As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 16, 1999
Registration File No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM SB-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
TALISMAN ENTERPRISES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Ontario 3600 N/A
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (Primary Standard Industrial Classification (I.R.S. Employer
or organization) Core Number) Identification No)
</TABLE>
2330 Southfield Road
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada L5N 2W8
(905) 826-3995
(Address and telephone number of
registrant's principal executive offices)
James A. Ogle
President & Chief Executive Officer
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
2330 Southfield Road
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada L5N 2W8
(905) 826-3995
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Richard A. Friedman, Esq. Bruce W. Day, Esq.
Sichenzia, Ross & Friedman LLP Day, Edwards, Federman,
135 West 50th Street, 20th Flr. Propester & Christensen, P.C.
New York, New York 10020 210 Park Avenue, Suite 2900
(212) 664-1200 Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Fax: (212) 664-7329 (405) 239-2121
Fax: (405) 236-1012
</TABLE>
Approximate date of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.
<PAGE>
If any securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
<PAGE>
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Title Of
Each Class Amount Maximum Maximum
Of Securities To to be Offering Price Aggregate Registration
Be Registered Registered Per Security1 Offering Price1 Fee
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common stock, par value per share2................. 1,704,627 $ 5.00 $ 8,523,135.00 $ 2,939.01
Common stock underlying warrants3.................. 1,014,627 $ 7.50 $ 7,609,702.50 $ 2,624.04
Underwriters' warrants4............................ 1 $ 10.00 $ 10.00 N/A5
Common stock underlying underwriter's
warrants6.......................................... 60,000 $ 6.0 $ 360,000.00 $ 124.14
Total.............................................. $16,492,847.00 $ 5,687.19
</TABLE>
(1) Total estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration
fee.
(2) Includes 690,000 shares being sold by Talisman, including underwriter's
over-allotment, and 1,014,627 shares being sold by selling shareholders.
(3) Represents shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of class A
warrants being sold by selling shareholders, together with such indeterminate
number of securities as may be issuable by reason of antidilution provisions
contained therein.
(4) Represent warrants to be issued to the underwriters to purchase 60,000
shares of common stock.
(5) No fee due pursuant to Rule 457(g).
(6) Represents shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the
warrants issued to underwriters, together with such indeterminate number of
securities as may be issuable by reason of anti-dilution provisions contained
therein.
The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration
statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
ii
<PAGE>
TALISMAN ENTERPRISES INC.
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
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Form SB-2 Item Number and Caption Captions In Prospectus
<S> <C>
1. Front of Registration Statement and Outside Front Cover Cover Page
of Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages Cover Page, Inside Cover Page,
of Prospectus Outside Back Page
Prospectus Summary, Risk
3. Summary Information and Risk Factors Factors
4. Use of Proceeds Use of Proceeds
5. Determination of Offering Price Cover Page, Underwriting
6. Dilution Dilution
7. Selling Security Holders Selling Stockholders
8. Plan of Distribution Prospectus Summary,
Underwriting
9. Legal Proceedings Business
10. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Management, Principal
Persons Stockholders
11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management Principal Stockholders
12. Description of Securities Description of Securities
13. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel Legal Matters; Experts
14. Disclosure of Commission Position on
Indemnification for Securities Act
Liabilities Management
15. Organization Within Last Five Years. Prospectus Summary, Business
16. Description of Business Prospectus Summary, Business
17. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan
of Operation Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
18. Description of Property Business
19. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Certain Transactions
20. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Front Cover Page, Description of
Matters Securities
21. Executive Compensation Management
22. Financial Statements Financial Statements
23. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure Change in Auditors
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE>
Subject to Completion Preliminary Prospectus dated July 16, 1999.
PROSPECTUS
________,1999
TALISMAN ENTERPRISES INC.
1,614,627 Shares of Common Stock
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.: The Offering:
o Talisman manufactures and distributes private o Talisman is offering 600,000 shares of
label alkaline batteries. common stock through Capital West
o Talisman Enterprises Inc. Securities Inc. The selling stockholders are
2330 Southfield Road offering 1,014,627 shares of common stock.
Mississauga, Ontario o This prospectus also relates to an offering by
Canada L5N 2W8 the selling stockholders of 1,014,627 shares
(905) 826-3995 of common stock underlying class A common
o Proposed Nasdaq SmallCap Market stock purchase warrants.
Symbol: BATT o There is no underwriter or coordinating
broker acting in connection with the offering
of common shares by the selling stockholders.
o The underwriter has an option to purchase an
additional 90,000 shares from Talisman to
cover any over-allotments.
o We intend to use the offering proceeds for
expansion and development of battery production
lines, advertising and sales development,
and for providing working capital and other general
corporate purposes.
</TABLE>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Per Share Total
<S> <C> <C>
Public offering price $5.00 $8,073,135.00
Underwriting discounts and commissions $0.50 $ 807,313.50
Proceeds, before expenses, to Talisman $4.50 $2,700,000.00
Proceeds, before expenses, to selling stockholders $4.50 $4,565,821.50
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
This investment involves risk. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 6.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved
of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell these securities and we are not soliciting offers to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Capital West Securities, Inc.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this
prospectus. Before making an investment decision, you should read the entire
prospectus carefully, including the consolidated financial statements and
related notes, in order to understand our business and this offering fully.
References in this prospectus to "Talisman," "We," "Our," and "Us,"
refer to Talisman Enterprises Inc., an Ontario, Canada corporation, together
with its subsidiary and their predecessors. Unless otherwise indicated, all
references to dollar ($) amounts are to U.S. dollars. References to CDN$ are to
Canadian dollars. All information in this prospectus has been adjusted to
reflect a 1-for-25 reverse stock split of the common stock effected in January
1999.
TALISMAN ENTERPRISES INC.
Our Business
Talisman Enterprises Inc., through our wholly-owned operating
subsidiary, Talisman International Inc., manufactures and distributes
high-quality disposable alkaline batteries. These batteries are used in products
such as toys, flashlights and WalkmansR, for private label sale by medium to
large retail chains. We are currently, to our knowledge, the only North
American-based battery manufacturer that focuses primarily on the private label
market. Our objective is to leverage our unique strategic position to capitalize
on the North American private label market and significantly increase the
private label share of the overall alkaline battery market.
Our Market
Alkaline batteries are the most widely used type of battery in North
America with a greater than 65% share of the overall battery market. Industry
analysts estimate that the North American market for disposable alkaline
batteries was approximately $3 billion in 1997, representing consumption of
approximately 4 billion batteries. An estimated 40% increase in battery-operated
devices has driven growth in the use of disposable batteries over the past 10
years. According to industry data, within the North American battery market, the
alkaline segment is the fastest growing. Frost & Sullivan, Inc. estimates that
the consumption of alkaline batteries is expected to continue to grow at a rate
of 5-8% per year.
The market for private label products has grown significantly in recent
years. In order to generate greater customer loyalty, many retailers have sought
to develop private label or corporate brands in numerous consumer product
categories. Private label affords retailers an opportunity to enhance their
chains' identity by offering high quality products that are less expensive than
brand-name alternatives. According to information supplied by the Private Label
Manufacturers Association, in a number of product categories, including light
bulbs, disposable cameras and tape, private label items have achieved a market
share of 20-25%. The study also shows that, on average, retailers are projecting
a private label category growth rate of 24% over the next three years.
While private label batteries now comprise only approximately 9% of the
overall disposable alkaline battery market, batteries are one of the fastest
growing segments within the private label market. We believe, that despite a
limited supply of private label product, the battery segment has grown at nearly
double the rate of other private label categories. Currently, most private label
batteries are supplied either by offshore manufacturers or by brand-name battery
manufacturers such as Duracell, Inc., a subsidiary of The Gillette Company, and
Eveready Battery Co., a subsidiary of Ralston Purina Company. It is our belief
that offshore battery suppliers, however, have limited available alkaline
production capacities, suffer from high shipping and transportation costs, have
long lead times and large quantity purchase requirements, and often produce
carbon zinc technology batteries that have a much shorter life than alkaline
batteries.
2
<PAGE>
We believe companies such as Duracell and Eveready have participated in
private label manufacturing only when pressured by certain large retailers. This
is primarily because it is not in the best interest of current branded
manufacturers to produce private label products. The growth of private label
sales comes at the expense of higher margin branded product sales. Profit
margins are significantly reduced due to the lower retail price of private label
batteries, while advertising expenses remain high and line changeovers result in
substantial manufacturing inefficiencies. Consequently, brand-name manufacturers
do not actively solicit sales of private label batteries, but provide such
products reactively in order to satisfy demands by their large retail accounts.
Private label batteries are therefore generally sold to such accounts as a way
of improving the branded suppliers position.
Our Market Opportunity
We believe we are the only dedicated private label alkaline battery
manufacturer in North America. Our manufacturing technology and expertise enable
us to produce batteries of comparable quality to leading brand-name batteries.
Our location allows us to streamline logistics costs and develop close marketing
and sales relationships with leading North American retailers. During 1998, we
supplied private label batteries to 15 customers, including A&P Canada, Drug
Emporium and Discount Drug Mart. Management estimates that we currently have the
capacity to ship in excess of 25 million batteries annually. Through the end of
1998, we manufactured approximately 5.4 million AA batteries. During the first
six months of 1999, we manufactured approximately an additional 3.2 million AA
batteries.
Our Growth Strategy
We intend to utilize our unique market position and substantial
manufacturing capabilities to capitalize on the growth in private label alkaline
battery product sales. Talisman's mission is to be the predominate supplier of
high-quality, private-label alkaline batteries to all retail channels in North
America.
Our History
We were incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario on July
28, 1978 under the name Firespur Explorations Ltd. In May 1989, we changed our
name to Firesand Explorations Ltd. and, in September 1997, our name changed to
its present name. Our offices are located at 2330 Southfield Road, Unit 3-4,
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L5N 2W8; our telephone number is (905) 826-3995.
3
<PAGE>
THE OFFERING
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Securities offered:
Common stock:
<S> <C>
By Talisman 600,000 shares through Capital West Securities, Inc.
By selling stockholders 1,014,627 shares and 1,014,627 shares
underlying class A common stock purchase warrants.
Common stock outstanding before
offering 1,030,330 shares
Common stock outstanding after
offering 2,644,957 shares
Use of proceeds
We intend to use the offering proceeds for expansion
and development of battery production lines,
advertising and sales development, and for providing
working capital and other general corporate purposes.
Risk factors
Investing in these securities involves a high degree of
risk and immediate substantial dilution of your
investment. As an investor, you should be able to
bear a complete loss of your investment. See "Risk Factors"
and "Dilution" for a more detailed discussion.
Proposed NASDAQ Symbol: BATT
</TABLE>
The 2,644,957 shares of common stock to be outstanding after this
offering is based on the 1,030,330 shares of common stock outstanding prior to
the offering, 600,000 shares of common stock being sold by us in this offering
and 1,014,627 shares of common stock being sold by the selling shareholders. The
shares of common stock to be outstanding after this offering excludes:
o 90,000 shares of common stock subject to the underwriters'
over-allotment option
o 60,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the
underwriters' warrants
o 31,200 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our
1997 Stock Option Plan
o 225,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our
1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan
o 100,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our
1999 Directors Company Stock Plan
o 1,014,627 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of
1,014,627 class A warrants, all of which are currently exercisable
o 1,058,615 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of
additional warrants and options, all of which are currently
exercisable
The proposed trading symbol does not imply that a liquid and active
market will be developed or sustained for the securities upon completion of this
offering.
4
<PAGE>
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
The summary financial data set forth below for the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1998 and at December 31, 1997 and 1998 is derived from and should
be read in conjunction with Talisman's consolidated financial statements,
including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary
financial data set forth below for the interim periods ended March 31, 1999 and
1998 has been prepared from Talisman's books and records and reflects, in our
opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
position, results of operations, and cash flows of Talisman, as at the periods
indicated therein. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of
results which can be expected for the entire year.
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Seven Months Year Three Months
Ended Ended Ended
December 31, December 31, March 31,
------------ ------------ ---------
1997 1998 1998 1999
(Unaudited)
-------------------- -------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues....................................... $139, 646 $748,254 $259,743 $28,848
Operating Expenses............................. 180,582 1,487,052 335,399 256,487
Gross Profit................................... (40,936) (738,798) (75,656) (227,639)
Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative... 597,558 1,136,516 136,377 325,149
Amortization.......................... 27,670 304,182 94,899 78,304
Interest and bank charges............. 11,236 99,292 5,873 8,999
Total expenses............... 636,464 1,539,990 237,149 412,452
Loss for the period............................ (640,340) (2,274,202) (311,616) (625,796)
Deficit, beginning of period................... (324,440) (964,780) (964,780) (3,238,982)
Deficit, end of period......................... (964,780) (3,238,982) (1,276,396) (3,864,778)
Loss per share................................. (1.35) (3.69) (0.66) (0.61)
</TABLE>
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months
Ended
As at December 31, March 31, 1999
1997 1998 Actual Pro Forma1 Adjusted2
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Working capital3................. $(90,957) $(1,063,387) $(1,840,388) $(1,840,388) $4,746,408
Total current assets............. 354,591 839,659 2,027,553 4,506,181 5,918,504
Total current liabilities........ 445,548 1,903,046 3,867,941 6,346,569 1,172,096
Total shareholder's equity....... 1,961,368 1,142,461 538,596 538,596 7,125,392
</TABLE>
- --------------
(1) Gives effect to the sale of an aggregate of $2,430,150 principal amount
of indebtedness and 486,030 class A common stock purchase warrants
which occurred subsequent to March 31, 1999.
(2) As adjusted to reflect (i) the issuance of 1,014,297 shares of common
stock upon conversion of $5,073,135 principal amount of 8% convertible
subordinated promissory notes, and (ii) the issuance of the 600,000
shares of common stock offered hereby and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom.
(3) Working capital represents current assets less current liabilities.
5
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider each of the following risks and all of
the other information set forth in this prospectus before deciding to invest in
shares of our common stock. Some of the following risks relate principally to
our business in general and the industry in which we operate. Other risks relate
principally to the securities markets and ownership of our stock. The risks and
uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing our company.
Additional risks that generally apply to publicly traded companies, that are not
yet identified or that we currently think are immaterial, may also impair our
business operations and adversely affect our business.
If any of the following risks and uncertainties develop into actual
events, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be
materially adversely affected. In such a case, the trading price of our common
stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties. These statements relate to:
o our future plans;
o objectives;
o expectations and intentions; and
o the assumptions underlying or relating to any of these statements.
We use words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," and "plans"
and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual
results could differ materially from those discussed in these statements as a
result of certain factors, as more fully described below and elsewhere in this
prospectus. We believe that our forward-looking statements are within the
meaning of the safe harbor provided by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Risk Factors Relating to Our Business
Our business is subject to the following risks, which include risks
relating to the industry in which we operate.
We are in an early stage of development and we expect to encounter
risks associated with early-stage companies.
Our company was incorporated under the name Firesand Resources Ltd. on
July 28, 1978, but has only been engaged in the manufacture and sale of private
label alkaline batteries since September 1997. Accordingly, we have a limited
operating history in the battery business. Our proposed business operations will
be subject to numerous risks associated with early stage enterprises that you
should consider. For example, there is no assurance that our operations will be
profitable, and that substantial losses will not be sustained or that the we
will be able to obtain additional financing when needed. If we fail to
adequately address these risks, our business, financial condition and results of
operations will be materially adversely affected and the trading price of our
common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
We have a history of operating losses, and our growth program and
future profitability remains uncertain.
Our company generated revenues of $139, 646 and $748,254 for the seven
months ended December 31, 1997, and the year ending December 31, 1998, and we
incurred net losses from our operations of $640,340 and $2,274,202 for such
periods, respectively. We expect our operating expenses to increase
significantly in connection with our proposed growth program and, accordingly,
our future profitability may depend on corresponding increases in revenues from
our expanded business operations, of which there can be no assurance. We believe
that operating results will be adversely effected if start-up expenses
associated with our new product lines are incurred without sufficient offsetting
revenues. Moreover, future events, including unanticipated expenses or increased
competition could have an adverse effect on our long-term operating margins and
results of operations. There can be no assurance that our company's growth
program will result in an increase in the profitability of our operations.
6
<PAGE>
We may have difficulty developing our expanding business operations.
Our ability to complete the expansion of our operations into the
production and marketing of AAA batteries, increase the production capacity of
our AA cell size, and to commence the expansion of our operations into the
production and marketing of C and D battery cell sizes is dependent upon the
receipt of the proceeds of this offering. In addition, our ability to complete
the proposed expansion of our operations into the production and marketing of C
and D battery cell sizes is dependent upon obtaining additional financing. We
currently have an outstanding term loan from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
in the amount of CDN$325,000, which is due and payable on or before July 30,
1999, and we are currently in the process of seeking alternative financing
arrangements. In the event that this offering is not completed and additional
financing is not obtained, we may be unable to complete and/or implement our
plans to expand our operations, and our business, financial condition and
results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
Our success depends on maintaining relationships with key customers.
Our company has several large customers upon which we depend on for the
sale of our battery products. Specifically, for the year ended December 31,
1998, sales to Discount Drug Mart represented 28.6%, Drug Emporium represented
23.7%, Zellers Inc. represented 9.1% and A&P Fireco represented 7.0% of our
overall sales. Further, no other retail customer accounted for more than 5% of
our overall sales. Customers' orders are dependent upon their markets and
customers and may vary significantly in the future based upon the demand for our
products. The loss of one or more of such customers, or a declining market in
which such customers reduce orders or request reduced prices, could have a
material adverse effect on our business.
We do not have any customer agreements
We do not have any agreements with our customers for any fixed or
minimum amount of sales or revenues. All of our customers order products from us
by way of purchase orders. Accordingly, there can be no assurance of a minimum
amount of sales which we may expect to achieve. In addition, although we have
not, to date, experienced any material cancellations, in the event of the
cancellation of a customer order, we may incur losses to the extent that we have
produced but not shipped such customer's private label branded batteries.
We depend upon our suppliers for raw materials and may not be able to
replace them.
We rely on other companies to supply us with raw materials. Our company
has a number of key suppliers who are also shareholders of the company. They
include Burlington Stamping Inc. of Burlington, Ontario and Hibar Systems
Limited of Richmond Hill, Ontario. BSI supplies all of our battery cans while
Hibar supplies all of our battery pre-assemblies. If we lose one or more of such
suppliers or are unable to obtain the raw materials or products in the
quantities required by us, our business, financial condition and results of
operations may be materially adversely affected.
We cannot predict our success because we have a limited manufacturing
history.
We have a limited operating history upon which to evaluate our ability
to manufacture profitably alkaline batteries. Although we have two AA cell lines
capable of producing at a rate of 100 pieces per minute, or 24,000,000 pieces
per year, to date, our company has only manufactured approximately 8.6 million
AA batteries. Our existing manufacturing capabilities for AA alkaline cells
currently exceed the market for our AA battery products, however there can be no
assurance that we will be able to expand successfully our operations in response
to a rapid increase in market demand for our products. Following the offering,
we intend to introduce a third cell line in 1999, capable of producing 100 AAA
cells per minute. Subject to financing, our current plans include building a D
line in early 2000 followed by a C line in mid 2000. Our expanded manufacturing
facilities may be subject to risks of delay or difficulty in manufacturing and
may require substantial additional capital to establish the expanded facilities.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in
implementing and expanding our manufacturing capabilities, or that, once
implemented, the expanded manufacturing capabilities will generate substantial
revenues or attain profitable operations.
Because we have limited marketing and sales capacity we may have to
rely on third parties for such services.
After completion of the development of our new battery cell lines, in
order to generate additional revenues, we will be required to market
successfully our alkaline batteries to customers. We currently have a full time
sales organization consisting of four qualified sales professionals who generate
a majority of business through a network
7
<PAGE>
of brokers. We have developed a relationship with two out of the four major,
national, private label brokers dedicated to the food class of trade. In
addition, we have established relationships with twelve independent regional
sales agencies, which handled a myriad of non-food, and drug battery customers
throughout Canada and the United States. Our agreements with our independent
sales representative groups and brokers are on mutually cancelable terms. There
can be no assurance that we will be able to market successfully our alkaline
batteries. Further, to the extent that we arrange with third parties to market
our proposed products, the success of such products may depend on the efforts of
such third parties.
We may be unable to compete favorably in the highly competitive battery
industry.
The manufacture and sale of alkaline batteries is highly competitive
and there are no substantial barriers to entry into the market. We believe that
the principal competitive factors affecting the market for battery products are:
o the quality of the product
o price
o technological developments
o turn around time for production orders
o payment terms of customers
o marketing and sales
Most of our competitors are large, well-established companies with considerably
greater financial, marketing, sales and technical resources than those available
to us. Additionally, many of our present and potential competitors have research
and development capabilities that may allow such competitors to develop new or
improved products that may compete with our product lines. These companies may
succeed in developing proposed products that are more effective or less costly
than our proposed products or such companies may be more successful in
manufacturing and marketing their proposed products. An increase in competition
could result in a loss of market share.
Our battery products may have a potential for technological obsolescence.
The battery industry is characterized by intense competition. Our
battery products could be rendered obsolete or uneconomical by the development
of new products, technological advances affecting the cost of production, or
marketing or pricing actions by one or more of our competitors. Any one or more
of the foregoing developments or a fundamental shift in technology in our
product markets could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition or results of operations.
We may not be able to retain key personnel we depend on to succeed.
We are highly dependent on the experience of our management in the
continuing development of our retail operations. The loss of the services of
certain of these individuals, particularly James Ogle, President, or Garry Syme,
Senior Vice President, may have a material adverse effect on the company's
business. We have employment agreements with Mr. Ogle and Mr. Syme, which expire
in December 2002 and January 2002, respectively. Further, we have purchased
key-man life insurance in the amount of CDN$1,500,000 on the lives of each of
Mr. Syme and Mr. Ogle, with our company as the named beneficiary.
We may not be able to retain the key personnel we need to succeed.
Our future success will depend in part on our ability to attract and
retain qualified personnel to manage the development and future growth of our
company. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in attracting and
retaining such personnel. The failure to recruit additional key personnel could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
Management has broad discretion as to the use of proceeds of the
offering.
Our management may spend the proceeds from this offering in ways which
differ from the specific proposed uses described in this prospectus. We have
allocated a large portion of the proceeds from this offering to discretionary
uses. You will be relying on the judgement of our management regarding the
application of the proceeds of this offering. As a stockholder, you may not
agree with management's spending decisions. Please see "Use of Proceeds."
8
<PAGE>
Changes in government regulations may adversely affect our business.
Federal, state, provincial and local laws, particularly relating to the
protection of the environment, may materially affect our operations. We have
made every attempt to ensure that our manufacturing facilities do not contravene
any environmental laws. Although we believe that we are in compliance with
existing laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that substantial costs
for compliance will not be incurred if there are changes in government
regulations. Any substantial violations of these rules and regulations could
have an adverse affect upon our operations.
We have no registered trademarks and there may be claims of infringements.
We are aware that the use or registration of trademarks entails the
risk of claims of infringement or opposition from third parties. Although there
are no pending lawsuits against us regarding claims of trademark infringement,
there can be no assurance that third parties will not initiate such litigation
against us or that any such litigation will be resolved in our favor.
We have a limited amount of insurance coverage and may not be able to
cover liability claims.
Our company carries product liability insurance coverage on its battery
products in the amount of CDN$1,000,000, with an additional umbrella protection
of CDN$14,000,000. There can be no assurance that such insurance will be
adequate to cover potential product liability claims or that a loss of insurance
coverage or the assertion of a product liability claim or claims would not
materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations. See "Business - Product Liability Insurance."
