-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, QIjQy9WBVQ84HtH9rTHZr2d9zm7cJkm92xQnwAB2tPsSyyqU9WA/jr9OD1vMaK1y 8LbGXWGrsXi3NtvL5vESlQ== 0001104659-06-075593.txt : 20061116 0001104659-06-075593.hdr.sgml : 20061116 20061116060235 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-06-075593 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20061113 ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20061116 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20061116 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ADOBE SYSTEMS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000796343 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE [7372] IRS NUMBER: 770019522 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1130 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-15175 FILM NUMBER: 061221528 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 345 PARK AVE CITY: SAN JOSE STATE: CA ZIP: 95110-2704 BUSINESS PHONE: 4085366000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 345 PARK AVENUE CITY: SAN JOSE STATE: CA ZIP: 95110-2704 8-K 1 a06-24074_18k.htm CURRENT REPORT OF MATERIAL EVENTS OR CORPORATE CHANGES

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): November 13, 2006

Adobe Systems Incorporated
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

 

0-15175

 

77-0019522

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

345 Park Avenue
San Jose, California 95110-2704
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (408) 536-6000

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o     Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o     Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 




Section 5 – Corporate Governance and Management

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

(c) Effective November 13, 2006, Richard Rowley was appointed to the position of Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Pursuant to Mr. Rowley’s Offer Letter, Mr. Rowley will receive an annual base salary of $280,000 and is eligible to receive a bonus of up to 40% of his annual base salary upon attainment of certain Company and individual objectives, pro-rated for the 2006 fiscal year based on Mr. Rowley’s actual start date. In addition, Mr. Rowley will be eligible to participate in the Adobe profit sharing plan, which could result in a payment to Mr. Rowley of up to 10% of his annual base salary. Such payments are made quarterly based on attainment of certain Company targets, pro-rated for the 4th quarter of fiscal year 2006 based on Mr. Rowley’s actual start date.

Mr. Rowley will be granted an option to purchase 50,000 shares of Adobe common stock, which will vest over 4 years, with 25% of the shares vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remaining shares vesting in equal monthly installments over the remaining 36 months. The option will be issued under the Company’s 2003 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of such Plan. The Plan was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Appendix A to Adobe’s proxy statement, dated February 24, 2006.

As part of the Company’s 2006 Performance Share Program (the “Program”), Mr. Rowley will also be granted a target award of 5,000 “Performance Shares” pursuant to the terms of the Plan. The Performance Shares will be earned, if at all, following the 2007 fiscal year, based on achievement of specific performance metrics, and will be settled in fully-vested shares of Adobe common stock. Mr. Rowley may receive less than the Performance Share target payout under the Program, and in no event may the actual payout exceed 150% of target payout. The Program was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.1 to Adobe’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 24, 2006.

Mr. Rowley is eligible to participate in the Company’s standard benefits package, including medical and dental plans, vision care, life insurance and disability coverage, as well as the Company’s 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Mr. Rowley will also be eligible to participate in the Adobe Systems Incorporated Deferred Compensation Plan, effective December 2, 2006 (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”). Mr. Rowley may elect to contribute up to 75% of his base salary and 100% of other specified compensation, including bonus and performance-based restricted stock units.  Mr. Rowley will be able to elect the payment of benefits to begin on a specified date at least three years in the future in the form of a lump sum or annual installments over five to fifteen years. The Deferred Compensation Plan was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.1 to Adobe’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 26, 2006.

Mr. Rowley is also eligible to participate in the Adobe Systems Incorporated Executive Severance Plan in the Event of a Change of Control (the “Change of Control Plan”). Pursuant to the Change of Control Plan, if within two years after a change of control (the “Covered Period”), there is an Involuntary Termination (as defined in the Change of Control Plan) of Mr. Rowley’s employment, Mr. Rowley will receive a cash severance payment as follows:

Earned but unpaid salary and the cash equivalent for accrued but unused personal time off through the date of termination; plus, the pro rata portion of the annual bonus for the year in which termination occurs (calculated on the basis of Mr. Rowley’s target bonus and on the assumption that all performance targets have been or will be achieved); plus, an amount equal to the product of (i) the sum of Mr. Rowley’s Reference Salary and Reference Bonus (each as defined in the Change of Control Plan), multiplied by (ii) two plus one-twelfth for each year of completed service with the Company (not in excess of 12 years) (the “Severance Multiple”).

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All of Mr. Rowley’s outstanding options, performance grants and restricted stock awards will accelerate and vest 100% on the date of his Involuntary Termination during the Covered Period (except performance share unit awards, which shall continue to be governed by their current terms).  Additionally, the exercise period of all such awards will be extended to 12 months from termination.

Mr. Rowley will receive COBRA premium payments up to the legal limit for such coverage, or for the period of years equal to his Severance Multiple, whichever is less.  If Mr. Rowley becomes covered under another employer’s group health plan (other than a plan which imposes a pre-existing condition exclusion which applies to Mr. Rowley) during this applicable period of COBRA continuation coverage, the Company’s COBRA premium payments will cease. A copy of the Change of Control Plan is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Report.

