This Plan will bind any successor (a “ Successor ”) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise), in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would have been obligated under this Plan if no such succession had taken place. In the case of any transaction in which a Successor would not, pursuant to the foregoing provision or by operation of law, be bound by this Plan, the Company will require such Successor expressly and unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Company’s obligations under this Plan, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would have been required to perform such obligations if no such succession had taken place. The term “Company”, as used in this Plan, will mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any Successor and any assignee to such business or assets that by reason hereof becomes bound by this Plan.