UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549



FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):     May 11, 2005


Commission File Number 000-24620


DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


DELAWARE 36-2495346
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
    of incorporation or organization)    Identification No.)

251 O'CONNOR RIDGE BLVD., SUITE 300, IRVING, TEXAS 75038
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:     972.717.0300



      Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:

  /  /         Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425).

  /  /         Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12).

  /  /         Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)).

  /  /         Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)).









Item 1.01
  
  
  
Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan

        At the annual meeting of stockholders of Darling International Inc. (the “Company”) held on May 11, 2005 (the “2005 Annual Meeting”), the Company’s stockholders approved the 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2004 Omnibus Plan”). The 2004 Omnibus Plan became effective as of May 11, 2005 and will expire on May 11, 2015. The 2004 Omnibus Plan replaces both the 1994 Employee Flexible Stock Option Plan and the Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan. The 2004 Omnibus Plan allows the compensation committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) to grant awards such as stock options, stock-based stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, or performance shares.

        Set forth below is a brief description of the material terms and conditions of the 2004 Omnibus Plan. This description is not intended to be complete. A copy of the 2004 Omnibus Plan is attached as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Purpose

        The purpose of the 2004 Omnibus Plan is to attract, retain and motivate employees, directors, and third party service providers of the Company and its subsidiaries and to encourage them to have a financial interest in the Company. Employees, non-employee directors, and third party service providers of the Company and its subsidiaries who are selected by the Committee are eligible to participate in the 2004 Omnibus Plan.

Plan and Participant Share Limits

        The maximum number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2004 Omnibus Plan is 4,800,000 shares, plus up to 1,274,969 shares subject to outstanding awards as of May 11, 2005 under the 1994 Employee Flexible Stock Option Plan and the Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan that cease for any reason to be subject to such awards (other than by reason of exercise or settlement of the awards to the extent they are exercised for or settled in vested and nonforfeitable shares). Subject to the limits described in the previous sentence, the maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options is 4,800,000 shares, and the maximum number of shares that may be issued to non-employee directors is 500,000 shares.

        The 2004 Omnibus Plan also imposes annual per-participant award limits, starting with calendar year 2004 so that the maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to any awards denominated in shares that may be granted to any person in any calendar year is 6,074,969. The maximum aggregate grant to any person in any calendar year of cash-based awards is $1,000,000.

Administration

        The Committee is responsible for administering the 2004 Omnibus Plan and has the discretionary power to interpret the terms and intent of the 2004 Omnibus Plan and any 2004 Omnibus Plan related documentation, to determine eligibility for awards and the terms and conditions of awards, and to adopt rules, forms, instruments, and guidelines. Determinations of the Committee made under the 2004 Omnibus Plan are final and binding. The Committee may delegate administrative duties and powers to one or more of its members or to one or more officers, agents, or advisors.









Stock Options

        The Committee may grant both incentive stock options (“ISOs”) and nonqualified stock options under the 2004 Omnibus Plan. Eligibility for ISOs is limited to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The exercise price for options and the term of any option is determined by the Committee at the time of the grant; provided, however that in the case of an ISO, the aggregate fair market value (determined as of the time of such grant) of the shares with respect to which such ISO is exercisable shall not exceed $100,000. Moreover, in respect to an ISO, the per-share exercise price of such ISO shall not be less than 100% of such fair market value of a share (or if the recipient is a 10% stockholder, then not less than 110%) and the latest expiration date of such ISO is the tenth anniversary of the date of the grant (or if the recipient is 10% stockholder, then the fifth anniversary). Fair market value under the 2004 Omnibus Plan is generally defined as the closing price of a share of common stock on the American Stock Exchange (or if the shares are listed on another national securities exchange or quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System), or if there was no trading of shares on such date, on the next preceding date on which there was trading in the shares. The exercise price is to be paid with cash or by other means approved by the Committee. Options typically expire (i) three months after the termination of the option holder’s service for any reason other than cause, death or disability, (ii) one year after the option holder’s death or disability or (iii) the date the option holder’s service terminates for cause. The 2004 Omnibus Plan Form of Stock Option Agreement and Notice of Stock Option Grant are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.2 and 10.3, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

Stock Appreciation Rights

        The Committee may grant SARs under the 2004 Omnibus Plan either alone or in tandem with stock options. The grant price, methods of exercise, and methods of settlement will be determined by the Committee; however, tandem SARs must be exercised by relinquishing the related portion of the tandem option.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

        The Committee may award restricted common stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards consist of shares of stock that are transferred to the participant subject to restrictions that may result in forfeiture if specified conditions are not satisfied. A holder of restricted stock is entitled to voting rights, whereas the holder of a restricted stock unit award has no voting rights. The Committee will determine the restrictions and conditions applicable to each award of restricted stock or restricted stock units. If the grant, lapse of restrictions or conditions applicable to an award of restricted stock award or restricted stock units depends upon the achievement of performance goals over a performance period, the awards are referred to as “performance stock” or “performance units”, respectively. The 2004 Omnibus Plan Form of Restricted Stock Agreement and Notice of Restricted Stock Award are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.4 and 10.5, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.




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Other Awards

        The Committee may grant other equity-based or equity-related awards, referred to as “other stock-based awards” not otherwise described in the 2004 Omnibus Plan. The terms and conditions of each other stock-based award shall be determined by the Committee.

        Under the 2004 Omnibus Plan, the Committee may grant participants dividend equivalents based on the dividends declared on shares that are subject to any award. Dividend equivalents will be credited as of dividend payment dates during the period between the date such award is granted and the date such award is exercised, vested, expired, credited or paid.

        The Board of Directors or the Committee may also grant awards to non-employee directors as it shall determine, including awards granted in satisfaction of annual fees that are otherwise payable to such directors. It is the Company’s policy to grant 4,000 options to each non-employee director every year upon the Company’s independent auditors signing their annual audit report, but such grants occur only if the Company obtains 90% of its target EBITDA for the most recent completed fiscal year.

        The Committee may grant awards denominated in cash under the 2004 Omnibus Plan in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine.

Performance-Based Compensation

        The Committee can design any award such that the amounts or shares payable or distributed are treated as “qualified performance based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time and related regulations. Such awards will be earned only if performance goals over performance periods established by the Committee are met, and awards can only be granted, vested or paid if the Committee certifies in writing that such performance goals and any other material terms applicable to such performance period have been satisfied. The performance goals will be based upon a variety of performance measurements. Awards that are designed to qualify as performance-based compensation may not be adjusted upward. However, the Committee has the discretion to adjust these awards downward.

Termination of Employment

        Each award agreement will specify the effect of a holder’s termination of employment with, or service for, the Company, including the extent to which unvested portions of the award will be forfeited and the extent to which options, SARs, or other awards requiring exercise will remain exercisable. Such provisions will be determined in the Committee’s sole discretion.

Treatment of Awards upon a Change of Control

        If there is a change in control of the Company, unless the Committee otherwise determines (or unless prohibited by law), all time-vested equity awards vest and become exercisable and all performance-based awards vest and become exercisable and are considered earned based on target performance. Awards are to be paid out or distributed within thirty days of a change of control in cash, shares, other securities or any combination, as determined by the Committee, and shall be terminated as to any unexercised portion upon consummation of the change of control. However, if the award is denominated in shares, the amount distributed or paid will be the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date of the change of control and, if applicable, the exercise price, grant price or unpaid purchase price as of the date of the change of control.




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        Under the 2004 Omnibus Plan, a change in control is triggered if there is an acquisition of 20% or more of the outstanding shares or the voting power of the outstanding securities, individuals on the Board of Directors cease to constitute a majority of the board, there is consummation of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation or sale to which the Company is a party or a disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, unless shareholders continue to own more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities, no person beneficially owns 20% or more of the outstanding securities of the Company, and at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors were members of the board prior to the transaction, or there is a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Amendment of Awards or Plan and Adjustment of Awards

        The Committee may at any time alter, amend, modify, suspend, or terminate the 2004 Omnibus Plan or any outstanding award in whole or in part. No amendment of the 2004 Omnibus Plan will be made without shareholder approval if shareholder approval is required by law. No stock option, SAR, or analogous other stock-based award may be repriced, replaced or regranted through cancellation or by lowering the exercise price or grant price without shareholder approval. No amendment may adversely affect in any material way an award previously granted without written consent of the participant holding such award.


Executive and Director Grants

        Following stockholder approval of the 2004 Omnibus Plan at the 2005 Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders approved the following grants to certain named executives under the 2004 Omnibus Plan:

Individual Grants

  Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Premium Options
Granted (#)
Exercise
Price
($/Sh)
Premium
Option Vesting
Schedule
Shares of
Restricted Stock
Granted
Restricted
Stock
Vesting
Schedule
 
 





 
  Randall C. Stuewe-
Chief Executive Officer
 
127,100   4.16   (1)   104,400
250,000
  (2)
(3)
   
  John O. Muse-
EVP, Finance and Administration
 
71,000   4.16   (1)   58,300   (2)    
  Neil Katchen-
EVP, Operations
 
41,100   4.16   (1)   33,800   (2)    
  Mitchell Kilanowski-
EVP, Commodities
 

37,400   4.16   (1)   30,700   (2)    

  (1)

These Premium Stock Options vest 33 1/3% on each of the following dates: November 19, 2005, November 19, 2006, and November 19, 2007.
 

 
  (2)

This Restricted Stock vests after the expiration of six years from November 19, 2004.
 

 
  (3)

This Restricted Stock vests after the expiration of four years from November 19, 2004. Unlike the other Restricted Stock grants, vesting of this grant does not accelerate upon increases in the stock price.
 

 


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        The premium stock options granted above were granted at a 10% premium over the fair market value of the stock at the grant date. In addition to stock options, awards of performance-based restricted stock were made on a selective basis to individual executives in order to enhance the incentive for them to remain with the Company and to align their interests with attractive stockholder returns. These shares of restricted stock vest over an extended period of service of up to six years; however, 50% of each grant will vest upon a 25% increase in the price of the Company’s stock over the price at the grant date, and the remaining 50% of each grant will vest in the event that there is an additional 25% increase in the price of the Company’s stock.

