AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 25, 1999
REGISTRATION NO. 333-78129
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------------
NETTAXI, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
NEVADA 7370 82-0486102
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Primary Standard (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or) Industrial Classification Identification Number)
Organization Code)
1696 DELL AVENUE
CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA 95008
(408) 879-9880
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Registrant's Executive Offices)
ROBERT A. ROSITANO, JR.
DEAN ROSITANO
NETTAXI, INC.
1696 DELL AVENUE
CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA 95008
(408) 879-9880
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Co-Agents for Service)
-----------------------
COPY TO:
JAMES C. CHAPMAN, ESQ.
ALAN S. GUTTERMAN, ESQ.
ROMIN P. THOMSON, ESQ.
SILICON VALLEY LAW GROUP
50 WEST SAN FERNANDO STREET, SUITE 950
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95113
(408) 286-6100
<PAGE>
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
--------------------
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are being offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, 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, 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 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 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. [ ]
--------------------
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, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL
BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
<PAGE>
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 it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities, in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, June _, 1999
[GRAPHIC OMITED - NETTAXI, INCORPORATED]
INCORPORATED
2,116,448 SHARES
COMMON STOCK
__________________
We have prepared this prospectus to allow RGC International Investors LDC
and Wall Street Trading Group, or their pledgees, donees, transferees or other
successors in interest, to use a "shelf" registration process to sell up to
2,116,448 shares of our common stock which they may acquire upon conversion of
convertible debentures and exercise of investment options and warrants
previously acquired in private placements. We will receive no proceeds from the
sale of these shares, with the exception of the proceeds from the exercise of
the investment options and warrants.
Our common stock is listed on the NASD O-T-C Market Bulletin Board under
the symbol "NTXY." On June 21, 1999, the closing price of our common stock was
$14.562 per share.
__________________
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SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 9 FOR A DISCUSSION OF MATERIAL ISSUES
TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING OUR COMMON STOCK.
__________________
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission 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 date of this prospectus is _____________, 1999.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Risk Factors.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 21
Use of Proceeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy. . . 22
Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Selected Financial Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations. . . . . . . . 25
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Certain Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Selling Stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Principal Stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Description of Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Shares Eligible for Future Sale. . . . . . . . . . . 96
Plan of Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Legal Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Experts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Where You Can Find Additional Information. . . . . . 101
Index to Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . F-1
</TABLE>
"Nettaxi," "Netro News," "URL," and "Internet the City" are trademarks and
service marks of Nettaxi. All other trademarks, service marks or tradenames
referred to in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners.
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
Because this is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information
that may be important to you. You should read the entire prospectus, including
"Risk Factors" and our financial statements and the related notes, before
deciding to invest in our common stock.
NETTAXI
We were organized in 1997 to capitalize on a significant opportunity that
exists today through the convergence of the media and entertainment industries
with the vast communications power of the Internet. We are defining a new type
of Internet company -- an e-commerce-based online community and portal to the
Internet -- that is dedicated to providing content-rich communities and an
entry point on the Internet for both consumers and businesses. Our site is
designed to seamlessly integrate content with e-commerce services for consumers
and businesses. Nettaxi.com provides comprehensive information about news,
sports, entertainment, health, politics, finances, lifestyle, and areas of
interest to the growing number of Internet users. Our mission is to establish
our site as an entry point or 'portal' to the Internet by continuing to develop
premium online communities which are both content-rich to our subscribers, the
"citizens" of our communities, and provide easy-to-use e-commerce services to
businesses of all sizes which reside in these communities.
While we have incurred significant losses since our site was launched, traffic
to our online community has increased consistently, and growth of our monthly
subscriber base has begun to accelerate. Our site has become one of the
Internet's busiest sites, growing quickly to over 100 million page views per
month and 182 million ad impressions per month by May 1999. Based on unique
visitors to our site, PC Data Online ranked Nettaxi.com as the 139th most
visited site in the world in May 1999. Web21, a online service directory which
compiles an objective listing of top Web sites called "100hot", ranked our site
as the 15th "most popular" site on the Web during this same month. Along the
way, we have created or acquired a number of powerful assets, including:
- - a growing database of user profiles;
- - a meta-search engine that enables users to search multiple sites
simultaneously and return the results, including comparative product
pricing and availability, to one-page; and
- - an expansive range of relationships with dynamic e-commerce, technology,
and content partners.
We are now poised to build on our early success by implementing a growth
strategy that, if successful, should make us a major ready-to-use e-commerce
storefront host, and allow us to meet our goal of becoming one of most
frequented community-based portals on the Internet. Our strategic growth plan
includes:
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- - expansion of our content, products and services;
- - continued development of an expandable infrastructure;
- - widespread distribution of our award-winning Internet training tool to
educate computer users about the Internet and introduce them to our site;
- - continued development of strategic partnerships; and
- - an aggressive acquisition program.
Our principal executive offices are located at 1696 Dell Avenue, Campbell,
California 95008. Our telephone number at this address is (408) 879-9880.
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THE OFFERING
Common stock offered by selling 2,116,448 shares(1)
stockholders
Common stock to be outstanding 23,226,448 shares(1)(2)
after this Offering
Use of proceeds Other than the proceeds from the exercise of the investment
rights and the warrants, none of the proceeds from the sale
of the common stock offered by this prospectus will be
received by us. Any proceeds received by us will be utilized
for working capital and general corporate purposes. See "Use
of Proceeds."
O-T-C Market Bulletin Board Symbol: NTXY (3)
__________
(1) Includes all shares issuable, as of May 4, 1999, upon conversion of the
convertible debentures and exercise of the investment rights and the
warrants. See "Selling Stockholders."
(2) Does not include 1,015,000 shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of
outstanding stock options and warrants, other than the warrants which can
be exercised for the common stock offered by this prospectus.
(3) We have filed an application to have our common stock listed on the Nasdaq
National Market. If our application is approved, the common stock will be
traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "NTXI".
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SUMMARY AND SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Set forth below are summary statements of operations data for the period
from October 23, 1997 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 1997, the year
ended December 31, 1998 and for the three months ended March 31, 1999, and
summary balance sheet data as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and as of March 31,
1999. This information should be read in conjunction with the Financial
Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Period from October 23, 1997 (date of incorporation)
to December 31,1997, the Year ended December 31, 1998,
and for the Three Months ended March 31, 1999 (Unaudited)
1997 1998 1999
----------- ------------ ------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net revenues $ 144,900 $ 258,000 $ 280,200
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Gross profit (loss) $ 57,500 $ 18,200 $ (2,900)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Loss from operations $ (142,100) $(3,082,300) $ (703,800)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net loss $ (159,700) $(3,113.600) $ (701,700)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net loss available to common shareholders $ (327,200) $(3,127,900) $ (701,700)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Basic loss per share $ (0.06) $ (0.37) $ (0.05)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Diluted loss pershare $ (0.06) $ (0.37) $ (0.05)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE COMMON SHARES:
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Basic outstanding shares 5,483,500 8,499,781 14,110,000
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Diluted outstanding shares 5,483,500 8,499,781 14,110,000
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Working capital $ (222,900) $ 300,400 $ (519,600)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Total assets $2,082,300 $ 1,652,700 $ 1,584,200
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Long-term liabilities $ 773,500 $ 5,400 $ 3,600
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity $ 973,400 $ 1,332,100 $ 630,400
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
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RISK FACTORS
You should consider carefully the following risks before you decide to buy
our common stock. Our business, financial condition or results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected by any of the following risks.
WE HAVE A LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY, HAVE INCURRED LOSSES SINCE INCEPTION, AND
EXPECT LOSSES FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE
We were incorporated in October 1997. Accordingly, we have only a limited
operating history upon which you can evaluate our business and prospects. Since
our inception, we have incurred net losses, resulting primarily from costs
related to developing our Web site, attracting users to our Web site and
establishing the Nettaxi brand. At March 31, 1999, we had an accumulated deficit
of $4,160,000. Losses have continued to grow faster than our revenues during
our limited operating history over the last year and a half. This trend is
reflective of our continued investments in technology and sales and marketing
efforts to grow the business. Because of our plans to continue to invest heavily
in marketing and promotion, to hire additional employees, and to enhance our Web
site and operating infrastructure, we expect to incur significant net losses for
the foreseeable future. We believe these expenditures are necessary to
strengthen our brand recognition, attract more users to our Web site and
generate greater online revenues. If our revenue growth is slower than we
anticipate or our operating expenses exceed our expectations, our losses will be
significantly greater. We may never achieve profitability.
OUR REVENUE GROWTH IN PRIOR PERIODS IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE GROWTH
We had revenues of approximately $280,000 and $258,000 for the first three
months of calendar year 1999 and for the year ended December 31, 1998,
respectively. Our growth in revenues is not indicative of future trends.
Accurate predictions for future revenue growth are difficult and should be
considered in light with our limited operating history and rapid changes in the
ever evolving Internet market.
OUR FUTURE REVENUES ARE UNPREDICTABLE AND OUR QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS MAY
FLUCTUATE SIGNIFICANTLY
Our revenues for the foreseeable future will remain primarily dependent on
the number of customers that we are able to attract to our Web site, and
secondarily on sponsorship and advertising revenues. We cannot forecast with any
degree of certainty the number of visitors to our Web site, the number of
visitors that will become customers, or the amount of sponsorship and
advertising revenues. We also expect that our operating results will fluctuate
significantly from quarter to quarter due to seasonal and cyclical patterns
which may emerge in internet sponsorship and advertising spending.
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Because of these and other factors, we believe that quarter-to-quarter
comparisons of our results of operations are not good indicators of our future
performance. If our operating results fall below the expectations of securities
analysts and investors in some future periods, then our stock price may decline.
FUTURE CONVERSION OF THE DEBENTURES AND EXERCISE OF THE WARRANTS AND INVESTMENT
OPTIONS MAY SIGNIFICANTLY DILUTE YOUR HOLDINGS
As of May 4, 1999 an aggregate of $5,000,000 principal amount of debentures
were outstanding, which debentures were convertible into shares of our common
stock. Such debentures entitle the holder to exercise investment options to
purchase additional shares of our common stock upon conversion of the
debentures. If fully converted and exercised on May 4, 1999, the debentures and
investment option would be convertible into an aggregate of 995,724 shares of
our common stock, but this number of shares could prove to be significantly
greater in the event of a decrease in the trading price of the common stock due
to required adjustments in the conversion price. Purchasers of our common stock
could therefore experience substantial dilution of their investment upon
conversion of the debentures and exercise of the investment options. In
addition, as of May 4, 1999, warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock
issued to the purchasers of debentures and exercisable over the next five years
at a price of $12.375, as may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to
antidilution provisions contained in the warrant agreement, were outstanding.
The shares of common stock into which the debentures may be converted and the
investment options and the warrants may be exercised are being registered
pursuant to this registration statement. See "Description of Capital
Stock-Warrants amd Debentures"
OUR NEED TO RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL MAY CAUSE OUR STOCKHOLDERS TO EXPERIENCE
SIGNIFICANT DILUTION IN THE FUTURE
It is likely that we will need to raise additional funds in the future in
order to pursue our business objectives. If additional funds are raised through
the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership
of our stockholders will be reduced, stockholders may experience additional
dilution and such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior
to those of our common stock. This may make an investment in our common stock
less attractive to other investors, thereby weakening the trading market for our
common stock.
OUR PLANNED ONLINE AND TRADITIONAL MARKETING CAMPAIGNS MAY NOT ATTRACT
SUFFICIENT ADDITIONAL VISITORS TO OUR WEB SITE
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<PAGE>
We plan to pursue aggressive marketing campaigns online and in traditional
media to promote the Nettaxi brand and attract an increasing number of visitors
to our Web site. We believe that maintaining and strengthening the Nettaxi
brand will be critical to the success of our business. This investment in
increased marketing carries with it significant risks, including the following:
- Our advertisements may not properly convey the Nettaxi brand image, or
may even detract from our image. Unlike advertising on our Web site,
which gives us immediate feedback and allows us promptly to adjust our
messages, advertising in print and broadcast media is less flexible.
These advertisements typically take longer and cost more to produce
and consequently have longer run times. If we fail to convey the
optimal message in these advertising campaigns, the impact may be more
lasting and more costly to correct.
- Even if we succeed in creating the right messages for our promotional
campaigns, these advertisements may fail to attract new visitors to
our Web site at levels commensurate with their costs. We may fail to
choose the optimal mix of television, radio, print and other media to
cost effectively deliver our message. Moreover, if these efforts are
unsuccessful, we will face difficult and costly choices in deciding
whether and how to redirect our marketing dollars.
WE MAY FAIL TO ESTABLISH AN EFFECTIVE INTERNAL SALES ORGANIZATION TO ATTRACT
SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING REVENUES
To date, we have relied principally on outside advertising agencies to
develop sponsorship and advertising opportunities. We believe that the growth of
sponsorship and advertising revenues will depend on our ability to establish an
aggressive and effective internal sales organization. Our internal sales team
currently has nine members. We will need to substantially increase this sales
force in the coming year in order to execute our business plan. Our ability to
increase our sales force involves a number of risks and uncertainties, including
competition and the length of time for new sales employees to become productive.
If we do not develop an effective internal sales force, our business will be
materially and adversely affected.
WE RELY HEAVILY ON THIRD PARTIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SOFTWARE AND CONTENT AND FOR
ESSENTIAL BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY OUR FAILURE TO
MAINTAIN SATISFACTORY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SUCH PARTIES
We depend on third parties for important aspects of our business,
including:
- Internet access;
- development of software for new Web site features;
- content; and
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- telecommunications.
We have limited control over these third parties, and we are not their only
client. We may not be able to maintain satisfactory relationships with any of
them on acceptable commercial terms. Further, we cannot be sure that the
quality of products and services that they provide may remain at the levels
needed to enable us to conduct our business effectively. Many of our agreements
with technology and content providers are on very favorable terms that do not
include license fees, but instead provide for revenue sharing. We may not be
able to renew these agreements on similar terms.
WE ARE HEAVILY RELIANT ON THIRD PARTIES TO HOUSE AND SERVICE OUR WEB SITE AND
ARE VULNERABLE TO POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO OUR OPERATING SYSTEMS
We maintain substantially all of our computer systems at our Campbell,
California site and the Santa Clara, California site of Exodus Communications.
We are heavily reliant on the ability of Exodus to house and service our Web
site. This system's continuing and uninterrupted performance is critical to our
success. Growth in the number of users accessing our Web site may strain its
capacity, and we rely on Exodus to upgrade our system's capacity in the face of
this growth. Exodus also provides our connection to the Internet. Sustained or
repeated system failures or interruptions of our Web site connection services
would reduce the attractiveness of our Web site to customers and advertisers,
and could therefore have a material and adverse effect on our business.
In addition, our operations are dependent in part on our ability to protect
our operating systems against physical damage from fire, floods, earthquakes,
power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins or other similar events.
Furthermore, despite our implementation of network security measures, our
servers are also vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins and similar
disruptive problems. The occurrence of any of these events could result in
interruptions, delays or cessations in service to our users which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
WE ARE GROWING RAPIDLY, AND EFFECTIVELY MANAGING OUR GROWTH MAY BE DIFFICULT
We are currently experiencing a period of significant expansion. In order
to execute our business plan, we must continue to grow significantly. This
growth will strain our personnel, management systems and resources. To manage
our growth, we must implement operational and financial systems and controls and
recruit, train and manage new employees. Some key members of our management have
only recently been hired, including our chief financial officer, controller and
senior director of sales. These individuals have had little experience working
with our management team. We cannot be sure that we will be able to integrate
new executives and other employees into our organization effectively. In
addition, there will be significant administrative burdens placed on our
management team as a result of our status as a public company. If we do not
manage growth effectively, our business, results of operations and financial
condition will be materially and adversely affected.
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WE DEPEND ON OUR KEY PERSONNEL TO OPERATE OUR BUSINESS, AND WE MAY NOT BE ABLE
TO HIRE ENOUGH ADDITIONAL MANAGEMENT AND OTHER PERSONNEL AS OUR BUSINESS GROWS
Our performance is substantially dependent on the continued services and on
the performance of our executive officers and other key employees, particularly
Robert A. Rositano, Jr., our Chief Executive Officer, and Dean Rositano, our
Chief Operating Officer. The loss of the services of any of our executive
officers could materially and adversely affect our business. Additionally, we
believe we will need to attract, retain and motivate talented management and
other highly skilled employees to be successful. Competition for employees that
possess knowledge of both the Internet industry and our target market is
intense. We may be unable to retain our key employees or attract, assimilate and
retain other highly qualified employees in the future.
INTENSE COMPETITION FROM INTERNET-BASED BUSINESS MAY REDUCE OUR MARGINS AND
MARKET SHARE AND CAUSE OUR STOCK PRICE TO DECLINE
The markets in which we are engaged are new, rapidly evolving and intensely
competitive, and we expect competition to intensify further in the future.
Barriers to entry are relatively low, and current and new competitors can launch
new sites at a relatively low cost using commercially-available software.
Competition could result in price reductions for our products and services,
reduced margins or loss of market share. Consolidation within the online
commerce industry may also increase competition.
We currently or potentially compete with a number of other companies,
including a number of large online communities and services that have expertise
in developing online commerce, and a number of other small services, including
those that serve specialty markets. Many of our potential competitors have
longer operating histories, larger customer bases, greater brand recognition in
other business and Internet markets and significantly greater financial,
marketing, technical and other resources than us. If we fail to compete
effectively, our business will be materially and adversely affected. See
"Business-Competition".
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN FURTHER CAPITAL TO PURSUE OUR BUSINESS OBJECTIVES
Given our limited resources and our history of losses from operations, it
is likely that we will need to raise additional funds in order to fund expansion
of our business, to develop new or enhanced services or products, to respond to
competitive pressures or to acquire complementary products, businesses or
technologies. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be
available on terms favorable to us or at all. Our inability to raise
additional capital could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources."
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WE MAY FAIL TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER WEB
SITES TO INCREASE NUMBERS OF WEB SITE USERS AND INCREASE OUR REVENUES
We intend to establish numerous strategic relationships with popular Web
sites to increase the number of visitors to our Web site. There is intense
competition for placements on these sites, and we may not be able to enter into
these relationships on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Even if we enter
into relationships with other Web sites, they themselves may not attract
significant numbers of users. Therefore, our site may not receive additional
users from these relationships. Moreover, we may have to pay significant fees to
establish these relationships. Our inability to enter into new distribution
relationships and expand our existing ones could have a material and adverse
effect on our business.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ADAPT AS INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES AND CUSTOMER DEMANDS
CONTINUE TO EVOLVE
To be successful, we must adapt to rapidly changing Internet technologies
and continually enhance the features and services provided on our Web site. We
could incur substantial, unanticipated costs if we need to modify our Web site,
software and infrastructure to incorporate new technologies demanded by our
audience. We may use new technologies ineffectively or we may fail to adapt our
Web site, transaction-processing systems and network infrastructure to user
requirements or emerging industry standards. If we fail to keep pace with the
technological demands of our Web-savvy audience for new services, products and
enhancements, our users may not use our Web site and instead use those of our
competitors.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROTECT AND ENFORCE OUR TRADEMARKS, WEB ADDRESSES AND
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
Our Nettaxi brand and our Web address, www.nettaxi.com, are critical to our
success. We have filed a trademark application for "Nettaxi", among other
trademark applications. We cannot guarantee that any of these trademark
applications will be granted. In addition, we may not be able to prevent third
parties from acquiring Web addresses that are confusingly similar to our
addresses, which could harm our business. See "Business - Intellectual
Property."
WE WOULD LOSE REVENUES AND INCUR SIGNIFICANT COSTS IF OUR SYSTEMS OR MATERIAL
THIRD-PARTY SYSTEMS ARE NOT YEAR 2000-COMPLIANT
We have not devised a Year 2000 contingency plan. The failure of our
internal systems, or any material third-party systems, to be Year 2000-compliant
could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and financial condition.
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To date, we have not incurred any material costs in identifying
or evaluating Year 2000 compliance issues. Most of our costs have related to,
and are expected to continue to relate to, the upgrades or replacements, when
necessary, of software or hardware, as well as costs associated with time spent
by employees in the evaluation process and Year 2000 compliance matters
generally. These expenses are included in our operating and capital
expenditures budget and are not expected to exceed $100,000. However, if these
costs are significantly higher than expected, they could have a material and
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may fail to discover Year 2000 compliance problems in our systems that
will require substantial revisions or replacements. In the event that the
operational facilities that support our business, or our Web-hosting facilities,
are not Year 2000 compliant, portions of our Web site may become unavailable and
we would be unable to deliver services to our users. In addition, there can be
no assurance that third-party software, hardware or services incorporated into
our material systems will not need to be revised or replaced, which could be
time-consuming and expensive. Our inability to fix or replace third-party
software, hardware or services on a timely basis could result in lost
revenues, increased operating costs and other business interruptions, any of
which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition. Moreover, the failure to adequately
address Year 2000 compliance issues in our software, hardware or systems could
result in claims of mismanagement, misrepresentation or breach of contract and
related litigation, which could be costly and time-consuming to defend.
In addition, there can be no assurance that governmental agencies,
utility companies, Internet access companies, third-party service providers and
others outside our control will be Year 2000 compliant. The failure by these
entities to be Year 2000 compliant could result in a systemic failure beyond our
control, including, for example, a prolonged Internet, telecommunications or
electrical failure, which could also prevent us from delivering our services to
our users, decrease the use of the Internet or prevent users from accessing
our services, any of which would have a material and adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Statements and Results of Operations-Impact
of the Year 2000."
ACQUISITIONS MAY DISRUPT OR OTHERWISE HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS
We may acquire or make investments in complementary businesses, products,
services or technologies on an opportunistic basis when we believe they will
assist us in carrying out our business strategy. Growth through acquisitions has
been a successful strategy used by other Internet companies. We do not have any
present understanding, nor are we having any discussions relating to any such
acquisition or investment. If we buy a company, then we could have difficulty in
assimilating that company's personnel and operations. In addition, the key
personnel of the acquired company may decide not to work for us. If we acquire
another company, it could distract our management and employees and increase our
expenses. Furthermore, we may have to incur debt or issue equity securities to
pay for any future acquisitions, the issuance of which could be dilutive to our
existing shareholders.
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<PAGE>
WE ARE VULNERABLE TO ADDITIONAL TAX OBLIGATIONS THAT COULD BE IMPOSED ON ONLINE
COMMERCE TRANSACTIONS
We do not expect to collect sales or other similar taxes in respect of
transactions engaged in by customers on our Web site. However, various states
or foreign countries may seek to impose sales tax obligations on us and other
e-commerce and direct marketing companies. A number of proposals have been made
at the state and local levels that would impose additional taxes on the sale of
goods and services through the Internet. These proposals, if adopted, could
substantially impair the growth of e-commerce and cause purchasing through our
Web site to be less attractive to customers as compared to traditional retail
purchasing. The United States Congress has passed legislation limiting for three
years the ability of the states to impose taxes on Internet-based transactions.
Failure to renew this legislation could result in the imposition by various
states of taxes on e-commerce. Further, states have attempted to impose sales
taxes on catalog sales from businesses such as ours. A successful assertion by
one or more states that we should have collected or be collecting sales taxes on
the sale of products could have a material and adverse effect on our business.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF POTENTIAL TAX BENEFITS FROM OUR NET
OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARDS
At December 31, 1998 we had net operating loss carryforwards available to
reduce future taxable income that aggregated approximately $1,227,000 for
Federal income tax purposes. These benefits expire through 2018. Pursuant to a
"change in ownership" as defined by the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of
1986, utilization of our net operating loss carryforwards may be limited, if a
cumulative change of ownership of more than 50% occurs over a three-year period.
We have not determined if an ownership change has occurred. If it has, we may
not be able to take full advantage of potential tax benefits from our net
operating loss carry forwards.
WE ARE DEPENDENT ON THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE
Our industry is new and rapidly evolving. Our business is highly dependant
on the growth of the internet industry and would be adversely affected if Web
usage and e-commerce does not continue to grow. Web usage may be inhibited for a
number of reasons, including:
- inadequate Internet infrastructure;
- security concerns;
- inconsistent quality of service;
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<PAGE>
- unavailability of cost-effective, high-speed service;
- imposition of transactional taxes; or
- limitation of third-party service provider's ability and willingness
to invest in new or updated equipment to handle traffic volume.
If Web usage grows, the Internet infrastructure may not be able to support
the demands placed on it by this growth, or its performance and reliability may
decline. We are highly dependant on third-party service providers. Any
interruption experienced by these service providers may have a material impact
on our business. In addition, Web sites, including ours, have experienced a
variety of interruptions in their service as a result of outages and other
delays occurring throughout the Internet network infrastructure. If these
outages or delays frequently occur in the future, Web usage, including usage of
our Web site, could grow slowly or decline. This may have a material impact on
future revenues.
In 1999 and 1998, we experienced several interruptions and degradation of
service as a result of our third-party service provider's inability to deliver
the contractual bandwidth required to handle our traffic volume. These
interruptions result in decreased Web usage volume and therefore impact our
ability to serve advertising impressions for our customers. These interruptions
can materially impact our revenues. We estimate that during the first three
months ended March 31, 1999 the impact of these lost revenues to be
approximately $35,000. We are in the process of obtaining reimbursement for
these interruptions from the third-party service provider.
OUR LONG-TERM SUCCESS DEPENDS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE E-COMMERCE MARKET, WHICH
IS UNCERTAIN
Our future revenues and profits substantially depend upon the widespread
acceptance and use of the Web as an effective medium of commerce by consumers.
Rapid growth in the use of the Web and commercial online services is a recent
phenomenon. Demand for recently introduced services and products over the Web
and online services is subject to a high level of uncertainty. The development
of the Web and online services as a viable commercial marketplace is subject to
a number of factors, including the following:
- e-commerce is at an early stage and buyers may be unwilling to shift
their purchasing from traditional vendors to online vendors;
- insufficient availability of telecommunication services or changes in
telecommunication services could result in slower response times; and
- adverse publicity and consumer concerns about the security of commerce
transactions on the Internet could discourage its acceptance and
growth.
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<PAGE>
ADOPTION OF THE INTERNET AS AN ADVERTISING MEDIUM IS UNCERTAIN
The growth of Internet sponsorships and advertising requires validation of
the Internet as an effective advertising medium. This validation has yet to
fully occur. In order for us to generate sponsorship and advertising revenues,
marketers must direct a significant portion of their budgets to the Internet
and, specifically, to our Web site. To date, sales of Internet sponsorships and
advertising represent only a small percentage of total advertising sales. Also,
technological developments could slow the growth of sponsorships and advertising
on the Internet. For example, widespread use of filter software programs that
limit access to advertising on our Web site from the Internet user's browser
could reduce advertising on the Internet. Our business, financial condition and
operating results would be adversely affected if the market for Internet
advertising fails to further develop.
BREACHES OF SECURITY ON THE INTERNET MAY SLOW THE GROWTH OF E-COMMERCE AND WEB
ADVERTISING AND SUBJECT US TO LIABILITY
The need to securely transmit confidential information, such as credit card
and other personal information, over the Internet has been a significant barrier
to e-commerce and communications over the Web. Any well-publicized compromise of
security could deter more people from using the Web or from using it to conduct
transactions that involve transmitting confidential information, such as
purchases of goods or services. Furthermore, decreased traffic and e-commerce
sales as a result of general security concerns could cause advertisers to reduce
their amount of online spending. To the extent that our activities or the
activities of third-party contractors involve the storage and transmission of
proprietary information, such as credit card numbers, security breaches could
disrupt our business, damage our reputation and expose us to a risk of loss or
litigation and possible liability. We could be liable for claims based on
unauthorized purchases with credit card information, impersonation or other
similar fraud claims. Claims could also be based on other misuses of personal
information, such as for unauthorized marketing purposes. We may need to spend a
great deal of money and use other resources to protect against the threat of
security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by security breaches.
WE COULD FACE LIABILITY FOR INFORMATION DISPLAYED ON AND COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH
OUR WEB SITE
We may be subjected to claims for defamation, negligence, copyright or
trademark infringement or based on other theories relating to the information we
publish on our Web site. These types of claims have been brought, sometimes
successfully, against Internet companies as well as print publications in the
past. Based on links we provide to other Web sites, we could
also be subjected to claims based upon online content we do not control that is
accessible from our Web site. Claims may also be based on statements made and
actions taken as a result of participation in our chat rooms or as a result of
materials posted by members on bulletin boards at our Web site. We also offer
e-mail services, which may subject us to potential risks, such as:
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<PAGE>
- - liabilities or claims resulting from unsolicited e-mail;
- - lost or misdirected messages;
- - illegal or fraudulent use of e-mail; or
- - interruptions or delays in e-mail service.
- - These claims could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our
management's attention and resources.
EFFORTS TO REGULATE OR ELIMINATE THE USE OF MECHANISMS WHICH AUTOMATICALLY
COLLECT INFORMATION ON USERS OF OUR WEB SITE MAY INTERFERE WITH OUR ABILITY TO
TARGET OUR MARKETING EFFORTS AND TAILOR OUR WEB SITE OFFERINGS TO THE TASTES OF
OUR USERS
Web sites typically place a tracking program on a user's hard drive without
the user's knowledge or consent. These programs automatically collect data on
anyone visiting a Web site. Web site operators use these mechanisms for a
variety of purposes, including the collection of data derived from users'
Internet activity. Most currently available Web browsers allow users to elect to
remove these mechanisms at any time or to prevent such information from being
stored on their hard drive. In addition, some commentators, privacy advocates
and governmental bodies have suggested limiting or eliminating the use of these
tracking mechanisms. Any reduction or limitation in the use of this software
could limit the effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts.
WE COULD FACE ADDITIONAL BURDENS ASSOCIATED WITH GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF AND
LEGAL UNCERTAINTIES SURROUNDING THE INTERNET
Any new law or regulation pertaining to the Internet, or the application or
interpretation of existing laws, could increase our cost of doing business or
otherwise have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition. Laws and regulations directly applicable to
Internet communications, commerce and advertising are becoming more prevalent.
The law governing the Internet, however, remains largely unsettled, even in
areas where there has been some legislative action. It may take years to
determine whether and how existing laws governing intellectual property,
copyright, privacy, obscenity, libel and taxation apply to the Internet. In
addition, the growth and development of e-commerce may prompt calls for more
stringent consumer protection laws, both in the United States and abroad. We
also may be subject to future regulation not specifically related to the
Internet, including laws affecting direct marketers. See "Business - Government
Regulation."
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE BY OUR CURRENT STOCKHOLDERS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT
OUR STOCK PRICE
18
<PAGE>
To date, we have had a very limited trading volume in our common stock. As
of May 4, 1999, 1,910,000 shares of our common stock were immediately eligible
for sale in the public market without restriction or further restriction under
the Securities Act, unless purchased by or issued to any "affiliate" of ours, as
that term is defined in Rule 144. However, in addition to the shares that will
be eligible for sale under this prospectus, 11,950,337 shares of our common
stock will become eligible for sale under Rule 144 on October 1, 1999. We may
also shortly file a registration statement to register all shares of common
stock under our stock option plan. After that registration statement is
effective, shares issued upon exercise of stock options, including options for
78,332 shares that were exercisable as of May 4, 1999, will be eligible for
resale in the public market without restriction. If our stockholders sell
substantial amounts of our common stock under Rule 144 or pursuant to the
aforementioned registration statement, the market price of our common stock
could be adversely affected and our ability to raise additional capital at that
time through the sale of our securities could be impaired. See "Shares Eligible
for Future Sale."
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS AND OUR RIGHT TO ISSUE PREFERRED STOCK COULD MAKE A
THIRD-PARTY ACQUISITION OF US DIFFICULT
We are a Nevada corporation. Anti-takeover provisions of Nevada law could
make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if such
change in control would be beneficial to stockholders. Our articles of
incorporation provide that our board of directors may issue preferred stock
without stockholder approval. The issuance of preferred stock could make it
more difficult for a third party to acquire us. All of the foregoing could
adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock.
OUR COMMON STOCK PRICE IS LIKELY TO BE HIGHLY VOLATILE AS IS TYPICAL OF INTERNET
COMPANIES
The market price of our common stock has been, and is likely to continue to
be, highly volatile as the stock market in general, and the market for
Internet-related and technology companies in particular, has been highly
volatile. Investors may not be able to resell their shares of our common stock
following periods of volatility because of the market's adverse reaction to
volatility. The trading prices of many technology and Internet-related
companies' stocks have reached historical highs within the last 52 weeks and
have reflected valuations substantially above historical levels. During the
same period, these companies' stocks have also been highly volatile and have
recorded lows well below historical highs. We cannot assure you that our stock
will trade at the same levels of other Internet stocks or that Internet stocks
in general will sustain their current market prices.
Factors that could cause such volatility may include, among other things:
- actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results;
- announcements of technological innovations;
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<PAGE>
- changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
- conditions or trends in the Internet industry; and
- changes in the market valuations of other Internet companies.
20
<PAGE>
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains "forward-looking statements." In some cases, you
can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will,"
"should," "could," "expects," "plans," "intends," "anticipates," "believes,"
"estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of such terms
and other comparable terminology.
These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements
about:
- - our market opportunity;
- - our strategies;
- - competition;
- - expected activities and expenditures as we pursue our business plan, and
- - the adequacy of our available cash resources.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking
statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of
activity, performance or achievements.
The accompanying information contained in this prospectus, including,
without limitation, the information set forth under the headings "Risk Factors,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," and "Business" identify important factors that could adversely
affect actual results and performance. All forward-looking statements
attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing
cautionary statement. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any
forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes
available or other events occur in the future.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Other than the proceeds from the exercise of the investment rights and the
warrants, none of the proceeds from the sale of the common stock offered by this
prospectus will be received by us. The holders of the investment rights and
warrants are not obligated to exercise their rights and warrants, and there can
be no assurance that we will receive any additional proceeds. If, however, all
the investment rights and warrants are exercised, the gross proceeds to us would
be approximately $7,879,861. We currently intend to use the proceeds as
follows:
- - to expand out marketing and promotion campaigns in traditional and online
media;
- - to continue to improve out Internet and systems infrastructure and support;
21
<PAGE>
- - to further develop our online sales force;
- - the balance for working capital and general corporate purposes, including
possible acquisitions of or investment in complementary businesses,
products or technologies.
Pending these uses, the net proceeds will be invested in short-term,
investment grade instruments, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed
obligations of the United States.
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
Our common stock has been traded on the NASD O-T-C Market Bulletin Board
under the trading symbol "NTXY" since October 1, 1998. Prior to that date, our
common stock was not actively traded in the public market. The following table
sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing prices for our
common stock as reported by various Bulletin Board market makers. The quotations
do not reflect adjustments for retail mark-ups, mark-downs, or commissions and
may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD LOW CLOSE HIGH CLOSE
- -------------------------------------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998:
Fourth Quarter (from October 1, 1998-
December 31, 1998) $ 4.50 $ 8.75
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1999:
First Quarter (January 1, 1999 -
March 31, 1999) $ 6.625 $ 17.625
Second Quarter (through June 21, 1999) $ 11.50 $ 29.50
</TABLE>
On June 21 , 1999, the closing price for our common stock on the Bulletin
Board was $14.562 per share.
To date, no dividends have been declared or paid on any of our capital
stock. We currently intend to retain earnings, if any, to fund the development
and growth of our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the
foreseeable future. Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the
discretion of our board of directors after taking into account various factors,
including our financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated
cash needs and plans for expansion.
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<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 1999, the capitalization of
Nettaxi. This information should be read in conjunction with our Financial
Statements and the related Notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
The following table set forth (A) the capitalization of the Company as of
March 31, 1999, (B) the pro forma capitalization of the Company after giving
effect to the conversion of $5,000,000 of convertible debentures (C) the pro
forma capitalization of the Company after giving effect to the exercise of
warrants, which vest immediately, to purchase 150,000 shares of the Common Stock
at $12.375, issued in connection with the convertible debentures and 125,000
warrants at $8.00 for additional financing.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of March 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------
(A) (B) (C) ProForma
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) as adjusted
Actual Pro Forma Pro Forma (Unaudited)
------------ ------------ ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 77,500 $ 5,000,000 $ 1,856,300 $ 6,933,800
------------ ------------ ------------ --------------
Long-term obligations:
Capital lease obligations (including current portion) 10,900 5,000,000 10,900
5% Convertible note payable - (5,000,000) -
------------ ------------ --------------
Total long-term obligations (including current portion) 10,900 - 10,900
Stockholders' equity (net capital deficiency):
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 1,000,000 -
shares authorized;
no shares issued or outstanding
Common stock subscribed (95,000) (95,000)
Common stock, $0.001 par value 10,800 400 200 11,400
Additional paid-in capital 4,872,100 4,999,600 1,856,100 11,727,800
Accumulated deficit (4,157,500) - - (4,157,500)
Total stockholders' equity 630,400 5,000,000 1,856,300 7,486,700
Total capitalization $ 641,300 $ 7,497,600
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
SUMMARY AND SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Set forth below are summary statements of operations data for the period
from October 23, 1997 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 1997, the year
ended December 31, 1998 and for the three months ended March 31, 1999, and
summary balance sheet data as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and as of March 31,
1999. This information should be read in conjunction with the Financial
Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Period from October 23, 1997 (date of incorporation)
to December 31,1997, the Year ended December 31, 1998,
and for the Three Months ended March 31, 1999 (Unaudited)
1997 1998 1999
----------- ------------ ------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net revenues $ 144,900 $ 258,000 $ 280,200
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Gross profit (loss) $ 57,500 $ 18,200 $ (2,900)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Loss from operations $ (142,100) $(3,082,300) $ (703,800)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net loss $ (159,700) $(3,113,600) $ (701,700)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net loss available to common shareholders $ (327,200) $(3,127,900) $ (701,700)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Basic loss per share $ (0.06) $ (0.37) $ (0.05)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Diluted loss pershare $ (0.06) $ (0.37) $ (0.05)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE COMMON SHARES:
- ------------------------------------------
Basic outstanding shares 5,483,500 8,499,781 14,110,000
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Diluted outstanding shares 5,483,500 8,499,781 14,110,000
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
- ------------------------------------------
Working capital $ (222,900) $ 300,400 $ (519,600)
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Total assets $2,082,300 $ 1,652,700 $ 1,584,200
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Long-term liabilities $ 773,500 $ 5,400 $ 3,600
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity $ 973,400 $ 1,332,100 $ 630,400
- ------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
24
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of the financial condition and results of
operations of Nettaxi should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and the Related Notes included elsewhere in this
prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors,
including, but not limited to, those set forth under "Risk Factors" and
elsewhere in this prospectus. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements."
OVERVIEW
Nettaxi was incorporated in October, 1997 to capitalize on a significant
opportunity that exists today through the convergence of the media and
entertainment industries with the vast communications power of the Internet.
Our website, nettaxi.com, is an online community designed to seamlessly
integrate content with e-commerce services for businesses, providing
comprehensive information about news, sports, entertainment, health, politics,
finances, lifestyle, and areas of interest to the growing number of Internet
users.
Our mission is to establish Nettaxi.com as an entry point or 'portal' to
the Internet by continuing to develop premium online communities which are both
content-rich to our users, and provide easy-to-use e-commerce services to
businesses which reside in these online communities. By successfully achieving
this, we expect to continue to generate substantial revenues through advertising
fees and, once our e-commerce capabilities are launched in the third quarter of
1999, e-commerce revenues and transaction fees through the sales of products
on-line.
We launched our Web site in July, 1998. For the period from inception
through October, 1998 we had minimal sales and our operating activities related
primarily to the development of the necessary computer infrastructure and
initial planning and development of Nettaxi. In addition, we began to assemble
the technical assets required to drive new users to our website, including
Internet the City , the sophisticated interactive Internet training CD-ROM that
connects users to our Website. We implemented numerous modifications to the
award-winning training tool, including principally integrating our "taxicab"
search engine in the main user interface, and creating the mechanism whereby the
user could launch into our website directly from the CD-ROM environment.
During 1998, we continued Website development activities and focused on
recruiting personnel, raising capital and developing programs to attract and
retain subscribers. In 1998, we improved and upgraded our services, and began
active promotion of our brand to increase market awareness. We also began
placing greater emphasis on building advertising revenues and memberships by
expanding our sales force. Since our website was launched, we have become one of
the world's most frequented online communities. Traffic to our online
communities has increased consistently, and growth of the monthly subscriber
base has begun to accelerate. The Nettaxi.com website had over 100 million page
views per month and 182 million ad impressions per month by May 1999 Based on
our current advertising practices, we currently host an average of approximately
1.82 ad impressions per page. Based on unique visitors to our website, PC Data
Online ranked Nettaxi as the 139th most visited website in the world in May
1999.
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To date, our revenues have been derived principally from the sale of
advertisements and, to a lesser extent, from CD ROM distribution royalties and
premium account subscription revenues. E-commerce revenues have not been
significant to date, but are expected to increase as we increase the number of
contractual relationships with parties offering e-commerce related products and
services which can be made available to our subscribers and parties looking to
make online sales to our subscribers and other visitors to our site. Advertising
revenues constituted 69% of total revenues for the year ended December 31,1998.
We sell a variety of advertising packages to clients, including banner
advertisements, event sponsorship, and targeted and direct response
advertisements. Currently, our advertising revenues are derived principally
from short-term advertising arrangements, averaging one to two months, in which
we guarantee a minimum number of impressions for a fixed fee. Advertising
revenues are recognized ratably in the period in which the advertisement is
displayed, provided that we have no significant remaining obligations and that
collection of the resulting receivable is probable. Payments received from
advertisers prior to displaying their advertisements on the site are recorded as
deferred revenues and are recognized as revenue ratably when the advertisement
is displayed. To the extent minimum guaranteed impression levels are not met, we
defer recognition of the corresponding revenues until guaranteed levels are
achieved.
In addition to advertising revenues, we derive other revenues primarily
from royalties from the distribution of our CD-ROM tutorial product and our
premium account membership subscriptions. Royalty revenues result from
relationships with computer manufactures that bundle and distribute our CD-ROM
product with their product(s). Our membership programs offer premium services
for a monthly fee, providing additional services such as incremental storage
space and the ability to host limited commercial activity. Although we expect
non-advertising revenues to continue, we expect to continue to derive the
majority of our revenue from the sale of advertising space on our Web site for
the foreseeable future.
Our recent arrangements with our e-commerce partners generally provide us
with a share of any sales resulting from direct links from our site. Revenues
from these programs will be recognized in the month that the service is
provided. Revenues from our share of the proceeds from its e-commerce partners'
sales will be recognized by us upon notification from our partners of sales
attributable to our site. To date, revenues from e-commerce arrangements have
not been material. However, we expect e-commerce derived revenues to become a
more significant portion of our total revenues.
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<PAGE>
We believe that the popularity of our website continues to validate our
strategy and proven the viability of the technology that we have acquired and
developed since we launched our business in 1997. We are now poised to build on
our early success by implementing a growth strategy that, if successful, should
make us a major ready-to-use e-commerce storefront host, and allow us to meet
our goal of becoming one of the top community-based portals on the Internet.
Our strategic growth plan includes expansion of our products and services,
continued development of an expandable infrastructure, widespread
distribution of our award-winning Internet training tool to educate computer
users about the Internet and introduce them to our website, and continued
development of strategic partnerships. See "Business- Our Strategy."
We incurred net losses of $327,200, $3,127,900 and $701,700 for the
periods from October 23, 1997 the date of incorporation to December 31, 1997,
the year ended December 31, 1998, and the first quarter of fiscal 1999,
respectively. At March 31, 1999, we had an accumulated deficit of $4,157,500 .
The net losses and accumulated deficit resulted from our lack of substantial
revenues and the significant operational, infrastructure and other costs
incurred in the development and marketing of our services. As a result of our
expansion plans and our expectation that our operating expenses, especially in
the areas of sales and marketing, will continue to increase significantly, we
expect to incur additional losses from operations for the foreseeable future. To
the extent that increases in our operating expenses precede or are not
subsequently followed by commensurate increases in revenues, or that we are
unable to adjust operating expense levels accordingly, our business, results of
operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.
There can be no assurance that we will ever achieve or sustain profitability or
that our operating losses will not increase in the future. See "Risk
Factors--We have a history of losses, and we expect losses for the foreseeable
future."
To date, we have entered into business and technology license arrangements
in order to build our website community, provide community-specific content,
generate additional traffic, and provide our subscribers with additional
products and services, including e-commerce tools. In May 1999, we completed the
merger with Plus Net, Inc., which operates a portal website with a web based
email program and a robust search engine that brings back the top ten results of
the most popular Internet search engines. We believe this acquisition also
enhances our electronic commerce and advertising opportunities. See
"Business--Recent Acquisition." We intend to continue to investigate potential
acquisitions and to seek additional strategic alliances with content and
distribution partners. that fall within the scope of our business strategy, and
will serve to increase our subscriber base and overall site traffic.
Acquisitions carry numerous risks and uncertainties and we cannot guarantee that
we will be able to successfully integrate any businesses, products, technologies
or personnel that might be acquired in the future. See "Risk
Factors--Acquisitions may disrupt or otherwise have a negative impact on our
business."
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<PAGE>
We believe that we may experience seasonality in our business, with use of
the Internet in general and our Nettaxi.com website traffic being somewhat lower
during periods of the year. In particular, we believe that advertising sales in
traditional media, such as television and radio, generally are lower in the
first and third calendar quarters of each year due to the summer vacation period
and post-Winter holiday season slowdown. If similar seasonal patterns emerge in
Internet advertising, our advertising revenues and operating results also may
vary significantly based upon these same patterns. In addition, as traditional
retail sales are generally higher in the fourth calendar quarter of each year
during the winter holiday season, and subsequently lower in the first calendar
quarter of each year, we anticipate that e-commerce revenues may follow a
similar seasonal pattern and that our e-commerce revenues and operating results
also may vary significantly based upon these patterns. See "Risk Factors--Our
future revenues are unpredictable and our quarterly operating results may
fluctuate significantly."
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the statement of operations data for the
periods indicated by each item reflected in our statement of operations. Given
our limited operating history, we believe that an analysis of our cost and
expense categories as a percentage of revenues is not meaningful.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
October 23, January 1, January 1, January 1,
To To To To
December 31, 1997 December 31, 1998 March 31, March 31,
1998 1999
------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $ 144,900 $ 258,000 $ 36,300 $ 280,200
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Cost of revenues $ 87,400 $ 239,800 $ 20,600 $ 283,100
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Gross profit $ 57,500 $ 18,200 $ 15,700 $ (2,900)
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Sales and marketing $ 3,100 $ 745,600 $ 90,600 $ 135,700
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Research and development $ 36,500 $ 634,700 $ 161,700 $ 217,800
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
General and administrative $ 160,000 $ 1,053,200 $ 146,600 $ 347,400
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Asset impairment $ - $ 667,000 $ - $ -
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses $ 199,600 $ 3,100,500 $ 398,900 $ (700,900)
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Loss from operations $ (142,100) $ (3,082,300) $ (383,200) $ (703,800)
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Other income (expense):
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Interest income $ - $ 9,800 $ - $ 2,600
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Interest expense $ (17,000) $ (68,800) $ (25,500) $ (500)
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Other income $ - $ 28,500 $ - $ -
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Loss before income taxes $ (159,100) $ (3,112,800) $ (408,700) $ (701,700)
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Income taxes $ (600) $ (800) $ - $ -
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Net loss $ (159,700) $ (3,113,600) $ (408,700) $ (701,700)
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Preferred stock dividend $ (167,500) $ (14,300) $ (14,300) $ -
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Net loss available to common shareholders $ (327,200) $ (3,127,900) $ (423,000) $ (701,700)
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
28
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FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 23, 1997, THE DATE OF INCORPORATION, TO DECEMBER 31,
1997 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998.
REVENUES. Revenues were $144,900 and $ 258,000 for the period from
October 23, 1997 the date of incorporation to December 31, 1997 and for the
year ended December 31, 1998 respectively. The period to period growth resulted
from an increase in the number of advertisers and the average contract duration
and value, an increase in our Web site traffic and to a lesser extent, increases
in our subscription memberships.
ADVERTISING REVENUES. Advertising revenues were $0.00 or 0% of total
revenues, and $177,200 or 69% of total revenues for the period from October 23,
1997 the date of incorporation to December 31, 1997 and for the year ended
December 31, 1998, respectively. We had deferred revenues of $0 and $47,000,
respectively, attributable to prepaid advertising.
