Remuneration Information • Dec 4, 2025
Remuneration Information
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OF THE
THE SAGE GROUP PLC SAVE AND SHARE PLAN

| 1. | Meaning of words used | 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Eligible Employees | 3 |
| 3. | Issuing Invitations | 3 |
| 4. | Contributions | 4 |
| 5. | Applications for Options | 5 |
| 6. | Scaling Down | 5 |
| 7. | Granting Options | 6 |
| 8. | Share Dilution Limit | 6 |
| 9. | Exercise of Options | 7 |
| 10. | Lapsing | 8 |
| 11. | Settlement of Options | 8 |
| 13. | Leaving | 9 |
| 14. | Mobile Participants | 10 |
| 15. | Takeovers and Restructurings | 10 |
| 16. | Exchange of Options | 11 |
| 17. | Variations in Share Capital | 12 |
| 18. | Tax | 12 |
| 19. | Terms of Employment | 13 |
| 20. | General | 13 |
| 21. | Administration | 15 |
| 22. | Changing the Plan and Termination | 16 |
| 23. | Governing law and jurisdiction | 17 |
| Sch | edule A: Awards to UK participants "UK Plan" | 18 |
| 1. | Meaning of words used | 18 |
| 2. | Purpose | 19 |
| 3. | Eligible Employees | 19 |
| 4. | Issuing invitations | 19 |
| 5. | Applications for Options | 21 |
| 6. | Expected Repayments | 22 |
| 7. | Scaling Down | 22 |
| 8. | Granting Options | 23 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9. | Share Dilution Limit | 24 | |||
| 10. | Exercise of Options | 24 | |||
| 11. | Lapsing | 25 | |||
| 12. | Settlement of Options | 25 | |||
| 13. | Leaving | 26 | |||
| 14. | Takeovers and Restructurings | 27 | |||
| 15. | Exchange of Options | 29 | |||
| 16. | Variations in Share Capital | 30 | |||
| 17. | Tax | 30 | |||
| 18. | Terms of Employment | 31 | |||
| 19. | General | 31 | |||
| 20. | Administration | 33 | |||
| 21. | Changing the Plan and Termination | 33 | |||
| 22. | Governing Law and Jurisdiction | 34 | |||
| Sch | Schedule B: Awards to participants in France ("French Plan")35 | ||||
| 1. | Definitions | 35 | |||
| 2. | Eligible Employees | 35 | |||
| 3. | Issuing Invitations | 36 | |||
| 4. | Contributions | 36 | |||
| 5. | Settlement of options | 36 | |||
| 6. | Leaving | 36 | |||
| Sch | edule C: Irish Participants ("Irish Plan") | 37 | |||
| 1. | Definitions and Interpretation | 37 | |||
| 2. | Application for Options | 40 | |||
| 3. | Scaling Down | 41 | |||
| 4. | Grant of Options | 42 | |||
| 5. | Plan Limit | 43 | |||
| 6. | Rights to Exercise Options | 43 | |||
| 7. | Restrictions on Transfer and Bankruptcy | 45 | |||
| 8. | Takeover, Reconstruction and Liquidation | 45 |
| 9. | Manner of Exercise | 47 |
|---|---|---|
| 10. | Issue or Transfer of Shares | 47 |
| 11. | Adjustments | 47 |
| 12. | Amendments | 47 |
| 13. | Legal Entitlement | 48 |
| 14 | General | 49 |
In these rules:
"Board" means the board of directors of the Company or a committee duly authorised by it. For the purposes of rules 15 (Takeovers and Restructurings) and 16 (Exchange of Options), it means those persons who were members of the Board immediately before the relevant event;
"Business Day" means a day on which the London Stock Exchange (or, if the Board decides, any other stock exchange on which the Shares are traded) is open for the transaction of business;
"Companies Act" means the Companies Act 2006;
"Company" means The Sage Group plc registered in England and Wales under number 02231246;
"Contribution" means one or more contributions made under the Plan;
"Control" means the power of a person to secure by means of the holding of shares or the possession of voting power or by virtue of any powers conferred by any articles of association (or other document), that the affairs of a body corporate are conducted in accordance with the wishes of that person;
"Dealing Restrictions" means any internal or external restrictions on dealings or transactions in securities;
"Eligible Employee" means a person who is eligible to participate in the Plan under rule 3.1 (Eligibility);
"Employee" means any employee (including an employed executive director) of any Member of the Group and, for the purposes of rule 19 (Terms of Employment), it includes a former employee;
"Exercise Period" means the period during which an Option may be exercised, as set out in the invitation, which will normally be the six-month period following the Expected Vesting Date;
"Expected Repayment" means the aggregate of all the Eligible Employee's Contributions under the Savings Arrangement and, if the Board decides, any interest payable under the Savings Arrangement (if applicable);
"Expected Vesting Date" means the date immediately following the date on which the Savings Arrangement ends or such other date as the Board determines in rule 3.5 (Savings Arrangement);
"French Plan" means Schedule B to this Plan for Awards to participants in France;
"Grant Date" means the date on which an Option is granted;
"Group" means the Company and any company which is a subsidiary of the Company (within the meaning of section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006), and for the purposes of rule 13 (Leaving), includes any company which is an associated company of the Company (within the meaning of paragraph 47 of Schedule 3 to ITEPA 2003) as nominated for this purpose by the Board. "Member of the Group" shall be construed accordingly;
"Invitation" means an invitation to apply for an Option;
"Invitation Date" means the date an Invitation to apply for an Option is issued under the Plan;
"Irish Plan" means Schedule C to this Plan for Awards to participants in Ireland;
"ITEPA" means the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003;
"Market Value" on any day means:
"Option" means a right to acquire Shares granted under, and exercisable in accordance with, the Plan;
"Option Price" means the amount payable for each Share on the exercise of an Option, determined in accordance with rule 3. (Option Price);
"Participant" means a person holding or who has held an Option or, after death, that person's personal representatives;
"Participating Companies" means the Company and any company that is:
"Phantom Option" means a right to receive a cash sum granted under, and exercisable in accordance with, the Plan;
"Plan" means the plan constituted by these rules and its schedules known as The Sage Group plc Save and Share Plan, as amended from time to time;
"Qualifying Period" means a qualifying period of continuous service with a Participating Company, in accordance with rule 3.2 (Qualifying Period);
"Savings Arrangement" has the meaning given in rule 3.5 (Savings Arrangement);
"Schedule 3" means Schedule 3 to ITEPA;
"Share" means a fully paid ordinary share in the capital of the Company; and
"Tax" means any tax and social security charges (and/or any similar charges), wherever arising, in respect of a Participant's Option or otherwise arising in connection with that Participant's participation in the Plan;
"UK Plan" means Schedule A to this Plan for Awards to UK participants; and
"Vesting" means the Option becoming exercisable, and "Vest" and "Vested" will be understood accordingly.
