<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 8, 1997
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
CKS GROUP, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 77-0385435
(STATE OF INCORPORATION) (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
10441 BANDLEY DRIVE
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA 95014
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
1996 SUPPLEMENTAL STOCK PLAN
1995 STOCK PLAN
(FULL TITLE OF THE PLANS)
MARK D. KVAMME
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CKS GROUP, INC.
10441 BANDLEY DRIVE
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA 95014
(408) 366-5100
(NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
COPY TO:
BARRY E. TAYLOR, ESQ.
DANIEL R. MITZ, ESQ.
RAMSEY HANNA, ESQ.
WILSON, SONSINI, GOODRICH & ROSATI
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
650 PAGE MILL ROAD
PALO ALTO, CA 94304
(415) 493-9300
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================================
AMOUNT PROPOSED PROPOSED AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF SECURITIES TO TO BE MAXIMUM OFFERING MAXIMUM AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PRICE PER SHARE (1) OFFERING PRICE FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock issuable under 1996
Supplemental Stock Plan 1,000,000 $25.50/sh(2) $ 2,550,000
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Common Stock issuable under
1995 Stock Plan, as amended 1,600,000 $25.50/sh(2) $40,800,000
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Total shares of Common Stock 2,600,000 $66,300,000 $20,090.90
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(h) solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee.
(2) Based upon the price per share in trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market as
of the close of business on April 7, 1997.
<PAGE> 2
CKS GROUP, INC.
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
There are hereby incorporated by reference into this Registration
Statement and into the Prospectus relating to this Registration Statement
pursuant to Rule 428 the following documents and information heretofore filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission:
1. The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended November 30, 1996.
2. The Registrant's reports on Form 8-K dated as of December 18,
1996 (as amended by Registrant's report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 6, 1997),
January 3, 1997, January 31, 1997 (as amended by registrant's report on
Form 8-K/A filed on March 5, 1997), February 27, 1997, March 10, 1997, and
March 24, 1997.
3. The description of Registrant's Common Stock contained in
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated October 23, 1995,
including any amendment or report filed for purposes of updating such
description.
All documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof, and prior
to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities
offered have been sold or which registers all securities then remaining unsold,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be part hereof
from the date of filing of such documents.
ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not Applicable.
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<PAGE> 3
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 145(a) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the
"Corporation Law") provides in relevant part that "[a] corporation may indemnify
any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the
right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of the corporation as a director, officer, employee
or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection
with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner
he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful." With respect to
derivative actions, Section 145(b) of the Corporation Law provides in relevant
part that "[a] corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or
suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor
... [by reason of his service in one or the capacities specified in the
preceding sentence] against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonable incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such
action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that
no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which
such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite
the adjudication of liability buy in view of all the circumstances of the case,
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expense
which the Court of chancery or such other court shall deem proper."
Article VI of the Company's By-laws provides that the Company may
indemnify each person who is or was a director or officer of the Company to the
full extent permitted by Corporation Law. Such Article also provides that the
Company may, but is not required to, indemnify its employees and agents (other
than directors and officers) to the extent and in the manner permitted by the
Corporation Law.
The Registrant has entered into an indemnification agreement with each
of its directors and officers containing provisions that are in some respects
broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the Delaware
General Corporation Law and intends to maintain insurance for the benefit of its
directors and officers insuring such persons against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the securities laws.
ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED
Not Applicable.
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<PAGE> 4
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number Document
- ------- --------------------------------------------------------------
4.1 1996 Supplemental Stock Plan.
4.2 1995 Stock Plan, as amended.
5.1 Opinion of counsel as to legality of securities being
registered.
23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat & Marwick LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.2 Consent of Robbins, Spielman, Koenigsberg & Parker LLP,
Independent Auditors.
23.3 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
23.4 Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 Power of Attorney (see page 5).
ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement to include
any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such
information in the Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
the Securities Act or 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the Registrant pursuant to the items described in Item 6 of Part II of this
Registration Statement, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
regis tered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by
the final adjudication of such issue.
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<PAGE> 5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, CKS Group, Inc., certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused
this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cupertino, State of California, on the
8th day of April, 1997.
