UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of June 2022

 

Commission File No. 001-41010

 

MAINZ BIOMED N.V.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

Robert Koch Strasse 50
55129 Mainz
Germany

(Address of principal executive office)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F

 

Form 20-F ☒   Form 40-F  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1)  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7)  ☐

 

 

 

 

 

Other Events

 

On June 6, 2022, Mainz Biomed N.V. will mail to certain shareholders pursuant to Dutch law, documents relating to its annual general meeting of shareholders to be held on June 28, 2022. Copies of certain of these documents are attached as exhibits hereto.

 

Exhibit No.   Exhibit
     
99.1   Announcement of Annual General Meeting
99.2   Notice of Annual General Meeting
99.3   Agenda of the Annual General Meeting
99.4   Voting Proxy
99.5   Form of Remuneration Policy
99.6   Form of 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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

 

Date: June 3, 2022 By: /s/ William J. Caragol
  Name: William J. Caragol
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

2

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

ANNOUNCEMENT annual general meeting mainz biomed n.v.

 

20 May 2022. Mainz Biomed N.V. announces that its annual general meeting will be held at the offices of CMS, Atrium, Parnassusweg 737, 1077 DG Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 28 June 2022 at 15.00 hours CET. The notice of meeting, agenda for the meeting and related documents and further information regarding the meeting have been made available on the Company's website at https://www.mainzbiomed.com/investors.

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF

mainz biomed N.V.

 

Notice is given that the annual general meeting of Mainz Biomed N.V., a public company under Dutch law, registered with the Dutch trade register under number 82122571 (the “Company”), will be held at the offices of CMS Netherlands, Atrium, Parnassusweg 737, 1077 DG Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 28 June 2022 at 15.00 hours CET (the “AGM”).

 

Agenda

 

The agenda for the AGM and related documents and further information regarding the AGM can be found on the Company’s website at https://www.mainzbiomed.com/investors. They are also available for inspection and can be obtained free of charge at the offices of the Company.

 

COVID-19 pandemic

 

Taking into account the current status of the pandemic the recent abolishment of related restrictive measures in the Netherlands, the Company decided to hold the AGM in physical form in the Netherlands with the following organisational measures:

 

-The Company encourages shareholders and other persons with meeting rights, including proxy holders, not to attend the AGM but to exercise their voting rights by written or electronic proxy in accordance with the procedure described below.

 

-Shareholders and other persons with meeting rights, including proxy holders, who wish to attend the meeting in person must in addition to the below registration process, provide a valid e-mail address and telephone number to the Company by e-mail to ir@mainzbiomed.com. These contact details will be used to inform the registered attendees of any last-minute changes or requirements.

 

-Persons showing symptoms of COVID-19 are strongly advised to stay home and will not be admitted in the meeting.

 

-On behalf of the Company, only the Chairperson of the Board will physically attend.

 

-The Company keeps continuous track of the developments with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, including information and guidance published by healthcare authorities. If, in the opinion of the Company or by governmental directive, a health or safety issue would arise in relation to the meeting, last-minute changes to logistics or venue including additional requirements or limitations in relation to the attendance in person, may be taken. The Company will inform persons with meeting rights of any such changes. You are advised to regularly check the Company’s website for any updated information on the AGM.

 

Record date

 

The Record Date for the AGM is 31 May 2022, which is the 28th day prior to the date of the AGM. Each share outstanding on the Record Date entitles the holder to one vote on each voting item at the AGM.

 

Shareholders of Record and Beneficial Owners

 

Shareholders of Record are those who are shareholders of the Company, or otherwise have voting rights or meeting rights in respect of shares in the Company’s share capital, at the Record Date and who are recorded as such in the Company’s register of shareholders.

 

Beneficial Owners are those who beneficially own shares in the Company’s share capital through a bank, broker or other nominee on the Record Date.

 

 

 

 

Attendance

 

A Shareholder of Record who wishes to attend the AGM, in person or by a proxy, must notify the Company of its intention to do so by e mail at ir@mainzbiomed.com no later than 18.00 hours CET on 22 June 2022. The notice must contain the name and the number of shares the Shareholder of Record will represent at the AGM. In addition, a Shareholder of Record who wishes to attend the AGM by a proxy must enclose its signed proxy. A proxy can be downloaded from the Company’s website at https://www.mainzbiomed.com/investors.

 

A Beneficial Owner who wishes to attend the AGM in person must notify the Company of its intention to do so by e-mail at ir@mainzbiomed.com no later than 18.00 hours CET on 22 June 2022. The notice must contain the name and the number of shares the Beneficial Owner will represent at the AGM. In addition, the Beneficial Owner must enclose:

 

(a)proof of its beneficial ownership of the relevant shares, for instance a recent account statement;

 

(b)a signed proxy from the bank, broker or other nominee registered in the Company’s register of shareholders as the holder of the relevant shares on the Record Date confirming that the Beneficial Owner is authorised to attend the AGM. Beneficial Owners should contact their bank, broker or other nominee to obtain this proxy from them; and

 

(c)if the Beneficial Owner wishes to attend the AGM by a proxy, a signed proxy. A proxy can be downloaded from the Company’s website at https://www.mainzbiomed.com/investors.

 

Any notice of attendance, proof of beneficial ownership or signed proxy received after 18.00 hours CET on 22 June 2022 will be disregarded. Shareholders of Record, Beneficial Owners and proxyholders who have not complied with the procedures described above may be refused entry to the AGM.

 

All attendees must be prepared to show a valid proof of identity for admittance.

 

How to vote

 

Shareholders of Record may vote in person or by proxy at the AGM in accordance with the procedures described above.

 

Beneficial Owners may vote in person or by proxy at the AGM in accordance with the procedures described above or have their shares voted by following the procedures specified on their broker’s voting instruction form. Shortly before the AGM, the brokers will tabulate the votes they have received and submit one or more proxy cards to the Company reflecting the aggregate votes of the Beneficial Owners.

 

Contact details

 

For further information please contact the Company’s Investor Relations Department by e-mail at ir@mainzbiomed.com.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

AGENDA of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF mainz biomed N.V.

 

Agenda of the annual general meeting of Mainz Biomed N.V., a public company under Dutch law, registered with the Dutch trade register under number 82122571 (the “Company”), to be held at the offices of CMS, Atrium, Parnassusweg 737, 1077 DG Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 28 June 2022 at 15.00 hours CET (the “AGM”).

 

1. Opening    
2. Consideration of the the management report regarding the financial year ended 31 December 2021   Discussion item
3. Adoption of the annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2021   Voting item
4. Discharge of the directors for their management and supervision during the financial year ended 31 December 2021   Voting item
5. Approval of the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan   Voting item
6. Amendment of the Remuneration Policy   Voting item
7. Extension of the authorisation of the Board to acquire ordinary shares or depositary receipts thereof   Voting item
8. Extension of the authorisation of the Board to acquire preferred shares or depositary receipts thereof   Voting item
9. Assignment of Kreston Lentink Audit B.V. as the Dutch auditor for the financial year 2022 and to authorise the Board to assign a US auditor at its discretion in accordance with applicable law and stock exchange rules to audit the Company’s annual accounts for the financial year 2022 for the purpose of SEC filings or otherwise   Voting item
10. Other matters for discussion    
11. Close    

 

 

 

 

EXPLANATORY NOTES TO THE AGENDA of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF

mainz biomed N.V.

 

1.Opening

 

2.Consideration of the management report regarding the financial year ended 31 December 2020

 

Consideration of the statutory management report for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 as prepared in accordance with Dutch law. The statutory management report is available on the Company’s website at https://www.mainzbiomed.com/investors and is available for inspection at the offices of the Company.

