<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party Other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement [_] Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as
permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[_] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
TITAN MOTORCYCLE CO. OF AMERICA
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11.
Title of each series of securities to which transaction applies:
(1) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(3) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
$
(4) Total fee paid:
$
[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
<PAGE> 2
TITAN MOTORCYCLE CO. OF AMERICA
November ____, 2000
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting of stockholders
of Titan Motorcycle Co. of America on Wednesday, December 13, 2000, at 10:00
a.m., local time, at Camelback Inn Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, 5402 East
Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 85253.
On August 14, 2000, we issued $750,000 of convertible debentures in
exchange for $750,000 in gross proceeds pursuant to a Securities Purchase
Agreement. Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, we agreed to hold this
Special Meeting in an effort to obtain the approval of our stockholders for the
issuance of shares of our common stock upon conversion of the convertible
debentures. Nasdaq rules require the approval of our stockholders for the
issuance of shares of common stock in excess of 20% of our then outstanding
capital stock. The conversion terms of the convertible debentures provide for
the possibility of an issuance in excess of the specified percentage. As a
result, stockholder approval is necessary.
As described in the enclosed proxy statement, at the Special Meeting
you will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance
of common stock upon conversion of the convertible debentures.
You are urged to read the accompanying proxy statement, which provides
you with a description of the terms of the foregoing proposal.
It is very important that your shares be represented at the Special
Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, please complete,
sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope
provided. Executed proxy cards with no instructions indicated thereon will be
voted for approval and adoption of the foregoing proposal.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Francis S. Keery
__________________________
Francis S. Keery
Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE> 3
TITAN MOTORCYCLE CO. OF AMERICA
2222 West Peoria Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85029
Telephone (602) 861-6977
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To the stockholders of Titan Motorcycle Co. of America:
The Special Meeting of the holders of the common stock of Titan Motorcycle
Co. of America will be held at 10:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, December 13,
2000 at Camelback Inn Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, 5402 East Lincoln Drive,
Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 for the following purposes:
- To authorize the issuance of shares of Titan's common stock to
holders of 12% convertible debentures upon the exercise of
conversion rights;
- To transact such other business as may properly come before
the meeting, or any adjournment thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed November 14, 2000 as the record date for
the Special Meeting with respect to this solicitation. Only stockholders of
record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Special Meeting, or any adjournment thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Francis S. Keery
____________________________________________
Francis S. Keery,
Chief Executive Officer
Phoenix, Arizona
November ___, 2000
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY FORM IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. A PROXY MAY BE REVOKED
BY A STOCKHOLDER ANY TIME PRIOR TO ITS USE, AS SPECIFIED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT.
<PAGE> 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
ABOUT THE MEETING
What is the purpose of the Special Meeting?............................................................ 1
Who is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting?........................................................ 2
What are our objectives?............................................................................... 2
May I change my vote after I have mailed by proxy card?................................................ 2
What are the voting procedures at the Special Meeting?................................................. 2
SUMMARY OF THE ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK UPON CONVERSION OF DEBENTURES
Why is this approval necessary?........................................................................ 3
What is the Board's recommendation?.................................................................... 3
What vote is required to approve the issuance upon conversion? ........................................ 3
PROPOSAL REGARDING ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK
Background............................................................................................. 3
Purpose and material effects of the approval of the issuance upon conversion........................... 4
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.............................................. 6
OTHER MATTERS
Expenses of solicitation............................................................................... 7
Financial and other information........................................................................ 7
Discretionary Authority................................................................................ 7
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 5
TITAN MOTORCYCLE CO. OF AMERICA
2222 West Peoria Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85029
Telephone (602) 861-6977
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the holders of common stock of
TITAN MOTORCYCLE CO. OF AMERICA, a Nevada corporation ("Titan" or the
"Company"), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of
Directors for use at the Special Meeting of stockholders of the Company (the
"Special Meeting") to be held at 10:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, December
13, 2000, and any adjournment thereof. The Special Meeting of stockholders will
be at Camelback Inn Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, 5402 East Lincoln Drive,
Scottsdale, Arizona 85253. THE ENCLOSED PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY. A copy of the Notice of Special Meeting accompanies
this Proxy Statement. It is anticipated that the mailing of this Proxy Statement
will commence on or about November 17, 2000. In all events, the proxy materials
will be mailed at least 20 days prior to the Special Meeting.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on November 14,
2000, the record date for the Special Meeting, will be entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Special Meeting. On the record date, the Company had
_____________ outstanding shares of Common Stock, which are the only securities
of the Company entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, each share being
entitled to one vote.