CKS GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ CARLTON H. BAAB
-------------------------------------------------
Carlton H. Baab, Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Mark D. Kvamme, Carlton H. Baab and
Robert T. Clarkson and each of them, acting individually, as his
attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, for him and in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement
(including post-effective amendments) and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may
be signed by our said attorney to any and all amendments to the Registration
Statement.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ MARK D. KVAMME President, Chief Executive April 8, 1997
- --------------------------------------- Officer and Chairman of the Board
Mark D. Kvamme
/s/ CARLTON H. BAAB Executive Vice President,
- ---------------------------------------- Chief Operating Officer, and April 8, 1997
Carlton H. Baab Chief Financial Officer,
Director April , 1997
- ----------------------------------------
Thomas K. Suiter
/s/ ALEXANDRE BALKANSKI Director April 8, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
Alexandre Balkanski
/s/PIERRE R. LAMOND Director April 8, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
Pierre R. Lamond
/s/ BARRY R. LINSKY Director April 8, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
Barry R. Linsky
/s/ MICHAEL B. SLADE Director April 8, 1997
- ----------------------------------------
Michael B. Slade
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 6
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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EXHIBITS
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Registration Statement on Form S-8
CKS GROUP, INC.
<PAGE> 7
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sequentially
Numbered
Number Description Page
- ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
4.1 1996 Supplemental Stock Plan
4.2 1995 Stock Plan, as amended
5.1 Opinion of counsel as to legality of Securities being registered
23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Independent Auditors
23.2 Consent of Robbins, Spielman, Koenigsberg & Parker LLP, Independent Auditors
23.3 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
23.4 Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1) ---
24.1 Power of Attorney 5
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4.1
CKS GROUP, INC.
1996 SUPPLEMENTAL STOCK PLAN
1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Supplemental Stock
Plan are:
- to attract and retain the best available personnel
for positions of substantial responsibility,
- to provide additional incentive to Employees and
Consultants, and
- to promote the success of the Company's business.
Options granted under the Plan will be Nonstatutory Stock Options.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall
apply:
(a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its
Committees as shall be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of
the Plan.
(b) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to
the administration of stock option plans under U. S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options are, or will be, granted under
the Plan.
(c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
(e) "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed
by the Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(f) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.
(g) "Company" means CKS Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
(h) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor,
engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such
entity.
(i) "Director" means a member of the Board.
(j) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as
defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
<PAGE> 2
(k) "Employee" means any person, excluding Officers but
including officers of Subsidiaries of the Company, employed by the Company or
any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service Provider shall not cease to
be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company
or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its
Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. Neither service as a Director nor
payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute
"employment" by the Company.
(l) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
(m) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value
of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any
established stock exchange or a national market system, including without
limitation the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The
Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for
such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such
exchange or system for the last market trading day prior to the time of
determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a
recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair
Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid
and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior
to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such
other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(iii) In the absence of an established market for
the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.
(n) "Notice of Grant" means a written or electronic
notice evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Option grant.
The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.
(o) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the
Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
(p) "Option" means a nonstatutory stock option granted
pursuant to the Plan, that is not intended to qualify as an incentive stock
option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations
promulgated thereunder.
(q) "Option Agreement" means an agreement between the
Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual
Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan.
(r) "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby
outstanding options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower
exercise price.
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<PAGE> 3
(s) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an
Option.
(t) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option
granted under the Plan.
(u) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(v) "Plan" means this 1996 Supplemental Stock Plan.
(w) "Service Provider" means an Employee or Consultant
who is not also a Director of Officer.
(x) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as
adjusted in accordance with Section 12 of the Plan.
(y) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation",
whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of
Section 12 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be
optioned and sold under the Plan is 1,000,000 Shares. The Shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having
been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option Exchange
Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become
available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated).
4. Administration of the Plan.
(a) The Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or
(B) a Committee, which committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable
Laws.
(b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the
provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific
duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have
the authority, in its discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the
Common Stock;
(ii) to select the Service Providers to whom
Options may be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine whether and to what extent
Options are granted hereunder;
(iv) to determine the number of shares of Common
Stock to be covered by each Option granted hereunder;
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<PAGE> 4
(v) to approve forms of agreement for use under
the Plan;
(vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder. Such
terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the
time or times when Options may be exercised (which may be based on performance
criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and
any restriction or limitation regarding any Option or the shares of Common Stock
relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in
its sole discretion, shall determine;
(vii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option
to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common
Stock covered by such Option shall have declined since the date the Option was
granted;
(viii) to institute an Option Exchange Program;
(ix) to construe and interpret the terms of the
Plan and awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
(x) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and
regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to
sub-plans established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment
under foreign tax laws;
(xi) to modify or amend each Option (subject to
Section 14(b) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the
post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is otherwise
provided for in the Plan;
(xii) to authorize any person to execute on behalf
of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or
previously granted by the Administrator;
(xiii) to determine the terms and restrictions
applicable to Options;
(xiv) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding
tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be
issued upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares
having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair
Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that
the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by an
Optionee to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and
under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable; and
(xv) to make all other determinations deemed
necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
(c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. The
Administrator's decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and
binding on all Optionees and any other holders of Options.