        In addition, upon his election to the Board of Directors at the 2005 Annual Meeting, Michael Urbut received a grant of 4,000 options with a per share exercise price of $3.95 under the 2004 Omnibus Plan.

Director Compensation

        Information describing director compensation as disclosed in the Company’s definitive proxy statement relating to the 2005 Annual Meeting was discussed at the Board of Directors meeting held on May 11, 2005 and is described below.

        Non-employee members of the Board of Directors are paid a $35,000 annual retainer. Each outside director receives $1,500 for each board or committee meeting attended in person or by video where minutes are taken or $1,000 if attended by telephone. The chairman of each of the audit, compensation and nominating committees receives an additional $7,500, $5,000 and $2,500, respectively, as an annual retainer, and the lead director of the Board of Directors receives an additional $10,000 annual retainer.



Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits.


(c) Exhibits



 Exhibit Number         Exhibit Description
----------------    ----------------------------

    10.1         Darling International Inc. 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan
    10.2         Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan
    10.3         Form of 2004 Notice of Stock Option Grant pursuant to the 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan
    10.4         Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to the 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan
    10.5         Form of Notice of Restricted Stock Award pursuant to the 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan



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SIGNATURES


        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

  DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
Date:  May 17, 2005 By:  /s/ John O. Muse        
    John O. Muse
    Executive Vice President
    Finance and Administration



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Exhibit 10.2           



Darling International Inc.
2004 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

REFERENCE 001


SECTION 1.   GRANT OF OPTION.

(a)     Option. On the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and each Notice of Stock Option Grant referencing this Agreement (the “ Notice ”), the Company grants to the Optionee on the Date of Grant an option to purchase at the Exercise Price a number of Shares, all as set forth in the Notice. Each such Notice, together with this referenced Agreement, shall be a separate option governed by the terms of this Agreement. This option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option, as provided in the Notice.

(b)     Omnibus Incentive Plan and Defined Terms . This option is granted under and subject to the terms of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by this reference. Capitalized terms are defined in Section 9 of this Agreement.

SECTION 2. RIGHT TO EXERCISE.

(a)     Exercisability . Subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, all or part of this option may be exercised prior to its expiration at the time or times set forth in the vesting provisions of the Notice.

(b)     $100,000 Limitation . If this option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option in the Notice, then the Optionee’s right to exercise this option shall be deferred to the extent (and only to the extent) that this option would not be treated as an Incentive Stock Option solely by reason of the $100,000 annual limitation under Section 422(d) of the Code, except that the Optionee’s right to exercise this option shall no longer be deferred if (i) the Company is subject to a Change of Control before the Optionee’s Service terminates, (ii) the Company, or any surviving corporation, or its parent does not continue this option, and (iii) any surviving corporation or its parent does not assume this option or does not substitute an option with substantially the same terms for this option. Additional limitations with regard to Incentive Stock Options are set forth in the Plan.

SECTION 3. TRANSFER OR ASSIGNMENT OF OPTION.

This option shall be exercisable during the Optionee’s lifetime, only by the Optionee. This option and the rights and privileges conferred hereby shall not be sold, pledged or otherwise Transferred (whether by operation of law or otherwise) other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and shall not be subject to sale under execution, attachment, levy or similar process.

SECTION 4. EXERCISE PROCEDURES.

(a)     Notice of Exercise. The Optionee or the Optionee’s representative may exercise this option by giving written notice to the Company specifying the election to exercise this option, the number of Shares for which it is being exercised and the form of payment. Exhibit A is an example of a “ Notice of Exercise ”. The Notice of Exercise shall be signed by the person exercising this option. In the event that this option is being exercised by the Optionee’s representative, the notice shall be accompanied by proof (satisfactory to the Company) of the representative’s right to exercise this option. The Optionee or the Optionee’s representative shall deliver to the Company, at the time of giving the notice, payment in a form permissible under Section 5 for the full amount of the Purchase Price.



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(b)     Issuance of Common Stock. After receiving a proper notice of exercise, the Company shall cause to be issued the Shares as to which this option has been exercised. Shares may be issued in such manner as the Committee may deem appropriate, including book-entry registration or issuance of one or more stock certificates registered in the name of the person exercising this option (or in the names of such person and his or her spouse as community property or as joint tenants with right of survivorship).

(c)     Withholding Requirements. As a condition to the Optionee’s exercise of this option, the Company may withhold any tax (or other governmental obligation) arising from the exercise of this option and the Optionee shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company to enable it to satisfy all such withholding requirements. The Optionee shall also make arrangements satisfactory to the Company to enable it to satisfy any withholding requirements that may arise in connection with the vesting or disposition of Shares purchased by exercising this option.

SECTION 5. PAYMENT FOR SHARES.

(a)

Generally. All or part of the Purchase Price may be paid in cash, by check made payable to the Company or by a wire transfer to the Company of immediately available funds.


(b)

Alternative Methods of Payment. At the sole discretion of the Committee, all or any part of the Purchase Price and any applicable withholding requirements may be paid by one or more of the following methods:


     (i)        Surrender of Stock . By surrendering, or attesting to the ownership of, Shares then owned by the Optionee which Shares have been owned for at least six (6) months and which are free and clear of any restriction or limitation, unless the Company specifically agrees to accept such Shares subject to such restriction or limitation. Such Shares shall be surrendered to the Company in good form for transfer and shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of the applicable exercise of this option.


     (ii)        Net Exercise . By reducing the number of Shares otherwise deliverable upon the exercise of this option by the number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of the Purchase Price and withholding requirements permitted to be so paid by the Company.


Should the Committee exercise its discretion to permit the Optionee to exercise this option in whole or in part in accordance with this Subsection (b) above, it shall have no obligation to permit such alternative exercise with respect to the remainder of this option or with respect to any other option to purchase Shares held by the Optionee.



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SECTION 6. TERM AND EXPIRATION.

(a)

Basic Term. Subject to earlier termination in accordance with subsection (b) below, the exercise period of this option shall expire on the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice.


(b)

Termination of Service. If the Optionee’s Service terminates for any reason (except as otherwise set forth in the Notice), then this option shall expire on the earliest of the following occasions (or such later date as the Committee may determine):


     (i)        The Expiration Date set forth in the Notice;


     (ii)        The date three (3) months after the termination of the Optionee’s Service for any reason other than Cause, death or Disability;


     (iii)        The date twelve (12) months after the Optionee’s death or Disability;


     (iv)        The date the Optionee’s Service terminates for Cause.


The Optionee (or in the case of the Optionee’s death or Disability, the Optionee’s representative) may exercise all or part of this option at any time before its expiration under the preceding sentence, but only to the extent that this option had become exercisable for vested Shares on or before the date the Optionee’s Service terminates. When the Optionee’s Service terminates, this option shall expire immediately with respect to the number of Shares for which this option is not yet vested.

(c)     Leaves of Absence. For any purpose under this Agreement, Service shall be deemed to continue while the Optionee is on a bona fide leave of absence, if such leave was approved by the Company in writing or if continued crediting of Service for such purpose is expressly required by the terms of such leave or by applicable law (as determined by the Company).

(d)     Notice Concerning Incentive Stock Option Treatment. If this option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option in the Notice, it ceases to qualify for favorable tax treatment as an Incentive Stock Option to the extent it is exercised (i) more than three (3) months after the date the Optionee ceases to be an Employee for any reason other than death or permanent and total disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), (ii) more than twelve (12) months after the date the Optionee ceases to be an Employee by reason of such permanent and total disability or (iii) after the Optionee has been on a leave of absence for more than ninety (90) days, unless the Optionee’s reemployment rights are guaranteed by statute or by contract.

SECTION 7. ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES.

(a)     Adjustment Generally . In the event of any corporate event or transaction (including, but not limited to, a change in the Shares of the Company or the capitalization of the Company) such as a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, separation, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split up, spin-off, combination of Shares, exchange of Shares, dividend in kind, or other like change in capital structure (other than normal cash dividends) to shareholders of the Company, or any similar corporate event or transaction, the Committee, in its sole discretion, to prevent dilution or enlargement of the Grantee’s rights under the Plan, shall determine whether and the extent to which it should substitute or adjust, as applicable, the number and kind of Shares that are subject to this Option, the Exercise Price of this Option and other value determinations applicable to this Option.



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(b)     Modification of Option . In the event of any change or distribution described in subsection (a) above, the Committee may modify this Option to effect the adjustment permitted pursuant to subsection (a) above; provided, however, that no such modification shall adversely affect the Optionee’s rights under this Option without the Optionee’s written consent. If this Option is designated an Incentive Stock Option, then unless the Optionee otherwise consents, any modification (i) shall comply with the rules of Section 424(a) of the Code, and (ii) shall not otherwise cause this Option to fail to be treated as an “ incentive stock option ” for purposes of Section 422 of the Code.

SECTION 8. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

(a)     Rights as a Shareholder . Neither the Optionee nor the Optionee’s representative shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to any Shares subject to this option until the Optionee or the Optionee’s representative becomes entitled to receive such Shares by (i) filing a notice of exercise, and (ii) paying the Purchase Price as provided in this Agreement.

(b)     No Right to Continued Service . Nothing in the Notice, Agreement or Plan shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in Service for any period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company (or any affiliated entity employing or retaining the Optionee) or of the Optionee, which rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate his or her Service at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

(c)     Notification . Any notification required by the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effective upon personal delivery or upon deposit with the United States Postal Service, by registered or certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid. A notice shall be addressed to the Company at its principal executive office and to the Optionee at the address that he or she most recently provided to the Company.

(d)     Entire Agreement . The Notice, this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire contract between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof. They supersede any other agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which relate to the subject matter hereof.