THE TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
COMMISSION PASSED ON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF SUCH TRANSACTIONS OR UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
The following series of questions and answers highlights selected
information from this proxy statement and may not contain all of the information
that is important to you. You should carefully read this entire proxy statement
to fully understand the proposed approval of an issuance of common stock upon
conversion of the 12% convertible debentures to be voted on at the Special
Meeting.
ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING?
At the Special Meeting, stockholders will vote upon the matters
outlined in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting, including the
authorization of the issuance of shares of Titan's common stock to holders of
12% convertible debentures upon the exercise of conversion
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rights.
Abstentions and "broker non-votes" are counted as shares eligible to
vote at the Special Meeting in determining whether a quorum is present, but do
not represent votes cast with respect to any proposal. "Broker non-votes" are
shares held by a broker or nominee as to which instructions have not been
received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and the broker
or nominee does not have discretionary voting power.
WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING?
Those persons who were stockholders of record of Titan's common stock
at the close of business on November 14, 2000, the record date fixed by our
Board of Directors, are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. Each
stockholder of record on the record date is entitled to one vote for each share
then held on each matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders.
WHAT ARE OUR OBJECTIVES?
On August 14, 2000, we issued $750,000 of convertible debentures in
exchange for $750,000 in gross proceeds pursuant to a Securities Purchase
Agreement. Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, we agreed to hold this
Special Meeting in an effort to obtain the approval of our stockholders for the
issuance of shares of our common stock upon conversion of the convertible
debentures. Nasdaq rules require the approval of our stockholders for the
issuance of shares of common stock in excess of 20% of our then outstanding
capital stock. The conversion terms of the convertible debentures provide for
the possibility of an issuance in excess of the specified percentage. As a
result, stockholder approval is necessary.
MAY I CHANGE MY VOTE AFTER I HAVE MAILED MY SIGNED PROXY CARD?
Yes. You have an unconditional right to revoke your proxy at any time
prior to its exercise, either in person at the Special Meeting or by delivering
a written revocation or duly executed proxy bearing a later date with our
Secretary at our offices prior to the Special Meeting.
WHAT ARE THE VOTING PROCEDURES AT THE SPECIAL MEETING?
The attendance, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting
is necessary to constitute a quorum. If less than a majority of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote are represented at the Special Meeting, a majority of
the shares so represented may adjourn the Special Meeting to another date, time
or place, and notice need not be given of the new date, time or place if the new
date, time or place is announced at the meeting before an adjournment is taken.
If a quorum is present, a majority of the shares represented and entitled to
vote at the Special Meeting is required to adopt the proposal described in this
proxy statement.
A proxy card is enclosed for use at the Special Meeting. When this
proxy is properly executed and returned, the shares it represents will be voted
at the Special Meeting in accordance with any instructions noted on the proxy
card. If no direction is indicated, all shares represented by valid proxies
received pursuant to this solicitation (and not revoked prior to exercise) will
be
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voted in favor of the proposal.
SUMMARY OF THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK UPON
CONVERSION OF CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
WHY IS THIS APPROVAL NECESSARY?
On August 14, 2000, we issued $750,000 of convertible debentures in
exchange for $750,000 in gross proceeds pursuant to a Securities Purchase
Agreement. Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, we agreed to hold this
Special Meeting in an effort to obtain the approval of our stockholders for the
issuance of shares of our common stock upon conversion of the convertible
debentures. Nasdaq rules require the approval of our stockholders for the
issuance of shares of common stock in excess of 20% of our then outstanding
capital stock. The conversion terms of the convertible debentures provide for
the possibility of such an excessive issuance. As a result, stockholder approval
is necessary.
WHAT IS THE BOARD'S RECOMMENDATION?
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" the
proposal to approve the issuance of common stock upon conversion of the
convertible debentures.
WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE UPON CONVERSION?
The affirmative vote of a majority of the Shares represented and
entitled to vote at the meeting is required to approve the issuance of shares of
common stock upon conversion of the convertible debentures.
PROPOSAL REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF
THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK TO HOLDERS OF THE 12% CONVERTIBLE
DEBENTURES UPON EXERCISE OF CONVERSION RIGHTS
BACKGROUND
In compliance with Nasdaq rules, Titan is seeking stockholder approval
of the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of common stock that may be
issued upon conversion of Titan's 12% convertible debentures. The shares of
common stock are issuable at the election of the holders of the convertible
debentures under the conversion rights granted to the holders of the convertible
debentures.
