Associated Banc-Corp
2010 Incentive Compensation Plan

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Associated Banc-Corp

 

2010 Incentive Compensation Plan

 

Section  1.   Establishment, Purpose and Duration

 

1.1.   Effective Date and Purpose .   Associated Banc-Corp, a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Company ”), hereby establishes the Associated Banc-Corp 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ Plan ”). The Plan is intended to (a) align the interests of key employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries, and directors of the Company, with the interests of the Company’s shareholders by encouraging stock ownership; (b) provide long-term stock and cash incentives and rewards to those individuals who are in a position to contribute to the long-term success and growth of the Company without encouraging participants to take unnecessary and excessive risks; and (c) assist the Company in attracting and retaining exceptionally qualified employees, consultants and directors upon whom, in large measure, the sustained progress, growth and profitability of the Company depend. The Plan was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) on March 1, 2010, subject to approval by the Company’s shareholders, and, if approved by shareholders, the Plan shall become effective on April 28, 2010 (the “ Effective Date ”).

 

1.2.   Duration of the Plan .   The Plan shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect, subject to the right of the Committee to amend or terminate the Plan at any time pursuant to Section 15 hereof, until the earlier to occur of (a) the date all Shares subject to the Plan shall have been purchased or acquired and the Restrictions on all Restricted Stock granted under the Plan shall have lapsed, according to the Plan’s provisions, and (b) ten (10) years from the Effective Date of the Plan. The termination of the Plan shall not adversely affect any Awards outstanding on the date of such termination.

 

Section  2.   Definitions

 

As used in the Plan, in addition to terms elsewhere defined in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

2.1.   “ Annual Incentive Award ” means a performance bonus determined under Section 12.

 

2.2.   “ Award ” means any Option (including a Non-Qualified Stock Option and an Incentive Stock Option), Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Deferred Stock, Performance Unit, Substitute Award, Share, Dividend Equivalent or Annual Incentive Award.

 

2.3.   “ Award Agreement ” means any written agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing any Award granted hereunder between the Company and the Grantee.

 

2.4.   “ Beneficiary ” means the Person designated to receive Plan benefits, if any, following a Grantee’s death in accordance with Section 16.

 

2.5.   “ Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

2.6.   “ Bonus Opportunity ” means a Grantee’s threshold, target and maximum bonus opportunity for a Year, provided that such bonus opportunity shall be either (a) to the extent that the Grantee has entered into an Employment Agreement with the Company, the threshold, target and maximum bonus levels, if any, specified in such Employment Agreement for such Year based on the Grantee’s base salary in effect on the first day of such Year, or (b) if there is no Employment Agreement in effect between the Company and the Grantee as of the first day of such Year or if the Employment Agreement does not specify such bonus levels, the percentage of such Grantee’s base salary in effect on the first day of such Year (or such later date as such person is designated as a Grantee) as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion within the first ninety (90) days of such Year (or before such later date as such person is designated as a Grantee).

 

2.7.   “ Cause ” means, as determined by the Committee, the occurrence of any one of the following: (a) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement or other act of dishonesty that would reflect adversely on the integrity, character or reputation of the Company, or that would cause harm to its customer

relations, operations or business prospects; (b) breach of a fiduciary duty owed to the Company; (c) violation or threatening to violate a restrictive covenant agreement, such as a non-compete, non-solicit, or non-disclosure agreement, between an Eligible Person and any Employer; (d) unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential information or trade secrets; (e) violation of any lawful policies or rules of the Company, including any applicable code of conduct; (f) commission of criminal activity; (g) failure to reasonably cooperate in any investigation or proceeding concerning the Company; (h) determination by a governmental authority or agency that bars or prohibits the Grantee from being employed in his or her current position with the Company; or (i) neglect or misconduct in the performance of the Grantee’s duties and responsibilities, provided that he or she did not cure such neglect or misconduct within ten (10) days after the Company gave written notice of such neglect or misconduct to such Grantee; provided , however , that in the event a Grantee is party to a Employment Agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary that contains a different definition of Cause, the definition of Cause contained in such Employment Agreement shall be controlling.

 

2.8.   “ Change in Control ” means:

 

(a) with respect to Awards other than Deferred Compensation Awards, the occurrence of any one or more of the following: (i) any corporation, person or other entity (other than the Company, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company), including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, becomes the beneficial owner of stock representing more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; (ii) (A) consummation of the Company’s merger or consolidation with or into another corporation other than a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, or the sale or other disposition of at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the Company’s assets, and (B) the persons who were the members of the Board prior to such approval do not represent a majority of the directors of the surviving, resulting or acquiring entity or parent thereof; (iii) the consummation of a plan of liquidation; or (iv) within any period of 24 consecutive months, persons who were members of the Board immediately prior to such 24-month period, together with persons who were first elected as directors (other than as a result of any settlement of a proxy or consent solicitation contest or any action taken to avoid such a contest) during such 24-month period by or upon the recommendation of persons who were members of the Board immediately prior to such 24-month period and who constituted a majority of the Board at the time of such election, cease to constitute a majority of the Board.

 

(b) with respect to Deferred Compensation Awards, the occurrence of one or more of any of the following:

 

(i)  A Change in the Ownership of the Company.   A change in ownership of the Company shall occur on the date that any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a “Group” (as defined below), acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such Person or Group, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided , however , that, if any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a Group, is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional stock by the same Person or Persons is not considered to cause a change in the ownership of the Company.

 

(ii)  A Change in the Effective Control of the Company.   A change in the effective control of the Company occurs on the date that any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided , however , that, if any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a Group, is considered to effectively control the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the

Company by the same Person or Persons is not considered a change in the effective control of the Company.

 

(iii)  A Change in the Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets.   A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets occurs on the date that any one Person, or more than one Person acting as a Group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person or Persons) assets from the Company that have a total Gross Fair Market Value (as defined below) equal to eighty-five percent (85%) or more than the total Gross Fair Market Value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided , however , that, a transfer of assets by the Company is not treated as a change in the ownership of such assets if the assets are transferred to:

 

(A) a shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to its stock;

 

(B) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total Fair Market Value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;

 

(C) a Person, or more than one Person acting as a Group, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total Fair Market Value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company; or

 

(D) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total Fair Market Value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in Section 2.8(b)(iii)(C).

 

For purposes of this Section 2.8(b):

 

“ Gross Fair Market Value ” means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets;

 

“ Group ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B), (vi)(D) or (vii)(C), as applicable;

 

stock ownership shall be determined under Code Section 409A; and

 

any interpretation or determination of the Committee regarding the payment of Deferred Compensation Awards in connection with a Change in Control shall take into account any applicable guidance and regulations under Code Section 409A, and shall be made with the intent to comply with Code Section 409A.

 

2.9.   “ Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (and any successor thereto), as amended from time to time. References to a particular section of the Code include references to regulations and rulings promulgated thereunder and to any successor provisions.

 

2.10.   “ Committee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).

 

2.11.   “ Common Stock ” means common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company.

 

2.12.   “ Company ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.

 

2.13.   “ Compensation Limitations ” means (a) the terms and conditions of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“ TARP ”) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, as amended, including the Interim Final Rule published by the Department of the Treasury on June 15, 2009, and any other rules and regulations that are applicable to the Company pursuant to its participation in the TARP, as they may be promulgated and/or amended from time to time; and (b) any other compensation limitations that may become applicable to the Company or Grantee pursuant to laws or other rules, regulations or written guidance issued pursuant to the authority of the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of

the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or other applicable federal or state regulatory agency.

 

2.14.   “ Covered Employee ” means a Grantee who, as of the last day of the fiscal year in which the value of an Award is includable in income for federal income tax purposes, is one of the group of “covered employees,” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), with respect to the Company.

 

2.15.   “ Deferred Compensation Award ” means an Award that is not exempt from Code Section 409A and, thus, could be subject to adverse tax consequences under Code Section 409A.

 

2.16.   “ Deferred Stock ” means a right, granted as an Award under Section 10, to receive payment in the form of Shares (or measured by the value of Shares) at the end of a specified deferral period.

 

2.17.   “ Disability ” means:

 

(a) with respect to Awards other than Deferred Compensation Awards, a mental or physical illness that entitles the Grantee to receive benefits under the long-term disability plan of an Employer, or if the Grantee is not covered by such a plan or the Grantee is not an employee of an Employer, a mental or physical illness that renders a Grantee totally and permanently incapable of performing the Grantee’s duties for the Company or a Subsidiary.

 

(b) with respect to any Deferred Compensation Award, a Grantee’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.17 to the contrary, a Disability shall not qualify under the Plan if it is the result of (i) a willfully self-inflicted injury or willfully self-induced sickness; or (ii) an injury or disease contracted, suffered or incurred while participating in a felony criminal offense.

 

2.18.   “ Dividend Equivalent ” means any right to receive payments equal to dividends or property, if and when paid or distributed, on Shares or Restricted Stock Units.

 

2.19.   “ Early Retirement ” means a Termination of Service, other than for Cause, death or Disability, on or after reaching age fifty-five (55) and completion of fifteen (15) years of service with an Employer.

 

2.20.   “ Effective Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.

 

2.21.   “ Eligible Person ” means any (a) employee of an Employer, (b) non-employee director of the Company or (c) consultant engaged by an Employer.

 

2.22.   “ Employer ” means the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

2.23.   “ Employment Agreement ” means an employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement or other written agreement between an Employer and an Eligible Person, which relates to the terms and conditions of such person’s employment or other services for an Employer.

 

2.24.   “ Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and any successor thereto), as amended from time to time. References to a particular section of the Exchange Act include references to rules, regulations and rulings promulgated and in effect thereunder, and to any successors thereto.

 

2.25.   “ Exercise Date ” means the date the Grantee or other holder of an Award that is subject to exercise delivers notice of such exercise to the Company, accompanied by such payment, attestations, representations and warranties or other documentation as required hereunder, under the applicable Award Agreement or as the Committee may otherwise specify.

 

2.26.   “ Fair Market Value ” means, as of any applicable date, (a) the closing sales price for one Share on such date as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market or, if the foregoing does not apply, on such other market system or stock exchange on which the Company’s Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading, or on the last previous day on which a sale was reported if no sale of a Share was reported on such date, or (b) if the foregoing subsection (a) does not apply, the fair market value of a Share as

reasonably determined in good faith by the Board in accordance with Code Section 409A. For purposes of subsection (b), the determination of such Fair Market Value by the Board will be made no less frequently than every twelve (12) months and will either (x) use one of the safe harbor methodologies permitted under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(iv)(B)(2) (or such other similar regulation provision as may be provided) or (y) include, as applicable, the value of tangible and intangible assets of the Company, the present value of future cash flows of the Company, the market value of stock or other equity interests in similar corporations and other entities engaged in trades or businesses substantially similar to those engaged in by the Company, the value of which can be readily determined through objective means (such as through trading prices or an established securities market or an amount paid in an arm’s length private transaction), and other relevant factors such as control premiums or discounts for lack of marketability and whether the valuation method is used for other purposes that have a material economic effect on the Company, its shareholders or its creditors.

 

2.27.   “ Grant Date ” means the date on which an Award is granted, which date may be specified in advance by the Committee.

 

2.28.   “ Grantee ” means an Eligible Person who has been granted an Award.

 

2.29.   “ Incentive Stock Option ” means an Option granted under Section 6 that is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 422.

 

2.30.   “ including ” or “ includes ” means “including, but not limited to,” or “includes, but is not limited to,” respectively.

 

2.31.   “ Non-Qualified Stock Option ” means an Option granted under Section 6 that is not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option.

 

2.32.   “ Normal Retirement ” means a Termination of Service, other than for Cause, death or Disability, on or after reaching age sixty-two (62) and completion of five (5) years of service with an Employer.

 

2.33.   “ Option ” means an Incentive Stock Option or Non-Qualified Stock Option.

 

2.34.   “ Option Price ” means the price at which a Share may be purchased by a Grantee pursuant to an Option.

 

2.35.   “ Performance-Based Exception ” means the performance-based exception from the tax deductibility limitations of Code Section 162(m) contained in Code Section 162(m)(4)(C) (including, to the extent applicable, the special provision for options thereunder).

 

2.36.   “ Performance Goal ” means the objective and/or subjective criteria determined by the Committee, the degree of attainment of which will affect (a) in the case of an Award other than an Annual Incentive Award, the amount of the Award the Grantee is entitled to receive or retain, and (b) in the case of an Annual Incentive Award, the portion of the individual’s Bonus Opportunity potentially payable as an Annual Incentive Award. Performance Goals may contain threshold, target and maximum levels of achievement and, to the extent the Committee intends an Award (other than an Option, but including an Annual Incentive Award) to comply with the Performance-Based Exception, the Performance Goals shall be chosen from among the Performance Measures set forth in Section 4.4(a).

 

2.37.   “ Performance Measures ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).

 

2.38.   “ Performance Period ” means that period established by the Committee at the time any Performance Unit is granted or at any time thereafter during which any Performance Goals specified by the Committee with respect to such Award are to be measured.

 

2.39.   “ Performance Unit ” means any grant pursuant to Section 11 of (a) a bonus consisting of cash or other property the amount or value of which, and/or the entitlement to which, is conditioned upon the attainment of any Performance Goals specified by the Committee, or (b) a unit valued by reference to a designated amount of property other than Shares.

 

2.40.   “ Person ” means any individual, sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, institution, public benefit corporation, entity or government instrumentality, division, agency, body or department.

 

2.41.   “ Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1 and also includes any appendices hereto.

 

2.42.   “ Restricted Stock ” means any Share issued as an Award under the Plan that is subject to Restrictions.

 

2.43.   “ Restricted Stock Unit ” or “ RSU ” means the right granted as an Award under the Plan to receive a Share, conditioned on the satisfaction of Restrictions imposed by the Committee, which may be time-based, performance-based or based upon the occurrence of one or more events or conditions.

 

2.44.   “ Restrictions ” means any restriction on a Grantee’s free enjoyment of the Shares or other rights underlying Awards, including (a) a restriction that the Grantee or other holder may not sell, transfer, pledge, or assign a Share or right, and (b) such other restrictions as the Committee may impose in the Award Agreement (including any restriction on the right to vote such Share and the right to receive any dividends). Restrictions may be based upon the passage of time, the satisfaction of performance criteria or the occurrence of one or more events or conditions, and shall lapse separately or in combination upon such conditions and at such time or times, in installments or otherwise, as the Committee shall specify. Awards subject to a Restriction shall be forfeited if the Restriction does not lapse prior to such date, the occurrence of such event or the satisfaction of such other criteria as the Committee shall determine.

 

2.45.   “ Rule 16b-3 ” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act, as amended from time to time, together with any successor rule.

 

2.46.   “ SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or any successor thereto.

 

2.47.   “ Section 16 Non-Employee Director ” means a member of the Board who satisfies the requirements to qualify as a “non-employee director” under Rule 16b-3.

 

2.48.   “ Section 16 Person ” means a person who is subject to potential liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act with respect to transactions involving equity securities of the Company.

 

2.49.   “ Settlement Date ” means the payment date for Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock, as set forth in Section 9.3(b) or 10.4(c), as applicable.

 

2.50.   “ Share ” means a share of Common Stock.

 

2.51.   “ Stock Appreciation Right ” or “ SAR ” means a right granted as an Award under the Plan to receive, as of the date specified in the Award Agreement, an amount equal to the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised, multiplied by the excess of (a) the Fair Market Value of one Share on the Exercise Date over (b) the Strike Price.

 

2.52.   “ Strike Price ” means the per-Share price used as the baseline measure for the value of a SAR, as specified in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

2.53.   “ Subsidiary ” means any Person that directly, or through one (1) or more intermediaries, is controlled by the Company and that would be treated as part of a single controlled group of corporations with the Company under Code Sections 414(b) and 414(c) if the language “at least 50 percent” is used instead of “at least 80 percent” each place it appears in Code Sections 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.414(c)-2.

 

2.54.   “ Substitute Award ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6.

 

2.55.   “ Term ” means the period beginning on the Grant Date of an Option or SAR and ending on the date such Option or SAR expires, terminates or is cancelled.

 

2.56.   “Termination of Service” means,

 

(a) with respect to awards other than Deferred Compensation Awards, the first day on which (i) an individual is for any reason no longer providing services to an Employer as an employee, director or consultant or (ii) with respect to an individual who is an employee or consultant to a Subsidiary, such entity ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Company and such individual is no longer providing services to the Company or another Subsidiary; provided , however , that the Committee shall have the discretion to determine when a Grantee, who terminates services as an employee, but continues to provide services in the capacity of a consultant immediately following such termination, has incurred a Termination of Service; or

 

(b) with respect to Deferred Compensation Awards, a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) or as permitted under Code Section 409A.

 

2.57.   “ Year ” means a calendar year.

 

Section 3.   Administration

 

3.1.   Committee .

 

(a) Subject to Section 3.2, the Plan shall be administered by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board, unless otherwise determined by the Board (the “ Committee ”). The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board from time to time and may be removed by the Board from time to time. To the extent the Board considers it desirable to comply with Rule 16b-3 and/or meet the Performance-Based Exception, the Committee shall consist of two or more directors of the Company, all of whom (i) are Section 16 Non-Employee Directors and/or (ii) qualify as “outside directors” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), as applicable. The number of members of the Committee shall from time to time be increased or decreased, and shall be subject to such conditions, in each case if and to the extent the Board deems it appropriate to permit transactions in Shares pursuant to the Plan to satisfy such conditions of Rule 16b-3 and the Performance-Based Exception as then in effect.