 

3.Adoption of the annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2021

 

It is proposed that the statutory annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 as prepared in accordance with Dutch law be adopted. The adoption of the statutory annual accounts includes the allocation of the losses made in the financial year ended 31 December 2021. Lentink issued a compilation statement on the statutory annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 as prepared in accordance with Dutch law. The statutory annual accounts are available on the Company’s website at https://www.mainzbiomed.com/investors and are available for inspection at the offices of the Company.

 

4.Discharge of the directors for their management and supervision during the financial year ended 31 December 2021

 

It is proposed that each director in office during the financial year ended 31 December 2021 be granted a discharge from liability for the exercise of his management and supervision duties during the financial year ended 31 December 2021 to the extent appearing from the statutory annual accounts or the statutory management report for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 or other public disclosures.

 

5.Approval of the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan

 

It is proposed to to approve the resolution of the Board of Directors to adopt the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan and to grant to such persons such rights to subscribe for or otherwise acquire from the Company up to 500,000 ordinary shares in the share capital of the Company with a nominal value of EUR 0.01 each as shall be in accordance with the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan, all on the terms set out in and otherwise in accordance with the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Each executive director or non-executive director may be granted up to 25,000 stock options under the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan or amended or future plan each year or other awards under the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan Plan or amended or future plan, all based on performance and market fairness on the terms set out in and otherwise in accordance with the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan or amended or future plan and the Company’s Remuneration Policy.

 

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6.Amendment of the Remuneration Policy

 

The Company has established a Remuneration Policy, which was adopted by the General Meeting. It is proposed to amend the Remuneration Policy in such manner that:

 

(a)references to the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan in clause 5.1 of the Remuneration Policy shall be replaced by references to the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan; and

 

(b)references to the 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan in clauses 5.2, 6.3.2 and 7.1.2 shall be replaced by references to the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan or any amended or future plan.

 

7.Extension of the authorisation of the Board to acquire ordinary shares or depositary receipts thereof

 

On 9 November 2021, the general meeting of the Company authorised the Board to acquire ordinary shares in the share capital of the Company or depositary receipts thereof for consideration for a period of eighteen months, commencing on 9 November 2021, therefore ending on 9 May 2023.

 

It is proposed that the authorisation of the Board to acquire ordinary shares in the share capital of the Company or depositary receipts thereof for consideration be extended for a period of eighteen months, commencing on 28 June 2022.

 

The maximum number of ordinary shares permitted pursuant to applicable law and the articles of association from time to time may be acquired and ordinary shares may be acquired through repurchases negotiated in the open market or privately, in self-tender offers, or through accelerated repurchase arrangements, at prices ranging from the nominal value of the ordinary shares up to 110% of the market price of ordinary shares, provided that:

 

(c)for open market or privately negotiated repurchases, the market price shall be the price for ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market at the time of the transaction;

 

(d)for self-tender offers, the market price shall be the volume weighted average price for the ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market during a period, determined by the Board, of no less than one and no more than five consecutive trading days immediately prior to the expiration of the tender offer; and

 

(e)for accelerated repurchase arrangements, the market price shall be the volume weighted average price of the ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market over the term of the arrangement;

 

the volume weighted average price for any number of trading days shall be calculated as the arithmetic average of the daily volume weighted average price on those trading days.

 

8.Extension of the authorisation of the Board to acquire preferred shares or depositary receipts thereof

 

On 9 November 2021, the general meeting of the Company authorised the Board to acquire financing preferred shares in the share capital of the Company or depositary receipts thereof for consideration for a period of eighteen months, commencing on 9 November 2021, therefore ending on 9 May 2023.

 

It is proposed that the authorisation of the Board to acquire financing preferred shares in the share capital of the Company or depositary receipts thereof for consideration for a period of eighteen months, commencing on 28 June 2022.

 

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The maximum number of financing preferred shares permitted pursuant to applicable law and the articles of association from time to time may be acquired and financing preferred shares may be acquired through repurchases negotiated in the open market or privately, in self-tender offers, or through accelerated repurchase arrangements, at prices ranging from the nominal value of the financing preferred shares up to the higher of:

 

(a)the amount that would be paid by the Company upon cancellation of such financing preferred shares in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Articles of Association; and

 

(b)110% of the market price of the ordinary shares into which the financing preferred shares may be converted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Articles of Association, whereby the market price will be determined in the manner as set out above under 7.

 

9.Assignment of auditors for the financial year 2022

 

BF Borgers CPA PC has audited the Company’s statutory annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2021. Kreston Lentink Audit B.V. issued a compilation statement on the statutory annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 as prepared in accordance with Dutch law.

 

It is proposed: (i) that Kreston Lentink Audit B.V. be assigned as auditor to audit the Company’s statutory annual accounts for the financial year 2022 as prepared in accordance with Dutch law or to issue a compilation statement on the statutory annual accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 as prepared in accordance with Dutch law (as may be required), and (ii) to authorise the Board to assign a US auditor at its discretion in accordance with applicable law and stock exchange rules to audit the Company’s annual accounts for the financial year 2022 for the purpose of SEC filings or otherwise

 

10.Other matters for discussion

 

11.Close

 

 

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Exhibit 99.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.5

 

Remuneration Policy

 

 

 

 

 

Mainz Biomed N.V.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adopted by the General Meeting on [date]

 

 

 

 

1.introduction

 

1.1The purpose of this Remuneration Policy is to present the framework for the remuneration for the Board of the Company in a clear and comprehensible manner. This Remuneration Policy shall also be applied when appointing new members for the Board.

 

1.2This Remuneration Policy has been prepared in accordance with Dutch law and the Articles of Association.

 

1.3This Remuneration Policy was adopted by the General Meeting on [•] 2022.

 

1.4Pursuant to article 19.2 of the Articles of Association, the remuneration of the Executive Directors and the Non-Executive Directors shall be determined with due observance of this Remuneration Policy.

 

1.5The meaning of certain capitalized or uncapitalized terms used in this Remuneration Policy are set forth in the List of Definitions attached as Schedule 1.

 

2.Principles

 

2.1The Remuneration Policy is aimed at attracting, retaining and motivating qualified persons in order to realize the strategy of the Company. This Remuneration Policy is determined by best market practices. When establishing the Remuneration Policy, the Company takes the perspective of various stakeholders and the market in which the Company operates into consideration.

 

2.2Furthermore, the Remuneration Policy intends to align management incentives with the long-term interests of the Company and its shareholders. This Remuneration Policy seeks an appropriate balance of risk and reward. Practices that are designed to avoid inappropriate or excessive risks include (i) financial controls that provide limits and authorities in areas such as capital and operating expenditures to mitigate risk taking that could affect compensation, (ii) balancing base salary and variable compensation elements, and (iii) spreading compensation across short and long-term programs.

 

3.Compensation committee

 

3.1The Compensation Committee shall review the effectiveness and relevance of the Remuneration Policy at least on an annual basis, in order to assure appropriateness and validity thereof. Any material amendments to this Remuneration Policy will be presented at the General Meeting. Technical amendments may be made by the Compensation Committee if such amendments are necessary due to e.g. statutory, regulatory, tax or administrative reasons.

 

3.2The Compensation Committee’s recommendations may include the following components:

 

3.2.1fixed remuneration (fixed annual compensation and benefits);

 

3.2.2short-term incentives (annual cash or equity-based bonuses); and

 

3.2.3long-term incentives (cash and equity-based incentives).

 

4.Framework

 

4.1The Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors will have a service agreement with the Company.

 

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4.2The Company shall provide for an appropriate indemnification of costs and/or damages and the Company obtains professional Directors and Officers Liability Insurance.

 

4.3Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors will be entitled to the reimbursement of reasonable and necessary business expenses.

 

4.4The Company or its group companies will not grant Executive Directors or Non-Executive Directors any personal loans, advances or guarantees.