Adobe has entered into an indemnity agreement with Mr. Rowley, which provide, among other things, that Adobe will indemnify him, under the circumstances and to the extent provided for in the agreement, for expenses, damages, judgments, fines and settlements he may be required to pay in actions or proceedings which he is or may be made a party to by reason of his position as an officer or other agent of Adobe, and otherwise to the full extent permitted under Delaware law and the Company’s bylaws. A form of indemnity agreement was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.25.1 to Adobe’s Form 10-Q, dated May 30, 1997.

The summary of the material terms of the Offer Letter set forth above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Offer Letter, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Report and incorporated herein by reference.

From September 2005 to November 2006, Mr. Rowley was an independent consultant. From 1999 to September 2005, Mr. Rowley served as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer, and Corporate Treasurer at Synopsys, Inc., a leading semiconductor design software company. From 1994 to 1999, Mr. Rowley served in several finance-related positions at Synopsys. Mr. Rowley is a certified public accountant and holds a B.A. in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Mr. Rowley is 50 years old.

There is no arrangement or understanding between Mr. Rowley and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Rowley is to be selected as an officer of the Company that would require disclosure under Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K. Additionally, there is no family relationship between Mr. Rowley and any other person that would require disclosure under Item 401(d) of Regulation S-K. Mr. Rowley is also not a party to any transactions that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

(e) The Change of Control Plan was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.2 to Adobe’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 26, 2006. The Change of Control Plan contained a typographical error in the definition of “Group I Participant,” which has since been corrected. A copy of the Change of Control Plan, as corrected, is attached as Exhibit 10.2 to this Report.

Section 9 – Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)         Exhibits

Exhibit

 

 

Number

 

Exhibit Description

10.1

 

Offer Letter between Adobe Systems Incorporated and Richard Rowley, dated October 30, 2006

 

 

 

10.2

 

Adobe Systems Incorporated Executive Severance Plan in the Event of a Change of Control

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

 

 

 

 

Date: November 16, 2006

By:

/s/ Karen Cottle

 

 

 

Karen Cottle

 

 

Senior Vice President,

 

 

General Counsel and Secretary

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

 

 

Number

 

Exhibit Description

10.1

 

Offer Letter between Adobe Systems Incorporated and Richard Rowley, dated October 30, 2006

 

 

 

10.2

 

Adobe Systems Incorporated Executive Severance Plan in the Event of a Change of Control

 

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EX-10.1 2 a06-24074_1ex10d1.htm EX-10

Exhibit 10.1

October 30, 2006

Rich Rowley

Dear Rich:

On behalf of Adobe Systems Incorporated, I am pleased to offer you the position of Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, reporting to me, based in San Jose. We recognize that employees are at the core of our success, and we look forward to having you join the other highly qualified and motivated individuals who work at Adobe.

Compensation: The base compensation for this Exempt position will be $23,333.33 per month ($280,000.00 annually).

Stock Options: Adobe inspires employees to contribute at peak performance and share in the success of the company and you will be offered the opportunity to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock under the Adobe Equity Incentive Plan. These shares and the price at which you would be able to purchase them are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors and to the terms of the Plan. A schedule outlining the vesting provisions is included for your information.

Performance Share Program: You will also have the opportunity to participate in Adobe’s Performance Share Program subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.  The proposed target award of 5,000 performance shares will vest after the completion of Adobe’s fiscal year 2007 based on the achievement of specific performance metrics outlined in the attached Program Summary.  Based on achievement of the performance metrics, you could earn between 0% and 150% of your target award.

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) Bonus: You will also qualify for an Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) bonus of up to 40% of your annual base salary per year. The AIP period for FY 2007 is defined as December 4, 2006 through the last U.S. business day in November 2007. If you start prior to FY2007, you will also be eligible to receive a prorated bonus for the remainder of the FY2006 AIP period if the Company achieves its budgeted operating profit and revenue during that fiscal year and your individual goals are achieved.

Profit Sharing: Eligible employees participate in a corporate profit sharing plan, which pays up to 10% of your base salary.  The profit sharing period for Q4 2006 is defined as September 4, 2006 through November 30, 2006. If you are hired after the Q4 2006 start date, you are eligible to receive a prorated bonus if you are employed for the remainder




of the Q4 2006 period and the Company achieves its budgeted operating profit during that fiscal quarter.

Benefits: Upon your date of hire, you will be eligible to take advantage of our comprehensive benefits package, which includes your choice of medical and dental plans, vision care, life insurance and disability coverage as well as health care, dependent care reimbursement accounts, and much more. You may also participate in Adobe’s 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. A benefit summary outlining all of our benefits is included with this offer letter.

Contingencies: You must sign the Employee Inventions and Proprietary Rights Assignment Agreement as a condition of your employment. This offer is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This offer is also contingent upon your providing us with the information requested in the Export Control Questionnaire within seven days of receipt of this offer to allow us to determine if you require an export license. If so, this offer is contingent upon the receipt of any export license or any other approval that may be required under the United States export control laws and regulations.

This offer is also contingent upon obtaining the necessary work authorization. Adobe will apply for the appropriate visa on your behalf. Attached is a checklist of the necessary items to begin obtaining your required visa.