 

(b) Subject to Section 4.4(c), the Committee may delegate, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company any or all of the authority of the Committee with respect to the grant of Awards to Grantees, other than Grantees who are executive officers, or are (or are expected to be) Covered Employees and/or are Section 16 Persons at the time any such delegated authority is exercised.

 

3.2.   Powers of the Committee .   Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have full power and authority and sole discretion as follows:

 

(a) to determine when, to whom ( i.e. , what Eligible Persons) and in what types and amounts Awards should be granted;

 

(b) to grant Awards to Eligible Persons in any number, and to determine the terms and conditions applicable to each Award, including (in each case, based on such considerations as the Committee shall determine) conditions intended to comply with Code Section 409A, the number of Shares or the amount of cash or other property to which an Award will relate, any Option Price or Strike Price, grant price or purchase price, any limitation or Restriction, any schedule for or performance conditions relating to the earning of the Award or the lapse of limitations, forfeiture restrictions, restrictive covenants, restrictions on exercisability or transferability, any Performance Goals, including those relating to the Company and/or a Subsidiary and/or any division thereof and/or an individual, and/or vesting based on the passage of time, satisfaction of performance criteria or the occurrence of one or more events or conditions;

 

(c) to determine whether an Award will be subject to minimum vesting requirements under Section 5.3(d);

 

(d) to determine the benefit (including any Bonus Opportunity) payable under any Award and to determine whether any performance, vesting or transfer conditions, including Performance Measures or Performance Goals, have been satisfied;

 

(e) to determine whether or not specific Awards shall be granted in connection with other specific Awards;

 

(f) to determine the Term, as applicable;

 

(g) to determine the amount, if any, that a Grantee shall pay for Restricted Stock, whether to permit or require the payment of cash dividends thereon to be paid and/or deferred, and the terms related thereto, when Restricted Stock (including Restricted Stock acquired upon the exercise of an Option) shall be forfeited and whether such Shares shall be held in escrow or other custodial arrangement;

 

(h) to determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances an Award may be settled in, or the exercise price of an Award may be paid in, cash, Shares, other Awards or other property, or an Award may be accelerated, vested, canceled, forfeited or surrendered or any terms of the Award may be waived, and to accelerate the exercisability of, and to accelerate or waive any or all of the terms and conditions applicable to, any Award or any group of Awards for any reason and at any time or to extend the period subsequent to the Termination of Service within which an Award may continue to vest and/or be exercised;

 

(i) to determine with respect to Awards granted to Eligible Persons, whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other Awards, other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award will be deferred, either at the election of the Grantee or if and to the extent specified in the Award Agreement automatically or at the election of the Committee (for purposes of limiting loss of deductions pursuant to Code Section 162(m) or otherwise) and to provide for the payment of interest or other rate of return determined with reference to a predetermined actual investment or independently set interest rate, or with respect to other bases permitted under Code Section 162(m), Code Section 409A or otherwise, for the period between the date of exercise and the date of payment or settlement of the Award;

 

(j) to determine whether a Grantee has a Disability or a Retirement (including years of service);

 

(k) to determine whether and under what circumstances a Grantee has incurred a Termination of Service ( e.g ., whether Termination of Service was for Cause);

 

(l) to determine whether an Eligible Person is subject to Compensation Limitations;

 

(m) to make, amend, suspend, waive and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan;

 

(n) without the consent of the Grantee, to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria in, Awards in recognition of unusual or non-recurring events (including events described in Section 4.2) affecting an Employer or the financial statements of an Employer, or in response to changes in Compensation Limitations or other applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles; provided , however , that in no event shall such adjustment increase the value of an Award for a person expected to be a Covered Employee for whom the Committee desires to have the Performance-Based Exception apply;

 

(o) to appoint such agents as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable to administer the Plan;

 

(p) to determine the terms and conditions of all Award Agreements applicable to Eligible Persons (which need not be identical) and, with the consent of the Grantee (except as provided in this Section 3.2(p), and Sections 5.5 and 15.2), to amend any such Award Agreement at any time; provided , however , that the consent of the Grantee shall not be required for any amendment (i) that does not adversely affect the rights of the Grantee, or (ii) that is necessary or advisable (as determined by the Committee) to carry out the purpose of the Award as a result of any new Compensation Limitation or other applicable law or regulation, or a change in an existing

Compensation Limitation or other applicable law or regulation or interpretation thereof, or (iii) to the extent the Award Agreement specifically permits amendment without consent;

 

(q) to impose such additional terms and conditions upon the grant, exercise or retention of Awards as the Committee may, before or concurrently with the grant thereof, deem appropriate, including limiting the percentage of Awards that may from time to time be exercised by a Grantee and requiring the Grantee to enter into restrictive covenants;

 

(r) to correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency, and to construe and interpret the Plan, any rules and regulations adopted hereunder, Award Agreements or any other instrument entered into or relating to an Award under the Plan; and

 

(s) to take any other action with respect to any matters relating to the Plan for which it is responsible and to make all other decisions and determinations, including factual determinations, as may be required under the terms of the Plan or as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

 

Any action of the Committee with respect to the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding on all Persons, including the Company, Subsidiaries, any Grantee, any Eligible Person, any Person claiming any rights under the Plan from or through any Grantee, and shareholders, except to the extent the Committee may subsequently modify, or take further action not consistent with, its prior action. If not specified in the Plan, the time at which the Committee must or may make any determination shall be determined by the Committee, and any such determination may thereafter be modified by the Committee. The express grant of any specific power to the Committee, and the taking of any action by the Committee, shall not be construed as limiting any power or authority of the Committee.

 

All determinations of the Committee shall be made by a majority of its members; provided , however , that any determination affecting any Awards made or to be made to a member of the Committee may, at the Board’s election, be made by the Board.

 

Section 4.   Shares Subject to the Plan and Adjustments

 

4.1.   Number of Shares Available for Grants .

 

(a) Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.2, the aggregate number of Shares which may be delivered under the Plan shall not exceed the sum of (i) 11,500,000, plus (ii) the number of remaining Shares under the Associated Banc-Corp 2003 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan (the “ 2003 Plan ”) (not subject to outstanding awards under the 2003 Plan and not delivered out of the Shares reserved thereunder) as of the Effective Date of the Plan, plus (iii) the number of Shares that become available under the 2003 Plan after the Effective Date of the Plan pursuant to forfeiture, termination, lapse or satisfaction of an Award in cash or property other than Shares (the combined total of (i), (ii) and (iii) being referred to as the “ Available Shares ”). For purposes of this Section 4.1(a)), (x) each Share delivered pursuant to the exercise of an Option shall reduce the Available Shares by one (1) Share; (y) a number equal to the greater of each Share delivered upon exercise of a SAR and the number of Shares underlying such SAR (whether the distribution is made in cash, Shares or a combination of cash and Shares) shall reduce the Available Shares by one (1) Share, other than a SAR that, by its terms, from and after the Grant Date thereof is payable only in cash, in which case the Available Shares shall not be reduced; and (z) each Share delivered pursuant to an Award, other than an Option, SAR or Substitute Award, shall reduce the Available Shares by 2.16 Shares. If any Shares subject to an Award granted hereunder are forfeited or such Award otherwise terminates without the delivery of such Shares, the Shares subject to such Award, to the extent of any such forfeiture or termination, shall again be available for grant under the Plan in the same ratio as such Shares were previously counted as issued under the Plan with respect to such forfeited or terminated Award. If any Award is settled in cash, the Shares subject to such Award that are not delivered shall again be available for grants under the Plan. The following Shares may not again be made available for issuance as Awards under the Plan: (i) Shares not issued or delivered as a result of the net settlement of an outstanding Option or SAR, (ii) Shares used to pay the Option Price or withholding taxes

related to an outstanding Award, and (iii) Shares repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of the Option Price.

 

(b) The Committee shall from time to time determine the appropriate methodology for calculating the number of Shares that have been delivered pursuant to the Plan. Shares delivered pursuant to the Plan may be, in whole or in part, authorized and unissued Shares, or treasury Shares, including Shares repurchased by the Company for purposes of the Plan.

 

(c) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan in this Section 4.1 shall not be affected by (i) the cash payment of dividends or Dividend Equivalents in connection with outstanding Awards; or (ii) any Shares required to satisfy Substitute Awards.

 

4.2.   Adjustments in Authorized Shares and Awards .

 

(a) In the event that the Committee determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, or other securities or property), stock split or combination, forward or reverse merger, reorganization, subdivision, consolidation or reduction of capital, recapitalization, consolidation, scheme of arrangement, split-up, spin-off or combination involving the Company or repurchase or exchange of Shares, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares such that an adjustment is determined by the Committee to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of: (i) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted, (ii) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards, (iii) the grant or exercise price with respect to any Award or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Award, (iv) the number and kind of Shares of outstanding Restricted Stock or relating to any other outstanding Award in connection with which Shares are subject, and (v) the number of Shares with respect to which Awards may be granted to a Grantee; provided , however , in each case, that with respect to Awards of Incentive Stock Options intended to continue to qualify as Incentive Stock Options after such adjustment, no such adjustment shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment would cause the Incentive Stock Option to fail to continue to qualify under Code Section 424(a); and provided further that the number of Shares subject to any Award denominated in Shares shall always be a whole number.

 

(b) Notwithstanding Section 4.2(a), any adjustments made pursuant to Section 4.2(a) shall be made in such a manner as to ensure that, after such adjustment, Awards continue not to be non-qualified deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A (or if such Awards are already subject to Code Section 409A, so as not to give rise to adverse tax consequences under Code Section 409A).

 

4.3.   Compliance With Code Section 162(m) .

 

(a)  Section 162(m) Compliance .   To the extent the Committee determines that compliance with the Performance-Based Exception is desirable with respect to an Award, Sections 4.3 and 4.4 shall apply. In the event that changes are made to Code Section 162(m) to permit flexibility with respect to any Awards available under the Plan, the Committee may, subject to this Section 4.3, make any adjustments to such Awards as it deems appropriate.

 

(b)  Annual Individual Limitations .   No Grantee may be granted Awards for Options or SARs with respect to a number of Shares in any one (1) Year exceeding 400,000 Shares. No Grantee may be granted Awards for Restricted Stock, Deferred Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Performance Units (or any other Award other than Options or SARs which is determined by reference to the value of Shares or appreciation in the value of Shares) with respect to a number of Shares in any one (1) Year exceeding 400,000 Shares. If an Award denominated in Shares is cancelled, the Shares subject to the cancelled Award continue to count against the maximum number of Shares that may be granted to a Grantee in any Year. All Shares specified in this Section 4.3(b) shall be adjusted to the extent necessary to reflect adjustments to Shares required by Section 4.2. No Grantee may be granted a cash Award that would have a maximum payout, during any Year, exceeding $3,000,000. No Grantee may be granted a cash Award for

a Performance Period of more than one (1) Year that would have a maximum payout, during the Performance Period, that would exceed $6,000,000.

 

4.4.   Performance Based Exception Under Code Section 162(m) .

 

(a)  Performance Measures .   Subject to Section 4.4(d), unless and until the Committee proposes for shareholder vote and shareholders approve a change in the general Performance Measures set forth in this Section 4.4(a), for Awards (other than Options and SARs) designed to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, the objective performance criteria shall be based upon one or more of the following (each a “ Performance Measure ”):

 

(i) Earnings before any or all of interest, tax, depreciation or amortization (actual and adjusted and either in the aggregate or on a per-Share basis);

 

(ii) Earnings (either in the aggregate or on a per-Share basis);

 

(iii) Net income or loss (either in the aggregate or on a per-Share basis);

 

(iv) Operating profit;

 

(v) Cash flow (either in the aggregate or on a per-Share basis);

 

(vi) Free cash flow (either in the aggregate on a per-Share basis);

 

(vii) Capital ratio (either Tier 1 or total);

 

(viii) Non-interest expense;

 

(ix) Costs;

 

(x) Gross revenues;

 

(xi) Deposit growth;

 

(xii) Loan loss provisions;

 

(xiii) Reductions in expense levels;

 

(xiv) Operating and maintenance cost management and employee productivity;

 

(xv) Share price or total shareholder return (including growth measures and total shareholder return or attainment by the Shares of a specified value for a specified period of time);

 

(xvi) Net economic value;

 

(xvii) Non-performing asset ratio;

 

(xviii) Net charge-off ratio;

 

(xix) Net interest margin;

 

(xx) Economic value added or economic value added momentum;

 

(xxi) Aggregate product unit and pricing targets;

 

(xxii) Strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified revenue, sales, credit quality, loan quality, market share, market penetration, geographic business expansion goals, objectively identified project milestones, production volume levels, cost targets and goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures;

 

(xxiii) Return on average assets or average equity;

 

(xxiv) Achievement of objectives relating to diversity, employee turnover or other human capital metrics;

 

(xxv) Results of customer satisfaction surveys or other objective measures of customer experience; and/or

 

(xxvi) Debt ratings, debt leverage and debt service;

 

provided , however , that applicable Performance Measures may be applied on a pre- or post-tax basis; and provided further that the Committee may, on the Grant Date of an Award intended to comply with the Performance-Based Exception, and in the case of other Awards, at any time, provide that the formula for such Award may include or exclude items to measure specific objectives, such as losses from discontinued operations, extraordinary gains or losses, the cumulative effect of accounting changes, acquisitions or divestitures, foreign exchange impacts and any unusual, non-recurring gain or loss.

 

(b)  Flexibility in Setting Performance Measures .   For Awards intended to comply with the Performance-Based Exception, the Committee shall set the Performance Measures within the time period prescribed by Code Section 162(m). The levels of performance required with respect to Performance Measures may be expressed in absolute or relative levels and may be based upon a set increase, set positive result, maintenance of the status quo, set decrease or set negative result. Performance Measures may differ for Awards to different Grantees. The Committee shall specify the weighting (which may be the same or different for multiple objectives) to be given to each performance objective for purposes of determining the final amount payable with respect to any such Award. Any one or more of the Performance Measures may apply to the Grantee, a department, unit, division or function within the Company or any one or more Subsidiaries, and may apply either alone or relative to the performance of other businesses or individuals (including industry or general market indices).

 

(c)  Adjustments .   The Committee shall have the discretion to adjust the determinations of the degree of attainment of the preestablished Performance Goals; provided , however , that Awards that are designed to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception may not (unless the Committee determines to amend the Award so that it no longer qualified for the Performance-Based Exception) be adjusted upward (the Committee shall retain the discretion to adjust such Awards downward). The Committee may not, unless the Committee determines to amend the Award so that it no longer qualifies for the Performance-Based Exception, delegate any responsibility with respect to Awards intended to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception. All determinations by the Committee as to the achievement of the Performance Measure(s) shall be in writing prior to payment of the Award.

 

(d)  Changes to Performance Measures .   In the event that applicable laws, rules or regulations change to permit Committee discretion to alter the governing Performance Measures without obtaining shareholder approval of such changes, and still qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, the Committee shall have sole discretion to make such changes without obtaining shareholder approval.

 

Section  5.   Eligibility and General Conditions of Awards

 

5.1.   Eligibility .   The Committee may in its discretion grant Awards to any Eligible Person, whether or not he or she has previously received an Award.

 

5.2.   Award Agreement .   To the extent not set forth in the Plan, the terms and conditions of each Award shall be set forth in an Award Agreement.

 

5.3.   General Terms and Termination of Service .   Except as provided in an Award Agreement or as otherwise provided below in this Section 5.3, all Options or SARs that have not been exercised, or any other Awards that remain subject to Restrictions or which are not otherwise vested or exercisable, at the time of a Termination of Service shall be cancelled and forfeited to the Company. Any Restricted Stock that is forfeited by the Grantee upon Termination of Service shall be reacquired by the Company, and the

Grantee shall sign any document and take any other action required to assign such Shares back to the Company.

 

(a)  Options and SARs .   Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement:

 

(i) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service due to his or her death or Disability, the Options or SARs shall become fully vested and exercisable at the time of such Termination of Service, and such Options or SARs shall remain exercisable for a period of one (1) year from the date of such Termination of Service (but not beyond the original Term). To the extent the Options or SARs are not exercised at the end of such one (1) year period, the Options or SARs shall be immediately cancelled and forfeited to the Company.

 

(ii) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service due to his or her Early Retirement, (A) a pro rata portion of each unvested Option or SAR shall become immediately vested and exercisable upon the date of such Termination of Service and (B) to the extent vested, such Options or SARs shall remain exercisable for a period of one (1) year from the date of such Termination of Service (but not beyond the original Term). The number of Shares to become vested is equal to the product of the number of Shares granted in the applicable Option or SAR multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days employed by the Employer during the vesting period of such Option or SAR and the denominator of which is the number of days in the vesting period, and such product is reduced by the number of Shares already vested immediately prior to the date of such Termination of Service. To the extent the Options or SARs are not exercised at the end of such one (1) year period, the Options or SARs shall be immediately cancelled and forfeited to the Company.

