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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _________ TO _________
Commission File No. 000-22101
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC.
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(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
DELAWARE 13-3920210
(State or Other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
Geschaftshaus Wasserschloss
Aarestrasse 17
CH-5300 Vogelsang-Turgi, Switzerland
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (011)(41)(56) 223-5022
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held
by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the close of business on March 29,
1999 was approximately $34,934,047.
As of March 29, 1999, 9,809,132 shares of the registrant's Common Stock,
$0.01 par value (excluding treasury shares), were issued and outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
See Part III hereof with respect to incorporation by reference from the
registrant's definitive proxy statement for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998 to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 and the Exhibit Index hereto.
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PART I
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the "safe harbor" provisions under Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We use
forward-looking statements in our description of our plans and objectives for
future operations and assumptions underlying these plans and objectives.
Forward-looking terminology includes the words "may," "expects," "believes,"
"anticipates," "intends," "projects," or similar terms, variations of such
terms or the negative of such terms. These forward-looking statements are based
on management's current expectations and are subject to factors and
uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those
described in such forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any
obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any
forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K to reflect any change in
our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which
any forward-looking statement is based. Factors which could cause such results
to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements
include those set forth under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in, or incorporated
by reference into this Form 10-K. These factors include the following: we have
experienced significant operating losses, changed our principal business and we
cannot predict whether we will become profitable; our operating results will be
adversely affected by charges from acquisitions; our strategy of acquiring
other companies for growth may not succeed; we need additional funds for future
acquisitions; our substantial debt reduces cash available for our business, may
adversely affect our ability to obtain additional funds and increase our
vulnerability to economic or business downturns; we face intense competition in
the German PC industry; risks relating to foreign operations and other risks.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
(a) General Development of Business
We market high-performance personal computers in Germany assembled
according to customer specifications and sold under the trade name "Trinology."
We also sell components, peripherals and software for PCs.
During the year ended December 31, 1998, we:
o completed a reorganization by transferring substantially all of the assets
and liabilities and the businesses of one of our German subsidiaries and
our Swiss subsidiary to two newly formed entities in which we own a
minority interest;
o licensed our visual communications technology to one of the newly formed
entities, Algo Vision Schweiz; and
o acquired Columbus Computer Handels-und Vertriebs GmbH & Co. KG and Columbus
Computer Handels-und Vertriebs-Verwaltungs GmbH, a distributor of PC
components, peripherals and software in Germany.
As a result of these transactions and our acquisition of FSE Computer-Handel
GmbH & Co. KG, in November 1997, substantially all of our revenues are now
generated from the sale and distribution of PCs and PC components, peripherals
and software in Germany.
We were incorporated in Delaware in September 1996. Our address is
Geschaftshaus Wasserschloss, Aarestrasse 17, CH-5300, Vogelsang-Turgi,
Switzerland and our telephone number is (011) (41) (56) 223-5022. Unless the
context otherwise requires, "we" or "IAT Multimedia" refers to IAT Multimedia,
Inc., the Delaware corporation, and our subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are:
o FSE Computer-Handel GmbH & Co. KG, a German limited partnership of
which we own 80% of the partnership interests, and FSE Computer-Handel
Verwaltungs GmbH, a German corporation of which we own 100% of the
stock. FSE markets high performance PCs in Germany; and
o the following subsidiaries of which we own 100% of the stock or
partnership interests:
o Columbus Computer Handels-und Vertriebs GmbH & Co. KG, a German
limited partnership and Columbus Computer Handels-und
Vertriebs-Verwaltungs GmbH, a German general partnership.
Columbus distributes PC components, peripherals and software in
Germany;
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o IAT AG, a Swiss corporation, which owns our visual communications
technology proprietary rights; and
o IAT Deutschland GmbH Interaktive Medien Systeme, a German
corporation, which is a non-operating subsidiary.
(b) Financial Information about Industry Segments
We operate in only one business segment.
(c) Narrative Description of Business
GENERAL
We market high-performance personal computers in Germany assembled
according to customer specifications and sold under the trade name "Trinology."
We also sell components, peripherals and software for PCs. Our product line
includes:
o high-performance IBM-compatible desktop PCs;
o components, such as motherboards, hard disks, graphic cards and plug-in
cards; and
o peripherals, such as printers, monitors and cabinets.
Our clients include:
o corporate customers, such as industrial, pharmaceutical, service and
trade companies;
o the military;
o value-added resellers; and
o retail computer stores.
Our products are marketed directly through our internal sales force to dealers
and end-users. We also maintain two retail showrooms and a mail-order
department.
We work directly with a wide range of suppliers to evaluate the latest
developments in related technology and engage in extensive testing to optimize
the compatibility and speed of the components which are sold and integrated into
our Trinology PCs. Components and peripherals used in Trinology PCs and sold by
us are manufactured by companies such as:
o Actebis Computer Handels GmbH;
o Peacock AG;
o CTX Computer GmbH;
o Ingram Micro GmbH;
o Iiyama;
o Asus Computer GmbH; and
o Matrox Electronic Systems.
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We offer a comprehensive service and support program to our customers. Our
Trinology PCs, components and peripherals come with warranties ranging from one
to three years. We also maintain a free service hotline providing operational
and technical support and a "support mailbox" for our customers, through which
customers may send inquiries to technical support personnel via computer.
We also receive limited license fees and royalty payments from the sale of
products incorporating our visual communications technology manufactured by
Algo Vision Schweiz, a non-exclusive licensee of our visual communications
technology. We intend to offer products manufactured by Algo Vision Schweiz
incorporating our visual communications technology in our Trinology PCs and as
additional product lines.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
During the past decade, significant advances in computer technology have
led to the development of smaller, more powerful PCs available to the public at
progressively lower prices. These developments have stimulated rapid growth in
the demand for PC products, including components and peripherals. Growth has
been particularly strong in international markets in recent years. According to
Dataquest, approximately 5.6 million PCs were sold in Germany in 1998 and more
than 6 million PCs are expected to be sold in Germany in 1999. According to the
German market research company GfK, a majority of all PCs are purchased by
distributors and not directly from the manufacturers.
Historically, internal sales forces and retail computer dealers were the
primary source of purchasing information and support for computer buyers.
However, as the PC market has matured it has become more segmented. Customers
are now offered distribution channels more closely tailored to their specific
needs. Users who require high-quality and high-performance PCs that are capable
of performing complex functions may purchase computers, components and
peripherals directly from manufacturers who can customize a PC to the customer's
needs as well as provide system design services and specialized software.
PRODUCTS
We market high-performance personal computers in Germany assembled
according to customer specifications and sold under the trade name "Trinology."
We also sell components, peripherals and software for PCs. Our product line
includes:
o high-performance IBM-compatible desktop PCs;
o components, such as motherboards, hard disks, graphic cards and plug-in
cards;
o peripherals, such as printers, monitors and cabinets; and
o software, such as operating systems and office software.
We believe that Trinology computers have a reputation in Germany for high
quality and performance. We do not develop or manufacture components,
peripherals or software which are purchased from suppliers and integrated into
our PCs or sold separately. We work directly with a wide range of suppliers to
evaluate the latest developments in related technology and engage in extensive
testing to optimize the compatibility and speed of the components which are sold
and integrated into our Trinology PCs. We believe that our extensive testing and
selection gives Trinology PCs an advantage over PCs built by our competitors. We
believe that our volume of component and peripheral purchases, for both our
component and peripheral business and our PC business, and our extensive testing
of components and peripherals enable us to remain well-informed
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about new developments in the PC industry and to obtain attractive volume
pricing. See "-- Suppliers and Production."
Our sale of customized high-quality PCs and high performance components
and peripherals in the upper price and performance categories is a
customer-focused business which promotes direct, comprehensive customer
relationships, and service and support programs tailored to customer needs.
Information received directly from our customers is the most significant factor
in our determination to develop a newer line of Trinology PCs providing new
technology and features. Customers for Trinology PCs are typically users who
need systems with a high processing speed and high reliability for use in
professional applications. In 1998, substantially all of our clients were
primarily from the industrial and trade sectors, service industries, the
military and computer resellers, which comprise both wholesalers and retailers.
Our relationship with these customers often begins prior to a customer's
purchase. We work with each customer to plan a strategy to meet that customer's
current and future technological needs prior to assembling the customer's
Trinology PCs.
In the component and peripheral market we sell memory chips, processors,
motherboards, diskdrives, monitors, packaged software, cabinets, graphic and
multimedia controllers, modems and networking components. We intend to offer
products manufactured by Algo Vision Schweiz incorporating our visual
communications technology in our Trinology PCs and as additional product lines.
We offer a comprehensive service and support program to our customers. Our
Trinology PCs, components and peripherals come with warranties ranging from one
to three years. We also maintain a free service hotline providing operational
and technical support and a "support mailbox" for our customers, through which
customers may send inquiries to technical support personnel via computer. Our
objective is to provide repairs or replacement of defective PCs, components and
peripherals within 36 hours.
Customers and Marketing
Our customers include:
o corporate customers, such as industrial, pharmaceutical, service and
trade companies;
o the military;
o value-added resellers; and
o retail computer stores.
These customers are located primarily in Germany. Components and
peripherals are primarily marketed and sold to value added resellers, retailers
and end-users. None of our customers accounted for more than 10% of our
revenues in 1998.
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We market our products to our customers through:
o our internal sales staff;
o our mail order department;
o our website;
o our two showrooms located in Kaiserslautern and Pirmasens, Germany;
o advertisements in trade journals;
o weekly fax messages to approximately 3,000 dealers;
o industry trade fairs; and
o dealer days, during which dealers may view our new product lines.
We also appear in reports in trade journals and general distributions of
news items. We believe that these appearances highlight us and increases our
visibility and the marketability of our products. We provide our customers with
knowledgeable sales assistance, custom configuration and service and support. We
believe that our marketing and distribution system provides the following
advantages over traditional retail channels:
o we gain access to end-users without having to compete for limited
shelf space at traditional retail outlets;
o we reduce obsolescence risk and delays in introducing new PCs because
we do not need to support an extensive pipeline of dealer inventory;
o we have direct customer contact which allows us to maintain, monitor
and update a database of information about customers and their current
and future product service needs; and
o we use our customer service contact and our direct customer contact to
shape future product offerings as well as post-sale service and
support.
We currently maintain a customer database of approximately 9,000 customers and
approximately 70% of our sales of PCs in 1998 were to repeat customers.
SUPPLIERS AND PRODUCTION
Components and peripherals used in Trinology PCs and sold by us are
manufactured by companies in Germany, the United States and Asia such as:
o Actebis Computer Handels GmbH;
o Peacock AG;
o CTX Computer GmbH;
o Ingram Micro GmbH;
o Iiyama;
o Asus Computer GmbH; and
o Matrox Electronic Systems.
In most cases, we acquire these components and peripherals through
manufacturers and primary distributors. We do not maintain any long-term
contracts with these suppliers and believe that suitable alternative suppliers
are available for each of our existing suppliers. The availability of such PC
components and peripherals is affected by factors such as world-wide demand for
components and peripherals, seasonal reductions in business activities and
political and economic downturns in the
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countries in which such suppliers are located. We work directly with a wide
range of suppliers and manufacturers to evaluate the latest developments in
PC-related technology. Prior to distributing our products, we test and optimize
the compatibility and speed of the components which we sell and which are
integrated into our Trinology PCs.
The assembly process for our Trinology PCs is designed to provide
custom-configured products to our customers, and includes assembling components,
loading software and performing quality control tests. We assemble approximately
20% of our Trinology PCs in house and rely on outside assemblers for the rest of
our production. Our production team performs quality control tests on each PC,
and the quality department inspects samples of all completed Trinology PCs to
ensure that quality specifications have been met. Once completed, each PC is
shipped ready for use with the requested software applications already
installed. We believe that we can increase our level of production without
materially increasing our fixed costs although labor and other variable costs
would increase. We are examining alternate methods of increasing production,
including additional out-sourcing. We intend to incorporate products
manufactured by Algo Vision Schweiz using our visual communications technology
into our PCs and intend to use our sales force to market products to VARs and
retail customers.
COMPETITION
The German PC industry is highly competitive, especially with respect to
pricing and the introduction of new products and features. We compete with our
competitors primarily on the basis of adding new performance features without
corresponding price increases. We may not be able to continue to compete
successfully by:
o introducing products or performance features on a timely basis; or
o adding new features to our products without corresponding increases in
prices.
Furthermore, in recent years we and many of our competitors have regularly
lowered prices, and we expect these pricing pressures to continue. If these
pricing pressures are not mitigated by increases in volume, cost reductions or
changes in product mix, our revenues and profits could be substantially reduced.
As compared to us, many of our competitors have:
o significantly longer operating histories;
o significantly greater managerial, financial, marketing, technical and
other competitive resources; and
o greater name recognition.
As a result, our competitors may be able to:
o adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in
customer requirements;
o devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their products
and services; and
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o respond more effectively to pricing pressures.
These factors could materially adversely affect our operations and financial
condition. We also compete with other PC direct marketers as well as with PC
manufacturers that market their products in distribution channels in which we
have not participated. We cannot predict whether we will be able to compete
successfully with existing or new competitors. In addition, competition could
increase if:
o new companies enter the market;
o existing competitors expand their service offerings; or
o we expand into new markets.
An increase in competition could result in material price reductions or
loss of our market share and could materially adversely affect our operations
and financial condition.
RESTRUCTURING AND RECENT TRANSACTIONS
German and Swiss Restructuring
In addition to marketing and selling PCs, components, peripherals and
software, we have developed customizable proprietary visual communications
technology. This technology is designed to enable users to participate in real
time, multi-point video conferencing and providing improved features and
functionality over competing technology. This technology includes wavelet data
compression and decompression technology which permits high-speed exchange of
compressed electronic images across a variety of networks. In addition to
videoconferencing, this visual communications technology has many applications,
including simultaneous document sharing to optimize travel plans, video
broadcasting for live educational presentations, kiosk systems and electronic
commerce with video.
In March 1998, we transferred substantially all of the assets and the
liabilities (other than intercompany accounts) of one of our majority-owned
German subsidiaries, IAT Germany, into a newly formed German company,
Communication Systems. Communication Systems changed its name to Algo
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Vision Systems in February 1999. IAT Germany had provided our research and
development and also was responsible for sales and marketing in Germany of our
visual communications technology. The core business of Algo Vision Systems
involves systems, system kits, and software system solutions for visual
communications, and focuses on tele-medicine and industrial solutions
(tele-service). We own a 15% interest in Algo Vision Systems. The transfer was
effective as of January 1, 1998.
In March 1998, we transferred certain of the assets and liabilities of IAT
AG, other than among other assets and liabilties, our intellectual property and
the ownership interests in IAT Germany, to Swiss Newco, a newly formed Swiss
corporation. IAT AG owns our visual communications technology. Swiss Newco
changed its name to Algo Vision Schweiz in February 1999. We own a 15% interest
of Algo Vision Schweiz. The transfer was effective as of January 1, 1998.
In connection with this restructuring, we granted Algo Vision Schweiz a
non-exclusive five-year license to use our intellectual property for multimedia
and compression/decompression applications. We maintained ownership of all our
intellectual property developed for our multimedia and compression/
decompression hardware and software products. Algo Vision Schweiz has the right
to grant sublicenses to Algo Vision Systems and other affiliates. The royalties
payable to us vary between 10% and 20% of the sales price of the software sold.
To date, we have generated only limited revenues, although we may derive
additional future revenue through license and royalty fees in the event of
sales of products incorporating this technology. Algo Vision Schweiz has a
five-year option to purchase a 50% co-ownership of our intellectual property
for $1 million. Upon the exercise of such option, the royalty paid by Algo
Vision Schweiz to us would be cut in half and we will pay Algo Vision Schweiz
half of the royalties received by us from third-parties. In addition, Algo
Vision Schweiz will have the right to grant sub-licenses to third-parties or
transfer the license or co-ownership interest, in each case subject to our
consent.
We are currently in discussions with Algo Vision Systems and Algo Vision
Schweiz relating to our potential sale to these entities of:
o our 15% equity interest in each of these entities; and
o our visual communications intellectual property rights.
Our discussions propose that in exchange for our sale of these assets, we would
receive:
o cash;
o an equity interest in a new entity which will continue the operations
of Algo Vision Systems and Algo Vision Schweiz; and
o reduced royalty and license fees for a period of time following such
sale.
These negotiations are ongoing and the terms of any proposed transaction have
not been finalized. We cannot predict whether this proposed transaction will be
consummated on terms favorable to us or at all.
We are dependent upon our minority-owned subsidiaries (or other licensees,
if any) to produce products incorporating our technology. In addition, we are
dependent on our minority-owned subsidiaries (or other, licensees, if any) for
continued research and development to keep our technology current and to
customize the technology. There can be no assurance that our minority-owned
subsidiaries (or other licensees, if any) will be able to successfully produce
and sell products incorporating our technology or that they will be able to
successfully continue to develop our technology.
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Columbus Acquisition
In November 1998, we acquired, effective as of October 31, 1998, Columbus
Computer Handels-und Vertriebs GmbH & Co. KG and Columbus Computer Handels-und
Vertriebs-Verwaltungs GmbH, the general partner of Columbus. The aggregate
purchase price was $2,588,060, comprised of approximately $1.7 million in cash,
the issuance of 98,622 shares of our common stock valued at the time of
issuance at approximately $760,000, $140,000 of acquisition costs and the
assumption of liabilities of $ $2,041,183. In the event the price of our common
stock is less than $7.64 per share at the time of sale of the shares issued in
the acquisition, we will be required to issue up to an additional 17,296 shares
of our common stock. In connection with the transaction, we made a working
capital loan of approximately $660,000 to Columbus. Pursuant to the agreement,
Axel Hundt, the founder and former owner of Columbus, entered into a two-year
employment contract.
In connection with the Columbus acquisition we consolidated a portion of
our existing peripherals business into that of Columbus. FSE will concentrate
primarily on the production and marketing of its high-performance built-to-order
PCs and Columbus will focus primarily on the distribution of components and
peripherals. As part of this consolidation and in order to reduce expenses, we
terminated approximately 20 FSE employees, including Dr. Simmet, the former
general manager of FSE who resigned, effective as of December 31, 1998.
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
In connection the FSE acquisition in November 1997, Dr. Alfred Simmet, the
owner and the former general manager of FSE, guaranteed to refund a portion of
the purchase price paid by us for FSE if the earnings before interest, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of FSE for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998 did not reach certain targets. The EBITDA of FSE for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 did not reach such targets and as a result
Dr. Simmet owed us approximately $1.5 million. Approximately $920,000 of this
amount was reduced by amounts owed by us to Dr. Simmet. The remaining
approximately $580,000 is owed by Dr. Simmet to us. In February 1999, we
entered into a purchase agreement with Dr. Simmet under which Dr. Simmet agreed
to pay us the $1.5 million and we agreed to purchase Dr. Simmet's remaining 20%
interest in FSE by December 31, 2000. The purchase price for a portion of the
FSE shares will be based upon the operating results of FSE for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1999 and the purchase price for the remaining shares of FSE
will be based upon the operating results of FSE for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2000. The $580,000 owed to us by Dr. Simmet will be credited
towards the purchase price for the FSE shares which we will purchase from Dr.
Simmet. If the purchase price for the FSE shares is less than $580,000 then Dr.
Simmet will pay us the difference between $580,000 and the purchase price for
the FSE shares. If the purchase price for the FSE shares is greater than
$580,000 then we will pay Dr. Simmet the difference between the purchase price
for the FSE shares and $580,000.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We do not have, and do not rely upon, patentable technology with respect
to the sale of Trinology PCs, components, peripherals or software. We have trade
secrets regarding our component evaluation, assembly procedures, marketing and
other areas. In addition, we believe Trinology, which is a non-registered
trademark, is important to our businesses and we intend to vigorously protect
this trademark. However, there can be no assurance that patents or trademarks
will be granted or, if granted, that such patents, trademarks or copyright will
provide protection against infringement. There can be no assurance that the
steps taken by us to protect our proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent
misappropriation of our technology or independent development by others of
similar technology. In Germany, our patent registration on our wavelet
algorithms is pending and we have a copyright on the program listing of our
wavelet algorithm. We have licensed these rights to Algo Vision Schweiz.
Substantially all of our revenues, on a pro forma basis for the FSE and
Columbus acquisitions, in the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 were
generated from operations located in Germany and Switzerland. We believe that
regardless of differences in legal systems in Germany and Switzerland, we enjoy
substantially equivalent protection for our proprietary rights as we would in
the United States. However, the laws of some foreign countries where we may in
the future sell our products may not protect our proprietary rights to the same
extent as do laws in the United States and, we believe, Germany and Switzerland.
The protections afforded by the laws of such countries may not be adequate to
protect our intellectual property rights. Our inability to protect our
proprietary rights could materially adversely affect our operations and
financial condition. Litigation may be necessary to:
o enforce our intellectual property rights;
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o protect our trade secrets; and
o determine the scope and validity of such intellectual property rights.
Any such litigation, whether or not successful, could result in substantial
costs and diversion of resources and could materially adversely affect our
operations and financial condition.
We may receive notice of claims of infringement of other parties'
proprietary rights. Such actions could result in litigation and we could incur
significant costs and diversion of resources in defending such claims. The party
making such claims could secure a judgment awarding substantial damages, as well
as injunctive or other equitable relief. Such relief could effectively block our
ability to make, use, sell, distribute or market our products and services in
such jurisdiction. We may also be required to seek licenses to such intellectual
property. We cannot predict, however, whether such licenses would be available
or, if available, that such licenses could be obtained on terms that are
commercially reasonable and acceptable to us. The failure to obtain the
necessary licenses or other rights could preclude the sale, manufacture or
distribution of our products and could materially adversely affect our
operations and financial condition.
EMPLOYEES
As of February 28, 1999, we had 47 full-time employees and nine part-time
employees. Except for four of our employees located in Pirmasens, Germany who
are members of a labor union, none of our employees is party to any collective
bargaining agreements or labor unions. We have not experienced any work
stoppages and believe that our relations with our employees are good. In
addition, Algo Vision Schweiz provides administrative services, office space and
related services to us for a cost of $100,000 per annum. The cost of such
services are deducted from amounts owed by Algo Vision Schweiz to us in
connection with the loans made in our reorganization.
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CURRENCY TRANSLATION
In this 10-K, references to "U.S. Dollars" or "$" are to United States
currency, and references to "Deutsche Mark" or "DM" and "Swiss Franc" or "SF"
are to German and Swiss currency, respectively. We have presented our
consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") in U.S. Dollars.