SUBSCRIPTION REVENUES. Our subscription membership revenues were $0.00 or
0% of total revenues, and $6,100 or 2% of total revenues for the period from
October 23, 1997, the date of incorporation, to December 31, 1997 and for the
year ended December 31, 1998, respectively.
CD ROM DISTRIBUTION ROYALTIES. Our CD ROM distribution revenues were
$124,600 or 86% of total revenues, and $61,700 or 24% of total revenues for the
period from October 23, 1997, the date of incorporation, to December 31 1997 and
for the year ended December 31, 1998, respectively.
COST OF REVENUES. Cost of revenues were $87,400 or 60% of total revenues,
and $239,800 or 93% of total revenues for the period from October 23, 1997,
the date of incorporation, to December 31, 1997, and for the year ended
December 31, 1998, respectively. Gross margins were 40% and 7% in 1997 and
1998, respectively. The general decline in gross margins as a percentage
of total revenues was attributable to the growth of the networking
infrastructure resulting in an increase in Internet connection, support and
maintenance charges, equipment costs as well as operations personnel costs.
SALES AND MARKETING EXPENSES. Sales and marketing expenses consisted
primarily of salaries of our sales and marketing personnel, marketing,
promotion, advertising and related costs. Sales and marketing expenses were
$3,100 or 2% of total revenues, and $745,600 or 289% of total revenues for the
period from October 23, 1997, the date of incorporation, to December 31, 1997,
and for the year ended December 31, 1998, respectively. In the first year of
operation, we did not dedicate meaningful funds to sales and marketing
activities. The period to period increase in sales and marketing expenses from
1997 to 1998 was primarily attributable to expansion of our online and print
advertising, public relations and other promotional expenditures as well as
increased sales and marketing personnel and related expenses required to
implement our marketing strategy.
29
<PAGE>
We expect selling and marketing expenses to increase significantly in
future periods. These increases will be principally related to hiring additional
sales and marketing personnel and increased spending on advertising in a variety
of media to increase brand awareness and attract additional visitors to our Web
site. There can be no assurance that these increased expenditures will result in
increased visitors to our Web site or additional revenues. See
"Business-Marketing and Promotion."
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES. Research and development expenses were
$36,500 or 25% of total revenues, and $634,700 or 246% of total revenues for the
period from October 23, 1997, the date of incorporation, to December 31, 1997,
and for the year ended December 31, 1998, respectively. The increases in
absolute dollars in product development expenses were primarily attributable to
ongoing updating of the infrastructure and technological development of the
website.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses
consisted primarily of salaries and related costs for our executive,
administrative, and finance, as well as legal, accounting and other professional
service fees. General and administrative expenses were $160,000 or 110% of total
revenues, and $1,053,200 or 408% of total revenues for the period from October
23, 1997, the date of incorporation, to December 31, 1997, and for the year
ended December 31, 1998, respectively. The period to period increase in general
and administrative expenses was primarily due to increases in the number of
general and administrative personnel and professional services. The increased
salaries reflect the highly competitive nature of hiring in the internet
software marketplace. We expect general and administrative expenses to grow as
we hire additional personnel and incur additional expenses related to the growth
of our business and our operations as a public company.
ASSET IMPAIRMENT. In November, 1997, we purchased rights to a software
application valued at $1,740,000. In 1998 we experienced several functional
problems with portions of the purchased technology due to those components
incompatibility with subsequent releases of upgraded versions of its operating
system. Following attempts to make it compatible, we decided in December, 1998
not to spend additional monies on these components but to replace them. We
determined that 50% of the purchased technology was incompatible with its
operating system and therefore was not technologically viable. In December, 1998
we recorded an impairment charge of purchased technology with a net book value
of $667,000. See Note 4 to Consolidated Financial Statements.
OTHER INCOME. In 1998 we realized a gain of $28,500 from the disposal of
capital equipment.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense, net was $17,000, and $59,000, for the
period from October 23, 1997, the date of incorporation, to December 31, 1997,
and for the year ended December 31, 1998, respectively. The increase in interest
expense for the year ended December 31, 1998 was primarily due to the
convertible promissory note which accrued interest over nine months in 1998
versus two months in 1997. See Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements
30
<PAGE>
INCOME TAXES. At December 31, 1998 we had net operating loss carryforwards
available to reduce future taxable income that aggregate approximately
$1,227,000 for Federal income tax purposes. These benefits expire through 2018.
Pursuant to a "change in ownership" as defined by the provisions of the Tax
reform Act of 1986, utilization of of our net operating loss carryforwards may
be limited, if a cumulative change of ownership of more than 50% occurs over a
three-year period. We have not determined if an ownership change has occurred.
FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND MARCH 31, 1999.
REVENUES. Revenues were $36,300 and $ 280,200 for the three months ended
March 31, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The period to period growth resulted from
an increase in our Web site traffic and corresponding available ad impressions,
the number of advertisers and, to a lesser extent, increased royalty and sales
revenues from our CD-ROM product.
ADVERTISING REVENUES. Advertising revenues were $0 or 0% of total
revenues and $199,300 or 71% of total revenues for the three months ended March
31, 1998 and 1999, respectively. We had deferred advertising revenues of $0
and $42,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1999, respectively,
attributable to prepaid advertising.
ROYALTY AND SALES REVENUES. Our royalty and sales revenues from the
bundling and distribution of our CD-ROM product were $32,000 or 88% of total
revenues and $66,600 or 24% of total revenues for the three months ended March
31, 1998 and 1999, respectively. This increase resulted from larger volumes of
both the bundled distribution of our CD-ROM product and the stand-alone sales of
this product.
COST OF REVENUES. Cost of revenues were $20,600, or 57% of revenues, and
$283,100, or 101% of revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and
1999, respectively. Our year over year percentage increase in cost of revenue in
comparison to net revenues was higher as a result of our investment in equipment
and technology to support future growth of the internet traffic volume to our
website and communities. Gross margins were 43% and 0% in 1998 and 1999,
respectively. The general decline in gross margins as a percentage of
total revenues was attributable to the growth of the networking infrastructure
resulting in an increase in Internet connection, support and maintenance
charges, and new equipment costs.
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SALES AND MARKETING EXPENSES. Sales and marketing expenses consisted
primarily of salaries of our sales and marketing personnel, marketing,
promotion, advertising and related costs. Sales and marketing expenses were
$90,600 or 250% of total revenues, and $135,700 or 48% of total revenues for the
three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The quarter over
quarter increase in sales and marketing expenses from 1998 to 1999 was primarily
attributable to increased sales and marketing personnel, expansion of our online
and print advertising, and an increase in public relations and other promotional
expenditures and related expenses required to implement our marketing strategy.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES. Research and development expenses
include product development personnel salaries, consulting fees, expenses
related to the development, testing and upgrades to our web site and expenses
related to the editorial content and community management and support to our web
site. Product development expenses were $161,700 or 446% of total revenues, and
$217,800 or 78% of total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and
1999, respectively. The increases in absolute dollars in product development
expenses were primarily attributable to increased staffing to support ongoing
updating of the infrastructure and technological development of the website
features and content.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses
consisted primarily of salaries and related costs for our executive,
administrative, and finance personnel, facilities cost, as well as legal,
accounting and other professional service fees. General and administrative
expenses were $146,600 or 404% of total revenues, and $347,400 or 124% of total
revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The
period over period increased general and administrative expenses were primarily
due to increased professional services and insurance, and increased general and
administrative personnel to support the growth of our operations. The increased
salaries reflect the highly competitive nature of hiring in the internet
software marketplace. Costs for professional services and insurance are related
to us operating as a public company such as directors' and officers' liability
insurance, investor relations programs and professional service fees. We
expect general and administrative expenses to grow as we hire additional
personnel and incur additional expenses related to the growth of our business
and our operations as a public company.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense was $25,500, and $500, for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The interest expense for the
three months ended March 31, 1998 was primarily due to the convertible
promissory note that was converted into common stock in September 1998. See
Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements
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<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Since inception, we have primarily financed our operations through the
private placement of our common and preferred stock, through which we raised
$100,500 and $1,208,700 in 1997 and 1998, respectively. As of December 31,
1998, we had approximately $465,800 in cash and cash equivalents.
Net cash used in operating activities was $51,000 and $665,800 for the
period from October 23, 1997, the date of incorporation, to December 31, 1997,
and for the year ended December 31, 1998, respectively. We had significant
negative cash flows from operating activities in each fiscal and quarterly
period to date. Net cash used in operating activities resulted primarily from
our net operating losses, adjusted for non-cash items, and a higher level of
accounts receivable due to the time lag between revenue recognition and the
receipt of payments from advertisers, which were partially offset by
increases in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and deferred revenues.
Net cash used in investing activities was $0.00 and $124,600 for the period
from October 23, 1997, the date of incorporation, to December 31, 1997 and for
the year ended December 31, 1998, respectively. Net cash used in investing
activities was primarily related to the purchase of property and equipment in
connection with the build out of our infrastructure.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $100,500 and $1,206,700 for
the period from October 23 1997, the date of incorporation, to December 31,
1997, and for the year ended December 31, 1998, respectively. Net cash
provided by financing activities in 1998 consisted primarily of net proceeds
from the issuance of our common and preferred stock.
As of December 31, 1998, our principal commitments consisted of obligations
outstanding under capital and operating leases. In 1998, we acquired $14,700 of
equipment under a capital lease, and $159,200 of computers and equipment for
cash.
Our capital requirements depend on numerous factors, including market
acceptance of our services, the amount of resources we devote to investments in
our Web site, the resources we devote to marketing and selling our services and
our brand promotions and other factors. We have experienced a substantial
increase in our capital expenditures and operating lease arrangements since
inception consistent with the growth in our operations and staffing, and we
anticipate that this will continue for the foreseeable future. Additionally, we
will continue to evaluate possible investments in businesses, products and
technologies, and plans to expand our sales and marketing programs and conduct
more aggressive brand promotions.
33
<PAGE>
We believe that we will be able to meet our near term cash requirements
through lease lines of credit, bank financing, and from the proceeds received in
a $5,000,000 convertible debt financing that was successfully completed in April
1999. Our long-term liquidity needs will also be met through the above
financing strategies coupled with additional debt and equity financing currently
in negotiation. There can be no assurance that financing will be available in
amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all, and our failure to secure
adequate financing may prevent us from pursuing our business objectives. See
"Risk Factors--We may not be able to obtain further capital to pursue our
business objectives."
IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000
Many currently installed computer systems and software products are coded
to accept or recognize only two digit entries in the date code field. These
systems may therefore recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than
the year 2000. As a result, computer systems and/or software used by many
companies and governmental agencies may need to be upgraded to comply with Year
2000 requirements or risk system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions
of normal business activities.
STATE OF READINESS. The third-party vendor upon which we materially rely
is Exodus Communications, which houses and services our Web equipment and
provides our connection to the Internet. We have sought confirmation from
Exodus that its system is Year 2000 compliant and Exodus has informed us that
its system is Year 2000 compliant.
In addition, we plan to seek verification from other key vendors,
distributors and suppliers that they are Year 2000 compliant or, if they are not
presently compliant, to provide a description of their plans to become so. To
the extent that vendors fail to provide certification that they are Year 2000
compliant by September 1999, we will seek to terminate and replace these
relationships with those who are Year 2000 compliant. Until our vendors,
distributors and suppliers have provided verification of their compliance, we
will not be able to completely evaluate whether our systems will need to be
revised or replaced.
We are conducting an internal assessment of all material information
technology and non-information technology systems at our headquarters for Year
2000 compliance. Until we complete the assessment, we will not know whether
these systems are or will be Year 2000 compliant by September 1999.
To date, we have not yet incurred any material costs in identifying or
evaluating Year 2000 compliance issues. Most of our costs have related to, and
are expected to continue to relate to, the upgrades or replacements, when
necessary, of software or hardware, as well as costs associated with time spent
by employees in the evaluation process and Year 2000 compliance matters
generally. These expenses are included in our operating and capital
expenditures budget and are not expected to exceed $100,000. However, if these
costs are significantly higher than expected, they could have a material and
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
34
<PAGE>
RISKS. There can be no assurance that we will not discover Year 2000
compliance problems in our systems that will require substantial revisions or
replacements. In the event that the operational facilities that support our
business, or our Web-hosting facilities, are not Year 2000 compliant, we may be
unable to deliver goods or services to our customers and portions of our Website
may become unavailable. In addition, there can be no assurance that
third-party software, hardware or services incorporated into our material
systems will not need to be revised or replaced, which could be time-consuming
and expensive. Our inability to fix or replace third-party software, hardware or
services on a timely basis could result in lost revenues, increased operating
costs and other business interruptions, any of which could have a material and
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Moreover, the failure to adequately address Year 2000 compliance issues in our
software, hardware or systems could result in claims of mismanagement,
misrepresentation or breach of contract and related litigation, which could be
costly and time-consuming to defend.
In addition, there can be no assurance that governmental agencies, utility
companies, Internet access companies and others outside our control will be
Year 2000-compliant. The failure by these entities to be Year 2000-compliant
could result in a systemic failure beyond our control, including, for example, a
prolonged Internet, telecommunications or electrical failure, which could also
prevent us from delivering our services to our users, decrease the use of the
Internet or prevent users from accessing our services, any of which would have a
material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
CONTINGENCY PLAN. As discussed above, we are engaged in an ongoing Year
2000 assessment and do not currently have a contingency plan to deal with the
worst case scenario that might occur if technologies on which we depend are not
Year 2000-compliant and fail to operate effectively after the Year 2000. The
results of our Year 2000 compliance evaluation and the responses received from
distributors, suppliers and other third parties with which we conduct business
will be taken into account in determining the need for and nature and extent of
any contingency plans.
If our present efforts to address the Year 2000 compliance issues discussed
above are not successful, or if distributors, suppliers and other third parties
with which we conduct business do not successfully address such issues, our
users could seek alternate suppliers of our products and services. Any material
Year 2000 problem could require us to incur significant unanticipated expenses
to remedy and could divert our management's time and attention, either of which
could have a material and adverse effect on our business, operating results and
financial condition. See "Risk Factors--We would lose revenues and incur
significant costs if our systems or material third-party systems are not Year
2000-compliant."
This is a Year 2000 readiness disclosure statement within the meaning of
the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act (P.L. 105-271); however,
the disclosures made herein do not affect our liabilities under the federal
securities laws.
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<PAGE>
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Due to relatively low levels of inflation in 1997 and 1998, inflation has
not had a significant effect on our results of operations since inception.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS
No. 131, "Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,"
which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS
No.131 requires that public companies report information about operating
segments in their annual financial statements and in subsequent condensed
financial statements of interim periods issued to shareholders. This statement
also requires that public companies report information about their products and
services, the geographic areas in which they operate and their major customers.
Reportable operating segments are determined based on the management approach,
as defined by SFAS No. 131. The management approach is based on the way that the
chief operating decision-maker organizes the segments within an enterprise for
making operating decisions and assessing performance. We have determined that
we do not have any separately reportable business segments.
In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, Employer's Disclosure about
Pension and Other Post retirement Benefits, which standardized the disclosure
requirements for pension and other post retirement benefits. The adoption of
SFAS No. 132 had no impact on the Company's current disclosures.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No.133 establishes accounting and
reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in
the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value.
SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized
currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. SFAS
No. 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999.
Historically, we have not used derivatives and therefore this new pronouncement
is not applicable.
In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued Statement of Position (SOP) No. 98-1, Software for Internal Use, which
provides guidance on accounting for the cost of computer software developed or
obtained for internal use. SOP 98-1 is effective for financial statements for
fiscal years beginning after December 13, 1998. We do not expect that the
adoption of SOP 98-1 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial
statements.
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<PAGE>
BUSINESS
OUR BUSINESS
We were organized in 1997 to capitalize on a significant opportunity that
exists today through the convergence of the media and entertainment industries
with the vast communications power of the Internet. We are defining a new type
of Internet company -- an e-commerce-based online community and portal to the
Internet -- that is dedicated to providing content-rich communities and an
entry point on the Internet for both consumers and businesses. Our site is
designed to seamlessly integrate content with e-commerce services for
businesses. Nettaxi.com provides comprehensive information about news, sports,
entertainment, health, politics, finances, lifestyle, and areas of interest to
the growing number of Internet users. Our mission is to establish our site as
an entry point or 'portal' to the Internet by continuing to develop premium
online communities which are both content-rich to our subscribers, the
"citizens" of our communities, and provide easy-to-use e-commerce services to
businesses of all sizes which reside in these communities.
While we have incurred significant losses since our site was launched,
traffic to our online community has increased consistently, and growth of our
monthly subscriber base has begun to accelerate. Our site has become one of the
Internet's busiest sites, growing quickly to over 100 million page views per
month and 182 million ad impressions per month by May 1999. A visit by a user to
a page on our Web site represents one page view and each advertisement that
appears on that page to which a visitor is exposed is called an ad impression.
Our estimate of the total number of ad impressions per month is based on the
fact that under our current ad practices we host an average of 1.82 ad
impressions per page. Based on unique visitors to our site, PC Data Online
ranked Nettaxi.com as the 139th most visited site in the world in May 1999.
Web21, a online service directory which compiles an objective listing of top Web
sites called "100hot", ranked our site as the 15th "most popular" site on the
Web during this same month. Along the way, we have created or acquired a number
of powerful assets, including:
- - a growing database of user profiles;
- - a meta-search engine that enables users to search multiple sites
simultaneously and return the results, including comparative product
pricing and availability, to one-page; and
- - an expansive range of relationships with dynamic e-commerce, technology,
and content partners.
We are now poised to build on our early success by implementing a growth
strategy that, if successful, should make us a major ready-to-use e-commerce
storefront host, and allow us to meet our goal of becoming one of most
frequented community-based portals on the Internet.
37
<PAGE>
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
THE INTERNET
GROWTH OF THE INTERNET AND E-COMMERCE. The Internet has rapidly become
significant global medium for communications, entertainment, news, information
and commerce. Commercialization of the Internet began in the mid-1980s, with
e-mail providing the primary means of communication. However, it was the
Internet's World Wide Web, which provided a means to link text and pictures,
that led to the blossoming of e-commerce and sparked the explosive growth of the
Internet in the 1990s. Today, at least 100 million people in 135 countries send
and receive information, and purchase products and services, through the
Internet. According to International Data Corporation, a provider of market and
strategic information for the information technology industry, the domestic
Internet subscriber base will grow to 174.5 million by 2001, up from 50.2
million in 1997.
GROWTH OF ONLINE ADVERTISING AND DIRECT MARKETING. The Web has become an
attractive medium for advertisers, offering a level of targetability,
flexibility, interactivity and measurability not available in traditional media.
The Web enables advertisers to demographically target their messages to specific
groups of consumers as well as to change their advertisements frequently in
response to market factors, current events and consumer feedback. Moreover,
advertisers can track more accurately the effectiveness of their advertising
messages by receiving reports of the number of advertising "impressions"
delivered to consumers and the resulting "click-through" rate to their Web
sites. Jupiter Communications, Inc., a media research firm focusing on the
Internet industry, estimates that the amount of Internet advertising in the U.S.
will grow from approximately $1.8 billion in 1998 to $7.7 billion by 2002, a
compound annual growth rate of 42%.
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THE INTERNET AS A MARKETING TOOL. Over 50 million companies and households
around the world use the Internet as a communications link through e-mail,
interactive advertisement, bulletin boards, research and online discussion
groups. At its most basic level, the Internet serves as a seemingly endless
catalog of marketing messages and advertising platforms presented in an
interactive fashion. Companies like IBM, Apple, AT&T, Microsoft and Lotus are
investing millions of dollars to develop new state-of-the-art tools and services
aimed at helping companies expand electronic business through the Internet.
Business is rapidly adopting the Internet as the means through which it can
efficiently and economically conduct marketing, research and customer support.
With the number of users growing monthly at an estimated rate of 10%, or one
million users, the Internet is the fastest growing global telecommunications
network in the world. Large and small companies are embracing the Internet as a
fundamental communication tool used to conduct daily business. By the year
2000, a projected 60% of large companies and 30% of midsize companies around the
world will use the Internet or its equivalent for marketing and business
purposes.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET FOR CONTENT COMPANIES. The Internet offers
content providers significant and attractive economic mechanisms that combine
cost advantages with practices that are conducive to revenue generation or
premiums. Significantly, the Internet provides information dissemination at a
materially lower cost than do other forms of media, notably, both printed paper
and private networks. The Internet also offers the potential for easier access
to content, which can expand market coverage. We believe that by using
the unique capabilities of the Internet to enrich the convenience, utility,
time, or entertainment value of content, Internet content providers can garner
significant and even premium revenues.
The Internet also enables providers to change and enhance the form and mass
delivery of content so that information is dynamic, interactive, real-time, and
personalized, as opposed to static, passive and bland as traditional media is
trending. The ability to personalize content on a mass scale promises to offer
compelling utility to subscribers as well as a mechanism for providers to
sustain those same subscribers. Otherwise static information can be made to
come alive by using the multiple forms of media, such as hyper-text, audio, and
graphics, that are all made possible through the Internet.
THE NEED FOR ONLINE COMMUNITIES
As the Internet continues to grow, users seek from the Web the same
opportunity for expression, interaction, sharing, support and recognition they
seek in the everyday world. To date, a typical Internet user's experience
surfing the Web has been essentially one-way-searching and viewing Web sites
containing professionally created content on topics of general interest such as
current events, sports, finance, politics and weather. However, the Web in
general does not provide a context for users to publish, promote, search and
view personal Web pages. As a result, users publishing personal Web sites have
had limited means of attracting visitors to their sites or interacting with or
receiving recognition from visitors. Internet search and navigational sites
serve a valuable function for users seeking to navigate the Internet for
aggregated Web content; however, these sites are not primarily focused on
providing a platform for publishing and aggregating the rapidly increasing
volume of personalized content created by users or enabling such users to
interact with each other--unique characteristics that distinguish the Internet
from traditional print, radio and television media.
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Similarly, Web users engaged in passive browsing are increasingly seeking
ways of interacting and communicating with other individuals with similar
interests and accessing unique, personalized content. While users are generally
able to obtain relevant professionally created content through traditional
navigational sites such as Web directories and search engines, the source of
such content is usually the media and not fellow Web users. Often, the most
relevant content for a user is generated by other users who share an interest in
what is published; however, most Web sites are not dedicated to providing a
platform for aggregating and accessing user-created content.
An important response to the perceived needs of Internet users, and the
weaknesses of traditional Web navigational or content sites, has been the
emergence of community Web sites. Community sites provide a single online
destination where like-minded users can interact and quickly find pertinent
information, products and services related to their particular interests or
needs. Community sites generally offer free services including access to e-mail
accounts, chat rooms, message boards, news and entertainment. Through these
features, online communities seek to establish a close relationship with their
audience and evolve over time according to the interests of their members. As a
result, we believe that users tend to be loyal to and spend more time online at
community sites.
Online communities also provide advertisers and businesses an attractive
means of promoting and selling their products and services. According to Jupiter
Communications, the amount of advertising dollars spent on the Web is expected
to increase 67% annually over the next three years, reaching approximately $4.3
billion by 2000. According to International Data Corporation, worldwide commerce
revenue on the Internet is expected to increase from approximately $32
billion in 1998 to approximately $130 billion in 2000. To date, advertisers and
businesses have typically used traditional navigational sites and professionally
created content sites to promote their products and services online. However,
online communities allow advertisers and businesses to reach highly targeted
audiences within a more personalized context, thus providing the opportunity to
increase advertising efficiency and improve the likelihood of a successful
sale.
USER DEMOGRAPHICS
The demographics of the Internet population clearly suggest that the
Internet has grown from a novelty exploited by computer technologists to an
accepted and growing communications, marketing, and commerce platform. IDC
Research summarizes the rapid growth of online users as follows:
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- - By December 2001, 39% of online users will buy goods and services over the
Internet as compared to 25% in December 1996.
- - The amount of commerce conducted over the World Wide Web is expected to
grow from $2.6 billion in 1996 to more than $220 billion in 2001.
In a recent study, Jupiter Communications found that, in 1997, 45% of Web
users were women, a sizable increase from the 5% in 1994. Women using the Web
are projected to outnumber men within three years.
OUR SOLUTION
Nettaxi was born of the vision of co-founders Robert and Dean Rositano,
veterans of the internet service provider industry. Even before founding
Nettaxi, they recognized that there was an enormous market for learning tools
targeted to beginner-level Internet users, and they were actively involved with
the development of the Ques Mega Web Directory. In 1994, they co-founded
Simply Interactive, Inc. to develop and market sophisticated, interactive Web
learning tools for this vast untapped marketplace. In connection with a
substantial early-stage financing of that company, which entailed the merger of
Simply Interactive with another early-stage enterprise software development
company, the management control and focus of the combined entity shifted away
from Web learning tools. As a result of this shift in focus, Robert and Dean
left Simply Interactive to continue pursuit of their vision.
The founders believed that to survive and thrive in the increasingly
crowded Internet industry, they needed to develop a website with a completely
unique persona. To accomplish this, they set out to create a comprehensive
theme-oriented website, targeted to the rapidly-growing "family" and home-based
business markets, which would provide up-to-date premium content, ready-to-use
e-commerce storefront services, and the ability to purchase an expanding variety
of goods and services, all within a single integrated web community. Their goal
was to position their new website not only as an entry point to the Internet,
but also as an attractive, premium online destination, in contrast to merely
acting as a web junction point, for content and e-commerce services, and to
generate substantial revenues through monthly subscriptions, banner advertising,
and e-commerce transaction fees.
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Nettaxi launched its new online community in October 1997. Immediately
recognizing the value of developing and acquiring the tools necessary to drive
new users to the website, the founders acquired the assets of Simply Interactive
in November 1997, including the rights to Internet the City(tm), the
sophisticated interactive Internet training CD-ROM that the Rositanos had
developed while at Simply Interactive. Upon acquiring these rights, the Company
moved quickly to implement numerous modifications to the award-winning training
tool, including principally:
- - integrating the Nettaxi "taxicab" in the main user interface;
- - developing and integrating promotional information regarding the Nettaxi
website community, including its free services, features and benefits; and
- - creating the mechanism whereby users could launch into the Nettaxi
community website directly from within the CD-ROM environment.
Since launching our website in October 1997, we have been engaged primarily
in continued development and enhancement of our online website community, and
building traffic to the website. To these ends, we have been actively pursuing
corporate partnering relationships in several areas that are key to the
successful implementation of our strategy, including co-marketing, content, and
technology. Thus far, we have been successful in securing several co-marketing
relationships whereby Nettaxi bundles its CD-ROM product with products of major
hardware and software manufacturers, including Apple Computer and Pinex
Computers. In addition, the Company has entered into agreements with eCharge,
InfoSpace.com, Cybereps, and other companies for important service enhancements
to our community website.
As traffic to our site began to build significantly, we launched our
advertising sales campaign in July 1998. Since then, as traffic to our
community has continued to grow consistently and prove its stability, growth in
advertising revenues, as well as growth of our monthly subscribers base has
begun to accelerate. Nettaxi.com has become one of the Internet's busiest sites,
growing quickly to over 100 million page views per month and 182 million ad
impressions per month by May 1999. Based on unique visitors to our site, PC
Data Online ranked Nettaxi.com as the 139th most visited site in the world in
May 1999. Web21, a online service directory which compiles an objective listing
of top web sites called "100hot", ranked our site as the 15th "most popular"
site on the Web during this same month.
We believe that the success of our site confirms the original vision of the
founders that we can deliver a powerful new model with the capability to
generate substantial economic returns. By integrating ready-to-use e-commerce
capabilities with thematic community-based content and e-commerce websites, we
are creating a number of powerful assets:
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USER PROFILE DATABASE. A substantial database of user profiles, according
to their interests, which enables us to offer large, highly targeted audiences
to our advertisers, and command the higher advertising rates that
demographically segmented audience profiles dictate.
WEBSITE TRAFFIC DRIVER. The ability to drive traffic to Nettaxi subscriber
websites, via our search engine, which first searches and lists Nettaxi's
premium providers' and subscribers' websites, then scours the World Wide Web for
additional search matches. We believe this feature will drive customers to
Nettaxi community e-commerce sites, thereby propelling transaction processing
fees and drawing new e-commerce business to our community.
EXPANDED STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS. Opportunities to develop an expanded
range of strategic relationships, by virtue of being able to match premium
content providers with consumer bases. We believe that such a combination not
only increases the variety of revenue-generating e-commerce services we offer to
subscribers, but also helps keep us at the forefront of new developments in
products and services that will attract additional subscribers, retain, current
subscribers, and encourage subscription "upgrades."
POSITIVE PUBLIC PERCEPTION. The goodwill, trust, and loyalty of both
parents and children by providing a site on the World Wide Web where parents can
feel comfortable about their children's participation, and where children can
enjoy their own privacy. We believe that providing parents with filtering
technologies that make adult-content sites "invisible" to underage users will
attract family subscribers and many of their friends and relatives.
OUR STRATEGY
OUR STRATEGIC GROWTH PLAN
We are poised to build on our early success by implementing a growth
strategy that, if successful, should make us a major ready-to-use e-commerce
storefront host, and one of the top community-based portals on the Internet. Our
strategic growth plan includes the following principal components:
EXPAND OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. We have identified a variety of
distinctive -- even unique -- services and products that we intend to develop
through in-house research and development, strategic alliances, licensing, or
outright acquisition. These products and services have been selected based on
our belief that, by helping users gain more value from the Web, we will attract
new subscribers, retain current subscribers, and encourage subscribers to
"upgrade" to one of our premium, paid subscription accounts. We intend to offer
our subscribers an expanded and distinctive range of services that extend beyond
the typical portal's e-mail, chat, search engines, shopping, and financial,
sports, and general news offerings, such as ready-to-use e-commerce storefront
business services, two types of e-mail protocols, and a customizable search
engine that not only drives traffic to subscriber web pages, but also offers the
capability to make selected websites visible/invisible.
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DEVELOP AN EXPANDABLE INFRASTRUCTURE. Integral to implementation of our
concept is its development of an Internet-centered database system that allows
us to serve information and facilitate e-commerce transactions on behalf of its
members' websites. We are currently engaged in developing an infrastructure
that will allow us to realize our goal of providing to a vast base of consumers
with similar interests, as well as to subscribed small to medium size
businesses, the opportunity to meet and share information, products, and
services in thematic environments that are tailored to their respective
interests.
The basic components of our technology infrastructure are substantially in
place and operational. We are currently developing our ready-to-use e-commerce
capabilities in association with Media Lane Group, an e-commerce technology
provider, and anticipate launching such services in mid 1999. We are designing
the components of our operational infrastructure to be scalable to accommodate
the substantial transaction volume that we anticipate as we build our online
community of subscribers, or "citizens", vendors and information.
INCREASE TARGETED DISTRIBUTION OF OUR CONNECTED CD-ROM. A key component of
our growth plan, and an integral competitive advantage that we have over other
virtual communities and portals, is our proprietary interactive Internet CD-ROM
product. The professionally produced CD-ROM features an animated, cyber-cabbie
named "URLtm," who takes users wherever they wish to go. During the tour, URL
explains and demonstrates how features such as e-mail, chat rooms, search
engines, websites, etc., work. The CD-ROM also acts as a "front end" for our
website by allowing users to actually connect to it.
We plan aggressive promotion of our site through targeted distribution of
our CD-ROM product to the consumer marketplace. With our targeted approach to
distribution, we allow users with specific interests to connect to communities
which address their interests. We have established an agreement with Apple
Computer whereby Apple bundles the CD-ROM with its K-12 curriculum bundle and as
an optional upgrade to its iMac computer. In the future, we plan to offer the
CD-ROM to numerous computer software and hardware manufacturers, as well as
other types of manufacturers, for bundling with their respective products.
We are also exploring other promotional strategies based on our CD-ROM
product such as the customized version we are developing with eBay to
familiarize users with eBay's services. By providing this educational CD-ROM
tool to potentially millions of novice and intermediate computer and Internet
users, and directly introducing them to our website, we believe that we will
generate both awareness of, and loyalty to, our communities.
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EXPAND OUR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY RELATIONSHIPS. We have
established formal relationships with providers of premium content, including
InfoSpace.com, Inc., Lycos and Netopia. These relationships, and the continued
development of new relationships, will provide us with:
- - Premium content for news, sports, travel, politics, health, lifestyle, and
other information categories;
- - Exclusive relationships with providers of proprietary information content;
- - Ready-to-use e-commerce sales and fulfillment services through strategic
relationships with technology and fulfillment companies; and
- - The deployment of a customer service organization keenly focused on
satisfying demand and creating customer loyalty.
In addition, we have retained the services of a marketing communications
company with extensive experience in successfully launching Internet-related
products and services, to provide public relations and marketing services,
including guidance on both strategic communications and tactical implementation
issues.
PURSUE OUR ACQUISITION STRATEGY. An important element of our strategic
growth plan is its proposed acquisition program. We will continue to
investigate opportunities to acquire niche content-based website operators that
lend themselves to integration with a community-oriented site. In this area, we
are focusing on companies that have developed a significant and loyal user base,
however by themselves, have limited growth and revenues potential.
We will also seek to identify companies that can significantly extend
functions of our operational infrastructure and/or add strategic proprietary
technology that management deems critical to maintaining our competitive
position. In this regard, we have recently completed the merger with Plus Net,
Inc. See "Recent Acquisition."
OUR GOALS
We believe that the current structure and future developments of the
Nettaxi website offer us a strong variety of sources for garnering significant
revenue. These sources include:
- - E-COMMERCE Direct Nettaxi sales of products, including products linked
to events in subscribers' Remind Me files, and products
targeted to users and subscribers on the basis of their
interests and patterns of activity when surfing Nettaxi.com;
Transaction processing fees from credit card and eCharge
processing services;
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Support Service Fees, where applicable, for providing
specific business services that support the e-commerce
activities of Nettaxi subscribers;
Percentage splits with subscribers of the list price of
goods sold through their e-commerce storefronts in Nettaxi
communities; and
Sales commissions negotiated with vendors for products sold
directly by Nettaxi and through Nettaxi subscriber
e-commerce storefronts.
- - ADVERTISING Spot and banner advertising can be sold at premium prices to
advertisers, by virtue of offering them large, highly
targeted audiences that are demographically segmented, as
well as the opportunity to rotate and keep "fresh" the ads
presented to a viewer;
- - SUBSCRIPTION
FEES Premium service account monthly subscription fees;
- - CD ROM
DISTRIBUTION
ROYALTIES Co-branding and licensing of our CD-ROM product to select
third parties;
In order to realize its strategic initiatives, we will seek to accomplish
the following principal goals:
DEVELOP INFRASTRUCTURE, BUILD PREMIUM CONTENT, LAUNCH E-COMMERCE. Over the
next 12 months, we are looking to further develop our managerial and technical
infrastructure, enhance the quality and depth of our content by developing new
relationships with premium content providers, develop and customize e-commerce
systems to meet our requirements, establish relationships with fulfillment
operations to support our e-commerce services, and launch our e-commerce
products and services.
REFINE OFFERING AND EXPAND DEMAND. Once our initial strategic goals have
been accomplished, we are looking to refine our offering of products and
services and expand demand by enhancing consumer services through call center
automation and e-mail service and deploying an aggressive marketing campaign to
create real excitement about our site. We also hope to raise additional capital
for brand development and expansion of our operations.
GAIN SIGNIFICANT SHARE AND CONSOLIDATE COMPETITORS. Within two to three
years, we hope to gain significant share and consolidate our competitive
position by acquiring strategic online community companies and continue an
aggressive plan of infrastructure expansion.
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RECENT ACQUISITION
In May, 1999, we completed the merger with Plus Net, Inc. Plus Net was
founded in 1998 and has licensed a wide range of Internet related tools to
generate revenue opportunities. Plus Net operates a website on the World Wide
Web with a robust search engine that brings back the top ten results of the
web's most popular search engines and return results within a specific subject
category, while enhancing electronic commerce and advertising opportunities.
Plus Net also has recently launched an e-commerce processing engine which is
compatible with interfaces enabling the acceptance of online credit card
transactions and the processing of these transactions with banking institutions.
The Plus Net e-commerce capabilities also support one-click buying opportunities
and programs designed to prevent credit card fraud. These features will
accelerate our R&D efforts, and will enrich the Internet experience of our
subscribers. We intend to implement and integrate the services offered by Plus
Net throughout 1999. The Plus Net merger also provides us with access to a large
pool of potential subscribers and provides us with an opportunity to
substantially increase the citizenship base within our community.
OUR WEB SITE AND SERVICES
OUR WEBSITE
The Nettaxi.com website, at http://www.nettaxi.com, is structured as a
virtual "urban" environment, populated by subscribers referred to as "citizens",
that is divided into broad "zones," which are further divided into thematic
"communities," and from there into "streets" and "homes."
When users first arrive at Nettaxi.com, they are in the broad "urban"
environment, where they find links to the "zones," which include categories such
as:
- Member Services, Registration, and Communities;
- "community" information links such as Message Boards, and
- links to premium content such as Sports Scores, Weather, Stock
Quotes, or Travel.
Clicking on one of the links -- for example, Communities -- takes users to
the next level, where they can choose from an extensive list of categories, or
"communities." Choosing one community, such as the Arena District theemed to
sports events and activities, takes users to a list of subcategories, or
"streets," such as the basketball-oriented Hoops Avenue. Once on the "street,"
users can select to visit any of the various "homes," which are the individual
web pages of our subscribers.
Clicking on a premium content link in the "urban" environment follows a
similar pattern, but may differ in the number and types of category and
subcategory levels, depending on the content they offer. The premium content
links lead to the special web pages of our major content providers and strategic
partners, as opposed to subscriber pages.
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NETTAXI'S "TAXI"
A key distinguishing characteristic of our site is that users in a hurry to
get somewhere will be able to "step into" a "taxi" -- a specially configured
search engine -- which they will find waiting in all areas and levels of our
environment. Users simply type in a "destination" such as "sports," and they are
immediately whisked first to our main sports areas which include the relevant
premium content provider's website, followed by the Top 10 subscriber sports
"homes," and then on to other sports sites, including those on the rest of the
web. As a result, the search engine has the ability to drive traffic to
e-commerce sites in our community, including premium content providers' sites,
thereby propelling transaction processing fees and drawing new e-commerce
business to the community. In addition, our search engine provide greater value
to our users since it presents small, manageable groups of "destination" choices
in response to a search, as opposed to an overwhelming volume of listings turned
up by most other search engines.
We are exploring the possibility of eventually serving content to users
based on their preferences, which will be determined by tracking their
activities, using special software from Net Perceptions, as they surf through
our overall website. The result will be content that is automatically and
seamlessly customized to a user's interests and tastes so that, for example, two
different users with differing interests who take a "taxi" using the same search
term might arrive at separate destinations or, if at the same destination, are
likely to be offered some differences in content, based on their patterns of
activity.
CONTENT
A key component of our current and future plans is the continued
development of partnerships with providers of premium content in a variety of
categories. To date, we have established formal relationships with several
premium content providers in a variety of categories, including the following:
- LYCOS. We have recently made an affiliation with Lycos, one of the
most popular hubs on the Web, to offer personalized start pages called
"MyNettaxi" from our website. Under our agreement with Lycos, it will
provide its suite of Web applications including search, comprehensive
directories, personal homepages, email, communities and popular
shopping functions in the form of a co-branded personal start page. My
Nettaxi enables end users to customize their start pages with
information such as news, stock prices, weather, sports scores and
more from Lycos.com and hotbot.
- BIG NETWORK.COM. We have entered into a co-marketing agreement with
Big Network.com which will provide our subscribers with immediate
access to the BigNetwork.com suite of classic board and card games
including chess, checkers, backgammon, reversi, spades, morph and
more. The agreement will also allow our subscribers to interact in
real-time with the 200,000 registered members of BigNetwork.com. This
arrangement also allows our subscribers to embed Java-based games into
their own Web sites. For those subscribers who have developed and
integrated their own personal Web pages into our community, they will
be able to create an interactive gaming environment suited to the
specific needs of their visitors.
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- INFOSPACE.COM, INC., We have a content distribution agreement with
Infospace.com, an aggregator of a broad range of content services,
including sports scores, late-breaking news, weather, concerts, public
record searches, phone/address searches, classified ads, and daily
horoscopes, for syndication to Internet portals and destination sites.
- IWOMAN. We have a co-branding agreement with iWoman, a provider of an
online community dedicated to providing information geared primarily
to the interests of women. Under our agreement, we co-brand and cross
promote our site with theirs in order to increase traffic.
- PI GRAPHIX. We have a linking agreement with PI Graphix, a provider of
an online community with e-commerce capabilities and extensive
graphics capabilities under which we have linked and co-branded our
site with theirs in order to increase traffic.
- NETOPIA, INC. We have an agreement with Netopia, a provider of next
generation products including web site services and high-speed DSL
connectivity, under which Netopia provides us with technology that
enhances our ability to provide services to our subscribers.
We are also working to identify and develop a selection of exclusive
relationships with provider of proprietary information content, particularly
individuals and organizations with archives and databases that could be easily
rendered into digital format. We believe that a carefully developed selection
of such databases, and the exclusive nature of their availability, would act as
a powerful attractant to the type and volume of subscribers that our advertisers
find desirable.
Our subscribers also provide personal or entrepreneurial/commercial
content that is available on our website. We offer each of its subscribers -
free of charge -- 10 megabytes of server space to use for a home page and
e-mail. In addition, subscribers have access to free, easy-to-use website
design software to build their "home" web home page, and they can designate the
community and street where they would like to have their home located.
E-MAIL SERVICES
Nettaxi.com's e-mail services surpass those of other portals and
full-featured internet service providers by being available though both Post
Office Protocol (POP) and the Web (IMAP). To the best of our knowledge, ours is
the only service today to simultaneously offer subscribers both types of e-mail
access for free. Nettaxi's e-mail service also allows its Citizens and small
businesses to offer a free Web-based email service with a unique domain name,
e.g., [email protected], giving the domain name free promotion with every email sent.
There's no software for the user to download and all mail and maintenance are
provided by Nettaxi, with no added inconvenience to the webmaster. The look
and feel can be customized to look like the Citizens home page.
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POP e-mail is the type most commonly used by internet service providers.
Its advantages for users are that messages are sent and received quickly and
with more privacy, because they do not stay resident on a server for any length
of time. Its greatest disadvantage is that e-mail messages, once delivered to a
user, are generally no longer available for download again, so that a user who
downloads e-mail to a home computer, for example, will generally not be able to
download the same mail at a later time to another computer, such as one at work.
IMAP, or web-based e-mail, most commonly used by portal services, allows
users to retrieve e-mail messages from any location -- home, office, airport
kiosk, public library -- which offers access to the Internet and a specific
website. Sending and receiving messages may be a bit slower than POP services,
but messages are stored on a server, can be retrieved multiple times, and remain
available until they are either specifically deleted by the user, or a set
amount of time has passed.
Subscribers to all levels of our services will have both POP and IMAP
e-mail capabilities, and a distinct @nettaxi.com address or @ their own custom
domain name.
"REMIND ME" SERVICE
As a special feature, Nettaxi.com will offer its subscribers Remind Me, a
service that functions like an electronic datebook. Subscribers can enter their
important dates and appointments, with requests to be reminded of them at
specified times, which can be as far ahead as a month or a few hours. Remind Me
is structured to allow users to specify the type of event being listed, such as
a birthday or anniversary, by simply entering important dates and their
corresponding event. Keywords in these fields trigger Remind Me to suggest
event-appropriate products and/or services. Some of these will be available at
no charge to subscribers, e.g., electronic greeting cards and virtual flowers.
Others will be available for purchase or subscription directly through us or
through our subscriber "storefronts" and advertiser sites, driving traffic to
both, and offering us opportunities for generating revenues through transaction
processing and other fees, where appropriate.
E-COMMERCE SERVICES
One of the key features that we offer subscribers is the chance to become
on-the-spot entrepreneurs. We are currently developing its ready-to-use
e-commerce capabilities in association with Media Lane Group, an e-commerce
technology provider, and anticipate launching such services in mid 1999. Media
Lane Group has extensive experience in technology architecture design, with
clients that include E-Trade, Music Blvd., and other sites. Our Premium Service
accounts will include access to a wide variety of special business services
aimed at providing subscribers who wish to launch an online business with a
ready-to-use e-commerce storefront. The services can be available as a bundle
customized to meet each Premium Service subscriber's sourcing, order processing,
account management, billing, stock balancing, and fulfillment needs, and will be
provided either as part of the subscription fee, or on a per transaction basis,
at reasonable rates. We will be able to package and provide these services
through strategic relationships established with selected vendors with proven
experience in their respective commercial and fulfillment service fields.
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COMMERCIAL WEBSITE HOSTING. Premium Service account subscribers will be
provided with commercial website hosting services, on top-of-the-line servers
with redundant capabilities, to maintain an online presence 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. Hosting services will include full commerce capability, including
major credit card and eCharge services, for secure online transactions, driving
traffic to the site, and a variety of other commerce-related services, such as
sourcing and fulfillment. Routine maintenance of the website, including
verification of links and other related functions, is included in the
subscription fee.
WHOLESALE SUPPLY OF PRODUCTS. As part of our ready-to-use e-commerce
business services, we intend to offer subscribers sourcing services to provide
them with the products they are marketing at wholesale prices and on a
Just-In-Time (JIT) basis, eliminating the need for warehousing. Through
negotiating with vendors and forging strategic alliances, we will be able to
provide subscribers with the convenience of access to a group of reputable,
quality suppliers identified as appropriate to their business, and the ability
to source products at wholesale and discounted price levels normally reserved
for large commercial enterprises. These services will be on an optional per
transaction, or contract volume basis. We benefit by receiving a pre-negotiated
commission/transaction fee from the wholesale vendor for each sale.
CREDIT CARD AND ECHARGE PROCESSING. We have entered into a merchant
services agreement with eCharge, a financial transaction company specializing in
Internet billing and collections. Under the agreement, we act as an agent
for eCharge in the sale of their innovative billing system to end users. We
have developed a modified version of echogram's billing system that can be
offered as option functionality for end users who choose to install the
product. We will offer our Premium Service subscribers the ability to include
major credit card and eCharge billing services on their website, for secure
online transactions, and to simplify and concentrate billing transactions for
subscribers. Credit card services include verifying the validity of customer
card accounts, approving transactions, billing, tracking customer payments,
and passing payment amounts back to the subscriber. Customers enrolled in
eCharge programs can have their purchases charged to their telephone bills, with
the eCharge account servicers taking care of the account verification,
approval, billing, payment tracking, and passing payment amounts to the
subscriber. We benefit by receiving a pre-negotiated transaction fee from the
credit card or eCharge service.
The merger with Plus Net will also enhance our e-commerce ability. Plus
Net has recently launched e-commerce processing operations which is compatible
with interfaces enabling the acceptance of online credit card transactions and
the processing of these transactions with banking institutions. The Plus Net
e-commerce capabilities also support programs designed to prevent credit card
fraud. See "Recent Acquisition."
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INTERNET THE CITY CONNECTED CD ROM
It is a well-recognized truism that technology, and personal computers
particularly, are typically not used to their fullest potential. Paradoxically,
while vast arrays of information and services are already available to
proficient Internet users, prospective or neophyte users typically postpone or
limit their usage due to their lack of understanding and experience in
navigating the Internet. While it is true that 42.9% of U.S. households owned
personal computers in 1998, less than half of those households are active
Internet users. Furthermore, trends indicate that the remaining 57.1% of
households still "unwired" are steadily joining the ranks of computer users and
potential Internet users.
The Company's Internet training CD-ROM was born from management's
conviction that an enormous untapped opportunity to capture the novice user lies
in effectively initiating and tutoring this huge market in a one-on-one,
interactive, entertaining way. The CD-ROM, called Internet the City is a
comprehensive, interactive training tool that enables new and intermediate users
to learn about and begin using the many powerful capabilities and features of
the Internet.
The professionally produced CD-ROM features an animated cyber-cabbie --
URLtm -- who takes users wherever they wish to go. During the tour, URLtm
explains and demonstrates how features such as e-mail, chat rooms, search
engines, websites, etc., work and can actually connect the user to our website.
The CD-ROM, with its "front end" connection feature, is a key component of
the Company's marketing and promotions plan. ITC serves as vehicle to drive
users to our website in a manner that is far more efficient than traditional
means of advertising and promotion. The CD-ROM is expected to undergo a major
update in 1999, and we intends to explore a variety of options for establishing
co-branding and sponsorship partner opportunities for promoting and distributing
ITC.
