DEF 14A 1 formdef14a.htm

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

WORKSPORT LTD.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

 

No fee required.
   
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

  1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
     
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
   
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

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November 8, 2021

 

Dear Stockholder:

 

You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Worksport Ltd., which will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time. This year’s Annual Meeting will be a virtual meeting, conducted solely online. Hosting a virtual meeting will enable our stockholders to attend online and participate from any location around the world, and support the health and well-being of our management, directors and stockholders. Stockholders will be able to attend the Annual Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021.

 

At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to: (1) elect five directors (2) to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation (the “say on pay vote”) (3) ratify the appointment of Haynie & Co. as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021 and (4) approve an amendment to our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. The Board of Directors believes that the proposals being submitted for stockholder approval are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and recommends a vote consistent with the Board’s recommendation for each proposal.

 

It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting regardless of the size of your holdings. Whether or not you plan to participate in the Annual Meeting online, please take the time to vote online, by telephone or, if you receive a printed proxy card, by returning a marked, signed and dated proxy card. If you participate in the Annual Meeting online, you may also vote your shares online at that time if you wish, even if you have previously submitted your vote.

 

  Sincerely,
   
  /s/ Steven Rossi
  Steven Rossi
  CEO and Director

 

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Worksport Ltd.

7299 E Danbro Cres.

Mississaugua, Ontario L5N 6P8

888-554-8789

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Notice is hereby given that the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Worksport Ltd. (the “Company”) will be held virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021 at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday December 20, 2021 for the following purposes:

 

1. To elect as directors the five nominees named in the Proxy Statement to serve for the ensuing year and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.

 

2. To hold an advisory vote on executive compensation (the “say on pay vote”).

 

3. To hold an advisory vote on the frequency of the holding the say on pay vote on executive compensation.

 

4. To ratify the appointment of Haynie & Co. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.

 

5. To approve the amendment to the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan; and

 

6. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

These proposals are more fully described in the Proxy Statement following this Notice.

 

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on, October 29, 2021 as the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, only stockholders of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

Only stockholders and persons holding proxies from stockholders may attend the Annual Meeting. To participate in the Annual Meeting online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021 you will need the information included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, your proxy card or the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials.

 

By order of the Board of Directors,  
   
/s/ Steven Rossi  
Steven Rossi  
CEO and Director  
November 8, 2021  

 

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PROXY STATEMENT

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS 2
   
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS 4
   
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE 9
   
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 10
   
MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING 11
   
PROPOSAL No. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 11
   
PROPOSAL No. 2: SAY ON PAY 13
   
PROPOSAL No. 3: FREQUENCY VOTE ON SAY ON PAY 16
   
PROPOSAL No. 4: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 17
   
PROPOSAL No. 5: APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S 2015 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN 18
   
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 18
   
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS 20
   
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS 21
   
OTHER MATTERS 21
   
EXHIBIT 1 – 2015 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN 21

 

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PROXY STATEMENT

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

 

Q: Why did I receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials?

 

A: In accordance with rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we have elected to deliver this proxy statement and our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K to the majority of our stockholders online in lieu of mailing printed copies of these materials to each of our stockholders (the “Notice Process”). If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) by mail, you will not receive printed copies of our proxy materials unless you request them. Instead, the Notice provides instructions on how to access this proxy statement and our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K online, as well as how to obtain printed copies of these materials by mail. We believe that the Notice Process allows us to provide our stockholders with the information they need in a more timely manner than if we had elected to mail printed materials, while reducing the environmental impact of, and lowering the costs associated with, the printing and distribution of our proxy materials.

 

The Notice is being mailed on or about November 10, 2021 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 29, 2021 and this proxy statement and our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K will be available at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021 beginning on November 10, 2021. If you received a Notice by mail, but would rather receive printed copies of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice. You will not receive a Notice if you have previously elected to receive printed copies of our proxy materials.

 

Q: Can I vote my shares by filling out and returning the Notice?

 

A: No. However, the Notice contains instructions on how to vote your shares: (i) before the date of the Annual Meeting by way of completing and submitting your proxy online, by phone or by requesting and returning a written proxy card by mail, or (ii) at the Annual Meeting online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021.

 

Q: How do I participate in the Annual Meeting?

 

A: To participate in the Annual Meeting, go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021 at the time and date of the Annual Meeting and enter the sixteen-digit control number included on your Notice, your proxy card or the instructions from your broker that accompanied your proxy materials.

 

Q: Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

 

A: Holders of our common stock at the close of business on October 29, 2021, the record date for the Annual Meeting established by our Board of Directors, are entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote their shares at the Annual Meeting and any related adjournments or postponements.

 

At the close of business on October 29, 2021, there were [______] shares of common stock outstanding. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share.

 

Q: What is the difference between a stockholder of record and a stockholder who holds Worksport shares in street name?

 

A: If your shares are registered in your name, you are a stockholder of record. If your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank or other holder of record, your shares are held in street name.

 

You may examine a list of the stockholders of record as of the close of business on October 29, 2021 for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting during normal business hours during the 10-day period preceding the date of the meeting at 7299 E Danbro Cres. Mississaugua, Ontario L5N 6P8.

 

Q: What shares are included on the enclosed proxy card?

 

A: If you are a stockholder of record only, you will receive one proxy card from Broadridge for all shares of Worksport common stock that you hold. If you hold your shares in street name through one or more banks, brokers and/or other holders of record, you will receive proxy materials, together with voting instructions and information regarding the consolidation of your votes, from the third party or parties through which you hold your shares. If you are a stockholder of record and hold additional shares in street name, you will receive proxy materials from Broadridge and the third party or parties through which you hold your shares.

 

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Q: What are the quorum requirements for the Annual Meeting?

 

A: The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders having one-third of the total votes entitled to be cast by holders of Worksport common stock at the Annual Meeting constitutes a quorum. Stockholders who participate in the Annual Meeting online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021 will be deemed to be in person attendees for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been met. Shares of Worksport common stock represented by proxy will be treated as present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum, without regard to whether the proxy is marked as casting a vote or abstaining.

 

Q: What matters will stockholders vote on at the Annual Meeting?

 

A: Stockholders will vote on the following proposals:

 

Proposal 1—to elect five members of the Worksport Board of Directors, each to hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting of stockholders or until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified (or, if earlier, such director’s removal or resignation from the Board);

 

Proposal 2—an advisory vote on executive compensation (the “say on pay vote”);

 

Proposal 3—an advisory vote on frequency of holding say on pay vote;

 

Proposal 4—to ratify the appointment of Haynie & Co, as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2021 fiscal year;

 

Proposal 5—to approve an amendment to our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan; and

 

●to transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any related adjournments or postponements.

 

Q: What are my voting choices when voting for director nominees and what votes are required to elect directors to the Board of Directors?

 

A: You may vote in favor of all director nominees, withhold votes as to all director nominees or vote in favor of and withhold votes as to specific director nominees.

 

The election of each of our director nominees requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the total number of votes cast by holders of shares of common stock, with each share of common stock representing the right to one vote, respectively.

 

The Board recommends that our stockholders vote FOR the election of each of the director nominees.

 

Q: What are my voting choices when voting on the advisory say on pay proposal and what votes are required to approve the proposal?

 

A: You may vote in favor of the advisory proposal, vote against the advisory proposal or abstain from voting on the advisory proposal.

 

The approval, on an advisory basis, of the say on pay proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of shares of common stock present at the Annual Meeting in person or represented by proxy and voting together. As an advisory vote, the outcome is not binding upon the Company.

 

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The Board recommends a vote FOR the advisory vote on executive compensation.

 

Q: What are my voting choices when voting on the advisory proposal on the frequency of holding the say on pay vote and what votes are required to approve the proposal?

 

A: You may vote in favor of holding the say on pay vote every year, every two years or every three years, or abstain from voting on this advisory proposal.

 

The approval, on an advisory basis, of the frequency of holding the say on pay vote in the future requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of shares of common stock present at the Annual Meeting in person or represented by proxy and voting together. However, if no choice receives a majority of votes, then the option on the frequency of the advisory vote that receives the highest number of votes cast by stockholders will be considered by the Board as the stockholders’ recommendation as to the frequency of holding future say on pay votes.

 

As an advisory vote, the votes cast in connection with this proposal are not binding upon the Company. While the Board is making a recommendation with respect to this proposal, stockholders are being asked to vote for one of the choices specified above, and not whether they agree or disagree with the Board’s recommendation.

 

The Board recommends a vote for holding the say on pay vote once EVERY THREE YEARS.

 

Q: What are my voting choices when voting on the ratification of the appointment of Haynie & Co. as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021 and what votes are required to ratify this appointment?

 

A: You may vote in favor of the ratification, vote against the ratification or abstain from voting on the ratification.

 

The ratification of the appointment of Haynie & Co. as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021 requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of shares of common stock present at the Annual Meeting in person or represented by proxy and voting together.

 

The Board recommends that our stockholders vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Haynie & Co. as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021.

 

Q: What are my voting choices when voting on the approval of the amendment to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan?

 

A: You may vote in favor of the amendment, vote against the amendment or abstain from voting on the amendment.

 

The approval of the amendment to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of shares of common stock present at the Annual Meeting in person or represented by proxy and voting together.

 

The Board recommends that our stockholders vote FOR the amendment to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Q: Could other matters be decided at the Annual Meeting?

 

A: As of the date of this proxy statement, we did not know of any matters to be raised at the Annual Meeting, other than those referred to in this proxy statement.

 

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If other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration, the officers who have been designated as proxies for the Annual Meeting will have the discretion to vote on those matters for stockholders who have submitted their proxy.

 

Q: What do I need to do now to vote at the Annual Meeting?

 

A: The Board of Directors is soliciting proxies for use at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders may submit proxies to instruct the designated proxies to vote their shares in any of three ways:

 

Submitting a Proxy Online: Submit your proxy online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021 Internet proxy voting is available 24 hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on Tuesday, December 19, 2021;

 

Submitting a Proxy by Telephone: Submit your proxy by telephone by using the toll-free telephone number provided on your proxy card (1.800.690.6903). Telephone voting is available 24 hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on Tuesday, December 19, 2021; or

 

Submitting a Proxy by Mail: If you choose to submit your proxy by mail, simply mark, date and sign your proxy and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided or to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717.