In accordance with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, you will be required to provide verification of your identity and legal right to work in the United States. Employment with Adobe is for no specified period and may be terminated by you or the company at any time, for any reason or no reason. This letter, along with any agreements relating to proprietary rights between you and Adobe, set forth the terms of your employment with Adobe and supersede any prior representations or agreements, whether written or oral. This letter may not be modified or amended except by a written agreement, signed by Adobe and by you.

Upon acceptance of our offer, please sign and return this letter and the enclosed documents to the Human Resources Department in the envelope provided ASAP. We appreciate the prompt return of the requested documents so we will be able to have your information ready when you arrive. (In order to have your systems set up for your first day, all documents must be received 5 full business days prior to your start date.) If you have any questions regarding the details of this offer, please contact me. This offer will be valid until November 6, 2006.

To officially welcome you to Adobe, we’d like to invite you to attend Adobe’s New Employee Orientation, which is held in the San Jose office each Monday from 9:30am-4:15pm.  Once we receive your signed paperwork, we’ll send you a confirmation email that will outline the details of the orientation, including which day you are scheduled to attend.

Rich, welcome to the Adobe team. We’re proud of the energizing culture and environment here, and are confident you will soon discover why it’s simply better at Adobe. We look forward to your contributions to Adobe’s ongoing success.




 

Sincerely,

 

/s/ Randy Furr

 

 

Randy Furr

Chief Financial Officer and Executive VP

 

I accept this offer and I understand that I am required to sign and return the enclosed Employee Inventions and Proprietary Rights Assignment Agreement and the Export Control Questionnaire before starting employment with Adobe Systems.

/s/ Rich Rowley

 

Signature

October 31, 2006

 

Accept Date

November 13, 2006

 

Start Date

 

RF/jk

Enclosures:
Employee Input Sheet
Form W4
Employee Inventions and Proprietary Rights Assignment Agreement
Employment Eligibility Verification
Export Control Questionnaire

cc: Human Resources



EX-10.2 3 a06-24074_1ex10d2.htm EX-10

Exhibit 10.2

ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE PLAN

IN THE EVENT OF A CHANGE OF CONTROL

Adobe Systems Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) has adopted this Executive Severance Plan (the “Plan”), effective as of December 12, 2006, for the benefit of certain key employees of the Participating Company Group.

The Company considers it essential to the best interests of its stockholders to take reasonable steps to retain its key management personnel.  Further, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recognizes that the uncertainty and questions which might arise among management in the context of a Change of Control of the Company could result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders.

The Board has determined, therefore, that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of its members of management of the Company to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from any possible Change of Control of the Company.

The Company hereby adopts this Executive Severance Plan In the Event of a Change of Control for the benefit of its employees who are eligible as provided in the Plan.

Section 1.               Definitions.

1.1           Accounting Firm” shall mean KPMG LLP or, if such firm is unable or unwilling to perform the calculations required under this Plan, such other national accounting firm as shall be designated by agreement between the Participant to whom Section 4.1 applies and the Company.

1.2           Base Salary” means the Participant’s annual base salary as in effect during the last regularly scheduled payroll period immediately preceding such Participant’s Date of Termination.  Base Salary does not include any bonuses, commissions, fringe benefits, overtime, car allowances, other irregular payments or any other compensation except base salary.

1.3           Cause” shall mean (a) with respect to Group I Participants (i) felony conviction; or (ii) willful disclosure of material trade secrets or other material confidential information related to the business of a Participating Company; or (iii) willful and continued failure substantially to perform the same duties as in effect prior to the Change of Control for the Participating Company (other than any such failure resulting from physical or mental incapacity or any actual or anticipated failure resulting from a resignation for Good Reason) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered by the Chief Executive Officer or the President of the Company, which demand identifies the specific actions which the Chief Executive Officer or the President of the Company believes constitute willful and continued failure substantially to perform duties, and which performance is not substantially corrected within ten (10) days of receipt of such demand.  For purposes of the previous sentence, no act or failure to act shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, with willful malfeasance or gross negligence and without reasonable belief that action or omission was not materially adverse to




the best interest of the Participating Company Group; and (b) with respect to Group II Participants (i) theft, dishonesty or falsification of any employment or Participating Company Group records, (ii) improper disclosure of a Participating Company’s confidential or proprietary information, (iii) any intentional act by such Participant which has a material detrimental effect on the Participating Company Group’s reputation or business, (iv) failure to perform any reasonably assigned duties, which failure is not cured with in thirty (30) days following written notice of such failure from the Participating Company, (v) gross misconduct or (vi) felony conviction.

1.4           Change of Control” shall mean a Change of Control of the Company of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement; provided, however, that anything in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, a Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred if:

(a)           any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity or person, or any syndicate or group deemed to be a person under Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote in the election of directors of the Company;

(b)           during any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the Effective Date), individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board and any new directors, whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least three-fourths (3/4ths) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved (the “Incumbent Directors”), cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof;

(c)           there occurs a reorganization, merger, consolidation or other corporate transaction involving the Company (a “Transaction”), in each case with respect to which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such Transaction do not, immediately after the Transaction, own securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company, a parent of the Company or other corporation resulting from such Transaction (counting, for this purpose, only those securities held by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the Transaction that were received in exchange for, or represent their continuing ownership of, securities of the Company held by them immediately prior to the Transaction);

(d)           all or substantially all of the assets of the Company are sold, liquidated or distributed; or

(e)           there is a “Change of Control” or a “change in the effective control” of the Company within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and the Regulations.