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<PAGE> 5
5. Eligibility. Options may be granted to Service Providers;
provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Plan, Options may not be granted to Officers and Directors of the Company.
6. Limitation. Neither the Plan nor any Option shall confer upon
an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's relationship as
a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with
the Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such relationship at
any time, with or without cause.
7. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon its
adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for ten (10) years, unless
sooner terminated under Section 14 of the Plan.
8. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the
Option Agreement.
9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the
Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator.
(b) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an
Option is granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the
Option may be exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be
satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
(c) Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall
determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option,
including the method of payment. Such consideration may consist entirely of:
(i) cash;
(ii) check;
(iii) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on
the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to
which said Option shall be exercised;
(iv) consideration received by the Company under
a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the
Plan;
(v) such other consideration and method of
payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws;
or
(vi) any combination of the foregoing methods of
payment.
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<PAGE> 6
10. Exercise of Option.
(a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any
Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan
and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator
and set forth in the Option Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a
fraction of a Share.
An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company
receives: (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the
Option Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the
number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for
sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised.
(b) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If
an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee's
death or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option, but only
within such period of time and to the extent that is specified in the Option
Agreement, (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option
as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the
Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months
following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the
Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option and the Option Agreement
does not provide for accelerated or extended vesting, the Shares covered by the
unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. To the extent that,
after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the
time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares
covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(c) Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a
Service Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may
exercise his or her Option within such period of time and to the extent that is
specified in the Option Agreement, (but in no event later than the expiration of
the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of
a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable
for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of
termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option and the
Option Agreement does not provide for accelerated or extended vesting, the
Shares covered by the
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<PAGE> 7
unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. To the extent that,
after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the
time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(d) Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a Service
Provider, the Option may be exercised within such period of time and to the
extent that is specified in the Option Agreement (but in no event later than
the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant),
by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquires the right to exercise the
Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that the Option is
vested on the date of death. In the absence of a specified time in the Option
Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following
the Optionee's termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not
vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested
portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. The Option may be
exercised by the executor or administrator of the Optionee's estate or, if
none, by the person(s) entitled to exercise the Option under the Optionee's
will or the laws of descent or distribution. To the extent that the Option is
not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate,
and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(e) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time
offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted
based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and
communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.
11. Non-Transferability of Options . Unless determined otherwise
by the Administrator, an Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned,
hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by
the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of
the Optionee, only by the Optionee. If the Administrator makes an Option
transferable, such Option shall contain such additional terms and conditions as
the Administrator deems appropriate.
12. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution,
Merger or Asset Sale.
(a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required
action by the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock
covered by each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock
which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no
Options have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon
cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of
Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Option, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt
of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option.
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<PAGE> 8
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the
proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall
notify each Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such
proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an
Optionee to have the right to exercise his or her Option until ten (10) days
prior to such transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby,
including Shares as to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. In
addition, the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option
applicable to any Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option shall lapse as to
all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at
the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been
previously exercised, an Option will terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action.
(c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the
Company with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of
the assets of the Company, each outstanding Option shall be assumed or an
equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent
or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor
corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option, the Optionee shall
fully vest in and have the right to exercise the Option as to all of the
Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or
exercisable. If an Option becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of
assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the
Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or electronically that the
Option shall be fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days
from the date of such notice, and the Option shall terminate upon the expiration
of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option shall be
considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or
right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned
Stock, immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration
(whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or
sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective
date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration,
the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding
Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or
sale of assets is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its
Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation,
provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option,
for each Share of Optioned Stock to be solely common stock of the successor
corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share
consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of
assets.
13. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option shall be, for
all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination
granting such Option, or such other later date as is determined by the
Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be provided to each Optionee
within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
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14. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time
amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment,
alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any
Optionee, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the
Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and
the Company. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's
ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to options
granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
15. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant
to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance
and delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be
further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance.