 

You may also participate in the Annual Meeting online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021 and vote your shares online at that time, even if you have previously submitted your vote. To do so, you will need the sixteen-digit control number included on your Notice, your proxy card or the instructions from your broker that accompanied your proxy materials.

 

For shares of common stock held in street name, holders may submit a proxy online or by telephone before the date of the Annual Meeting if their broker, bank and/or other holder of record makes these methods available. If you submit a proxy online or by telephone, DO NOT request and return a printed proxy card from us or from your broker, bank and/or other holder of record. If you hold your shares through a broker, bank and/or other holder of record, follow the voting instructions you receive from your broker, bank and/or other holder of record.

 

Q: If I hold my shares in street name, will my broker, bank or other holder of record vote my shares for me?

 

A: If you hold your shares of common stock in street name, you must provide your broker, bank and/or other holder of record with instructions in order to vote these shares. If you do not provide voting instructions, whether your shares can be voted depends on the type of item being considered for a vote.

 

Non-Discretionary Items. The election of directors and the approval of the amendment to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan are non-discretionary items and may NOT be voted on by your broker, bank and/or other holder of record absent specific voting instructions from you. If you do not provide your bank, broker and/or other holder of record with voting instructions, your shares of common stock will be represented by “broker non-votes” in the case of this proposal.

 

Discretionary Items. The ratification of Haynie & Co. as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021 is a discretionary item. Generally, brokers, banks and/or other holders of record that do not receive voting instructions from you may vote on this proposal in their discretion and these votes will be counted for purposes of determining a quorum.

 

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Q: What effect do abstentions and broker non-votes have on quorum requirements and the voting results for each proposal to be voted on at the Annual Meeting?

 

A: Abstentions and shares represented by broker non-votes are counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum. Abstentions are treated as shares present and entitled to vote and, as a result, have the same effect as a vote against any proposal for which the voting standard is based on the number of shares present at the Annual Meeting (the auditor ratification proposal) and have no impact on the vote on any proposal for which the vote standard is based on the votes cast at the meeting (the election of directors). Shares represented by broker non-votes are not treated as shares entitled to vote and, as a result, have no effect on the outcome of any of the proposals to be voted on by stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

 

Q: Can I change my vote or revoke my proxy?

 

A: Yes. If you are a stockholder of record, you may change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before the polls close at the Annual Meeting by:

 

●submitting a later-dated proxy relating to the same shares online, by telephone or by mail before the date of the Annual Meeting;

 

●delivering a written notice, bearing a date later than your proxy, stating that you revoke the proxy; or

 

●participating in the Annual Meeting and voting online at that time at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021 (although virtual attendance at the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, change your vote or revoke a proxy).

 

To change your vote or revoke your proxy before the date of the Annual Meeting, follow the instructions provided on your Notice, proxy card or proxy materials to do so online or by telephone, or send a written notice or a new proxy card to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717.

 

If you hold your shares of common stock through a broker, bank and/or other holder of record, follow the instructions that you receive from your broker, bank and/or other holder of record if you wish to change your vote or revoke your proxy.

 

Q: What if I do not specify a choice for a matter when returning a proxy?

 

A: If you do not give specific instructions, proxies that are signed and returned will be voted FOR the election of all director nominees, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Haynie & Co as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2021 fiscal year and FOR the amendment to the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Q: How are proxies solicited and who bears the related costs?

 

A: Worksport bears all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies. In addition to solicitations by mail, directors, officers and employees of Worksport may solicit proxies from stockholders by various means, including by telephone, e-mail, letter or in person. Following the initial mailing of the Notice and proxy materials, we will request brokers, banks and other holders of record to forward copies of these materials to persons for whom they hold shares of common stock and to request authority for the exercise of proxies. In such cases, Worksport, upon the request of these holders of record, will reimburse these parties for their reasonable expenses.

 

Q: What should I do if I have questions regarding the Annual Meeting?

 

A: If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting, the various proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting and/or how to participate in the Annual Meeting online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021 and vote at that time and/or would like copies of any of the documents referred to in this proxy statement, contact Worksport Investor Relations at [tel] or [email]

 

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Q: Where can I find more information about Worksport?

 

A: Worksport filed its 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC on April 13, 2021. That report, together with other corporate filings are available for your review on the Internet by visiting the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. Copies of any reports, including exhibits, will be furnished to stockholders upon written request. All written requests should be directed to: Worksport Corporate Secretary 7299 E Danbro Cres. Mississaugua, Ontario L5N 6P8.

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which requires that we file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website on the Internet that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants, including us, that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s website address is www.sec.gov. In addition, our Exchange Act filings may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities of the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of the material may also be obtained upon request and payment of the appropriate fee from the Public Reference Section of the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.

 

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of our common stock (“Section 16 Insiders”) to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock.

 

To our knowledge based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and the Section 16 Insiders’ representations to us, for the year ended December 31, 2020, our Section 16 Insiders complied with their respective filing requirements under Section 16(a) on a timely basis.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of the Record Date of this report by (a) each stockholder who is known to us to beneficially own 5% or more of our Common Stock, (b) directors, (c) our executive officers, and (d) all executive officers and directors as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined according to the SEC rules, and generally means that person has beneficial ownership of a security if he or she possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security and includes options, warrants and other securities convertible or exercisable into shares of Common Stock, provided that such securities are currently exercisable or convertible or exercisable or convertible within 60 days of the date hereof. Each director or officer, as the case may be, has furnished us with information with respect to their beneficial ownership. Except as otherwise indicated, all persons listed below have (i) sole voting power and investment power with respect to their Common Stock, except to the extent that authority is shared by spouses under applicable law, and (ii) record and beneficial ownership with respect to their Common Stock.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)  Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned   Percentage of Common Stock Beneficially Owned (2) 
Directors and Executive Officers:        
         
Steven Rossi (3)
—CEO, President, and Chairman
    2,592,538 (4)     15.3 %
           
Michael Johnston
—CFO
        
           
Lorenzo Rossi
—Director
        
           
Craig Loverock
—Director
   

30,000

(5)

   

*

 
           
William Caragol
—Director
   

30,000

(6)

   

*

 
           
Ned L. Siegel
—Director
   

30,000

(7)

   

*

 
           
All officers and directors as a group (6 persons)    2,682,538      15.66 %
           
5% or More Stockholders:           
Prasad Bikkani (8)    2,221,470     12.12 %
           
Leonite Capital LLC (9)    1,500,000     8.41 %
           
Wesley Van De Wiel (10)     1,450,000      8.31 %

 

Represents less than 1%.
   
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each person is c/o Worksport Ltd., 414-3120 Rutherford Rd, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada L4K 0B1.

 

(2) Based on 16,845,951 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of October 29, 2021, the Record Date. Any shares of Common Stock not outstanding which are issuable upon the exercise or conversion of other securities held by a person within the next 60 days are considered to be outstanding when computing such person’s ownership percentage of Common Stock but are not when computing anyone else’s ownership percentage.

 

(3) Mr. Rossi also owns 100 shares of Series A Preferred Stock entitling him to 51% of the voting power of the corporation. See “Description of Securities–Series A Preferred Stock.”
   

(4)

Includes 100,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options that vest January 1,2022.

   

(5)

Includes 15,000 shares of Restricted stock Units and 15,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of non-qualified stock options that vest January 1, 2022.

   

(6)

Includes 15,000 shares of Restricted stock Units and 15,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of non-qualified stock options that vest January 1, 2022.

   

(7)

Includes 15,000 shares of Restricted stock Units and 15,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of non-qualified stock options that vest January 1, 2022.

   
(8) Includes (i) 100,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of vested warrants held by Mr. Bikkani, (ii) 315,490 shares of Common Stock and 630,980 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of vested warrants held by Equity Trust Company, an entity of which Mr. Bikkani has voting and dispositive control, and (ii) 375,000 shares of Common Stock and 750,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of vested warrants held by Mr. Bikkani’s wife. The address for Mr. Bikkani is 3043 Forest Lake Dr. Westlake, OH 55145.
   
(9) Includes 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of vested warrants. The address of Leonite Capital LLC is 1 Hillcrest Center Dr, Suite 232, Spring Valley, NY 10977. Mr. Avi Geller is the Chief Investment Officer of Leonite Capital LLC and is deemed to have voting and dispositive control over the securities held Leonite Capital, LLC.
   
(10) Includes 600,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of vested warrants. The address for Mr. Van De Wiel is Borodinstraat 164,5011 HE Tilburg, Noord Brabant -The Netherlands.

 

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MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

PROPOSAL No. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Nominees

 

At the Annual Meeting, five directors will be elected to serve a one year term or until the next annual stockholders meeting or until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified following such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.

 

Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended, and our Board of Directors nominated Steven Rossi, Lorenzo Rossi, Craig Loverock, William Caragol and Ned L. Siegel as nominees for election as directors at the 2021 Annual Meeting to hold office for a one-year term until our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2022. All nominees are currently members of the Board.

 

Each nominee has expressed his willingness to serve as a director if elected, and we know of no reason why any nominee would be unable to serve. If a nominee becomes unavailable before the election, the proxies may be voted for one or more substitute nominees designated by the Board, or the Board may decide to reduce the number of directors.

 

Name:   Position(s):   Age:   Director Since:
Steven Rossi  

Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary,

Chair of the Board of Directors, Audit Committee Member

  35   November 7, 2014
             
Lorenzo Rossi   Director   67   December 9, 2014
             
Craig Loverock   Director, Chair of Audit Committee   50   April 22, 2019
             
William Caragol   Director, Chair of Compensation Committee   54   June 30, 2021
             
Ned L. Siegel   Director, Chair of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee   69   June 30, 2021

 

A brief description of the background and business experience of our executive officers and directors for the past five years is as follows:

 

Steven Rossi, age 35, has served as the Chief Executive Officer, President. Secretary and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Company since November 7, 2014, and as a member of the Audit Committee since April 22, 2019. Mr. Rossi founded Worksport Ontario, the wholly-owned operating company of the Company, in 2011. Prior to that, he founded two auto-related companies, 2230164 Ontario, Inc. and Scrap my Junk Car, in 2005 and 2006, respectively, and managed their respective operations for five years. Since founding Worksport Ontario in 2011, Mr. Rossi has been granted 14 different patents across the United States and Canada. He has licensed all patents to Worksport on an exclusive basis. Mr. Rossi attended the University of Toronto from 2005 to 2007, majoring in Life Science. Through his prior experiences, Steven possesses the knowledge and experience in establishing and managing auto-related companies that aids him in efficiently and effectively identifying and executing the Company’s strategic priorities. As our Chief Executive Officer, President, Chair and founder, Mr. Rossi brings to the Board extensive knowledge of the Company’s products, structure, history, and culture as well as years of expertise in the industry and is qualified to be a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Michael Johnston CA, CPA, age 40, has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since December 5, 2017. Mr. Johnston is a partner at Toronto’s Forbes Andersen LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, and offers over 12 years of experience with both private and public companies. His responsibilities include assisting the Steven Rossi in developing new business, maintaining operating budgets and ensuring adequate cash flow. Mr. Johnston was appointed by the Board for his extensive knowledge of the Company’s products and his financial and accounting expertise. Mr. Johnston holds a graduate degree from the University of Western Ontario.