 

5.incentive Plan

 

5.1The Company has established the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan, which was adopted by the General Meeting. Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors are eligible to participate in the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Under the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan the Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors may be granted shares or rights to acquire those shares pursuant to the Plan and subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee.

 

5.2Each Executive Director or Non-Executive Director may receive up to 25,000 stock options under the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan or any amended or future plan each year. These stock option will vest in one year at IPO price or at a price determined by the Compensation Committee.

 

6.remuneration executive directors

 

6.1The remuneration of Executive Directors is aimed at (i) retaining Executive Directors critical to our success and the enhancement of shareholder value; (ii) providing fair and competitive compensation; (iii) balancing the interests of management and our shareholders; and (iv) rewarding performance, both on an individual basis and with respect to the business in general.

 

6.2Various factors will be considered for the remuneration of Executive Directors when designing and establishing, reviewing and making recommendations for compensation arrangements for all our Executive Directors including the relative complexity of the role within the organization, the performance and potential for future advancement and pay equity considerations.

 

6.3Based on the principles as referred to in Clause 2 and this Clause 6, the structure of the remuneration of the Executive Directors shall be as follows:

 

6.3.1Fixed remuneration;

 

(i)Base salary recognizes the value of an individual to our company based on his or her role, skill, performance, contributions, leadership and potential. It is critical in attracting and retaining executive talent in the markets in which we compete for talent. Base salaries for the Executive Directors are intended to be reviewed annually. Any change in base salary of an Executive Director is generally determined by an assessment of such executive’s performance, a consideration of competitive compensation levels in companies similar to the Company and a review of our performance as a whole and the role such executive officer played in such corporate performance.

 

(ii)The base salary to be awarded is determined by the Board within the scope of $100,000 to $500,000.

 

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6.3.2Long-term incentives (cash and equity-based incentives);

 

(i)Stock options can be granted to Executive Directors as stock option grants serve our executive compensation philosophy in several ways: firstly, it helps attract, retain, and motivate talent; secondly, it aligns the interests of the Executive Directors with those of the shareholders by linking a specific portion of the officer’s total pay opportunity to the share price; and finally, it provides long-term accountability for Executive Directors.

 

(ii)The Executive Directors may be granted awards under the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan or any amended or future plan.

 

6.3.3Short-term incentives (annual cash bonuses);

 

(i)Executive Directors are eligible to receive cash bonuses annually as determined by the Compensation Committee of up to 200% of their annual salary.

 

6.4The service agreements with the Company do contain severance provisions. All severance plans will be subject to written contracts and will be reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee.

 

6.5Executive Directors may also have employment or service agreements with other group companies than the Company. Employment or service agreements may include a severance provision providing that if such other group company terminates such employment or service agreement, the Executive Director (in his capacity as an employee of or provider of services to the relevant other Group company) may be entitled to severance payments as defined in the employment or service agreements, as approved by the Compensation Committee.

 

6.6In addition, certain benefits may be provided to Executive Directors. These other benefits can include medical insurance, life assurance, retirement benefits and representation allowances.

 

6.7In addition, Executive Directors may receive paid annual vacation time of up to 30 working days per year and a company car.

 

6.8In addition to the annual fixed compensation and certain other benefits, the Executive Directors may benefit from collective pension plans implemented by the Company or its group companies with whom they have entered into an employment or service agreement, in line with local practices.

 

6.9In accordance with Dutch law, the variable remuneration of the Executive Directors may be adjusted, (partly) recovered or reduced if certain circumstances apply:

 

6.9.1pursuant to Dutch law, any variable remuneration payable to an Executive Director may be adjusted by the Board to an appropriate level if payment of the variable remuneration were to be unacceptable according to the criteria of reasonableness and fairness;

 

6.9.2the Company will have the authority under Dutch law to recover from an Executive Director any variable remuneration paid on the basis of incorrect financial or other data.

 

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7.remuneration non-executive directors

 

7.1Based on the principles as referred to in Clause 2 of this Remuneration Policy, the structure of the remuneration of the Executive Directors shall be as follows:

 

7.1.1Fixed remuneration;

 

(i)Elements of annual fixed remuneration are set at appropriate levels taking into account various factors such as the nature of the role, the experience and performance of the individual, and local and sector market practice amongst peers of a similar size and scope to the Company and its group companies.

 

(ii)The following annual fixed remuneration is payable by the Company to the Non-Executive Directors (in their capacity as such): USD $42,000

 

7.1.2Long-term incentives (cash and equity-based incentives);

 

(i)The Non-Executive Directors may be granted awards under the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan or any amended or future plan.

 

(ii)Such awards are limited to 200% of annual compensation of the Non-Executive Directors.

 

7.1.3Short-term incentives (annual cash or equity based bonuses);

 

(a)Such awards are limited to 200% of annual compensation of the Non-Executive Directors.

 

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Schedule 1 LIST OF DEFINITIONS

 

In this Remuneration Policy the following terms have the following meanings:

 

Articles of Association” means the articles of association of the Company;

 

Board” means the board of the Company;

 

Company” means Mainz Biomed N.V., a public company under Dutch law;

 

Compensation Committee” means the compensation committee of the Board;

 

Executive Director” means an executive director of the Company;

 

General Meeting” means the general meeting of the Company;

 

Non-Executive Director” means a non-executive director of the Company;

 

Remuneration Policy” means this remuneration policy;

 

Save where the context dictates otherwise, in this Remuneration Policy:

 

(a)words and expressions expressed in the singular form also include the plural form, and vice versa;

 

(b)words and expressions expressed in the masculine form also include the feminine form;

 

(c)a reference to a paragraph or a schedule is a reference to a paragraph or a schedule of this Remuneration Policy;

 

(d)a reference to a statutory provision counts as a reference to this statutory provision including all amendments, additions and replacing legislation that may apply from time to time; and

 

(e)“in writing” means by letter, by telecopier, by e-mail, or by message which is transmitted via any other current means of communication and which can be received in written form.

 

Headings of clauses and other headings in this Remuneration Policy are inserted for ease of reference and do not form part of the Remuneration Policy concerned for the purpose of interpretation.

 

 

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Exhibit 99.6

 

MAINZ BIOMED N.V.

 

2022 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

 

SECTION 1. Establishment and Purpose.

 

(a) Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the interests of Mainz Biomed N.V., a corporation incorporated in the Netherlands (the “Corporation”), and its shareholders by providing eligible employees, directors and consultants with additional incentives to remain with the Corporation and its affiliated entities and subsidiaries, to increase their efforts to make the Corporation more successful, to reward such persons by providing an opportunity to acquire Ordinary Shares and to attract and retain the best available personnel to participate in the ongoing business operations of the Corporation. The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, Share Appreciation Rights, Performance Units and Performance Shares.

 

(b) Adoption and Term. The Plan has been adopted by the Board of Directors, and subject to the approval of the general meeting of the Corporation, is effective______, 2022. The Plan will remain in effect until terminated or abandoned by action of the Board of Directors except as otherwise provided in Section 16.

 

SECTION 2. Definitions.

 

(a) “Applicable Laws means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Ordinary Shares are listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.

 

(b) “Award means the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, Share Appreciation Rights, Performance Units or Performance Shares made pursuant to the Plan.

 

(c) “Award Agreement means an agreement entered into by the Corporation and the Participant setting forth the terms applicable to an Award granted to the Participant under the Plan.

 

(d) “Board of Directors” or “Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation, as constituted from time to time.