 

(iii) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service due to his or her Normal Retirement, the Options or SARs shall become fully vested and exercisable at the time of such Termination of Service, and such Options or SARs shall remain exercisable for a period of one (1) year from the date of such Termination of Service (but not beyond the original Term). To the extent the Options or SARs are not exercised at the end of such one (1) year period following a Termination of Service due to the Grantee’s Retirement, the Options or SARs shall be immediately cancelled and forfeited to the Company.

 

(iv) If the Grantee either incurs a Termination of Service by an Employer without Cause or a Termination of Service, which is voluntary on the part of the Grantee (and not due to such Grantee’s death, Disability, Early Retirement or Normal Retirement), the Options and SARs may thereafter be exercised, to the extent they were vested and exercisable at the time of such Termination of Service, for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of such Termination of Service (but not beyond the original Term). To the extent the Options or SARs are not exercised at the end of such thirty (30) day period, the Options or SARs shall be immediately cancelled and forfeited to the Company. To the extent the Options and SARs are not vested and exercisable on the date of such Termination of Service, they shall be immediately cancelled and forfeited to the Company.

 

(v) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service for Cause all Options and SARs shall be immediately canceled and forfeited to the Company.

 

(b)  Restricted Stock .   Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement:

 

(i) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service due to his or her Early Retirement, a pro rata portion of each unvested Restricted Stock Award shall become immediately vested and no longer subject to the applicable Restrictions upon the date of such Termination of Service. The number of Shares to become vested is equal to the product of the number of Shares granted in the applicable Restricted Stock Award multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days employed by the Employer during the vesting period of such Restricted Stock Award and the denominator of which is the number of days in the vesting period, and such product is reduced by the number of Shares already vested immediately prior to the date of such Termination of Service. Any Shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award that are still subject to Restrictions and not vested either

before or upon such Termination of Service shall be immediately forfeited (on the date of such Termination of Service) by the Grantee to the Company.

 

(ii) If Termination of Service occurs by reason of the Grantee’s death, Disability or Normal Retirement, such Grantee’s Restricted Stock shall become immediately vested and no longer subject to the applicable Restrictions.

 

(iii) If Termination of Service occurs for any reason other than the Grantee’s death, Disability, Early Retirement or Normal Retirement while the Grantee’s Restricted Stock is subject to a Restriction(s), all of such Grantee’s Restricted Stock that is unvested or still subject to Restrictions shall be forfeited by the Grantee.

 

(c)  Dividend Equivalents .   If Dividend Equivalents have been credited with respect to any Award and such Award (in whole or in part) is forfeited, all Dividend Equivalents issued in connection with such forfeited Award (or portion of an Award) shall also be forfeited to the Company.

 

(d)  Minimum Vesting .   Except as otherwise provided pursuant to this Section 5.3 and Section 14, (i) in the case of any Award (other than an Option or SAR) that is conditioned upon the attainment of specified performance goals by the Grantee with the Company or a Subsidiary (including a division or business unit of the Company or a Subsidiary) and is payable in Shares, the Restrictions shall last for no less than one (1) year, or (ii) in the case of an Award, other than (x) Shares that are payable as a component of base salary or (y) Deferred Stock that is granted in connection with a Grantee’s Deferral Election, that is conditioned solely upon the continuous employment by the Grantee with the Company or a Subsidiary and is payable in Shares, the Restrictions shall last for no less than three (3) years. Except as otherwise provided pursuant to this Section 5.3 and Section 14, during the mandated one-year and three-year period of Restrictions, as applicable, the Committee may not waive the Restrictions for all or any part of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall have the authority under this Section 5.3(d) to accelerate, vest or waive Restrictions with respect to any Awards (that are subject to the minimum vesting restrictions set forth above) that (A) (exclusive of the accelerations, vesting and waivers permitted pursuant to clauses (B) and (C) below) do not, in the aggregate, exceed five percent (5%) of the Available Shares under the Plan (as such number may be adjusted or increased from time to time pursuant to the Plan), (B) occur in connection with a Change in Control, or (C) occur, with a respect to any Grantee, in connection with the death, Disability, Early Retirement or Normal Retirement of such Grantee.

 

(e)  Waiver .   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, the Committee may in its sole discretion as to all or part of any Award that is not subject to the one-year or three-year minimum vesting requirements specified in Section 5.3(d), at the time the Award is granted or thereafter, (i) determine that Awards shall become exercisable or vested, or Restrictions shall lapse, (ii) determine that Awards shall continue to become exercisable or vested in full or in installments, or Restrictions shall continue to lapse, after a Termination of Service, (iii) extend the period for exercise of Options or SARs following a Termination of Service (but not beyond the original Term), or (iv) provide that any Award shall, in whole or in part, not be forfeited upon such Termination of Service.

 

5.4.   Non-Transferability of Awards .

 

(a) Each Award and each right under any Award shall be exercisable only by the Grantee during the Grantee’s lifetime, or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Grantee’s guardian or legal representative.

 

(b) No Award (prior to the time, if applicable, Shares are delivered in respect of such Award), and no right under any Award, may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Grantee other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Subsidiary; provided , however , that the designation of a Beneficiary to receive benefits in the event of the Grantee’s death, or a transfer by the Grantee to the Company with respect to Restricted Stock, shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance for purposes of this Section 5.4(b). If so determined by the

Committee, a Grantee may, in the manner established by the Committee, designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries to exercise the rights of the Grantee, and to receive any distribution with respect to any Award upon the death of the Grantee. A transferee, Beneficiary, guardian, legal representative or other person claiming any rights under the Plan from or through any Grantee shall be subject to the provisions of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, except to the extent the Plan and Award Agreement otherwise provide with respect to such persons, and to any additional restrictions or limitations deemed necessary or appropriate by the Committee.

 

(c) Notwithstanding Sections 5.4(a) and 5.4(b) above, to the extent provided in the applicable Award Agreement, Non-Qualified Stock Options may be transferred, without consideration, to a Permitted Transferee. For this purpose, (i) a “ Permitted Transferee ” in respect of any Grantee means any member of the Immediate Family of such Grantee, any trust of which all of the primary beneficiaries are such Grantee or members of his or her Immediate Family, or any partnership, limited liability company, corporation or similar entity of which all of the partners, members or shareholders are such Grantee or members of his or her Immediate Family, and (ii) the “ Immediate Family ” of a Grantee means the Grantee’s spouse, former spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, siblings, grandparents, nieces and nephews, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, or sisters-in-law, including adoptive relationships. Such Award may be exercised by such Permitted Transferee in accordance with the terms of such Award.

 

(d) Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the Committee to honor the order of a domestic relations court regarding an Award, except to the extent required under applicable law.

 

5.5.   Cancellation and Rescission of Awards .   Unless the Award Agreement specifies otherwise, the Committee may cancel, rescind, suspend, withhold or otherwise limit or restrict any unexercised or unsettled Award at any time if the Grantee is not in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Award Agreement and the Plan, or is in violation of any restrictive covenant or other agreement with an Employer.

 

5.6.   Substitute Awards .   The Committee may, in its discretion and on such terms and conditions as the Committee considers appropriate under the circumstances, grant Substitute Awards under the Plan. For purposes of this Section 5.6, “ Substitute Award ” means an Award granted under the Plan in substitution for stock and stock-based awards (“ Acquired Entity Awards ”) held by current and former employees or non-employee directors of, or consultants to, another corporation or entity who become Eligible Persons as the result of a merger, consolidation or combination of the employing corporation or other entity (the “ Acquired Entity ”) with the Company or a Subsidiary or the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of property or stock of the Acquired Entity immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, acquisition or combination (“ Acquisition Date ”) in order to preserve for the Grantee the economic value of all or a portion of such Acquired Entity Award at such price as the Committee determines necessary to achieve such preservation of economic value.

 

5.7.   Exercise by Non-Grantee .   If any Award is exercised as permitted by the Plan by any Person other than the Grantee, the exercise notice shall be accompanied by such documentation as may reasonably be required by the Committee, including, without limitation, evidence of authority of such Person or Persons to exercise the Award and, if the Committee so specifies, evidence satisfactory to the Company that any death taxes payable with respect to such Shares have been paid or provided for.

 

5.8.   No Cash Consideration for Awards .   Awards may be granted for no cash consideration or for such minimal cash consideration as may be required by applicable law.

 

Section  6.   Stock Options

 

6.1.   Grant of Options .   Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, Options may be granted to any Eligible Person in such number, and upon such terms, and at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Committee.

 

6.2.   Award Agreement .   Each Option grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in such form as the Committee may approve that shall specify the Grant Date, the Option Price, the Term (which shall be ten (10) years from its Grant Date unless the Committee otherwise specifies a shorter period in the Award Agreement), the number of Shares to which the Option pertains, the time or times at which such Option shall be exercisable and such other provisions (including Restrictions) not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee shall determine.

 

6.3.   Option Price .   The purchase price per Share purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Committee; provided , however , that such purchase price shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date. Subject to the adjustment allowed in Section 4.2, or as otherwise permissible under this Section 6.3, neither the Committee nor the Board shall have the authority or discretion to change the Option Price of any outstanding Option. Without the approval of shareholders, neither the Committee nor the Board will amend or replace previously granted Options or SARs in a transaction that constitutes “repricing,” which for this purpose means any of the following or any action that has the same effect: (a) lowering the exercise price of an Option or SAR after it is granted; (b) any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles; (c) cancelling an Option or SAR at a time when its exercise price exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying Stock, in exchange for another Award, other equity, cash or other property; provided , however , that the foregoing transactions shall not be deemed a repricing if done pursuant to an adjustment authorized under Section 4.2.

 

6.4.   Vesting .   Shares subject to an Option shall become vested and exercisable as specified in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

6.5.   Grant of Incentive Stock Options .   At the time of the grant of any Option, the Committee may, in its discretion, designate that such Option shall be made subject to additional restrictions to permit it to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. Any Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option:

 

(a) shall be granted only to an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary Corporation (as defined below in this Section 6.5);

 

(b) shall have an Option Price of not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date, and, if granted to a person who owns capital stock (including stock treated as owned under Code Section 424(d)) possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary Corporation (a “ 10% Owner ”), have an Option Price not less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on its Grant Date;

 

(c) shall have a Term of not more than ten (10) years (five (5) years if the Grantee is a 10% Owner) from its Grant Date, and shall be subject to earlier termination as provided herein or in the applicable Award Agreement;

 

(d) shall not have an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the Grant Date) of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options (whether granted under the Plan or any other equity incentive plan of the Grantee’s employer or any parent or Subsidiary Corporation (“ Other Plans ”)) are exercisable for the first time by such Grantee during any calendar year (“ Current Grant ”), determined in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 422, which exceeds $100,000 (the “ $100,000 Limit ”);

 

(e) shall, if the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares (determined on the Grant Date) with respect to the Current Grant and all Incentive Stock Options previously granted under the Plan and any Other Plans which are exercisable for the first time during a calendar year (“ Prior Grants ”) would exceed the $100,000 Limit, be, as to the portion in excess of the $100,000 Limit, exercisable as a separate Non-Qualified Stock Option at such date or dates as are provided in the Current Grant;

 

(f) shall require the Grantee to notify the Committee of any disposition of any Shares delivered pursuant to the exercise of the Incentive Stock Option under the circumstances described in Code

Section 421(b) (relating to holding periods and certain disqualifying dispositions) (“ Disqualifying Disposition ”), within ten (10) days of such a Disqualifying Disposition;

 

(g) shall by its terms not be assignable or transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised, during the Grantee’s lifetime, only by the Grantee; provided , however , that the Grantee may, to the extent provided in the Plan in any manner specified by the Committee, designate in writing a Beneficiary to exercise his or her Incentive Stock Option after the Grantee’s death; and

 

(h) shall, if such Option nevertheless fails to meet the foregoing requirements, or otherwise fails to meet the requirements of Code Section 422 for an Incentive Stock Option, be treated for all purposes of the Plan, except as otherwise provided in subsections (d) and (e) above, as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

 

For purposes of this Section 6.5, “ Subsidiary Corporation ” means a corporation other than the Company in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of granting the Option, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. Notwithstanding the foregoing and Sections 3.2(p) and 15.2, the Committee may, without the consent of the Grantee, at any time before the exercise of an Option (whether or not an Incentive Stock Option), take any action necessary to prevent such Option from being treated as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

6.6.   Exercise and Payment .

 

(a) Except as may otherwise be provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement, Options shall be exercised by the delivery of a written notice (“ Notice ”) to the Company setting forth the number of Shares to be exercised, accompanied by full payment (including any applicable tax withholding) for the Shares made by any one or more of the following means on the Exercise Date (or such other date as may be permitted in writing by the Secretary of the Company):

 

(i) cash, personal check or wire transfer;

 

(ii) with the approval of the Committee, Shares or Shares of Restricted Stock valued at the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Exercise Date; or

 

(iii) subject to applicable law and the Company’s policies, through the sale of the Shares acquired on exercise of the Option through a broker-dealer to whom the Grantee has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise and irrevocable instructions to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds sufficient to pay for such Shares, together with, if requested by the Company, the amount of applicable withholding taxes payable by Grantee by reason of such exercise.

 

(b) The Committee may, in its discretion, specify that, if any Shares of Restricted Stock (“ Tendered Restricted Shares ”) are used to pay the Option Price, (i) all the Shares acquired on exercise of the Option shall be subject to the same Restrictions as the Tendered Restricted Shares, determined as of the Exercise Date, or (ii) a number of Shares acquired on exercise of the Option equal to the number of Tendered Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same Restrictions as the Tendered Restricted Shares, determined as of the Exercise Date.

 

(c) At the discretion of the Committee and subject to applicable law, the Company may loan a Grantee all or any portion of the amount payable by the Grantee to the Company upon exercise of the Option on such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine.

 

(d) If the Option is exercised as permitted by the Plan by any Person other than the Grantee, the Notice shall be accompanied by documentation as may reasonably be required by the Company, including evidence of authority of such Person or Persons to exercise the Option.

 

(e) At the time a Grantee exercises an Option or to the extent provided by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement, in lieu of accepting payment of the Option Price of the Option and delivering the number of Shares of Common Stock for which the Option is being exercised, the Committee may direct that the Company either (i) pay the Grantee a cash amount, or (ii) issue a lesser number of Shares of Common Stock, in any such case, having a Fair Market Value on the Exercise Date equal to the amount, if any, by which the aggregate Fair Market Value (or such other amount as may be specified in the applicable Award Agreement, in the case of an exercise occurring concurrent with a Change in Control) of the Shares of Common Stock as to which the Option is being exercised exceeds the aggregate Option Price for such Shares, based on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish.

 

Section  7.   Stock Appreciation Rights

 

7.1.   Grant of SARs .   Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant SARs to any Eligible Person on a standalone basis or in tandem with an Option. The Committee may impose such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any SAR as it shall deem appropriate.

 

7.2.   Award Agreements .   Each SAR grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in such form as the Committee may approve, which shall specify the Grant Date, the Strike Price, the Term (which shall be ten (10) years from its Grant Date unless the Committee otherwise specifies a shorter period in the Award Agreement), the number of Shares to which the SAR pertains, the time or times at which such SAR shall be exercisable and such other provisions (including Restrictions) not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as shall be determined by the Committee.

 

7.3.   Strike Price .   The Strike Price of a SAR shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion; provided , however , that the Strike Price shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date of the SAR.

 

7.4.   Vesting .   Shares subject to a SAR shall become vested and exercisable as specified in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

7.5.   Exercise and Payment .   Except as may otherwise be provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement, SARs shall be exercised by the delivery of a written notice to the Company, setting forth the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is to be exercised. No payment of a SAR shall be made unless applicable tax withholding requirements have been satisfied in accordance with Section 17.1 or otherwise. Any payment by the Company in respect of a SAR may be made in cash, Shares, other property, or any combination thereof, as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine.

 

7.6.   Grant Limitations .   The Committee may at any time impose any other limitations or Restrictions upon the exercise of SARs that it deems necessary or desirable in order to achieve desirable tax results for the Grantee or the Company.

 

Section  8.   Restricted Stock

 

8.1.   Grant of Restricted Stock .   Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Restricted Stock to any Eligible Person in such amounts as the Committee shall determine.

 

8.2.   Award Agreement .   Each grant of Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Restrictions, the number of Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Award, and such other provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as the Committee shall determine. The Committee may impose such Restrictions on any Award of Restricted Stock as it deems appropriate, including time-based Restrictions, Restrictions based upon the achievement of specific Performance Goals, Restrictions based on the occurrence of a specified event, Restrictions under applicable laws or pursuant to a regulatory entity with authority over the Company or a Subsidiary, and/or a combination of any of the above.

 

8.3.   Consideration for Restricted Stock .   The Committee shall determine the amount, if any, that a Grantee shall pay for Restricted Stock.

 

8.4.   Vesting .   Shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award shall become vested and transferable as specified in the applicable Award Agreement and in accordance with Section 5.3(d) (thereafter being referred to as “ Unrestricted Stock ”). For purposes of calculating the number of Shares of Restricted Stock that become Unrestricted Stock as set forth above, Share amounts shall be rounded to the nearest whole Share amount, unless otherwise specified in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

8.5.   Effect of Forfeiture .   If Restricted Stock is forfeited, and if the Grantee was required to pay for such Shares of Restricted Stock or acquired such Shares upon the exercise of an Option, the Grantee shall be deemed to have resold such Restricted Stock to the Company at a price equal to the lesser of (a) the amount paid by the Grantee for such Restricted Stock or the Option Price, as applicable, and (b) the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of such forfeiture. The Company shall pay to the Grantee the deemed sale price as soon as administratively practical. Such Restricted Stock shall cease to be outstanding and shall no longer confer on the Grantee thereof any rights as a shareholder of the Company, from and after the date of the event causing the forfeiture, whether or not the Grantee accepts the Company’s tender of payment for such Restricted Stock.