In this Plan, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular. References to any enactment or statutory requirement will be understood as references to that enactment or requirement as amended or re-enacted and they include any subordinate legislation made under it.
A person is an Eligible Employee if that person:
The Board may decide to impose a Qualifying Period of such length as it determines from time to time, not exceeding 5 years.
The Board has discretion to decide whether the Plan will be operated. When the Plan is operated, the Board will invite all Eligible Employees to apply for an Option.
Invitations under the Plan may be issued at any time unless prevented by Dealing Restrictions.
No Invitations may be issued after the termination of the Plan.
An Invitation under the Plan will be in a form approved by the Board. The Invitation must specify:
The Option Price must:
as measured on the Invitation Date, or a date specified in the invitation to apply for an Option (such date being no earlier than the date preceding the Invitation Date and no later than the Grant Date).
There is no requirement for savings to be held in an interest-bearing account. Any interest that does accrue will be for the benefit of the Participant.
The length of the Savings Arrangement will be the same as that offered to participants of the UK Plan, unless the Board decides otherwise.
A Phantom Option will not confer any right to receive Shares or any interest in Shares. Unless otherwise stated, the Plan will be interpreted and applied to reflect the fact that Phantom Options are granted in respect of notional Shares only and are settled in cash rather than Shares.
The Board may choose to waive or amend any requirement in relation to Contributions or Savings Arrangements in the case of a Phantom Option, including but not limited to the power to permit a participant to make notional Contributions by means of reductions in salary or requiring Participants to provide such verification of amounts saved as the Board considers appropriate.
Contributions will be deducted from a Participant's salary (which includes bonus payments and other forms of cash remuneration), unless the Board permits a different method of collection.
The maximum Contribution will be an equivalent of £500 per month or such other maximum permitted under the UK Plan, when aggregated with any Contributions already being made under the Plan, unless the Board determines otherwise.
The Board can decide to set a minimum Contribution.
The Board can decide to set different minimum and maximum Contribution limits in different currencies.
Where a Participant makes Contributions in a currency other than pounds sterling, the Board may decide to alter either or both of the following to reflect currency movements:
Where a Savings Contract is cancelled by a Participant before the Expected Vesting Date, the Board may determine that the level of Contributions that the Participant was making under that Savings Contract will still count towards the Participant's Maximum Contribution for the purposes of any future Savings Contracts until that Bonus Date has passed.
An application for an Option must:
If an application specifies a Contribution that would otherwise exceed the maximum, the application will be deemed to have been made in such a way that the maximum will not be exceeded.
Where there has been an error by the Company or administrator, the Board may, in its sole discretion, treat applications received after the date specified in accordance with rule 4.4.3 but before the Grant Date as valid.
Each Eligible Employee's application will be for an Option over the largest whole number of Shares that the Eligible Employee could acquire at the Option Price using the Expected Repayment.
If applications are received for more Shares than specified in the Invitation, then the Board has discretion to decide to grant Options over the full number of Shares in respect of which applications were received or to scale down applications. However, the Board will scale down applications if Options would otherwise be granted in excess of the Share limit specified in rule 9 (Share Dilution Limit).
The Board will scale down applications by applying one or more of the following steps until Options will be granted over a total number of Shares that does not exceed the relevant limit(s):
Where the Board scales down applications, each application will be deemed to have been modified or withdrawn accordingly, and the Expected Repayment will be adjusted accordingly.
Shortly after the deadline for submitting applications, the Board will grant an Option to every Eligible Employee whose valid application has been received.
An Option cannot be granted to a person who is not an Employee or director of a Participating Company on the Grant Date.
Options will be granted:
Options will be granted by the Company in any way that ensures they are contractually enforceable.
A Participant is not required to pay for the grant of an Option.
If the Board grants an Option:
An Option may not be granted that would cause the total number of Shares that have been Allocated in the previous 10 years (or could still be Allocated by virtue of rights granted) under the Plan and under any other employee share plans operated by the Company to exceed 10% of the ordinary share capital of the Company in issue.
For the purposes of this rule 8 (Share Dilution Limit):
8.2.1 Shares are considered to be "Allocated" when allotted and issued as new shares, or transferred from treasury. However, if relevant institutional investor guidelines cease to require treasury shares to be considered for these purposes, then treasury Shares will not count towards this Share limit; and
8.2.2 where there has been a variation in the share capital of the Company as described in rule 17.1 (Adjustment of an Option), the number of Shares taken into account for the purposes of the Share limit will be adjusted as the Board considers appropriate to take account of the variation.
An Option will only be exercisable during the Exercise Period, except in accordance with rules 13 (Leaving) or 15 (Takeovers and restructurings).
A Participant who is subject to tax in the United States of America may not exercise an Option after the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Taxable Year in which the Option first becomes exercisable. The Option will lapse at the end of this period.
For these purposes, "Taxable Year" means the calendar year or, if it ends later than the relevant calendar year, the 12-month period for which the company that employs the Participant is obliged to pay tax.
A Participant may exercise an Option by giving notice in the manner decided by the Board. The notice must:
unless the Board decides otherwise.
The exercise of the Option is effective on the date of receipt of a notice in accordance with these terms.
An Option may be exercised in full or in part but may not be exercised on more than one occasion. Where an Option is exercised in part, the remainder of the Option will immediately lapse.
A Participant may normally only exercise an Option over the number of whole Shares that can be purchased with the total Contributions actually made, and any interest paid under the Savings Arrangement, if relevant.
Under the terms of the invitation, the Board may permit a Participant to top up the proceeds of the Savings Arrangement prior to exercise of their Option to enable the Participant to exercise their Option to the fullest extent possible.
Unless an Option is already capable of exercise, it will lapse when a Participant gives notice that they intend to permanently stop paying Contributions.
If a Participant requests repayment of their Contributions otherwise than in connection with the exercise of the Option, the Option will lapse.
An Option will lapse to the extent any part of it is no longer capable of being exercised.
To the extent an Option lapses, it cannot be exercised under any other provision of the Plan. This means that, to the extent the Option lapses, the Participant has no right to receive the Shares or cash comprised in the Option.