 

Lorenzo Rossi, age 67, has been serving as a director of the Company since December 9, 2014. Since 2005, he has been the Computer Science & Communications Technology Department Head at the Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts of the Toronto Catholic District Schools. Lorenzo received a Master of Education in 1995 from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts from Laurentian University in 1977. The Board believes that Mr. Rossi’s professional experience qualifies him to serve on our Board.

 

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Craig Loverock, CPA, CA, age 50, has been serving as a member of the Board of the Company since April 22, 2019. Mr. Loverock has also served as the Chair of the Audit Committee since April 22, 2019. Mr. Loverock is a licensed CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) and received his Chartered Accountant designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ontario in 1997, and has over 24 years’ experience in accounting and finance roles in Canada, the United States and England. Mr. Loverock has been the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary at Contagious Gaming Inc. since November 30, 2015, and currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Sproutly Canada, Inc. From October 2014 to May 2015, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of VoiceTrust Inc. From November 2012 to October 2014, he served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance officer of Quartz Capital Group Ltd. From January 2010 to November 2012, he provided Chief Financial Officer consulting services to a number of high-growth businesses. The Board believes that Mr. Loverock’s vast professional experience, education, and professional credentials qualify him to serve as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, and as a member of the Board’s committees.

 

William Caragol, age 54, was appointed a director on June 30, 2021, and, since July 2021, has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Mainz BioMed N.V. (NASDAQ:  MYNZ), a leading provider of easy-to-use diagnostic solutions. From 2018 to the present, Mr. Caragol has also been Managing Director of Quidem LLC, a corporate advisory firm. Since 2015, Mr. Caragol has been Chairman of the Board of Thermomedics, Inc., a medical diagnostic equipment company. Mr. Caragol, since February 2021, is also on the Board of Directors and is Chairman of the Audit Committee of Greenbox POS (NASDAQ: GBOX) and from 2012 to 2018, Mr. Caragol was Chairman and CEO of PositiveID, a holding company that was publicly traded that had a portfolio of products in the fields of bio detection systems, molecular diagnostics, and diabetes management products. Mr. Caragol earned a B.S. in business administration and accounting from Washington & Lee University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The Board believes that Mr. Caragol’s vast experience as a member of severally publicly traded companies’ board of directors, his education, and professional credentials qualify him to serve as a member of the Company’s Board Directors, and as a member of the Board’s committees.

 

Ambassador Ned L. Siegel, age 69, was appointed a director June 30, 2021. Ambassador Seigel is the President of The Siegel Group, a multi-disciplined international business management advisory firm he founded in 1997 in Boca Raton, Florida, specializing in real estate, energy, utilities, infrastructure, financial services, oil & gas and cyber & secure technology. Mr. Ambassador Siegel has served since 2013 as Of Counsel to the law firm of Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. From October 2007 until January 2009, he served as the United States Ambassador to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Prior to his Ambassadorship, in 2006, he served with Ambassador John R. Bolton at the United Nations in New York, as the Senior Advisor to the U.S. Mission and as the United States Representative to the 61st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. From 2003 to 2007, Mr. Ambassador Siegel served on the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), which was established to help U.S. businesses invest overseas, fostering economic development in new and emerging markets, complementing the private sector in managing the risk associated with foreign direct investment and supporting U.S. foreign policy. Appointed by Governor Jeb Bush, Mr. Ambassador Siegel served as a Member of the Board of Directors of Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) from 1999-2004. EFI is the state of Florida’s primary organization promoting statewide economic development through its public-private partnership.

 

Ambassador Siegel presently serves on the Board of Directors of the following companies: CIM City, U.S. Medical Glove Company, Global Supply Team, Moveo, LLC and the Caribbean Israel Leadership Coalition (CILC), Caribbean Israel Venture Services, Inc. He also presently serves on the following Advisory Boards: Usecrypt, Brand Labs International (BLI), Elminda Ltd., Findings, and Sol Chip Ltd and Maridose, LLC.

 

Ambassador Siegel received a B.A. from the University of Connecticut in 1973 and J.D. from the Dickinson School of Law in 1976. In December 2014, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.

 

The Board believes that Mr. Ambassador Siegel’s vast professional experience, education, and professional credentials qualify him to serve as a member of the Company’s Board Directors, and as a member of the Board’s committees.

 

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Required Vote

 

You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN” for each director nominee. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes properly cast in person or by proxy. If a quorum is present and voting, the five (5) nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected. A “plurality vote” means that the winning candidate only needs to get more votes than a competing candidate. Because our directors are unopposed, he only needs one vote to be elected.

 

Our articles of incorporation do not permit stockholders to cumulate their votes for the election of directors. Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted if authority is not withheld for the five (5) nominees’ election. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the election of directors.

 

Broker non-votes and abstentions will not affect the outcome of the election of directors, although they will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.

 

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH NOMINEE UNDER PROPOSAL No. 1.

 


 

PROPOSAL No. 2: ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (THE “SAY ON PAY VOTE”)

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), enacted in July 2010, requires the Company to seek a non-binding advisory vote from its stockholders to approve the compensation of its named executives. This proposal, also referred to as the “say on pay vote,” is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather our overall compensation program and policies relating to our named executives.

 

Worksport’s executive officer compensation program and policies are designed to increase long-term stockholder value by attracting, retaining, motivating and rewarding leaders with the competence, character, experience and ambition necessary to enable Worksport to meet its growth objectives.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following summary compensation table sets forth all compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the named executive officers during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 in all capacities for the accounts of our executives, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name and Position  Year   Salary ($)   All Other Compensation   Total ($) 
Steven Rossi, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chair of the Board   2020   $87,030   $0   $87,030 
    2019   $65,589   $         0   $65,589 
                     
Michael Johnston, Chief Financial Officer   2020   $0   $0   $0 
    2019   $0   $0   $0 

 

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Employment Agreements

 

We entered into an employment agreement with Steven Rossi, our Chief Executive Officer effective May 10, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”).

 

The term of the Employment Agreement commenced on May 10, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) and continues until the fifth (5th) anniversary thereof (the “Initial Term”), unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement; provided that, on such fifth (5th) anniversary of the Effective Date and each third annual anniversary thereafter (such date and each annual anniversary thereof, a “Renewal Date”), the Employment Agreement will be automatically renewed, upon the same terms and conditions, for successive periods of three (3) years (each, a “Renewal Term”), unless either party provides written notice of its intention not to extend the term of the Agreement at least 90 days prior to the applicable Renewal Date.

 

Mr. Rossi’s annual base salary will be $300,000 (“Base Salary”) and Mr. Rossi shall be entitled to annual bonus (“Bonus”) equal to 50% of his Base Salary, provided that certain performance goals are met. The performance goals will be established on an annual basis by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

The Employment Agreement may be terminated by the Company with or without “Cause” (as defined below) or by the Executive with or without “Good Reason” (as defined below).

 

The term “Cause” includes discharge by Company on account of the occurrence of one or more of the following events:

 

  (i) Executive’s continued refusal or failure to perform (other than by reason of Disability) Executive’s material duties and responsibilities to the Company;

 

  (ii) a material breach of the Employment Agreement;

 

  (iii) an intentional and material breach of the Confidential Information, Assignment of Intellectual Property and Restricted Activities sections of the Employment Agreement;

 

  (iv) willful, grossly negligent or unlawful misconduct by Executive which causes material harm to the Company or its reputation;

 

  (v) any conduct engaged in that is materially detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company;

 

  (vi) the Company is directed in writing by regulatory or governmental authorities to terminate the employment of Executive or Executive engages in activities that (i) are not approved or authorized by the Board, and (ii) cause actions to be taken by regulatory or governmental authorities that have a material adverse effect on the Company; or

 

  (vii) a conviction, plea of guilty, or plea of nolo contendere by Executive, of or with respect to a criminal offense which is a felony or other crime involving dishonesty, disloyalty, fraud, embezzlement, theft or similar action(s) (including, without limitation, acceptance of bribes, kickbacks or self-dealing), or the material breach of Executive’s fiduciary duties with respect to the Company.

 

The term “Good Reason” generally includes a reduction in the Base Salary, a reduction in job title, position or responsibility, a material breach by the Company of the Employment Agreement, or a material relocation in worksite.

 

In the event the Employment Agreement is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or by Mr. Rossi for Good Reason, Mr. Rossi will receive an amount equal to his Base Salary at the rate in effect as of the date immediately preceding such termination until the earlier of (i) the expiration date of the Term or (ii) the first anniversary of the date of termination; provided that if the date of termination is after the first anniversary of the Effective Date, Mr. Rossi will receive the Base Salary and accrued benefits for 18 months following the effective date of termination. The Rossi shall also be entitled to receive earned but not paid Bonuses and any pro rata portion of the amount of Executive’s Bonus for the year in which termination occurs that would have been payable based on actual performance determined under the terms of the Bonus as then in effect for such year, and expenses incurred through the date of termination and any other benefits accrued but not paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Rossi’s right to receive any unearned compensation is conditioned on Mr. Rossi execution and delivery to the Company a general release of claims.

 

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If the date of termination for Good Reason is after the end of a calendar year but prior to such time as Mr. Rossi’s Bonus, if any, is paid, then Mr. Rossi will receive a Bonus as determined by the Compensation Committee prorated for the time of employment during such year of termination.

 

Mr. Rossi has the right under the Employment Agreement to terminate his employment for other than Good Reason upon 30 days’ written notice to the Company. If Mr. Rossi terminates the Employment Agreement for other than Good Reason, Mr. Rossi will receive an amount equal to his base salary, earned but not paid plus expenses incurred through the date of termination and any other benefits accrued but not paid.