(e)     Waiver . No waiver of any breach or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach or condition whether of like or different nature.

(f)     Successors and Assigns . The provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Company and its successors and assigns and upon the Optionee, the Optionee’s assigns and the legal representatives, heirs and legatees of the Optionee’s estate, whether or not any such person shall have become a party to this Agreement and have agreed in writing to be join herein and be bound by the terms hereof.



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(g)     Choice of Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas, as such laws are applied to contracts entered into and performed in such State, without regard to principles of conflict of law.

SECTION 9. DEFINITIONS.

(a)     “ Agreement ” shall mean this Stock Option Agreement.

(b)     “ Board of Directors ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.

(c)     “ Cause ” shall mean shall mean with respect to the Optionee,

     (i)        any conviction or please of nolo contendere to a felony;


     (ii)        any willful misconduct by the Optionee in connection with the performance of the Optionee’s Service for the Company, including, without limitation, (A) misappropriation of funds of the Company, (B) harassment of or discrimination against individuals on account of gender, race, religion, national origin, disability or retaliation against an individual for making any claim that the Optionee has so harassed or discriminated against such individual, or (C) breach of a written policy of the Company;


     (iii)        any disclosure of confidential or proprietary information of the Company or breach of any confidentiality, non-competition or non-solicitation covenant made by the Optionee for the benefit of the Company.


(d)     “ Change of Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred upon any of the following events:

     (i)        Any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of its directors (the “ Outstanding Company Voting Securities ”); provided , however , that for purposes of this Section 9(d), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (A) any acquisition directly from the Company, including without limitation, a public offering of securities; (B) any acquisition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan or related trust sponsored or maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (D) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B), and (C) of Section 9(d)(iii);


     (ii)        Individuals who constitute the Board of Directors as of the Effective Date (the “ Incumbent Board ”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors; provided , however , that any individual becoming a director of the Company subsequent to the Effective Date whose election to the Board of Directors, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board, shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election or removal of the directors of the Company or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies of consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board of Directors;




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     (iii)        Consummation of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation to which the Company is a party or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “ Business Combination ”), unless, following such Business Combination: (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination are the Beneficial Owners, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the corporation resulting from the Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) (the “ Successor Entity ”) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities; (B) no Person (excluding any Successor Entity or any employee benefit plan or related trust of the Company, such Successor Entity, or any of their Subsidiaries) is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Successor Entity, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Successor Entity were members of the Incumbent Board (including persons deemed to be members of the Incumbent Board by reason of the proviso of Section 9(d)(ii)) at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board of Directors providing for such Business Combination; or


     (iv)        Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.


(e)

Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.


(f)

Committee ” shall mean the committee of the Board of Directors responsible for administering the Plan, as described in Article 3 of the Plan.


(g)

Company ” shall mean Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.


(h)

Date of Grant ” shall mean the date specified in the Notice, which date shall be the later of (i) the date on which the Board of Directors resolved to grant this option or (ii) the first day of the Optionee’s Service.


(i)

Disability ” shall mean that the Optionee is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment as determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion.




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(j)

Employee ” shall mean any individual who is a common-law employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.


(k)

Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


(l)

Exercise Price ” shall mean the amount for which one Share may be purchased upon exercise of this option, as specified in the Notice.


(m)

Fair Market Value shall mean the (i) closing price of a Share on the American Stock Exchange (or if the Shares are listed on another national securities exchange or quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”), on such exchange or system), or if there was no trading of Shares on such date, on the next preceding date on which there was trading in the Shares, (ii) if the Shares are not then listed on a national stock exchange or admitted to trading on NASDAQ but are then traded on an over-the-counter market, the average of the bid and asked prices for the Shares in such over-the-counter market on such date or if there was no trading of Shares on such date, on the next preceding date on which there was trading in the Shares, or (iii) if Shares are not then listed on a national exchange or NASDAQ or traded on an over-the-counter market, such value as the Committee in its sole discretion establishes for purposes of granting awards under the Plan.


(n)

Gain Realized ” shall mean the aggregate excess of (i) the amount realized by the Optionee on the date(s) Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of this option are Transferred (or, if higher, the Fair Market Value of such Shares on the date(s) of Transfer; over (ii) the Fair Market value of such transferred Shares on the date this option was exercised to acquire award vested (and the Right of Repurchase lapsed) with respect to such Shares.


(o)

Incentive Stock Option ” shall mean an employee incentive stock option described in Section 422(b) of the Code.


(p)

Nonqualified Stock Option ” shall mean a stock option not described in Sections 422(b) of the Code.


(q)

Notice ” shall have the meaning described in Section 1(a) of this Agreement.


(r)

Optionee ” shall mean the person named in the Notice.


(s)

Person ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “ group ” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.


(t)

Plan ” shall mean Darling International Inc.‘s 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan.


(u)

Purchase Price ” shall mean the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Shares with respect to which this option is being exercised.


(v)

Service ” shall mean service as an Employee. For any purpose under this Agreement, Service shall be deemed to continue while the Optionee is on a bona fide leave of absence, if such leave was approved by the Company in writing or if continued crediting of Service for such purpose is expressly required by the terms of such leave or by applicable law (as determined by the Company).




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(w)

Share ” shall mean one share of the common stock of the Company, par value $.01.


(x)

Subsidiary ” shall mean any corporation or other entity, whether domestic or foreign, in which a Person has or obtains directly or indirectly, the ability to vote to seat a majority of the board of directors or comparable governing body.


(y)

Transfer ” shall mean, with respect to this option or any Share acquired pursuant to the exercise of this option, any sale, assignment, transfer, alienation, conveyance, gift, bequest by will or under intestacy laws, pledge, lien encumbrance or other disposition, with or without consideration, of all or part of such option or Shares, or of any beneficial interest therein, now or hereafter owned by the Optionee.




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EXHIBIT A

SAMPLE NOTICE OF EXERCISE

Darling International Inc.
[Address]

Attn: Corporate Secretary


To the Corporate Secretary:

I hereby exercise my stock option granted under Darling International Inc.‘s 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) and notify you of my desire to purchase the shares of common stock that have been offered pursuant to the Plan and related Option Agreement as described below.

I shall pay for the shares of common stock by delivery of a check payable to Darling International Inc. (the “ Company ”) in the amount described below in full payment for such shares of common stock plus all amounts required to be withheld by the Company under state, federal or local law as a result of such exercise or shall provide such documentation as is satisfactory to the Company demonstrating that I am exempt from any withholding requirement.

This notice of exercise is delivered this ___ day of ________ (month) ______ (year).


No. Shares to be Acquired Type of Option Exercise Price Total
  Nonqualified Stock Option    
  Incentive Stock Option    
Estimated Withholding Nonqualified only    
    Amount Paid  
 

                 Very truly yours,
                __________________________
                Signature of Optionee

                Optionee's Name and Mailing Address
                ___________________________
                ___________________________
                ___________________________

                Optionee's Social Security Number
                ____________________________





Exhibit 10.4           



Darling International Inc.
2004 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

REFERENCE 001


SECTION 1.   GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD.

(a)     Restricted Stock Award. On the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and each Notice of Restricted Stock Award referencing this Agreement (the “Notice”), the Company hereby grants the Grantee the number of shares of common stock (the “Granted Shares”), par value $.01 per share, of the Company at the Purchase Price and under the terms set forth in the Notice. Each such Notice, together with this referenced Agreement, shall be a separate restricted stock award governed by the terms of this Agreement.

(b)     Omnibus Incentive Plan and Defined Terms . This award is granted under and subject to the terms of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by this reference. Capitalized terms are defined in Section 6 of this Agreement.

(c)     Duration of this Agreement . This Agreement shall apply to the Shares granted pursuant to this award until the date this award has vested and the Company shall no longer have a Right of Repurchase.

SECTION 2. ISSUANCE OF SHARES

(a)     Stock Certificates . Upon payment the purchase price set forth in the Notice for the Shares (if any), the Company shall cause to be issued a certificate for the Granted Shares representing this award, registered in the name of the Grantee or to provide such other evidence of ownership ( e.g., issuance of Shares on an uncertificated basis) permitted by law.

(b)     Shareholder Rights . Until such time as the Company exercises the Right of Repurchase, the Grantee (or any successor in interest) shall have all the rights of a shareholder (including, without limitation, voting, dividend and rights in liquidation) with respect to the Granted Shares, subject, however, to the restrictions of this Agreement.

(c)     Escrow . At the Company’s option, for so long as Granted Shares are subject to the Right of Repurchase (and, at the Company’s election even if the Granted Shares are not subject to the Right of Repurchase), the Company shall cause such certificate or certificates to be deposited in escrow. The Grantee shall deliver to the Company a duly-executed blank Stock Power (in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A ). All regular cash dividends paid on Granted Shares held in escrow shall be paid directly to the Grantee and shall not be held in escrow. Granted Shares together with any other assets or securities related thereto and held in escrow hereunder, shall be (i) surrendered to the Company for repurchase and cancellation upon the Company’s exercise of its Right of Repurchase, or (ii) released to the Grantee upon the Grantee’s request to the extent the Granted Shares are not Restricted Shares (but not more frequently than once every six (6) months). In any event, following termination of Grantee’s Service, all Granted Shares which have vested (and any other vested assets and securities attributable thereto) shall be released within sixty (60) days after such Granted Shares cease to be Restricted Shares. At the Company’s option any new, substituted or additional securities or other property described in Section 3(e) below shall be immediately delivered to the Company to be held in escrow, but only to the extent the related Shares are at the time Restricted Shares or such related Shares are also held in escrow.