Amounts originally measured in Deutsche Mark and Swiss Franc for all periods
presented have been translated into U.S. Dollars under the methodology set forth
in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52. For the convenience of
the reader, this 10-K contains translations of certain Deutsche Mark or Swiss
Franc amounts into U.S. Dollars which should not be construed as a
representation that such Deutsche Mark or Swiss Franc amounts actually represent
such U.S. Dollar amounts or could be, or could have been, converted into U.S.
Dollars at the rates indicated or at any other rate. This rate may differ from
the actual rates in effect during the periods covered by the financial
information discussed herein.
ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. Investors in our
common stock will be able to effect service of process on us in the United
States. However, we are primarily a holding company which holds stock in
entities in Switzerland and Germany and all or a substantial portion of our
assets are located outside the United States. In addition, all of our six
directors and all of our executive officers are residents of foreign countries
and all or a substantial portion of the assets of such directors and officers
are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible
for investors to effect service of process upon our directors and officers or
enforce judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability
provisions of U.S. laws against our directors' and officers' assets.
We have been advised that there is doubt as to the enforceability in
Switzerland of judgments of U.S. courts and in Germany in original actions for
enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts of civil liabilities predicted solely
upon the laws of the United States, in each case against our subsidiaries and
against our shareholders, directors, officers and employees who are domiciled in
Switzerland and Germany. In addition, awards of punitive damages in actions
brought in the United States or elsewhere may be unenforceable in Switzerland
and in Germany. The market price of our common stock may be affected by the
difficulty for investors to enforce judgments of U.S. courts.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We:
o sublease a portion of approximately 4,600 square feet of office space
in New York, New York from an affiliate of our Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer. This lease terminates in January 2002 and has
annual rental cost of $100,000, which amount includes administrative
and office services; and
o approximately 37,500 square feet of office, showroom, assembly and
warehouse space in Pirmasens, Kaiserslautern and Erding Germany. These
leases terminate between December 2001 and December 2003 and have an
aggregate annual rental cost of approximately $150,000. The rent on our
lease in Pirmasens is subject to the condition that we continue to
employ at least 35 Pirmasens residents.
We believe that these facilities are suitable for our current and
anticipated need. We believe that, if necessary, we can obtain additional leased
space and renew our existing leases at similar rates. In the event we are unable
to renew our lease in Pirmasens, we would not be able to lease space in
Pirmasens at similar rates. While we do not believe that these spaces are
material to our operations, finding alternative space at market rates could have
an adverse impact on our results of operations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We may be involved from time to time in litigation incidental to our
business, although no legal proceedings are currently pending against us.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
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<PAGE>
At an annual stockholders meeting held on November 16, 1998, the following
matters were approved:
o election of six directors;
o approval and ratification of the appointment of Rothstein, Kass &
Company, P.C. as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1998;
o approval and ratification of an amendment to our Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized
shares of stock to 60 million, of which 10 million shares are preferred
stock and 50 million shares are common stock and to eliminate our
Series A preferred stock; and
o approval and ratification of an amendment to our bylaws to reduce the
percentage of outstanding shares required to constitute a quorum at a
meeting of stockholders to one-third of the outstanding shares.
The respective vote tabulations are detailed below:
Proposal 1 For Withhold
- ---------- --- --------
Jacob Agam 5,921,762 1,190
Klaus Grissemann 5,921,762 1,190
Dr. Viktor Vogt 5,921,762 1,190
Volker Walther 5,921,762 1,190
Dr. Erich Weber 5,921,762 1,190
Robert Weiss 5,921,762 1,190
Proposal 2 For Against Abstain
- ---------- --- ------- -------
Appointment of Rothstein, 5,983,037 1,300 2,490
Kass & Company, P.C.
Proposal 3 For Against Abstain
- ---------- --- ------- -------
Amendment to our 5,148,895 27,406 1,790
Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation
Proposal 4 For Against Abstain
- ---------- --- ------- -------
Amendment to our 4,963,165 203,136 11,790
Bylaws
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<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the names and positions of our executive
officers:
Name Age Current Position with the Company
- ------------------------ ---------- ---------------------------------------
Jacob Agam.............. 43 Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer
Klaus Grissemann........ 55 Chief Financial Officer
Nicolaas Hildebrand..... 49 Chief Operating Officer
JACOB AGAM has served as our Co-Chairman of the Board since our
organization in October 1996 and became the sole Chairman and the Chief
Executive Officer in April 1998. Mr. Agam is a founder and Chairman of Orida, a
merchant banking and venture capital firm, and has been the Chairman of
Vertical, a principal stockholder of IAT Multimedia, since 1995. Mr. Agam, in
his capacity as Chairman of Orida, spends a portion of his business time
providing services to companies other than IAT Multimedia. Orida provides
services for Vertical pursuant to an agreement between Orida and Vertical. Mr.
Agam received a law degree from Tel Aviv University in 1984 and an LLM degree in
Securities and Corporate Finance from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986.
KLAUS GRISSEMANN has served as our Chief Financial Officer since our
organization in October 1996 and has served as a director since December 1996.
Mr. Grissemann joined IAT AG, a subsidiary of IAT Multimedia, in 1989 as Chief
Financial Officer and has served as a director of IAT AG since 1993. From 1979
until 1988, Mr. Grissemann was Chief Financial Officer of Jaeger Le Coultre AG,
a Swiss watch manufacturer. Mr. Grissemann graduated from Kantonale
Handelsschule business school in Zurich.
NICOLAAS HILDEBRAND has served as our Chief Operating Officer since
February 1999. Prior to joining IAT Multimedia, Mr. Hildebrand served as the
Managing Director of Asys Holding. Prior to joining Asys in July 1996, Mr.
Hildebrand served as the General Manager, Central Europe for Compuware from May
1994 until September 1995 and Director of Marketing and Research and Development
for Wang Europe from January 1987 until February 1994.
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<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq National Market on March
26, 1997 and is quoted for trading under the symbol "IATA." Prior to that date,
there was no public market for our common stock. Our common stock also trades on
the Freiverkehr in Frankfurt, Berlin, Stuttgart and Dusseldorf, Germany. We also
intend to apply for listing of our common stock on the Neuer Market in
Frankfurt, Germany. The following table sets forth the range of high and low
sales price per share for our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market for the
periods indicated.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998: HIGH LOW
October 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998 $6-3/4 $3-9/16
July 1, 1998 through September 30, 1998 11-3/4 4-3/16
April 1, 1998 through June 30, 1998 12-5/8 4-3/16
January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998 6-9/16 4-1/8
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997:
October 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997 7-3/8 6-1/8
July 1, 1997 through September 30, 1997 6-3/4 4
April 1, 1997 through June 30, 1997 7-3/4 6
March 26, 1997 through March 31, 1997 8-7/8 8-1/2
On March 29, 1999, the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq
National Market was $5.50 per share. As of March 29, 1999, there were
approximately 51 record holders and we believe that the number of beneficial
owners of our common stock exceeds 700.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not
anticipate or intend paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future on our
common stock.
CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The shares of our common stock issued in our initial public offering
were registered under a registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-18529)
which became effective on March 26, 1997.
During the three months ended December 31, 1998, we used approximately
$1,408,000of the net proceeds from our initial public offering. Of this amount
we paid approximately $1,080,000 for the Columbus acquisition, net of cash
acquired, and approximately $328,000 for working capital and general corporate
purposes. As of December 31, 1998, approximately $1,836,000 of the proceeds from
our initial public offering remains unused.
We did not issue any equity securities during the quarter ended
December 31, 1998 which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, except that in November 1998, in connection with the Columbus
acquisition, we issued 98,622 shares of our common stock. In January 1999, we
exchanged 198,255 shares of our common stock for 2,000 shares of our Series B
preferred stock.
The above transactions were private transactions not involving a public
offering and were exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933 under Section 4(2) or Regulation D of the Securities Act. The sale of
such securities was without the use of an underwriter, and the certificates for
the shares contain a restrictive legend permitting the transfer of such
securities only upon registration of the shares or an exemption under the
Securities Act.
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<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales $ 1,053 $ 1,510 $ 1,193 $ 5,880 $38,340
Cost of sales 700 968 811 5,167 35,465
=============== ============ ============ ============ =============
Gross margin 353 542 382 713 2,875
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development costs 2,269 2,531 2,729 2,523
Less participations received (2,207) (868) (398) (97)
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Research and development expenses,net 62 1,663 2,331 2,426
Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,538 2,640 2,957 5,436 4,933
=============== ============ ============ ============ =============
1,600 4,303 5,288 7,862 4,933
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Operating loss $ (1,247) $ (3,761) $ (4,906) $ (7,149) $(2,058)
=============== ============ ============ ============ =============
Net loss $ (1,335) $ (3,730) $ (5,108) $ (6,894) $(1,743)
=============== ============ ============ ============ =============
Basic and diluted loss per common share $ (0.33) $ (0.77) $ (0.89) $ (0.84) $ (0.19)
=============== ============ ============ ============ =============
Weighted average number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding 4,002 4,839 5,752 8,261 9,327
=============== ============ ============ ============ =============
Earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization $ (1,058) $ (3,407) $ (4,665) $ (6,687) $(1,356)
=============== ============ ============ ============ =============
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
should not be considered an alternative to operating income, net income,
cash flows or any other measure of performance as determined in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, as an indicator of
operating performance or as a measure of liquidity.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of December 31,
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
(in thousands)
BALANCE SHEET DATA 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
--------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current assets $ 1,308 $ 1,489 $ 1,204 $ 12,513 $10,686
Working capital (deficiency) (865) (1,106) (2,728) 4,123 6,884
Total assets 1,771 2,056 2,216 16,660 16,864
Current liabilities 2,173 2,595 3,932 8,390 3,802
Loans payable - stockholders, net of current portion 336 349 964
Total liabilities 2,509 2,944 4,896 8,564 6,802
Series A Preferred Stock 1,400
Accumulated deficit 3,455 7,185 12,293 19,239 20,982
Stockholders equity (deficiency) (738) (888) (4,080) 8,096 9,990
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our historical consolidated financial
condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to such financial statements
included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
We were formed in September 1996 as a holding company for the existing
business of IAT AG and IAT Germany, which were engaged in developing products
for the visual communications industry. In November 1997, we acquired 100% of
the shares of capital stock of the general partner of FSE and 80% of the
outstanding limited partnership interests of FSE. Effective October 31, 1998, we
acquired 100% of the shares of capital stock of the general partner of Columbus
and all of the outstanding limited partnership interests of Columbus.
Through FSE and Columbus, we market in Germany high-performance PCs
assembled according to customer specifications and sold under the trade name
"Trinology," as well as components, software and peripherals for PCs. Our
product line includes high-performance IBM-compatible desktop PCs as well as
components, such as motherboards, hard disks, graphic cards and plug-in cards,
peripherals, such as printers, monitors and cabinets, and software. Our clients
are corporate customers, including industrial, pharmaceutical, service and trade
companies, the military and value added resellers. We market our products
directly through our internal sales force to dealers and end-users and also
maintain two retail showrooms and a mail-order department. We work directly with
a wide range of suppliers to evaluate the latest developments in PC-related
technology and engage in extensive testing to optimize the compatibility and
speed of the components which are sold and integrated into Trinology PCs.
We have also developed visual communications technology. In connection
with our reorganization in March 1998, we licensed this technology to Algo
Vision Schweiz. To date, we have received limited royalty income from sales of
products by Also Vision Schweiz incorporating this technology. We may also offer
products incorporating our visual communications technology manufactured by the
entities in which we own a minority interest, in our PCs and as an additional
product line for sale to our customers.
In November 1997, we acquired 100% of the interest in the general
partner of FSE and 80% of the limited partnership interest of FSE from the sole
limited partner. The aggregate purchase price was $4,074,653, comprised of
$1,857,225 in cash, the issuance of a promissory note for $928,608, the issuance
of 146,949 shares of our common stock valued at the time of issuance at
$929,000, $360,212 of acquisition costs and the assumption of liabilities of
$4,438,547. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, the seller has agreed to
reimburse us approximately $1,500,000 based upon the difference between the
guaranteed earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
(EBITDA) of FSE for 1998 and the actual EBITDA of FSE. Therefore, we have
reduced goodwill by this amount, reduced loans payable - stockholder by
approximately $920,000 and recorded a receivable of approximately $580,000 which
will be offset against the proceeds due for the acquisition of the remaining 20%
interest in the FSE limited partnership.
In March 1998, we transferred substantially all of the assets and the
liabilities (other than intercompany accounts) of one of our majority-owned
German subsidiaries, IAT Germany, which conducted our research and development
and sold and marketed our products in Germany, into a newly formed German
company Algo Vision Systems. In connection with this transaction, we
contributed approximately $650,000 to Algo Vision Systems and we purchased 25%
of the capital stock of IAT Germany for approximately $100,000 from one of IAT
Germany's stockholders. We also provided Algo Vision Systems with a working
capital loan of approximately $300,000, $160,000 of which was repaid by Algo
Vision Systems in 1998 and the remaining $140,000 is payable on March 31, 1999.
As a result of the transaction we own 15% and an entity controlled by Viktor
Vogt, one of our directors, owns a majority of Algo Vision Systems,
respectively. The remaining shares are owned by non-affiliated entities.
In March 1998, we also transferred certain of the assets and
liabilities of IAT AG, our Swiss subsidiary (other than among others, our
intellectual property and the ownership interests in IAT Germany) to a newly
formed Swiss corporation, Algo Vision Schweiz. In connection with this
transaction, we made two loans of approximately $250,000 and $325,000 to
Algo Vision Schweiz. The loans bear interest at 3% per annum and mature on the
earlier of March 2001 or upon Algo Vision Schweiz reaching certain performance
targets. As a result of the transaction we own 15% and an entity controlled by
Dr. Vogt owns a majority of Algo Vision Schweiz, respectively. The remaining
shares are owned by non-affiliated entities. See "Business -- Restructuring and
Recent Transactions."
Both transfers were effective January 1, 1998 and we incurred charges
to operations of approximately $350,000 and $46,000 during 1998 and 1997,
respectively, relating to these transactions.
In November 1998, we acquired, effective as of October 31, 1998,
Columbus Computer Handels-und Vertriebs GmbH & Co. KG and Columbus Computer
Handels-und Vertriebs-Verwaltungs GmbH, the general partner of Columbus. The
aggregate purchase price was $2,588,060, comprised of approximately $1.7
million in cash, the issuance of 98,622 shares of our common stock valued at
the time of issuance at approximately $760,000, $140,680 of acquisition costs
and the assumption of liabilities of $2,041,183. In the event the price of our
common stock is less than $7.64 per share at the time of sale of the shares
issued in the acquisition, we will be required to issue up to an additional
17,296 shares of our common stock. In connection with the transaction, we made
a working capital loan of approximately $660,000 to Columbus. Pursuant to the
agreement, Axel Hundt, the founder and former owner of Columbus, entered into a
two-year employment contract.
In connection with the Columbus acquisition we consolidated a portion
of our existing peripherals business into that of Columbus. FSE will concentrate
primarily on the production and marketing of its high-performance built-to-order
PCs and Columbus will focus primarily on the distribution of components and
peripherals. As part of this consolidation, we terminated approximately 20 FSE
employees, including Dr. Simmet, the former general manager of FSE who resigned,
effective as of December 31, 1998. As a result, we incurred an approximately
$250,000 restructuring charge in the fourth quarter of 1998.
The FSE and Columbus acquisitions and our transfer of the assets and
liabilities and businesses of certain of our subsidiaries in March 1998 have
resulted in substantial changes in our business and results of operations.
Accordingly, our results of operations prior to the acquisitions and the
restructuring are not representative of our results of operations following such
transactions.
Our sales are made to customers principally in Switzerland and Germany
with revenues created in Deutsche Marks and Swiss Francs. The functional
currency of IAT Switzerland and IAT Germany is the
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<PAGE>
Swiss Franc. The functional currency of Columbus and FSE is the Deutsche Mark.
We currently engage in limited hedging transactions, which are not material to
our operations, to offset the risk of currency fluctuations. We may increase or
discontinue these hedging activities in the future.
In June 1998, we sold 198,255 shares of our common stock and $3 million
aggregate principal amount of 5% Convertible Debentures due 2001 in exchange for
$5 million in cash. In January 1999, the 198,255 shares of our common stock were
exchanged for 2,000 shares of our Series B preferred stock.
The debentures are immediately convertible into shares of our common
stock at either our option (subject to certain limitations) or the option of the
investors. Sales by the investors of the shares are subject to certain volume
limitations. Any portion of the debentures remaining unconverted on October 27,
2000 shall convert automatically into shares of common stock. The number of
shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the debentures is the lesser
of (i) 120% of the average of the closing bid prices from the five trading days
immediately preceding the Original Issue Date (as defined in the Purchase
Agreement) and (ii) 87% of the average of the five lowest closing bid prices
during the 15 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date. We
recorded a discount on the debentures due to the conversion features of
approximately $450,000 which is included in interest expense for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
In the following discussions, most percentages and dollar amounts have
been rounded to aid presentation. As a result, all such figures are
approximations.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
The average Swiss Franc to U.S. Dollar exchange rate was SF 1.45 =
$1.00 in the years ended December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively.
The average Deutsch Mark to U.S. Dollar exchange rate was DM 1.76 = $1.00 in the
year ended December 31, 1998 as compared to DM 1.73 in the year ended December
31, 1997.
We acquired FSE in November 1997 and Columbus effective as of October
31, 1998 and transferred the assets and liabilities and the businesses of one
of our German subsidiaries and our Swiss subsidiary in March 1998, effective
January 1999.
These transactions cause a lack of year to year comparability because of the
following:
o our results of operations for 1997 include FSE only since November
1997, while our results of operations for 1998 include FSE for the
entire year;
o our results of operations for 1997 include the operations of one of
our German subsidiaries and our Swiss subsidiary the assets and
liabilities and the businesses of which were transferred in March
1998, effective January 1998; and
o our results of operations for 1998 include two months of operations
of Columbus, none of which operations were included in 1997.
REVENUES. Revenues increased by 552.0% to $38,340,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1998 from $5,880,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997. This
increase is a result of the FSE and Columbus acquisitions and consists of sales
of FSE PCs and PC-components during the year ended December 31, 1998 and of
Columbus sales of PC-components and software for the period of November 1, 1998
through December 31, 1998. $6,470,000 or 16.8% of our total revenues during 1998
were generated by Columbus during this two month period.
COST OF SALES. Cost of sales increased by 586.4% to $35,465,000 in the year
ended December 31, 1998 from $5,167,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997. The
cost of sales as a percentage of sales increased to 92.5% in the year ended
December 31, 1998 from 87.9% in the year ended December 31, 1997 primarily as a
result of the FSE and Columbus sales of PCs, PC-components and PC peripherals
producing lower gross profit margins compared to higher margins on our video
conferencing products.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS. Research and development costs decreased to $0
in the year ended December 31, 1998 from $2,426,000 in the year ended December
31, 1997. We no longer incur research and development costs as a result of the
transfer of our research and development activities in connection with our
reorganization in March 1998 and change in our business as a result of the FSE
and Columbus acquisitions.
SELLING EXPENSES. Selling expenses increased by 8.5% to $2,821,000 in the year
ended December 31, 1998 from $2,600,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997.
This increase is a result of a change in our business as a result of our
reorganization and the integration of the FSE and Columbus businesses which
entities incur substantial expenes for sales and marketing. In addition, in the
year ended December 31, 1997, approximately $500,000 in costs related to the
marketing agreement entered into between us and General Capital were recorded in
selling expenses.
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<PAGE>
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses
decreased by 16.9% to $2,066,000 in the year ended December 31, 1998 from
$2,486,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997. This decrease is a result of a
change in our business as a result of our reorganization and the integration of
the FSE and Columbus businesses and a decrease in offering expenses in the
amount of approximately $390,000 incurred in the year ended December 31, 1997.
INTEREST. Interest expense increased by 151.1% to $585,000 in the year ended
December 31, 1998 from $233,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997. The
increase is primarily the result of the discount on convertible debentures of
$448,000 recorded in the year ended December 31, 1998. The discount is based on
an assumed conversion price of 87% of the current market value on the date of
issuance. This increase was offset by a decrease in interest as a result of a
reduction of outstanding bank loans and the repayment of certain stockholders'
loans partially offset by interest payable on outstanding convertible
debentures. Interest income decreased by 25.4% to $361,000 in the year ended
December 31, 1998 from 484,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997 primarily as
a result of a reduction of our interest bearing cash and cash equivalents and
investments in corporate bonds.
NON-RECURRING SPINOFF EXPENSES. Non-recurring reorganization expenses decreased
by 86.9% to $46,000 in the year ended December 31, 1998 from $350,000 in the
year ended December 31, 1997. The expenses charged in 1997 relate to operating
expenses incurred by the businesses transferred in our reorganization for the
period of January 1, 1998 through March 24, 1998 according to the agreements
entered into in connection with our reorganization.
NET LOSS. The net loss decreased by 74.7% to $1,743,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1998 from $6,894,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997. This
decrease is the result of the acquisitions of the FSE operations in November
1997 and the Columbus operations in October 1998, the transfer of our
research and development and marketing activities effective as of January 1,
1998, a reduction in non-recurring reorganization expenses and a recovery of
income taxes partially offset by a one-time charge to operations for (i) the
discount on convertible bonds of $448,000 and (ii) the restructuring of
certain operations of FSE we implemented when we acquired Columbus.
EBITDA. Net loss before interest income taxes, depreciation and amortization
decreased by 79.7% to $1,356,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998 from
$6,687,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997. This decrease is primarily the
result of the transfer of our research and development and marketing activities
to Algo Vision Schweiz and Algo Vision Systems and the acquisition of the FSE
and Columbus operations in November 1997 and October 1998, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by 25.0% to $575,000 in the
year ended December 31, 1998 from $460,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997.
Amortization of goodwill on our acquisitions increased by 537.8% to $287,000 in
the year ended December 31, 1998 from $45,000 in the year ended December 31,
1997. A portion of our depreciation and amortization expenses for 1998 and 1997
are included in each of cost of sales, selling expenses and general and
administrative expenses and for 1997 are also included in research and
development costs. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to operating
income, net income, cash flows or any other measure of performance as
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as an
indicator of operating performance or as a measure of liquidity.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
The average exchange rate for the U.S. dollar increased by 16.9% as
compared to Swiss Franc, for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the
year ended December 31, 1996 resulting in a decrease in all revenue and expense
accounts in the year ended December 31, 1997 by this same percentage. The
average Swiss Franc to U.S. dollar exchange rate was SF 1.45 = $1.00 in the year
ended December 31, 1997 as compared to SF 1.24 = $1.00 in the year ended
December 31, 1996.