We currently have an agreement with Media Technology Services to provide
CD-ROM duplication and packaging services and deliver the packaged CD-ROMs to
our distribution partners, as to us directly for distribution to our Premium
Service account subscribers and others. At this time, the two largest
distributors are Apple Computers, which bundles the CD-ROM with its K-12
curriculum bundle and as an optional upgrade to its iMac computer, and Fountain
Technologies, which bundles the CD-ROM with computer systems from its Quantex
Microsystems and Pionex Technologies subsidiaries. With our targeted approach to
distribution, we potentially allow users of specific interests to connect to a
community which addresses their interests.
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CUSTOMER ACCOUNT PLANS
We adhere to the principle that providing excellent customer service is
integral to attracting and, more importantly, retaining subscribers. To that
end, we have focused on the development and deployment of a customer service
organization keenly focused on satisfying demand and creating customer loyalty.
To provide subscribers, or "citizens," with choices that suit their
individual needs, we offer both free and premium services, on a tiered basis
similar to the way that cable systems do. Premium accounts are configured from
a large menu of options, to attract subscribers and address the needs and
desires of particular segments of online users.
BASIC FREE CITIZEN ACCOUNT. Like most portals, we offer a free basic
service package - the Free Citizen account -- to attract a large number of
subscribers. We benefit through providing a broad variety of subscriber
webpages and a substantial database of user profiles, which enables us to offer
large, highly targeted audiences to its advertisers, and command the higher
advertising rates that demographically segmented audience profiles dictate.
Nettaxi's basic Free Citizen account offers the following package of
features and services:
- - A four page Virtual Office;
- - MyNettaxi, personal start page;
- - 10 Megs of Disk Space;
- - Web Stats - for analyzing who is coming to their site and when;
- - E-mail service for one personal e-mail account with a [email protected]
address;
- - Remind Me service, an electronic datebook;
- - Web hosting services for a free website - for personal or entrepreneurial
use -- with a www.nettaxi.com/citizens/userID web address (URL), located in
the subscriber's community of choice;
- - FTP space presented as an "outbox";
- - Child Protection Tools;
- - Special discounts on selected Nettaxi merchandise; and
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- - Access to chat sessions, message boards, and shopping, as well as premium
content such as weather, sports scores, stock quotes, services such as
travel arrangements and packages, introductions to people who share common
interests, and more.
Each free, basic account is allotted 10MB for use. Subscribers are
provided with free, easy-to-use software for designing and building their web
page, tips and techniques for making their websites attractive and exciting to
visit, and our search engine to drive traffic to their website.
PREMIUM ACCOUNTS. Our Premium accounts are especially attractive to
entrepreneurs who would like to establish an e-commerce storefront on a
ready-to-use basis. Citizens can build Premium accounts from a menu of options,
allowing them the ability to pick and choose which items they are interested in.
Option can be added for additional fees. In addition to the services which are
provided to Free Service account subscribers, Premium account holders are
provided with the following options:
- - Nettaxi Virtual Office, which allows users to build and maintain their own
virtual office, including their own message boards, chat rooms, calendar
and task manager, address book, etc. Users can build their virtual office
through and easy-to-use Web-based interface;
- - E-mail service for unlimited e-mail accounts, each with a distinct
@nettaxi.com address or @ your own domain,and customized look and feel;
- - Ready-to-use e-commerce malls loaded with product;
- - Commerce capability, including major credit card and eCharge services, for
secure online transactions;
- - Access to Nettaxi-sponsored advertising and banner ads, and other
cross-promotion opportunities;
- - Unique Domain name;
- - Disk space for Web page hosting;
- - Child Protection Features such as AVS;
- - Web Statistics for analyzing who is coming to their site and when; and
- - Free Plane Tickets with a 3 month premium subscription.
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Subscribers are provided with professional website services for the initial
website's design and launch, to showcase the products and/or services in an
effective manner, as well as free, easy-to-use software for updating the site at
any time. In addition, subscribers are provided with special tips and
techniques for making their websites attractive and exciting to visit, as well
as mechanisms to drive traffic to their website, including our search engine and
strategically placed, highly visible links to the site from other desirable web
locations. Subscribers wishing to have their own domain are charged a one-time
fee to register the domain with InterNIC for a two-year period.
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
To maintain Nettaxi.com as a portal that truly serves its subscribers and
reflects their interests and needs, we invite and encourage subscribers and
visitors to send in their comments and suggestions. We track visitor and
subscriber activities, and carefully monitor the nature and content of their
comments, as part of its strategy for continuing product refinement and
development.
Regardless of the type of account selected, subscribers have access to free
online help at any time by simply clicking on our Help icon and by visiting the
Message Boards, where they can review information posted by other subscribers,
or post a query of their own. Subscribers can also find information on billing
matters, special promotions, upcoming events, etc., quickly and easily on the
Nettaxi.com home page.
If they are unable to find what they are looking for, or if the information
they find is confusing, subscribers can send in queries, to which we will
actively and promptly respond with appropriate information or guidance. We are
also currently in the process of establishing and deploying
subscriber-to-subscriber support services, which are provided by online
volunteers in exchange for free account upgrades or other premiums.
ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING SALES AND DESIGN
We seek to distinguish ourselves from our competition through the creation
of unique advertising and sponsorship opportunities that are designed to build
brand loyalty for our corporate sponsors by seamlessly integrating their
advertising messages into our content. Through our close relationship with our
subscribers, we have the ability to deliver advertising to specific targets
within our site's theme content areas, allowing advertisers to single out and
effectively deliver their messages to their respective target audiences. For
example, an advertiser can target its message solely to women with an interest
in recreation and sports. We believe that such sophisticated targeting is a
critical element for capturing worldwide advertising budgets for the Internet.
Additionally, we intend to expand the amount and type of demographic information
our site collects from our members, which will allow us to offer more specific
data to our advertising clients.
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We intend to build a direct sales organization of professionals dedicated
to maintaining close relationships with advertisers and advertising agencies
nationwide. We also intend to enter into arrangements with a number of
third-party advertising sales representatives pursuant to short-term agreements
that in general may be terminated by either party, without notice or penalty.
The sales organization would consult regularly with advertisers and agencies on
design and placement of their Web-based advertising, provide customers with
advertising measurement analysis and focus on providing a high level of customer
service and satisfaction.
Currently, advertisers and advertising agencies enter into short-term
agreements, on average one to two months, pursuant to which they receive a
guaranteed number of impressions for a fixed fee. Advertising on our site
currently consists primarily of banner-style advertisements that are prominently
displayed at the top of pages on a rotating basis throughout our online
community, including members' personal Web sites. From each banner
advertisement, viewers can hyperlink directly to the advertiser's own website,
thus providing the advertiser an opportunity to directly interact with an
interested customer. Our standard cost per thousand impressions ("CPM") depends
upon a number of factors including the location of the advertisement, its size
and the extent to which it is targeted for a particular audience. Discounts
from standard CPM rates may be provided for higher volume, longer-term
advertising contracts.
We intend to increase our advertising revenues by focusing on a number of
key strategies, including expanding our advertising customer base, increasing
the CPM charged to advertisers by continuing to improve our ability to target
advertisements to demographically distinct groups, increasing page views,
increasing the average size and length of our advertising contracts, increasing
the number of our direct sales representatives, and continuing to invest in
improving advertising serving and advertising targeting technology.
We also intend to offer special sponsorship and promotional advertising
programs, including contests, sampling and couponing opportunities to build
brand awareness, generate leads and drive traffic to an advertiser's site. We
also intend to sell sponsorships of special interest pages where topically
focused content is aggregated on a permanent area within a neighborhood.
ADVERTISING CUSTOMERS
Recently we have begun to successfully attract both mass market consumer
product companies as well as technology-related businesses advertising on the
Internet. Due to our advantages as a community Web site, we believe that we are
well positioned to capture a portion of the growing number of consumer product
and service companies seeking to advertise online. The following is a
representative list of advertising clients in various industries:
Intel eBay Biz Travel
Auto Connect INS Web NextCard
Prodigy Free Shop Big Star
Ynot Tu Cows Bell South
Hot100 Garden.com
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For the first three months ended March 31, 1999 and for the year ended
December 31, 1998, advertising revenues represented 71% and 69%,
respectively, of our net revenues.
BANNER ADVERTISING FOR SUBSCRIBERS
To help support and drive traffic to the e-commerce storefronts of our
Platinum Service account subscribers, and expand co-branding opportunities, we
intend to offer special cross-promotion opportunities, including periodic
Nettaxi-sponsored advertising and banner ads at a variety of locations
throughout our website. The banners will be of the same high quality as those
sold at premium prices to outside advertisers. Placement of the banner ads will
be determined by a variety of factors, including appropriateness of location,
opportunities for co-branding, and eventually even the activity patterns of
visitors and subscribers to our website.
We intend to implement special software from Net Perceptions on our
website in the immediate future. The software allows us to track a user surfing
through the overall website, follow the user's patterns of activity, present ads
that are targeted and relevant to the user's interests, and recommend particular
products or services, based on the user's activity profile.
In addition, the software will be able to track the particular banner and
other advertising to which the user has been exposed while visiting our site.
This will provide us with a record of the number and type of ad views accessed
by users over a specified period of time, useful for determining rates for
outside advertisers wishing to have a presence on our website. It will also
provide us with the opportunity to rotate the particular ads it presents to a
user to keep the ads "fresh" and appropriate in context. Eventually, we hopes
to expand our activity tracking functions to include serving content to users
based on their preferences. The result will be content that is customized for a
user, automatically and seamlessly.
We have also licensed ad management software from Accipiter Technology, and
written some custom code to extend the software's capabilities. The software
tracks how many ads are served on the website, which areas and which pages to
which they were served, and how many people have "clicked" on them. The
software allows us to manage its ad selection and placement by providing an
accurate ad count on both a real-time and a compiled-over-a-specified-time
basis, information crucial to billing an advertiser. The software also provides
advertisers with the ability to audit their ad performance on our website on a
real-time basis. We provide a user ID and password to the advertiser, who can
then come onto the website and track their ads at any time.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
During its early stages, our direct sales program has been managed by our
executive management and implemented at the regional level by independent sales
representatives. As we broaden our marketing activities, we plan to expand our
sales and marketing organization to accommodate such increased activities. We
intend to recruit a Vice President of Marketing to manage our overall sales and
marketing efforts, and will also be looking to hire Regional Marketing Managers
to assume responsibility for generating the projected banner advertising sales
revenue in their respective regional markets. Among other things, Regional
Marketing Managers will oversee the activities of independent sales
representative organizations, promote our website as a successful advertising
medium to media companies and advertising agencies in their respective regions,
close and manage key account customers in the region, and management and
implement sales and promotional program with corporate marketing partners in the
region.
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We intend to support our internal sales efforts with a combination of
in-house and independent sales representatives. In early 1999, we appointed The
Adsmart Network, a majority-owned subsidiary of CMGI, Inc. Under the agreement,
Adsmart utilizes Nettaxi's advertising inventory to provide publishers with a
full advertising sales solution. In addition, Adsmart Sponsorships complements
the site-specific sales divisions by developing unique, customized
beyond-the-banner advertising methods that help advertisers build brand
awareness and qualified site traffic. We also have entered into a similar
agreement with Flycast Communications and intend to continue expanding our
advertising reach.
We have also entered into an agreement with assistance from independent
sales representatives. In late 1998, we appointed Cybereps and Unique Media
Services, both are ready-to-use advertising sales and marketing organizations,
as our independent sales representatives. Both organizations specialize in
representing a number of websites and other Internet-related properties and will
provide us with assistance in developing and marketing our banner advertising
sales program. In addition, Cybereps is providing us with a dedicated
sales representative to create customized advertising and marketing campaigns
that are designed not only to increase advertising revenues, but to ultimately
create a branded image. Our agreement with Cybereps and Unique Media Services
enables us to continue our arrangements with other firms that specialize in
bundling various web properties based on category, for co-marketing and
promotional programs.
We will continue to seek formal strategic marketing alliances with major
national or international companies that already have widespread distribution or
coverage within our target markets, which include the consumer marketplace and
corporate advertisers.
Our marketing and promotion strategy will also include aggressive
advertising and promotional programs on a targeted, national scale, and will
stage these programs as capacity is increased to handle user traffic. Specific
components of our ongoing advertising, promotional and public relations
activities will include direct mail, trade print media advertising, and trade
show participation.
PROMOTIONAL PROGRAMS. A key component of our growth plan is the aggressive
promotion of our site through widespread free distribution of our Internet the
City CD-ROM to the consumer marketplace. We have entered into co-marketing
relationships whereby we bundle our Internet the City CD-ROM training product
with products of major hardware and software manufacturers, including Apple
Computer and Pinex Computers, a subsidiary of Fountain Technologies. We also
plan to offer the CD-ROM to numerous computer software and hardware products
manufacturers for bundling with their respective products.
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We have entered into an agreement with eBay, an online trading community,
under which we will develop a customized version of our instructional CD-ROM
product designed to familiarize end users with the services of eBay. This
product is expected to include basic Internet tutorials, a Nettaxi tour and
step-by-step interactive instructions on how to register on eBay, how to place a
bid and how to list an item for sale on the eBay site. Both companies will
finance development of the product and market and distribute it upon completion.
We will receive cash payments based on the number of new customers who use the
CDROM to join eBay.
LINKING AGREEMENTS. We are continuously looking for opportunities to
connect our website through links with other sites in a way that will increase
the number of visitors to, and potential new subscribers for, our community. We
have entered into a linking and promotion agreement with PI Graphix, which
provides e-commerce systems and related information services on its own website.
Under the agreement, our websites are linked and we work with PI Graphix to
develop methods of increasing cross traffic between the sites. Our agreement
with PI Graphix permits us to allow end users to post three-dimensional
descriptions of the products they wish to sell on our website.
ADVERTISING PROGRAMS. We plan to invest in online advertising to drive
traffic to our site by placing advertisements on selected high volume sites, as
well as purchasing targeted keywords on several popular search engines such as
Yahoo!, Excite, Lycos, Infoseek and others. We also plan to advertise in
traditional media such as print, radio and broadcast, on a selective, highly
targeted basis, to increase the awareness of our site.
PUBLIC RELATIONS SUPPORT. By virtue of its broad appeal and
"entrepreneurial" focus, we anticipate that a targeted public relations campaign
will yield material results in building both national and targeted local and
regional awareness for Nettaxi. We recently appointed The Benjamin Group to
assist us in crafting our image and positioning in the marketplace, and to
develop and execute periodic public relations campaigns in coordination with the
introduction of our new products, services, technologies, and partnerships. The
Benjamin Group has extensive experience in successfully launching
Internet-related products and services, and will assist us not only by providing
public relations services, but also by providing guidance on both strategic
communications and tactical implementation issues.
TRADE PUBLICATIONS. An effective and extreme inexpensive method of
bolstering awareness of the Nettaxi brand is editorial inclusion in trade
publications that target the various industry groups with which we seek to do
business. We believe that several factors make us a prime candidate for
editorial coverage in trade publications for the Internet industry, as well as
the general media. They include:
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- - The uniqueness of our integration of online community with premium content
and ready-to-use e-commerce services;
- - The uniqueness of our "entrepreneurial" focus; and
- - The substantial growth of traffic to our online community website.
Through our focused public relations efforts, we will seek out high-impact
editors and reporters at publications that serve the Internet industry. We will
also seek to place articles and columns written by our staff and management in
various publications. This will serve to enhance our credibility and establish
and promote our management and staff as experts.
OPERATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS
To provide its subscribers with the most efficient, flexible, and
innovative services possible, our administrative operations combine in-house and
outsourced services and functions. Our strategy is to keep our in-house staff
small, with a focus on core competencies in technical and R&D areas, and to
outsource other functions and projects on an as-needed basis.
Internal functions currently include account management, traffic
management, website service updates, and other network functions that rely on
UNIX shell scripts; the continued development and updating of the Internet the
City CD-ROM to add to its capabilities and increase co-branding opportunities;
and establishing and managing strategic alliances and partnerships with premium
content providers, product vendors, and other appropriate parties. We intend
to further develop our in-house production facilities to support the development
of original content, including interactive content for our site and specialty
content for our advertisers and media partners.
Outsourced functions include providing and maintaining network hardware and
Internet connections, providing premium content for our site and providing
subscribers with selected e-commerce business services, including credit card
and eCharge billing services, and managing an extensive product database and
tracking its related customer activities.
INFRASTRUCTURE & SYSTEMS
The development of an infrastructure with an Internet-centered network and
database system that allows us to serve information and facilitate e-commerce
transactions on behalf of our subscribers' websites is integral to the
implementation of our web community and ready-to-use e-commerce storefront
concept. to accommodate the substantial transaction volume that we anticipate as
we build our online community of subscribers, or "citizens", vendors, and
information. At this time, the basic components of our technology
infrastructure are substantially in place and operational.
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Our UNIX-based electronic network for Nettaxi.com operates on a 100 Mbps
Ethernet backbone, with two Cisco Systems Ethernet switches that prevent
collisions on the network. Traffic direction for the web servers is handled by
Cisco's LocalDirector software, which tracks server load conditions in real time
and sends traffic to the most appropriate server to spread around and balance
the load. The network is comprised primarily of Sun Microsystems high-capacity
servers, and include a mix of Enterprise, Ultra 1, Ultra 5, and SPARC 20
models, all running the newest version of Sun's Solaris operating environment
for network systems. These servers collectively provide approximately 90
Gigabytes of hard drive space for subscriber capacities.
In addition, the network currently includes NT servers to handle
registration and selected other database functions, using Microsoft's SQL
database software. However, we have embarked on an ambitious program to shift
our database functions over to a 3-tier database connectivity architecture that
relies heavily on Web Objects technology - database connectivity software
licensed from Apple Computer--to provide more robust and easier-to-use
capabilities for subscription registration, browsing through our communities,
and subscriber personalization of web pages, and to allow us to track and
extract user profile and activity data more easily and in more detail.
SERVER MAINTENANCE
Our electronic network is located both at our facility and at the Exodus
Communications Internet Data Center in Santa Clara, California. Exodus
Communications, a provider of server hosting, Internet connectivity,
collaborative systems management, and Internet technology services, operates
Internet Data Centers in several US locations, as well as in London, and
includes several major Internet companies among its clients.
Through its network co-location agreement with Exodus, we are provided with
a secure location for its network servers, multiple high-speed Internet
connections, and access to 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week technical support
personnel and services. Exodus also provides critically important routing,
redundancy, and maintenance services for the network and its Internet
connections, as well as a back-up power supply capable of continuing network
operations for up to a week in the event of a power failure.
COMPETITION
The markets in which we are engaged are new, rapidly evolving and intensely
competitive, and we expect competition to intensify further in the future.
Barriers to entry are relatively low, and current and new competitors can launch
new sites at a relatively low cost using commercially-available software. We
currently or potentially compete with a number of other companies for users,
advertisers and electronic commerce marketers, including a
number of large online communities and services that have expertise in
developing online commerce, and a number of other small services, including
those that serve specialty markets.
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Other companies that are primarily focused on creating Internet online
communities include Tripod and AngelFire, subsidiaries of Lycos; GeoCities which
has been acquired by Yahoo, theGlobe.com, Xoom.com and Alloy Online and, in
the future, Internet communities may be developed or acquired by companies
currently operating Web directories, search engines, shareware archives,
content sites, Internet Service Providers and other entities, which may have
more resources than ours.
In addition, we currently and in the future face competition from
traditional media companies, a number of which, including Disney, CBS, CNN/Time
Warner and NBC, have recently made significant acquisitions or investments in
Internet companies.
Furthermore, we compete for users and advertisers with other content
providers and with thousands of Web sites operated by individuals, the
government and educational institutions. Such providers and sites include AOL,
Angelfire, CNET, CNN/Time Warner, Excite, Hotmail, Infoseek, Lycos,
Microsoft, Netscape, Switchboard, Xoom, ESPN.com and ZDNet.com and Yahoo!
We believe that the following are the principal competitive factors for
companies seeking to create online communities on the Internet:
- - community cohesion and interaction;
- - customer service;
- - brand recognition;
- - Web site convenience and accessibility;
- - price;
- - quality of search tools; and
- - system reliability.
Once our e-commerce functions become fully operational, we will also be
competing with companies in the online commerce market. This market is new,
rapidly evolving and intensely competitive. Current and new competitors can
launch new Web sites at relatively low cost. The products and services that
might be offered through our site will compete with other retailers and direct
marketers, some of which may specifically target our potential customers. We
anticipate that we will compete with various mail-order and Web-based retailers;
various traditional retailers, either in their physical or online stores;
various online service providers that offers products of interest to our
potential customers, including AOL, Microsoft, and other providers mentioned
above; and e-commerce Web sites, such as Amazon.com, Etoys and CDnow.
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We believe that the following are the principal competitive factors in the
online commerce market:
- - brand recognition;
- - quality of site content;
- - merchandise selection;
- - convenience;
- - price;
- - customer service; and
- - reliability and speed of fulfillment.
Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating
histories, larger customer bases, greater brand recognition in other business
and Internet markets and significantly greater financial, marketing, technical
and other resources than us. In addition, other online services may be acquired
by, receive investments from or enter into other commercial relationships with
larger, well-established and well-financed companies as use of the Internet and
other online services increases. Therefore, our competitors with other revenue
sources may be able to devote greater resources to marketing and promotional
campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing policies and devote substantially more
resources to Web site and systems development than us or may try to attract
traffic by offering services for free. Increased competition may result in
reduced operating margins, loss of market share and diminished value of our
brand.
While we have similarities to the typical portals, we distinguish ourselves
by providing host-type services such as premium and even proprietary content,
thematic communities for subscribers, Remind Me electronic calendar services,
and a customizable search engine that also acts as a mechanism for driving
traffic to subscriber and premium content provider sites. A key factor that
sets us apart from other portals is our offer to subscribers of ready-to-use
e-commerce capabilities, including full hosting of a subscriber's domain,
e-commerce storefront building and launching services, sourcing and fulfillment
services, and billing services. However, there can be no assurance that we will
be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. Further,
as a strategic response to changes in the competitive environment, we may, from
time to time, make pricing, service or marketing decisions or acquisitions that
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition. New technologies and the expansion of existing technologies
may increase the competitive pressures on us by enabling our competitors to
offer a lower-cost service. Certain Web-based applications that direct Internet
traffic to certain Web sites may channel users to services that compete with us.
Any and all of these events could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We currently have pending applications before the United States Patent and
Trademark Office for trademark and service mark protection for "Nettaxi", as a
brand name for our website, "Internet the City", the Company's CD-ROM training
product, "URL", the Company's animated guide character, and the Nettaxi
"taxicab". Once these applications are approved, protection will be available
for the periods prescribed by law.
We regard the protection of our copyrights, service marks, trademarks,
trade dress and trade secrets as critical to our future success and rely on a
combination of copyright, trademark, service mark and trade secret laws and
contractual restrictions to establish and protect our proprietary rights in
products and services. We have entered into confidentiality and invention
assignment agreements with our employees and contractors, and nondisclosure
agreements with our suppliers and strategic partners in order to limit access to
and disclosure of our proprietary information. There can be no assurance that
these contractual arrangements or the other steps taken by us to protect our
intellectual property will prove sufficient to prevent misappropriation of our
technology or to deter independent third-party development of similar
technologies. While we intend to pursue registration of our trademarks and
service marks in the U.S. and internationally, effective trademark, service
mark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every
country in which our services are made available online.
We also rely on technologies that we license from third parties, such as
the suppliers of key database technology, the operating system and specific
hardware components for our products and services. These licenses extend for
various terms and are subject to satisfaction of conditions laid out in the
specific licensing agreements. There can be no assurance that these third-party
technology licenses will continue to be available to us on commercially
reasonable terms. The loss of such technology could require us to obtain
substitute technology of lower quality or performance standards or at greater
cost, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Although we do not believe that we infringe the proprietary rights of third
parties, there can be no assurance that third parties will not claim
infringement by us with respect to past, current or future technologies. See
"Legal Proceedings." We expect that participants in our markets will be
increasingly subject to infringement claims as the number of services and
competitors in our industry segment grows. Any such claim, whether meritorious
or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, cause service
upgrade delays or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. Such
royalty or licensing agreements might not be available on terms acceptable to us
or at all. As a result, any such claim could have a material adverse effect upon
our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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GOVERNMENT REGULATION
Our company, operations and products and services are all subject to
regulations set forth by various federal, state and local regulatory agencies.
We take measures to ensure our compliance with all such regulations as
promulgated by these agencies from time to time. The Federal Communications
Commission sets standards and regulations regarding communications and related
equipment.
There are currently few laws and regulations directly applicable to the
Internet. It is possible that a number of laws and regulations may be adopted
with respect to the Internet covering issues such as user privacy, pricing,
content, copyrights, distribution, antitrust and characteristics and quality of
products and services. The growth of the market for online commerce may prompt
calls for more stringent consumer protection laws that may impose additional
burdens on those companies conducting business online. Tax authorities in a
number of states are currently reviewing the appropriate tax treatment of
companies engaged in online commerce, and new state tax regulations may subject
us to additional state sales and income taxes.
Several states have also proposed legislation that would limit the uses of
personal user information gathered online or require online services to
establish privacy policies. The Federal Trade Commission has also initiated
action against at least one online service regarding the manner in which
personal information is collected from users and provided to third parties.
Changes to existing laws or the passage of new laws intended to address these
issues, including some recently proposed changes, could create uncertainty in
the marketplace that could reduce demand for our products and services or
increase the cost of doing business as a result of
litigation costs or increased service delivery costs, or could in some other
manner have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition. In addition, because our services are accessible worldwide
and we facilitate sales of goods to users worldwide, other jurisdictions may
claim that we are required to qualify to do business as a foreign corporation
in a particular state or foreign country. Our failure to qualify as a foreign
corporation in a jurisdiction where it is required to do so could subject us to
taxes and penalties for the failure to qualify and could result in our
inability to enforce contracts in such jurisdictions. Any such new legislation
or regulation, or the application of laws or regulations from jurisdictions
whose laws do not currently apply to our business, could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
GeoCities has made a written demand that we cease and desist in our use of
the marks WALLSTREET and CAPITOL HILL in connection with our services claiming
that our use infringes upon GeoCities' trademark rights. GeoCities has applied
for Federal registration of the marks. To resolve this matter, we filed a
complaint against GeoCities in April 1999 in the United States District Court
for the Northern District of California seeking declaratory relief that our use
of the marks does not infringe upon the rights of GeoCities. We believe that we
have rights to use the marks and intend to protect our rights to do so. We
cannot assure you, however, that the results of the litigation will be favorable
to us. An adverse result of the litigation could have a material adverse effect
on our business and results of operations.
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EMPLOYEES
As of May 31, 1999, we had 20 employees, including:
- - 2 in customer support;
- - 7 in product development;
- - 8 in sales, marketing and business development; and
- - 3 in administration.
We believe that our future success will depend in part on our continued ability
to attract, integrate, retain and motivate highly qualified technical and
managerial personnel, and upon the continued service of our senior management
and key technical personnel. The competition for qualified personnel in our
industry and geographical location is intense, and there can be no assurance
that we will be successful in attracting, integrating, retaining and motivating
a sufficient number of qualified personnel to conduct our business in the
future. From time to time, we also engage independent contractors to support our
research and development, marketing, sales and support and administrative
organizations. We have never had a work stoppage, and no employees are
represented under collective bargaining agreements. We consider our relations
with our employees to be good.
FACILITIES
Our headquarters are currently located in a leased facility in Campbell,
California, consisting of approximately 8,600 square feet of office space to
accommodate management, operations, and research and development functions,
which is under a lease that expires in April 2002. We also lease 580 square
feet of office space in Las Vegas, Nevada which we use for general
administrative purposes. This lease was entered into on May 27, 1999 and has a
one year term and we have an option to renew it for an additional two years. We
believe that our current facilities are adequate for our present needs.
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<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES
Our directors, executive officers and other key employees, and their ages,
as of June 21, 1999 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- -------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Robert A. Rositano, Jr.(1) 30 Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director
- -------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------------
Dean Rositano(1) 27 President and Director
- -------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------------
Glenn Goelz 41 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
- -------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------------
Melanie McCarthy 44 Vice President of E-Commerce
- -------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------------
Brian Stroh 29 Vice President of Information Services
- -------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------------
Andrew Garroni (2) (3) 44 Director
- -------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------------
Ron R. Goldie 48 Director
- -------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------------
Roger Thornton (2) (3) 34 Director
- -------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------------
Steven S. Antebi 55 Director
- -------------------------- --- -----------------------------------------------------
<FN>
(1) Robert A. Rositano, Jr. and Dean Rositano are brothers.
(2) Member of Compensation Committee
(3) Member of Audit Committee
</TABLE>
Each director holds his office until the next annual meeting on the
stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified. Executive
officers are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of our board of directors.
Robert A. Rositano, Jr. Mr. Rositano Jr. co-founded Nettaxi Online
Communities, Inc. a Delaware corporation ("Nettaxi-Delaware"), in October, 1997.
He has served as Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of Nettaxi since the
reorganization with Swan Valley and prior to that served in the same capacities
with Nettaxi-Delaware from its inception. He has over seven years of experience
in the internet service provider and Internet industry. In February 1995, he
co-founded Simply Interactive, Inc. ("Simply Interactive"), an Internet/intranet
software company, and served as Executive Vice President in the areas of Inside
Sales, Customer Service and Product Development until he co-founded
Nettaxi-Delaware. In January 1994, he co-founded Digital Data Express, a company
focused on beginner level Internet users, and served as Chief Executive Officer
until February 1995 when Digital Data Express was acquired by Simply
Interactive. From 1992 to 1994, Mr. Rositano was hired on as the third employee
at Netcom On-line Communications in 1992 and served as a senior sales and
account manager until 1993.
Dean Rositano. Mr. Rositano co-founded Nettaxi-Delaware in October, 1997.
He has served as President of Nettaxi since the reorganization with Swan Valley
and prior to that served in the same capacities with Nettaxi-Delaware Vice
President of Technology until he co-founded Nettaxi-Delaware. While at Simply
Interactive, he assembled a digital production studio and produced the Internet
the City CD-ROM in a three month time frame on three platforms, Windows 3.1,
Windows 95, and Macintosh. In January 1994, he co-founded Digital Data
Express and served as President and Chief Executive Officer until February
1995 when Digital Data Express was acquired by Simply Interactive. At Digital
Data Express, Mr. Rositano co-produced and directed the world's first Internet
training video "Introduction to the Internet."
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<PAGE>
Glenn Goelz. Mr. Goelz was appointed Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer in April, 1999. He has 19 years of broad financial
experience across several high technology fields. Prior to joining Nettaxi, he
was a principal of his own consulting firm specializing in strategic business
and financial consulting to multinational firms and Internet start-up companies.
From August 1997 to January, 1999 Mr. Goelz served as the Vice President of
Finance and Operations for Pictra, Inc., a photo e-commerce start-up company.
From April 1996 to July 1997, he served in various capacities with Simply
Interactive, including Vice-President-Controller and Chief Financial Officer.
From April of 1995 to April 1996, Mr. Goelz served as the Worldwide Controller
at Logitech, Inc., a worldwide provider of computer mice and senseware. Prior to
this, Mr. Goelz served as the Corporate Controller at Auspex Systems, Inc. a
provider of high performance data servers from 1993 to 1995. Mr. Goelz earned
his Bachelor's degree in Business and Economics, with a concentration in
accounting, from Lehigh University.
Melanie McCarthy. Ms. McCarthy was appointed Vice President of E-Commerce
in March, 1999. During her 22-year career, she has defined and implemented the
e-commerce strategies of several organizations. During its 1997-1998 term Ms.
McCarthy served as Chairperson for the Marketing Council of the Association of
Interactive Media in Washington, D.C. and sat on the Capital Hill Internet
Advisory Board. In 1997 she founded Product Partners, Inc., an online retail
company, and served as Chief Executive Officer until January 1999. From 1992 to
1996, Ms. McCarthy served as Vice President of Home Shopping Network's first
interactive effort, HSN Interactive, and negotiated the inclusion of HSN
Interactive on Compuserve, Prodigy, AOL and MSN. She recently served as
chairperson for the Interactive Marketing Council of the Association for
Interactive Media in Washington, D.C., and sat on the Capitol Hill Internet
Advisory Board. Ms. McCarthy earned her Bachelor's degree in Science from the
University of Maryland, and has completed course work toward a graduate degree
in Computer Science at the University of Texas.
Brian Stroh. Mr. Stroh was appointed Vice President of Information
Services in October, 1997. He has close to four years of experience in the
internet service provider and Internet industry. From December 1995 to June
1996 he was head of Customer Service of a customer service, inside sales
department which grew to eight employees. He assisted in the development of a
robust call center and customer database. He also served in a managerial
role, assisting in the development of the second edition to Ques Mega Web
Directory. Mr. Stroh earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of
Colorado at Boulder.
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<PAGE>
Andrew Garroni. Mr. Garroni has served as a director since completion of
our merger with Plus Net in May 1999. Under the terms of our merger agreement
with Plus Net, Mr. Garroni was appointed as a member of the board of directors.
Mr. Garroni has over 20 years experience in the development and management of
start-up entertainment companies. He currently serves as Executive Producer of
Showtime's movie series "Naked City," a position he has held since January,
1998. From 1990 to September, 1998 he served as President of Axis Films
International, Inc. supplying films to cable television networks such as Home
Box Office, Showtime Networks and DBS providers like Direct TV. He began his
career in New York as a principal partner in the motion picture Production
Company Cinerex Associates, Inc. whose clients included Twentieth Century Fox
and Orion Pictures. While in New York, he helped create Magnum Motion Pictures
and Magnum Entertainment. Mr. Garroni has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from
Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Ron R. Goldie. Mr. Goldie has served as a director since completion of
our merger with Plus Net in May 1999. Under the terms of our merger agreement
with Plus Net, Mr. Goldie was appointed as a member of the board of directors.
From March 1990 to December 1995 he was a senior partner at the law firm of
Jeffer, Mangels, Butler and Marmaro. From March 1996 to February 1997 he was a
senior partner at Coudert Brothers. From February 1997 to March 1998 he was a
senior partner at Stroock and Lavan. In March, 1999 he became a senior member
of the corporate department of Mitchell Silberberg and Knupp, a ninety year old
Los Angeles based law firm. Mr. Goldie specializes in business planning and
transactions ranging from local to international matters. The practice
includes a range from mergers and acquisitions, securities practice,
secured and asset based lending transactions, advising regarding structure
and development and general and corporate business matters. Mr. Goldie Received
his Bachelor's degree and Law degree from the University of Southern California,
and was admitted to the California Bar in 1975.
Roger Thornton. Mr. Thornton has served as a director since March, 1999. He
has ten years of industry experience and has served as the Principal Consultant
and Capital Fund Partner for Media Lane Development Group, a Silicon Valley
based technology firm focused on the e-commerce marketplace since October, 1996.
As one of that firm's founding members, he consults on business strategy, system
architecture and engineering management for numerous Internet companies. Mr.
Thornton was a Product Manager with Apple Computer from February 1993 to
December 1995. He served as Marketing Development Manager for Sun Micro Systems
from December 1995 to November 1996. Mr. Thornton has designed and implemented
several of the earliest commercially deployed Web-based applications for such
companies and institutions as E*TRADE, Music Blvd., Stanford University,
InfoWorld Magazine, Bay Networks, Knight Ridder and Intellimatch. Previously he
has held engineering and marketing management positions in several technology
firms, including CenterLine Software Inc., Taligent Inc., an Apple Computer/IBM
joint venture, and JavaSoft, A Sun Microsystems company. Mr. Thornton received
his Bachelor's degree in Engineering and Master's degree in Engineering from San
Jose State University in 1988 and 1993, respectively.
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<PAGE>
Steven S. Antebi. Mr. Antebi has served as a director since May, 1999.
Since 1998, Mr. Antebi has been the Manager of Fontenelle LLC, a personal
holding company specializing in telecommunications and Internet investments.
Since 1994, he has also been the general partner of Maple Partners, a California
partnership with investments in equities. Since 1992, he has been the managing
partner of JLA Partners, a venture capital partnership specializing in late
stage development companies. Mr. Antebi is also President and Chairman of the
board of directors of Novante Communications, a Nevada corporation which invests
in debt and equity marketable securities. From March 1973 through June 1991, Mr.
Antebi was employed by Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., and from 1986 through 1991,
served as a Managing Director. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Antebi was employed by
Drake Capital.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE OF CONTROL
ARRANGEMENTS
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. On August 1, 1998 Nettaxi-Delaware
entered into executive employment agreements with Robert A. Rositano, Jr. and
Dean Rositano, and these agreements continued in effect after the reorganization
with Swan Valley. Pursuant to the terms of their individual executive
employment agreements, Robert A. Rositano, Jr. is to perform the duties
Chief Executive Officer and serve as a member of the board of directors, and
Dean Rositano is to perform the duties of President and serve as a member of the
board of directors. Each executive employment agreement provides for an annual
base salary of $125,000 which may be increased by the board of directors, in
its discretion. The base salary also is to increase by ten percent per annum,
which increase shall be cumulative for each year. Under the executive
employment agreements, each executive is also eligible for annual bonus
compensation in the minimum amount of $50,000 up to a maximum amount equal to
the base salary then payable. The board of directors is to determine the amount
of the annual bonus based upon performance targets established by the board of
directors. Under the executive employment agreements, Robert A. Rositano, Jr.
and Dean Rositano each received warrants to purchase up to 883,952 shares of
the common stock of Nettaxi-Delaware. The Warrants were to vest over three years
and vesting was accelerated upon the reorganization with Swan Valley. Robert A.
Rositano, Jr. and Dean Rositano each exercised their warrants in September,
1998. They have each been granted registration rights with respect to shares of
common stock issued upon exercise of the warrants and they have each waived any
such rights with respect to this registration statement. Each executive is
eligible to receive three weeks paid vacation for the first year of employment
and four weeks per year thereafter. They are also eligible to participate in
the health, life insurance, medical, retirement and other benefit programs
which we may offer from time to time. Each executive receives a car allowance
in an amount not to exceed $600 per month plus insurance and costs of repair and
may be reimbursed for other reasonable expenses incurred during the course of
performing their duties.
The term of the executive employment agreements is four years and they are
automatically renewed for successive periods of one year unless terminated prior
to such renewal. We may terminate either executive at any time with or without
cause. The term "cause" is defined in the executive employment agreements as:
- - conviction or plea of no contest to a felony;
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<PAGE>
- - willful gross misconduct materially injurious to Nettaxi;
- - willful and material failure to substantially perform duties other than a
failure resulting from disability;
- - violation of the agreement's covenant not to compete; or
- - disclosure of material confidential information without prior written
consent.
If and executive is terminated without cause, he is to receive severance pay
equal to:
- - the base salary for the remainder of the term;
- - minimum bonus plus any pro rata bonus in excess of the minimum bonus;
- - pre payment of all automobile allowance for the remaining period of the
term; and
- - continued coverage for life, health and disability insurance for the
remainder of the term.
The above amounts shall be due in one lump sum payment three days following the
termination of his employment without cause. If there is a "change in
control" with respect to Nettaxi, the executives may terminate their executive
employment agreements and be entitled to severance in the amount of three years
of annual benefits to be realized in accordance with the terms of the executive
employment agreements, payable in one lump sum. "Change in control" is defined
in the executive employment agreements as:
- - any change of equity such that more than 50% of the outstanding shares of
our outstanding shares are transferred to a third party;
- - debt ownership such that more than 50% of our outstanding shares are
transferred to a third party; or
- - a sale of 70% or more of our assets.
The executive employment agreements also contain covenants restricting the
disclosure of our confidential information, the solicitation of our employees or
agents and the ability of the executives to engage in competing activities with
us.
In the course of the previous year, as a result of our limited human
resources both Robert A. Rositano and Dean Rositano have performed other
responsibilities not necessarily within the scope of the definition of their
positions under the executive employment agreements.
GLENN GOELZ. As of April 1, 1999 we have entered into an Employment
Agreement with Mr. Glenn Goelz. Under the agreement, Mr. Goelz is employed as
Chief Financial Officer of the Company and is expected to perform the duties
consistent with the position including the management of the financial
operations of the Company and the hiring of personnel. Mr. Goelz receives a
base salary of $125,000 until August 1, 1999 at which time the base salary will
increase to $150,000. He is also eligible for annual bonus compensation in the
minimum amount of $50,000 up to a maximum amount equal to the base salary then
payable. The board of directors is to determine the amount of the annual bonus
based upon performance targets established by the board of directors. He also is
to receive options to purchase up to 250,000 shares of our common stock, which
vest over three years, under our 1998 Stock Option Plan. He receives three weeks
paid vacation for the first year of employment and four weeks per year
thereafter. He is also eligible to participate in the health and other benefit
programs which we may offer from time to time.
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<PAGE>
The term of Mr. Goelz's agreement is three years and automatically renews
for successive periods of one year unless terminated prior to such renewal. We
may terminate him at any time with or without cause. The term "cause" is
defined in the executive employment agreements as:
- - conviction or plea of no contest to a felony;
- - willful gross misconduct materially injurious to Nettaxi;
- - willful and material failure to substantially perform duties other than a
failure resulting from disability; or
- - disclosure of material confidential information without prior written
consent.
Mr. Goelz is eligible to receive severance pay if he is terminated without cause
or if the Company experiences a change in control and he elects to terminate the
agreement. The severance payment would be:
- - the base salary for the remainder of the term;
- - minimum bonus plus any pro rata bonus in excess of the minimum bonus; and
- - continued coverage for health and other benefits for the remainder of the
term.
Additionally, the vesting of all options to purchase common stock of the Company
would be accelerated immediately. The severance payment would be due in one
lump sum three days following the termination of his employment. "Change in
control" is defined in the employment agreement as:
- - any change of equity such that more than 50% of the outstanding shares of
our outstanding shares are transferred to a third party;
- - debt ownership such that more than 50% of our outstanding shares are
transferred to a third party; or
- - a sale of substantially all of our assets.
Mr. Goelz's employment agreements also contains covenants regarding the
assignment of inventions, restricting the disclosure of our confidential
information, the solicitation of our employees or agents and the ability of Mr.
Goelz to engage in competing activities.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Compensation Committee of the board of directors determines the
salaries and incentive compensation of our officers and provides recommendations
for the salaries and incentive compensation of our other employees. The
compensation committee also administers our 1998 Stock Option Plan. The current
members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Thornton and Garroni. Prior to
May 3, 1999, we did not have a Compensation Committee or any other committee of
the board of directors that performed any similar functions.
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<PAGE>
The Audit Committee of the board of directors reviews, acts on and reports
to the board of directors with respect to various auditing and accounting
matters, including the selection of our independent auditors, the scope of the
annual audits, fees to be paid to the auditors, the performance of our
independent auditors and our accounting practices. The current members of the
audit committee are Messrs. Thornton and Garroni.
The board of directors does not have a nominating committee.
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
Directors who are also employees of Nettaxi receive no compensation for
serving on the board of directors. With respect to directors who are not
employees, we intend to reimburse such directors for all travel and other
expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings of the board of
directors and any committees of the board of directors. Non-employee directors
are also eligible to receive grants of non-qualified stock options under our
1998 Stock Option Plan, and we intend to establish a non-employee director stock
option plan which will provide for initial option grants of a fixed number of
shares to non-employee directors and successive annual option grants to such
non-employee directors covering an additional fixed number of shares to provide
us with an effective way to recruit and retain qualified individuals to serve as
members of the board of directors.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
We did not have a Compensation Committee or other committee of the board of
directors performing similar functions during the fiscal years ending December
31, 1997 and 1998. Messrs. Robert A. and Dean Rositano are each officers of
Nettaxi and, as members of the board of directors, participated in deliberations
of the board of directors relating to the compensation of our executive
officers. As indicated above, the board of directors established a Compensation
Committee as of May 3, 1999.
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<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION SUMMARY
The following table sets forth information concerning compensation for
services in all capacities awarded to, earned by or paid to our Chief Executive
Officer and President (collectively, the "Named Executives") during the year
ended December 31, 1998:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE(1)(2)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
- ----------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NAME AND SALARY ($) BONUS ($) (4) NUMBER OF SECURITIES
PRINCIPAL POSITION UNDERLYING WARRANTS/
OPTIONS (#)
- ----------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------------------
Robert A. Rositano, Jr. $95,917 (3) -- 1,012,347
Chief Executive Officer
- ----------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------------------
Dean Rositano $95,917 (3) -- 1,012,347
President
- ----------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------------------
<FN>
(1) Information set forth herein includes services rendered by the Named
Executives while employed by Nettaxi-Delaware prior to the reorganization with
Swan Valley and by Nettaxi following the reorganization with Swan Valley. No
other executive officer or employee received compensation in excess of $100,000
during this period.
(2) The columns for "Other Annual Compensation" "Restricted Stock Awards"
"LTP Payouts" and "All other Compensation" have been omitted because there is no
compensation required to be reported.
(3) For each Named Executive, includes $93,000 in cash compensation and
16,574 shares of common stock issued to each of the Named Executives in
February, 1998 in lieu of salary earned in 1998 having an ascribed value of
$2,198 as determined by the board of directors.
(4) Pursuant to their Executive Employment Agreements, each of the Named
Executives is eligible for annual bonus compensation in the minimum amount of
$50,000 up to a maximum amount equal to the base salary then payable. See
"Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment and Change of Control
Arrangements." The first bonus payment is not due until August 1999 and the
amount of the bonus earned by the Named Executives for the first bonus period,
including a portion of 1998, will not be determined until August 1999.
Accordingly, no entry has been made in the table for bonus compensation
attributable to the year ended December 31, 1998.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
WARRANT AND OPTION GRANTS IN LAST YEAR
The following table sets forth information concerning warrants and options
granted to the Named Executives during 1998.
WARRANT AND OPTION GRANTS DURING YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME Number of % of Total Exercise Expiration Potential Realizable Value at Assumed
Securities Warrants/ Price Per Date(6) Annual Rates of Stock Price Appreciation
Underlying Options Share for Option Term (7)
Warrants/ Granted to ($/SH)
Options Employees
Granted (#) (2) IN 1998 (5)
--------- --------- ---------
0% 5% 10%
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert A. 88,395(3) 3.3% $ 0.0396 3/08 $ 31,504 $ 55,657 $ 87,299
Rositano,
Jr.
- ---------
883,952 33.0% $ 0.0396 8/08 $315,040 $556,572 $872,991
--------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------
40,000(4) 1.5% $ 0.88 10/08 $ 3,200 $ 16,928 $ 47,808
--------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------
Dean 88,395(3) 3.3% $ 0.0396 3/08 $ 31,504 $ 55,657 $ 87,299
Rositano
883,952 33.0% $ 0.0396 8/08 $315,040 $556,572 $872,991
--------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------
40,000(4) 1.5% $ 0.88 10/08 $ 3,200 $ 16,928 $ 47,808
--------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------
<FN>
(1) No SARs were granted to either of the Named Executives during 1998.
(2) Each warrant and option represents the right to purchase one share of our common stock.
(3) These warrants became fully vested upon completion of the reorganization with Swan
Valley.
(4) These options vest in twelve equal quarterly installments commencing three months after
the date of grant.
(5) In 1998, we granted officers, employees and consultants warrants and options to purchase
an aggregate of 2,679,298 shares of our Common Stock.
(6) Options may terminate before their expiration dates if the optionee's status as an
employee or consultant is terminated or upon the optionee's death or disability.
(7) Amounts represent hypothetical gains that could be achieved for the respective warrants
and options if exercised at their end of their respective terms. The 0%, 5% and 10% assumed
annual rates of compounded stock price appreciation are mandated by rules of the SEC and do not
represent our estimate or projection of the future prices of the common stock. Actual gains, if
any, on any exercises of warrants and options are dependent upon the future performance of the
Common Stock and overall stock market conditions. The amounts reflected in the table may not
necessarily be achieved.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
WARRANT AND OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Named
Executives concerning their exercise of warrants during 1998 and exercisable and
unexercisable stock options held by them as of December 31, 1998.
AGGREGATE WARRANT AND OPTION EXERCISES IN 1998 AND YEAR END OPTION VALUES (1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME Shares Value Number of Unexercised Value of Unexercised In-the-
Acquired On Realized Options at Year End(#) Money Options at Year
EXERCISE(#) (2)($) End ($)(3)
-------------------------- ----------------------------
Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ------------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert A. 972,347 $ 346,544 3,333 36,667 $ 25,397 $ 279,402
Rositano, Jr.
- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ------------- ------------ --------------
Dean Rositano 972,347 $ 346,544 3,333 36,667 $ 25,397 $ 279,402
- ------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ------------- ------------ --------------
<FN>
(1) No SARs were owned or exercised by any of the Named Executives during 1998.
(2) There was no public trading market for our common stock at the time these warrants were
exercised. The amounts shown as the value realized by the Named Executives on the exercise of the
warrants is based on a value of $0.396 per share, the fair market value on the date of
exercise as determined by our board of directors, less the exercise price of $0.0396. As
authorized by our board of directors, each of the Named Executives exercised their warrants by
delivery of promissory notes in favor of the Company which bear interest at the rate of 8% per
annum and are secured by the shares.
(3) Based on a per share fair market value of our common stock equal to $8.50 at December 31,
1998, the Closing Price for our common stock on that date as reported by various market makers
for our common stock on the Over-The-Counter Market Bulletin Board.
</TABLE>
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN. Our 1998 Stock Option Plan was adopted by the
board of directors, and ratified and approved by our stockholders, as of
September 29, 1998. The following description of our 1998 Stock Option Plan is
a summary and qualified in its entirety by the text of the plan, which is filed
as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
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<PAGE>
The purpose of the 1998 Stock Option Plan is to enhance our profitability
and stockholder value by enabling us to offer stock based incentives to
employees, directors and consultants. The 1998 Stock Option Plan authorizes the
grant of options to purchase shares of Common Stock to employees, directors and
consultants of Nettaxi and its affiliates. Under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, we
may grant incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and non-qualified stock options. Incentive stock
options may only be granted our employees.
The number of shares available for options under the 1998 Stock Option Plan
is 3,000,000. The 1998 Stock Option Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee of the board. Subject to the provisions of the 1998 Stock Option
Plan, the Compensation Committee has authority to determine the employees,
directors and consultants of Nettaxi who are to be awarded options and the
terms of such awards, including the number of shares subject to such option,
the fair market value of the common stock subject to options, the exercise price
per share and other terms.
Incentive stock options must have an exercise price equal to at least 100%
of the fair market value of a share on the date of the award and generally
cannot have a duration of more than 10 years. If the grant is to a stockholder
holding more than 10% of our voting stock, the exercise price must be at least
110% of the fair market value on the date of grant. Terms and conditions of
awards are set forth in written agreements between Nettaxi and the respective
option holders. Awards under the 1998 Stock Option Plan may not be made after
the tenth anniversary of the date of its adoption but awards granted before that
date may extend beyond that date.
If the employment with Nettaxi of the holder of an incentive stock option
is terminated for any reason other than as a result of the holder's death or
disability or for "cause" as defined in the 1998 Stock Option Plan, the holder
may exercise the option, to the extent exercisable on the date of termination of
employment, until the earlier of the option's specified expiration date and 90
days after the date of termination. If an option holder dies or becomes
disabled, both incentive and non-qualified stock options may generally be
exercised, to the extent exercisable on the date of death or disability, by the
option holder or the option holder's survivors until the earlier of the
option's specified termination date and one year after the date of death or
disability.
As of June 21, 1999, no shares had been issued as the result of the
exercise of options previously granted under the 1998 Stock Option Plan,
1,015,000 shares were subject to outstanding options and 1,985,000 shares were
available for future grants. The exercise prices of the outstanding options
ranged from $0.80 to approximately $15.00. The options under the 1998 Stock
Option Plan vest over varying lengths of time pursuant to various option
agreements that we have entered into with the grantees of such options.
We have not registered the 1998 Stock Option Plan, or the shares subject to
issuance thereunder, pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities
Act"). Absent registration, such shares, when issued upon exercise of
options, would be "restricted securities" as that term is defined in Rule 144
under the Securities Act. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
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<PAGE>
Optionees have no rights as stockholders with respect to shares subject to
option prior to the issuance of shares pursuant to the exercise thereof.
Options issued to employees under the 1998 Stock Option Plan shall expire no
later than ten years after the date of grant. An option becomes exercisable at
such time and for such amounts as determined at the discretion of the board of
directors or the Compensation Committee at the time of the grant of the option.
An optionee may exercise a part of the option from the date that part first
becomes exercisable until the option expires. The purchase price for
shares to be issued to an employee upon his exercise of an option is determined
by the board of directors or the Compensation Committee on the date the option
is granted. The purchase price is payable in full in cash, by promissory
note, by net exercise or by delivery of shares of our Common Stock when the
option is exercised. The 1998 Stock Option Plan provides for adjustment as to
the number and kinds of shares covered by the outstanding options and the
option price therefor to give effect to any stock dividend, stock split, stock
combination or other reorganization of or by Nettaxi.
PRE-REORGANIZATION WARRANTS. Prior to the reorganization with Swan Valley,
Nettaxi-Delaware granted warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,399,298 shares
of Nettaxi-Delaware's common stock for the same purposes, and on substantially
the same terms and conditions, as options to be granted under the 1998 Stock
Option Plan. See "Certain Transactions--Stock Transactions by Nettaxi Online
Communities, Inc." As of the reorganization with Swan Valley, all such warrants
had been exercised by the holders thereof and are no longer outstanding.
401(K) PLAN. Effective June 1, 1999 we instituted the Nettaxi 401(k)
Savings Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Eligible employees may begin making deferrals
under the 401(k) Plan. The 401(k) Plan is intended to be a qualified plan under
Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a), with a cash or deferred option governed by
Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees may elect to defer their
eligible current compensation up to the statutorily and 401(k) Plan prescribed
limits and have the amount of such deferral contributed to the 401(k) Plan.
Contributions to the 401(k) Plan are invested in the investment funds described
in the 401(k) Plan. The 401(k) Plan is filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part.
KEY MAN INSURANCE
We do not currently have any key man insurance. We do intend to purchase
key man insurance on the lives of the Named Executives in the near future.
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS
We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and
officers. These agreements will provide, in general, that we shall indemnify and
hold harmless such directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law
against any judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement, and expenses incurred
in connection with, or in any way arising out of, any claim, action or
proceeding against, or affecting, such directors and officers resulting from,
relating to or in any way arising out of, the service of such persons as our
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directors and officers. Currently, directors and officers are entitled to the
benefits of the limitation of liability provided under our charter documents and
the laws of the State of Nevada. See "Description of Capital Stock--Limitation
of Liability and Indemnification."
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CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
STOCK TRANSACTIONS BY NETTAXI ONLINE COMMUNITIES, INC.
ISSUANCES TO FOUNDERS. Nettaxi-Delaware was formed in October 1997 Robert A.
Rositano, Jr. and Dean Rositano. At the time of formation, each of them was
issued 1,288,044 shares of Nettaxi-Delaware common stock in consideration of
their efforts in establishing Nettaxi-Delaware and developing its initial
business strategy.
On February 12, 1998, Robert A. and Dean Rositano were each issued an
additional 66,297 shares of Nettaxi-Delaware common stock in lieu of salary
compensation earned by them between October 1997 and January 1998 in the amount
of $11,667.
In March 1998, Robert A. and Dean Rositano were each issued warrants to
purchase 88,395 shares of Nettaxi-Delaware common stock. On August 1, 1998, they
were each issued warrants to purchase 883,952 shares of Nettaxi-Delaware common
stock pursuant to the executive employment agreements. See
"Management--Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment and Change of
Control Arrangements." All the warrants issued to Robert A. and Dean Rositano
were exercised in September 1998. See "Management--Executive Compensation."
During 1998, Robert A. and Dean Rositano transferred 129,435 and 137,012
shares, respectively, of Nettaxi-Delaware common stock by gift to individuals.
All the shares of Nettaxi-Delaware Common Stock held by Robert A. and Dean
Rositano and their donees were converted into shares of Nettaxi common stock in
the reorganization with Swan Valley described below.
SSN PROPERTIES, LLC. In October 1997, Nettaxi-Delaware purchased the
assets of Simply Interactive from SSN Properties LLC pursuant to an asset
purchase agreement. The purchase price for the assets was $2,000,000.
$1,020,000 was paid pursuant to a convertible interest bearing promissory note
and the remainder of the purchase price was paid by the issuance of 2,475,066
shares of Nettaxi-Delaware common stock. In September 1998, SSN Properties
converted its promissory note with accrued interest in exchange for 2,792,763
shares of Nettaxi-Delaware common stock. In September, 1998 Nettaxi-Delaware
also issued 176,790 shares of its Nettaxi-Delaware common stock to SSN
Properties in exchange for the cancellation of a $70,000 accounts payable to SSN
Properties. All the shares of Nettaxi-Delaware common stock held by SSN
Properties were converted into shares of Nettaxi common stock in the
reorganization with Swan Valley described below. In April, 1999 a pro rata
distribution of the shares of common stock held by SSN Properties was made to
all of its members.
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Robert Rositano, Sr., father of Robert A, and Dean Rositano, is a managing
member of SSN Properties.
NETTAXI-DELAWARE PRIVATE OFFERINGS. From October 1997 to September 1998
Nettaxi-Delaware conducted a private offering of its common stock. Pursuant to
that offering, a total of 506,378 shares of Nettaxi-Delaware common stock were
sold for total cash consideration of $200,500.
From October 1997 to September 1998 Nettaxi-Delaware conducted a private
offering of its Series A Preferred Stock. Pursuant to that offering, a total of
367,215 shares of Nettaxi-Delaware Series A Preferred Stock were sold for
total cash consideration of $109,050. The Series A Preferred Stock was
convertible on a one-for-two basis into Nettaxi-Delaware common stock. In
September, 1998, the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock were
converted into 734,438 shares of Nettaxi-Delaware common stock.
All the shares of Nettaxi-Delaware common stock issued to investors in the
private offerings were converted into shares of Nettaxi common stock in the
reorganization with Swan Valley described below.
REORGANIZATION WITH SWAN VALLEY
In September 1998, Nettaxi-Delaware entered into the reorganization with
Swan Valley with a non-operating public company, Swan Valley Snowmobiles, Inc.,
a Nevada corporation incorporated in October 1995 ("Swan Valley"). From its
incorporation, Swan Valley engaged in the business of snowmobile repair. During
the first half of 1997, Swan Valley determined that this line of business was no
longer feasible and discontinued its operations. Under the Reorganization
Agreement, the Nettaxi-Delaware stockholders received approximately 2.53 shares
of Common Stock of Swan Valley in exchange for each of their shares of
Nettaxi-Delaware common stock, and Nettaxi-Delaware became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Swan Valley. An aggregate of 12,000,000 shares were issued to
the former Nettaxi-Delaware stockholders in the reorganization with Swan Valley
and the Nettaxi-Delaware stockholders owned approximately 85% of Swan Valley
immediately after the reorganization. As part of the reorganization, all of the
executive officers and directors of Swan Valley resigned and the executive
officers and directors of Nettaxi-Delaware became the executive officers and
directors of Swan Valley which changed its name to Nettaxi, Inc. Immediately
prior to the reorganization, Swan Valley completed a limited public offering of
its common stock which yielded gross proceeds of $1,000,000 that was available
to Nettaxi once the reorganization was completed.
OFFERING OF DEBENTURES AND WARRANTS
On March 31,1999, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with RGC
International Investors pursuant to which RGC International Investors was
issued convertible debentures in the principal amount of $5,000,000 and
received warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock. The
convertible debentures bear interest at the rate of 5% per annum from the date
of issuance and mature on March 31, 2004. The debentures are convertible into
shares of our common stock and include a purchase option that permits holders to
acquire additional shares of our common stock at the time that the debentures
are converted. The warrants may be exercised at any time during the five-year
period following their issuance at an exercise price of $12.375 per share. See
"Description of Capital Stock--Warrants and Debentures."
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OTHER AGREEMENTS
We have entered into a consulting agreement with Fontenelle LLC, a
financial services provider of which one of our directors, Steven S. Antebi is a
manager. Under the agreement, Fontenelle is to provide services we request in
connection with the financial planning, capital structure, continued development
of our business plan and the evaluation of financing alternatives for us. In
exchange for its services, Fontenelle is to receive option to purchase up to
150,000 shares of our common stock under our 1998 Stock Option Plan. The
underlying shares of common stock are to have registration rights that do not
effect this registration statement. The agreement provides that Fontenelle is an
independent contractor and includes provisions regarding the assignment of
inventions, prohibiting the disclosure of confidential information and the
solicitation of our employees. The term of the agreement is two years.
As described above, in October 1998, each of Robert A. Rositano and Dean
Rositano were granted options to purchase up to 40,000 shares of our common
stock under the 1998 Stock Option Plan and Glenn Goelz was granted options to
purchase up to 250,000 shares of common stock under the 1998 Stock Option Plan.
As described above, we have entered into employment agreements and other
compensation arrangements with our officers.
We believe that all of the transactions set forth above were made on terms
no less favorable to us than could have been obtained from unaffiliated third
parties. We intend that all future transactions, including loans, between us and
our officers, directors, principal stockholders and their affiliates will be
approved by a majority of the board of directors, including a majority of the
independent and disinterested outside directors on the board of directors, and
be on terms no less favorable to us than could be obtained from unaffiliated
third parties.
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SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
This prospectus relates to the offering by the selling stockholders for
resale of shares of our common stock acquired by them upon conversion of
convertible debentures and exercise of warrants which the selling stockholders
received in private placement and other transactions. See "Description of
Capital Stock -- Warrants and Debentures." All of the shares of common stock
offered by this prospectus are being offered by the selling stockholders for
their own accounts.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the common stock
beneficially owned by the selling stockholders as of the date of this
prospectus, including shares obtainable under convertible debentures and/or
warrants convertible or exercisable within 60 days of such date. The selling
stockholders provided us the information included in the table below. To our
knowledge, each of the selling stockholders has sole voting and investment power
over the shares of common stock listed in the table below. No Selling
Stockholder, to our knowledge, has had a material relationship with us during
the last three years, other than as an owner of our common stock or other
securities.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON
STOCK PRIOR TO THE OFFERING STOCK AFTER THE OFFERING
- -------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------
SELLING NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF PERCENT OF
STOCKHOLDER SHARES SHARES TO BE SHARES CLASS
SOLD UNDER
THIS PROSPECTUS
- -------------------- --------- --------------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
RGC International 1,991,448 1,991,448 -- --
Investors (1)(2)(3)
- -------------------- --------- --------------- --------- ----------
Wall Street Trading 125,000 125,000 -- --
Group(1)
- -------------------- --------- --------------- --------- ----------
<FN>
(1) The number of shares set forth in the table represents an estimate
of the number of shares of common stock to be offered by the selling
stockholders. We have assumed the sale of all of the common stock offered
under this prospectus will be sold. However, As the selling stockholders can
offer all, some or none of their shares of common stock, no definitive estimate
can be given as to the number of shares that the selling stockholders will hold
after this offering.
(2) The number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by RGC
International Investors consists of an estimated 1,691,448 shares issuable upon
conversion of debentures and exercise of investment options and an estimated
300,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants. This estimate is based on
the conversion rate of the convertible debentures in effect on May 4, 1999. See
"Description of Capital Stock--Warrants and Debentures". This number is our
good faith estimate of the maximum number of shares we may issue upon
conversion of debentures and exercise of investment options and warrants.
However, the actual number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of
the debentures and exercise of the warrants is indeterminate, is subject to
adjustment and could be materially more than such estimated number depending on
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factors which cannot be predicted by us at this time, including, among other
factors, the future market price of our common stock and the issuance of our
securities at prices below the then-market price of our common stock. The number
of shares to be issued upon conversion of the debentures is based upon a formula
set forth in the debentures based upon the trading price of our common stock,
and is subject to adjustment as set forth in the debentures. The number of
shares to be issued upon exercise of the warrants is based upon an exercise
price of $12.375 per share, subject to adjustment as set forth in the warrants.
The actual number of shares of common stock offered hereby, and included in
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, includes such
additional number of shares of common stock as may be issued or issuable upon
conversion of the debentures or exercise of the warrants by reason of any stock
split, stock dividend or similar transaction involving Rule 416 under the
Securities Act. The debentures and warrants contain provisions which limit the
number of shares of common stock into which the debentures are convertible and
the warrants are exercisable. Under these provisions, the number of shares of
common stock into which the debentures are convertible and the warrants are
exercisable on any given date, together with any additional shares of common
stock held by RGC International Investors, will not exceed 4.99% of our then
outstanding common stock.
(3) RGC International Investors is a party to an investment management
agreement with Rose Glen Capital Management, L.P., a limited partnership of
which the general partner is RGC General Partner Corp. Messrs. Wayne Bloch,
Gary Kaminsky and Steven Katznelson own all of the outstanding capital stock of
RGC General Partner Corp. and are parties to a shareholders agreement pursuant
to which they collectively control RGC General Partner Corp. Through RGC
General Partner Corp., these individuals control Rose Glen Capital Management,
L.P. These individuals disclaim beneficial ownership of our common stock owned
by RGC International Investors.
</TABLE>
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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial
ownership of our common stock as of June 21, 1999, and as adjusted to reflect
the sale of the shares of common stock offered by This prospectus, by:
- each person, or group of affiliated persons, who we know beneficially
owns 5% or more of our common stock;
- each of our directors and executive officers; and
- all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
The percentages of total shares of common stock set forth below assume that
only the indicated person or group has exercised options and warrants which are
exercisable within 60 days of June 21, 1999 and do not reflect the percentage
of common stock which would be calculated if all other holders of currently
exercisable options or warrants had exercised their securities. See footnote 1
below.
Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, (1) the following
individuals have sole vesting and sole investment control with respect to the
shares they beneficially own and (2) unless otherwise indicated, the address of
each beneficial owner listed below is c/o Nettaxi, Inc., 1696 Dell Avenue,
Campbell, California.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT OF
BENEFICIALLY OWNED (1) CLASS
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS:
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Robert A. Rositano, Jr. (2) (3) 2,021,287 9.57%
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
Dean Rositano (3) (4) 2,126,260 10.1%
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
Glenn Goelz(5) 20,833 *
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
Melanie McCarthy(6) 4,166 *
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
Brian Stroh(7) 113,784 *
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
Roger Thornton 15,153 *
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
Andrew Garroni 75,000 *
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
Ron R. Goldie 50,000 *
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
Steven S. Antebi 0 *
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
All directors and executive officers as a 4,426,483 20.9%
group (9 Persons)(8)
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
OTHER 5% STOCKHOLDERS:
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
Robert A. Rositano, Sr. (9) 2,882,080 13.7%
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
Janice Rose Rositano-Battistella, 1,839,268 8.7%
Trustee of the Janice Rose Rositano-
Battistella Trust (10)
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
John J. Gallagher (11) 1,080,000 5.1%
- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------
<FN>
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* Less than one percent.
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with rules of the SEC.
In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the
percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock options or warrants
held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days
of June 21, 1999 are deemed outstanding. Such shares, however, are not deemed
outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of each other
person.
(2) Robert A. and Dean Rositano are brothers.
(3) Includes 10,000 shares of common stock subject to options that are
currently exercisable. Excludes 30,000 shares of common stock subject to options
that will not be exercisable within 60 days of June 21, 1999.
(4) Includes 10,000 shares of Common Stock subject to options that are
currently exercisable. Excludes 30,000 shares of common stock subject to
options that will not be exercisable within 60 days of June 21, 1999.
(5) Includes 20,833 shares of Common Stock subject to options that will
be exercisable within 60 days of June 21, 1999. Excludes 229,167 shares of common
stock subject to options that will not be exercisable within 60 days of June 21,
1999.
(6) Includes 4,166 shares of common stock subject to options that are
currently exercisable. Excludes 45,834 shares of common stock subject to options
that will not be exercisable within 60 days of June 21, 1999.
(7) Includes 7,500 shares of common stock subject to options that are
currently exercisable. Excludes 22,500 shares of common stock subject to options
that will not be exercisable within 60 days of June 21, 1999.
(8) See footnotes (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) above.
(9) Shares were received as part of a pro-rata distribution to the members of
SSN Properties, LLC in April 1999. Mr. Rositano is a managing member of SSN
Properties and the father of Robert A. Rositano, Jr. and Dean Rositano. Mr.
Rositano's address is 14836 Three Oaks Court, Saratoga, California 95070.
(10) Shares were received as part of a pro rata distribution to the members of
SSN Properties, LLC in April 1999. Ms. Rositano-Battistella is the mother of
Robert A. Rositano, Jr. and Dean Rositano. Ms. Rositano-Battistella's address is
143 El Altillo Court, Los Gatos, California 95030.
(11) John J. Gallagher's address is 316 W. 20th Street, Manhattan Beach,
California 90266.
</TABLE>
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The following description of our securities and various provisions of our
Articles of Incorporation and our Bylaws are summaries. Statements contained in
this prospectus relating to such provisions are not necessarily complete, and
reference is made to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, copies of which
have been filed with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement of which
this prospectus constitutes a part, and provisions of applicable law. Our
authorized capital stock consists of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par
value $.001 per share, of which 21,110,000 shares were issued and outstanding
as June 21, 1999, and 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.001, of
which no shares were issued and outstanding as of June 21, 1999. As of June 21,
1999, we estimated that there were approximately 347 holders of record of our
common stock.
COMMON STOCK
The holders of outstanding shares of common stock are entitled to share
ratably in dividends declared out of assets legally available therefor at such
time and in such amounts as the board of directors may from time to time
lawfully determine. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each
share held. Cumulative voting in elections of directors and all other matters
brought before stockholders meetings, whether they be annual or special, is not
provided for under the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. However,
cumulative voting rights in the election of our directors currently applies
under California law. California Corporations Code Section 2115 requires us to
provide our stockholders cumulative voting rights in the election of directors
because the average of our property factor, payroll factor and sales factor
deemed to be in California during our latest fiscal year was almost 100%, and
over 60% of our outstanding voting securities are held of record by persons
having addresses in California, and our securities do not currently qualify as a
national market security on NASDAQ. California Corporations Code Section 2115 is
discussed in greater detail below. The common stock is not entitled to
conversion or preemptive rights and is not subject to redemption or assessment.
Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Nettaxi, any assets legally
available for distribution to stockholders as such are to be distributed ratably
among the holders of the common stock at that time outstanding. The common
stock presently outstanding is fully paid and nonassessable. As described below,
the board of directors is authorized, without further stockholder approval, to
issue Preferred Stock. Such an issuance could potentially effect the rights and
preferences of holders of common stock. See "Anti-Takeover Effects Of Various
Provisions Of Nevada Law And Nettaxi's Certificate Of Incorporation And
Bylaws". Other than by the issuance of Preferred Stock by the board of
directors, the rights of security holders may not be modified otherwise than by
a vote of a majority or more of the shares outstanding.
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PREFERRED STOCK
The board of directors is authorized, without further stockholder approval,
to issue from time to time up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock. The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series and the board of
directors may fix the rights, preferences and designations thereof. No shares
of Preferred Stock are currently outstanding and we have no present plans to
issue any shares of Preferred Stock. The issuance of Preferred Stock, while
providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and
other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for
a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring, a
majority of our outstanding voting stock. See "Anti-Takeover Effects of
Various Provisions of Nevada Law and Nettaxi's Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws."
WARRANTS AND DEBENTURES
WALL STREET TRADING GROUP WARRANTS. In March 1999, we issued warrants to
Wall Street Trading Group to purchase up to 125,000 shares of our common stock.
The warrants issued to Wall Street Trading Group may be exercised at any time
during the two-year period following their issuance at an exercise price of
$8.00 per share. The warrants contain provisions for the adjustment of the
exercise price under circumstances set forth therein, including stock dividends,
stock splits, reorganizations, reclassifications, combination and other
dilutive issuances of securities. As described below, we have agreed to
register under the Securities Act the resale of the Common Stock to be issued
upon exercise of the warrants held by Wall Street Trading Group.
RGC INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS DEBENTURES AND WARRANTS. On March 31, 1999,
we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with RGC International
Investors under which we agreed to issue convertible debentures in the amount of
$5,000,000 and warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock. The
debentures bear interest at a rate of 5% per annum commencing on the date of
issuance and mature on March 31, 2004. The debentures are convertible at the
option of the holder into that number of shares of our common stock equal to
the principal amount of the debentures to be converted including all accrued
interested, divided by the conversion price specified in the debentures. The
conversion price is the lesser of a "variable" or "fixed" conversion price. The
variable conversion price is based on the trading price of our common stock over
a fixed period prior to conversion of the debentures, and the fixed conversion
price is $11.88, subject to adjustment as provided under the terms of the
debentures. In addition, at the time that a holder converts all or any
portion of the debentures, such holder has an "investment option" which gives
the holder a right to purchase one additional share of common stock for every
share of common stock issuable as a result of such conversion at an exercise
price equal to the applicable conversion price.
As of May 4, 1999, the $5,000,000 principal amount of the convertible
debentures, plus an amount equal to 5% of such principal amount accrued since
March 31, 1999, could be converted into common stock at a conversion price of
$11.88 per share. Accordingly, as of May 4, 1999, conversion of the entire
principal amount of the convertible debentures and accrued interest thereon,
would yield 422,862 shares of common stock. In addition, as of May 4, 1999, RGC
International Investors's election to fully exercise its option to purchase
additional shares of common stock would yield an additional 422,862 shares of
common stock, resulting in the issuance of an aggregate of 845,724 shares to RGC
International Investors as of that date. Based upon the interest rate and the
conversion price of $11.88, which is subject to downward adjustment as described
above, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the
debentures will increase by approximately 58 shares daily until conversion, as
will the number of shares subject to the purchase option.
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If the debentures have not been converted or redeemed on March 31, 2004,
they will automatically convert into shares of common stock as of that date.
Upon the occurrence of events specified in the Securities Purchase Agreement,
the holders of 50% of the debentures may elect to have us redeem the debentures
at a premium to their purchase price. These events include, but are not limited
to:
- Failure by us to issue shares of our common stock upon conversion of
the debentures;
- Failure by us to transfer to the converting debenture holders stock
certificates for shares of our common stock upon conversion of
the debentures; and
- Failure by us to keep the specified number of shares of our common
stock reserved for issuance upon conversion of the debentures.
The occurrence of other specified events results in a mandatory redemption
by us of the debentures at a premium even without the election of the holders of
the debentures. These mandatory redemption events include, but are not limited
to, our making an assignment for the benefit of our creditors or our bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or liquidation.
The premium payable by us upon any required redemption of the debentures is
based upon a formula set forth in the debentures which takes into account the
trading price of our common stock at the time of the redemption; provided,
however, that in no event would the redemption price be less than 120% of the
sum of the then-outstanding principal amount of the debentures and all accrued
and unpaid interest thereon at the time of the redemption.
The warrants issued to RGC International Investors may be exercised at
any time during the five-year period following their issuance at an exercise
price of $12.375 per share.
The foregoing has been a brief description of some of the terms of the
debentures and warrants. For a more detailed description of the rights of the
holders of the debentures and warrants, prospective investors are directed to
the actual form of debenture that has been filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
As described below, we have agreed to register under the Securities Act,
the resale of the common stock to be issued upon conversion of the debentures or
exercise of the warrants held by RGC International Investors.
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REGISTRATION RIGHTS
RGC INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS. Under a Registration Rights Agreement with
RGC International Investors entered into on March 31, 1999, we agreed to
register the shares of common stock issuable to RGC International Investors
upon conversion of their debentures and exercise of their warrants. This
prospectus is part of the Registration Statement intended to satisfy this
obligation. The Registration Agreement requires us to file a registration
statement with respect to the shares within a specified period of time and to
have the registration statement be declared effective within a specific period
of time. We must also keep the registration statement effective until all of the
securities offered have been sold. We are responsible for the payment of all
fees and costs associated with the registration of the securities, except that
we are not responsible for fees generated by RGC International's counsel in
excess of $30,000. We are required to indemnify and hold harmless each investor
and its representatives and RGC International Investors and its agents or
representatives against:
- - any untrue statement of a material fact in a registration statement;
- - any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement contained in any
preliminary prospectus if used prior to the effective date of the
registration statement; or
- - any violation or alleged violation of the Securities Act or the Exchange
Act. Specific procedures for carrying out such indemnification are set
forth in the Agreement.
Under the Registration Agreement, RGC International Investors also has the
right to include all or a part of its common stock in a registration filed by
us for purposes of a public offering in the event that we fail to satisfy our
other obligations as to the registration of the common stock acquired by RGC
International Investors.
BAYTREE CAPITAL. On September 3, 1998, Nettaxi-Delaware engaged Baytree
Capital Associates to provide financial and business consulting in connection
with the reorganization with Swan Valley. In consideration of such services,
Baytree was issued 200,000 shares of our common stock in October 1998 and
granted registration rights with respect to such shares. Specifically, we must
register the shares held by Baytree upon receipt of a registration request
after April 1, 1999. Baytree also has piggyback registration rights for their
shares, but has waived the right to have such shares included in this
prospectus.
WALL STREET TRADING GROUP. Wall Street Trading Group is entitled to
registration rights with respect to the 125,000 shares of our common stock that
Wall Street Trading Group may receive upon exercise of warrants previously
issued to Wall Street Trading Group. Subject to various and customary
exceptions, if we propose to register shares of our common stock, Wall Street
Trading Group is entitled to notice of the registration and are entitled to
include their shares of common stock in the registration at our expense. This
prospectus is part of the registration statement intended to satisfy our
obligations to Wall Street Trading Group with respect to the registration.
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PLUS NET. Under the terms of the merger between us and Plus Net,
shareholders of Plus Net were granted piggyback registration rights with respect
to the shares of our common stock which they received in the merger. Generally,
they receive registration rights on a pro rata basis with our other
shareholders. The registration rights do not have any impact or effect with
respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. Pursuant to their executive employment agreements,
Robert A. Rositano, Jr. and Dean Rositano were granted registration rights
with respect to the registration of their shares of common stock. Each of them
have waived any registration rights they may have with respect to the
Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part.
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF NEVADA LAW AND NETTAXI'S
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada and are therefore
subject to various provisions of the Nevada corporation laws which may have the
effect of delaying or deterring a change in the control or management of
Nettaxi.
Nevada's "Combination with Interested Stockholders Statute," Nevada
Revised Statutes 78.411-78.444, which applies to Nevada corporations like us
having at least 200 stockholders, prohibits an "interested stockholder" from
entering into a "combination" with the corporation, unless specific
conditions are met. A "combination" includes:
- - any merger with an "interested stockholder," or any other corporation which
is or after the merger would be, an affiliate or associate of the
interested stockholder;
- - any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition
of assets, in one transaction or a series of transactions, to an
"interested stockholder," having:
- an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the aggregate market
value of the corporation's assets,
- an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the aggregate market
value of all outstanding shares of the corporation, or
- representing 10% or more of the earning power or net income of the
corporation;
- - any issuance or transfer of shares of the corporation or its subsidiaries,
to the "interested stockholder," having an aggregate market value equal to
5% or more of the aggregate market value of all the outstanding shares of
the corporation,
- - the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of
the corporation proposed by the "interested stockholder,"
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- - transactions which would have the effect of increasing the proportionate
share of outstanding shares of the corporation owned by the "interested
stockholder," or
- - the receipt of benefits, except proportionately as a stockholder, of any
loans, advances or other financial benefits by an " interested
stockholder."
An "interested stockholder" is a person who
- - directly or indirectly owns 10% or more of the voting power of the
outstanding voting shares of the corporation;
- - an affiliate or associate of the corporation which at any time within three
years before the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding
shares of the corporation.
A corporation to which the statute applies may not engage in a
"combination" within three years after the interested stockholder acquired its
shares, unless the combination or the interested stockholder's acquisition of
shares was approved by the board of directors before the interested stockholder
acquired the shares. If this approval was not obtained, then after the
three-year period expires, the combination may be consummated if all the
requirements in the Articles of Incorporation are met and either:
- - the board of directors of the corporation approves, prior to such person
becoming an "interested stockholder," the combination or the purchase of
shares by the "interested stockholder" or the combination is approved by
the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of voting power not
beneficially owned by the "interested stockholder" at a meeting called no
earlier than three years after the date the "interested stockholder" became
such; or
- - the aggregate amount of cash and the market value of consideration other
than cash to be received by holders of common shares and holders of any
other class or series of shares meets the minimum requirements set forth in
Sections 78.411 through 78.443, inclusive, and prior to the consummation of
the combination, except in limited circumstances, the "interested
stockholder" will not have become the beneficial owner of additional voting
shares of the corporation.
Nevada's "Control Share Acquisition Statute," Nevada Revised Statute
(S)78.378-78.379, prohibits an acquiror, under some circumstances, from
voting shares of a target corporation's stock after crossing threshold ownership
percentages, unless the acquiror obtains the approval of the target
corporation's stockholders. The Control Share Acquisition Statute only applies
to Nevada corporations with at least 200 stockholders, including at least 100
record stockholders who are Nevada residents, and which do business directly or
indirectly in Nevada. While we do not currently exceed these thresholds, we may
well do so in the near future. In addition, although we do not presently "do
business" in Nevada within the meaning of the Control Share Acquisition Statute,
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we may do so in the future. Therefore, it is likely that the Control Share
Acquisition Statute will apply to us in the future. The statute specifies three
thresholds: at least one-fifth but less than one-third, at least one-third but
less than a majority, and a majority or more, of all the outstanding voting
power. Once an acquiror crosses one of the above thresholds, shares which it
acquired in the transaction taking it over the threshold or within ninety days
become "Control Shares" which are deprived of the right to vote until a majority
of the disinterested stockholders restore that right. A special stockholders'
meeting may be called at the request of the acquiror to consider the voting
rights of the acquiror's shares no more than 50 days, unless the acquiror agrees
to a later date, after the delivery by the acquiror to the corporation of an
information statement which sets forth the range of voting power that the
acquiror has acquired or proposes to acquire and other information concerning
the acquiror and the proposed control share acquisition. If no such request for
a stockholders' meeting is made, consideration of the voting rights of the
acquiror's shares must be taken at the next special or annual stockholders'
meeting. If the stockholders fail to restore voting rights to the acquiror or
if the acquiror fails to timely deliver an information statement to the
corporation, then the corporation may, if so provided in its articles of
incorporation or bylaws, call some of the acquiror's shares for redemption. Our
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws do not currently permit us to call an
acquiror's shares for redemption under these circumstances. The Control Share
Acquisition Statute also provides that the stockholders who do not vote in favor
of restoring voting rights to the Control Shares may demand payment for the
"fair value" of their shares. This amount is generally equal to the highest
price paid in the transaction subjecting the stockholder to the statute.
Provisions of our Bylaws which are summarized below may affect potential
changes in control of Nettaxi. The board of directors believes that these
provisions are in the best interests of stockholders because they will encourage
a potential acquiror to negotiate with the board of directors, which will be
able to consider the interests of all stockholders in a change in control
situation. However, the cumulative effect of these terms maybe to make it more
difficult to acquire and exercise control of Nettaxi and to make changes in
management more difficult.
The Bylaws provide the number of directors of Nettaxi shall be established
by the board of directors, but shall be no less than one. Between stockholder
meetings, the board of directors may appoint new directors to fill vacancies or
newly created directorships. A director may be removed from office by the
affirmative vote of 66-2/3% of the combined voting power of the then
outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors.
The Bylaws further provide that stockholder action may be taken at a
meeting of stockholders and may be effected by a consent in writing if such
consent is signed by the holders of the majority of outstanding shares, unless
Nevada law requires a greater percentage.
We are not aware of any proposed takeover attempt or any proposed attempt
to acquire a large block of our common stock.
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The provisions described above may have the effect of delaying or deterring
a change in the control or management of Nettaxi.
APPLICATION OF CALIFORNIA GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
Although we are incorporated in Nevada, our headquarters is in the State of
California. Section 2115 of the California General Corporation Law ("Section
2115") provides that provisions of the California General Corporation Law shall
be applicable to a corporation organized under the laws of another state to
the exclusion of the law of the state in which it is incorporated, if the
corporation meets tests regarding the business done in California and the
number of its California stockholders.
An entity such as us can be subject to Section 2115 if the average of the
property factor, payroll factor and sales factor deemed to be in California
during its latest full income year is more than 50 percent and more than
one-half of its outstanding voting securities are held of record by persons
having addresses in California. Section 2115 does not apply to corporations
with outstanding securities listed on the New York or American Stock Exchange,
or with outstanding securities designated as qualified for trading as a national
market security on NASDAQ, if such corporation has at least 800 beneficial
holders of its equity securities. Since the average of our property factor,
payroll factor and sales factor deemed to be in California during our latest
fiscal year was almost 100%, and over 60% of our outstanding voting securities
are held of record by persons having addresses in California, and our securities
do not currently qualify as a national market security on NASDAQ, we are subject
to Section 2115.
During the period that we are subject to Section 2115, the provisions of
the California General Corporation Law regarding the following matters are made
applicable to the exclusion of the law of the State of Nevada:
- - general provisions and definitions;
- - annual election of directors;
- - removal of directors without cause;
- - removal of directors by court proceedings;
- - filling of director vacancies where less than a majority in office were
elected by the stockholders
- - directors' standard of care;
- - liability of directors for unlawful distributions;
- - indemnification of directors, officers and others;
- - limitations on corporate distributions of cash or property;
- - liability of a stockholder who receives an unlawful distribution;
- - requirements for annual stockholders meetings;
- - stockholders' right to cumulate votes at any election of directors;
- - supermajority vote requirements;
- - limitations on sales of assets;
- - limitations on mergers;
- - reorganizations;
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- - dissenters' rights in connection with reorganizations
- - required records and papers;
- - actions by the California Attorney General; and
- - rights of inspection.
Pursuant to our agreements with RGC International Investors, we intend to
take appropriate action to qualify our common stock as a national market
security on NASDAQ. If such qualification becomes effective, and the other
conditions for exemption from Section 2115 can be satisfied, we would no
longer be subject to Section 2115. There can be no assurance that all the
conditions from exemption, including successful completion of the
qualification of our common stock as a national market security on NASDAQ, will
be satisfied.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS
We believe that provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws will
be useful to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.
Our Articles of Incorporation limit the liability of directors and officers to
the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law. This is intended to allow our
directors and officers the benefit of Nevada's corporation law which provides
that directors and officers of Nevada corporations may be relieved of monetary
liabilities for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except under
circumstances which involve acts or omissions which involve intentional
misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law, or the payment of unlawful
distributions.
We have obtained officer and director liability insurance with respect to
liabilities arising out of certain matters, including matters arising under the
Securities Act.
There is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director, officer,
associate or other agent of Nettaxi as to which indemnification is being sought,
nor are we aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for
indemnification by any director, officer, associate, or other agent.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Interwest Transfer Co., Inc. is the transfer agent and registrar for our
capital stock.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
On May 4, 1999, 21,110,000 shares of our common stock were outstanding, and
630,000 shares of common stock were subject to options granted under our 1998
Stock Option Plan. See "Management--Employee Benefit Plans." In addition,
2,116,448 shares of common stock were issuable upon conversion or exercise of
the convertible debentures and warrants held by the selling stockholders, and
50,000 shares of Common Stock were issuable upon exercise of outstanding
warrants held by parties other than the selling stockholders. Of the outstanding
shares, 1,910,000 shares of common stock are immediately eligible for sale in
the public market without restriction or further registration under the
Securities Act, unless purchased by or issued to any "affiliate" of ours, as
that term is defined in Rule 144, described below. All other outstanding shares
of our common stock are "restricted securities" as such term is defined under
Rule 144, in that such shares were issued in private transactions not involving
a public offering and may not be sold in the absence of registration other than
in accordance with Rule 144, 144(k) or 701 promulgated under the Securities Act
or another exemption from registration.
In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, a person, including
an affiliate, who has beneficially owned shares for at least one year is
entitled to sell, within any three-month period commencing 90 days after the
date of this prospectus, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater
of 1% of the then outstanding shares of our common stock or the average weekly
trading volume in our common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the
date on which notice of such sale is filed, subject to various restrictions. In
addition, a person who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of ours at any
time during the 90 days preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned the
shares proposed to be sold for at least two years would be entitled to sell
those shares under Rule 144(k) without regard to the requirements described
above. To the extent that shares were acquired from an affiliate, such person's
holding period for the purpose of effecting a sale under Rule 144 commences on
the date of transfer from the affiliate. As of May 4, 1999, none of our
outstanding shares were eligible for sale under Rule 144; however, on October 1,
1999, 11,950,337 shares of common stock will become eligible for sale under Rule
144.
The shares of common stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of the
convertible debentures and warrants held by the selling stockholders are being
registered on the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Upon effectiveness of that registration statement, such shares will also be
immediately eligible for sale in the public market subject to restrictions
included in our agreements with the selling stockholders. See "Description of
Capital Stock--Warrants and Debentures." We also intend to file a registration
statement to register for resale the 3,000,000 shares of common stock reserved
for issuance under our 1998 Stock Option Plan. That registration statement will
become effective immediately upon filing. Accordingly, shares covered by that
registration statement would become eligible for sale in the public market
subject to vesting restrictions. As of May 4, 1999, 78,332 of these options
were exercisable. Finally, some of our stockholders have demand registration
rights with to their shares of common stock. See "Description of Capital
Stock--Registration Rights."
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There has been very limited trading volume in our common stock to date.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock under Rule 144, this
prospectus or otherwise could adversely affect the prevailing market price of
our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the
future sale of our securities. See "Risk Factors--Shares eligible for future
sale by our current stockholders may adversely affect our stock price."
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We previously issued our convertible debentures and warrants to purchase
Common Stock to the selling stockholders in a private offering and other
transactions. See "Description of Capital Stock--Warrants and Debentures" for a
description of the terms of such debentures and warrants. This prospectus
relates to the offer and sale of the shares of our common stock to be received
by the Seller Stockholders when and if they convert their debentures and/or
exercise their warrants. We are registering the shares of common stock to
fulfill our obligations under various registration rights agreements with the
selling stockholders. See "Description of Capital Stock--Registration Rights."
The registration of the shares of common stock does not necessarily mean that
any of the shares will be offered or sold by the selling stockholders under this
prospectus. See "selling stockholders."
The selling stockholders and their pledgees, donees, transferees or other
successors in interest may offer their shares at various times in one or more of
the following transactions:
- - a block trade on the O-T-C Market Bulletin Board or other market on which
the common stock may be traded in which the broker-dealer so engaged will
attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion
of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
- - purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by such broker or
dealer for its account pursuant to this prospectus;
- - ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker
solicits purchasers;
- - privately negotiated, face-to-face transactions between the selling
stockholders and purchasers without a broker-dealer;
- - through the writing of options or short sales; and
- - any combination of the above.
The sale price to the public may be the market price prevailing at the time
of sale, a price relating to such prevailing market price or such other price as
RGC International Investors determines from time to time.
RGC International Investors may also sell the shares directly to market
makers acting as principals or broker-dealers acting as agents for themselves or
their customers. Brokers acting as agents from RGC International Investors will
receive usual and customary commissions for brokerage transactions, and market
makers and block purchasers purchasing the shares will do so for their own
account and at their own risk. It is possible that RGC International Investors
will attempt to sell shares of common stock in block transactions to market
makers or other purchasers at a price per share which may be below the then
market price. There can be no assurance that all or any of the shares offered
hereby will be issued to or sold by RGC International Investors. RGC
International Investors and any brokers, dealers or agents effecting the sale of
any of the shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" under the Securities Act.
In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus may also be sold under
Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this prospectus. See "Shares Eligible for
Future Sale." The selling stockholders have the sole discretion not to accept
any offer to purchase shares or make any sale of shares if they conclude the
purchase price is inadequate.
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The selling stockholders, alternatively, may sell the shares offered under
this prospectus through an underwriter. The selling stockholders have not
entered into any agreement with a prospective underwriter. We can not guarantee
that this type of agreement will not be entered into. If the selling
stockholders enter into this type of agreement, we will supplement or revise
this prospectus.
Upon being notified by the selling stockholders that any material
arrangement has been entered into with a broker or dealer for the sale of shares
through a block trade, special offering, exchange distribution or secondary
distribution or a purchase by a broker or dealer, we will file a supplemented
prospectus, if required, pursuant to Rule 424(c) under the Securities Act,
disclosing:
- - the name of each broker or dealer;
- - the number of shares involved;
- - the price at which the shares were sold;
- - the commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to the
broker(s) or dealer(s), where applicable;
- - that the broker(s) or dealer(s) did not conduct any investigation to
verify the information set out or incorporated by reference in this prospectus,
as supplemented; and
- - other facts material to the transaction.
To comply with the securities laws of various jurisdictions, the shares
offered by this prospectus may need to be offered or sold in such jurisdictions
only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.
The selling stockholders and any other persons participating in the sale or
distribution of the shares of common stock will be subject to the relevant
provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, which
provisions may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares by
the selling stockholders or any other person. The foregoing may affect the
marketability of such shares.
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We will indemnify the selling stockholders, or their transferees or
assignees, against some liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act, 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.
We are bearing all costs relating to the registration of the shares. The
selling stockholders will pay any commissions, discounts or other fees payable
to broker-dealers in connection with any sale of the shares.
The selling stockholders have agreed to suspend sales for limited periods
upon notification that actions, such as amending or supplementing this
prospectus, are required in order to comply with federal or state securities
laws.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the issuance of the common stock offered hereby has been
passed upon for us by Silicon Valley Law Group, San Jose, California.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and schedules included in the registration
statement on Form S-1 have been audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, independent
certified public accountants, to the extent and for the periods set forth in
reports appearing elsewhere herein and in the registration statement, and are
included in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of said firm as
experts in auditing and accounting.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-l. This
prospectus, which is a part of the registration statement, does not contain all
of the information included in the registration statement. Some information is
omitted and you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits.
With respect to references made in this prospectus to any contract, agreement or
other document of Nettaxi, such references are not necessarily complete and you
should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies
of the actual contract, agreement or other document. You may review a copy of
the registration statement, including exhibits, at the SEC's public reference
room at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 or Seven
World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 or Citicorp Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
The public may obtain information on the operation of the public reference
room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
We will also file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements
and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports,
statements or other information on file at the public reference rooms. You can
also request copies of these documents, for a copying fee, by writing to the
SEC.
Our SEC filings and the registration statement can also be reviewed by
accessing the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, which contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants
that file electronically with the SEC.
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NETTAXI, INC.
CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements F-2
Pro forma combined consolidated balance sheet merger with Plus Net, Inc. F-3 - F-4
Pro forma combined consolidated statement of operations merger with Plus Net, Inc. F-5
Pro forma combined consolidated statement of operations merger with Plus Net, Inc. F-6
NETTAXI, INC.
Report of Independent Certified Pubic Accountants F-7
Consolidated balance sheets F-8 - F-9
Consolidated statements of operations F-10
Consolidated statements of shareholders' equity F-11
Consolidated statements of cash flows F-12
Notes to consolidated financial statements F-13-F-31
PLUS NET, INC.
Report of Independent Certified Pubic Accountants F-32
Balance Sheets F-33
Statements of operations F-34
Statements of shareholders' (deficiency) equity F-35
Statements of cash flows F-36
Notes to financial statements F-37-F-39
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial information reflects the
proposed acquisition of all of the outstanding stock of Plus Net, Inc.
The accompanying unaudited pro forma combined consolidated balance sheet
presents the financial position of Nettaxi, Inc. as if the proposed merger
(treated as pooling of interests) had occurred on March 31, 1999. The unaudited
pro forma combined consolidated statements of operations for the year ended
December 31, 1998 and the three months ended March 31, 1999 give effect to the
proposed merger as if it had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period
presented.
In the proposed merger, Nettaxi will acquire all the outstanding equity
securities of Plus Net in exchange for 7,000,000 shares of Nettaxi common stock.
All shares will be issued to Plus Net stockholders of record.
The unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial statements have been
prepared from, and should be read in conjunction with, the historical financial
statements and notes thereto of Nettaxi and Plus Net, appearing elsewhere in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. These statements are not necessarily
indicative of future operations or the actual results that would have occurred
had the transactions been consummated at the beginning of the periods indicated.
F-2
<PAGE>
NETTAXI, INC.
PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
MERGER WITH PLUS NET, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nettaxi, Inc.