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1.5           Change of Control Date” shall mean the date on which the Change of Control occurs.  Notwithstanding the first sentence of this definition, if a Participant’s employment with the Participating Company Group terminates prior to the Change of Control Date and it is reasonably demonstrated that such termination (a) was at the request of the third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect the Change of Control or (b) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of the Change of Control, then “Change of Control Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such Participant’s termination of employment.

1.6           Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor provisions thereto.

1.7           Committee” means the Executive Severance Plan Administrative Committee responsible for administering the Plan as provided in Section 5.

1.8           Common Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Company.

1.9           Company” means Adobe Systems Incorporated, a Delaware Corporation, and, except in determining under Section 1.4 hereof whether or not any Change of Control has occurred, shall include any successor to its business and/or assets.

1.10         Date of Termination” means the date of a Participant’s termination of employment with the Participating Company Group as determined in accordance with Section 3.6.

1.11         Disability” shall mean a Participant’s (a) incapacity due to physical or mental illness which causes such Participant’s absence from the full-time performance of his or her duties with the Participating Company Group for six (6) consecutive months and (b) such Participant’s failure to return to full-time performance of his or her duties for the Participating Company Group within thirty (30) days after written Notice of Termination due to Disability is given to a Participant.  Any question as to the existence of Disability upon which a Participant and the Participating Company Group cannot agree shall be determined by a qualified independent physician selected by the Participant (or, if such Participant is not able to select a physician, such selection shall be made by any adult member of the Participant’s immediate family), and approved by the Participating Company Group.  The determination of such physician made in writing to the Participating Company Group shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Plan.

1.12         Effective Date” means December 12, 2001.

1.13         Equity Awards” shall mean options, restricted stock, bonus stock or other grants or awards which consist of, or relate to, equity securities of the Company and which have been granted to Participant’s under the Equity Plans.  For purposes of this Plan, Equity Awards shall also include any securities acquired upon the exercise of an option, warrant or similar right that constitutes an Equity Award.

1.14         Equity Plans” shall mean the Adobe Systems Incorporated 1994 Stock Option Plan, the Adobe Systems Incorporated 1994 Amended Performance and Restricted Stock Plan, the Adobe Systems Incorporated 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, the Adobe Systems

3




Incorporated 2003 Equity Incentive Plan, the Adobe Systems Incorporated 2005 Special Purpose Equity Incentive Plan, and any other equity-based incentive plan or arrangement adopted or assumed by the Company, and any future equity-based incentive plan or arrangement adopted or assumed by the Company, but shall not include the Adobe Systems Incorporated 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan or any other plan intended to be qualified under Section 423 of the Code.

1.15         ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

1.16         Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor provisions thereto.

1.17         Good Reason” shall mean a Participant’s resignation of employment during the Term as a result of any of the following:

(a)           A meaningful and detrimental alteration in such Participant’s position, titles, or the nature or status of responsibilities (including reporting responsibilities) from those in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control Date;

(b)           A reduction by the Participating Company Group in such Participant’s Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control Date or as the same may be increased from time to time thereafter; a failure by the Participating Company Group to increase such Participant’s salary at a rate commensurate with that of other similarly situated key executives of the Participating Company Group; or a reduction in the target incentive opportunity percentage used to determine such Participant’s Target Bonus below the percentage in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control Date;

(c)           The relocation of the office of the Participating Company where such Participant is primarily employed immediately prior to the Change of Control Date (the “COC Location”) to a location which is more than fifty (50) miles away from the COC Location or the Participating Company’s requiring such Participant to be based more than fifty (50) miles away from the COC Location (except for required travel on the Participating Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with the Participant’s customary business travel obligations in the ordinary course of business prior to the Change of Control Date);

(d)           The failure by the Participating Company Group to continue in effect any compensation plan in which such Participant participated prior to the Change of Control Date or made available to such Participant after the Change of Control Date, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan in connection with the Change of Control, or the failure by the Participating Company Group to continue such Participant’s participation therein on at least as favorable a basis, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of participation relative to other participants, as existed on the Change of Control Date;

(e)           The failure by the Participating Company Group to continue to provide such Participant with benefits at least as favorable in the aggregate to those enjoyed by such Participant under the Participating Company Group’s retirement, savings, life insurance, medical, health and accident, disability, and fringe benefit plans and programs in which such

4




Participant was participating in immediately prior to the Change of Control Date; or the failure by the Participating Company Group to provide such Participant with the number of paid vacation days to which he or she was entitled on the basis of years of service with the Participating Company Group in accordance with the Participating Company Group’s normal vacation policy in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control;

(f)            The failure by the Participating Company Group to pay or provide to such Participant with any material item of compensation or benefits promptly when due;

(g)           The failure of the Participating Company Group to obtain an agreement from any successor to assume and agree to perform the obligations of this Plan, as contemplated in Section 9.1 hereof or, if the business for which such Participant’s services are principally performed is sold at any time after a Change of Control, the failure of the Participating Company Group to obtain such an agreement from the purchaser of such business;

(h)           A material breach by the Participating Company Group of the provisions of this Plan;

 provided, however, that an event described above in clause (a), (b), (d), (e), (f) or (h) shall not constitute Good Reason unless it is communicated by such Participant to the Company in writing and is not corrected by the Company in a manner which is reasonably satisfactory to such Participant (including full retroactive correction with respect to any monetary matter) within 10 days of the Company’s receipt of such written notice.