 

8.6.   Escrow; Legends .   The Committee may provide that the certificates for any Restricted Stock (a) shall be held (together with a stock power executed in blank by the Grantee) in escrow by the Secretary of the Company until such Restricted Stock becomes non-forfeitable or vested and transferable, or is forfeited and/or (b) shall bear an appropriate legend restricting the transfer of such Restricted Stock under the Plan. If any Restricted Stock becomes non-forfeitable or vested and transferable, the Company shall cause certificates for such Shares to be delivered without such legend or shall cause a release of restrictions on a book entry account maintained by the Company’s transfer agent.

 

8.7.   Shareholder Rights in Restricted Stock .   Restricted Stock, whether held by a Grantee or in escrow or other custodial arrangement by the Secretary of the Company, shall confer on the Grantee all rights of a shareholder of the Company, except as otherwise provided in the Plan or Award Agreement. At the time of a grant of Restricted Stock, the Committee may require the payment of cash dividends thereon to be deferred and, if the Committee so determines, reinvested in additional Shares of Restricted Stock. Stock dividends and deferred cash dividends issued with respect to Restricted Stock shall be subject to the same Restrictions and other terms (including forfeiture) as apply to the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which such dividends are issued. The Committee may, in its discretion, provide for payment of interest on deferred cash dividends.

 

Section  9.   Restricted Stock Units

 

9.1.   Grant of Restricted Stock Units .   Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan and applicable requirements of Code Sections 409A(a)(2), (3) and (4), the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Restricted Stock Units to any Eligible Person, in such amount and upon such terms as the Committee shall determine. A Grantee shall have no voting rights with respect to Restricted Stock Units.

 

9.2.   Award Agreement .   Each grant of Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Restrictions, the number of Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units granted, and such other provisions not inconsistent with the Plan or Code Section 409A as the Committee shall determine. The Committee may impose such Restrictions on Restricted Stock Units as it deems appropriate, including time-based Restrictions, Restrictions based on the achievement of specific Performance Goals, Restrictions based on the occurrence of a specified event, restrictions under securities laws or pursuant to a regulatory entity with authority over the Company or a Subsidiary, and/or a combination of any of the above, provided that such Restrictions are in accordance with Section 5.3(d) if applicable.

 

9.3.   Crediting Restricted Stock Units .   The Company shall establish an account (“ RSU Account ”) on its books for each Eligible Person who receives a grant of Restricted Stock Units. Restricted Stock Units

shall be credited to the Grantee’s RSU Account as of the Grant Date of such Restricted Stock Units. RSU Accounts shall be maintained for recordkeeping purposes only and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate or set aside assets representing securities or other amounts credited to RSU Accounts. The obligation to make distributions of securities or other amounts credited to RSU Accounts shall be an unfunded, unsecured obligation of the Company.

 

(a)  Crediting of Dividend Equivalents .   Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, whenever dividends are paid or distributions made with respect to Shares, Dividend Equivalents shall be credited to RSU Accounts on all Restricted Stock Units credited thereto as of the record date for such dividend or distribution. Such Dividend Equivalents shall be credited to the RSU Account in the form of additional Restricted Stock Units in a number determined by dividing the aggregate value of such Dividend Equivalents by the Fair Market Value of a Share at the payment date of such dividend or distribution.

 

(b)  Settlement of RSU Accounts .   The Company shall settle an RSU Account by delivering to the holder thereof (which may be the Grantee or his or her Beneficiary, as applicable) a number of Shares equal to the whole number of Shares underlying the Restricted Stock Units then credited to the Grantee’s RSU Account (or a specified portion in the event of any partial settlement); provided , however , that any fractional Shares underlying Restricted Stock Units remaining in the RSU Account on the Settlement Date shall either be forfeited or distributed in cash in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share as of the Settlement Date multiplied by the remaining fractional Restricted Stock Unit, as determined by the Committee. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, the Settlement Date for all Restricted Stock Units credited to a Grantee’s RSU Account shall be as soon as administratively practical following when Restrictions applicable to an Award of Restricted Stock Units have lapsed, but in no event shall such Settlement Date be later than March 15 of the Year following the Year in which the Restrictions applicable to an Award of Restricted Stock Units have lapsed. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event of a Grantee’s Termination of Service prior to the lapse of such Restrictions, such Grantee’s Restricted Stock Units shall be immediately cancelled and forfeited to the Company.

 

Section 10.   Deferred Stock

 

10.1.   Grant of Deferred Stock .   Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan and applicable requirements of Code Sections 409A(a)(2), (3), and (4), the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Deferred Stock to any Eligible Person in such number, and upon such terms, as the Committee, at any time and from time to time, shall determine (including, to the extent allowed by the Committee, grants at the election of a Grantee to convert Shares to be acquired upon lapse of Restrictions on Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units into such Deferred Stock). A Grantee shall have no voting rights in Deferred Stock.

 

10.2.   Award Agreement .   Each grant of Deferred Stock shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the number of Shares underlying the Deferred Stock subject to an Award, the Settlement Date such Shares of Deferred Stock shall be settled and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine that are in accordance with the Plan (including Section 5.3(d) if applicable) and Code Section 409A.

 

10.3.   Deferred Stock Elections .

 

(a)  Making of Deferral Elections .   If and to the extent permitted by the Committee, an Eligible Person may elect (a “ Deferral Election ”) at such times and in accordance with rules and procedures adopted by the Committee (which shall comport with Code Section 409A), to receive all or any portion of his salary, bonus and/or cash retainer (in the case of a director) (including any cash or Share Award, other than Options or SARs) either in the form of a number of shares of Deferred Stock equal to the quotient of the amount of salary, bonus and/or cash retainer or other permissible Award to be paid in the form of Deferred Stock divided by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date such salary, bonus, cash retainer or other such Award would otherwise be paid in cash or distributed in Shares or pursuant to such other terms and conditions as the Committee may determine. The Grant Date for an Award of Deferred Stock made

pursuant to a Deferral Election shall be the date the deferrable amount subject to a Deferral Election would otherwise have been paid to the Grantee in cash or Shares.

 

(b)  Timing of Deferral Elections .   An initial Deferral Election must be filed with the Company (pursuant to procedures established by the Committee) no later than December 31 of the Year preceding the Year in which the amounts subject to the Deferral Election would otherwise be earned, subject to such restrictions and advance filing requirements as the Company may impose. A Deferral Election shall be irrevocable as of the filing deadline, unless the Company has specified an earlier time at which it shall be irrevocable. Each Deferral Election shall remain in effect with respect to subsequently earned amounts unless the Eligible Person revokes or changes such Deferral Election. Any such revocation or change shall have prospective application only and must be made at a time at which a subsequent Deferral Election is permitted.

 

(c)  Subsequent Deferral Elections .   A Deferral Election (other than an initial Deferral Election) made with respect to a Deferred Compensation Award must meet the timing requirements for a subsequent deferral election as specified in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b).

 

10.4.   Deferral Account .

 

(a)  Establishment of Deferral Accounts .   The Company shall establish an account (“ Deferral Account ”) on its books for each Eligible Person who receives a grant of Deferred Stock or makes a Deferral Election. Deferred Stock shall be credited to the Grantee’s Deferral Account as of the Grant Date of such Deferred Stock. Deferral Accounts shall be maintained for recordkeeping purposes only and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate or set aside assets representing securities or other amounts credited to Deferral Accounts. The obligation to make distributions of securities or other amounts credited to Deferral Accounts shall be an unfunded, unsecured obligation of the Company.

 

(b)  Crediting of Dividend Equivalents .   Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, whenever dividends are paid or distributions made with respect to Shares, Dividend Equivalents shall be credited to Deferral Accounts on all Deferred Stock credited thereto as of the record date for such dividend or distribution. Such Dividend Equivalents shall be credited to the Deferral Account in the form of additional Deferred Stock in a number determined by dividing the aggregate value of such Dividend Equivalents by the Fair Market Value of a Share at the payment date of such dividend or distribution.

 

(c)  Settlement of Deferral Accounts .   The Company shall settle a Deferral Account by delivering to the holder thereof (which may be the Grantee or his or her Beneficiary, as applicable) a number of Shares equal to the whole number of Shares of Deferred Stock then credited to the Grantee’s Deferral Account (or a specified portion in the event of any partial settlement); provided , however , that any fractional Shares of Deferred Stock remaining in the Deferral Account on the Settlement Date shall either be forfeited or distributed in cash in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share as of the Settlement Date multiplied by the remaining fractional Share, as determined by the Committee. The Settlement Date for all Deferred Stock credited in a Grantee’s Deferral Account shall be determined in accordance with Code Section 409A and shall be specified in the applicable Award Agreement or Deferral Election. The Settlement Date for Deferred Stock, as may be permitted by the Committee in its discretion and as specified in the Award Agreement or Deferral Election, is limited to one or more of the following events: (i) a specified date as in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1), (ii) a Change in Control (within the meaning of Section 2.8(b), (iii) the Grantee’s “separation from service” as provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b), (iv) the Grantee’s death, (v) the Grantee’s Disability, or (vi) an “unforeseeable emergency” of the Grantee as provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(3).

 

Section  11.   Performance Units

 

11.1.   Grant of Performance Units .   Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, Performance Units may be granted to any Eligible Person in such number and upon such terms, and at any time and from time to time, as shall be determined by the Committee. Performance Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement in such form as the Committee may approve, which shall contain such

terms and conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan (including Section 5.3(d)) as shall be determined by the Committee.

 

11.2.   Value/Performance Goals .   The Committee shall set Performance Goals in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met during a Performance Period, will determine the number or value of Performance Units that will be paid to the Grantee at the end of the Performance Period. Each Performance Unit shall have an initial value that is established by the Committee at the time of grant. The Performance Goals for Awards of Performance Units may be set by the Committee at threshold, target and maximum performance levels with the number or value of the Performance Units payable directly correlated to the degree of attainment of the various performance levels during the Performance Period. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, no payment shall be made with respect to a Performance Unit Award if the threshold performance level is not satisfied. If Performance Goals are attained between the threshold and target performance levels or between the target and maximum performance levels, the number or value of Performance Units under such Award shall be determined by linear interpolation, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement. With respect to Covered Employees and to the extent the Committee deems it appropriate to comply with Code Section 162(m), all Performance Goals shall be based on objective Performance Measures satisfying the requirements for the Performance-Based Exception, and shall be set by the Committee within the time period prescribed by Code Section 162(m).

 

11.3.   Earning of Performance Units .   Except as provided in Section 13, after the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units shall be entitled to payment based on the level of achievement of Performance Goals set by the Committee and as described in Section 11.2. If the Performance Unit is intended to comply with the Performance-Based Exception, the Committee shall certify the level of achievement of the Performance Goals in writing before the Award is settled. At the discretion of the Committee, the Award Agreement may specify that an Award of Performance Units is payable in cash, Shares, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.

 

11.4.   Adjustment on Change of Position .   If a Grantee is promoted, demoted or transferred to a different business unit of the Company during a Performance Period, then, to the extent the Committee determines that the Award, the Performance Goals or the Performance Period are no longer appropriate, the Committee may adjust, change, eliminate or cancel the Award, the Performance Goals or the applicable Performance Period, as it deems appropriate in order to make them appropriate and comparable to the initial Award, the Performance Goals or the Performance Period.

 

Section  12.   Annual Incentive Awards

 

12.1.   Annual Incentive Awards .   Subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan, Annual Incentive Awards may be granted to any Eligible Person in accordance with the provisions of this Section 12. The Committee shall designate the individuals eligible to be granted an Annual Incentive Award for a Year. In the case of an Annual Incentive Award intended to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, such designation shall occur within the first ninety (90) days of such Year. The Committee may designate an Eligible Person as eligible for a full Year or for a period of less than a full Year. The opportunity to be granted an Annual Incentive Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement or in such form as the Committee may approve, which shall specify the individual’s Bonus Opportunity, the Performance Goals, and such other terms not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall determine.

 

12.2.   Determination of Amount of Annual Incentive Awards .

 

(a)  Aggregate Maximum .   The Committee may establish guidelines as to the maximum aggregate amount of Annual Incentive Awards payable for any Year.

 

(b)  Establishment of Performance Goals and Bonus Opportunities .   For any Annual Incentive Award granted, the Committee shall establish Performance Goals for the Year (which may be the same or different for some or all Eligible Persons) and shall establish the threshold, target and maximum Bonus Opportunity for each Grantee for the attainment of specified threshold, target and maximum Performance

Goals. In the case of an Annual Incentive Award intended to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, such designation shall occur within the first ninety (90) days of the Year. Performance Goals and Bonus Opportunities may be weighted for different factors and measures as the Committee shall determine, and as provided under Section 4.4.

 

(c)  Committee Certification and Determination of Amount of Annual Incentive Award .   The Committee shall determine and certify in writing the degree of attainment of Performance Goals as soon as administratively practicable after the end of each Year but not later than sixty (60) days after the end of such Year. The Committee shall determine an individual’s maximum Annual Incentive Award based on the level of attainment of the Performance Goals (as certified by the Committee) and the individual’s Bonus Opportunity. The Committee may adjust an Annual Incentive Award, or delegate with respect to such an Award, as provided in Section 4.4. The determination of the Committee to reduce (or not pay) an individual’s Annual Incentive Award for a Year shall not affect the maximum Annual Incentive Award payable to any other individual. No Annual Incentive Award intended to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception shall be payable to an individual unless at least the threshold Performance Goal is attained.

 

(d)  Termination of Service .   If a Grantee has a Termination of Service during the Year, the Committee may, in its absolute discretion and under such rules as the Committee may from time to time prescribe, authorize the payment of an Annual Incentive Award to such Grantee in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 12.2 and in the absence of such determination by the Committee the Grantee shall receive no Annual Incentive Award for such Year; provided , however , that, to extent that an Annual Incentive Award is intended to comply with the Performance-Based Exception, the payment of such Award shall be determined based upon actual performance at the end of the Year and any payment of such Award shall be paid in accordance with Section 12.3, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement in a manner compliant with Code Section 162(m).

 

12.3.   Time of Payment of Annual Incentive Awards .   Annual Incentive Awards shall be paid as soon as administratively practicable after the Committee determines the amount of the Award payable under Section 12 but not later than the March 15 after the end of the Year for which the Annual Incentive Award relates.

 

12.4.   Form of Payment of Annual Incentive Awards .   An individual’s Annual Incentive Award for a Year shall be paid in cash, Shares, Restricted Stock, Options or any other form of an Award, or any combination thereof, as provided in the Award Agreement or in such form as the Committee may approve.

 

Section  13.   Dividend Equivalents

 

The Committee is authorized to grant Awards of Dividend Equivalents alone or in conjunction with other Awards (other than Options and SARs), on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine in accordance with the Plan and Code Section 409A. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or in Section 9 and Section 10 of the Plan, Dividend Equivalents shall be paid immediately when accrued and, in no event, later than March 15 of the Year following the Year in which such Dividend Equivalents accrue. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or in Section 9 and Section 10 of the Plan, if the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service prior to the date such Dividend Equivalents accrue, the Grantee’s right to such Dividend Equivalents shall be immediately forfeited. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Dividend Equivalents may be paid with respect to unvested Performance Units.

 

Section  14.   Change in Control

 

14.1.   Acceleration of Vesting .   Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, upon the occurrence of (a) an event satisfying the Section 2.8 definition of “Change in Control” with respect to a particular Award, and (b) a Grantee’s involuntary Termination of Service (other than due to Cause) that occurs during the two (2) year period immediately following such Change in Control event, such Award shall become vested, all Restrictions shall lapse and all Performance Goals shall be deemed to be met, as applicable; provided , however , that no payment of an Award shall be accelerated to the extent such

payment would cause such Award to be subject to the adverse tax consequences under Code Section 409A. The Committee may, in its discretion, include such further provisions and limitations with respect to a Change in Control in any Award Agreement as it may deem desirable.

 

14.2.   Special Treatment in the Event of a Change in Control .   In order to maintain the Grantee’s rights upon the occurrence of any event satisfying the Section 2.8 definition of “Change in Control” with respect to an Award, the Committee, as constituted before such event, may, in its sole discretion, as to any such Award, either at the time the Award is made hereunder or any time thereafter: (a) make such adjustment to any such Award then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Change in Control; and/or (b) cause any such Award then outstanding to be assumed, or new rights substituted therefor, by the acquiring or surviving entity after such Change in Control. Additionally, in the event of any Change in Control with respect to Options and SARs, the Committee, as constituted before such Change in Control, may, in its sole discretion (except as may be otherwise provided in the Award Agreement): (a) cancel any outstanding unexercised Options or SARs (whether or not vested) that have a per-Share Option Price or Strike Price (as applicable) that is greater than the Change in Control Price (defined below); or (b) cancel any outstanding unexercised Options or SARs (whether or not vested) that have a per-Share Option Price or Strike Price (as applicable) that is less than or equal to the Change in Control Price in exchange for a cash payment of an amount equal to (x) the difference between the Change in Control Price and the Option Price or Strike Price (as applicable), multiplied by (y) the total number of Shares underlying such Option or SAR that are vested and exercisable at the time of the Change in Control. The Committee may, in its discretion, include such further provisions and limitations in any Award Agreement as it may deem desirable. The “Change in Control Price” means the lower of (a) the per-Share Fair Market Value as of the date of the Change in Control, or (b) the price paid per Share as part of the transaction which constitutes the Change in Control.