 

(e) “Cause means (i) conviction of, or the entry of a plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony or any other crime that causes the Corporation public disgrace or disrepute, or adversely affects the Corporation’s operations, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or interests, (ii) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Corporation, including, without limitation fraud, embezzlement, theft or dishonesty in the course of his or her employment; (iii) alcohol abuse or use of controlled drugs other than in accordance with a physician’s prescription; (iv) refusal, failure or inability to perform any material obligation or fulfill any duty (other than any duty or obligation of the type described in clause (6) below) to the Corporation (other than due to a disability), which failure, refusal or inability is not cured within 10 days after delivery of notice thereof; (v) material breach of any agreement with or duty owed to the Corporation; or (vi) any breach of any obligation or duty to the Corporation (whether arising by statute, common law, contract or otherwise) relating to confidentiality, noncompetition, nonsolicitation or proprietary rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant and the Corporation have entered into an employment agreement, consulting agreement or other similar agreement that specifically defines “Cause,” then with respect to such Participant, “Cause” shall have the meaning defined in that employment agreement, consulting agreement or other agreement.

 

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(f) “Change of Control means the occurrence of any of the following, in one transaction or a series of related transactions: (i) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becoming a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Corporation representing more than 50% of the voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding capital stock; (ii) a consolidation, share exchange, reorganization or merger of the Corporation resulting in the shareholders of the Corporation immediately prior to such event not owning at least a majority of the voting power of the resulting entity’s securities outstanding immediately following such event or, if the resulting entity is a direct or indirect subsidiary of the entity whose securities are issued in such transaction(s), the voting power of such issuing entity’s securities outstanding immediately following such event; (iii) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Corporation (other than a transfer of financial assets made in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of securitization or any similar purpose); (iv) a change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any period of 24 consecutive months by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election; (v) a liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation; or (vi) any similar event deemed by the Committee to constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, a transaction or a series of related transactions will not constitute a Change in Control if such transaction(s) result(s) in the Corporation, any successor to the Corporation, or any successor to the Corporation’s business, being controlled, directly or indirectly, by the same person or persons who controlled the Corporation, directly or indirectly, immediately before such transaction(s).

 

(g “Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(h) “Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or such other committee or individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 3 hereof.

 

(i) “Consultant means any person other than an Employee, engaged by the Corporation or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.

 

(j)    “Corporation means Mainz Biomed N.V., a corporation incorporated in the Netherlands and, where applicable, its Subsidiaries.

 

(k)    “Date of Grant means the date on which the Committee grants an Award pursuant to the Plan.

 

(l) “Directors” means a directors of the Corporation.

 

(m) “Disability means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Committee in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Committee from time to time.

 

(n)    “Effective Date means_______________, 2022.

 

(o) “Employee means any individual who is a common-law employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary.

 

(p) “Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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(q) “Exchange Program means a program established by the Committee under which outstanding Awards are amended to provide for a lower Exercise Price or surrendered or cancelled in exchange for (i) Awards with a lower exercise price, (ii) a different type of Award or awards under a different equity incentive plan, (iii) cash, or (iv) a combination of (i), (ii) and/or (iii). Notwithstanding the preceding, the term Exchange Program does not include any (i) action described in Section 13 or any action taken in connection with a Change in Control transaction or (ii) transfer or other disposition permitted under Section 13.

 

(r) “Exercise Price with respect to an Option, means the price per share at which an Optionee may exercise his Option to acquire all or a portion of the Ordinary Shares that are the subject of such Option, as determined by the Committee on the Date of Grant. Except with respect to Substitute Awards, in no event shall the Exercise Price of any Ordinary Shares made the subject of an Option, be less than (i) the higher of (a) the Fair Market Value on the Date of Grant and (b) the nominal value of an Ordinary Share or (ii) for 10% Shareholders, (a) the higher of 110% of the Fair Market Value on the Date of Grant and (b) the nominal value of an Ordinary Share.

 

(s) “Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of Ordinary Shares determined as follows:

 

(i) If the Ordinary Shares are listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sale price for such Ordinary Shares (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable;

 

(ii) If the Ordinary Shares are regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, or if the Ordinary Shares are quoted on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) market, be that the OTCQB, OTCBB or Pink Sheets, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Ordinary Shares on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal, the OTC, or such other source as the Committee deems reliable;

 

(iii) For purposes of any Awards granted on the Registration Date, the Fair Market Value will be the initial price to the public as set forth in the final prospectus included within the registration statement in Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the initial public offering of the Corporation’s Ordinary Shares; or

 

(iv) In the absence of an established market for the Ordinary Shares, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors after taking into account such factors as the Board shall deem appropriate

 

(s) “Incentive Stock Option” or “ISO means a stock option intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422(b) of the Code.

 

(t) “Nonstatutory Option means a stock option not intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422(b) of the Code.

 

(u) “Officer means a person who is an officer of the Corporation within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(v) “Option means an ISO or Nonstatutory Option granted under the Plan and entitling the holder to purchase Ordinary Shares.

 

(w)    “Ordinary Shares means those ordinary shares, par value € 0.01 per share, of the Corporation as authorized by the Corporation’s Articles of Association, as amended.

 

(x) “Option Shares means those Ordinary Shares made the subject of an Option granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

(y) “Optionee means an individual who is granted an Option.

 

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(z) “Other Share-Based Award means an equity-based or equity-related Award, other than an Option, Performance Share, Performance Unit, SAR, Restricted Shares, or Restricted Share Unit, granted in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth under Section 11 (including upon the attainment of any performance goals or otherwise as permitted under the Plan).

 

(aa) “Outside Director means a member of the Board of Directors who is not an Employee.

 

(bb) “Participant means a person who has an outstanding Award under the Plan. The term Participant also refers to an Optionee.

 

(cc) “Performance Goal means a performance goal established by the Committee pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Plan.

 

(dd) “Performance Share means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of Performance Goals or other vesting criteria as the Committee may determine pursuant to Section 10.

 

(ee) “Performance Unit means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of Performance Goals or other vesting criteria as the Committee may determine and which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 10.

 

(ff) “Plan means this Mainz Biomed B.V. (to be renamed Mainz Biomed N.V.) 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

 

(gg) “Registration Date means the effective date of the first registration statement that is filed by the Corporation and declared effective pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, with respect to any class of the Corporation’s securities.

 

(hh) Restricted Shares” means those Ordinary Shares made the subject of an Award granted under the Plan.

 

(ii) “Restricted Share Unit means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 8. Each Restricted Share Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Corporation.

 

(jj) “Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.

 

(kk) “Section 16(b) means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

 

(ll) “Service means service as an Employee, Consultant or Outside Director.

 

(mm) “Share means an Ordinary Shares, as adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

 

(nn) “Share Appreciation Right” or “SAR means a right awarded to a Participant pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan, which shall entitle the Participant to receive cash, Ordinary Shares, other property or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee, in an amount equal to or otherwise based on the excess of (a) the Fair Market Value of an Ordinary Share at the time of exercise over (b) the exercise price of the right, as established by the Committee on the date the award is granted.

 

(oo) “Subsidiary means any corporation (other than the Corporation) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Corporation if 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. A corporation that attains the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date.

 

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(pp) “Substitute Award” means an Award granted under the Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity acquired by the Corporation or with which the Corporation combines.

 

SECTION 3. Administration.

 

(a) Committee of the Board of DirectorsThe Plan may be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or such other Committee or individuals as appointed by the Board to administer the Plan. Each Committee shall have such authority and be responsible for such functions as the Board of Directors has assigned to it. Members of the Committee shall serve for such period of time as the Board of Directors may determine and shall be subject to removal by the Board of Directors at any time. The Board of Directors may also at any time terminate the functions of the Committee and reassume all powers and authorities previously delegated to the Committee. If no Committee has been appointed, the entire Board of Directors shall administer the Plan.

 

To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.

 

(b) AuthoritySubject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the sole discretionary authority:

 

(i) to authorize the granting of Awards under the Plan;

 

(ii) to select the Employees, Consultants or Outside Directors who are to be granted Awards under the Plan and to determine the conditions subject to such Awards;

 

(iii) to construe and interpret the Plan;

 

(iv) to determine Fair Market Value;

 

(v) to establish and modify administrative rules for the Plan;

 

(vi) to impose such conditions and restrictions with respect to the Awards, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as it determines appropriate;

 

(vii) to execute or cause to be executed Award Agreements; and

 

(viii) generally, to exercise such power and perform such other acts in connection with the Plan and the Awards, and to make all determinations under the Plan as it may deem necessary or advisable or as required, provided or contemplated hereunder.