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(d)     Section 83(b) Election . Section 83 of the Code provides that the Grantee is not subject to federal income tax until the Right of Repurchase with respect to the Granted Shares lapses. If the Grantee chooses, the Grantee may make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, which would cause the Grantee to recognize income in the amount of the excess (if any) of the Fair Market Value of the award (determined as of the date of the award) over the Purchase Price (if any) will be subject to federal income tax. If the Grantee desires to make a Section 83(b) election, Grantee must file a Section 83(b) election with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty (30) days after the date of this award — even if no tax is required to be paid because the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Shares on the date of the award equals the Purchase Price paid or equals $0. The form for making a Section 83(b) election is attached as Exhibit B . The Grantee acknowledges that it is the Grantee’s sole responsibility to timely file the Section 83(b) election and that failure to file a Section 83(b) election within the applicable thirty (30) day period may result in the recognition of ordinary income when the Right of Repurchase lapses.

(e)     Withholding Requirements . As a condition to the grant of this award, the Company may withhold any tax (or other governmental obligation) arising from the grant of this award, the filing of a Section 83(b) election, or the lapse of the Right of Repurchase and the Grantee shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company to enable it to satisfy all such withholding requirements.

SECTION 3. RIGHT OF REPURCHASE.

(a)     Right of Repurchase . Unless the Granted Shares have become vested in accordance with the terms of the Notice, the Granted Shares initially shall be Restricted Shares and shall be subject to a right (but not an obligation) of repurchase by the Company upon termination of employment. The Grantee shall not Transfer any Restricted Shares, and any such Transfer shall be null and void ab initio .

(b)     Exercise Notice . In the event the Company wishes to exercise its Right of Repurchase, the Company shall provide the Grantee with thirty (30) days prior written notice of its intent to exercise its right. A sample Right of Repurchase Exercise Notice is attached hereto as Exhibit C . Such notice shall contain the price per Share which shall be the repurchase price, described in Subsection (d) below, and all other terms and conditions of the offer (including, without limitation, the proposed consummation date of the repurchase). The repurchase price shall be paid in cash or by canceling of the Company’s indebtedness to the Grantee, as the Company, in its sole discretion, shall determine.

(c)     Lapse of Repurchase Right . The Right of Repurchase shall lapse with respect to the Shares in accordance with the vesting schedule described in the Notice.



Page 2





(d)     Repurchase Price . If the Company exercises the Right of Repurchase, it shall pay the Grantee an amount for each of the Restricted Shares equal to the lower of (i) Fair Market Value for each share or (ii) the Purchase Price.

(e)     Additional Shares or Substituted Securities . In the event of the declaration of a stock dividend, the declaration of an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than stock, a spin-off, a stock split, a recapitalization or a similar transaction affecting the Company’s outstanding securities without receipt of consideration, any new, substituted or additional securities or other property (including money paid other than as an ordinary cash dividend) which are by reason of such event distributed with respect to any Shares subject to this Section 3 or into which such Shares thereby become convertible shall immediately be subject to this Section 3.

(f)     Termination of Rights as Shareholder . If the Company makes available, at the time and place and in the amount and form provided in this Agreement, the consideration for the Shares to be purchased in accordance with this Section 3, then after such time the person from whom such Shares are to be purchased shall no longer have any rights as a holder of such Shares (other than the right to receive payment of such consideration in accordance with this Agreement). Such Shares shall be deemed to have been purchased in accordance with the applicable provisions hereof, whether or not the certificate(s) therefor have been delivered as required by this Agreement.

SECTION 4. ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES.

(a)     Adjustment Generally . In the event of any corporate event or transaction (including, but not limited to, a change in the Shares of the Company or the capitalization of the Company) such as a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, separation, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split up, spin-off, combination of Shares, exchange of Shares, dividend in kind, or other like change in capital structure (other than normal cash dividends) to shareholders of the Company, or any similar corporate event or transaction, the Committee, in its sole discretion, to prevent dilution or enlargement of the Grantee’s rights under the Plan, shall determine whether and the extent to which it should substitute or adjust, as applicable, the number and kind of Shares.

(b)     Modification of Award . In the event of any change or distribution described in subsection (a) above, the Committee may modify this award to effect the adjustment permitted pursuant to subsection (a) above; provided, however, that no such modification shall materially and adversely affect the Grantee’s rights under this award without the Grantee’s written consent.

SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

(a)     No Right to Continued Service . Nothing in the Notice, Agreement or Plan shall confer upon the Grantee any right to continue in Service for any period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company (or any affiliated entity retaining the Grantee) or of the Grantee, which rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate his or her Service at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

(b)     Notification . Any notification required by the terms of this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effective upon personal delivery or upon deposit with the United States Postal Service, by registered or certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid. A notice shall be addressed to the Company at its principal executive office and to the Grantee at the address that he or she most recently provided to the Company.



Page 3





(c)     Entire Agreement . The Notice, this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire contract between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof. They supersede any other agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which relate to the subject matter hereof.

(d)     Waiver . No waiver of any breach or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach or condition whether of like or different nature.

(e)     Successors and Assigns . The provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the Company and its successors and assigns and upon the Grantee, the Grantee’s assigns and the legal representatives, heirs and legatees of the Grantee’s estate, whether or not any such person shall have become a party to this Agreement and have agreed in writing to be join herein and be bound by the terms hereof.

(f)     Choice of Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of the Plan to the substantive law of another jurisdiction.

SECTION 6. DEFINITIONS.

(a)     “ Agreement ” shall mean this Restricted Stock Agreement.

(b)     “ Board of Directors ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.

(c)     “ Cause ” shall mean with respect to the Grantee,

    (i)        any conviction or pleas of nolo contendere to a felony;


     (ii)        any willful misconduct by the Grantee in connection with the performance of the Grantee’s Service for the Company, including, without limitation, (A) misappropriation of funds of the Company, (B) harassment of or discrimination against individuals on account of gender, race, religion, national origin, disability or retaliation against an individual for making any claim that the Grantee has so harassed or discriminated against such individual, or (C) breach of a written policy of the Company;

    (iii)        any disclosure of confidential or proprietary information of the Company or breach of any confidentiality, non-competition or non-solicitation covenant made by the Grantee for the benefit of the Company.




Page 4





(d)     “ Change of Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred upon any of the following events:

     (i)        Any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of its directors (the “ Outstanding Company Voting Securities ”); provided , however , that for purposes of this Section 6(d), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (A) any acquisition directly from the Company, including without limitation, a public offering of securities; (B) any acquisition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan or related trust sponsored or maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (D) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (A), (B), and (C) of Section 6(d)(iii);

     (ii)        Individuals who constitute the Board of Directors as of the Effective Date (the “ Incumbent Board ”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors; provided , however , that any individual becoming a director of the Company subsequent to the Effective Date whose election to the Board of Directors, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board, shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election or removal of the directors of the Company or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board of Directors;

     (iii)        Consummation of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation to which the Company is a party or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “ Business Combination ”), unless, following such Business Combination: (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination are the Beneficial Owners, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or election of members of a comparable governing body) of the entity resulting from the Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns all or substantially all of the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) (the “ Successor Entity ”) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities; (B) no Person (excluding any Successor Entity or any employee benefit plan or related trust of the Company, such Successor Entity, or any of their Subsidiaries) is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Successor Entity, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or comparable governing body) of the Successor Entity were members of the Incumbent Board (including persons deemed to be members of the Incumbent Board by reason of the proviso of Section 6(d)(ii)) at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board of Directors providing for such Business Combination; or



Page 5





     (iv)        Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

(e) Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(f) Committee ” shall means the committee of the Board of Directors responsible for administering the Plan, as described in Article 3 of the Plan.

(g) Common Stock ” shall mean the common stock of the Company, par value $.01.

(h) Company ” shall mean Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.

(i) Date of Grant ” shall mean the date specified in the Notice, which date shall be the later of (i) the date on which the Board of Directors resolved to grant this option or (ii) the first day of the Grantee’s Service.

(j) Disability ” shall mean that the Grantee is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment as determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion.

(k) Employee ” shall mean any individual who is a common-law employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.

(l) Exchange Act shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(m) Fair Market Value shall mean the (i) closing price of a Share on the American Stock Exchange (or if the Shares are listed on another national securities exchange or quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”), on such exchange or system), or if there was no trading of Shares on such date, on the next preceding date on which there was trading in the Shares, (ii) if the Shares are not then listed on a national stock exchange or admitted to trading on NASDAQ but are then traded on an over-the-counter market, the average of the bid and asked prices for the Shares in such over-the-counter market on such date or if there was no trading of Shares on such date, on the next preceding date on which there was trading in the Shares, or (iii) if Shares are not then listed on a national exchange or NASDAQ or traded on an over-the-counter market, such value as the Committee in its sole discretion establishes for purposes of granting awards under the Plan.

(n)

Gain Realized ” shall mean the aggregate excess of (i) the amount realized by the Grantee on the date(s) Shares acquired pursuant to this award are Transferred (or, if higher, the Fair Market Value of such Shares on the date(s) of Transfer); over (ii) the Fair Market value of such transferred Shares on the date this award vested (and the Right of Repurchase lapsed) with respect to such Shares.


(o)

Granted Shares ” shall have the meaning described in Section 1(a) of this Agreement.


(p)

Grantee ” shall mean the person named in the Notice.




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(q)

Notice ” shall have the meaning described in Section 1(a) of this Agreement.


(r)

Person ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “ group ” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.


(s)

Plan ” shall mean Darling International Inc.‘s 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan.


(t)

Service ” shall mean service as an Employee. For any purpose under this Agreement, Service shall be deemed to continue while the Grantee is on a bona fide leave of absence, if such leave was approved by the Company in writing or if continued crediting of Service for such purpose is expressly required by the terms of such leave or by applicable law (as determined by the Company).


(u)

Share ” shall mean one share of common stock of the Company, with a par value of $.01 as adjusted in accordance with Section 4.4 of the Plan (if applicable).


(v)

Subsidiary ” shall mean any corporation or other entity, whether domestic or foreign, in which a Person has or obtains directly or indirectly, the ability to vote to seat a majority of the board of directors or comparable governing body.