 

If a Change in Control (as defined below) occurs and Mr. Rossi’s employment is terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause or disability or Mr. Rossi terminates for Good Reason, Mr. Rossi will receive a non-prorated severance equal to two times his Base Salary and Bonus for the year of termination and all vested and accrued benefits up to the date of termination. If Mr. Rossi holds any non-vested option awards at the date of termination in connection with a Change in Control, all options not vested will vest and become exercisable until the earlier of three (3) years following termination or the expiration of the options as granted. If Mr. Rossi holds any restricted securities at the date of termination in connection with a Change in Control, all restrictions will lapse and all such securities will be unrestricted, vested and immediately payable. All of Mr. Rossi’s performance-based goals will also be deemed met in connection with termination by Change in Control in calculating bonus and other awards.

 

The term “Change in Control” generally means a transaction that occurs whereby more than 50% of the Company’s voting power is acquired by a third party, the consummation involving the Company of a merger, consolidation, reorganization or business combination or the sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets to a third party.

 

Pursuant to the clawback provisions of the Employment Agreement, any amounts payable under the Employment Agreement are subject to any policy (whether in existence as of the Effective Date or later adopted) established by the Company providing for clawback or recovery of amounts that were paid to Mr. Rossi. The Company will make any determination for clawback or recovery in its sole discretion and in accordance with any applicable law or regulation.

 

The Employment Agreement provides that the Company shall indemnify M. Rossi to the fullest extent permitted by law for all amounts (including, without limitation, judgments, fines, settlement payments, expenses and reasonable out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees) incurred or paid by Executive in connection with any action, suit, investigation or proceeding, or threatened action, suit, investigation or proceeding, arising out of or relating to the performance by Executive of services for, or the acting by Executive as a director, officer or Executive of, Company, or any subsidiary of the Company.

 

In addition to the foregoing, pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Rossi agreed to the Company amending the Series A Preferred Stock’s Certificate of Designation to eliminate his right to convert such his Series A Preferred Stock into 51% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company. In consideration for Mr. Rossi agreeing to terminate his conversion rights, the Company issued Mr. Rossi an aggregate of 1,717,535 unregistered shares of Common Stock equal to 25% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the Effective Date.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

Directors are permitted to receive fixed fees and other compensation for their services as directors. The Board has the authority to fix the compensation of directors. No amounts have been paid to, or accrued to, directors in such capacity.

 

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We believe that our executive officer compensation programs, with their balance of short-term and long-term incentives, reward sustained performance that is aligned with long-term stockholder interests. Accordingly, we believe that the compensation paid to our named executives in 2020 pursuant to such programs was fair and appropriate and are asking our stockholders to vote FOR the adoption of the following resolution:

 

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executives for 2020, as disclosed in this proxy statement, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the executive compensation tables, and the related narrative.”

 

The approval, on an advisory basis, of the say on pay vote proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of shares of capital stock present at the Annual Meeting in person or represented by proxy and voting together. The vote is advisory in nature and therefore not binding on us or our Board. However, our Board and its compensation committees value the opinions of all of our stockholders and will consider the outcome of this vote when making future compensation decisions for our named executives.

 

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

 


 

PROPOSAL No. 3: - ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF HOLDING THE SAY ON PAY VOTE

 

In addition to the advisory vote on executive compensation set forth above, the Dodd-Frank Act also requires the Company to seek a non-binding advisory vote from its stockholders regarding the frequency of holding the advisory vote on executive compensation in the future. In casting your advisory vote, you may indicate whether you prefer that we seek an advisory vote every one, two or three years. You may also abstain from voting on this matter.

 

After thoughtful consideration, our Board believes that holding an advisory vote on executive compensation every three years is the most appropriate policy for the Company and its stockholders at this time. Our Board believes that a triennial vote more closely mirrors the long-term nature of a significant portion of our executive officer compensation program and will discourage short-term thinking and, as a result, a stockholder’s analysis of our performance and compensation practices would be more fully informed when viewed over a three-year period. Moreover, allowing more time in between the advisory votes on executive compensation would provide a greater opportunity for our Board and its compensation committees to engage in meaningful analysis of any compensation issues and consideration of any stockholder concerns.

 

The approval, on an advisory basis, of the frequency of holding the say on pay vote proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of shares of common stock present at the Annual Meeting in person or represented by proxy and voting together. However, if no choice receives a majority of votes, then the option on the frequency of the advisory vote that receives the highest number of votes cast by stockholders will be considered by the Board as the stockholders’ recommendation as to the frequency of holding future say on pay votes. The vote is advisory in nature and therefore not binding on us or our Board. However, our Board values the opinions of all of our stockholders and the Board and its compensation committees will consider the outcome of this vote when making future decisions on the frequency with which we will hold an advisory vote on executive compensation.

 

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RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR HOLDING THE SAY ON PAY VOTE ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS.

 


 

PROPOSAL No. 4: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board has selected the firm of Haynie & Co. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 and is submitting this selection for ratification by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting. If our stockholders do not ratify the selection of Haynie & Co., the Board will consider making a change of its auditors for the fiscal year ending December, 2022.

 

Fees Paid to Auditors

 

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, Haynie & Company served as our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees paid or accrued for professional services rendered by our independent accountants for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the aggregate fees paid or accrued for audit-related services and all other services rendered by our independent accountants for those years.

 

  

Year Ended

December 31,

 
   2020   2019 
Audit Fees  $60,556   $84,287 
Tax Fees        
Other        
Total  $60,556   $84,287 

 

The category of “Audit fees” includes fees for our annual audit, quarterly reviews of our 10-Q reports, and services rendered in connection with statutory or regulatory filings with the SEC. “Tax fees” include fees incurred in the review and preparation of our annual income tax filings.

 

The audit committee, chaired by Craig Loverock, performs the duties of evaluating the scope and cost of the engagement of an auditor before the auditor renders audit and non-audit services.

 

Policies and Procedures

 

In accordance with the Audit Committee Charter, all audit (including audit-related) and non-audit services performed by Haynie & Co., as described above, were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by our independent registered public accounting firm was compatible with the maintenance of that firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. The Audit Committee Charter authorizes the Audit Committee to appoint a subcommittee of one or more members of the Audit Committee and/or to pre-approve non-audit services by establishing detailed pre-approval policies as to the particular service, provided that the Audit Committee is informed of each service pre-approved (no less frequently than at each meeting of the Audit Committee) and that no pre-approval shall be delegated to the Company’s management except as permitted by applicable law and regulation. In considering whether to pre-approve any non-audit services, the Audit Committee (or its delegates) considers whether the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Required Vote

 

In order to become effective, the proposal to ratify the appointment of Haynie & Co. as The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021 requires the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present virtually online or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote.

 

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RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF HAYNIE & CO. AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM UNDER PROPOSAL No. 4.

 


 

PROPOSAL No. 5: APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S 2015 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Amendment to the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan

 

At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to approve the amendment to the Worksport 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) as described below. The 2015 Plan was initially approved by the stockholders July, 2015. The proposed amendment to the 2015 Plan (the “Amendment” and together the “Amended 2015 Plan”), described below, were adopted by the Board on October 26, 2021, subject to stockholder approval. The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy intend to vote FOR the Amended 2015 Plan.

 

The proposed amendment to the 2015 Plan would increase the maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the 2015 Plan by an additional 1,700,000 shares, representing approximately 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company issued and outstanding on the Record Date. As of the Record Date, a total of 500,000 shares were subject to outstanding awards granted under the 2015 Plan.

 

Required Vote

 

To become effective, the proposal to ratify the amendment to the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan requires the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote. Broker non-votes will not be counted in evaluating the results of the vote.

 

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S 2015 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

UNDER PROPOSAL NO. 5.


 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Term of Office

 

Our directors are appointed for a one-year term to hold office until the next annual general meeting of our stockholders or until their resignation or removal in accordance with our bylaws, or their successor is elected. Our officers are appointed by our Board of Directors and hold office until removed by the Board of Directors.

 

Family Relationships

 

Mr. Lorenzo Rossi is Steven Rossi’s father. There are no other family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers.

 

Involvement in Legal Proceedings

 

To our knowledge, there have been no material legal proceedings that would require disclosure under the federal securities laws that are material to an evaluation of the ability of our director or executive officers.

 

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Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

Our Board has adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics (“Code”) that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. We intend to post on our website a current copy of the Code and all disclosures that are required by law in regard to any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the Code.

 

Director Independence and Board Committees

 

An “independent director” is defined generally as a person other than an officer or employee of the Company or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship which in the opinion of the Company’s Board, would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Steven Rossi, Lorenzo Rossi, Craig Loverock, William Caragol and Ned L. Siegel serve as members of our Board of Directors. Our Board has determined that Craig Loverock, William Caragol and Ned L. Siegel are “independent directors” as defined in the Nasdaq listing rules and under Rule 10-A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act and applicable SEC rules.

 

Audit Committee. We currently have a standing Audit Committee. Craig Loverock, William Caragol and Ned L. Siegel serve as members of our Audit Committee. Mr. Loverock serves as the Audit Committee Chairman and Financial Expert. Under the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have at least three members of the Audit Committee, all of whom must be independent and financially literate, and one member of the Audit Committee must qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules. Craig Loverock qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” under the SEC rules.

 

We have adopted an Audit Committee charter, which details the purpose and principal functions of the Audit Committee, including:

 

  appoint, compensate, and oversee the work of any registered public accounting firm employed by us;
  resolve any disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting;
  pre-approve all auditing and non-audit services;
  retain independent counsel, accountants, or others to advise the Audit Committee or assist in the conduct of an investigation;
  seek any information it requires from employees-all of whom are directed to cooperate with the Audit Committee’s requests-or external parties;
  meet with our officers, external auditors, or outside counsel, as necessary; and
  oversee that management has established and maintained processes to assure our compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and corporate policy.

 

Compensation Committee. We have a standing Compensation Committee. William Caragol, Craig Loverock and Ned L. Siegel serve as members of our Compensation Committee. Mr. Caragol serves as the Compensation Committee Chairman. Under the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have at least two members of the Compensation Committee, all of whom must be independent.

 

We have adopted a Compensation Committee charter, which details the purpose and responsibility of the Compensation Committee, including:

 

  discharge the responsibilities of the Board relating to compensation of our directors, executive officers and key employees;
  assist the Board in establishing appropriate incentive compensation and equity-based plans and to administer such plans;
  oversee the annual process of evaluation of the performance of our management; and
  perform such other duties and responsibilities as enumerated in and consistent with Compensation Committee’s charter.