 

Any person delegated or designated by the Committee shall be subject to the same obligations and requirements imposed on the Committee and its members under the Plan.

 

(c) Exchange Program. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 3, the Committee shall not implement an Exchange Program without the approval of the majority of the members of the Committee.

 

(d) Delegation by the Committee. The Committee, in its sole discretion and on such terms and conditions as it may provide, may delegate all or any part of its authority and powers under the Plan to one or more Directors or officers of the Corporation; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its authority and powers (a) with respect to Section 3(c), (b) an Officer or (c) in any way which would jeopardize the Plan’s qualification under Code Section 162(m), if applicable, or Rule 16b-3.

 

(e) Indemnification. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Corporation shall indemnify each member of the Committee, the Board, and any Employee with duties under the Plan, against all liabilities and expenses (including any amount paid in settlement or in satisfaction of a judgment) reasonably incurred by the individual in connection with any claims against the individual by reason of the performance of the individual’s duties under the Plan. This indemnity shall not apply, however, if: (i) it is determined in the action, lawsuit, or proceeding that the individual is guilty of gross negligence or intentional misconduct in the performance of those duties; or (ii) the individual fails to assist the Corporation in defending against any such claim. The Corporation shall have the right to select counsel and to control the prosecution or defense of the suit. The Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any individual for any amount incurred through any settlement or compromise of any action unless the Corporation consents in writing to the settlement or compromise.

 

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SECTION 4. Eligibility and Award Limitations.

 

(a) Award Eligibility. Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors shall be eligible for the grant of Awards under the Plan. Only Employees shall be eligible for the grant of Incentive Stock Options.

 

(b) Award Limitations. The Corporation may apply limits on the grant of Awards during any fiscal year or any particular type or amount of Award.

 

SECTION 5. Shares Subject To The Plan.

 

(a) Shares Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 500,000 Shares (the “Initial Share Reserve”). The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Ordinary Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in this Section 5(a), plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 5(b).

 

(b) Lapsed Awards. To the extent an Award expires, is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised or, with respect to Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Corporation due to failure to vest, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options or Share Appreciation Rights the forfeited or repurchased Shares), which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Notwithstanding the foregoing (and except with respect to Restricted Shares that are forfeited rather than vested), Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units are repurchased by the Corporation or are forfeited to the Corporation, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will become available for future grant under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan.

 

SECTION 6. Terms And Conditions Of Stock Options.

 

(a) Power to Grant Options. Subject to the maximum per person share limitation in Section 4, the Committee may grant to such Employees or persons as the Committee may select, Options entitling the Optionee to purchase Ordinary Shares from the Corporation in such quantity, and on such terms and subject to such conditions not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as may be established by the Committee at the time of grant or pursuant to applicable resolution of the Committee, and as set forth in the Participant’s Option Award Agreement. Options granted under the Plan may be Nonstatutory Stock Options or Incentive Stock Options.

 

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(b) Optionee to Have No Rights as a Shareholder. An Optionee, or a transferee of an Optionee, shall have no rights as a shareholder of the Corporation with respect to the Ordinary Shares made subject to an Option unless and until such Optionee exercises such Option and is issued the shares purchased thereby. No adjustments shall be made for distributions, dividends, allocations, or other rights with respect to any Ordinary Shares prior to the exercise of such Option.

 

(c) Award Agreements. The terms of any Option shall be set forth in an Award Agreement in such form as the Committee shall from time to time determine. Each Award Agreement shall comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Committee may deem appropriate. In the event that any provision of an Option granted under the Plan shall conflict with any term in the Plan as constituted on the Date of Grant of such Option, the term in the Plan constituted on the Date of Grant of such Option shall control. No person shall have any rights under any Option granted under the Plan unless and until the Corporation and the Optionee have executed an Award Agreement setting forth the grant and the terms and conditions of the Option.

 

(d) Vesting. Unless a different vesting schedule is listed in an individual Award Agreement, the Shares subject to an Option granted under the Plan shall vest and become exercisable in accordance with the following schedule:

 

Completed Years of
Employment/Service
From Date of Grant
  Cumulative
Vesting
Percentage
1  25%
2  50%
3  75%
4 Years or more  100%

 

(e) Exercise Price and Procedures.

 

(1) Exercise Price. The Exercise Price means the price per share at which an Optionee may exercise his Option to acquire all or a portion of the Ordinary Shares that are the subject of such Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except with respect to Substitute Awards, in no event shall the Exercise Price of any Ordinary Shares made the subject of an Option be less than the higher of (i) the Fair Market Value of such Ordinary Shares, determined as of the Date of Grant, and (ii) the nominal value of an Ordinary Share.

 

(2) Exercise Procedures. Each Option granted under the Plan shall be exercised by providing written notice to the Committee, together with payment of the Exercise Price, which notice and payment must be received by the Committee on or before the earlier of (i) the date such Option expires, and (ii) the last date on which such Option may be exercised as provided in paragraph (f) below.

 

(3) Payment of Exercise Price. The Exercise Price times the number of the shares to be purchased upon exercise of an Option granted under the Plan shall be paid in full at the time of exercise. The Committee will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration for both types of Options may consist entirely of: (i) cash; (ii) check; (iii) promissory note, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, (iv) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Corporation, as the Committee determines in its sole discretion; (v) consideration received by the Corporation under a broker-assisted (or other) cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Corporation in connection with the Plan; (vi) by net exercise; (vii) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or (viii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.

 

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Unless the Committee determines otherwise at the time of a grant of an Option, all Options shall be exercisable by the Optionee on a “cashless” basis whereby such Optionee may, in lieu of paying the Exercise Price in cash, elect to pay the Exercise Price by surrendering a portion of the Options being exercised in exchange for Shares in accordance with the following formula:

 

  X = (Y(A-B))/A  
         
  Where,      
         
    X = The number of Shares to be issued to Optionee;
         
    Y = The number of Shares for which the Option is being exercised;
         
    A = The Fair Market Value of one Share at the time of exercise; and
         
    B = The Exercise Price.

 

(f) Effect of Termination of Service. Subject to paragraph (k) below regarding Special Rules for Incentive Stock Options, the following provisions shall govern the exercise of any Options granted to an Optionee that are vested and outstanding at the time Optionee’s Service ceases:

 

(1) Termination of Employment for Reasons Other than Death, Disability or a Termination for Cause. Should Optionee’s Service with the Corporation cease for any reason other than death, Disability or a termination for Cause (as determined by the Committee), then each Option shall remain exercisable until the close of business on the earlier of (i) 3 months following the date Optionee’s Service ceased or (ii) the expiration date of the Option.

 

(2) Termination of Employment Due to Death or Disability. Should Optionee’s Service cease due to death or Disability, then each Option shall remain exercisable until the close of business on the earlier of (i) the 12 month anniversary of the date Optionee’s Service ceased, or (ii) the expiration date of the Option.

 

(3) Termination for Cause. Should Optionee’s Service be terminated for Cause while his Option remains outstanding, each outstanding Option granted to Optionee (whether vested or unvested) shall terminate immediately and Optionee shall forfeit all rights with respect to such Award.

 

(g) Limited Transferability of Options. An Option shall be exercisable only by the Optionee during his lifetime and shall not be assignable or transferable other than by will or by the laws of inheritance following Optionee’s death.

 

(h) Acceleration of Exercise Vesting. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, the Committee, in its discretion, may allow the exercise in whole or in part, at any time after the Date of Grant, any Option held by an Optionee, which Option has not previously become exercisable. In the event of a Change of Control of the Corporation, any unvested equity award shall become 100% vested and exercisable on the date of the Change of Control. Options shall also become 100% vested in the event Optionee dies or becomes Disabled while employed.