We may be adversely affected if our Year 2000 remediation efforts are
not successful.
Our business could be adversely impacted by information technology
issues related to the Year 2000. We have been engaged in assessing this Year
2000 issue as it relates to our business. This review covers information and
non-information technology systems of both our own operating systems and the
systems of our third party vendors and manufacturers. We have completed
surveying our suppliers and service providers for Year 2000 compliance.
We currently believe that the most reasonably likely worst case
scenario is that there will be some localized disruptions of systems that will
affect individual, process, facilities or suppliers for a short time rather than
systematic or long-term problems affecting our business operations as a whole.
There is still uncertainty about the broader scope of the Year 2000
issue as it may affect our company and third parties, including our suppliers
and customers, that are critical to our operations. For example, lack of
readiness by electrical and water utilities, financial institutions,
governmental agencies or others, pose significant impediments to our ability to
carry on our normal operations. In the event that we are unable to complete our
remedial actions and are unable to implement adequate contingency plans in the
event problems are encountered, there could be a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations or financial condition. For more information
regarding our Year 2000 program see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations---Year 2000."
9
<PAGE>
Risk Factors Relating to Securities Markets
There are risks relating to the securities market that you should
consider in connection with your investment in and ownership of our stock.
Fluctuations in our quarterly operating results may negatively impact
our stock price.
Our quarterly operating results have generally fluctuated, with the
highest results coinciding with increased production and sales in anticipation
of peak buying periods events such as back-to-school and holidays such as
Christmas. The Company has experienced a substantial increase in sales in these
seasons as a result of increases in sales of third party products requiring
battery power including battery-operated toys, appliances and audio/video
equipment. Our results of operations may vary significantly in the future
depending on factors which may include:
o the size, timing and recognition of revenue derived from customer's
sales of its products;
o increased competition;
o changes in our pricing policies or those of its competitors;
o the financial stability of major customers; new product introductions
or enhancements by competitors;
o the degree of success of new products;
o any changes in operating expenses; and
o general economic conditions.
As a result, there may be significant fluctuations in our revenues from period
to period. Our expense levels are based, in part, on our expectations for future
orders and sales, and if sales are below expectations, operating results are
likely to be adversely affected. Net income may be disproportionately affected
by a reduction of sales because a significant portion of our expenses do not
vary with revenues. We may also choose to reduce prices or increase spending in
response to competition or in order to pursue new market opportunities. These
issues could affect our operating margins in the future and our company may be
materially adversely affected.
Our common stock price may be volatile, which could result in losses or
difficulties in liquidating shares for stockholders.
No assurance can be given that an active market will be available for
our common stock or as to the liquidity of the trading market for our common
stock. If a trading market is not maintained, holders of our common stock may
experience difficulty in reselling their shares or may be unable to resell them
at all. Any such market may be discontinued at any time. In addition, there is
no assurance that the price of our common stock in the market will be equal to
or greater than the offering price hereof. See "Description of Securities."
The exercise of our class A warrants may adversely effect the market
price of our securities.
We have an aggregate of approximately 1,030,330 shares of common stock
outstanding, an unlimited number of shares of common stock authorized but
unissued, 1,014,627 shares of common stock unissued but reserved for issuance
upon exercise of the class A warrants, and 1,014,627 shares of common stock
unissued but reserved for issuance upon conversion of promissory notes. The
exercise of the class A warrants and the sale of the underlying shares of common
stock may have a depressive effect on the market price of our securities.
Moreover, the terms upon which we will be able to obtain additional equity
capital may be adversely affected since the holders of outstanding warrants can
be expected to exercise them, to the extent they are able, at a time when we
would, in all likelihood, be able to obtain any needed capital on terms more
favorable to us than those provided in the class A warrants. For a complete
description of the terms and conditions of exercise of the class A warrants, see
"Description of Securities."
We do not anticipate paying any dividends.
To date, we have paid no cash dividends. Payment of dividends is up to
the discretion of our board of directors. For the foreseeable future, the board
of directors intends to retain earnings generated from our operations for use in
our business and do not anticipate paying any dividends.
10
<PAGE>
The redemption of our class A warrants has the potential to adversely
effect our company.
Our class A warrants are redeemable at a price of $0.10 provided that
(A) prior notice of not less than 30 days is given to the warrant holders, (B)
the last sale price of our common stock shall have been at least $9.00 per share
for a period not less than 30 consecutive days trading period ending on the
third day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is given. Warrant
holders have these exercise rights until the close of the business day preceding
the date fixed for redemption. Notice of redemption of the class A warrants
could force the holders to exercise the class A warrants at the current market
price when they might otherwise wish to hold them, or to accept the redemption
price, which may be substantially less than the market value of the class A
warrants at the time of redemption. For a complete description of the terms and
conditions of redemption of the class A warrants, see "Description of Securities
- - class A warrants."
We will continue to be controlled by present shareholders.
Our present shareholders of common stock have acquired a controlling
interest in Talisman at a cost of substantially less than that which the
investors pursuant to this offering may purchase their securities. Therefore,
the investors pursuant to this offering will bear a substantial portion of the
risk of loss, while control of Talisman will remain in the hands of the current
shareholders.
We may issue additional securities thereby diluting shareholders' interests.
The board of directors of Talisman will have authority to issue further
common stock or other securities without the consent or vote of the shareholders
of the company. The issuance of additional common stock by our management,
whether in respect of a transaction involving a business opportunity or
otherwise, may have the effect of further diluting the proportionate equity
interest and voting power of holders of our common stock, including investors
under this offering. Although, we are prohibited from issuing any additional
securities, except pursuant to our 1997 Stock Option Plan, 1999 Senior Executive
Stock Option Plan, and 1999 Directors Company Stock Plan, for a period of two
years from March 19, 1999 without the prior written consent of Spencer Trask
Securities, Inc.
11
<PAGE>
WHERE YOU CAN OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Talisman files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Those reports, proxy statements and other information may be
obtained:
o At the public reference room of the Commission, Room 1024 - Judiciary
Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549;
o At the public reference facilities at the Commission's regional offices
located at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 or
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661;
o By writing to the Commission, Public Reference Section, Judiciary Plaza,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549;
o At the offices of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Reports Section, 1735 K
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006; or
o From the Internet site maintained by the Commission at
http://www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the
Commission.
Talisman has filed with the Commission a registration statement under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the common stock offered
hereby. This prospectus, which is a part of the registration statement, does not
contain all the information set forth in, or annexed as exhibits to, such
registration statement, certain portions of which have been omitted pursuant to
rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information with respect to
Talisman and the common stock, reference is made to such registration statement,
including the exhibits thereto, copies of which may be inspected and copied at
the aforementioned facilities of the Commission. Copies of such registration
statement, including the exhibits, may be obtained from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at the aforementioned address upon payment of the fee
prescribed by the Commission. Information regarding the operation of the
Commission's public reference facilities may be obtained by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
Talisman intends to distribute to its stockholders annual reports
containing financial statements audited and reported upon by its independent
public accountants after the close of each fiscal year, and will make such other
periodic reports as the company may determine to be appropriate or as may be
required by law. Talisman's fiscal year ends December 31st of each year.
12
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that the net proceeds to Talisman from the sale of the
600,000 shares of common stock will be approximately $2,210,000 ($2,435,000 if
the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full), based upon the
public offering price of $5.00 per share, and after deducting underwriting
discounts and estimated offering expenses.
We intend to use the net proceeds of the offering as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Approximate
Application of Approximate Percentage of
Net Proceeds Dollar Amount Net Proceeds
<S> <C> <C>
Expansion and development of battery production lines 1,400,000 63.4%
Advertising and sales development 350,000 15.8%
Working capital and general corporate purposes 460,000 20.8%
------- ----
Total $2,210,000 100.0%
========== =====
</TABLE>
Any money received by Talisman upon the exercise of the class A common
stock purchase warrants will be used for working capital and general corporate
purposes. The maximum amount of proceeds that Talisman will receive upon the
exercise of the class A common stock purchase warrants is $7,609,702.50
(assuming the current exercise price of $7.50 per share). There can be no
assurance that any or all of the class A common stock purchase warrants will be
exercised and that Talisman will receive any proceeds therefrom.
We reserve the right to reallocate proceeds to different uses if, in
management's view, the needs of the business so require. In addition, a large
portion of the proceeds is allocated to discretionary purposes. Investors may
not agree with any such allocation or reallocation. Based on our operating plan,
we believe that the net proceeds of this offering, together with available funds
on hand and cash flow from future operations, will be sufficient to satisfy our
working capital requirements for at least 12 months following this offering.
Such belief is based upon certain assumptions (including assumptions as to our
contemplated operations and business plan and economic and industry conditions).
We cannot be certain that such resources will be sufficient for such purpose.
Furthermore, if we were to make significant acquisitions for cash consideration,
we would require additional capital. In addition, contingencies may arise that
may require us to obtain additional capital. We cannot be certain that we will
be able to obtain such capital on favorable terms or at all. Pending use of the
net proceeds of this offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in
short-term, interest-bearing, investment grade securities. Please see
"Capitalization," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and "Business."
13
<PAGE>
DILUTION
At March 31, 1999, the net tangible deficit attributable to exchange of
indebtedness and additional share issuance of Talisman was $(1,148,487), or
approximately $(1.11) per share. After March 31, 1999, Talisman completed a
private placement financing in which we sold an aggregate of $2,430,150
principal amount of 8% convertible subordinated promissory notes and 486,030
class A common stock purchase warrants. After giving effect to such conversion
of all the outstanding promissory notes into an aggregate of 1,014,627 shares of
common stock upon listing of Talisman's common stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap
Market, our net tangible book value as of March 31, 1999, was approximately
$3,228,309, or $1.58 per share of common stock. After giving effect to the sale
by Talisman of the 600,000 shares of common stock offered hereby, at the public
offering price of $5.00 per share, the pro forma net tangible book value of
Talisman is $5,438,309, or $2.06 per share. This represents an immediate
increase in the pro forma net tangible book value of $3.17 per share to existing
stockholders and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value of
$2.94 per share to new investors. Please see "Certain Transactions" and
"Description of Securities." The following table illustrates this per share
dilution.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Initial public offering price per share $5.00
Net tangible book value per pro forma share as of March 31, 1999 $(1.11)
Increase in net tangible book value attributable to exchange of indebtedness and
additional share issuance 2.69
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors 0.48
----
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the offering 2.06
Dilution per share to new investors $2.94
=======
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes, as of March 31, 1999, the differences
between the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total
consideration paid and the average price per share paid by existing stockholders
and by new investors at the offering price of $5.00 per share and before
deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated
offering expenses for new investors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage Average
Percentage Aggregate Of Total Price
Shares Purchased of Total Shares Consideration Consideration per Share
Existing
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholders......... 1,030,330 63% $2,590,287 46% $2.51
New Investors........ 600,000 37% $3,000,000 54% $5.00
--------- ---- ---------- ----
Total................ 1,630,330 100.0% $5,590,287 100.0%
========== ====== ========== ======
</TABLE>
The foregoing discussion and table does not give effect to:
o 90,000 shares of common stock subject to the underwriters' over-allotment
option
o 60,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the
underwriters' warrants
o 31,200 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1997
Stock Option Plan
o 225,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1999
Senior Executive Stock Option Plan
o 100,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1999
Directors Company Stock Plan
o 1,014,627 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of 1,014,627
class A warrants, all of which are currently exercisable
o 1,058,615 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of additional
warrants and options, all of which are currently exercisable
o the automatic conversion of $5,073,135 principal amount of 8% convertible
subordinated promissory notes into 1,014,627 shares of common stock upon listing
of Talisman's common stock on a U.S. based exchange
14
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the actual capitalization of Talisman as
of March 31, 1999, and as adjusted to reflect:
o the completion of a private placement financing subsequent to March 31,
1999 in which Talisman sold an aggregate of $2,430,150 principal amount
of 8% convertible subordinated promissory notes and 486,030 class A
common stock purchase warrants for.
o the sale of 600,000 shares of common stock offered hereby at an initial
public offering price of $5.00 per share, after deducting the
underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by
Talisman, and the application of the net proceeds from this offering
and the automatic conversion of all outstanding 8% convertible
subordinated promissory notes into 1,014,627 shares of common stock
upon listing of Talisman's common stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market.
This table should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 1999
Actual Pro Forma As Adjusted
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total current liabilities.......................................... $3,867,941 $6,346,569 $1,172,096
Total long-term liabilities........................................ 540,220 540,220 540,220
Shareholders equity:
Common stock, an unlimited number of shares authorized;
1,030,330 shares issued and outstanding on an actual 2,590,287 2,590,287 9,177,083
basis; 2,644,957 shares issued and outstanding as adjusted...
Class A special shares, an unlimited number of shares
authorized; 3,300 shares issued and outstanding on an actual 1,687,083 1,687,083 1,687,083
and as adjusted basis.........................................
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)............................ (3,864,778) (3,864,778) (3,864,778)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss............................... (183,229) (183,229) (183,229)
Contributed surplus................................................ 309,233 309,233 309,233
Total shareholders' equity......................................... 538,596 538,596 7,125,392
Total capitalization............................................... 4,946,757 7,425,385 8,837,708
</TABLE>
The 1,614,627 shares as adjusted for this offering excludes:
o 90,000 shares of common stock subject to the underwriters' over-allotment
option
o 60,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the
underwriters' warrants
o 31,200 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1997
Stock Option Plan
o 225,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1999
Senior Executive Stock Option Plan
o 100,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1999
Directors Company Stock Plan
o 1,014,627 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of 1,014,627
class A warrants, all of which are currently exercisable
o 1,058,615 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of additional
warrants and options, all of which are currently exercisable
15
<PAGE>
EXCHANGE RATE DATA
We maintain our books of account in Canadian dollars, but have
provided the financial data in this prospectus in United States dollars with our
audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in the
United States of America.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain
exchange rates based on the noon buying rate in New York City for cable
transfers in Canadian dollars. Such rates are the number of United States
dollars per one Canadian dollar and are the inverse of rates quoted by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York for Canadian dollars per US$1.00. The average
exchange rate is based on the average of the daily exchange rates during such
periods.
On July 1, 1999, the exchange rate was approximately CDN.$1.00 per US$.6806.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
December 31,
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Rate at end of period................ $.7128 $.7323 $.7301 $.6999 $.6505
Average rate during period........... .7320 .7288 .7333 .7222 .6740
High................................. .7632 .7527 .7513 .7487 .7104
Low.................................. .7103 .7023 .7235 .6945 .6422
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PRICE RANGE FOR COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
On December 30, 1997, Talisman's common stock began trading on the
Canadian Dealing Network Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto Stock Exchange, under
the symbol "TALS." The Canadian Dealing Network is a trade reporting and
quotation system for over-the-counter trading in the Province of Ontario,
Canada. On January 27, 1999, Talisman effected a 1-for-25 reverse split of our
common stock, which upon consummation, Talisman requested the Canadian Dealing
Network to formally halt public quotation of the shares of Talisman. This
requested suspension does not affect the ability of market makers and other
dealers to report trades of the common shares of Talisman through the facilities
of the Canadian Dealing Network. We have applied for quotation of our common
stock and warrants on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbols "BATT" and
"BATTW." The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and
low closing trading prices of the common stock as reported by the Canadian
Dealing Network.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Month High Low
- -------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
December, 1997 34.03 34.03
January, 1998 34.03 22.12
February, 1998 23.65 14.46
March, 1998 12.76 8.50
April, 1998 13.61 7.66
May, 1998 11.06 7.66
June, 1998 7.66 5.96
July, 1998 6.81 3.40
August, 1998 6.47 4.25
September, 1998 4.25 3.06
October, 1998 3.91 2.70
November, 1998 3.40 2.21
December, 1998 5.10 2.04
January, 1999 5.10 3.40
</TABLE>
The closing trading prices set forth above have been stated in dollars,
and have been calculated based upon the Exchange Rate in effect as of July 1,
1999, which was approximately CDN.$1.00 per US$.6806.
As of July 1, 1999, there were 1,030,330 shares of common stock
outstanding, there were approximately 2,000 registered holders of Talisman's
common stock.
16
<PAGE>
DIVIDEND POLICY
To date, Talisman has paid no dividends on any shares of its common
stock and Talisman's board of directors has no present intention of paying any
dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future, as we intend to use our
earnings, if any, to generate increased growth. The payment by Talisman of
dividends in the future, if any, rests solely within the discretion of the board
of directors and will depend upon, among other things, Talisman's earnings,
capital requirements and financial condition, as well as other factors deemed
relevant by Talisman's board of directors. Although dividends are not limited
currently by any agreements, it is anticipated that future agreements, if any,
with institutional lenders or others may also limit Talisman's ability to pay
dividends.
17
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data set forth below for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1998 and at December 31, 1997 and 1998 is derived from and
should be read in conjunction with Talisman's consolidated financial statements,
including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary
financial data set forth below for the interim periods ended March 31, 1999 and
1998 has been prepared from Talisman's books and records and reflects, in our
opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
position, results of operations, and cash flows of Talisman, as at the periods
indicated therein. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of
results which can be expected for the entire year.
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Seven Months Year Three Months
Ended Ended Ended
December 31, December 31, March 31,
------------ ------------ ---------
1997 1998 1998 1999
(Unaudited)
-------------------- -------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues....................................... $139, 646 $748,254 $259,743 $28,848
Operating Expenses............................. 180,582 1,487,052 335,399 256,487
Gross Profit................................... (40,936) (738,798) (75,656) (227,639)
Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative... 597,558 1,136,516 136,377 325,149
Amortization.......................... 27,670 304,182 94,899 78,304
Interest and bank charges............. 11,236 99,292 5,873 8,999
Total expenses............... 636,464 1,539,990 237,149 412,452
Loss for the period............................ (640,340) (2,274,202) (311,616) (625,796)
Deficit, beginning of period................... (324,440) (964,780) (964,780) (3,238,982)
Deficit, end of period......................... (964,780) (3,238,982) (1,276,396) (3,864,778)
Loss per share................................. (1.35) (3.69) (0.66) (0.61)
</TABLE>
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months
Ended
As at December 31, March 31, 1999
1997 1998 Actual Pro Forma1 Adjusted2
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Working capital3................. $(90,957) $(1,063,387) $(1,840,388) $(1,840,388) $4,746,408
Total current assets............. 354,591 839,659 2,027,553 4,506,181 5,918,504
Total current liabilities........ 445,548 1,903,046 3,867,941 6,346,569 1,172,096
Total shareholder's equity....... 1,961,368 1,142,461 538,596 538,596 7,125,392
</TABLE>
- --------------
(1) Gives effect to the sale of an aggregate of $2,430,150 principal amount
of indebtedness and 486,030 class A common stock purchase warrants
which occurred subsequent to March 31, 1999.
(2) As adjusted to reflect (i) the issuance of 1,014,297 shares of common
stock upon conversion of $5,073,135 principal amount of 8% convertible
subordinated promissory notes, and (ii) the issuance of the 600,000
shares of common stock offered hereby and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom.
(3) Working capital represents current assets less current liabilities.
18
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
The statements contained in this prospectus that are not historical are
forward looking statements, including statements regarding our expectations,
intentions, beliefs or strategies regarding the future. Forward looking
statements include statements regarding liquidity, anticipated cash needs and
availability and anticipated expense levels. All forward looking statements
included in this prospectus are based on information available to us on the date
hereof and we assume no obligation to update any such forward looking
statements. It is important to note that our actual results could differ
materially from those in such forward looking statements. Among the factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially are the factors detailed in the
risks discussed in the "Risk Factors" section included in this prospectus
beginning at page 6.
General
Talisman was incorporated in July 1978 and for almost 20 years carried on
business as a junior mineral exploration company in the Province of Ontario,
Canada. In September 1997, Talisman (then known as Firesand Resources Ltd.)
entered into a share exchange agreement with Talisman International Inc.
pursuant to which Talisman acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of
common stock of Talisman International in exchange for shares of Talisman. Upon
completion of the share exchange, Talisman changed its name to its current name,
Talisman Enterprises Inc. The share exchange was accounted for as a reverse
takeover and accordingly, the results of Talisman (formerly constituted as
Firesand) have been included with those of Talisman International from the date
of the share exchange.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 1999 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 1998
Revenues. Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1999
decreased 89% to $28,848 from $259,743 for the three months ended March 31,
1998. This decrease was primarily attributable to the timing of sales orders
placed by Drug Emporium as a result of a start-up program.
Operating Expenses and Gross Margins. Operating expenses decreased to
$256,487 for the three months ended March 31, 1999, from $335,399 for the three
month period ended March 31, 1998. The decrease was caused by a decrease in
direct material costs consistent with the decrease in sales.
Gross margins, as a percentage of revenues, decreased to (789%) for the
three months ended March 31, 1999, from (29%) for the three month period ended
March 31, 1998. The decline in gross margin percentage resulted from a decrease
in sales without a decrease in fixed operating costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and
administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 1999 increased 138%
to $325,149 from $136,377 for the three month ended March 31, 1998. This
increase was primarily attributable to the hiring of two key employees,
specifically James A. Ogle, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Christian
H. Bunger Vice President of Sales -U.S.
Amortization Expense. Amortization expense for the three months ended
March 31, 1999 decreased 18% to $78,304 from $94,899 for the three month ended
March 31, 1998.
Interest Expense and Bank Charges. Interest expense and bank charges for
the three months ended March 31, 1999 increased 53% to $8,999 from $5,873 for
the three month ended March 31, 1998. This increase was primarily attributable
to higher term loan principal balance in 1999 due to replacing credit
institutions from the Bank of Hongkong to Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
Year Ended December 31, 1998 As Compared To The Seven Months Ended December 31,
1997
Revenues. Revenues increased to $748,254 for the year ended December 31,
1998, from $139,646 for the seven month period ended December 31, 1997. This
increase in sales was attributable to a growth in Talisman's customer base from
11 to 34 customers, as a result of the increased ability of Talisman to supply
our customers.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, approximately 77% of Talisman's
sales (representing an aggregate of approximately $576,159 of revenues) were
made to customers located in the United States, including sales to Drug
Emporium, Discount Drug, and Save-On. For the seven month period ended December
31, 1997, Talisman had only minimal sales to customers located in the United
States (representing an aggregate of approximately $6,204 of revenues).
Operating Expenses and Gross Margins. Operating expenses increased to
$1,487,052 for the year ended December 31, 1998, from $180,582 for the seven
month period ended December 31, 1997. Gross margins, as a percentage of
revenues, decreased to (99%) for the year ended December 31, 1998, from (29%)
for the seven month period ended December 31, 1997.
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<PAGE>
The gross margin percentage (99%) is in a negative position because these
expenses were incurred in advance of the increase in the customers sales base
(approximately 50% of sales occurred during the last 2 months of the period).
Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and
administrative expense increased to $1,136,516 for the year ended December 31,
1998, as compared to $597,558 for the seven month period ended December 31,
1997. The increase reflects the impact of 10 months of selling, general and
administrative expense compared to seven months manufacturing overhead and
selling, general and administrative expense for the prior period.
Amortization Expense. Amortization expense consisting exclusively of
equipment depreciation, was $304,182 for the year ended December 31, 1998, as
compared to amortization expense of $27,670 for the seven month period ended
December 31, 1997. This increase is attributable to the fact that manufacturing
did not begin until the last quarter of 1997. Therefore, only a small amount of
equipment depreciation was recognized for the period ended December 31, 1997.