If an Option lapses entirely, the linked Savings Arrangement will come to an end.
The Board will arrange for the delivery of Shares or cash to the Participant as soon as practicable after exercise.
In the case of a Phantom Option, the cash sum will be equal to the value of the notional Shares which would be delivered on exercise.
Shares may be delivered to and held by a nominee on behalf of the Participant.
Shares issued in connection with this Plan will rank equally in all respects with the Shares in issue on that date.
Participants will only be entitled to rights attaching to Shares from the date of the allotment or transfer to them.
The Board may choose to settle any Option partly or fully in cash. The Participant will have no right to acquire the Shares in respect of which an Option has been settled in cash.
The Board will arrange payment of any share transfer taxes on settlement.
This rule applies if Dealing Restrictions would prohibit the exercise of an Option, delivering or arranging delivery of Shares or cash to settle an Option, and/or the Participant from selling Shares, if required to discharge Tax.
If Dealing Restrictions apply, then:
unless the Board decides otherwise.
For the purposes of this rule 13 (Leaving), "Leaving" means ceasing to be an Employee (and ceasing to be a director) of all Members of the Group (or, if earlier, giving or receiving notice to terminate all employment and directorship) and "Leave" will be understood accordingly.
A Participant's Option will lapse on the date the Participant Leaves, unless other provisions of this rule 13 (Leaving) apply.
If a Participant Leaves for one of the following reasons, the Participant may exercise the Option in accordance with rule 13.7 (Pro-rating) for a period of 6 months from Leaving after which time the Option will then lapse:
If a Participant Leaves for any reason other than summary dismissal and the Participant's Option was granted more than 3 years before Leaving, the Participant may exercise the Option for a period of 6 months from Leaving. The Option will then lapse. This rule does not apply where the participant Leaves due to gross misconduct.
If a Participant dies before exercising an Option, the Participant's Option may be exercised in accordance with rule 13.7 (Pro-rating) at any time on or after the date of death, but not later than 12 months after:
The Option will then lapse.
No period for exercise sets out in this rule 13 (Leaving) will extend any Exercise Period that would otherwise apply to an Award if the Participant was not Leaving.
Where this rule 13.7 (Pro-rating) applies, the Participant's Option will become exercisable over the number of Shares subject to the Option (rounded down) that, pro rata, reflects the total number of Contributions made before Leaving, as a proportion of the total number of Contributions expected to be made by the Participant under the Savings Arrangement, unless the Board decides otherwise. To the extent that the Option does not become exercisable, it will lapse.
If a Participant moves from one jurisdiction to another or becomes tax resident in a different jurisdiction and, as a result, there may be adverse legal, regulatory, tax or administrative consequences for the Participant and/or a Member of the Group in connection with an Option, then the Board may adjust that Participant's Award so that the award is on such terms, subject to such conditions and over such Shares (or other types of securities or cash) as the Board may consider appropriate.
The Board will notify Participants of any adjustment or decision made under this rule 14 as soon as practicable.
The Board may decide to apply rules 14 (Takeovers and restructurings) and/or 15 (Exchange of Options) of the UK Plan to Options granted under this Plan, in which case:
Where a person (or a group of persons acting together) obtains Control of the Company as a result of making an offer to acquire Shares, Options will become exercisable on the date the person obtains Control in accordance with rule 15.6 (Pro-rating).
Where a person becomes bound or entitled to acquire Shares under sections 979 to 982 or 983 to 985 of the Companies Act (inclusive), Options will become exercisable on the date the person becomes so bound or entitled in accordance with rule 15.6 (Pro-rating).
Where a court sanctions a compromise or arrangement in connection with the acquisition of Shares, Options may, if the Board decides, become exercisable on the date of the court sanction or the effective date in accordance with rule 15.6 (Pro-rating).
If notice is given of a resolution for the voluntary winding up of the Company, Options will become exercisable on the date the notice is given in accordance with rule 15.6 (Pro-rating).
If this rule 15.6 (Pro-rating) applies, an Option will become exercisable over the number of Shares subject to the Option (rounded down) that, pro rata, reflects the total number of Contributions made before the Option became exercisable, as a proportion of the total number of Contributions expected to be made by the Participant under the Savings Arrangement, unless the Board decides otherwise. To the extent that the Option does not become exercisable, it will lapse.
Where an Option becomes exercisable pursuant to this rule 15 (Takeovers and restructurings) or was already exercisable, it will be exercisable for a period of 1 month or any other period that the Board decides from the date of the relevant event and will then lapse.
This will not extend any Exercise Period that would otherwise apply to an Option.
For the purposes of this rule 16 (Exchange of Options), "Acquirer" means a person that obtains Control of the Company.
Where any of rules 15.2 (Change of Control), 15.3 (Bound or entitled) or 15.4 (Schemes of arrangement) is expected to or does apply (or if, by virtue of rule 15.1 (Application of the UK Plan), rule 15 (Takeovers and Reconstructings) of the UK Plan applies):
Any exchange will take place on (or as soon as practicable after) the relevant event under the relevant rule 15 (Takeovers and Restructurings).
Any new Option will be granted on the terms and over the Shares (or other type of securities) that the Board decides and, where rule 16.2.2 applies, with the agreement of the Acquirer.
Unless the Board decides otherwise, any new Option that is subject to the Plan will be interpreted as if references to Shares are references to the shares (or other securities) over which the new Option is granted and references to the Company are to the company that the Board decides.
If there is:
the Board may adjust the number or class of the Shares to which an Option relates and/or the Option Price in such manner as the Board considers appropriate. The adjustment will not result in the Option Price being less than nominal value other than in exceptional circumstances.
The Board will notify affected Participants of any adjustment made under this rule 17.1 (Adjustment of an Option) as soon as practicable.
Any Member of the Group, any employing company, the trustee of any relevant employee benefit trust or any third-party provider nominated by the Board may make withholding arrangements as set out in this rule 18.1 (Withholding).
A withholding entity may make any withholding arrangements that it considers necessary or desirable, including making deductions from any cash payment owed to the Participant.
Withholding arrangements may include the sale on behalf of the Participant of some or all of the Shares to which the Participant is entitled under the Plan.
An entity may withhold to meet any liability for Tax, to collect any outstanding exercise price and to meet any applicable dealing and/or currency exchange costs and other associated costs.
A Participant will, if requested, indemnify the Group for the Participant's liability for Tax.
This rule 19 (Terms of Employment) applies during an Employee's employment and after the termination of an Employee's employment, whether or not the termination is lawful.
