The Maryland Restricted Stock Award Plan of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. (now known as Coca-Cola European Partners) is a comprehensive compensation program designed to reward and incentivize key employees and executives within the company. This plan plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent by offering attractive stock-based incentives, thus aligning the interests of employees with those of the company and its shareholders. Under this plan, eligible participants are granted restricted stock awards, which represent a specific number of shares offered at no cost. However, the shares are subject to certain restrictions, such as vesting requirements or performance criteria, which must be satisfied before they can be fully owned by the participant. These restrictions ensure that the participants remain committed to the company's long-term success and actively contribute to its growth. The Maryland Restricted Stock Award Plan offers various types of awards, each serving different purposes and addressing specific employee needs. Some common types include: 1. Time-based restricted stock awards: These awards are granted to participants based on their continuous service to the company for a certain period. The shares awarded may vest gradually over time, encouraging employee retention and loyalty. 2. Performance-based restricted stock awards: These awards are tied to predetermined performance metrics and goals that participants must achieve to earn the shares. Performance targets may be based on financial performance, individual or team goals, or other key performance indicators. 3. Market-based restricted stock awards: This type of award grants participants shares based on the company's stock price performance relative to specific market indices or competitors. It ensures that employees are rewarded for driving superior shareholder returns and outperforming industry benchmarks. 4. Restricted stock units (RSS): RSS are similar to restricted stock awards, but instead of granting actual shares, participants receive units that convert into shares upon meeting vesting conditions. RSS offer flexibility in terms of timing the actual stock issuance while providing equivalent benefits as traditional awards. The Maryland Restricted Stock Award Plan of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. aims to motivate employees through competitive remuneration packages, fostering a culture of performance, and long-term commitment. By aligning employees' interests with the company's success and future growth, this plan serves as a valuable tool in promoting employee engagement, job satisfaction, and overall organizational performance.