Interest Expense and Bank Charges. Interest expense and bank charges
increased to $99,292 for the year ended December 31, 1998 from $11,236 for the
seven month period ended December 31, 1997. For the year ended December 31,
1998, two loans were outstanding namely a term loan and an operating loan. The
term loan had an average principal balance for the period of $386,536 bearing
interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum. The operating loan had an average
principal balance for the period of $221,563 bearing interest at a rate of 7.75%
per annum. Both loans were outstanding for the entire period consequently
interest expense totaled $47,137. The remaining $52,155 includes service charges
of $8,877, short term bridge loans of $12,415 and financing charges of $30,863.
The only interest charge relative to the seven month period ending December 31,
1997 is the term loan with a principal balance of $320,401 at December 31, 1997
bearing interest at a rate of 7.75%, which was outstanding from August 1997
through December 1997.
Foreign Exchange
Historically, Talisman had minimal sales (approximately $6,204 of
revenues) to United States customers for the period ended December 31, 1997.
Accordingly, Talisman did not experience any material foreign exchange gains or
losses in its operations in the period ended December 31, 1997. For the year
ended December 31, 1998, Talisman had a foreign exchange gain of approximately
$500, which was included in Talisman's earnings. This amount consisted of
foreign exchange gains on sales/receivables to/from U.S. customers offset by
losses on U.S. purchases/payables from U.S. suppliers.
As Talisman's sales to foreign customers grow, Talisman may be subjected
to increased risks of foreign currency gains or losses. Currently, a majority of
the revenues from sales are received in US dollars and a majority of expenses
from goods purchased for resale are purchased in US dollars. Since Talisman is
based in Ontario, Canada, approximately 75% of Talisman's combined operational
and selling, general and administrative expenses for the period ended December
31, 1998 were incurred in Canadian dollars. Upward variations in the value of
the Canadian dollar, as compared to the value of the US dollar, could adversely
effect Talisman's results.
Stock Based Compensation
We account for our stock options and warrants under APB Opinion 25. If
Talisman was required to account for the stock options and warrants using the
fair value method, the net loss for the seven months ended December 31, 1997
would have increased by $497,706. Such amounts represent the fair value of
options and warrants at the time they vested. Since these options and warrants
vested at the time they were granted, there will be no future charge to income
with respect to these options and warrants.
Inflation
Talisman has experienced minimal impact from inflation and changing prices
on its net sales and on its income from continuing operations for the periods it
has been engaged in business.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Prior to the completion of the share exchange with Talisman International,
Talisman had limited working capital and its prospects were severely limited.
Upon completion of the share exchange, Talisman International became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Talisman. Up until the completion of the share
exchange, Talisman International had sustained its operations from its inception
(September 26, 1996) primarily from the sale of equity. Specifically, from
September 1996 to immediately prior to the share exchange (September 1997),
Talisman International sold (i) 428,371 shares of common stock for an aggregate
of CDN$1,518,264 in cash, (ii) 50,000 shares of common stock for machinery and
equipment having a fair market value of CDN$200,000 and inventory having a fair
market value of CDN$50,000 and (iii) 3,300 Class A Special shares for machinery
and equipment having a fair market value of CDN$2,300,000 and technological and
intellectual property having a fair market value of CDN$1,000,000 for Canadian
GAAP purposes. It should be noted, however, that no value has been ascribed to
the technological and intellectual property assets for U.S. GAAP purposes.
International also had operating credit
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<PAGE>
facilities (both term and revolving) from the Hongkong Bank of Canada, such
facilities being secured by all the assets of International.
Subsequent to the completion of the share exchange, Talisman sold an
additional 542,787 shares of common stock for an aggregate of CDN$3,293,208 in
cash. Of this new equity, CDN$2,395,000 was provided by Talisman Partners, a
private investment partnership, through the completion of two separate private
placements. For a complete description of the private placement completed with
Talisman Partners, see "Certain Transactions." The proceeds of such financings
were used by Talisman (i) to pay approximately CDN$670,000 owing to a prior
short term secured lender to Talisman, (ii) to expand Talisman's battery
manufacturing capabilities and (iii) for general working capital purposes.
In October 1998, Talisman established new banking arrangements with the
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. In connection with the implementation of
such new facilities, Talisman paid out, in full, its previous secured lender,
Hongkong Bank of Canada. The banking facilities provided by CIBC included (i) a
CDN$750,000 operating line of credit and (ii) a CDN$750,000 term loan. As of
June 30, 1999, the operating line of credit has been canceled and the term loan
facility has been reduced to CDN$325,000. The term loan is due and payable on or
before July 30, 1999. Interest charged on Talisman's CIBC facilities is
calculated at Prime plus 1.25% per year. Furthermore, all indebtedness of
Talisman under the CIBC facilities is secured by Talisman's assets.
From December 1998 through March 1999, Talisman completed a CDN$700,000
convertible note financing. The notes were converted into securities of Talisman
in connection with the first closing of Talisman's private placement offering
which was completed in March 1999. For a complete description of the private
placement completed in March 1999, see "Certain Transactions." The holders of
the notes also received warrants to acquire an aggregate of 72,465 shares of
common stock of Talisman exercisable at CDN$7.50 per share.
Talisman's working capital deficit at March 31, 1999 was ($1,840,388). The
negative working capital represents the indebtedness incurred in connection with
the first closing of a recently completed private placement offering which
occured in March 1999 in which Talisman sold an aggregate of $2,642,985
principal amount of indebtedness and 528,597 class A common stock purchase
warrants. Subsequent to March 31, 1999, Talisman completed two additional
closings of the private placement offering in which it sold an additional
$2,430,150 principal amount of indebtedness and 486,030 class A common stock
purchase warrants. The private placement offering, which was completed with
Spencer Trask Securities, Inc. as placement agent, resulted in the sale of an
aggregate of 50.72985 units solely to U.S. investors for gross proceeds to
Talisman of $5,174,472.70 (such proceeds being inclusive of the $700,000 raised
from December 1998 through March 1999 described above). The units consisted of
an aggregate of (1) $5,073,135 principal amount of 8% convertible promissory
notes, and (2) 1,014,627 warrants to purchase shares of common stock, which
warrants are exercisable at $7.50 per share. In connection with such closings,
Spencer Trask received a placement fee equal to 10% of the aggregate purchase
price of the securities sold by it, plus a non-accountable expense allowance
equal to three percent of the aggregate purchase price of the securities sold
and a warrant, granted by Talisman for $1.00 consideration, to purchase an
amount of common stock equal to 20% of the common stock sold in the offering at
an exercise price equal to 120% of the price of the common stock sold.
Additionally, upon the first closing of the offering, Talisman entered into (1)
an agreement whereby Spencer Trask was granted a right of first refusal to act
as underwriter or agent for any proposed private or public offering of
Talisman's securities by Talisman or by any of its principal stockholders, and
(2) a non-exclusive finder's agreement pursuant to which Spencer Trask is
entitled to receive a fee based upon a percentage of the value of any business
combination or financing arrangement, including but not limited to a merger or
purchase of assets, which is introduced to Talisman by Spencer Trask. For a
complete description of the agreements entered into between Talisman and Spencer
Trask, see "Certain Transactions."
<PAGE>
We have, with the proceeds of the recently completed private placement
offering, commenced expanding our operations into the production and marketing
of AAA batteries. We intend to use a portion of the proceeds from this offering
to complete the expansion of our operations into the production and marketing of
AAA batteries, to increase the production capacity of our AA cell size, and to
commence the expansion of our operations into the production and marketing of C
and D battery cell sizes. Our ability to complete the proposed expansion of our
operations into the production and marketing of C and D battery cell sizes is
dependent upon obtaining additional financing.
Except for this offering and the existing CDN$325,000 term loan facility
with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, which is due and payable on or before
July 30, 1999, Talisman has no other current arrangements in place with respect
to financing. Talisman is currently seeking new financing arrangements to
replace the existing term loan facility with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
and to provide the necessary capital to fully fund our operations and pursue our
business strategy. There can be no assurances that additional financing will be
available on acceptable terms, if at all. Moreover, no assurance can be given
that this offering will be achieved. If this offering is not successfully
completed and additional financing arrangements are not obtained, we may be
unable to fully fund our operations, pursue our business strategy, take
advantage of new opportunities, develop or enhance our products, or respond to
competitive pressures and financial or marketing hurdles. Such inability could
have a materially adverse effect on Talisman's business, operating results and
financial condition. Moreover, the estimated cost of the proposed expansion of
our production and marketing activities is subject to numerous uncertainties,
including the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays, many
of which are beyond our control, frequently encountered in connection with the
establishment and development of new business activities, and may be affected by
the competitive environment in which we are operating. Accordingly, there can be
no assurance that we
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<PAGE>
will complete the proposed expansion of our production and marketing activities
described herein.
Talisman's management believes that upon full implementation of Talisman's
business plan, sufficient revenues will be generated to meet operating
requirements. However, no assurance can be given that such goal will be obtained
or that any expected revenues will be realized.
Year 2000
Our business could be adversely impacted by information technology issues
related to Year 2000. We have been engaged in assessing this Year 2000 issue as
it relates to our business. This review covers information and non-information
technology systems of both Talisman's own operating systems and the systems of
Talisman's third party vendors and manufacturers.
Talisman does not currently utilize any equipment in our battery assembly
process which utilizes programmable logic controllers (PLC). Accordingly, such
systems do not require any Year 2000 solutions. In addition, we have replaced
our phone system in the summer of 1999; therefore, any Year 2000 issues relating
to our phone system are now covered. Finally, Talisman currently utilizes only
several personal computers and individualized software programs which, in the
event some are not Year 2000 compliant, are easily replaceable without any
significant delay or cost to Talisman. Talisman estimates that the cost
associated with replacing nine personal computers will not exceed an aggregate
of $50,000.
We do not expect to encounter any long-term Year 2000 problems from our
customers, most of which are major retail corporations. Any loss of information
or data by such customers can be easily replaced by Talisman manually providing
them with relevant information. Except for three single sourced vendors,
Talisman utilizes multiple suppliers from whom we obtain the raw materials which
are used in the manufacturing process. Talisman intends to monitor carefully
these sources and carry additional inventory until the end of the first quarter
of Year 2000.
With the exception of the cost which we expect to incur for replacing nine
personal computers, we do not believe that we will incur any additional costs in
connection with implementing solutions to year 2000 issues which could have a
material impact on our financial results or position.
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<PAGE>
OUR HISTORY
Talisman was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario on
July 28, 1978 under the name Firespur Explorations Ltd. In May 1989, we changed
our name to Firesand Explorations Ltd. and, in September 1997, our name changed
to our present name.
From 1978 to early 1997, Talisman operated as a mineral exploration
company in the Province of Ontario, Canada. During such period, Talisman
conducted various exploration programs on patented mining claims held by us on
lands situated in Esquega Township, Province of Ontario, Canada. In spite of our
exploration efforts, no significant ore deposit or other mineralized targets
were identified which justified additional exploration expenditures. Effective
January 1997, Talisman wrote-off the value of all mineral exploration assets
then held and, as a result of such actions, Talisman now has no mining assets or
other mineral related interests.
In August 1997, Talisman entered into a share exchange agreement with the
shareholders of Talisman International pursuant to which the shareholders of
Talisman International exchanged 11,959,265 common shares of Talisman
International for 478,371 of Talisman's common shares. Prior to the share
exchange, there was no affiliation between Firesand and Talisman International.
As a result of the share exchange, Talisman International became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Talisman. Upon completion of such transaction in September 1997,
we changed our name from Firesand to our present name - Talisman Enterprises
Inc.
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BUSINESS
Overview
Talisman, through our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Talisman
International Inc., manufacturers high-quality AA size disposable alkaline
batteries for private label sale by retailers. We are currently, to our
knowledge, the only North American-based battery manufacturer that focuses
primarily on the private label market. Our objective is to leverage our unique
strategic position to build market share in the private label battery market and
capitalize on the significant growth in private label battery sales in North
America.
Industry Background
The worldwide battery market is predominately comprised of four major
chemical systems:
1. Alkaline
2. Heavy Duty - Zinc Chloride
3. General Purpose - Zinc Carbon
4. Rechargeable - Nickel Cadmium
Alkaline batteries offer the best performance and are the most widely used type
of battery in North America with a greater than 65% market share. Industry
analysts estimate the North American market for disposable alkaline batteries
was approximately $3 billion in 1997, representing consumption of an estimated 4
billion batteries. An estimated 40% increase in battery-operated devices has
driven growth in the use of disposable batteries over the past 10 years.
Furthermore, industry data reveals that within the North American market, the
alkaline segment is the fastest growing. Consumption of alkaline batteries is
expected to continue to grow at a rate of 5-8% per year.
The consumer battery market consists primarily of five major cell sizes -
AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volt. The AA cell accounts for approximately 65% of the
total unit sales, the AAA cell accounts for approximately 15% and the C, D and 9
volt cell sizes account for approximately 7% each. We believe branded
manufacturer gross margins on the AA and AAA (80%) are approximately double that
of the C, D and 9 volt (40%). We believe that, upon implementation of our
business plan, our gross margin for our AA batteries will be approximately 33%,
compared to an approximately 80% gross margin for branded manufacturers.
Duracell Inc. and Eveready Battery Co., Inc. are the major manufacturers of
alkaline batteries and currently supply approximately 83% of the alkaline
batteries sold in the North American market.
Private Label Battery Market Opportunity
The market for private label consumer products has grown significantly in
recent years. In order to generate greater customer loyalty, many retailers have
sought to develop private label or corporate brands in numerous consumer product
categories. Private label affords retailers an opportunity to enhance their
store's identity by offering high quality products that are significantly less
expensive than brand-name alternatives. According to information supplied by the
Private Label Manufacturers Association, in a number of product categories,
including light bulbs, disposable cameras and tape, private label items have
achieved a market share of 20-25%. On average, the study also shows retailers
are projecting a private label category growth rate of 24% over the next three
years across all major product categories.
While private label batteries only comprise approximately 9% of the overall
disposable alkaline battery market, batteries are the fastest growing segment
within the private label market (source: PLMA). We believe, that despite a
limited supply of private label product, the battery segment has grown at almost
double the rate of other private label products. Currently, most private label
batteries are supplied either by offshore manufacturers or by brand-name battery
manufacturers such as Duracell and Eveready. It is our belief that offshore
battery suppliers, however, have limited available alkaline production
capacities, suffer from higher logistics costs, and typically produce batteries
with less than 25% of the life of alkaline batteries because of their use of
carbon zinc technology . Offshore manufacturers are those manufacturers not
located in the three North American Free Trade Agreement countries (USA, Mexico,
Canada). While there are several manufacturers in Europe, most are located in
Asia. Among the large number of manufacturers in Asia, a large majority,
particularly those located in the Peoples Republic of China, only produce old
technology general purpose or heavy duty batteries, or produce alkaline
batteries with mercury added to the formula. Testing done by Talisman identified
fewer than ten mercury-free producers.
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<PAGE>
Management of Talisman believes that, for brand-name manufacturers,
supplying private label batteries represents a significant conflict of interest:
the growth of private label sales comes at the expense of higher margin branded
product sales. To date, major companies such as Duracell and Eveready have, in
our opinion, participated in private label manufacturing only when pressured by
certain large retailers. This is primarily because it is not in the best
interests of current branded manufacturers to provide a private label product.
Due to the lower retail prices of private label batteries, profit margins are
lowered significantly and line changeovers result in manufacturing
inefficiencies. Accordingly, Talisman believes that brand-name manufacturers do
not actively solicit private label sales, but serve demand reactively in order
to maintain or secure large retail accounts for branded products. Accounts
requesting private label product from a major branded supplier are therefore
generally sold with the understanding that their branded product be carried as a
preferred or exclusive product line.
Given the general reluctance of major suppliers to provide private label
product to their customers, Talisman believes that a tremendous growth
opportunity exists.
Our Strategy
Our objective is to become the industry leader in the marketing, sale and
manufacture of private label alkaline batteries in North America. We believe we
are the first and only dedicated private label alkaline battery manufacturer in
North America. We intend to utilize our unique market position to capitalize on
the growth in private label product sales.
Our manufacturing technology and expertise enables us to produce batteries
of comparable quality to leading brand-name batteries. In addition, our location
in Southern Ontario allows us to streamline logistics costs and develop close
working marketing and sales relationships with leading North American retailers.
We currently supply private label batteries to 15 customers. Management
estimates that we have the capacity to ship in excess of 25 million batteries
during 1999.
The key elements of our strategy include plans to:
o Focus exclusively on alkaline batteries;
o Manufacture batteries that are equivalent in performance to
brand-name batteries; o Sell batteries exclusively for private label
purposes at a lower cost than brand-name alternatives; o Initially
manufacture AA size batteries, which comprise the largest percentage of the
market and provide high gross margins;
o Expand into the production and marketing of AAA, C and D battery
cell sizes and increase production capacity of the AA cell size. We believe
that the addition of other cell sizes (i.e. AAA, C and D) will allow us to
expand existing customer sales and enhance sales opportunities with new
customers that require all cell sizes;
o Further develop an already established North American sales broker
network;
o Focus on private label retail customers with sales potential that
will optimize production run costs and thereby maximize margins.
In addition to selling high-quality products with the name of our customers on
them, it is our belief that our retail customers typically improve their
profitability from 30-35% on the sale of a branded equivalent product to 50-60%
for private label. This also typically results in more profit per unit measured
in dollars and cents than typically realized from the sale of a branded
equivalent.
Private Label Manufacturing
We currently manufacture a high quality AA alkaline cell for sale to an
established and growing customer base.
We currently have two (2) cell lines capable of producing AA alkaline cells
at the rate of 100 pieces per minute per cell line. Subject to financing, our
current plans include building a D line in early 2000 followed by a C line in
mid 2000.
We believe that our AA cell is:
o Comparable in performance than the competition on a majority of
applications (source: ACTS Testing Labs Ltd.);
o Advantageously priced compared to branded products, resulting in
prices which are approximately 20- 25% lower in retail price;
o Environmentally friendly because we do not add mercury or cadmium.
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<PAGE>
Supply of the AAA, C, D and 9 volt is currently "out sourced" by
Talisman for certain accounts that desire to carry all five cell sizes. Such
sourced product is labeled, packaged and shipped by us. We have, with the
proceeds of the recently completed private placement offering, commenced
expanding our operations into the production and marketing of AAA batteries. We
intend to use a portion of the proceeds from this offering to complete the
expansion of our operations into the production and marketing of AAA batteries,
to increase the production capacity of our AA batteries, and to commence the
expansion of our operations into the production and marketing of C and D battery
cell sizes. Our ability to complete the proposed expansion of our operations
into the production and marketing of C and D battery cell sizes is dependent
upon obtaining additional financing. We intend to continue to out source our
need for 9 volt battery cells from other manufacturers as the volume
requirements for the 9 volt cell size are not sufficient to justify the expense
of producing the product in house.
Our strategy is to manufacture bare cell batteries in bulk in
anticipation of receipt of customer orders. Such bare cell batteries are kept on
hand and make up a substantial portion of our inventory. We are then in a
position to prepare finished goods upon receipt of customer orders. Further,
after such goods are packaged and labeled they are shipped to customers. To
date, we have been able to fill orders as they are received, and we have not
experienced any delays due to lack of manufacturing capacity or otherwise.
Moreover, as previously stated, we intend to expand our production capacity with
the proceeds from our financing activities. Accordingly, we do not expect that
we will encounter any delays due to lack of manufacturing capacity or otherwise.
Battery Customers
The following is a list of 1998 customer accounts:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
A&PFireco - Canada Drug Emporium - U.S.
Robert & James - U.S. RedCell - Canada
Cash Convertors - Canada Save-On - U.S.
Win - Leader - Canada Pirate Wholesale - U.S.
Daisytek - U.S. Discount Drug Mart - U.S.
Food Basics - Canada Best Buy - Canada
Murphy Distributor - Canada North Carolina Mutual Drug - U.S.
Zellers - Canada
</TABLE>
All of our sales are made to our customers pursuant to purchase orders. Our
company has several large customers upon which we depend on for the sale of our
battery products. For the year ended December 31, 1998, sales to Discount Drug
Mart represented 28.6%, Drug Emporium represented 23.6%, Zellers Inc.
represented 9.1% and A&P Fireco represented 7.0% of our overall sales. No other
retail customer accounted for more than 5% of our overall sales.
Competition
The manufacture and sale of alkaline batteries is highly competitive and there
are no substantial barriers to entry into the market. We believe that the
principal competitive factors affecting the market for battery products are the
quality of the product, price, environmental issues, turn around time for
production orders, payment terms for customers, and marketing and sales.
The private label AA alkaline battery products which we currently produce
compete with products imported from the Pacific Rim countries of Indonesia,
China, Hongkong, Japan and South Korea. We believe we offer to our customers key
advantages over offshore suppliers. Such advantages include:
o Providing superior and consistent product performance. It is our
observation that some Pacific Rim producers utilize domestic raw
materials which result in sub-standard performance.
o Price. Our private label batteries offer our customers an
attractively priced alternative to the batteries sold by their
competitors.
o We do not add mercury to our batteries. Mercury is considered to
be environmentally hazardous and, accordingly, the disposal of
used batteries to which mercury has been added is problematic.
o Efficient turn around time. It is our experience that offshore
suppliers generally require a minimum of 30 to 60 days notice
prior to producing an order. Delivery time is a minimum of 30 days
beyond that and full container loads are required. In contrast, we
inventory "bare" cells and can package required orders within a
2-10 day period, depending on the order size.
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<PAGE>
o Consumer products' industry standard payment terms. We provide
creditworthy customers with terms calling for payment within 30-45
days of shipment of its product to retailers. By comparison, it is
our experience that off-shore suppliers require either a deposit
in advance of shipping or full payment prior to shipping in the
form of a letter of credit or bank transfer.
o Marketing and sales support. We provide retailers with on-going
sales expertise and promotional concepts in order to maximize
sales and profits. Various pack sizes are available to meet the
needs of retailers and product displays are supplied to ensure
greater in-store visibility and product movement. In contrast,
offshore suppliers, generally speaking, only supply product and do
not offer any on-going marketing support.
We believe that approximately two-thirds (66.6%) of the private label
battery market is controlled by our three major competitors (Duracell, Eveready
and Ray-O-Vac), while the remaining one-third (33.3%) is controlled by offshore
manufacturers.
At present, we do not directly compete (nor do we seek to) with any
major North American battery manufacturer (such as Duracell, Eveready and
Ray-O-Vac) to supply private label batteries to large retail chains. This is
because we have, at present, limited production capability and limited marketing
resources compared to the significant and dominant market capabilities of the
established branded manufacturers. We believe that the overall private label
market is sufficiently large enough that we have an opportunity to penetrate
significantly into this market, and thereby gain significant market share.
Strategic Partners and Key Suppliers
Our battery manufacturing lines have been custom made by Pragmatek Inc.
of Mississauga, Ontario, Turning Point Inc. of Oakville, Ontario and Gwinnett
Industrial Machine Inc. of Norcross, Georgia. These companies have over 25 years
of combined experience in the manufacture of reliable battery equipment to
numerous established battery manufacturers. Pragmatek, Turning Point and
Gwinnett are all shareholders of Talisman.
We have a number of key suppliers of raw materials who are also
shareholders in Talisman. They include Burlington Stamping Inc. of Burlington,
Ontario and Hibar Systems Limited of Richmond Hill, Ontario. Burlington Stamping
supplies all of our battery cans while Hibar supplies all of our battery
pre-assemblies. James C. McGavin, a director of Talisman, is also a director,
officer and shareholder of Burlington Stamping. In September 1996, we purchased
certain equipment from Burlington Stamping, consisting of battery can molds, in
exchange for shares of common stock of Talisman. The equipment purchased by us
from Burlington Stamping has been provided to Burlington Stamping by us for the
purpose of having Burlington Stamping manufacture additional battery cans from
dies.