(w)

Transfer ” shall mean, with respect to any Share, any sale, assignment, transfer, alienation, conveyance, gift, bequest by will or under intestacy laws, pledge, lien encumbrance or other disposition, with or without consideration, of all or part of such Share, or of any beneficial interest therein, now or hereafter owned by the Grantee.




Page 7





EXHIBIT A

STOCK POWER

         FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto Darling International Inc. (the “Company ”), _________________ (_____) shares of the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company standing in his/her/their/its name on the books of the Company represented by Certificate No. ________________ herewith and do(es) hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ________________________ his/her/their/its attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, to transfer such shares on the books of the Company.

Dated:  __________________                      Signature: _________________________________

                                                Print Name and Mailing Address:
                                                           _________________________________
                                                           _________________________________
                                                           _________________________________

Instructions: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line and printed name and mailing address. Please print your name exactly as you would like your name to appear on the issued stock certificate. The purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise the Repurchase Right without requiring additional signatures on your part.




EXHIBIT B

SECTION 83(B) ELECTION

This statement is being made under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, pursuant to Treas. Reg. Section 1.83-2.

(1)     The taxpayer who performed the services is:

                Name:   ________________________________
                Address: _______________________________
                         _______________________________


                Social Security Number: ________________

(2)

The property with respect to which the election is being made is _________ shares of the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Darling International Inc.


(3)

The property was issued on _________________.


(4)

The taxable year in which the election is being made is the calendar year ___________.


(5)

The property is subject to a right of repurchase pursuant to which the issuer has the right to acquire the property at the lower of fair market value or the original purchase price paid for such property.


(6)

The issuer’s repurchase right lapses upon the earliest to occur of (a) vesting of the Granted Shares, or (b) a Change of Control of the Company. Modify if vesting terms are different.


(7)

The property may not be transferred by the taxpayer until the right of repurchase lapses.


(8)

The fair market value at the time of transfer (determined without regard to any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms will never lapse) is $___________ per share.


(9)

The amount paid for such property is $__________ per share.


(10)

A copy of this statement was furnished to Darling International Inc. for whom taxpayer rendered the services underlying the transfer of property.


(11)

This statement is executed on ______________________________.



Spouse (if any) ________________________             Taxpayer _____________________


This election must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service Center with which taxpayer files his or her Federal income tax returns and must be made within thirty (30) days after the execution date of the Notice of Restricted Stock Award. This filing should be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. You should retain two (2) copies of the completed form for filing with your Federal and state tax returns for the current tax year and an additional copy for your records.




EXHIBIT C

RIGHT OF REPURCHASE
EXERCISE NOTICE

[Date]         

Re:      Exercise of Right of Repurchase


Dear Grantee:

The Company wishes to exercise its Right of Repurchase under the Darling International Inc. 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) and buy back from you shares of common stock of the Company granted to you pursuant to the Plan under the terms described below:

Date of Grant Shares to be
Repurchased
FMV of One Share Purchase Price plus
Interest per Share
Repurchase Price
              
              
         Total   

Other Terms

Shares shall be repurchased on [insert date] . The Company shall pay the repurchase price to you by delivery of payment by check on or within two (2) days following such date. Once the payment is made available to you, you shall no longer be considered a shareholder with respect to those shares.



_________________


Should you have any additional questions, please contact [insert contact person and contact information] .

        Very truly yours,




Exhibit 10.3           



DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
2004 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT


  Name of Optionee :
 
     
  # of Shares Subject to Option:   xxx shares of common stock, par value $.01 ("Shares") of Darling International Inc. (the " Company ").
 
 
  Type of Option:
 
  [Nonqualified] [Incentive] Stock Option  
  Exercise Price Per Share:
 
  $xxx  
  Date of Grant:
 
  [GrantDate]
 
 
  Date Exercisable:   This option may be exercised to the extent the Shares subject to this option have vested at any time after the Date of Grant.
 
 
  Vesting Commencement Date:
 
  [VestComDate]
 
 
  Vesting Schedule:   This option vests with respect to the total number of Shares subject to this option in accordance with the schedule below provided that the Optionee's Service with the Company has not terminated prior to the vesting date.  

  Vesting Date
Vesting Percentage
 
   
 

%
 

 
   
 

%
 

 
   
 

%
 

 

  Vesting Accelerator:   This option shall become 100% vested with respect to the total number of Shares subject to this option on the date immediately prior to the consummation of a Change of Control, provided the Optionee's Service with the Company has not terminated prior to the vesting date, and shall terminate with respect to any unexercised portion on the date of a Change of Control.
 
  Expiration Date:   [ExpirDate] except that this option shall expire sooner if the Optionee's Service terminates as described in the Stock Option Agreement or if there is a Change of Control prior to the Expiration Date.
 


By signing your name below, you accept this option and acknowledge and agree that this option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of Darling International Inc.'s 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Stock Option Agreement reference number 001, both of which are hereby made a part of this document.

OPTIONEE:                                                 DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.

_______________________________                           By: ____________________________
                                                          Title: _________________________

Exhibit 10.5           



DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
2004 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD


  Name of Grantee :
 
     
  # of Shares Subject to Award :   xxx shares of common stock, par value $.01 ("Shares") of Darling International Inc. (the " Company "), subject to a Right of Repurchase.
 
 
  Purchase Price Per Share :
 
  $xxx [par value]  
  Date of Grant :
 
  [GrantDate]
 
 
  Vesting Commencement Date :
 
  [VestComDate]
 
 
  Vesting :   Shares subject to this Award are subject to a Right of Repurchase which shall lapse, and this Award shall vest, upon the expiration of [___] (___) years from the Date of Grant, provided the Grantee's Service with the Company has not terminated prior to the vesting date.
 
 
  Vesting Accelerators :   This Award shall vest and the lapse of the Right of Repurchase shall occur earlier in accordance with the schedule described below provided the Grantee's Service with the Company has not terminated prior to the vesting date:  

   
 
Performance Accelerator

Percentage of Total Number
of Shares Subject to Award
That Will Vest

 
   
 

%
 

 
   
 

%
 

 

      This Award shall vest, and the Right of Repurchase shall lapse, with respect to 100% of the total number of Shares subject to this Award immediately prior to the consummation of a Change of Control and this Award shall terminate upon consummation of a Change of Control.
 
  Right of Repurchase:   If the Grantee's Service with the Company terminates prior to the lapse of the Right of Repurchase, the Company has the option to repurchase Shares granted herein at the lesser of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of repurchase and the Purchase Price.
 
  Transfer Restrictions:   Shares granted herein may not be Transferred until the Company's Right of Repurchase lapses.
 


By signing your name below, you accept this award and acknowledge and agree that this award is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of Darling International Inc.‘s 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Restricted Stock Award Agreement reference number 001, both of which are hereby made a part of this document.

OPTIONEE:                                                 DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.

_______________________________                           By: ____________________________
                                                          Title: _________________________

Exhibit 10.1                         

2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Darling International Inc.

Effective May 11, 2005






                                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                                  Page

  Article 1     Establishment, Purpose,  Eligibility                                3
  Article 2     Definitions                                                         3
  Article 3     Administration                                                      6
  Article 4     Shares Subject to the Plan and Maximum Awards                       7
  Article 5     Stock Options                                                       9
  Article 6     Stock Appreciation Rights                                           9
  Article 7     Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units                         10
  Article 8     Other Stock-Based Awards                                            10
  Article 9     Dividend Equivalents                                                10
  Article 10    Non-Employee Director Awards                                        11
  Article 11    Cash-Based Awards                                                   11
  Article 12    Performance-Based Compensation                                      11
  Article 13    Change of Control                                                   12
  Article 14    Duration, Amendment, Modification, Suspension, and Termination      13
  Article 15    General Provisions                                                  13


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DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
2004 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

Article 1.    Establishment, Purpose, Eligibility

1.1     Establishment.      Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “ Company ”), establishes the 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (hereinafter referred to as the “ Plan ”) as set forth in this document. The Plan shall become effective upon shareholder approval (the “ Effective Date ”).

1.2     Purpose of the Plan.      The purpose of the Plan is to attract, retain and motivate Employees, Directors, and Third Party Service Providers of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to encourage them to have a financial interest in the Company.

1.3    Awards.     The Plan permits the grant of Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock (including Performance Stock), Restricted Stock Units (including Performance Units), Other-Stock Based Awards, Non-Employee Director Awards, Dividend Equivalents, and Cash-Based Awards. The Plan sets forth the performance goals and procedural requirements to permit the Company to design Awards that qualify as Performance-Based Compensation.

1.4     Eligibility and Participation.      Any Employee, Non-employee Director, or Third Party Service Provider is eligible to be designated a Participant. An individual shall become a “ Participant ” upon the grant of an Award. Each Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. No individual shall have the right to be selected to receive an Award under the Plan, or, having been so selected, to be selected to receive a future Award.


Article 2.    Definitions

        Whenever capitalized in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below.

2.1      " Annual Award Limit " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.

2.2     “ Award means, individually or collectively, any Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock (including any Performance Stock), Restricted Stock Unit (including any Performance Unit), Dividend Equivalent, Cash-Based Award, Other Stock-Based Award or Non-employee Director Award that is granted under the Plan.

2.3     “ Award Agreement means either (a) a written agreement entered into by the Company and a Participant setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under this Plan, or (b) a written statement issued by the Company to a Participant describing the terms and provisions of such Award.

2.4     “ Beneficial Owner or Beneficial Ownership shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.

2.5      " Board of Directors " means the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.6      " Cash-Based Award " means any right granted under Article 11.

2.7      " Change of Control " means the occurrence of any of the following events:


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  1. Any Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of its Directors (the “ Outstanding Company Voting Securities ”); provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 2.7, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, including without limitation, a public offering of securities; (ii) any acquisition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan or related trust sponsored or maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or (iv) any acquisition by any Person pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of Section 2.7(c).