Nothing in the rules of the Plan or the operation of the Plan forms part of an Employee's contract of employment or alters it. The rights and obligations arising from the employment or former employment relationship between the Employee and the relevant Member of the Group are separate from, and are not affected by, the Plan. Participation in the Plan does not create any right to, or expectation of, employment (continued or otherwise).
No Employee has a right to participate in the Plan. Participation in the Plan or the grant of an Option on a particular basis in any year does not create any right to or expectation of participation in the Plan or the grant of an Option on the same, or any other, basis (or at all) in the future.
The terms of the Plan do not entitle the Employee to the exercise of any discretion in the Employee's favour. The Employee will have no claim or right of action in respect of any decision, omission or discretion which may operate to the disadvantage of the Employee even if it is unreasonable or in breach of the duty of trust and confidence (and/or any other implied duty), for example between the Employee and the relevant Member of the Group.
No Employee has any right to compensation or damages for any loss (actual or potential) in relation to the Plan, including any loss in relation to:
By participating in the Plan, an Employee agrees to waive all rights which might otherwise arise under the Plan, other than the right to acquire Shares or cash (as appropriate) subject to and in accordance with the explicit rules of the Plan, in consideration for and as a condition of the grant of an Option.
Participation in the Plan will be subject to:
All allotments, issues and transfers of Shares or cash payments will be subject to the Company's articles of association and any necessary consents or filings required in any relevant jurisdiction. The Participant will be responsible for complying with any requirements needed in order to obtain, or to avoid the necessity for, any consents or filings.
Options may be settled using newly issued Shares, Shares transferred from treasury and Shares purchased in the market.
If, and for as long as, the Shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange, the Company will apply as soon as practicable for the listing and admission to trading of any Shares issued in connection with the Plan.
Any notice or other communication required under this Plan will be given in writing, which may include electronic means.
Any notice or other communication to be given to an Employee or Participant may be delivered by electronic means (including by email, through the Group's intranet or a share plan portal), personally delivered or sent by ordinary post to the address that the Board reasonably considers appropriate.
Any notice or other communication to be given to the Company or its agents may be delivered or sent to its registered office or any other place and by any means that the Board or the Company's agents may specify and notify to Employees and/or Participants, as relevant.
Notices or other communications:
unless there is evidence to the contrary.
All notices or communications to be given to Employees or Participants are given and sent at the risk of the addressee. No Member of the Group has any liability in respect of any notice or communication given or sent, nor need they be concerned to see that the addressee actually receives it.
Except as otherwise expressly stated to the contrary, nothing in the Plan confers any benefit, right or expectation on any person other than an Employee, Participant or Member of the Group. No third party has any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 (or any similar legislation in an overseas jurisdiction) to enforce any rule of this Plan.
A Participant's Option will lapse if the Participant becomes bankrupt or enters into a compromise (or any overseas equivalent) with the Participant's creditors generally, other than where the compromise (or overseas equivalent) is entered into by the Participant voluntarily and at the Participant's complete discretion.
None of the benefits that may be received under the Plan are pensionable.
A Participant's Option will lapse if the Participant transfers, assigns, charges or otherwise disposes of the Option or any of the rights in respect of it, whether voluntarily or involuntarily (other than to that Participant's personal representatives on death).
Any conversion of money into different currencies (whether notional or actual) will be done at a time and rate of exchange that the Board decides.
No Member of the Group will be liable for any loss due to movements in currency exchange rates or conversion or money transfer charges.
No Member of the Group will be liable for any loss arising from any delay in giving effect to any notice or communication received from an Employee or Participant or in procuring a sale, allotment or transfer of any Shares.
The Plan will be administered by the Board, which has authority to make any rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan that it considers necessary or desirable. The Board may delegate any and all of its rights and powers under the Plan.
All decisions of the Board in connection with the Plan and its interpretation and the terms of any Options (including in any dispute) will be final and conclusive.
The Board will decide whether and how to exercise any discretion in the Plan. When making any decisions, the Board will act fairly and reasonably.
If any provision of the Plan is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason by any court with jurisdiction then, for the purposes of that jurisdiction only:
unless the Board decides otherwise.
Where there is any conflict between the terms of the English version of the Plan, the Options and/or any ancillary documents and a version in any other language, the English language version will prevail.
Each person will have regard to Dealing Restrictions when operating, interpreting, administering, participating in and/or taking any other action in relation to the Plan.
The Board may change the Plan in any way and at any time.
The Board will obtain prior approval of shareholders by ordinary resolution for any change to the Plan which is to the advantage of present or future Participants and which relates to any of the following:
The Board need not obtain shareholder approval for any minor changes to the Plan which are to:
If a proposed change would be to the material disadvantage of one or more Participants in respect of existing rights under the Plan, then the Board must obtain the written consent of the affected Participant(s).
The Board need not obtain Participant consent for any minor changes which are to:
22.5.4 obtain or maintain favourable tax, exchange control or regulatory treatment of any Member of the Group or any present or future Participant.
The Board need not obtain the consent of a Participant if:
The Board will give written notice of changes to Participants whose Options are materially affected.
The Board may establish plans or schedules based on the Plan, but modified to take account of any local tax, exchange control or securities laws in other jurisdictions, provided that any Options made under such plans or schedules are subject to the maximum Contribution limit in rule 4.2 (Minimum and maximum Contributions) and the share dilution limit in rule 8 (Share Dilution Limit).
The Plan will not terminate unless the Board decides otherwise.
The laws of England and Wales govern the Plan and all Options. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction in respect of any disputes arising in connection with the Plan or any Option.
In these rules:
"Bonus Date" means the date the Bonus becomes payable, which will occur after all of the Contributions have been made;
"Bonus" means the bonus (if any) payable under a Savings Contract linked to an Option;
"Control" has the meaning in section 719 of ITEPA;
"Eligible Employee" means a person who is eligible to participate in the Plan under rule 3.1 (Eligibility) at the relevant time;
"Expected Repayment" has the meaning given in rule 6.1 (Meaning of Expected Repayment);
"HMRC" means His Majesty's Revenue & Customs;
"Invitation Date" means the date an Invitation to apply for an Option is issued under the Plan;
"ITEPA" means the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003;
"Market Value" on any day means:
"Maximum Contribution" means the maximum permitted Contribution, when aggregated with an Eligible Employee's contributions under all other Savings Arrangements;
"Plan" means the UK Plan;
"Restriction" means a restriction within the meaning of paragraph 48(3) of Schedule 3;
"Savings Arrangement" means a certified SAYE savings arrangement within the meaning of section 703(1) of the Income Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005 that has been approved by HMRC for the purposes of Schedule 3 and is linked to a Schedule 3 SAYE Option Scheme;
"Savings Contract" means a savings contract under a Savings Arrangement linked to this Plan;
"SAYE Code" means the relevant parts of the tax legislation governing the Plan as specified in section 516(3) of ITEPA;
"Schedule 3 SAYE Option Scheme" is a sharesave plan that meets the legislative requirements of Schedule 3, as set out in paragraph 1(A1) of Schedule 3; and
"Share" means an ordinary share in the capital of the Company that satisfies paragraphs 18 to 20 (inclusive) and 22 of Schedule 3.