(b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the
exercise of an Option the Company may require the person exercising such Option
to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are
being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or
distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a
representation is required.
16. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to
obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority
is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and
sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in
respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite
authority shall not have been obtained.
17. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this
Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as
shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
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EXHIBIT 4.2
CKS GROUP, INC.
1995 STOCK PLAN
(as amended September 17, 1996)
1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Plan are:
- to attract and retain the best available personnel for
positions of substantial responsibility,
- to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants,
and
- to promote the success of the Company's business.
Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory
Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant. Stock
Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall
apply:
(a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its
Committees as shall be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of
the Plan.
(b) "Applicable Laws" means the legal requirements
relating to the administration of stock option plans under U. S. state corporate
laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or
quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the
applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock
Purchase Rights are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
(c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
(e) "Committee" means a Committee appointed by the Board
in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(f) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.
(g) "Company" means CKS Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
(h) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor,
engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services. The term
"Consultant" shall not include Directors who are paid only a director's fee by
the Company or who are not compensated by the Company for their services as
Directors.
<PAGE> 2
(i) "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant"
means that the employment or consulting relationship with the Company, any
Parent, or Subsidiary, is not interrupted or terminated. Continuous Status as an
Employee or Consultant shall not be considered interrupted in the case of (i)
any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations
of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any
successor. A leave of absence approved by the Company shall include sick leave,
military leave, or any other personal leave approved by an authorized
representative of the Company. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such
leave may exceed ninety days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave
is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave
of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of
such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be
treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a
Nonstatutory Stock Option.
(j) "Director" means a member of the Board.
(k) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as
defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
(l) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and
Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
Neither services as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company
shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.
(m) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
(n) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value
of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any
established stock exchange or a national market system, including without
limitation the Nasdaq Stock Market of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation ("NASDAQ") System, the Fair Market Value of a
Share of Common Stock shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such system or exchange (or
the exchange with the greatest volume of trading in Common Stock) on the last
market trading day prior to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall
Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ
System (but not on the Nasdaq Stock Market thereof) or is regularly quoted by a
recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair
Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid
and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior
to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such
other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
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<PAGE> 3
(iii) In the absence of an established market for
the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.
(o) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to
qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the
Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(p) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not
intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(q) "Notice of Grant" means a written notice evidencing
certain terms and conditions of an individual Option or Stock Purchase Right
grant. The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.
(r) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the
Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
(s) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the
Plan.
(t) "Option Agreement" means a written agreement between
the Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual
Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan.
(u) "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby
outstanding options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower
exercise price.
(v) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an
Option or Stock Purchase Right.
(w) "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who holds
an outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right.
(x) "Parent" means a "parent corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(y) "Plan" means this 1995 Stock Plan.
(z) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock
acquired pursuant to a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 below.
(aa) "Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement" means a written
agreement between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the terms and
restrictions applying to stock purchased
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under a Stock Purchase Right. The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement is subject
to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Notice of Grant.
(bb) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or
any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised
with respect to the Plan.
(cc) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act.
(dd) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as
adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.
(ee) "Stock Purchase Right" means the right to purchase
Common Stock pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, as evidenced by a Notice of
Grant.
(ff) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation",
whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of
Section 13 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be
optioned and sold under the Plan is 1,600,000 Shares. The Shares may be
authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes
unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant
to an Option Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto
shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan
has terminated); provided, however, that Shares that have actually been issued
under the Plan, whether upon exercise of an Option or Right, shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the
Company at their original purchase price, and the original purchaser of such
Shares did not receive any benefits of ownership of such Shares, such Shares
shall become available for future grant under the Plan. For purposes of the
preceding sentence, voting rights shall not be considered a benefit of Share
ownership.
4. Administration of the Plan.
(a) Procedure.
(i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. If permitted
by Rule 16b-3, the Plan may be administered by different bodies with respect to
Directors, Officers who are not Directors, and Employees who are neither
Directors nor Officers.
(ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the
Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify Options granted hereunder
as "performance-based compensation" within the
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<PAGE> 5
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan shall be administered by a
Committee of two or more "outside directors" within the meaning of Section
162(m) of the Code.
(iii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to
qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions
contemplated hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for
exemption under Rule 16b-3.
(iv) Other Administration. Other than as provided
above, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which
committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.
