Form DEF 14A Staffing 360 Solutions, For: Apr 19

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

Check the appropriate box:

Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc.

(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):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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641 Lexington Avenue

27^th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Dear Stockholder:

You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. (the “Company”) on May 30, 2018, which will be held at the offices of Haynes and Boone, LLP, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 26^th Floor, New York, NY 10112, at 10:00 a.m., local time.  Please note that in order to gain admission to the site of our Annual Meeting, all attendees will need to present a photo identification card and have their name previously provided to building security. As such, in order to facilitate your attendance at the meeting, we strongly encourage you to advise Chris Lutzo by email at [email protected] or phone at (646) 507-5718 if you plan to attend the meeting prior to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on May 29, 2018, so that we can timely provide your name to building security. In the event that you do not advise us ahead of time that you will be attending the meeting, we encourage you to arrive at the meeting no later than 9:30 a.m., New York time, in order to ensure that you are able to pass through security prior to the start of the meeting.

We are distributing our proxy materials to certain stockholders via the Internet under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission “Notice and Access” rules. We believe this approach allows us to provide stockholders with a timely and convenient way to receive proxy materials and vote, while lowering the costs of delivery and reducing the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. We are mailing to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice of Internet Availability”) beginning on or about April 20, 2018, rather than a paper copy of the Proxy Statement, Proxy Voting Card and Fiscal 2017 Annual Report (including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017) (the “2017 Fiscal Annual Report”).  The Notice of Internet Availability contains instructions on how to access the proxy materials, vote and obtain, if desired, a paper copy of the proxy materials. Please review our annual report for the year ended December 30, 2017 at www.proxyvote.com.

At this year’s meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon the following proposals to: (1) elect three directors in the director classes up for election this year; (2) approve an amendment to the Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan; (3) ratify the appointment of BDO USA LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2018 fiscal year; and (4) transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.

Our Board of Directors (the “Board”) has fixed the close of business on April 10, 2018 as the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment and postponements thereof (the “Record Date”).

Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares of our voting securities that you own. Whether or not you expect to be present at the Annual Meeting, after receiving the Notice of Internet Availability please vote as promptly as possible to ensure your representation and the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. As an alternative to voting in person at the Annual Meeting, you may vote via the Internet, by telephone, or by signing, dating and returning the proxy card that is mailed to those that request paper copies of the Proxy Statement and the other proxy materials. If your shares are held in the name of a broker, trust, bank or other nominee, and you receive these materials through your broker or through another intermediary, please complete and return the materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by such broker or other intermediary or contact your broker directly in order to obtain a proxy issued to you by your nominee holder to attend the meeting and vote in person. Failure to do so may result in your shares not being eligible to be voted by proxy at the meeting. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I urge you to submit your vote as soon as possible, even if you currently plan to attend the meeting in person.

Thank you for your ongoing support.  We hope to see you at the Annual Meeting.

 

 

 

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Meeting Date: May 30, 2018

To the Stockholders of Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc.:

Notice is hereby given that the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc., will be held at the offices of Haynes and Boone, LLP, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 26^th Floor, New York, NY 10112 on May 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. local time.  During the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to, as more fully described in the Proxy Statement:

We are furnishing our proxy materials to all of our stockholders over the Internet rather than in paper form. We believe that this delivery process reduces our environmental impact and lowers the costs of printing and distributing our proxy materials without impacting our stockholders’ timely access to this important information. The Board has fixed the close of business on April 10, 2018 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. If you are a stockholder as of the Record Date, you may vote at the meeting. Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 10, 2018, will receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice of Internet Availability”) and may vote at the Annual Meeting and will receive notice of any postponements or adjournments of the meeting. The Notice of Internet Availability is being distributed to stockholders and the posting of the Proxy Statement will occur on or about April 20, 2018.

For a period of 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting, a stockholders list will be kept at our principal office and shall be available for inspection by stockholders during usual business hours. A stockholders list will also be available for inspection at the Annual Meeting.

You are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to submit your vote via the Internet, telephone or mail as soon as possible so that your shares can be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your instructions. This will ensure your representation and a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. If you attend the Annual Meeting in person, the proxy will not be used if you so request by revoking it as described in the Proxy Statement.  

You are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting in person only if you were a stockholder of the Company as of the close of business on the Record Date or hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. You should be prepared to present photo identification for admittance to the Annual Meeting. If you are not a stockholder of record but hold shares through a broker, bank, trustee or nominee (i.e., in street name), you should provide proof of beneficial ownership as of the Record Date (such as your most recent account statement prior to the Record Date), a copy of the voting instruction card provided by your broker, bank, trustee or nominee, or similar evidence of ownership.

By order of our Board

 

 

 

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YOUR VOTE AND PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPANY’S AFFAIRS ARE IMPORTANT.

If your shares are registered in your name, even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting in person, we request that you vote by telephone, over the Internet, or if you requested to receive printed proxy materials, complete, sign and mail your proxy card to ensure that your shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting.

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, trust, bank or other nominee, and you receive notice of the Annual Meeting through your broker or through another intermediary, please vote or complete and return the materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by such broker or other intermediary or contact your broker directly in order to obtain a proxy issued to you by your nominee holder to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. Failure to do so may result in your shares not being eligible to be voted by proxy at the Annual Meeting.

If you have any questions about accessing materials or voting, please call 1-800-690-6903.

 

 

 

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PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON MAY 30, 2018

This Proxy Statement is furnished to you by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at the offices of Haynes and Boone, LLP, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 26^th Floor, New York, NY 10112, on May 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., local time, and any adjournments thereof.  

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 30, 2018:

As permitted by the “Notice and Access” rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we are making this Proxy Statement, the proxy card and our Annual Report available to stockholders electronically via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com

On or about April 20, 2018, we expect to mail to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice of Internet Availability”) that contains instructions on how stockholders may access and review all of the proxy materials and how to vote. Also on or about April 20, 2018, we began mailing printed copies of the proxy materials to stockholders that previously requested printed copies. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail unless you request a copy. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the Notice of Internet Availability.

Unless the context otherwise requires, in this proxy statement, we use the terms “Staffing,” “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” to refer to Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

What am I voting on?

At this year’s Annual Meeting, you will be asked to:

Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, and how many votes do they have?

Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 10, 2018 (the “Record Date”) may vote at the Annual Meeting.  Pursuant to the rights of our stockholders contained in our charter documents each share of our Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters listed in this proxy statement.  There were 4,114,078 shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date.  Up to 10 days before the Annual Meeting, you may inspect a list of stockholders eligible to vote at our corporate headquarters. In addition, the list of stockholders will be available for viewing by stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

How do I vote?

You may vote over the Internet, by telephone, by mail or in person at the Annual Meeting.  Please be aware that if you vote by telephone or over the Internet, you may incur costs such as telephone and Internet access charges for which you will be responsible.

Vote by Internet.    You can vote via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com. You will need to use the control number appearing on your proxy card to vote via the Internet. You can use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on

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May 29, 2018.  Internet voting is available 24 hours a day.  If you vote via the Internet, you do not need to vote by telephone or return a proxy card.

Vote by Telephone.    You can vote by telephone by calling the toll-free telephone number 1-800-690-6903. You will need to use the control number appearing on your proxy card to vote by telephone. You may transmit your voting instructions from any touch-tone telephone up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 29, 2018. Telephone voting is available 24 hours a day. If you vote by telephone, you do not need to vote over the Internet or return a proxy card.

Vote by Mail.    If you received a printed proxy card, you can vote by marking, dating and signing it, and returning it in the postage-paid envelope provided to Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.  Please promptly mail your proxy card or voting instruction card to ensure that it is received prior to the closing of the polls at the Annual Meeting.

Vote in Person at the Meeting.    If you attend the Annual Meeting and plan to vote in person, we will provide you with a ballot at the Annual Meeting. You are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting in person only if you were a stockholder of the Company as of the close of business on the Record Date or hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting.  If your shares are registered directly in your name, you are considered the stockholder of record and you have the right to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of your broker or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name.  As a beneficial owner, if you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you will need to bring to the Annual Meeting a legal proxy from your broker or other nominee authorizing you to vote those shares.

You should be prepared to present photo identification for admittance to the Annual Meeting. If you are not a stockholder of record but hold shares through a broker, bank, trustee or nominee (i.e., in street name), you should provide proof of beneficial ownership as of the Record Date (such as your most recent account statement prior to the Record Date), a copy of the voting instruction card provided by your broker, bank, trustee or nominee, or similar evidence of ownership.

If you vote by any of the methods discussed above, you will be designating Brendan Flood or in his absence Christopher Lutzo as your proxy, and they will vote your shares on your behalf as you indicate.

Submitting a proxy will not affect your right to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person.

If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you will receive separate voting instructions from your bank, broker or other nominee describing how to vote your shares.  The availability of Internet voting will depend on the voting process of your bank, broker or other nominee.  Please check with your bank, broker or other nominee and follow the voting instructions it provides.

Why did I receive a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials instead of paper copies of the proxy materials?

We are using the SEC’s Notice and Access model (“Notice and Access”), which allows us to deliver proxy materials over the Internet, as the primary means of furnishing proxy materials. We believe Notice and Access provides stockholders with a convenient method to access the proxy materials and vote, while allowing us to conserve natural resources and reduce the costs of printing and distributing the proxy materials. On or about April 20, 2018, we began mailing to stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials on the Internet and how to vote online. The Notice of Internet Availability is not a proxy card and cannot be used to vote your shares. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability this year, you will not receive paper copies of the proxy materials unless you request the materials by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability.

What is a proxy?

A proxy is a person you appoint to vote on your behalf.  By using the methods discussed above, you will be appointing Brendan Flood or in his absence Christopher Lutzo, our proxy agent(s), as your proxy. The proxy agent will vote on your behalf, and will have the authority to appoint a substitute to act as proxy.  If you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote by proxy so that your shares of Common Stock may be voted.

How will my proxy vote my shares?

If you are a stockholder of record, your proxy will vote according to your instructions.  If you choose to vote by mail and complete and return the enclosed proxy card but do not indicate your vote, your proxy will vote

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We do not intend to bring any other matter for a vote at the Annual Meeting, and we do not know of anyone else who intends to do so.  Your proxies are authorized to vote on your behalf, however, using their best judgment, on any other business that properly comes before the Annual Meeting.

If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you will receive separate voting instructions from your bank, broker or other nominee describing how to vote your shares.  The availability of Internet voting will depend on the voting process of your bank, broker or other nominee. Please check with your bank, broker or other nominee and follow the voting instructions your bank, broker or other nominee provides.

You should instruct your bank, broker or other nominee how to vote your shares.  If you do not give voting instructions to the bank, broker or other nominee, the bank, broker or other nominee will determine if it has the discretionary authority to vote on the particular matter.  Under applicable rules, brokers have the discretion to vote on routine matters but do not have discretion to vote on non-routine matters like the election of directors and executive compensation matters.  Under the regulations applicable to New York Stock Exchange member brokerage firms (many of whom are the record holders of shares of our Common Stock), the uncontested election of directors is no longer considered a routine matter.  Matters related to executive compensation, redomestication, amendments to our organizational documents and equity incentive plans are also not considered routine.  As a result, if you are a beneficial owner and hold your shares in street name, but do not give your broker or other nominee instructions on how to vote your shares with respect to these matters, votes may not be cast on your behalf.  If your bank, broker or other nominee indicates on its proxy card that it does not have discretionary authority to vote on a particular proposal, your shares will be considered to be “broker non-votes” with regard to that matter. Broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of determining whether enough votes are present to hold our Annual Meeting, but a broker non-vote will not otherwise affect the outcome of a vote on a proposal that requires a majority of the votes cast.  

How do I change my vote?

If you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting by:

If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you should check with your bank, broker or other nominee and follow the voting instructions provided.  Attendance at the Annual Meeting alone will not revoke your proxy.

What constitutes a quorum?

The holders of a majority of the Company’s eligible votes as of the record date, either present or represented by proxy, constitute a quorum.  A quorum is necessary in order to conduct the Annual Meeting.  If you choose to have your shares represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting, you will be considered part of the quorum.  Both abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.  If a quorum is not present at the Annual Meeting, the stockholders present in person or by proxy may adjourn the meeting to a later date.  If an adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, we will provide notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

What vote is required to approve each proposal?

Election of Directors.  For Proposal 1, the election of the directors named in this proxy statement for election at this year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the nominees will be elected by an affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast in person or represented by proxy, provided that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. You may choose to vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” separately for each nominee.  A properly executed proxy or voting instructions marked “ABSTAIN” will be counted for the purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.  

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Approval of the amendment to the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan. For Proposal 2, the approval of an amendment to the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan will require an affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy, provided that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting.

Ratification of the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accountants. For Proposal 3, the ratification of BDO USA, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accountants will require an affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy, provided that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting.

Other Proposals.  Any other proposal that might properly come before the meeting will require the affirmative vote of the holders of shares of Common Stock entitled to vote to exceed the votes cast against the proposal for the proposal to be approved, except when a different vote is required by law, our certificate of incorporation or our Bylaws. On any such proposal, abstentions will be counted as present and entitled to vote on that matter for purposes of establishing a quorum, but will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of votes cast.

Abstentions and broker non-votes with respect to any matter will be counted as present and entitled to vote on that matter for purposes of establishing a quorum, but will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of votes cast.  Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of voting with respect to any of the proposals.

Who is soliciting proxies, how are they being solicited, and who pays the cost?

We, on behalf of our Board, through our directors, officers, and employees, are soliciting proxies primarily by telephone.  In addition, we have engaged Morrow Sodali LLC, at an approximate cost of $7,500, to solicit proxies on behalf of our Board.  Proxies may also be solicited in person, by mail, or facsimile.  We will pay the cost of soliciting proxies. We will also reimburse stockbrokers and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy and solicitation materials to the owners of our common stock.

 

Do I have any dissenters’ or appraisal rights with respect to any of the matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting?

No. None of our stockholders has any dissenters’ or appraisal rights with respect to the matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

How many shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock are outstanding?

As of April 10, 2018, there were 4,114,078 shares of Common Stock outstanding, and 1,663,008 shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding (however, the Series A Preferred have no voting rights except as provided by law or upon conversion to Common Stock, as set forth more fully below in the section entitled “Related Party Transactions”).  On March 28, 2018, the Board recommended that an additional 750,000 shares of common stock, to be issued to management, directors, employees, contractors and suppliers, be submitted to stockholders for approval at the Annual Meeting under the amendment to the equity plan to be voted on in Proposal 2. The share count, as of the date of the filing of this proxy statement, does not include such shares of common stock.

What are the recommendations of our Board?

The recommendations of our Board are set forth together with the description of each proposal in this Proxy Statement.  In summary, the Board recommends a vote:

With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting, the proxy holders will vote as recommended by the Board or, if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion.

If you sign and return your proxy card but do not specify how you want to vote your shares, the persons named as proxy holders on the proxy card will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board.

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GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY

Our business, property and affairs are managed by, or under the direction of, our Board, in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law and our Bylaws.  Members of the Board are kept informed of our business through discussions with the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and other key members of management, by reviewing materials provided to them by management, and by participating in meetings of the Board and its committees comprised of certain directors.

Stockholders may communicate with the members of the Board, either individually or collectively, or with any independent directors as a group by writing to the Board at 641 Lexington Avenue, 27^th Floor, New York NY 10022.  These communications will be reviewed by the office of the corporate Secretary who, depending on the subject matter, will (a) forward the communication to the director or directors to whom it is addressed or who is responsible for the topic matter, (b) attempt to address the inquiry directly (for example, where it is a request for publicly available information or a stock related matter that does not require the attention of a director), or (c) not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature or if it relates to an improper or irrelevant topic.  At each meeting of the Board, the corporate Secretary presents a summary of communications received and will make those communications available to any director upon request.

Executive Officers and Directors

The name, age and position of our executive officers and directors are set forth below.

 

Brendan Flood, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director. Mr. Flood has been the Chairman or Executive Chairman and a Director of the Company since January 7, 2014. He assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) on December 19, 2017, and has been in the staffing industry for 20 years. Mr. Flood joined the company upon the sale of his business, Initio International Holdings (“Initio”), on January 3, 2014, where he was the Chairman and CEO, to the Company. He acquired Initio as part of a management buy-out, which he led, in January 2010. Prior to Initio, Mr. Flood worked in several staffing companies including Hudson Global Resources Inc. which he brought to the Nasdaq National Market on April 1, 2003, as a spin-off from Monsterworldwide Inc. His experience while at Monsterworldwide included numerous M&A transactions, operational management in both London and New York, and various senior financial roles. Mr. Flood graduated from Dublin City University in Ireland with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and Finance. Mr. Flood's strong financial background and years of experience at major staffing firms like Monsterworldwide and Hudson Global Resources qualifies him to be the Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director given the Company’s core business in the staffing industry.

David Faiman, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Treasurer. Mr. Faiman has served as the Chief Financial Officer since March 1, 2016. Mr. Faiman has over 20 years of finance and accounting experience at both private and public companies, bringing a high degree of knowledge and proficiency to his role as Chief Financial Officer. From 2013 to 2015, Mr. Faiman was Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis as well as Chief Accounting Officer of Novitex Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (“Novitex”), a leading provider of solutions in the document outsourcing industry and which is owned by the private equity firm Apollo Global Management, LLC. Prior to Novitex, Mr. Faiman served in various senior financial roles, including acting Chief Financial Officer, during his almost 10-year tenure from 2004 to 2013 at Cengage Learning, Inc. (formerly Thomson Learning of Thomson Reuters). During this time, Mr. Faiman was part of the management team responsible for the coordination of a multi-billion private equity buyout of Cengage Learning by Apax Partners LLP, a private equity firm. Mr. Faiman began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in its Assurance and Business Advisory practice. Mr. Faiman is a Certified Public Accountant and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.  