In this Plan, the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular. References to any enactment or statutory requirement will be understood as references to that enactment or requirement as amended or re-enacted and they include any subordinate legislation made under it.
Words and expressions used in the Plan will have the meanings given in the SAYE Code unless the context requires otherwise. The Plan will be interpreted consistently with Schedule 3.
The Plan is intended to operate as a Schedule 3 SAYE Option Scheme. The Company has established the Plan to provide benefits to Eligible Employees in the form of Options, and these benefits will only be provided in accordance with Schedule 3.
A person is an Eligible Employee if that person:
The Board may also permit any other person who satisfies rule 3.1.1(i) to participate in the Plan as an Eligible Employee.
The Board may decide to impose a Qualifying Period. The Qualifying Period will be the period the Board decides from time to time but must not exceed 5 years prior to the Grant Date or such other maximum period under Schedule 3.
The Board has discretion to decide whether the Plan will be operated. When the Plan is operated, the Board must invite all Eligible Employees to apply for an Option.
Where invitations are issued under the Plan, all Eligible Employees must be invited to participate on similar terms.
Invitations under the Plan may be issued at any time unless prevented by Dealing Restrictions.
No Invitations may be issued after the termination of the Plan.
An Invitation under the Plan will be in a form approved by the Board. The Invitation must specify:
The Option Price must:
as measured on the Invitation Date or, if the Board decides, the Grant Date.
When calculating the Option Price, any date used to determine Market Value must be a date when invitations could be issued under rule 4.3 (Time of Invitation).
The Board will specify the deadline for receiving applications for Options, which must be a minimum of 14 days after the Invitation Date.
The Savings Contract will be 3 years unless the Board otherwise determines it will be 5 years (or any other periods which may be available for Savings Contracts from time to time).
The minimum permitted Contribution will be £5 unless the Board determines otherwise up to a maximum of £10, or within such other range as is permitted by Schedule 3.
The Maximum Contribution will be £500, or another amount decided by the Board taking account of any maximum specified by Schedule 3).
Where a Savings Contract is cancelled by a Participant before the Bonus Date, the Board may determine that the level of Contributions that the Participant was making under that Savings Contract will still count towards the Participant's Maximum Contribution for the purposes of any future Savings Contracts until that Bonus Date has passed.
An Invitation to apply for an Option must be accompanied by an Invitation to enter into a Savings Contract.
An application for an Option must:
If an application for a Savings Contract specifies a Contribution that exceeds any amount in rule 5.1.2, the application will be deemed to have been made in such a way that the relevant maximum will not be exceeded.
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The Expected Repayment is the total of:
Unless the Board has decided otherwise on or prior to the Grant Date, the Expected Repayment will include the maximum Bonus payable.
Each Eligible Employee's application will be for an Option over the largest whole number of Shares that the Eligible Employee could acquire at the Option Price using the Expected Repayment. The Expected Repayment must, as nearly as possible, equal the total Option Price payable if the Option was exercised in full.
The Board will scale down applications if Options would otherwise be granted in excess of any Share limits specified in the invitation or rule 9 (Share Dilution Limit).
The Board will scale down applications by applying the following successive steps until Options will be granted over a total number of Shares that does not exceed the limits:
If the limits would still be exceeded, the Board may then apply rule 7.3 (Cancel grant or choose by lot).
The Board may either decide not to grant any Options or will select by lot the applications that will be accepted. Applications selected by lot will be deemed to:
Where the Board scales down applications, each application will be deemed to have been modified or withdrawn accordingly, and the Expected Repayment will be adjusted accordingly.
Where Options are to be granted, the Company will grant an Option to every Eligible Employee whose valid application has been received by or on behalf of the Company, subject to rule 7 (Scaling Down).
An Option cannot be granted to a person who is not an Employee or director of a Participating Company on the Grant Date. Any attempt to do so will be ineffective.
Where Options are granted under the Plan, all Eligible Employees who participate in the Plan must do so on similar terms.
Options will be granted:
Options will be granted by the Company in any way which ensures they are contractually enforceable.
Where required by HMRC's guidance, the Grant Date must be:
At the Grant Date, the Board will specify:
The Board will notify Participants of the grant of Options as soon as practicable.
A Participant is not required to pay for the grant of an Option.
If the Board grants an Option which is inconsistent with any provisions in this Plan, it will take effect only to the extent permissible under the Plan.
An Option may not be granted that would cause the total number of Shares that have been Allocated in the previous 10 years (or could still be Allocated by virtue of rights granted) under the Plan and under any other employee share plans operated by the Company to exceed 10% of the ordinary share capital of the Company in issue.
For the purposes of this rule 9 (Share Dilution Limit):
An Option will become exercisable from the Bonus Date of the Savings Contract. An Option will not be exercisable before the Bonus Date, except in accordance with rules 13 (Leaving) or 14 (Takeovers and Restructurings).
An Option will lapse 6 months after the Bonus Date, subject only to rule 13.5 (Death).
An Option can only be exercised when the Participant is an Employee or director of a Participating Company, except where the Option is exercisable under rule 13 (Leaving).
A Participant who is subject to tax in the United States of America may not exercise an Option after the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Taxable Year in which the Option first becomes exercisable. The Option will lapse at the end of this period.
For these purposes, "Taxable Year" means the calendar year or, if it ends later than the relevant calendar year, the 12-month period for which the company that employs the Participant is obliged to pay tax.
A Participant may exercise an Option by giving notice in the manner decided by the Board. The notice must:
The exercise of the Option is effective on the date of receipt of the notice and the payment or direction.
An Option may be exercised in whole or in part but may not be exercised on more than one occasion. Where an Option is exercised in part, the remainder of the Option will immediately lapse.
A Participant may only exercise an Option over the number of whole Shares that can be purchased with the total Contributions actually made, and any interest and Bonus.