(b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the
provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific
duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have
the authority, in its discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the
Common Stock, in accordance with Section 2(n) of the Plan;
(ii) to select the Consultants and Employees to
whom Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine whether and to what extent
Options and Stock Purchase Rights or any combination thereof, are granted
hereunder;
(iv) to determine the number of shares of Common
Stock to be covered by each Option and Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder;
(v) to approve forms of agreement for use under
the Plan;
(vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not
inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder. Such
terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the
time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights may be exercised (which may
be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of
forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Option
or Stock Purchase Right or the shares of Common Stock relating thereto, based in
each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall
determine;
(vii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option
or Stock Purchase Right to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market
Value of the Common Stock covered by such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
have declined since the date the Option or Stock Purchase Right was granted;
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<PAGE> 6
(viii) to construe and interpret the terms of the
Plan and awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
(ix) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and
regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to
sub-plans established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment
under foreign tax laws;
(x) to modify or amend each Option or Stock
Purchase Right (subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan), including the
discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of
Options longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan;
(xi) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding
tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be
issued upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares
having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair
Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that
the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by an
Optionee to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and
under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;
(xii) to authorize any person to execute on behalf
of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right previously granted by the Administrator;
(xiii) to institute an Option Exchange Program;
(xiv) to determine the terms and restrictions
applicable to Options and Stock Purchase Rights and any Restricted Stock; and
(xv) to make all other determinations deemed
necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
(c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. The
Administrator's decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and
binding on all Optionees and any other holders of Options or Stock Purchase
Rights.
5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase
Rights may be granted to Employees and Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may
be granted only to Employees.
6. Limitations.
(a) Each Option shall be designated in the written option
agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair
Market Value of the Shares with respect to which
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<PAGE> 7
Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Optionee
during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or
Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory
Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options shall
be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market
Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect
to such Shares is granted.
(b) Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase
Right shall confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the
Optionee's employment or consulting relationship with the Company, nor shall
they interfere in any way with the Optionee's right or the Company's right to
terminate such employment or consulting relationship at any time, with or
without cause.
(c) The following limitations shall apply to grants of
Options and Stock Purchase Rights to Employees:
(i) No Employee shall be granted, in any fiscal
year of the Company, Options and Stock Purchase Rights to purchase more than
300,000 Shares.
(ii) In connection with his or her initial
employment, an Employee may be granted Options and Stock Purchase Rights to
purchase up to an additional 200,000 Shares which shall not count against the
limit set forth in subsection (i) above.
(iii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted
proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as
described in Section 13.
(iv) If an Option or Stock Purchase Right is
canceled in the same fiscal year of the Company in which it was granted (other
than in connection with a transaction described in Section 13), the canceled
Option or Stock Purchase Right will be counted against the limits set forth in
subsections (i) and (ii) above. For this purpose, if the exercise price of an
Option or Stock Purchase Right is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a
cancellation of the Option or Stock Purchase Right and the grant of a new Option
or Stock Purchase Right.
7. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 19 of the Plan, the Plan
shall become effective upon the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board or
its approval by the shareholders of the Company as described in Section 19 of
the Plan. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless
terminated earlier under Section 15 of the Plan.
8. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the
Notice of Grant; provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock
Option, the term shall be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter
term as may be provided in the Notice of Grant. Moreover, in the case of an
Incentive Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Incentive
Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of
the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option
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<PAGE> 8
shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be
provided in the Notice of Grant.
9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the
Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator, subject to the following:
(i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
(A) granted to an Employee who, at the
time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than
ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or
any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than
110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B) granted to any Employee other than
an Employee described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise
price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date
of grant.
(ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option,
the per Share exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator. In the
case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to qualify as "performance-based
compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.
(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may
be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market
Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a merger or other corporate
transaction.
(b) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an
Option is granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the
Option may be exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be
satisfied before the Option may be exercised. In so doing, the Administrator may
specify that an Option may not be exercised until the completion of a service
period.
(c) Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall
determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option,
including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the
Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time
of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of:
(i) cash;
(ii) check;
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<PAGE> 9
(iii) promissory note;
(iv) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on
the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to
which said Option shall be exercised;
(v) delivery of a properly executed exercise
notice together with such other documentation as the Administrator and the
broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option and
delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the
exercise price;
(vi) a reduction in the amount of any Company
liability to the Optionee, including any liability attributable to the
Optionee's participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program
or arrangement;
(vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of
payment; or
(viii) such other consideration and method of
payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
10. Exercise of Option.
(a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any
Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan
and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator
and set forth in the Option Agreement.