 

(i) Modification, Extension, Cancellation and Regrant. Within the limitations of the Plan and after taking into account any possible adverse tax or accounting consequences, the Committee may modify, or extend outstanding Options or may accept the cancellation of outstanding Options (whether granted by the Corporation or another issuer) in return for the grant of new Options for the same or a different number of shares and at the same or a different Exercise Price. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an Option shall, without the consent of the Optionee, impair the Optionee’s rights or increase the Optionee’s obligations under such Option or cause a violation of Code Section 409A.

 

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(j) Term of Option. No Option shall have a term in excess of ten (10) years measured from the date that the Option is granted.

 

(k) Special Rules For Incentive Stock Options (“ISOs”). In addition to the provisions of this Section 6, the terms specified below shall be applicable to all Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan. Except as modified by the provisions of this paragraph (k), all of the provisions of the Plan shall be applicable to Incentive Stock Options. Options that are specifically designated as Nonstatutory Options are not subject to the terms of this paragraph (k).

 

(1) Eligibility. Incentive Options may only be granted to Employees.

 

(2) Dollar Limitation. The aggregate Fair Market Value of the Ordinary Shares (determined as of the Date of Grant) for which one or more Incentive Options granted to any Employee pursuant to the Plan may for the first time become exercisable as Incentive Options during any one calendar year shall not exceed $100,000. To the extent that an Optionee’s Options exceed that limit, they will be treated as Nonstatutory Options (but all of the other provisions of the Option shall remain applicable), with the first Options that were awarded to Optionee to be treated as Incentive Stock Options.

 

(3) Restrictions on Sale of Shares. Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option may not be sold by the Employee until the expiration of 12 months after exercise and 24 months from the Date of Grant. Shares that do not satisfy these restrictions shall be treated as a grant of Nonstatutory Options.

 

(4) Special Rules for Incentive Stock Options Granted to 10% Shareholder.

 

a. Exercise Price. If any Employee to whom an Incentive Stock Option is granted is a 10% Shareholder, the Exercise Price of the Incentive Stock Option must be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Corporation’s Ordinary Shares.

 

b. Term of Option. If any Employee to whom an Incentive Stock Option is granted is a 10% Shareholder, then the Option term shall not exceed five years measured from the date the Incentive Stock Option is granted.

 

c. Definition of 10% Shareholder. For purposes of the Plan, an Employee is deemed to be a “10% Shareholder” if he owns more than 10% of the Corporation or any Subsidiary.

 

(5) Special Rules for Exercise of Incentive Stock Options Following Termination of Employment.

 

a. Death or Disability. In order to preserve tax treatment as an Incentive Stock Option, Options granted to an Optionee who dies or becomes Disabled while employed must be exercised by the Optionee or his executor or beneficiary no later than (i) 12 months following the date of death or Disability, or (ii) the expiration date of the Incentive Stock Option, if earlier.

 

b. Termination For Reason Other Than Death or Disability. In order to preserve tax treatment as an Incentive Stock Option, an Optionee must exercise any vested and outstanding Incentive Stock Options no later than: (i) three (3) months following the date the Optionee terminates employment for any reason other than death or Disability; or (ii) the expiration date of the Incentive Stock Option if earlier.

 

(6) Miscellaneous. With respect to Incentive Stock Options, if this Plan does not contain any provision required to be included herein under Section 422 of the Code, such provision shall be deemed to be incorporated herein with the same force and effect as if such provision had been set out at length herein. To the extent any Option that is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option cannot so qualify, such Option, to that extent, shall be deemed to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option for all purposes of this Plan.

 

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(l) Shareholder Rights. Until the Shares covered by an Option are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Corporation or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Corporation), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Corporation will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.

 

SECTION 7. Restricted Shares.

 

(a) Grant of Restricted Shares. The Committee may cause the Corporation to issue shares of Restricted Shares under the Plan, subject to such restrictions, conditions and other terms as the Committee may determine in addition to those set forth herein.

 

(b) Establishment of Performance Criteria and Restrictions. Restricted Share Awards will be subject to time vesting under paragraph (f) of this Section 7. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, at the time a grant is made, prescribe restrictions in addition to or other than time vesting, including the satisfaction of corporate or individual performance objectives, which shall be applicable to all or any portion of the Restricted Shares. Corporate or individual performance criteria include, but are not limited to, designated levels or changes in total shareholder return, net income, total asset return, or such other financial measures or performance criteria as the Committee may select. Such restrictions shall be set forth in the Participant’s Restricted Share Agreement.

 

(c) Share Certificates and Transfer Restrictions. Restricted Shares awarded to a Participant may be held under the Participant’s name in a book entry account maintained by or on behalf of the Corporation. Upon vesting of the Restricted Shares, the Corporation will establish procedures regarding the delivery of share certificates or the transfer of shares in book entry form. None of the Restricted Shares may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of prior to the date on which such Restricted Shares vest in accordance with the Plan.

 

(d) Voting and Dividend Rights. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee either at the time Restricted Shares are awarded or at any time thereafter prior to the lapse of the restrictions, holders of Restricted Shares shall not have the right to vote such shares or the right to receive any dividends with respect to such shares, until such shares are vested. All distributions, if any, received by the Participant with respect to Restricted Shares as a result of any stock split, stock distributions, combination of shares, or other similar transaction shall be subject to the restrictions of the Plan.

 

(e) Award Agreements. The terms of the Restricted Shares granted under the Plan shall be as set forth in an Award Agreement in such form as the Committee shall from time to time determine. Each Award Agreement shall comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Committee may deem appropriate. No Person shall have any rights under the Plan unless and until the Corporation and the Participant have executed an Award Agreement setting forth the grant and the terms and conditions of the Restricted Shares. The terms of the Plan shall govern all Restricted Shares granted under the Plan. In the event that any provision of an Award Agreement shall conflict with any term in the Plan as constituted on the Date of Grant, the term in the Plan shall control.

 

(f) Time Vesting. Except as otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement, the Restricted Shares granted under the Plan will vest in accordance with the following schedule:

 

Completed Years of
Employment/Service
From Date of Grant
  Cumulative
Vesting Percentage
1  25%
2  50%
3  75%
4 Years or more  100%

 

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In the event a Participant terminates employment prior to 100% vesting, any Shares of Restricted Shares which are not vested shall be forfeited immediately and permanently. However, a Participant shall be 100% vested in his Restricted Shares in the event he terminates employment by reason of death or Disability. A Participant shall also be 100% vested in his Restricted Shares on the date of a Change of Control. If a Participant’s Service is terminated for Cause as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, his or her Restricted Share Award (whether vested or unvested) shall be forfeited immediately. The Committee may approve Restricted Share grants that provide alternate vesting schedules. Fractional shares shall be rounded down.

 

(g) Acceleration of VestingNotwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, the Board of Directors, in its discretion, may accelerate, in whole or in part, the vesting schedule applicable to a grant of Restricted Shares.

 

SECTION 8. Restricted Share Units

 

(a) Grant. Restricted Share Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Committee. After the Committee determines that it will grant Restricted Share Units under the Plan, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms, conditions, and restrictions (if any) related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Share Units.

 

(b) Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Committee will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Share Units that will be paid out to the Participant. The Committee may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Corporation-wide, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment), or any other basis (including the passage of time) determined by the Committee in its discretion. Unless a different vesting schedule is set forth in the Award Agreement, the following time vesting schedule will apply:

 

Completed Years of
Employment/Service
From Date of Grant
  Cumulative
Vesting Percentage
1  25%
2  50%
3  75%
4 Years or more  100%

 

(c) Earning of Restricted Share Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Committee and as set forth in the Award Agreement on the Date of Grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Share Units, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout as long as such reduction or waiver does not violate Code Section 409A.