1.18         Group I Participant” shall mean each senior management employee of a Participating Company who (i) is on the U.S. payroll, (ii) is not a party to any other retention and/or severance agreement with the Participating Company Group that is not otherwise waived in accordance with Section 3.9, and (iii) on the Change of Control Date, is classified as a Vice President (or any more senior role) of a Participating Company.

1.19         Group II Participant” shall mean each senior management-level employee of a Participating Company who (i) is on the U.S. payroll, (ii) is not a party to any other retention and/or severance agreement with the Participating Company Group that is not otherwise waived in accordance with Section 3.9, and (iii) who on the Change of Control Date, is classified as a Director, Senior Director, or such other position, which is determined by the Company prior to the Change of Control as equivalent thereto.

1.20         Involuntary Termination” shall mean (i) a Participant’s involuntary termination of employment with the Participating Company Group during the Term other than for death, Disability or Cause or (ii) a Participant’s resignation of employment with the Participating Company Group during the Term for Good Reason.

1.21         Notice of Termination” means the notice specified in Section 3.6.

1.22         Participating Company Group” means the Company and any present or future United States parent and/or United States direct or indirect subsidiary corporations of the Company that have been designated by the Board as a “Participating Company” for purposes of this Plan (all of which along with the Company being individually referred to as a “Participating

5




Company” and collectively referred to as the “Participating Company Group”).  For purposes of this Plan, a parent or subsidiary corporation shall be defined in Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code and shall include entities related to the Company by similar ownership levels that are not corporations.

1.23         Participant” shall mean each Group I Participant and each Group II Participant.

1.24         Plan” means this Adobe Systems Incorporated Executive Severance Plan In the Event of a Change of Control.

1.25         Plan Year” means the calendar year and the last day of such year is December 31.

1.26         Reference Bonus” shall mean the greater of (a) the Target Bonus applicable to a Participant for the year in which such Participant’s Involuntary Termination occurs or (b) the highest Target Bonus applicable to such Participant in any of the three years ending prior to the Change of Control Date.

1.27         Reference Salary” shall mean the greater of (a) the annual rate of a Participant’s Base Salary from the Participating Company Group in effect immediately prior to the date of such Participant’s Involuntary Termination or (b) the annual rate of a Participant’s Base Salary from the Participating Company Group in effect at any point during the three-year period ending on the Change of Control Date.

1.28         Regulations” shall mean the proposed, temporary and final regulations under Section 280G of the Code or any successor provision thereto.

1.29         Severance Benefits” means those benefits provided to a Participant under this Plan on account of a Change of Control, as determined in accordance with Section 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 after the execution of a release of claims as required by Section 10.

1.30         Severance Multiple” shall mean (a) with respect to Group I Participants, the sum of (i) two (2) plus (ii) one twelfth (1/12th) for each completed year of service with the Participating Company Group (not in excess of twelve (12) years), and (b) with respect to Group II Participants, the sum of (i) one (1) plus (ii) one twelfth (1/12th) for each completed year of service with the Participating Company Group (not in excess of six (6) years).

1.31         Target Bonus” shall mean an amount equal to (i) a Participant’s Base Salary multiplied by such Participant’s target incentive opportunity percentage under the Participating Company’s Annual Incentive Plan and Profit Sharing Plan (or any successor plans then in effect), and (ii)  target commissions.

1.32         Term” shall mean the period of a Participant’s employment that commences on the Change of Control Date and shall continue until the second anniversary of the Change of Control Date.

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Section 2.               Employment During the Term.  During the Term, the following terms and conditions shall apply to a Participant’s employment with the Participating Company Group:

2.1           Titles; Reporting and Duties.  A Participant’s position, title, nature and status of responsibilities and reporting obligations shall be no less favorable than those that such Participant enjoyed immediately prior to the Change of Control Date.

2.2           Base Salary and Bonus.  A Participant’s Base Salary and annual bonus opportunity may not be reduced, and such Participant’s Base Salary shall be periodically reviewed and increased in the manner commensurate with increases awarded to other similarly situated employees of the Participating Company Group.

2.3           Incentive Compensation.  A Participant shall be eligible to participate in each long-term incentive plan or arrangement established by the Participating Company Group for its employees at such Participant’s level of seniority in accordance with the terms and provisions of such plan or arrangement and at a level consistent with the Participating Company Group’s practices applicable to each Participant prior to the Change of Control Date.

2.4           Benefits.  A Participant shall be eligible to participate in all retirement, welfare and fringe benefit plans and arrangements that the Participating Company Group provides to its employees in accordance with the terms of such plans and arrangements, which shall be no less favorable to such Participant, in the aggregate, than the terms and provisions available to other similarly situated employees of the Participating Company Group.