Combined
Nettaxi, Inc. Plus Net, Inc. Pro Forma Consolidated
3/31/99 3/31/99 Adjustments Pro Forma
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
--------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 77,500 $ 1,437,600 $ - $ 1,515,100
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful 285,600 - - 285,600
accounts
Prepaid expenses and other assets 67,500 - - 67,500
--------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 430,600 1,437,600 - 1,868,200
--------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 399,000 600 - 399,600
PURCHASED TECHNOLOGY, net 623,500 - - 623,500
OTHER INTANGIBLES, net 107,500 - - 107,500
DEPOSITS 23,600 - - 23,600
--------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
$ 1,584,200 $ 1,438,200 $ - $ 3,022,400
=============== ================ ============= ===============
</TABLE>
F-3
<PAGE>
NETTAXI, INC.
PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
MERGER WITH PLUS NET, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nettaxi, Inc.
Combined
Nettaxi, Inc. Plus Net, Inc. Pro Forma Consolidated
3/31/99 3/31/99 Adjustments Pro Forma
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
--------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 610,300 $ 1,138,800 $ - $ 1,749,100
Accrued expenses 90,600 - - 90,600
Deferred revenue 42,000 - - 42,000
Income tax payable - 100,000 - 100,000
Current portion of capital lease 7,300 - - 7,300
Notes payable to shareholder 200,000 - - 200,000
- --------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 950,200 1,238,800 - 2,189,000
- --------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Capital lease, net of current portion 3,600 - - 3,600
- --------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 953,800 1,238,800 - 2,192,600
- --------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 - - - -
shares authorized; no shares outstanding
Common stock subscribed (95,000) - - (95,000)
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 10,800 7,000 - 17,800
shares authorized, 14,110,000 and 21,110,000
shares issued and outstanding, historical and
pro forma, respectivley
Additional paid-in capital 4,872,100 - - 4,872,100
Accumulated deficit (4,157,500) 192,400 - (3,965,100)
- --------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 630,400 199,400 - 829,800
- --------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
$ 1,584,200 $ 1,438,200 $ - $ 3,022,400
=============== ================ ============= ===============
</TABLE>
F-4
<PAGE>
NETTAXI, INC.
PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF OPERATIONS MERGER WITH PLUS NET, INC.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Plus Net
Nettaxi, Inc. For the period Nettaxi, Inc.
For the year 10/28/98 (date of Combined
ended Incorporation) to Pro Forma Consolidated
12/31/98 12/31/98 Adjustments Pro Forma
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET REVENUES $ 258,000 $ - $ - $ 258,000
COST OF REVENUES 239,800 - - 239,800
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------------
GROSS PROFIT 18,200 - - 18,200
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Sales and marketing 745,600 - - 745,600
Research and development 634,700 - - 634,700
General and administrative 1,053,200 200 - 1,053,400
Asset impairment 667,000 - - 667,000
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 3,100,500 200 - 3,100,700
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (3,082,300) (200) - (3,082,500)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income 9,800 - - 9,800
Interest expense (68,800) - - (68,800)
Other income 28,500 - - 28,500
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (3,112,800) (200) - (3,113,000)
INCOME TAXES (800) - - (800)
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------------
NET LOSS $ (3,113,600) $ (200) $ - $ (3,113,800)
========================================== =============== =================== ============= ===============
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND (14,300) - - (14,300)
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------------- ------------- ---------------
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $ (3,127,900) $ (200) $ - $ (3,128,100)
========================================== =============== =================== ============= ===============
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.37) $ (0.20)
========================================== =============== =================== ============= ===============
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 8,499,781 15,499,781
========================================== =============== =================== ============= ===============
</TABLE>
F-5
<PAGE>
NETTAXI, INC.
PRO FORMA COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF OPERATIONS MERGER WITH PLUS NET, INC.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nettaxi, Inc. Plus Net
For the three For the three Nettaxi, Inc.
months months Combined
ended ended Pro Forma Consolidated
3/31/99 3/31/99 Adjustments Pro Forma
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET REVENUES $ 280,200 $ 409,100 $ - $ 689,300
COST OF REVENUES 283,100 40,300 - 323,400
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
GROSS PROFIT (2,900) 368,800 - 365,900
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Sales and marketing 135,700 - - 135,700
Research and development 217,800 - - 217,800
General and administrative 347,400 75,400 - 423,600
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 700,900 75,400 - 777,100
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (703,800) 293,400 - (410,400)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income 2,600 - - 2,600
Interest expense (500) - - (500)
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (701,700) 293,400 - (408,300)
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
INCOME TAXES - (100,800) - (100,800)
- ------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
NET LOSS $ (701,700) $ 192,600 $ - $ (509,100)
========================================== =============== =============== ============= ===============
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.05) $ (0.02)
========================================== =============== =============== ============= ===============
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 14,110,000 21,110,000
========================================== =============== =============== ============= ===============
</TABLE>
F-6
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Nettaxi, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nettaxi, Inc. as
of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31,
1998 and for the period from October 23, 1997 (date of incorporation) to
December 31, 1997. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. These standards require that we plan and perform our audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Nettaxi, Inc. as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the
period from October 23, 1997 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
BDO Seidman, LLP
San Jose, California
March 16, 1999, except for matters discussed in Note 2 for which the date is
June 5, 1999.
F-7
<PAGE>
NETTAXI, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
---------------------- March 31,
1997 1998 1999
---------- ---------- ------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 10) $ 49,500 $ 465,800 $ 77,500
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 60,100 133,700 285,600
of $0, $31,200 and $28,000, respectively (Note 10)
Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,900 16,100 67,500
---------- ---------- ------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 112,500 615,600 430,600
---------- ---------- ------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net (Note 3) 142,800 255,100 399,000
PURCHASED TECHNOLOGY, net (Note 4) 1,682,000 667,000 623,500
OTHER INTANGIBLES, net (Note 4) 145,000 115,000 107,500
DEPOSITS - - 23,600
---------- ---------- ------------
$2,082,300 $1,652,700 $ 1,584,200
========== ========== ============
</TABLE>
F-8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------------------- March 31,
1997 1998 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 11,000 $ 186,900 $ 610,300
Accrued expenses (Note 5) 77,300 74,000 90,600
Deferred revenue - 47,000 42,000
Income taxes payable (Note 9) 600 - -
Current portion of capital lease obligations (Note 7) - 7,300 7,300
Notes payable to shareholder (Note 6) - - 200,000
Current portion of convertible notes payable, 246,500 - -
related party (Note 6)
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 335,400 315,200 950,200
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Capital lease obligations, less current portion (Note 7) - 5,400 3,600
Convertible notes payable, related party (Note 6) 773,500 - -
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 773,500 5,400 3,600
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,108,900 320,600 953,800
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 7, 13, and 14)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 6, 8 and 14)
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares 100 - -
authorized; 134,000 shares and no shares issued
and outstanding, respectively
Common stock subscribed - (95,000) (95,000)
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares 2,600 10,800 10,800
authorized; 5,483,500 and 14,110,000 shares
issued and outstanding, respectively
Additional paid-in capital 1,297,900 4,872,100 4,872,100
Accumulated deficit (327,200) (3,455,800) (4,157,500)
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 973,400 1,332,100 630,400
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------
$2,082,300 $ 1,652,700 $ 1,584,200
----------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-9
<PAGE>
NETTAXI, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year ended December 31, 1998 and for the Period from Three Months Ended March 31,
------------------------- --------------------------
October 23, 1997 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 1997 1997 1998 1998 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET REVENUES (Notes 10 and 11) $ 144,900 $ 258,000 $ 36,300 $ 280,200
COST OF REVENUES 87,400 239,800 20,600 283,100
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
GROSS PROFIT 57,500 18,200 15,700 (2,900)
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Sales and marketing 3,100 745,600 90,600 135,700
Research and development 36,500 634,700 161,700 217,800
General and administrative 160,000 1,053,200 146,600 347,400
Asset impairment (Note 4) - 667,000 - -
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 199,600 3,100,500 398,900 700,900
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (142,100) (3,082,300) (383,200) (703,800)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income - 9,800 - 2,600
Interest expense (Note 6) (17,000) (68,800) (25,500) (500)
Other income - 28,500 - -
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (159,100) (3,112,800) (408,700) (701,700)
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
INCOME TAXES (Note 9) (600) (800) - -
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
NET LOSS $ (159,700) $(3,113,600) $ (408,700) $ (701,700)
============================================================== =========== ============ ============ ============
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND (167,500) (14,300) (14,300) -
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $ (327,200) $(3,127,900) $ (423,000) $ (701,700)
============================================================== =========== ============ ============ ============
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (0.06) $ (0.37) $ (0.07) $ (0.05)
============================================================== =========== ============ ============ ============
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 5,483,500 8,499,781 6,125,230 14,110,000
============================================================== =========== ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-10
<PAGE>
NETTAXI, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Additional
Preferred Stock Common Stock Stock Paid-in
Shares Amount Shares Amount
---------------- -------------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCES, October 23, 1997 - $ - 2,576,088 $ 100
Issuance of common stock for services and - - 187,837 -
salaries
Issuance of common stock for property, - - 2,475,066 2,500
equipment and technology (Note 4)
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock 134,000 100 - -
Net loss available to common shareholders - - - -
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- -------------- ---------- -----------
BALANCES, December 31, 1997 134,000 100 5,238,991 2,600
Net proceeds from sale of preferred stock 11,400 - - -
Net proceeds from sale of common stock - - 1,756,378 1,800
Issuance of common stock for services and - - 328,132 300
salaries
Exchange of convertible notes payable and - - 2,792,763 2,800
accrued interest (Note 6)
Exchange of preferred stock for common stock (145,400) (100) 734,438 -
Compensation expense related to warrants granted - - - -
(Note 8)
Warrants exchanged for common stock - - 2,399,298 2,400
Issuance of common stock to Placement Agent - - 200,000 200
Common stock issued in connection with - - 660,000 700
Reorganization
Net loss available to common shareholders - - - -
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- -------------- ---------- -----------
BALANCES, December 31, 1998 - - 14,110,000 10,800
Balance of information is unaudited through March 31, 1999
Net loss available to common shareholders - - - -
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- -------------- ---------- -----------
BALANCES, March 31, 1999 - $ - 14,110,000 $ 10,800
=========================================================== ================ ============== ========== ===========
Accumulated
Subscribed Capital Deficit Total
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCES, October 23, 1997 $ - $ - $ - $ 100
Issuance of common stock for services and - 52,500 - 52,500
salaries
Issuance of common stock for property, - 977,500 - 980,000
equipment and technology (Note 4)
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock - 267,900 - 268,000
Net loss available to common shareholders - - (327,200) (327,200)
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------ ------------
BALANCES, December 31, 1997 - 1,297,900 (327,200) 973,400
Net proceeds from sale of preferred stock - 22,900 - 22,900
Net proceeds from sale of common stock - 1,198,300 - 1,200,100
Issuance of common stock for services and - 142,500 - 142,800
salaries
Exchange of convertible notes payable and - 1,103,000 - 1,105,800
accrued interest (Note 6)
Exchange of preferred stock for common stock - 100 - -
Compensation expense related to warrants granted - 855,000 - 855,000
(Note 8)
Warrants exchanged for common stock (95,000) 92,600 - -
Issuance of common stock to Placement Agent - 159,800 - 160,000
Common stock issued in connection with - - (700) -
Reorganization
Net loss available to common shareholders - - (3,127,900) (3,127,900)
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------ ------------
BALANCES, December 31, 1998 (95,000) 4,872,100 (3,455,800) 1,332,100
Balance of information is unaudited through March 31, 1999
Net loss available to common shareholders - - (701,700) (701,700)
- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------ ------------
BALANCES, March 31, 1999 $ (95,000) $4,872,100 $(4,157,500) $ 630,400
=========================================================== ============= ========== ============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-11
<PAGE>
NETTAXI, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(NOTE 12)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year ended December 31, 1998 and for the Period from Three Months Ended March 31,
--------------------------
October 23, 1997 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 1997 1997 1998 1998 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $(159,700) $(3,113,600) $ (408,700) $ (701,700)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities:
Gain on disposal of equipment - (28,500) - -
Depreciation and amortization 70,200 433,500 104,900 75,700
Allowance for doubtful accounts - 31,200 - (3,200)
Issuance of common stock for interest on convertible notes - 68,800 - -
Issuance of common stock for services and salaries 52,500 302,800 5,800 -
Asset impairment (Note 4) - 667,000 - -
Compensation expense related to options granted - 855,000 - -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (60,000) (104,800) 60,000 (148,700)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (2,900) (13,200) 1,800 (51,400)
Accounts payable 11,000 175,900 600 423,400
Accrued expenses 37,300 13,700 31,900 16,600
Deferred revenue - 47,000 - (5,000)
Income taxes payable 600 (600) (600) -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (51,000) (665,800) (204,300) (394,300)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from disposal of equipment - 34,600 - -
Deposits - - - (23,600)
Capital expenditures - (159,200) (500) (168,600)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES - (124,600) (500) (192,200)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payment on obligations under capital lease - (2,000) - (1,800)
Notes payable to shareholder - - - 200,000
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock 100,500 8,600 8,600 -
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock - 1,200,100 147,500 -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 100,500 1,206,700 156,100 198,200
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 49,500 416,300 (48,700) (388,300)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period - 49,500 49,500 465,800
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ 49,500 $ 465,800 $ 800 $ 77,500
====================================================================== ========== ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-12
<PAGE>
1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company Nettaxi, Inc. (formerly Swan Valley Snowmobiles, Inc., a
publicly traded corporation-the Company), is a Nevada Corporation,
which was incorporated on October 26, 1995.
On September 29, 1998 the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of
the outstanding common stock of Nettaxi OnLine Communities, Inc., in
exchange for 660,000 shares of the Company's $0.001 par value common
stock and changed its name to Nettaxi, Inc. For accounting purposes,
the acquisition has been treated as the acquisition of the Company by
Nettaxi OnLine Communities, Inc. with Nettaxi OnLine Communities, Inc.
as the acquiror (Reverse Acquisition). Since the Company prior to the
Reverse Acquisition was a public shell corporation with no significant
operations, pro-forma information giving effect to the acquisition is
not presented. All shares and per share data prior to the acquisition
have been restated to reflect the stock issuance and related stock
split (Note 8).
As the former shareholders of Nettaxi OnLine Communities, Inc.
received 85% of the shares in the Company immediately after the
acquisition, the financial statements for periods prior to the
reorganization are those of Nettaxi OnLine Communities, Inc.
Nettaxi OnLine Communities, Inc., a Delaware corporation, was
incorporated on October 23, 1997. Nettaxi OnLine Communities, Inc.
provides a theme-oriented community and launch point for entrepreneurs
and consumers on the Internet.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
F-13
<PAGE>
The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements as of March
31, 1999, and for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, are
unaudited. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated
financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all
adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments,
necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position, results
of operations and cash flows as of March 31, 1999 and for the three
months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998. The financial data and other
information disclosed in these notes to consolidated financial
statements related to these periods are unaudited. The results for the
three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December
31, 1999.
Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Nettaxi, Inc. (formerly Swan Valley Snowmobile, Inc.) and
its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nettaxi OnLine Communities, Inc. All
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the
consolidated financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments having original
maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowances For Doubtful Accounts
The Company grants credit to its customers after undertaking an
investigation of credit risk for all significant amounts. An allowance
for doubtful accounts is provided for estimated credit losses at a
level deemed appropriate to adequately provide for known and inherent
risks related to such amounts. The allowance is based on reviews of
losses, adjustment history, current economic conditions and other
factors that deserve recognition is estimating potential losses. While
management uses the best information available in making its
determination, the ultimate recovery of recorded accounts receivable
is also dependent upon future economic and other conditions that may
be beyond management's control.
F-14
<PAGE>
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided
using the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful
lives of the assets, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Estimated useful lives
----------------------
<S> <C>
Furniture and fixtures 7 years
Office equipment 5 years
Computers and equipment 3 years
</TABLE>
Assets held under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line
basis over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives
of the related assets.
Purchased Technology and Other Intangibles
The Company amortizes, on a straight-line basis, the cost of purchased
technology over the shorter of five (5) years or the useful life of
the related technology, and the other intangibles over a 5 year
period.
Software Development Costs
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 86,
Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or
otherwise Marketed, software development costs are expensed as
incurred until technological feasibility has been established, at
which time such costs are capitalized until the product is available
for general release to customers. To date, the establishment of
technological feasibility of the Company's products and general
release of such software have substantially coincided. As a result,
software development costs qualifying for capitalization have been
insignificant, and therefore, the Company has not capitalized any
software development costs.
F-15
<PAGE>
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue
The Company's revenues are derived principally from the sale of banner
advertisements and from products from its online malls. Advertising
revenues are recognized in the period in which the advertisement is
delivered, provided that collection of the resulting receivable is
probable. Advertisers are charged on a per impression or delivery
basis up to a maximum as specified in the contract. To date, the
duration of the Company's advertising commitments has not exceeded one
year. When the Company guarantees a minimum number of impressions or
deliveries, revenue is recognized ratably in proportion to the number
of impressions or deliveries recorded to the minimum number of
impressions and deliveries guaranteed. Deferred revenue resulting from
advertising agreements aggregated $47,000 and $0 as of December 31,
1998 and 1997, and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the life
of the advertising agreement. Product revenue is recognized upon
shipment.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes, which requires an asset and liability approach. This approach
results in the recognition of deferred tax assets (future tax
benefits) and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of
temporary differences between the book carrying amounts and the tax
basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets and
liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those
differences, which will either be deductible or taxable when the
assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Future tax benefits
are subject to a valuation allowance when management believes it is
more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be
realized.
F-16
<PAGE>
Advertising Costs
The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. Advertising costs for
the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period ended December 31,
1997 were approximately $3,100 and $300, respectively, and for the
three months period ended March 31, 1999 $10,000.
Long-Lived Assets
The Company periodically reviews its long-lived assets for impairment.
When events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable, the Company writes the
asset down to its fair value.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents:
The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets
for cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value for cash and
cash equivalents.
Long-term debt:
The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on current
interest rates available to the Company for debt instruments with
similar terms and remaining maturities.
Related party notes receivable and payable:
The fair value of the notes receivable and notes payable to
shareholders is based on arms-length transactions and bear
interest at rates comparable to similar debt obligations.
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the fair values of the Company's debt
instruments approximate their historical carrying amounts.
F-17
<PAGE>
Stock-Based Incentive Program
SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, encourages
entities to recognize compensation costs for stock-based employee
compensation plans using the fair value based method of accounting
defined in SFAS No. 123, but allows for the continued use of the
intrinsic value based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting
Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees. The Company continues to use the accounting prescribed by
APB Opinion No. 25 and as such is required to disclose pro forma net
income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share as if the fair value based
method of accounting had been applied (Note 8).
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
issued SFAS No. 132, Employer's Disclosure about Pensions and Other
Postretirement Benefits, which standardizes the disclosure
requirements for pension and other postretirement benefits. The
adoption of SFAS No. 132 had no impact on the Company's current
disclosures.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 133 requires companies to
recognize all derivatives contracts as either assets or liabilities in
the balance sheet and to measure them at fair value. If certain
conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a
hedge, the objective of which is to match the timing of gain or loss
recognition on the hedging derivative with the recognition of (i) the
changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are
attributable to the hedged risk or (ii) the earnings effect of the
hedged forecasted transaction. For a derivative not designated as a
hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in income in the
period of change. SFAS No. 133 is effective for all fiscal quarters of
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000.
F-18
<PAGE>
Historically, the Company has not entered into derivatives contracts
either to hedge existing risks or for speculative purposes.
Accordingly, the Company does not expect adoption of the new standard
to affect its consolidated financial statements.
In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued Statement of Position (SOP) No. 98-1, Software for Internal
Use, which provides guidance on accounting for the cost of computer
software developed or obtained for internal use. SOP No. 98-1 is
effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998. The Company does not expect that the adoption of
SOP No. 98-1 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial
statements.
Earnings Per Common Share
In February 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share,
which was effective December 28, 1997. Conforming to SFAS No. 128, the
Company changed its method of computing earnings per share and
restated all prior periods included in the consolidated financial
statements. Under SFAS No. 128, the dilutive effect of stock options,
warrants and convertible stock is excluded from the calculation of
basic earnings per share.
2. BUSINESS COMBINATION
Effective May 7, 1999, Nettaxi, Inc. completed a merger in a single
transaction with Plus Net, Inc. by exchanging 7 million shares of its
common stock for all of the common stock of Plus Net, Inc. Each share
of Plus Net was exchanged for 1,000 shares of Nettaxi common stock.
The merger constituted a tax-free reorganization and has been
accounted for as a pooling of interests under Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 16.
For periods proceeding the merger, there were no intercompany
transactions which require elimination from the combined consolidated
results of operations and there were no adjustments necessary to
conform the accounting practices of the two companies.
F-19
<PAGE>
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information
reflects the results of operations for the year ended December 31,
1998 and the three months ended March 31, 1999, as if the merger had
occurred on October 28, 1998, the date Plus Net was incorporated.
These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes
only and do not purport to be indicative of what operating results
would have been had the merger actually taken place on October 28,
1998, and may not be indicative of future operating results.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Three Months
December 31, Period Ended
1998 March 31, 1999
<S> <C> <C>
Net revenues:
Nettaxi $ 258,000 $ 280,200
Plus Net - 409,100
- ----------------------------------------------------- -------------- ---------------
Combined $ 258,000 $ 689,300
===================================================== ============== ===============
Net (Loss) Income Available to Common Shareholders:
Nettaxi $ (3,127,900) $ (701,700)
Plus Net (200) 192,600
- ----------------------------------------------------- -------------- ---------------
Combined $ (3,128,100) $ (509,100)
===================================================== ============== ===============
</TABLE>
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------------ March 31,
1997 1998 1999
-------- -------- -----------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Furniture and fixtures $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ 5,000
Office equipment 45,000 59,700 59,700
Computers and equipment 100,000 250,200 418,800
-------- -------- -----------
150,000 314,900 483,500
Less accumulated depreciation 7,200 59,800 84,500
-------- -------- -----------
$142,800 $255,100 $ 399,000
======== ======== ===========
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE>
Equipment under capital lease obligations aggregated $14,700 as of
December 31, 1998 and March 31, 1999, with related accumulated
amortization of $500 and $1,200, respectively.
4. PURCHASED TECHNOLOGY AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
In November 1997, the Company issued a convertible secured promissory
note in the amount of $1,020,000 (Note 6) and 2,475,066 shares of
common stock, valued at $980,000, to a related party in exchange for
fixed assets, liabilities and technology. Core to the technology
acquired was a web to database software application and the underlying
technology to the Company's Internet The City products. Based on the
fair market value of the consideration exchanged, as determined by an
independent appraisal service, the aggregate purchase price was
$2,000,000, and was allocated to the following respective assets and
liabilities based on their fair market value at the time of the
transaction:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Purchased technology, aggregate $1,740,000
- ---------------------------------------- -----------
Other intangibles 150,000
Computers and equipment 100,000
Office equipment 45,000
Furniture and fixtures 5,000
Contracts payable and accrued expenses (40,000)
- ---------------------------------------- -----------
$2,000,000
======================================== ===========
</TABLE>
In 1998, the Company experienced several significant functional
problems with portions of the purchased technology, namely the web to
database software application, due to those components incompatibility
with subsequent releases of upgraded versions of its operating system.
Following attempts to make these components of the acquired technology
compatible, the Company decided, in December 1998, not to spend
additional monies on these components but to replace them. As
approximately 50% of the components of the acquired technology were no
longer technically viable with the upgraded versions of the Company's
operating systems and provided no alternative future use, the Company
wrote off the unamortized portion of the impaired technology.
F-21
<PAGE>
In December 1998, the Company recorded an impairment of purchased
technology with a net book value of $667,000.
A summary of purchased technology and other intangibles follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------------- March 31,
1997 1998 1999
- -------------------------------- ---------- -------- -----------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Purchased technology $1,740,000 $870,000 $ 870,000
Less accumulated amortization 58,000 203,000 246,500
- -------------------------------- ---------- -------- -----------
$1,682,000 $667,000 $ 623,500
================================ ========== ======== ===========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------------- March 31,
1997 1998 1999
- -------------------------------- ---------- -------- -----------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Other intangibles $ 150,000 $150,000 $ 150,000
Less accumulated amortization 5,000 35,000 42,500
- -------------------------------- ---------- -------- -----------
$ 145,000 $115,000 $ 107,500
================================ ========== ======== ===========
</TABLE>
5. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
----------------- March 31,
1997 1998 1999
- -------------------------------- --------- ------- -----------
(Unaudited)
- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Payroll and related expenses $17,500 $10,000 $ 14,300
Professional fees - 52,700 55,000
Accrued interest, related party 17,000 - -
Other 42,800 11,300 21,300
- -------------------------------- --------- ------- -----------
$77,300 $74,000 $ 90,600
================================ ========= ======= ===========
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
6. NOTES PAYABLE
On November 1, 1997, the Company issued a 10% five year convertible
secured promissory note in the amount of $1,020,000. In September
1998, this note, with accrued interest of $85,800, was converted into
2,792,763 shares of common stock, in accordance with the terms of the
original debt agreement. Interest expense on the note aggregated
$68,800 in 1998 and $17,000 in the period ended December 31, 1997.
In March 1999, a shareholder advanced the Company $200,000 under a
short-term note. The note bears interest at 5% and was repaid in May
1999.
7. LEASE COMMITMENTS
The Company leases its facility under an operating lease, which
expires on October 31, 1999. The facility lease requires the Company
to pay certain maintenance and operating expenses, such as taxes,
insurance, and utilities. Rent expense related to the operating lease
was $35,500 in 1998, and $6,800 for the period ended December 31,
1997. The Company believes that it will be able to renew or find
another lease with similar terms and conditions and not experience any
business interruptions in 1999 as a result of the above.
A summary of the future minimum lease payments under capitalized
leases together with the present value of such minimum lease payments
and future minimum payments required under non-cancelable operating
leases with terms in excess of one year follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, Operating Lease Capital Leases
- ------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $ 33,800 $ 7,500
2000 - 5,500
- ------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
33,800 13,000
================
Less amounts representing interest (8.00%) 300
---------------
Present value of minimum lease payments 12,700
Less current maturities 7,300
$ 5,400
===============
</TABLE>
F-23
<PAGE>
8 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
PREFERRED STOCK
In October 1997, the Company offered shares of its preferred stock
through a private placement offering. This offering established a
maximum of 150,000 shares of Series A preferred stock at $0.75 per
share, each share convertible into 5.05 shares of the Company's common
stock at any time.
During the year ended December 31, 1998 and the period ended December
31, 1997, the Company issued 11,400 and 134,000 shares of Series A
preferred stock in this offering for net cash proceeds of $8,600 and
$100,500, respectively. As these shares were issued at a discount from
the then fair market value of the stock the Company recorded deemed
preferred stock dividends of $14,300 and $167,500 in the year ended
December 31, 1998 and for the period ended December 31, 1997,
respectively.
In September 1998, all of the shares of Series A preferred stock were
converted into 734,438 shares of the Company's common stock.
COMMON STOCK
In October 1997, the Company offered shares of its common stock
through a private placement offering. This offering established a
maximum of 1,262,650 shares of common stock at $0.40 per share. During
1998, the Company issued 506,378 shares of common stock in this
offering for net proceeds of $200,500.
During the year ended December 31, 1998 and the period ended December
31, 1997, the Company issued 252,045 and 88,395 shares of common stock
with ascribed values of $120,000 and $35,000 as payments for services,
respectively. The shares issued in connection with the services
performed were valued at the then fair market value of the shares
issued based on the October 1997 Private Placement Offering.
F-24
<PAGE>
During the year ended December 31, 1998 and the period ended December
31, 1997, the Company issued 76,087 and 99,442 shares of common stock
with ascribed values of $22,800 and $17,500 to officers and employees
of the Company in lieu of salaries, respectively.
In September 1998, the Company's Board of Directors declared a 2.53 to
1 stock split, in connection with the Acquisition as discussed in Note
1. All references to number of shares of common stock and per share
data in the consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to
reflect the stock split on a retroactive basis.
In September 1998, in connection with the Acquisition, the Company
offered shares of its common stock through a private placement
offering (the Offering). The Offering established a maximum of
1,250,000 shares of common stock at $0.80 per share. The Placement
Agent received 200,000 shares of common stock with a fair market value
of $160,000. The Company issued 1,250,000 shares of common stock in
the Offering for net proceeds of $999,600.
WARRANTS
In 1998, prior to the adoption of the Stock Option Plan as discussed
below, the Company granted warrants to officers and employees of the
Company, to purchase 2,399,298 shares of common stock at $0.04.
In September 1998, these warrants were exchanged for 2,399,298 shares
of common stock via the issuance of promissory notes for $95,000,
concurrent with the reorganization of the Company. The promissory
notes have been accounted for as common stock subscribed and are an
offset to shareholders' equity until such notes are collected.
In accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees, the Company recorded $855,000 of compensation costs
associated with the above warrants.
F-25
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTION PROGRAM
On September 29, 1998, the Company adopted a Stock Option Plan (the
Plan). The Plan is restricted to employees, officers, and consultants
of the Company. Options granted under the Plan generally vest over
three years and are exercisable over ten years. Non-stautory options
are granted at prices not less than 85% of the estimated fair value of
the stock on the date of grant as determined by the Board of
Directors. Incentive options are granted at prices not less than 100%
of the estimated fair value of the stock on the date of grant.
However, options granted to shareholders who own greater than 10% of
the outstanding stock are established at no less than 110% of the
estimated fair value of the stock on the date of grant.
The Company has reserved three million shares of common stock for
issuance under The Plan. Options granted during the period September
29, 1998 to December 31, 1998 were granted at an exercise price, which
equaled the then fair market value of the Company's common stock based
on the Private Placement Offering in September 1998.
A summary of the status of the Company's Stock Option Plan as of
December 31, 1998, and changes during the year then ended is presented
in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding
--------------------
Weighted-
Options Average
Available Exercise
for Grant Shares Price
- ------------------------------------ ---------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balances, September 29, 1998 - - $ -
Shares reserved 3,000,000 - -
Granted (280,000) 280,000 0.82
- ------------------------------------ ---------- -------- ----------
Balances, December 31, 1998 2,720,000 280,000 $ 0.82
==================================== ========== ======== ==========
Exercisable at year-end 23,333 $ 0.82
==================================== ========== ======== ==========
Weighted-average fair value of
options granted during the period: $ 0.82
==========
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
as of December 31, 1998:
F-26
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
- -------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Weighted-
Average Weighted- Weighted-
Remaining Average Average
Range of Exercise Number Contractual Exercise Price Number Exercise Price
Price Outstanding Life (Years) per Share Exercisable per Share
----------------- ---------------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
0.80 - $1.00 280,000 9.75 $ 0.82 23,333 $ 0.82
----------- ----------------- --------------- ----------- ---------------
</TABLE>
In the first quarter of 1999, the Company granted an additional
100,000 stock options at the then fair market value of the Company's
common stock.
SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, requires the
Company to provide pro forma information regarding net (loss) income
and (loss) earnings per share as if compensation cost for the
Company's stock option plan had been determined in accordance with the
fair value based method prescribed in SFAS No.123. The Company
estimates the fair value of stock options at the grant date by using
the Black-Scholes option pricing-model with the following weighted
average assumptions used for grants in 1998: dividend yield of 0;
expected volatility of 180%; risk-free interest rate of 5.7%; and
expected lives of three years for all plan options.
Under the accounting provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's pro
forma net loss and basic loss per common share would have been
$(3,183,000) and $(0.37), respectively at December 31, 1998, having
used the fair recorded intrinsic value of stock options, as determined
by using the Black-Scholes pricing-model.
9. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 1998
and the period ended December 31, 1997 consisted of minimum state
taxes.
F-27
<PAGE>
The following summarizes the differences between income tax expense
and the amount computed applying the Federal income tax rate of 34%
for the year ended December 31, 1998 and for the period ended December
31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
- -------------------------------------------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Federal income tax benefit at statutory rate $(54,100) $(1,058,400)
State income tax benefit (9,800) (180,800)
Tax benefit not currently recognizable 64,500 835,400
Other - 404,600
- -------------------------------------------- --------- ------------
Provision for income taxes $ 600 $ 800
============================================ ========= ============
</TABLE>
Deferred income taxes and benefits result from temporary timing
differences in the recognition of certain expenses and income items
for tax and financial reporting purposes, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1997 1998
- --------------------------------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Net operating loss carryforward $ 67,400 $ 473,900
Depreciation and amortization (10,100) (90,300)
Accrued compensation and benefits - 4,000
Reserves not currently deductible 200 316,200
- --------------------------------- --------- ----------
Total deferred tax asset 57,500 884,400
Valuation allowance (57,500) (884,400)
- --------------------------------- --------- ----------
Net deferred tax asset $ - $ -
================================= ========= ==========
</TABLE>
The Company has net operating loss carryforwards available to reduce
future taxable income, if any, of approximately $1,227,000 for Federal
income tax purposes. The benefits from these carryforwards expire
through 2018. As of December 31, 1998, management believes it cannot
be determined that it is more likely than not that these carryforwards
and its other deferred tax assets will be realized, and accordingly,
fully reserved for these deferred tax assets.
F-28
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the "change in ownership" provisions of the Tax Reform Act
of 1986, utilization of the Company's net operating loss and research
and development tax credit carryforwards may be limited, if a
cumulative change of ownership of more than 50% occurs within any
three-year period. The Company has not determined if an ownership
change has occurred.
10. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to
concentration of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash
equivalents and trade receivables. The Company places its cash and
cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions and, by
policy, limits the amounts of credit exposure to any one financial
institution.
The Company's accounts receivable are derived from many customers in
various industries. The Company believes any risk of accounting loss
is significantly reduced due to the diversity of its end-customers and
geographic sales areas. The Company performs credit evaluation of its
customers' financial condition whenever necessary, and generally does
not require cash collateral or other security to support customer
receivables.
11. MAJOR CUSTOMERS
For the year ended December 31, 1998, four customers accounted for
approximately 28%, 21%, 13% and 12% of revenues, respectively with
related accounts receivable as of December 31, 1998 of $52,100,
$38,100, $0 and $23,800, respectively.
For the period ended December 31, 1997, one customer accounted for
approximately 84% of revenues, with related accounts receivable at
December 31, 1997 of $59,100.
F-29
<PAGE>
12. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The following is supplemental disclosure for the statements of cash
flows.
NETTAXI, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, March 31,
----------------------
Periods Ended 1997 1998 1999
- -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash Paid:
- --------------------------------
Income taxes $ - $ 1,400 $ -
Interest $ - $ 100 $ -
Noncash Investing and Financing
- --------------------------------
Activities:
- --------------------------------
Note payable and common stock
issued for purchased
technology and other assets $2,000,000 $ - $ -
Purchase of equipment under
capital lease $ - $ 14,700 $ -
Issuance of common stock for
convertible notes payable plus
accrued interest $ - $1,020,000 $ -
Conversion of preferred stock to
common stock $ - $ 109,100 $ -
Promissory notes received for
common stock subscribed $ - $ 95,000 $ -
================================ ========== ========== ============
</TABLE>
13. CONTINGENCIES
The Company is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course
of business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal
counsel, these matters are without merit and will be resolved without
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results
of operations or cash flows.
F-30
<PAGE>
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On March 31, 1999, the Company entered into a $5,000,000 Convertible
Debt Financing Agreement (the Agreement) for which proceeds was
received in April 1999. The convertible debenture bears interest at 5%
and matures on March 31, 2004. The debentures are convertible at the
option of the holder into that number of shares of common stock equal
to the principal amount of the debentures to be converted including
all accrued interest, divided by the conversion price specified in the
debentures. The conversion price is the lesser of a variable or fixed
conversion price. The variable conversion price is based on the
trading price of the Company's common stock over a fixed period to
conversion of the debentures, and the fixed conversion price is
$11.88. The fixed conversion price represents 120% of the average of
the three lowest trades ten days prior to the effective date of the
Agreement. In conjunction with the Agreement, the Company issued
warrants, which vest immediately, to purchase 150,000 shares of common
stock at $12.375. Utilizing the Black-Scholes model the Company will
record an additional $130,500 of interest expense over the life of the
debt to the date of convertibility.
Subsequent to March 31, 1999, the Company granted 635,000 options at
an exercise price that equaled the then fair market value of the
Company's common stock.
F-31
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Stockholders and Board of Directors
Plus Net, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Plus Net, Inc. as of December
31, 1998, and the related statements of operations, shareholders' deficiency,
and cash flows for the period October 28, 1998 (date of incorporation) to
December 31, 1998. 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 audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform our audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Plus Net, Inc. as of December
31, 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period
October 28, 1998 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 1998, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
San Jose, California
June 5, 1999
F-32
<PAGE>
PLUS NET, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, March 31,
1998 1999
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 1,437,600
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS - 1,437,600
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net (Note 2) 700 600
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
$ 700 $ 1,438,200
=========================================================== ============== ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ - $ 1,138,800
Note payable, related party 900 -
Income tax payable - 100,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 900 1,238,800
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY:
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 10,000 shares authorized; 7,000 7,000
7,000 issued and outstanding
Notes receivable (7,000) -
Retained earnings (200) 192,400
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY (200) 199,400
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------
$ 700 $ 1,438,200
=========================================================== ============== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements
F-33
<PAGE>
PLUS NET, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Period from October 28, 1998 (date of incorporation) to
December 31, 1998 and for the three months ended March 31, 1999 1998 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES $ - $ 409,100
COST OF REVENUES - 40,300
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------
GROSS PROFIT - 368,800
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 200 75,400
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (200) 293,400
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------
INCOME TAXES - (100,800)
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------------
NET (LOSS) INCOME $(200) $ 192,600
=============================================================== ====== ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements
F-34
<PAGE>
PLUS NET, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIENCY) EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock Notes Retained
---------------
Shares Amount Receivable Earnings Total
- ----------------------------------- ------ ------- ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, October 28, 1998 6,000 $ 6,000 $ (6,000) $ - $ -
Common stock issued for notes 1,000 1,000 (1,000) - -
receivable
Net loss - - - (200) (200)
- ----------------------------------- ------ ------- ------------ ---------- ---------
BALANCE, December 31, 1998 7,000 $ 7,000 $ (7,000) $ (200) $ (200)
Balance of information is unaudited
through March 31, 1999:
Notes receivable collected - - 7,000 - 7,000
Net income - - - 192,600 192,600
- ----------------------------------- ------ ------- ------------ ---------- ---------
BALANCE, March 31, 1999 7,000 $ 7,000 $ - $ 192,400 $199,400
=================================== ====== ======= ============ ========== =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements
F-35
<PAGE>
PLUS NET, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Period from October 28, 1998 (date of incorporation) to
December 31, 1998 and for the three months ended March 31, 1999 1998 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ ------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income $(200) $ 192,600
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 200 100
Changes in current operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts payable - 1,138,800
Note payable 900 (900)
Income tax payable - 100,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 900 1,430,600
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (900) -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ ------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (900) -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock - 7,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES - 7,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ - $ 1,437,600
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period - -
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ - $ 1,437,600
======================================================================== ====== ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements
F-36
<PAGE>
1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company Plus Net, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in 1998 to
take advantage of the many opportunities on the Internet. The Company
began its operations in January 1999 and is developing and licensing a
wide range of tools to generate revenue opportunities that are
showcased in Traffico.com. This portal site includes a powerful search
engine and Internet guide, and a free web-based e-mail service. In
addition, the Company has developed a robust engine to process on-line
credit card transaction, along with contracts for advertising
placement and colocation services. The Company is dedicated to
providing web visitors with the Internet's most useful and powerful
tools to enhance the Web experience.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments having original
maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation on equipment
is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives
of the assets, generally five years.
Long-Lived Assets
The Company periodically reviews its long-lived assets for impairment.
When events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable, the Company writes the
asset down to its fair value.
F-37
<PAGE>
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is principally derived from successful credit evaluations and
from the processing of on-line monetary transactions.
Revenue is recorded only upon successful fulfillment of credit checks
and completion of transactions.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, Employer's Disclosure
about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, which standardizes
the disclosure requirements for pension and other postretirement
benefits. The adoption of SFAS No. 132 did not have a material impact
the Company's current disclosures.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 133 requires companies to
recognize all derivatives contracts as either assets or liabilities in
the balance sheet and to measure them at fair value. If certain
conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a
hedge, the objective of which is to match the timing of gain or loss
recognition on the hedging derivative with the recognition of (i) the
changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are
attributable to the hedged risk or (ii) the earnings effect of the
hedged forecasted transaction. For a derivative not designated as a
hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in income in the
period of change. SFAS No. 133 is effective for all fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 2000.
Historically, the Company has not entered into derivatives contracts
either to hedge existing risks or for speculative purposes.
Accordingly, the Company does not expect adoption of the new standard
to affect its financial statements.
F-38
<PAGE>
PLUS NET, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, March 31,
1998 1999
- ----------------------------- ------------- -----------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
Equipment $ 900 $ 900
- ----------------------------- ------------- -----------
900 900
Less accumulated depreciation 200 300
- ----------------------------- ------------- -----------
$ 700 $ 600
============================= ============= ===========
</TABLE>
3. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Effective May 7, 1999 the Company completed a merger with Nettaxi,
Inc. by exchanging all of its common stock for 7 million shares of the
common stock of Nettaxi, Inc.
The merger constituted a tax-free reorganization and has been
accounted for as a pooling of interests under Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 16.
F-39
<PAGE>
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. Neither we nor the
selling stockholders have authorized anyone else to provide you with different
information. Neither we nor the selling stockholders are asking an offer to
sell, or soliciting an offer to buy, these securities in any jurisdiction where
that would not be permitted or legal. Neither the delivery of this prospectus
nor any sales made hereunder after the date of this prospectus shall create an
implication that the information contained herein or our affairs have not
changed since the date hereof.
Until __________, 1999, 25 days after the date of this prospectus, all
dealers that buy, sell or trade our common stock, whether or not participating
in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This requirement is
in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as
underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
NETTAXI, INC.
2,116,448 Shares of
Common Stock
____________________
PROSPECTUS
____________________
_________, 1999
101
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth an itemization of various expenses, all of
which we will pay, in connection with the sale and distribution of the
securities being registered. All of the amounts shown are estimates, except the
SEC registration fee.
SEC Registration Fee $ 10,502.00
Accounting Fees and Expenses $
Legal Fees and Expenses $
NASD (National Market System Filing Fee) $ 90,000.00
Miscellaneous $
Total $
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
The Nevada Private Corporation Law ("NPCL") provides that a corporation may
indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party,
by reason of the fact that such person was an officer or director of such
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, to:
- - any action or suit by or in the right of the corporation against expenses,
including amounts paid in settlement and attorneys' fees, actually and
reasonably incurred, in connection with the defense or settlement believed
to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, except
that indemnification may not be made for any claim, issue or matter as to
which such a person has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction
to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the
corporation; and
- - any other action or suit or proceeding against expenses, including
attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, actually
and reasonably incurred, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner
which he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, reasonable
cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent has been "successful
on the merits or otherwise" the corporation must indemnify such person. The
articles of incorporation or bylaws may provide that the expenses of officers
and directors incurred in defending any such action must be paid as incurred and
in advance of the final disposition of such action. The NPCL also permits the
corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of the corporation's
directors and officers against any liability arising out of their status as
such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him
against such liability. These provisions may be sufficiently broad to indemnify
such persons for liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
102
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The Company's Articles of Incorporation include a provision eliminating the
personal liability of directors for breach of fiduciary duty except that such
provision will not eliminate or limit any liability which may not be so
eliminated or limited under applicable law.
The Company intends to enter into indemnification agreements with its
directors and officers substantially in the form attached to this registration
statement as Exhibit 10.35. These agreements provide, in general, that the
Company will indemnify such directors and officers for, and hold them harmless
from and against, any and all amounts paid in settlement or incurred by, or
assessed against, such directors and officers arising out of or in connection
with the service of such directors and officers as a director or officer of the
Company or its Affiliates to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law.
The Company maintains liability insurance for its directors and officers
covering, subject to exceptions, any actual or alleged negligent act, error,
omission, misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or breach of duty by such
directors or officers, individually or collectively, in the discharge of their
duties in their capacity as directors or officers of the Company.
103
<PAGE>
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
Set forth in chronological order is information regarding shares of common
stock issued and options and warrants and other convertible securities granted
by the Company during the past three years. Also included is the consideration,
if any, received by the Company for such shares and options and information
relating to the section of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), or rule of the Securities and Exchange Commission under which
exemption from registration was claimed.
Transactions described in Items (1) through (10) below refer to the
securities of Nettaxi Online Communities, Inc., a Delaware corporation which
was the predecessor entity of the filer of this registration statement, and
transactions described in Items (11) through (18) below refer to the
securities of Nettaxi, Inc., a Nevada corporation which is the filer of this
Registration Statement.
(1) In October, 1997, the Company issued each of Robert A. Rositano,
Jr. and Dean Rositano 1,288,044 shares for $51.00 in cash. The issuances
were made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and were made
without general solicitation or advertising. The purchasers were sophisticated
investors with access to all relevant information necessary to evaluate the
investments, and who represented to the Company that the shares were being
acquired for investment.
(2) In October, 1997, the Company entered into the Asset Purchase
Agreement with SSN Properties, LLC pursuant to which the Company issued the
aggregate amount of 2,475,066 shares of common stock to SSN Properties, LLC
valued at $0.396 per share. SSN Properties made a pro rata distribution of such
shares to its members in April, 1999. The issuance was made in reliance on
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated under the
Securities Act and was made without general solicitation or advertising. The
purchaser was a sophisticated investor with access to all relevant information
necessary to evaluate the investment, and who represented to the Company that
the shares were being acquired for investment.
(3) In November, 1997 the Company issued 88,395 shares of common stock
to two consultants of the Company in exchange for services performed for the
Company. The issuances were made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities
Act and/or Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and were made
without general solicitation or advertising. The purchasers were sophisticated
investors with access to all relevant information necessary to evaluate these
investments, and who represented to the Company that the shares were being
acquired for investment.
(4) In November, 1997, the Company conducted a private offering of its
Common Stock. Pursuant to that offering, a total of 506,378 shares of common
stock were issued in exchange for $200,500. The issuance was made in
reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated
under the Securities Act and were made without general solicitation or
advertising. The purchasers were sophisticated investors with access to all
relevant information necessary to evaluate these investments, and who
represented to the Company that the shares were being acquired for investment.
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(5) In November 1997, the Company conducted a private offering of its
Series A Preferred Stock. Pursuant to that offering, a total of 367,219 shares
of Series A Preferred Stock were issued for total cash consideration of
$109,050. The Series A Preferred Stock was convertible on a one-for-two basis
with Common Stock. In September 1998, the outstanding shares of Series A
Preferred Stock were converted into 734,438 shares of common stock. The
issuances were made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or
Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and were made without general
solicitation or advertising. The purchasers were sophisticated investors with
access to all relevant information necessary to evaluate these investments, and
who represented to the Company that the shares were being acquired for
investment.
(6) In February, 1998 the Company issued 66,297 shares of common stock
to each of Robert A. Rositano, Jr. and Dean Rositano in lieu of foregone salary
which was earned between October, 1997 and January, 1998. The issuances
were made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D
promulgated under the Securities Act and were made without general solicitation
or advertising. The purchasers were sophisticated investors with access to all
relevant information necessary to evaluate these investments, and who
represented to the Company that the shares were being acquired for investment.
(7) In September, 1998 the Company issued 2,792,763 shares of common
stock to SSN Properties, LLC pursuant to the Conversion Agreement providing for
an exchange of convertible notes payable and accrued interest. SSN Properties
made a pro rata distribution of such shares to its members in April, 1999.
The issuance was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or
Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and were made without general
solicitation or advertising. The purchaser was a sophisticated investor with
access to all relevant information necessary to evaluate these investments, and
who represented to the Company that the shares were being acquired for
investment.
(8) In September, 1998, the Company issued 176,790 shares of common
stock to SSN Properties, LLC in debt conversion. SSN Properties made a pro rata
distribution of such shares to its members in April, 1999. The issuance
was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D
promulgated under the Securities Act and were made without general solicitation
or advertising. The purchaser was a sophisticated investor with access to all
relevant information necessary to evaluate these investments, and who
represented to the Company that the shares were being acquired for investment.
(9) In August and September, 1998, the Company issued 118,190 shares of
common stock to key employees and consultants in consideration for services
rendered to the Company valued at $67,000. The issuances were made in reliance
on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated under the
Securities Act and were made without general solicitation or advertising. The
purchasers were sophisticated investors with access to all relevant information
necessary to evaluate these investments, and who represented to the Company that
the shares were being acquired for investment.