 

Section  15.   Amendments and Termination

 

15.1.   Amendment and Termination .

 

(a) Subject to Section 15.2, the Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan in whole or in part without the approval of the Company’s shareholders, provided that (i) any amendment shall be subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders if (A) such approval is required by any federal or state law or regulation or any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares may then be listed or quoted or (B) such amendment would decrease the minimum vesting requirements under Section 5.3(d); and (ii) any Plan amendment or termination will not impermissibly accelerate the timing of any payments that constitute non-qualified deferred compensation under Code Section 409A and result in adverse tax consequences under Code Section 409A.

 

(b) Subject to Section 15.2, the Committee may amend the terms of any Award Agreement, prospectively or retroactively, in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

 

15.2.   Previously Granted Awards .   Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan (including Sections 3.2(m), 3.2(p), 5.5, 15.1 and this Section 15.2) or an Award Agreement, no termination, amendment or modification of the Plan shall adversely affect in any material way any Award previously granted under the Plan or an Award Agreement without the written consent of the Grantee of such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board or the Committee (as applicable) shall have the authority to amend the Plan and outstanding Awards to the extent necessary or advisable to account for changes in applicable law, regulations, rules or other written guidance (including Compensation Limitations) without a Grantee’s consent.

 

Section  16.   Beneficiary Designation

 

Each Grantee under the Plan may, from time to time, name any Beneficiary or Beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successfully) 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 Grantee, shall be in a form prescribed by the Company, and will be effective

only when filed by the Grantee in writing with the Company during the Grantee’s lifetime. In the absence of any such designation, the Grantee’s estate shall be the Grantee’s Beneficiary.

 

Section  17.   Withholding

 

17.1.   Required Withholding .

 

(a) The Committee in its sole discretion may provide that when taxes are to be withheld in connection with the exercise of an Option or a SAR, upon the lapse of Restrictions on an Award or upon payment of any benefit or right under the Plan (the Exercise Date, the date such Restrictions lapse or such payment of any other benefit or right occurs hereinafter referred to as the “ Tax Date ”), the Grantee may be required or may be permitted to elect to make payment for the withholding of federal, state and local taxes, including Social Security and Medicare (“ FICA ”) taxes, by one or a combination of the following methods:

 

(i) payment of an amount in cash equal to the amount to be withheld;

 

(ii) requesting the Company to withhold from those Shares that would otherwise be received upon exercise of an Option or a SAR, upon the lapse of Restrictions on, or upon settlement of, any other Award, a number of Shares having a Fair Market Value on the Tax Date equal to the amount to be withheld; or

 

(iii) withholding from any compensation otherwise due to the Grantee.

 

The Committee in its sole discretion may provide that the maximum amount of tax withholding upon exercise of an Option or a SAR or in connection with the settlement of any other Award to be satisfied by withholding Shares pursuant to clause 17.1(a)(iii) above shall not exceed the minimum amount of taxes, including FICA taxes, required to be withheld under federal, state and local law. An election by Grantee under this Section 17.1(a) is irrevocable. Any fractional share amount and any additional withholding not paid by the withholding or surrender of Shares must be paid in cash. If no timely election is made, the Grantee must deliver cash to satisfy all tax withholding requirements, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement.

 

(b) Any Grantee who makes a Disqualifying Disposition (as defined in Section 6.5(f)) or an election under Code Section 83(b) shall remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy all resulting tax withholding requirements in the same manner as set forth in Section 17.1(a).

 

(c) No Award shall be settled, whether in cash or in Shares, unless the applicable tax withholding requirements have been met to the satisfaction of the Committee.

 

17.2.   Notification under Code Section 83(b) .   If the Grantee, in connection with the exercise of any Option, or the grant of Restricted Stock, makes the election permitted under Code Section 83(b) to include in such Grantee’s gross income in the year of transfer the amounts specified in Code Section 83(b), then such Grantee shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days of filing the notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to regulations issued under Code Section 83(b). The Committee may, in connection with the grant of an Award or at any time thereafter, prohibit a Grantee from making the election described above.

 

Section  18.   General Provisions

 

18.1.   Governing Law .   The validity, construction and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin, other than its law respecting choice of laws and applicable federal law.

 

18.2.   Severability .   If any provision of this Plan or any Award Agreement 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, it shall be stricken and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.

 

18.3.   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 and/or assets of the Company.

 

18.4.   Requirements of Law .   The granting of Awards and the delivery of Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges or markets as may be required. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or any Award Agreement, Grantees shall not be entitled to exercise, or receive benefits under, any Award, and the Company (or any Subsidiary) shall not be obligated to deliver any Shares or deliver benefits to a Grantee, if such exercise or delivery would constitute a violation by the Grantee, the Company or a Subsidiary of any applicable law or regulation.

 

18.5.   Securities Law Compliance .   If the Committee deems it necessary to comply with any applicable securities law, or the requirements of any securities exchange or market upon which Shares may be listed, the Committee may impose any restriction on Awards or Shares acquired pursuant to Awards under the Plan as it may deem advisable. All evidence of Share ownership delivered pursuant to any Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations or other requirements of the SEC, any securities exchange or market upon which Shares are then listed, and any applicable securities law. If so requested by the Company, the Grantee shall make a written representation and warranty to the Company that he or she will not sell or offer to sell any Shares unless a registration statement shall be in effect with respect to such Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any applicable state securities law or unless he or she shall have furnished to the Company an opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company, that such registration is not required.

 

If the Committee determines that the exercise or non-forfeitability of, or delivery of benefits pursuant to, any Award would violate any applicable provision of securities laws or the listing requirements of any national securities exchange or national market system on which any of the Company’s equity securities are listed, then the Committee may postpone any such exercise, non-forfeitability or delivery to comply with all such provisions at the earliest practicable date.

 

18.6.   Code Section 409A .   To the extent applicable and notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Plan and Award Agreements hereunder shall be administered, operated and interpreted in accordance with Code Section 409A, including, without limitation, any regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the date on which the Board approves the Plan; provided , however , in the event that the Committee determines that any amounts payable hereunder may be taxable to a Grantee under Code Section 409A prior to the payment and/or delivery to such Grantee of such amount, the Company may (a) adopt such amendments to the Plan and related Award, and appropriate policies and procedures, including amendments and policies with retroactive effect, that the Committee determines necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided by the Plan and Awards hereunder, and/or (b) take such other actions as the Committee determines necessary or appropriate to comply with or exempt the Plan and/or Awards from the requirements of Code Section 409A, including Department of Treasury guidance and other interpretive materials as may be issued after the date on which the Board approves the Plan. The Company and its Subsidiaries make no guarantees to any Person regarding the tax treatment of Awards or payments made under the Plan, and, notwithstanding the above provisions and any agreement or understanding to the contrary, if any Award, payments or other amounts due to a Grantee (or his or her beneficiaries, as applicable) results in, or causes in any manner, the application of any adverse tax consequence under Code Section 409A or otherwise to be imposed, then the Grantee (or his or her Beneficiaries, as applicable) shall be solely liable for the payment of, and the Company and its Subsidiaries shall have no obligation or liability to pay or reimburse (either directly or otherwise) the Grantee (or his or her Beneficiaries, as applicable) for, any such adverse tax consequences.

In the case of any Deferred Compensation Award (in addition to Deferred Stock), the provisions of Section 10.4 relating to permitted times of settlement shall apply to such Award. If any Deferred Compensation Award is payable to a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i)), then such payment, to the extent payable due to the Grantee’s Termination of Service and not otherwise exempt from Code Section 409A, shall not be paid before the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Termination of Service (or, if earlier, such Grantee’s death).

 

18.7.   Mitigation of Excise Tax .   If any payment or right accruing to a Grantee under the Plan (without the application of this Section 18.7), either alone or together with other payments or rights accruing to the Grantee from an Employer (“ Total Payments ”), would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Code Section 280G), such payment or right shall be reduced to the largest amount or greatest right that will result in no portion of the amount payable or right accruing under the Plan being subject to an excise tax under Code Section 4999 or being disallowed as a deduction under Code Section 280G. The determination of whether any reduction in the rights or payments under the Plan is to apply shall be made by the Committee in good faith after consultation with the Grantee, and such determination shall be conclusive and binding on the Grantee. The Grantee shall cooperate in good faith with the Committee in making such determination and providing the necessary information for this purpose. The foregoing provisions of this Section 18.7 shall apply with respect to any person only if, after reduction for any applicable federal excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 and federal income tax imposed by the Code, the Total Payments accruing to such person would be less than the amount of the Total Payments as reduced, if applicable, under the foregoing provisions of the Plan and after reduction for only federal income taxes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event a Grantee is a party to a Employment Agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary that provides for more favorable treatment for the Grantee regarding Code Section 280G, including, but not limited to, the right to receive a gross-up payment for the excise tax under Code Section 4999, such agreement shall be controlling.

 

18.8.   No Rights as a Shareholder .   No Grantee shall have any rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to the Shares (except as provided in Section 8.7 with respect to Restricted Stock) that may be deliverable upon exercise or payment of such Award until such Shares have been delivered to him or her.

 

18.9.   Awards Not Taken into Account for Other Benefits .   Awards shall be special incentive payments to the Grantee and shall not be taken into account in computing the amount of salary or compensation of the Grantee for purposes of determining any pension, retirement, death or other benefit under (a) any pension, retirement, profit-sharing, bonus, insurance or other employee benefit plan of an Employer, except as such plan shall otherwise expressly provide, or (b) any Employment Agreement between an Employer and the Grantee, except as such agreement shall otherwise expressly provide.

 

18.10.   Employment Agreement Supersedes Award Agreement .   In the event a Grantee is a party to an Employment Agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary that provides for vesting or extended exercisability of equity compensation Awards on terms more favorable to the Grantee than the Grantee’s Award Agreement or this Plan, the Employment Agreement shall be controlling; provided that (a) if the Grantee is a Section 16 Person, any terms in the Employment Agreement requiring Compensation Committee of the Board, Board or shareholder approval in order for an exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act to be available shall have been approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board, the Board or the shareholders, as applicable, and (b) the Employment Agreement shall not be controlling to the extent the Grantee and Grantee’s Employer agree it shall not be controlling, and (c) an Employment Agreement or modification to an Employment Agreement shall be deemed to modify the terms of any pre-existing Award only if the terms of the Employment Agreement expressly so provide.

 

18.11.   Non-Exclusivity of Plan .   Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor its submission to the shareholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other compensatory arrangements for employees as it may deem desirable.

 

18.12.   No Trust or Fund Created .   Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Subsidiary and a Grantee or any other Person. To the extent that any Person acquires a right to receive

payments from the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

18.13.   No Right to Continued Employment or Awards .   No employee shall have the right to be selected to receive an Award under this Plan or, having been so selected, to be selected to receive a future Award. The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Grantee the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or to be retained as a director of the Company or any Subsidiary. Further, the Company or a Subsidiary may at any time terminate the employment of a Grantee free from any liability, or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Award Agreement.

 

18.14.   Military Service .   Awards shall be administered in accordance with Code Section 414(u) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.

 

18.15.   Construction .   The following rules of construction will apply to the Plan: (a) the word “or” is disjunctive but not necessarily exclusive and (b) words in the singular include the plural, words in the plural include the singular, and words in the neuter gender include the masculine and feminine genders and words in the masculine or feminine genders include the neuter gender. The headings of sections and subsections are included solely for convenience of reference, and if there is any conflict between such headings and the text of this Plan, the text shall control.

 

18.16.   No Fractional Shares .   No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Shares, or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated or otherwise eliminated.

 

18.17.   Plan Document Controls .   This Plan and each Award Agreement constitute the entire agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof; provided , however , that in the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and such Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall control.

 

18.18.   Compensation Limitations .   Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, (a) no payment or benefit hereunder will be provided to a Grantee if any such payment or benefit would violate any applicable Compensation Limitations and (b) the Board or Committee (as applicable in accordance with Section 15) may amend the Plan or an Award Agreement at any time, without the consent of the Grantee, to the extent it determines necessary to comply with any applicable Compensation Limitations.

     By executing below, the Grantee hereby acknowledges, (1) receipt of a true copy of the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement; (2) that the Grantee has read the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement and the Plan carefully, and fully understands their contents; (3) that the Grantee accepts the award of the Option; and (4) the Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement and the Plan.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF , as of the Grant Date the Company and the Grantee hereby agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement and the Plan.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP				GRANTEE
By:				By:
Name:
Its:

      Please sign and return your signed copy of (1) this cover page to the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement and (2) if you’re married, Exhibit B (Consent of Spouse) by [INSERT DATE] to [INSERT NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION]. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the award . Please retain a copy of the signed documents; the remainder of the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement is for your records and does not need to be returned.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
2010 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

     In accordance with and subject to the terms of the Associated Banc-Corp 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ Plan ”) and this Agreement, the Committee granted to the person named as grantee (the “ Grantee ”) on the cover page attached to this Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (the “ Cover Page ”) an option to purchase shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.

     To evidence the Option and to set forth its terms, the Company and the Grantee agree as follows. All capitalized terms used, but otherwise not defined herein, shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.

     1.  Grant of Option . Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, the Committee granted to the Grantee an option (the “ Option ”) to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on the Cover Page (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.2 of the Plan), effective as of the grant date set forth on the Cover Page (the “ Grant Date ”), and the Grantee hereby accepts the grant of the Option as set forth herein. The Option granted hereby is not intended to constitute an Incentive Stock Option, within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     2.  Option Price . The purchase price of this Option shall be equal to the per-Share price set forth on the Cover Page (the “ Option Price ”) (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.2 of the Plan). The Option Price is equal to 100% of the Fair Market Value of one Share of Common Stock on the Grant Date.

     3.  Term and Vesting of the Option . The Option’s Term shall expire on the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date, and, except as otherwise provided herein, any portion of this Option may be exercised upon or following the date on which such portion vests, as long as such exercise occurs prior to the expiration of this Option as provided in this Agreement and the Plan. Subject to Paragraphs 4 and 5 below, this Option shall vest in accordance with the following schedule:

     Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 3, and except as otherwise determined by the Committee, as provided in the Plan or as provided herein, any portion of this Option that is not vested (or otherwise not exercisable) at the time of the Grantee’s Termination of Service shall not become exercisable after such termination and shall be immediately cancelled and forfeited to the Company.

     4.  Termination of Service . Subject to Paragraph 5 below, the provisions of this Paragraph 4 shall apply in the event the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service at any time prior to this Option becoming fully vested pursuant to Paragraph 3 above:

          (a) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service because of his or her Early Retirement, (i) a pro rata portion of this Option shall vest and become exercisable on the date of such Termination of Service, which shall be determined pursuant to Exhibit A hereto, and (ii) the vested and exercisable portion of this Option shall remain exercisable for one year following such Termination of Service. Any portion of this Option that is not exercised prior to the end of such one-year period shall be forfeited to the Company.

          (b) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service because of his or her death, Disability or Normal Retirement, this Option shall (i) become fully vested and exercisable and (ii) remain exercisable for one year following such Termination of Service. Any portion of this Option that is not exercised prior to the end of such one-year period shall be forfeited to the Company.

          (c) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service by an Employer without Cause or voluntarily on his or her part (but not on account of the Grantee’s death, Disability, Early Retirement or Normal Retirement), (i) any vested portion of this Option shall remain exercisable for 30 days following such Termination of Service and (ii) any unvested portion of this Option shall be immediately forfeited to the Company. Any portion of this Option that is not exercised prior to the end of such 30-day period shall be forfeited to the Company.

          (d) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service for Cause, this Option shall be immediately forfeited to the Company.

     5.  Change in Control . Notwithstanding Paragraph 4 above, if the Grantee incurs an involuntary Termination of Service (other than due to Cause) during the two year period immediately following a Change in Control, any unvested portion of this Option prior to the date of such Termination of Service shall become vested and exercisable, and this Option shall remain exercisable for 30 days following such Termination of Service. Any portion of this option that is not exercised prior to the end of such 30-day period shall be forfeited to the Company. In addition, upon a Change in Control, the Grantee will have such rights with respect to this Option as are provided for in the Plan.