Christopher Lutzo, General Counsel, Executive Vice President and Secretary. Mr. Lutzo has served as General Counsel of the Company since February 13, 2017. Mr. Lutzo has practiced for over 25 years, with a particular emphasis in the areas of compliance, business operations, financial transactions, mergers & acquisitions, and securities law. From 2015 to 2017, Mr. Lutzo focused on corporate governance and M&A activity at Axiom Global, Inc., a leading provider of tech-enabled legal services with a predominantly Fortune 500 clientele. Prior to that, from 2012 to 2015, Mr. Lutzo was Assistant General Counsel for American Outdoor Brands Corporation,

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where he handled mergers and acquisitions transactions, commercial and compliance matters, and managed integration of business, legal and regulatory functions, enabling accretive value to be realized from acquisition targets. Mr. Lutzo has also prepared and filed SEC filings and annual reports for Nasdaq-listed companies. Mr. Lutzo is admitted in the states of New York and Connecticut and received his J.D. from Quinnipiac University Law School in Connecticut, and a Bachelor of Arts from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Dimitri Villard, Director. Dimitri Villard has been a Director of the Company since July 2012. Mr. Villard was Chairman and CEO of Peer Media Technologies, Inc., a public company Internet technology business, from February 2009 to December 2012. Peer Media Technologies, Inc. changed its name from ARTISTdirect, Inc. in May 2010. Prior to that, Mr. Villard served as Interim CEO since March 6, 2008 and as a Director since January 2005 until 2012. Mr. Villard has also served as President and a Director of Pivotal BioSciences, Inc., a biotechnology company, since September 1998 to present. In addition, since January 1982 to present, he has served as President and Director of Byzantine Productions, Inc. Previously, Mr. Villard was a Director at the investment banking firm of SG Cowen and affiliated entities, a position he held from January 1997 to July 1999. From 2004 to 2008, Mr. Villard served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dax Solutions, Inc., an entertainment industry digital asset management venture, and from July 2012 until September 2013, was a member of the Board of Directors of The Grilled Cheese Truck Company, a public company. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles chapter of the Tech Coast Angels, a private venture capital group. Mr. Villard received a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a Master of Science degree from China International Medical University. He is the Chairman of the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and also serves on the Compensation Committee and on the Audit Committee. Mr. Villard's experience as an officer and/or director of several public companies, as well as an investment banker, qualifies him to be a Director of the Company.

Jeff Grout, Director. Jeff Grout has been a Director of the Company since February 2014. He is a successful business speaker, consultant and coach. His clients include Amazon, Deloitte, LinkedIn, British Airways, Barclays, Ernst & Young, Virgin, etc. Listed in the '100 Best Business Speakers in Britain', Jeff Grout is in considerable demand as a motivational business speaker, conference chairman and interviewer. Formerly U.K. Managing Director of Robert Half International, a leading international recruitment consultancy, and Business Manager to Sir Clive Woodward, Head Coach of the England Rugby Team, Mr. Grout is now an independent business consultant specializing in leadership, people management, team building, peak performance, recruitment and retention issues. He has spoken at Henley Business School, Ashridge Management College, Cardiff Business School and the Danish Centre for Leadership. He holds several corporate advisory and executive coaching appointments and is also a successful business author. Jeff has written books on leadership, recruitment, career success, the psychology of peak performance and his Police detective father's first murder case. His eighth book entitled “What You Need to Know about Leadership” was published in May 2011. Mr. Grout holds a Bachelor of Science (Economics) Degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Mr. Grout brings valuable operational experience within the staffing industry having grown the U.K. business of Robert Half International from $1 million to $100 million in sales and from 12 to 365 employees. He also identified and integrated several acquisitions of staffing businesses in the U.K. and continental Europe. He is the Chairman of the Company’s Compensation Committee and serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and on the Audit Committee. Mr. Grout's extensive staffing industry experience, including his role as former Managing Director of Robert Half International, qualifies him to be a director of the Company.

Nicholas Florio, Director. Nicholas Florio has been a Director of the Company since May 2014. Mr. Florio provides business consulting and financial advice to a variety of closely held private businesses. He is an audit and accounting partner for Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP (“Citrin Cooperman”) based in the firm’s New York City office. Mr. Florio has been with Citrin Cooperman for over 23 years. With over 25 years of experience in the staffing and employment arena, Mr. Florio serves as the Practice Leader of the firm's Employment and staffing area. Mr. Florio's experience in this area includes providing advice on corporate structuring; design of stock incentive and deferred compensation plans; merger and acquisition due diligence and consulting; among general business and tax advice. He is also a current member of the Board of Directors of both the New York Staffing Association (“NYSA”) and New Jersey Staffing Association (“NJSA”) and has been the President of the Industry Partner Group of NYSA for over 15 years. Mr. Florio is also a long-standing member of the Citrin Cooperman’s Executive Committee. A graduate of Pace University, Mr. Florio is a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (“NYSSCPA”) as well as the American Institute of CPAs (“AICPA”). He is the Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee and serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and on the Compensation Committee. Mr. Florio's acute knowledge of financial and accounting matters, with an emphasis in the staffing industry through his role as audit and accounting partner for Citrin Cooperman, qualifies him to be a director of the Company.

Alicia Barker, Director. Alicia Barker has been a director of the Company since April 1, 2018. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and has over 20 years of experience leading talent acquisition and employee performance in both public and private corporations. She is currently a Principal of Act II Consulting, a business she opened in 2016 that provides human resources consulting and professional coaching services to individuals and corporations.   Ms. Barker previously served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Barker, a full-service advertising agency where she led talent procurement and executive development. She also served on the executive team as Vice President, Human Resources at Hudson North America, a global talent solutions company where she led human resources efforts for 37 offices in North America, and Vice President, Human Resources, at Grey Group, a global

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advertising and marketing agency with 432 offices, in 96 countries. Before that, Ms. Barker was Human Resources Director at Icon/Nicholson, which designs, develops, and produces prepackaged computer software. She attended State University of New York at Albany, and is completing post-graduate studies in Communications at Kean University in New Jersey. Over the past several years, Ms. Barker has held Board positions on not for profit Boards in her local community. Ms. Barker serves on the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and on the Compensation Committee. Ms. Barker’s extensive staffing industry experience, including management roles in human resources at leading advertising agencies, qualifies her to be a director of the Company.

Compensation of Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the compensation paid to our named executive officers for the period from January 1, 2017 to December 30, 2017 (“Fiscal 2017”, the period from June 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 (the “Transition Period”), and the period from June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016 (“Fiscal 2016”). Individuals we refer to as our “named executive officers” include our CEO and our most highly compensated executive officers whose salary and bonus for services rendered in all capacities exceeded $100,000 during the Fiscal 2017.

All amounts presented in this section are in whole dollar amounts. All compensation amounts presented in British pounds have been translated using the foreign currency average exchange rates, unless otherwise indicated. All share numbers have been adjusted for the one-for-five reverse stock split effective January 3, 2018.

Summary Compensation Table

Employment Agreements

The Flood Employment Agreement

On January 3, 2014, in connection with the acquisition of Initio International Holdings (“Initio”), the Company entered into a service agreement (the “Flood Employment Agreement”) with Brendan Flood. Pursuant to the Flood Employment Agreement, Mr. Flood would serve as Executive Chairman of the Board. Mr. Flood was paid a salary of £192,000 per annum, less statutory deductions, plus other benefits including reimbursement for reasonable expenses, paid vacation and insurance coverage for his roles with both the Company and Staffing (UK). Mr. Flood’s salary will be adjusted (but not decreased) annually in connection with the CPI Adjustment (as defined in the Flood Employment Agreement). Mr. Flood is also entitled to an annual bonus of up to 50% of his annual base salary based

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reaching certain financial milestones. The Flood Employment Agreement has a term of five years and will automatically renew thereafter unless 12 months written notice is provided by either party. This employment agreement includes customary non-compete/solicitation language for a period of 12 months after termination of employment. On January 1, 2017 the Company increased his salary by the CPI Adjustment to an annualized salary of £275,130 and provided an additional bonus of up to 25% of his base salary based upon achieving a certain leverage ratio. In December 2017, upon the reorganization of the Company and departure of Mr. Briand, Mr. Flood’s title was changed to Chairman and he assumed the roles of Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. On January 1, 2018 the Company increased his salary by the CPI Adjustment to an annualized salary of £279,807. All other terms of Mr. Flood’s employment agreement remained unchanged.

The Briand Employment Agreement

On January 3, 2014, in connection with the acquisition of Initio, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Briand Employment Agreement”) with Matthew Briand. Pursuant to the Briand Employment Agreement, Mr. Briand served as Co-CEO of the Company, as well as, CEO of Monroe. Mr. Briand was paid a salary of $300,000 per annum, plus other benefits including reimbursement for reasonable expenses, paid vacation and insurance coverage for his roles with both the Company and Monroe. Mr. Briand’s salary may be increased (but not decreased) annually in connection with the CPI Adjustment as defined in the Briand Employment Agreement.  Mr. Briand was also entitled to an annual bonus of up to 50% of his annual base salary based on reaching certain financial milestones. The Briand Employment Agreement has a term of five years and will automatically renew thereafter unless 12 months written notice is provided by either party. This employment agreement includes customary non-compete/solicitation language for a period of 12 months after termination of employment. On January 27, 2015, Mr. Briand was given the additional title of President. On January 1, 2016, the Company amended the Briand Employment Agreement to increase his salary to $350,000. On January 1, 2017 the Company amended the Briand Employment Agreement to increase his salary by the CPI Adjustment to an annualized salary of $371,155 and provided an additional bonus of up to 25% of his base salary based upon achieving a certain leverage ratio. On December 22, 2017, the Company announced the departure of Mr. Briand effective January 31, 2018. The Briand Employment Agreement was terminated, except with respect to certain provisions of the Briand Employment Agreement relating to competition that remain in effect. The Company additionally agreed to provide Mr. Briand with the following: (a) continued salary payments through the January 31, 2018; (b) a severance payment equal to twelve months’ salary payable over three months in equal installments beginning after the January 31, 2018, (c) performance bonuses for 2017 and 2018 as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors based upon the criteria set forth for its executives; (d) continued health insurance coverage for a period of 12 months following the January 31, 2018 (e) full and immediate vesting of all outstanding stock options and restricted securities granted to Mr. Briand; (f) reimbursement for life insurance and disability benefits for calendar year 2018; and (g) continuation of an automobile allowance for calendar year 2018 in the same amount as Mr. Briand received as an employee of the Company.

The Faiman Employment Agreement

On February 5, 2016, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Faiman Employment Agreement”) with David Faiman. Pursuant to the Faiman Employment Agreement, Mr. Faiman was appointed as Chief Financial Officer effective March 1, 2016 and received a base salary of $275,000 per annum. The Faiman Employment Agreement provides for severance payments of continued regular salary through the end of the year in the event of a termination by the Company not for cause or a resignation by the employee for good reason, which includes a change in title, duties, responsibilities or direct report superior. Mr. Faiman’s salary will be increased (but not decreased) annually in connection with the CPI Adjustment as defined in the Faiman Employment Agreement. Mr. Faiman also received a grant of 10,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, which will vest as follows: (i) 5,000 shares on the first-year anniversary, and (ii) 5,000 shares on the second anniversary of Mr. Faiman’s employment start date. Annual adjustments to salary, as well as bonus and additional stock option awards will be granted at the discretion of the Board based on meeting personal and corporate objectives each year. His annual bonus target is 50% of annual base salary. On January 1, 2017 the Company increased his salary by the CPI Adjustment to an annualized salary of $275,000 and provided an additional bonus of up to 25% of his base salary based upon achieving a certain leverage ratio. On January 1, 2018 the Company increased his salary to an annualized salary of $320,000.

The Lutzo Employment Agreement

On January 27, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Lutzo Employment Agreement”) with Christopher Lutzo. Pursuant to the Lutzo Employment Agreement, Mr. Lutzo was appointed as General Counsel effective February 13, 2017 and received a base salary of $220,000 per annum. The Lutzo Employment Agreement provides for severance payments of continued regular salary through the end of the year in the event of a termination by the Company not for cause or a resignation by the employee for good reason, which includes a change in title, duties, responsibilities or direct report superior. Mr. Lutzo’s salary will be increased (but not decreased) annually in connection with the CPI Adjustment as defined in the Lutzo Employment Agreement. Mr. Lutzo also received a grant of 10,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, which will vest as follows: (i) 5,000 shares on the first-year anniversary, and (ii) 5,000 shares on the second anniversary of Mr. Lutzo’s employment start date. Annual adjustments to salary, as well as bonus and additional stock option awards will be granted at the discretion of the Board based on meeting personal and corporate

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objectives each year. His annual bonus target is 50% of annual base salary. On January 1, 2018 the Company increased his salary by the CPI Adjustment to an annualized salary of $223,960.

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 30, 2017

 

 

Compensation of Directors

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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 9, 2018 for: (i) each of our directors; (ii) each of our executive officers; (iii) all of our directors and executive officers as a group; and (iv) all persons, to our knowledge, are the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities.

Except as indicated in footnotes to this table, we believe each person named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock set forth opposite such person’s name. Percentage ownership is based on 4,114,078 shares of common stock outstanding on April 10, 2018. 

 

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Independence of Directors

In determining the independence of our directors, the Board applied the definition of “independent director” provided under the listing rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”).  After considering all relevant facts and circumstances, the Board has determined that Messrs. Dimitri Villard, Nicholas Florio and Jeff Grout, and Ms. Alicia Barker (who was appointed by the Board  effective April 1, 2018 to fill a Class II board seat vacancy), each of whom are now serving on the Board and are continuing to serve their terms, are each independent within the definition of independence under the Nasdaq rules. Brendan Flood is not an independent director. If all director candidates nominated for election at the Annual Meeting are elected, our Board will consist of a majority of four independent directors out of a total of five directors on our Board.

Board Meetings; Annual Meeting Attendance

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017, the Board met 13 times. Each director attended at least 90% of the total number of meetings of the Board and each committee on which the director served. Directors are encouraged, but are not required, to attend our Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Five of five directors attended our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Board Committees

Our Board currently has three standing committees: Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and a Compensation Committee, each of which is described below. All standing committees operate under a charter that has been approved by the Board. Copies of the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee can be found on our Internet site http://www.staffing360solutions.com/gov.html.

Audit Committee. On April 30, 2014, the Company designated an Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Nicholas Florio (Chairman), Dimitri Villard and Jeff Grout. Each member of our Audit Committee is an independent director under current Nasdaq rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We believe that each of the members of the Audit Committee is financially sophisticated and is able to read and understand our financial statements. Our Board has determined that Mr. Nicholas Florio qualifies as an Audit Committee ‘‘financial expert’’ as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.  The Audit Committee formally met 10 times during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017. The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in its oversight of: (1) the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting and systems of internal accounting control, (2) the independence, qualifications and performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and (3) the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Our Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities and obligations are to:

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Compensation Committee. On April 30, 2014, the Company designated a Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee is composed of Messrs. Jeff Grout (Chairman), Dimitri Villard, and as of April 1, 2018, Alicia Barker. Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee shall be comprised of at least two (2) “independent” members of the Board who shall also satisfy such other criteria imposed on members of the Compensation Committee pursuant to the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. With regard to the Compensation Committee, the term “independent” refers to a member of the Compensation Committee who (i) meets the definition of “independence” under the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq, (ii) is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act and (iii) is an “outside director” under the regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Each member of our Compensation Committee qualifies as “independent” under these definitions.  The Compensation Committee formally met five times during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017.

Our Compensation Committee’s primary responsibilities and obligations are to:

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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee was formed on April 30, 2014. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is composed of Messrs. Dimitri Villard (Chairman), Nicholas Florio, Jeff Grout, and as of April 1, 2018, Alicia Barker. Pursuant to its charter, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall be comprised of at least two (2) “independent” members of the Board as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. All current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent within this definition. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing our corporate governance policies and with proposing potential director nominees to the Board for consideration. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee formally met two times during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director nominees recommended by security holders. To recommend a nominee please write to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee c/o Dimitri Villard, Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc., 641 Lexington Avenue, 27^th Floor, New York, New York 10022.

Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s primary responsibilities and obligations are to:

Nomination Matters:

Corporate Governance Matters:

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Related Party Transactions

Series A Preferred Stock

 

On May 29, 2015, the Company filed a Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock with the Nevada Secretary of State, whereby the Company designated 1,663,008 shares of preferred stock as Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.00001 per share. On June 15, 2017, the Company reincorporated in the State of Delaware. The Series A Preferred Stock has a stated value of $1.00 per share and is entitled to a 12% dividend.

Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of common stock at the holder’s election at any time prior to December 31, 2018 (the “Redemption Date”), at a conversion rate of one and three tenths (1.3) shares of common stock for every 50 shares of Series A Preferred Stock that the Holder elects to convert. Except as otherwise required by law, the Series A Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights.

In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Company legally available for distribution, prior to and in preference to distributions to the holders of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.00001 per share or classes and series of securities of the Company which by their terms do not rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock, and either in preference to or pari passu with the holders of any other series of Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future that is expressly made senior or pari passu, as the case may be, an amount equal to the Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock less any dividends previously paid out on the Series A Preferred Stock.

The holders will be entitled to receive cash dividends at the rate of 12% of the Stated Value per annum, payable monthly in cash, prior to and in preference to any declaration or payment of any dividend on the common stock. So long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company shall not declare, pay or set apart for payment any dividend on any shares of common stock, unless at the time of such dividend the Company shall have paid all accrued and unpaid dividends on the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

The Certificate of Designation filed on May 29, 2015, designating the Series A Preferred Stock, was filed in connection with the Company’s issuance of an aggregate of 1,663,008 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Brendan Flood and Matthew Briand for the conversion of the Gross Profit Appreciation Bonus (as defined in each employment agreement) associated with their employment agreements. The Certificate of Designation was approved and related issuances were ratified by the Company’s Board and compensation committee on May 29, 2015.

Up until the Redemption Date, holders may convert their shares into common stock at their election. On the Redemption Date, the Company shall redeem all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock of each Holder, for cash or for shares of common stock in the Company’s sole discretion. If the Redemption Purchase Price is paid in shares of common stock, the holders shall initially receive one and three tenths (1.3) shares of common stock for each $50.00 of the Redemption Purchase Price. If the Redemption Purchase Price is paid in cash, the redemption price paid to each Holder shall be equal to the Stated Value for each share of Series A Preferred Stock, multiplied by the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such Holder, less the aggregate amount of dividends paid to such Holder through the Redemption Date.

Jackson Note

 

On September 15, 2017, the Company entered into a $40,000,000 note agreement with Jackson Investment Group, LLC, an owner of more than five (5%) percent of the Company’s common stock (“Jackson”). The proceeds of the sale of the secured note were used to repay the existing subordinated notes previously issued to Jackson pursuant to the existing note purchase agreement in the aggregate principal amount of $11,165,000 and to fund a portion of the purchase price consideration of the Firstpro Acquisition and the CBS

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Butler Acquisition detailed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 9, 2017, and to repay certain other outstanding indebtedness of the Company. The maturity date for the amounts due under the Jackson Note is September 15, 2020.  The Jackson Note will accrue interest at 12% per annum, due quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 in each year, with the first such payment due on January 1, 2018. Interest on any overdue payment of principal or interest due under the Jackson Note will accrue at a rate per annum that is 5% in excess of the rate of interest otherwise payable thereunder.