  2. Individuals who constitute the Board of Directors as of the Effective Date (the “ Incumbent Board ”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that any individual becoming a Director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election to the Board of Directors, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Directors then comprising the Incumbent Board, shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election or removal of the Directors of the Company or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board of Directors;

  3. Consummation of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation to which the Company is a party or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “ Business Combination ”), unless, following such Business Combination: (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination are the Beneficial Owners, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or election of members of a comparable governing body) of the entity resulting from the Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns all or substantially all of the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more Subsidiaries) (the “ Successor Entity ”) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities; (ii) no Person (excluding any Successor Entity or any employee benefit plan or related trust of the Company, such Successor Entity, or any of their Subsidiaries) is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or comparable governing body) of the Successor Entity, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or comparable governing body) of the Successor Entity were members of the Incumbent Board (including persons deemed to be members of the Incumbent Board by reason of the proviso of Section 2.7(b)) at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board of Directors providing for such Business Combination; or

  4. Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

2.8      " Code " means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

2.9     “ Committee means the compensation committee of the Board of Directors, or any other committee designated by the Board of Directors to administer this Plan.

2.10      " Company " means Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.


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2.11     “ Covered Employee means for any Plan Year, a Participant designated by the Company as a potential “covered employee,” as such term is defined in Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, or any successor statute.

2.12      " Director " means any individual who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.13     " Dividend Equivalent " means any right granted under Article 9.

2.14      " Effective Date " has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.

2.15      " Employee " means any employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

2.16      " Exchange Act " means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

2.17     “ Extraordinary Items means (a) extraordinary, unusual, and/or nonrecurring items of gain or loss; (b) gains or losses on the disposition of a business; (c) changes in tax or accounting regulations or laws; (d) the effect of a merger or acquisition; (e) the effects of FAS 87; or (f) the effects of FAS 133: all of which must be identified in the audited financial statements, including footnotes, or Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, as promulgated under the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2.18     “ Fair Market Value means the (i) closing price of a Share on the American Stock Exchange (or if the Shares are listed on another national securities exchange or quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (“ NASDAQ ”), on such exchange or system), or if there was no trading of Shares on such date, on the next preceding date on which there was trading in the Shares, (ii) if the Shares are not then listed on a national stock exchange but are then traded on an over-the-counter market, the average of the bid and asked prices for the Shares in such over-the-counter market on such date or if there was no trading of Shares on such date, on the next preceding date on which there was trading in the Shares, or (iii) if Shares are not then listed on a national exchange or NASDAQ or traded on an over-the-counter market, such value as the Committee in its sole discretion establishes for purposes of granting Awards under the Plan.

2.19     “ Incentive Stock Option means a Stock Option to purchase Shares granted under Article 5 to an Employee and that is designated as an “incentive stock option” and that is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 422, as it may be amended or modified.

2.20     " Non-Employee Director " means a Director who is not an Employee.

2.21      " Non-Employee Director Award " means any Award granted to a Non-Employee Director under Article 10.

2.22     “ Nonqualified Stock Option means a Stock Option that is not intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 422, or that otherwise does not meet such requirements.

2.23      " Other Stock-Based Award " means any right granted under Article 8.

2.24      " Participant " means any eligible person as set forth in Section 1.4 to whom an Award is granted.

2.25     “ Performance-Based Compensation means compensation under an Award that is intended to constitute “qualified performance based compensation” within the meaning of the regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code or any successor provision.


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2.26     “ Performance Measures means measures as described in Section 12.1 on which the performance goals are based and which are approved by the Company’s shareholders pursuant to this Plan in order to qualify Awards as Performance-Based Compensation.

2.27     “ Performance Period means the period of time during which the performance goals must be met in order to determine the degree of payout and/or vesting with respect to an Award.

2.28      " Performance Stock " means a Share of Restricted Stock as described in Section 7.3.

2.29     " Performance Unit " means a Restricted Stock Unit as described in Section 7.3.

2.30     “ Person shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.

2.31    " Plan " means the Darling International Inc. 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

2.32     “ Plan Year means the Company’s fiscal year, which is the 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to December 31.

2.33      " Prior Plans " means the Company's 1994 Employee Flexible Stock Option Plan and Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan.

2.34      Restricted Stock " means any Share granted under Article 7.

2.35     " Restricted Stock Unit " means any right granted under Article 7.

2.36    " Share " means a share of common stock of the Company, $0.01 par value per share.

2.37    " Stock Appreciation Right " means any right granted under Article 6.

2.38    " Stock Option " means any right granted under Article 5.

2.39     “ Subsidiary means any corporation or other entity, whether domestic or foreign, in which a Person has or obtains directly or indirectly, the ability to vote to seat a majority of the board of directors or comparable governing body.

2.40      “ Ten Percent Shareholder means an individual who owns (after the application of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company, its “parent corporation” or any “subsidiary corporation” (as such terms are defined in Section 424 of the Code).

2.41     “ Third Party Service Provider means any consultant, agent, advisor, or independent contractor who renders services to the Company or a Subsidiary that (a) are not in connection with the offer and sale of the Company’s securities in a capital raising transaction, and (b) do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities.



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Article 3.     Administration

3.1      General.     The Committee shall be responsible for administering the Plan, subject to this Article 3 and the other provisions of the Plan.

3.2     Authority of the Committee.       The Committee shall have full and exclusive discretionary power to (a) interpret the terms and the intent of the Plan and any Award Agreement or other agreement or document ancillary to or in connection with the Plan; (b) determine eligibility for Awards; and (c) adopt such rules, forms, instruments, and guidelines for administering the Plan as the Committee deems necessary or proper. The Committee’s authority shall include, but not be limited to, selecting Award recipients, establishing all Award terms and conditions, including the terms and conditions set forth in Award Agreements, and, subject to Section 14.3, adopting modifications and amendments to any Award Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, the Board of Directors is hereby authorized (in addition to any necessary action by the Committee) to grant or approve Awards as necessary to satisfy the requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and to act in lieu of the Committee with respect to Awards made to Non-Employee Directors under the Plan. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee or by the Board of Directors, as applicable, shall be final and binding upon the Participants, the Company, and all other interested individuals.

3.3     Advisors.     The Committee may employ attorneys, consultants, accountants, agents, and other individuals, any of whom may be an Employee, and the Committee, the Company, and its officers and Directors shall be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions, or valuations of any such individuals.

3.4     Delegation.     The Committee may delegate to one or more of its members, one or more officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and one or more agents or advisors such administrative duties or powers as it may deem advisable.


Article 4.     Shares Subject to the Plan and Maximum Awards

4.1     Number of Shares Available for Awards.

  1. General. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.4, the maximum number of Shares available for issuance to Participants pursuant to Awards under the Plan shall be 4,800,000 Shares plus up to 1,274,969 Shares subject to outstanding awards as of the Effective Date under the Prior Plans that on or after the Effective Date cease for any reason to be subject to such awards (other than by reason of exercise or settlement of the awards to the extent they are exercised for or settled in vested and nonforfeitable Shares), up to an aggregate maximum of 6,074,969 Shares. The Shares available for issuance under the Plan may be authorized and unissued Shares or treasury Shares.

  2. Incentive Stock Options. Subject to the limit set forth in Section 4.1(a), the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option shall be 4,800,000.

  3. Non-Employee Director Awards. Subject to the limit set forth in Section 4.1(a), the maximum number of Shares that may be issued to Non-Employee Directors shall be 500,000 Shares.



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4.2      Share Usage.

  1. General. Shares shall be charged against the total number of Shares available for Awards and the Annual Award Limits on the date of grant to the extent such Awards are denominated in Shares and on the date of settlement for any other Award which is settled in Shares; provided, however, that in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right granted in tandem with a Stock Option, only the number of Shares subject to the Stock Option shall be counted.

  2. Awards Not Settled in Shares. If all or a portion of an Award denominated in Shares is not settled in Shares, such Shares that are not actually issued and delivered to a Participant (or, if permitted by the Committee, to a Participant’s designated transferee) shall not be counted against the total number of Shares available for Awards but shall continue to be counted for purposes of the Annual Award Limits.

  3. Cancelled/Forfeited Awards. Any Shares related to Awards which terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance of such Shares, are settled in cash in lieu of Shares, or are exchanged, prior to the issuance of Shares, for Awards not involving Shares shall be available again for grant under the Plan.

  4. Stock Options. To the extent the Committee permits the exercise price of any Stock Option (or related tax withholding) to be satisfied by tendering Shares to the Company (by either actual delivery or by attestation), only the number of Shares issued, net of the Shares tendered, if any, will be deemed delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of Shares available for delivery under the Plan.

  5. Dividends or Dividend Equivalents. The maximum number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall not be reduced to reflect any dividends or Dividend Equivalents paid in respect of Awards made under the Plan that are settled or reinvested in Shares or additional Awards.

  6. Corporate Transactions. If the Committee authorizes the issuance or assumption under this Plan of awards granted under another plan in connection with any merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, or reorganization, such authorization shall not reduce the maximum number of Shares available for issuance under this Plan; provided, however, that if any of the assumed awards are Incentive Stock Options such assumed Incentive Stock Options shall reduce the maximum number of Shares set forth in Section 4.1(b) that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option.

4.3     Annual Award Limits.       Unless and until the Committee determines that an Award to a Covered Employee is not intended to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation, the following limits (each an “ Annual Award Limit ” and collectively, “ Annual Award Limits ”) shall apply to grants of Awards under the Plan:

  1. Awards Denominated in Shares. The maximum number of Shares with respect to which any Awards denominated in Shares may be granted or measured to any Participant in any Plan Year shall be 6,074,969 Shares.

  2. Awards Denominated in Cash. The maximum amount of any Award denominated in Cash may be paid, credited or vested to any Participant in any Plan Year shall be 1 million dollars ($1,000,000).