 

(d) Dividend Equivalents. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, award dividend equivalents in connection with the grant of Restricted Share Units that may be settled in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.

 

(e) Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Share Units will be made upon the date(s) determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may settle earned Restricted Share Units in cash, Shares, or a combination of both. Timing and payment of Restricted Share Units will be subject to and structured to comply with the rules of Code Section 409A and the treasury regulations thereunder.

 

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(f) Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Share Units will be forfeited to the Corporation.

 

SECTION 9. Share Appreciation Rights.

 

(a) Grant. A Participant may be granted one or more Share Appreciation Rights under the Plan and such SARs shall be subject to such terms and conditions, consistent with the other provisions of the Plan, as shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. A SAR may relate to a particular Stock Option and may be granted simultaneously with or subsequent to the Stock Option to which it relates. Except to the extent otherwise modified in the grant, (i) SARs not related to a Stock Option shall be granted subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to Stock Options as set forth in Section 6, and (ii) all SARs related to Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be granted subject to the same restrictions and conditions and shall have the same vesting, exercisability, forfeiture and termination provisions as the Stock Options to which they relate. SARs may be subject to additional restrictions and conditions. The per-share base price for exercise or settlement of SARs shall be determined by the Committee, but shall be a price that is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value of such shares. Other than as adjusted pursuant to Section 13, the base price of SARs may not be reduced without the approval of the majority of the members of the Committee (including canceling previously awarded SARs and regranting them with a lower base price).

 

(b) Exercise and Payment. To the extent a SAR relates to a Stock Option, the SAR may be exercised only when the related Stock Option could be exercised and only when the Fair Market Value of the shares subject to the Stock Option exceed the exercise price of the Stock Option. When a Participant exercises such SARs, the Stock Options related to such SARs shall automatically be cancelled with respect to an equal number of underlying shares. Unless the Committee decides otherwise (in its sole discretion), SARs shall only be paid in cash or in Ordinary Shares. For purposes of determining the number of shares available under the Plan, each Share Appreciation Right shall count as one Ordinary Share, without regard to the number of shares, if any, that are issued upon the exercise of the Share Appreciation Right and upon such payment. Shares issuable in connection with a SAR are subject to the transfer restrictions under the Plan.

 

SECTION 10. Performance Units and Performance Shares.

 

(a) Grant of Performance Units/Shares. Subject to the terms of the Plan, Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to eligible Employees, Consultants or Outside Directors at any time and from time to time, as shall be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion. The Committee shall have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units and Performance Shares granted to each Participant.

 

(b) Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit shall have an initial value that is established by the Committee at the time of the grant. Each Performance Share shall have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. The Committee shall set performance goals in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number and/or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Participants. The time period during which the performance goals must be met shall be called a “Performance Period.”

 

(c) Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Committee will set Performance Goals or other vesting provisions (including, without limitation, continued status as an Employee, Consultant or Outside Director) in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to an Employee, Consultant or Outside Director. The time period during which the performance objectives or other vesting provisions must be met will be called the “Performance Period.” Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Committee, in its sole discretion, will determine. The Committee may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Corporation-wide, divisional, or individual goals, applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Committee in its discretion.

 

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(d) Measurement of Performance Goals. Performance Goals shall be established by the Committee on the basis of targets to be attained (“Performance Targets”) with respect to one or more measures of business or financial performance (each, a “Performance Measure”), subject to the following:

 

(i) Performance Measures. For each Performance Period, the Committee shall establish and set forth in writing the Performance Measures, if any, and any particulars, components and adjustments relating thereto, applicable to each Participant. The Performance Measures, if any, will be objectively measurable and will be based upon the achievement of a specified percentage or level in one or more objectively defined and non-discretionary factors preestablished by the Committee. Performance Measures may be one or more of the following, as determined by the Committee: (i) sales or non-sales revenue; (ii) return on revenues; (iii) operating income; (iv) income or earnings including operating income; (v) net income; (vi) pre-tax income or after-tax income; (vii) net income excluding amortization of intangible assets, depreciation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and/or excluding charges attributable to the adoption of new accounting pronouncements; (viii) raising of financing or fundraising; (ix) project financing; (x) revenue backlog; (xi) power purchase agreement backlog; (xii) gross margin; (xiii) operating margin or profit margin; (xiv) capital expenditures, cost targets, reductions and savings and expense management; (xv) return on assets (gross or net), return on investment, return on capital, or return on shareholder equity; (xvi) cash flow, free cash flow, cash flow return on investment (discounted or otherwise), net cash provided by operations, or cash flow in excess of cost of capital; (xvii) performance warranty and/or guarantee claims; (xviii) stock price or total shareholder return; (xix) earnings or book value per share (basic or diluted); (xx) economic value created; (xxi) pre-tax profit or after-tax profit; (xxii) strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified market penetration or market share, geographic business expansion, objective customer satisfaction or information technology goals; (xxiii) objective goals relating to divestitures, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions and similar transactions; (xxiv) construction projects consisting of one or more objectives based upon meeting project completion timing milestones, project budget, site acquisition, site development, or site equipment functionality; (xxv) objective goals relating to staff management, results from staff attitude and/or opinion surveys, staff satisfaction scores, staff safety, staff accident and/or injury rates, headcount, performance management, completion of critical staff training initiatives; (xxvi) objective goals relating to projects, including project completion timing milestones, project budget; (xxvii) key regulatory objectives; and (xxviii) enterprise resource planning.

 

(ii) Committee Discretion on Performance Measures. As determined in the discretion of the Committee, the Performance Measures for any Performance Period may (a) differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to Award, (b) be based on the performance of the Corporation as a whole or the performance of a specific Participant or one or more Subsidiaries, divisions, departments, regions, stores, segments, products, functions or business units of the Corporation, (c) be measured on a per share, per capita, per unit, per square foot, per employee, per branch basis, and/or other objective basis (d) be measured on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, and (e) be measured on an absolute basis or in relative terms (including, but not limited to, the passage of time and/or against other companies, financial metrics and/or an index). Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee shall adjust any performance criteria, Performance Measures or other feature of an Award that relates to or is wholly or partially based on the number of, or the value of, any stock of the Corporation, to reflect any stock dividend or split, repurchase, recapitalization, combination, or exchange of shares or other similar changes in such stock.

 

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(e) Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares shall be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Unit/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding Performance Goals have been achieved. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, after the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, and subject to restrictions under Applicable Laws such as Code Section 409A, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may waive the achievement of any performance goals for such Performance Unit/Share.

 

(f) Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares shall be made in a single lump sum, within 90 calendar days following the close of the applicable Performance Period. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate fair market value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in combination thereof. Prior to the beginning of each Performance Period, Participants may, if so permitted by the Corporation, elect to defer the receipt of any Performance Unit/Share payout upon such terms as the Committee shall determine.

 

(g) Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. Subject to the applicable Award Agreement, upon the earlier of (a) the Participant’s termination of employment, or (b) the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all remaining Performance Units/Shares shall be forfeited by the Participant to the Corporation, the Shares subject thereto shall again be available for grant under the Plan.

 

(h) Non-transferability. Performance Units/Shares may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further a Participant’s rights under the Plan shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or the Participant’s legal representative.

 

SECTION 11. Other Share-Based Awards.

 

(a) Other Stock-Based AwardsThe Committee may grant types of equity-based or equity-related Awards not otherwise described by the terms of the Plan (including the grant or offer for sale of unrestricted Shares), in amounts and subject to terms and conditions, determined by the Committee (including, if applicable, the attainment of any performance goals, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement). Other Share-Based Awards may involve the transfer of actual Shares to Participants, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of Shares. The terms and conditions of the Awards shall be consistent with the Plan and set forth in the Award Agreement and need not be uniform among all the Awards or all Participants receiving the Awards.