 

The Company paid a closing fee of $1,000,000 in connection with its entry into the Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement and agreed to issue 450,000 shares of the Company’s common stock as a closing commitment fee.  These shares are subject to registration rights in favor of Jackson and were included in a new resale registration statement which was filed by the Company on November 1, 2017.

Board and Committee Members

The Briand Separation Agreement

The Company’s former employee, board member and officer resigned from his positions with the Company and subsidiaries. The Company entered into an agreement (the “Briand Separation Agreement”) with Mr. Briand dated December 21, 2017, with an effective date (“Separation Date”) of January 31, 2018, pursuant to which Mr. Briand may provide advisory services, if requested by the Company, through the Separation Date. Pursuant to the Briand Separation Agreement, the Company agreed to provide, among other things: (a) pay through January 31, 2018 in the same amount and manner in which Mr. Briand was paid immediately prior to this Agreement; (b) severance pay in the amount of $362 (as of January 31, 2018) for twelve (12) months, payable over three (3) months in equal installments in accordance with the normal payroll policies of the Company, with the first installment being paid on the Company’s first regular pay date on or after January 31, 2018, which initial payment shall include all installment amounts that would have been paid during the first thirty (30) days following the Separation Agreement had installments commenced immediately following the Separation Date; (c) performance bonuses for 2017 and 2018, in the amounts, if any, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors based upon the criteria set forth for its executives, payable in cash at the time any such performance bonuses are ordinarily paid to the Company’s executives; (d) for a period of twelve (12) months following the Separation Date, all health insurance plan benefits to which Mr. Briand and his family was entitled prior to the Separation Date under any such benefit plans or arrangements maintained by the Company in which Mr. Briand and his family participated, shall be provided to the same extent of coverage, pursuant to COBRA, to be paid directly by the Company; (e) any unvested stock options and restricted securities granted to Mr. Briand shall be fully and immediately exercisable or non-forfeitable, as applicable; (f) reimbursement for life insurance benefits, payable in the calendar year 2018 in the same amount as Mr. Briand received as an active employee of the Company; (g) reimbursement of disability insurance premiums, payable in the calendar year 2018 in the same amount as Mr. Briand received as an active employee of the Company; and (h) an automobile allowance, payable in the calendar year 2018 in the same amount as Mr. Briand received as an active employee of the Company.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides information as of December 30, 2017 about the common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights under the Company’s equity compensation plans:

 

 

2014 Equity Incentive Plan

On January 28, 2014, our Board adopted the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). Under the 2014 Plan, we may grant options to employees, directors, senior management of the company and, under certain circumstances, consultants. The purpose of the 2014 Plan is to retain the services of the group of persons eligible to receive option awards, to secure and retain the services of new members of this group and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the company and its affiliates. A

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maximum of 50,000 shares of common stock has been reserved for issuance under this plan. The plan expires on January 28, 2024. At December 31, 2017, the Company had issued 50,000 options and shares of common stock and therefore there is nothing remaining under this plan.

The authority to administer the 2014 Plan currently resides with the Compensation Committee. They have the power to determine which persons eligible under the plan will be granted option awards.

Transferability

Option awards are not transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution unless otherwise provided in the individual option agreement.

Change of Control Event

In the event of a change in control, then, without the consent or action required of any holder of an option award (in such holder’s capacity as such):

(i) Any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation or any parent or affiliate thereof, as determined by the Board in its discretion, will assume or continue any option awards outstanding under the plan in all or in part or shall substitute to similar stock awards in all or in part; or

(ii) In the event any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation does not assume or continue any option awards or substitute to similar stock awards, for those outstanding under the plan, then: (a) all unvested option awards will expire (b) vested options will terminate if not exercised at or prior to such change in control; or

(iii) Upon change in control, the Board may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the vesting, partially or in full, in the sole discretion of the Board and on a case-by-case basis of one or more option awards as the board of directors may determine to be appropriate prior to such events.

Notwithstanding the above, in case of change in control, in the event all or substantially all of the shares of common stock of the company are to be exchanged for securities of another company, then each holder of an option award shall be obliged to sell or exchange, as the case may be, any shares such holder holds or purchased under the plan, in accordance with the instructions issued by the Board, whose determination shall be final.

Termination of Employment/Relationship

In the event of termination of the option holders employment with the Company or any of its affiliates, or if applicable, the termination of services given to the Company or any of its affiliates by consultants of the Company or any of its affiliates for cause (as defined in the plan), all outstanding option awards granted to such option holder (whether vested or not) will immediately expire and terminate on the date of such termination and the holder of option awards will not have any right in connection to such outstanding option awards, unless otherwise determined by the Board. The shares of common stock covered by such option awards will revert to the plan.

2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan

On September 23, 2015, our Board adopted the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). Under the 2015 Plan, the Company may grant options to employees, directors, senior management of the company and, under certain circumstances, consultants. The purpose of the 2015 Plan is to retain the services of the group of persons eligible to receive option awards, to secure and retain the services of new members of this group and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the company and its affiliates.

The 2015 Plan provides for an aggregate of 90,000 shares of common stock to be available for awards. The number of shares available for grant pursuant to awards under the Plan is referred to as the “Available Shares”. If an award is forfeited, canceled, or if any option terminates, expires or lapses without being exercised, the common stock subject to such award will again be made available for future grant. However, shares that are used to pay the exercise price of an option or that are withheld to satisfy the participant’s tax withholding obligation will not be available for re-grant under the 2015 Plan.

The 2015 Plan will have a term of ten years and no further awards may be granted under the 2015 Plan after that date. At December 31, 2017, the Company had issued 86,361 options to purchase shares of common stock and had 3,639 unissued securities remaining under this plan.

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Awards Available for Grant

The Compensation Committee may grant awards of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Bonus Awards, Performance Compensation Awards (including cash bonus awards) or any combination of the foregoing. Notwithstanding, the Compensation Committee may not grant to any one person in any one calendar year awards (i) for more than 30,000 common shares in the aggregate or (ii) payable in cash in an amount exceeding $600 in the aggregate.

Transferability

Each award may be exercised during the participant’s lifetime only by the participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by the participant’s guardian or legal representative and may not be otherwise transferred or encumbered by a participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The Compensation Committee, however, may permit awards (other than Incentive Stock Options) to be transferred to family members, a trust for the benefit of such family members, a partnership or limited liability company whose partners or stockholders are the participant and his or her family members or anyone else approved by it.

Change in Control

Except to the extent otherwise provided in an award, in the event of a change in control, all outstanding options and equity awards (other than performance compensation awards) issued under the Plan will become fully vested and performance compensation awards will vest, as determined by the Compensation Committee, based on the level of attainment of the specified performance goals. In general, the Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, cancel outstanding awards and pay the value of such awards to the participants in connection with a change in control. The Compensation Committee can also provide otherwise in an award under the 2015 Plan.

2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan

On October 25, 2016, our Board adopted the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) to, among other things, attract and retain the best available personnel, to provide additional incentive to employees, directors and consultants and to promote the success of the Company’s business. On January 26, 2017, our stockholders approved the 2016 Plan, pursuant to which 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock will be reserved for issuance under stock and stock option awards.  To date, the Company has issued 456,740 shares and options to purchase shares of common stock and therefore has 43,260 remaining under this plan.

The Compensation Committee will administer the 2016 Plan. The Compensation Committee will have the authority, without limitation to (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of awards to be granted to a participant; (iii) determine the number of Common Shares to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with, awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Common Shares, other securities, other awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended and the method or methods by which awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances the delivery of cash, common shares, other securities, other awards or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an award; (vii) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, settle any controversy regarding, correct any defect in and/or complete any omission in this Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or award granted under, this Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive any rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the Compensation Committee shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of this Plan; (ix) accelerate the vesting or exercisability of, payment for or lapse of restrictions on, awards; and (x) make any other determination and take any other action that the Compensation Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan  The Compensation Committee will have full discretion to administer and interpret the 2016 Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations and procedures as it deems necessary or advisable and to determine, among other things, the time or times at which the awards may be exercised and whether and under what circumstances an award may be exercised.

Eligibility

Employees, directors, officers, advisors and consultants of the Company or its affiliates are eligible to participate in the 2016 Plan. The Compensation Committee has the sole and complete authority to determine who will be granted an award under the 2016 Plan, however, it may delegate such authority to one or more officers of the Company under the circumstances set forth in the 2016 Plan.

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Number of Shares Authorized

The 2016 Plan provides for an aggregate of 500,000 shares of common stock to be available for awards. The Board and Committee selected this number of available shares in order to provide for awards to be granted for the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years assuming recent trends of awarding equity were to continue.

The 2016 Plan will have a term of ten years and no further awards may be granted under the 2016 Plan after that date.

Awards Available for Grant

The Compensation Committee may grant awards of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Bonus Awards, Performance Compensation Awards (including cash bonus awards) (each defined under the 2016 Plan) or any combination of the foregoing subject to the number of available shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the 2016 Plan, the Compensation Committee may not grant to any one participants under the plan in any one calendar year awards (i) for more than 80,000 Common Shares in the aggregate or (ii) payable in cash in an amount exceeding $750,000 in the aggregate.

Options

Under the terms of the 2016 Plan, unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise in the case of an option substituted for another option in connection with a corporate transaction, the exercise price of the options will not be less than the fair market value (as determined under the 2016 Plan) of the shares of common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2016 Plan will be subject to such terms, including the exercise price and the conditions and timing of exercise, as may be determined by the Compensation Committee and specified in the applicable award agreement. The maximum term of an option granted under the 2016 Plan will be ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a 10% stockholder).

Stock Appreciation Rights

The Compensation Committee will be authorized to award Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) under the 2016 Plan. SARs will be subject to such terms and conditions as established by the Compensation Committee. A SAR is a contractual right that allows a participant to receive, either in the form of cash, shares or any combination of cash and shares, the appreciation, if any, in the value of a share over a certain period of time. A SAR granted under the 2016 Plan may be granted in tandem with an option and SARs may also be awarded to a participant independent of the grant of an option. SARs granted in connection with an option shall be subject to terms similar to the option which corresponds to such SARs. SARs shall be subject to terms established by the Compensation Committee and reflected in the award agreement.

Restricted Stock

The Compensation Committee will be authorized to award restricted stock under the 2016 Plan. Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee and specified in an award agreement, restrictions on restricted stock will lapse after three years of service with the Company. The Compensation Committee will determine the terms of such restricted stock awards. Shares of restricted stock are shares of common stock that generally are non-transferable and subject to other restrictions determined by the Compensation Committee for a specified period. Unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise or specifies otherwise in an award agreement, if the participant terminates employment or services during the restricted period, then any unvested restricted stock will be forfeited.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards

The Compensation Committee will be authorized to award restricted stock unit awards under the 2016 Plan. Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee and specified in an award agreement, restricted stock units vest after three years of service with the Company. The Compensation Committee will determine the terms of such restricted stock units. Unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise or specifies otherwise in an award agreement, if the participant terminates employment or services during the period of time over which all or a portion of the units are to be earned, then any unvested units will be forfeited. At the election of the Compensation Committee, the participant will receive a number of shares of common stock equal to the number of units earned or an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of that number of shares at the expiration of the period over which the units are to be earned or at a later date selected by the Compensation Committee.

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Stock Bonus Awards

The Compensation Committee will be authorized to grant awards of unrestricted shares of common stock or other awards denominated in shares of common stock, either alone or in tandem with other awards, under such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may determine.

Performance Compensation Awards

The Compensation Committee will be authorized to grant any award under the 2016 Plan in the form of a performance compensation awards. The Compensation Committee will select the performance criteria based on one or more of the following factors: (i) revenue; (ii) sales; (iii) profit (net profit, gross profit, operating profit, economic profit, profit margins or other corporate profit measures); (iv) earnings (EBIT, EBITDA, earnings per share, or other corporate earnings measures); (v) net income (before or after taxes, operating income or other income measures); (vi) cash (cash flow, cash generation or other cash measures); (vii) stock price or performance; (viii) total stockholder return (stock price appreciation plus reinvested dividends divided by beginning share price); (ix) economic value added; (x) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, equity, investments or sales, and cash flow return on assets, capital, equity, or sales); (xi) market share; (xii) improvements in capital structure; (xiii) expenses (expense management, expense ratio, expense efficiency ratios or other expense measures); (xiv) business expansion or consolidation (acquisitions and divestitures); (xv) internal rate of return or increase in net present value; (xvi) working capital targets relating to inventory and/or accounts receivable; (xvii) inventory management; (xviii) service or product delivery or quality; (xix) customer satisfaction; (xx) employee retention; (xxi) safety standards; (xxii) productivity measures; (xxiii) cost reduction measures; and/or (xxiv) strategic plan development and implementation.

Transferability

Each award may be exercised during the participant’s lifetime only by the participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by the participant’s guardian or legal representative.  No award may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company; provided that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance. The Compensation Committee, however, may permit awards (other than incentive stock options) to be transferred to family members, a trust for the benefit of such family members, a partnership or limited liability company whose partners or stockholders are the participant and his or her family members or anyone else approved by it.

Amendment

The 2016 Plan will have a term of ten years from the effective date of the 2016 Plan. The Board may amend, suspend or terminate the 2016 Plan at any time; however, shareholder approval to amend the 2016 Plan may be necessary if applicable law or listing rule so requires. No amendment, suspension or termination will impair the rights of any participant or recipient of any award without the consent of the participant or recipient.

Change in Control

Except to the extent otherwise provided in an award, in the event of a change in control, all outstanding options and equity awards (other than performance compensation awards) issued under the 2016 Plan will become fully vested or the period of restriction will expire and performance compensation awards vest, as determined by the Compensation Committee, based on the level of attainment of the specified performance goals or assuming that that the applicable “target” levels of performance have been obtained or on such other basis as determined by the Compensation Committee.

    

Long-Term Incentive Plan

In May 2016, the Board approved the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2016 LTIP”). This plan was approved by our stockholders on January 26, 2017.

The material features of the 2016 LTIP are:

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The shares we issue under the 2016 LTIP will be authorized but unissued shares.  The Board selected 260,000 shares to adequately motivate the participants and drive performance for the period.  

2016 LTIP Administration

The 2016 LTIP will be administered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has full power to select, from among the individuals eligible for awards, the individuals to whom awards will be granted, and to determine the specific terms and conditions of each award, subject to the provisions of the 2016 LTIP.

Eligibility

Persons eligible to participate in the 2016 LTIP will be those officers, employees, consultants and independent contractors of the Company and its subsidiaries as selected from time to time by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. The Compensation Committee has full power to select, from among the individuals eligible for awards, the individuals to whom awards will be granted, and to determine the specific terms and conditions of each award, subject to the provisions of the 2016 LTIP.

Amendment and Termination  

The Board may, without shareholder approval, modify, revise or terminate the 2016 LTIP at any time and from time to time.  The Board will seek shareholder approval to increase the amount of shares of common stock which may be issued under the 2016 LTIP or to make any “material amendment” to the 2016 LTIP.  Unless the Board elects to terminate the 2016 LTIP earlier, the 2016 LTIP will terminate on December 31, 2018.

Performance Units

The 2016 LTIP permits the granting of performance units to participants under the 2016 LTIP.  The award agreement will set forth the number of performance units granted to a participant.  The number of shares issued under an award is determined by multiplying the number of performance units granted to the participant by the vesting rate which is determined by measuring the market cap of the Company   As amended by the Compensation Committee on October, 25, 2016, the below chart summarizes the relationship between performance and the vesting rate for the performance units.   

 

 

If earned, shares of common stock will be issued to a participant within 30 days after the end of the performance period (December 31, 2018) and in no event later than March 15, 2019; provided, that the participant has been continuously employed, as applicable, with the Company through the date of issuance of the shares of common stock.  If a participant terminates employment for any reason with the Company before the issuance of the shares described above, the award will be cancelled and forfeited, unless the Compensation Committee elects for special treatment.

The estimated fair value of the 2016 LTIP plan based on third party valuation is $136. As of Fiscal 2017, all units had been issued and all compensation expense amortized.  For Fiscal 2017 and Transition Period, the Company recorded $91 and $53 in compensation expense, respectively, associated with the 2016 LTIP. The Company has issued a total of 178,739 shares under this plan.

 

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Policy with Regard to Stockholder Recommendations

The policy of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to consider properly submitted recommendations for candidates to the Board from stockholders. Any stockholder recommendations for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee should include the candidate’s name, biographical information, information regarding any relationships between the candidate and the Company within the last three years, a description of all arrangements between the candidate and the recommending stockholder and any other person pursuant to which the candidate is being recommended, a written indication of the candidate’s willingness to serve on the Board, any other information required to be provided under securities laws and regulations, and a written indication to provide such other information as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may reasonably request. There are no differences in the manner in which the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee evaluates nominees for director based on whether the nominee is recommended by a stockholder or otherwise. Stockholder recommendations to the Board should be sent to:

Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc.

641 Lexington Avenue

27th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Attention: Secretary

In addition, our bylaws permit stockholders to nominate directors for consideration at an Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Due to the fact that the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting has been changed by more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company fixed March 26, 2018 as the due date for submission of any qualified stockholder proposal or qualified stockholder nominations the Company’s Secretary in writing, which date was announced by the filing of a Current Report on form 8-K on March 14, 2018. The exclusive means by which a stockholder may nominate a director shall be by delivery of a notice to the Secretary setting forth: (a) the name, age, business address and the primary legal residence address of each nominee proposed in such notice, (b) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee, (c) the number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned directly or indirectly of record and directly or indirectly beneficially owned by the nominee and each of its affiliates (within the meaning of Rule 144), including any shares of the Company owned or controlled via derivatives, hedged positions and other economic and voting mechanisms, (d) any material agreements, understandings or relationships, including financial transactions and compensation, between the nominating stockholder and the proposed nominees and (e) such other information concerning each such nominee as would be required, under the rules of the SEC, in a proxy statement soliciting proxies in a contested election of such nominees. Such notice shall include a signed consent of each such nominee to serve as a director of the Company, if elected. In addition, any stockholder nominee, to be validly nominated, shall submit to the Secretary the questionnaire required pursuant to Section 2.6.3 of the bylaws. A stockholder intending to nominate one or more candidates for election as directors must comply with the advance notice bylaw provisions specifically applicable to the nomination of candidates for election as directors for such nomination to be properly brought before the meeting.