Unless an Option is already capable of exercise, it will lapse when a Participant gives or is deemed to give notice under the relevant Savings Contract that the Participant intends to permanently stop paying Contributions.
To the extent an Option lapses, it cannot be exercised under any provision of the Plan. To the extent the Option lapses, the Participant has no right to receive the Shares comprised in the Option.
If an Option is exercised, the Board will arrange for the delivery of Shares to the Participant as soon as practicable after exercise.
Shares may be delivered to and held by a nominee on behalf of the Participant.
If delivering or arranging delivery of Shares would be prohibited by Dealing Restrictions, delivery will not occur until after the Dealing Restrictions cease to apply.
Shares issued in connection with this Plan will rank equally in all respects with the Shares in issue on that date.
Participants will only be entitled to rights attaching to Shares from the date of the allotment or transfer to them.
The Board will arrange payment of any share transfer taxes on settlement.
For the purposes of this rule 13 (Leaving), "Leaving" means:
and "Leaves" will be interpreted accordingly.
A Participant's Option will lapse on the date the Participant Leaves, unless other provisions of this rule 13 (Leaving) apply.
If a Participant Leaves for a Good Leaver Reason, the Participant may exercise the Option for a period of 6 months from Leaving. The Option will then lapse.
For the purposes of this rule 13.3 (Good leavers), "Good Leaver Reason" means:
If a Participant Leaves for any reason other than a Good Leaver Reason, and the Participant's Option was granted more than 3 years before Leaving, the Participant may exercise the Option for a period of 6 months from Leaving. The Option will then lapse. This rule does not apply where the participant Leaves due to gross misconduct.
If a Participant dies before exercising an Option, the Participant's Option may be exercised at any time on or after the date of death, but not later than 12 months after:
13.5.1 the date of death, if the Participant dies before the Bonus Date; or
13.5.2 the Bonus Date, if the Participant dies on or within 6 months after the Bonus Date.
The Option will then lapse.
This rule 13.5 (Death) applies notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan.
If a Participant is, on the Bonus Date, an Employee or director of a company which is:
the Participant may exercise the Option for a period of 6 months after the Bonus Date. The Option will then lapse.
None of the periods for exercise set out in this rule 13 (Leaving) will allow an Option to be exercised more than 6 months after the Bonus Date, except where this is permissible under rule 13.5 (Death).
For the purposes of this rule 14 (Takeovers and Restructurings) and rule 15 (Exchange of Options):
Where a person obtains Control of the Company as a result of making a general offer:
Options can be exercised within 6 months after the person has obtained Control and any condition subject to which the offer is made has been satisfied. The Options will then lapse.
For these purposes it does not matter if the general offer is made to different shareholders by different means and any shares already held by the person making the offer (or a person connected with that person) are not considered.
Options become exercisable where a person becomes bound or entitled to acquire shares in the Company under sections 979 to 982 or 983 to 985 of the Companies Act 2006, and can be exercised at any time when that person is so bound or entitled. Options will lapse when that person ceases to be so bound or entitled.
When a court sanctions a compromise or arrangement under section 899 or section 901F of the Companies Act 2006, applicable to or affecting:
Options can be exercised within 6 months after the date the court sanctions the compromise or arrangement. Options will then lapse.
If a resolution is passed for the voluntary winding-up of the Company, Options can be exercised within 6 months after the date the Company passes the resolution. Options will then lapse.
Where the Board reasonably expects a Corporate Event Rule will apply, Options can be exercised during the period of 20 days ending with the date the Options would otherwise become exercisable under the Corporate Events Rule. Where exercised, the Options will be treated as having been exercised under the Corporate Event Rule.
If an Option is exercised under this rule 14.6 (Conditional exercise – 20 days before) in anticipation of a Corporate Events Rule applying but:
by the end of the period of 20 days beginning with the date the Option is exercised, the exercise is treated as having no effect.
Options may be exercised no later than 20 days after a person obtains Control of the Company by virtue of a Corporate Event Rule, if the shares subject to the Options no longer meet the requirements of Part 4 of Schedule 3 as a consequence of that change of Control.
This rule 14.7 (Alternative exercise period – 20 days after) does not allow exercise outside the permissible period under the applicable Corporate Events Rule.
For the purposes of this rule 14 (Takeovers and restructurings), a person will be treated as obtaining Control of the Company if that person and others acting in concert together obtain Control of it.
None of the periods for exercise set out in this rule 14 (Takeovers and Restructurings) will allow an Option to be exercised more than 6 months after the Bonus Date.
A Participant may exchange an Option for a new option where:
A new option must:
For these purposes, the market value will be determined as if shares were not subject to any Restrictions and using a methodology agreed by HMRC.
The new option will be subject to the Plan as it had effect immediately before the exchange and the Plan will be interpreted so that:
An event causing the grant of new options under this rule 15 (Exchange of Options) will not also trigger the exercise of the new options.
If there is a variation in the share capital of the Company (of which the Shares form part), the Board may adjust:
so far as the Board considers, in its reasonable opinion, necessary to take account of the variation. Any adjustment must satisfy the requirements of rules 16.2 (Requirements for adjustments).
Any adjustment to an Option must meet the following requirements:
Any adjustment to an Option must not result in the requirements of Schedule 3 not being met in relation to the Option.
For these purposes, market value will be determined as if shares were not subject to any Restrictions and using a methodology agreed by HMRC.
The Board will notify affected Participants of any adjustment made under this rule 16 (Variations in Share Capital).
Any Member of the Group, any employing company, the trustee of any relevant employee benefit trust or any third-party provider nominated by the Board may make withholding arrangements to meet any liability to Tax.
A withholding entity may make such withholding arrangements as it considers necessary or desirable, including making deductions from any cash payment owed to the Participant.
Withholding arrangements may include the sale on behalf of the Participant of some or all of the Shares to which the Participant is entitled under the Plan.
For these purposes, "Tax" means any tax and social security charges (and/or any similar charges), wherever arising, in respect of a Participant's Option or otherwise arising in connection with that Participant's participation in the Plan.
This rule 18 (Terms of Employment) applies during an Employee's employment and after the termination of an Employee's employment, whether or not the termination is lawful.
Nothing in the rules of the Plan or the operation of the Plan forms part of an Employee's contract of employment or alters it. The rights and obligations arising from the employment or former employment relationship between the Employee and the relevant Member of the Group are separate from, and are not affected by, the Plan. Participation in the Plan does not create any right to, or expectation of, employment (continued or otherwise).