105
<PAGE>
(10) In September, 1998, the Company issued 2,399,298 shares of common
stock to officers, key employees and consultants who exchanged their
warrants for shares of Common Stock via the issuance of promissory notes.
Warrants to purchase the aggregate amount of 631,394 of the shares of common
stock were issued in March, 1998 to six employees, two directors and two
consultants of the Company. The exercise price for the warrants was $0.0396.
Warrants to purchase the aggregate amount of 1,767,904 shares of common stock
were issued in August, 1998, to Robert A. Rositano, Jr. and Dean Rositano
pursuant to their Employment Agreements. The exercise price for the warrants
was $0.0396. The issuances were made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and
were made without general solicitation or advertising. The purchasers were
sophisticated investors with access to all relevant information necessary to
evaluate these investments, and who represented to the Company that the shares
were being acquired for investment.
(11) In September 1998, the Company and its stockholders entered into a
Reorganization Agreement with Swan Valley Snowmobiles, Inc. ("Swan Valley").
Under the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, the stockholders of the Company
received approximately 2.53 shares of common stock of Swan Valley for each share
of the Company they owned prior to the reorganization and the Company became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Swan Valley. Swan Valley changed its name to
Nettaxi, Inc. and references to "the Company" hereafter refer to Nettaxi,
Inc. the filer of this registration statement. The issuance was made in
reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated
under the Securities Act and were made without general solicitation or
advertising. The purchasers were sophisticated investors with access to all
relevant information necessary to evaluate these investments, and who
represented to the Company that the shares were being acquired for investment.
(12) In September, 1998, pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement, the Company conducted a private offering of its common stock.
Pursuant to that offering, a total of 1,250,000 shares of common stock were sold
for total cash consideration of $1,000,000. The issuance was made in
reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated
under the Securities Act and were made without general solicitation or
advertising. The purchasers were sophisticated investors with access to all
relevant information necessary to evaluate these investments, and who
represented to the Company that the shares were being acquired for investment.
(13) In September, 1998, the Company, pursuant to its 1998 Stock Option
Plan, issued options to purchase 280,000 shares of common stock to officers and
employees of the Company, with an exercise price of $0.88 and $0.80 per share,
respectively. These issuances were made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act and/or Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act and were
made without general solicitation or advertising. The purchasers were
sophisticated investors with access to all relevant information necessary to
evaluate these investments, and who represented to the Company that the shares
were being acquired for investment.
106
<PAGE>
(14) In October, 1998, the Company issued 200,000 shares of common
stock to Baytree Capital Associates pursuant to the terms of a Letter Agreement
with Baytree Capital Associates for financial business consulting services.
The issuance was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or
Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and were made without general
solicitation or advertising. The purchasers were sophisticated investors with
access to all relevant information necessary to evaluate these investments, and
who represented to the Company that the shares were being acquired for
investment.
(15) From January, 1999 to June, 1999, the Company pursuant to its
1998 Stock Option Plan, issued options to purchase 585,000 shares of common
stock to its key employees, with exercise prices ranging from $7.437 to $15.00
per share. These issuances were made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act and/or Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act and were
made without general solicitation or advertising. The purchasers were
sophisticated investors with access to all relevant information necessary to
evaluate these investments, and who represented to the Company that the shares
were being acquired for investment.
(16) In March, 1999 the Company issued an option to purchase an
aggregate of 125,000 shares of Common Stock to Wall Street Trading Group
pursuant to the Common Stock Purchase Option to Purchase Common Shares of
Nettaxi. The exercise price for the Option is $8.00 per share. The issuance
was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D
promulgated under the Securities Act and were made without general solicitation
or advertising. The purchaser was a sophisticated investor with access to all
relevant information necessary to evaluate these investments, and who
represented to the Company that the shares were being acquired for investment.
(17) On March 31, 1999, the Company issued convertible debentures in
the amount of $5,000,000 and warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock
of the Company. The issuance was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and
were made without general solicitation or advertising. The purchasers were
sophisticated investors with access to all relevant information necessary to
evaluate these investments, and who represented to the Company that the shares
were being acquired for investment.
(18) In April, 1999 the Company issued an aggregate amount of 7,000,000
shares of common stock to the former shareholders of Plus Net, Inc. pursuant to
the Merger Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between the Company and Plus
Net. The issuance was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act
and/or Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and were made without
general solicitation or advertising. The purchasers were sophisticated
investors with access to all relevant information necessary to evaluate these
investments, and who represented to the Company that the shares were being
acquired for investment.
(19) In May, 1999 the Company issued options to purchase up to 150,000
shares of common stock to Fontenelle LLC. The options vest upon the completion
of financial consulting services to be provided to the Company by Fontenelle
LLC. The exercise price for the options is $14.875 per share. This issuance was
made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or Rule 701
promulgated under the Securities Act and was made without general solicitation
or advertising. The purchaser was a sophisticated investor with access to all
relevant information necessary to evaluate these investments, and who
represented to the Company that the shares were being acquired for investment.
107
<PAGE>
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(A) EXHIBITS
The following Exhibits are attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference:
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
- -------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
**2.1 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated September 24, 1998 by and
among Nettaxi Online Communities, Inc., the owners of all the
outstanding shares of common stock of Nettaxi Online Communities, Inc.
and the Company.
**2.2 Merger Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated April 1, 1999 by and
between Plus Net, Inc. and the Company
**3.1 Articles of Incorporation of the Company
**3.2 Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the
Company
**3.3 By-Laws of the Company
**4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate of the Company
**4.2 See Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 for provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company defining the rights of
holders of Common Stock of the Company.
**4.3 Convertible Debenture dated March 31, 1999 in favor of RGC
International Investors, LDC
*5.1 Opinion of Silicon Valley Law Group with respect to the legality of
securities being registered
**10.1 Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 1, 1997 by and between
SSN Properties, LLC and the Company
**10.2 Sub Lease dated September 3, 1997 by and between Execustaff and the
Company
108
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+**10.3 Master Software License Bundling and Distribution Agreement dated
November 13, 1997 between Apple Computer, Inc. and the Company
+**10.4 Master Software License, Bundling and Distribution Agreement dated
March 14, 1997 between Fountain Technologies, Inc. and the Company
**10.5 Stock Option Agreement dated March 20, 1998 by and between Robert A.
Rositano, Jr. and the Company
**10.6 Stock Option Agreement dated March 20, 1998 by and between Dean
Rositano and the Company
+**10.7 Web Advertising Services Agreement dated June 3, 1998 between Fly Cast
Communications Corporation and the Company
+**10.8 Sales and Representation Contract dated July 7, 1998 between Michael
Weiner dba Unique Media Services and the Company
**10.9 Employment Agreement dated August 1, 1998 between Dean Rositano and
the Company
**10.10 Employment Agreement dated August 1, 1998 between Robert A. Rositano,
Jr. and the Company
**10.11 Stock Option Agreement dated August 1, 1998 by and between Robert A.
Rositano, Jr. and the Company
**10.12 Stock Option Agreement dated August 1, 1998 by and between Dean
Rositano and the Company
+**10.13 Merchant Services Agreement dated August 3, 1998 by and between
eCharge Corporation and the Company
**10.14 Letter Agreement dated September 3, 1998 between Bay Tree Capital
Associates, LLC and the Company
+**10.15 Conversion Agreement dated September 4, 1998 by and between SSN
Properties, LLC and the Company
+**10.16 Internet Infospace Content (World Wide Web Site) Distribution
Agreement dated October 8, 1998 by and between InfoSpace.com, Inc., a
Delaware corporation and the Company
**10.17 1998 Stock Option Plan of the Company
109
<PAGE>
**10.18 Form of Stock Option Agreement for options issued pursuant to 1998
Stock Option Plan of the Company
**10.19 Stock Option Agreement under the 1998 Stock Option Plan by and between
Dean Rositano and the Company
**10.20 Stock Option Agreement under the 1998 Stock Option Plan by and between
Robert A. Rositano, Jr. and the Company
+**10.21 Agreement for Terminal Facility Co-Location Space dated January 18,
1999 between Alchemy Communications, Inc. and the Company
**10.22 Technology Licensing Agreement dated February 3, 1999 by and between
Go Hip, Inc. and the Company
**10.23 First Amendment to Technology Licensing Agreement dated as of April 1,
1999 by and between Go Hip, Inc. and the Company
+**10.24 Letter Agreement dated January 15, 1999 between Babenet, Ltd. and the
Company
+**10.25 [Intentionally Blank/Updated form of agreement filed as Exhibit 10.40]
+**10.26 License and Distribution Agreement dated March 30, 1999 by and between
Netopia, Inc. and the Company
+**10.27 Website Linking and Promotion Agreement dated March 5, 1999 between PI
Graphix, Inc. and the Company
**10.28 Settlement Agreement dated March 2, 1999 by and among Michael Gardner,
Bay Tree Capital Associates, LLP, Wall Street Trading Group, Bruce K.
Dorfman, Robert A. Rositano, Jr., Dean Rositano and the Company
**10.29 Common Stock Purchase Option to Purchase Common Shares of Nettaxi,
Inc. dated March 4, 1999 between Wall Street Trading Group and the
Company
**10.30 Securities Purchase Agreement dated March 31, 1999 by and among RGC
International Investors, LDC and the Company
**10.31 Stock Purchase Warrant dated March 31, 1999 by and among RGC
International Investors, LDC and the Company
**10.32 Registration Rights Agreement dated March 31, 1999 by and among RGC
International Investors, LDC and the Company
110
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**10.33 Oppenheimer Funds 401K Plan
**10.34 Standard Office Lease- Gross dated March 1999 by and between South Bay
Construction and Development Co. III & South Bay Construction and
Development Co. VII and the Company
*10.35 Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and each of its
Directors and Executive Officers
+**10.36 Development Agreement dated as of December 16, 1998 between the Big
Network Inc. and the Company
10.37 Employment Agreement dated April 1, 1999 by and between Mr. Glenn
Goelz and the Company
10.38 Consulting Agreement dated May 10, 1999 by and between Fontenelle LLC
and the Company
+10.39 Development and License Agreement dated May, 1999 by and between eBay,
Inc. and the Company
+10.40 Internet Services Suite Agreement dated May 5, 1999 by and between
Wired Digital, Inc., Lycos, Inc. and the Company
10.41 Lease Agreement dated as of May 27, 1999 by and between H&L Realty and
Management Company, Agent for owners Flamingo Fountains and the
Registrant
**21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company
**23.1 [Intentional Blank/Updated as Exhibit 23.3]
*23.2 Consent of Silicon Valley Law Group (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.3 Consent of BDO Seidman
**24.1 Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages to this Registration
Statement)
**27.1 Financial Data Schedule
* To be Filed by amendment
** Previously filed with the SEC
+ Confidential treatment requested
(B) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
111
<PAGE>
Financial Statement Schedules omitted because the information is included
in the Financial Statements or notes thereto.
112
<PAGE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 14 above, or
otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being 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 whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) 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 end of the
estimated maximum Offering range may be reflected in the form of
prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b)
(230.424(b) of this Chapter) if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate Offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration
Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement; and
(iii)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.
Provided, however, that paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(ii) do not
apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, and the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
113
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(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each 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.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each
filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement 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.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to the registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California, on June 25, 1999.
NETTAXI, INC.
By: /s/ ROBERT A. ROSITANO, Jr.
- ------------------------------------
Robert A. Rositano, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
No. 2 to the registration statement has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------------------------- ----------------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ ROBERT A. ROSITANO, JR Chief Executive Officer, June 25, 1999
- ---------------------------
Robert A. Rositano, Jr. Secretary and Director
(principal executive officer)
114
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* President and Director June 25, 1999
- ---------------------------
Dean Rositano.
* Vice President Chief June 25, 1999
- ---------------------------
Glenn Goelz Financial Officer (principal
accounting officer)
* Director June 25, 1999
- ---------------------------
Roger Thornton
* Director June 25, 1999
- ---------------------------
Andrew Garroni
* Director June 25, 1999
- ---------------------------
Ronald Goldie
* Director June 25, 1999
- ---------------------------
Steven S. Antebi
<FN>
* By executing his name hereto on June 25, 1999, Robert A. Rositano, Jr. is
signing this document on behalf of the persons indicated above pursuant to
powers of attorney duly executed by such persons and filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
</TABLE>
By: /s/ ROBERT A. ROSITANO, Jr.
- ------------------------------------
Robert A. Rositano, Jr.
(Attorney-in-Fact)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned director of Nettaxi, Inc., hereby constitutes and
appoint Robert A. Rositano, Jr. and Dean Rositano, and each of them singly
(with full power to each of them to act alone), as my true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution
in each of them for him and in his name, place and stead, and in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement (or any other Registration Statement for the
same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under
the Securities Act of 1933), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as full to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their or
his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
/s/ Steven S. Antebi Director June 25, 1999
- ------------------------
Steven S. Antebi
115
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following Exhibits are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference:
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
- -------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
**2.1 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated September 24, 1998 by and
among Nettaxi Online Communities, Inc., the owners of all the
outstanding shares of common stock of Nettaxi Online Communities, Inc.
and the Company.
**2.2 Merger Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated April 1, 1999 by and
between Plus Net, Inc. and the Company
**3.1 Articles of Incorporation of the Company
**3.2 Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the
Company
**3.3 By-Laws of the Company
**4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate of the Company
**4.2 See Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 for provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company defining the rights of
holders of Common Stock of the Company.
**4.3 Convertible Debenture dated March 31, 1999 in favor of RGC
International Investors, LDC
*5.1 Opinion of Silicon Valley Law Group with respect to the legality of
securities being registered
**10.1 Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 1, 1997 by and between
SSN Properties, LLC and the Company
**10.2 Sub Lease dated September 3, 1997 by and between Execustaff and the
Company
+**10.3 Master Software License Bundling and Distribution Agreement dated
November 13, 1997 between Apple Computer, Inc. and the Company
+**10.4 Master Software License, Bundling and Distribution Agreement dated
March 14, 1997 between Fountain Technologies, Inc. and the Company
116
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**10.5 Stock Option Agreement dated March 20, 1998 by and between Robert A.
Rositano, Jr. and the Company
**10.6 Stock Option Agreement dated March 20, 1998 by and between Dean
Rositano and the Company
+**10.7 Web Advertising Services Agreement dated June 3, 1998 between Fly Cast
Communications Corporation and the Company
+**10.8 Sales and Representation Contract dated July 7, 1998 between Michael
Weiner dba Unique Media Services and the Company
**10.9 Employment Agreement dated August 1, 1998 between Dean Rositano and
the Company
**10.10 Employment Agreement dated August 1, 1998 between Robert A. Rositano,
Jr. and the Company
**10.11 Stock Option Agreement dated August 1, 1998 by and between Robert A.
Rositano, Jr. and the Company
**10.12 Stock Option Agreement dated August 1, 1998 by and between Dean
Rositano and the Company
+**10.13 Merchant Services Agreement dated August 3, 1998 by and between
eCharge Corporation and the Company
**10.14 Letter Agreement dated September 3, 1998 between Bay Tree Capital
Associates, LLC and the Company
+**10.15 Conversion Agreement dated September 4, 1998 by and between SSN
Properties, LLC and the Company
+**10.16 Internet Infospace Content (World Wide Web Site) Distribution
Agreement dated October 8, 1998 by and between InfoSpace.com, Inc., a
Delaware corporation and the Company
**10.17 1998 Stock Option Plan of the Company
**10.18 Form of Stock Option Agreement for options issued pursuant to 1998
Stock Option Plan of the Company
**10.19 Stock Option Agreement under the 1998 Stock Option Plan by and between
Dean Rositano and the Company
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**10.20 Stock Option Agreement under the 1998 Stock Option Plan by and between
Robert A. Rositano, Jr. and the Company
+**10.21 Agreement for Terminal Facility Co-Location Space dated January 18,
1999 between Alchemy Communications, Inc. and the Company
**10.22 Technology Licensing Agreement dated February 3, 1999 by and between
Go Hip, Inc. and the Company
**10.23 First Amendment to Technology Licensing Agreement dated as of April 1,
1999 by and between Go Hip, Inc. and the Company
+**10.24 Letter Agreement dated January 15, 1999 between Babenet, Ltd. and the
Company
+**10.25 [Intentionally Blank/Updated form of agreement filed as Exhibit 10.40]
+**10.26 License and Distribution Agreement dated March 30, 1999 by and between
Netopia, Inc. and the Company
+**10.27 Website Linking and Promotion Agreement dated March 5, 1999 between PI
Graphix, Inc. and the Company
**10.28 Settlement Agreement dated March 2, 1999 by and among Michael Gardner,
Bay Tree Capital Associates, LLP, Wall Street Trading Group, Bruce K.
Dorfman, Robert A. Rositano, Jr., Dean Rositano and the Company
**10.29 Common Stock Purchase Option to Purchase Common Shares of Nettaxi,
Inc. dated March 4, 1999 between Wall Street Trading Group and the
Company
**10.30 Securities Purchase Agreement dated March 31, 1999 by and among RGC
International Investors, LDC and the Company
**10.31 Stock Purchase Warrant dated March 31, 1999 by and among RGC
International Investors, LDC and the Company
**10.32 Registration Rights Agreement dated March 31, 1999 by and among RGC
International Investors, LDC and the Company
**10.33 Oppenheimer Funds 401K Plan
**10.34 Standard Office Lease- Gross dated March 1999 by and between South Bay
Construction and Development Co. III & South Bay Construction and
Development Co. VII and the Company
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*10.35 Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and each of its
Directors and Executive Officers
+**10.36 Development Agreement dated as of December 16, 1998 between the Big
Network Inc. and the Company
10.37 Employment Agreement dated April 1, 1999 by and between Mr. Glenn
Goelz and the Company
10.38 Consulting Agreement dated May 10, 1999 by and between Fontenelle LLC
and the Company
+10.39 Development and License Agreement dated May, 1999 by and between eBay,
Inc. and the Company
+10.40 Internet Services Suite Agreement dated May 5, 1999 by and between
Wired Digital, Inc., Lycos, Inc. and the Company
10.41 Lease Agreement dated as of May 27, 1999 by and between H&L Realty and
Management Company, Agent for owners Flamingo Fountains and the
Registrant
**21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company
**23.1 [Intentional Blank/Updated as Exhibit 23.3]
*23.2 Consent of Silicon Valley Law Group (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.3 Consent of BDO Seidman
**24.1 Powers of Attorney (included on signature pages to this Registration
Statement)
**27.1 Financial Data Schedule
* To be Filed by amendment
** Previously filed with the SEC
+ Confidential treatment requested
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EXHIBIT 10.37
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of
this 1st day of April, 1999, by and between Nettaxi, Inc. (the "Company") and
Mr. Glenn Goelz ("Executive").
RECITALS
--------
A. The Company is in the business of providing entertainment,
education, and information services over the world wide web through its internet
web site at http://www.NETTAXI.com.
B. Executive has acquired certain skills, experience and abilities with
respect to the Company's business.
C. The Company desires to employ Executive, and Executive desires to
accept such employment on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
AGREEMENT
---------
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Employment.
----------
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company
shall employ Executive as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. As Chief
Financial Officer, Executive shall have, subject to the control of the Board of
Directors, the duties consistent with the position of Chief Financial Officer,
including but not be limited to: (i) the management and supervision of the
accounting and financial operations and duties of the Company; the hiring of
personnel; and (iii) any other duties reasonably assigned to Executive by the
President, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors of the Company.
2. Acceptance of Executive.
-------------------------
(a) Executive hereby accepts such employment and agrees to devote his
best efforts to the service of the Company, to render this service to the
Company on a full-time basis and faithfully, diligently and to the best of his
ability discharge the responsibilities thereof. Executive may perform his
duties from the Company's principle location or from such other location as he
believes is appropriate.
(b) During the term hereof, Executive may not directly or indirectly,
either as an employee or employer, consultant, agent, principal, partner,
stockholder or in any other individual or representative capacity engage in
other businesses competitive with the business of the Company.
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3. Compensation. In consideration of the services to be rendered hereunder,
------------
Executive shall receive compensation subject to withholding and other usual
deductions in the amount set forth below:
(a) Base Salary. Initially, Executive shall receive a base salary at
the annual rate of $125,000. Beginning on August 1, 1999 Executive's annual
base salary shall be increased to $150,000. Thereafter, the Board of Directors
shall review Executive's annual base salary at least annually, to determine the
appropriate increase thereof. At a minimum, the base salary shall be increased
by an amount equivalent to an increase of Ten Percent (10%) per annum, which
increase shall be cumulative for each year. The base salary shall be payable in
accordance with the regular payroll practices of Employer. The Minimum Bonus or
any additional bonus amount shall not be taken into consideration when
determining the annual salary increases.
(b) Bonus. Executives shall be entitled to an annual bonus in the
minimum amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) U.S.D. (the "Minimum Bonus"),
up to a maximum of the Annual Salary then payable to the Executive in accordance
with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, payable on each anniversary
date of this Agreement. Any annual bonus in excess of the Minimum Bonus shall
be determined by the Board in its sole discretion based upon performance targets
established by the Board at the beginning of each year of employment hereunder.
4. Payment of Expenses. The Company shall pay directly on behalf of
---------------------
Executive, or reimburse Executive upon presentation of satisfactory receipts,
the reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in carrying out his duties
pursuant to this Agreement.
5. Other Benefits. Executive shall receive three (3) weeks paid vacation
---------------
leave during the first year of his employment and four (4) weeks per year
thereafter. Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company's health
and other benefit plans which are in effect from time to time.
6. Option to Purchase Common Stock. The Company hereby grants Executive an
--------------------------------
option to purchase two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) shares of common stock
(the "Options") of the Company which shall vest in twelve equal quarterly
installments in accordance with the Company's 1998 Stock Option Plan.
7. Assignment of Inventions. Executive shall communicate promptly to the
--------------------------
Company all inventions, discoveries, concepts and ideas whether patentable or
not, including but not limited to hardware, software, processes, methods,
techniques as well as improvements thereto conceived (collectively referred to
as "Developments"), developed, completed or reduced to practice during
Executives employment with the Company, that (i) are related to the present or
prospective business, work or consulting of the Company; (ii) result from any
work performed on behalf of the Company; or (iii) result from use of the
Company's equipment, facilities or materials. Executive hereby assigns his
entire right, title and interest in and to all such Developments and any
intellectual property rights arising therefrom. Executive shall further
cooperate with the Company in connection with any applications, filings or
documents prepared and or filed related to the Developments.
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8 Confidentiality. Except as may be required by Executive's employment with
---------------
the Company, Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the
Company, disclose or use at any time, either during or subsequent to Executive's
employment with the Company, any secret or confidential information
(collectively referred to as "Confidential Information") disclosed by the
Company to him or which he learns during his employment with the Company. Upon
termination of his employment, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company
all correspondence, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks, reports, flow-charts,
programs, proposals or any other documents concerning the Company's customers,
products, processes or business practices. However, this provision shall not
apply to the information, systems, processes, contacts or operating
methodologies brought by Executive to the Company or general information and
skills learned or developed by Executive, any information in the public domain,
or disclosed to third parties by the Company. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Confidential Information shall include but not be limited to customer lists,
contact lists, vendor lists, bidding procedures, designs, specifications, source
codes, mask works, products in development, technical drawing, schematics, bills
of materials, sales and manufacturing techniques, developments, production
processes, operational methodologies, financial statements, marketing
strategies, employee data and other information related to such business and
practices of the Company
9 Non-Solicitation. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of
----------------
one year following the termination or expiration of this Agreement for whatever
reason (or if this period of time shall be unenforceable by law, then for such
period as shall be enforceable), Executive agrees not to contact, with a view
towards purchasing or selling any product or service competitive with any
product or service purchased or sold by Company, or purchase or sell any such
product or service from or to any person, firm, association, corporation or
other entity whatsoever: (i)which Executive solicited, contacted or otherwise
dealt with on behalf of the Company during the twelve (12) month period or any
portion thereof preceding termination or expiration of Executive's employment
with the Company; or (ii) which is known by Executive to have been a customer,
or client of the Company during the twelve (12) month period or any portion
thereof preceding the termination or expiration of his or her employment with
the Company. Furthermore, Executive shall not for a period of two (2) years
after the termination of his or her employment for whatever reason, solicit for
hire, or hire any employee of the Company, or any person who was employed by the
Company at any time within six (6) months of the termination of Executive's
employment with the Company, to work for Executive or any other person or
entity.
10. Term. Unless the employment of Executive is terminated as set forth
----
herein, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect for a period of
three (3) years from the date hereof. The Agreement shall be automatically
renewed for successive periods of one (1) year unless notice is received by the
other party at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of the term or extension
thereof or otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.
11. Termination of Employment by the Company.
---------------------------------------------
(a) THE COMPANY MAY TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT OF EXECUTIVE AT ANY TIME
WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE, FOR ANY REASON OR NO REASON. THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP
CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER SHALL BE AT THE WILL OF THE PARTIES HERETO. EXECUTIVE'S
EMPLOYMENT SHALL ALSO TERMINATE UPON HIS DEATH.
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<PAGE>
(b) The Company may terminate Executive's Employment without cause upon
not less than thirty (30) days notice. The Company may also terminate
Executive's employment for "cause" upon the determination in good faith of a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company three (3) days notice to
Executive. The term "cause" as used herein shall include: (i) Executive's
conviction of, guilty or no contest plea to, or confession of guilt to, a
felony; (ii) a willful act by Executive which constitutes gross misconduct and
which is materially injurious to Employer; (iii) a willful and material failure
by Executive to substantially perform his duties, other than a failure resulting
from a disability; or (iv) violation by Executive of Section 8 of this
Agreement.
(c) Severance. Upon the termination of the employment of Executive
without cause the company shall pay the Executive: (i) Executive's annual base
salary payable through the term of this Agreement, as if Executive had not been
terminated; (ii) bonus compensation payable through the term of this Agreement
as if Executive had not been terminated; and (iii) continued payments for health
or benefit plans through the term of this Agreement as if Executive had not been
terminated. Additionally, upon such termination, the vesting of all options to
purchase Common Stock of the Company held by Executive shall be accelerated so
that such options are immediately exercisable. For purposes of calculating the
amount due under (ii), above, the amount of Executive's most recent annual bonus
shall be the presumed annual bonus. The amounts due under (i) and (ii), above,
shall be paid in one lump-sum within three (3) calendar days of such
termination. All amounts to be paid by Employer to Executive pursuant to this
Section 11(c) shall be considered by the parties to be severance payments. In
the event such payments are treated as damages, it is expressly acknowledged by
the parties that damages to Executive for termination of employment would be
difficult to ascertain and the above amounts are reasonable estimates thereof.
(d) Severance Based upon Change of Control. In the event Employer
enters into an agreement with another person or entity, the effect of which is
to change the control of the Employer, then and in such event, Executive shall
be exclusively entitled to terminate this Agreement, and in such event, Employer
shall pay to Executive severance payments in accordance with Section 11(c) of
this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "change of control"
shall mean: (i) any change of equity such that more than fifty percent (50%) of
the issued and outstanding shares of the Company are transferred to a third
party; (ii) or debt ownership, including but not limited to conversion rights of
debt to equity of the Employer such that more than fifty percent (50%) of the
issued and outstanding shares are transferred to a third party; or (iii) a sale
of substantially all of Employer's assets.
12. Termination of Employment by Executive. Executive shall have the right
---------------------------------------
to terminate his employment by providing the Company thirty (30) days notice of
such termination.
13. Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify Executive, and hold
---------------
Executive harmless against, any and all debts, obligations and other liabilities
(whether absolute, accrued, contingent, fixed or otherwise, or whether known or
unknown, or due or to become due or otherwise), monetary damages, fines, fees,
penalties, interest obligations, deficiencies, losses and expenses (including
without limitation attorneys fees and litigation costs) incurred or suffered by
the Executive resulting from Executive's employment with the Company.
123
<PAGE>
14. Miscellaneous.
-------------
(a) Attorney's Fees. In the event that any legal action is brought to
enforce or interpret any part of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and other costs incurred in that
action, in addition to any other relief to which that party may be entitled.
(b) Successors. Any successor to the Company (whether direct or
indirect and whether by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation, liquidation or
otherwise) to all of the Company's business and or assets shall assume the
obligations under this Agreement and agree expressly to perform the obligations
under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company
would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession.
The terms of this Agreement and all of Executive's rights hereunder shall inure
to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, your personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees,
devisees, and legatees.
(c) Governing Law. This Agreement shall in all respects be construed,
interpreted, and enforced in accordance with, and governed by the laws of the
State of California.
(d) Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement shall be
held invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement
shall not be affected and each other term and provision of this Agreement shall
be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.
(e) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
of which shall constitute an original and all of which shall be one and the same
instrument.
(f) Arbitration. In the event a dispute of any kind or nature arises
under this Agreement, any documents executed in connection with this Agreement,
or any matters related to this Agreement, the parties shall, within ninety (90)
days of the receipt by the other party of a demand for arbitration, select a
mutually agreeable arbitrator and submit the dispute to such arbitrator for
binding arbitration, through the nearest American Arbitration Association
Regional Office, under the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American
Arbitration Association. In the event the parties are unable to agree upon an
arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be appointed in accordance with the rules and
procedures of the American Arbitration Association. The fees for the
arbitration proceedings shall be forwarded by the party demanding arbitration.
However, the arbitration fee shall be paid or reimbursed by the non-prevailing
party, as determined by the arbitrator, who shall also award appropriate
attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing party.
(g) Modification. Any amendment, change or modification of this
Agreement shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the parties
hereto.
(h) Waiver. The failure of either party to insist upon strict
compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement by
the other party shall not be deemed a waiver of that term, covenant or
condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power at any
one time be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of that right or power for all or
any other time.
124
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date
first written above.
THE COMPANY: NETTAXI, INC.
By:____________________
Its:___________________
EXECUTIVE: _______________________
Glenn Goelz
125
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.38
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
This Consulting Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of May 10, 1999
by and between Nettaxi, Inc. (the"Company") of 2165 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell,
California 95008 and Fontenelle LLC ("Consultant") having a place of business at
345 North Maple Drive, Suite 358, Beverly Hills, California 90210.
RECITALS
--------
A. The Company is in the business of providing entertainment, education
and information services over the World Wide Web through its Internet Website at
www.nettaxi.com.
B. Consultant has certain skills, experience and abilities with respect
to the Company's business.
C. The Company desires to retain Consultant as an independent
contractor to perform consulting services (the "Services") for the Company from
time to time and Consultant is willing to perform such services, on the basis
set forth more fully below.
AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein,
the Company and Consultant agree as follows:
1. Services. Consultant agrees to perform the Services described in
--------
mutually agreed upon Project Assignment attached hereto in a workmanlike manner
according to the schedule of work set forth therein. A copy of the form of
Project Assignment is attached hereto as Exhibit A ("Project Assignment").
---------
Consultant agrees that the terms of this Agreement will apply to all services
performed by Consultant for the Company even if a Project Assignment form has
not been completed for a special assignment.
2. Payment for Services. The Company shall pay Consultant the fee set
---------------------
forth in the Project Assignment for the performance of the Services, together
with reimbursement for Consultant's direct costs, as provided therein.
3. Relationship of Parties. Consultant shall perform the Services
-------------------------
under the general direction of the Company and agrees to devote his or her best
efforts to the Services and to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company.
Notwithstanding, Consultant shall determine, in Consultant's sole discretion,
the manner and means by which the Services are accomplished, subject to the
express condition that Consultant shall at all times comply with applicable law.
Consultant is an independent contractor and Consultant is not an agent or
employee of the Company, and has no authority whatsoever to bind the Company by
contract or otherwise.
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<PAGE>
4. Company Rules. Consultant shall observe the working hours, working
--------------
rules and holiday schedules of the Company while working on the Company's
premises.
5. Taxes and Benefits. Consultant acknowledges and agrees that it
--------------------
shall be the obligation of Consultant to report as income all compensation
received by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement and Consultant agrees to
indemnify the Company and hold it harmless to the extent of any obligation
imposed on the Company to pay any taxes or insurance, including without
limitation, withholding taxes, social security, unemployment, or disability
insurance, including interest and penalties thereon, in connection with any
payments made to Consultant by the Company pursuant to this Agreement.
6. Inventions. All inventions, discoveries, concepts and ideas whether
----------
patentable or not, including but not limited to hardware, software, processes,
methods, techniques as well as improvements thereto conceived, made, conceived
or developed by Consultant and its agents, alone or with others, which (i)
directly relate to or reference to the services of the Company; or (ii) which
Consultant or its agents may receive from the Company while performing the
Services (collectively referred to as "Developments"). Consultant hereby
assigns his or her entire right, title and interest in and to all such
Developments and any intellectual property rights arising therefrom. Consultant
shall further cooperate with the Company in connection with any applications,
filings or documents prepared and or filed related to the Developments.
However, the Company shall have no rights to any products or information owned
or developed by Consultant or its suppliers prior to the execution of this
Agreement or modifications to such products or information in connection with
the Project Assignment.
7. Confidentiality. Consultant and its agents agree to hold the
---------------
Company's Confidential Information in strict confidence and not to disclose such
Confidential Information to any third parties. Consultant and its agents
further agree to deliver promptly all written Confidential Information in
Consultant's or its agents possession to the Company at any time upon the
Company's request. For purposes hereof, "Confidential Information" shall
include all confidential and proprietary information disclosed by the Company
including but not limited to software source code, technical and business
information relating to the Company's current and proposed products, research
and development, production, manufacturing and engineering processes, costs,
profit or margin information, finances, customers, suppliers, marketing and
production, personnel and future business plans. "Confidential Information"
also includes proprietary or confidential information of any third party who may
disclose such information to the Company or Consultant and its agents in the
course of the Company's business. In such case, Consultant must be aware from
the content of the disclosure or notice by the Company or request of the third
party that such information is Confidential. The above obligations shall not
apply to Confidential Information which is already known to the Consultant or
its agents at the time it is disclosed, or which before being divulged either
(a) has become publicly known through no wrongful act of the Consultant or its
agents; (b) has been rightfully received from a third party without restriction
on disclosure and without breach of this Agreement or other Agreements entered
into by the Company; (c) has been independently developed by the Consultant or
its agents; (d) has been approved for release by written authorization of the
Company; (e) has been disclosed pursuant to a requirement of a governmental
agency or of law.
8. Non-Solicitation. Consultant shall not for a period of two years
----------------
after the termination of his Services for whatever reason, solicit for hire, or
hire any employee of the Company, or any person who was employed by the Company
at any time within six months of the termination of Consultant's Services with
the Company, to work for Consultant or any other person or entity.
9. Termination. This Agreement shall commence on the date first
-----------
written below and shall continue for a period of two (2) years or until
terminated as follows:
(a) Either party may terminate the Agreement in the event of a breach
by the other party of any of its obligations contained herein if such breach
continues uncured for a period of ten (10) days after written notice of such
breach to the other party;
(b) Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to
the other party if either party is adjudicated bankrupt, files a voluntary
petition of bankruptcy, makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors,
is unable to meet its obligations in the normal course of business as they fall
due or if a receiver is appointed on account of insolvency;
127
<PAGE>
(c) Nettaxi may terminate this Agreement for its convenience upon ten
(10) days written notice to Consultant.
Upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason, each party
shall be released from all obligations and liabilities to the other occurring or
arising after the date of such termination, except that any termination shall
not relieve Consultant or the Company of their obligations under Paragraph 5
-----------
("Taxes and Benefits"), Paragraph 6 ("Inventions"), Paragraph
------------ ---------
7("Confidentiality"), Paragraph 8 ("Non-Solicitation") and Paragraph 10
------------ -------------
("General"), nor shall any such termination relieve Consultant or the Company
from any liability arising from any breach of this Agreement. In addition, any
security card keys for the Company's facilities issued to Consultant during
Consultant's tenure at the Company shall be relinquished immediately upon
termination.
10. General.
-------
(a) Pre-Existing Obligations. Consultant represents and warrants
-------------------------
that Consultant is not under any pre-existing obligation or obligations
inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement.
(b) Assignment. The rights and liabilities of the parties hereto
----------
shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors, executors
and administrators, as the case may be, provided that, as the Company has
contracted for Consultant's services, Consultant may not assign or delegate its
obligations under this Agreement either in whole or in part without the prior
written consent of the Company.
(c) Equitable Relief. Because the Services are personal and unique
-----------------
and because Consultant shall have access to and become acquainted with the
Confidential Information of the Company, Consultant agrees that the Company
shall have the right to enforce this Agreement and any of its provisions by
injunction, specific performance or any other equitable relief without prejudice
to any other rights and remedies that the Company may have for the breach of
this Agreement.
(d) Attorney's Fees. If any action at law or in equity is necessary
----------------
to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled
to reasonable attorney's fees, costs and expenses in addition to any other
relief to which such prevailing party may be entitled.
(e) Governing Law; Severability. This Agreement shall be governed by
---------------------------
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California as such
laws are applied to Agreements to be entered into and to be performed entirely
within California between California residents. The parties agree that the
United Nations Conventions on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is
specifically excluded in its entirety from application to this Agreement. If
any provision of this Agreement is for any reason found by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall continue
in full force and effect.
(f) Counterpart. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
-----------
each of which shall constitute an original and all of which shall be one and the
same instrument.
(g) Complete Understanding Modification. This Agreement
-------------------------------------
constitutes the full and complete understanding and Agreement of the parties
hereto and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements. Any waiver,
modification or amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective
only in writing and signed by the parties thereto.
(h) Waiver. The failure of either party to insist upon strict
------
compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement by
the other party shall not be deemed a waiver of that term, covenant or
condition, nor shall any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power at any
one time be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of that right or power for all or
any other time.
(i) Incorporation by Reference. Any exhibits referred to within
---------------------------
this Agreement shall be considered as incorporated into, and part of, this
Agreement.
(j) Notices. Any notices required or permitted hereunder shall be
-------
given to the appropriate party at the address specified below or at such other
address as the party shall specify in writing and shall be by personal delivery,
facsimile transmission or certified or registered mail. Such notice shall be
deemed given upon personal delivery to the appropriate address or upon receipt
of electronic transmission or, if sent by certified or registered mail, three
days after the date of the mailing.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the
date written below.
THE COMPANY: NETTAXI, INC.
By: /s/ Robert A. Rositano, Jr.
------------------------------------
Robert A. Rositano, Jr., Secretary
CONSULTANT: FONTENELLE LLC
By: /s/ Steven Antebi
------------------------
Steven Antebi, Manager
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
---------
Project Assignment # 1
under Consultant Agreement, dated as of May 10, 1999
Duties: Consultant shall render such services as the Company may from time to
time request in connection with the financial planning, capital structure,
development of a business plan and the evaluation of financing alternatives and
including without limiting the foregoing:
(1) advising the Company regarding the existing and possible alternative
financial structures of the Company;
(2) advising the Company regarding the formulation of business and
financing goals and plans;
(3) advising the Company concerning strategic issues, including alliance
partnerships and joint ventures;
(4) advising the Company concerning short and long range financial
planning;
(5) exposing the Company to business opportunities;
(6) advising the Company regarding the implementation of the Company's
goals and plans.
Schedule: The work will commence on the date of this Agreement (the
"Commencement Date") and shall be effective for a period of thirty (30) months.
Fee: As compensation for Consultant's Services to the Company, Consultant shall
receive fully vested options (the "Options") to purchase up to one hundred and
fifty thousand (150,000) shares of the Common Stock of the Company under the
Company's stock option plan. The exercise price for the Options shall be
$14.875 dollars per share. The options shall have certain "piggy back"
registration rights as more fully set forth in the option agreement.
Reimbursement of Costs: The Company shall reimburse Consultant for the
following, as approved in advance by the Company: (i) outside services at cost;
(ii) direct charges at cost; (iii) travel and subsistence at cost.
130
<PAGE>
NEW EXHIBIT 10.39
NETTAXI ONLINE COMMUNITIES, INC.
DEVELOPMENT AND LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS NETTAXI ONLINE COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT AND LICENSE AGREEMENT,
including the Exhibits (the "Agreement"), effective as of May, 1999 (the
"Effective Date"), is hereby entered into by and among Nettaxi Online
Communities, Inc., a Delaware corporation having principal offices at 2165 South
Bascom Avenue, Campbell, California 95008 ("Nettaxi") and eBay, a Delaware
corporation, having principal offices at 2005 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 350, San
Jose, California 95125 ("eBay").
1. DEFINITIONS.
1.1 "Artwork" means the custom artwork for the eBay Product sleeves
prepared by Nettaxi.
1.2 "Character" means a distinct and identifiable personality, animal
or entity of a party or its licensors which is contained on a Storyboard.
1.3 "eBay Competitor" means any entity providing an Internet
person-to-person auction service or any such similar service.
1.4 "eBay Content" means all content or information (including without
limitation any text, music, sound, photographs, video, graphics, data or
software), in any medium, provided by eBay for use in conjunction with the eBay
Tutorial. "eBay Content" does not include the Storyboard.
1.5 "eBay Product" means the CD-ROMs containing the elements enumerated
in the Statement of Work.
1.6 "eBay Trademarks" means the trademarks, services marks, logos,
trade names, domain name, and slogans of eBay designated by eBay for Nettaxi's
use in conjunction with Nettaxi's performance under this Agreement.
1.7 "eBay Tutorial" means the tutorial program designed, written,
prepared and delivered by Nettaxi from the Storyboard, which for purposes of
this Agreement, constitutes a file, within a larger training program, commonly
referred to as "Internet in the City."
1.8 "Golden Master" means a version of the eBay Product from which
copies can be made.
1.9 "Intellectual Property Rights" means all current and future
worldwide patents and other patent rights, utility models, copyrights, mask work
rights, trade secrets, trademark, and all other intellectual property rights and
the related documentation or other tangible expression thereof.
<PAGE>
1.10 "Nettaxi Content" means all content or information (including
without limitation any text, music, sound, photographs, video, graphics, data or
software, Characters), in any medium, provided by Nettaxi displayed on or in
conjunction with the Products, other than the Storyboard.
1.11 "Nettaxi Product" means the CD-ROMs containing the elements
enumerated in Exhibit A including but not limited to Nettaxi's "Internet the
City" Product.
1.12 "Nettaxi Trademarks" means the trademarks, services marks, logos,
trade names, domain name, and slogans of Nettaxi designated by Nettaxi for
eBay's use in conjunction with eBay's performance under this Agreement.
1.13 "Products" shall mean collectively, the eBay Product and the
Nettaxi Product.
1.14 "Registered User" means a user who completes the eBay registration
process by confirming his or her registration with an eBay-supplied password
sent to such user by email.
1.15 "Software" means software of Nettaxi or its licensors included in
the Products.
1.16 "Specifications" means the Specification for the Products
enumerated in Exhibit A and any other Specification for the Products to be
developed under the terms of this Agreement as set forth in the Statement of
Work. The Specifications shall comply with the following general product
description: a short form version of Internet the City containing: (i) a custom
designed eBay building with the eBay logo prominently displayed within the
"City", linked to the eBay Tutorial; (ii) a general description of the manner in
which Nettaxi's services can enhance an end user's use of the eBay services;
(iii) a NETTAXI Building with corresponding tutorial program designed to
familiarize users with the services offered by NETTAXI; (iv) a World Wide Web
Building designed to familiarize users with the basic functions and protocol of
the Internet; and (v) and internet service provider bundle. It is also
anticipated that the eBay building, eBay logo and linked eBay Tutorial will be
included in the Nettaxi Product.
1.17 "Statement of Work" shall mean the information set forth in
Exhibit A (other than the Specifications).
1.18 "Storyboard" means eBay's artwork, verse content, and storyboard
for a tutorial about the eBay site and the functions available on such site, and
any copy, Characters, scripting and other works of authorship included therein.
2. DEVELOPMENT.
2.1 STORYBOARD. On or before May 21, 1999, eBay shall deliver ideas
for the Storyboard to Nettaxi.
2.2 DEVELOPMENT. Using the Storyboard, Nettaxi will develop the eBay
Tutorial and the Artwork in accordance with the Specifications, which shall be
mutually developed by the parties, and the Statement of Work. In the event that
the parties are unable to mutually agree upon the development of the
Specifications, eBay may, in its sole discretion, elect to terminate the
Agreement and refund to Nettaxi any amounts actually paid to Nettaxi pursuant to
Section 7 of this Agreement.
<PAGE>
2.3 CHANGES. If during development, eBay proposes in writing a change
to the Statement of Work or the Specifications, Nettaxi agrees to attempt in
good faith to make such changes. In the event any such change materially
increases Nettaxi's development costs hereunder or requires a modification to
the schedule for development, eBay and Nettaxi shall negotiate in good faith for
adjustment to the development charges payable by eBay to Nettaxi and to the
schedule for development.
2.4 OWNERSHIP.
(A) OWNERSHIP BY NETTAXI. Nettaxi shall own all right, title, and
interest in the Nettaxi Content, Nettaxi's Characters, the Software, the product
designed and developed by Nettaxi commonly referred to as "Internet the City",
the Nettaxi Trademarks, and any derivatives, improvements or modifications
thereof, and all Intellectual Property Rights therein (collectively, the
"Nettaxi Property"). eBay shall execute such documents, render such assistance,
and take such other action as Nettaxi may reasonably request, at Nettaxi's
expense, to apply for, register, perfect, confirm, and protect Nettaxi's rights
to the Nettaxi Property.
(B) OWNERSHIP BY EBAY. eBay shall own all right, title, and
interest in the eBay Content, the eBay Trademarks, the Storyboard, the Artwork,
the eBay Tutorial, and any derivatives, improvements or modifications thereof
and all Intellectual Property Rights therein, excluding the Nettaxi Property.
Nettaxi shall execute such documents, render such assistance, and take such
other action as eBay may reasonably request, at eBay expense, to apply for,
register, perfect, confirm, and protect eBay's rights as set forth in this
Section 2.4(b).
3. ACCEPTANCE.
3.1 EBAY TUTORIAL. When completed, Nettaxi shall deliver the eBay
Tutorial to eBay to test whether, in eBay's reasonable opinion, the completed
eBay Tutorial conforms to the Storyboard and the Specifications. The eBay
Tutorial shall not be deemed to be approved by eBay unless eBay gives Nettaxi
written notice of such approval. However, if no notice of approval is delivered
within twenty (20) days, it shall be deemed accepted. If eBay rejects the
completed eBay Tutorial, eBay shall provide a notice of rejection specifying the
reasons for rejection. Nettaxi shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
promptly redeliver the corrected eBay Tutorial to eBay for acceptance testing
pursuant to the process described in this Section 3.1 until approved. Once the
eBay Tutorial is approved, Nettaxi shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
diligently implement its obligations under the Statement of Work to develop and
manufacture the Products.
3.2 EBAY PRODUCT. When completed, Nettaxi shall deliver the eBay
Product to eBay to test whether, in eBay's reasonable opinion, the completed
eBay Product substantially conforms to the Specifications and any applicable
Statement of Work. The eBay Product shall not be deemed to be approved by eBay
unless eBay gives Nettaxi written notice of such approval. However, if no notice
of approval is delivered within twenty (20) days, it shall be deemed accepted.
If eBay rejects the completed eBay Product, eBay shall provide a notice of
rejection specifying the reasons for rejection. Nettaxi shall use commercially
<PAGE>
reasonable efforts to promptly redeliver the corrected eBay Product to eBay for
acceptance testing pursuant to the process described in this Section 3.2 until
approved. Once the eBay Product is approved, Nettaxi shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to diligently implement its obligations under the Statement
of Work to manufacture the eBay Product.
3.3 CUSTOM ARTWORK. Nettaxi shall deliver to eBay the Artwork for
approval. The Artwork shall not be deemed to be approved by eBay unless eBay
gives Nettaxi written notice of such approval. However, if no notice of approval
is delivered within twenty (20) days, it shall be deemed accepted. If eBay
rejects the Artwork, eBay shall provide a notice of rejection specifying the
reasons for rejection. Nettaxi shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
promptly redeliver the corrected Artwork to eBay for acceptance testing pursuant
to the process described in this Section 3.3 until approved. Once the Artwork is
approved, Nettaxi shall; (a) use commercially reasonable efforts to diligently
implement its obligations under the Statement of Work to develop and manufacture
the Products, (b) not use the Artwork without eBay's prior approval, and (c) not
change the Artwork in any way without eBay's prior written approval.