Personnel
As of July 1, 1999, we employed a total of 34 full time employees and
one part time employees. Twelve of such persons are engaged in the areas of
administration, finance, production planning, marketing and sales. In addition,
18 of our 34 employees have prior battery industry experience. None of our
employees are represented by a union. Management considers its relations with
its employees to be satisfactory.
Marketing, Sales and Distribution
Talisman currently has an established North American sales network that
is directed by individuals with considerable experience in selling private label
batteries to established customers. With the exception of Randy O. Curtis and
Christian H. Bunger, all sales agents and brokers are compensated on a
commission basis only (generally 5%). We currently have a full time sales
organization consisting of four qualified sales professionals who generate a
majority of business through a network of brokers. We have developed a
relationship with two out of the four major, national, private label brokers
dedicated to the food class of trade. In addition, we have established
relationships with twelve independent regional sales agencies, which handled a
myriad of non-food, and drug battery customers throughout Canada and the United
States.
In addition, we support our product merchandised in retail outlets with
a variety of packaging designs and displays intended to create consumer interest
in retail customers' private label disposable alkaline battery product line. We
also develop special pack sizes and styles intended to coincide with peak buying
periods such as back-to-school and Christmas.
27
<PAGE>
We have made every effort to ensure that key positions at Talisman are
filled by qualified individuals with previous battery or private label
experience. These individuals include:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Garry J. Syme, Sr. Vice President Former Project Manager Duracell
Duncan C. MacFadyen, VP Finance Former Controller Bossman
Randy O. Curtis, VP Mktg. Canada Sales Former Managing Director - Eveready de Mexico
Christian H. Bunger, VP Sales - US Former South East Regional Mgr. - Eveready
Dennis Hughey, Bus. Dev. Consultant Former President - Beatrice Private Label
David J. Trudel, VP Mkt. Dev. Former VP Business Dev. BTI
Billie Burke, Purchasing Mgr. Former Purchasing Dept. Duracell
Stan Jackson, Whrhse. Mgr. Former Whrhse. Mgr. Bossman
</TABLE>
For a more detailed description of the professional backgrounds of many of
the above noted persons, see "Management."
Product Liability Insurance
We carry product liability insurance coverage on our battery products
in the amount of CDN$1,000,000, with an additional umbrella protection of
CDN$14,000,000. We believe that the amount of insurance which we maintain is
adequate.
Environmental and Safety Issues
We have made every attempt to ensure that our manufacturing facilities
do not contravene any environmental laws. Our AA battery cell is mercury free
and currently meets North American standards. Certain materials used in our
battery products, as well as one product used in the manufacturing process, are
considered hazardous under the Occupational Safety and Health Act hazard
communication standards as to workplace care and employee notification.
Employees handling these chemicals are required to wear appropriate over
protective gear. Once the product is assembled, chemicals are sealed within a
metal container that seals the chemicals from both the environment and the
atmosphere. All product designated for "waste disposal," including defective
goods, are neutralized immediately and stored in an isolated location at our
premises prior to final disposal. As required by provincial regulations, we have
adopted a procedure of registering all hazardous waste products requiring
disposal. We receive a registration number for all such products and communicate
such registration number to the approved waste disposal company before the
product is transported to a certified landfill waste site. We have factored into
our budgeting process an average cost per battery of CDN$0.001 for waste
disposal purposes.
Technological Issues/Scientific Advisors
We constantly test our product to ensure consistent quality of
production. Qualified Talisman employees test samples of each production run and
additional samples are sent to an independent consultant for evaluation. Our
batteries also meet the standard as set by the National Electronic Distributors
Association and the American National Standards Institute, which are European
and North American standardization groups that are comprised of representatives
of battery manufacturers around the world.
Product improvement is on-going through in-house quality control
protocols and through independent consulting contracted to Dr. Klaus
Tomantschger, President, Rosecreek Technologies Inc., of Mississauga, Ontario.
Dr. Tomantschger was the co-inventor of the rechargeable alkaline battery and
has a wealth of knowledge in the area of battery performance improvements.
Facilities
We are currently housed in a 21,000 square foot leased head office and
production facility located at 2330 Southfield Road, Units 3-4, Mississauga,
Ontario, Canada. The location is situated close to major highways and is only 15
minutes from Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Significant leasehold
improvements have been undertaken to accommodate state-of-the-art quality
control facilities, manufacturing facilities, and sales and marketing offices.
Our current lease expires July 31, 2002; however, an understanding has
been reached with our landlord that should additional space be required, then a
new facility would be made available to us without penalty. In addition, we have
leased an additional 39,400 sq. ft. of manufacturing space adjacent to our
current facility. The extra space was considered necessary to accommodate the
planned addition of the AAA, C and D cell lines into our manufacturing
operations. We pay approximately CDN$43,000 rent per month.
28
<PAGE>
Legal Proceedings
We are not a party to any material legal proceeding.
Enforceability of Civil Liability Against Foreign Persons
Talisman's headquarters are located in, and its officers, directors and
auditors are residents of, Canada and a substantial portion of Talisman's assets
are, or may be, located outside the United States. Accordingly, it may be
difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States
upon non-resident officers and directors, or to enforce against them judgments
obtained in the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability
provision of the Securities Act or state securities laws. Talisman has been
advised by its Canadian legal counsel, Aird & Berlis, that there is doubt as to
the enforceability in Canada against Talisman or against any of its directors,
controlling persons, officers or the experts named herein, who are not residents
of the United States, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of
judgments of U.S. courts, of liabilities predicated solely upon U.S. federal
securities laws. Service of process may be effected, however, upon Talisman's
duly appointed agent for service of process, Sichenzia, Ross & Friedman LLP, New
York, New York. If investors have questions with regard to these issues, they
should seek the advice of their individual counsel. Talisman has also been
informed by its legal counsel, Aird & Berlis, that pursuant to the Currency Act
(Canada), a judgment by a court in any Province of Canada may only be awarded in
Canadian currency. Pursuant to the provision of the Courts of Justice Act
(Ontario), however, a court in the Province of Ontario shall give effect to the
manner of conversion to Canadian currency of an amount in a foreign currency,
where such manner of conversion is provided for in an obligation enforceable in
Ontario.
29
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the directors and
executive Officers of Talisman:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Name Age Position
James A. Ogle 52 President, Chief Executive Officer & Director
Norman R. Proulx 51 Chairman of the Board
Garry J. Syme 47 Senior Vice-President, Manufacturing
Thomas O'Dowd 40 Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer
Duncan C. MacFadyen 47 Vice-President, Finance & Controller
Randy O. Curtis 43 Vice-President, Global Marketing & Canada Sales
Christian H. Bunger 54 Vice-President, Sales - U.S.
David J. Trudel 45 Vice-President, Market Development
James C. McGavin 57 Director
Donald L. Matheson 49 Director
Thomas A. Fenton 39 Director
D. Graham Avery 51 Director
</TABLE>
Set forth below is a biographical description of each director and senior
executive officer of Talisman based on information supplied by each of them.
James A. Ogle, 52, has been the President, CEO, and a director of Talisman since
January 21, 1999. Prior thereto, from January 1998 to January 1999, Mr. Ogle was
Vice President of Operations for U.S. Industries, Inc., Elger Plumbingware/U.S.
Brass Division, a leading manufacturer of bath and kitchen china and cast iron
fixtures. From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Ogle was Senior Vice President, Operations, for
Tyco Toys, Inc., a leading international toy manufacturer and distributor. From
1989 to 1992, Mr. Ogle was Vice President, Operations for Wilkinson Sword, Inc.,
an international producer of shaving products and disposable lighters. From 1978
to 1989, Mr. Ogle held various positions with BIC Corporation, a leading
producer of disposable pens, razors and disposable lighters. Prior thereto, Mr.
Ogle held various positions with General Motors Corporation. Mr. Ogle obtained
an Executive MBA from the University of New Haven.
Norman R. Proulx, 51, is the Chairman of the Board of Talisman. Mr. Proulx was
first appointed a director of Talisman in August 1998. From December 1998
through January 1999, Mr. Proulx was the interim President and CEO of Talisman
replacing the former President and CEO, David R. Guy. Since March 1998, Mr.
Proulx has been a managing director of Spencer Trask Securities Incorporated, a
New York based venture capital investment firm that provides financial and
operational support to start-up and early-stage companies. In such position, Mr.
Proulx concentrates his efforts on consumer products and retailing. In 1997, Mr.
Proulx was a managing director of the Cortec Group ("Cortec"), a private New
York equity investment firm which makes controlling investments in middle-market
manufacturing and distribution businesses. In connection with same, Mr. Proulx
was responsible for overseeing Cortec's investment n Gemeinhardt, Inc., a US
based company which is a market leader in the manufacture and distribution of
flutes and piccolos. Mr. Proulx was also responsible for overseeing Cortec's
investment in Manco Products, Inc., a US based company which is a leading
designer and manufacturer of fun karts. From 1990 to 1996, Mr. Proulx was
President and CEO of Seymour Housewares Corporation of Seymour, Indiana, a
leading manufacturer of ironing boards. Prior thereto, Mr. Proulx was, from 1984
to 1990, the President, North America of Wilkinson Sword Limited. Prior thereto,
Mr. Proulx held different positions from 1969 to 1984 with Scripto/Wilkinson
Sword and The Gillette Company. Mr. Proulx obtained his Bachelor of Science,
Business Administration degree from Boston College in 1969.
30
<PAGE>
Garry J. Syme, 47, is the Senior Vice President, Manufacturing of Talisman
and has been since September 1997. Between August 1996 and September 1997, Mr.
Syme was the Senior Vice President Operations for International, Talisman's
wholly-owned subsidiary. Prior thereto, Mr. Syme was the Vice President
Operations, from January 1996 to August 1996, at Infinity Plus Battery
Corporation of Mississauga, Ontario. Prior thereto, from 1992 to 1995, Mr. Syme
was President of GJS International Inc., a company providing consulting advice
to major battery manufacturers. In such capacity, Mr. Syme was responsible for
the development of manufacturing facilities for Cegasa (Spain), Power Plus
Battery Corporation (United States), Euram (Europe), Infinity Plus (Canada) and
two facilities in the Peoples Republic of China. In addition, Mr. Syme was
retained as President of Power Plus of America Inc. to implement a 100,000 sq.
ft. $20 U.S. million dollar manufacturing plant in Georgia, USA. Mr. Syme has
also spent approximately 20 years with Duracell, 8 years of which were with the
Duracell U.S. R&D Centre and 12 of which were with Duracell Canada Inc. of
Mississauga, Ontario.
Thomas O'Dowd, 40, is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Talisman and has been since July 1999. From August 1992 to June 1998, Mr. O'Dowd
was a Financial Analyst for Seymour Housewares Corporation, the world's largest
manufacturer of ironing boards and covers and pads. From October 1990 to August
1991, Mr. O'Dowd was a Senior Auditor for Forstman Little & Co. From April 1986
to September 1990, Mr. O'Dowd held senior level accounting positions for two
subsidiaries of GenCorp, a $3 billion Fortune 100 conglomerate. From June 1981
to March 1986, Mr. O'Dowd was a Corporate Audit Supervisor for AMF Incorporated.
Mr. O'Dowd obtained a B.S. in Accounting from Marist College.
Duncan C. MacFadyen, 47, is Vice President Finance of Talisman and has been
since October 1, 1997. Prior thereto, Mr. MacFadyen was, from September 1996 to
September 1997, a financial planer with Investors Group, a Canadian based
financial planner and mutual fund company. Prior thereto, from May 1991 to
September 1996, Mr. MacFadyen was comptroller for Glen Oak Inc., a wholesale
supplier of various consumer products including "Bossman" batteries and
flashlights. Mr. MacFadyen obtained a C.M.A. and B.A. from the University of
Waterloo.
Randy O. Curtis, 43, is Vice President of Global Marketing and Canadian
Sales of Talisman, since May 1999. From January 1997 to April 1998, Mr. Curtis
was a Principal at R.O. Curtis Associates Inc. From February 1992 to December
1997, Mr. Curtis was Managing Director for Eveready de Mexico. From November
1979 to January 1992, Mr. Curtis held senior level positions at Eveready Canada.
Mr. Curtis obtained a degree in Industrial Engineering Technology from Ryerson
Polytechnical Institute.
Christian H. Bunger, 54, has been the Vice President of Sales - U.S., since
January 1999 . Since 1992, Mr. Bunger has been the Southeast Regional Manager
(Atlanta, Georgia) for the Eveready Battery Company, a subsidiary of the Ralston
Purina Corporation. From 1986 through 1992, Mr. Bunger was the South East
Division Manager (Atlanta, Georgia) of the Eveready Battery Company and from
1980 through 1986 he had held the title of South Central Division
Manager(Atlanta, Georgia). Mr. Bunger joined the Eveready Battery Company in
1974 as a Manager of National Accounts (New York, New York) and has also held
positions of Product Manager as well as District Manager and merchandising
positions in Portland Oregon, Boston Massachusetts and Providence Rhode Island.
Mr. Bunger obtained a B.B.A. from Tulane University.
David J. Trudel, 45, is Vice President Market Development for Talisman,
currently responsible for the marketing, sales and administration of alkaline
equipment turnkey systems. Prior thereto, Mr. Trudel was, from May 1995 to
August 1997, Vice President Market Development with Battery Technologies Inc.
responsible for licensing RAM (Rechargeable Alkaline Manganese) Technology,
equipment sales and development of industrial markets for RAM batteries. Prior
thereto, Mr. Trudel was, from November 1993 to April 1995, President of RMI
International Inc., a private battery marketing consulting company. Prior
thereto, Mr. Trudel was Vice President of Operations and Sales of a division of
Indal Limited.
James C. McGavin, 56, is the President and a major shareholder of
Burlington Stamping Inc. of Burlington, Ontario and has been since December
1981. BSI manufacturers small deep drawn shells and stampings principally
sourcing the alkaline, rechargeable, military and OEM battery cell markets.
Prior to founding Burlington, Mr. McGavin was a
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<PAGE>
partner in the public accounting firm Ward Mallette (now BDO Dunwoody Ward
Mallette) for approximately 10 years. Mr. McGavin obtained his Chartered
Accountant designation in 1970.
Donald L. Matheson, 48, a director of Talisman, is the President of Imark
Corporation (a Toronto Stock Exchange listed company) and has been since August
1997. Prior thereto, Mr. Matheson was, from December 1994 to July 1997, Vice
President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Imark Corporation. Prior
thereto, Mr. Matheson was, from January 1992 to December 1994, the Director of
Finance for a heating and air-conditioning business operated through Clare
Brothers of Cambridge, Ontario. Mr. Matheson is also an officer and director of
Animazing Entertainment Inc., a childrens entertainment company.
Thomas A. Fenton, 39, a director of Talisman, is a partner in the Toronto
based law firm of Aird & Berlis and has been since June, 1997. Prior thereto,
Mr. Fenton was a partner in another Toronto based law firm and prior thereto, an
associate with such firm. His practice encompasses corporate and securities law.
Mr. Fenton acquired his LL.B. degree from the University of Western Ontario in
1986 and was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1988. Mr. Fenton is a director of a
number of public and private companies.
D. Graham Avery, 51, has been a director of Talisman since September 1997. From
September 1997 to January 1998, Mr. Avery also served as the Chairman of the
Board of Talisman. Mr. Avery is President of Anderson Advertising and has been
since September, 1996. Prior thereto, Mr. Avery was, from November 1995 to
September 1996, Vice President, Group Account Director of Anderson Advertising.
Prior thereto, Mr. Avery was, from May 1995 to November 1995, President of Avery
& Associates Limited. Prior thereto, Mr. Avery was, from November 1992 to May
1995, Director of Client Services at Bozell Palmer Bonner, a Toronto based
advertising agency. Prior thereto, Mr. Avery held various positions in Marketing
with Colgate-Palmolive Limited, Beecham Canada Limited and Pepsi-Cola Canada
Limited.
The term of office of each Director is until the next annual meeting of
stockholders and until a successor is elected and qualified or until the
Director's earlier death, resignation or removal from office. Executive Officers
hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified, subject to earlier
removal by the board of directors.
32
<PAGE>
Employment Agreements
On January 4, 1999, James Ogle entered into an employment agreement
with Talisman pursuant to which Mr. Ogle has been retained as the President and
Chief Executive Officer of Talisman. The term of the employment agreement
commenced on January 21, 1999 and continues until December 31, 2002; provided,
however, that the termination date may be extended for an additional one year
period at each anniversary of Mr. Ogle's January 21, 1999. Pursuant to the
employment agreement, Mr. Ogle will receive an annual salary of $182,000 based
on the exchange rate in effect on the January 21, 1999. The exchange rate upon
which Mr. Ogle's annual salary is based shall be adjusted as of June 14 and
December 14 of each year during Mr. Ogle's employment by Talisman. Mr. Ogle will
also receive a bonus of a maximum of 50% of one year's base salary, which bonus
shall be payable within 30 days of the completion of the audit of Talisman's
financial statements, provided Talisman achieves financial objectives as
determined by the Talisman's board of directors. The employment agreement also
provides for additional compensation and/or benefits to be paid or provided to
Mr. Ogle as follows:
o On the first anniversary of January 21, 1999, Mr. Ogle shall receive an
additional bonus, to be paid in the form of shares of the Talisman's
common stock, in an amount equal to $45,000. The shares are to be
valued at the price per share at the close of the January 20, 1999
trading day.
o On the first anniversary of January 21, 1999, Mr. Ogle shall also
be obligated to purchase from Talisman shares of common stock having a
total market value on January 21, 1999 equal to $55,000 and has
agreed to loan Mr. Ogle the necessary funds to purchase such shares.
o Talisman shall pay Mr. Ogle a tax adjustment in an amount equal to the
amount by which the actual income taxes to be paid by Mr. Ogle
exceed his hypothetical United States income tax (assuming certain
deductions to which he would be entitled to) if he were living in
Texas.
o Mr. Ogle shall be granted options to purchase shares of Talisman's
common stock equal to 5% of Talisman's total outstanding shares as of
January 21, 1999 (on a fully diluted basis), which options shall be
exercisable at a price equal to 25% of the average of the high bid
and low asked prices per share on the Canadian Dealing Network on
January 21, 1999. The exercisability and vesting of such options are
subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to (i) Mr.
Ogle's continued employment by Talisman, (ii) the achievement of
specified levels of annual performance to be established by the
board of directors, and (iii) the achievement of specified levels of
investor returns. The employment agreement also provides that in the
event that Mr. Ogle exercises any of the options while he is employed
by Talisman, Talisman shall loan him the amount of the exercise price
for the options at an interest rate equal to the applicable federal
rate, such loan to be repaid within six months of the exercise of
the options. The note shall be forgiven in the event that Mr. Ogle
remains in the employment of Talisman for a period of at least
six months following the exercise of the options or his employment
is terminated as a result of death, disability or other termination
entitling Mr. Ogle to severance under the terms of the employment
agreement.
o Mr. Ogle is entitled to participate in any benefit plans extended to
Talisman's employees or executives.
o Mr. Ogle is entitled to receive reimbursement for all reasonable
expenses incurred by him in the course of his employment by Talisman.
The Employment Agreement may be terminated (i) by Talisman for cause;
(ii) at any time by Talisman, without cause, by paying to the employee up to a
maximum of his then current base salary and the annual bonus to be paid in an
amount pro-rated through the date of termination calculated as if all
performance goals for the year have been achieved; or (iii) at any time by the
employee upon written notice. The employment agreement also contains a
prohibition against competing with Talisman for a period of one year after the
termination of the agreement and soliciting customers or employees from Talisman
for a period of two years after the termination of the agreement.
On January 6, 1999, Garry J. Syme entered into an employment agreement
with Talisman. Mr. Syme has been retained as the Senior Vice President,
Manufacturing of Talisman. The term of his employment agreement is until January
4, 2002, and thereafter, is renewable for successive one year terms. Pursuant
to the employment
33
<PAGE>
agreement, Mr. Syme will receive an annual salary of $150,000, which shall be
reviewed annually, and Mr. Syme shall be entitled to receive a bonus up to a
maximum of 40% of his annual base salary, payable within 30 days of the
completion of the audit of Talisman's financial statements, provided Talisman
achieves financial objectives as determined by Talisman's board of directors.
The employment agreement also provides for additional compensation and/or
benefits to be paid or provided to Mr. Syme as follows:
o Mr. Syme shall be granted options to purchase shares of Talisman's common
stock equal to 2% of Talisman's total outstanding shares as of January 21,
1999 (on a fully diluted basis), which options shall be exercisable at a
price equal to 25% of the average of the high bid and low asked prices
per share on the Canadian Dealing Network on January 21, 1999. The
exercisability and vesting of such options are subject to certain
conditions, including, but not limited to (i) Mr. Syme's continued
employment by Talisman, (ii) the achievement of specified levels of
annual performance to be established by the board of directors, and
(iii) the achievement of specified levels of investor returns. The
employment agreement also provides that in the event that Mr. Syme
exercises any of the options while he is employed by Talisman, Talisman
shall loan him the amount of the exercise price for the options at an
interest rate equal to the applicable federal rate, such loan to be
repaid within six months of the exercise of the options. The note
shall be forgiven in the event that Mr. Syme remains in the employment
of Talisman for a period of at least six months following the exercise
of the options or his employment is terminated as a result of death,
disability or other termination entitling Mr. Syme to severance under the
terms of the employment agreement.
o Mr. Syme is entitled to participate in any benefit plans extended to
Talisman's employees or executives.
The employment agreement may be terminated (i) by Talisman for cause;
(ii) at any time by Talisman, without cause, by paying to the employee a maximum
of one year's current annual salary; or (iii) at any time by the employee upon
written notice. The employment agreement also contains a prohibition against
competing with Talisman for a period of one year after the termination of the
agreement.
On January 7, 1999, Christian H. Bunger entered into an employment
agreement with Talisman. Mr. Bunger has been retained as Vice President, Sales -
U.S. of Talisman. The term of the employment agreement commenced on January 25,
1999. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Bunger will receive an annual
salary of $75,000, which shall be reviewed annually, and Mr. Bunger shall be
entitled to receive a bonus up to a maximum of 35% of his annual base salary at
the end of each calendar year. The bonus award will be based on the attainment
of profitability targets and other objectives approved by the board of
directors. The employment agreement also provides for additional compensation
and/or benefits to be paid or provided to Mr. Bunger as follows:
o Mr. Bunger shall be granted options to purchase shares of Talisman's common
stock equal to 1.5% of Talisman's total outstanding shares as of January
21, 1999 (on a fully diluted basis), which options shall be exercisable
at a price equal to 25% of the average of the high bid and low asked prices
per share on the Canadian Dealing Network on January 21, 1999. The
exercisability and vesting of such options are subject to certain
conditions, including, but not limited to (i) Mr. Bunger's continued
employment by Talisman, (ii) the achievement of specified levels of
annual performance to be established by the board of directors, and (iii)
the achievement of specified levels of investor returns. The employment
agreement also provides that in the event that Mr. Bunger exercises any
of the options while he is employed by Talisman, Talisman shall loan him
the amount of the exercise price for the options at an interest rate
equal to the applicable federal rate, such loan to be repaid within six
months of the exercise of the options. The note shall be forgiven in the
event that Mr. Bunger remains in the employment of Talisman for a period
of at least six months following the exercise of the options or his
employment is terminated as a result of death, disability or other
termination entitling Mr. Bunger to severance under the terms of the
employment agreement.
o Mr. Bunger is entitled to receive a car allowance of $600 payable on the
first day of each month.