Revenues and expenses in the following discussion include IAT revenues
and expenses for the year ended December 31, 1997 and FSE revenues and expenses
from November 18, 1997 through December 31, 1997.
REVENUES. Revenues increased by 392.9% to $5,880,000 for the year ended December
31, 1997 from $1,193,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. FSE revenues
amounted to $5,248,000 for the period from November 18, 1997 through December
31, 1997. Our revenues (excluding FSE's revenues)
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<PAGE>
decreased by 47.0% to $632,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$1,193,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. Sales for the year ended
December 31, 1996 resulted from the introduction of our second generation visual
communication systems. Sales for the year ended December 31, 1997 decreased
primarily as a result of a decrease in orders for such systems in anticipation
of the release of our third generation visual communication systems.
COST OF SALES. Cost of sales increased by 536.3% to $5,167,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1997 from $812,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. FSE
cost of sales amounted to $4,711,000 for the period from November 18, 1997
through December 31, 1997. Our cost of sales (excluding FSE's cost of sales) for
the year ended December 31, 1997 decreased by 43.8% to $456,000 from $812,000
for the year ended December 31, 1996. Cost of sales as a percentage of sales
increased to 87.9% for the year ended December 31, 1997 from 68.0% for the year
ended December 31, 1996 primarily as a result of lower profit margins on the
sale of FSE PCs, PC-components and PC peripherals for the period November 18,
1997 through December 31, 1997.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS. Research and development costs decreased by 7.5%
to $2,523,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $2,729,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1996. These costs reflect (i) an increase in the number of
employees in the product development area to complete our third generation
Vision and Live products in the first six months of 1997 partially offset by a
reduction in personnel in the second six months of 1997, (ii) additional
development costs by third parties in connection with the development of the
wavelet compression technology performed by the Technical University of Berlin
and (iii) software and product licenses acquired in connection with the
development of the third generation products. FSE does not incur research and
development costs.
We received research participations which are reimbursements from third
parties for research and development projects in which each party retains
certain legal rights for the products developed during such projects. Research
participations for the year ended December 31, 1997 decreased by 75.6% to
$97,000 from $398,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. This decrease was
primarily a result of the completion of all of our joint development projects
with Deutsche Telekom. During the year ended December 31, 1997, $84,000 of the
total of $97,000 in research participations received by us came from a
government subsidy granted by the state government of Berlin. The subsidy was
granted for 35%-40% of the actual expenditures incurred in Berlin in connection
with the development of the wavelet compression technology by the Technical
University of Berlin.
SELLING EXPENSES. Selling expenses increased by 77.8% to $2,600,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1997 from $1,462,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996.
FSE selling expenses amounted to $361,000 for the period from November 18, 1997
through December 31, 1997. Our selling expenses (excluding FSE) for the year
ended December 31, 1997 increased by 53.1% to $2,239,000 from $1,462,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1996. This increase was primarily a result of
approximately $500,000 in costs related to the marketing agreement entered into
between us and General Capital in October 1996, expenses incurred in connection
with the production of product brochures, an increase in trade fair expenses and
an increase in the number of sales and marketing personnel. Effective as of the
fourth quarter of 1997 we reduced marketing expenses primarily by terminating
approximately 12 sales and sale support employees resulting in aggregate
severance payments of approximately $40,000.
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GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses
increased by 66.3% to $2,486,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$1,495,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. FSE general and administrative
expenses amounted to $116,000 for the period from November 18, 1997 through
December 31, 1997. Our general and administrative expenses (excluding FSE) for
the year ended December 31, 1997 increased by 58.5% to $2,370,000 from
$1,495,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. The increase was primarily a
result of us becoming a public company in April 1997, resulting in D&O liability
and life insurance premiums and investor relations services not incurred in the
year ended December 31, 1996 and in an increase of board member fees, legal and
auditing expenses and other corporate overhead. Included in general and
administrative expenses in the year ended December 31, 1997 are offering
expenses in the amount of $390,000 relating to our proposed offering of
convertible notes and other professional fees relating to the evaluation of
potential acquisition candidates.
INTEREST. Interest expenses increased by 9.4% to $233,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997 from $213,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. FSE
interest expenses amounted to $16,000 for the period from November 18, 1997
through December 31, 1997. Our interest expense (excluding FSE) increased by
1.9% to $217,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $213,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1996. This increase was principally due to an increase in
stockholders' loans in the first quarter of 1997, a portion of which were repaid
in April 1997, partially offset by a reduction of outstanding bank loans.
Interest income increased to $484,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
zero in the year ended December 31, 1996 as a result of the investment of the
net proceeds from the initial public offering in investments bearing interest at
an average of 5.5%.
NON-RECURRING SPINOFF EXPENSES. Non-recurring expenses amounted to
$350,000 during the year ended December 31, 1997 relating to operating expenses
of the business transferred to Algo Vision Schweiz as compared to none for the
year ended December 31, 1996.
NET LOSS. The net loss increased by 35.0% to $6,894,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1997 from $5,108,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. The loss
increased primarily as a result of an increase in non-recurring expenses in
connection with the marketing agreement, our reorganization, offering
expenses relating to our withdrawn offering of convertible notes and operating
expenses including expenses relating to the evaluation of potential acquisition
candidates. This loss was partially offset by the net income of FSE for the
period from November 18, 1997 through December 31, 1997 and an increase in
interest income.
EBITDA. Net loss before interest income taxes, depreciation and amortization
increased by 43.3% to $6,687,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$4,665,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. This increase is primarily a
result of an increase of non-recurring expenses in connection with the
marketing agreement, spin-off expenses and offering expenses relating to our
withdrawn offering of convertible notes. Depreciation and amortization expenses
increased by 100.0% to $460,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$230,000 in the year ended December 31, 1996. Amortization of goodwill on the
FSE acquisition amounted to $45,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997
compared to none for the year ended December 31, 1996. A portion of our
depreciation and amortization expenses for 1997 and 1996 are included in each
of cost of sales, selling expenses, general and administrative expenses and
research and development costs. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative
to operating income, net income, cash flows or any other measure of performance
as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as
an indicator of operating performance or as a measure of liquidity.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 1998, our cash and cash equivalents and investments
in corporate bonds amounted to $5,614,000 and $750,000, respectively, as
compared to $5,473,000 and $2,727,000, respectively, at December 31, 1997.
Net cash used in operating activities totaled $2,018,000 during the
year ended December 31, 1998 compared to $5,306,000 during the year ended
December 31, 1997. This decrease is primarily due to a reduction of the net loss
for the year ended December 31, 1998, including a non-cash charge of $448,000
for the discount on our convertible debentures, partially offset by a reduction
of accounts payable and other current liabilities.
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Net cash used in investing activities totaled $242,000 during the year
ended December 31, 1998 compared to $4,151,000 during the year ended December
31, 1997. During the year ended December 31, 1998 cash in the amount of $138,000
was used to pay for the acquisition of 25.1% of the common stock of IAT Germany,
for 15% each of the common stock of each of Algo Vision Systems and Algo Vision
Schweiz and for loans in the aggregate amount of $701,000 to these companies. In
addition, cash net of cash acquired in the aggregate amount of $1,144,000 was
used for the acquisition of all of the capital stock of Columbus and $235,000
for the purchase of equipment and improvements. These payments were partially
offset by a sale of marketable securities. In the year ended December 31, 1997,
cash in the amount of $4,151,000 was used for the purchase of marketable
securities, for the purchase of equipment and for the FSE acquisition.
Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to $2,292,000 during
the year ended December 31, 1998 as compared to net cash provided by financing
activities of $14,576,000 during the year ended December 31, 1997. During the
year ended December 31, 1998, we received net proceeds of $1,607,000 primarily
from the issuance of 198,255 shares of common stock and $3,000,000 principal
amount of convertible debentures, net of repayments of stockholder loans and
other short-term loans in the aggregate amount of $2,333,000. These loans
include the second installment of the FSE purchase price in the amount of
$890,000. In addition, we repaid short-term bank loans of $446,000. In January
1999, the 198,255 shares of common stock were exchanged for 2,000 shares of our
Series B preferred stock. In addition, cash in the amount of $464,000, net of
financing cost, was provided by a capital contribution by certain stockholders
in exchange for us assuming the obligation of IAT AG under the repayment of a
bank loan. During the year ended December 31, 1997 cash was provided by net
proceeds received from our initial public offering in the amount of $17,080,000
partially offset by a repayment of certain stockholder loans, short-term bank
loans, the payment of the preferred stock dividend and a repurchase by us of
our common stock pursuant to a stock repurchase plan.
Cash, cash equivalents and investments in corporate bonds at December
31, 1998 amounted to $6,364,000. We believe that our funds should be sufficient
to finance our working capital requirements and our capital and debt service
requirements for approximately the 12 month period following December 31, 1998,
depending on acquisitions. We may require additional funds for acquisitions and
integration and management of acquired businesses. However, we have no
commitments or arrangements to obtain any additional funds and we cannot predict
whether additional funds will be available on terms favorable to us or at all.
If we cannot obtain funds when required, the growth of our business may be
adversely affected.
ESCROW SHARES
We contemplate that in the event the 498,285 shares held in escrow are
released from escrow because the specified targets are met, we will incur a
substantial non-cash compensation charge to operations, based on the then fair
market value of these shares. Such charge could substantially increase our loss
or reduce or eliminate our net income, if any, for financial reporting purposes
for the period during which shares are or become probable of being released from
escrow. Although the amount of compensation expense recognized by us will not
affect our total stockholders equity, it may depress the market price of our
securities.
Our minimum revenues, as defined in our escrow agreement, for the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 were less than the targeted $5.5 million, and,
accordingly, the 332,190 escrow shares were not released. The escrow shares may
also be released if our stock price reaches certain targets. The escrow shares
are not included in our calculation of our per share loss. See "Risk Factors --
We will record charges to operations in the event shares of our stock are
released from escrow."
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YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
The Year 2000 issue is the result of using only the last two digits to
indicate the year in computer hardware and software programs and embedded
technology such as micro-controllers. As a result, these programs do not
properly recognize a year that begins with "20" instead of the familiar "19." If
uncorrected, such programs will be unable to interpret dates beyond the year
1999, which could cause computer system failure or miscalculations and could
disrupt our operations and adversely affect its cash flows and results of
operations.
We recognize the importance of the Year 2000 issue and have established
a project team with the objective to ensure an uninterrupted transition to the
year 2000 by assessing, testing and modifying products and information
technology and non-IT systems so that such systems and software will perform as
intended and information and dates can be processed with expected results. The
scope of the Year 2000 compliance effort includes (i) IT such as software and
hardware; (ii) non-IT systems or embedded technology; and (iii) the readiness of
key third parties, including suppliers and customers, and the electronic date
interchange with those key third parties.
Independent of the Year 2000 issue, we are in the process of installing
new financial accounting, procurement, order management and invoicing systems.
These systems are expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 1999
and be Year 2000 compliant. Testing of these systems to become compliant for
Year 2000 has begun and should be fully completed by the end of the second
quarter of 1999. If such compliance is not achieved, we have developed a
contingency plan which includes increasing normal inventories of critical
supplies prior to December 31, 1999 and ensuring that all critical staff are
available or scheduled to work prior to, during and immediately after December
31, 1999.
THIRD PARTIES. In addition to internal Year 2000 IT and non-IT remediation
activities, we are in contact with key suppliers and vendors to minimize
disruptions in the relationship between us and these important third parties
from the Year 2000 issue. We have requested Year 2000 compliance certification
from each of such vendors and suppliers for their hardware and software products
and for their internal business applications and processes. While we cannot
guarantee compliance by third parties, we will consider alternate sources of
supply, which we believe are generally available in the event a key supplier
cannot demonstrate its systems or products are Year 2000 compliant.
OUR PRODUCTS. We believe that all hardware products included in Trinology PCs
shipped since the fourth quarter of 1997 are Year 2000 compliant and hardware
products included in Trinology PCs shipped prior to such time can be made Year
2000 compliant through upgrade of software patches. We have requested Year 2000
compliance certificates from each of our suppliers and vendors from parts and
components installed in our Trinology PCs.
The replacement of our existing financial accounting, procurement,
order management and invoicing systems are estimated at $250,000, however, only
a portion of the cost of these systems is attributable to the Year 2000 issue.
While we estimate that the Year 2000 effort will have a nominal cost impact,
there can be no assurance as to the ultimate cost of the Year 2000 effort or the
total cost of information systems. Such costs will be expensed as incurred,
except to the extent such costs are incurred for the purchase or lease of
capital equipment.
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Our current estimates of the amount of time and costs necessary to
remediate and test our computer systems are based on the facts and circumstances
existing at this time. The estimates were made using assumptions of future
events including the continued availability of certain resources, Year 2000
modification plans, implementation success by key third-parties, and other
factors. New developments may occur that could affect our estimates of the
amount of time and costs needed to modify and test our IT and non-IT systems for
Year 2000 compliance. These developments include, but are not limited to: (i)
the availability and cost of personnel trained in this area; (ii) the ability to
locate and correct all relevant date-sensitive codes in both IT and non-IT
systems; (iii) unanticipated failures in our IT and non-IT systems; and (iv) the
planning and Year 2000 compliance success that suppliers and vendors attain.
We cannot determine the impact of these potential developments on the
current estimate of probable costs of making our products and IT and non-IT
systems Year 2000 compliant. Accordingly, we are not able to estimate our
possible future costs beyond the current estimate of costs. As new developments
occur, these cost estimates may be revised to reflect the impact of these
developments on the costs to us of making our products and IT and non-IT systems
Year 2000 compliant. Such revisions in costs could have a material adverse
impact on our results of operations in the quarterly period in which they are
recorded. Although we consider it unlikely, such revisions could also have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of
operations.
Like virtually every company, we are at risk for the failure of major
infrastructure providers to adequately address potential Year 2000 problems. We
are highly dependent on a variety of public and private infrastructure providers
to conduct our business in numerous jurisdictions throughout the country.
Failures of the banking system, basic utility providers, telecommunication
providers and other services, as a result of Year 2000 problems, could have a
material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business. While we are
cognizant of these risks, a complete assessment of all such risks is beyond the
scope of our Year 2000 assessment or our ability to address. We have focused our
resources and attention on the most immediate and controllable Year 2000 risks.
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The response to this item is included in a separate section of this
report. See the Consolidated Financial Statements attached hereto beginning on
page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
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PART III
The information called by Item 10: Directors and Executive
Officers of the Registrant; Item 11: Executive Compensation; Item 12: Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management; and Item 13: Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions will be included in and is incorporated
by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to
Regulation 14A within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
RISK FACTORS
The following factors should be reviewed carefully, in conjunction with
the other information in this Form 10-K and our consolidated financial
statements. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from
those currently anticipated and contained in forward-looking statements made
in this Form 10-K and presented elsewhere by our management from time to time.
See "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."
Company Risks
We have incurred significant operating losses, changed our principal business
and we cannot predict whether we will become profitable.
We have experienced significant operating losses since our inception.
At December 31, 1998, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $21.0
million. For the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, we had operating losses
of approximately $7.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively. We cannot predict
whether we will ever achieve or sustain profitability.
Substantially all of our revenues are now generated from the sale and
distribution of our Trinology PCs and PC components, peripherals and software in
Germany through FSE Computer-Handel GmbH & Co. KG which we acquired in November
1997 and Columbus Computer Handels-und Vertriebs GmbH & Co. KG which we acquired
in November 1998. Prior to entering into our PC business with the acquisition of
FSE, our sole business was developing and marketing visual communications
technology and related products. The sale and distribution of PCs and related
hardware and software is a new business for our management group. We have only
limited experience operating this business and we cannot assure that we will be
successful in managing such business. Our inability to manage this business
successfully could materially adversely affect our operations and financial
condition. Our PC business is subject to significant price competition which
substantially affects profit margins.
Our operating results will be adversely affected by charges from acquisitions.
Because our strategy is growth through acquisitions, as we acquire
additional businesses, we often incur significant charges for depreciation and
amortization. These charges adversely affect our results of operations and may
result in increased net losses. In connection with our acquisition of FSE and
Columbus, we incurred approximately $4.5 million of goodwill. We are amortizing
this goodwill over 10 years, which will cause us to record in our financial
statements an annual charge of approximately $450,000. In addition, when we
acquired Columbus, we restructured the operations of FSE. We took an
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additional charge to operations of approximately $250,000 during the quarter
ended December 31, 1998 for this restructuring.
In addition, if we finance new acquisitions through borrowing, we will
also incur interest expense.
Our strategy of acquiring other companies for growth may not succeed and may
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our strategy of growth through acquisitions presents risks that could
materially adversely affect our business and financial performance, including:
o the diversion of our management's attention;
o the assimilation of the operations and personnel of the acquired
business;
o the contingent and latent risks associated with the past operations
of and other unanticipated problems arising in the acquired
business;
o the need to expand management, administration, and operational
systems; and
o increased competition for acquisition opportunities and qualified
employees.
We cannot predict whether:
o we will be able to acquire additional businesses on terms favorable
to us;
o we will be able to successfully integrate into our business the
operations of any new businesses;
o we will realize any anticipated benefits of completed acquisitions;
or
o there will be substantial unanticipated costs associated with new
acquisitions.
As part of our acquisition strategy, we may seek opportunities to
expand the marketing and sale of our products into markets in the United States.
We have no experience operating a business in the United States. If we expand
into the United States:
o we will face substantial increased competition from companies with
substantially greater name recognition and marketing and other
resources; and
o we would be required to make substantial expenditures for, among
other things, marketing, office space and sales and marketing
personnel and other employees in the United States.
The failure to manage growth effectively could materially adversely
affect our operations and financial condition. We are evaluating and are in
various stages of discussions in connection with the potential acquisition of
assets or equity of certain related businesses. However, we have no agreements
or arrangements with respect to any particular acquisitions and we may not be
able to complete any additional acquisitions. This may reduce our growth.
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If we do not obtain sufficient additional funds we may not be able to complete
any future acquisitions which may limit our growth.
We may require additional funds for acquisitions and integration and
management of acquired businesses and we have no commitments or arrangements to
obtain any additional funds. We cannot predict whether additional funds will be
available on terms favorable to us or at all. If we cannot obtain funds when
required, the growth of our business may be adversely affected. If we issue our
securities to obtain additional funds, our existing stockholders will experience
dilution. Based upon our current level of operations, we believe that our
existing cash resources and cash flow expected to be generated from operations
will be sufficient to meet our capital requirements for approximately the next
12 months, depending on cash requirements for future acquisitions.
Our substantial debt reduces cash available for our business, may adversely
affect our ability to obtain additional funds and increases our vulnerability to
economic or business downturns.
Our indebtedness as of February 28, 1999 aggregated approximately $3.2
million. Accordingly, we are subject to all of the risks associated with
substantial indebtedness, including:
o a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations will be used
to service our indebtedness;
o reduced funds available for operations, future business
opportunities and other purposes;
o our ability to obtain additional financing for acquisitions, working
capital, capital expenditures, general corporate or other purposes
may be impaired;
o we are more vulnerable to economic downturns, less able to withstand
competitive pressures and less flexible in reacting to changes in
our industry and general economic conditions; and
o if we default under any of our debt instruments or if our creditors
demand payment of a portion or all of our indebtedness, we may not
have sufficient funds to make such payments.
Any of these risks may materially adversely affect our operations and financial
condition and adversely affect our stock price.
The loss of our key personnel may adversely affect our business.
Because we have a limited number of management personnel, we are
dependent on our executive officers, including Jacob Agam, our Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, as well as principal members of our management team. We
cannot assure that any of our management personnel, including Mr. Agam, will
continue to devote sufficient time to our business. The loss of services of, or
a material reduction in the amount of time devoted to our business by, these
individuals could adversely affect our operations and financial condition.
Competition for qualified executive officers is intense. In addition, if we are
unable to attract, retain and motivate other highly skilled employees, our
business and prospects could be materially adversely affected.
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Industry Risks
Intense competition in the German PC industry may adversely affect our
operating results.
The German PC industry is highly competitive, especially with respect
to pricing and the introduction of new products and features. We compete with
our competitors primarily on the basis of adding new performance features
without corresponding price increases. We may not be able to continue to compete
successfully by:
o introducing products or performance features on a timely basis; or
o adding new features to our products without corresponding increases
in prices.
In recent years we and many of our competitors have regularly lowered
prices, and we expect these pricing pressures to continue. If these pricing
pressures are not mitigated by increases in volume, cost reductions or changes
in product mix, our revenues and profits could be substantially reduced.
As compared to us, many of our competitors have:
o significantly longer operating histories;
o significantly greater managerial, financial, marketing, technical
and other competitive resources; and
o greater name recognition.
As a result, our competitors may be able to:
o adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in
customer requirements;
o devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their products
and services; and
o respond more effectively to pricing pressures.
These factors could materially adversely affect our operations and financial
condition. We also compete with other PC direct marketers as well as with PC
manufacturers that market their products in distribution channels in which we
have not participated. We cannot predict whether we will be able to compete
successfully with existing or new competitors. In addition, competition could
increase if:
o new companies enter the market;
o existing competitors expand their service offerings; or
o we expand into new markets.
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An increase in competition could result in material price reductions or
loss of our market share and could materially adversely affect our operations
and financial condition. See "-We depend on new products and rapidly developing
technologies."
We experience fluctuations in operating results which may cause our stock
price to fluctuate.
As a company that has completed several large acquisitions, sold off
certain assets and restructured our business and is now engaged in the sale of
PCs in Europe, our operating results have been subject to significant quarterly
and annual fluctuations and seasonality. These fluctuations make it more
difficult for investors to compare our operating results to corresponding prior
year periods. You should not rely on our results of operations during any
particular quarter or year as an indication of our results for a full year
or any other quarter.
Our revenues and net income are also subject to fluctuations in the
value of the Deutsche Mark, and will be subject to fluctuations in the value of
the euro, against the U.S. dollar. See "-Our results of operations may be
adversely affected by foreign currency fluctuations and transition to the
Euro."
If we are unable to introduce new products and incorporate rapidly developing
technologies our business may be adversely affected.
The PC industry is characterized by short product life cycles resulting
from:
o rapid changes in technology;
o rapid changes in consumer preferences; and
o declining product prices.
To maintain our competitive position in the PC industry, we must continue to
introduce new products and features that address the needs and preferences of
our target markets. We cannot assure that:
o we will be able to compete successfully by introducing products or
features on a timely basis;
o the introduction of new products or features by our competitors will
not adversely affect the sale of our products; or
o we will be able to adapt to future changes in the PC industry.