Director Qualifications and Diversity

The Board seeks independent directors who represent a diversity of backgrounds and experiences that will enhance the quality of the Board’s deliberations and decisions.  The Board considers, among other things, the level of relevant experience, financial literacy and business acumen of the candidate and values the independence of at least a majority of the directors. Qualified candidates for director are those who, in the judgment of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board, have had significant decision-making responsibility, and have business, legal or academic experience, including experience in disciplines relevant to the Company's businesses, and who will represent the best interests of the shareholders as a whole rather than special interest constituencies. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board will also consider the nominee’s willingness and ability to devote adequate time to Board duties, all in the context of the needs of the Board at that point in time and with the objective of ensuring of experience and viewpoints of Board members.

In evaluating nominations to the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also looks for certain personal attributes, such as integrity, ability and willingness to apply sound and independent business judgment, comprehensive understanding of a director’s role in corporate governance, availability for meetings and consultation on Company matters, and the willingness to assume and carry out fiduciary responsibilities.  The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee took these specifications into account in formulating and re-nominating its present Board members.

The current director candidates were recommended by management and nominated by the full Board.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

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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 or integrity of our directors or executive officers, or in which any director, officer, nominee or principal stockholder, or any affiliate thereof, is a party adverse to us or has a material interest adverse to us.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers or any of our directors.

Code of Ethical Conduct

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our executive officers, directors, employees and our subsidiaries. We posted our code of ethics on our web site at http://staffing360solutions.com/content/STAF_Code_of_Ethics.pdf. In the event that we make any amendments to, or grant any waivers of, a provision of our Code of Ethical Conduct that applies to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer that requires disclosure under applicable SEC rules, we intend to disclose such amendment or waiver and the reasons therefor in a Form 8-K or in our next periodic report. 

Conflicts of Interest

Members of our executive management team are required by their respective employment agreements with the Company to devote substantially all of their business time to our affairs. However, our directors are associated with other firms involved in a range of business activities Consequently, there are potential inherent conflicts of interest in their acting as directors of our Company. Although the directors are engaged in other business activities, we anticipate they will devote an important amount of time to our affairs.

Our directors are now and may in the future become shareholders, officers or directors of other companies, which may be formed for the purpose of engaging in business activities similar to ours. Accordingly, additional direct conflicts of interest may arise in the future with respect to such individuals acting on behalf of us or other entities.  Moreover, additional conflicts of interest may arise with respect to opportunities which come to the attention of such individuals in the performance of their board duties or otherwise.  Currently, we do not have a right of first refusal pertaining to opportunities that come to the attention of our directors and may relate to our business operations. Our directors are, so long as they are our directors, subject to the restriction that all opportunities contemplated by our plan of operation which come to their attention, either in the performance of their duties or in any other manner, will be considered opportunities of, and be made available to us and the companies that they are affiliated with on an equal basis.  A breach of this requirement will be a breach of the fiduciary duties of the director.  If we or the companies with which the directors are affiliated both desire to take advantage of an opportunity, then said directors would abstain from negotiating and voting upon the opportunity.  However, all directors may still individually take advantage of opportunities if we should decline to do so.

Our officers are, so long as they are our officers, subject to the restriction that all opportunities contemplated by our plan of operation which come to their attention, either in the performance of their duties or in any other manner, will be considered opportunities of, and be made available to us exclusively during the term of their employment, and offered first to us on a right of first refusal basis for one year after any termination.  A breach of this requirement will be a breach of the fiduciary duties of the officer and a breach of his or her employment agreement.  Except as set forth above, we have not adopted any other conflict of interest policy with respect to such transactions.

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

Our Chairman of the Board (the “Chairman”), who also serves as our President and CEO, presides at all meetings of the Board.  The Chairman is appointed on an annual basis by majority vote of the directors, excluding the vote of the appointee. Our Board has determined that its current structure, with combined Chairman and CEO roles and a majority of independent directors is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders at this time. A number of factors support the leadership structure chosen by the Board, including, among others:

 

 

 

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In our view, splitting the roles would potentially make our management and governance processes less effective through undesirable duplication of work and possibly lead to a blurring of clear lines of accountability and responsibility. Enterprise risks are identified and prioritized by management and each prioritized risk is assigned to a Board committee or the full Board for oversight as follows:

Full Board – Risks and exposures associated with strategic, financial and execution risks and other current matters that may present material risk to our operations, plans, prospects or reputation.

Audit Committee – Risks and exposures associated with financial matters, particularly financial reporting, tax, accounting, disclosure, internal control over financial reporting, financial policies, investment guidelines and credit and liquidity matters.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee – Risks and exposures relating to corporate governance and management and director succession planning.

Compensation Committee – Risks and exposures associated with leadership assessment, and compensation programs and arrangements, including incentive plans.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

The Board or a committee of the Board reviews issues involving potential conflicts of interest, and reviews and approves all related party transactions, including those required to be disclosed as a “related party” transaction under applicable federal securities laws.  The Board has not adopted any specific procedures for conducting reviews of potential conflicts of interest and considers each transaction in light of the specific facts and circumstances presented.  However, to the extent a potential related party transaction is presented to the Board, the Company expects that the Board would become fully informed regarding the potential transaction and the interests of the related party, and would have the opportunity to deliberate outside of the presence of the related party.  The Company expects that the Board would only approve a related party transaction that was in the best interests of, and fair to, the Company, and further would seek to ensure that any completed related party transaction was on terms no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained in a transaction with an unaffiliated third party.

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

Based solely upon a review of the Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company during its most recent fiscal year, as of December 30, 2017, the Company believes that all historical and current Section 16(a) filings have been filed with the Securities Exchange Commission.

 

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PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Nominees for Election

Our Board is currently composed of five individuals divided into two classes, as nearly equal as possible, and one non-classified director. The term of office for directors in Class I expires at the annual meeting of stockholders to occur in calendar year 2019. The term of office for directors in Class II expires at the Annual Meeting. Non-classified directors are to be elected annually. On January 30, 2018 the Board met and determined it was in the best interest of the Company to place the existing directors into the designated classes as follows:

Class I:Dimitri Villard and Nicholas Florio

Class II:Jeff Grout and Matt Briand (subsequent vacancy filled by Alicia Barker)

Non-Classified:Brendan Flood

As disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 29, 2018, Alicia Barker was elected by the board to fill an existing Class II board vacancy, effective as of April 1, 2018. Under the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws filed in connection with our change of domicile on June 15, 2017, Class II directors serve until the annual stockholder meeting occurring in 2018, and thereafter until the second annual meeting of stockholders following his or her election and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, unless sooner displaced. The Board has determined it is in the best interest of the Company to authorize the nomination of Jeff Grout and Alicia Barker for re-election as Class II directors and Brendan Flood for re-election as a non-classified director. Our Board believes that all of our current directors, including the three nominees for election, possess personal and professional integrity, good judgment, a high level of ability and business acumen.

If a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, then the Class II and non-classified nominees will be elected by a majority of the votes cast in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors.

The following biographical information is furnished as to each nominee for election as a Class II director whose seat is up for election at the May 30, 2018 annual meeting of stockholders:

 

Jeff Grout, Director. Jeff Grout has been a director of the Company since February 2014. He is a successful business speaker, consultant and coach. His clients include Amazon, Deloitte, LinkedIn, British Airways, Barclays, Ernst & Young, Virgin, etc. Listed in the ‘100 Best Business Speakers in Britain’, Jeff Grout is in considerable demand as a motivational business speaker, conference chairman and interviewer. Formerly U.K. Managing Director of Robert Half International, a leading international recruitment consultancy, and Business Manager to Sir Clive Woodward, Head Coach of the England Rugby Team, Mr. Grout is now an independent business consultant specializing in leadership, people management, team building, peak performance, recruitment and retention issues. He has spoken at Henley Business School, Ashridge Management College, Cardiff Business School and the Danish Centre for Leadership. He holds a number of corporate advisory and executive coaching appointments and is also a successful business author. Jeff has written books on leadership, recruitment, career success, the psychology of peak performance and his Police detective father’s first murder case. His eighth book entitled ‘What You Need to Know about Leadership’ was published in May 2011. Mr. Grout holds a Bachelor of Science (Economics) Degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Mr. Grout brings valuable Operational experience within the Staffing industry having grown the U.K. business of Robert Half International from $1 million to $100 million in sales and from 12 to 365 employees. He also identified and integrated a number of acquisitions of staffing businesses in the U.K. and continental Europe. He is the Chairman of the Company’s Compensation Committee and also serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and on the Audit Committee. Mr. Grout’s extensive staffing industry experience, including his role as former Managing Director of Robert Half International, qualifies him to be a director of the Company.

Alicia Barker, Director. Alicia Barker has been a director of the Company since April 1, 2018. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and has over 20 years of experience leading talent acquisition and employee performance in both public and private corporations. She is currently a Principal of Act II Consulting, a business she opened in 2016 that provides human resources consulting and professional coaching services to individuals and corporations.   Ms. Barker previously served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Barker, a full-service advertising agency where she led talent procurement and executive development. She also served on the executive team as Vice President, Human Resources at Hudson North America, a global talent solutions company where she led human resources efforts for 37 offices in North America, and Vice President, Human Resources, at Grey Group, a global advertising and marketing agency with 432 offices, in 96 countries. Before that, Ms. Barker was Human Resources Director at Icon/Nicholson, which designs, develops, and produces prepackaged computer software. She attended State University of New York at Albany, and is completing post-graduate studies in Communications at Kean University in New Jersey. Over the past several years, Ms. Barker has held Board positions on not for profit Boards in her local community. Ms. Barker serves on the Company’s Nominating and

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Corporate Governance Committee and on the Compensation Committee. Ms. Barker’s extensive staffing industry experience, including management roles in human resources at leading advertising agencies, qualifies her to be a director of the Company.

The following biography is furnished as to the nominee for election as a non-classified director whose seat is up for election at the May 30, 2018 annual meeting of stockholders:

Brendan Flood, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director. Mr. Flood has been the Executive Chairman and a director of the Company since January 7, 2014. Mr. Flood joined the company upon the sale of his business, Initio, where he was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to the Company on January 3, 2014. He acquired Initio as part of a management buy-out, which he led, in January 2010. Prior to Initio, Mr. Flood worked in several staffing companies including Hudson Global Resources Inc. which he brought to the Nasdaq National Market on April 1, 2003, as a spin-off from Monsterworldwide Inc. His experience while at Monsterworldwide included many M&A transactions, operational management in both London and New York, and various senior financial roles. Mr. Flood graduated from Dublin City University in Ireland with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and Finance. Mr. Flood’s strong financial background and years of experience at major staffing firms like Monsterworldwide and Hudson Global Resources qualifies him to be the Executive Chairman and a director given the Company’s core business in the staffing industry.

The biographies of the directors currently serving as Class I directors (for terms expiring in 2019) are as follows:

Dimitri Villard, Director. Dimitri Villard has been a Director of the Company since July 2012. Mr. Villard was Chairman and CEO of Peer Media Technologies, Inc., a public company Internet technology business, from February 2009 to December 2012. Peer Media Technologies, Inc. changed its name from ARTISTdirect, Inc. in May 2010. Prior to that, Mr. Villard served as Interim CEO since March 6, 2008 and as a Director since January 2005 until 2012. Mr. Villard has also served as President and a Director of Pivotal BioSciences, Inc., a biotechnology company, since September 1998 to present. In addition, since January 1982 to present, he has served as President and Director of Byzantine Productions, Inc. Previously, Mr. Villard was a Director at the investment banking firm of SG Cowen and affiliated entities, a position he held from January 1997 to July 1999. From 2004 to 2008, Mr. Villard served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dax Solutions, Inc., an entertainment industry digital asset management venture, and from July 2012 until September 2013, was a member of the Board of Directors of The Grilled Cheese Truck Company, a public company. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles chapter of the Tech Coast Angels, a private venture capital group. Mr. Villard received a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a Master of Science degree from China International Medical University. He is the Chairman of the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and also serves on the Compensation Committee and on the Audit Committee. Mr. Villard's experience as an officer and/or director of several public companies, as well as an investment banker, qualifies him to be a Director of the Company.

Nicholas Florio, Director. Nicholas Florio has been a Director of the Company since May 2014. Mr. Florio provides business consulting and financial advice to a variety of closely held private businesses. He is an audit and accounting partner for Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP (“Citrin Cooperman”) based in the firm’s New York City office. Mr. Florio has been with Citrin Cooperman for over 23 years. With over 25 years of experience in the staffing and employment arena, Mr. Florio serves as the Practice Leader of the firm's Employment and staffing area. Mr. Florio’s experience in this area includes providing advice on corporate structuring; design of stock incentive and deferred compensation plans; merger and acquisition due diligence and consulting; among general business and tax advice. He is also a current member of the Board of Directors of both the New York Staffing Association (“NYSA”) and New Jersey Staffing Association (“NJSA”) and has been the President of the Industry Partner Group of NYSA for over 15 years. Mr. Florio is also a long-standing member of the Citrin Cooperman’s Executive Committee. A graduate of Pace University, Mr. Florio is a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (“NYSSCPA”) as well as the American Institute of CPAs (“AICPA”). He is the Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee and serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and on the Compensation Committee. Mr. Florio's acute knowledge of financial and accounting matters, with an emphasis in the staffing industry through his role as audit and accounting partner for Citrin Cooperman, qualifies him to be a director of the Company.

Indemnification

Under our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, we may indemnify an officer or director who is made a party to any proceeding, including a lawsuit, because of their position, if they acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the Company’s best interest. We may advance expenses incurred in defending a proceeding. To the extent that the officer or director is successful on the merits in a proceeding as to which they are to be indemnified, we must indemnify them against all expenses incurred, including attorney’s fees. With respect to a derivative action, indemnity may be made only for expenses actually and reasonably incurred in defending the proceeding, and if the officer or director is judged liable, only by a court order. The indemnification is intended to be to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware.

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Regarding indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act, which may be permitted to directors or officers under Delaware law, we are informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, indemnification is against public policy, as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

Vote and Recommendation

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the nominees will be required to approve each nominee, provided that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting.  Abstentions and broker non-votes, which are not considered “votes cast,” will reduce the absolute number, but not the overall percentage, of affirmative votes required to approve the Amendment.  Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of voting with respect to the election of any director.

Our Board recommends a vote “FOR” each of the nominees.

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PROPOSAL 2 – APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE
STAFFING 360 SOLUTIONS, INC., 2016 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

We are asking our stockholders to approve an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan” and, as amended under this Proposal 2, the “Amended 2016 Plan”), pursuant to which 750,000 additional shares of the Company’s Common Stock will be reserved for issuance under stock and stock option awards (“Awards”), and the law governing the administration of the 2016 Plan will be changed from Nevada to Delaware, consistent with our change of domicile on June 15, 2017.  On October 25, 2016, our Board adopted the 2016 Plan, among other things, to attract and retain the best available personnel, to provide additional incentive to employees, directors and consultants and to promote the success of the Company’s business. At this time, the Board believes it is in the best interest of the Company to provide additional shares for issuance pursuant to the Amended 2016 Plan.  

If approved by the Company’s stockholders, the Amendment to the 2016 Plan will be effective May 30, 2018. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this proposal shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the 2016 Plan document.

The Company effected a one-for-five reverse stock split on January 3, 2018. Unless otherwise indicated, all share information in this proposal has been adjusted to reflect this reverse stock split.

Summary of the Proposed Amendment

Our Board adopted the Amendment on March 28, 2018, subject to stockholder approval, to change the governing law of the 2016 Plan from Nevada to Delaware and to increase the number of shares of our common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2016 Plan by an additional 750,000 shares, to a total of 1,250,000 shares of common stock.  In addition, the Amendment revises the maximum number of shares that may be granted to any one Participant in a calendar year from 400,000 pre- one-for-five split shares to 200,000 post-split shares, thereby retaining the same ratio of maximum shares which may be granted to a Participant in a calendar year to total shares available under the 2016 Plan.

Description of the Amended 2016 Plan

The following is a brief description of the 2016 Plan, as amended by the Amendment. A copy of the 2016 Plan is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement and a copy of the Amendment is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement, and the following description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 2016 Plan and the Amendment.

Administration

The Company’s Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) administers the 2016 Plan and will continue to administer the Amended 2016 Plan. The Committee will have the authority, without limitation to (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to a Participant; (iii) determine the number of Common Shares to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with, Awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances the delivery of cash, Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award; (vii) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, settle any controversy regarding, correct any defect in and/or complete any omission in this Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, this Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive any rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the Committee shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of this Plan; (ix) accelerate the vesting or exercisability of, payment for or lapse of restrictions on, Awards; and (x) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan  The Committee will have full discretion to administer and interpret the 2016 Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations and procedures as it deems necessary or advisable and to determine, among other things, the time or times at which the awards may be exercised and whether and under what circumstances an award may be exercised.

Eligibility

Employees, directors, officers, advisors and consultants of the Company or its affiliates are eligible to participate in the 2016 Plan and are referred to as “Participants”. The Committee has the sole and complete authority to determine who will be granted an Award under the 2016 Plan, however, it may delegate such authority to one or more officers of the Company under the circumstances set forth in the 2016 Plan.

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Number of Additional Shares Authorized under the Amendment

The 2016 Plan originally provided for an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock to be available for Awards. As a result of our reverse stock split on January 3, 2018, this number was reduced to 500,000 shares available for Awards. The Amendment provides for an additional 750,000 shares of Common Stock to be available for Awards. The aggregate number of 1,250,000 shares that will be available for grant pursuant to Awards under the Amended 2016 Plan is referred to as the “Available Shares.”  The Board and Committee selected the number of Available Shares in order to provide for awards to be granted in the 2018, 2019 and later fiscal years assuming recent trends of awarding equity were to continue. For information about the number of outstanding shares of our Company see “Questions and answers about the Annual Meeting—How many Shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock are outstanding” contained in this Proxy Statement.

If an Award is forfeited, canceled, settled in cash, or if any Option terminates, expires or lapses without being exercised, the Common Stock subject to such Award will again be made available for future grant. However, shares that are used to pay the exercise price of an Option or that are withheld to satisfy the Participant’s tax withholding obligation, and shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the SAR upon exercise thereof, will not be available for re-grant under the Amended 2016 Plan.

If there is any change in the Company’s corporate capitalization or structure, the Committee in its sole discretion may make substitutions or adjustments to the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Amended 2016 Plan, the number of shares covered by Awards then outstanding under the Amended 2016 Plan, the limitations on Awards under the Amended 2016 Plan, the exercise price of outstanding Options and such other equitable substitution or adjustments as it may determine appropriate.

The Amended 2016 Plan will have a term of ten years from the original effective date and no further Awards may be granted under the Amended 2016 Plan after that date.