Participation in the Plan or the grant of Options on a particular basis in any year does not create any right to or expectation of participation in the Plan or the grant of Options on the same, or any other, basis (or at all) in the future.
The terms of the Plan do not entitle the Employee to the exercise of any discretion in the Employee's favour.
No Employee has any right to compensation or damages for any loss (actual or potential) in relation to:
Participation in the Plan will be subject to:
All allotments, issues and transfers of Shares will be subject to the Company's articles of association and any necessary consents or filings required in any relevant jurisdiction. The Participant will be responsible for complying with any requirements needed in order to obtain, or to avoid the necessity for, any such consents or filings.
Options may be settled using newly issued Shares, Shares transferred from treasury and Shares purchased in the market.
If, and as long as, the Shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange, the Company will apply as soon as practicable for the listing and admission to trading of any Shares issued in connection with the Plan.
Any notice or other communication required under this Plan will be given in writing, which may include electronic means.
Any notice or other communication to be given to an Employee or Participant may be delivered by electronic means (including by email, through the Group's intranet or a share plan portal), personally delivered or sent by ordinary post to such address as the Board reasonably considers appropriate.
Any notice or other communication to be given to the Company or its agents may be delivered or sent to its registered office or such other place and by such means as the Board or the Company's agents may specify and notify to Employees and/or Participants, as relevant.
Notices or other communications:
unless there is evidence to the contrary.
Except as otherwise expressly stated to the contrary, nothing in the Plan confers any benefit, right or expectation on any person other than an Employee, Participant or Member of the Group. No third party has any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 (or any similar legislation in an overseas jurisdiction) to enforce any rule of this Plan.
A Participant's Option will lapse if the Participant becomes bankrupt.
None of the benefits that may be received under the Plan are pensionable.
A Participant must not transfer, assign, charge or otherwise dispose of an Option or any rights in respect of it. If the Participant does, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, the Option will immediately lapse.
This rule 19.9 (Not transferable) does not prevent the transmission of an Option to a Participant's personal representatives on death.
The Plan will be administered by the Board, which has authority to make such rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan as it considers necessary or desirable. The Board may delegate any and all of its rights and powers under the Plan.
All decisions of the Board in connection with the Plan and its interpretation and the terms of any Options (including in any dispute) will be final and conclusive.
The Board will decide whether and how to exercise any discretion in the Plan. When making any decisions, the Board will act fairly and reasonably.
Each person will have regard to Dealing Restrictions when operating, interpreting, administering, participating in and/or taking any other action in relation to the Plan.
The Board may change the Plan in any way and at any time.
Whilst the Plan is intended to be a Schedule 3 SAYE Option Scheme, no change may be made to a Key Feature if the requirements of Schedule 3 would cease to be met.
For these purposes, a "Key Feature" means a provision of the Plan that is necessary in order for the requirements of Parts 2 to 7 of Schedule 3 to be met in relation to the Plan.
The Board will obtain prior approval of shareholders by ordinary resolution for any change to the Plan which is to the advantage of present or future Participants and which relates to any of the following:
The Board need not obtain shareholder approval for any changes to the Plan which are:
21.4.2 minor and to:
(i) benefit the administration of the Plan;
If a proposed change would be to the material disadvantage of one or more Participants in respect of existing rights under the Plan, then the Board must obtain the written consent of the affected Participants.
The Board need not obtain Participant consent for any changes which are:
The Board need not obtain Participant consent if such consent is obtained as would be required by the Company's articles of association if the Shares to be issued on exercise of existing Options were already issued and constituted a separate class of Shares.
The Board may establish plans based on the Plan, but modified to take account of any local tax, exchange control or securities laws in other jurisdictions, provided that:
The Plan will not terminate unless the Board decides otherwise. Termination will not affect existing rights under the Plan.
The laws of England and Wales govern the Plan and all Options. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction in respect of any disputes arising in connection with the Plan or any Option.
The terms of this Schedule B are the terms of Options granted to Eligible Employees who are working in France or French tax resident (as defined by French tax legislation) at the Grant Date and such other Participants as the Board may determine after the Grant Date. The rules contained in the Plan will apply to Options granted under this Schedule B unless specifically stated otherwise. Where there is any conflict between the rules and this Schedule B, the terms of this Schedule B will prevail.
This Schedule B has been drafted in order for the French Options to comply with:
A new Rule 2.3 is added:
The Board must not grant an Option to an Eligible Employee which would cause the number of Shares subject to Options granted to that Eligible Employee to exceed 10 per cent of the Company's ordinary issued share capital on the proposed Grant Date of that Option.
Shares subject to Options which have not yet been exercised will count as Shares for the purposes of calculating the 10 per cent of the Company's ordinary issued share capital.
"No invitations may be issued within a period of ten (10) dealing days immediately before the day on which the Company publishes its annual report and accounts; or
during a period beginning on the day on which the Board becomes aware of any information, or a significant event which, were it to be public knowledge, could materially affect the value of Shares."
3.3 Phantom Options referred to in Rule 3.6 will not give rise to any specific tax regime for Eligible Employees under Schedule B.
Paragraph 1 of Rule 4.2 should read as follows: "The maximum Contribution will be an equivalent of £500 or such other maximum then permitted by French laws."
The term "or cash" in Rule 11.1 is deleted.
Rule 11.5 will be completed by a last sentence "The portion of settlement in cash will entail a loss of the French tax specific regime for the Participant."
1.1 In this Schedule C, unless otherwise stated, the words and expressions below have the following meanings:
"Appropriate Period" means the relevant period referred to in paragraph 16(2) of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act;
"Associated Company" has the meaning given by paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act. except for the purpose of rule 6.10 when that expression will have the meaning given by paragraph 24 of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act;
"Board" means subject to rule 8.8, the board of the Granting Company or any duly authorised committee of the board;
"Bonus" means any sum payable to a Participant by way of a terminal bonus on completion of a Savings Contract which:
"Bonus Date" means in respect of any Option, the earliest date on which any Bonus becomes payable under the related Savings Contract;
"Close Company" has the meaning given by section 430 of the Taxes Act, as varied by paragraph 8 of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act;
"Control" has the meaning given by section 432 of the Taxes Act;
"Dealing Day" means any day on which the London Stock Exchange is open for business;
"Dealing Restrictions" means restrictions imposed by the Granting Company's share dealing code, the Listing Rules or any applicable laws or regulations which impose restrictions on share dealing;
"Eligible Employee" means every person, who on the Grant Date:
but in all cases excluding any person who is prohibited from participating by reason of the provisions of paragraph 8 of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act.