4. IMPLEMENTATION.
4.1 SHIPMENT AND EXPENSES. Shipment of the eBay Product shall be made
to eBay at an address specified in writing by eBay. Nettaxi shall bear all
costs and expenses related to manufacturing the Products. All eBay Product
shall be delivered DDP eBay's facilities.
4.2 ORDER QUANTITIES.
(A) INITIAL ORDER QUANTITY. Nettaxi will provide REDACTED copies
of the eBay Product ("Initial Order Quantity") to eBay at no charge, within 90
days following eBay's approval of the eBay Product ("Initial Order Quantity
Period"). During the Initial Order Quantity Period, Nettaxi shall deliver to
eBay the amount of copies of the Initial Order Quantity that eBay shall request
within thirty (30) days of any such request.
(B) ADDITIONAL ORDER QUANTITIES. After the Initial Order Quantity
has been delivered to eBay, eBay may order, and Nettaxi shall deliver, such
reasonable quantities of additional eBay Product as eBay may require in the
quantity and on the schedule described on any purchase order submitted by eBay
to Nettaxi ("Purchase Order"). All Purchase Orders are hereby accepted by
Nettaxi.
(C) PURCHASE ORDERS.
(I) Purchase Orders shall be governed by the terms of this
Agreement, and nothing contained in any such Purchase Order shall in any way
modify such terms of purchase or add any additional terms or conditions. Any
such additional or inconsistent terms shall be deemed rejected.
(II) In the event that Nettaxi notifies eBay that it is
unable to fulfill any eBay order (subsequent to delivery of the Initial Order
Quantity) or any eBay order remains unfulfilled for a period of 30 days (unless
eBay, in its sole discretion, agrees in writing to extend this 30 day period)
eBay shall be entitled to receive a copy of the Golden Master of the eBay
Product.
<PAGE>
4.3 NONCONFORMING DELIVERIES. If, at any time, eBay determines that an
eBay Product delivered by Nettaxi does not conform to the Specifications or the
terms of this Agreement, is on defective media, or otherwise is not
distributable by eBay, eBay may return such Product to Nettaxi at Nettaxi's sole
expense and, within 5 days, Nettaxi shall redeliver an equivalent number of
conforming replacement eBay Product to eBay DDP eBay's facility.
5. LICENSE GRANTS.
5.1 EBAY LICENSE TO NETTAXI. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, eBay hereby grants to Nettaxi a nonexclusive, worldwide,
royalty-free right to (a) use, reproduce, distribute, create derivative works
of, publicly perform, publicly display and digitally perform the Storyboard
solely to transform such Storyboard into the eBay Tutorial and to reproduce,
distribute (through multiple tiers of distribution), publicly perform, publicly
display and digitally perform the eBay Tutorial only as incorporated on the
Products, (b) to use, reproduce, distribute, create derivative works of,
publicly perform, publicly display and digitally perform any Characters owned by
eBay solely as necessary to exercise the rights granted in clause (a) above; and
(c) use, reproduce, distribute (through multiple tiers of distribution), create
derivative works of, publicly perform, publicly display and digitally perform
the eBay Content and Artwork solely in conjunction with the Products and in
accordance with the Specifications.
5.2 NETTAXI LICENSE TO EBAY. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, Nettaxi hereby grants eBay a nonexclusive, worldwide,
royalty-free right (a) to use, reproduce (only in the event eBay is given the
Golden Master) and distribute (through multiple tiers of distribution), publicly
display, publicly perform, digitally perform the eBay Product; (b) to use,
distribute, create derivative works of, publicly perform, publicly display and
digitally perform the eBay Tutorial; and (c) to use and distribute (through
multiple tiers of distribution) Nettaxi's Characters solely in conjunction with
the eBay Tutorial.
5.3 RESTRICTIONS. Characters shall be used substantially in the form
provided to the other party and without material modification. eBay shall not
reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the eBay Product or use other
techniques to derive the trade secrets embedded in the eBay Product. Nettaxi
agrees that only the approved version of the eBay Tutorial may be distributed by
Nettaxi in conjunction with the Nettaxi Product.
5.4 CONTENT STANDARDS. eBay shall not provide any eBay Content, and
Nettaxi shall not provide any content in the eBay Tutorial (other than the eBay
Content) Nettaxi Content, that: (a) infringes any intellectual property or
publicity/privacy right; (b) violates any law or regulation; (c) is defamatory,
obscene, harmful to minors or child pornographic; (d) contains any viruses,
Trojan horses, worms, time bombs, cancelbots or other computer programming
routines that are intended to damage, detrimentally interfere with,
surreptitiously intercept or expropriate any system, data or personal
information; or (e) is materially false, misleading or inaccurate.
5.5 PROPRIETARY RIGHTS NOTICES. All copies of the eBay Tutorial shall
contain the proprietary rights notices of both parties in a location to be
mutually determined.
<PAGE>
5.6 SUBLICENSING. Except where permitted under this Agreement, the
rights granted herein are not sublicenseable. Notwithstanding the foregoing:
(I) In the event that Nettaxi delivers to eBay the Golden
Master of the eBay Product as provided for in Section 4.2(c) of this Agreement,
Nettaxi hereby grants to eBay the right to sublicense its right to reproduce the
eBay Product solely for the purposes of granting such right to a third party
manufacturer to reproduce the eBay Product for delivery to eBay.
(II) eBay grants to Nettaxi the right to sublicense its right
to reproduce the eBay Tutorial solely for the purposes of granting such right to
a third party manufacturer to reproduce the Products for delivery to Nettaxi.
6. TRADEMARKS.
6.1 LICENSE GRANT FROM NETTAXI. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, Nettaxi hereby grants to eBay the worldwide, nonexclusive,
royalty-free right to use the Nettaxi Trademarks in conjunction with the
marketing of the eBay Product.
6.2 LICENSE GRANT FROM EBAY. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, eBay hereby grants to Nettaxi the worldwide, nonexclusive,
royalty-free right to use the eBay Trademarks only in conjunction with the
marketing of the Nettaxi Product.
6.3 TRADEMARK RESTRICTIONS. The owner of a Trademark (defined as the
eBay Trademark and the Nettaxi Trademark, collectively) may terminate the
foregoing trademark license if, in its reasonable discretion, the licensee's use
of the Trademarks tarnishes, blurs or dilutes the quality associated with the
Trademarks or the associated goodwill and such problem is not cured within 10
days of notice of breach; alternatively, instead of terminating the license in
total, the owner may specify that certain uses by the licensee may not contain
the Trademarks. Title to and ownership of the owner's Trademarks shall remain
with the owner. The licensee shall use the Trademarks exactly in the form
provided and in conformance with any trademark usage policies. The licensee
shall not take any action inconsistent with the owner's ownership of the
Trademarks, and any benefits accruing from use of such Trademarks shall
automatically vest in the owner. The licensee shall not form any combination
marks with the other party's Trademarks.
7. PAYMENT
7.1 DEVELOPMENT COSTS. eBay shall pay Nettaxi REDACTED on the
Effective Date of this Agreement for Nettaxi's development of the eBay Tutorial.
7.2 EBAY PRODUCT COSTS. For any amount of the eBay Product ordered by
eBay above the Initial Order Quantity, eBay agrees to pay Nettaxi REDACTED per
unit.
7.3 REGISTERED USER FEE.
(A) Except as specified below in Section 7.3(b), eBay shall pay Nettaxi
REDACTED for each Registered User (the "Bounty") that registers by way of the
unique URL on the Nettaxi Product distributed by Nettaxi. eBay shall pay
<PAGE>
Nettaxi REDACTED for each Registered User that registers by way of the unique
URL on the eBay Product distributed by eBay. All Bounty payments shall be made
within 30 days following the end of a calendar quarter.
(B) In no event shall eBay owe a Bounty (i) for Registered Users
who have one or more existing accounts with eBay, or (ii) for Registered Users
whose accounts are terminated by eBay within 90 days following their
registration.
7.4 TAXES. All payments made by eBay include, and Nettaxi shall pay all
sales, use and other taxes associated with such payments or related to the
parties' performance of their obligations or exercise of their rights under this
Agreement, excluding taxes based on eBay's net income.
8. RECORDS AND AUDITS.
eBay shall maintain accurate records with respect to the number of Registered
Users and the source URL's of the Registered Users. Nettaxi may, upon no less
than 30 days prior written notice to eBay and not more than once per year, cause
an accountant to inspect the foregoing records during eBay's normal business
hours. If an audit requested by Nettaxi reveals that eBay has underreported by
10% or more for any audited period of time, eBay shall pay Nettaxi all
reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Nettaxi in conducting such audit,
including, but not limited to, any amounts paid to any auditor or attorney and,
in addition, make the underreported payments or refund pro rata based on the
underreported performance, as applicable.
9. EXCLUSIVITY.
9.1 During the term of this Agreement:
(A) Nettaxi's license grant with respect to any Nettaxi Content on
the eBay Product shall be exclusive as to eBay with respect to any other
Internet auction site.
(B) Nettaxi's license grant to eBay for any Nettaxi Intellectual
Property Rights contained in the eBay Tutorial shall be exclusive in the field
of tutorials for Internet auction sites.
10. TERM AND TERMINATION.
10.1 TERM. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and
shall continue for REDACTED unless earlier terminated as provided in this
Section 10. Thereafter the parties may mutually agree to renew this Agreement
for additional 1 year terms.
10.2 TERMINATION FOR BREACH. Either Nettaxi or eBay may terminate this
Agreement if the other party materially breaches this Agreement and such failure
continues for a period of thirty (30) days following receipt of written notice
thereof by the breaching party.
10.3 EFFECTS OF TERMINATION. Upon expiration or termination:
(A) All licenses granted hereunder shall terminate; however, eBay
may continue to distribute the eBay Product for as long as necessary to deplete
its inventory.
<PAGE>
(B) Nettaxi shall only be obligated to deliver, and eBay shall
only be obligated to pay for, those quantities of eBay Product which are the
subject of any Purchase Order that Nettaxi has accepted in writing; provided
that eBay may continue to distribute the eBay Product for as long as necessary
to deplete its inventory.
(C) All obligations of eBay to pay Nettaxi any Bounty pursuant to
Section 7.3 of this Agreement shall be terminated.
10.4 SURVIVAL. Sections 1, 2.4, 10.3, 10.4, 12, 14, and 15 shall
survive termination of this Agreement.
11. WARRANTIES.
11.1 PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES. Nettaxi warrants that (a) it, and each
of the subcontractors that it uses to provide and perform the services set forth
in the Statement of Work ("Services"), will have the necessary knowledge,
skills, experience, qualifications and resources to provide and perform the
Services in accordance with this Agreement; and (b) the Services will be
performed in a diligent, workmanlike manner which meets or exceeds industry
standards applicable to the performance of such services.
11.2 OPERATION. Nettaxi warrants that the Products shall conform to
the Specifications.
11.3 DISCLAIMER. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY STATED HEREIN, EACH
PARTY PROVIDES ALL MATERIALS AND SERVICES TO THE OTHER PARTY "AS IS," AND EACH
PARTY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT,
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE
EXPRESSLY STATED HEREIN, NETTAXI DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE PRODUCTS OPERATE
UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. Each party acknowledges that it has not entered
into this Agreement in reliance upon any warranty or representation except those
specifically set forth herein.
12. INDEMNIFICATION.
Each party (the "Indemnifying Party") shall indemnify the other party (the
"Indemnified Party") against any and all claims, losses, costs and expenses,
including reasonable attorneys' fees, which the Indemnified Party may incur as a
result of claims in any form by third parties arising from the Indemnifying
Party's acts, omissions or misrepresentations to the extent that the Indemnified
Party is deemed a principal of the Indemnifying Party. In addition, eBay shall
indemnify Nettaxi against any and all claims, losses, costs and expenses,
including reasonable attorneys' fees, which Nettaxi may incur as a result of
claims in any form by third parties arising from eBay Content. In addition,
Nettaxi shall indemnify eBay against any and all claims, losses, costs and
expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, which eBay may incur as a result
of claims in any form by third parties arising from the Products (excluding
those attributable to eBay Content. The foregoing obligations are conditioned
on the Indemnified Party: (i) giving the Indemnifying Party notice of the
relevant claim, (ii) cooperating with the Indemnifying Party, at the
<PAGE>
Indemnifying Party's expense, in the defense of such claim, and (iii) giving the
Indemnifying Party the right to control the defense and settlement of any such
claim, except that the Indemnifying Party shall not enter into any settlement
that affects the Indemnified Party's rights or interest without the Indemnified
Party's prior written approval. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to
participate in the defense at its expense.
13. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.
At its own expense, Nettaxi shall comply with all applicable laws and
regulations regarding the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OF
PROFITS OR FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE), WARRANTY, GUARANTEE OR ANY OTHER LEGAL OR
EQUITABLE GROUNDS, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. NEITHER PARTY SHALL MAKE REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES TO ANY
REGISTERED USER OR THIRD PARTY ON BEHALF OF THE OTHER PARTY AND IN NO EVENT WILL
EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY
MADE TO ANY REGISTERED USER OR THIRD PARTY BY THE OTHER PARTY.
EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO SECTION 12, IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY'S LIABILITY
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS ACTUALLY PAID BY EBAY TO NETTAXI
HEREUNDER.
15. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
15.1 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement will be governed and construed in
accord-ance with the laws of the State of California without giving effect to
conflict of laws principles. Both parties submit to personal jurisdiction in
California and further agree that any cause of action arising under this
Agreement shall be brought in a court in Santa Clara County, California.
15.2 SEVERABILITY; HEADINGS. If any provi-sion herein is held to be
invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions will continue
in full force without being impaired or invalidated in any way. The parties
agree to replace any invalid provision with a valid provision that most closely
approximates the intent and economic effect of the invalid provision. Headings
are for reference purposes only and in no way define, limit, construe or
describe the scope or extent of such section.
15.3 PUBLICITY. Neither party shall issue any press release or similar
publicity statement regarding this Agreement without the prior approval of both
parties (not to be unreasonably withheld) or as required by law.
15.4 FORCE MAJEURE. Either party shall be excused from any delay or
failure in performance hereunder caused by reason of any occurrence or
contingency beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to, acts of
God, earthquake, labor disputes and strikes, riots, war, and governmental
<PAGE>
requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a change in economic conditions or
technology shall not be deemed a Force Majeure event. The obligations and
rights of the party so excused shall be extended on a day-to-day basis for the
period of time equal to that of the underlying cause of the delay. In the event
of a force majeure materially affecting the parties' performance under this
Agreement that lasts for more than 30 days, either party may terminate this
Agreement.
15.5 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. The parties are independent contractors,
and no agency, partnership, joint venture, employee-employer or
franchisor-franchisee relationship is intended or created by this Agreement.
Neither party shall make any warranties or representations on behalf of the
other party.
15.6 TERMINATION FOR ASSIGNMENT/CHANGE OF CONTROL. By providing written
notice, eBay may, in its sole discretion, immediately terminate this Agreement
if Nettaxi acquires or is acquired by an eBay Competitor. By providing written
notice, Nettaxi may, in its sole discretion, immediately terminate this
Agreement if eBay acquires or is acquired by an entity that develops tutorials
and provides services substantially similar to those provided by Nettaxi for
eBay pursuant to this Agreement.
15.7 NOTICE. Any notices hereunder shall be given to the appropriate
party at the address specified above or at such other address as the party shall
specify in writing. Notice shall be deemed given: upon personal delivery; if
sent by fax, upon confirmation of receipt; or if sent by a reputable overnight
courier with tracking capabilities, 1 day after the date of mailing.
15.8 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; WAIVER. This Agreement sets forth the entire
understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior contracts, memoranda, agreements, arrangements,
communications and discussions, whether oral or written with respect to such
subject matter. The parties hereby expressly reject any conflicting term in any
purchase order, invoice, order acknowledgment or any similar business form,
which terms shall have no effect. It may be changed only by a writing signed by
both parties. The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Agreement will
not operate or be interpreted as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.
15.9 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall
be taken together and deemed to be one instrument.
15.10 ATTORNEYS' FEES. In addition to any other relief awarded, the
prevailing party in any action arising out of this Agreement shall be entitled
to its attorneys' fees and costs.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the Effective Date set forth above.
EBAY, INC.: NETTAXI ONLINE COMMUNITIES, INC.:
By: /S/ Steve Westly By: /S/ Robert A Rositano
------------------------- -------------------------
Name: Steve Westly Name: Robert A Rositano
------------------------- -------------------------
Title: V.P. Business Development Title: CEO
and Marketing
------------------------- -------------------------
<PAGE>
------
EXHIBIT A
STATEMENT OF WORK
REDACTED
EXHIBIT B
---------
(SAMPLE LOOK AND FEEL OF PROMOTIONAL PAGES)
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.40
INTERNET SERVICES SUITE AGREEMENT
THIS INTERNET SERVICES SUITE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into
---------
as of May 5,1999 (the "Effective Date") between WIRED DIGITAL, INC., a Delaware
--------------
corporation ("Wired"), LYCOS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Lycos"), and
----- -----
NETTAXI ONLINE COMMUNITIES, INC., a Delaware corporation. ("Nettaxi").
-------
2
Recitals
--------
A. Wired is the owner or licensee of certain Web-based services
(collectively, the"Wired Services"), which are accessible through the URL
www.hotbot.com (the "HotBot Site");
B. Lycos is the owner or licensee of certain Web-based personalized
start page services (the "Lycos Start Pages"), which are accessible through the
URL www.lycos.com (the"Lycos Site");
C. Nettaxi maintains a site on the Internet at http://www.nettaxi.com
(the "Nettaxi Site"), and desires to make the Wired Services and co-branded
versions of the Lycos Start Pages available to users of the Nettaxi Site;
D. Wired and Lycos are willing to co-brand and/or operate certain of
their respective
Services on behalf of Nettaxi, pursuant to the terms hereof;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Wired, Lycos and Nettaxi hereby
agree as follows:
Terms
-----
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
1.1 "Advertising Rights" means all advertising or promotional rights,
-------------------
including without limitation banner advertisements, "pop-up" windows, surveys
and sponsorships.
1.2 "HotBot Personal Search Tool" means Wired's Web-based customizable
----------------------------
search panel
incorporating the HotBot Search functionality, as the same may be updated or
modified from time to time in Wired's sole discretion.
1.3 "HotBot Search" means Wired's Web-based search engine service,
--------------
currently commercially referred to as HotBot, as the same may be updated or
modified from time to time in Wired's sole discretion.
<PAGE>
1.4 "Lycos Brand Features" means Lycos' name, logo and other
----------------------
trademarks, trade names and service names that Lycos uses from time to time with
respect to Lycos' services offered on Web Sites owned or operated by Lycos.
1.5 "Lycos Start Pages" means Lycos' Web-based personalized start page
------------------
that incorporates certain of the Lycos Services, as the same may be updated or
modified from time to time in Lycos' sole discretion.
1.6 "Nettaxi Brand Features" means Nettaxi's name and logo and such
------------------------
other trademarks, trade names, service names and trade dress that Nettaxi uses
from time to time with respect to the Nettaxi Site.
1.7 "Referral" takes place when a user clicks on a hyperlink or uses an
--------
HTML tool to connect to the following Wired Services: Wired Content and HotBot
Search, at the redirect URLs designated by Wired and as measured by Wired's
server logs.
1.8 "Wired Brand Features" means Wired's name, logo and other
----------------------
trademarks, trade names and service names that Wired uses from time to time with
respect to Wired's services offered on Web Sites owned or operated by Wired.
1.9 "Wired Content" means Wired's Web-based news, information and
--------------
entertainment services, as well as the e-mail newsletter versions of these
services, including Wired News (http://www.wired.com), Webmonkey
(http://www.webmonkey.com), and Suck (http://www.suck.com), as may
be update or modified from time to time in Wired's sole discretion.
SECTION 2. NETTAXI START PAGES DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE.
2.1 Development of Nettaxi Start Pages. Lycos shall use reasonable
------------------------------------
commercial efforts to develop, within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date,
the following service for use exclusively by users of the Nettaxi Site and
accessible from the Nettaxi Site: a co-branded version of Lycos Start Pages
("Nettaxi Start Pages") which shall contain a Nettaxi-branded links box, HotBot
Search or Lycos Search functionality, and other standard features of Lycos Start
Pages. Nettaxi's sole remedy for Lycos' breach of the first sentence of this
Section 2.1 shall be termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section
11.2(a), and Nettaxi shall not be entitled to any other legal or equitable
relief of any kind in connection therewith.
2.2 Branding and User Interface.
------------------------------
(a) Branding. The Nettaxi Start Pages shall be branded in a
--------
manner substantially similar to the example(s) set forth in Exhibit B hereto.
All Nettaxi Start Pages shall display appropriate intellectual property legends,
including but not limited to copyright notice and trademark references. Subject
to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.2(a), the parties shall agree upon
the prominence and location of all displays of the Nettaxi Brand Features,
theLycos Brand Features on the Nettaxi Start Pages; provided that the Lycos name
<PAGE>
shall be above the fold and prominently displayed on all co-branded pages. Lycos
shall not be obligated to co-brand those pages containing content which Lycos
has branded with a third party, which Lycos is prohibited from co-branding
pursuant to another Lycos agreement, which Lycos is technically unable to
co-brand, and that are commercially unreasonable for Lycos to co-brand.
(b) User Interface. The user interface for Nettaxi Start Pages
--------------
shall be substantially similar to the user interfaces of the Lycos Start Pages,
which Lycos may modify from time to time in its sole discretion.
2.3 Hosting/Traffic. Nettaxi Start Pages shall be hosted by Lycos.
---------------
The Nettaxi Start Pages shall be served from Lycos sub-domains (e.g.,
www.lycos.com/partners/nettaxi). As between the parties, only Lycos shall
receive credit for all unique visitor traffic and page views generated by the
Nettaxi Start Pages. As such, the parties agree to assist each other in taking
any steps that may be required to obtain or perfect the rights of Lycos to
receive credit from Relevant Knowledge/Media Metrix (or any other organization
reasonably designated by Lycos that is reasonably deemed to be, recognized in
the Internet industry as a reliable authority for tracking unique visitors or
page views) for all unique visitor traffic and pages views generated by the
Nettaxi Start Pages.
2.4 Sale of Advertising Rights. Lycos shall have the sole right to
---------------------------
sell Advertising Rights on the Nettaxi Start Pages.
2.5 Customer Service. Lycos shall include an email link on one or
-----------------
more of the Nettaxi Start Pages to Lycos' customer service staff. Lycos shall
use reasonable commercial efforts to respond to all customer service inquiries
promptly after receipt.
SECTION 3. MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS.
3.1 Marketing Activities. Throughout the Term of this Agreement,
---------------------
Nettaxi shall use reasonable commercial efforts to market HotBot Search and
Wired Content in order to maximize the nunber of Nettaxi Site users visiting
these sites, including without limitation, direct email campaigns, advertising
and promotions on the Nettaxi Site and targeted activities by Nettaxi.
Immediately upon Lycos' launch of the Nettaxi Start Pages, Nettaxi shall use
reasonable commercial efforts to market Nettaxi Start Pages in order to maximize
the number of users of the Nettaxi Start Pages, including without limitation,
direct email campaigns, advertising and promotions on the Nettaxi Site and
targeted activities by Nettaxi. The parties shall review Nettaxi's marketing
activities on a quarterly basis in order to assess performance and agree upon
additional activities, if necessary, in order to increase usage of Nettaxi Start
Pages.
3.2 Promotional Placements. During the Term of this Agreement,
-----------------------
Nettaxi shall provide promotional placements for Wired and Lycos as set forth in
this Section 3.2. Wired and Lycos shall provide Nettaxi with electronic copies
of the artwork for the appropriate Wired and Lycos icons, logos, search boxes
<PAGE>
and links to be displayed on the Nettaxi Site in connection with the promotional
placements described below. Nettaxi shall be responsible for programming and
integrating the search box, icons, logos and links into the Nettaxi Site:
(a) Nettaxi shall integrate links to Wired Content and to the
Nettaxi Start Pages, in a substantially similar manner to the specifications and
"look and feel" of the examples set forth on Exhibit B. The links to the Nettaxi
Start Pages shall be displayed on every page of the Nettaxi Site produced by
Nettaxi.
(b) Nettaxi shall prominently offer the HotBot Personal Search
Tool and the Nettaxi Start Pages to every visitor and to every new registered
member on the Nettaxi Site. Nettaxi shall integrate the HotBot Personal Search
Tool in "The Nettaxi Citizen Page Builder" process. For those users of the
Nettaxi Site building pages using Nettaxi FTP services, Nettaxi shall promote
the HotBot Personal Search Tool in the "Other Nettaxi Help" and "Resources"pages
of the Nettaxi Site. The HotBot Personal Search Tool shall be the only search
engine tool made available to Nettaxi home-page builders. Nettaxi shall redirect
all users of the Nettaxi Site who conduct searches through the HotBot Personal
Search Tool or who select the Wired and Lycos links to the URL of the
appropriate service.
(c) Nettaxi shall integrate the following links to Wired Content:
(i) Webmonkey in the "Homepage Utils/HTML Resources" section of the Nettaxi
Site, currently located at http://www.nettaxi.com/help/resources.html; (ii)
Wired News and Suck in all relevant topic sections of the Nettaxi Site, at
Nettaxi's discretion; (iii) Wired Content newsletter subscriptions in all
relevant sections of the Nettaxi Site, at Nettaxi's discretion.
3.3 Referral Guarantee. During the Term of this Agreement, Nettaxi
-------------------
guarantees that Nettaxi's promotional placements for the HotBot Personal Search
Tool and Wired Content shall result in not less than I 00,000 Referrals per
month. For purposes of determining whether Nettaxi has performed on its Referral
guarantee, the Referral tally shall begin at zero at the beginning of each
contract quarter.
(a) If Nettaxi fails to achieve the guaranteed level of 300,000
Referrals in a particular quarter, Wired's obligation to make such quarter's
Referral Payment (as described below in Section 5.3) shall be deferred until the
due date of the next quarterly payment.
(b) If Nettaxi fails to achieve the guaranteed level of 300,000
Referrals for two consecutive contract quarters, the payment per thousand
Referrals quoted in Section 5.1(a) shall be decreased to $5 CPM.
<PAGE>
3.4 Additional Marketing Provisions. The additional marketing
---------------------------------
provisions set forth in Exhibit A are incorporated herein.
SECTION 4. OWNERSHIP AND LICENSE.
4.1 Ownership. Nettaxi acknowledges and agrees that, as between the
---------
parties, Lycos owns all title to, and all ownership rights in the Nettaxi Start
Pages, including without limitation the underlying software but excluding the
Nettaxi-brand element of the Lycos.com domain name for Nettaxi Start Pages and
the Nettaxi Brand Features, which are the sole property of Nettaxi. Under no
circumstances shall any part of Nettaxi Start Pages be physically transferred to
Nettaxi or shall Nettaxi be entitled to a license to the underlying software.
4.2 Nettaxi License Grant. Nettaxi hereby grants Lycos, during the
----------------------
Term (as defined below) of this Agreement, a worldwide, royalty-free,
nonexclusive license (with no right to sublicense) to use, reproduce and
distribute the Nettaxi Brand Features on the Nettaxi Start Pages in accordance
with this Agreement and Nettaxi's guidelines for use of the Nettaxi Brand
Features, which guidelines Nettaxi may change from time to time upon at least
thirty (30) days' prior written notice to Lycos.
4.3 Lycos License Grant. Lycos hereby grants Nettaxi a worldwide,
---------------------
royalty-free, nonexclusive license (with no right to sublicense) to use the
Lycos Brand Features in connection with the marketing and promotion of Lycos and
the Nettaxi Start Pages in accordance with this Agreement and Lycos' guidelines
for use of the Lycos Brand Features, which guidelines Lycos may change from time
to time, upon at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice to Nettaxi.
4.4 Wired License Grant. Wired hereby grants Nettaxi a worldwide,
---------------------
royalty-free, nonexclusive license (with no right to sublicense) to use the
Wired Brand Features in connection with the marketing and promotion of Wired,
the HotBot Search and the Wired Content in accordance with this Agreement and
Wired's guidelines for use of the Wired Brand Features, which guidelines Wired
may change from time to time upon at least thirty (30) days' prior written
notice to Nettaxi.
4.5 No Other Rights. Except as expressly provided above, the
parties retain all title to, and all rights in, their respective Brand Features.
SECTION 5. PAYMENT TERMS.
5.1 Wired Services Referral Payments. Nettaxi shall be entitled to
---------------------------------
payment for Referrals throughout the Term, as follows
a. For every Referral between 1 and 300,000 Referrals per contract
quarter during the Term, Wired shall pay Nettaxi REDACTED per
Referral REDACTED CPM), unless Nettaxi fails to achieve the
guaranteed level of REDACTED Referrals for two consecutive
<PAGE>
contract quarters, in which case the payment per thousand
Referrals shall be decreased to REDACTRED, as described in
Section 3.3(b) above.
b. For every Referral between REDACTED and REDACTED Referrals per
contract quarter during the Term, Wired shall pay Nettaxi
REDACTED per Referral (REDACTED).
c. For every Referral over REDACTED per contract quarter during
the Term, Wired shall pay Nettaxi REDACTED per Referral
REDACTED.
5.2 Nettaxi Start Pages Advertising Revenue Share. Lycos shall pay
----------------------------------------------
Nettaxi the amounts set forth in Exhibit A with respect to Net Advertising
Revenue for the Nettaxi Start Pages received by Lycos during the relevant
period. For the purposes of this Agreement, "Net Advertising Revenue" means the
actual amounts received for the sale of Advertising Rights targeted to Nettaxi
Start Pages, less applicable sales or use taxes, direct costs of collection and
third party and internal sales commissions paid, which commissions shall be
deemed to be 20% of actual amounts received.
5.3 Payment Timing; Reporting. Except as provided in Section 3.3(a)
-------------------------
above, within thirty (30) days following the conclusion of each contract quarter
during the Term (the "Payment Schedule"), Wired shall calculate and pay to
Nettaxi the amounts described in Section 5.1 and 5.2 for the preceding contract
quarter. Referral volumes shall be tracked by Wired and reported to Nettaxi with
each payment.
5.4 No Artificial Inflating of Referral Numbers. Nettaxi shall not,
-------------------------------------------
nor shall it permit or encourage others to, engage in behavior that would cause
Referrals other than by bona fide users who are not employees or contractors of
Nettaxi. Without limiting the foregoing, Nettaxi shall not: (i) use, or permit
to be used, robots that would cause Referrals, or (ii) compensate employees or
contractors for manually causing Referrals.
5.5 Other Revenue Opportunities. Lycos and Nettaxi shall work
-----------------------------
together to develop additional revenue opportunities related to Nettaxi
Services. Allocation of any such revenues shall be agreed on a case-by-case
basis.
5.6 Taxes. All fees and payments stated herein exclude, and Nettaxi
-----
shall pay, any sales, use, property, license, value added, withholding, excise
or similar tax, federal, state or local, related to the Parties' performance of
their obligations or exercise of their rights under this Agreement and any
related duties, tariffs, imposts and similar charges, exclusive of taxes based
on Wired's net income.
5.7 Inspection Rights. Each party shall maintain accurate records
------------------
with respect to the calculation of all payments due under this Agreement. Each
party shall have the right, at its expense (except as provided below) to audit
the other party's books and records for the purpose of verifying such payments.
<PAGE>
Such audits shall be made not more than twice per year, on not less than ten
(10) days written notice, during regular business hours, by auditors reasonably
acceptable to the party being audited. If the auditor's figures reflect records
higher than those-reported by the party being audited, then the party being
audited shall pay the difference. If the auditor's figures vary more than 10%
from the figures provided by the party being audited, then the party being
audited shall also pay the reasonable cost of the audit.
SECTION 6. EXCLUSIVITY.
During the Term, Wired and Lycos will be the exclusive providers of
Internet search, navigation, directory services, personal start pages, personal
home pages and email services on the Nettaxi Site (including any successor
sites); provided that Wired and Lyrcos are not obligated to provide any such
additional services not provided for in this Agreement unless it expressly
agrees to do so in writing. Nettaxi shall not display any reference to any
competitor of Wired or Lycos on the Nettaxi Site. The term "competitor" is
defined as: Yahoo, Northern Lights, Excite/AtHome, InfoSeek, Snap, Cnet, Planet
Direct, AltaVista, GeoCities, LookSmart, MetaCrawler, Mining Company, GoTo and
Go Network, or other competitor as Wired may designate once per contract
quarter.
SECTION 7. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES.
HOTBOT SEARCH, WIRED CONTENT AND NETTAXI START PAGES, ALL UNDERLYING
SOFTWARE AND ALL DATA CONTAINED THEREIN ARE PROVIDED"AS IS."' WIRED AND LYCOS
DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,WITH RESPECT TO SUCH SERVICES,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF DATA,
NONINFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE, OR ARISING FROM
THE COURSE OF DEALING BETWEEN THE PARTIES OR USAGE OF TRADE.
SECTION 8. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
8.1 Definition. "Confidential Information" means confidential and
---------- -------------------------
proprietary information which relates to the parties' business, products and
services, including but not limited to data, trade secrets, discoveries, ideas,
concepts, know-how, techniques, software, business activities and operations,
reports, studies and other technical and business information and, under the
circumstances of disclosure, would be deemed confidential or proprietary by a
reasonable business person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential
Information shall not include any information which is (a) information which has
become publicly available without breach hereunder by the receiving party or
another person, (b) information which was rightfully received by the receiving
party from a source not under obligation of confidentiality to the disclosing
party, (c) information in the possession of the receiving party, in written or
other recorded form, prior to disclosure by the disclosing party, (d)
<PAGE>
information which is developed by the receiving party independent of any
information disclosed hereunder, and (e) information which the disclosing party
has approved in writing for release by the receiving party without restriction.
8.2 No Disclosure. Each party agrees that it will keep in
--------------
confidence all Confidential Information of the other party and that it will not
directly or indirectly disclose to any third party or use for its own benefit,
or use for any purpose other than the performance of its obligations under this
Agreement, any Confidential Information it receives from the other party. Each
party agrees to use reasonable care to protect the other party's Confidential
Information, and in no event less than the same degree of care to protect the
other party's Confidential Information as it would employ with respect to its
own information of like importance which it does not desire to have published or
disseminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party hereto may disclose
any Confidential Information hereunder to such party's attorneys and other
representatives, if required to do so under law or in a judicial or other
governmental investigation or proceeding, provided the other party has been
given prior notice and the disclosing party has sought all available safeguards
against widespread dissemination prior to such disclosure, or any court or other
tribunal of competent jurisdiction as reasonably required to resolve any dispute
between the parties hereto.
8.3 Remedies. The parties each agree that any breach of this
--------
Section 8 would cause irreparable harm or injury to the other party
significantly in excess of the value received by such other party pursuant to
this Agreement, and that such other party shall be entitled to declaratory,
injunctive or other equitable relief, in addition to any other legal or
equitable remedies it may have, for any such breach.
8.4 Return of Confidential Information. Each party shall return or
-----------------------------------
destroy all Confidential Information promptly upon the request of the other
party or upon termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARYAND EXCEPT WITH
RESPECT TO OBLIGATIONS TO PAY MONEY UNDER SECTION 5 AND THE INDEMNITY
OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION 10, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL EITHER PARTY BE
LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT
UNDER ANY CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE
THEORY FOR (A) ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR
EXEMPLARY DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF REVENUE OR GOODWILL OR
ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR LOST BUSINESS), EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES; OR (B) THE COST OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE
SERVICES,TECHNOLOGY, DATA OR CONTENT.
<PAGE>
SECTION 10. INDEMNIFICATION.
10.1 By Wired. Wired, at its own expense, shall indemnify, defend
---------
and hold harmless Nettaxi, and its officers, directors, employees,
representatives and agents, and each of them, against any third party claim,
demand, suit, action, or other proceeding brought against such person, and all
damages, awards, settlements, liabilities, losses, costs and expenses related
thereto (including without limitation attorneys' fees) to the extent that such
claim, suit, action or other proceeding is based an or arises from any claim
that (a) the underlying source code or object code for the HotBot Personal
Search Tool infringes any copyright or U.S. patent or (b) any of the Wired Brand
Features infringes any valid copyright or trademark.
10.2 By Lycos. Lycos, at its own expense, shall indemnify, defend
---------
and hold harmless Nettaxi, and its officers, directors, employees,
representatives and agents, and each of them, against any third party claim,
demand, suit, action, or other proceeding brought against such person, and all
damages, awards, settlements, liabilities, losses, costs and expenses related
thereto (including without limitation attorneys' fees) to the extent that such
claim, suit, action or other proceeding is based on or arises from any claim
that (a) the underlying, source code or object code for Nettaxi Start Pages
infringes any copyright or U.S. patent (b) any of the Lycos Brand Features
infringes any valid copyright or trademark.
10.3 By Nettaxi. Nettaxi, at its own expense, shall indemnify,
-----------
defend and hold harmless Lycos and Wired, and their respective officers,
directors, employees, representatives and agents, and each of them, against any
third party claim, suit, action, or other proceeding brought against such
person, and all damages, awards, settlements, liabilities, losses, costs and
expenses related thereto (including without limitation attorneys' fees) to the
extent that such claim, suit, action or other proceeding is based on or arises
from (a) any claim that any of the Nettaxi Brand Features infringe any valid
copyright or trademark or (b) operation of the Nettaxi Site.
10.4 Procedure. All indemnification obligations under this Section
---------
10 shall be subject to the following requirements: (a) the indemnified party
shall provide the indemnifying party with prompt written notice of any claim;
(b) the indemnified party shall permit the indemnifying party to assume and
control the defense of any action (unless, in the opinion of counsel of the
indemnified party, such assumption would result in a material conflict of
interest); and (c) the indemnified party shall not enter into any settlement or
compromise of any claim without the indemnifying party's prior written consent.
In addition, the indemnified party may, at its own expense, participate in its
defense of any claim.
SECTION 11. TERMINATION.
11.1 Term. This Agreement shall have an initial term of REDACTED
----
from the Effective Date and shall automatically renew for successive one-year
terms unless (a) either party provides the other party written notice of
non-renewal at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then
<PAGE>
current term or (b) terminated earlier in accordance with Section 11.2. The
initial term and all renewal terms are collectively referred to in this
Agreement as the "Term."
11.2 Early Termination.
------------------
(a) Termination Conditions. This Agreement may be terminated
-----------------------
(i) by any Party immediately upon written notice if the other party (A) becomes
insolvent; (B) files a petition in bankruptcy; or (C) makes an assignment for
the benefit of its creditors; (ii) by any Party at such time as Wired or Lycos
ceases offering any of the above-described services to third parties; or (iii)
by any Party for any reason or no reason upon ninety (90) days prior written
notice,
(b) Non-Exclusive Remedy. Except as explicitly set forth
---------------------
elsewhere in this Agreement, the foregoing rights of termination shall be in
addition to any other legal or equitable remedies that the terminating party
may have.
11.3 Survival of Certain Provisions. The provisions of Sections I
--------------------------------
(Definitions), 4.1 (Ownership), 4.3 (No Other Rights), 7 (Disclaimer of
Warranties), 8 (Confidential Information), 9 (Limitation of Liability), 10
(Indemnification), 12 (General Provisions) and this Section 11.3, as well as any
accrued payment obligations under Section 5, shall survive any termination of
this Agreement.
SECTION 12. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
12.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Exhibit hereto,
----------------
represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and thereof and shall supersede all prior agreements and
communications of the parties, oral or written.
12.2 Amendment and Waiver. No amendment to any provision of this
----------------------
Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by all parties. The
waiver by either party of a breach or a default of any provision of this
Agreement by the other party shall not be construed as a waiver of any
succeeding breach of the same or any other provision, nor shall any delay or
omssion on the part of either party to exercise or avail itself of any right,
power or privilege that it has, or may have, hereunder, operate as a waiver of
any right, power or privilege by such party.
12.3 Choice of Law and Forum. This Agreement, its interpretation,
-------------------------
performance or any breach thereof, shall be construed in accordance with, and
all questions with respect thereto shall be determined by, the laws of the State
of California applicable to contracts entered into and wholly to be performed
within said state. The parties hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction of
<PAGE>
California, acknowledge that venue is proper in any state or Federal court in
the California, agrees that any action related to this Agreement must be brought
in a state or Federal court in the California, and waive any objection such
party has or may have in the future with respect to any of the foregoing.
12.4 Legal Fees. The prevailing party in any legal action brought
-----------
by one party against the other and arising out of this Agreement shall be
entitled, in addition to any other rights and remedies it may have, to
reimbursement for its expenses, including court and arbitration costs, as well
as reasonable attorneys' fees.
12.5 Successors and Assigns. Neither party shall assign its rights
-----------------------
or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the
other party, provided that Wired and Lycos shall be permitted to assign its
rights and obligations to an acquiring or successor entity in connection with a
merger, a sale of Wired's or Lycos' business or a sale of all or substantially
all of Wired's or Lycos' assets. All terms and provisions of this Agreement
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective permitted transferees, successors and assigns.
12.6 Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other
-------
communications which are required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing,
and shall be delivered by registered U.S. mail, postage prepaid (effective three
(3) days after mailing) or sent by facsimile or electronic mail, with a
confirmation copy simultaneously sent by U.S. mail, postage prepaid (effective
upon transmission), at the addresses set forth on the signature page hereto.
Notice of change of address shall be given in the same manner as other
communications.
12.7 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be
------------
invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Agreement, and
this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable
provision had never been contained herein.
12.8 Good Faith. The parties agree to act in good faith with
-----------
respect to each provision of this Agreement and any dispute that may arise
related hereto.
12.9 Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are
--------
included for convenience only, and shall not limit or otherwise affect the terms
of this Agreement.
12.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two
------------
counterparts, both of which taken together shall constitute a single instrument.
Execution and delivery of this Agreement may be evidenced by facsimile
transmission.
<Signatures appear on following page>
This Internet Services Suite Agreement has been executed by the parties
effective as of the Effective Date.
<PAGE>
WIRED DIGITAL, INC. LYCOS, TNC.
By: /s/ Elizabeth Vandendike By: /s/ Thomas E. Guilford
Name: Elizabeth Vandendike Name: Thomas E. Guilford
Title: President Title: VP Finance/Admin.
Address: Address:
Wired Digital, Inc. Lycos, Inc.
Attn.: General Counsel 400-2 Totten Pond Road
660 Third Street, 4h Floor Waltham, MA 02154
San Francisco, CA 94107 Tel.: (781) 370-2700
Tel.: (415) 276-8400 Fax: (781) 370-2800
Fax: (415) 276-8499 Attn.: General Counsel
Reviewed By
WIRED DIGITAL LEGAL
Initial /s/ CP
NETTAXI
By: /s/ Dean Rositano
Name: Dean Rositano
Title: President
Address:
2165 S. Bascom Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
Attn.:
Tel.: (408) 879-9880
Fax: (408) 879-9907
Email: [email protected]
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
---------
1. ADDITIONAL MARKETING PROVISIONS
A. HOTBOT BANNER ADVERTISEMENTS:
i. Throughout the Term, Nettaxi shall serve REDACTED banner
impressions per month promoting Nettaxi Start Pages on a "run-of-site"
basis across the Nettaxi Site, which creative materials will be furnished
by Lycos and modified by Lycos from time to time at Lycos' sole
discretion.
ii. Throughout the Term, Nettaxi shall serve REDACTED banner
impressions per month promoting the HotBot Personal Search Tool on
a "run-of-site" basis across the Nettaxi Site, which creative materials
will be furnished by Wired and modified by Wired from time to time at
Wired's sole discretion.
B. 9-MAIL PROMOTIONS: At least REDACTED per contract quarter of the
Term, Nettaxi shall deliver a direct e-mail to each of Nettaxi's
registered users containing a marketing message written by Wired and/or
Lycos regarding new features in the Wired and Lycos services. Such
e-mails shall not contain any other promotional elements.
2. NET ADVERTISING REVENUE
Lycos shall pay Nettaxi according to the Payment Schedule an amount equal
to REDACTED of Net Advertising Revenue derived from Nettaxi Start Pages.
If Nettaxi fails to deliver the guaranteed level of Referrals during
two consecutive contract quarters during the Term, the percentage of Net
Advertising Revenue used in the Formula for computation of Nettaxi
quarterly payment shall decrease to REDACTED as described above in
Section 3.3(b).
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.41
OFFICE LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS LEASE made MAY 27,1999, between H&L REALTY AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY, Agent
for owners (NAME) FLAMINGO FOUNTAINS of 3885 SOUTH DECATUR BOULEVARD, Las Vegas,
Nevada (LESSOR) and NETTAXI ONLINE COMMUNITIES (LESSEE). On the covenants and
conditions of this Lease, LESSOR Leases to LESSEE and LESSEE Leases from LESSOR
a total of approximately FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY (580) square feet of floor space
("LEASED PREMISES") on the FIRST (1ST) floor of 3885 SOUTH DECATUR BOULEVARD,
SUITE 1050, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89103 ("BUILDING").
The LEASED PREMISES is more specifically indicated on EXHIBIT "A" attached
hereto and incorporated by this reference. The LEASED PREMISES shall include the
exterior walls, ceiling, floor, recessed entryways, exterior and interior sides
of doors and windows enclosing the space and all plumbing, electrical, heating,
air conditioning, sprinklers and other fixtures and equipment, ducts, pipes and
other appurtenant things within such space.
The term of this Lease shall be ONE (1) years, commencing the 1ST day of JUNE,
1999, and shall terminate on the LAST day of MAY, 2000.
The parties agree as follows:
(1) LEASE RENTAL: LESSEE agrees to pay minimum monthly rent to LESSOR at
such place as LESSOR may designate, without deduction or offset. LESSOR agrees
to accept as minimum monthly rent for the Leased Premises TWELVE (12) months
rent in equal monthly installments of SIX HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHTAND 00/100
($638.00) dollars, payable in advance on the first day of each month during the
term of this Lease.The amount of TWO THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED NINE AND 80/100
($2,209.80) dollars OF WHICH $638.00 IS THE FIRST MONTH'S RENT, $98.60 IS THE
FIRST MONTH'S CAMS AND $1,473.20 IS THE SECURITY DEPOSIT, has been paid to
LESSOR upon the execution of the Lease receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
as and for first month's rental.
RENT DEFINED. The terms "rent" and "rental" as used herein and elsewhere
throughout this Lease shall be deemed to be and mean the minimum monthly rent,
any additional rents, any rental adjustments, LESSEE reimbursements, legal fees
and costs incurred to enforce any provision of this Lease, and any and all other
sums, no matter how designated, required to be paid by LESSEE under this Lease.
(2) LATE PAYMENT: Rent not received before 5:00 P.M. on the first day of
every month during the Lease term shall be deemed to be delinquent. Any late fee
incurred shall be payable to LESSOR as additional rent. (PLEASE REFER TO 16A
WHICH GOVERNS THE TERMS FOR LATE PAYMENT OF RENT). LATE AND/OR LEGAL FEES ARE
DUE AND PAYABLE IF RENT IS RECEIVED AFTER THE 5TH OF THE MONTH. LESSOR shall not
be obligated to accept any late payment of rent unless the LESSEE also pays in
addition fee of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the late rent or thirty-five
dollars ($35.00) per month, whichever is greater, as compensation for the
increased overhead to LESSOR caused by the late payment. All common area, taxes,
insurance and other billings are due within five (5) days of the billing date
and any payment therefore not received within five (5) days shall automatically
accrue a ten percent (10%) late charge or thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per
month, whichever is greater. The forgoing late fees are agreed by the parties to
be reasonable sums necessary to compensate LESSOR for all costs and expenses
that LESSOR may incur by virtue of LESSEE'S late payment. Any payment tendered
to LESSOR which is dishonored upon presentation for payment shall further
subject the LESSEE to a fifty dollar ($50.00) return check charge, which shall
be payable to LESSOR, as additional rent, together with LESSEE'S next monthly
rental payment.
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THE LESSOR'S ACCEPTANCE OF A PARTIAL PAYMENT OF THE OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH
HEREIN DOES NOT AMOUNT TO AN ACCORD AND SATISFACTION NOR A WAIVER OF THE RIGHT
TO THE BALANCE OF THE RENT DUE AND OWING FOR THE REMAINING MONTH OR TERM.