2.5           Location.  A Participant shall continue to be employed at a business location in the metropolitan area in which such Participant was employed prior to the Change of Control Date and the amount of time that such Participant is required to travel for business purposes will not be increased in any significant respect from the amount of business travel required of such Participant prior to the Change of Control Date.

Section 3.               Severance Benefits.  In the event of a Participant’s Involuntary Termination, the terminated Participant shall be entitled to the following:

3.1           Payment of Wages and Accrued Vacation.  The Company shall pay to such terminated Participant within five (5) days of the date of such Involuntary Termination the full amount of any earned but unpaid Base Salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time of the Notice of Termination, plus a cash payment (calculated on the basis of such Participant’s Base Salary) for all unused vacation time which such Participant may have accrued as of the Date of Termination.

3.2           Payment of Cash Severance.  Subject to execution of a release of claims as described in Section 10 below, the terminated Participant will receive the following cash benefits:

(a)           The Company shall pay to such terminated Participant within five (5) days of the Date of Termination a pro rata portion of the Participant’s Target Bonus for the year in which such Involuntary Termination occurs, calculated on the assumption that all performance targets have been or will be achieved.

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(b)           In addition, the Company shall pay to such terminated Participant in a cash lump sum, within eight (8) days following the date such terminated Participant executes the release described in Section 10 (or on the Date of Termination, if later) an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of such terminated Participant’s Reference Salary and Reference Bonus, multiplied by (b) such terminated Participant’s Severance Multiple.  This severance payment shall be in lieu of any other cash severance payments which such terminated Participant is entitled to receive under any other severance pay and/or retention plan or arrangement sponsored by any Participating Company.

3.3           Vesting and Exercise of Equity Awards.  Subject to execution of a release of claims as described in Section 10 below, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in an applicable Equity Award, all Equity Awards granted to a terminated Participant under the Equity Plans (except performance share unit awards, which shall continue to be governed by their current terms) shall vest in full and become exercisable, upon the Participant’s Involuntary Termination during the Term.  Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, in no event shall the vesting and exercisability provisions applicable to a terminated Participant under the terms of an Equity Award be less favorable to such Participant than the terms and provisions of such awards in effect on the Change of Control Date.

3.4           Benefits Continuation.  Subject to execution of a release of claims as described in Section 10 below, and subject to the terminated Participant and/or his or her eligible dependents electing continued medical insurance coverage in accordance with the applicable provisions of federal law (commonly referred to as “COBRA”), the Company shall pay the terminated Participant’s COBRA premiums for the duration of such COBRA coverage, or for the period of years equal to the Participant’s Severance Multiple, whichever is less.  If the terminated Participant’s medical coverage immediately prior to the Date of Termination included the terminated Participant’s dependents, the Company paid COBRA premiums shall include the premiums necessary for such dependents as have elected COBRA coverage.  Notwithstanding the above, in the event the terminated Participant becomes covered under another employer’s group health plan (other than a plan which imposes a preexisting condition exclusion unless the preexisting condition exclusion does not apply) during the period provided in this Section 3.4, the Company shall cease payment of the COBRA premiums.

3.5           Other Benefit Plans.  A terminated Participant’s participation and rights in other benefit plans as may be provided by the Participating Company Group at the time of his/her Involuntary Termination shall be governed solely by the terms and conditions of such plans, if any.

3.6           Date and Notice of Termination.  Any termination of a Participant’s employment by a Participating Company or by such Participant during the Term shall be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto (the “Notice of Termination”).  The Notice of Termination shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Plan relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Participant’s employment under the provision so indicated.  The date of a Participant’s termination of employment with the Participating Company Group shall be determined as follows:  (i) if employment is terminated by the Participating Company Group in an Involuntary Termination, five (5) days after the date the Notice of Termination is provided by

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the Participating Company Group, (ii) if employment is terminated by the Participating Company Group for Cause, the later of the date specified in the Notice of Termination or ten (10) days following the date such notice is received by the Participant, and (iii) if the basis of a Participant’s Involuntary Termination is such Participant’s resignation for Good Reason, the Date of Termination shall be ten (10) days after the date such Participant’s Notice of Termination is received by the Company.

3.7           No Mitigation or Offset.  A terminated Participant shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Plan by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Plan be reduced by any compensation earned by such a terminated Participant as the result of employment by another employer or by retirement benefits paid by the Participating Company Group or another employer after the Date of Termination or otherwise.

3.8           Withholding.  Amounts paid to a Participant hereunder shall be subject to all applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes.

3.9           Waiver of Any Other Participating Company Retention/Severance Agreement.  A terminated Participant may elect, in his or her sole discretion, to waive each and every prior retention and/or severance agreement entered into between a Participating Company and such terminated Participant in order to participate and receive the Severance Benefits provided under this Plan. Such waiver shall be in writing in such form as may reasonably be specified by the Committee and shall be filed with the Company in accordance with such rules and procedures as may be reasonably established by the Committee

3.10         Application of Section 409A.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, to the extent the Committee determines in good faith that (a) one or more of the payments or benefits received or to be received by a Participant pursuant to the Plan would constitute deferred compensation subject to the rules of Code Section 409A, and (b) that the Participant is a “specified employee” under Code Section 409A, then only to the extent required to avoid the Participant’s incurrence of any additional tax or interest under Section 409A of the Code, such payment or benefit will be delayed until the date which is six (6) months after the Participant’s “separation of service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

Section 4.               Limitation on Payment of Benefits.