 

(b) Value of Awards. Each Other Share-Based Award shall be expressed in terms of Ordinary Shares or units based on Ordinary Shares, as determined by the Committee. The Committee may establish performance goals and/or criteria in its discretion, and any such performance goals and/or criteria shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If the Committee exercises its discretion to establish performance goals and/or criteria, the number and/or value of Other Share-Based Awards that will be paid out to the Participant will depend on the extent to which the performance goals and/or criteria are met.

 

(c) Payment of Awards. Payment, if any, with respect to an Other Share-Based Award shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Award, as set forth in the Award Agreement, in cash, Common Shares or a combination of cash and Common Shares, as the Committee determines.

 

(d) Vesting. The Committee shall determine the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to receive Other Share-Based Awards following the Participant’s termination of employment or service (including by reason of the Participant’s death, disability (as determined by the Committee), or termination for or without Cause or for or without Good Reason). These provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee and these provisions may be included in the applicable Award Agreement, but need not be uniform among all Other Share-Based Awards issued pursuant to the Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for the termination of employment or service.

 

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SECTION 12. Tax Withholding.

 

(a) Tax Withholding for Options. The Corporation shall be entitled, if the Committee deems it necessary or desirable, to withhold (or secure payment in cash in United States dollars from an Optionee or beneficiary in lieu of withholding) the amount of any withholding or other tax required by law to be withheld or paid by the Corporation with respect to any amount payable and/or Ordinary Shares issuable under such Optionee’s Option, and the Corporation may defer payment or issuance of the Ordinary Shares upon such Optionee’s exercise of an Option unless indemnified to its satisfaction against any liability for such tax. The amount of any such withholding shall be determined by the Corporation.

 

(b) Tax Withholding for Restricted Shares and Other Awards. When a Participant incurs tax liability in connection with the vesting, lapse of a restriction or distribution of Restricted Shares or other Award, and the Participant is obligated to pay an amount required to be withheld under applicable tax laws, the Committee shall establish procedures to satisfy the withholding tax obligation. The Participant also has the option to make payment in cash in United States dollars pursuant to procedures established by the Corporation. The amount of any such withholding shall be determined by the Corporation.

 

SECTION 13. Adjustment of Shares and Representations.

 

(a) General. Should any change be made to the Ordinary Shares by reason of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, combination of shares, exchange of shares or other change affecting the outstanding Ordinary Shares as a class without the Corporation’s receipt of consideration, the Committee shall make appropriate adjustments to (i) the maximum number and/or class of securities issuable pursuant to the Plan, (ii) the number and/or class of securities and the Exercise Price per share in effect for each outstanding Option in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of benefits, (iii) the number of shares of Restricted Shares granted; or (iv) the number of Performance Shares awarded, if applicable. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Corporation may require the person exercising such Option to make such representations and warranties at the time of any such exercise as the Corporation may at that time determine, including without limitation, representations and warranties that (i) the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares in violation of applicable federal or state securities laws, and (ii) such person is knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business matters and is capable of evaluating the merits and the risks associated with purchasing the Shares.

 

The inability of the Corporation to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Corporation’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares under this Plan, shall relieve the Corporation of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

 

(b) Mergers and Consolidations. In the event that the Corporation is a party to a Change of Control, outstanding Awards that are not yet vested shall be subject to the agreement of merger or consolidation or asset sale. Such agreement, without the Participant’s consent, may provide for:

 

(i) The continuation of such outstanding Awards by the Corporation (if the Corporation is the surviving Corporation);

 

(ii) The assumption of the Plan and such outstanding Awards by the surviving Corporation;

 

(iii) The substitution by the surviving Corporation of options with substantially the same terms for such outstanding Awards; [shouldn’t #2 and #3 be acceleration events]

 

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(iv) Such other action as the Board of Directors determines.

 

Each Option that is assumed or otherwise continued in effect in connection with a Change of Control shall be appropriately adjusted, immediately after such Change of Control, to apply to the number and class of securities which would have been issuable to the Optionee in connection with the consummation of such Change of Control, had the Option been exercised immediately prior to such Change of Control.

 

(c) Reservation of Rights. Except as provided in this Section 13, a Participant shall have no Shareholder rights by reason of (i) any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, or (ii) any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class. Any issuance by the Corporation of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or Exercise Price of shares subject to an Option. The grant of an Option pursuant to the Plan shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Corporation to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or business structure, to merge or consolidate or to dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

 

SECTION 14. Miscellaneous.

 

(a) Regulatory Approvals. The implementation of the Plan, the granting of any Options, Restricted Shares or Performance Unit/Performance Share Awards under the Plan, and the issuance of any Ordinary Shares upon the exercise of any Option, lapse of restrictions on Restricted Shares, or payout of Performance Share Award shall be subject to the Corporation’s procurement of all approvals and permits required by regulatory authorities, if any, including applicable securities laws having jurisdiction over the Plan, the Options or Restricted Shares granted, and the Ordinary Shares issued pursuant to it.

 

(b) Strict Construction. No rule of strict construction shall be implied against the Committee, the Corporation or Subsidiary or any other person in the interpretation of any of the terms of the Plan, any Award granted under the Plan or any rule or procedure established by the Committee.

 

(c) Choice of Law. All determinations made and actions taken pursuant to the Plan shall be governed by the internal laws of [the State of New York] and construed in accordance therewith.

 

(d) Compliance With Code Section 409A. Awards will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Code Section 409A such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A. The Plan and each Award Agreement under the Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A (or an exemption therefrom) and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Committee. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Code Section 409A, the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Code Section 409A (or an exemption therefrom), such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A. In no event will the Corporation be responsible for or reimburse a Participant for any taxes or other penalties incurred as a result of applicable of Code Section 409A.

 

(e) Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Committee makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Committee. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.

 

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(f) Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

 

(i) Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Corporation with respect to such compliance.

 

(ii) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Corporation may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, such a representation is required.

 

(g) Shareholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the shareholders of the Corporation within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such shareholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.

 

SECTION 15. No Employment or Service Retention Rights.

 

Nothing in the Plan or in any Award granted under the Plan shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in Service for any period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Corporation (or any Subsidiary employing or retaining the Participant) or of the Participant, which rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate his or her Service at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

 

SECTION 16. Duration and Amendments.

 

(a) Term of the Plan. The Plan, as set forth herein, shall become effective on the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of the Corporation’s shareholders. In the event that the shareholders fail to approve the Plan within 12 months after its adoption by the Board of Directors, any grants of Awards that have already occurred for which shareholder approval is a prerequisite for the granting of such Awards, shall be rescinded, and no such additional grants or awards shall be made thereafter under the Plan. The Plan shall terminate automatically ten (10) years after its adoption only with respect to the Corporation’s ability to grant ISOs under the Plan and may be terminated at any date by the Board of Directors pursuant to paragraph (b) below.

 

(b) Right to Amend or Terminate the Plan. The Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time and for any reason; provided, however, that certain amendments, including amendments that increase the number of Ordinary Shares available for issuance under the Plan (except as provided in Section 13) or change the class of persons who are eligible for the grant of ISOs, shall be subject to the approval of the Corporation’s shareholders. The Corporation will obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.

 

(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan will impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Committee, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Corporation. No Ordinary Shares shall be issued or sold under the Plan after the termination thereof, except upon exercise of an Option granted prior to such termination. The termination of the Plan, or any amendment thereof, shall not affect any shares of Restricted Shares or Performance Shares previously issued or any Option previously granted under the Plan.

 

SECTION 17. Execution.

 

To record the adoption of the Plan by the Board of Directors, the Corporation has caused its authorized officer to execute the same.

 

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  MAINZ BIOMED N.V.
   
  By:    
  Title:  
  Date:  

 

 

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