An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a
Share.
An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company
receives: (i) written notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the stock certificate evidencing such Shares is issued (as evidenced by
the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized
transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any
other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock,
notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to
be issued) such stock certificate promptly after the Option is exercised. No
adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date
is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in
Section 13 of the Plan.
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<PAGE> 10
Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the
number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for
sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised.
(b) Termination of Employment or Consulting Relationship.
Upon termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or
Consultant, other than upon the Optionee's death or Disability, the Optionee may
exercise his or her Option, but only within such period of time as is specified
in the Notice of Grant, and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to
exercise it at the date of termination (but in no event later than the
expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant). In
the absence of a specified time in the Notice of Grant, the Option shall remain
exercisable for three (3) months following the Optionee's termination. In the
case of an Incentive Stock Option, such period of time for exercise shall not
exceed three (3) months from the date of termination. If, on the date of
termination, the Optionee is not entitled to exercise the Optionee's entire
Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall
revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or
her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(c) Disability of Optionee. In the event that an
Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant terminates as a result
of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option at any
time within twelve (12) months from the date of such termination, but only to
the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it at the date of such
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant). If, at the date of termination, the
Optionee is not entitled to exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares
covered by the unexercisable portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If,
after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the
time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(d) Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of an
Optionee, the Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months
following the date of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the
term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's
estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest
or inheritance, but only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to
exercise the Option at the date of death. If, at the time of death, the Optionee
was not entitled to exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the
unexercisable portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. If,
after death, the Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to
exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance does not exercise the Option
within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares
covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(e) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time
offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted
based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and
communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.
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11. Stock Purchase Rights.
(a) Rights to Purchase. Stock Purchase Rights may be
issued either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted
under the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the
Administrator determines that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the
Plan, it shall advise the offeree in writing, by means of a Notice of Grant, of
the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the
number of Shares that the offeree shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be
paid, and the time within which the offeree must accept such offer. The offer
shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the
form determined by the Administrator.
(b) Repurchase Option. Unless the Administrator
determines otherwise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the
Company a repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary
termination of the purchaser's employment with the Company for any reason
(including death or Disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased
pursuant to the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original price
paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the
purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at a rate determined
by the Administrator.
(c) Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock Purchase
Agreement shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not
inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole
discretion. In addition, the provisions of Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements
need not be the same with respect to each purchaser.
(d) Rights as a Shareholder. Once the Stock Purchase
Right is exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
shareholder, and shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon
the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment
will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to
the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 13
of the Plan.
12. Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights.
Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, an Option or Stock Purchase
Right may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed
of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution
and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.
If the Administrator makes an Option or Stock Purchase Right transferable, such
Option or Stock Purchase Right shall contain such additional terms and
conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
13. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution,
Merger or Asset Sale.
(a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required
action by the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock
covered by each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right, and the number of
shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for
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issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have
yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or
expiration of an Option or Stock Purchase Right, as well as the price per share
of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right,
shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of
issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split,
stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any
other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock
effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however,
that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed
to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall
be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final,
binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the
Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares
of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject
to an Option or Stock Purchase Right.
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the
proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent that an Option
or Stock Purchase Right has not been previously exercised, it will terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action. The Board may, in
the exercise of its sole discretion in such instances, declare that any Option
or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate as of a date fixed by the Board and give
each Optionee the right to exercise his or her Option or Stock Purchase Right as
to all or any part of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which the
Option or Stock Purchase Right would not otherwise be exercisable.
(c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the
Company with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of
the assets of the Company, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right
shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor
corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event
that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or
stock purchase right, the Optionee shall have the right to exercise the Option
or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to
which it would not otherwise be exercisable. If an Option or Stock Purchase
Right is exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a
merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee that the
Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be fully exercisable for a period of
fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option or Stock Purchase
Right shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of
this paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be considered assumed
if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or right confers the
right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the
Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger or sale of
assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property)
received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each
Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered
a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such
consideration received in the merger or sale of assets was not solely common
stock of the successor corporation or
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<PAGE> 13
its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor
corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of
the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to
the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to be solely common stock of the successor
corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share
consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of
assets.
14. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator
makes the determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such
other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the
determination shall be provided to each Optionee within a reasonable time after
the date of such grant.
15. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time
amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b) Shareholder Approval. The Company shall obtain
shareholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable
to comply with Applicable Laws.
(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment,
alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any
Optionee, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the
Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and
the Company.
16. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant
to the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such
Option or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares
shall comply with all Applicable Laws, and the requirements of any stock
exchange or quotation system upon which the Shares may then be listed or quoted,
and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with
respect to such compliance.
(b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Company may require the
person exercising such Option or Stock Purchase Right to represent and warrant
at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for
investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares
if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is
required.
17. Liability of Company. The inability of the Company to obtain
authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is
deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale
of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any
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<PAGE> 14
liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which
such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.
18. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this
Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as
shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
19. Shareholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject
to approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before
or after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be
obtained in the manner and to the degree required under applicable federal and
state law.
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<PAGE> 1
April 8, 1997
CKS Group, Inc.
10441 Bandley Drive
Cupertino, California 95014
RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have examined (i) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement") to be filed by CKS Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company" or "you"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or
about April 8, 1997 in connection with the registration under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of an aggregate of: (A) 1,000,000 shares of
Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of options granted under the
Company's 1996 Supplemental Stock Plan (the "Supplemental Plan"), and (B)
1,600,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Company's 1995
Stock Plan, as amended (the "Stock Plan") (all such shares of Common Stock being
hereinafter referred to as the "Shares"), and (ii) the Prospectuses dated
January 31, 1997 that relate to the Supplemental Stock Plan and Stock Plan and
to such Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 428(a)(1) promulgated under the
Act (the "Prospectuses"). As your legal counsel, we have reviewed the actions
proposed to be taken by you in connection with the proposed sale and issuance of
the Shares by the Company under the Supplemental Plan and the Stock Plan.
It is our opinion that, upon completion of the actions being taken, or
contemplated by us as your counsel to be taken, by you prior to the issuance of
the Shares pursuant to the Registration Statement, the Prospectuses and the
Supplemental Stock Plan and the Stock Plan, and upon completion of the actions
being taken in order to permit such transactions to be carried out in accordance
with the securities laws of the various states where required, the Shares will
be legally and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement, the Prospectuses and any subsequent amendment thereto.
Very truly yours,
WILSON, SONSINI, GOODRICH & ROSATI
Professional Corporation
/s/WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI, P.C.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors
CKS Group, Inc.:
We consent to the incorporation herein by reference of our reported dated
December 16, 1996, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of CKS Group,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of November 30, 1995 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended November 30, 1996, and the related
schedule, which report appears in the November 30, 1996, annual report on Form
10-K of CKS Group, Inc. We also consent to the incorporation herein by
reference of our report dated February 28, 1997, relating to the supplemental
consolidated balance sheets of CKS Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of November
30, 1995 and 1996, and the related supplemental consolidated statements of
income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended November 30, 1996, which report appears in the report
on Form 8-K/A of CKS Group, Inc. dated January 31, 1997. We also consent to
the incorporation herein by reference of our report dated June 6, 1996,
relating to the balance sheets of Schell/Mullaney, Inc. as of December 31, 1994
and 1995, and the related statements of operations and retained earnings, and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1995, which report appears in the report on Form 8-K/A of CKS Group, Inc. dated
August 1, 1996.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
San Jose, California
April 7, 1997
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement (Form S-8) and related prospectuses pertaining to the CKS Group, Inc.
1996 (the "Company") Supplemental Stock Plan and the Company's 1995 Stock Plan,
as amended, of our report dated November 4, 1996, with respect to the balance
sheets of Donovan & Green, Inc. as of December 31, 1994 and 1995, and the
related statements of operations and retained earnings and cash flows for the
years then ended, which report appears in the report on Form 8-K of CKS Group,
Inc., dated January 3, 1997.
/s/ ROBBINS, SPIELMAN, KOENIGSBERG &
PARKER LLP
New York, New York
April 2, 1997
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement (Form S-8) and related prospectuses pertaining to the CKS Group, Inc.
(the "Company") 1996 Supplemental Stock Plan and the company's 1995 Stock Plan,
as amended, of our report dated January 31, 1997, with respect to the balance
sheets of McKinney & Silver as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related
statements of income and partners' capital and cash flows for the years in the
three year period ended December 31, 1996, which report appears in the report
on Form 8-K/A of the Company dated March 5, 1997.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Raleigh, North Carolina
April 7, 1997
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