4.4     Adjustments in Authorized Shares. In the event of any corporate event or transaction (including, but not limited to, a change in the Shares of the Company or the capitalization of the Company) such as a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, separation, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split up, spin-off, combination of Shares, exchange of Shares, dividend in kind, or other like change in capital structure (other than normal cash dividends) to shareholders of the Company, or any similar corporate event or transaction, the Committee, in its sole discretion, to prevent dilution or enlargement of Participants’ rights under the Plan, shall determine whether and the extent to which it should substitute or adjust, as applicable, the number and kind of Shares that may be issued under the Plan or under particular forms of Awards, the number and kind of Shares subject to outstanding Awards, the exercise price or grant price applicable to outstanding Awards, the Annual Award Limits, and other value determinations applicable to outstanding Awards.



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        The Committee, in its sole discretion, may also make appropriate adjustments in the terms of any Awards under the Plan to reflect or related to such changes and to modify any other terms of outstanding Awards, including modifications of performance goals and changes in the length of Performance Periods. The determination of the Committee as to the foregoing adjustments, if any, shall be conclusive and binding on Participants under the Plan.

        The Committee may authorize the issuance or assumption of awards granted under another plan in connection with any merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock or reorganization upon such terms and conditions as it may deem appropriate.


Article 5.    Stock Options

5.1     Grant of Stock Options.      The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Stock Options to Participants. Each Stock Option shall permit a Participant to purchase from the Company a stated number of Shares at an exercise price established by the Committee, subject to the terms and conditions described in this Article 5 and to such additional terms and conditions, as established by the Committee, in its sole discretion, that are consistent with the provisions of the Plan. Stock Options shall be designated as either Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options. Stock Options may be granted in tandem with Stock Appreciation Rights.

5.2     Stock Option Terms.       The exercise price per Share under a Stock Option shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant.

5.3      Stock Option Term.       The term of each Stock Option shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant.

5.4     Time of Exercise.      Stock Options granted under this Article 5 shall be exercisable at such times and be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee shall in each instance approve, which terms and restrictions need not be the same for each grant or for each Participant.

5.5     Method of Exercise.       Stock Options granted under this Article 5 shall be exercised by the delivery of a notice of exercise to the Company or an agent designated by the Company in a form specified or accepted by the Committee, or by complying with any alternative procedures which may be authorized by the Committee, setting forth the number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Option is to be exercised, accompanied by full payment in cash for the Shares. The Committee may also designate other acceptable forms of payment, in its complete discretion.

5.6     Limitations on Incentive Stock Options.     Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or of a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” (as such terms are defined in Section 424 of the Code) at the date of grant. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time the Stock Option is granted) of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and of any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation) shall not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). For purposes of the preceding sentence, Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they are granted. The per-Share exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. No Incentive Stock Option may be exercised later than ten (10) years after the date it is granted.

5.7     Additional Limitations on Incentive Stock Options for Ten Percent Shareholders.     The per-Share exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Shareholder shall not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. No Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Shareholder may be exercised later than five (5) years after the date it is granted.


Article 6.     Stock Appreciation Rights

6.1    Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights.      The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Stock Appreciation Rights to Participants, including a concurrent grant of Stock Appreciation Rights in tandem with any Stock Option. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, a Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall confer on the holder thereof a right to receive, upon exercise thereof, the excess of (a) the Fair Market Value of one Share on the date of exercise over (b) the grant price of the right as specified by the Committee on the date of the grant.

6.2     Terms of Stock Appreciation Right.     Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, the grant price, term, methods of exercise, methods of settlement, and any other terms and conditions of any Stock Appreciation Right shall be as determined by the Committee. The Committee may impose such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any Stock Appreciation Right as it may deem appropriate.



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6.3     Tandem Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Options.      Upon the exercise of all or a portion of a Stock Appreciation Right granted in tandem with a Stock Option, a Participant shall be required to forfeit the right to purchase an equivalent portion of the related Stock Option (and, when a Share is purchased under the related Stock Option, the Participant shall be required to forfeit an equivalent portion of the Stock Appreciation Right).


Article 7.     Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

7.1     Grant of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.     The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units to Participants. Each Restricted Stock Unit shall represent one Share. Restricted Stock Units shall be credited to a notional account maintained by the Company. No Shares are actually awarded to the Participant in respect of Restricted Stock Units on the date of grant.

7.2     Terms of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Awards.     Each Award Agreement evidencing a Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit grant shall specify the terms of the period(s) of restriction, the number of Shares of Restricted Stock or the number of Restricted Stock Units granted, settlement dates and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine.

7.3     Performance Stock or Performance Units.      Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units, the grant of which or lapse of restrictions of which is based upon the achievement of performance goals over a performance period, shall be referred to as “ Performance Stock ” and “ Performance Units ,” respectively.

7.4     Voting Rights.     Unless otherwise determined by the Committee and set forth in a Participant’s Award Agreement, to the extent permitted or required by law, as determined by the Committee, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder shall have the right to exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares during the period of restriction. A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder.

7.5     Section 83(b) Election.     The Committee may provide in an Award Agreement that the Award of Restricted Stock is conditioned upon the Participant making or refraining from making an election with respect to the Award under Section 83(b) of the Code. If a Participant makes an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code concerning a Restricted Stock Award, the Participant shall be required to file promptly a copy of such election with the Company.


Article 8.     Other Stock-Based Awards

        The Committee is hereby authorized to grant other types of equity-based or equity-related Awards not otherwise described by the terms of the Plan (including the grant or offer for sale of unrestricted Shares) to Participants in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. Such Awards shall be referred to as “ Other Stock-Based Awards .” Each such Other Stock-Based Award may involve the transfer of actual Shares to Participants or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of Shares, and may include, without limitation, Awards designed to comply with or take advantage of the applicable local laws of jurisdictions other than the United States. Each Other Stock-Based Award shall be expressed in terms of Shares or units or an equivalent measurement based on Shares, as determined by the Committee.


Article 9.     Dividend Equivalents

        The Committee is hereby authorized to grant to Participants Dividend Equivalents based on the dividends declared on Shares that are subject to any Award. Dividend Equivalents shall be credited as of dividend payment dates during the period between the date the Award is granted and the date the Award is exercised, vested, expired, credited or paid. Such Dividend Equivalents shall be converted to cash, Shares or additional Awards by such formula and at such time and subject to such limitations as may be determined by the Committee.

        Dividend Equivalents granted with respect to any Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be payable regardless of whether such Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right is subsequently exercised.




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Article 10.     Non-Employee Director Awards

        The Board of Directors or the Committee is hereby authorized to grant Awards to Non-Employee Directors, as it shall from time to time determine, including Awards granted in satisfaction of annual fees that are otherwise payable to Non-Employee Directors.


Article 11.     Cash-Based Awards

        The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Awards to Participants denominated in cash in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine. Such Awards shall be referred to as “ Cash-Based Awards .” Each such Cash-Based Award shall specify a payment amount or payment range as determined by the Committee.


Article 12.     Performance-Based Compensation

        The Committee is authorized to design any Award so that the amounts or Shares payable or distributed pursuant to such Award are treated as “qualified performance based compensation” within the meaning Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations.

12.1     Performance Measures.      The granting, vesting, crediting and/or payment of Performance-Based Compensation shall be based on the achievement of performance goals based on one or more of the following performance measures: (a) net income (before or after taxes); (b) earnings per Share before or after taxes, interest, depreciation, and/or amortization; (c) net sales growth; (d) net operating profit; (e) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, invested capital, equity, or sales); (f) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, and cash flow return on capital); (g) gross or operating margins; (h) productivity ratios; (i) Share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total shareholder return); (j) expense targets; (k) operating efficiency; (l) customer satisfaction; (m) working capital targets; (n) economic value added or EVA® (net operating profit after tax minus the sum of capital multiplied by the cost of capital), (o) account growth, (p) service revenue, and (q) capital expenditures.

        Any performance measure may be (i) used to measure the performance of the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries as a whole, any business unit thereof or any combination thereof or (ii) compared to the performance of a group of comparable companies, or a published or special index, in each case that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

12.2     Establishment of Performance Goals for Covered Employees.     No later than ninety (90) days after the commencement of a performance period (but in no event after twenty-five percent (25%) of such performance period has elapsed), the Committee shall establish in writing: (a) the performance goals applicable to the performance period; (b) the performance measures to be used to measure the performance goals in terms of an objective formula or standard; (c) the method for computing the amount of compensation payable to the Participant if such performance goals are obtained; and (d) the Participants or class of Participants to which such performance goals apply.



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12.3     Permitted Exclusions/Inclusions.      When establishing the performance goals, the Committee may provide in any Award to a Covered Employee that the evaluation of performance goals may include or exclude any of the following events that occurs during a performance period: (a) asset write-downs; (b) litigation or claim judgments or settlements; (c) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or provisions affecting reported results; (d) any reorganization and restructuring programs; (e) acquisitions or divestitures; (f) foreign exchange gains and losses; and (g) Extraordinary Items.

12.4     Adjustment of Performance-Based Compensation.      Awards that are designed to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation may not be adjusted upward. The Committee shall retain the discretion to adjust such Awards downward, either on a formula or discretionary basis or any combination, as the Committee determines.

12.5     Certification of Performance.     No Award designed to qualify as Performance-Based Compensation shall be granted, vested, credited or paid, as applicable, with respect to any Participant until the Committee certifies in writing that the performance goals and any other material terms applicable to such performance period have been satisfied.

12.6     Reapproval of Performance Measures.     Performance measures listed in Section 12.1 may not be used in designing Awards intended to qualify as performance-based compensation after the first shareholder meeting that occurs in the fifth (5th) year following the year in which shareholder approval is first approved (or previously approved pursuant to this Section 12.6), unless shareholder approval of such performance measures is again obtained or applicable tax or securities laws change to provide otherwise.