The employment agreement may be terminated (i) by Talisman for cause;
(ii) at any time by Talisman, without cause, by paying to the employee a maximum
of six months severance pay; or (iii) at any time by the employee upon written
notice. The employment agreement also contains a prohibition against competing
with Talisman for a period of six months after the termination of the agreement.
34
<PAGE>
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth certain information concerning all cash
and non-cash compensation for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 paid by
Talisman to our chief executive officer and all other executive officers whose
total cash compensation exceeded $100,000 in the year ended December 31, 1998
Summary Compensation Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-Term
All Other Compensation
Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation* Awards/Options
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David R. Guy, President (1) 1998 94,000 Nil 8,213 (5) Nil
1997 33,333 Nil 2,245 (5) 500,000 (6)
Norman R. Proulx, Interim 1998 Nil Nil Nil Nil
President(7)
James W. Gemmell, President (2) 1997 13,000(3) Nil Nil Nil
1996 Nil Nil 100 (4) Nil
</TABLE>
* Talisman does not have any pension, retirement or similar benefits for
directors and officers. The benefit plans which Talisman currently has
for its employees consist of health and disability insurance plans,
which benefits are included in the dollar amounts set forth hereunder.
1. Mr. Guy became the President and a director of Talisman on September
26, 1997. Effective December 1, 1998, Mr. Guy ceased to be the interim
President and CEO of Talisman. The amounts indicated above for Mr. Guy
in 1997 are for the period September 26, 1997 to December 31, 1997. All
payments made to date to Mr. Guy have been on account of consulting
fees. For full particulars of the settlement agreement reached with Mr.
Guy, see "Certain Transactions."
2. Mr. Gemmell resigned as the President and a director of Talisman on
September 26, 1997.
3. Received on account of management and consulting services rendered
to Talisman.
4. Received on account of director's fees.
5. Paid on account of car allowance and other normal course benefits.
6. Mr. Guy also holds warrants to acquire 20,000 common shares at an
exercise price of $16.25 per share exercisable until August 15, 2000.
7. Mr. Proulx, a director of Talisman, served as the interim President
and Chief Executive Officer of Talisman from December 1998 to January
1999. To date, Mr. Proulx has not been paid any remuneration by
Talisman for acting in such capacity.
35
<PAGE>
The following table shows the value at December 31, 1998, of
unexercised options held by the named executive officer:
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
and Fiscal Year-End Option Values
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of securities Value of unexercised
underlying in-
unexercised options at the-money options at
fiscal fiscal
year-end (#) year-end ($)
------------------------------ ---------------------------
Shares acquired
on Value Realized Exercisable / Exercisable /
Name Exercise (#) ($) unexercisable unexercisable
- ---- -------------- --- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David R. Guy (1) Nil Nil 20,000/Nil Nil/Nil
- ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ------------------------------ ---------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Mr. Guy ceased to be the President, Chief Executive Officer and director of
Talisman effective December 1, 1998.
Compensation of Directors
To date, no amount has been paid to a director for the services of such
individual on the board of directors except for Mr. Gemmell. In 1996 and 1997,
Mr. Gemmell received $100 on account for director's fees. Talisman has a Stock
Option Plan (more particularly described below) for which directors may
participate. To date, options under the Talisman's Stock Option Plan have been
awarded to three (3) directors. They are Donald L. Matheson, D. Graham Avery and
Thomas A. Fenton. Each director holds options to acquire 1,000 shares at
Cdn.$16.25 per share until November 13, 2002.
Stock Option Plans
1997 Stock Option Plan
Talisman has in place a stock option plan as an incentive for
directors, officers and key employees and other persons who provide ongoing
services to Talisman and its subsidiaries. Under the stock option plan,
non-assignable options may be granted by the board of directors of Talisman, to
directors, officers, key employees and other persons who provide ongoing
services to Talisman to purchase common shares of Talisman for a term not
exceeding five (5) years (subject to earlier termination of the optionee's
employment, upon the optionee ceasing to be a director, officer or other service
provider, as applicable, or upon the optionee retiring, becoming disabled or
dying) at an exercise price not less than the market price for common shares of
Talisman. The granting of options is subject to the further conditions under the
stock option plan that: (i) not more than 10% of the number of shares issued and
outstanding from time to time may be reserved for the granting of options to
insiders at any time or to insiders in any one-year period; (ii) that no more
than 5% of the outstanding issue may be issued to any one insider of Talisman in
a one-year period, and (iii) the maximum number of common shares issuable under
the stock option plan is 31,200 shares. The options are non-transferrable.
As of July 1, 1999, options were outstanding to acquire 10,760 common
shares under the stock option plan, at exercise prices ranging between $16.25
and $31.25.
1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan
The 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan acts as an incentive to
selected senior executives and employees of Talisman and any of its subsidiary
companies by enabling such individuals to acquire a proprietary
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<PAGE>
interest in Talisman and thereby to increase their efforts on behalf of Talisman
and to promote the success of Talisman's business. The maximum number of shares
that may be granted under the 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan is,
initially, not to exceed 225,000. Under the terms of the 1999 Senior Executive
Stock Option Plan, options are non-transferrable, except pursuant to the laws of
descent and distribution.
Any options granted under the 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan
is subject to certain vesting and other requirements contained in the 1999
Senior Executive Stock Option Plan. Specifically, any options granted under the
1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan will vest (and therefore become
exercisable): (i) with respect to one-third of all options granted, in sixty
(60) equal monthly installments, (ii) with respect to one-third of all options
granted, upon the attainment of prescribed annual performance targets over a
five (5) year period as established by the board of directors for the
optionee(s) in question and, (iii) with respect to the remaining one-third of
all options granted, only in the event of an "Investor Sale" (as such term is
defined in the Plan).
The 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan is administered by a
committee of the board of directors which consists of two (2) members who are
non-employee directors and thereby not entitled to participate under the 1999
Senior Executive Stock Option Plan.
The committee shall have all powers necessary to administer the 1999
Senior Executive Stock Option Plan including, without limitation, the authority
to grant options, to determine the type and number of options to be granted, the
number of shares of common stock to which an option may relate and the exercise
price, terms and conditions and restrictions relating to any option.
Eligible participants under the 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan
shall not be entitled to participate in any other share compensation arrangement
or other plan established by Talisman.
To date, three senior officers and employees of Talisman have been
granted options under the 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan in connection
with employment agreements entered into between Talisman and such individuals.
Specifically, James A Ogle, President and Chief Executive Officer, Garry J.
Syme, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, and Christian H. Bunger, Vise
President of Sales - U.S., have been granted 82,955, 44,477 and 24,886 options,
respectively under the 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan. Such options
vest incrementally over a period of five years commencing on the date of their
employment agreements.
1999 Directors Company Stock Plan
The 1999 Directors Stock Plan provides a compensation program for
non-employee directors of Talisman (currently five (5) in number) that will
allow Talisman to attract and retain highly qualified individuals to serve as
non-employee members of Talisman's board of directors. The maximum number of
shares that may be granted under the directors stock plan is, initially, not to
exceed 100,000. Under the terms of the directors stock plan, options are
non-transferrable, except pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution.
Under the 1999 Directors Stock Plan, each non-employee director of
Talisman who served as such on June 30, 1999, has the right to receive, subject
to certain conditions, 15,230 common shares of Talisman for no consideration.
For each director, 3,046 of such shares are currently eligible to be issued as
of June 30, 1999 while additional installments of 3,046 shares will be granted
to each non-employee director upon the first, second, third and fourth
anniversary dates of such date. In order to earn the right to receive subsequent
installment grants on the aforesaid anniversary dates, each director recipient
must have continuously served as a director for the year ending on such
anniversary.
As of the date of this prospectus, the candidates for participation
under the directors stock plan are Norman R. Proulx, James C. McGavin, D. Graham
Avery, Donald L. Matheson and Thomas A. Fenton.
The directors stock plan is administered by a committee of the board
of directors which consists of three (3) members, one of which is the President
and Chief Executive Officer of Talisman. The Committee shall have
37
<PAGE>
responsibility for interpreting the directors stock plan and taking all other
action necessary for the administration of the directors stock plan.
Eligible participants under the 1999 Directors Stock Plan shall not be
entitled to participate in any other share compensation arrangement or plan
established by Talisman.
Shareholders Rights Protection Plan
On September 26, 1997, the shareholders of Talisman approved a
shareholders rights protection plan. The plan applies to all common shares and
all future issues of common shares. The term of the plan is five (5) years,
subject to reconfirmation by the shareholders at the first annual meeting of
shareholders called after September 26, 2000. The Plan is intended to ensure
that, in the event of a bid which could affect control of Talisman, holders of
common shares will receive full and fair value for their shares and that there
will be sufficient time for the fairness of the bid to be properly assessed, to
negotiate with the bidder and to explore, develop and evaluate alternatives to
maximize shareholder value.
Under the terms of the plan, one right has been granted for each common
share. Each right entitles the registered holder to purchase additional shares
of common stock for $1,500 but is not exercisable until certain events occur. If
a person or group wishes to acquire 20% or more of Talisman's common shares, the
plan effectively requires the acquiring person to (i) negotiate terms which the
Directors approve as being fair to the shareholders or, alternatively, (ii)
without board approval, make a "permitted bid" which must contain certain
provisions and which must be accepted by more than 50% of the common shares not
held by the acquiring person.
In the event that an acquiring person acquires 20% or more of
Talisman's voting shares other than as described in (i) and (ii) above, then the
rights become exercisable and will automatically allow all holders except the
acquiring person to purchase, upon payment of the exercise price, shares of
common stock with a total market value of two times (x) the exercise price
(i.e., at a 50% discount from the then current market price of the common
stock).
38
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information concerning
beneficial ownership of Talisman common stock as of July 1, 1999 and as adjusted
to reflect the sale of the shares offered hereby (1) by each person owning 5% or
more of the outstanding shares of common stock, (2) each director, (3) each
executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table under "Management",
and (4) all directors and officers as a group:
The applicable percentage is based on 1,030,330 shares outstanding on
July 1, 1999 and 2,644,957 to be outstanding upon consummation of this offering.
The percentage calculations do not include shares to be issued if the
over-allotment option is exercised.
Outstanding Common Stock Beneficially Owned
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage Beneficially
Owned*
Number of
Shares of
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Common Stock
Prior to After
Offering Offering
Kevin Kimberlin
<S> <C> <C> <C>
New York, New York 826,416(1) 57.2% 27.0%
Norman R. Proulx 71,226(2) 6.7% 2.7%
New York, New York
James A. Ogle 2,304(3) ** **
Mississuaga, Ontario
Garry J. Syme
Mississauga, Ontario 41,054(4) 3.9% 1.5%
D. Graham Avery 1,000(5) ** **
Palgrave, Ontario
James C. McGavin 25,000(6) 2.4% **
Burlington, Ontario
Donald L. Matheson 1,000(7) ** **
Toronto, Ontario
Thomas A. Fenton 1,046(8) ** **
Mississauga, Ontario
John E. Aderhold 400,000(9) ** 14.1%
Atlanta, Georgia
Directors and Officers as a Group 147,401(10) 14.4% 5.4%
(6 persons)
- ---------------
</TABLE>
* Percentages are based upon the assumption that the named shareholder has
exercised all of the currently exercisable options he or she owns which are
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days and that no other
shareholder has exercised any options he or she owns. The information with
respect to shares owned beneficially by those named above not being within the
knowledge of Talisman, has been furnished by each shareholder respectively.
39
<PAGE>
* * Less than One Percent.
(1) Includes (i) 362,332 shares owned by Kimberlin Family Partners LP and 50,876
shares owned by Spencer Trask Securities, Inc.; and (ii) 362,333 shares and
50,875 shares which may be issued pursuant to options owned by Kimberlin Family
Partners LP and Spencer Trask Securities, Inc., respectively, which options are
currently exercisable.
(2) Includes (i) 35,613 shares owned by Mr. Proulx; and (ii)and 35,613 shares
which may be issued pursuant to options owned by Mr. Proulx, which options are
currently exercisable.
(3) Includes 2,304 shares which may be issued pursuant to options issued to Mr.
Ogle under the 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan, which options are
currently exercisable. Does not include an additional 80,651 shares which may be
issued pursuant to options issued to Mr. Ogle under the 1999 Senior Executive
Stock Option Plan, which options are not currently exercisable.
(4) Includes (i) 3,902 shares which may be issued pursuant to options issued to
Mr. Syme under the 1997 Stock Option Plan, and (ii) 1,152 shares which may be
issued pursuant to options issued to Mr. Syme under the 1999 Senior Executive
Stock Option Plan, all of which options are currently exercisable. Does not
include an additional 40,325 shares which may be issued pursuant to options
issued to Mr. Syme under the 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan, which
options are not currently exercisable.
(5) Includes 1,000 shares which may be issued pursuant to options owned by Mr.
Avery, which options are currently exercisable.
(6) Includes 20,000 shares which may be issued pursuant to options owned by Mr.
McGavin, which options are currently exercisable.
(7) Includes 1,000 shares which may be issued pursuant to options owned by Mr.
Matheson, which options are currently exercisable.
(8) Includes 1,000 shares which may be issued pursuant to options owned by Mr.
Fenton, which options are currently exercisable.
(9) Includes 200,000 shares to be issued upon the automatic conversion of
$1,000,000 principal amount of 8% convertible subordinated promissory note and
200,000 shares to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding class A common
stock purchase warrants held by Mr. Aderhold.
(10) Includes (i) 35,612 shares beneficially owned by Norman R. Proulx and
35,612 shares which may be issued pursuant to options beneficially owned by
Norman R. Proulx, which options are currently exercisable, (ii) 3,902 shares
which may be issued pursuant to options owned by Garry Syme, which options are
currently exercisable, (iii) 1,000 shares which may be issued pursuant to
options owned by D. Graham Avery, which options are currently exercisable, (iv)
20,000 shares which may be issued pursuant to options owned by James C. McGavin,
which options are currently exercisable, (v) 1,000 shares which may be issued
pursuant to options owned by Donald L. Matheson, which options are currently
exercisable, (vi) 1,000 shares which may be issued pursuant to options owned by
Thomas A. Fenton, and (vii) 4,080 shares which may be issued pursuant to options
owned by Duncan C. MacFadyen, (viii) 2,304 shares which may be issued pursuant
to options owned by James A. Ogle, which options are currently exercisable, and
(ix) 1,152 shares which may be issued pursuant to options owned by Garry J.
Syme, which options are currently exercisable and (x) 691 shares which may be
issued pursuant to options owned by Christian H. Bunger, which options are
currently exercisable. Does not include (i) an additional 80,651 shares which
may be issued pursuant to options issued to Mr. Ogle, which options are not
currently exercisable,(ii) an additional 40,325 shares which may be issued
pursuant to options issued to Mr. Syme, which options are not currently
exercisable, and (iii) an additional 24,195 shares which may be issued pursuant
to options issued to Mr. Bunger, which options are not currently exercisable.
40
<PAGE>
The applicable percentage of ownership is based upon 1,030,330 shares
of common stock issued and outstanding before the offering and 2,644,957 shares
of common stock issued and outstanding after the offering. However, each
beneficial owner's percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options,
warrants and other convertible securities that are held by such person and that
are exercisable or convertible within sixty (60) days have been exercised or
converted. A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can
be acquired by such person within sixty (60) days upon the exercise of options
or warrants.
Unless otherwise provided herein, Talisman believes that all persons
named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all
shares of common stock beneficially owned by them.
41
<PAGE>
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of Talisman at July 1, 1999 on a pro forma basis adjusted to reflect
the automatic conversion of $5,073,135 of 8% convertible subordinated promissory
notes into 1,014,627 shares of common stock upon listing of Talisman's common
stock on a U.S. based exchange and the issuance of 1,014,627 shares upon the
exercise of outstanding class A common stock purchase warrants. It should be
noted that 25% of the 1,014,627 shares are currently subject to lock-up which
expires three months after the date of this prospectus and 50% of the 1,014,627
shares are currently subject to a nine month lockup which expires on March 21,
2000. It also should be noted that all the shares to be issued upon exercise of
the outstanding class A common stock purchase warrants are currently subject to
a nine month lock-up, which expires on March 21, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Shares
beneficially beneficially
owned owned
prior to Shares after
Selling stockholders the offering offered the offering
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Bloom JT/WROS, Lee & Lisa 10,000 10,000 --
Bloom, Roslyn 10,000 10,000 --
Frischling, Carl 20,000 20,000 --
Hurwitz - Tenants by the Entirety, Robert & 10,000 10,000 --
Connie
Lerner, Lawrence 10,000 10,000 --
Bel Air Associates LLC 40,000 40,000 --
Grohowski,Frank 10,000 10,000 --
Gross,Donald 20,000 20,000 --
Persson Tenants in Common, Stig & Anita 10,000 10,000 --
Francis, Baylus M. 80,000 80,000 --
Peed, Wayne L. 4,000 4,000 --
Pou, James W. 10,000 10,000 --
Rolinski, Sylvia J. 5,000 5,000 --
Walker, Thomas E. 4,000 4,000 --
Wooten III, John E. 4,000 4,000 --
Badgett IRA, DCG&T FBO of Jack T. 5,000 5,000 --
Baroni, Philip 10,000 10,000 --
Kessel MD, Daniel 5,000 5,000 --
Keys, Shirley 5,000 5,000 --
Mandell JT/WROS,Richard & Audrey 20,000 20,000 --
Schrodt, Joseph 20,000 20,000 --
Advent Fund LLC 40,000 40,000 --
Bernard Oleyar Trust - UAD 2/1/96 - 10,000 10,000 --
Bernard Oleyar, TTEE
Butler,Marshall 20,000 20,000 --
Estate of Mary Goodman 5,000 5,000 --
Mennie, Hubert J. 5,000 5,000 --
Weir, Paul J. 20,000 20,000 --
Arnett, Dr. Jan 40,000 40,000 --
De Nigris IRA, Bear Stearns Custodian for 40,000 40,000 --
Peter
Gruverman, Irwin 10,000 10,000 --
</TABLE>
42
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Humphrey, Layton 5,000 5,000 --
Low, Nathan 20,000 20,000 --
Rusbasan JT/WROS, CharlesJ. & Susan H. 20,000 20,000 --
Sanders, Arthur D. 15,000 15,000 --
Schantz, Philip L. 10,000 10,000 --
Weinberger, Mark S. 10,000 10,000 --
Windsor Partners 40,000 40,000 --
Bain II, Travis W. 5,000 5,000 --
Cardwell Jr. J.A. 20,000 20,000 --
Cardwell, Jack A. 40,000 40,000 --
Karpoff IRA, DCG&T c/f Marilyn 10,000 10,000 --
Karpoff, Marilyn 10,000 10,000 --
Katzenstein Community Property Trust, The 20,000 20,000 --
Henry S. Katzenstein & Constance A.
Koehler, Roger L. & Susan E. 10,000 10,000 --
Terral, W. Timothy 9,802 9,802 --
Ward, David A. 20,000 20,000 --
Brensilver JT/WROS, Howard & Marcia 5,000 5,000 --
Investment Fund, LLC 19,606 19,606 --
Martelli Jr,Vincent A. 5,882 5,882 --
Rego, Richard 5,000 5,000 --
Garfield Associates LLC 19,608 19,608 --
Bel Air Associates LLC 19,608 19,608 --
Dacus, Lanny 19,608 19,608 --
Egan, George 19,608 19,608 --
Elkin, Richard 9,804 9,804 --
Farley, Don F. 19,608 19,608 --
Jansen, Vic 19,608 19,608 --
Greenbaum Doll & McDonald PLLC 9,804 9,804 --
(Carmin D. Grandinetti)
Greenbaum Doll & (McDonald PLLC 9,804 9,804 --
(Patrick J. Welsh)
Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC 9,804 9,804 --
(Edwin Perry)
Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC 9,804 9,804 --
(Ivan M. Diamond)
Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC 9,804 9,804 --
(Lawrence K. Banks)
Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC 9,804 9,804 --
(Mark S. Ament)
Greenbaum Doll & McDonald PLLC 9,804 9,804 --
(P. Richard Anderson)
Raesly JT/ WROS, Lee H. & Janet 9,804 9,804 --
Sura, Dr. Steven M. 9,804 9,804 --
Black Trust, The George L. 9,804 9,804 --
Family Revocable Trust, The ABR 19,608 19,608 --
Garnick, Michael 29,412 29,412 --
John & Janet 20,000 20,000 --
Morse JT/WROSZ
Bernardet, Sophie 3,920 3,920 --
Doyle, William 3,920 3,920 --
</TABLE>
43
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Joyce Kramer TTEE Joyce Kramer Rev 3,920 3,920 --
Trust dtd 6/15/89
Wiesenberg, James H. 10,000 10,000 --
Zelman, Martin 20,000 20,000 --
Mazurosky, Rudolph 10,000 10,000 --
Moran, John A. 100,000 100,000 --
Fischhoff, Brian & Andrea 4,000 4,000 --
Holmes, Donnie & Donna 5,000 5,000 --
Krueger Trust, John D. 10,000 10,000 --
Shrawder, J. Edward 15,000 15,000 --
Millison, David R. 4,000 4,000 --
Aderhold, John E. 400,000 400,000 --
KL Rabinoff-Goldman, DC, 5,000 5,000 --
PC Defined Benefit Pension Trust
Benefit Pension Plan 80,000 80,000 --
Haboush, Howard 10,000 10,000 --
Johnson Jr. C. Gordon 10,000 10,000 --
Quick, Carl J. 10,000 10,000 --
Seplowitz, Sheldon 10,000 10,000 --
Stollwerk JT/WROS 10,000 10,000 --
Winoker, Sidney 5,000 5,000 --
Incontro IRA. DCG&T fbo Richard 5,000 5,000 --
Koplan Henry 5,000 5,000 --
Sango, Jason A & Brenda L. 40,000 40,000 --
Donald B. Shackelford Trust 5,000 5,000 --
Watts Jr., James 5,000 5,000 --
Dean L. Patrick Revocable Trust 5,000 5,000 --
Mathis L. Becker, MD, P.A. Profit Sharing 10,000 10,000 --
Trust FBO Mathis L. Becker, M.D.
McInerney, Timothy 10,000 10,000 --
Reilly, K.L. 10,000 10,000 --
Schreiber, Joel M. 5,000 5,000 --
Domino, Carl J. 40,000 40,000 --
Jutta & Peter Scholla JT/ WROS 5,000 5,000 --
R & S Limited Partnership 2,500 2,500 --
Richard S. Incandela Trust dtd 9/15/91 4,900 4,900 --
Fifth Third Bank Custodian for Stephen 10,000 10,000 --
Bachelder IRA
Karnofsky, Neil 5,000 5,000 --
Paul M. Brown & Annette J. Brown Family 4,900 4,900 --
Trust
Reardon, Robert 20,000 20,000 --
Toombs, Walter F. 10,000 10,000 --
Schulte IRA, DCG&T FBO Scott F. 5,000 5,000 --
Williams, John 20,000 20,000 --
</TABLE>
44
<PAGE>
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Sales of the shares may be effected by or for the account of the
selling stockholders from time to time in transactions (which may include block
transactions) on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, in negotiated transactions, through
a combination of such methods of sale, or otherwise, at fixed prices that may be
changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated
prices. The selling stockholders may effect such transactions by selling the
shares directly to purchasers, through broker-dealers acting as agents of the
selling stockholders, or to broker-dealers acting as agents for the selling
stockholders, or to broker-dealers who may purchase shares as principals and
thereafter sell the shares from time to time in transactions (which may include
block transactions) on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, in negotiated transactions,
through a combination of such methods of sale, or otherwise. In effecting sales,
broker-dealers engaged by a selling stockholder may arrange for other
broker-dealers to participate. Such broker-dealers, if any, may receive
compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the
selling stockholders and/or the purchasers of the shares for whom such
broker-dealers may act as agents or to whom they may sell as principals, or both
(which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer might be in excess of
customary commissions).