On August 14, 2000, Titan entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement
for the sale of $750,000 in original principal amount of its 12% convertible
debentures, and issued warrants for the purchase of up to an aggregate of
1,025,160 shares of Titan's common stock. The rights of the holders of the
convertible debentures are described in the convertible debentures. The
convertible debentures include a description of the right of the holders to
convert their convertible debentures into shares of Titan's common stock. As a
result of the conversion features in the convertible
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debentures, the convertible debentures and warrants are likely to be converted
into shares of common stock at a conversion price less than the market value of
the common stock. The warrants issued in connection with the convertible
debentures are exercisable at a premium to the market price on the date they
were issued.
Nasdaq SmallCap Market rules require that Titan obtain stockholder
approval prior to the issuance of shares of its common stock, at a price less
than the greater of book or market value, that equals, or exceeds 20% of the
number of shares of its common stock outstanding prior to the issuance of the
convertible debentures. The warrants issued in connection with the convertible
debentures are exercisable at a price equal to 105% of the market price of the
common stock as of the closing date, or $.643125 per share, and expire August
31, 2005. Because the Company may, under certain circumstances, be required to
issue more than 20% of such number of outstanding shares of its common stock at
a discount to market price under the terms of the convertible debentures, the
Board of Directors seeks the approval of the Company's stockholders of this
proposal.
The members of Titan's Board of Directors unanimously approved the
terms of the convertible debentures and related warrants.
PURPOSE AND MATERIAL EFFECTS OF THE APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE UPON CONVERSATION.
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, Titan has $750,000 of its 12%
convertible debentures outstanding. The convertible debentures are convertible
at the lower of a fixed conversion price or a variable conversion price. The
fixed conversion price of $0.42, was determined by multiplying 70% of the
average of the closing bid price of Titan's common stock for the five trading
days immediately preceding the closing date. The variable conversion price is
equal to 70% of the average of the five lowest closing bid prices (which need
not be consecutive days) of Titan's common stock during the 22 trading days
immediately preceding an applicable conversion date. A reduction of the
conversion price results in an increase in the number of shares of common stock
into which the convertible debentures may be converted. Because the conversion
price is the lesser of the fixed conversion price or the applicable variable
conversion price, the conversion price will never exceed $0.42 (the fixed
conversion price) even if the price of the common stock increases significantly.
The conversion price and the number of shares of common stock underlying the
convertible debentures are subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock
dividends, combinations, capital reorganizations and similar events relating to
Titan's common stock.
Assuming this proposal is approved by stockholders and all $750,000 in
principal amount of the Company's outstanding 12% convertible debentures are
converted at the applicable variable conversion price, and that interest on the
principal is paid in cash rather than converted to shares of common stock, the
following table sets forth the number of common shares which may be issued and
the aggregate percentage of the outstanding shares represented thereby (after
giving effect to such additional shares) at different conversion price levels:
4
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Approximate Percentage of
Conversion Price(1) Common Shares Outstanding Shares
------------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
$0.10 7,500,000 [ ]%
$0.25 3,000,000 [ ]%
$0.35 2,142,857 [ ]%
$0.42 1,785,714 [ ]%
</TABLE>
------------------
(1) The closing bid/sale price of Titan's common stock as of November ----, 2000
was $-------- per share.
Accordingly, approval of this proposal could result in substantial
dilution to existing stockholders, if the convertible debentures are converted
at variable conversion prices substantially below the fixed conversion price.
Under the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement, if this proposal is not
approved by the stockholders and Titan is unable to issue all common shares due
upon conversion of the convertible debentures by reason of the Nasdaq
limitation, Titan may be required to redeem such unconvertible debentures for
cash at a time when it does not have the available funds to do so. In that
event, Titan may be required to liquidate or reorganize.
Neither Nevada nor federal law requires the approval by Titan's
stockholders of the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement or the issuance
of common stock to the holders of the convertible debentures. However, Nasdaq
rules require that all Nasdaq SmallCap Market-listed companies such as Titan
obtain stockholder approval to issue common stock, or securities convertible
into common stock, that equals or exceeds 20% of their outstanding common stock
(or 20% or more of the voting power in the company), prior to the issuance of
the common stock if the consideration for the common stock is less than the
greater of book or market value of the shares. Under the convertible debentures,
the issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to a conversion of the
convertible debentures may be at a discount to the market price at the time of
the exercise of the conversion rights and therefore must be approved by the
stockholders under Nasdaq rules.
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, Titan had [ ] shares of common
stock issued and outstanding. Consequently, under Nasdaq rules, Titan may not
issue, at a discount, more than ---------------------------- shares of Titan's
common stock, unless it first obtains stockholder approval of the issuance.
Because a full conversion of the convertible debentures could result in the
issuance of more than 20% Titan's of outstanding shares, the Board of Directors
seeks stockholder approval of the issuance of sufficient shares to satisfy the
conversion rights of the convertible debentures.