 

The Compensation Committee charter permits the committee to retain or receive advice from a compensation consultant and outlines certain requirements to ensure the consultants independence or certain circumstances under which the consultant need not be independent. However, as of the date hereof, the Company has not retained such a consultant.

 

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Nominating and Governance Committee. We have a standing Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Craig Loverock, William Caragol and Ned L. Siegel serve as members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance. Ned L. Siegel serves as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairman.

 

We have adopted a Nominating and Governance Committee charter, which details the purpose and responsibilities of the Nominating and Governance Committee, including:

 

  assist the Board by identifying qualified candidates for director nominees, and to recommend to the Board of Directors the director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders;
  lead the Board in its annual review of its performance;
  recommend to the Board director nominees for each committee of the Board; and
  develop and recommend to the Board corporate governance guidelines applicable to us.

 

Meetings of the Board of Directors

 

During its fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the Board met from time to time informally and acted by written consent on numerous occasions.

 

Indemnification and Limitation on Liability of Directors

 

Our articles of incorporation limit the liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law. Nothing contained in the provisions will be construed to deprive any director of his right to all defenses ordinarily available to the director nor will anything herein be construed to deprive any director of any right he may have for contribution from any other director or other person.

 

At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers, employees or agents where indemnification will be required or permitted. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

 

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder and for nominations to be properly brought before a special meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder of record must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation, and, in the case of business other than nominations, such other business must be a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 70 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement (as stated in the Bylaws) of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. The notice must be provided by a stockholder of record and must set forth specific criteria as defined in the Articles of Incorporation. Such proposals must also meet the other requirements and procedures prescribed by Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act relating to stockholders’ proposals.

 

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DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS

 

To the extent we deliver a paper copy of the proxy materials to stockholders, the SEC rules allow us to deliver a single copy of proxy materials to any household at which two or more stockholders reside, if we believe the stockholders are members of the same family.

 

We will promptly deliver, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the proxy materials to any stockholder residing at the same address as another stockholder and currently receiving only one copy of the proxy materials who wishes to receive his or her own copy. Requests should be directed to the attention of our Corporate Secretary by mail to Worksport Ltd., 7299 E Danbro Cres. Mississaugua, Ontario L5N 6P8.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

Upon written request addressed to our Corporate Secretary at 7299 E Danbro Cres. Mississaugua, Ontario L5N 6P8 from any person solicited herein, we will provide, at no cost, a copy of our fiscal 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC.

 

Our Board of Directors does not know of any matter to be brought before the Annual Meeting other than the matters set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and matters incident to the conduct of the Annual Meeting. If any other matter should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy card will have discretionary authority to vote all proxies with respect thereto in accordance with their best judgment.

 

VIRTUAL ACCESS TO THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held virtually via the internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WKSP2021 on December 20, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

 

EXHIBIT 1

 

AMENDED 2015 EQUITY INCENTUVE PLAN

 

Amended 2015 Equity Incentive Plan

 

Adopted by the Board of Directors: June 5, 2015

 

Termination Date: June 5, 2025

 

General.

 

Eligible Stock Award Recipients. Employees, Directors and Consultants are eligible to receive Stock Awards.

 

Available Stock Awards. The Plan provides for the grant of the following types of Stock Awards: (i) Incentive Stock Options, (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options, (iii) Stock Appreciation Rights, (iv) Restricted Stock Awards, (v) Restricted Stock Unit Awards and (vi) Other Stock Awards.

 

Purpose. The Plan, through the granting of Stock Awards, is intended to help the Company secure and retain the services of eligible award recipients, provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and any Affiliate and provide a means by which the eligible recipients may benefit from increases in value of the Common Stock.

 

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Administration.

 

Administration by Board. The Board will administer the Plan. The Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees, as provided in Section 2(c).

 

Powers of Board. The Board will have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:

 

To determine (A) who will be granted Stock Awards; (B) when and how each Stock Award will be granted; (C) what type of Stock Award will be granted; (D) the provisions of each Stock Award (which need not be identical), including when a person will be permitted to exercise or otherwise receive cash or Common Stock under the Stock Award; (E) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Stock Award; and (F) the Fair Market Value applicable to a Stock Award.

 

To construe and interpret the Plan and Stock Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for administration of the Plan and Stock Awards. The Board, in the exercise of these powers, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Stock Award Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it will deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan or Stock Award fully effective.

 

To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Stock Awards granted under it.

 

To accelerate, in whole or in part, the time at which a Stock Award may be exercised or vest (or at which cash or shares of Common Stock may be issued).

 

To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or a Stock Award Agreement, suspension or termination of the Plan will not impair a Participant’s rights under his or her then-outstanding Stock Award without his or her written consent except as provided in subsection (viii) below.

 

To amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable, including, without limitation, by adopting amendments relating to Incentive Stock Options and certain nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and/or to make the Plan or Stock Awards granted under the Plan compliant with the requirements for Incentive Stock Options or exempt from or compliant with the requirements for nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, subject to the limitations, if any, of applicable law. However, if required by applicable law, and except as provided in Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the Company will seek stockholder approval of any amendment of the Plan that (A) materially increases the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan, (B) materially expands the class of individuals eligible to receive Stock Awards under the Plan, (C) materially increases the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan, (D) materially reduces the price at which shares of Common Stock may be issued or purchased under the Plan, (E) materially extends the term of the Plan, or (F) materially expands the types of Stock Awards available for issuance under the Plan. Except as provided in the Plan (including subsection (viii) below) or a Stock Award Agreement, no amendment of the Plan will impair a Participant’s rights under an outstanding Stock Award unless (1) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (2) such Participant consents in writing.

 

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To submit any amendment to the Plan for stockholder approval, including, but not limited to, amendments to the Plan intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code regarding Incentive Stock Options.

 

To approve forms of Stock Award Agreements for use under the Plan and to amend the terms of any one or more Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, amendments to provide terms more favorable to the Participant than previously provided in the Stock Award Agreement, subject to any specified limits in the Plan that are not subject to Board discretion; provided however, that a Participant’s rights under any Stock Award will not be impaired by any such amendment unless (A) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (B) such Participant consents in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) a Participant’s rights will not be deemed to have been impaired by any such amendment if the Board, in its sole discretion, determines that the amendment, taken as a whole, does not materially impair the Participant’s rights, and (2) subject to the limitations of applicable law, if any, the Board may amend the terms of any one or more Stock Awards without the affected Participant’s consent (A) to maintain the qualified status of the Stock Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code; (B) to change the terms of an Incentive Stock Option, if such change results in impairment of the Award solely because it impairs the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code; (C) to clarify the manner of exemption from, or to bring the Stock Award into compliance with, Section 409A of the Code; or (D) to comply with other applicable laws.

 

Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan or Stock Awards.

 

To adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit participation in the Plan by Employees, Directors or Consultants who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States (provided that Board approval will not be necessary for immaterial modifications to the Plan or any Stock Award Agreement that are required for compliance with the laws of the relevant foreign jurisdiction).

 

To effect, with the consent of any adversely affected Participant, (A) the reduction of the exercise, purchase or strike price of any outstanding Stock Award; (B) the cancellation of any outstanding Stock Award and the grant in substitution therefor of a new (1) Option or SAR, (2) Restricted Stock Award, (3) Restricted Stock Unit Award, (4) Other Stock Award, (5) cash and/or (6) other valuable consideration determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, with any such substituted award (x) covering the same or a different number of shares of Common Stock as the cancelled Stock Award and (y) granted under the Plan or another equity or compensatory plan of the Company; or (C) any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.

 

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Delegation to Committee. The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration of the Plan is delegated to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee of the Committee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee). Any delegation of administrative powers will be reflected in resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, adopted from time to time by the Board or Committee (as applicable). The Committee may, at any time, abolish the subcommittee and/or revest in the Committee any powers delegated to the subcommittee. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with the Committee and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated.

 

Delegation to an Officer. The Board may delegate to one (1) or more Officers the authority to do one or both of the following: (i) designate Employees who are not Officers to be recipients of Options and SARs (and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, other Stock Awards) and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the terms of such Stock Awards, and (ii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to such Stock Awards granted to such Employees; provided, however, that the Board resolutions regarding such delegation will specify the total number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to the Stock Awards granted by such Officer and that such Officer may not grant a Stock Award to himself or herself. Any such Stock Awards will be granted on the form of Stock Award Agreement most recently approved for use by the Committee or the Board, unless otherwise provided in the resolutions approving the delegation authority. The Board may not delegate authority to an Officer who is acting solely in the capacity of an Officer (and not also as a Director) to determine the Fair Market Value pursuant to Section 13(t) below.

 

Effect of Board’s Decision. All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board in good faith will not be subject to review by any person and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.

 

Shares Subject to the Plan.

 

Share Reserve.

 

Subject to Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards from and after the Effective Date will not exceed approximately 10% of the total equity of the Company, calculated post-increase of the authorized shares (which currently equals 2,200,000 shares) (the “Share Reserve”).

 

For clarity, the Share Reserve in this Section 3(a) is a limitation on the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the Plan. Accordingly, this Section 3(a) does not limit the granting of Stock Awards except as provided in Section 7(a).

 

Reversion of Shares to the Share Reserve. If a Stock Award or any portion thereof (i) expires or otherwise terminates without all of the shares covered by such Stock Award having been issued or (ii) is settled in cash (i.e., the Participant receives cash rather than stock), such expiration, termination or settlement will not reduce (or otherwise offset) the number of shares of Common Stock that may be available for issuance under the Plan. If any shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to a Stock Award are forfeited back to or repurchased by the Company because of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required to vest such shares in the Participant, then the shares that are forfeited or repurchased will revert to and again become available for issuance under the Plan. Any shares reacquired by the Company in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations on a Stock Award or as consideration for the exercise or purchase price of a Stock Award will again become available for issuance under the Plan.

 

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Incentive Stock Option Limit. Subject to the Share Reserve and Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will be 2,200,000 shares of Common Stock.

 

Source of Shares. The stock issuable under the Plan will be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market or otherwise.

 

Eligibility.