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that
participate with the selling stockholders in the distribution of the shares may
be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.
Any commissions paid or any discounts or concessions allowed to any such
persons, and any profits received on the resale of the shares purchased by them
may be deemed to be underwriting commission or discounts under the Securities
Act of 1933.
We have agreed to bear all expenses of registration of the shares other
than legal fees and expenses, if any, of counsel or other advisors of the
selling stockholders. The selling stockholders will bear any commissions,
discounts, concessions or other fees, if any, payable to broker-dealers in
connection with any sale of their shares.
We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders, or their
transferees or assignees, against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933 or to contribute to payments the selling
stockholders or their respective pledgees, donees, transferees or other
successors in interest, may be required to make in respect thereof.
45
<PAGE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Thomas A. Fenton, LL.B., a director of Talisman, is a partner of the
Toronto based law firm Aird & Berlis, Barristers and Solicitors, which is
Canadian legal counsel to Talisman. During the fiscal period ended December 31,
1997, Talisman paid to Aird & Berlis CDN$45,695 in consideration of legal
services performed, and during fiscal period ended December 31, 1998, Talisman
paid to Aird & Berlis CDN$66,425 in consideration of legal services performed.
James C. McGavin, a director of Talisman, is a director, officer and
shareholder of Burlington Stamping Inc., a key supplier to Talisman. During
fiscal period ended December 31, 1997, Talisman paid to Burlington Stamping an
aggregate of approximately CDN$108,836 in consideration of battery cans
manufactured and sold by Burlington Stamping to Talisman, and during fiscal
period ended December 31, 1998, Talisman paid to Burlington Stamping an
aggregate of approximately CDN$50,790 in consideration of battery cans
manufactured and sold by Burlington Stamping to Talisman. In addition, during
fiscal period ended December 31, 1997, Talisman paid to James C. McGavin an
aggregate of approximately CDN$4,320 in consideration of a car allowance, and
during fiscal period ended December 31, 1998, Talisman paid to James C. McGavin
an aggregate of approximately CDN$6,480 in consideration of a car allowance.
On January and March 1998, Garry J. Syme exercised warrants to acquire
16,098 common shares, in aggregate, for gross cash consideration of CDN$104,098
and CDN$160,500 in property and equipment.
On August 5, 1998, Talisman raised CDN$1,495,000 in connection with a
private offering of 263,504 shares of Talisman's common stock and warrants to
purchase an additional 263,504 shares of common stock at an exercise price of
$7.50 per share, with Talisman Partners. Prior to the private offering with
Talisman Partners, there was no affiliation between Talisman and Talisman
Partners. Talisman Partners is a private investment partnership located in New
York, New York. Effective with the completion of the private offering, Norman R.
Proulx, the appointed nominee of Talisman Partners, became a director of
Talisman. Effective December 4, 1998, Mr. Proulx was appointed Talisman's
interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Proulx was a partner with a
minority interest in Talisman Partners and an employee of Spencer Trask
Securities Inc., a securities dealer based in New York, New York. Talisman
Partners was majority owned by the Kevin Kimberlin Partnership, L.P., a New York
limited partnership, which was controlled by Kevin Kimberlin, Chairman of
Spencer Trask, and minority owned by certain other Spencer Trask employees.
On October 19, 1998, Talisman raised a further CDN$900,000 in
connection with a private offering of 240,000 shares of Talisman's Common stock
and warrants to purchase an additional 240,000 shares of Common stock at an
exercise price of $5.00 per share, with Talisman Partners.
From December 1998 to March 1999, Talisman sold an aggregate of
$700,000 of 8% convertible promissory notes to nineteen persons. The principal
amount of the notes were converted into securities of Talisman in connection
with the completion of the first closing of Talisman's private placement
offering with Spencer Trask in March 1999. The holders of the notes also
received warrants to acquire an aggregate of 72,465 shares of common stock of
Talisman exercisable at $7.50 per share.
On December 22, 1998, Talisman entered into a severance agreement with
David R. Guy. Pursuant to the terms of the severance agreement, Mr. Guy agreed
to resign as a director and officer of Talisman and Talisman International
effective December 1, 1998. The severance agreement provides that Talisman will
pay to Mr. Guy $144,000 over a 12 month period commencing December 1, 1998.
Talisman will also continue to underwrite the costs of certain benefits to be
provided to Mr. Guy over the severance period. In return, Mr. Guy has agreed not
to compete, directly or indirectly, in any business involving the manufacture or
sale of private label disposable alkaline batteries, until May 1, 1999, subject
to certain exceptions. Furthermore, until December 1, 1999, Mr. Guy has agreed
not to solicit or attempt to solicit any employee or customer of Talisman away
from Talisman.
In June 1999, David R. Guy, a former officer and director of Talisman,
and Garry J. Syme each contributed 15,000 shares of common stock to the
settlement of a lawsuit involving Talisman, Talisman International, and Messrs.
Guy and Syme.
On January 6, 1999, Talisman entered into an employment agreement with
Garry J. Syme, a senior officer of Talisman. For a complete description of the
terms and conditions of the employment agreement between Talisman and Mr. Syme,
see "Management - Employment Contracts"
46
<PAGE>
On January 4, 1999, Talisman entered into an employment agreement with
James A. Ogle, a senior officer of Talisman. For a complete description of the
terms and conditions of the employment agreement between Talisman and Mr. Ogle,
see "Management - Employment Contracts"
In March, April and June 1999, Talisman completed three closings of a
private placement offering, with Spencer Trask Securities, Inc., as placement
agent, in which it sold an aggregate of 50.72985 units solely to U.S. investors
for gross proceeds to Talisman of $5,174,472.70 (such proceeds being inclusive
of the $700,000 raised from December 1998 through March 1999 described above).
The units consisted of an aggregate of (1) $5,073,135 principal amount of 8%
convertible promissory notes, and (2) 1,014,627 warrants to purchase shares of
common stock, which warrants are exercisable at $7.50 per share. In connection
with such closings, Spencer Trask received a placement fee equal to 10% of the
aggregate purchase price of the securities sold by it, plus a non-accountable
expense allowance equal to three percent of the aggregate purchase price of the
securities sold and a warrant, granted by Talisman for $1.00 consideration, to
purchase an amount of common stock equal to 20% of the common stock sold in the
offering at an exercise price equal to 120% of the price of the common stock
sold. Additionally, upon the first closing of the offering, Talisman entered
into (1) an agreement whereby Spencer Trask has the right of first refusal to
act as underwriter or agent for any proposed private or public offering of
Talisman's securities by Talisman or by any of its principal stockholders, and
(2) a non-exclusive finder's agreement pursuant to which Spencer Trask is
entitled to receive a fee based upon a percentage of the value of any business
combination or financing arrangement, including but not limited to a merger or
purchase of assets, which is introduced to Talisman by Spencer Trask.
None of the transactions with officers or shareholders of Talisman and
their affiliates were made on terms less favorable to Talisman than those
available from unaffiliated parties. In future transactions of this nature,
Talisman will ensure that more favorable terms are not available to it from
unaffiliated third parties before engaging officers or shareholders of Talisman
or their affiliates.
47
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Our authorized capital stock consists of an unlimited number of shares
of common stock, with no par value. The following descriptions contain all
material terms and features of our securities, are qualified in all respects by
reference to our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, copies of which have
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Common Stock
We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of common
stock, no par value per share, of which as of the date of this prospectus,
1,030,330 shares of common stock are outstanding, not including the 600,000
shares offered in this offering by Talisman or the 1,014,627 shares offered by
the selling stockholders.
The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share
held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Holders of
common stock are entitled to receive ratably dividends as may be declared by the
board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Talisman, holders of the common stock
are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining, if any, after payment of
liabilities. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and have no
rights to convert their common stock into any other securities.
Pursuant to the Business Corporation Act (Ontario), a shareholder of an
Ontario Corporation has the right to have the corporation pay the shareholder
the fair market value for his shares of the corporation in the event such
shareholder dissents to certain actions taken by the corporation such as
amalgamation or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the
corporation and such shareholder follows the procedures set forth in the
Business Corporation Act (Ontario).
Class A Warrants
Each class A warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of
common stock from Talisman at the exercise price of $7.50 per share. The number
of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants and the
exercise price will be adjusted in the event of stock splits, stock dividends or
recapitalization. The warrants are exercisable at any time within five years
after March 19, 1999. Warrants not exercised by that time will expire. The
warrants do not confer upon the holder any voting rights, preemptive rights or
any other rights as Talisman stockholder. Upon notice to the holders of the
warrants, Talisman has the right to reduce the exercise price or extend the
expiration date of the warrants.
The warrants are redeemable by Talisman commencing on June 21, 2000 (or
sooner with the consent of Spencer Trask Securities, Inc.) at a redemption price
of $0.10 per warrant on not less that 30 days written notice, provided that the
last sale price per share of common stock, for 20 consecutive trading days
ending on the third business day prior to the date of redemption notice, is at
least $9.00 (subject to adjustment for certain events). The warrants shall be
exercisable until the close of the business day preceding the date fixed for
redemption.
No warrant will be exercisable unless at the time of exercise Talisman
has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a current prospectus
covering the issuance of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrant
and the issuance of shares has been registered or qualified or is deemed to be
exempt from registration or qualification under the securities laws of the state
of residence of the holder of the warrant. This prospectus covers the proposed
offering by the selling stockholders of the 1,014,627 shares of common stock
underlying the outstanding class A common stock purchase warrants. Talisman has
undertaken to use its best efforts to maintain a current prospectus relating to
the issuance of the shares of common stock upon the exercise of the warrants
until the expiration of the warrants. While it is Talisman's intention to
maintain a current prospectus, there is no assurance that it will be able to do
so.
Class A Special Shares
Talisman's subsidiary, Talisman International, has class A special
shares, which shares are without par value and are entitled to receive if, as
and when declared by the board of directors of Talisman International, a fixed
preferential 6% non-cumulative cash dividend. The class A special shares are not
retractable by the holders, but rather are redeemable only by Talisman
International at $1,000 per Class "A" share plus all declared and unpaid
preferential dividends. The class A special shares are non-voting, non
convertible and, in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
Talisman International, are entitled to receive a sum equivalent to the
redemption amount (plus all accrued and unpaid dividends) attaching to such
shares in priority to any payment on the common stock. No dividends on the class
A special shares have ever been declared by the board of
48
<PAGE>
directors of Talisman International, and no dividends are anticipated to be
declared in the future. At present, there are 3,300 Class "A" special shares
outstanding.
Other Warrants and Options
As of July 1, 1999, the Company had outstanding options to acquire
10,760 shares of common stock, exercisable at prices ranging between CDN$16.25
and CDN$31.25, and warrants to acquire approximately 642,005 shares of common
stock, exercisable at prices ranging between CDN$5.00 and CDN$62.50. All of such
options and warrants are currently exercisable and are fully vested. In
addition, Spencer Trask Securities, Inc. received warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 405,850 shares and 405,850 class A warrants, which warrants are
exercisable at $6.00 per share and $.12 per warrant. The class A warrants
issuable to Spencer Trask upon exercise of the warrant issued to Spencer Trask
are identical to the class A warrants described above. See "Certain
Transactions".
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for the common stock is Equity Transfer Services,
Inc., Toronto, Ontario.
49
<PAGE>
Shares Eligible for Future Sale
Upon the consummation of this offering, Talisman will have 2,644,957
shares of common stock outstanding. In addition, Talisman has reserved for
issuance the following shares:
o 31,200 shares upon the exercise of options eligible for grant under
Talisman's 1997 Stock option plan;
o 225,000 shares upon the exercise of options eligible for grant under
Talisman's 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan;
o 100,000 shares upon the exercise of options eligible for grant under
Talisman's 1999 Directors Company Stock Plan;
o 1,014,627 shares upon the exercise of 1,014,627 class A warrants; and
o 1,058,615 shares upon the exercise of additional warrants and options.
All the shares to be issued and outstanding after this offering (plus any
additional shares sold upon exercise of the over-allotment option and any shares
to be issued upon exercise of the class A warrants) will be freely tradeable
without restriction or further registration under the Act, except for any shares
purchased or held by an "affiliate" of Talisman (in general, a person who has a
control relationship with Talisman) which will be subject to the limitations of
Rule 144 adopted under the Act ("Rule 144"). In general, under Rule 144, subject
to the satisfaction of certain other conditions, a person, including an
affiliate of Talisman, who has beneficially owned restricted shares of common
stock for at least one year is permitted to sell in a brokerage transaction,
within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the
greater of 1% of the total number of outstanding shares of the same class, or if
the common stock is quoted on Nasdaq or a stock exchange, the average weekly
trading volume during the four calendar weeks preceding the sale. Rule 144 also
permits a person who presently is not and who has not been an affiliate of
Talisman for at least three months immediately preceding the sale and who has
beneficially owned the shares of common stock for at least two years to sell
such shares without regard to any of the volume limitations as described above.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the owners of 1,014,627 shares and 1,014,627
class A warrants have agreed with Spencer Trask Securities, Inc. not to sell or
otherwise dispose their securities except as follows:
o 25% of the 1,014,627 shares are currently subject to lock-up which
expires three months after the date of this prospectus;
o 50% of the 1,014,627 shares are currently subject to a nine month
lock-up which expires on March 21, 2000; and
o all the shares to be issued upon exercise of the outstanding class
A common stock purchase warrants are currently subject to a nine
month lock-up, which expires on March 21, 2000.
In addition to the foregoing, in connection with our recently completed
private placement offering, we entered into a Stockholders' Agreement with the
Spencer Trask Securities, Inc., Talisman Partners, and Messrs. Garry J. Syme, D.
Graham Avery, James C. McGavin, Donald L. Matheson, Thomas A. Fenton, James A.
Ogle, Christian Bunger and Norman R. Proulx pursuant to which the parties to the
Stockholders' Agreement, who own an aggregate of 544,550 shares and 532,553
options or warrants, agreed not to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any
shares of our common stock owned by them or issuable to them pursuant to the
exercise of options or warrants for a 24 month period ending on March 19, 2001
(and Talisman Partners and Norman Proulx agreed under the Stockholders'
Agreement not to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any shares of the
Company's Common Stock owned by them or issuable to them pursuant to the
exercise of options or warrants for a 12 month period ending on March 19, 2000)
without the prior written consent of Spencer Trask, not to be unreasonably
withheld or delayed, provided that Spencer Trask may require that any such
permitted transferees be made subject to a voting agreement pursuant to which
the transferring stockholder retains the right to vote transferred shares until
March 19, 2001.
Sales of Talisman's common stock by certain of the present stockholders
in the future, under Rule 144, may have a depressive effect on the price of
Talisman's common stock.
50
<PAGE>
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following describes the principal United States federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the common stock and
the warrants and upon the exercise, redemption or expiration of the warrants by
a warrant holder, that is a citizen or resident of the United States or a United
States domestic corporation or that otherwise will be subject to United States
federal income tax. This summary is based on the United States Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and
existing and proposed treasury regulations, changes to any of which subsequent
to the date of this prospectus may affect the tax consequences described herein.
This summary discusses only the principal United States federal income tax
consequences to those beneficial owners holding the securities as capital assets
within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code and does not address the tax
treatment of a beneficial owner that owns 10% or more of the common stock. It
does not address the consequences applicable to certain specialized classes of
taxpayers such as certain financial institutions, insurance companies, dealers
in securities or foreign currencies, or United States persons whose functional
currency (as defined in Section 985 of the Code) is not the United States
dollar. Persons considering the purchase of these securities should consult
their tax advisors with regard to the application of the United States and other
income tax laws to their particular situations. In particular, a U.S. Holder
should consult his tax advisor with regard to the application of the United
States federal income tax laws to his situation.
Common Stock
A U.S. Holder generally will realize, to the extent of Talisman's
current and accumulated earnings and profits, foreign source ordinary income on
the receipt of cash dividends, if any, on the common stock equal to the United
States dollar value of such dividends determined by reference to the exchange
rate in effect on the day they are received by the U.S. Holder (with the value
of such dividends computed before any reduction for any Canadian withholding
tax). U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the treatment
of foreign currency gain or loss, if any, on any dividends received which are
converted into United States dollars on a date subsequent to receipt. Subject to
the requirements and limitations imposed by the Code, a U.S. Holder may elect to
claim Canadian tax withheld or paid with respect to dividends on the common
stock as a foreign credit against the United States federal income tax liability
of such holder. Dividends on the common stock generally will constitute "passive
income" or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, "financial services income" for
United States foreign tax credit purposes. U.S. Holders who do not elect to
claim any foreign tax credits may claim a deduction for Canadian income tax
withheld. Dividends paid on the common stock will not be eligible for the
dividends received deduction available in certain cases to United States
corporations.
Upon a sale or exchange of a share of common stock, a U.S. Holder will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on
such sale or exchange and the tax basis of such common stock. Any such gain or
loss will be capital gain or loss, and will be long term capital gain or loss if
at the time of sale or exchange the common stock has been held for more than one
year.
Warrants
No gain or loss will be recognized by the holder of a warrant upon the
exercise of the warrant. The cost basis of the common stock acquired upon such
exercise will be the cost basis of the warrant plus any additional amount paid
upon the exercise of the warrant. Gain or loss will be recognized upon the
subsequent sale or exchange of the common stock acquired by the exercise of the
warrant, measured by the difference between the amount realized upon the sale or
exchange and the cost basis of the common stock so acquired.
If a warrant is not exercised, but is sold or exchanged (whether
pursuant to redemption or otherwise), gain or loss will be recognized upon such
event, measured by the difference between the amount realized by the holder of
the warrant as a result of sale, exchange or redemption and the cost basis of
the warrant.
If a warrant is not exercised and is allowed to expire, the warrants will be
deemed to be sold or exchanged on the date of expiration. In such event, the
holder of the warrant will recognize a loss to the extent of the cost basis of
the warrant.
Generally, any gain or loss recognized as a result of the foregoing
will be a capital gain or loss and will either be long-term or short-term
depending upon the period of time the common stock sold or exchanged or the
warrant sold, exchanged, redeemed, or allowed to expire, as the case may be, was
held. A holding period of more than one year results in long-term gain or loss
treatment. If a warrant is exercised, the holding period of the common stock so
acquired will not include the period during which the warrant was held.
51
<PAGE>
THIS SUMMARY IS OF GENERAL NATURE ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, AND SHOULD NOT
BE CONSTRUED TO BE, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE TO ANY PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR AND NO
REPRESENTATION WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO ANY PARTICULAR INVESTOR
IS MADE.
INVESTMENT CANADA ACT
The Investment Canada Act is a federal Canadian statute which regulates
the acquisition of control of existing Canadian businesses and the establishment
of new Canadian businesses by an individual, a government or entity that is a
"non-Canadian" as that term is defined in the Investment Canada Act.
Talisman believes that it is not currently a "non-Canadian" for
purposes of the Investment Canada Act. If Talisman were to become a
"non-Canadian" in the future, acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses by
Talisman would become subject to the Investment Canada Act. Generally, the
direct acquisition by a "non-Canadian" of an existing Canadian business with
gross assets of CDN$5,000,000 or more is reviewable under the Investment Canada
Act, with a threshold of CDN$184 million for transactions closing in 1999 for
"WTO investors" as defined under the Investment Canada Act. If Talisman were to
become a "non-Canadian" in the future, Talisman believes that it would likely
become a "non-Canadian" which is a "WTO investor." Generally, indirect
acquisitions of existing Canadian businesses (with gross assets over certain
threshold levels) are reviewable under the Investment Canada Act, except in
situations involving "WTO investors" where indirect acquisitions are generally
not reviewable. In transactions involving Canadian businesses engaged in the
production of uranium, providing financial services, providing transportation
services or which are cultural businesses, the benefit of the higher "WTO
investor" thresholds do not apply.
Acquisitions of businesses related to Canada's cultural heritage or
national identity (regardless of the value of assets involved) may also be
reviewable under the Investment Canada Act. In addition, investments to
establish new, unrelated businesses are not generally reviewable. An investment
to establish a new business that is related to the non-Canadian's existing
business in Canada is not notifiable under the Investment Canada Act unless such
investment relates to Canada's cultural heritage or national identity.
Investments which are reviewable under the Investment Canada Act are
reviewed by the Minister, designated as being responsible for the administration
of the Investment Canada Act. Reviewable investments, generally, may not be
implemented prior to the Minister's determining that the investment is likely to
be of "net benefit to Canada" based on the criteria set out in the Investment
Canada Act. Generally investments by non-Canadians consisting of the acquisition
of control of Canadian businesses which acquisitions are otherwise
non-reviewable or the establishment of new Canadian businesses require that a
notice be given under the Investment Canada Act in the prescribed form and
manner.
To date, the Investment Canada Act has had no practical affect on
Talisman's operations and/or financial condition. Moreover the Investment Canada
Act has not and will not create an impediment to an unsolicited take-over of
Talisman as Talisman's asset base is approximately CDN$6,900,000 as at March 31,
1999. Accordingly any proposed take-over of Talisman by a "non-Canadian" would
likely be subject only to the simple "notification" requirements of the
Investment Canada Act as in all likelihood that non-Canadian would be a "WTO
investor" for purposes of the Investment Canada Act. Generally, a "WTO investor"
is an individual, other than a Canadian, who is a national of a country which is
a member of the World Trade Organization. In the case of a person which is not
an individual, a WTO investor is a person which, generally, is ultimately
controlled by individuals, other than Canadians, who are nationals of a WTO
member. Currently there are 134 countries which are members of the WTO,
including virtually all countries of the Western world. Talisman would have to
have an asset base of at least CDN$184 million before the "reviewable"
transaction provisions of the Investment Canada Act became relevant for
consideration by a third party non-Canadian acquiror, which is not a WTO
investor.
52
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting
agreement among us and the underwriters, each of the underwriters named below,
for whom Capital West Securities, Inc. is acting as a representative, has
severally agreed to purchase from us the number of shares of common stock set
forth opposite its name below:
Underwriter Number of Shares
Capital West Securities, Inc.
Total
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters are
subject to certain conditions. The nature of the underwriters' obligations is
that they are committed to purchase and pay for all of the above shares of
common stock if any are purchased.
Public Offering Price and Dealers Concession
The underwriters propose initially to offer the shares of common stock
offered by this prospectus to the public at the public offering price per share
set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers, who are
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., at that price
less a concession not in excess of $____ per share. The underwriters may allow,
and these dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $____ per share on
sales to certain other NASD member dealers. After commencement of this offering,
the offering price, discount price and reallowance may be changed by the
underwriters. No such change will alter the amount of proceeds to be received by
us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
Over-allotment Option
We have granted the underwriters an option, which may be exercised
within 45 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to 90,000
additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any, at the
initial public offering price, less the underwriting discount set forth on the
cover page of this prospectus. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment
option to purchase any of these additional 90,000 shares of common stock, these
additional shares will be sold by the underwriters on the same terms as those on
which the shares offered by this prospectus are being sold. We will be
obligated, pursuant to the over-allotment option, to sell shares to the
underwriters if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option. The
underwriters may exercise their over-allotment option only to cover
over-allotments made in connection with the sale of the shares of common stock
offered by this prospectus.