Awards Available for Grant

The Committee may grant Awards of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Bonus Awards, Performance Compensation Awards (including cash bonus awards) or any combination of the foregoing subject to the number of Available Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the 2016 Plan (but subject to adjustment as set forth in the 2016 Plan), the Committee may not grant to any one Participant in any one calendar year Awards (i) for more than 400,000 shares of Common Stock in the aggregate or (ii) payable in cash in an amount exceeding $750,000 in the aggregate. Pursuant to the Amendment, the maximum number of shares set forth in clause (i) of the preceding sentence will be reduced to 280,000 shares of Common Stock.  

The Amendment also permits the granting of performance units to Participants if determined by the Committee. The award agreement will set forth the number and criteria of any performance units granted to a Participant.  The number of shares issued under an award is determined by multiplying the number of performance units granted to the Participant by the vesting rate which is determined by measuring the market cap of the Company, and may be determined and amended by the Committee.

Options

The Committee will be authorized to grant Options to purchase Common Stock that are either “qualified,” meaning they are intended to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 422 for Incentive Stock Options, or “non-qualified,” meaning they are not intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. Options granted under the Amended 2016 Plan will be subject to the terms and conditions established by the Committee. Consistent with the terms of the 2016 Plan, unless the Committee determines otherwise in the case of an Option substituted for another Option in connection with a corporate transaction, the exercise price of the Options granted under the Amended 2016 Plan will not be less than the fair market value (as determined under the Amended 2016 Plan) of the shares of Common Stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the Amended 2016 Plan will be subject to such terms, including the exercise price and the conditions and timing of exercise, as may be determined by the Committee and specified in the applicable award agreement. The maximum term of an Option granted under the Amended 2016 Plan will be ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a 10% stockholder). Payment in respect of the exercise of an Option may be made in cash or by check, cash equivalent, or vested shares of Common Stock (at their fair market value on the date of exercise), or the Committee may, in its discretion and to the extent permitted by law, allow such payment to be made through a broker-assisted cashless exercise mechanism, a net exercise method, or by such other method as the Committee may determine to be appropriate.

Stock Appreciation Rights

The Committee will be authorized to award Stock Appreciation Rights (or SARs) under the Amended 2016 Plan. SARs will be subject to such terms and conditions as established by the Committee. A SAR is a contractual right that allows a participant to receive, either in

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the form of cash, shares or any combination of cash and shares, the appreciation, if any, in the value of a share over a certain period of time. A SAR granted under the Amended 2016 Plan may be granted in tandem with an option and SARs may also be awarded to a Participant independent of the grant of an Option. SARs granted in connection with an Option shall be subject to terms similar to the Option which corresponds to such SARs. SARs shall be subject to terms established by the Committee and reflected in the award agreement.

Restricted Stock

The Committee will be authorized to award Restricted Stock under the Amended 2016 Plan. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee and specified in an award agreement, restrictions on Restricted Stock will lapse after three years of service with the Company, and will be forfeited ninety (90) days after the employee’s termination of employment, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or separation agreement. The Committee will determine the terms of such Restricted Stock awards. Restricted Stock are shares of Common Stock that generally are non-transferable and subject to other restrictions determined by the Committee for a specified period. Unless the Committee determines otherwise or specifies otherwise in an award agreement, if the participant terminates employment or services during the restricted period, then any unvested restricted stock will be forfeited.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards

The Committee will be authorized to award Restricted Stock Unit awards under the Amended 2016 Plan. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee and specified in an award agreement, Restricted Stock Units vest after three years of service with the Company. The Committee will determine the terms of such Restricted Stock Units. Unless the Committee determines otherwise or specifies otherwise in an award agreement, if the participant terminates employment or services during the period of time over which all or a portion of the units are to be earned, then any unvested units will be forfeited. At the election of the Committee, the participant will receive a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of units earned or an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of that number of shares at the expiration of the period over which the units are to be earned or at a later date selected by the Committee.

Stock Bonus Awards

The Committee will be authorized to grant Awards of unrestricted shares of Common Stock or other Awards denominated in shares of Common Stock, either alone or in tandem with other Awards, under such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine.

Performance Compensation Awards

The Committee will be authorized to grant any Award under the Amended 2016 Plan in the form of a Performance Compensation Award exempt from the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code by conditioning the vesting of the Award on the attainment of specific performance criteria of the Company and/or one or more Affiliates, divisions or operational units, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee. The Committee will select the performance criteria based on one or more of the following factors: (i) revenue; (ii) sales; (iii) profit (net profit, gross profit, operating profit, economic profit, profit margins or other corporate profit measures); (iv) earnings (EBIT, EBITDA, earnings per share, or other corporate earnings measures); (v) net income (before or after taxes, operating income or other income measures); (vi) cash (cash flow, cash generation or other cash measures); (vii) stock price or performance; (viii) total stockholder return (stock price appreciation plus reinvested dividends divided by beginning share price); (ix) economic value added; (x) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, equity, investments or sales, and cash flow return on assets, capital, equity, or sales); (xi) market share; (xii) improvements in capital structure; (xiii) expenses (expense management, expense ratio, expense efficiency ratios or other expense measures); (xiv) business expansion or consolidation (acquisitions and divestitures); (xv) internal rate of return or increase in net present value; (xvi) working capital targets relating to inventory and/or accounts receivable; (xvii) inventory management; (xviii) service or product delivery or quality; (xix) customer satisfaction; (xx) employee retention; (xxi) safety standards; (xxii) productivity measures; (xxiii) cost reduction measures; and/or (xxiv) strategic plan development and implementation.

Transferability

Each Award may be exercised during the participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.  No Award may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company; provided that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance. The Committee, however, may permit Awards (other than Incentive Stock Options) to be transferred to family members, a trust for the benefit of such family members, a partnership or limited liability company whose partners or stockholders are the participant and his or her family members or anyone else approved by it.

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Amendment

The Amended 2016 Plan will have a term of ten years from the effective date of the 2016 Plan. The Company’s Board may further amend, suspend or terminate the Amended 2016 Plan at any time; however, shareholder approval to further amend the Amended 2016 Plan may be necessary if applicable law or listing rules so require. No amendment, suspension or termination will impair the rights of any Participant or recipient of any Award without the consent of the Participant or recipient.

Change in Control

Except to the extent otherwise provided in an Award, in the event of a Change in Control, all outstanding Options and equity awards (other than performance compensation awards) issued under the Amended 2016 Plan will become fully vested or the period of restriction will expire and performance compensation awards vest, as determined by the Committee, based on the level of attainment of the specified performance goals or assuming that that the applicable “target” levels of performance have been obtained or on such other basis as determined by the Committee.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the grant and exercise and vesting of Awards under the Amended 2016 Plan and the disposition of shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Awards. This summary is intended to reflect the current provisions of the Code and the regulations thereunder. However, this summary is not intended to be a complete statement of applicable law, nor does it address foreign, state, local and payroll tax considerations. Moreover, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to any particular Participant may differ from those described herein by reason of, among other things, the particular circumstances of such Participant.

Options

There are a number of requirements that must be met for a particular Option to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option. One such requirement is that Common Stock acquired through the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option cannot be disposed of before the later of (i) two years from the date of grant of the Option, or (ii) one year from the date of its exercise. Holders of Incentive Stock Options will generally incur no federal income tax liability at the time of grant or upon exercise of those Options. However, the spread at exercise will be an “item of tax preference,” which may give rise to “alternative minimum tax” liability for the taxable year in which the exercise occurs. If the holder does not dispose of the shares before the later of two years following the date of grant and one year following the date of exercise, the difference between the exercise price and the amount realized upon disposition of the shares will constitute long-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be. Assuming both holding periods are satisfied, no deduction will be allowed to the Company for federal income tax purposes in connection with the grant or exercise of the Incentive Stock Option. If, within two years following the date of grant or within one year following the date of exercise, the holder of shares acquired through the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option disposes of those shares, the participant will generally realize taxable compensation at the time of such disposition equal to the difference between the exercise price and the lesser of the Fair Market Value of the share on the date of exercise or the amount realized on the subsequent disposition of the shares, and that amount will generally be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes, subject to the possible limitations on deductibility under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to executives designated in those Sections. Finally, if an otherwise Incentive Stock Option becomes first exercisable in any one year for shares having an aggregate value in excess of $100,000 (based on the date of grant value), the portion of the Incentive Stock Option in respect of those excess shares will be treated as a non-qualified stock option for federal income tax purposes.

No income will be realized by a participant upon grant of a Non-Qualified Stock Option. Upon the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option, the Participant will recognize ordinary compensation income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the underlying exercised shares over the Option Exercise Price paid at the time of exercise. Such income will be subject to income tax withholdings, and the Participant will be required to pay to the Company the amount of any required withholding taxes in respect to such income. The Company will be able to deduct this same amount for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated in those Sections.

Restricted Stock

A Participant will not be subject to tax upon the grant of an Award of Restricted Stock unless the Participant otherwise elects to be taxed at the time of grant pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code. On the date an Award of Restricted Stock becomes transferable or is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the Participant will recognize ordinary compensation income equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of the shares on that date over the amount the Participant paid for such shares, if any. Such income will be subject to income tax withholdings, and the Participant will be required to pay to the Company the amount of any required withholding taxes in respect to such income. If the Participant made an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Participant will recognize ordinary

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compensation income at the time of grant equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of the shares on the date of grant over the amount the Participant paid for such shares, if any, and any subsequent appreciation in the value of the shares will be treated as a capital gain upon sale of the shares. Special rules apply to the receipt and disposition of Restricted Shares received by officers and directors who are subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. The Company will be able to deduct, at the same time as it is recognized by the Participant, the amount of taxable compensation to the participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated in those Sections.

Restricted Stock Units

A Participant will not be subject to tax upon the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award. Rather, upon the delivery of shares or cash pursuant to a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Participant will recognize ordinary compensation income equal to the Fair Market Value of the number of shares (or the amount of cash) the participant actually receives with respect to the Award. Such income will be subject to income tax withholdings, and the Participant will be required to pay to the Company the amount of any required withholding taxes in respect to such income. The Company will be able to deduct the amount of taxable compensation recognized by the Participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but the deduction may be limited under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated in those Sections.

SARs

No income will be realized by a Participant upon grant of an SAR. Upon the exercise of an SAR, the Participant will recognize ordinary compensation income in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the payment received in respect of the SAR. Such income will be subject to income tax withholdings, and the Participant will be required to pay to the Company the amount of any required withholding taxes in respect to such income. The Company will be able to deduct this same amount for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated in those Sections.

Stock Bonus Awards

A participant will recognize ordinary compensation income equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of the shares on the date the shares of Common Stock subject to the Award are transferred to the participant over the amount the participant paid for such shares, if any, and any subsequent appreciation in the value of the shares will be treated as a capital gain upon sale of the shares. The Company will be able to deduct, at the same time as it is recognized by the participant, the amount of taxable compensation to the Participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated in those Sections.

Section 162(m)

In general, Section 162(m) of the Code denies a publicly held corporation a deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes for compensation in excess of $1,000,000 per year per person paid to its principal executive officer and the three other officers (other than the principal executive officer and principal financial officer) whose compensation is disclosed in its proxy statement/prospectus as a result of their total compensation, subject to certain exceptions. The 2016 Plan is designed to satisfy an exception with respect to grants of Options to covered employees. In addition, the 2016 Plan is designed to permit certain Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, cash bonus awards and other Awards to be awarded as performance compensation awards intended to qualify under the “performance-based compensation” exception to Section 162(m) of the Code.

New Plan Benefits

Future grants under the Amended 2016 Plan will be made at the discretion of the Committee and, accordingly, are not yet determinable.

THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE EFFECT OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION INTENDED FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDERS AND NOT AS TAX GUIDANCE TO RECIPIENTS OF AWARDS. THE FOREGOING DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF THE LAW IN THIS AREA. DIFFERENT TAX RULES MAY APPLY TO SPECIFIC RECIPIENTS AND TRANSACTIONS UNDER THE AMENDED 2016 PLAN AND UNDER THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY IN WHICH ANY ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL MAY RESIDE.

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Vote Required for Approval

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereon at the Annual Meeting is required to approve the adoption of the Amendment, provided that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes, which are not considered “votes cast,” will reduce the absolute number, but not the overall percentage, of affirmative votes required to approve the Amendment.  Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of voting with respect to this proposal.

The Board recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the approval of the Amendment to the Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan as described in this Proposal 2.

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PROPOSAL 3 – RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

General

The Audit Committee of the Board has selected BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2018 fiscal year, and the Board has directed that management submit the selection of independent registered public accountants for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. A representative of BDO USA, LLP is expected to be present at the meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so, and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Stockholder ratification of the Appointment is not required by our bylaws or other applicable legal requirements. However, the Board is submitting the selection of BDO USA, LLP to the Company’s stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. In the event that this selection of an independent registered public accounting firm is not ratified by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and voting at the meeting in person or by proxy, the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm will be reconsidered by the Audit Committee. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

On December 13, 2017, we concluded our retention of RBSM LLP (“RBSM”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The decision to change the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm was approved by the Audit Committee, and which action was ratified by the Board of Directors.

 

The audit reports of RBSM on the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the transition period ended December 31, 2016 and the full fiscal year ended May 31, 2016, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

 

During the Company’s transition period ended December 31, 2016 and the full fiscal year ended May 31, 2016, and during the subsequent interim period from January 1, 2017 through December 13, 2017, (i) there were no disagreements with RBSM on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures that, if not resolved to RBSM’s satisfaction, would have caused RBSM to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its reports and (ii) there were no “reportable events” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The aggregate fees billed for Fiscal 2017, the Transition Period, and Fiscal 2016 for professional services rendered by the principal accountant, RBSM are as follows in table below. The Company changed its auditors to BDO USA, LLC on December 13, 2017.

 

 

Audit Fees were for professional services necessary to perform an annual audit of the financial statements, review of quarterly reports and other services required to be performed by our independent auditors.

Audit-Related Fees, if incurred, were for services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements including the support of business acquisition and divestiture activities, independent assessment of controls related to outsourcing services, audit and review of certain benefit-related programs.

Tax Fees were for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice. Corporate tax services encompass a variety of permissible services, including technical tax advice related to United States and international tax matters; assistance with foreign income and withholding tax

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matters, assistance with sales tax, value added tax and equivalent tax related matters in local jurisdictions; preparation of reports to comply with local tax authority transfer pricing documentation requirements; and assistance with tax audits.

Other Fees were for financial statement audits of acquired and targeted companies as well as review of registration statements.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedure for Audit Services

The audit committee has developed policies and procedures regarding the approval of all services that are to be rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm, as permitted under applicable laws, and the corresponding fees for such services. Consistent with these policies and procedures, all audit services and non-audit services and all fees associated with such services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm in the transition period, year ended 2016 and 2015 were pre-approved by audit committee.

 

Vote Required for Approval

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereon at the Annual Meeting is required to ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP s our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2018 fiscal year, provided that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes, which are not considered “votes cast,” will reduce the absolute number, but not the overall percentage, of affirmative votes required to approve this proposal.  Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of voting with respect to this proposal.  

  

The Board recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the ratification of the Appointment of

BDO USA, LLP as described in this Proposal 3.

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AUDIT COMMITTEE AND AUDITOR MATTERS

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The following Report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference therein.

The Audit Committee of the Board has:

In reliance on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the financial statements audited by BDO USA, LLP for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year.

Audit Committee:

Nicholas Florio (Chairman)

Dimitri Villard

Jeff Grout

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REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCE NOTIFICATION OF NOMINATIONS

AND STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

As a result of the Company’s change in fiscal year, the Annual Meeting will take place more than thirty (30) days after the one-year anniversary of our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, which took place on January 26, 2017. The Company fixed March 26, 2018 as the due date for submission of any qualified stockholder proposal or qualified stockholder nominations to the Company’s Secretary in writing, which date was announced on our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2018. Accordingly, any stockholder proposal submitted to us pursuant to Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act for inclusion in our Proxy Statement and form of proxy for the Annual Meeting must have been received by us no later than March 26, 2018, and must comply with the requirements Rule 14a-8 and the proxy rules promulgated by the SEC.  Stockholder proposals should be addressed to our corporate Secretary at 641 Lexington Avenue, 27^th Floor, New York NY 10022.

Proposals submitted outside Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act must comply with our Bylaws, which require that notice of a proposal to be included at an annual meeting must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Company on or before April 20, 2018, the date on which the Company mails its proxy materials for the current year (as the date of the annual meeting was changed more than thirty (30) days from the prior year).

Recommendations from stockholders which are received after the applicable deadline likely will not be considered timely for consideration by our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for next year’s annual meeting.

The exclusive means by which a stockholder may nominate a director shall be by delivery of a notice to the Secretary, not less than sixty (60) days prior to the date of a meeting, setting forth: (a) the name, age, business address and the primary legal residence address of each nominee proposed in such notice, (b) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee, (c) the number of shares of capital stock of the Company which are owned directly or indirectly of record and directly or indirectly beneficially owned by the nominee and each of its affiliates (within the meaning of Rule 144), including any shares of the Company owned or controlled via derivatives, hedged positions and other economic and voting mechanisms, (d) any material agreements, understandings or relationships, including financial transactions and compensation, between the nominating stockholder and the proposed nominees and (d) such other information concerning each such nominee as would be required, under the rules of the SEC, in a proxy statement soliciting proxies in a contested election of such nominees. Such notice shall include a signed consent of each such nominee to serve as a director of the company, if elected. In addition, any stockholder nominee, to be validly nominated, shall submit to the Secretary the questionnaire described below. A stockholder intending to nominate one or more candidates for election as directors must comply with the advance notice bylaw provisions specifically applicable to the nomination of candidates for election as directors for such nomination to be properly brought before the meeting.

To be eligible to be a director nominee nominated by a stockholder or stockholders for election or reelection as a director of the Corporation, such nominee must deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for above) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company a written questionnaire (the “Questionnaire”) with respect to the background, qualification and experience of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be in the form approved by the Company and provided by the Secretary or such Secretary’s designee) and a written representation and agreement that such person: (a) will abide by the requirements of these Bylaws and the Articles of Incorporation as in effect at the time of their nomination and as validly amended, (b) is not and will not become a party to (1) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Company, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Company or (2) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Company, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (c) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed therein, and (d) in such person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Company, and will comply with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Company. If, prior to the meeting, there is a change in any information set forth on the Questionnaire, then such director candidate shall promptly notify the Secretary by submitting a revised Questionnaire. No stockholder (other than members of the Governance Committee) has recommended a candidate to date.