 

Eligibility for Specific Stock Awards. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof (as such terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code). Stock Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants; provided, however, that Stock Awards may not be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants who are providing Continuous Service only to any “parent” of the Company, as such term is defined in Rule 405, unless (i) the stock underlying such Stock Awards is treated as “service recipient stock” under Section 409A of the Code (for example, because the Stock Awards are granted pursuant to a corporate transaction such as a spin off transaction), or (ii) the Company, in consultation with its legal counsel, has determined that such Stock Awards are otherwise exempt from or alternatively comply with the distribution requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

 

Ten Percent Stockholders. A Ten Percent Stockholder will not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the exercise price of such Option is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant.

 

Consultants. A Consultant will not be eligible for the grant of a Stock Award if, at the time of grant, either the offer or sale of the Company’s securities to such Consultant is not exempt under Rule 701 because of the nature of the services that the Consultant is providing to the Company, because the Consultant is not a natural person, or because of any other provision of Rule 701, unless the Company determines that such grant need not comply with the requirements of Rule 701 and will satisfy another exemption under the Securities Act as well as comply with the securities laws of all other relevant jurisdictions.

 

Provisions Relating to Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

Each Option or SAR will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate. All Options will be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates will be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. If an Option is not specifically designated as an Incentive Stock Option, or if an Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option but some portion or all of the Option fails to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under the applicable rules, then the Option (or portion thereof) will be a Nonstatutory Stock Option. The provisions of separate Options or SARs need not be identical; provided, however, that each Stock Award Agreement will conform to (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the applicable Stock Award Agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

 

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Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no Option or SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of its grant or such shorter period specified in the Stock Award Agreement.

 

Exercise Price. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, the exercise or strike price of each Option or SAR will be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option or SAR on the date the Stock Award is granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option or SAR may be granted with an exercise or strike price lower than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Stock Award if such Stock Award is granted pursuant to an assumption of or substitution for another option or stock appreciation right pursuant to a Corporate Transaction and in a manner consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and, if applicable, Section 424(a) of the Code. Each SAR will be denominated in shares of Common Stock equivalents.

 

Purchase Price for Options. The purchase price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option may be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, by any combination of the methods of payment set forth below. The Board will have the authority to grant Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or otherwise restrict the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the consent of the Company to use a particular method of payment. The permitted methods of payment are as follows:

 

by cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company;

 

pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board that, prior to the issuance of the stock subject to the Option, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;

 

by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock;

 

if an Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price; provided, however, that the Company will accept a cash or other payment from the Participant to the extent of any remaining balance of the aggregate exercise price not satisfied by such reduction in the number of whole shares to be issued. Shares of Common Stock will no longer be subject to an Option and will not be exercisable thereafter to the extent that (A) shares issuable upon exercise are used to pay the exercise price pursuant to the “net exercise,” (B) shares are delivered to the Participant as a result of such exercise, and (C) shares are withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations;

 

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according to a deferred payment or similar arrangement with the Optionholder; provided, however, that interest will compound at least annually and will be charged at the minimum rate of interest necessary to avoid (A) the imputation of interest income to the Company and compensation income to the Optionholder under any applicable provisions of the Code, and (B) the classification of the Option as a liability for financial accounting purposes; or

 

in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board and specified in the applicable Stock Award Agreement.

 

Exercise and Payment of a SAR. To exercise any outstanding SAR, the Participant must provide written notice of exercise to the Company in compliance with the provisions of the Stock Award Agreement evidencing such SAR. The appreciation distribution payable on the exercise of a SAR will be not greater than an amount equal to the excess of (A) the aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date of the exercise of the SAR) of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Common Stock equivalents in which the Participant is vested under such SAR, and with respect to which the Participant is exercising the SAR on such date, over (B) the strike price. The appreciation distribution may be paid in Common Stock, in cash, in any combination of the two or in any other form of consideration, as determined by the Board and contained in the Stock Award Agreement evidencing such SAR.

 

Transferability of Options and SARs. The Board may, in its sole discretion, impose such limitations on the transferability of Options and SARs as the Board will determine. In the absence of such a determination by the Board to the contrary, the following restrictions on the transferability of Options and SARs will apply:

 

Restrictions on Transfer. An Option or SAR will not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (and pursuant to subsections (ii) and (iii) below), and will be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant. The Board may permit transfer of the Option or SAR in a manner that is not prohibited by applicable tax and securities laws. Except as explicitly provided herein, neither an Option nor a SAR may be transferred for consideration.

 

Domestic Relations Orders. Subject to the approval of the Board or a duly authorized Officer, an Option or SAR may be transferred pursuant to the terms of a domestic relations order, official marital settlement agreement or other divorce or separation instrument as permitted by Treasury Regulation 1.421-1(b)(2). If an Option is an Incentive Stock Option, such Option may be deemed to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option as a result of such transfer.

 

Beneficiary Designation. Subject to the approval of the Board or a duly authorized Officer, a Participant may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form approved by the Company (or the designated broker), designate a third party who, upon the death of the Participant, will thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option or SAR and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from such exercise. In the absence of such a designation, the executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate will be entitled to exercise the Option or SAR and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from such exercise. However, the Company may prohibit designation of a beneficiary at any time, including due to any conclusion by the Company that such designation would be inconsistent with the provisions of applicable laws.

 

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Vesting Generally. The total number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or SAR may vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may or may not be equal. The Option or SAR may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may or may not be exercised (which may be based on the satisfaction of performance goals or other criteria) as the Board may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options or SARs may vary. The provisions of this Section 5(f) are subject to any Option or SAR provisions governing the minimum number of shares of Common Stock as to which an Option or SAR may be exercised.

 

Termination of Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Stock Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates (other than for Cause and other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability), the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR (to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise such Stock Award as of the date of termination of Continuous Service) within the period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date three (3) months following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the applicable Stock Award Agreement, which period will not be less than thirty (30) days if necessary to comply with applicable laws unless such termination is for Cause) and (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the Stock Award Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option or SAR within the applicable time frame, the Option or SAR (as applicable) will terminate.

 

Extension of Termination Date. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Stock Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, if the exercise of an Option or SAR following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (other than for Cause and other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option or SAR will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of a total period of three (3) months (that need not be consecutive) after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service during which the exercise of the Option or SAR would not be in violation of such registration requirements, or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the applicable Stock Award Agreement. In addition, unless otherwise provided in a Participant’s Stock Award Agreement, if the sale of any Common Stock received upon exercise of an Option or SAR following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (other than for Cause) would violate the Company’s insider trading policy, then the Option or SAR will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of a period of time (that need not be consecutive) equal to the applicable post-termination exercise period after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service during which the sale of the Common Stock received upon exercise of the Option or SAR would not be in violation of the Company’s insider trading policy, or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the applicable Stock Award Agreement.

 

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Disability of Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Stock Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR (to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise such Option or SAR as of the date of termination of Continuous Service), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date twelve (12) months following such termination of Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Stock Award Agreement, which period will not be less than six (6) months if necessary to comply with applicable laws), and (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the Stock Award Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option or SAR within the applicable time frame, the Option or SAR (as applicable) will terminate.

 

Death of Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Stock Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, if (i) a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant’s death, or (ii) the Participant dies within the period (if any) specified in the Stock Award Agreement for exercisability after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (for a reason other than death), then the Option or SAR may be exercised (to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise such Option or SAR as of the date of death) by the Participant’s estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option or SAR by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Option or SAR upon the Participant’s death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (i) the date eighteen (18) months following the date of death (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Stock Award Agreement, which period will not be less than six (6) months if necessary to comply with applicable laws), and (ii) the expiration of the term of such Option or SAR as set forth in the Stock Award Agreement. If, after the Participant’s death, the Option or SAR is not exercised within the applicable time frame, the Option or SAR (as applicable) will terminate.

 

Termination for Cause. Except as explicitly provided otherwise in a Participant’s Stock Award Agreement or other individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant, if a Participant’s Continuous Service is terminated for Cause, the Option or SAR will terminate immediately upon such Participant’s termination of Continuous Service, and the Participant will be prohibited from exercising his or her Option or SAR from and after the time of such termination of Continuous Service.

 

Non-Exempt Employees. If an Option or SAR is granted to an Employee who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, the Option or SAR will not be first exercisable for any shares of Common Stock until at least six (6) months following the date of grant of the Option or SAR (although the Stock Award may vest prior to such date). Consistent with the provisions of the Worker Economic Opportunity Act, (i) if such non-exempt Employee dies or suffers a Disability, (ii) upon a Corporate Transaction in which such Option or SAR is not assumed, continued, or substituted, (iii) upon a Change in Control, or (iv) upon the Participant’s retirement (as such term may be defined in the Participant’s Stock Award Agreement, in another agreement between the Participant and the Company, or, if no such definition, in accordance with the Company’s then current employment policies and guidelines), the vested portion of any Options and SARs may be exercised earlier than six (6) months following the date of grant. The foregoing provision is intended to operate so that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of an Option or SAR will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay. To the extent permitted and/or required for compliance with the Worker Economic Opportunity Act to ensure that any income derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise, vesting or issuance of any shares under any other Stock Award will be exempt from the employee’s regular rate of pay, the provisions of this Section 5(l) will apply to all Stock Awards and are hereby incorporated by reference into such Stock Award Agreements.

 

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Early Exercise of Options. An Option may, but need not, include a provision whereby the Optionholder may elect at any time before the Optionholder’s Continuous Service terminates to exercise the Option as to any part or all of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Option prior to the full vesting of the Option. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 8(m), any unvested shares of Common Stock so purchased may be subject to a repurchase right in favor of the Company or to any other restriction the Board determines to be appropriate. Provided that the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 8(m) is not violated, the Company will not be required to exercise its repurchase right until at least six (6) months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid classification of the Option as a liability for financial accounting purposes) have elapsed following exercise of the Option unless the Board otherwise specifically provides in the Option Agreement.

 

Right of Repurchase. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 8(m), the Option or SAR may include a provision whereby the Company may elect to repurchase all or any part of the vested shares of Common Stock acquired by the Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option or SAR.

 

Right of First Refusal. The Option or SAR may include a provision whereby the Company may elect to exercise a right of first refusal following receipt of notice from the Participant of the intent to transfer all or any part of the shares of Common Stock received upon the exercise of the Option or SAR. Such right of first refusal will be subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 8(m). Except as expressly provided in this Section 5(o) or in the Stock Award Agreement, such right of first refusal will otherwise comply with any applicable provisions of the bylaws of the Company.

 

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Provisions of Stock Awards Other than Options and SARs.