Non-accountable Expense Allowance
We have agreed to pay the underwriters a non-accountable expense
allowance of 3% of the gross proceeds derived from the sale of the shares of
common stock underwritten (including the sale of any shares of common stock that
the underwriters' may sell to cover over-allotments, if any, pursuant to the
over-allotment option), $____of which has been paid as of the date of this
prospectus. We have also agreed to pay all expenses in connection with
qualifying the common stock offered hereby for sale under the laws of such
states as Talisman and the underwriters may designate and registering the
offering with the NASD, including filing fees and fees and expenses of counsel
retained for these purposes.
53
<PAGE>
Underwriting Compensation
The following table summarizes the compensation to be paid to the
underwriters by us:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total
Without With
Per Share Over-Allotment Over-Allotment
Underwriting discounts paid by us.........................
Underwriting discounts paid by
the selling shareholders..................................
</TABLE>
Indemnification of Underwriters
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to
payments the underwriters may be required to make in connection with these
liabilities.
Underwriters' Warrants
Upon completion of this offering, we will sell to the underwriters, for
their own accounts, warrants covering an aggregate of up to 60,000 shares of
common stock exercisable at a price of $6.00 per share. The underwriters will
pay a price of $0.001 per warrant. The underwriters may exercise these warrants
as to all or any lesser number of the underlying shares of common stock
commencing on the first anniversary of the date of this offering until the fifth
anniversary of the date of this offering. The terms of these warrants require us
to register the common stock for which these warrants are exercisable within one
year from the date of the prospectus. These underwriters' warrants are not
transferable by the warrant holders other than to officers and partners of the
underwriters. The exercise price of these underwriters' warrants and the number
of shares of common stock for which these warrants are exercisable are subject
to adjustment to protect the warrant holders against dilution in certain events.
Lock-up Agreements
In connection with our recently completed private placement offering, we
entered into a Stockholders' Agreement with the Spencer Trask Securities, Inc.,
Talisman Partners, and Messrs. Garry J. Syme, D. Graham Avery, James C. McGavin,
Donald L. Matheson, Thomas A. Fenton, James A. Ogle, Christian Bunger and Norman
R. Proulx. The parties to the Stockholders' Agreement agreed not to sell,
transfer, or otherwise dispose of any shares of our common stock owned by them
or issuable to them pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants for a 24
month period ending on March 19, 2001 (and Talisman Partners and Norman Proulx
agreed under the Stockholders' Agreement not to sell, transfer, or otherwise
dispose of any shares of the Company's Common Stock owned by them or issuable to
them pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants for a 12 month period
ending on March 19, 2000) without the prior written consent of Spencer Trask,
not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided that Spencer Trask may
require that any such permitted transferees be made subject to a voting
agreement pursuant to which the transferring stockholder retains the right to
vote transferred shares until March 19, 2001.
In addition, in connection with private placement offering, the
purchasers of the securities agreed not to sell any of such securities for a
period commencing on June 21, 1999 and ending on (i) March 21, 2000 or (ii) such
earlier or later date as shall have been agreed to by Spencer Trask Securities,
Inc., acting on behalf of the purchasers of the securities purchased in the
private placement offering. Further, the holders of the securities purchased in
the private placement have the right to cause the Company to (i) offer to redeem
their securities, or (ii) give such holders the ability to elect a majority of
Talisman's board of directors in the event that Talisman failed to prepare and
file a registration under the Securities Act of 1933 for the resale of all
shares of common stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the notes and upon
exercise of the class A warrants sold in the private placement offering by
August 20, 1999.
54
<PAGE>
Stabilization and Other Transactions
In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in
transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of
the common stock. These transactions may include stabilization transactions
effected in accordance with Rule 104 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act,
pursuant to which the underwriters may bid for, or purchase, common stock for
the purpose of stabilizing the market price. The underwriters also may create a
short position by selling more common stock in connection with this offering
than they are committed to purchase from us, and in such case may purchase
common stock in the open market following completion of this offering to cover
all or a portion of such short position. In addition, the underwriters may
impose "penalty bids" whereby they may reclaim from a dealer participating in
this offering, the selling concession with respect to the common stock that it
distributed in this offering, but which was subsequently purchased for the
accounts of the underwriters in the open market. Any of the transactions
described in this paragraph may result in the maintenance of the price of the
common stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open
market. None of the transactions described in the paragraph is required, and, if
they are undertaken, they may be discontinued at any time.
Discretionary Accounts
The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend to confirm
sales to any account over which they exercise discretionary authority.
Determination of Offering Price
Prior to this offering, there has been no market for our common stock.
Accordingly, the initial public offering price for the common stock was
determined by negotiation between us and the underwriters. Among the factors
considered in determining the initial public offering price were our results of
operations, our current financial condition, our future prospects, the state of
the markets for our services, the experience of our management, the economics of
the online information industry in general, the general condition of the equity
securities market and the demand for similar securities of companies considered
comparable to us.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters relating to Ontario law, including the validity
of the issuance of the shares offered hereby, will be passed upon for Talisman
by Aird & Berlis, Barristers and Solicitors, Ontario Canada. The validity of the
issuance of the shares offered hereby will be passed upon for Talisman by its
United States Counsel, Sichenzia, Ross & Friedman LLP, New York, New York.
Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for
the underwriters by Day, Edwards, Federman, Propester & Christensen, P.C.,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Talisman Enterprises Inc. at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, and for each of the two years in the period ended
December 31, 1997, appearing in this prospectus and Registration Statement have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their
report thereon appearing elsewhere herein.
55
<PAGE>
TALISMAN ENTERPRISES INC.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets --- For the years ended December 31, 1997 and
December 31, 1998 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Deficit --- For the seven months period
ended December 31, 1997 and year ended December 31, 1998 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity F-5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows --- For the seven months period ended
December 31, 1997 and year ended December 31, 1998 F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-7
Notice to Reader F-22
Consolidated Balance Sheets --- For the three months period ended March 31, 1998
and March 31, 1999 F-23
Consolidated Statement of Loss and Deficit --- For the three months period
ended March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1999 F-24
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows --- For the three months period ended
March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1999 F-25
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-26
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors of
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Talisman
Enterprises Inc. as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related consolidated
statements of loss and deficit, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year
ended December 31, 1998 and the seven months ended December 31, 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
an audit to obtain reasonable assurance 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 financial statements referred to above, present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Talisman
Enterprises Inc. as at December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the consolidated results
of its operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1998 and the
seven months ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.
On March 29, 1999, we reported separately to the Shareholders of Talisman
Enterprises Inc. on the consolidated financial statements for the same periods,
prepared in Canadian dollars and in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in Canada.
/s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Hamilton, Canada,
March 29, 1999 [except as to note 18
which is as at July 15, 1999]. Chartered Accountants
F-2
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
Incorporated under the laws of Ontario
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
[in U.S. dollars]
As at December 31
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
$ $
ASSETS
Current
<S> <C> <C>
Cash ..................................... 16,701 26,739
Accounts receivable ...................... 361,826 55,030
Inventories [note 3] ..................... 409,180 258,737
Prepaid expenses ......................... 51,952 14,085
Total current assets ..................... 839,659 354,591
Capital assets [note 4] .................. 2,752,663 2,892,617
3,592,322 3,247,208
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current
Bank operating line ...................... 423,656 --
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . 905,169 295,572
Note payable [note 5] .................... -- 80,073
Current portion of long-term debt [note 6] 574,221 69,903
Total current liabilities ................ 1,903,046 445,548
Long-term debt [note 6] .................. -- 250,498
Deferred income tax liability ............ 546,815 589,794
Shareholders' equity [statement]
Share capital [note 7] ................... 4,277,370 3,025,230
Contributed surplus ...................... 309,233 --
Deficit .................................. (3,238,982) (964,780)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ..... (205,160) (99,082)
Total shareholders' equity ............... 1,142,461 1,961,368
3,592,322 3,247,208
</TABLE>
Commitments and contingencies [note 11]
See accompanying notes
On behalf of the Board:
Director Director
F-3
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND DEFICIT
[in U.S. dollars]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended 7 months ended
December 31, December 31,
1998 1997
$ $
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues .............................. 748,254 139,646
Operating expenses [exclusive of
amortization shown separately below] 1,487,052 180,582
Gross profit .......................... (738,798) (40,936)
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative ... 1,136,516 597,558
Amortization .......................... 304,182 27,670
Interest and bank charges [note 6] .... 99,292 11,236
1,539,990 636,464
Loss before income taxes .............. (2,278,788) (677,400)
Income taxes - deferred ............... (4,586) (37,060)
Loss for the period ................... (2,274,202) (640,340)
Deficit, beginning of period .......... (964,780) (324,440)
Deficit, end of period ................ (3,238,982) (964,780)
Loss per share ........................ (3.69) (1.35)
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes
F-4
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
[in U.S. dollars]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Accumulated
Common Number of Class "A" Contributed other
Number of shares Class "A" special surplus Deficit comprehensive loss Total
common shares $ special shares $ $ $ $ $
shares
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance May 31, 1997 452,600 801,089 3,300 1,687,083 -- (324,440) (159,108) 2,004,624
Issuance of Firesand shares
on acquisition of Talisman 478,371 20,112 -- -- -- -- -- 20,112
Elimination of prior number
of shares of Talisman (478,371) ---- -- -- -- -- -- --
Prior common shares of
Firesand 34,970 ---- -- -- -- -- -- --
Issued for cash and exercise of
warrants 28,386 516,946 -- -- -- -- -- 516,946
Cumulative translation
adjustment -- ---- -- -- -- -- 60,026 60,026
Net loss -- ---- -- -- -- (640,340) -- (640,340)
Balance December 31, 1997 515,956 1,338,147 3,300 1,687,083 -- (964,780) (99,082) 1,961,368
Issued for exercise of warrants 10,893 119,391 -- -- -- -- -- 119,391
Issued for cash [net of expenses]
services and capital assets 503,481 1,132,749 -- -- 309,233 -- -- 1,441,982
Cumulative translation
adjustment -- ---- -- -- -- (106,078) (106,078)
Net loss -- ---- -- -- -- (2,274,202) -- (2,274,202)
Balance December 31, 1998 1,030,330 2,590,287 3,300 1,687,083 309,233 (3,238,982) (205,160) 1,142,461
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes
F-5
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
[in U.S. dollars]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended 7 months ended
December 31, December 31,
1998 1997
$ $
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S> <C> <C>
Loss for the period ................................. (2,274,202) (640,340)
Charges to income not affecting cash
Amortization of capital assets ................... 304,182 27,670
Deferred income taxes ............................ (4,586) (37,060)
Change in non-cash working capital items ............ 114,490 (89,304)
Cash used in operating activities ................... (1,860,116) (739,034)
INVESTING ACTIVITY
Purchase of capital assets .......................... (286,862) 13,324
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of long-term debt .......................... 609,430 358,423
Repayment of long-term debt ......................... (325,894) (29,869)
Repayment of note payable ........................... -- (60,932)
Reduction in note payable ........................... (77,233) (104,269)
Issue of common shares .............................. 1,493,441 537,059
Bank operating line ................................. 437,196 --
Cash provided by financing activities ............... 2,136,940 700,412
Decrease in cash during the period .................. (10,038) (25,298)
Cash, beginning of period ........................... 26,739 52,037
Cash, end of period ................................. 16,701 26,739
NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITY
Contribution by shareholders of capital assets ...... 68,000 --
NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITY
Contribution by shareholders of professional services 241,233 --
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Cash interest paid .................................. 26,431 8,746
Cash income taxes paid .............................. -- --
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes
F-6
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of operations
Talisman Enterprises Inc. is a company incorporated to primarily produce
premium private label alkaline batteries. The company is in the early stages of
its operations and has, therefore, not generated revenues on a consistent basis.
The recoverability of the company's assets is, therefore, dependent on the
continued support of its lenders and shareholders and the generation of
profitable operations.
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in United States
dollars and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States and include certain estimates based on management's judgments.
These estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the
date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of
revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from those
estimates.
Consolidated financial statements prepared in Canadian dollars and in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada were
previously made available to shareholders and filed with various securities
regulatory authorities.
For purposes of these consolidated financial statements, the company has
adopted the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency. This improves investors'
ability to compare the company's results with those of most other publicly
traded businesses in the industry. These consolidated financial statements have
been translated from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars by translating assets and
liabilities at the rate in effect at the respective balance sheet date and
revenues and expenses at the average rate for the period. Any resulting foreign
exchange gains or losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss).
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company
and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Talisman International Inc.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable
value.
F-7
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Capital assets
Capital assets are stated at cost. Amortization is provided at rates designed to
write-off the assets over their estimated useful lives at the following rates:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Production and warehouse equipment 10 years straight-line basis
Dies and molds 5 years straight-line basis
Furniture and fixtures 5 years straight-line basis
Computer equipment 3 years straight-line basis
Leasehold improvements Straight-line basis over the term of the lease
</TABLE>
Revenue recognition
Revenue from the sales of products is recognized at the time title
transfers, which is generally when the goods are shipped.
Loss per share
The calculation of loss per common share is based on the reported net loss
divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.
The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year ended
December 31, 1998 was 615,581 [474,446 for the seven months ended December 31,
1997].
Financial instruments
The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable, bank operating line and
accounts payable and accrued liabilities are considered to be representative of
their respective fair values due to their short maturities.
The company has no derivative financial instruments or any financial
instruments that potentially subject the company to concentrations of credit
risk. The company is exposed to credit risk on the accounts receivable from its
customers. Management has adopted credit policies in an effort to minimize those
risks. The company does not have a significant exposure to any individual
customer or counter-party.
F-8
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Income taxes
The company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes.
Under this method, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of
temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
2. ACQUISITION
On September 26, 1997, Firesand Resources Ltd. ["Firesand"] which was a
public company with a year-end of December 31, trading on the Canadian Dealer
Network, acquired 100% of Talisman International Inc., which was incorporated on
September 26, 1996 and had a year-end of May 31, through the issuance of 478,371
common shares. The transaction was accounted for as a reverse takeover, with the
results of Firesand being included from the date of acquisition. For periods
prior to the date of acquisition, the information presented is that of Talisman
International Inc. The following is a summary of the net assets acquired and
values assigned thereto based on an allocation of the purchase price to
Firesand's assets and liabilities:
$
Working capital 20,112
Common shares issued (20,112)
--
Contemporaneously with the transaction, Firesand changed its name to
Talisman Enterprises Inc. ["Talisman"].
F-9
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
3. INVENTORIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
$ $
<S> <C> <C>
Raw materials and packaging 243,801 201,968
Finished goods 165,379 56,769
409,180 258,737
</TABLE>
4. CAPITAL ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998
Accumulated Net book
Cost amortization value
$ $ $
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Production equipment 2,741,827 292,910 2,448,917
Warehouse equipment 32,568 3,196 29,372
Computer equipment 11,763 4,028 7,735
Dies and molds 26,112 2,968 23,144
Furniture and fixtures 20,657 4,525 16,132
Leasehold improvements 59,718 12,355 47,363
Construction in progress 180,000 -- 180,000
3,072,645 319,982 2,752,663
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997
Accumulated Net book
Cost amortization value
$ $ $
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Production equipment 2,796,787 24,607 2,772,180
Warehouse equipment 25,560 210 25,350
Computer equipment 10,095 280 9,815
Dies and molds 9,396 140 9,256
Furniture and fixtures 21,350 560 20,790
Leasehold improvements 56,414 1,188 55,226
2,919,602 26,985 2,892,617
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
4. CAPITAL ASSETS [continued]
Certain of the above production equipment was acquired pursuant to a s.85
rollover under the Canadian tax laws. Although the equipment was recorded in the
financial statements based on its fair value, it has no tax basis to the
company.
In total, the above capital assets have an estimated tax value at December
31, 1998 of $695,200.
5. NOTE PAYABLE
The non-interest bearing note payable to a shareholder was repaid during
1998.
6. LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
$ $
Term loan, bearing interest at prime plus 1 1/4%
[8% at December 31, 1998] with
monthly principal repayments of
$12,500 Cdn., maturing
<S> <C> <C>
October 23, 2003 474,221 --
Term demand loan, bearing interest at prime plus
1 1/4% [8% at December 31,
1998] with monthly principal
repayments of $8,333 Cdn., maturing
March 31, 2001, repaid during 1998 -- 320,401
Convertible U.S. dollar promissory
note bearing interest at 8%, interest and
principal on the note shall be paid in
cash one year from the date of
issuance of the note, or interest on the
conversion of the note into securities of the company 100,000 --
574,221 320,401
Less current portion 574,221 69,903
Long-term debt -- 250,498
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
6. LONG-TERM DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT [continued]
The company has available operating line of credit of $490,000 [$66,344 was
available at December 31, 1998] which bears interest at prime plus 1 1/4%. In
addition, the company may draw down an additional $653,400 term loan facility
for the purchase of battery manufacturing equipment up to 75% of cost, payable
over 5 years, at prime plus 1 1/4% provided the company has an additional equity
injection of a minimum of $2,940,200. All indebtedness of the company is
collaterialized by the company's assets.
Under the operating line of credit and term loan facility, the company has
undertaken to maintain certain financial covenants. As at December 31, 1998, the
company was not in compliance with certain of the financial covenants and
accordingly, the loan has been reflected as a current liability.
Pursuant to a confidential private placement memorandum prepared by the
company dated January 28, 1999, a minimum of 25 units and a maximum of 50 units
may be sold to accredited investors for net proceeds, after deducting agent fees
and placement allowance but before the expenses of the offering of $2,118,500
and $4,337,000. The units will be offered for a period of 90 days, which period
may be extended for up to an additional 90 days. Each unit consists of an 8%
convertible subordinated promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000 and
20,000 Class "A" common stock purchase warrants to purchase common shares of the
company until 2004. The notes are convertible into common shares at a conversion
rate of one common share for every $5 in principal amount of note, and the
warrants are exercisable at a price of $7.50 per share, subject to adjustments
in certain events. In addition, the notes shall be automatically converted into
common shares of the company upon the company's common shares becoming traded on
the OTC Bulletin Board in the United States or any other U.S. based securities
exchange.
Subsequent to the year-end, the company completed a first closing in which
it sold an aggregate of 26 units for net proceeds of $2,220,390, after deducting
agents fee and placement allowance [such proceeds being inclusive of the
$100,000 convertible debenture outstanding at December 31, 1998].
The fair value of the long-term debt has been calculated on the contractual
cash flows of the financial instruments discounted using market rates currently
available to the company. At December 31, 1998, the fair value of the long-term
debt approximated the carrying value. During the year, interest on long-term
debt amounted to $26,431 [$8,746 for the seven months ended December 31, 1997].
F-12
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
7. SHARE CAPITAL
Authorized
Unlimited 6% non-cumulative, non-voting Class "A" special shares,
redeemable at the company's option, with a redemption value of $1,000 each
Unlimited common shares without nominal par value
On January 27, 1999, the company implemented a consolidation of the
outstanding common shares on the basis of exchanging 1 new common share for each
25 common shares previously held.
Reverse takeover accounting requires that the amount shown as the issued
capital in the consolidated balance sheet be calculated by adding to the issued
capital of the legal subsidiary company, Talisman International Inc., the amount
of the cost of the purchase. However, the number of common shares reflect that
of the legal parent company, Talisman Enterprises Inc.
During 1998, shareholders transferred 45,000 common shares to individuals
in exchange for machinery and professional services, the value of which
[$309,233] was contributed to capital.
The company has in place a stock option plan [the "Stock Option Plan"] as
an incentive for directors, officers and key employees and other persons who
provide ongoing services to the company and its subsidiaries. Under the Stock
Option Plan, non-assignable options may be granted by the board of directors of
the company, to directors, officers, key employees and other persons who provide
ongoing services to the company to purchase common shares of the company for a
term not exceeding 5 years [subject to earlier termination of the optionee's
employment, upon the optionee ceasing to be a director, officer of other service
provider, as applicable, or upon the optionee retiring, becoming disabled or
dying] at an exercise price not less than the market price for common shares of
the company. The granting of options is subject to the further conditions under
the Stock Option Plan that: [i] not more than 10% of the number of shares issued
and outstanding from time to time [the "Outstanding Issue"] may be reserved for
the granting of options to insiders at any time or to insiders in any one-year
period; [ii] that no more than 5% of the outstanding issue may be issued to any
one insider of the company in a one-year period; and, [iii] the maximum number
of common shares issuable under the Stock Option Plan is 31,200 shares. The
options are non-transferrable.
F-13
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
7. SHARE CAPITAL [continued]
In connection with the private placements during the year, the company
granted 618,006 warrants to acquire common shares of the company.
The company options and warrants to acquire common shares at various
exercise prices are summarized below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exercise Expiration
Number price date
$
[Canadian]
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Options 10,000 16.25 Nov. 13, 2001
760 31.25 Nov. 13, 2001
Warrants 4,600 62.50 Sept. 15, 1999
2,000 12.50 Apr. 15, 2000
2,000 20.00 Apr. 15, 2000
93,902 16.25 Aug. 15, 2000
12,000 12.50 June 7, 2001
263,504 7.50 July 31, 2001
240,000 5.00 Oct. 14, 2001
Total options and warrants 628,766
</TABLE>
F-14
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
8. SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS PLAN
On September 26, 1997, the shareholders approved a Shareholders Rights
Protection Plan [the "Plan"]. The Plan applies to all common shares and all
future issues of common shares. The term of the Plan is for 5 years, subject to
reconfirmation by the shareholders at the first annual meeting of shareholders
called after September 26, 2000. The Plan is intended to ensure that, in the
event of a bid which could affect control of the company, holders of common
shares will receive full and fair value for their shares and that there will be
sufficient time for the fairness of the bid to be properly assessed, to
negotiate with the bidder and to explore, develop and evaluate alternatives to
maximize shareholder value.
Under the terms of the Plan, one Right has been granted for each common
share. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase additional shares
of common stock for $1,500 Cdn. but is not exercisable until certain events
occur. If a person or group wishes to acquire 20% or more of the company's
common shares [an "acquiring person"], the Plan effectively requires the
acquiring person to [i] negotiate terms which the Directors approve as being
fair to the shareholders or, alternatively, [ii] without Board approval, make a
"permitted bid" which must contain certain provisions and which must be accepted
by more than 50% of the common shares not held by the acquiring person.
In the event that an acquiring person acquires 20% or more of the company's
voting shares other than as described in [i] and [ii] above, then the Rights
become exercisable and will automatically change to allow all holders except the
acquiring person to purchase, upon payment of the exercise price, shares of
common stock with a total market value of two times the exercise price [ie. at a
50% discount from the then current market price of the common stock].
F-15
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
9. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
The company applies APB Opinion 25 in accounting for its employee stock
options and warrants.
The exercise price of all employee stock options and warrants is equal to
the market price of the stock at the time of granting. Accordingly, no
compensation cost has been recognized in the financial statements for its
employee stock options and warrants.
For purposes of meeting requirements of FASB Statement No. 123, the fair
value was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing
model with the following weighted-average assumptions for 1998 and 1997,
respectively; risk-free interest rates of 6%, 6%, dividend yields of 0%, 0%,
volatility factors of the expected market price of the company's common stock of
30%, 30%, and weighted average expected life per option and warrant of 4 years.
The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are
fully transferable. In addition, option pricing models require the input of
highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility.
Because the company's employee stock options and warrants have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the
subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in
management's options, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable
single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options and warrants.