     6.  Exercise of Option . On or after the date any portion of this Option becomes exercisable, but prior to the expiration of this Option in accordance with Paragraphs 3, 4 or 5 above, the portion of this Option that has become exercisable may be exercised in whole or in part by the Grantee (or, pursuant to this Paragraph 6, by his or her permitted successor) upon delivery of the following to the Company:

          (a) a written notice of exercise which identifies this Agreement and states the number of whole Shares then being purchased; and

          (b) any combination of cash (or by personal check or wire transfer payable to the Company), and/or (i) with the approval of the Committee, Shares or Shares of Restricted Stock then owned by the Grantee in an amount having a combined Fair Market Value on the

exercise date equal to the aggregate Option Price of the Shares then being purchased, or (ii) unless otherwise prohibited by law or Company policy, an irrevocable authorization of a third party to sell Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Option and prompt remittance to the Company of a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire Option Price and any tax withholdings resulting from such exercise.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Grantee (or any permitted successor) shall take whatever additional actions, including, without limitation, the furnishing of an opinion of counsel, and execute whatever additional documents the Company may, in its sole discretion, deem necessary or advisable in order to carry out or effect one or more of the obligations or restrictions imposed by the Plan, this Agreement or applicable law.

     No Shares shall be issued upon exercise of this Option until full payment has been made. Upon satisfaction of the conditions and requirements of this Paragraph 6 and the Plan, the Company shall credit, in a book entry on the records kept by the Company’s transfer agent, the number of Shares in respect of which this Option shall have been exercised. Upon exercise of this Option (or a portion thereof), the Company shall have a reasonable time to so credit the Common Stock for which this Option has been exercised, and the Grantee shall not be treated as a shareholder for any purposes whatsoever prior to such credit. No adjustment shall be made for cash dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such Common Stock is recorded as issued and transferred in book entry of the Company’s transfer agent, except as otherwise provided in the Plan or this Agreement. As a further condition to the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, the Company may require the Grantee’s spouse (if any) to execute and deliver to the Company the Consent of Spouse attached hereto as Exhibit B .

     7.  Limitation Upon Transfer . This Option and all rights granted hereunder shall not (a) be transferred by the Grantee, other than by will, by the laws of descent and distribution, or to a Permitted Transferee; (b) be otherwise assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way; and (c) be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Any attempt to transfer this Option, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or to a Permitted Transferee, or to assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this Option or of any rights granted hereunder contrary to the provisions hereof, or upon the levy of any attachment or similar process upon this Option or such rights, shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Subsidiary; provided , however , that the Grantee may designate a Beneficiary to receive benefits in the event of the Grantee’s death. This Option shall be exercised during the Grantee’s lifetime only by the Grantee, the Grantee’s guardian, the Grantee’s legal representative or a Permitted Transferee.

     8.  Liability of Company . The inability of the Company to obtain approval from any regulatory body having authority deemed by the Company to be necessary to the lawful issuance and transfer of any Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall relieve the Company of any liability with respect to the non-issuance or transfer of the Shares as to which such approval shall not have been obtained. However, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such approvals.

     9.  Adjustment in Option . This Option is subject to adjustment as provided under Section 4.2 of the Plan.

     10.  Plan and Agreement Amendment .

          (a) No discontinuation, modification, or amendment of the Plan may, without the written consent of the Grantee, adversely affect the rights of the Grantee under this Agreement, except as otherwise provided under the Plan.

          (b) This Agreement may be amended as provided under the Plan, but no such amendment shall adversely affect the Grantee’s rights under this Agreement without the Grantee’s written consent, unless otherwise permitted by the Plan.

     11.  Shareholder Rights . The Grantee shall have the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Shares subject to this Option only upon becoming the holder of such Shares.

     12.  Employment Rights . This Agreement is not a contract of employment, and the terms of employment of the Grantee or other relationship of the Grantee with an Employer shall not be affected in any way by this Agreement except as specifically provided herein. The execution of this Agreement shall not be construed as conferring any legal rights upon the Grantee for a continuation of an employment or other relationship with an Employer, nor shall it interfere with the right of an Employer to discharge the Grantee and to treat him or her without regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him or her as a Grantee.

     13.  Disclosure Rights . Except as required by applicable law, the Company (or any of its affiliates) shall not have any duty or obligation to disclose affirmatively to a record or beneficial holder of Common Stock or an option to purchase such stock, and such holder shall have no right to be advised of, any material information regarding the Company at any time prior to, upon or in connection with receipt of the Shares.

     14.  Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Wisconsin. This Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the grant of this Option to the Grantee. The parties hereto each submit and consent to the jurisdiction of the courts in the State of Wisconsin, Brown County, in any action brought to enforce or otherwise relating to this Agreement.

     15.  Compliance with Laws and Regulations . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:

          (a) the Company shall not be obligated to credit a book entry related to any Shares under this Option on the records of the Company’s transfer agent unless and until the Company is advised by its counsel that such book entry is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority, and the requirements of any exchange upon which Shares are traded;

          (b) the Company may require, as a condition of such a book entry, and in order to ensure compliance with such laws, regulations and requirements, that the Grantee make whatever covenants, agreements, and representations, or execute whatever documents or instruments, the Company, in its sole discretion, considers necessary or desirable;

          (c) no payment or benefit under this Agreement shall be provided to the Grantee if it would violate any applicable Compensation Limitation.

     16.  Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the succeeding administrators, heirs and legal representatives of the Grantee and the successors and assigns of the Company.

     17.  No Limitation on Rights of the Company . This Agreement shall not in any way affect the right of the Company to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise make changes in its capital or business structure, or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

     18.  Notices . Any communication or notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and, if to the Company, to its principal place of business, attention: Secretary, and, if to the Grantee, to the address appearing on the records of the Company. Such communication or notice shall be delivered personally or sent by certified, registered, or express mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by a reputable overnight delivery service. Any such notice shall be deemed given when received by the intended recipient.

     19.  Construction . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Agreement is made and this Option is granted pursuant to the Plan and are in all respects limited by and subject to the express provisions of the Plan, as amended from time to time. This Agreement does not modify or amend the terms of the Plan. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is inconsistent or in conflict with any term or provision of the Plan, the Plan shall govern. The interpretation and construction by the Committee of the Plan, this Agreement and any such rules and regulations adopted by the Committee for purposes of administering the Plan shall be final and binding upon the Grantee and all other persons.

     20.  Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire obligation of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede any prior expressions of intent or understanding with respect to this transaction.

     21.  Waiver; Cumulative Rights . The failure or delay of either party to require performance by the other party of any provision hereof shall not affect its right to require performance of such provision unless and until such performance has been waived in writing. Each and every right hereunder is cumulative and may be exercised in part or in whole from time to time.

     22.  Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in two counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but both of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

     23.  Headings . The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     24.  Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision

hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted.

     25.  Tax Consequences . The Grantee acknowledges and agrees that the Grantee is responsible for all taxes and tax consequences with respect to the grant of this Option and any exercise thereof. The Grantee further acknowledges that it is the Grantee’s responsibility to obtain any advice that the Grantee deems necessary or appropriate with respect to any and all tax matters that may exist as a result of the grant of this Option or the exercise thereof. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Shares shall not be credited to the Grantee upon his or her exercise of this Option unless, as provided in Section 17 of the Plan, the Grantee shall have paid to the Company, or made arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any federal, state, local or foreign income or employment taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the grant of this Option or exercise thereof.

     26.  Receipt of Plan . The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, and represents that the Grantee is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all the terms and provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. This Option is granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and the Option shall in all respects be interpreted in accordance with the Plan. The Committee shall interpret and construe the Plan and this Agreement, and its interpretation and determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto and any other person claiming an interest hereunder, with respect to any issue arising hereunder or thereunder.

     27.  No Obligation to Exercise Option . The grant of this Option shall impose no obligation upon the Grantee to exercise this Option.

     28.  Condition to Return Signed Agreement . This Agreement shall be null and void unless the Grantee signs, dates, and returns this Agreement to the Company on or before the date listed at the end of the Cover Page.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have acknowledged their rights and obligations under this Agreement as of the Grant Date by signing the Cover Page.

Exhibit A — Page 1

Exhibit B

Consent of Spouse

     I,                                           , spouse of the                                           , have read and approve the foregoing Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (the “ Agreement ”). In consideration of the Company’s grant to my spouse of an option to purchase shares of Associated Banc-Corp, as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact with respect to the exercise of any rights under the Agreement and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Agreement insofar as I may have any rights in said Agreement or any shares issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state of our residence as of the date of the signing of the foregoing Agreement.

By executing below, the Grantee hereby acknowledges (1) receipt of a true copy of the Restricted Stock Agreement; (2) that the Grantee has read the Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan carefully, and fully understands their contents; (3) that the Grantee accepts the award of Restricted Shares; and (4) the Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , as of the Grant Date the Company and the Grantee hereby agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP				GRANTEE
By:				By:
Name:
Its:

Please sign and return your signed copy of (1) this cover page to the Restricted Stock Agreement and (2) if you’re married, Exhibit B (Consent of Spouse) by [INSERT DATE] to [INSERT NAME/DEPARTMENT] at [INSERT CONTACT INFORMATION] . Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the award . Please retain a copy of the signed documents; the remainder of the Restricted Stock Agreement is for your records and does not need to be returned.

2010 Form Restricted Stock Agreement
Grantees Not Subject to TARP Incentive Compensation Prohibition

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
2010 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

     In accordance with and subject to the terms of the Associated Banc-Corp 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ Plan ”) and this Agreement, the Committee granted to the person named as grantee (the “ Grantee” ) on the cover page attached to this Restricted Stock Agreement (the “ Cover Page ”) an award of Restricted Shares of Associated Banc-Corp (the “ Company ”) (the Cover Page and this Restricted Stock Agreement hereinafter referred to as this “ Agreement ”).

     To evidence such award and to set forth its terms, the Company and the Grantee agree as follows. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

     1.  Grant of Restricted Shares . Subject to, and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, the Committee granted to the Grantee the number of restricted shares set forth on the Cover Page (the “ Restricted Shares ”), effective as of the grant date set forth on the Cover Page (the “ Grant Date ”), and the Grantee hereby accepts the grant of the Restricted Shares on a restricted basis, as set forth herein.

     2.  Limitations on Transferability . At any time prior to vesting in accordance with Paragraph 3, 4, or 5 below, the Restricted Shares, or any interest therein, cannot be directly or indirectly transferred, sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed.

     3.  Dates of Vesting . Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 4 and 5 below, the Restricted Shares shall cease to be restricted and shall become non-forfeitable (thereafter being referred to as “ Vested Shares ”) in accordance with the following schedule:

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to Paragraphs 4 and 5 below, in the event that the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service, any Restricted Shares that were unvested on the date of such Termination of Service shall be immediately forfeited to the Company.

     4.  Termination of Service . Subject to Paragraph 5 below, the provisions of this Paragraph 4 shall apply in the event the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service at any time prior to all the Restricted Shares becoming Vested Shares pursuant to Paragraph 3 above:

     (a) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service because of his or her Early Retirement, a pro rata number of Restricted Shares shall become Vested Shares on the date of such Early Retirement, and such number shall be determined pursuant to Exhibit A hereto.

2010 Form Restricted Stock Agreement
Grantees Not Subject to TARP Incentive Compensation Prohibition

     (b) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service because of his or her death, Disability or Normal Retirement, any Restricted Shares that had not become Vested Shares prior to the date of such Termination of Service shall become Vested Shares, and the Grantee shall immediately own the Vested Shares free of all restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement except for Vested Shares used to satisfy the tax withholding obligations set forth in Paragraph 24 below or otherwise required by any taxing authority.

     (c) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service for any reason other than his or her death, Disability, Early Retirement or Normal Retirement, then any Restricted Shares that had not become Vested Shares prior to the date of such Termination of Service shall be immediately forfeited to the Company.

     5.  Change in Control . Notwithstanding Paragraph 4 above, if the Grantee incurs an involuntary Termination of Service (other than due to Cause) during the two year period immediately following a Change in Control, any Restricted Shares that had not become Vested Shares prior to the date of such Termination of Service shall become Vested Shares, and the Grantee shall immediately own the Vested Shares free of all restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement except for Vested Shares used to satisfy the tax withholding obligations set forth in Paragraph 24 below or otherwise required by any taxing authority. In addition, upon a Change in Control, the Grantee will have such rights with respect to the Restricted Shares as are provided for in the Plan.

     6.  Transfer of Restricted Shares . The Company, in its sole discretion, shall credit the Restricted Shares to the Grantee in a book entry on the records kept by the Company’s transfer agent. The Restricted Shares shall be subject to restrictions on transfer until, and to the extent, such Restricted Shares become Vested Shares pursuant to Paragraph 3, 4 or 5 above. To the extent any Restricted Shares fail to become Vested Shares pursuant to Paragraph 3, 4 or 5 above, the Company shall cancel such forfeited Restricted Shares pursuant to the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. The Company shall release the restrictions in the book entry records of its transfer agent once Restricted Shares become Vested Shares. As a further condition to the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, the Company may require the Grantee’s spouse (if any) to execute and deliver to the Company the Consent of Spouse attached hereto as Exhibit B .

     7.  Liability of Company . The inability of the Company to obtain approval from any regulatory body having authority deemed by the Company to be necessary to the lawful issuance and transfer of any Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall relieve the Company of any liability with respect to the non-issuance or transfer of the Shares as to which such approval shall not have been obtained. However, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such approvals.

     8.  Adjustment in Restricted Shares . This Award of Restricted Shares is subject to adjustment as provided under Section 4.2 of the Plan.

2010 Form Restricted Stock Agreement
Grantees Not Subject to TARP Incentive Compensation Prohibition

     9.  Plan and Agreement Amendment .

     (a) No discontinuation, modification, or amendment of the Plan may, without the written consent of the Grantee, adversely affect the rights of the Grantee under this Agreement, except as otherwise provided under the Plan.

     (b) This Agreement may be amended as provided under the Plan, but no such amendment shall adversely affect the Grantee’s rights under this Agreement without the Grantee’s written consent, unless otherwise permitted by the Plan.

     10.  Shareholder Rights . The Grantee shall be entitled to receive any dividends that become payable on or after the Grant Date with respect to the Restricted Shares and Vested Shares; provided , however , that no dividends shall be payable (a) with respect to the Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring prior to the Grant Date and (b) with respect to forfeited Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring on or after the date of such forfeiture. The Grantee shall be entitled to vote the Restricted Shares on or after the Grant Date to the same extent as would have been applicable to the Grantee if the Restricted Shares had then been Vested Shares; provided , however , that the Grantee shall not be entitled to vote (a) the Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring prior to the Grant Date and (b) with respect to forfeited Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring on or after the date of such forfeiture.

     11.  Employment Rights . This Agreement is not a contract of employment, and the terms of employment of the Grantee or other relationship of the Grantee with an Employer shall not be affected in any way by this Agreement except as specifically provided herein. The execution of this Agreement shall not be construed as conferring any legal rights upon the Grantee for a continuation of an employment or other relationship with an Employer, nor shall it interfere with the right of an Employer to discharge the Grantee and to treat him or her without regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him or her as a Grantee.

     12.  Disclosure Rights . Except as required by applicable law, the Company (or any of its affiliates) shall not have any duty or obligation to disclose affirmatively to a record or beneficial holder of Common Stock, Restricted Shares or Vested Shares, and such holder shall have no right to be advised of, any material information regarding the Company at any time prior to, upon or in connection with receipt of the Shares.

     13.  Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Wisconsin. This Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the grant of the Restricted Shares to the Grantee. The parties hereto each submit and consent to the jurisdiction of the courts in the State of Wisconsin, Brown County, in any action brought to enforce or otherwise relating to this Agreement.

     14.  Compliance with Laws and Regulations . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:

     (a) the Company shall not be obligated to credit a book entry related to the Restricted Shares or Vested Shares to be entered on the records of the Company’s

2010 Form Restricted Stock Agreement
Grantees Not Subject to TARP Incentive Compensation Prohibition

transfer agent, unless and until the Company is advised by its counsel that such book entry is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority, and the requirements of any exchange upon which Shares are traded;

     (b) the Company may require, as a condition of such a book entry, and in order to ensure compliance with such laws, regulations and requirements, that the Grantee make whatever covenants, agreements, and representations, or execute whatever documents or instruments, the Company, in its sole discretion, considers necessary or desirable;

     (c) no payment or benefit under this Agreement shall be provided to the Grantee if it would violate any applicable Compensation Limitation.

     15.  Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the succeeding administrators, heirs and legal representatives of the Grantee and the successors and assigns of the Company.

     16.  No Limitation on Rights of the Company . This Agreement shall not in any way affect the right of the Company to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise make changes in its capital or business structure, or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

     17.  Notices . Any communication or notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and, if to the Company, to its principal place of business, attention: Secretary, and, if to the Grantee, to the address appearing on the records of the Company. Such communication or notice shall be delivered personally or sent by certified, registered, or express mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by a reputable overnight delivery service. Any such notice shall be deemed given when received by the intended recipient.

     18.  Construction . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Agreement is made and the Restricted Shares are granted pursuant to the Plan and are in all respects limited by and subject to the express provisions of the Plan, as amended from time to time. This Agreement does not modify or amend the terms of the Plan. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is inconsistent or in conflict with any term or provision of the Plan, the Plan shall govern. The interpretation and construction by the Committee of the Plan, this Agreement and any such rules and regulations adopted by the Committee for purposes of administering the Plan shall be final and binding upon the Grantee and all other persons.

     19.  Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire obligation of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede any prior expressions of intent or understanding with respect to this transaction.

     20.  Waiver; Cumulative Rights . The failure or delay of either party to require performance by the other party of any provision hereof shall not affect its right to require performance of such provision unless and until such performance has been waived in writing. Each and every right hereunder is cumulative and may be exercised in part or in whole from time to time.