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We do not conduct internal research and development. Therefore, we may
not:
o continue to have access to new technology;
o be successful in incorporating such new technology in our products;
or
o be able to deliver commercial quantities of new products or features
in a timely manner.
Our business may be adversely affected by our dependance upon a small number
of suppliers.
Like many PC manufacturers, we require a high volume of quality PC
components, peripherals and software for integration into our Trinology PCs and
sale to our customers. Our inability to obtain key components, peripherals or
software in a timely manner could materially adversely affect our operations and
financial condition. We do not have any long term contracts with our suppliers.
We generally use one or two suppliers for certain components, peripherals and
software. The PC industry periodically experiences shortages of certain
components and peripherals. Many of the suppliers that we rely upon for PC
components and peripherals are located in countries outside of Germany. The
availability of such PC components and peripherals is affected by factors such
as:
o world-wide demand for components, peripherals and software;
o seasonal reductions in business activities; and
o political and economic downturns in the countries in which such
suppliers are located.
Our business may be adversely affected by, and we may be subject to legal
liability for, defects in our products.
Trinology PCs assembled by us may contain significant operating errors
which we did not detect through our own testing. Any operating error in our
products may result in decreased revenue or increased expenses because of:
o adverse publicity;
o reduced orders;
o product returns;
o uncollectible accounts receivable;
o delays in collecting accounts receivable; and
o additional and unexpected costs of further product development to
correct the errors.
Sale of our products also involves the risk of product liability claims
against us. We do not maintain product liability insurance and believe that such
insurance cannot be obtained except at a
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substantial cost. We cannot predict whether any product liability claims will
arise. Any substantial uninsured liability would have a material adverse effect
on our operations and financial condition.
Our Trinology PCs also must:
o meet standards established by the European FCC (CE declarations) for
radio frequency emissions; and
o receive appropriate certification prior to being marketed.
A delay or inability to obtain certification may delay or prevent us
from introducing new products or features. As a result, our operations and
financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Our business may be adversely affected by our limited proprietary rights or by
legal actions to enforce or defend our proprietary rights.
Other than the tradename Trinology, most of our intellectual property
consists of proprietary or confidential information that is not subject to
patent protection. We may not be able to prevent misappropriation of our
tradename or protect our other intellectual property.
The laws of some foreign countries where we may in the future sell our
products may not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do laws in
the United States and, we believe, Germany and Switzerland. Our inability to
protect our proprietary rights could materially adversely affect our operations
and financial condition. Litigation may be necessary to:
o enforce our intellectual property rights;
o protect our trade secrets;
o determine the scope and validity of such intellectual property
rights; and
o defend claims of infringement of other parties' proprietary rights.
Litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of management time
and resources and could materially adversely affect our operations and financial
condition.
If we are not successful in litigation, the party making infringement
claims against us could secure a judgment awarding substantial damages, as well
as injunctive or other equitable relief. This relief could effectively block our
ability to make, use, sell, distribute or market our products. If we fail to
obtain a necessary license or other right to proprietary rights held by third
parties, it could preclude the sale, manufacture or distribution of our products
and could materially adversely affect our operations and financial condition.
Our business may be adversely affected if our systems and products are not
Year 2000 compliant.
Computers, software, and other equipment utilizing microprocessors that
use only two digits to identify a year in a date field may be unable to process
accurately certain date-based information at or
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after the year 2000. This is commonly referred to as the "Year 2000 issue." If
our information technology and non-information technology systems fail to
achieve Year 2000 compliance we would have to:
o purchase additional hardware and software components to update and
enhance such systems; or
o purchase new systems which are Year 2000 compliant.
We cannot predict whether these costs would be material to our operations and
financial condition. The failure of such systems to achieve Year 2000 compliance
could result in:
o a slow down of our operations;
o delays in shipments;
o adverse publicity;
o delays in collecting our accounts receivable; and
o delays in processing accounts payable.
If our products, or the products of our suppliers and vendors, fail to
achieve Year 2000 compliance, we would be required to repair or replace such
products. Although our suppliers and vendors would be responsible for any costs
involved with the replacement of products purchased from them, our operations
could be adversely affected by:
o increased costs and expenses, including claims by our customers for
damages caused by such products failing to achieve Year 2000
compliance; and
o adverse publicity.
We have established a project team to assess, test and modify our
information technology and non-information technology systems. Our project team
is also responsible for contacting and determining the readiness of third
parties, including our key vendors and suppliers. We anticipate completing the
installation of new financial accounting, procurement, order management and
invoicing systems and testing such systems for Year 2000 compliance during the
second quarter of 1999.
We have requested Year 2000 compliance certification from each of our
major vendors and suppliers for their hardware and software products and for
their internal business applications and processes but cannot predict whether
such vendors will confirm compliance.
Achieving Year 2000 compliance is dependent on many factors, some of
which are not completely within our control. We cannot predict whether we or our
vendors and suppliers will achieve Year 2000 compliance. If such compliance is
not achieved, we have developed a contingency plan which includes:
o increasing normal inventories of critical supplies prior to December
31, 1999; and
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o ensuring that all critical staff are available or scheduled to work
prior to, during and immediately after December 31, 1999.
Risks Relating to Foreign Operations
Our business may be adversely affected by risks associated with foreign
operations.
Substantially all of our revenues are generated from operations located
in Germany and Switzerland and denominated in Swiss Francs and Deutsche Marks.
We anticipate that we will continue to generate most of our revenues in these
currencies until the companies we conduct business with choose to settle
transactions in Euros.
Conducting an international business inherently involves a number of
difficulties and risks, such as:
o currency fluctuations;
o export restrictions;
o export controls relating to technology;
o compliance with existing and changing regulatory requirements;
o tariffs and other trade barriers;
o difficulties in staffing and managing international operations;
o longer payment cycles;
o problems in collecting accounts receivable;
o software piracy;
o political instability and economic downturns;
o seasonal reductions in business activity in Europe during the summer
months; and
o potentially adverse tax consequences.
Any of these factors may materially adversely affect our operations and
financial condition which could adversely affect our stock price.
Our subsidiaries are subject to German and Swiss law. These countries
require, among other things, that companies which incur losses have to take
appropriate measures to ensure that the claims of its obligees are covered by
the assets of those companies. These measures include increasing paid-in capital
or obtaining declarations from the obligees which subordinate their claims. If
those measures are
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not taken, the board of directors of such company must notify a judge in order
to commence bankruptcy proceedings which, under Swiss and German law, usually
leads to the dissolution of the corporate existence. We have undertaken measures
to obtain and maintain operating funds for our subsidiaries in the past.
However, we may need to undertake additional measures in the future and we
cannot predict whether the corporate existence of any of our subsidiaries can be
maintained. Failure to maintain the corporate existence of certain of our
subsidiaries would materially adversely affect our operations and financial
condition.
Our results of operations may be adversely affected by foreign currency
fluctuations and transition to the Euro.
Our revenues and net income are subject to fluctuations in the value of
the Deutsche Mark, and will be subject to fluctuations in the value of the euro,
against the U.S. dollar. As a result, it is possible that in certain quarters
our results of operations will be below:
o the results of operations for the corresponding quarter of the prior
fiscal year;
o the results operations for the preceding quarters of the then
current fiscal year; or
o the expectations of analysts and investors.
In this event, our stock price may decline.
On January 1, 1999, certain members of the European Union, including
Germany, introduced a single currency, the Euro. During the transition period
ending January 1, 2002, European Monetary Union (EMU) countries will have the
option of settling transactions in local currencies or in the Euro. We have not
yet determined whether we intend to transact business in Euros. The conversion
to the Euro will result in increased costs to us related to updating operating
systems to convert to the Euro, review of the effect of the Euro on our
contracts and updating catalogues and sales material for our products. In
addition, there are significant legal, practical and regulatory uncertainties
associated with the introduction of the Euro. Adoption of the Euro by us or
third parties with whom we transact business could adversely affect our
contracts and operations and could result in unforeseen risks which could
materially adversely affect our operations and financial condition. In addition,
adoption of the Euro will limit the ability of an individual EMU country to
manage fluctuations in the business cycles through monetary policy.
Investors may not be able to enforce judgments against us or our officers and
directors.
Although we are organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, we
are primarily a holding company which holds stock in entities in Switzerland and
Germany and all or a substantial portion of our assets are located outside the
United States. In addition, all of our six directors and all of our executive
officers are residents of foreign countries and all or a substantial portion of
the assets of such directors and officers are located outside of the United
States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to:
o effect service of process upon our directors and officers; or
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<PAGE>
o enforce judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability
provisions of U.S. laws against our directors' and officers' assets.
We have been advised that there is doubt as to the enforceability in
Switzerland of judgments of U.S. courts and in Germany in original actions for
enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts of civil liabilities predicated solely
upon the laws of the United States, against our subsidiaries or against our
shareholders, directors, officers and employees who are domiciled in Switzerland
and Germany. In addition, awards of punitive damages in actions brought in the
United States or elsewhere may be unenforceable in Switzerland and in Germany.
The market price of our common stock may be affected by the difficulty for
investors to enforce judgments of U.S. courts.
Control by Stockholders
Our existing officers, directors and principal stockholders control IAT
Multimedia, substantially reducing the influence of our other stockholders.
As of February 28, 1999, our officers, directors and significant
stockholders owned approximately 41.5% of our common stock. As a result of this
position, and agreements between us and some of these stockholders, these
stockholders are able to influence significantly:
o the election of our directors; and
o the outcome of mergers, sales of assets or other corporate
transactions or matters submitted for stockholder approval.
As a result, our other stockholders may have little influence over matters
submitted for stockholder approval. Vertical Financial Holdings Establishment,
one of our principal stockholders, has the right to nominate two persons for
election to our Board of Directors, so long as it owns a specified number of our
securities. Vertical also requires us to maintain a committee, of which Vertical
has the right to appoint half the members, with authority to negotiate any
underwritten offerings of our securities. These rights of Vertical further
solidify its control over IAT Multimedia.
Anti-takeover provisions may adversely affect our stockholders.
We are subject to a Delaware statute regulating business combinations
which could discourage, hinder or preclude an unsolicited acquisition of the
Company and could make it less likely that stockholders receive a premium for
their shares as a result of any such attempt. In addition, our Board of
Directors may issue, without stockholder approval, shares of preferred stock.
The preferred stock could have voting, liquidation, dividend or other rights
superior to those of the common stock. Therefore, it we issue preferred stock,
your rights as a common stockholder may be adversely affected. These factors
could depress our stock price.
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Stock and Market Risks
Our stock may be delisted from the Nasdaq National Market if we do not meet the
listing criteria.
If we are unable to satisfy the continued listing requirements, our
stock may be delisted from the Nasdaq National Market. If our stock is delisted
from the Nasdaq National Market, the liquidity of our stock could be impaired,
not only in the number of securities which could be bought and sold, but also
through delays in the timing of transactions, reduction in coverage by security
analysts and the news media and lower prices for our common stock than might
otherwise be attained. We cannot assure that we will continue to meet the
criteria for continued listing on the Nasdaq National Market.
If our stock is delisted from the Nasdaq National Market, trading, if
any, in our stock would thereafter be conducted:
o on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, assuming we meet the requirements for
listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market;
o in the over-the-counter market in the "pink sheets;" or
o on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.'s
"Electronic Bulletin Board."
Continued inclusion on the Nasdaq National Market generally requires that we
maintain:
o at least $4,000,000 in "net tangible assets" (total assets less
total liabilities and goodwill);
o a minimum bid price of the common stock of $1.00 per share;
o at least 750,000 shares in the public float valued at $5,000,000 or
more;
o at least two active market makers for the common stock; and
o at least 400 holders of the common stock.
If our stock is delisted from Nasdaq it may be subject to investor suitability
requirements which may adversely affect our stock's liquidity.
If our stock was delisted from Nasdaq National Market and could not be
quoted on Nasdaq SmallCap Market, it could become subject to Rule 15g-9 under
the Exchange Act, which imposes additional sales practice requirements on
broker-dealers which sell such securities to persons other than established
customers and "accredited investors" (generally, individuals with net worth in
excess of $1,000,000 or annual incomes exceeding $200,000, or $300,000 together
with their spouses). For transactions covered by this rule, a broker-dealer must
make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and have received the
purchaser's written consent to the transaction prior to sale. Consequently, such
rule may adversely affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock
and may adversely affect the ability of stockholders to sell any of the shares
of common stock in the secondary market. See "-Our stock may be delisted from
the Nasdaq National Market if we do not meet the listing criteria."
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<PAGE>
If our stock is delisted from Nasdaq it may be a "penny stock" which requires
significant disclosure in connection with stock trades, which may adversely
affect our stock's liquidity.
If our stock is delisted from Nasdaq or we do not meet certain minimum
net tangible assets or average revenue criteria, we may be subject to the
Commission's "penny stock" rules. For any transaction involving a penny stock,
unless exempt, the rules require:
o delivery, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, of a disclosure
schedule prepared by the Commission relating to the penny stock
market;
o disclosure about commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and
the registered representative and current quotations for the
securities; and
o monthly statements to be sent disclosing recent price information
for the penny stock held in the account and information on the
limited market in penny stocks.
Commission regulations, subject to certain exceptions, define a "penny stock" to
be any non-exchange listed equity security:
o that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share; or
o with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share.
We cannot predict whether our common stock will qualify for exemption
from these restrictions. In any event, even if our stock was exempt from such
restrictions, it would remain subject to Section 15(b)(6) of the Exchange Act,
which gives the Commission the authority to prohibit any person that is engaged
in unlawful conduct while participating in a distribution of a penny stock from
associating with a broker-dealer or participating in a distribution of a penny
stock, if the Commission finds that such a restriction would be in the public
interest. If our stock were subject to the rules on penny stocks, the market
liquidity for our stock could be severely adversely affected.
We do not intend to pay dividends to our stockholders.
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not
expect to do so in the foreseeable future.
Our shares may experience price and volume fluctuations, which may negatively
affect the ability of our stockholders to sell their shares or the price they
receive on any sale.
The stock price of companies in the computer industry has experienced
significant price and volume fluctuations and volatility that are unrelated to
operating performance. These market fluctuations may adversely affect our stock
price. Factors which may affect our stock price also include:
o market conditions in the computer industry;
o competition;
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o sales or the possibility of sales of our common stock;
o our results of operations and financial condition; and
o general economic conditions.
Future sales of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect our
stock price and our ability to raise new funds.
Sales of shares of stock by existing stockholders could have an adverse
effect on our stock price. As of March 29, 1999, we had 9,809,132 shares of
common stock outstanding. Substantially all of these shares are eligible for
sale without restriction or under Rule 144.
In general, under Rule 144 a person, or persons whose shares are
aggregated, including persons who may be deemed to be "affiliates" of the
Company, is entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of
restricted shares beneficially owned for at least one year that does not exceed
the greater of:
o one percent of the then outstanding shares of common stock; or
o the average weekly trading volume in the common stock during the
four calendar weeks preceding such sale.
Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to requirements as to the manner of sale,
notice and the availability of current public information about us. However, a
stockholder who is not an affiliate and has beneficially owned shares for at
least two years is entitled to sell their shares without regard to the volume or
other requirements.
We have an outstanding registration statement on Form S-3 relating to
the resale of an aggregate of 2,367,082 shares of common stock. A substantial
number of these shares are issuable upon exercise or conversion of our
convertible securities. We also filed a registration statement, which has not
yet been declared effective by the SEC, relating to the resale of an additional
1,550,678 shares of our common stock by certain of our stockholders.
The exercise of registration rights by our stockholders may adversely affect our
stock price.
The holders of an aggregate of approximately 5,600,000 shares of common
stock and warrants to purchase common stock have demand and piggy-back
registration rights with respect to their respective securities. Some of our
stockholders have exercised these registration rights. Sales of the shares
offered by our stockholders, or the possibility of such sales, in the public
market may adversely affect our stock price. The exercise of registration rights
by our other stockholders may further adversely affect our stock price.
Additional shares of our common stock may be issued if options or warrants are
exercised or debentures or preferred stock are converted, causing dilution to
our stockholders.
We have outstanding:
o warrants to purchase an aggregate of approximately 2,800,000 shares
of common stock;
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o Series B Convertible Preferred Stock which is convertible into
198,255 shares of common stock;
o Series A Convertible Debentures which are convertible into
approximately 667,000 shares of common stock at the conversion price
as of March 18, 1999; and
o options to purchase 530,000 shares of common stock.
The existence of these securities may adversely affect us or our
stockholders for many reasons, including:
o the market price of our stock may be adversely affected;
o if any of these securities are exercised, the value of the stock
held by our stockholders will be diluted if the value of such stock
immediately prior to the exercise of such securities exceeds the
exercise price;
o these securities give the holders the opportunity, at nominal cost,
to profit from a rise in the market price of our stock;
o the terms upon which we could issue additional common stock or
obtain additional financing may be adversely affected.
Holders of warrants and options are also likely to exercise them when,
in all likelihood, we could obtain additional capital on terms more favorable
than those provided by the warrants and options.
We cannot predict the actual number of shares of our stock that may be
issued upon conversion of the debentures, which depends on:
o the conversion price in effect from time to time during the term of
the debentures;
o the timing of any conversion; and
o the decision by us to make any payments of interest in the form of
shares of common stock.
However, the maximum number of shares of our common stock that we can
issue upon conversion of the debentures and payment of interest without
stockholder approval is 1,939,419 shares. The conversion price of the debentures
could be substantially below the market price of our common stock on any date of
conversion.
We will record charges to operations in the event shares of our stock are
released from escrow.
498,285 shares of common stock were deposited in escrow pursuant to an
escrow agreement in connection with our initial public offering in March 1997.
These shares will be released from escrow if:
o we attain certain revenue levels for the year ending December 31,
1999; or
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o the common stock trades at certain levels for any 30 consecutive
trading days, commencing in April 1999.
In the event of the probable release of the escrow shares, we will
recognize during the period in which the specified revenue levels are probable
of being met or stock levels achieved, a substantial non-cash charge to
operations, equal to the then fair value of these shares. The position of the
Securities and Exchange Commission is that in the event any shares are released
from escrow to stockholders who are our officers, directors, employees or
consultants, we will record a non-cash compensation charge in our financial
statements. We cannot deduct this charge to operations for income tax purposes.
This charge would significantly increase our loss or reduce or eliminate
earnings, if any, at such time.
For example, if at the time of the release of the escrow shares our
stock price was $14.00, we recognize compensation expense of approximately $2.2
million. The recognition of this compensation expense may depress the market
price of our common stock. We cannot predict whether our revenues or our stock
price will attain the targets that would enable the shares to be released from
escrow.
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PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) 1. Financial Statements
An index to Consolidated Financial Statements appears on page F-1.
2. Schedules
All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable,
not required under the instructions or all the information required is set forth
in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
We filed a report on Form 8-K on January 11, 1999 reporting information under
Item 5.
