receipt of such notice.
5. To facilitate the exercise of any of the Repurchase Rights, and the
performance of these instructions, the Optionee does hereby constitute and
appoint the Agent as the Optionee's attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of
this escrow to execute with respect to such securities all stock certificates,
stock assignments, or other instruments which shall be necessary or appropriate
to make such securities negotiable and complete any transaction herein
contemplated. The Optionee understands that such appointment is coupled with an
interest and is irrevocable. Subject to the provisions of these Escrow
Instructions, the Optionee shall exercise all rights and privileges of a
shareholder of the Company while the Stock is held by the Agent; provided,
however, the Optionee may not sell, transfer, dispose of, or in any manner
encumber any shares of the Stock while such shares of Stock are held by Agent
hereunder.
6. If at the time of termination of this escrow, the Agent shall have
in its possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to the
Optionee, the Agent shall deliver all of same to the Optionee and shall be
discharged of all further obligations hereunder.
7. The Agent's duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified, or
revoked only by a writing signed by the Company and the Optionee, and approved
by the Agent.
8. The Agent shall not be personally liable for any act the Agent may
do or omit to do hereunder as escrow agent, agent for the Company, or attorney
in fact for the Optionee while acting in good faith and in the exercise of the
Agent's own good judgment, and any act done or omitted by the Agent pursuant to
the advice of the Agent's own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of such
good faith.
9. The Agent is hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all
warnings by any of the parties hereto or by any other person, firm, corporation,
or other entity,
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excepting only orders or process of courts of law, and is hereby expressly
authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments, or decrees of any court.
In the event the Agent obeys or complies with any such order, judgment, or
decree of any court, the Agent shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto
or to any other person, firm, corporation, or other entity by reason of such
compliance notwithstanding that any such order, judgment, or decree shall be
subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside, vacated, or found to have
been entered without jurisdiction.
10. The Agent shall not be liable in any respect on account of the
identity, authorities, or rights of the parties executing or delivering or
purporting to execute or deliver any agreements or documents called for by the
Option Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called for hereunder.
11. The Agent shall not be liable for the barring of any rights under
the statute of limitations with respect to these Escrow Instructions or any
documents deposited with the Agent.
12. By signing these Escrow Instructions, the Agent becomes a party
hereto only for the purpose of said Escrow Instructions. The Agent shall not be
considered a party to the Option Agreement or to any documents or agreements
called for by the Option Agreement.
13. The Agent may resign from its duties hereunder at any time upon
written notice to the Company and the Optionee and delivery of all documents and
certificates held in this escrow to the successor escrow agent. If a successor
escrow agent has not been appointed within thirty (30) days, the Agent may
deliver all such documents and certificates to the Company, at which time, all
further responsibilities and duties of the Agent shall cease.
14. If prior to the termination of these Escrow Instructions the Agent
shall resign or otherwise cease to operate as escrow agent, a successor escrow
agent shall be designated by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Board of
Directors of the Company may, at any time, substitute another party in the
Agent's place as escrow agent hereunder, and the Optionee hereby expressly
accepts such substitution.
15. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or mailed by registered or
certified mail (return receipt requested) to the parties at the following
addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like
notice):
(a) if to the Company, to:
Silicon Spice, Inc.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Chief Financial Officer
(b) if to the Optionee, to:
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
(c) if to the Agent, to:
Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx & Freidenrich
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
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16. The provisions of these Escrow Instructions shall inure to the
benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs,
executors, administrators, successors and assigns.
17. These Escrow Instructions shall be governed, to the fullest extent
possible, by the laws contained in the California Commercial Code, including any
regulations or judicial interpretations with respect thereto. To the extent that
any matter is not governed by the laws contained in the California Commercial
Code, such matter shall be governed by the laws of the state of the Optionee's
residence as such laws are applied to agreements between residents of such state
entered into and to be performed entirely within the such state.
18. The terms and conditions of these Escrow Instructions, including
all terms and conditions incorporated by reference herein, shall survive the
exercise of the option granted pursuant to the Option Agreement and shall
continue in full force and effect thereafter.
19. These Escrow Instructions and the Option Agreement contain the
entire understanding of the Company and the Optionee, and there are no other
contracts, agreements, understandings, representations, warranties, or covenants
with respect to the subject matter contained herein or in the Option Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Optionee have executed these
Escrow Instructions as of the date first above written.
Silicon Spice, Inc.
a California corporation
By:
----------------------------
Title:
-------------------------
OPTIONEE:
--------------------------------
Signature of Optionee
ESCROW AGENT:
XXXX XXXX XXXX & FREIDENRICH
Limited Liability Company
By:
---------------------------------
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ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE
FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned does hereby sell, assign and
transfer unto __________________ (__________) shares of the Capital Stock of
Silicon Spice, Inc. standing in the undersigned's name on the books of said
corporation represented by Certificate No. ________ herewith and does hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint _________________ Attorney to transfer the
said stock on the books of said corporation with full power of substitution in
the premises.
Dated: , 20
------------------------ ---
Signature
-----------------------------------
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