For purposes of the pro-forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options and warrants is amortized to expense over their vesting period. The
company's pro-forma net loss would be increased by $497,706 for the 7 months
ended December 31, 1997. The company's pro-forma loss per share would be [$2.03]
for the 7 months ended December 31, 1997. There were no employee stock options
and warrants issued or which vested during 1998.
F-16
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
9. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION [continued]
A summary of the company's stock option and warrant activity and related
information is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended 7 months ended
December 31, December 31,
1998 1997
$ $
[Canadian] [Canadian]
Weighted Weighted
-average- average
exercise price exercise price
Employee options
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding, beginning of period ......... 10,760 17.25 -- --
Granted .................................. -- -- 10,760 17.25
Outstanding and exercisable, end of period 10,760 17.25 10,760 17.25
Employee warrants
Outstanding, beginning of period ......... 44,798 16.25 -- --
Granted .................................. -- -- 50,000 16.25
Exercised ................................ (10,896) 16.25 (5,202) 16.25
Outstanding and exercisable, end of period 33,902 16.25 44,798 16.25
Total employee options and
warrants outstanding and
exercisable, end of period ............ 44,662 16.50 55,558 16.50
Weighted - average fair value
of employee options and warrants
granted during the period ............. -- -- 10,760 12.25
Other warrants
Outstanding, beginning of period ......... 68,600 -- 68,600 --
Granted .................................. 515,504 -- -- --
584,104 -- 68,600 --
Total options and warrants, end of period 628,766 -- 124,158 --
</TABLE>
F-17
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
10. INCOME TAXES
The significant components of the company's deferred tax liabilities and
assets are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended 7 months ended
December 31, December 31,
1998 1997
$ $
Deferred tax assets
<S> <C> <C>
Income tax losses available for carryforward 537,500 122,800
Share issue costs 191,441 32,087
728,941 154,887
Less valuation allowance 728,941 154,887
Net deferred tax assets -- --
Deferred tax liabilities
Temporary differences on capital assets 546,815 589,794
Total deferred tax liabilities 546,815 589,794
</TABLE>
The operating company has a tax year-end of May 31st which differs from its
reporting year of December 31st. As at May 31, 1998, the company has available
non-capital loss carryovers of approximately $1,493,000 [$2,285,000 Cdn.]
available to offset future taxable income. These non-capital loss carryovers
expire as follows:
$
May 31, 2004 341,000
May 31, 2005 1,152,000
F-18
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The minimum lease payments for building and equipment leases over the next
5 years are as follows:
$
1999 87,947
2000 83,987
2001 73,058
2002 35,176
2003 --
280,168
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended 7 months ended
December 31, December 31,
1998 1997
$ $
<S> <C> <C>
Rent expense 125,480 57,993
</TABLE>
In the ordinary course of business activities, the company may be
contingently liable for litigation and claims with third parties. Management
believes that adequate provisions have been recorded in the accounts where
required. Although it is not possible to estimate the potential costs and
losses, if any, management believes that the ultimate resolution of such
contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated
financial statements or financial position of the company.
F-19
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
12. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The company is organized and managed as a single business segment being the
production of batteries and the company is viewed as a single operating segment
by the chief operating decision maker for the purposes of resource allocations
and assessing performance.
The geographic sources of the company's revenues based on location of
customers is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended 7 months ended
December 31, December 31,
1998 1997
$ $
<S> <C> <C>
Canada 172,098 134,060
United States 576,156 5,586
748,254 139,646
</TABLE>
In addition, sales to two of the company's largest customers accounted for
28.6%, and 23.7% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1998.
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the year, the company had $120,900 of loans due from a former senior
executive officer bearing interest at 8% per annum. The amount was repaid by
December 31, 1998.
The company had the following transactions with a company that is a
shareholder, key supplier and whose president is also a director and officer of
the company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended 7 months ended
December 31, December 31,
1998 1997
$ $
<S> <C> <C>
Acquisition of raw materials 34,246 --
</TABLE>
In addition, in 1996 the company purchased capital assets [$73,400] which
remain in the possession of the related party who uses them to produce raw
materials for the company.
F-20
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
December 31, 1998 and 1997
14. RECENT REPORTING DEVELOPMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued FAS133, Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities which introduces revised standards
for the recognition and measurement of derivatives and hedging activities. The
company must adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2001.
Implementation of this standard is currently expected to have no impact on the
company's financial position or results of operation since the company has no
derivative financial instruments or hedging activities.
15. UNCERTAINTY DUE TO THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE [UNAUDITED]
Many existing computer programs use only two digits to identify a year in
the date field. These programs were designed and developed without considering
the impact of the upcoming change in the century. If not corrected, many
computer applications could fail or create erroneous results by, or at, the Year
2000. Management has assessed the Year 2000 issue and has determined that the
company may have to replace nine personal computers for proper functioning in
the Year 2000 and thereafter. As at December 31, 1998, no amounts had been
expensed relating to becoming Year 2000 compliant. The estimated future costs to
become Year 2000 compliant will not exceed an aggregate of $50,000.
Management has determined that it has no exposure to contingencies related
to Year 2000 issues for the products it has sold. Management has used its best
estimate of the Year 2000 issues, and there is no guarantee that these estimates
will be achieved and actual results could differ from those anticipated. In
addition, disruptions in the economy generally resulting from the Year 2000
could also materially adversely affect the company.
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On July 15, 1999, the company filed a registration statement with the SEC
for the issue of 1,764,627 common shares and 1,014,627 common stock purchase
warrants.
F-21
<PAGE>
NOTICE TO READER
We have compiled the consolidated balance sheet of Talisman Enterprises
Inc. as at March 31, 1999 and the consolidated statements of loss and deficit
and cash flows for the year then ended from information provided by management.
We have not audited, reviewed or otherwise attempted to verify the accuracy or
completeness of such information. Readers are cautioned that these statements
may not be appropriate for their purposes.
/s/ERNST & YOUNG
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Hamilton, Canada,
July 15, 1999. Chartered Accountants
F-22
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
Incorporated under the laws of Ontario
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
[in U.S. dollars]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As at March 31 Unaudited - See Notice to Reader
1999 1998
$ $
ASSETS
Current
<S> <C> <C>
Cash ................................... 368,522 28,879
Accounts receivable .................... 117,359 382,874
Inventories ............................ 678,887 251,806
Prepaid expenses ....................... 387,330 66,093
Deferred financing costs ............... 475,455 --
Total current assets ................... 2,027,553 729,652
Capital assets ......................... 2,919,204 2,804,995
4,946,757 3,534,647
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current
Bank operating line .................... 78,886 309,679
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 637,671 548,047
Note payable ........................... -- 21,177
Convertible promissory note ............ 2,695,845 --
Current portion of long-term debt ...... 455,539 305,897
Total current liabilities .............. 3,867,941 1,184,800
Deferred income tax liability .......... 540,220 594,381
Shareholders' equity
Share capital .......................... 4,277,370 3,113,811
Contributed surplus .................... 309,233 --
Deficit ................................ (3,864,778) (1,276,396)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ... (183,229) (81,949)
Total shareholders' equity ............. 538,596 1,755,466
4,946,757 3,534,647
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes
On behalf of the Board:
Director Director
F-23
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF LOSS AND DEFICIT
[in U.S. dollars]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the three months period ended March 31 Unaudited - See Notice to Reader
1999 1998
$ $
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues .............................. 28,848 259,743
Operating expenses [exclusive of
amortization shown separately below] 256,487 335,399
Gross profit .......................... (227,639) (75,656)
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative ... 325,149 136,377
Amortization .......................... 78,304 94,899
Interest and bank charges ............. 8,999 5,873
412,452 237,149
Loss before income taxes .............. (640,091) (312,805)
Income taxes - deferred ............... (14,295) (1,189)
Loss for the period ................... (625,796) (311,616)
Deficit, beginning of period .......... (3,238,982) (964,780)
Deficit, end of period ................ (3,864,778) (1,276,396)
Loss per share ........................ (0.61) (0.66)
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes
F-24
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
[in U.S. dollars]
For the three months period ended March 31 Unaudited - See Notice to Reader
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
$ $
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
<S> <C> <C>
Loss for the period .................... (625,796) (311,616)
Charges to income not affecting cash
Amortization of capital assets ...... 78,304 94,899
Deferred income taxes ............... (14,295) (1,189)
Change in non-cash working capital items (677,681) (121,628)
Cash used in operating activities ...... (1,239,468) (339,534)
INVESTING ACTIVITY
Purchase of capital assets ............. (142,363) 20,019
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issue of convertible promissory note ... 2,103,240 --
Repayment of long-term debt ............ (24,818) (17,483)
Repayment of note payable .............. -- (80,101)
Reduction in note payable .............. -- 20,979
Issue of common shares ................. -- 88,581
Bank operating line .................... (344,770) 309,679
Cash provided by financing activities .. 1,733,652 321,655
Increase in cash during the period ..... 351,821 2,140
Cash, beginning of period .............. 16,701 26,739
Cash, end of period .................... 368,522 28,879
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes
F-25
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
March 31, 1999 Unaudited - See Notice to Reader
1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of operations
Talisman Enterprises Inc. is a company incorporated to primarily produce
premium private label alkaline batteries. The company is in the early stages of
its operations and has, therefore, not generated revenues on a consistent basis.
The recoverability of the company's assets is, therefore, dependent on the
continued support of its lenders and shareholders and the generation of
profitable operations.
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in United States
dollars and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States and include certain estimates based on management's judgments.
These estimates affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the
date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of
revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from those
estimates.
Consolidated financial statements prepared in Canadian dollars and in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada were
previously made available to shareholders and filed with various securities
regulatory authorities.
For purposes of these consolidated financial statements, the company has
adopted the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency. This improves investors'
ability to compare the company's results with those of most other publicly
traded businesses in the industry. These consolidated financial statements have
been translated from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars by translating assets and
liabilities at the rate in effect at the respective balance sheet date and
revenues and expenses at the average rate for the period. Any resulting foreign
exchange gains or losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss).
F-26
<PAGE>
Talisman Enterprises Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
[in U.S. dollars]
March 31, 1999 Unaudited - See Notice to Reader
2. INVENTORIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
$ $
<S> <C> <C>
Raw materials and packaging 402,598 155,547
Finished goods 276,289 96,259
678,887 251,806
</TABLE>
3. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On July 15, 1999, the company filed a registration statement with the SEC for
the issue of 1,764,627 common shares and 1,014,627 common stock purchase
warrants.
F-27
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Prospective investors may rely only on the information
contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized any
dealer, salesperson or any other person to provide
prospective investors with information or representations
different from that contained in this prospectus.
Prospective investors should not rely on any unauthorized TALISMAN ENTERPRISES INC.
information. This prospectus is not an offer to sell any
security other than the common stock and common stock
purchase warrants offered by this prospectus, nor does this
prospectus offer to buy or sell any securities in any 1,614,627 Shares of Common Stock
jurisdiction where it is unlawful. The information in this
prospectus is current as of the date of this prospectus,
regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any
sale of these securities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Prospectus Summary.........................................
Risk Factors...............................................
Use of Proceeds............................................
Dilution .........................................
Dividend Policy .........................................
Capitalization.............................................
Market for Securities......................................
Selected Financial Information.............................
------------------------------
Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition
PROSPECTUS
and Results of Operations................................
------------------------------
History of the Company.....................................
Business...................................................
Management.................................................
Principal Stockholders.....................................
Selling Stockholders.......................................
Plan of Distribution.......................................
Certain Transactions.......................................
Description of Securities..................................
Shares Eligible for Future Sale............................
Underwriting...............................................
Legal Matters..............................................
Experts....................................................
Index to Financial Statements...........................F-1
CAPITAL WEST SECURITIES, INC.
Until _________, 1999 (25 days after date of this
prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade these
securities, whether or not participating in this offering
may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in
addition to the dealer's obligation to deliver a
prospectus when acting as underwriters and with ,1999
respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 24 Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
The by-laws of Talisman provide that Talisman shall indemnify directors
and officers of Talisman. The pertinent section of Canadian law is set forth
below in full. In addition, upon effectiveness of this registration statement,
management intends to obtain officers and directors liability insurance.
See the second and third paragraphs of Item 28 below for information
regarding the position of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") with respect to the effect of any indemnification for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
Section 136 of the Business Corporation Act (Ontario) provides as
follows:
(1) INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS-A corporation may indemnify a director
or officer of the corporation, a former director or officer of the corporation
or a person who acts or acted at the corporation's request as a director or
officer of a body corporate of which the corporation is or was a shareholder or
creditor, and his or her heirs and legal representatives, against all costs,
charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or satisfy a
judgment, reasonably incurred by him or her in respect of any civil, criminal or
administrative action or proceeding to which he or she is a party by reason of
being or having been a director or officer of such corporation or body
corporate, if,
(a) he or she acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best
interests of the corporation; and
(b) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding
that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he or she has reasonable grounds
for believing that his or her conduct was lawful.
(2) IDEM.-A corporation may, with the approval of the court, indemnify
a person referred to in subsection (1) in respect of an action by or behalf of
the corporation or body corporate to procure a judgment n its favor, to which
the person is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or an
officer of the corporation or body corporate, against all costs, charges and
expenses reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action if he
or she fulfills the conditions set out in clauses (1)(a) and (b).
(3) IDEM.-Despite anything in this section, a person referred to in
subsection (1) is entitled to indemnity from the corporation in respect of all
costs, charges and expenses reasonably incurred by him in connection with the
defense of any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding to which
he or she is made a party by reason of being or having been a director or
officer of the corporation or body corporate, if the person seeking indemnity;
(a) was substantially successful on the merits in his or her defense
of the action or proceeding; and
(b) fulfills the conditions set out in clauses (1)(a) and (b).
(4) LIABILITY INSURANCE-A corporation may purchase and maintain
insurance for the benefit of any person referred to in subsection (1) against
any liability incurred by the person,
(a) in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the
corporation, except where the liability relates to the person's failure to
act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the
corporation; or
(b) in his or her capacity as a director or officer of another body
corporate where the person acts or acted in that capacity at the
corporation's request, except where the liability relates to the person's
failure to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests
of the body corporate.
(5) APPLICATION TO COURT-A Corporation or a person referred to in
subsection (1) may apply to the court for an order approving an indemnity under
this section and the court may so order and make any further order it thinks
fit.
(6) IDEM-Upon application under subsection (5), the court may order
notice to be given to any
II -1
<PAGE>
interested person and such person is entitled to appear and be heard in person
or by counsel.
Item 25. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The estimated expenses of this offering, all of which are to be paid by
the Registrant, in connection with the issuance and distribution of the
securities being registered are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee............................................... $5,687.19*
NASD filing fee.................................................... 2,149.28*
NASDAQ listing and filing fee...................................... 10,000.00*
Printing and engraving expenses.................................... 100,000.00*
Accounting fees and expenses....................................... 125,000.00*
Legal fees and expenses............................................ 100,000.00*
Blue sky fees and expenses......................................... 25,000.00*
Non-accountable expense allowance.................................. 90,000.00*
Transfer agent fees................................................ 5,000.00*
Miscellaneous expenses............................................. 27,172.53*
-----------
Total..................................................... $490,000.00
===========
</TABLE>
* Estimated
Item 26. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Except as set forth below, there were no sales of unregistered
securities by the Registrant during the past three (3) years:
In January and March 1998, Garry J. Syme exercised warrants to
acquire 16,098 common shares, in aggregate, for gross cash
consideration of $86,628 and $177,970 in property and equipment. These
transactions were exempt from registration under the Act, under Section
4(2) and Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Act as not involving a public
offering. The recipient of the foregoing securities represented that
such securities were being acquired for investment and not with a view
to the distribution thereof. In addition, restrictive legends were
placed on the certificates evidencing such securities.
On August 5, 1998, Talisman raised CDN$1,495,000 in connection
with a private offering of 263,504 shares of Talisman's common stock
and warrants to purchase an additional 263,504 shares of common stock
at an exercise price of $7.50 per share, with Talisman Partners. These
transactions were exempt from registration under the Act, under Section
4(2) of the Act as not involving a public offering. The recipient of
the foregoing securities represented that such securities were being
acquired for investment and not with a view to the distribution
thereof. In addition, restrictive legends were placed on the
certificates evidencing such securities.
On October 19, 1998, Talisman raised a further CDN$900,000 in
connection with a private offering of 240,000 shares of Talisman's
Common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 240,000 shares of
Common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, with Talisman
Partners. These transactions were exempt from registration under the
Act, under Section 4(2) of the Act as not involving a public offering.
The recipient of the foregoing securities represented that such
securities were being acquired for investment and not with a view to
the distribution thereof. In addition, restrictive legends were placed
on the certificates
II -2
<PAGE>
evidencing such securities.
From December 1998 to March 1999, Talisman sold an aggregate
of $700,000 of 8% convertible promissory notes to nineteen persons. The
holders of the Notes also received warrants to acquire an aggregate of
72,465 shares of common stock of Talisman exercisable at $7.50 per
share. These transactions were exempt from registration under the Act,
under Section 4(2) and Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Act as not
involving a public offering. The recipient of the foregoing securities
represented that such securities were being acquired for investment and
not with a view to the distribution thereof. In addition, restrictive
legends were placed on the certificates evidencing such securities.
In March, April, and June 1999, Talisman completed three
closings of a private placement offering, with Spencer Trask
Securities, Inc. as placement agent, in which it sold an aggregate of
approximately 50.72985 units solely to U.S. investors for gross
proceeds to Talisman of approximately $5,174,472.70 (such proceeds
being inclusive of the $700,000 raised from December 1998 through March
1999 described above). The units consisted of an aggregate of (1)
$5,073,135 principal amount of 8% convertible promissory notes, and (2)
1,014,627 warrants to purchase shares of common stock, which warrants
are exercisable at $7.50 per share. In connection with such closings,
Spencer Trask received a placement fee equal to 10% of the aggregate
purchase price of the securities sold by it, plus a non-accountable
expense allowance equal to three percent of the aggregate purchase
price of the securities sold and a warrant, granted by Talisman for
$1.00 consideration, to purchase an amount of common stock equal to 20%
of the common stock sold in the offering at an exercise price equal to
120% of the price of the common stock sold. Additionally, upon the
first closing of the offering, Talisman entered into (1) an agreement
whereby Spencer Trask shall have the right of first refusal to act as
underwriter or agent for any proposed private or public offering of
Talisman's securities by Talisman or by any of its principal
stockholders, and (2) a non-exclusive finder's agreement pursuant to
which Spencer Trask shall be entitled to receive a fee based upon a
percentage of the value of any business combination or financing
arrangement, including but not limited to a merger or purchase of
assets, which is introduced to Talisman by Spencer Trask.
Item 27. Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit No. Description
<S> <C>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement**
1.2 Form of Selected Dealers Agreement**
3.1 Articles of Incorporation, as amended*
3.2 By-Laws*
4.1 Form of Underwriter's Warrants**
4.2 Form of Common Stock Certificate*
5.1 Opinion of Sichenzia, Ross & Friedman LLP**
10.1 Registrant's 1997 Stock Option Plan *
10.2 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan**
10.3 1999 Directors Company Stock Plan**
10.4 Employment Agreement with Gary J. Syme*
10.5 Employment Agreement with James A. Ogle*
II -3
<PAGE>
10.5 Employment Agreement with Christian H. Bunger**
21.1 List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of Sichenzia, Ross & Friedman LLP (to be included in
Exhibit 5.1)**
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.3 Consent of Sichenzia, Ross & Friedman LLP**
23.4 Consent of Aird & Berlis**
27.1 Financial Data Schedule - Year Ended December 31, 1998
27.2 Financial Data Schedule - Year Ended March 31, 1999
</TABLE>
* Incorporated by reference to the Form 20-F filed by the Registrant with
the Commission on January 19, 1999 under SEC File No. 0-29972.
** To be filed by Amendment.
All other schedules are omitted, as the required information is either
inapplicable or presented in the financial statements or related notes.
Item 28. Undertakings.
The Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
(a) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(b) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high and of the estimated maximum offering range
may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in
the effective registration statement.
(c) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
material change to such information in the registration statement;
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each such post effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof;
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of
the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering;
(4) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses
II -4
<PAGE>
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
(5) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters,
at the closing, specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
II -5
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form SB-2 to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Mississauga,
Ontario, on the 15th day of July, 1999.
TALISMAN ENTERPRISES INC.
By:/s/ James A. Ogle
James A. Ogle, President &
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ James A. Ogle President, Chief Executive Officer & Director July 15, 1999
James A. Ogle Chairman of the Board
/s/ Norman R. Proulx
Norman R. Proulx Vice President & Chief Financial Officer July 15, 1999
/s/ Thomas O'Dowd
Thomas O'Dowd Director July 15, 1999
/s/ James C. McGavin
James C. McGavin Director July 15, 1999
/s/ Donald L. Matheson
Donald L. Matheson Director July 15, 1999
/s/ Thomas A. Fenton
Thomas A. Fenton Director July 15, 1999
D. Graham Avery Director July 15, 1999
</TABLE>
II -6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description Page
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement**
1.2 Form of Selected Dealers Agreement**
3.1 Articles of Incorporation, as amended*
3.2 By-Laws*
4.1 Form of Underwriter's Warrants**
4.2 Form of Common Stock Certificate*
5.1 Opinion of Sichenzia, Ross & Friedman LLP**
10.1 Registrant's 1997 Stock Option Plan *
10.2 1999 Senior Executive Stock Option Plan**
10.3 1999 Directors Company Stock Plan**
10.4 Employment Agreement with Gary J. Syme*
10.5 Employment Agreement with James A. Ogle*
10.6 Employment Agreement with Christian H. Bunger**
21.1 List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of Sichenzia, Ross & Friedman LLP (to be included in
Exhibit 5.1)**
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.3 Consent of Sichenzia, Ross & Friedman LLP**
23.4 Consent of Aird & Berlis**
27.1 Financial Data Index - Year Ended December 31, 1998
27.2 Financial Data Index - Three Months Ended March 31, 1999
</TABLE>
* Incorporated by reference to the Form 20-F filed by the Registrant with
the Commission on January 19, 1999 under SEC File No. 0-29972.
** To be filed by Amendment.
II -7
EXHIBIT 21.1
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant
1. Talisman International Inc.
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our report dated March 29, 1999 (except as to note 18 which is as at July
15, 1999), in the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 and related prospectus of
Talisman Enterprises Inc. dated July 15, 1999.
Hamilton, Canada /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
July 15, 1999
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
EXHIBIT 27.1
FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> Dec-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> Dec-31-1998
<CASH> 17
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 362
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 409
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 840
<PP&E> 3,073
<DEPRECIATION> (320)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 3,592
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,903
<BONDS> 0
0
1,687
<COMMON> 2,590
<OTHER-SE> (3,135)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 3,592
<SALES> 748
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 748
<CGS> 1,487
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,441
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 99
<INCOME-PRETAX> (2,279)
<INCOME-TAX> (5)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (2,274)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (2,274)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.00)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.00)
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
EXHIBIT 27.2
FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> Dec-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> Mar-31-1999
<CASH> 369
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 117
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 679
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 2,028
<PP&E> 3,243
<DEPRECIATION> (3,240)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 4,947
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 3,868
<BONDS> 0
0
1,687
<COMMON> 2,590
<OTHER-SE> (3,739)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 4,947
<SALES> 29
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 29
<CGS> 256
<TOTAL-COSTS> 403
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 9
<INCOME-PRETAX> (640)
<INCOME-TAX> (14)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (626)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (626)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.00)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.00)
</TABLE>