One of the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement requires Titan to
submit this proposal to a stockholder vote to authorize the issuance of the
Company's common stock. By agreement, this stockholder approval is to be sought
by December 13, 2000.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
As of November ----, 2000, the Company had ------- shares of common stock
outstanding. The chart below sets forth the beneficial ownership, or claimed
ownership, of certain individuals and entities. This chart discloses those
persons known by the Board of Directors to have, or to claim to have, beneficial
ownership of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the common stock of the
Company as of November ----, 2000; of all current directors and named executive
officers of the Company; and of the directors and officers of the Company as a
group. Such information is based upon information furnished by each such person
and is correct to the best of our knowledge. In certain cases, shares required
under rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission to be shown as
beneficially owned are shares as to which the indicated person holds rights to
acquire such shares within 60 days through the exercise of stock options or
otherwise. The address for each of the persons named below is our principal
office.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED PERCENT OF CLASS
------------------------------------ ------------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Francis S. Keery [3,374,772](1) [20.73]%
Patrick Keery [2,978,549](2) [17.19]%
Barbara S. Keery [3,329,756](3) [19.36]%
Dennis Rutherford [ ](4) (5)
Officers and Directors
as a group (---- members) [ ] [ ]%
</TABLE>
------------------
(1) Includes 225,000 shares underlying unexercised employee options.
(2) Includes 150,000 shares underlying unexercised employee options.
(3) Includes 16,650 shares underlying unexercised employee options.
(4) Includes [-----] shares underlying unexercised employee options.
(5) Represents less than one percent.
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OTHER MATTERS
EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
The accompanying proxy is solicited by and on behalf of our Board of
Directors, and the entire cost of such solicitation will be borne by us. In
addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by directors,
officers and employees of Titan, by personal interview, telephone and facsimile.
Arrangements may be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees
and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation material to the beneficial
owners of stock held of record by such persons, and we will reimburse them for
reasonable out-of-pocket and clerical expenses incurred by them in connection
with this process.
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
Copies of our complete annual report, Form 10-K and most recent Form
10-Q are available without charge upon request made to our corporate offices.
DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY
The Special Meeting is called for the specific purposes set forth in
the Notice of Special Meeting as discussed above, and also for the purpose of
transacting such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting.
At the date of this proxy statement the only matters which management intends to
present, or is informed or expects that others will present for action at the
Special Meeting, are those matters specifically referred to in the notice. As to
any matters that may come before the Special Meeting other than those specified
above, the proxy holder will be entitled to exercise discretionary authority.
THE STATEMENTS IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING MATERIALS ARE
FOR THE INFORMATION OF STOCKHOLDERS OF TITAN MOTORCYCLE CO. OF AMERICA. THIS
PROXY STATEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING MATERIALS ARE NEITHER AN OFFER TO SELL NOR A
SOLICITATION OR OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES. NO ONE SHOULD BUY OR SELL ANY
SECURITY BY REASON OF ANY STATEMENT IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT, OR ANY ACCOMPANYING
MATERIALS.
DATED this ___ day of November, 2000
By Order of the Directors:
/s/ Francis S. Keery
___________________________
Francis S. Keery
Chief Executive Officer
Titan Motorcycle Co. of America
2222 West Peoria Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85029
(602) 861-6977
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PROXY
TITAN MOTORCYCLE CO. OF AMERICA
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick S. Keery and Dennis Rutherford,
with full power of substitution, to represent and to vote on behalf of the
undersigned, all of the shares of common stock of TITAN MOTORCYCLE CO. OF
AMERICA which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of the
stockholders, to be held at 9:00 a.m. Local Time, at Camelback Inn Marriott
Resort, Golf Club & Spa, 5402 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 and
at any adjournment thereof, revoking all proxies heretofore given with respect
to such stock, upon the following proposal more fully described in the
accompanying Proxy Statement, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.
1. PROPOSAL TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES of Titan's common stock to
holders of the 12% convertible debentures issued by Titan upon the exercise of
conversion rights.
[ ] For [ ] Against [ ] Abstain
2. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein
by the undersigned stockholder(s). Where direction is not made, this proxy will
be voted for proposal 1.
Please sign this proxy exactly as the name appears on your stock certificate. If
shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or in any other similar capacity,
please give the appropriate title. When signing as a corporation, please sign on
behalf of the corporation by an authorized officer. If you sign for a
partnership, please sign on behalf of the partnership by an authorized person.
DATED this _____ day of _______________, 2000
Our records indicate the following:
__________________________
Signature
__________________________
Signature
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
Please make any corrections to the information shown above.