Article 13.     Change of Control

        Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless otherwise specifically prohibited under applicable laws or by the rules and regulations of any governing governmental agencies or national securities exchanges, or unless the Committee shall determine otherwise in the Award Agreement:

  1. Time Vested Awards. Awards, the vesting of which depends upon a participant’s continuation of service for a period of time, shall become fully vested and exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control; shall be distributed or paid to the participant not later than thirty (30) days following the date of the Change of Control in cash, Shares, other securities, or any combination, as determined by the Committee; and shall terminate as to any unexercised portion upon consummation of the Change of Control; provided, however, that if the Award is denominated in Shares, the amount distributed or paid shall equal the difference between the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of the Change of Control and, if applicable, the exercise price, grant price or unpaid purchase price as of the date of the Change of Control; and

  2. Performance-Based Awards. Awards, the vesting of which is based on achievement of performance criteria over a performance period, shall become fully vested and exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control; shall be deemed earned based on the target performance being attained for the performance period in which the Change of Control occurs; shall be distributed or paid to the participant no later than thirty (30) days following the date of the Change of Control pro rata based on the portion of the performance period elapsed on the date of the Change of Control in cash, Shares, other securities, or any combination, as determined by the Committee; and shall thereafter terminate and shall terminate as to any unexercised portion upon consummation; provided, however , that if the Award is denominated in Shares, the amount distributed or paid shall equal the difference between the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of the Change of Control and, if applicable, the exercise price, grant price or unpaid purchase price as of the date of the Change of Control.




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Article 14.     Duration, Amendment, Modification, Suspension, and Termination

14.1     Duration of the Plan.      Unless sooner terminated as provided in Section 14.2, the Plan shall terminate on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date.

14.2     Amendment, Modification, Suspension, and Termination of Plan.      The Board of Directors may, at any time and from time to time, alter, amend, modify, suspend, or terminate the Plan and any Award Agreement in whole or in part; provided, however , that, without the prior approval of the Company’s shareholders, Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights and any Other Stock Based Award that is not a Full Value Award which is issued under the Plan will not be repriced, replaced, or regranted through cancellation, or by lowering the exercise price or grant price of a previously granted Award, and no amendment of the Plan shall be made without shareholder approval if shareholder approval is required by law, regulation, or stock exchange rule. After the Plan is terminated in accordance with this Section 14.2, no Award may be granted but any Award previously granted shall remain outstanding in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Award.

14.3     Amendment, Modification, Suspension, and Termination of Awards.     The Committee shall have the authority at any time and from time to time, to alter, amend, modify, suspend or terminate the terms and conditions of any Award; provided, however , that no such action shall adversely affect in any material way any Award previously granted under the Plan without the written consent of the Participant holding such Award.

14.4     Adjustment of Awards upon the Occurrence of Certain Unusual or Nonrecurring Events.      Subject to the limitations in Section 12.4 related to other Performance-Based Compensation, the Committee may make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, the events described in Section 4.4) affecting the Company or the financial statements of the Company or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent unintended dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan. The determination of the Committee as to the foregoing adjustments, if any, shall be conclusive and binding on Participants under the Plan.


Article 15.     General Provisions

15.1     Settlement of Awards; No Fractional Shares.     Each Award Agreement shall establish the form in which the Award shall be settled. Awards (other than Stock Options and Restricted Stock) may be settled in cash, Shares, other securities, additional Awards or any combination, regardless of whether such Awards are originally denominated in cash or Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award. The Committee shall determine whether cash, Awards, other securities or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

15.2     Tax Withholding.      The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, the minimum statutory amount to satisfy federal, state, and local taxes, domestic or foreign, required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising as a result of the Plan.

15.3     Share Withholding.      With respect to withholding required upon the exercise of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units, upon the achievement of performance goals related to Performance Stock and Performance Units, or any other taxable event arising as a result of an Award granted hereunder, Participants may elect, subject to the approval of the Committee, to satisfy the withholding requirement, in whole or in part, by having the Company withhold Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date the tax is to be determined equal to the minimum statutory total tax that could be imposed on the transaction.



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15.4     Transferability of Awards.     Each Incentive Stock Option granted hereunder and, except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement or otherwise at any time by the Committee, each other Award granted under the Plan may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and any attempt to enforce such a purported sale, transfer, pledge, alienation or hypothecation shall be void. Should the Committee permit transferability of an Award, it may do so on a general or a specific basis, and may impose conditions and limitations on any permitted transferability. An Incentive Stock Option may be exercised by a Participant only during his or her lifetime. Unless transferability is permitted, Nonqualified Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised by a Participant only during his or her lifetime. If the Committee permits any Nonqualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right to be transferred, references in the Plan to the exercise of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right by the Participant or payment of any amount to the Participant shall be deemed to include the Participant’s transferee.

15.5     Termination of Service; Forfeiture Events.

  1. Termination of Service. Each Award Agreement shall specify the effect of a Participant’s termination of service with the Company and any of its Subsidiaries, including specifically whether the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment, in addition to the effect on any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such provisions shall be determined in the Committee’s sole discretion, need not be uniform and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.

  2. Forfeiture Events. An Award Agreement may also specify other events that may cause a Participant’s rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award to be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment, or which may affect any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award.

15.6     Deferrals.     The Committee may permit or require a Participant to defer such Participant’s receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant by virtue of any Award.

15.7    Conditions and Restrictions on Shares.     The Committee may impose such other conditions or restrictions on any Shares received in connection with an Award as it may deem advisable or desirable. These restrictions may include, but shall not be limited to, a requirement that the Participant hold the Shares received for a specified period of time or a requirement that a Participant represent and warrant in writing that the Participant is acquiring the Shares for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares. The certificates for Shares may include any legend which the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any conditions and restrictions applicable to such Shares.

15.8     Share Certificates.     If an Award provides for issuance of certificates to reflect the transfer of Shares, the transfer of such Shares may be effected on an uncertificated basis, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the rules of NASDAQ or any stock exchange on which the Shares are admitted to trading or listed. Shares issued in connection with Awards of Restricted Stock may, to the extent deemed appropriate by the Committee, be retained in the Company’s possession until such time as all conditions or restrictions applicable to such Shares have been satisfied or lapse.

15.9     Compliance with Law.     The granting of Awards and the issuance of Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies, NASDAQ or stock exchanges on which the Shares are admitted to trading or listed, as may be required. The Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver evidence of title for Shares issued under the Plan prior to:



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  1. Obtaining any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable; and

  2. Completion of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any applicable national, state or foreign law or ruling of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable.


The restrictions contained in this Section 15.9 shall be in addition to any conditions or restrictions that the Committee may impose pursuant to Section 15.7. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

15.10     Rights as a Shareholder.      Except as otherwise provided herein, a Participant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to Shares covered by any Award until the Participant becomes the record holder of such Shares.

15.11     Awards to Non-U.S. Employees. To comply with the laws in other countries in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries operates or has Employees, Directors, or Third Party Service Providers, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to:


  1. Determine which Subsidiaries shall be covered by the Plan;

  2. Determine which Employees, Directors and Third Party Service Providers outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan;

  3. Modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to Employees, Directors and Third Party Service Providers outside the United States to comply with applicable foreign laws;

  4. Establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent such actions may be necessary or advisable. Any subplans and modifications to Plan terms and procedures established under this Section 15.11 by the Committee shall be attached to this Plan document as appendices; and

  5. Take any action, before or after an Award is made, that it deems advisable to obtain approval or comply with any necessary local government regulatory exemptions or approvals.

15.12     No Right to Continued Service.      Nothing in the Plan or an Award Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to terminate any Participant’s employment or service at any time or for any reason not prohibited by law, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue his or her employment or service for any specified period of time. Neither any Award nor any benefits arising under the Plan shall constitute an employment or consulting contract with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and, accordingly, subject to Article 14 the Plan and the benefits hereunder may be terminated at any time in the sole and exclusive discretion of the Board of Directors or Committee, as applicable, without giving rise to any liability on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

15.13     Beneficiary Designation .      Each Participant under the Plan may, from time to time, name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively) to whom any benefit under the Plan is to be paid in case of his or her death before he or she receives any or all of such benefit. Each such designation shall revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form prescribed by the Committee, and will be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Company during the Participant’s lifetime. In the absence of any such designation, amounts due under the Plan remaining unpaid at the Participant’s death shall be paid to the Participant’s estate.



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15.14     Other Compensation Plans or Arrangements.      The Committee shall have the authority to grant Awards as an alternative to or as the form of payment for grants or rights earned or due under other compensation plans or arrangements of the Company.

15.15     Gender and Number.      Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine, the plural shall include the singular, and the singular shall include the plural.

1 5.16      Severability. If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person, or Award, and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.

15.17     Unfunded Plan.     Participants shall have no right, title, or interest whatsoever in or to any investments that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may make to aid it in meeting its obligations under the Plan. Nothing contained in the Plan, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and any Participant, beneficiary, legal representative, or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under the Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company or a Subsidiary, as the case may be. All payments to be made hereunder shall be paid from the general funds of the Company or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, and no special or separate fund shall be established and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure payment of such amounts. The Plan is not subject to the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

15.18     Nonexclusivity of the Plan .     The adoption of the Plan shall not be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board of Directors or Committee to adopt such other compensation arrangements as it may deem desirable for any Participant.

15.19     No Constraint on Corporate Action.      Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to (a) limit, impair, or otherwise affect the Company’s or its Subsidiary’s right or power to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations, or changes of its capital or business structure, or to merge or consolidate, or dissolve, liquidate, sell, or transfer all or any part of its business or assets, or (b) limit the right or power of the Company or its Subsidiary to take any action which such entity deems to be necessary or appropriate.

15.20     Successors.      All obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Awards granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company.

15.21     Governing Law.      The Plan and each Award Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, excluding any conflicts or choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of the Plan to the substantive law of another jurisdiction.


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