4.1           Parachute Payments.  In the event that it is determined by the Accounting Firm that any amount payable to a Participant under this Plan, alone or when aggregated with any other amount payable or benefit provided to such Participant pursuant to any other plan or arrangement of the Participating Company Group, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, then notwithstanding the other provisions of this Plan, the amounts payable will not exceed the amount which produces the greatest after-tax benefit to the Participant.  For purposes of the foregoing, the greatest after-tax benefit will be determined within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of such payment to the Participant, in the Participant’s sole and absolute discretion.  To aid the Participant in making the determination called for under this Section 4.1, the Company shall request a determination in writing by the Accounting Firm.  As soon as practicable thereafter, the Accounting Firm shall determine and report to the Company and the Participant the amount of such payments and

9




benefits which would produce the greatest after-tax benefit to the Participant.  For the purposes of such determination, the Accounting Firm may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code.  The Company and the Participant shall furnish to the Accounting Firm such information and documents as the Accounting Firm may reasonably request in order to make their required determination.  The Company shall bear all fees and expenses the Accounting Firm may reasonably charge in connection with its services contemplated by this Section.  Notwithstanding the time limit above, Participant shall have no less than ten (10) days following receipt of the Accounting Firm’s report to make the determination called for by this Section 4.1.

4.2           Non-Duplication of Benefits.  Notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan to the contrary, the benefits provided hereunder shall be in lieu of any other severance plan and/or retention agreement benefits provided by any Participating Company and the Severance Benefits and other benefits provided under this Plan shall be reduced by any severance paid or provided to a Participant by a Participating Company under any other plan or arrangement.

4.3           Indebtedness of Participant.  If a Participant is indebted to the Participating Company Group at his or her Date of Termination, the Company reserves the right to offset any benefits under this Plan by the amount of such indebtedness.

Section 5.               Plan Administration, Amendment and Termination.

5.1           Plan Administrative Committee.

(a)           Administration by the Committee.  The Plan shall be administered by the Committee.

(b)           Committee Members.  Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.1(c) below, the Committee shall be composed of those individuals at the Company who hold the titles of Vice President and General Counsel, and Vice President Human Resources, or titles functionally equivalent thereto, and another employee of the Company as shall be appointed by the Board.  The designation of an individual as holding such title or position shall constitute automatic appointment to the Committee and the resignation or other termination of employment or change to a different position by a Committee member shall constitute automatic resignation from the Committee.

(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change of Control, a majority of the Committee Members shall be comprised of persons who were members of the Committee prior to the Change of Control or who are elected to serve as additional Adobe Members as provided below (the “Adobe Members”).  This shall be accomplished by retaining a majority of those persons who were Committee Members prior to the Change of Control, regardless of whether such members’ job titles have changed or they would otherwise be deemed to have automatically resigned their membership on the Committee.  In the event that a majority of the members of the Committee prior to the Change of Control are unwilling or unable to continue to serve as members of the Committee, the members of the Committee shall, by majority vote, elect sufficient additional Adobe Members, so that a majority of the Committee Members are Adobe Members.  Such additional Adobe Members shall be persons who were employed by the Company prior to the Change of Control.

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(d)           The Committee Members shall not receive compensation for their services on the Committee.  The Participating Company Group shall indemnify and hold harmless the Committee Members from and against all liabilities, claims, demands and costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses of legal proceedings, incurred by the Committee which arise as a result of membership on the Committee.

5.2           Committee Powers and Responsibilities.  The Committee shall have all powers necessary to enable it properly to carry out its duties with respect to the complete control of the administration of the Plan.  Not in limitation, but in amplification of the foregoing, the Committee shall have the power and authority in its discretion to:

(a)           Construe the Plan to determine all questions that shall arise as to interpretations of the Plan’s provisions, including determination of which individuals are eligible for Severance Benefits, the amount of Severance Benefits to which any employee may be entitled, the determination of which type of Participant any individual is (i.e., Group I Participant or Group II Participant) and all other matters pertaining to the Plan;

(b)           Adopt amendments to the Plan document which are deemed necessary or desirable bring these documents into compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to Code Section 409A and the guidance thereunder; and

(c)           Establish procedures for determining who the Adobe Members of the Committee shall be after a Change of Control and/or for electing additional Adobe Members of the Committee pursuant to Section 5.1.  For purposes of this Section 5.2(c), only those persons who were members of the Committee prior to the Change of Control shall be authorized to vote.

5.3           Decisions of the Committee.  Decisions of the Committee made in good faith upon any matter within the scope of its authority shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons, including Participants and their legal representatives.  Any discretion granted to the Committee shall be exercised in accordance with such rules and policies as may be established by the Committee from time to time.

5.4           Plan Amendment.  The Plan may be amended by the Committee as provided by Section 5.2(b) and may also be amended by resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company (i) for the purposes specified in Section 5.2(b), (ii) to increase the amount and/or type of Severance Benefits provided by the Plan, and (iii) to extend the Plan termination date as provided in Section 5.5.  Except as otherwise provided in this Section 5.4 the Plan may not be amended prior to its termination, or, in the event the Plan is extended as provided in this section 5.4,  the date on which it would have terminated under Section 5.5 had it not been extended.