OTHER MATTERS

The Board does not intend to bring any other matters before the Annual Meeting and has no reason to believe any other matters will be presented.  If other matters properly do come before the Annual Meeting, however, it is the intention of the persons named as proxy

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agents in the enclosed proxy card to vote on such matters as recommended by the Board, of if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion.

Our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017, are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. This proxy statement and our annual report are posted on the Investor Relations section of our website at http://www.staffing360solutions.com/investors.html and are available from the SEC at its website at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain a copy of our annual report without charge by sending a written request to Secretary of Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc., 641 Lexington Avenue, 27^th Floor, New York NY 10022.

If you and other residents at your mailing address own shares in street name, your broker or bank may have sent you a notice that your household will receive only one copy of proxy materials for each company in which you hold shares through that broker or bank.  This practice of sending only one copy of proxy materials is known as householding.  If you did not respond that you did not want to participate in householding, you were deemed to have consented to the process.  If the foregoing procedures apply to you, your broker has sent one copy of our Proxy Statement to your address.  If you want to receive separate copies of the proxy materials in the future, or you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy per household, you should contact your stockbroker, bank or other nominee record holder, or you may contact us at the address or telephone number below. In any event, if you did not receive an individual copy of this Proxy Statement, we will send a copy to you if you address your written request to, or call, the corporate Secretary of Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc., 641 Lexington Avenue, 27^th Floor, New York NY 10022, telephone number (646) 507-5710.

Copies of the documents referred to above that appear on our website are also available upon request by any stockholder addressed to our corporate Secretary, Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc., 641 Lexington Avenue, 27^th Floor, New York NY 10022.

 

 

 

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STAFFING 360 SOLUTIONS, INC.

THIS PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

The undersigned hereby appoint(s) Brendan Flood or in his absence Christopher Lutzo, or either of them, with the power of substitution and resubstitution to vote any and all shares of capital stock of Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. (the "Company") which the undersigned would be entitled to vote as fully as the undersigned could do if personally present at the Annual Meeting of the Company, to be held at the offices of Haynes and Boone, LLP, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 26^th Floor, New York, NY 10112 on May 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. local time, and at any adjournments thereof, hereby revoking any prior proxies to vote said stock, upon the following items more fully described in the notice of any proxy statement for the Annual Meeting (receipt of which is hereby acknowledged):

Proposal 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED ABOVE; UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH OF THE NOMINEES ON PROPOSAL NUMBER 1, AND FOR APPROVAL ON PROPOSALS 2 & 3.

In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

Please mark, sign, date and return this Proxy promptly using the accompanying postage pre-paid envelope. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF STAFFING 360 SOLUTIONS, INC.

 

 

Please sign exactly as the name appears on your stock certificate. When shares of capital stock are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or corporate officer, please include full title as such. If the shares of capital stock are owned by a corporation, sign in the full corporate name by an authorized officer. If

 

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the shares of capital stock are owned by a partnership, sign in the name of the partnership by an authorized officer.

 

PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY

IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE

 

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APPENDIX A

STAFFING 360 SOLUTIONS, INC.

2016 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

1.Purpose. The purpose of the Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan is to provide a means through which the Company and its Affiliates may attract and retain key personnel and to provide a means whereby directors, officers, managers, employees, consultants and advisors of the Company and its Affiliates can acquire and maintain an equity interest in the Company, or be paid incentive compensation, which may (but need not) be measured by reference to the value of Common Shares, thereby strengthening their commitment to the welfare of the Company and its Affiliates and aligning their interests with those of the Company’s stockholders.

2.Definitions. The following definitions shall be applicable throughout this Plan:

(a)“Affiliate” means (i) any person or entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company and/or (ii) to the extent provided by the Committee, any person or entity in which the Company has a significant interest as determined by the Committee in its discretion. The term “control” (including, with correlative meaning, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any person or entity, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person or entity, whether through the ownership of voting or other securities, by contract or otherwise.

(b)“Award” means, individually or collectively, any Incentive Stock Option, Nonqualified Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Stock Bonus Award and Performance Compensation Award granted under this Plan.

(c)“Award Agreement” means an agreement made and delivered in accordance with Section 15(a) of this Agreement evidencing the grant of an Award hereunder.

(d)“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(e)“Business Combination” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Change in Control.”

(f)“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in New York City are authorized or obligated by federal law or executive order to be closed.

(g)“Cause” means, in the case of a particular Award, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise, (i) the Company or an Affiliate having “cause” to terminate a Participant’s employment or service, as defined in any employment or consulting agreement or similar document or policy between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate in effect at the time of such termination or (ii) in the absence of any such employment or consulting agreement, document or policy (or the absence of any definition of “Cause” contained therein), (A) a continuing material breach or material default (including, without limitation, any material dereliction of duty) by Participant of any agreement between the Participant and the Company, except for any such breach or default which is caused by the physical disability of the Participant (as determined by a neutral physician), or a continuing failure by the Participant to follow the direction of a duly authorized representative of the Company; (B) gross negligence, willful misfeasance or breach of fiduciary duty by the Participant; (C) the commission by the Participant of an act of fraud, embezzlement or any felony or other crime of dishonesty in connection with the Participant’s duties; or (D) conviction of the Participant of a felony or any other crime that would materially and adversely affect: (i) the business reputation of the Company or (ii) the performance of the Participant’s duties to the Company. Any determination of whether Cause exists shall be made by the Committee in its sole discretion.

(h)“Change in Control” shall, in the case of a particular Award, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise or contains a different definition of “Change in Control,” be deemed to occur upon:

 

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(i)“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor thereto. References in this Plan to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any regulations or other interpretative guidance under such section, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, regulations or guidance.

(j)“Committee” means a committee of at least two people as the Board may appoint to administer this Plan or, if no such committee has been appointed by the Board, the Board. Unless altered by an action of the Board, the Committee shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board.

(k)“Common Shares” means the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (and any stock or other securities into which such common shares may be converted or into which they may be exchanged).

(l)“Company” means Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc., a Nevada corporation, together with its successors and assigns.

(m)“Date of Grant” means the date on which the granting of an Award is authorized, or such other date as may be specified in such authorization.

(n)“Disability” means a “permanent and total” disability incurred by a Participant while in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate. For this purpose, a permanent and total disability shall mean that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.

(o)“Effective Date” means the date as of which this Plan is adopted by the Board, subject to Section 3 of this Plan.

(p)“Eligible Director” means a person who is (i) a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and (ii) an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

(q)“Eligible Person” means any (i) individual employed by the Company or an Affiliate; provided, however, that no such employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement shall be an Eligible Person unless and to the extent that such eligibility is set forth in such collective bargaining agreement or in an agreement or instrument relating thereto; (ii) director of the Company or an Affiliate; or (iii) consultant or advisor to the Company or an Affiliate, provided that if the Securities Act applies such persons must be eligible to be offered securities registrable on Form S-8 under the Securities Act.

(r)“Exchange Act” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Change in Control,” and any reference in this Plan to any section of (or rule promulgated under) the Exchange Act shall be deemed to include any rules, regulations or other interpretative guidance under such section or rule, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, rules, regulations or guidance.

 

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(s)“Exercise Price” has the meaning given such term in Section 7(b) of this Plan.

(t)“Fair Market Value”, unless otherwise provided by the Committee in accordance with all applicable laws, rules regulations and standards, means, on a given date, (i) if the Stock is listed on a securities exchange, the closing sales price on the principal such exchange on such date or, in the absence of reported sales on such date, the closing sales price on the immediately preceding date on which sales were reported, or (ii) if the Stock is not listed on a securities exchange, the mean between the bid and offered prices as quoted by the applicable interdealer quotation system for such date, provided that if the Stock is not quoted on an interdealer quotation system or it is determined that the fair market value is not properly reflected by such quotations, Fair Market Value will be determined by such other method as the Committee determines in good faith to be reasonable and in compliance with Code Section 409A.

(u)“Immediate Family Members” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15(b) of this Plan.

(v)“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that is designated by the Committee as an incentive stock option as described in Section 422 of the Code and otherwise meets the requirements set forth in this Plan.

(w)“Indemnifiable Person” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(e) of this Plan.

(x)“Negative Discretion” shall mean the discretion authorized by this Plan to be applied by the Committee to eliminate or reduce the size of a Performance Compensation Award consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code.

(y)“Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option that is not designated by the Committee as an Incentive Stock Option.

(z)“Option” means an Award granted under Section 7 of this Plan.

(aa)“Option Period” has the meaning given such term in Section 7(c) of this Plan.

(bb)“Outstanding Company Common Shares” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Change in Control.”

(cc)“Outstanding Company Voting Securities” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Change in Control.”

(dd)“Participant” means an Eligible Person who has been selected by the Committee to participate in this Plan and to receive an Award pursuant to Section 6 of this Plan.

(ee)“Performance Compensation Award” shall mean any Award designated by the Committee as a Performance Compensation Award pursuant to Section 11 of this Plan.

(ff)“Performance Criteria” shall mean the criterion or criteria that the Committee shall select for purposes of establishing the Performance Goal(s) for a Performance Period with respect to any Performance Compensation Award under this Plan.

(gg)“Performance Formula” shall mean, for a Performance Period, the one or more objective formulae applied against the relevant Performance Goal to determine, with regard to the Performance Compensation Award of a particular Participant, whether all, some portion but less than all, or none of the Performance Compensation Award has been earned for the Performance Period.

(hh)“Performance Goals” shall mean, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria.

(ii)“Performance Period” shall mean the one or more periods of time, as the Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to, and the payment of, a Performance Compensation Award.

(jj)“Permitted Transferee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15(b) of this Plan.

(kk)“Person” has the meaning given such term in the definition of “Change in Control.”

(ll)“Plan” means this Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

(mm)“Retirement” means the fulfillment of each of the following conditions: (i) the Participant is good standing with the Company as determined by the Committee; (ii) the voluntary termination by a Participant of such Participant’s employment or service

 

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to the Company and (B) that at the time of such voluntary termination, the sum of: (1) the Participant’s age (calculated to the nearest month, with any resulting fraction of a year being calculated as the number of months in the year divided by 12) and (2) the Participant’s years of employment or service with the Company (calculated to the nearest month, with any resulting fraction of a year being calculated as the number of months in the year divided by 12) equals at least 62 (provided that, in any case, the foregoing shall only be applicable if, at the time of Retirement, the Participant shall be at least 55 years of age and shall have been employed by or served with the Company for no less than 5 years).

(nn)“Restricted Period” means the period of time determined by the Committee during which an Award is subject to restrictions or, as applicable, the period of time within which performance is measured for purposes of determining whether an Award has been earned.

(oo)“Restricted Stock Unit” means an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver Common Shares, cash, other securities or other property, subject to certain restrictions (including, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant remain continuously employed or provide continuous services for a specified period of time), granted under Section 9 of this Plan.

(pp)“Restricted Stock” means Common Shares, subject to certain specified restrictions (including, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant remain continuously employed or provide continuous services for a specified period of time), granted under Section 9 of this Plan.

(qq)“SAR Period” has the meaning given such term in Section 8(c) of this Plan.

(rr)“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in this Plan to any section of the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any rules, regulations or other official interpretative guidance under such section, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, rules, regulations or guidance.

(ss)“Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award granted under Section 8 of this Plan which meets all of the requirements of Section 1.409A-1(b)(5)(i)(B) of the Treasury Regulations.

(tt)“Stock Bonus Award” means an Award granted under Section 10 of this Plan.

(uu)“Strike Price” means, except as otherwise provided by the Committee in the case of Substitute Awards, (i) in the case of a SAR granted in tandem with an Option, the Exercise Price of the related Option, or (ii) in the case of a SAR granted independent of an Option, the Fair Market Value on the Date of Grant.

(vv)“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person:

(ww)“Substitute Award” has the meaning given such term in Section 5(e).

(xx)“Treasury Regulations” means any regulations, whether proposed, temporary or final, promulgated by the U.S. Department of Treasury under the Code, and any successor provisions.

3.Effective Date; Duration. The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date, subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company, which approval shall be within twelve (12) months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. The expiration date of this Plan, on and after which date no Awards may be granted hereunder, shall be the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, however, that such expiration shall not affect Awards then outstanding, and the terms and conditions of this Plan shall continue to apply to such Awards.

 

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4.Administration.

(a)The Committee shall administer this Plan. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (if the Board is not acting as the Committee under this Plan) or necessary to obtain the exception for performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, as applicable, it is intended that each member of the Committee shall, at the time he takes any action with respect to an Award under this Plan, be an Eligible Director. However, the fact that a Committee member shall fail to qualify as an Eligible Director shall not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted under this Plan. The acts of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present or acts approved in writing by a majority of the Committee shall be deemed the acts of the Committee. Whether a quorum is present shall be determined based on the Committee’s charter as approved by the Board.

(b)Subject to the provisions of this Plan and applicable law, the Committee shall have the sole and plenary authority, in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Committee by this Plan and its charter, to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to a Participant; (iii) determine the number of Common Shares to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with, Awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Common Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances the delivery of cash, Common Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award; (vii) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, settle any controversy regarding, correct any defect in and/or complete any omission in this Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, this Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive any rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the Committee shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of this Plan; (ix) accelerate the vesting or exercisability of, payment for or lapse of restrictions on, Awards; and (x) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan.

(c)The Committee may, by resolution, expressly delegate to a special committee, consisting of one or more directors who may but need not be officers of the Company, the authority, within specified parameters as to the number and types of Awards, to (i) designate officers and/or employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates to be recipients of Awards under the Plan, and (ii) to determine the number of such Awards to be received by any such Participants; provided, however, that such delegation of duties and responsibilities may not be made with respect to grants of Awards to persons (i) subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or (ii) who are, or who are reasonably expected to be, “covered employees” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. The acts of such delegates shall be treated as acts of the Board, and such delegates shall report regularly to the Board and the Committee regarding the delegated duties and responsibilities and any Awards granted.

(d)Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to this Plan or any Award or any documents evidencing Awards granted pursuant to this Plan shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons or entities, including, without limitation, the Company, any Affiliate, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Award, and any stockholder of the Company.

(e)No member of the Board, the Committee, delegate of the Committee or any employee, advisor or agent of the Company or the Board or the Committee (each such person, an “Indemnifiable Person”) shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan or any Award hereunder. Each Indemnifiable Person shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from (and the Company shall pay or reimburse on demand for) any loss, cost, liability, or expense (including attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or incurred by such Indemnifiable Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Indemnifiable Person may be a party or in which such Indemnifiable Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken under this Plan or any Award Agreement and against and from any and all amounts paid by such Indemnifiable Person with the Company’s approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Indemnifiable Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Indemnifiable Person, provided, that the Company shall have the right, at its own expense, to assume and defend any such action, suit or proceeding and once the Company gives notice of its intent to assume the defense, the Company shall have sole control over such defense with counsel of the Company’s choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to an Indemnifiable Person to the extent that a final judgment or other final adjudication (in either case not subject to further appeal) binding upon such Indemnifiable Person determines that the acts or omissions of such Indemnifiable Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Indemnifiable Person’s bad faith, fraud or willful criminal act or omission or that such right of indemnification is otherwise prohibited by law or by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such Indemnifiable Persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of

 

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Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such Indemnifiable Persons or hold them harmless.

(f)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan, the Board may, in its sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, grant Awards and administer this Plan with respect to such Awards. In any such case, the Board shall have all the authority granted to the Committee under this Plan. 

5.Grant of Awards; Shares Subject to this Plan; Limitations.

(a)The Committee may, from time to time, grant Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Bonus Awards and/or Performance Compensation Awards to one or more Eligible Persons.

(b)Subject to Section 12 of this Plan, the Committee is authorized to deliver under this Plan an aggregate number of Common Shares equal to 2,500,000.

(c)Common Shares underlying Awards under this Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, expire unexercised, or are settled in cash shall be available again for Awards under this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following Common Shares shall not be available again for Awards under the Plan: (i) shares tendered or held back upon the exercise of an Option or settlement of an Award to cover the Exercise Price of an Award; (ii) shares that are used or withheld to satisfy tax obligations of the Participant; and (iii) shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the SAR upon exercise thereof.

(d)Common Shares delivered by the Company in settlement of Awards may be authorized and unissued shares, shares held in the treasury of the Company, shares purchased on the open market or by private purchase, or a combination of the foregoing.

(e)Subject to compliance with Section 1.409A-3(f) of the Treasury Regulations, Awards may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be granted under this Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (“Substitute Awards”). The number of Common Shares underlying any Substitute Awards shall be counted against the aggregate number of Common Shares available for Awards under this Plan.

(f)Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary (but subject to adjustment as provided in Section 12), the Committee shall not grant to any one Eligible Person in any one calendar year Awards (i) for more than 400,000 Common Shares in the aggregate or (ii) payable in cash in an amount exceeding $750,000 in the aggregate. 

6.Eligibility. Participation shall be limited to Eligible Persons who have entered into an Award Agreement or who have received written notification from the Committee, or from a person designated by the Committee, that they have been selected to participate in this Plan.

7.Options.

(a)Generally. Each Option granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement (whether in paper or electronic medium (including email or the posting on a web site maintained by the Company or a third party under contract with the Company)). Each Option so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. All Options granted under this Plan shall be Nonqualified Stock Options unless the applicable Award Agreement expressly states that the Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option. Notwithstanding any designation of an Option, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of Common Shares with respect to which Options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options. Incentive Stock Options shall be granted only to Eligible Persons who are employees of the Company and its Affiliates, and no Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any Eligible Person who is ineligible to receive an Incentive Stock Option under the Code. No Option shall be treated as an Incentive Stock Option unless this Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company in a manner intended to comply with the stockholder approval requirements of Section 422(b)(1) of the Code, provided that any Option intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall not fail to be effective solely on account of a failure to obtain such approval, but rather such Option shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option unless and until such approval is obtained. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the terms and conditions of such grant shall be subject to and comply with such rules as may be prescribed by Section 422 of the Code. If for any reason an Option intended to be an Incentive Stock Option (or any portion thereof) shall not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Option or portion thereof shall be regarded as a Nonqualified Stock Option appropriately granted under this Plan.

 

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(b)Exercise Price. The exercise price (“Exercise Price”) per Common Share for each Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share determined as of the Date of Grant; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an employee who, at the time of the grant of such Option, owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Company or any Affiliate, the Exercise Price per share shall not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per share on the Date of Grant; and, provided further, that notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Exercise Price shall not be less than the par value per Common Share.