"Exercise Price" means subject to any adjustment pursuant to rule 11, the price per Share, as determined by the Board, at which an Eligible Employee may acquire Shares upon the exercise of an Option being not manifestly less than 80 per cent of the Market Value of a Share on the Invitation Date or a date specified in the Invitation to apply for an Option (such date being no earlier than the date preceding the Invitation Date and no later than the Grant Date) provided that, if the Shares may only be subscribed for, such price will not be less than the nominal value of a Share;
"FCA" means the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (or any other relevant authority);
"Full Time Director" means an Employee who is a director of any Participating Company and is required under their contract of employment to devote substantially the whole of their time to their duties;
"Grant Date" means the date on which an Option is granted by the Granting Company to an Eligible Employee under rule 4;
"Granting Company" means The Sage Group plc registered in England and Wales under number 02231246;
"Invitation Date" means the date on which the Board invites applications for Options;
"Market Value" means on any day:
provided that, if the Shares are subject to a Restriction, their Market Value will be determined as if they were not subject to such Restriction;
"Material Interest" means in relation to any person, that person owning more than 15% of the ordinary share capital of a company;
"Maximum Contribution" means the maximum aggregate Monthly Contribution which a Participant may make under all Savings Contracts linked to options granted to the Participant under the Plan or any other savings-related share option scheme that meets the requirements of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act, being the lesser of:
"Minimum Contribution" means €12 or such other greater amount as the Board may determine from time to time but not exceeding the minimum monthly contribution permitted by paragraph 25(2)(b) of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act;
"Monthly Contributions" means monthly contributions agreed to be paid by a Participant under the Savings Contract;
"Option" means a right to acquire Shares in accordance with the terms of this Schedule C;
"Participant" means any person who holds an Option, or following the Participant's death, the Participant's personal representatives;
"Plan" means the Sage Save and Share Plan, in its present form or as from time to time amended;
"Plan-Related Employment" means the office or employment by reference to which a Participant is eligible to participate in the Plan within the meaning of paragraph 9 of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act;
"Repayment" means in relation to a Savings Contract, the aggregate of the Monthly Contributions which the Participant has made and, subject to rule 2.4.7, any Bonus due at the Bonus Date;
"Restriction" has the meaning given by paragraph 13 of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act;
"Savings Contract" means a contract under a certified SAYE savings arrangement within the meaning of section 519C and Schedule 12B of the Taxes Act approved by the Irish Revenue Commissioners for the purpose of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act;
"Share" means a fully paid up non-redeemable share in the ordinary share capital of the Granting Company which satisfies the conditions set out in paragraphs 11 to 15 of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act;
"Specified Age" means any age determined by the Board between 60 years and pensionable age within the meaning of section 2 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, which will be unless the Board determines otherwise, 65 years;
"Subsidiary" has the meaning given by section 7 of the Companies Act 2014;
"Taxes Act" means the Irish Taxes Consolidation Act 1997; and
"Variation" means any capitalisation issue or offer or invitation made by way of rights relating to, or any subdivision, consolidation, reduction or any other variation of, the share capital of the Granting Company in respect of which Options may be adjusted in accordance with rule 11 and the requirements of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act.
1.1.3 the singular includes the plural and vice versa.
1.3 Headings do not form part of this Schedule C.
2.4.13 that the Invitation is subject to the rules of the Plan and the terms of the relevant Savings Contract.
2.5 Applications for Options must incorporate, or be accompanied by, an application for a Savings Contract.
the Board will be authorised to reduce the Eligible Employee's Monthly Contribution for that Invitation so as to comply with the Maximum Contribution and/or the maximum Monthly Contribution payable in respect of that Invitation.
2.9 Each application will be deemed to be for an Option over the largest whole number of Shares which can be acquired at the Exercise Price with the expected Repayment at the Bonus Date under the Savings Contract entered into in connection with the Option.
3.1.2 by excluding the Bonus (if any) from the amount of each Repayment; and/or
3.1.3 by treating any elections for a five-year Savings Contract as elections for a three-year Savings Contract; and
4.10.3 the Option Price;
4.10.4 that the Option is subject to the rules of the Plan; and
in either case for the trustee to then transfer to satisfy an award (unless these Shares have already been counted under this rule).
6.1 Subject to rules 6.5 to 6.7 and 9, an Option may not be exercised earlier than the Bonus Date under the relevant Savings Contract.
the Participant may, subject to rule 6.2, exercise an Option within six months of the date of such cessation after which time, subject to rule 6.5, it will lapse.
or employment with the Granting Company or any company which is an Associated Company of the Granting Company.
If any person (either alone or together with any person acting in concert with him):
(notwithstanding that such offer may be made to different shareholders by different means) and such offer becomes wholly unconditional.
A compromise or arrangement in accordance with section 899 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to or affecting:
(i) all the ordinary share capital of the Granting Company or all of the shares as are of the same class as the Shares to which the Options relate; or
(ii) all the Shares, or all of the shares of that same class, which are held by a class of shareholders identified otherwise than by reference to their employment or directorships or their participation in a scheme that meets the requirements of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act,
which is sanctioned by the Court.
Non-UK Company Reorganisation Arrangement
A Non-UK Company Reorganisation Arrangement applicable to or affecting:
becoming binding on the shareholders covered by it.
Any Option which is not so exchanged will lapse at the end of the Appropriate Period.
any Participant may, at any time within the Appropriate Period, by agreement with the Acquiring Company, release any Option which has not lapsed (the "Old Option") in consideration of the grant to the Participant of an option (the "New Option") which is equivalent to the Old Option but relates to shares in a different company falling within paragraph 1(b) or (c) of Schedule 12A to the Taxes Act (whether the Acquiring Company or some other company).
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12.2 Subject to rule 12.3, no amendment to the advantage of Eligible Employees and/or Participants will be made under this rule 12 to the provisions relating to:
12.2.1 the persons to whom, or for whom, Shares are provided under the Plan;
without prior approval of the members of the Granting Company in general meeting.
any Option expressed to have been granted in respect of more than the correct number of Shares will be void as to the excess, and any Option expressed to have been granted in respect of fewer than the correct number of Shares will relate to the correct number of Shares, and the Granting Company and any relevant Associated Company may do all acts and things as may be agreed with the Irish Revenue Commissioners to rectify such error or omission notwithstanding that such actions may not otherwise be in accordance with the terms of the Plan.
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