(c) Exhibits
Exhibit Number Description
- -------------- -----------
3.1 - Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Registrant (1)
3.1(a) - Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (10)
3.2 - Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant
4.1 - Form of Warrant Agreement (1)
4.2 - Form of Underwriter's Warrant (1)
4.3 - Warrant issued to Vertical Financial Holdings (one in a series of
warrants with identical terms) (1)
4.4 - Warrant issued to Stockholders (one in a series of warrants with
identical terms) (1)
4.5 - Escrow Agreement (1)
10.1 - Participation Agreement dated as of March 5, 1998 by and among
Communication Systems, IAT AG, Dr. Viktor Vogt, and HIBEG (5)
10.2 - Spinoff Agreement dated as of March 5, 1998 by and among IAT GmbH
and Communications Systems (5)
10.3 - Agreement concerning the Assignment and Transfer of Corporate
Shares dated as of March 5, 1998 by and among HIBEG, IAT GmbH, and
IAT AG (5)
10.4 - Loan Transfer Agreement dated as of March 5, 1998 by and among
HIBEG, IAT GmbH, and Communications Systems (5)
10.5 - Option Agreement dated as of March 5, 1998 by and among Dr. Viktor
Vogt and HIBEG (5)
10.6 - Spinoff Agreement dated as of March 11, 1998 by and among the
Company, Dr. Viktor Vogt, and Swiss Newco (5)
10.7 - Transfer Agreement dated as of March 11, 1998 by and among the
Company, IAT AG, Dr. Viktor Vogt, and IAT Communications AG (5)
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10.8 - Agreement on the Acquisition of Assets dated as of March 18, 1998
between IAT AG and Swiss Newco (5)
10.9 - Restructuring Agreement dated as of March 5, 1998 by and among IAT
GmbH, IAT AG, Dr. Vogt and HIBEG (5)
10.10 - Amendment to the Transfer Agreement dated as of March 24, 1998 by
and among the Company, IAT AG, Dr. Viktor Vogt and IAT
Communication AG (6)
10.11 - Promissory Note dated March 24, 1998 by IAT Communication AG to
the Company (6)
10.12 - Promissory Note dated March 24, 1998 by IAT Communication AG to
Dr. Viktor Vogt (6)
10.13 - Promissory Note dated March 24, 1998 by IAT Communication AG to
IAT AG (6)
10.14 - Cooperation Agreement, dated March 18, 1996, by and between
Olympus Optical (Europe) GmbH and IAT Deutschland GmbH (1)
10.15 - Loan Agreement for Current Account Credit Lines between IAT
Deutschland GmbH and Volksbank Sottrum AG (1)
10.16 - Agreement, dated September 1, 1992, by and between Grissemann
Consulting SA and IAT AG (1)
10.17 - Addendum to the Agreement of September 1, 1992, dated December 14,
1994, by and between Grissemann Consulting SA and IAT AG (1)
10.18 - Employment Contract, dated as of July 1, 1993, by and between IAT
AG and Mr. Franz Muller (1)
10.19 - Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October
4, 1996, by and among IAT Multimedia, Inc. (formerly known as IAT
Holdings, Inc.), IAT AG, IAT Deutschland GmbH Vertical Financial
Holdings, and the stockholders of IAT AG (1)
10.20 - Amendment No. 1 to Marketing Agreement, dated as of October 24,
1996, by and between IAT Multimedia, Inc. (formerly known as IAT
Holdings, Inc.) and General Capital (1)
10.21 - Letters of Consent dated December 20, 1996 (1)
10.22 - Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 27, 1997, between
the Company, Vertical Financial Holdings and Viktor Vogt (1)
10.23 - Amendment No. 1 to the Joint Development and Cross License
Agreement, dated June 2, 1997, between Texas Instruments
Incorporated and IAT AG (2)
10.24 - Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 27, 1997, between
the Company, Vertical Financial Holdings, and Klaus-Dirk Sippel
(1)
10.25 - License Agreement, dated June 2, 1997, between Texas Instruments
Incorporated and IAT AG (2)
10.26 - Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 27, 1997 between the
Company, Vertical Financial Holdings, and Walter Glas GmbH (1)
10.27 - Purchase Agreement, dated November 13, 1997, by and between IAT
Multimedia, Inc. and Dr. Alfred Simmet (3)
10.28 - Irrevocable Letter of Credit and Indemnity, dated November 7,
1997, by and between IAT Multimedia, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. (3)
10.29 - Consulting Agreement, dated July 18, 1997, by and between IAT
Multimedia, Inc. and Arnold J. Wasserman (4)
10.30 - Amendment to Consulting Agreement between the Company and Arnold
J. Wasserman, dated March 2, 1998. (7)
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10.31 - Retainment Agreement, dated August 25, 1997, by and between IAT
Multimedia, Inc. and Reiner Hallauer (4)
10.32 - Stock Option Agreement for Arnold J. Wasserman, dated July 18,
1997, by and between IAT Multimedia, Inc. and Arnold J. Wasserman
(4)
10.33 - Stock Option Agreement for Reiner Hallauer, dated August 25, 1997,
by and between IAT Multimedia, Inc. and Reiner Hallauer (4)
10.34 - Management Contract, dated as of November 13, 1997, by and between
FSE Computer Handel-Verwaltungs GmbH and Dr. Alfred Simmet (4)
10.35 - Credit Agreement, dated as of February 5, 1996, by and between IAT
AG and Swiss Bank Corporation (4)
10.36 - Agreement by and between Swiss Bank Corporation and IAT
Multimedia, Inc. (4)
10.37 - License Agreement, dated as of July 2, 1997, by and between IAT AG
and Proton Communications Technologies Inc. (4)
10.38 - License Agreement, dated as of July 23, 1997, by and between IAT
AG and Sony Electronics Inc. (4)
10.39 - Consent of Sony Electronics Inc. (4)
10.40 - License Agreement, dated as of June 12, 1997, by and between IAT
Multimedia, Inc. and Precision Digital Images Corporation (4)
10.41 - Development Agreement, dated as of June 20, 1997, by and between
IAT Multimedia, Inc, and Precision Digital Images Corporation (4)
10.42 - Letter of Intent, dated November 18, 1997, by and between Olympus
Co. (Europe) GmbH and IAT Deutschland GmbH (4)
10.43 - Annex to the OKI Semiconductor Gate Array, Standard Cell,
Macrocell Products Development and Purchase Agreement, dated as of
June 5, 1997, by and among IAT Multimedia, Inc., Precision Digital
Images Corporation and OKI Semiconductor (4)
10.44 - Settlement Agreement, dated November 12, 1997, by and between IAT
Deutschland GmbH, IAT Multimedia, Inc. and Mr. Wilhelm Gudauski
(4)
10.45 - Letter of Termination from Deutsche Telekom (4)
10.46 - Letter of Termination from IBM Deutschland (4)
10.47 - Agreement dated as of December 22, 1997 by and among Richard
Suter, Klaus-Dirk Sippel and Cornelius Holthuizen, IAT AG and IAT
Multimedia, Inc. (4)
10.48 - Amended and Restated Agreement dated as of December 22, 1997 by
and among Richard Suter, Klaus-Dirk Sippel and Cornelius
Holthuizen, IAT AG and IAT Multimedia, Inc. (4)
10.49 - Amendment No. 1 to Stock Option Agreement for Arnold J. Wasserman
(4)
10.50 - Amendment No. 1 to Stock Option Agreement for Reiner Hallauer (4)
10.51 - Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 19, 1998, by and
among IAT Multimedia, Inc., JNC Opportunity Fund Ltd. and JNC
Strategic Fund, Ltd. (8)
10.52 - Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 19, 1998, by and
among IAT Multimedia, Inc., JNC Opportunity Fund Ltd. and JNC
Strategic Fund, Ltd. (8)
10.53 - 5% Convertible Debenture due 2008, dated as of June 19, 1998,
issued by IAT Multimedia, Inc. (8)
10.54 - Form of Warrant, attached as exhibit to Securities Purchase
Agreement (exhibit 10.51 hereto) (8)
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10.55 - Agreement dated October 27, 1998 between Registrant and Axel
Hundt, the sole shareholder of Columbus Handels-und Vertrieb GmbH
& Co. KG and Columbus Handels-und Vertrieb GmbH (9)
10.56 - Exchange Agreement dated as of December 31, 1998 by and among the
Registrant, JNC Opportunity Fund Ltd. and JNC Strategic Fund Ltd.
(10)
10.57 - Executive Employment Agreement dated as of September 1, 1998
between IAT AG and Jacob Agam
10.58 - Employment Agreement dated as of February 18, 1999 between IAT AG
and Nico Hildebrand
10.59 - Sublease Agreement dated as of January 29, 1999 between the
Registrant and Petrini, N.V. for offices located at 70 East 55th
Street, New York, New York 10022
10.60 - Purchase Agreement dated February 12, 1999 between the Registrant
and Dr. Alfred Simmet
21.1 - List of Subsidiaries of Registrant
27.1 - Financial Data Schedule
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (Reg. No. 333-18529) as filed on December 23, 1996, as amended
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
as filed on November 14, 1997
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K as
filed on November 26, 1997
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Company Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (Reg. No. 333-41835) as filed on December 10, 1997 as amended
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K as
filed on March 20, 1998
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A as
filed on April 3, 1998
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as
filed on April 15, 1998
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K as
filed on July 1, 1998
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
as filed on November 15, 1998
(10) Incorporation by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K as
filed on January 11, 1999
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<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Independent Auditors' Report F-2
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-6-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8-19
Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
for the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 S-1
Note:
(a) All other schedules are not submitted because they are not applicable,
not required or the required information is included in the consolidated
financial statements or notes thereto.
F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
IAT Multimedia, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of IAT Multimedia,
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit), cash
flows, and financial statement schedule for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1998. These consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
the financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of IAT Multimedia, Inc.
and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Also in our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a
whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be
included therein.
ROTHSTEIN, KASS & COMPANY, P.C.
Roseland, New Jersey
March 25, 1999
F-2
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997
------------------ ------------------
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,614,182 $ 5,472,928
Investments 750,000 2,726,865
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $166,159 in 1998 and $71,111 in 1997 1,564,945 1,258,914
Inventories 2,359,896 1,699,338
Other current assets 396,924 277,057
Assets held for disposition 1,077,920
------------------ ------------------
Total current assets 10,685,947 12,513,022
Equipment and improvements, net 578,939 633,605
Other assets:
Other receivables 580,385
Notes receivable from affiliates 562,286
Excess of cost over net assets acquired, net 4,155,972 3,373,254
Other assets 300,541 139,635
------------------ ------------------
$ 16,864,070 $ 16,659,516
================== ==================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Note payable, bank $ $ 449,121
Accounts payable 2,696,911 1,803,389
Other current liabilities 1,104,774 1,846,493
Loans payable, stockholders 2,339,451
Liabilities held for disposition 1,640,029
Deferred income taxes payable 311,347
----------------- -----------------
Total current liabilities 3,801,685 8,389,830
----------------- -----------------
Convertible debentures 3,000,000
------------------ -----------------
Minority interest 72,079 174,007
----------------- -----------------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value,
authorized 10,000,000 shares, none issued
Common stock, $.01 par value,
authorized 50,000,000 shares,
issued 10,048,826 in 1998 and 9,751,949
shares in 1997 100,488 97,519
Capital in excess of par value 30,416,979 27,103,657
Accumulated deficit (20,982,472) (19,239,283)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 661,571 340,046
Treasury stock (50,000 shares) (206,260) (206,260)
------------------ ------------------
Total stockholders' equity 9,990,306 8,095,679
------------------ ------------------
$ 16,864,070 $ 16,659,516
================== ==================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 38,339,643 $ 5,879,820 $ 1,193,302
Cost of sales 35,465,080 5,167,198 811,771
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Gross margin 2,874,563 712,622 381,531
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Operating expenses:
Research and development costs, net 2,425,580 2,330,638
Selling expenses 2,821,248 2,599,663 1,462,191
General and administrative expenses 2,065,828 2,486,443 1,494,858
Non-recurring spin-off expenses 45,652 350,000
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
4,932,728 7,861,686 5,287,687
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Operating loss (2,058,165) (7,149,064) (4,906,156)
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Other income (expense):
Interest income 360,623 484,394
Interest expense (584,510) (232,518) (213,136)
Other income 17,584 36,662 10,814
Minority interest in net (income) loss of subsidiaries 109,569 (33,685)
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
(96,734) 254,853 (202,322)
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Loss before income taxes (benefit) (2,154,899) (6,894,211) (5,108,478)
Income taxes (benefit) (411,710)
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Net loss (1,743,189) (6,894,211) (5,108,478)
Preferred stock dividends (51,625)
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Net loss applicable to common stock $ (1,743,189) $ (6,945,836) $ (5,108,478)
=================== ================== ==================
Basic and diluted loss per share of common stock $ (.19) $ (.84) $ (.89)
=================== ================== ==================
Weighted average number of
common shares outstanding 9,327,144 8,260,709 5,751,715
=================== ================== ==================
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net loss $ (1,743,189) $ (6,894,211) $ (5,108,478)
Other comprehensive income -
foreign currency translation adjustments 321,525 173,516 376,268
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Comprehensive loss $ (1,421,664) $ (6,720,695) $ (4,732,210)
=================== ================== ==================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-4
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated
Common Stock Capital in Other Total
-------------------------------- Excess of Accumulated Comprehensive Treasury Stockholders'
Shares Amount Par Value Deficit Income Stock Equity
------------------- ------------ ------------- ------------- ------------- --------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances, January 1,
1996 3,500,000 $ 35,000 $ 6,472,051 $ (7,184,969) $ (209,738) $ -- $ (887,656)
Issuance of common
stock 875,000 8,750 1,530,833 1,539,583
Change in cumulative
translation adjustments 376,268 376,268
Net loss (5,108,478) (5,108,478)
------------- ------------ --------------- --------------- ------------ ------------- --------------
Balances, December 31,
1996 4,375,000 43,750 8,002,884 (12,293,447) 166,530 -- (4,080,283)
Issuance of common
stock 5,376,949 53,769 19,100,773 19,154,542
Change in cumulative
translation adjustments 173,516 173,516
Dividends (51,625) (51,625)
Acquisition of treasury
stock (50,000 shares) (206,260) (206,260)
Net loss (6,894,211) (6,894,211)
-------------- ------------ --------------- --------------- ------------ ------------- --------------
Balances, December 31,
1997 9,751,949 97,519 27,103,657 (19,239,283) 340,046 (206,260) 8,095,679
Issuance of common
stock 296,877 2,969 2,281,943 2,284,912
Change in cumulative
translation adjustments 321,525 321,525
Stock options issued
for services 119,100 119,100
Discount on convertible
debentures 448,277 448,277
Contributions of capital
by stockholders 464,002 464,002
Net loss (1,743,189) (1,743,189)
--------------- ------------ --------------- --------------- ------------ ------------- --------------
Balances, December 31,
1998 10,048,826 $ 100,488 $ 30,416,979 $ (20,982,472) $ 661,571 $ (206,260) $ 9,990,306
=============== =========== ================ =============== ============ ============= ==============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-5
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (1,743,189) $ (6,894,211) $ (5,108,478)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
net cash used in operating activities:
Discount on convertible debenture 448,277
Depreciation and amortization 575,368 459,287 230,134
Common stock issued for services 37,500 22,500
Minority interest (109,569) 33,685
Deferred income taxes (387,641)
Increase (decrease) in cash attributable
to changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 459,309 537,428 216,016
Inventories 339,046 (30,926) (34,002)
Other current assets 81,457 (121,509) (8,480)
Other assets (32,430) 92,581 (96,667)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities (1,685,999) 595,397 194,949
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Net cash used in operating activities (2,017,871) (5,305,768) (4,606,528)
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (1,261,755) (1,005,678)
Loans to and investments in, affiliated companies (721,348)
Purchase of equipment and improvements (235,328) (418,297) (370,780)
Proceeds from sale (payments for purchase) of investments 1,976,865 (2,726,865)
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (241,566) (4,150,840) (370,780)
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash held for disposition (1,654)
Proceeds from (repayments of) loans payable, stockholders (2,333,101) (1,090,657) 1,931,250
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debentures 3,000,000
Deferred registration costs (133,920) (276,525)
Payment of preferred stock dividends (51,625)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,607,052 17,079,849 1,539,583
Proceeds form issuance of preferred stock 1,400,000
Capital contributions, stockholders 464,002
Repayment of loan payable (310,362)
Purchase of treasury stock (206,260)
Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term bank loan (445,696) (709,321) 473,235
------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 2,292,257 14,576,050 5,067,543
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 108,434 88,825 (24,453)
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 141,254 5,208,267 65,782
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 5,472,928 264,661 198,879
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 5,614,182 $ 5,472,928 $ 264,661
=================== ================== ==================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-6
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------------- ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
cash paid during the year for interest $ 69,921 $ 243,365 $ 162,473
=================== ================== ==================
Cash paid during the year for income taxes $ 98,998 $ -- $ --
=================== ================== ==================
Supplemental schedules of noncash investing and
financing activities:
Issuance of shares of common stock
related to acquisitions $ 753,472 $ 928,718 $ --
=================== ================== ==================
Issuance of note payable related to acquisition $ -- $ 890,000 $ --
=================== ================== ==================
Conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
into 1,875,000 shares of common stock $ -- $ 1,400,000 $ --
=================== ================== ==================
Spin-off of net assets and liabilities
held for disposition $ 562,109 $ -- $ --
=================== ================== ==================
Decrease in loans payable, stockholders
and goodwill relating to an acquistion $ 1,502,994 $ -- $ --
=================== ================== ==================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-7
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION:
IAT Multimedia, Inc. ("IAT") was incorporated under the laws of
Delaware in September 1996. During October 1996, IAT issued 4,375,000
shares of its common stock for 100% of the outstanding shares of
common stock of IAT AG, a corporation organized under the laws of
Switzerland, in a transaction accounted for as a pooling of
interests. IAT, through its recent acquisitions (Note 3), markets in
Germany high performance personal computers assembled according to
customer specifications, computer hardware, components and
peripherals mainly to wholesale and retail businesses through
telephone and mail order sales. In addition, IAT licenses its visual
communications technology to ALGO Vision Schweiz (Note 4).
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of IAT, its wholly-owned subsidiaries IAT AG,
Switzerland ("IAT AG"), IAT Deutschland GmbH Interactive Medien
Systeme Bremen ("IAT GmbH"), and the General Partner of FSE
Computer-Handel GmbH & Co. KG (FSE), and 80% of the limited
partnership interest of FSE, and 100% of both the General Partner of
and the limited partnership interests in Columbus-Computer-Handels
und Vertriebs GmbH & Co. KG ("Columbus") (Note 3) (collectively the
"Company"). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - The Company maintains its cash and cash
equivalents with financial institutions in accounts which at times
may exceed insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses
in such accounts and believes it is not subject to any significant
credit risk on cash. The Company considers all highly liquid debt
instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be
cash equivalents.
INVESTMENTS - The Company's investments in certificates of deposit
are carried at cost which approximates fair value.
INVENTORIES - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, on the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.
REVENUE RECOGNITION - Revenues from the sale of personal computers,
computer hardware, components, peripherals and communications systems
are recognized upon shipment to customers.
USE OF ESTIMATES - The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-8
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED):
EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS - Equipment and improvements are stated at
cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the
straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Operating and office equipment 2-5 years
Office furniture and fixtures,
including automobiles 3-8 years
Leasehold improvements Life of the respective lease
DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS - Deferred financing costs are being
amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the related
financing.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS - The Company reviews its long-lived
assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully
recoverable. To determine the recoverability of its long-lived
assets, the Company evaluates the probability that future
undiscounted net cash flows will be less than the carrying amount of
the assets. Impairment is the amount by which the carrying value of
the asset exceeds its fair value.
EXCESS OF COST OVER NET ASSETS ACQUIRED - Goodwill represents the
excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets of acquired
businesses and is amortized over a period of 10 years from the
acquisition date. The Company monitors the cash flows of the
acquired operations to assess whether any impairment of recorded
goodwill has occurred. Amortization for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996 was approximately $287,000, $45,000 and nil,
respectively.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION - The Company has determined that the
local currency of its Switzerland subsidiary, Swiss Francs, is the
functional currency for IAT AG and IAT GmbH and the Deutsch Mark is
the functional currency for FSE and Columbus. The financial
statements of the subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars
in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52
(SFAS 52), "Foreign Currency Translation". SFAS 52 provides that all
balance sheet accounts are translated at year-end rates of exchange
(1.37 and 1.45 Swiss Francs and 1.67 and 1.80 Deutsch Marks for each
U.S. dollar at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively), except for
equity accounts which are translated at historical rates. Income and
expense accounts and cash flows are translated at the average of the
exchange rates in effect during the year. The resulting translation
adjustments are included as a separate component of other
comprehensive income in the statements of stockholders' equity
(deficit), whereas gains or losses arising from foreign currency
transactions are included in results of operations.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The fair value of the Company's
assets and liabilities which qualify as financial instruments under
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107 approximate the
carrying amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets.
STOCK OPTIONS - The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123),
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". SFAS 123 requires
compensation expense to be recorded (i) using the new fair value
method or (ii) using existing accounting rules prescribed by
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and related interpretations with pro
forma disclosure of what net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per
share would have been had the Company adopted the new fair value
method. The Company accounts for its stock based compensation plans
in accordance with the provisions of APB 25.
F-9
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED):
INCOME TAXES - The Company complies with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS 109), "Accounting for Income
Taxes", which requires an asset and liability approach to financial
reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and
liabilities are computed based on differences between the financial
reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in
taxable or deductible amounts in the future, based on enacted tax
laws and rates applicable to the period in which the differences are
expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are
established, when necessary, to reduce the deferred income tax assets
to the amount expected to be realized.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS - Research and development
expenditures conducted for internal purposes are expensed as
incurred. The expenditures include the following cost elements
directly relating to research and development: materials costs,
equipment and facilities depreciation, personnel costs, contract
services and certain general and administrative expenses. Software
development costs incurred subsequent to establishment of
technological feasibility have not been material. In addition, the
Company had entered into various agreements relating to the joint
development of the Company's video conferencing products. In
accordance with these agreements, the Company and its counterparts
each have rights for the use of the developed technology. Reimbursed
research and development costs for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996 were nil, $97,397 and $398,177, respectively.
MINORITY INTEREST IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY - The Company records
the minority interest in its consolidated subsidiary at the cost of
the investment, adjusted for the income (loss) of the subsidiary.
Losses, however, will be recorded only to the extent of the original
investment and previously recognized equity in earnings, if any.
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE - Effective December 31, 1997, the Company
adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 (SFAS
128), "Earnings Per Share." SFAS 128 requires dual presentation of
basic and diluted earnings per share for all periods presented. Basic
earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing loss
available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding for the period. The weighted average number
of common shares includes shares issued within one year of the
Company's initial public offering (IPO) with an issue price less than
the IPO price, and excludes shares of common stock placed in escrow
upon the completion of the IPO. In addition, all shares have been
adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split discussed in Note 10.
Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could
occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were
exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance
of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Prior
period loss information has been restated as required by SFAS No.
128. Diluted loss per common share is the same as basic loss per
common share for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. At
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company has unexercised stock
options to purchase 530,000, 145,000 and nil shares, respectively,
and has unexercised common stock purchase warrants to purchase
2,771,726, 2,683,485 and 2,348,485 shares, respectively. These
unexercised options and warrants were not included in the
computations of diluted loss per share because their effect would
have been antidilutive as a result of the Company's losses.
F-10
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS:
In October 1998, the Company acquired 100% each of the general
partner and of the limited partnership interests in Columbus.
Columbus markets in Germany computer hardware, components,
peripherals and accessories, as well as standard software mainly to
wholesale and retail businesses through telephone and mail-order
sales. The aggregate purchase price was $2,588,060, comprised of
$1,693,908 in cash, the issuance of 98,622 shares of the Company's
common stock valued at fair market value of $7.64 per share, $140,680
of acquisition costs and the assumption of liabilities of $2,041,183.
In addition, the Company has issued the seller a conditional
guarantee on the market value of the Company's common stock issued
in connection with the acquisition, if sold prior to four years from
issuance. The agreement requires the Company to issue a maximum of
17,296 additional shares of common stock, if the sales proceeds of
the 98,622 shares are less than 1,250,000 Deutsch Mark (approximately
$753,000). As of December 31, 1998, no additional shares of common
stock were issued.
In November 1997, the Company acquired the general partner of FSE
and 80% of the limited partnership interest of FSE from the sole
limited partner. FSE markets in Germany high performance personal
computers ("PC's") assembled according to customer specifications
and sold under the trade name Trinology, as well as components and
peripherals for PC's. The aggregate purchase price was $4,074,653,
comprised of $1,857,225 in cash, the issuance of a promissory note
for $928,608, the issuance of 146,949 shares of the Company's
common stock valued at fair market value of $6.32 per share,
$360,212 of acquisition costs and the assumption of liabilities of
$4,438,547. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, the seller has
agreed to reimburse the Company approximately $1,500,000 based upon
the difference between the guaranteed EBITDA of FSE for 1998 and
the actual EBITDA of FSE. Therefore, the Company has reduced
goodwill by this amount, reduced loans payable, stockholders by
approximately $920,000 and recorded a receivable of approximately
$580,000. This receivable will be offset against the payment due
for the acquisition of the remaining 20% interest in the FSE
Limited Partnership.
The acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and the purchase
prices were allocated on the basis of the relative fair values of the
assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, as follows:
COLUMBUS FSE
Cash $ 682,434 $1,139,645
Accounts receivable 693,862 1,596,341
Inventories 887,896 1,696,997
Prepaid expenses 11,638
Equipment 65,457 673,276
Goodwill 2,299,594 3,577,086
Minority interest (181,783)
Liabilities assumed (2,041,183) (4,438,547)
------------- --------------
$2,588,060 $4,074,653
============= ==============
F-11
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED):
The following unaudited pro forma condensed statements of operations
for 1998 and 1997 give effect to the acquisitions as if they had
occurred on January 1 of each year:
1998 1997
------------ ------------
Net sales $ 66,067,865 $ 60,831,044
============ ============
Net loss $ (1,105,958) $ (6,673,062)
============ ============
Basic and diluted loss per share (.12) (.79)
============ ============
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding 9,408,203 8,487,911
============ ============
EBITDA $ (372,776) $ (5,308,909)
============ ============
NOTE 4 - SPINOFFS:
On March 6, 1998, the Company transferred the business and
substantially all of the assets and the liabilities of its
majority-owned subsidiary, IAT GmbH, to a newly-formed German
company, ALGO Vision Systems. ALGO Vision Systems (the "German
Spinoff") is substantially owned by the former co-chairman of the
Board of Directors of the Company. In addition, IAT AG owns 15% of
the outstanding common stock of ALGO Vision Systems. The German
Spinoff was effective on January 1, 1998 and required the Company to
infuse approximately $650,000 of capital. In connection with the
German Spinoff, IAT AG purchased the remaining 25.1% interest in IAT
GmbH from the minority stockholder for a purchase price of
approximately $100,000. In addition, the Company provided ALGO Vision
Systems with a loan of approximately $300,000 for working capital
requirements through March 6, 1998. This loan bears interest at a
rate of 5% per annum. The balance of the loan, at December 31, 1998,
is approximately $140,000 which is due on or before March 31, 1999.
On March 24, 1998, the Company transferred the business and certain
of the assets and liabilities of its wholly-owned subsidiary IAT AG
to a newly-formed Swiss company, ALGO Vision Schweiz. ALGO Vision
Schweiz (the "Swiss Spinoff") is substantially owned by the former
co-chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. In addition,
IAT AG owns 15% of the outstanding common stock of ALGO Vision
Schweiz. The Swiss Spinoff was effective January 1, 1998. At
closing, the Company received a note ("Purchase Note"), due
March 24, 2001, for approximately $325,000 representing the value of
the assets in excess of the liabilities that were transferred on
March 24, 1998. In addition, the Company loaned ALGO Vision Schweiz
$250,000 ("The Note") for operating cash flow. The Note is due the
earlier of the date that ALGO Vision Schweiz raises either debt or
equity financing in excess of SF 1,000,000 or March 24, 2001. Both
notes provide for the payment of interest semi-annually beginning
September 1, 1998 at a rate of 3% per annum. The balance of the
notes at December 31, 1998 is approximately $560,000.
F-12
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 5- INVENTORIES:
Inventories consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Work in process $ 70,659 $ 124,445
Purchased finished goods 2,289,237 1,574,893
---------- ----------
$2,359,896 $1,699,338
========== ==========
NOTE 6 - EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS:
Equipment and improvements consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
1998 1997
--------- ---------
Automobiles $ 95,202 $ 83,110
Operating and office equipment 507,795 339,686
Office furniture and fixtures 15,133 14,040
Leasehold improvements 301,880 231,993
--------- ---------
920,010 668,829
Less accumulated depreciation
and amortization 341,071 35,224
--------- ---------
$ 578,939 $ 633,605
========= =========
NOTE 7 - CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES:
The Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the
"Purchase Agreement"), dated as of June 19, 1998, with two purchasers
(the "Investors"). The transaction consisted of the issuance of
198,255 shares of the Company's Common Stock and $3 million aggregate
principal amount of the Company's 5% Convertible Debentures due 2001
("Debentures") for $5 million.
F-13
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7 - CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES (CONTINUED):
The Debentures are immediately convertible into shares of common
stock at the option of either the Company (subject to certain
limitations) or the Investors. The holder of shares of common stock
issued upon conversion, at the option of the Investors, are
prohibited from selling the shares prior to March 16, 1999;
thereafter, sales by the Investors are subject to certain volume
limitations. Any portion of the Debentures remaining unconverted on
October 27, 2000 shall convert automatically into shares of common
stock. The number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion
of the Debentures is the lesser of (i) 120% of the average of the
closing bid prices from the five trading days immediately preceding
the Original Issue Date (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and
(ii) 87% of the average of the five lowest closing bid prices during
the 15 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date. The
Company recorded a discount on the Debentures due to the conversion
features of approximately $450,000 which is included in interest
expense for the year ended December 31, 1998.
NOTE 8 - OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Other current liabilities consist of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Value added and income taxes $ 333,177 $ 147,060
Payroll taxes 109,171 80,826
Professional fees 159,449 523,297
Non-recurring spinoff expenses 350,000
Other current liabilities 502,977 745,310
---------- ----------
$1,104,774 $1,846,493
========== ==========
F-14
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 9 - LOANS PAYABLE, STOCKHOLDERS:
Loans payable, stockholders consisted of the following at
December 31, 1997:
Unsecured loan payable to a stockholder
bearing interest at 8% per annum and paid
in January 1998. The loan was subordinated to
to all other creditor claims. $ 448,276
Loan payable to a stockholder relating to the
purchase of FSE and paid in March 1998. The loan was
collateralized by a letter of credit. 890,000
Loan payable to a limited partner of FSE, bearing interest
at 2% above the current German Bundesbank annual discount
rate and due on demand, subject to certain financial
covenants. 1,001,175
-----------
$ 2,339,451
===========
NOTE 10 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
In June 1998, in connection with the issuance of the Convertible
Debentures, the Company issued 198,255 shares of common stock for
proceeds of $1,524,454, net of commissions and offering expenses of
$475,546. In addition, the Company issued five-year warrants to
purchase 88,241 shares of common stock at a price of $13.25 per
share, which is 120% of the Average Price (the "Warrants") to the
Investors and the placement agent.
In exchange for IAT assuming the obligations of IAT AG under
the Swiss bank note, the bank transferred the guarantees of certain
stockholders of the Company to the Company. In December 1997, the
Company exercised its rights under the guarantees, and required the
guarantors to agree to sell an aggregate of 120,000 shares of the
Company's common stock. In March 1998, the common stock was sold for
total proceeds of approximately $494,000, which was contributed to
the Company as capital in excess of par value.
In April 1997, the Company completed its IPO. Through the offering,
the Company sold 3,350,000 shares of its common stock which generated
net proceeds of approximately $16,803,000 after underwriter's
commissions and offering expenses of approximately $3,297,000. In
addition, the Company issued the underwriter warrants to purchase
335,000 shares of the Company's common stock. The warrants are
exercisable at a per share price of $9.90 and expire in March
2002. As of December 31, 1998, no warrants were exercised.
F-15
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED):
In 1996, in connection with the issuance of the Company's common
stock to certain former IAT AG stockholders, the Company issued
warrants to purchase an aggregate of 473,485 shares of common stock,
exercisable at $7.80 per share, and expiring on December 31, 2006. As
of December 31, 1998, no warrants have been exercised.
Certain of the Company's stockholders have agreed to place an
aggregate of 498,285 of their shares of the Company's common stock in
escrow. These shares will not be assignable or transferable (but may
be voted) until such time as they are released from escrow based upon
the Company meeting certain annual revenue and/or earnings levels or
the common stock attaining certain price levels. All shares remaining
in escrow on March 31, 2000 will be forfeited and contributed to the
Company's capital. In the event the Company attains any of the
thresholds providing for the release of the escrowed shares to the
stockholders, the Company will recognize compensation expense for
the shares released to certain stockholders, computed at the time
based on the fair market value of the shares.
In December 1996, the Board of Directors and stockholders of the
Company approved a reverse stock split whereby .947 shares of common
stock and preferred stock were issued for each share outstanding at
that time. All share information in the consolidated financial
statements has been restated to reflect such stock split.
In October 1996, the Company issued 1,875,000 shares of Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (Series A), for
net proceeds of $1,400,000, after deducting expenses of $100,000. The
Series A was converted into 1,875,000 shares of the Company's common
stock upon the consummation of the Company's IPO in April 1997. At
the time of conversion, the Company paid the required dividend of
$51,625 ($.056 per share annualized). In addition, the Company issued
warrants to purchase 1,875,000 shares of common stock, exercisable at
$7.80 per share, and expiring on December 31, 2006. As of December
31, 1998, no warrants have been exercised.
NOTE 11 - STOCK OPTIONS:
In December 1996, the Company's Board of Directors and stockholders
approved the adoption of the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan (the
"1996 Plan"). The 1996 Plan provides for the grant of 500,000
non-qualified and incentive stock options to eligible employees and
advisors. The 1996 Plan is administered by the Stock Option Committee
consisting of the independent directors of the Company. Each option
granted pursuant to the 1996 Plan is designated at the time of grant
as either an incentive stock option or as a non-qualified stock
option. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, 100,000 and nil options,
respectively, have been granted under the 1996 Plan.
During 1998, the Company entered into stock option agreements outside
the 1996 Plan. The agreements provide for the issuance of
non-transferable options to purchase up to an aggregate of 285,000
shares of the Company's common stock at purchase prices ranging from
$4.25 to $6.00 per share, the fair market value on the dates of the
grants. The options vest in installments through June 1999, as
defined, and have piggy-back registration rights. As of December 31,
1998, no options have been exercised.
F-16
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 11 - STOCK OPTIONS:
In July and August 1997, the Company entered into stock option
agreements outside the 1996 Plan. These agreements provide for the
issuance of non-transferable options to purchase up to an aggregate
of 70,000 and 75,000, respectively, shares of the Company's common
stock at purchase prices of $5.00 and $6.00 per share, respectively,
the fair market value on the dates of the grants. The options vest
in installments through July 1999, as defined, and have piggy-back
registration rights. As of December 31, 1998, no options have been
exercised.
The following summarizes the information relating to outstanding
stock options during 1997 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Per
of Option Weighted
Shares Price Average
------------ ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares under option at January 1, 1997 -- $ -- $ --
Granted in 1997 145,000 5.00-6.00 5.52
----------- ------------ ----------
Shares under option at December 31, 1997 145,000 5.00-6.00 5.52
Granted in 1998 385,000 4.25-6.00 5.50
----------- ------------ ----------
Shares under option at December 31, 1998 530,000 $ 4.25-6.00 $ 5.50
=========== ============ ==========
Exercisable at December 31, 1998 381,666 $ 4.25-6.00 $ 5.51
=========== ============ ==========
</TABLE>
Had compensation cost for the Company's stock based compensation
plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates,
consistent with the provisions of SFAS 123, the Company's net loss
and loss per share would have been increased to the pro forma amounts
indicated below:
1998 1997
------------ ------------
Net loss applicable to common stockholders:
As reported $ (1,743,189) $ (6,945,836)
Pro forma (2,921,342) (7,263,565)
Basic and diluted loss per share:
As reported (.19) (.84)
Pro forma (.31) (.88)
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the grant date
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted average assumptions used for 1998 and 1997 grants,
respectively: risk-free interest rate of 5% and 6%, respectively; no
dividend yield; expected lives of 5 to 10 years; and expected
volatility of 86% and 55%, respectively.
F-17
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 12 - DEPENDENCE UPON KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Approximately $923,000 of the Company's revenues for the year ended
December 31, 1996, that was attributable to sales to one customer or
affiliates of that customer. The Company had no significant
customers in 1998 and 1997. Substantially all of the sales for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, are from
customers located primarily in Germany and Switzerland. At
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, substantially all of the Company's
operations, operating assets and liabilities were located in Germany
and Switzerland.
NOTE 13 - INCOME TAXES:
For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, income taxes
computed at the statutory federal rates differ from the Company's
effective rate due to the change in the deferred tax asset valuation
allowance.
At December 31, 1998, the Company has net operating loss
carryforwards ("NOL") for Swiss, German and United States income tax
purposes of approximately $15,200,000, $3,984,000 and $2,500,000,
respectively. The Swiss NOLs expire between 1999 and 2006, the German
NOLs have no expiration date and the United States NOLs expire
through 2018. As a result, at December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company
recorded deferred tax assets of approximately $6,790,000 and
$5,660,000, respectively, and valuation allowances in the same
amounts relating principally to the NOLs.
SFAS 109 requires that the Company record a valuation allowance when
it is "more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred
tax asset will not be realized". The ultimate realization of this
deferred tax asset depends on the ability to generate sufficient
taxable income in the future.
NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
The Company has entered into operating leases for the use of office
space, manufacturing facilities and equipment. Rent expense for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was approximately
$123,000, $346,000 and $400,000, respectively.
Aggregate approximate future minimum annual rental payments under
these operating leases are as follows:
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
1999 $ 276,000
2000 277,000
2001 277,000
2002 138,000
2003 74,000
-----------
$ 1,042,000
===========
F-18
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 15 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
In connection with the sale of the Series A shares, the Company
entered into a marketing agreement with an affiliate of a Series A
stockholder to assist in marketing the Company's products worldwide,
and to arrange financing for the Company's operations, leasing
programs and distribution arrangements. The agreement provided for
the payment of $500,000 for such services which is included in
selling expenses in 1997.
In January 1999, the Company entered into a sublease of office
facilities with an affiliate, at an annual rent of $100,000 through
January 2002.
NOTE 16 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
In January 1999, the Company exchanged the 198,255 shares of common
stock issued in June 1998 for 2,000 shares of Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock ("Series B"). Each share of Series B shall be
convertible into shares of common stock, subject to limitations, and
at the option of the holder, at any time from the issue date at
$10.88 per share. The Series B shall be convertible into shares of
common stock, at the option of the Company, subject to certain
limitations, at any time on or after December 30, 1999, if certain
conditions are met. All shares of Series B not previously converted
into shares of common stock shall automatically convert in January
2002.
F-19
<PAGE>
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
Additions
Balance at Charged to Balance at
Beginning Costs and End
Description of Year Expenses Deductions of Year
- --------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 71,111 $ 95,048 $ -- $ 166,159
============== ============== ============== ==============
Year ended December 31, 1997
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 20,000 $ 51,111 $ -- $ 71,111
============== ============== ============== ==============
Year ended December 31, 1996
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ -- $ 20,000 $ -- $ 20,000
============== ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
S-1
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC.
Dated March 31, 1999 By: /s/ Jacob Agam
-----------------------------------
Jacob Agam
Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant
and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
/s/ Jacob Agam
- ---------------------
Jacob Agam Chairman of the Board of Directors March 31, 1999
and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
/s/ Klaus Grissemann
- ---------------------
Klaus Grissemann Chief Financial Officer and Director March 31, 1999
(principal accounting and
financial officer)
/s/ Nico Hildebrand
- ---------------------
Nico Hildebrand Chief Operating Officer March 31, 1999
/s/ Volker Walther
- ---------------------
Volker Walther Director March 31, 1999
/s/ Viktor Vogt
- ---------------------
Viktor Vogt Director March 31, 1999
/s/ Robert Weiss
- ---------------------
Robert Weiss Director March 31, 1999
/s/ Erich Weber
- ---------------------
Erich Weber Director March 31, 1999
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS
OF
IAT MULTIMEDIA, INC.
(A Delaware Corporation)
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS
1. CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING STOCK. Every holder of stock in the
corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name
of, the corporation by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors
if any, or by the President or a Vice-President and by the Treasurer or an
Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary for each share of
stock owned by him in the corporation. Any and all signatures on any such
certificate may be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar
who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate
shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such
certificate is used, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as
if he were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of issue.
Whenever the corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one
class of stock or more than one series of any class of stock, and whenever the
corporation shall issue any shares of its stock as partly paid stock, the
certificates representing shares of any such class or series or of any such
partly paid stock shall set forth thereon the statements prescribed by the
General Corporation Law. Any restrictions on the transfer or registration of
transfer of any shares of stock of any class or series shall be noted
conspicuously on the certificate representing such shares.
The corporation may issue a new certificate of stock in place of any
certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen, or
destroyed, and the Board of Directors may require the owner of any lost, stolen,
or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to give the corporation a
bond sufficient to indemnify the corporation against any claim that may be made
against it on account of the alleged loss, theft, or destruction of any such
certificate or the issuance of any such new certificate.
2. FRACTIONAL SHARE INTERESTS. The corporation may, but shall not be
required to, issue fractions of a share. If the corporation does not issue
fractions of a share, it shall (l) arrange for the disposition of fractional
interests by those entitled thereto, (2) pay in cash the fair value of fractions
of a share as of the time when those entitled to receive such fractions are
determined, or (3) issue scrip or warrants in registered or bearer form which
shall entitle the holder to receive a certificate for a full share upon the
surrender of such scrip or warrants
<PAGE>
aggregating a full share. A certificate for a fractional share shall, but scrip
or warrants shall not unless otherwise provided therein, entitle the holder to
exercise voting rights, to receive dividends thereon, and to participate in any
of the assets of the corporation in the event of liquidation. The Board of
Directors may cause scrip or warrants to be issued subject to the conditions
that they shall become void if not exchanged for certificates representing full
shares before a specified date, or subject to the conditions that the shares for
which scrip or warrants are exchangeable may be sold by the corporation and the
proceeds thereof distributed to the holders of scrip or warrants, or subject to
any other conditions which the Board of Directors may impose.
3. STOCK TRANSFERS. Upon compliance with provisions restricting the
transfer or registration of transfer of shares of stock, if any, transfers or
registration of transfers of shares of stock of the corporation shall be made
only on the stock ledger of the corporation by the registered holder thereof, or
by his attorney thereunto authorized by power of attorney duly executed and
filed with the Secretary of the corporation or with a transfer agent or a
registrar, if any, and on surrender of the certificate or certificates for such
shares of stock properly endorsed and the payment of all taxes due thereon.
4. RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDERS. For the purpose of determining the
stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or
any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing
without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other
distribution or the allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights
in respect of any change, conversion, or exchange of stock or for the purpose of
any other lawful action, the directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which
shall not be more than sixty days or less than ten days before the date of such
meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other action. If no record date
is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or
to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the
day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at
the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which meeting is
held; the record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent
to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the
Board of Directors is necessary, shall be the day on which the first written
consent is expressed; and the record date for determining stockholders for any
other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of
Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto. A determination of
stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of
stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however,
that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
5. MEANING OF CERTAIN TERMS. As used herein in respect of the right to
notice of a meeting of stockholders or a waiver thereof or to participate or
vote thereat or to consent or dissent in writing in lieu of a meeting, as the
case may be, the term "share" or "shares" or "share of stock" or "shares of
stock" or "stockholder" or "stockholders" refers to an outstanding share or
shares of stock and to a holder or holders of record of outstanding shares of
stock when the corporation is authorized to issue only one class of shares of
stock, and said reference is also intended to include any outstanding share or
shares of stock and any holder of holders of record of outstanding shares of
stock of any class upon which or upon whom the certificate of incorporation
confers such rights where there are two or more classes or series of
- 2 -
<PAGE>
shares of stock or upon which or upon whom the General Corporation Law confers
such rights notwithstanding that the certificate of incorporation may provide
for more than one class or series of shares of stock, one or more of which are
limited or denied such rights thereunder; provided, however, that no such right
shall vest in the event of an increase or a decrease in the authorized number of
shares of stock of any class or series which is otherwise denied voting rights
under the provisions of the certificate of incorporation.
6. STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS.
- TIME. The annual meeting shall be held on the date and at the time
fixed, from time to time, by the directors, provided, that the first annual
meeting shall be held on a date within thirteen months after the organization of
the corporation, and each successive annual meeting shall be held on a date
within thirteen months after the date of the preceding annual meeting. Special
meetings shall be held on the dates and at the times fixed by the directors.
- PLACE. Annual meetings and special meetings shall be held at such
place, within or without the State of Delaware, as the directors may, from time
to time fix. Whenever the directors shall fail to fix such place, the meeting
shall be held at the registered office of the corporation in the State of
Delaware.
- CALL. Annual meetings and special meetings may be called by the
directors or by any officer instructed by the directors to call the meeting.
- NOTICE OR WAIVER OF NOTICE. Written notice of all meetings shall be
given, stating the place, date, and hour of the meeting and stating the place
within the city or other municipality or community at which the list of
stockholders of the corporation may be examined. The notice of an annual meeting
shall state that the meeting is called for the election of directors and for the
transaction of other business which may properly come before the meeting, and
shall, (if any other action which could be taken at a special meeting is to be
taken at such annual meeting) state the purpose or purposes. The notice of a
special meeting shall in all instances state the purpose or purposes for which
the meeting is called. The notice of any meeting shall also include, or be
accompanied by, any additional statements, information, or documents prescribed
by the General Corporation Law. Except as otherwise provided by the General
Corporation Law, a copy of the notice of any meeting shall be given, personally
or by mail, not less than ten days nor more than sixty days before the date of
the meeting, unless the lapse of the prescribed period of time shall have been
waived, and directed to each stockholder at his record address or at such other
address which he may have furnished by request in writing to the Secretary of
the corporation. Notice by mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited, with
postage thereon prepaid, in the United States mail. If a meeting is adjourned to
another time, not more than thirty days hence, and/or to another place, and if
an announcement of the adjourned time and/or place is made at the meeting, it
shall not be necessary to give notice of the adjourned meeting unless the
directors, after adjournment, fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
Notice need not be given to any stockholder who submits a written waiver of
notice signed by him before or after the time stated therein. Attendance of a
stockholder at a meeting of stockholders shall constitute a waiver of notice of
such meeting, except when the
- 3 -
<PAGE>
stockholder attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the
beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting
is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at,
nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders need be
specified in any written waiver of notice.
- STOCKHOLDER LIST. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of
the corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting
of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders, arranged in alphabetical
order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares
registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the
examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during
ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting,
either at a place within the city or other municipality or community where the
meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the
meeting, or if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held.
The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting
during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is
present. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the
stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by this
section or the books of the corporation, or to vote at any meeting of
stockholders.
- CONDUCT OF MEETING. Meetings of the stockholders shall be presided
over by one of the following officers in the order of seniority and if present
and acting - the Chairman of the Board, if any, the Vice-Chairman of the Board,
if any, the President, a Vice-President, or, if none of the foregoing is in
office and present and acting, by a chairman to be chosen by the stockholders.
The Secretary of the corporation, or in his absence, an Assistant Secretary,
shall act as secretary of every meeting, but if neither the Secretary nor an
Assistant Secretary is present the Chairman of the meeting shall appoint a
secretary of the meeting.
- PROXY REPRESENTATION. Every stockholder may authorize another person
or persons to act for him by proxy in all matters in which a stockholder is
entitled to participate, whether by waiving notice of any meeting, voting or
participating at a meeting, or expressing consent or dissent without a meeting.
Every proxy must be signed by the stockholder or by his attorney-in-fact. No
proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date unless such
proxy provides for a longer period. A duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable
if it states that it is irrevocable and, if, and only as long as, it is coupled
with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A proxy may
be made irrevocable regardless of whether the interest with which it is coupled
is an interest in the stock itself or an interest in the corporation generally.