(c)Vesting and Expiration. Options shall vest and become exercisable in such manner and on such date or dates determined by the Committee and as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, and shall expire after such period, not to exceed ten (10) years from the Date of Grant, as may be determined by the Committee (the “Option Period”); provided, however, that the Option Period shall not exceed five (5) years from the Date of Grant in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who on the Date of Grant owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Company or any Affiliate; and, provided, further, that notwithstanding any vesting dates set by the Committee, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the exercisability of any Option, which acceleration shall not affect the terms and conditions of such Option other than with respect to exercisability. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement:

(i)an Option shall vest and become exercisable with respect to 100% of the Common Shares subject to such Option on the third (3^rd) anniversary of the Date of Grant;

(ii)the unvested portion of an Option shall expire upon termination of employment or service of the Participant granted the Option, and the vested portion of such Option shall remain exercisable for:

(A)one year following termination of employment or service by reason of such Participant’s death or Disability (with the determination of Disability to be made by the Committee on a case by case basis), but not later than the expiration of the Option Period;

(B)for directors, officers and employees of the Company only, for the remainder of the Option Period following termination of employment or service by reason of such Participant’s Retirement (it being understood that any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option if exercise is not undertaken within 90 days of the date of Retirement);

(C)90 calendar days following termination of employment or service for any reason other than such Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement, and other than such Participant’s termination of employment or service for Cause, but not later than the expiration of the Option Period; and

(iii)both the unvested and the vested portion of an Option shall immediately expire upon the termination of the Participant’s employment or service by the Company for Cause.

(d)Method of Exercise and Form of Payment. No Common Shares shall be delivered pursuant to any exercise of an Option until payment in full of the Exercise Price therefor is received by the Company and the Participant has paid to the Company an amount equal to any federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and employment taxes required to be withheld. Options that have become exercisable may be exercised by delivery of written or electronic notice of exercise to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Award Agreement accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price shall be payable (i) in cash, check (subject to collection), cash equivalent and/or vested Common Shares valued at the Fair Market Value at the time the Option is exercised (including, pursuant to procedures approved by the Committee, by means of attestation of ownership of a sufficient number of Common Shares in lieu of actual delivery of such shares to the Company); provided, however, that such Common Shares are not subject to any pledge or other security interest and; (ii) by such other method as the Committee may permit in accordance with applicable law, in its sole discretion, including without limitation: (A) in other property having a fair market value (as determined by the Committee in its discretion) on the date of exercise equal to the Exercise Price or (B) if there is a public market for the Common Shares at such time, by means of a broker-assisted “cashless exercise” pursuant to which the Company is delivered a copy of irrevocable instructions to a stockbroker to sell the Common Shares otherwise deliverable upon the exercise of the Option and to deliver promptly to the Company an amount equal to the Exercise Price or (C) by a “net exercise” method whereby the Company withholds from the delivery of the Common Shares for which the Option was exercised that number of Common Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate Exercise Price for the Common Shares for which the Option was exercised. Any fractional Common Shares shall be settled in cash.

(e)Notification upon Disqualifying Disposition of an Incentive Stock Option. Each Participant awarded an Incentive Stock Option under this Plan shall notify the Company in writing immediately after the date he makes a disqualifying disposition of any Common Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Incentive Stock Option. A disqualifying disposition is any disposition (including, without limitation, any sale) of such Common Shares before the later of (A) two years after the Date of Grant of

 

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the Incentive Stock Option or (B) one year after the date of exercise of the Incentive Stock Option. The Company may, if determined by the Committee and in accordance with procedures established by the Committee, retain possession of any Common Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option as agent for the applicable Participant until the end of the period described in the preceding sentence.

(f)Compliance with Laws, etc. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall a Participant be permitted to exercise an Option in a manner that the Committee determines would violate the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, if applicable, or any other applicable law or the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the applicable rules and regulations of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or traded.

8.Stock Appreciation Rights.

(a)Generally. Each SAR granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement (whether in paper or electronic medium (including email or the posting on a web site maintained by the Company or a third party under contract with the Company)). Each SAR so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 8, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. Any Option granted under this Plan may include tandem SARs. The Committee also may award SARs to Eligible Persons independent of any Option.

(b)Exercise Price. The Strike Price per Common Share for each SAR shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share determined as of the Date of Grant.

(c)Vesting and Expiration. A SAR granted in connection with an Option shall become exercisable and shall expire according to the same vesting schedule and expiration provisions as the corresponding Option. A SAR granted independent of an Option shall vest and become exercisable and shall expire in such manner and on such date or dates determined by the Committee and shall expire after such period, not to exceed ten years, as may be determined by the Committee (the “SAR Period”); provided, however, that notwithstanding any vesting dates set by the Committee, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the exercisability of any SAR, which acceleration shall not affect the terms and conditions of such SAR other than with respect to exercisability. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement:

(i)a SAR shall vest and become exercisable with respect to 100% of the Common Shares subject to such SAR on the third anniversary of the Date of Grant;

(ii)the unvested portion of a SAR shall expire upon termination of employment or service of the Participant granted the SAR, and the vested portion of such SAR shall remain exercisable for:

(A)one year following termination of employment or service by reason of such Participant’s death or Disability (with the determination of Disability to be made by the Committee on a case by case basis), but not later than the expiration of the SAR Period;

(B)for directors, officers and employees of the Company only, for the remainder of the SAR Period following termination of employment or service by reason of such Participant’s Retirement;

(C)90 calendar days following termination of employment or service for any reason other than such Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement, and other than such Participant’s termination of employment or service for Cause, but not later than the expiration of the SAR Period; and

(iii)both the unvested and the vested portion of a SAR shall expire immediately upon the termination of the Participant’s employment or service by the Company for Cause.

(d)Method of Exercise. SARs that have become exercisable may be exercised by delivery of written or electronic notice of exercise to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Award, specifying the number of SARs to be exercised and the date on which such SARs were awarded. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if on the last day of the Option Period (or in the case of a SAR independent of an option, the SAR Period), the Fair Market Value exceeds the Strike Price, the Participant has not exercised the SAR or the corresponding Option (if applicable), and neither the SAR nor the corresponding Option (if applicable) has expired, such SAR shall be deemed to have been exercised by the Participant on such last day and the Company shall make the appropriate payment therefor.

(e)Payment. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the Company shall pay to the Participant an amount equal to the number of shares subject to the SAR that are being exercised multiplied by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of one Common Share on the exercise date over the Strike Price, less an amount equal to any federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and employment

 

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taxes required to be withheld. The Company shall pay such amount in cash, in Common Shares valued at fair market value, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee. Any fractional Common Share shall be settled in cash.

9.Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.

(a)Generally. Each grant of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement (whether in paper or electronic medium (including email or the posting on a web site maintained by the Company or a third party under contract with the Company)). Each such grant shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 9, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to such restrictions on transferability and other restrictions as the Committee may impose (including, for example, limitations on the right to vote Restricted Stock or the right to receive dividends on the Restricted Stock). These restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances, in such installments, upon the satisfaction of Performance Goals or otherwise, as the Committee determines at the time of the grant of an Award or thereafter. Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, a Participant shall have none of the rights of a stockholder with respect to Restricted Stock Units until such time as Common Shares are paid in settlement of such Awards.

(b)Restricted Accounts; Escrow or Similar Arrangement. Upon the grant of Restricted Stock, a book entry in a restricted account shall be established in the Participant’s name at the Company’s transfer agent and, if the Committee determines that the Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company or in escrow rather than held in such restricted account pending the release of the applicable restrictions, the Committee may require the Participant to additionally execute and deliver to the Company (i) an escrow agreement satisfactory to the Committee, if applicable, and (ii) the appropriate share power (endorsed in blank) with respect to the Restricted Stock covered by such agreement. If a Participant shall fail to execute an agreement evidencing an Award of Restricted Stock and, if applicable, an escrow agreement and blank share power within the amount of time specified by the Committee, the Award shall be null and void ab initio. Subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 9 and the applicable Award Agreement, the Participant generally shall have the rights and privileges of a stockholder as to such Restricted Stock, including without limitation the right to vote such Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends, if applicable. To the extent shares of Restricted Stock are forfeited, any share certificates issued to the Participant evidencing such shares shall be returned to the Company, and all rights of the Participant to such shares and as a stockholder with respect thereto shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company.

(c)Vesting; Acceleration of Lapse of Restrictions. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement: (i) the Restricted Period shall lapse with respect to 100% of the Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units on the third (3^rd) anniversary of the Date of Grant; and (ii) the unvested portion of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall terminate and be forfeited upon termination of employment or service of the Participant granted the applicable Award.

(d)Delivery of Restricted Stock and Settlement of Restricted Stock Units. (i) Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock, the restrictions set forth in the applicable shall be of no further force or effect with respect to such shares, except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If an escrow arrangement is used, upon such expiration, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his beneficiary, without charge, the share certificate evidencing the shares of Restricted Stock that have not then been forfeited and with respect to which the Restricted Period has expired (rounded down to the nearest full share). Dividends, if any, that may have been withheld by the Committee and attributable to any particular share of Restricted Stock shall be distributed to the Participant in cash or, at the sole discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends, upon the release of restrictions on such share and, if such share is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividends (except as otherwise set forth by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement).

(ii)Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement, upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any outstanding Restricted Stock Units, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his beneficiary, without charge, one Common Share for each such outstanding Restricted Stock Unit; provided, however, that the Committee may, in its sole discretion and subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, elect to (i) pay cash or part cash and part Common Share in lieu of delivering only Common Shares in respect of such Restricted Stock Units or (ii) defer the delivery of Common Shares (or cash or part Common Shares and part cash, as the case may be) beyond the expiration of the Restricted Period if such delivery would result in a violation of applicable law until such time as is no longer the case. If a cash payment is made in lieu of delivering Common Shares, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Shares as of the date on which the Restricted Period lapsed with respect to such Restricted Stock Units, less an amount equal to any federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and employment taxes required to be withheld.

10.Stock Bonus Awards. The Committee may issue unrestricted Common Shares, or other Awards denominated in Common Shares, under this Plan to Eligible Persons, either alone or in tandem with other awards, in such amounts as the Committee shall from time to time in its sole discretion determine. Each Stock Bonus Award granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement (whether in paper or electronic medium (including email or the posting on a web site maintained by the Company or

 

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a third party under contract with the Company)). Each Stock Bonus Award so granted shall be subject to such conditions not inconsistent with this Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement.

11.Performance Compensation Awards.

(a)Generally. The provisions of the Plan are intended to enable Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted hereunder to certain Eligible Persons to qualify for an exemption under Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee shall have the authority, at the time of grant of any Award described in Sections 7 through 10 of this Plan, to designate any other Award as a Performance Compensation Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee shall have the authority to make an award of a cash bonus to any Participant and designate such Award as a Performance Compensation Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.

(b)Discretion of Committee with Respect to Performance Compensation Awards. With regard to a particular Performance Period, the Committee shall have sole discretion to select the length of such Performance Period, the type(s) of Performance Compensation Awards to be issued, the Performance Criteria that will be used to establish the Performance Goal(s), the kind(s) and/or level(s) of the Performance Goals(s) that is (are) to apply and the Performance Formula. Within the first 90 calendar days of a Performance Period (or, if longer or shorter, within the maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code, if applicable), the Committee shall, with regard to the Performance Compensation Awards to be issued for such Performance Period, exercise its discretion with respect to each of the matters enumerated in the immediately preceding sentence and record the same in writing.

(c)Performance Criteria. The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish the Performance Goal(s) shall be based on the attainment of specific levels of performance of the Company and/or one or more Affiliates, divisions or operational units, or any combination of the foregoing, as determined by the Committee, which criteria will be based on one or more of the following business criteria: (i) revenue; (ii) sales; (iii) profit (net profit, gross profit, operating profit, economic profit, profit margins or other corporate profit measures); (iv) earnings (EBIT, EBITDA, earnings per share, or other corporate earnings measures); (v) net income (before or after taxes, operating income or other income measures); (vi) cash (cash flow, cash generation or other cash measures); (vii) stock price or performance; (viii) total stockholder return (stock price appreciation plus reinvested dividends divided by beginning share price); (ix) economic value added; (x) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, equity, investments or sales, and cash flow return on assets, capital, equity, or sales); (xi) market share; (xii) improvements in capital structure; (xiii) expenses (expense management, expense ratio, expense efficiency ratios or other expense measures); (xiv) business expansion or consolidation (acquisitions and divestitures); (xv) internal rate of return or increase in net present value; (xvi) working capital targets relating to inventory and/or accounts receivable; (xvii) inventory management; (xviii) service or product delivery or quality; (xix) customer satisfaction; (xx) employee retention; (xxi) safety standards; (xxii) productivity measures; (xxiii) cost reduction measures; and/or (xxiv) strategic plan development and implementation. Any one or more of the Performance Criteria adopted by the Committee may be used on an absolute or relative basis to measure the performance of the Company and/or one or more Affiliates as a whole or any business unit(s) of the Company and/or one or more Affiliates or any combination thereof, as the Committee may deem appropriate, or any of the above Performance Criteria may be compared to the performance of a selected group of comparison companies, or a published or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, or as compared to various stock market indices. The Committee also has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of any Award based on the achievement of Performance Goals pursuant to the Performance Criteria specified in this paragraph. To the extent required under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee shall, within the first 90 calendar days of a Performance Period (or, if longer or shorter, within the maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code), define in an objective fashion the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period and thereafter promptly communicate such Performance Criteria to the Participant.

(d)Modification of Performance Goal(s). In the event that applicable tax and/or securities laws change to permit Committee discretion to alter the governing Performance Criteria without obtaining stockholder approval of such alterations, the Committee shall have sole discretion to make such alterations without obtaining stockholder approval. The Committee is authorized at any time during the first 90 calendar days of a Performance Period (or, if longer or shorter, within the maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code, if applicable), or at any time thereafter to the extent the exercise of such authority at such time would not cause the Performance Compensation Awards granted to any Participant for such Performance Period to fail to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, in its sole discretion, to adjust or modify the calculation of a Performance Goal for such Performance Period, based on and in order to appropriately reflect the following events: (i) asset write-downs; (ii) litigation or claim judgments or settlements; (iii) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or regulatory rules affecting reported results; (iv) any reorganization and restructuring programs; (v) extraordinary nonrecurring items as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 (or any successor pronouncement thereto) and/or in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to stockholders for the applicable year; (vi) acquisitions or divestitures; (vii) any other specific unusual or nonrecurring events, or objectively determinable category thereof; (viii) foreign exchange gains and losses; and (ix) a change in the Company’s fiscal year.

 

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(e)Payment of Performance Compensation Awards.

(i)Condition to Receipt of Payment. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant must be employed by the Company on the last day of a Performance Period to be eligible for payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award for such Performance Period.

(ii)Limitation. A Participant shall be eligible to receive payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award only to the extent that: (A) the Performance Goals for such period are achieved; and (B) all or some of the portion of such Participant’s Performance Compensation Award has been earned for the Performance Period based on the application of the Performance Formula to such achieved Performance Goals.

(iii)Certification. Following the completion of a Performance Period, the Committee shall review and certify in writing whether, and to what extent, the Performance Goals for the Performance Period have been achieved and, if so, calculate and certify in writing that amount of the Performance Compensation Awards earned for the period based upon the Performance Formula. The Committee shall then determine the amount of each Participant’s Performance Compensation Award actually payable for the Performance Period and, in so doing, may apply Negative Discretion.

(iv)Use of Negative Discretion. In determining the actual amount of an individual Participant’s Performance Compensation Award for a Performance Period, the Committee may reduce or eliminate the amount of the Performance Compensation Award earned under the Performance Formula in the Performance Period through the use of Negative Discretion if, in its sole judgment, such reduction or elimination is appropriate. The Committee shall not have the discretion, except as is otherwise provided in this Plan, to (A) grant or provide payment in respect of Performance Compensation Awards for a Performance Period if the Performance Goals for such Performance Period have not been attained; or (B) increase a Performance Compensation Award above the applicable limitations set forth in Section 5 of this Plan.

(f)Timing of Award Payments. Performance Compensation Awards granted for a Performance Period shall be paid to Participants as soon as administratively practicable following completion of the certifications required by this Section 11, but in no event later than two-and-one-half months following the end of the fiscal year during which the Performance Period is completed in order to comply with the short-term deferral rules under Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payment of a Performance Compensation Award may be delayed, as permitted by Section 1.409A-2(b)(7)(i) of the Treasury Regulations, to the extent that the Company reasonably anticipates that if such payment were made as scheduled, the Company’s tax deduction with respect to such payment would not be permitted due to the application of Section 162(m) of the Code.

12.Changes in Capital Structure and Similar Events. In the event of (a) any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Shares, other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, split-up, split-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Common Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to acquire Common Shares or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event (including, without limitation, a Change in Control) that affects the Common Shares, or (b) unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, a Change in Control) affecting the Company, any Affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company or any Affiliate, or changes in applicable rules, rulings, regulations or other requirements of any governmental body or securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system, accounting principles or law, such that in either case an adjustment is determined by the Committee in its sole discretion to be necessary or appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights, then the Committee shall make any such adjustments that are equitable, including without limitation any or all of the following:

(i)adjusting any or all of (A) the number of Common Shares or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or other property) that may be delivered in respect of Awards or with respect to which Awards may be granted under this Plan (including, without limitation, adjusting any or all of the limitations under Section 5 of this Plan) and (B) the terms of any outstanding Award, including, without limitation, (1) the number of Common Shares or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or other property) subject to outstanding Awards or to which outstanding Awards relate, (2) the Exercise Price or Strike Price with respect to any Award or (3) any applicable performance measures (including, without limitation, Performance Criteria and Performance Goals); 

(ii)providing for a substitution or assumption of Awards, accelerating the exercisability of, lapse of restrictions on, or termination of, Awards or providing for a period of time for exercise prior to the occurrence of such event; and

(iii)subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, canceling any one or more outstanding Awards and causing to be paid to the holders thereof, in cash, Common Shares, other securities or other property, or any combination thereof, the value of such Awards, if any, as determined by the Committee (which if applicable may be based upon the price per Common Share received or to be received by other stockholders of the Company in such event), including without limitation, in the case of an

 

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outstanding Option or SAR, a cash payment in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value (as of a date specified by the Committee) of the Common Shares subject to such Option or SAR over the aggregate Exercise Price or Strike Price of such Option or SAR, respectively (it being understood that, in such event, any Option or SAR having a per share Exercise Price or Strike Price equal to, or in excess of, the fair market value of a Common Share subject thereto may be canceled and terminated without any payment or consideration therefor); provided, however, that in the case of any “equity restructuring” (within the meaning of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) or ASC Topic 718, or any successor thereto), the Committee shall make an equitable or proportionate adjustment to outstanding Awards to reflect such equity restructuring. Any adjustment in Incentive Stock Options under this Section 12 (other than any cancellation of Incentive Stock Options) shall be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code, and any adjustments under this Section 12 shall be made in a manner that does not adversely affect the exemption provided pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Company shall give each Participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.