 

Restricted Stock Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate. To the extent consistent with the Company’s bylaws, at the Board’s election, shares of Common Stock may be (i) held in book entry form subject to the Company’s instructions until any restrictions relating to the Restricted Stock Award lapse; or (ii) evidenced by a certificate, which certificate will be held in such form and manner as determined by the Board. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Award Agreements need not be identical. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will conform to (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

 

Consideration. A Restricted Stock Award may be awarded in consideration for (A) cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company, (B) past services to the Company or an Affiliate, or (C) any other form of legal consideration (including future services) that may be acceptable to the Board, in its sole discretion, and permissible under applicable law.

 

Vesting. Subject to the “Repurchase Limitation” in Section 8(m), shares of Common Stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement may be subject to forfeiture to the Company in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board.

 

Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service. If a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates, the Company may receive through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right, any or all of the shares of Common Stock held by the Participant that have not vested as of the date of termination of Continuous Service under the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

 

Transferability. Rights to acquire shares of Common Stock under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be transferable by the Participant only upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, as the Board will determine in its sole discretion, so long as Common Stock awarded under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement remains subject to the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

 

Dividends. A Restricted Stock Award Agreement may provide that any dividends paid on Restricted Stock will be subject to the same vesting and forfeiture restrictions as apply to the shares subject to the Restricted Stock Award to which they relate.

 

Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements need not be identical. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement will conform to (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the Agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:

 

Consideration. At the time of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board will determine the consideration, if any, to be paid by the Participant upon delivery of each share of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Unit Award. The consideration to be paid (if any) by the Participant for each share of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award may be paid in any form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board, in its sole discretion, and permissible under applicable law.

 

Vesting. At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting of the Restricted Stock Unit Award as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

 

Payment. A Restricted Stock Unit Award may be settled by the delivery of shares of Common Stock, their cash equivalent, any combination thereof or in any other form of consideration, as determined by the Board and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.

 

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Additional Restrictions. At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board, as it deems appropriate, may impose such restrictions or conditions that delay the delivery of the shares of Common Stock (or their cash equivalent) subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award to a time after the vesting of such Restricted Stock Unit Award.

 

Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares of Common Stock covered by a Restricted Stock Unit Award, as determined by the Board and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. At the sole discretion of the Board, such dividend equivalents may be converted into additional shares of Common Stock covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award in such manner as determined by the Board. Any additional shares covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award credited by reason of such dividend equivalents will be subject to all of the same terms and conditions of the underlying Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement to which they relate.

 

Termination of Participant’s Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, such portion of the Restricted Stock Unit Award that has not vested will be forfeited upon the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service.

 

Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any Restricted Stock Unit Award granted under the Plan that is not exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code shall contain such provisions so that such Restricted Stock Unit Award will comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Such restrictions, if any, shall be determined by the Board and contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement evidencing such Restricted Stock Unit Award. For example, such restrictions may include, without limitation, a requirement that any Common Stock that is to be issued in a year following the year in which the Restricted Stock Unit Award vests must be issued in accordance with a fixed pre-determined schedule.

 

Other Stock Awards. Other forms of Stock Awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, including the appreciation in value thereof (e.g., options or stock rights with an exercise price or strike price less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock at the time of grant) may be granted either alone or in addition to Stock Awards provided for under Section 5 and the preceding provisions of this Section 6. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board will have sole and complete authority to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which such Other Stock Awards will be granted, the number of shares of Common Stock (or the cash equivalent thereof) to be granted pursuant to such Other Stock Awards and all other terms and conditions of such Other Stock Awards.

 

Covenants of the Company.

 

Availability of Shares. The Company will keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock reasonably required to satisfy then-outstanding Stock Awards.

 

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Securities Law Compliance. The Company will seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Stock Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Stock Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking will not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Stock Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Stock Award. If, after reasonable efforts and at a reasonable cost, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Stock Awards unless and until such authority is obtained. A Participant will not be eligible for the grant of a Stock Award or the subsequent issuance of cash or Common Stock pursuant to the Stock Award if such grant or issuance would be in violation of any applicable securities law.

 

No Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes. The Company will have no duty or obligation to any Participant to advise such holder as to the time or manner of exercising such Stock Award. Furthermore, the Company will have no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such holder of a pending termination or expiration of a Stock Award or a possible period in which the Stock Award may not be exercised. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of a Stock Award to the holder of such Stock Award.

 

Miscellaneous.

 

Use of Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock. Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Stock Awards will constitute general funds of the Company.

 

Corporate Action Constituting Grant of Stock Awards. Corporate action constituting a grant by the Company of a Stock Award to any Participant will be deemed completed as of the date of such corporate action, unless otherwise determined by the Board, regardless of when the instrument, certificate, or letter evidencing the Stock Award is communicated to, or actually received or accepted by, the Participant. In the event that the corporate records (e.g., Board consents, resolutions or minutes) documenting the corporate action constituting the grant contain terms (e.g., exercise price, vesting schedule or number of shares) that are inconsistent with those in the Stock Award Agreement as a result of a clerical error in the papering of the Stock Award Agreement, the corporate records will control and the Participant will have no legally binding right to the incorrect term in the Stock Award Agreement.

 

Stockholder Rights. No Participant will be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to a Stock Award unless and until (i) such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of, or the issuance of shares of Common Stock under, the Stock Award pursuant to its terms, and (ii) the issuance of the Common Stock subject to the Stock Award has been entered into the books and records of the Company.

 

No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan, any Stock Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection with any Stock Award granted pursuant thereto will confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Stock Award was granted or will affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant’s agreement with the Company or an Affiliate, or (iii) the service of a Director pursuant to the bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.

 

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Change in Time Commitment. In the event a Participant’s regular level of time commitment in the performance of his or her services for the Company and any Affiliates is reduced (for example, and without limitation, if the Participant is an Employee of the Company and the Employee has a change in status from a full-time Employee to a part-time Employee) after the date of grant of any Stock Award to the Participant, the Board has the right in its sole discretion to (x) make a corresponding reduction in the number of shares subject to any portion of such Stock Award that is scheduled to vest or become payable after the date of such change in time commitment, and (y) in lieu of or in combination with such a reduction, extend the vesting or payment schedule applicable to such Stock Award. In the event of any such reduction, the Participant will have no right with respect to any portion of the Stock Award that is so reduced or extended.

 

Incentive Stock Option Limitations. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Affiliates) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) (or such other limit established in the Code) or otherwise does not comply with the rules governing Incentive Stock Options, the Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) or otherwise do not comply with such rules will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the applicable Option Agreement(s).

 

Investment Assurances. The Company may require a Participant, as a condition of exercising or acquiring Common Stock under any Stock Award, (i) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company as to the Participant’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and/or to employ a purchaser representative reasonably satisfactory to the Company who is knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business matters and that he or she is capable of evaluating, alone or together with the purchaser representative, the merits and risks of exercising the Stock Award; and (ii) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company stating that the Participant is acquiring Common Stock subject to the Stock Award for the Participant’s own account and not with any present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the Common Stock. The foregoing requirements, and any assurances given pursuant to such requirements, will be inoperative if (A) the issuance of the shares upon the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Stock Award has been registered under a then currently effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or (B) as to any particular requirement, a determination is made by counsel for the Company that such requirement need not be met in the circumstances under the then applicable securities laws. The Company may, upon advice of counsel to the Company, place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan as such counsel deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, legends restricting the transfer of the Common Stock.

 

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Withholding Obligations. Unless prohibited by the terms of a Stock Award Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to a Stock Award by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (i) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment; (ii) withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to the Participant in connection with the Stock Award; provided, however, that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lesser amount as may be necessary to avoid classification of the Stock Award as a liability for financial accounting purposes); (iii) withholding cash from a Stock Award settled in cash; (iv) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant; or (v) by such other method as may be set forth in the Stock Award Agreement.

 

Electronic Delivery. Any reference herein to a “written” agreement or document will include any agreement or document delivered electronically or posted on the Company’s intranet (or other shared electronic medium controlled by the Company to which the Participant has access).

 

Deferrals. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board, in its sole discretion, may determine that the delivery of Common Stock or the payment of cash, upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of all or a portion of any Stock Award may be deferred and may establish programs and procedures for deferral elections to be made by Participants. Deferrals by Participants will be made in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. Consistent with Section 409A of the Code, the Board may provide for distributions while a Participant is still an employee or otherwise providing services to the Company. The Board is authorized to make deferrals of Stock Awards and determine when, and in what annual percentages, Participants may receive payments, including lump sum payments, following the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service, and implement such other terms and conditions consistent with the provisions of the Plan and in accordance with applicable law.

 

Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that the Board determines that any Stock Award granted hereunder is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Stock Award Agreement evidencing such Stock Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions necessary to avoid the consequences specified in Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan and Stock Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code.

 

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Compliance with Exemption Provided by Rule 12h-1(f). If at the end of the Company’s most recently completed fiscal year: (i) the aggregate of the number of persons who hold outstanding compensatory employee stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan or otherwise (such persons, “Holders of Options”) equals or exceeds five hundred (500), and (ii) the Company’s assets exceed $10 million, then the following restrictions will apply during any period during which the Company does not have a class of its securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act and is not required to file reports under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act: (A) the Options and, prior to exercise, the shares of Common Stock to be issued on exercise of the Options may not be transferred until the Company is no longer relying on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-1(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act (“Rule 12h-1(f)”), except: (1) as permitted by Rule 701(c) promulgated under the Securities Act, (2) to a guardian upon the disability of the Holder of Options, or (3) to an executor upon the death of the Holder of Options (collectively, the “Permitted Transferees”); provided, however, the following transfers are permitted: (i) transfers by Holders of Options to the Company, and (ii) transfers in connection with a change of control or other acquisition involving the Company, if following such transaction, the Options no longer remain outstanding and the Company is no longer relying on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-1(f); provided further, that any Permitted Transferees may not further transfer the Options; (B) except as otherwise provided in (A) above, the Options and shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of the Options are restricted as to any pledge, hypothecation, or other transfer, including any short position, any “put equivalent position” as defined by Rule 16a-1(h) promulgated under the Exchange Act, or any “call equivalent position” as defined by Rule 16a-1(b) promulgated under the Exchange Act by Holders of Options prior to exercise of an Option until the Company is no longer relying on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-1(f); and (C) at any time that the Company is relying on the exemption provided by Rule 12h-1(f), the Company will deliver to Holders of Options (whether by physical or electronic delivery or written notice of the availability of the information on an internet site) the information required by Rule 701(e)(3), (4), and (5) promulgated under the Securities Act every six (6) months, including financial statements that are not more than one hundred eighty (180) days old; provided, however, that the Company may condition the delivery of such information upon the Holder of Options’ agreement to maintain its confidentiality.