2010 Form Restricted Stock Agreement
Grantees Not Subject to TARP Incentive Compensation Prohibition

     21.  Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in two counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but both of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

     22.  Headings . The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     23.  Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted.

     24.  Tax Consequences . The Grantee acknowledges and agrees that the Grantee is responsible for all taxes and tax consequences with respect to the grant of the Restricted Shares or the lapse of restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement. The Grantee further acknowledges that it is the Grantee’s responsibility to obtain any advice that the Grantee deems necessary or appropriate with respect to any and all tax matters that may exist as a result of the grant of the Restricted Shares or the lapse of restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement. If the Grantee files a Code Section 83(b) election with respect to the Restricted Shares, he or she will immediately notify the Company of such election. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Restricted Shares shall not be released to the Grantee unless, as provided in Section 17 of the Plan, the Grantee shall have paid to the Company, or made arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any federal, state, local or foreign income or employment taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the grant of the Restricted Shares or the lapse of restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement.

     25.  Receipt of Plan . The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, and represents that the Grantee is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts the Restricted Shares subject to all the terms and provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Shares are granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and the Restricted Shares shall in all respects be interpreted in accordance with the Plan. The Committee shall interpret and construe the Plan and this Agreement, and its interpretation and determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto and any other person claiming an interest hereunder, with respect to any issue arising hereunder or thereunder.

     26.  Condition to Return Signed Agreement . This Agreement shall be null and void unless the Grantee signs, dates, and returns this Agreement to the Company on or before the date listed at the end of the Cover Page.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have acknowledged their rights and obligations under this Agreement as of the Grant Date by signing the Cover Page.

Exhibit A — Page 1

2010 Form Restricted Stock Agreement
Grantees Not Subject to TARP Incentive Compensation Prohibition

Exhibit B

Consent of Spouse

     I,                                           , spouse of the                                           , have read and approve the foregoing Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (the “ Agreement ”). In consideration of the Company’s grant to my spouse of shares of Associated Banc-Corp, as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact with respect to the exercise of any rights under the Agreement and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Agreement insofar as I may have any rights in said Agreement or any shares issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state of our residence as of the date of the signing of the foregoing Agreement.

By executing below, the Grantee hereby acknowledges (1) receipt of a true copy of the Restricted Stock Agreement; (2) that the Grantee has read the Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan carefully, and fully understands their contents; (3) that the Grantee accepts the award of Restricted Shares; and (4) the Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , as of the Grant Date the Company and the Grantee hereby agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP				GRANTEE
By:				By:
Name:
Its:

Please sign and return your signed copy of (1) this cover page to the Restricted Stock Agreement and (2) if you’re married, Exhibit A (Consent of Spouse) by [INSERT DATE] to [INSERT NAME/DEPARTMENT] at [INSERT CONTACT INFORMATION] . Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the award . Please retain a copy of the signed documents; the remainder of the Restricted Stock Agreement is for your records and does not need to be returned.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
2010 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

     In accordance with and subject to the terms of the Associated Banc-Corp 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ Plan ”) and this Agreement, the Committee granted to the person named as grantee (the “ Grantee” ) on the cover page attached to this Restricted Stock Agreement (the “ Cover Page ”) an award of Restricted Shares of Associated Banc-Corp (the “ Company ”) (the Cover Page and this Restricted Stock Agreement hereinafter referred to as this “ Agreement ”).

     To evidence such award and to set forth its terms, the Company and the Grantee agree as follows. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

     1.  Grant of Restricted Shares . Subject to, and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, the Committee granted to the Grantee the number of restricted shares set forth on the Cover Page (the “ Restricted Shares ”), effective as of the grant date set forth on the Cover Page (the “ Grant Date ”), and the Grantee hereby accepts the grant of the Restricted Shares on a restricted basis, as set forth herein.

     2.  Limitations on Transferability . At any time prior to vesting in accordance with Paragraph 3 below, the Restricted Shares, or any interest therein, cannot be directly or indirectly transferred, sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed.

     3.  Vesting . The Restricted Shares shall cease to be restricted and shall become non-forfeitable (thereafter being referred to as “ Vested Shares ”) pursuant to terms set forth below:

     (a) The Restricted Shares shall become Vested Shares in 25% increments based upon the extent to which the Company has repaid the aggregate financial assistance received by it under the Troubled Asset Relief Program under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, as amended (the “ TARP Assistance ”), provided that the Grantee continues to provide substantial services to the Company (as provided under Paragraph 3(c) below) through the date of each such repayment increment:

     (b) Notwithstanding Paragraph 3(a) above, no Restricted Shares shall become Vested Shares if the Grantee does not continue to perform substantial services to the Company for at least two years after the Grant Date; provided , however , that the

requirement in this Paragraph 3(b) shall not apply if, prior to the second anniversary of the Grant Date, the Grantee ceases to provide substantial services to the Company due to his or her death or Disability, or a “change in control event” (as defined in 26 CFR 1.280G-1, Q&A-27 through 29 or as defined in 26 CFR 1.409A-3(i)(5)(i)) with respect to the Company. Upon any such cessation of substantial services due to the Grantee’s death or Disability, or such a change in control event, a number of Restricted Shares shall become Vested Shares pursuant to the schedule in Paragraph 3(a) above and any Restricted Shares that do not become Vested Shares shall be forfeited to the Company.

     (c) For purposes of this Agreement, the Grantee shall be deemed to have ceased to provide substantial services to the Company when the Company and the Grantee reasonably anticipate that the level of bona fide services the Grantee will perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) will permanently decrease to less than 50% of the average level of bona fide services performed (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36 month period (or the full period of services to the Company if the Grantee has been providing services to the Company for fewer than 36 months). The foregoing shall be interpreted consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) and any applicable guidance related thereto.

     4.  Transfer of Restricted Shares . The Company, in its sole discretion, shall credit the Restricted Shares to the Grantee in a book entry on the records kept by the Company’s transfer agent. The Restricted Shares shall be subject to restrictions on transfer until, and to the extent, such Restricted Shares become Vested Shares pursuant to Paragraph 3 above. To the extent any Restricted Shares fail to become Vested Shares pursuant to Paragraph 3 above, the Company shall cancel such forfeited Restricted Shares pursuant to the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. The Company shall release the restrictions in the book entry records of its transfer agent once Restricted Shares become Vested Shares. As a further condition to the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, the Company may require the Grantee’s spouse (if any) to execute and deliver to the Company the Consent of Spouse attached hereto as Exhibit A .

     5.  Liability of Company . The inability of the Company to obtain approval from any regulatory body having authority deemed by the Company to be necessary to the lawful issuance and transfer of any Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall relieve the Company of any liability with respect to the non-issuance or transfer of the Shares as to which such approval shall not have been obtained. However, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such approvals.

     6.  Adjustment in Restricted Shares . This Award of Restricted Shares is subject to adjustment as provided under Section 4.2 of the Plan.

     7.  Plan and Agreement Amendment .

     (a) No discontinuation, modification, or amendment of the Plan may, without the written consent of the Grantee, adversely affect the rights of the Grantee under this Agreement, except as otherwise provided under the Plan.

     (b) This Agreement may be amended as provided under the Plan, but no such amendment shall adversely affect the Grantee’s rights under this Agreement without the Grantee’s written consent, unless otherwise permitted by the Plan.

     8.  Shareholder Rights . The Grantee shall be entitled to receive any dividends that become payable on or after the Grant Date with respect to the Restricted Shares and Vested Shares; provided , however , that no dividends shall be payable (a) with respect to the Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring prior to the Grant Date and (b) with respect to forfeited Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring on or after the date of such forfeiture. The Grantee shall be entitled to vote the Restricted Shares on or after the Grant Date to the same extent as would have been applicable to the Grantee if the Restricted Shares had then been Vested Shares; provided , however , that the Grantee shall not be entitled to vote (a) the Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring prior to the Grant Date and (b) with respect to forfeited Restricted Shares on account of record dates occurring on or after the date of such forfeiture.

     9.  Employment Rights . This Agreement is not a contract of employment, and the terms of employment of the Grantee or other relationship of the Grantee with an Employer shall not be affected in any way by this Agreement except as specifically provided herein. The execution of this Agreement shall not be construed as conferring any legal rights upon the Grantee for a continuation of an employment or other relationship with an Employer, nor shall it interfere with the right of an Employer to discharge the Grantee and to treat him or her without regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him or her as a Grantee.

     10.  Disclosure Rights . Except as required by applicable law, the Company (or any of its affiliates) shall not have any duty or obligation to disclose affirmatively to a record or beneficial holder of Common Stock, Restricted Shares or Vested Shares, and such holder shall have no right to be advised of, any material information regarding the Company at any time prior to, upon or in connection with receipt of the Shares.

     11.  Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Wisconsin. This Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the grant of the Restricted Shares to the Grantee. The parties hereto each submit and consent to the jurisdiction of the courts in the State of Wisconsin, Brown County, in any action brought to enforce or otherwise relating to this Agreement.

     12.  Compliance with Laws and Regulations . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:

     (a) the Company shall not be obligated to credit a book entry related to the Restricted Shares or Vested Shares to be entered on the records of the Company’s transfer agent, unless and until the Company is advised by its counsel that such book entry is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority, and the requirements of any exchange upon which Shares are traded;

     (b) the Company may require, as a condition of such a book entry, and in order to ensure compliance with such laws, regulations and requirements, that the Grantee make whatever covenants, agreements, and representations, or execute whatever documents or instruments, the Company, in its sole discretion, considers necessary or desirable;

     (c) no payment or benefit under this Agreement shall be provided to the Grantee if it would violate any applicable Compensation Limitation.

     13.  Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the succeeding administrators, heirs and legal representatives of the Grantee and the successors and assigns of the Company.

     14.  No Limitation on Rights of the Company . This Agreement shall not in any way affect the right of the Company to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise make changes in its capital or business structure, or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

     15.  Notices . Any communication or notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and, if to the Company, to its principal place of business, attention: Secretary, and, if to the Grantee, to the address appearing on the records of the Company. Such communication or notice shall be delivered personally or sent by certified, registered, or express mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by a reputable overnight delivery service. Any such notice shall be deemed given when received by the intended recipient.

     16.  Construction . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Agreement is made and the Restricted Shares are granted pursuant to the Plan and are in all respects limited by and subject to the express provisions of the Plan, as amended from time to time. This Agreement does not modify or amend the terms of the Plan. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is inconsistent or in conflict with any term or provision of the Plan, the Plan shall govern. The interpretation and construction by the Committee of the Plan, this Agreement and any such rules and regulations adopted by the Committee for purposes of administering the Plan shall be final and binding upon the Grantee and all other persons.

     17.  Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire obligation of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede any prior expressions of intent or understanding with respect to this transaction.

     18.  Waiver; Cumulative Rights . The failure or delay of either party to require performance by the other party of any provision hereof shall not affect its right to require performance of such provision unless and until such performance has been waived in writing. Each and every right hereunder is cumulative and may be exercised in part or in whole from time to time.

     19.  Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in two counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but both of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

     20.  Headings . The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     21.  Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted.

     22.  Tax Consequences . The Grantee acknowledges and agrees that the Grantee is responsible for all taxes and tax consequences with respect to the grant of the Restricted Shares or the lapse of restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement. The Grantee further acknowledges that it is the Grantee’s responsibility to obtain any advice that the Grantee deems necessary or appropriate with respect to any and all tax matters that may exist as a result of the grant of the Restricted Shares or the lapse of restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement. If the Grantee files a Code Section 83(b) election with respect to the Restricted Shares, he or she will immediately notify the Company of such election. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Restricted Shares shall not be released to the Grantee unless, as provided in Section 17 of the Plan, the Grantee shall have paid to the Company, or made arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any federal, state, local or foreign income or employment taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the grant of the Restricted Shares or the lapse of restrictions otherwise imposed by this Agreement.

     23.  Receipt of Plan . The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, and represents that the Grantee is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts the Restricted Shares subject to all the terms and provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Shares are granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and the Restricted Shares shall in all respects be interpreted in accordance with the Plan. The Committee shall interpret and construe the Plan and this Agreement, and its interpretation and determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto and any other person claiming an interest hereunder, with respect to any issue arising hereunder or thereunder.

     24.  Condition to Return Signed Agreement . This Agreement shall be null and void unless the Grantee signs, dates, and returns this Agreement to the Company on or before the date listed at the end of the Cover Page.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have acknowledged their rights and obligations under this Agreement as of the Grant Date by signing the Cover Page.

Exhibit A

Consent of Spouse

     I,                                           , spouse of the                                           , have read and approve the foregoing Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (the “ Agreement ”). In consideration of the Company’s grant to my spouse of shares of Associated Banc-Corp, as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact with respect to the exercise of any rights under the Agreement and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Agreement insofar as I may have any rights in said Agreement or any shares issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state of our residence as of the date of the signing of the foregoing Agreement.

By executing below, the Grantee hereby acknowledges (1) receipt of a true copy of the Share Salary Agreement; (2) that the Grantee has read the Share Salary Agreement and the Plan carefully, and fully understands their contents; (3) that the Grantee accepts the award of Shares; and (4) the Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Share Salary Agreement and the Plan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , as of the Award Date the Company and the Grantee hereby agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Share Salary Agreement and the Plan.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP				GRANTEE
By:				By:
Name:
Its:

Please sign and return your signed copy of (1) this cover page to the Share Salary Agreement and (2) if you’re married, Exhibit A (Consent of Spouse) by [INSERT DATE] to [INSERT NAME/DEPARTMENT] at [INSERT CONTACT INFORMATION] . Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of future payments of share salary under the attached Share Salary Agreement . Please retain a copy of the signed documents; the remainder of the Share Salary Agreement is for your records and does not need to be returned.

2010 Form Share Salary Agreement

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
2010 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
SHARE SALARY AGREEMENT

     In accordance with and subject to the terms of the Associated Banc-Corp 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ Plan ”) and this Agreement, the Committee determined that the person named as grantee (the “ Grantee ”) on the cover page attached to this Share Salary Agreement (the “ Cover Page ”) shall receive shares of Associated Banc-Corp (the “ Company ”) Common Stock as a component of his or her base salary (the Cover Page and this Share Salary Agreement hereinafter referred to as this “ Agreement ”).

     To evidence such award and to set forth its terms, the Company and the Grantee agree as follows. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

     1.  Award of Share Salary . Subject to, and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, the Committee awarded to the Grantee a gross annual share salary set forth on the Cover Page (the “ Share Salary ”), payable in Shares and effective as of the award date set forth on the Cover Page. The Share Salary shall be paid during the time period listed on the Cover Page (such period, the “ Term ”). Grantee hereby accepts the award of the Share Salary as set forth herein.

     2.  Grants of Shares . On each pay date (determined in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies and procedures as in effect from time to time) during the Term, the Company hereby grants to the Grantee Shares having a Fair Market Value on such pay date equal to (a) minus (b), where (a) is the pro rata portion of the Grantee’s Share Salary in effect for such pay date and (b) is the required federal, state, local or foreign income or employment tax withholding (calculated as wages and not as supplemental wages, as described in IRS publication 15); provided , however , that any fractional shares resulting from the foregoing formula shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number; and provided further , that the Grantee shall receive no grant of Shares for any pay date during the Term if the Grantee is not an employee of an Employer on such pay date. Any grant of Shares pursuant to this Paragraph 2 shall be referred to in this Agreement as a “ Grant .”

     3.  Vesting . Each Share granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be fully vested at the time it is granted.

     4.  Transfer Restrictions . Each Share granted pursuant to this Agreement (or any interest therein) cannot be directly or indirectly transferred, sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed until the applicable date pursuant to the following schedule:

     (a) With respect to Grants during the months of January, February, March and April of any calendar year, on the first business day of the first calendar year following the calendar year in which such Grant was made;

     (b) With respect to Grants during the months of May, June, July and August of any calendar year, on the first business day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which such Grant was made; and

2010 Form Share Salary Agreement

     (c) With respect to Grants during the months of September, October, November and December of any calendar year, on the first business day of the third calendar year following the calendar year in which such Grant was made.

     5.  Transfer of Shares . Upon each Grant, the Company shall credit the Shares granted pursuant to such Grant to the Grantee through a book entry on the records kept by the Company’s transfer agent (subject to Paragraph 4 above). As a further condition to the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, the Company may require the spouse of the Grantee, if any, to execute and deliver to the Company the Consent of Spouse attached hereto as Exhibit A .

     6.  Liability of Company . The inability of the Company to obtain approval from any regulatory body having authority deemed by the Company to be necessary to the lawful issuance and transfer of any Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall relieve the Company of any liability with respect to the non-issuance or transfer of the Shares as to which such approval shall not have been obtained. However, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such approvals.

     7.  Plan and Agreement Amendment .

     (a) No discontinuation, modification, or amendment of the Plan may, without the written consent of the Grantee, adversely affect the rights of the Grantee under this Agreement, except as otherwise provided under the Plan.

     (b) This Agreement may be amended as provided under the Plan, but no such amendment shall adversely affect the Grantee’s rights under this Agreement without the Grantee’s written consent, unless otherwise permitted by the Plan.