13.Effect of Change in Control. Except to the extent otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control, notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, with respect to all or any portion of a particular outstanding Award or Awards:

(a)all of the then outstanding Options and SARs shall immediately vest and become immediately exercisable as of a time prior to the Change in Control;

(b)               the Restricted Period shall expire as of a time prior to the Change in Control (including without limitation a waiver of any applicable Performance Goals);

(c)                Performance Periods in effect on the date the Change in Control occurs shall end on such date, and the Committee shall (i) determine the extent to which Performance Goals with respect to each such Performance Period have been met based upon such audited or unaudited financial information or other information then available as it deems relevant and (ii) cause the Participant to receive partial or full payment of Awards for each such Performance Period based upon the Committee’s determination of the degree of attainment of the Performance Goals, or assuming that the applicable “target” levels of performance have been attained or on such other basis determined by the Committee.

To the extent practicable, any actions taken by the Committee under the immediately preceding clauses (a) through (c) shall occur in a manner and at a time which allows affected Participants the ability to participate in the Change in Control transactions with respect to the Common Shares subject to their Awards.

14.Amendments and Termination.

(a)Amendment and Termination of this Plan. The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate this Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided, that (i) no amendment to the definition of Eligible Person in Section 2(q), Section 5(b), Section 11(c) or Section 14(b) (to the extent required by the proviso in such Section 14(b)) shall be made without stockholder approval and (ii) no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made without stockholder approval if such approval is necessary to comply with any tax or regulatory requirement applicable to this Plan (including, without limitation, as necessary to comply with any rules or requirements of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the Common Shares may be listed or quoted or to prevent the Company from being denied a tax deduction under Section 162(m) of the Code); and, provided, further, that any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant or any holder or beneficiary of any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the prior written consent of the affected Participant, holder or beneficiary.

(b)Amendment of Award Agreements. The Committee may, to the extent consistent with the terms of any applicable Award Agreement, waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate, any Award theretofore granted or the associated Award Agreement, prospectively or retroactively; provided, however that any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant with respect to any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant; and, provided, further, that without stockholder approval, except as otherwise permitted under Section 12 of this Plan, (i) no amendment or modification may reduce the Exercise Price of any Option or the Strike Price of any SAR, (ii) the Committee may not cancel any outstanding Option or SAR and replace it with a new Option or SAR, another Award or cash or take any action that would have the effect of treating such Award as a new Award for tax or accounting purposes and (iii) the Committee may not take any other action that is considered a “repricing” for purposes of the stockholder approval rules of the applicable securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the Common Shares are listed or quoted.

 

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15.General.

(a)Award Agreements. Each Award under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which shall be delivered to the Participant (whether in paper or electronic medium (including email or the posting on a web site maintained by the Company or a third party under contract with the Company)) and shall specify the terms and conditions of the Award and any rules applicable thereto, including without limitation, the effect on such Award of the death, Disability or termination of employment or service of a Participant, or of such other events as may be determined by the Committee. The Company’s failure to specify any term of any Award in any particular Award Agreement shall not invalidate such term, provided such terms was duly adopted by the Board or the Committee.

(b)Nontransferability; Trading Restrictions.

(i)Each Award shall be exercisable only by a Participant during the Participant’s lifetime, or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participant’s legal guardian or representative. No Award may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or an Affiliate; provided that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance.

(ii)Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, permit Awards (other than Incentive Stock Options) to be transferred by a Participant, with or without consideration, subject to such rules as the Committee may adopt consistent with any applicable Award Agreement to preserve the purposes of this Plan, to: (A) any person who is a “family member” of the Participant, as such term is used in the instructions to Form S-8 under the Securities Act (collectively, the “Immediate Family Members”); (B) a trust solely for the benefit of the Participant and his or her Immediate Family Members; or (C) a partnership or limited liability company whose only partners or stockholders are the Participant and his or her Immediate Family Members; or (D) any other transferee as may be approved either (I) by the Board or the Committee in its sole discretion, or (II) as provided in the applicable Award Agreement (each transferee described in clauses (A), (B) (C) and (D) above is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted Transferee”); provided, that the Participant gives the Committee advance written notice describing the terms and conditions of the proposed transfer and the Committee notifies the Participant in writing that such a transfer would comply with the requirements of this Plan.  

(iii)The terms of any Award transferred in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence shall apply to the Permitted Transferee and any reference in this Plan, or in any applicable Award Agreement, to a Participant shall be deemed to refer to the Permitted Transferee, except that (A) Permitted Transferees shall not be entitled to transfer any Award, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution; (B) Permitted Transferees shall not be entitled to exercise any transferred Option unless there shall be in effect a registration statement on an appropriate form covering the Common Shares to be acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Option if the Committee determines, consistent with any applicable Award Agreement, that such a registration statement is necessary or appropriate; (C) the Committee or the Company shall not be required to provide any notice to a Permitted Transferee, whether or not such notice is or would otherwise have been required to be given to the Participant under this Plan or otherwise; and (D) the consequences of the termination of the Participant’s employment by, or services to, the Company or an Affiliate under the terms of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement shall continue to be applied with respect to the Participant, including, without limitation, that an Option shall be exercisable by the Permitted Transferee only to the extent, and for the periods, specified in this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.

(iv)The Committee shall have the right, either on an Award-by-Award basis or as a matter of policy for all Awards or one or more classes of Awards, to condition the delivery of vested Common Shares received in connection with such Award on the Participant’s agreement to such restrictions as the Committee may determine.

(c)Tax Withholding.

(i)A Participant shall be required to pay to the Company or any Affiliate, or the Company or any Affiliate shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold, from any cash, Common Shares, other securities or other property deliverable under any Award or from any compensation or other amounts owing to a Participant, the amount (in cash, Common Shares, other securities or other property) of any required withholding taxes in respect of an Award, its exercise, or any payment or transfer under an Award or under this Plan and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Committee or the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding and taxes.

(ii)Without limiting the generality of clause (i) above, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, permit a Participant to satisfy, in whole or in part, the foregoing withholding liability by (A) the delivery of Common Shares (which are not

 

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subject to any pledge or other security interest) owned by the Participant having a fair market value equal to such withholding liability or (B) having the Company withhold from the number of Common Shares otherwise issuable or deliverable pursuant to the exercise or settlement of the Award a number of shares with a fair market value equal to such withholding liability (but no more than the minimum required statutory withholding liability).

(d)No Claim to Awards; No Rights to Continued Employment; Waiver. No employee of the Company or an Affiliate, or other person, shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award under this Plan or, having been selected for the grant of an Award, to be selected for a grant of any other Award. There is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards. The terms and conditions of Awards and the Committee’s determinations and interpretations with respect thereto need not be the same with respect to each Participant and may be made selectively among Participants, whether or not such Participants are similarly situated. Neither this Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any Participant any right to be retained in the employ or service of the Company or an Affiliate, nor shall it be construed as giving any Participant any rights to continued service on the Board. The Company or any of its Affiliates may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment or discontinue any consulting relationship, free from any liability or any claim under this Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in this Plan or any Award Agreement. By accepting an Award under this Plan, a Participant shall thereby be deemed to have waived any claim to continued exercise or vesting of an Award or to damages or severance entitlement related to non-continuation of the Award beyond the period provided under this Plan or any Award Agreement, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any written employment contract or other agreement between the Company and its Affiliates and the Participant, whether any such agreement is executed before, on or after the Date of Grant.

(e)International Participants. With respect to Participants who reside or work outside of the United States of America and who are not (and who are not expected to be) “covered employees” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee may in its sole discretion amend the terms of this Plan or outstanding Awards (or establish a sub-plan) with respect to such Participants in order to conform such terms with the requirements of local law or to obtain more favorable tax or other treatment for a Participant, the Company or its Affiliates.

(f)Designation and Change of Beneficiary. Each Participant may file with the Committee a written designation of one or more persons as the beneficiary(ies) who shall be entitled to receive the amounts payable with respect to an Award, if any, due under this Plan upon his or her death. A Participant may, from time to time, revoke or change his or her beneficiary designation without the consent of any prior beneficiary by filing a new designation with the Committee. The last such designation filed with the Committee shall be controlling; provided, however, that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Committee prior to the Participant’s death, and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to such receipt. If no beneficiary designation is filed by a Participant, the beneficiary shall be deemed to be his or her spouse or, if the Participant is unmarried at the time of death, his or her estate. Upon the occurrence of a Participant’s divorce (as evidenced by a final order or decree of divorce), any spousal designation previously given by such Participant shall automatically terminate.

(g)Termination of Employment/Service. Unless determined otherwise by the Committee at any point following such event: (i) neither a temporary absence from employment or service due to illness, vacation or leave of absence nor a transfer from employment or service with the Company to employment or service with an Affiliate (or vice-versa) shall be considered a termination of employment or service with the Company or an Affiliate; and (ii) if a Participant’s employment with the Company and its Affiliates terminates, but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company and its Affiliates in a non-employee capacity (or vice-versa), such change in status shall not be considered a termination of employment with the Company or an Affiliate.

(h)No Rights as a Stockholder. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Plan or any Award Agreement, no person shall be entitled to the privileges of ownership in respect of Common Shares that are subject to Awards hereunder until such shares have been issued or delivered to that person.

(i)Government and Other Regulations.

(i)The obligation of the Company to settle Awards in Common Shares or other consideration shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by governmental agencies as may be required. Notwithstanding any terms or conditions of any Award to the contrary, the Company shall be under no obligation to offer to sell or to sell, and shall be prohibited from offering to sell or selling, any Common Shares pursuant to an Award unless such shares have been properly registered for sale pursuant to the Securities Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission or unless the Company has received an opinion of counsel, satisfactory to the Company, that such shares may be offered or sold without such registration pursuant to an available exemption therefrom and the terms and conditions of such exemption have been fully complied with. The Company shall be under no obligation to register for sale under the Securities Act any of the Common Shares to be offered or sold under this Plan. The Committee shall have the authority to provide that all certificates for Common Shares or other securities of the Company or any Affiliate delivered under this Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under

 

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this Plan, the applicable Award Agreement, the federal securities laws, or the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system upon which such shares or other securities are then listed or quoted and any other applicable federal, state, local or non-U.S. laws, and, without limiting the generality of Section 9 of this Plan, the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Plan to the contrary, the Committee reserves the right to add any additional terms or provisions to any Award granted under this Plan that it in its sole discretion deems necessary or advisable in order that such Award complies with the legal requirements of any governmental entity to whose jurisdiction the Award is subject.

(ii)The Committee may cancel an Award or any portion thereof if it determines, in its sole discretion, that legal or contractual restrictions and/or blockage and/or other market considerations would make the Company’s acquisition of Common Shares from the public markets, the Company’s issuance of Common Shares to the Participant, the Participant’s acquisition of Common Shares from the Company and/or the Participant’s sale of Common Shares to the public markets, illegal, impracticable or inadvisable. If the Committee determines to cancel all or any portion of an Award in accordance with the foregoing, unless doing so would violate Section 409A of the Code, the Company shall pay to the Participant an amount equal to the excess of (A) the aggregate fair market value of the Common Shares subject to such Award or portion thereof canceled (determined as of the applicable exercise date, or the date that the shares would have been vested or delivered, as applicable), over (B) the aggregate Exercise Price or Strike Price (in the case of an Option or SAR, respectively) or any amount payable as a condition of delivery of Common Shares (in the case of any other Award). Such amount shall be delivered to the Participant as soon as practicable following the cancellation of such Award or portion thereof. The Committee shall have the discretion to consider and take action to mitigate the tax consequence to the Participant in cancelling an Award in accordance with this clause. 

(j)Payments to Persons Other Than Participants. If the Committee shall find that any person to whom any amount is payable under this Plan is unable to care for his affairs because of illness or accident, or is a minor, or has died, then any payment due to such person or his estate (unless a prior claim therefor has been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may, if the Committee so directs the Company, be paid to his spouse, child, relative, an institution maintaining or having custody of such person, or any other person deemed by the Committee to be a proper recipient on behalf of such person otherwise entitled to payment. Any such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Committee and the Company therefor.

(k)Nonexclusivity of this Plan. Neither the adoption of this Plan by the Board nor the submission of this Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock options or other equity-based awards otherwise than under this Plan, and such arrangements may be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.

(l)No Trust or Fund Created. Neither this Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Affiliate, on the one hand, and a Participant or other person or entity, on the other hand. No provision of this Plan or any Award shall require the Company, for the purpose of satisfying any obligations under this Plan, to purchase assets or place any assets in a trust or other entity to which contributions are made or otherwise to segregate any assets, nor shall the Company maintain separate bank accounts, books, records or other evidence of the existence of a segregated or separately maintained or administered fund for such purposes. Participants shall have no rights under this Plan other than as general unsecured creditors of the Company, except that insofar as they may have become entitled to payment of additional compensation by performance of services, they shall have the same rights as other employees under general law.

(m)Reliance on Reports. Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in acting or failing to act, as the case may be, and shall not be liable for having so acted or failed to act in good faith, in reliance upon any report made by the independent public accountant of the Company and its Affiliates and/or any other information furnished in connection with this Plan by any agent of the Company or the Committee or the Board, other than himself.

(n)Relationship to Other Benefits. No payment under this Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, profit sharing, group insurance or other benefit plan of the Company except as otherwise specifically provided in such other plan.

(o)Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Nevada, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions.

(p)Severability. If any provision of this Plan or any Award or Award Agreement is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any person or entity or Award, or would disqualify this Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable laws in the manner that most closely reflects the original intent of the Award or the Plan, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of this Plan or the Award, such provision shall be construed

 

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or deemed stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or entity or Award and the remainder of this Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect. 

(q)Obligations Binding on Successors. The obligations of the Company under this Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, amalgamation, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company.

(r)Code Section 162(m) Approval. If so determined by the Committee, the provisions of this Plan regarding Performance Compensation Awards shall be disclosed and reapproved by stockholders no later than the first stockholder meeting that occurs in the fifth year following the year in which stockholders previously approved such provisions, in each case in order for certain Awards granted after such time to be exempt from the deduction limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code. Nothing in this clause, however, shall affect the validity of Awards granted after such time if such stockholder approval has not been obtained.

(s)Expenses; Gender; Titles and Headings. The expenses of administering this Plan shall be borne by the Company and its Affiliates. Masculine pronouns and other words of masculine gender shall refer to both men and women. The titles and headings of the sections in this Plan are for convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of this Plan, rather than such titles or headings shall control.

(t)Other Agreements. Notwithstanding the above, the Committee may require, as a condition to the grant of and/or the receipt of Common Shares under an Award, that the Participant execute lock-up, stockholder or other agreements, as it may determine in its sole and absolute discretion.

(u)Section 409A. The Plan and all Awards granted hereunder are intended to comply with, or otherwise be exempt from, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The Plan and all Awards granted under this Plan shall be administered, interpreted, and construed in a manner consistent with Section 409A of the Code to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of additional taxes under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, in no event shall the Committee exercise its discretion to accelerate the payment or settlement of an Award where such payment or settlement constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code unless, and solely to the extent that, such accelerated payment or settlement is permissible under Section 1.409A-3(j)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. If a Participant is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 1.409A-1(i) of the Treasury Regulations) at any time during the twelve (12)-month period ending on the date of his termination of employment, and any Award hereunder subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code is to be satisfied on account of the Participant’s termination of employment, satisfaction of such Award shall be suspended until the date that is six (6) months after the date of such termination of employment.

(v)Payments. Participants shall be required to pay, to the extent required by applicable law, any amounts required to receive Common Shares under any Award made under this Plan. 

 

 

 

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APPENDIX B

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan

 

This FIRST AMENDMENT TO Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (this “Amendment”), dated as of [●], 2018, is made and entered into by Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).  Terms used in this Amendment with initial capital letters that are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Staffing 360 Solutions, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company sponsors and maintains the Incentive Plan in order to attract and retain the services of key employees, key consultants, and outside directors of the Company and its subsidiaries;

 

WHEREAS, the Company and desires to amend the Incentive Plan to provide that it be governed by Delaware law rather than Nevada law, consistent with the Company’s change in its corporate domicile from Nevada to Delaware on June 15, 2017;

 

WHEREAS, the Company originally reserved two million five hundred thousand (2,500,000) Common Shares for issuance under the Incentive Plan, subject to adjustment as provided under the terms of the Incentive Plan;  

 

WHEREAS, the Company previously approved a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of the Company’s Common Shares, after which, and in accordance with Section 12 of the Incentive Plan, the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan was reduced to five hundred thousand (500,000) Common Shares;

 

WHEREAS, Section 14(a) of the Incentive Plan provides that the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) may amend the Incentive Plan at any time and from time to time; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board desires to amend the Incentive Plan to (i) increase the number of Common Shares that may be delivered pursuant to Awards under the Incentive Plan by an additional seven hundred fifty thousand (750,000) Common Shares, for an aggregate maximum total of one million two hundred fifty thousand (1,250,000) Common Shares, and (ii) reduce the maximum number of Common Shares covered by Awards granted to any participant in any calendar year from four hundred thousand (400,000) to two hundred thousand (200,000) Common Shares, thereby retaining the same ratio of maximum shares which may be granted to a Participant in a calendar year to total shares, that was available under the 2016 Plan.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Incentive Plan, and subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders, the Company hereby amends the Incentive Plan, effective as of the date hereof, as follows:

 

1.Section 5(b) of the Incentive Plan is hereby amended by deleting said section in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following new Section 5(b):

 

(b)Subject to Section 12 of this Plan, the Committee is authorized to deliver under this Plan an aggregate number of Common Shares equal to 1,250,000.

 

2.Section 5(f) of the Incentive Plan is hereby amended by deleting said section in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following new Section 5(f):

 

(f)Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary (but subject to adjustment as provided in Section 12), the Committee shall not grant to any one Eligible Person in any one calendar year Awards (i) for more than 200,000 Common Shares in the aggregate or (ii) payable in cash in an amount exceeding $750,000 in the aggregate.

 

3.Section 15(o) of the Incentive Plan is hereby amended by deleting said section in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following new Section 15(o):

 

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(o)Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its conflict of laws provisions.

 

4.Except as expressly amended by this Amendment, the Incentive Plan shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with the provisions thereof.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank

Signature Page Follows.]

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amendment to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

Staffing 360 Solutions, INC.

 

 

 

By:

Name:

Title:

 

 

 

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