 

Repurchase Limitation. The terms of any repurchase right will be specified in the Stock Award Agreement. The repurchase price for vested shares of Common Stock will be the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the date of repurchase. The repurchase price for unvested shares of Common Stock will be the lower of (i) the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the date of repurchase or (ii) their original purchase price. However, the Company will not exercise its repurchase right until at least six (6) months (or such longer or shorter period of time necessary to avoid classification of the Stock Award as a liability for financial accounting purposes) have elapsed following delivery of shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Award, unless otherwise specifically provided by the Board.

 

Adjustments upon Changes in Common Stock; Other Corporate Events.

 

Capitalization Adjustments. In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board will appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a), (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of securities that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options pursuant to Section 3(c), and (iii) the class(es) and number of securities and price per share of stock subject to outstanding Stock Awards. The Board will make such adjustments, and its determination will be final, binding and conclusive.

 

Dissolution or Liquidation. Except as otherwise provided in the Stock Award Agreement, in the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, all outstanding Stock Awards (other than Stock Awards consisting of vested and outstanding shares of Common Stock not subject to a forfeiture condition or the Company’s right of repurchase) will terminate immediately prior to the completion of such dissolution or liquidation, and the shares of Common Stock subject to the Company’s repurchase rights or subject to a forfeiture condition may be repurchased or reacquired by the Company notwithstanding the fact that the holder of such Stock Award is providing Continuous Service, provided, however, that the Board may, in its sole discretion, cause some or all Stock Awards to become fully vested, exercisable and/or no longer subject to repurchase or forfeiture (to the extent such Stock Awards have not previously expired or terminated) before the dissolution or liquidation is completed but contingent on its completion.

 

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Corporate Transaction. The following provisions will apply to Stock Awards in the event of a Corporate Transaction unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing the Stock Award or any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Board at the time of grant of a Stock Award. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, then, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Board may take one or more of the following actions with respect to Stock Awards, contingent upon the closing or completion of the Corporate Transaction:

 

arrange for the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) to assume or continue the Stock Award or to substitute a similar stock award for the Stock Award (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Corporate Transaction);

 

arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Stock Award to the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company);

 

accelerate the vesting, in whole or in part, of the Stock Award (and, if applicable, the time at which the Stock Award may be exercised) to a date prior to the effective time of such Corporate Transaction as the Board determines (or, if the Board does not determine such a date, to the date that is five (5) days prior to the effective date of the Corporate Transaction), with such Stock Award terminating if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction; provided, however, that the Board may require Participants to complete and deliver to the Company a notice of exercise before the effective date of a Corporate Transaction, which exercise is contingent upon the effectiveness of such Corporate Transaction;

 

arrange for the lapse, in whole or in part, of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to the Stock Award;

 

cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the Stock Award, to the extent not vested or not exercised prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction, in exchange for such cash consideration, if any, as the Board, in its sole discretion, may consider appropriate; and

 

make a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Board equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the value of the property the Participant would have received upon the exercise of the Stock Award immediately prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction, over (B) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise. For clarity, this payment may be zero ($0) if the value of the property is equal to or less than the exercise price. Payments under this provision may be delayed to the same extent that payment of consideration to the holders of the Company’s Common Stock in connection with the Corporate Transaction is delayed as a result of escrows, earn outs, holdbacks or any other contingencies.

 

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The Board need not take the same action or actions with respect to all Stock Awards or portions thereof or with respect to all Participants. The Board may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of a Stock Award.

 

Change in Control. A Stock Award may be subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a Change in Control as may be provided in the Stock Award Agreement for such Stock Award or as may be provided in any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant, but in the absence of such provision, no such acceleration will occur.

 

Plan Term; Earlier Termination or Suspension of the Plan.

 

Plan Term. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Unless terminated sooner by the Board, the Plan will automatically terminate on the day before the tenth (10th) anniversary of the earlier of (i) the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, or (ii) the date the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company. No Stock Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.

 

No Impairment of Rights. Suspension or termination of the Plan will not impair rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant or as otherwise permitted in the Plan.

 

Effective Date of Plan.

 

This Plan will become effective on the Effective Date.

 

Choice of Law.

 

The laws of the State of Nevada will govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to that state’s conflict of laws rules.

 

Definitions. As used in the Plan, the following definitions will apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:

 

Affiliate” means, at the time of determination, any “parent” or “majority-owned subsidiary” of the Company, as such terms are defined in Rule 405. The Board will have the authority to determine the time or times at which “parent” or “majority-owned subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.

 

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Capitalization Adjustment” means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Stock Award after the Effective Date without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure, or any similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company will not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment.

 

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Cause” will have the meaning ascribed to such term in any written agreement between the Participant and the Company defining such term and, in the absence of such agreement, such term means, with respect to a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) such Participant’s commission of any felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state thereof; (ii) such Participant’s attempted commission of, or participation in, a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company; (iii) such Participant’s intentional, material violation of any contract or agreement between the Participant and the Company or of any statutory duty owed to the Company; (iv) such Participant’s unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets; or (v) such Participant’s gross misconduct. The determination that a termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service is either for Cause or without Cause will be made by the Company, in its sole discretion. Any determination by the Company that the Continuous Service of a Participant was terminated with or without Cause for the purposes of outstanding Stock Awards held by such Participant will have no effect upon any determination of the rights or obligations of the Company or such Participant for any other purpose.

 

Change in Control” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

 

any Exchange Act Person becomes the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control will not be deemed to occur (A) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company directly from the Company, (B) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company by an investor, any affiliate thereof or any other Exchange Act Person that acquires the Company’s securities in a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company through the issuance of equity securities or (C) solely because the level of Ownership held by any Exchange Act Person (the “Subject Person”) exceeds the designated percentage threshold of the outstanding voting securities as a result of a repurchase or other acquisition of voting securities by the Company reducing the number of shares outstanding, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of voting securities by the Company, and after such share acquisition, the Subject Person becomes the Owner of any additional voting securities that, assuming the repurchase or other acquisition had not occurred, increases the percentage of the then outstanding voting securities Owned by the Subject Person over the designated percentage threshold, then a Change in Control will be deemed to occur;

 

there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving (directly or indirectly) the Company and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the stockholders of the Company immediately prior thereto do not Own, directly or indirectly, either (A) outstanding voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting power of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction or (B) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, in each case in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction;

 

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the stockholders of the Company approve or the Board approves a plan of complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or a complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company will otherwise occur, except for a liquidation into a parent corporation;

 

there is consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries to an Entity, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are Owned by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition; or

 

individuals who, on the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, are members of the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member will, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing definition or any other provision of this Plan, (A) the term Change in Control will not include a sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company, and (B) the definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant will supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Stock Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition will apply.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.

 

Committee” means a committee of one or more Directors to whom authority has been delegated by the Board in accordance with Section 2(c).

 

Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

 

Company” means Franchise Holdings International, Inc., a Nevada corporation.

 

Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, who is (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services, or (ii) serving as a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate and is compensated for such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service, will not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of the Plan.

 

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Continuous Service” means that the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated. A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Director or Consultant or a change in the Entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, will not terminate a Participant’s Continuous Service; provided, however, that if the Entity for which a Participant is rendering services ceases to qualify as an Affiliate, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, such Participant’s Continuous Service will be considered to have terminated on the date such Entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Consultant of an Affiliate or to a Director will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. To the extent permitted by law, the Board or the chief executive officer of the Company, in that party’s sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service will be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Board or chief executive officer, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave, or (ii) transfers between the Company, an Affiliate, or their successors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a leave of absence will be treated as Continuous Service for purposes of vesting in a Stock Award only to such extent as may be provided in the Company’s leave of absence policy, in the written terms of any leave of absence agreement or policy applicable to the Participant, or as otherwise required by law.

 

Corporate Transaction” means the consummation, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:

 

a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

 

a sale or other disposition of at least ninety percent (90%) of the outstanding securities of the Company;

 

a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or

 

a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.

 

Director” means a member of the Board.

 

Disability” means, with respect to a Participant, the inability of such Participant to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months as provided in Sections 22(e)(3) and 409A(a)(2)(c)(i) of the Code, and will be determined by the Board on the basis of such medical evidence as the Board deems warranted under the circumstances.

 

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Effective Date” means the effective date of this Plan, which is the date this Plan is adopted by the Board.

 

Employee” means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a Director to be considered an “Employee” for purposes of the Plan.

 

Entity” means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Exchange Act Person” means any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that “Exchange Act Person” will not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, (iv) an Entity Owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of stock of the Company; or (v) any natural person, Entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, as of the Effective Date, is the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities.

 

Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock determined by the Board in compliance with Section 409A of the Code or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, in compliance with Section 422 of the Code.

 

Incentive Stock Option” means an option granted pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan that is intended to be, and that qualifies as, an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

 

Nonstatutory Stock Option” means any option granted pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan that does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

Officer” means any person designated by the Company as an officer.

 

Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

Option Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and an Optionholder evidencing the terms and conditions of an Option grant. Each Option Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

Optionholder” means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

 

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Other Stock Award” means an award based in whole or in part by reference to the Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(c).

 

Other Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of an Other Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an Other Stock Award grant. Each Other Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

Own,” “Owned,” “Owner,” “Ownership” A person or Entity will be deemed to “Own,” to have “Owned,” to be the “Owner” of, or to have acquired “Ownership” of securities if such person or Entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities.

 

Participant” means a person to whom a Stock Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Stock Award.

 

Plan” means this Franchise Holdings International, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Restricted Stock Award” means an award of shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(a).

 

Restricted Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Award grant. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

Restricted Stock Unit Award” means a right to receive shares of Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(b).

 

Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Restricted Stock Unit Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock Unit Award grant. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

Rule 405” means Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Rule 701” means Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right to receive the appreciation on Common Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 5.

 

Stock Appreciation Right Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a Stock Appreciation Right evidencing the terms and conditions of a Stock Appreciation Right grant. Each Stock Appreciation Right Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

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Stock Award” means any right to receive Common Stock granted under the Plan, including an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option, a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, a Stock Appreciation Right or any Other Stock Award.

 

Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of a Stock Award grant. Each Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of any other class or classes of such corporation will have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company, and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than fifty percent (50%) .

 

Ten Percent Stockholder” means a person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Affiliate.

 

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