- INSPECTORS. The directors, in advance of any meeting, may, but need
not, appoint one or more inspectors of election to act at the meeting or any
adjournment thereof. If an inspector or inspectors are not appointed, the person
presiding at the meeting may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors. In
case any person who may be appointed as an inspector fails to appear or act, the
vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the directors in advance of the
meeting or at the meeting by the person presiding thereat. Each inspector, if
any, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take and sign an
oath faithfully to execute the
- 4 -
<PAGE>
duties of inspector at such meeting with strict impartiality and according to
the best of his ability. The inspectors, if any, shall determine the number of
shares of stock outstanding and the voting power of each, the shares of stock
represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the validity and effect
of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all
challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and
tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, determine the result, and do such acts
as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders.
On request of the person presiding at the meeting, the inspector or inspectors,
if any, shall make a report in writing of any challenge, question or matter
determined by him or them and execute a certificate of any fact found by him or
them.
- QUORUM. The holders of one third of the outstanding voting shares of
stock shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders for the transaction
of any business. The stockholders present may adjourn the meeting despite the
absence of a quorum.
- VOTING. Each voting share of stock shall entitle the holder thereof
to one vote. In the election of directors, a plurality of the votes cast shall
elect. Any other action shall be authorized by a majority of the votes cast
except where the General Corporation Law prescribes a different percentage of
votes and/or a different exercise of voting power. In the election of directors,
and for any other action, voting need not be by ballot.
7. STOCKHOLDER ACTION WITHOUT MEETINGS. Any action required by the General
Corporation Law to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, or
any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders,
may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a
consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the
holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes
that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which
all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the
taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written
consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.
ARTICLE II
DIRECTORS
1. FUNCTIONS AND DEFINITION. The business and affairs of the corporation
shall be managed either by the Board of Directors of the corporation or the Sole
Director. The Board of Directors shall have authority to fix the compensation of
the members thereof. The use of the phrase "whole board" herein refers to the
total number of directors which the corporation would have if there were no
vacancies.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND NUMBER. A director need not be a stockholder, a
citizen of the United States, or a resident of the State of Delaware. The number
of directors shall be at least one, but may be increased or decreased by action
of the stockholders or of the directors.
- 5 -
<PAGE>
3. ELECTION AND TERM. The first Board of Directors, unless the members
thereof shall have been named in the certificate of incorporation, shall be
elected by the incorporator or incorporators and shall hold office until the
first annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and
qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. Any director may resign
at any time upon written notice to the corporation. Thereafter, directors who
are elected at an annual meeting of stockholders, and directors who are elected
in the interim to fill vacancies and newly created directorships, shall hold
office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors
are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. In the
interim between annual meetings of stockholders or of special meetings of
stockholders called for the election of directors and/or for the removal of one
or more directors and for the filling of any vacancy in that connection, newly
created directorships and any vacancies in the Board of Directors, including
vacancies resulting from the removal of directors for cause or without cause,
may be filled by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in
office, although less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining director.
4. MEETINGS.
- TIME. Meetings shall be held at such time as the Board shall fix,
except that the first meeting of a newly elected Board shall be held as soon
after its election as the directors may conveniently assemble.
- PLACE. Meetings shall be held at such place within or without the
state of Delaware as shall be fixed by the Board.
- CALL. No call shall be required for regular meetings for which the
time and place have been fixed. Special meetings may be called by or at the
direction of the Chairman of the Board, if any, the Vice-Chairman of the Board,
if any, of the President, or of a majority of the directors in office.
- NOTICE OR ACTUAL OR CONSTRUCTIVE WAIVER. No notice shall be required
for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Written,
oral, or any other mode of notice of the time and place shall be given for
special meetings in sufficient time for the convenient assembly of the directors
thereat. Notice need not be given to any director or to any member of a
committee of directors who submits a written waiver of notice signed by him
before or after the time stated therein. Attendance of any such person at a
meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when he
attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the
meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully
called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose
of, any regular or special meeting of the directors need be specified in any
written waiver of notice.
- QUORUM AND ACTION. A majority of the whole Board shall constitute a
quorum except when a vacancy or vacancies prevents such majority, whereupon a
majority of the directors in office shall constitute a quorum, provided, that
such majority shall constitute at least one-third of the whole Board. A majority
of the directors present, whether or not a quorum is
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<PAGE>
present, may adjourn a meeting to another time and place. Except as herein
otherwise provided, and except as otherwise provided by the General Corporation
Law, the vote of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a
quorum is present shall be the act of the Board. The quorum and voting
provisions herein stated shall not be construed as conflicting with any
provisions of the General Corporation Law and these By-laws which govern a
meeting of directors held to fill vacancies and newly created directorships in
the Board or action of disinterested directors.
- CHAIRMAN OF THE MEETING. The Chairman of the Board, if any and if
present and acting, shall preside at all meetings. Otherwise, the Vice-Chairman
of the Board, if any and if present and acting, or the President, if present and
acting, or any other director chosen by the Board, shall preside.
5. REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS. Any or all of the directors may be removed for
cause or without cause by the stockholders.
6. COMMITTEES. Whenever its number consists of three or more, the Board of
Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate
one or more committees, each committee to consist of two or more of the
directors of the corporation. The Board may designate one or more directors as
alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified
member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of
any member of any such committee or committees, the member or members thereof
present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or
they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of
Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified
member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the
Board, shall have and may exercise the powers and authority of the Board of
Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corpora tion with
the exception of any authority the delegation of which is prohibited by Section
l4l of the General Corporation Law, and may authorize the seal of the
corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; provided however,
that the Board of Directors may not authorize a committee to exercise any of the
Board's powers to the extent that such powers would otherwise require the
unanimous vote of 100% of the entire Board of Directors.
7. INFORMAL ACTION. Any member or members of the Board of Directors or of
any committee designated by the Board, may participate in a meeting of the
Board, or any such committee, as the case may be, by means of conference
telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons
participating in the meeting can hear each other. Any action required or
permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee
thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee,
as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are
filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee.
- 7 -
<PAGE>
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
1. DESIGNATION. The officers of the corporation shall consist of a
President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and, if deemed necessary, expedient, or
desirable by the Board of Directors, a Chairman of the Board, a Vice-Chairman of
the Board, an Executive Vice-President, one or more other Vice-Presidents, one
or more Assistant Secretaries, one or more Assistant Treasurers, and such other
officers with such titles as the resolution or instrument choosing them shall
designate.
2. QUALIFICATION. Except as may otherwise be provided in the resolution or
instrument choosing him, no officer other than the Chairman of the Board, if
any, and the Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, need be a director.
Any number of offices may be held by the same person, as the directors
may determine.
3. TERM OF OFFICE. Unless otherwise provided in the resolution or
instrument choosing him, each officer shall be chosen for a term which shall
continue until the meeting of the Board of Directors following the next annual
meeting of stockholders and until his successor shall have been chosen and
qualified.
Any officer may be removed, with or without cause by the Board of
Directors; and any subordinate or junior officer not chosen by the Board of
Directors, but chosen under duly constituted authority conferred by the Board of
Directors, may be removed, with or without cause, by the officer or officers who
chose him.
Any vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors. A
vacancy in any junior or subordinate office not filled by the Board of Directors
may be filled by the officer or officers duly vested with the authority to
choose the person to fill such office.
4. CHOOSING OFFICERS. The Board of Directors shall choose the President,
the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Chairman of the Board, if any, the
Vice-Chairman of the Board, if any, and Executive Vice-President, if any, one or
more additional Vice-Presidents, if any, and such other officers as may be
designated by them, and may confer upon any executive officer or officers,
authority to choose junior or subordinate officers.
5. DUTIES AND AUTHORITY. In addition to those duties that may from time to
time be delegated to them by the Board of Directors, the officers of the
corporation shall have the following duties:
- CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all
meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors at which he is
present, shall be ex-officio a member of all committees formed by the Board of
Directors, shall be an active
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<PAGE>
participant in the management of the business, shall have authority to do
anything the President may, and shall have such other duties and powers as the
Board of Directors may prescribe.
- PRESIDENT. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the
corporation, shall with the Chairman of the Board have general and active
management of the business of the corporation, shall see that all orders and
resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect, and, in the
absence or non-election of the Chairman of the Board, shall preside at all
meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors at which he is present
if he is also a director. The President also shall execute bonds, mortgages, and
other contracts requiring a seal under the seal of the corporation, except where
required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except
where the signing and execution thereof shall be delegated expressly by the
Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the corporation, and shall
have such other powers and duties as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
- VICE-PRESIDENT. The Vice-President or Vice-Presidents, if any, shall
have such duties and powers as the Board of Directors or the President may
prescribe. In the absence of the President or in the event of his inability or
refusal to act, the Vice-President, if any, or if there be more than one, the
Vice-Presidents, in the order designated by the Board of Directors, or, in the
absence of such designation, then in the order of their election, shall perform
the duties and exercise the powers of the President.
- SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT SECRETARIES. The Secretary shall record the
proceedings of all meetings of the stockholders and all meetings of the Board of
Directors in books to be kept for that purpose, shall perform like duties for
the standing committees when required, and shall give, or cause to be given,
calls and/or notices if all meetings of the stockholders and meetings of the
board of Directors in accordance with these By-laws. The Secretary also shall
have custody of the corporate seal and attest thereto when authorized by the
Board of Directors or the President, and shall have such other duties and powers
as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
The Assistant Secretary, if any, or if there be more than one, the
Assistant Secretaries, in the order designated by the Board of Directors, or, if
there be no such designation, then in order of their election, shall, in the
absence of the Secretary or in the event of his inability or refusal to act,
perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary and shall have such
other duties and powers as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
In the absence of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, at a meeting
of the stockholders or the board of directors, an acting Secretary shall be
chosen by the stockholders or directors, as the case may be, to exercise the
duties of the Secretary at such meeting.
In the absence of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or in the
event of the inability or refusal of the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary to
give, or cause to be given, any call and/or notice required by law or these
by-laws, any such call and/or notice may be given by any person so directed by
the Board of Directors, the President or stockholders upon whose requisition the
meeting is called in accordance with these By-laws.
- 9 -
<PAGE>
- TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURER. The Treasurer shall have the
custody of the corporate funds and securities, shall keep full and accurate
accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the corporation and
shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the
credit of the corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board
of Directors. The Treasurer shall also disburse the funds of the corporation as
may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such
disbursements, shall render to the Board of Directors, when the Board of
Directors so requires, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer and of
the financial condition of the corporation, and shall have such other duties and
powers as the Board of Directors may prescribe. If required by the Board of
Directors, the Treasurer shall give the corporation a bond, which shall be
renewed every six years, in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall
be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the
duties of his office and for the restoration to the corporation, in case of his
death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers,
vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under
his control belonging to the corporation.
The Assistant Treasurer, if any, or if there be more than one, the
Assistant Treasurers in the order designated by the Board of Directors, or, in
the absence of such designation, then in the order of their election, shall, in
the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his inability or refusal to act,
perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Treasurer and shall have other
duties and powers as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
- OTHER OFFICERS. Any other officer shall have such powers and duties
as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
6. RESOLUTIONS AND INSTRUMENTS - EFFECT. The Secretary of the corporation
shall keep, or cause to be kept, with the By-laws of the corporation a copy of
every resolution or instrument designating and choosing officers and prescribing
their qualifications, tenure, authority, duties, compensation, and other
appropriate incidents and attributes of office; and each such resolution or
instrument shall be deemed to be a component part of these By-laws.
ARTICLE IV
INDEMNIFICATION
The Corporation shall indemnify its officers, directors, employees and
agents to the full extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware.
Expenses incurred by a director of the Corporation in defending a civil
or criminal action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he is or was a
director of the Corporation (or was serving at the Corporation's request as a
director or officer of another corporation) shall be paid by the Corporation in
advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt
of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director to repay such amount if it
shall
- 10 -
<PAGE>
ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the
Corporation as authorized by relevant sections of the General Corporation Law of
Delaware.
This indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by this
By-law shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights provided by any
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
ARTICLE V
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. DIVIDENDS. Dividends upon the capital stock of the corporation may be
declared by the Board of Directors in any regular or special meeting, pursuant
to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of capital
stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds
of the corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the directors
from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve or
reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or
maintaining any property of the corporation, or for such other purpose as the
directors shall think conducive to the interest of the corporation, and the
directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was
created.
2. CHECKS. All checks or demands for money and notes of the corporation
shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as
the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
3. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed by a
resolution of the Board of Directors.
4. SEAL. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the
corporation, the year of its organization and the words "Corporate Seal
Delaware." The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be
impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENTS
These By-laws may be amended at any proper meeting of the stockholders.
- 11 -
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, dated as of September 1, 1998, between IAT AG, a Swiss
corporation (the "Company"), and Jacob Agam (the "Employee").
WHEREAS, the Company desires to obtain the services of the Employee,
and the Employee desires to provide such services to the Company, on the terms
set forth in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
obligations hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto, intending to be legally
bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Employment and Duties.
(a) The Company hereby employs the Employee, and the Employee
accepts employment, to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and to
perform such duties consistent with his position as may reasonably be assigned
to him from time to time by the Company's Board of Directors.
(b) The Employee hereby agrees to perform such duties, to fulfill
such responsibilities and to serve the Company faithfully, industriously and to
the best of his ability, subject to the direction and control of the Company's
Board of Directors, and to devote his best efforts to performing his duties
under this Agreement. It is hereby expressly understood by the parties hereto
that Employee provides services to companies other than the Company and shall be
permitted to devote a portion of his business time to such other companies.
2. Term; Termination.
Except in the case of earlier termination as hereinafter
specifically provided in Paragraph 4, this Agreement shall be effective as of
September 1, 1998 and the term hereof and the Employee's employment hereunder
shall continue until August 31, 2001 (the "Term").
3. Compensation; Expenses; Benefits.
(a) As compensation for his services hereunder in whatever capacity
rendered, the Company shall pay the Employee a salary, payable monthly in
advance or in more frequent installments and at such times during the month as
is customary with respect to senior officers of the Company and/or its
affiliated corporations, at a rate of US $75,000 per year. Such salary and the
Employee's employee benefits provided pursuant to Paragraph 3(c) hereof shall
continue to be paid and provided, regardless of any illness or incapacity of the
Employee, until this Agreement is terminated.
(b) The Employee shall also be entitled to receive such bonuses as
the Company's Board of Directors or Compensation Committee may deem appropriate.
<PAGE>
(c) The Employee and the Employee's spouse and children, if any,
shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans generally
available from time to time to the senior officers of the Company, so long as
such benefits comply with applicable law (including without limitation the
Internal Revenue Code and ERISA). In addition, Employee shall be entitled to
annual vacation in accordance with Company policy at such times as are mutually
convenient to Employee and the Company.
(d) The Employee shall be entitled to advances or reimbursement for
his ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred in the performance of his
duties hereunder provided that his claims therefor shall be supported by the
documentation required by the Company in accordance with its usual practice.
4. Termination of Employment. If any of the following events occur
before the expiration of the Term, Employee's employment with the Company shall
terminate upon the occurrence of such event:
(a) Employee's death, or any illness, disability or other incapacity
that renders Employee physically unable regularly to perform his duties
hereunder for a period in excess of one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days
or more than one hundred eighty (180) days in any consecutive twelve (12) month
period.
(b) Thirty (30) days after (i) the Company gives written notice to
Employee of his termination if said termination is without cause.
(c) At any time, by written notice from the Company to Employee if
said termination is for cause. For purposes of this Paragraph 4(c) and Paragraph
4(b), "cause" is defined as (i) the material breach by Employee of any provision
of this Agreement (which is not cured within 15 days after written notice to the
Employee thereof), (ii) Employee's conviction of a crime constituting a felony
or involving moral turpitude or (iii) an act by Employee of material dishonesty
or fraud in connection with Employee's performance of his duties to the Company.
In the event Employee's employment is terminated pursuant to Paragraphs
4(a) or (c) above, Employee shall not be entitled to any severance benefits from
the Company other than those rights accorded him by law. In the event Employee's
employment is terminated pursuant to Paragraph 4(b) above, Employee shall be
entitled to twelve (12) months of salary at the rate in effect immediately prior
to the date of termination, paid as and when otherwise due.
5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Employee. The Employee
represents, warrants and covenants to and with the Company that (a) he is not
and will not become a party to any agreement, contract or understanding, whether
employment or otherwise, and that he is not subject to any order, judgment or
decree of any court or governmental agency, which would, in any way, restrict or
prohibit him from undertaking or performing his employment in accordance with
the terms and conditions of this Agreement and (b) he is of sufficient physical
and mental health to fulfill his duties, obligations and responsibilities under
the terms of this Agreement.
2
<PAGE>
6. Miscellaneous.
(a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of Switzerland applicable to agreements made and to be
performed therein.
(b) Notices. All notices, consents and other communications under
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
when (a) delivered by hand (with receipt confirmed), (b) sent by telex or
telecopier (with receipt confirmed), provided that a copy is mailed by
registered mail, return receipt requested, or (c) when received by the
addressee, if sent by Express Mail, Federal Express or other express delivery
service (receipt requested), in each case to the appropriate addresses and
telecopier numbers set forth below (or to such other addresses and telecopier
numbers as a party may designate as to itself by notice to the other parties):
If to the Employee:
Jacob Agam
c/o Vertical Holdings Limited
Wetsbourne, The Grange
St. Peter Port, Guernsey
If to the Company:
IAT AG
Geschaftshaus Wasserschloss
Aarestrasse 17, CH-5300
Vogelsang-Turgi, Switzerland
Attention: President
with a copy to:
Bachner, Tally, Polevoy & Misher
380 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Telecopier No.: (212) 682-5729
Attention: Steven Skolnick, Esq.
(c) Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement shall supersede all
existing agreements between the Employee and the Company relating to the terms
of his employment. This Agreement may not be amended except by a written
agreement signed by both parties.
3
<PAGE>
(d) Waiver. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence
to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver
thereof or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict
adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement.
(e) Assignment. Subject to the limitations below, this Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, representatives, successors and assigns. This Agreement shall
not be assignable by the Employee, and shall be assignable by the Company only
to any corporation resulting from the reorganization, merger or consolidation of
the Company with any other corporation or any corporation to which the Company
may sell all or substantially all of its assets.
IAT AG
By: /s/ Klaus Grissemann
------------------------------------
Name: Klaus Grissemann
Title: Chief Financial Officer
/s/ Jacob Agam
----------------------------------------
Jacob Agam
4
<PAGE>
Page 1 of the manager's employment contract for Mr. Nico J. Hildebrand, dated
February 1, 1999.
MANAGER'S EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
by and between the parties
IAT MULTIMEDIA INC.
Aarestrasse 17
CH-5300 Vogelsang-Turgi,
-hereinafter also referred to as the Holding-
and
Mr. NICO J. HILDEBRAND
born on September 17, 1949 in Hilversum, the Netherlands
In der Stieg 25,
D-41379 Bruggen
-hereinafter referred to as the Manager-
the following manager's employment contract has been concluded.
PREAMBLE
IAT Multimedia Inc. is the holding company of a German intermediate holding
company, IAT Deutschland GmbH, Fahrenheitstrasse 9, D-28359 Bremen. The
following companies are affiliated with the intermediate holding company:
FSE COMPUTER-HANDEL GMBH & CO. KG, Teichstrasse 15-19, D-66953 Pirmasens
and
COLUMBUS COMPUTER HANDELS- UND VERTRIEBS GMBH & CO. KG, Am Lindenhain 14,
D-85435 Bergham/Aufhausen.
For purposes of this contract, the employer is IAT Deutschland GmbH, Bremen.
<PAGE>
Art. 1
Effective February 1, 1999, and for an initial duration of one year, Mr.
Hildebrand is appointed
GENERAL MANAGER (GESCHAFTSFUHRER)
of IAT DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, FSE COMPUTER HANDELVERWALTUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH AND
COLUMBUS COMPUTER HANDELS UND VERTRIEBS-VERWALTUNGS-GMBH, hereinafter referred
to as FSE and COLUMBUS.
Art. 2
The manager shall manage the businesses of FSE and COLUMBUS pursuant to current
laws, the partnership contract, the internal regulations, the business
distribution plan and the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Holding
company. He shall have the title and exercise the functions of a CHIEF OPERATING
OFFICER.
The main duties of the manager shall be the management and continued development
initially of the FSE and COLUMBUS companies based on approved budget, the active
collaboration in the process of acquisitions, including the identification and
evaluation of additional companies, and collaboration in the planned launching
on the stock exchange.
Art. 3
The parties agree that the position of the manger requires intensive travelling.
During the first phase, the manager shall exercise his activity primarily at the
companies' head office and at his home office. By August 31, 1999, the parties
shall specify the manager's place of employment, by mutual agreement.
Art. 4
The manager shall receive an annual salary of DM 240,000 (in words, two hundred
forty thousand German marks) calculated net and paid by the intermediate holding
company in Bremen retroactively at the end of the month, in 12 equal
installments.
In addition, the manager shall be entitled to an annual bonus of 3% of the
consolidated EBITDA of the FSE and COLUMBUS (profits before taxes, interest and
depreciation). This bonus shall be paid once the annual audited balance sheet,
drawn up according to the US-GAAP guidelines, has been ascertained. For the
first 12 months of the manager's activity, a bonus of DM 60,000 (in words: sixty
thousand German marks) is guaranteed. This bonus shall be paid in monthly
installments of DM 5,000 (in words: five thousand German marks).
In addition to the above mentioned payments, the Holding company offers its
stock options to the manager. The price of exercising the options shall be the
fair market value at the time employment began. The right to the options during
the first three contractual years shall be as follows:
<PAGE>
vesting 11/1/99 20,000 options
vesting 2/1/2000 20,000 options
vesting 2/1/2001 20,000 options
The right to options not yet vested expires as of the date on which the manager
no longer acts for the company because of notice of dismissal.
Art. 4
The manager's employment contract ends on January 31, 2000, without need for a
notice. No later than three (3) months before expiration, i.e. by October 31,
1999, both parties may agree in writing to continue the employment relationship.
If the employment relationship is continued, this manager's employment contract
shall be firm until January 31, 2002. If no 12-month notice is given by either
party, the contract shall be extended by an additional twenty-four (24) months.
Notice shall be given by registered mail.
The stipulations concerning termination without notice shall remain unaffected
hereby.
If the manager is dismissed from his position of General Manager
(Geschaftsfuhrer), this contract shall terminate on the date nearest to that
indicated in paragraph two of this article.
In case of notice by either party, the holding company shall have the right to
immediate discharge, subject to continuing payment of the remuneration.
Art. 6
The employment relationship shall end without need of a notice before the
manager has completed the 65th year of his life, at the end of the month in
which a valid pension insurance decision by a legal pension insurance carrier
has been received.