     8.  Shareholder Rights . The Grantee will have no rights as a shareholder with respect to any Share contemplated to be granted by this Agreement unless and until such Share is issued pursuant to a Grant. As of the date that the Grantee receives a Share pursuant to a Grant, the Grantee shall have rights as a shareholder in the Company with respect to such Share; provided , however , that such Share shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in Paragraph 4 above.

     9.  Employment Rights . This Agreement is not a contract of employment, and the terms of employment of the Grantee or other relationship of the Grantee with an Employer shall not be affected in any way by this Agreement except as specifically provided herein. The execution of this Agreement shall not be construed as conferring any legal rights upon the Grantee for a continuation of an employment or other relationship with an Employer, nor shall it interfere with the right of an Employer to discharge the Grantee and to treat him or her without regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him or her as a Grantee.

     10.  Disclosure Rights . Except as required by applicable law, the Company (or any of its affiliates) shall not have any duty or obligation to disclose affirmatively to a record or beneficial holder of Shares, and such holder shall have no right to be advised of, any material information regarding the Company at any time prior to, upon or in connection with receipt of Shares.

2010 Form Share Salary Agreement

     11.  Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Wisconsin. This Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the award of Share Salary to the Grantee. The parties hereto each submit and consent to the jurisdiction of the courts in the State of Wisconsin, Brown County, in any action brought to enforce or otherwise relating to this Agreement.

     12.  Compliance with Laws and Regulations . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:

     (a) the Company shall not be obligated to credit a book entry related to the Shares to be entered on the records of the Company’s transfer agent, unless and until the Company is advised by its counsel that such book entry is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority, and the requirements of any exchange upon which Shares are traded;

     (b) the Company may require, as a condition of such a book entry, and in order to ensure compliance with such laws, regulations and requirements, that the Grantee make whatever covenants, agreements, and representations, or execute whatever documents or instruments, the Company, in its sole discretion, considers necessary or desirable;

     (c) no payment or benefit under this Agreement shall be provided to the Grantee if it would violate any applicable Compensation Limitation.

     13.  Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the succeeding administrators, heirs and legal representatives of the Grantee and the successors and assigns of the Company.

     14.  No Limitation on Rights of the Company . This Agreement shall not in any way affect the right of the Company to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise make changes in its capital or business structure, or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

     15.  Notices . Any communication or notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and, if to the Company, to its principal place of business, attention: Secretary, and, if to the Grantee, to the address appearing on the records of the Company. Such communication or notice shall be delivered personally or sent by certified, registered, or express mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by a reputable overnight delivery service. Any such notice shall be deemed given when received by the intended recipient.

     16.  Construction . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Agreement is made and the Shares are granted pursuant to the Plan and are in all respects limited by and subject to the express provisions of the Plan, as amended from time to time. This Agreement does not modify or amend the terms of the Plan. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is inconsistent or in conflict with any term or provision of the Plan, the Plan shall govern. The interpretation and construction by the Committee of the Plan, this Agreement and

2010 Form Share Salary Agreement

any such rules and regulations adopted by the Committee for purposes of administering the Plan shall be final and binding upon the Grantee and all other persons.

     17.  Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire obligation of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede any prior expressions of intent or understanding with respect to this transaction.

     18.  Waiver; Cumulative Rights . The failure or delay of either party to require performance by the other party of any provision hereof shall not affect its right to require performance of such provision unless and until such performance has been waived in writing. Each and every right hereunder is cumulative and may be exercised in part or in whole from time to time.

     19.  Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in two counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but both of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

     20.  Headings . The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     21.  Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted.

     22.  Tax Consequences . The Grantee acknowledges and agrees that the Grantee is responsible for all taxes and tax consequences with respect to the Grants. The Grantee further acknowledges that it is the Grantee’s responsibility to obtain any advice that the Grantee deems necessary or appropriate with respect to any and all tax matters that may exist as a result of the Grants. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Shares shall not be released to the Grantee unless, as provided in Section 17 of the Plan, the Grantee shall have paid to the Company, or made arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any federal, state, local or foreign income or employment taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the Grants.

     23.  Receipt of Plan . The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, and represents that the Grantee is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts the Share Salary and Grants subject to all the terms and provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Shares are granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and this Agreement shall in all respects be interpreted in accordance with the Plan. The Committee shall interpret and construe the Plan and this Agreement, and its interpretation and determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto and any other person claiming an interest hereunder, with respect to any issue arising hereunder or thereunder.

     24.  Condition to Return Signed Agreement . Unless the Grantee signs, dates, and returns this Agreement to the Company on or before the date listed at the end of the Cover Page, no Grants shall be made after such date.

2010 Form Share Salary Agreement

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have acknowledged their rights and obligations under this Agreement as of the Grant Date by signing the Cover Page.

2010 Form Share Salary Agreement

Exhibit A

Consent of Spouse

     I,                                           , spouse of the                                           , have read and approve the foregoing Share Salary Agreement (the “ Agreement ”). In consideration of the Company’s grant to my spouse of shares of Associated Banc-Corp, as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact with respect to the exercise of any rights under the Agreement and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Agreement insofar as I may have any rights in said Agreement or any shares issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state of our residence as of the date of the signing of the foregoing Agreement.

Dated:                                           ,                     

                                                                                   
Signature of Spouse

Exhibit A — Page 1

By executing below, the Grantee hereby acknowledges (1) receipt of a true copy of the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement; (2) that the Grantee has read the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and the Plan carefully, and fully understands their contents; (3) that the Grantee accepts the award of RSUs; and (4) the Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and the Plan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , as of the Grant Date the Company and the Grantee hereby agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and the Plan.

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP				GRANTEE
By:				By:
Name:
Its:

Please sign and return your signed copy of (1) this cover page to the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and (2) if you’re married, Exhibit B (Consent of Spouse) by [INSERT DATE] to [INSERT NAME/DEPARTMENT] at [INSERT CONTACT INFORMATION] . Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the award . Please retain a copy of the signed documents; the remainder of the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement is for your records and does not need to be returned.

2010 Form Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
2010 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

     In accordance with and subject to the terms of the Associated Banc-Corp 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ Plan ”) and this Agreement, the Committee granted to the person named as grantee (the “ Grantee ”) on the cover page attached to this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “ Cover Page ”) an award of Restricted Stock Units (the Cover Page and this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement hereinafter referred to as this “ Agreement ”).

     To evidence such award and to set forth its terms, Associated Banc-Corp (the “ Company ”) and the Grantee agree as follows. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

     1.  Grant of Restricted Stock Units . Subject to, and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, the Committee granted to the Grantee the number of restricted stock units set forth on the Cover Page (the “ RSUs ”), effective as of the grant date set forth on the Cover Page (the “ Grant Date ”), and the Grantee hereby accepts the grant of the RSUs, as set forth herein. This Award constitutes a Deferred Compensation Award.

     2.  Crediting of RSUs . The RSUs shall be credited to an account on the Company’s books as of the Grant Date. Such account shall be maintained for recordkeeping purposes only and the Company is not obligated to segregate or set aside assets representing the amounts credited to such account. The obligation to settle such account shall be an unfunded, unsecured obligation of the Company.

     3.  Limitations on Transferability . At any time prior to settlement of this Award in accordance with Paragraph 7 below, the RSUs, or any interest therein, cannot be directly or indirectly transferred, sold, assigned, pledged, hypothecated, encumbered or otherwise disposed.

     4.  Dates of Vesting . [Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 5 and 6 below,] the RSUs shall become vested in accordance with the following schedule:

[ INSERT VESTING SCHEDULE, IF APPLICABLE ]

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, [and subject to Paragraphs 5 and 6 below,] in the event that the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service, any RSUs that were unvested on the date of such Termination of Service shall be immediately forfeited to the Company.

     5.  [Vesting Upon Termination of Service . Subject to Paragraph 6 below, the provisions of this Paragraph 5 shall apply in the event the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service at any time prior to all the RSUs becoming vested pursuant to Paragraph 4 above:

     (a) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service because of his or her Early Retirement, a pro rata number of RSUs shall become immediately vested on the date of such Early Retirement, and such number shall be determined pursuant to Exhibit A hereto.

2010 Form Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

     (b) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service because of his or her death, Disability or Normal Retirement, any unvested RSUs as of such Termination of Service shall immediately become vested.

     (c) If the Grantee incurs a Termination of Service for any reason other than his or her death, Disability, Early Retirement or Normal Retirement, then any unvested RSUs as of the date of such Termination of Service shall be immediately forfeited to the Company.] [ INCLUDE THIS PARAGRAPH IF APPLICABLE ]

     6.  [Change in Control . Notwithstanding Paragraph 5 above, if the Grantee incurs an involuntary Termination of Service (other than due to Cause) during the two year period immediately following a Change in Control, any unvested RSUs as of the date of such Termination of Service shall become immediately vested. In addition, upon a Change in Control, the Grantee will have such rights with respect to the RSUs as are provided for in the Plan.] [ INCLUDE THIS PARAGRAPH IF APPLICABLE ]

     7.  Settlement of RSUs . All vested RSUs shall be settled as soon as administratively practicable after the earlier of (a) Grantee’s Termination of Service and (b) [ INSERT DATE ] , but in no event later than the 30 ^th day following such Termination or Service or date. Each vested RSU shall be settled by ascribing to the Grantee (or, in the event of the Grantee’s death, to his or her Beneficiary) a Share in a book entry on the records kept by the Company’s transfer agent or such other method of delivering Shares subject to this Award, as determined appropriate by the Committee. For purposes of this Agreement, “Termination of Service” has the meaning ascribed under Section 2.56(b) of the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, settlement of RSUs under this Agreement to a “specified employee” under Code Section 409A shall be subject to the six-month delay under Section 18.16 of the Plan.

     8.  Spousal Consent . As a condition to the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, the Company may require the Grantee’s spouse (if any) to execute and deliver to the Company the Consent of Spouse attached hereto as Exhibit B .

     9.  Liability of Company . The inability of the Company to obtain approval from any regulatory body having authority deemed by the Company to be necessary to the lawful issuance and transfer of any Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall relieve the Company of any liability with respect to the non-issuance or transfer of the Shares as to which such approval shall not have been obtained. However, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such approvals.

     10.  Adjustment in RSUs . This Award of RSUs is subject to adjustment as provided under Section 4.2 of the Plan.

     11.  Plan and Agreement Amendment .

     (a) No discontinuation, modification, or amendment of the Plan may, without the written consent of the Grantee, adversely affect the rights of the Grantee under this Agreement, except as otherwise provided under the Plan.

2010 Form Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

     (b) This Agreement may be amended as provided under the Plan, but no such amendment shall adversely affect the Grantee’s rights under this Agreement without the Grantee’s written consent, unless otherwise permitted by the Plan.

     12.  Shareholder Rights . The Grantee will have no rights as a shareholder with respect to any RSU unless and until it is settled pursuant to Paragraph 7 above. As of the date that a Share is ascribed or otherwise delivered pursuant to Paragraph 7 above, the Grantee shall have rights as a shareholder in the Company with respect to such Share.

     13.  Dividend Equivalents . Prior to settlement of the RSUs pursuant to Paragraph 7 above, the Grantee shall receive additional RSUs whenever the Company pays dividends on, or makes distributions with respect to, Shares. The amount of such additional RSUs shall be determined by dividing (a) by (b), where (a) is the product of the dividend or distribution (as applicable) on a Share multiplied by the number of RSUs credited to the account in Paragraph 2 above, as of the date of such dividend or distribution and (b) is the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date such dividend or distribution is paid; provided , however , that the foregoing quotient shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Additional RSUs received by the Grantee pursuant to this Paragraph 13 shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement, including the vesting and settlement provisions of Paragraphs 4 and 7 above.

     14.  [Employment Rights . This Agreement is not a contract of employment, and the terms of employment of the Grantee or other relationship of the Grantee with an Employer shall not be affected in any way by this Agreement except as specifically provided herein. The execution of this Agreement shall not be construed as conferring any legal rights upon the Grantee for a continuation of an employment or other relationship with an Employer, nor shall it interfere with the right of an Employer to discharge the Grantee and to treat him or her without regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him or her as a Grantee.] [ ONLY INCLUDE FOR EMPLOYEE GRANTEES ]

     15.  Disclosure Rights . Except as required by applicable law, the Company (or any of its affiliates) shall not have any duty or obligation to disclose affirmatively to a record or beneficial holder of Shares or RSUs, and such holder shall have no right to be advised of, any material information regarding the Company at any time prior to, upon or in connection with receipt of Shares.

     16. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Wisconsin. This Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the grant of the RSUs to the Grantee. The parties hereto each submit and consent to the jurisdiction of the courts in the State of Wisconsin, Brown County, in any action brought to enforce or otherwise relating to this Agreement.

2010 Form Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

     17.  Compliance with Laws and Regulations . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:

     (a) the Company shall not be obligated to credit a book entry related to the RSUs on the records of the Company’s transfer agent, unless and until the Company is advised by its counsel that such book entry is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority, and the requirements of any exchange upon which Shares are traded;

     (b) the Company may require, as a condition of such a book entry, and in order to ensure compliance with such laws, regulations and requirements, that the Grantee make whatever covenants, agreements, and representations, or execute whatever documents or instruments, the Company, in its sole discretion, considers necessary or desirable;

     (c) no payment or benefit under this Agreement shall be provided to the Grantee if it would violate any applicable Compensation Limitation.

     18.  Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the succeeding administrators, heirs and legal representatives of the Grantee and the successors and assigns of the Company.

     19.  No Limitation on Rights of the Company . This Agreement shall not in any way affect the right of the Company to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise make changes in its capital or business structure, or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

     20.  Notices . Any communication or notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and, if to the Company, to its principal place of business, attention: Secretary, and, if to the Grantee, to the address appearing on the records of the Company. Such communication or notice shall be delivered personally or sent by certified, registered, or express mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by a reputable overnight delivery service. Any such notice shall be deemed given when received by the intended recipient.

     21.  Construction . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Agreement is made and the RSUs are granted pursuant to the Plan and are in all respects limited by and subject to the express provisions of the Plan, as amended from time to time. This Agreement does not modify or amend the terms of the Plan. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is inconsistent or in conflict with any term or provision of the Plan, the Plan shall govern. The interpretation and construction by the Committee of the Plan, this Agreement and any such rules and regulations adopted by the Committee for purposes of administering the Plan shall be final and binding upon the Grantee and all other persons.

     22.  Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire obligation of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede any prior expressions of intent or understanding with respect to this transaction.

     23.  Waiver; Cumulative Rights . The failure or delay of either party to require performance by the other party of any provision hereof shall not affect its right to require performance of such provision unless and until such performance has been waived in writing. Each and every right hereunder is cumulative and may be exercised in part or in whole from time to time.

2010 Form Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

     24.  Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in two counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but both of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

     25.  Headings . The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     26.  Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted.

     27.  Tax Consequences . The Grantee acknowledges and agrees that the Grantee is responsible for all taxes and tax consequences (including under Code Section 409A) with respect to the grant or settlement of the RSUs. The Grantee further acknowledges that it is the Grantee’s responsibility to obtain any advice that the Grantee deems necessary or appropriate with respect to any and all tax matters that may exist as a result of the grant or settlement of the RSUs. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the RSUs shall not be settled unless, as provided in Section 17 of the Plan, the Grantee shall have paid to the Company, or made arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any federal, state, local or foreign income or employment taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to the grant or settlement of the RSUs. This Agreement is intended to comply with Code Section 409A and shall be administered and interpreted in accordance with such intent.

     28.  Receipt of Plan . The Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, and represents that the Grantee is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts the RSUs subject to all the terms and provisions of this Agreement and of the Plan. The Shares are granted pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference, and the RSUs shall in all respects be interpreted in accordance with the Plan. The Committee shall interpret and construe the Plan and this Agreement, and its interpretation and determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto and any other person claiming an interest hereunder, with respect to any issue arising hereunder or thereunder.

     29.  Condition to Return Signed Agreement . This Agreement shall be null and void unless the Grantee signs, dates, and returns this Agreement to the Company on or before the date listed at the end of the Cover Page.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have acknowledged their rights and obligations under this Agreement as of the Grant Date by signing the Cover Page.

[ INCLUDE THIS EXHIBIT IF APPLICABLE ]

2010 Form Restricted Stock Unit Agreement

Exhibit B

Consent of Spouse

     I,                                             , spouse of the                                             , have read and approve the foregoing Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (the “ Agreement ”). In consideration of the Company’s grant to my spouse of restricted stock units, which will be settled in shares of Associated Banc-Corp, as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact with respect to the exercise of any rights under the Agreement and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Agreement insofar as I may have any rights in said Agreement or any shares issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state of our residence as of the date of the signing of the foregoing Agreement.

Dated:			,
Signature of Spouse

Exhibit 99.7

NEWS RELEASE

For more information:

		Investors:		Joseph B. Selner, Chief Financial Officer 920-491-7120
		Media:		Janet L. Ford, SVP Public Relations Director 414-278-1890

Associated Banc-Corp Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

GREEN BAY, Wis. — April 28, 2010 — The Board of Directors of Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ: ASBC) today declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of one cent ($0.01) per share, payable on May 17, 2010, to shareholders of record on May 7, 2010.

Associated Banc-Corp, headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., is a diversified bank holding company with total assets of $23 billion. Associated has 290 banking offices serving approximately160 communities in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The company offers a full range of traditional banking services and a variety of other financial products and services. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com .

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