5.5           Plan Termination.  This Plan shall terminate automatically five (5) years from the Effective Date unless extended by the Company or unless a Change of Control shall have occurred prior thereto, in which case the Plan shall terminate following the later of the date which is at least twenty-four (24) months after the occurrence of a Change of Control or the payment of all Severance Benefits due under the Plan.

Section 6.               Claims for Benefits.  Any person who believes he or she is entitled to benefits under this Plan may submit a claim for benefits.  The claim must be in writing and should state

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the claimant’s reasons for claiming these benefits.  The claims should be sent to the Executive Severance Plan Administrative Committee of Adobe Systems Incorporated.  If the claim is denied, in whole or in part, written notice of the denial will be provided within ninety (90) days of initial receipt of the claim.  Such notice will include an explanation of the factors on which the denial is based and what, if any, additional information is needed to support the claim.  Further review of the claim may be obtained by filing a written request for review.  An individual whose claim for benefits is denied may file a request for review with the Committee within sixty (60) days.  After receiving a request for review, the Committee will render a final decision within sixty (60) days, unless circumstances require an extension of an additional sixty (60) days for the review.  In this case, the Committee will notify the claimant in writing of the need for an extension.  The Committee’s decision will be in writing, setting forth the specific reasons for the decision, as well as specific references to the Plan provisions upon which the decision is based.

Section 7.               Legal Fees and Expenses.  The Company shall pay or reimburse a Group I Participant for all costs and expenses (including, without limitation, court costs and reasonable legal fees and expenses which reflect common practice with respect to the matters involved) incurred by such Group I Participant as a result of any claim, action or proceeding (a) arising out of such Group I Participant’s termination of employment during the Term, (b) contesting, disputing or enforcing any right, benefits or obligations under this Plan or (c) arising out of or challenging the validity, advisability or enforceability of this Plan or any provision thereof.  The payments or reimbursements provided for herein shall be paid by the Participating Company Group promptly (but in no event more than five (5) business days) following receipt of a written request for payment or reimbursement, as the case may be.

Section 8.               Miscellaneous.

8.1           No Contract of Employment.  Nothing in this Plan shall be construed as giving any Participant any right to be retained in the employ of the Participating Company Group or shall affect the terms and conditions of a Participant’s employment with the Participating Company Group prior to the commencement of the Term.

8.2           ERISA Plan.  This Plan is intended to be (a) an employee welfare plan as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA and (b) a “top-hat” plan maintained for the benefit of a select group of management or highly compensated employees of the Participating Company Group.

8.3           Source of Payments.  All payments provided under this Plan, other than payments made pursuant to any other Participating Company Group employee benefit plan which provides otherwise, shall be paid in cash from the general funds of the Participating Company Group, and no special or separate fund shall be established, and no other segregation of assets made, to assure payment.  To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Participating Company Group hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the Participating Company Group.

8.4           Notice.  For the purpose of this Plan, notices and all other communications provided for in this Plan shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by overnight courier or United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the Executive Severance Plan Administrative Committee, Adobe Systems Incorporated, 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, California 95110-2704,

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with a copy to the General Counsel of the Company, or to a Participant at the address set forth in the Participating Company Group’s payroll records or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

8.5           Nonalienation of Benefits.  No benefit under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged as security for indebtedness or otherwise encumbered by any Participant or subject to any legal process for the payment of any claim against a Participant.

8.6           Validity.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Plan shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Plan, which shall remain in full force and effect.

8.7           Headings.  The headings contained in this Plan are intended solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the rights of the parties to this Plan.

8.8           Governing Law.  This Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California to the extent such laws are not preempted by ERISA.

Section 9.               Successors; Binding Agreement.

9.1           Assumption by Successor.  The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company expressly to assume and to agree to perform the obligations under this Plan in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place; provided, however, that no such assumption shall relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder.  As used in this Section 9, the “Company” shall include the Company as defined in Section 1.9 and any successor to its business and/or assets which assumes and agrees to perform the obligations arising under this Plan by operation of law or otherwise.

9.2           Enforceability; Beneficiaries.  This Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each Participant (and such Participant’s personal representatives and heirs) and the Company and any organization which succeeds to substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, whether by means of merger, consolidation, acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or otherwise, including, without limitation, as a result of a Change of Control or by operation of law.  This Plan shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by each Participant’ personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.  If a Participant should die while any amount would still be payable hereunder if such Participant had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Plan to such Participant’s devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to such Participant’s estate.

Section 10.             Release of Claims.  No Severance Benefits shall be paid to a Participant under this Plan unless and until the Participant shall, in consideration of the payment of such Severance Benefits, execute a release of claims in a form satisfactory to the Committee; provided, however,

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that such release shall not apply to any right a Participant may have to be indemnified by the Company.

 

 

Adobe Systems Incorporated

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: September 25, 2006

By:

/s/ Randy Furr

 

 

 

Randy Furr

 

 

Executive Vice President and

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

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