Art. 7
In case of proven inability to work due to no fault of his own as result of
sickness or accident, the manager shall receive the salary pursuant to Art. 4
for 3 months during the first 12 months of the employment contract, and
thereafter for 6 months, but no later than the beginning of the month in which
he is entitled to payment of a pension by a legal social security carrier, or
the termination of the employment relationship.
Claims of Mr. Hildebrand against a third party due to an event which led to his
inability to work (e.g. for traffic accidents) are considered as of now assigned
to the company in the amount of continuous payments made to him.
<PAGE>
Art. 8
The manager is not released from the restrictions of Art. 181 BGB (prohibition
against acting as contracting party).
Art. 9
Mr. Hildebrand shall devote his entire working capacity in the service of the
companies entrusted to him. The following activities shall require prior
approval by the company;
o Taking up or continuing a paid or unpaid sideline activity.
o Directly or indirectly founding, acquiring or participating in a company,
or preparing the relative steps.
o Collaborating on the supervisory or directors' board of other companies.
o Publishing or presenting lectures which concern the interests of the
company/companies.
o Directly or indirectly engaging or collaborating in transactions which
constitute a danger of collision between his personal interests and those
of the company.
Upon request, and in any case at termination of his appointment as manager, Mr.
Hildebrand shall resign from positions to which he was appointed on the basis of
his position in the company.
Art. 10
The manager's minimum weekly work schedule shall be 40 hours. No special payment
shall be made for overtime, additional hours or hours worked on holidays.
The manager shall be entitled to an annual vacation of 30 business days, to be
scheduled in such a way that the interests of the companies entrusted to him and
of the holding company shall not be harmed.
Expenses incurred by Mr. Hildebrand during business trips shall be reimbursed
pursuant to the current guidelines of the Holding company. He shall receive DM
0.80 per kilometer for the use of his private car for company business.
Art. 11
Mr. Hildebrand shall be responsible for the income and social security and other
taxes on monetary payments or payments in kind made to him under this and other
supplementary contracts.
<PAGE>
Art. 12
During the validity and after the expiration of this contract, the manager shall
keep confidential all corporate matters and events entrusted to him or which he
learns during his activity, as well as business secrets and the content of this
contract, unless he is obligated by law to provide information.
Upon the termination of the employment relationship, Mr. Hildebrand shall
release all papers which concern the Holding and the affiliated companies. This
includes his own records and data and papers directed to him personally in his
capacity of manager, and copies of his own letters which he sent to third
parties in this capacity. Any right to retention is excluded. The duty to
release also covers any hard- and software given to Mr. Hildebrand.
Art. 13
If individual stipulations of this contract are or become ineffective, the
remaining stipulations shall be valid. Ineffective stipulations shall be
replaced by suitable adjustments which come closest to the parties' wishes
according to their financial purposes.
This contract is issued in duplicate. Each contractual party shall receive a
copy signed by both parties.
The parties agree that they made no agreements in addition to those in the
employment contract. Amendments and supplements to this employment contract must
be made in writing.
Bremen is the site of performance and jurisdiction. The contract shall be
governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany.
IAT Multimedia Inc., Vogelsang-Turgi,
February 18, 1999 February 18, 1999
S/Klaus Grissemann S/Nico J. Hildebrand
<PAGE>
SUBLEASE AGREEMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
The parties agree as follows:
DATE OF THIS January , 1999
SUBLEASE:
PARTIES TO THIS Overtenant: Patrini N.V.
SUBLEASE: Address for notices: 70 East 55th Street, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10022
You, the Undertenant: IAT Multimedia, Inc.
Address for notices: Geschaftshaus Wasserschloss, Aarestresse 17, CH-5300
Vogelsang-Turgi, Switzerland
If there are more than one Overtenant or Undertenant, the words "Overtenant" and "Undertenant" used in
this Sublease includes them.
INFORMATION FROM Landlord: Amtad Property, Inc.
OVER-LEASE: Address for notices: 801 South Figueroa Street, Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Overtenant:
Address for notices:
Date of Over-Lease: January 29, 1999
Term: from: January 29, 1999 to January 29, 2002
A copy of the Over-Lease is attached as an important part of the Sublease.
TERM: 1. 3 years: 0 months: Beginning: January , 1999
ending: January , 2002
PREMISES RENTED: 2. 70 East 55th Street
24th Floor
New York, New York 10022
USE OF PREMISES: 3. The premises may be used for
Corporate Offices only.
RENT: 4. The yearly rent is $100,000.00***. You, the Undertenant, will pay this yearly rent to the Overtenant
in twelve equal monthly payments of $8,333.33***. Payments shall be paid in advance on the first day
of each month during the Term.
SECURITY: 5. The security for the Undertenant's performance is $0. Overtenant states that Overtenant has received
it. Overtenant shall hold the security in accordance with Paragraph of the Over-Lease.
AGREEMENT TO LEASE AND 6. Overtenant sublets the premises to you, the Undertenant, for the Term. Overtenant states that it has
PAY RENT: the authority to do so. You, the Undertenant, agree to pay the Rent and other charges as required in
the Sublease. You, the Undertenant, agree to do everything required of you in the Sublease.
NOTICES: 7. All notices in the Sublease shall be sent by certified mail, "return receipt requested."
SUBJECT TO: 8. The Sublease is subject to the Over-Lease. It is also subject to any agreement to which the
Over-Lease is subject. You, the Undertenant, state that you have read and initialed the Over-Lease
and will not violate it in any way.
UNDERTENANT'S DUTIES: 9. The Over-Lease describes the Landlord's duties. The Overtenant is not obligated to perform the
Landlord's duties. If the Landlord fails to perform, you, the Undertenant, must send the Overtenant
a notice. Upon receipt of the notice, the Overtenant shall then promptly notify the Landlord and
demand that the Over-Lease agreements be carried out. The Overtenant shall continue the demands until
the Landlord performs.
CONSENT: 10. If the Landlord's consent to the Sublease is required, this consent must be received within days
from the date of this Sublease. If the Landlord's consent is not received within this time, the
Sublease will be void. In such event all parties are automatically released and all payments shall
be refunded to you, the Undertenant.
ADOPTING THE 11. The provisions of the Over-Lease are part of this Sublease. All the provisions of the Over-Lease
OVER-LEASE AND applying to the Overtenant are binding on you, the Undertenant, except these:
EXCEPTIONS: a) These numbered paragraphs of the Over-Lease shall not apply:
b) These numbered paragraphs of the Over-Lease are changed as follows:
</TABLE>
- ----------
*** The rent shall include use of the premises,
as well as all related secretarial and
administrative services.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
NO AUTHORITY: 12. You, the Undertenant, have no authority to contact or make any agreement with the Landlord about the
premises or the Over-Lease. You, the Undertenant, may not pay rent or other charges to the Landlord,
but only to the Overtenant.
SUCCESSORS: 13. Unless otherwise stated, the Sublease is binding on all parties who lawfully succeed to the rights or
take the place of the Overtenant or you, the Undertenant. Examples are an assign, heir, or a legal
representative such as an executor of your will or administrator of your estate.
CHANGES: 14. This sublease can be changed only by an agreement in writing signed by the parties to the Sublease.
OVERTENANT:
/s/ Jacob Agam
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
You, the UNDERTENANT:
/s/ Klaus Grissemann
Witness: -------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
STATE OF COUNTY OF ss.:
On 19 before me personally appeared
to me known and known to me to be the individual(s) described in and who
executed the foregoing Sublease, and duly acknowledged
that he executed the same.
-------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.60
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
between
IAT Multimedia, Inc.
Geschaftshaus Wasserschloss
Aarestrasse 17
CH-5300 Vogelsang-Turgi
- hereinafter referred to as the "Purchaser" -
and
Dr. Alfred Simmet,
Finkenweg 30
66879 Kusel
- hereinafter referred to as the "Vendor" -
PREAMBLE
1. The Vendor was the sole limited partner with a par value interest of DM
250,000.00 in FSE Computer-Handel GmbH & Co. KG, entered in the Commercial
Register of the Pirmasens District Court under HR A 3472 (hereinafter
referred to as the "KG"). The sole general partner of the KG is FSE
Computer-Handel Verwaltungs GmbH (hereinafter referred to as the "GmbH")
with a capital stock of DM 50,000.00, entered in the Commercial Register
of the Mainz District Court under HR B 5812. The Vendor was also the sole
shareholder of the GmbH.
<PAGE>
2. By way of a Purchase Agreement dated November 13, 1998 (Record No. Z
851/1997) of Notary Public, Roger Zatzsch, with offices in Frankfurt am
Main) (hereinafter referred to as the "Purchase Agreement") the Vendor
sold to the Purchaser 80% of his shares in the KG and his entire holding in
the GmbH.
3. Under (section) 5.3 of the Purchase Agreement, the Vendor gave a guarantee
to the Purchaser (hereinafter referred to as the "Profit Guarantee") that
the KG's EBITDA (profit before interest, taxes on earnings and
depreciation) for the 1998 financial year would exceed DM 2,500,000.00.
Under (section) 6.1 a) of the Purchase Agreement, the Vendor gave an
undertaking to the Purchaser to pay as final compensation the difference
between the KG's actual EBITDA for the 1998 financial year and DM
2,500,000.00 in the event that the Profit Guarantee was not fulfilled.
4. The KG maintained a shareholder's clearing account (hereinafter referred
to as the "Shareholder's Clearing Account") for the Vendor as its
shareholder. The credit balance on the Shareholder's Clearing Account,
which ceased to earn interest as of January 1, 1998 by virtue of a
resolution of the KG's partner, totaled DM 1,373,640.32 on December 31,
1998.
5. The KG kept a loss carry-forward account (hereinafter referred to as the
"Loss Carry-Forward Account") for the Vendor as its shareholder. On
December 31, 1998 the Loss Carry-Forward Account showed a loss
carry-forward of DM 54,062.89.
6. The Vendor now intends to sell to the Purchaser, in two equal halves, his
interest in the KG with a par value of DM 50,000.00, namely one half of
his interest (hereinater referred to as "Share A") with a par value of DM
25,000.00 with financial effect as of December 31, 1999 or December 31,
2000, at the option of the Vendor, and the other half of his interest
(hereinafter referred to as "Share B") with a par value of DM 25,000.00
with financial
<PAGE>
effect as of December 31, 2000. The Purchaser intends to acquire Share A
and Share B.
7. The Parties also intend to fix the Purchaser's claim against the Vendor
for compensation due to the non-fulfillment of the Profit Guarantee at DM
2,400,000.00. The Vendor shall satisfy the claim for compensation by
assigning his present claim against the KG for payment of the credit
balance on the Shareholder's Clearing Account as of December 31, 1998, by
assigning his future claims against the KG for payment of any credit
balance to the Shareholder's Clearing Account, and by offsetting his claim
for payment of the purchase price for Share A and Share B.
This having been stated by way of Preamble, the Parties agree as follows:
(SECTION) 1 PURCHASE AND TRANSFER
1.1 Subject to (section) 1.2 and (section) 1.3 below, the Vendor hereby sells
and transfers Share A and Share B to the Purchaser who accepts same.
1.2 The transfer in rem of Share A is conditional upon the following:
a) payment of the purchase price in accordance with (section) 3.1 a); and
b) entry of the Purchaser in the Commercial Register.
1.3 The transfer in rem of Share B is conditional upon the following:
i) payment of the purchase price in accordance with (section) 3.1 b);
and
ii) entry of the Purchaser in the Commercial Register.
1.4 By way of a statement in writing to the Vendor, the Purchaser may waive
the conditions set forth in (section) 1.2 b) and (section) 1.3 (ii).
Share A and Share B shall be sold and transferred by assignment.
1.5 The KG's consent, which is required for the sale and transfer of Share A
and Share B, is attached hereto in Schedule 1.5 for purposes of proof.
<PAGE>
(SECTION) 2 CLOSING DATE/NOTICE TO COMMERCIAL REGISTER
2.1 At the option of the Vendor, which must be made within 2 weeks after the
presentation of the audited financial statements as of December 31, 1999
and declared to the Purchaser by registered letter by that date as being
binding, Share A shall be transferred with financial effect as of
December 31, 1999 or December 31, 2000. Share B shall be transferred with
financial effect as of December 31, 2000.
2.2 Notices of the change of limited partners to be sent to the Commercial
Register and signed by the Vendor, the GmbH and the Purchaser shall be
signed by the parties concerned as soon as possible.
(SECTION) 3 PURCHASE PRICE
3.1 Sum A1 (if the Vendor opts for the sale of Share A with financial effect
as of December 31, 1999 pursuant to (section) 2.1) or Sum A2 (if the
Vendor opts for the sale of Share A with financial effect as of December
31, 2000 pursuant to (section)2.1) shall be paid as the purchase price
for Share A and Sum B as the purchase price for Share B:
Sum A1 = KG's EBITDA for the 1999 financial year x 4.5/10 - Vv
Sum A2 = KG's EBITDA for the 2000 financial year x 4/10 - Vv
Sum B = KG's EBITDA for the 2000 financial year x 4.5/10 - Vv
and Vv shall be deemed to be the particular loss carried forward to the
Loss Carry-Forward Account on the date on which the purchase price is
calculated.
<PAGE>
The Parties also agree that if a negative figure is produced by the
calculation of the purchase price for Share A and/or Share B using the
above formulas, the purchase price for that Share shall be DM 0.
3.2 The EBITDA which determines the purchase price of Share A and Share B
shall be derived from a hypothetical profit and loss statement of the KG
for the financial year in question. For that purpose, the Vendor and the
Purchaser shall prepare a balance sheet and profit and loss statement of
the KG in accordance with the continuity principle, basing it upon the
pertinent annual financial statements of the KG and retaining the
accounting and valuation principles applied for the annual balance sheets
at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997. From the profit and loss
statement of the KG established in this manner, the EBITDA shall be
ascertained as follows:
EBITDA = net income for the year/deficit
plus the following items:
-- taxes on income and earnings;
-- interest expense;
-- depreciation;
-- expenses affecting the net income and occasioned by the
restructuring measures caused solely by the integration of the
KG into the group or by a restructuring of the Purchaser's
group, therefore expenses which would not have been incurred if
the KG were not an enterprise affiliated with the Purchaser;
less the following items:
-- interest income;
-- income affecting the net income and occasioned by the
restructuring measures caused solely by the integration of the KG
in the group or by a restructuring of the Purchaser's group,
therefore expenses which would not have been incurred if the KG
were not an enterprise affiliated with the Purchaser.
<PAGE>
On the basis of the annual financial statements prepared by the KG's
management, the EBITDA as defined herein shall be calculated annually by
the auditor auditing the pertinent annual financial statements, and
presented to the Parties for their approval. The calculation shall be deemed
binding for the Parties four weeks after presentation of the EBITDA
calculation unless within that period one of the Parties advises the other
Party that he/it refuses to approve that calculation. If approval is refused
within the required period, at the request of the Purchaser or Vendor, the
EBITDA for the year in question shall be calculated with binding effect upon
the Parties and on the basis of the within contractual provisions by an
international auditing company acting as arbitrator and designated by the
Pirmasens Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The arbitrator's decision shall
be binding upon the Parties unless that decision is patently wrong. The
arbitrator shall also decide upon the allocation of costs in accordance with
(sections) 91 ff. of the Code of Civil Procedure.
3.3 The purchase price shall be payable as follows:
a) Sum A1 ((section) 3.1), five business days after the calculation of
the KG's EBITDA for the 1999 financial year has become binding upon
the Parties;
b) Sum A2 ((section) 3.1), five business days after the calculation of
the KG's EBITDA for the 2000 financial year has become binding upon
the Parties.
3.4 Any payments to the Vendor pursuant to (section) 3 shall be remitted to
the Vendor's account with Kreissparkasse Kusel, Branch Code No. 540 515
50, Account No. 500-216650.
(SECTION) 4 CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR NON-FULFILLMENT OF PROFIT GUARANTEE
4.1 The Parties agree that the KG's guaranteed EBITDA was not achieved in the
1998 financial year, that this result was not caused by a substantial
change in the KG's business and activities induced by the Purchaser and
that, as a
<PAGE>
consequence, the Vendor has not fulfilled the Profit Guarantee. In view
of the legal remedy available to the Purchaser by reason of the
non-fulfillment of the Profit Guarantee in accordance with (section) 6.1
a) of the Purchase Agreement, the Parties agree that the Purchaser has a
claim for compensation (hereinafter referred to as the "Claim for
Compensation") against the Vendor in the amount of DM 2,400,000.00, and
that the Claim for Compensation is due immediately.
4.2 As partial settlement of the Claim for Compensation and on account of
performance, the Vendor hereby assigns to the Purchaser (i) his claim
against the KG for payment of the credit balance on the Shareholder's
Clearing Account as at December 31, 1998, and (ii) possible future claims
to payment of a credit balance on his Shareholder's Clearing Account and
(iii) possible future claims of the purchase price ((section) 3). Should
the above mentioned claims assigned by the Vendor to the Purchaser not be
sufficient to fully pay for the Claim for Compensation, then the Vendor
shall settle the remaining amount in cash.
4.3 A respite for payment for the Claim for Compensation in the amount of DM
1,026,359.68 is granted according to (section) 4.2. No interest is due on
this amount.
(SECTION) 5 ASSURANCES AND WARRANTIES
By way separate warranty promise given today and on the date of the transfer
in rem of Share A and Share B, the Vendor undertakes and warrants:
5.1 that he is the sole owner of Share A and Share B and that they are free
from any encumbrances;
5.2 that he is free to dispose of Share A and Share B,
5.3 that for the Vendor, the disposition of Share A and Share B is not a
transaction within the meaning of (section) 419 of the German Civil Code,
and that his right to
<PAGE>
dispose of his assets is not restricted within the meaning of (section)
1365 of the German Civil Code.
(SECTION) 6 LEGAL REMEDY
6.1 If one or more of the undertakings or warranties or obligations assumed
under this Agreement are inapplicable or not fulfilled, the Purchaser
shall be entitled to demand that the Purchaser and KG be placed in the
position in which they would have been had the undertaking or warranty
been applicable, or had the obligation been fulfilled.
6.2 The statutory limitation period shall apply in respect of any claims
under (section) 6.
6.3 The running of the limitation period in respect of any claims by the
Purchaser shall be suspended by a written request for fulfillment or by a
written notice of default in accordance with (section) 202 of the German
Civil Code, in conjunction with (section) 205 of the German Civil Code,
subject to the proviso that the Purchaser, in order to preserve its
claims, must assert said claims by way of court action within twelve
months of delivery of the written request for fulfillment or notice of
default, but not before the expiry of the relevant limitation period
referred to in (section) 6.2.
6.4 (sections) 460 and 464 of the German Civil Code and (sections) 377 ff of
the German Commercial Code shall have no application to this Agreement.
(SECTION) 7 COOPERATION
7.1 The Vendor covenants and agrees to deliver to the Purchaser all business
documents and records belonging to the KG.
7.2 If, following the closing date, an external tax audit of the KG is
conducted in relation to the assessment periods prior to the closing date,
the Vendor shall be given an opportunity to take part in the examination,
and in particular in the
<PAGE>
final discussions, through an authorized representative sworn to
professional secrecy. Upon his request and at his expense, all
information required to protect his interests shall be provided to
the Vendor. The Vendor may also, at his expense, demand that the KG
enter an appeal against a tax assessment notice. Proceedings shall
then be conducted by the Vendor at his expense.
(SECTION) 8 PROVISIONS OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT
For purposes of clarification, the Parties covenant and agree that none of
the provisions contained in the Purchase Agreement shall be affected by the
provisions contained in this Agreement.
(SECTION) 9 FEDERAL ANTITRUST AUTHORITIES
If necessary, the Purchaser shall, at its expense, take care of giving notice
of this merger to the Federal Antitrust Authorities. The Purchaser warrants
that conditions requiring notification do not exist.
(SECTION) 10 CONFIDENTIALITY
10.1 The Parties shall treat the conclusion of this Agreement and its
provisions as strictly confidential unless disclosure to a third party
is required by law or the applicable rules of a stock exchange, or is
necessary to provide adequate information to the employees of the KG and
its chosen representatives.
10.2 Any statements to the press shall be coordinated jointly.
(SECTION) 11 COSTS, MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
11.1 All of the schedules to this Agreement shall form an integral part of
this Agreement insofar as they are attached not solely for the purpose
of proof.
<PAGE>
11.2 Amendments and supplements to this Agreement must be in writing unless a
stricter formality is required by law.
11.3 Should any provision or provisions of this Agreement be or become
invalid, the validity of the other provisions of the Agreement shall
remain unaffected. The same shall apply in the event that there should
prove to be a gap in the provisions of this Agreement. The invalid or
impracticable provision or provisions shall be replaced, or the gap
remedied, by an appropriate provision which, insofar as possible by law,
approximates as closely as possible the intentions of the Parties to the
Agreement.
11.4 This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Germany.
Turgi, February 12, 1999
S/IAT Multimedia Pirmasens, February 12, 1999
Dr. Alfred Simmet
<PAGE>
Exhibit 21.1
Subsidiaries of Registrant
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Name or Organization
---- -----------------------------
<S> <C>
FSE Computer-Handel GmbH & Co. KG Germany
FSE Computer-Handel Verwaltungs GmbH Germany
Columbus Computer Handels-und Vertriebs GmbH & Co. KG Germany
Columbus Computer Handels-und Vertriebs-Verwaltungs GmbH Germany
IAT AG Switzerland
IAT Deutschland GmbH Interaktive Medien Systeme Germany
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration
statements of IAT Multimedia, Inc. on Form S-3 (File Nos. 333-64111 and
333-71901) of our report dated March 25, 1999 which report is included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 of IAT
Multimedia, Inc.
ROTHSTEIN, KASS & COMPANY, P.C.
Roseland, New Jersey
March 29, 1999
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-1-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 5,614,182
<SECURITIES> 750,000
<RECEIVABLES> 1,731,104
<ALLOWANCES> 166,159
<INVENTORY> 2,359,896
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 10,685,947
<PP&E> 920,010
<DEPRECIATION> 341,071
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 16,864,070
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 3,801,685
<BONDS> 3,000,000
0
0
<COMMON> 100,488
<OTHER-SE> 0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 16,864,070
<SALES> 38,339,643
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 38,339,643
<CGS> 35,465,080
<TOTAL-COSTS> 35,465,080
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 4,932,728
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 584,510
<INCOME-PRETAX> (2,154,899)
<INCOME-TAX> (411,710)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (1,743,189)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (1,743,189)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (.19)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.19)
</TABLE>