(3) CONSUMERS PRICE INDEX: The minimum monthly rental set forth in Section I
shall be subject to be in a increased in accordance with changes in the Consumer
Price Index (referred to herein as the "Price Index" and as herein defined). The
minimum monthly rent shall be adjusted in accordance with the following
provisions:
(A) The price index for the month of MAY immediately preceding the
commencement date shall be designated as the Base Price Index;
(B) As of the first day of each full Lease year, the monthly rental set
forth in Section 1 shall be adjusted by multiplying such monthly rental by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the Price Index for the prior month of MAY
and the denominator of which is the Base Price Index. LESSEE shall pay the
adjusted minimum monthly rental until the rent is readjusted pursuant to this
Subsection B for the following Lease year; and
(C) No such adjustment shall reduce the minimum monthly rental below the
minimum monthly rental specified in Section 1. For purposes hereof "Consumer
Price Index" or "Price Index" shall mean the average for "all items" shown on
the Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, California area. All urban consumers
(including single workers), all items, groups, subgroups, and special groups of
items" 'as promulgated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department
of Labor. Should the Bureau discontinue the publication of the above index, or
publish same less frequently, or alter same in some other manner, then Lessor
shall adopt a substitute index or substitute procedure which reasonably reflects
and monitors consumer prices.
(4) DELAY IN DELIVERY OF POSSESSION: If LESSOR, for any reason whatsoever,
cannot deliver possession of the Leased Premises to LESSEE at the commencement
of the term of this Lease, the Lease shall not be void or voidable, nor shall
LESSOR be liable to LESSEE for any loss or damage resulting therefrom, but in
this event there shall be a proportionate reduction of rent covering the period
between the commencement of the term and the time when LESSOR can deliver
possession. The term of this Lease shall be extended by such delay.
(5) IMPROVEMENTS: Any alterations, additions or improvements to or of the
Leased Premises, including, but not limited to, wall covering, paneling and
built-in cabinet work, but excepting movable furniture and trade fixtures, shall
air once become a part of the realty and shall be surrendered with the Leased
Premises unless LESSOR otherwise elects at the end of the term hereof.
At the expiration of this Lease, LESSEE shall surrender the Leased Premises
in the same condition as it was upon delivery of possession thereto under this
Lease reasonable wear and tear excepted, and shall deliver all keys to LESSOR.
Before surrendering the Leased Premises, LESSEE shall remove all of its personal
property and trade fixtures and such alterations or additions to the Leased
Premises made by LESSEE as may be specified for removal by LESSOR, and shall
repair any damage caused by such property or the removal thereof. If LESSEE
fails to remove its personal property and fixtures upon the expiration of this
Lease, the same shall be deemed abandoned and shall become the property of
LESSOR.
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(6) USE OF PREMISES: The Leased Premises may be used and occupied only for
COMPUTER ON-LINE SALES, SERVICE AND SIMILAR OFFICE USE and for no other purpose
or purposes, without LESSOR'S prior written consent. LESSEE shall promptly
comply with all laws, ordinances, orders and regulations affecting, the Leased
Premises and their cleanliness, safety, occupation and use. LESSEE shall not do
or permit anything to be done in or about the Leased Premises, or bring to keep
anything in the Leased Premises that will in any way increase the fire insurance
upon the Building. LESSEE will not perform any act to or carryon any practice
that may injure the Building or be a nuisance or menace or permit any outside
storage on or about the Leased Premises. It is understood and agreed by Lessee
that this Lease contains no restrictive covenants for exclusive use rights in
favor of LESSEE.
(7) ENTRY BY LESSOR: LESSOR and its authorized representative shall have the
right to enter tile Leased Premises at all reasonable times upon 24 hours notice
for any of the following purposes: (a) to determine whether the Leased Premises
are in good condition and whether LESSEE is complying with its obligations under
this Lease; (b) to do any necessary maintenance or make any restoration to the
Leased Premises that LESSOR has the right or obligation to perform; (c) to
serve, post or keep posted any notices required or allowed under the provisions
of this Lease; (d) to post "for sale" signs at any time during the term, to post
"for rent" or "for Lease" signs during the last six months of the term or during
any period while LESSEE is in default; (e) to show the Leased Premises to
prospective brokers, agents, buyers, lessees, or persons interested in an
exchange, at any time during the term; (f) to shore up the Building or to erect
scaffolding and protective barricades and to do any other act or thing necessary
for the safety or the preservation of the Leased Premises. LESSOR may enter the
Leased Premises at any time, without notice, in the event of an actual or
believed emergency. LESSOR shall at all times have and retain a key with which
to unlock all of the doors at the Leased Premises, excluding LESSEE'S vaults and
safes, and
LESSOR shall have the right to use any and all means which LESSOR may deem
proper to open said doors in an emergency in order to obtain entry to the Leased
Premises. Any entry to the Leased Premises by any of said means, or otherwise,
shall not under any circumstances be construed or deemed to be a forcible or
unlawful entry into, or a detainer of the Leased Premises, or an eviction of
LESSEE from the Leased Premises or any portion thereof.
LESSOR shall not be liable in any manner for any inconvenience,
disturbance, loss of business, nuisance or other damage arising out of LESSOR's
entry in the Leased Premises as provided in this Section 7, except damage
resulting from the active negligence for willful misconduct of LESSOR or its
authorized representatives. LESSOR shall conduct its activities on the Leased
Premises, as allowed in this Section 7, in a reasonable manner and attempt to
cause the least possible inconvenience annoyance or disturbance to LESSEE.
(8) COMMON AREAS DEFINED: The term "Common Areas"' means all areas and
facilities outside the premises of the other LESSEES and within the exterior
boundaries of 3885 SOUTH DECATUR BOULEVARD that are provided and designated by
LESSOR from time to time for the general use and convenience of LESSEE and of
the other LESSEES of 3885 SOUTH DECATUR BOULEVARD and their respective employees
and invitees. The Common Areas shall include, without limitation, pedestrian
walkways and patios, landscaped areas, sidewalks, service corridors, restrooms,
stairways, loading, areas and parking, areas. LESSOR shall have the right to:
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(A) Establish and enforce reasonable rules and regulations applicable to
all LESSEES concerning the maintenance, management, use and operation of the
Common Areas;
(B) Close any of the Common Areas to whatever extent required in the
opinion of LESSOR'S counsel to prevent a dedication of any of the Common Areas
or the accrual of any rights of any person or of the public to the Common Areas;
(C) Close temporarily any of the Common Areas for maintenance purposes;
(D) Designate other property outside the boundaries of 3885 SOUTH DECATUR
BOULEVARD,SUITE 1050 to become part of the Common Areas;
(E) Select a person to maintain and operate any of the Common Areas if at
any time LESSOR determines that the best interest of LESSOR will be served by
having any of the Common Areas maintained and operated by that person. LESSOR
shall have the right to negotiate and-enter into a contract with that person on
such terms and conditions over such a period of time as LESSOR deems reasonable
and proper, both as to service and to cost; and
(F) Make changes to the Common Areas, including and without limitation,
changes in the location of the driveways, entrances, exits, vehicle parking
spaces, parking areas or the direction of traffic flow.
(9) PARKING AREA: LESSEE agrees to cooperate with LESSOR and other LESSEES
of the Building to assist in cleaning up and policing the entire parking area
and other areas of public nature, and to help maintain such areas in a clean
condition. LESSEE agrees to pay $0.00 per month in advance, as additional rent
for N/A vehicle(s) to be parked in a reserved covered or non-covered parking
space. Any late payment received after fifth (5th) day shall incur a late fee
charge per Section 16 of this lease agreement. LESSOR, however reserves to
itself the absolute right to make any rules or regulations pertaining to use of
the parking area adjacent to the Leased Premises, and LESSOR shall he the sole
arbitrator in the event of any disputes that might arise between the LESSEES of
the BUILDING in regard to the parking area.
(10) UTILITIES: LESSOR agrees to assume and pay all water charges. LESSEE
shall be solely responsible for and shall promptly pay all charges for use or
consumption for heating or cooling, sewer, water, gas, electricity, or any other
utility services. Should LESSOR elect to supply any utility services, LESSEE
agrees to purchase and pay for the same as additional rent at the applicable
rates then customarily being charged by the utility furnishing the same. If
LESSEE uses water, electricity, heat or air conditioning in excess of normal
office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, LESSOR may
separately meter LESSEE'S suite. Any use of computers or other devices of any
kind requiring larger than normal utility expense will be subject to a
surcharge, payable monthly equal to one hundred percent (100%) of such excess
use. Utility company estimates of such cost shall be the controlling cost in
event of dispute. LESSEE shall also pay the increased cost directly to the
appropriate utility or LESSOR may measure or estimate the increased use and
LESSEE shall pay LESSOR, on demand, any increased cost so measured or estimated
on a month-to-month basis due on the first day of each month. Any additional
utility charges incurred pursuant to the provisions of this Section 10 shall
deemed to be additional rent. LESSEE shall pay LESSOR a monthly utility fee, as
additional rent, of $N/A for sewer fees of LESSEE's individual suite. LESSOR
DOES NOT ELECT TO SUPPLY ANY UTILITYSERVICE TO LESSEE OTHER THAN WATER.
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(11) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: LESSEE agrees to comply with all laws,
ordinances, rules and regulations now or hereafter in force affecting the Leased
Premises or its use and not to conduct the business permitted so as to increase
the insurance rates on the Leased Premises or BUILDING or contents. LESSEE
hereby accepts the Leased Premises subject to all laws, statutes, zoning
restrictions, ordinances or rules or regulations of any governmental entity or
the requirement of any duly constituted public authority governing and
regulating the use of the Leased Premises. LESSEE acknowledges that neither
LESSOR nor LESSORS agent has made any representation or warranty as to the
suitability of the Leased Premises for the conduct of LESSEE'S business. LESSEE
shall, at its sole cost and expense, comply with all requirements of all
municipal, state, federal and other duly constituted public authorities now in
force, or which may hereafter be in force pertaining to the use of the Leased
Premises. LESSEE shall not use the Leased Premises or permit anything to be done
in or about the Leased Premises which will in any way conflict with any law,
statute, zoning, restriction, ordinance or governmental rule or regulation or
requirements of duly constituted public authorities now in force or which may
hereafter be enacted or promulgated. The judgment of any court of competent
jurisdiction or the admission of LESSEE in any action against LESSEE, whether
LESSOR be a party thereto or not, that LESSEE has violated any law, statute,
ordinance or governmental rule, regulation or requirement, shall be conclusive
of that fact as between LESSOR and LESSEE.
LESSEE shall not commit, or suffer any waste upon the LEASED Premises, or
any nuisance, or other act or thing, which may disturb the quiet enjoyment of
any other tenant in the Building containing the Leased Premises as well as any
Building in the project in which the Leased Premises are located.
(12) REPAIRS: LESSEE shall at its sole cost, keep and maintain the Leased
Premises and appurtenances and every part thereof, (except air conditioning
equipment, exterior walls and roofs, which LESSOR agrees to repair), including
windows and skylights, doors, any store front and the interior for the Leased
Premises, in good condition and repair and in clean arid sanitary condition and
repair, free from obnoxious odors. LESSEE shall at its sole cost, keep the
Leased Premises in good order, condition and repair and furnish all expendables
(light bulbs, etc.) used in the Leased Premises during the term or extended term
of the Lease. LESSEE agrees to allow access to LESSOR upon the Leased Premises
for the purpose of making reasonable repairs, alterations or remodeling at
reasonable times for any portion of the BUILDING and waives any claim for
damages for interference or interruption with LESSEE'S operation of the premises
by reason of repairs, alterations or remodeling undertaken by LESSOR anywhere in
the BUILDING. LESSOR agrees to use all reasonable diligence in completing any of
such repairs, alterations or remodeling. LESSEE further agrees to pay all
maintenance and repair costs resulting from its negligence, or the negligence of
its agents or employees, or as required under this paragraph. LESSEE SHALL BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING REPAIRS WITHIN THE INTERIOR OF
LESSEE'S PREMISES AND/OR AS A RESULTOF LESSEE'S MISUSE AND/OR NEGLIGENCE. LESSOR
SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OTHER PLUMBING OR ELECTRICAL REPAIRS WITHIN THE
WALLS OF THE PREMISES.
LESSOR'S RIGHTS. In the event LESSEE fails to perform LESSEE'S obligations
under this Section 12,LESSOR shall give LESSEE notice, in compliance with
Section 30 of the lease, of such acts as are reasonably required to fulfill
LESSEE'S maintenance obligations hereunder. If LESSEE fails to commence the work
within15 days after notice and diligently prosecute the work to completion, then
LESSOR shall have the right (but not the obligation) to do such acts or expend
such funds at the expense of LESSEE as reasonably required to perform such work.
Any amount so expended by LESSOR shall be paid by LESSEE to LESSOR promptly
after demand, with interest at the rate of 10% per annum from the date of
expenditure by LESSOR. LESSOR shall have no liability to LESSEE for any damage
to, or interference with LESSEE'S use of the Leased Premises, or inconvenience
to LESSEE as a result of performing any such work.
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(13) INSURANCE: LESSEE agrees to hold LESSOR harmless from any claim,
damage, liability or expense in connection with or arising from any injury to
any person or property on the Leased Premises caused by the acts of LESSEE, his
agents or employees. LESSEE agrees to procure, at LESSEE's expense, a policy
public liability insurance in the amount of $500,000 or more, written by a
responsible insurance company or companies, covering the LESSOR, as well as the
LESSEE, and shall furnish LESSOR certificates evidencing such insurance. LESSOR
agrees to procure at LESSORIS expense adequate liability insurance to protect
the LESSOR'S premises in regard to the parking AND COMMON AREAS. LESSEE shall,
at its sole expense, procure and maintain in full force and effect building
plate glass insurance.
No use shall be made or permitted to be made of the Leased Premises, nor
acts done, which will increase the existing rate of insurance upon the Building
or cause the cancellation of any insurance policy covering, the Building, or any
part thereof, nor shall LESSEE sell, or pen-nit to be kept, used or sold in or
about the Leased Premises, any article which may be prohibited by the standard
form of fire insurance policies. LESSEE shall, at its sole cost and expense,
comply with any and all requirements, pertaining, to the Leased Premises, of any
insurance organization or company, necessary for the maintenance of reasonable
fire and public liability insurance, covering the Leased Premises, Building, and
appurtenances.
LESSEE shall maintain in full force and effect, on all its fixtures and
equipment, extended coverage insurance with standard coverage endorsement to the
extent of at least eighty percent (80%) of their insurable value. LESSEE shall
obtain and maintain, throughout the term of this Lease, business interruption
insurance. During the term of this Lease the proceeds from any such policy or
policies of insurance shall be used for the repair or replacement of the
fixtures and equipment so insured. LESSOR shall have no interest in the
insurance upon LESSEE'S equipment and fixtures and will sign all documents
necessary or proper in connection with the settlement of any claim or loss by
LESSEE. LESSOR will not carry insurance on LESSEE'S possessions. LESSEE'S
insurance policy shall contain an endorsement requiring 30 days written notice
from the insurance company to LESSOR and LESSEE before cancellation or change in
the coverage, scope, or amount of any policy. Each policy, or a certificate of
each policy, evidence of payment of premium therefore, together with a letter
from LESSEE'S insurance broker to LESSOR stating that such broker has reviewed
the insurance requirements of this Lease and that LESSEE's insurance complies
therewith, shall all be deposited with LESSOR within thirty (30) days after the
commencement of this Lease and also with thirty (30) days after the renewal of
each policy. If LESSEE fails to provide the required insurance, LESSOR may
obtain the same at LESSEE'S expense. Any premiums paid by LESSOR for such
insurance shall be due and payable by LESSEE to LESSOR as additional rent.
(14) INDEMNIFICATION BY TENANT: LESSEE shall indemnify and hold harmless
LESSOR against and from any and all claims arising from LESSEE'S use of the
Leased Premises and the conduct of its business or from any activity, work, or
thing done permitted or suffered by the LESSEE to he done in or about the Leased
Premises. LESSEE shall further indemnify and hold harmless LESSOR against and
from any all claims arising from any breach or default in the performance of any
OBLIGATION ON LESSEE'S part to be performed under the terms of this Lease, or
arising from any act, neglect, fault, or omission of the LESSEE, or of its
agents or employees. LESSEE shall further indemnify and hold LESSOR harmless
from and against all costs, attorney's fees, expenses and liabilities incurred
in or as a result of any claim or any action or proceeding brought thereon. In
the event any action or proceeding be brought against LESSOR by reason of any
such claim. LESSEE, upon notice from LESSOR, shall defend the same at LESSEE'S
expense by counsel reasonably satisfactory to LESSOR. LESSEE, as a material part
of the consideration to LESSOR for this Lease, hereby assumes all risk of damage
to property or injury to its employees and servants, in, or about the Leased
Premises, from any cause whatsoever, except that which is caused by the failure
of LESSOR to observe any of the terms and conditions of this Lease when such
failure has persisted for an unreasonable period of time after written notice of
such failure. LESSEE hereby waives all claims in respect thereof against LESSOR.
The obligations of LESSEE under this section arising by reason of any occurrence
taking place during the term of this Lease shall survive any termination of this
Lease.
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(15) DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION: Insured Destruction. If, during the term, the Leased
Premises or the Building of which the Leased Premises are. a part are totally or
partially destroyed from a risk covered by the insurance described in Section
13, thereby rendering the Leased Premises totally or partially inaccessible or
unusable, LESSOR shall restore the Leased Premises so far as practicable to the
condition in which the Leased Premises existed immediately prior to such damage
or destruction. In no event shall LESSOR'S obligation include the restoration of
any fixtures, additions or improvements installed in the Leased Premises by
LESSEE. Such destruction shall not terminate this Lease. If existing laws do not
permit the restoration, either party may terminate this Lease immediately by
giving notice to the other party.
If the cost of restoration of the Leased Premises or the Building, of which
the Leased Premises are a part exceeds the insurance proceeds received, LESSOR
may elect to terminate this Lease by giving notice to LESSEE within 15 days
after determining that the restoration cost will exceed the insurance proceeds.
If the damage and destruction only affects the floor on which the Leased
Premises are located and if LESSOR elects to terminate this Lease, LESSEE,
within 15 days after receiving LESSOR'S notice to terminate can elect to pay
LESSOR, at the time LESSEE notifies LESSOR of its election, the difference
between the amount of insurance proceeds and the total cost of restoration, in
which case LESSOR shall restore the Leased Premises. LESSOR shall give LESSEE
satisfactory evidence that all sums contributed by LESSEE, as provided in this
Section, have been expended by LESSOR in paying the cost of restoration. If
LESSOR elects to terminate the Lease and LESSEE does not elect to contribute
toward the cost of restoration as provided in this Section, this Lease shall
terminate.
UNINSURED DESTRUCTION. If, during the term, the Leased Premises or the Building,
of which the Leased Premises are a part are totally or partially destroyed from
a risk not covered by the insurance described in Section 13, thereby rendering
the Leased Premises totally or partially inaccessible or unusable, LESSOR shall
restore the Leased Premises so far as practicable to its condition immediately
prior to such damage or destruction. In no event shall LESSOR'S obligation
include the restoration of any fixtures, additions or improvements installed at
the Leased Premises by LESSEE. Such destruction shall not terminate this Lease.
If existing, laws do not permit the restoration, either party may terminate this
Lease immediately by giving notice to the other party.
If the cost of restoration exceeds 5% of the then replacement value of the
portions of the Building that are destroyed, LESSOR can elect to terminate this
LEASE by giving notice to the LESSEE within 15 days after determining the
restoration cost and the replacement value. If the damage or destruction only
affects the Building in which the Leased Premises are located and if LESSOR
elects to terminate this Lease, LESSEE within 15 days after receiving LESSOR'S
notice to terminate, can elect to pay LESSOR at the time LESSEE notified LESSOR
of its election, the difference between 5% of the then replacement value of the
portions of the Building destroyed and the actual total cost of restoration, in
which case LESSOR shall restore the Leased Premises. LESSOR shall give LESSEE
satisfactory evidence that all sums contributed by LESSEE as provided in this
Section have been expended by LESSOR in paying, the cost of restoration. If
LESSOR elects to terminate this Lease and LESSEE does not elect to contribute
towards the cost of restoration as provided in this Section, this Lease shall
terminate.
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LESSEE'S OBLIGATIONS: If LESSOR elects, or is required, to restore the
Leased Premises after any damage or destruction, LESSEE shall, at its cost, as
soon as reasonably practical, restore its LESSEE 'improvements, fixtures,
additions and other property to the condition in which they existed immediately
prior to such damage or destruction. LESSEE waives any other statue or law
hereafter enacted under which a Lease is automatically terminated or a tenant is
given the right to terminate a Lease upon damage or destruction.
ABATEMENT OF RENT. LESSEE agrees, after any damage or destruction of the Leased
Premises, to make the fullest practicable use of the Leased Premises. If LESSOR
is required to make or elects to make any restoration of the Leased Premises
under this Section 15, LESSEE shall not be entitled to any damages by reason of
any inconvenience or loss sustained by LESSEE as a result of such restoration.
During the period commencing with the damage or destruction and ending with the
completion of the restoration by the LESSOR, the minimum monthly rent payable
hereunder shall be reduced to the amount that is in the ratio of the remaining
usable square footage compared to the originally Leased square footage as
multiplied by the then existing, minimum monthly rental.
DAMAGE NEAR END OF TERM. If the Leased Premises are totally or partially
destroyed during the last six months of the term of the Lease or any extension
of the term, LESSOR may terminate this Lease as of the date of the occurrence of
such damage or destruction by giving written notice to LESSEE of LESSOR'S
election to do so within 30 days after the date of occurrence of such damage or
destruction.
(16) DEFAULT: The occurrence of any one of the following, shall constitute a
material default and breach of this Lease by LESSEE:
(A) The failure of LESSEE to pay the rent or any other monetary sums
required to be paid hereunder, where such failure continues for a period of five
(5) days after written notice thereof from LESSOR to LESSEE;
(B) Any failure by LESSEE to observe or perform any other provision of this
Lease to be observed or performed by LESSEE, where such failure continues for
fifteen (I 5) days after written notice thereof by LESSOR to LESSEE. However, if
the nature of LESSEE'S default is such that it cannot reasonably be cured within
the fifteen (15) day period, LESSEE shall not be deemed to be in default if
LESSEE shall commence such cure within the fifteen (15) day period and
thereafter diligently prosecute such cure to completion;
(C) Notices given under this Section 16 shall specify the alleged default
and the applicable Lease provision, and shall demand that LESSEE perform the
provisions of this Lease or pay the rent that is in arrears, as the case may be,
within the applicable time period, or quit the Leased Premises. No such notice
shall be deemed a forfeiture or a termination of this Lease unless LESSOR
specifically so states in the notice; and
(D) If LESSEE fails to pay, when the same is due and payable, any rent,
additional rent, or other sum required to be paid by it hereunder, such unpaid
amounts shall bear interest from the due date thereof to the date of payment at
the rate of ten (10%) percent per annum or thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per
month, whichever is greater. In addition thereto, LESSOR may charge a sum of
five (5%) percent of such unpaid amounts as a service fee. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, however, LESSOR'S right concerning such interest and service fee
shall be limited by the maximum amount which may be properly chanced by LESSOR
for such purposes under applicable law.
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(17) REMEDIES: In the event of any default or breach by LESSEE, LESSOR shall
have the following remedies. These remedies are not exclusive; they are
cumulative and are in addition to any other right or remedy of LESSOR at law or
in equity.
MAINTAIN LEASE IN EFFECT. LESSOR may maintain this Lease in full force and
effect and recover the rent and other monetary charges as they become due,
without terminating LESSEE'S rights to possession, irrespective of whether
LESSEE shall have abandoned the Leased Premises. In the event LESSOR elects not
to terminate the Lease, LESSOR shall have the right to reenter and take
possession of the Leased Premises in any lawful manner and lawfully remove all
persons and personal property from the Leased Premises. LESSOR is authorized,
but not obligated, to relet the Leased Premises or any part thereof on behalf of
the LESSEE and to do such acts and incur such expenses as are reasonably
necessary to maintain or preserve the Leased Premises or to prepare it for
relet. Any such relet may be for such a term or terms, upon such conditions and
at such rental
as LESSOR in its sole discretion may deem proper. Until the Leased Premises are
relet by Lessor, if at all, LESSEE shall pay to LESSOR all amounts required to
be paid by LESSEE hereunder. In the event any such relenting occurs, this Lease
shall terminate automatically upon the new LESSEE taking possession of the
Leased Premises and LESSEE shall then be liable to LESSOR for the damage
specified in this section. Notwithstanding that the LESSOR fails to elect to
terminate this Lease initially, LESSOR at any time while any default of LESSEE
has not been cured, may elect to terminate this Lease.
TERMINATION OF EITHER THIS LEASE OR LESSEE'S RIGHT TO POSSESSION. LESSOR
may terminate LESSEE'S right to possession of Leased Premises at any time. No
act by LESSOR other than giving specific written notice of termination to LESSEE
shall terminate this Lease. Acts of maintenance efforts to relet the Leased
Premises or the appointment of a receiver on LESSOR'S initiative to protect
LESSOR'S interest under this Lease shall not constitute a termination of
LESSEE'S right to possession. On termination LESSOR has the right to recover
from LESSEE: (a) the worth at the time of the award of the unpaid rent that had
been earned at the time of termination of this Lease; (b) the worth at the time
of the award of the amount by which the unpaid rent that would have been earned
after the date of termination of this Lease until the time of the award exceeds
the amount of loss of rent the LESSEE proves could have reasonably been avoided;
(e) the worth at the time of the award for the amount by which the unpaid rent
for the balance of the term after the time of the award exceeds the amount of
the loss of rent that LESSEE proves could have been reasonably avoided; and (d)
any other amount necessary to compensate LESSOR for all the detriment
proximately caused by LESSEE'S failure to perform its obligations under this
Lease or which in the ordinary course of things would be likely to result
therefrom which without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes any
cost and expenses incurred by the LESSOR in recovering possession of the Leased
Premises, in maintaining or preserving the Leased Premises after such default,
in preparing the Leased Premises for reletting to a new LESSEE, in making any
repairs or alterations to Leased Premises necessary for such reletting, and
costs of clearing LESSOR'S title of any interest of LESSEE, leasing commissions,
attorney's fees, architect's fees and any other costs necessary or appropriate
to relet the Leased Premises. "The worth at the time of the award," as used in
(a) and (b) of this Section is to be computed by allowing interest at the rate
of 10% per annum. "The worth, at the time of the award," as referred to in (c)
of this Section 17, is to be computed by discounting the amount by the discount
rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of Los Angeles at the time of the award, plus
1%.
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RECEIVER. If LESSEE is in default of this Lease, LESSOR shall have the right to
have a receiver appointed to collect rent. Neither the filing of a petition for
the appointment of a receiver nor the appointment itself shall constitute an
election by Lessor to terminate this Lease.
RIGHT TO CURE LESSEE'S DEFAULT. LESSOR, at any time after LESSEE commits a
default, can cure the default at LESSEE'S cost. If LESSOR at any time by reason
of LESSEE'S default, pays any sum or does any act that requires the payment of
any sum, the sum paid by LESSOR shall be due immediately from LESSEE to LESSOR,
and if repaid by LESSEE at a later date, shall bear interest at the rate of I 0%
per annum from the date the sum is paid by LESSOR until LESSOR is reimbursed by
LESSEE. Any such sum shall be due from LESSEE as additional rent.
PERSONAL PROPERTY OF LESSEE. In the event that any personal property, trade
fixtures, or alterations of LESSEE remain at the Leased Premises after LESSOR
has remained possession, they shall be dealt with in accordance with the
appropriate existing Nevada laws, if any, or any subsequent procedures
established by law regarding the disposition of a LESSEE'S personal property
remaining on the Leased Premises. LESSOR shall not be liable to LESSEE in any
manner for the disposition of LESSEE'S personal property, trade fixtures, or
alterations. LESSEE shall be liable to LESSOR for LESSOR'S costs in storing,
removing, and/or disposing of LESSEE'S personal property, trade fixtures or
alterations.
LESSOR'S OBLIGATIONS AFTER DEFAULT. LESSOR shall be under no obligation to
observe or perform any covenant of this Lease on its part to be observed or
performed which accrues after the date of any default by LESSEE hereunder. Such
nonperformance by LESSOR shall not constitute a termination of LESSEE'S rights
to possession or a constructive eviction.
No Right of Redemption. LESSEE hereby waives any rights it may have under
applicable Nevada law, now existing or as may be subsequently amended, which
allows LESSEE any right of redemption or relief from forfeiture in the event
LESSOR takes possession of the Premises by reason of any default by LESSEE
hereunder.
RENT FOR COMPUTATION OF DAMAGES. For the purposes of this Section, the rent
due for any calendar month after reentry by the LESSOR shall be deemed to be the
highest monthly rent, including all other monetary sums due hereunder, which
shall have been paid for any month since the commencement of the term.
(18) FORCE MAJEURE: LESSOR AND LESSEE shall be excused for the period of any
delay in the performance of any obligations hereunder when prevented from doing
so by cause or causes beyond LESSOR'S OR LESSEE'S control, including labor
disputes, civil commotion, war, governmental regulation or control, fire or
other casualty, inability to obtain any materials or services or acts of God.
(19) ABANDONMENT AND VACATION OF PREMISES: LESSEE shall not vacate nor
abandon the Leased Premises at any time during, the term of this Lease, nor
permit the Leased Premises to remain unoccupied for a period longer than fifteen
(15) consecutive days during the term of this Lease unless absent with prior
written notice to LESSOR and with LESSOR'S written approval thereof WHICH SHALL
NOT BE UNREASONABLY WITHHELD. If LESSEE shall abandon, vacate, or surrender the
Leased Premises, or be dispossessed by process of law, or otherwise, any
personal property belonging to LESSEE and left on the Leased Premises shall, at
the option of the LESSOR, be deemed abandoned.
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(20) ATTORNEY'S FEES: In the event either LESSOR or LESSEE shall institute
any legal action, arbitration, or other proceeding against the other relating to
the provisions of this Lease, or any default, then the prevailing party shall be
entitled to an award of actual expenses and/or court costs including attorney's
fees, expert witness fees and disbursements, and/or arbitration fees. The phrase
"prevailing party" shall mean a party who receives substantially the relief
desired whether by judgment, dismissal, summary judgment, settlement or
otherwise.
(21) SIGNS, AWNINGS, AND CANOPIES: LESSEE shall be responsible for the cost
to purchase any and all signs, awnings and canopies. LESSEE shall be responsible
for the cost to purchase any and all signs, awnings and canopies. LESSEE shall
pay a sign rental fee, in advance, of $N/A per month per panel for LESSEE'S name
to be displayed on the building's pylon sign. LESSEE shall not place or suffer
to be placed or maintained on any exterior door, wall, window of the Premises or
elsewhere in the building, any sign, awning, canopy, or advertising matter or
other thing of any kind. LESSEE shall not place or maintain any decoration,
lettering, or advertising matter on the glass of any window or door of the
Premises without first obtaining LESSOR'S prior written approval. LESSEE further
agrees to maintain such sign, awning, canopy, decoration, lettering, advertising
matter, or other things as may be approved in good condition and repair at all
times. LESSOR may, at LESSEE'S cost, remove any item erected in violation of
this Section.
(22) NO WAIVER: The failure of Lessor to insist upon the strict performance
of any provisions or to exercise any right or remedy afforded by this Lease
shall not be deemed to be a wavier hereof. No provision of this Lease shall be
deemed to have been waived unless such waiver shall be in writing, and Signed by
LESSOR.
(23) INVOLUNTARY ASSIGNMENTS, BANKRUPTCY: LESSOR and LESSEE have considered
the implications of having this Lease subject to involuntary transfer, whether
by insolvency, bankruptcy, intestacy, testacy, attachment, execution,
receivership or any other form of involuntary transfer. If this Lease were
subject to such involuntary transfer, LESSOR would require a security deposit
many times in excess of the one specified in Section 44, and in consideration
for requiring only the security deposit stated in Section 44,LESSOR and LESSEE
agree that neither this Lease nor any interest of LESSEE hereunder in the Leased
Premises, shall be subject to involuntary assignment or transfer by operation of
law in any manner whatsoever including, without limitation, the following; (a)
transfer by testacy or intestacy; (b) assignments or arrangements for the
benefit of creditors; (e) levy of a writ of attachment or execution on this
Lease; (d) the appointment of a receiver with the authority to take possession
of the Leased Premises in any proceeding or action in which LESSEE is a party;
(e) the filing by or against LESSEE of a petition to have LESSEE adjudged a
bankrupt, or of a petition for reorganization or arrangement under any law
relating, to bankruptcy. Any such involuntary assignment or transfer by
operation of law shall constitute a default by LESSEE and LESSOR shall have the
right to elect to terminate this Lease, in which case this Lease shall not be
treated as an asset of LESSEE. The performing of any of the acts specified in
the Section 23 by any guarantor of this Lease instead of or in conjunction with
the performance of such acts by LESSEE shall constitute a default under this
Lease.
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(24) CONDEMNATION: Lease Controls. If during, the term or during the period
of time between the execution of this Lease and the date the term commences,
there is any taking, of al I or part of the Leased Premises or any interest in
this Lease by the exercise of the power of eminent domain through legal
proceedings or otherwise by any public or quasi-public authority of private
corporation or individual having, the power of condemnation or a voluntary
transfer by LESSOR to such person or entity under the threat of condemnation or
while condemnation proceedings are pending, the rights and obligations of the
parties shall be determined pursuant to this Section. To the extent the Lease is
inconsistent with any laws regarding the correlative rights of LESSORS and
LESSEES in condemnation now existing or hereinafter enacted, the Lease shall
control.
TOTAL TAKING. If the Leased Premises are totally taken by condemnation,
this Lease shall terminate as of the date of taking.
PARTIAL TAKING. If any portion of the Leased Premises are taken by condemnation,
this Lease shall remain in effect, except that LESSEE may elect to terminate
this Lease if the remaining portion of the Leased Premises is rendered totally
unsuitable for LESSEE'S continued productive use of the Leased Premises. If
LESSEE elects to terminate this Lease, LESSEE must exercise its right to
terminate pursuant to this Section 24 by giving notice to LESSOR within 30 days
after the nature and the extent of the taking have been finally determined. If
LESSEE does not terminate this Lease within the 30 day period, this Lease shall
continue in full force and effect, except that monthly rental shall be reduced
as hereinafter provided in this Section 24.
RESTORATION. In the event there is partial taking and the Lease remains in full
force and effect, LESSOR shall repair the damage done to the Leased Premises
caused by such taking. However, LESSOR shall not be required to repair any
damage to LESSEE'S improvements, fixtures, alterations or additions to the
Leased Premises.
ABATEMENT OF RENT. Rent shall be abated or reduced during the period from the
date of taking until the earlier of the restoration of the Leased Premises to
their prior utility or the end of the term. All other obligations of LESSEE
under this Lease shall remain in full force and effect. The minimum monthly rent
shall be reduced by an amount, that is in the ratio of the remaining usable
square footage compared to the originally leased square footage as multiplied by
the then existing minimum monthly rent.
LESSEE'S OBLIGATIONS. If LESSOR elects or is required hereunder to add to,
repair, or restore the Leased Premises after any taking, LESSEE shall at its
cost, as soon as reasonably practicable repair or reconstruct its LESSEE
improvements, fixtures, alterations, additions and property at the Leased
Premises.
DISTRIBUTION OF AWARD. Any Award shall belong to and be paid to LESSOR.
(25) ASSIGNMENT: LESSEE shall not sublet the Leased Premises, or any part
thereof, and LESSEE shall not assign, transfer, pledge, mortgage or encumber
this Lease or any portion thereof, without the previous written consent of
LESSOR. LESSOR shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to the assignment of
this Lease and LESSOR agrees to consent to assignment of this Lease to anyone of
equal financial responsibility and business reputation in the community of
LESSEE. A consent to one assignment, subletting, occupation or use by any other
person, firm or corporation shall not be deemed to be a consent to any
subsequent subletting, assignment, occupation or use by any other person, firm
or corporation. On any such assignment or subletting, any key money or surplus
rent above provided in this Lease or any similar payment which shall be due from
the subtenant to LESSEE, shall be paid over to LESSOR. LESSOR shall not be bound
to approve any assignment or subletting which is a part of a larger transaction
between LESSEE and another party, where other consideration is also being
transferred to LESSEE, unless LESSOR shall receive as rent from the assignee or
subtenant a rent then commensurate with current market conditions but not less
than the amount of rent provided in this Lease.
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(26) INSPECTION: The LESSEE agrees to permit LESSOR to enter upon the Leased
Premises, inspect the same, make repairs and attend to any other business which
LESSOR may have at all reasonable times. LESSOR shall at all times have and
retain a key with which to unlock all of the doors in, upon and about the Leased
Premises, excluding LESSEE'S vaults and safes.
The LESSEE shall not alter any lock or install a new or additional lock or any
bolt on any door of the Leased Premises without prior written consent of LESSOR.
If LESSOR shall give its consent, the LESSEE shall in each case furnish the
LESSOR with a key for any such lock.
(27) RULES: Concurrently with the execution of this Lease, the LESSEE has
read, approved and signed a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Building
and agrees to comply with them, and any amendments made from time to time during
the LESSEE'S tenancy of which it receives advance notice. The amendments and/or
additional rules and regulations shall be effective upon delivery to LESSEE. A
violation of any rule or regulation shall constitute a material default by
LESSEE under this Lease. If there is a conflict between the rules and
regulations and any of the provisions of this Lease, the provisions of this
Lease shall prevail. LESSOR shall not be liable to LESSEE in any way for the
failure of any other LESSEE or occupant of 3885 SOUTHDECATUR BOULEVARD, SUITE
1050 to comply with any of the rules and regulations. A copy of the current
rules and regulations for the Building is attached as Exhibit "B" to this Lease.
(28) MODIFICATION: All modifications of this Lease shall not be deemed
effective unless they are in writing signed by both of the parties. Rules and
regulations governing the use of the Building and its parking lot shall not be
considered Lease Provisions for this purpose.
(29) NOTICE: Any notice, demand, request or other instrument which may be or
is required to be given under this Lease shall be delivered in person or sent by
United States certified or registered mail, postage prepaid and shall be
addressed: (1) if to LESSOR, at the place specified for payment of rent, and (2)
if to LESSEE, either at the Leased Premises or at any other current address for
LESSEE which is known to LESSOR. In the event that LESSEE shall change its
residence address, LESSEE shall give written notice thereof LESSOR within ten
(10) days after such change. Notice of any change of address shall be given in
the manner provided for in this section.
TO LESSOR: TO LESSEE:
FLAMINGO FOUNTAINS NETTAXI ON-LINE COMMUNITIES
C/O H&L REALTY & MANAGEMENT COMPANY ________________________________
P.O. BOX 7440 ________________________________
LAS VEGAS, NV 89125-7440 ________________________________
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(30) SURRENDER: On expiration of the Lease term or within five (5) days
after earlier termination of this Lease, LESSEE shall surrender the Leased
Premises to LESSOR, together with all of LESSEE'S improvements and alterations,
in good condition (except for ordinary wear and tear and damage to the Leased
Premises, the repair of which would not be LESSEE'S obligations), except for
alterations that LESSEE has the right remove or is obligated to remove under the
provisions of Section 5. LESSEE shall remove all of its personal property within
the above stated time. LESSEE shall perform all restoration made necessary by
the removal of any alterations of LESSEE'S personal property within the time
limit stated in this Section, including, without limitation, the patching and
filling of holes and repair of structural damage. Any alterations, or LESSEE'S
personal property remaining on the Leased Premises beyond such time, shall be
dealt with in accordance with the appropriate laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations as exist or may be enacted regarding the disposition of LESSEE'S
Property remaining at the Leased Premises. LESSEE waives all claims against
LESSOR for any damage to LESSEE resulting from LESSOR'S retention or disposition
of any such alterations. LESSEE shall be liable to LESSOR for LESSOR'S costs in
storing, removing and disposing of any alterations or personal property of
LESSEE.
If LESSEE fails to surrender the Leased Premises to LESSOR on the
expiration of the Lease term or within five (5) days after earlier termination
of the term as required by this Section, LESSEE shall hold LESSOR harmless for
all damages resulting, from LESSEE'S failure to surrender the Leased Premises,
including, without limitation, claims made by a succeeding LESSEE resulting from
LESSEE'S failure to surrender the Leased Premises.
(31) PARTIES: The words "LESSOR" and "LESSEE" shall refer to one or more
parties, and the obligations and benefits of this Lease shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, successors and
assigns, respectively, of the LESSOR and LESSEE.
(32) EFFECT OF HOLDING OVER: If LESSEE should remain in possession of the
Leased Premises after the expiration of the Lease term and without executing a
new Lease, then such holding over shall be construed as a tenancy from
month-to-month, subject to all the conditions, provisions and obligations of
this Lease in so far as the same are applicable to a month-to-month tenancy,
except that the amount of rent shall be doubled.
(33) EQUIPMENT: LESSOR shall supply heating and air conditioning equipment
to the Leased Premises, and it shall be maintained by LESSOR.
(34) FIXTURES: LESSOR shall install the usual standard lighting fixtures. No
alterations, additions or fixtures shall be installed upon the Leased Premises
without the written consent of the LESSOR and then shall be installed at the
sole cost and expense of the LESSEE. LESSEE shall protect LESSOR, the Building,
and Leased Premises from any liens or charges whatsoever in connection with any
alterations, additions or fixtures installed by the LESSEE. The LESSEE shall
maintain and repair all fixtures in the Leased Premises, whether lighting,
counter or otherwise, and keep them in good condition at its own expense.
(35) JANITORIALSERVICE: LESSOR agrees to provide janitorial service to the
Building to the extent of the hallways, stairways and ground only. LESSEE shall
be responsible for LESSEE'S interior janitorial services.
(36) PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX: LESSEE shall pay during, the term of this Lease, all
expenses of every kind payable in connection with LESSEE'S occupancy of the
Leased Premises, all personal property taxes levied upon personal property,
furniture, and fixtures, including, but not without prejudice to the generality
of the foregoing, shelves, counters, safes, partitions, trade fixtures,
equipment and stock in trade located at the Leased Premises.
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(37) SUBORDINATION AND ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES: LESSEE agrees that this Lease
is and shall always be subordinate to any mortgage, deed of trust, or other
instruments of security which have been or shall be placed on land and Building,
or land or Building of which the Leased Premises form a part, and such
subordination is made effective without further action by LESSEE.
At any time and from time to time, LESSEE agrees, upon request in writing,
from LESSOR, to execute, acknowledge and deliver to LESSOR a statement in
writing certifying, that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect
(or if there have been modifications, that the same is in full force and effect
as modified and stating the modifications) and dates to which the rent and other
charges have been paid. LESSEE agrees to execute any documents required to
effectuate such subordination or to make this Lease prior to the lien of any
ground Lease, mortgage, deed of trust or Estoppel Certificates, as the case may
be, and failing to do so within 10 days after written demand, does hereby make,
constitute and irrevocably appoint LESSOR as LESSEE'S attorney in fact and in
LESSEE'S name, place, and stead, to do so.
(38) ENFORCEMENT: In the event of any action by either party in any way
connected with the enforcement of this Lease, or for the recovery of possession
of the Leased Premises, the prevailing party shall be entitled to a reasonable
sum for attorney's fees in the action, and such fees shall be deemed to have
accrued on the commencement of such action. It is agreed that such reasonable
attorney's fees shall be not less than fifteen percent (15 %) of the amount
awarded to the prevailing party.
(39) COMMON AREA MAINTENANCE FEES: LESSEE shall pay monthly, in advance, as
additional rent, a sum of NINETY-EIGHT AND 60/100 ($98.60) dollars for LESSEE'S
share of the common area maintenance (CAM) expenses for the first year of the
lease agreement. LESSOR may adjust the monthly CAM charges each year at the
anniversary of the lease agreement based upon the consumer price index as
described in Section 3 of this lease agreement.
(40) OPTION TO RENEW: LESSOR hereby grants to LESSEE the option to renew
this Lease for an additional period of ONE (1) year(s) on the same terms and
conditions as contained elsewhere in this Lease, subject however to the
following express conditions precedent:
(A) That should LESSEE elect to exercise its options to renew as
contemplated herein, LESSEE shall give LESSOR at least ninety (90) days prior
written notice of such intention; and
(B) The option hereby afforded to LESSEE may not be exercised by LESSEE at
any time that LESSEE shall be in default of any covenant or condition of this
Lease, whether the same shall be an obligation to pay any sum of money or
otherwise.
C) The minimum monthly rental for the option period shall be subject to
being increased in accordance with Section 3 of this lease agreement.
(41) CAPTION TITLE: The caption titles set opposite the paragraphs of this
Lease are for the purpose of identification only and do not modify or limit the
terms of this agreement.
(42) SECURITY DEPOSIT: LESSEE, concurrently with the execution of this
Lease, has deposited with LESSOR the sum of SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX AND 60/100
($736.60) dollars, receipt of which is acknowledged by LESSOR. That deposit
shall be held by LESSOR, without liability for interest, as security for the
faithful performance by LESSEE of all the terms covenants and conditions of this
Lease by the LESSEE, provided that LESSEE shall not be excused from the payment
of rent or any other charge provided. If, at any time during the term of this
Lease, any of the rental shall be overdue and unpaid, or any other sum payable
by LESSEE to LESSOR shall be overdue and unpaid, the LESSOR may, at its option
(but LESSOR shall not be required to), apply any portion of the deposit to the
payment of such overdue rent or other sum. In the event of the failure of LESSEE
to perform any of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease, then
LESSOR, at its option. may apply the deposit, or so much as may be necessary to
compensate LESSOR for all loss or damage sustained by LESSOR, due to such breach
on the part of LESSEE. Should the deposit be diminished, then LESSEE shall, upon
written demand of LESSOR, forthwith remit to LESSOR a sufficient amount in cash
to restore the security to the original sum deposited, and LESSEE'S failure to
do so within three (3) days after receipt of such demand shall constitute breach
of this Lease. Should LESSEE comply with all the terms, covenants, and
conditions and promptly pay all the rental as it falls due, and all other sums
payable by LESSEE to LESSOR, then the deposit shall be returned in full to
LESSEE at the end of the term of this Lease, or uponthe earlier termination of
this Lease.
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(43) CORPORATE AUTHORITY: If LESSEE is a corporation, each individual
executing this Lease on behalf of said corporation represents and warrants that
he is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on behalf of said
corporation in accordance with a duly adopted resolution of the Board of
Directors of said corporation or in accordance with the By-laws of said
corporation, and that this Lease is binding upon said corporation in accordance
with its terms.
If LESSEE is a corporation, LESSEE shall, within thirty (30) days after
execution of this Lease, deliver to LESSOR a certified copy of a resolution of
the Board of Directors of said corporation authorizing or ratifying the
execution of this Lease together with a financial statement not more than ninety
(90) days old. Such a financial statement shall be delivered annually to LESSOR.
(44) LESSEE DEFINED: Use of Pronouns. The word "LESSEE" shall be deemed and
taken to mean each and every person or party executing this document as a LESSEE
herein. If there is more than one LESSEE, any notice required or permitted by
the terms of this Lease may be given by or to any one thereof and shall have the
same force and effect as if given by or to all thereof. The use of neuter
similar pronoun to refer to LESSOR or LESSEE shall be deemed a proper reference
even though LESSOR or LESSEE may be an individual, a partnership, a corporation,
or a group of two or more individuals or corporations. The necessary grammatical
changes required to make the provisions of this Lease apply in the plural sense
where there is more than one LESSOR or LESSEE and to corporations, associations,
partnerships or individual male or females shall in all instances be assumed as
though in each case fully expressed.
(45) NO PARTNERSHIP: LESSOR doe not by this Lease in any manner nor for any
purpose become a partner or a joint venturer of LESSEE in the conduct of its
business or otherwise.
(46) REPRESENTATIONS BY LESSOR'S BROKER OR AGENT: Representations of any
nature made to LESSEE by a real estate broker or a leasing, agent employed by
LESSOR and relating to the negotiation of this Lease: (1) are set forth in this
Lease and (2) were made by such broker or leasing agent solely in its capacity
as an authorized agent for LESSOR.
(47) AUTHORITY OF SIGNATORIES: Each person executing this Lease individually
and personally represents and warrants that he is duly authorized to execute and
deliver the same on behalf of the entity for which he is signing whether it be a
corporation general or limited partnership or otherwise and that is this Lease
is binding upon said entity in accordance with its terms.
(48) RECORDING: LESSEE shall not record this Lease or any memorandum thereof
without the written consent of LESSOR. LESSOR at its option and at any time may
file this Lease for record with the Recorder of the County in which the Building
is located.
(49) RECOURSE BY LESSEE: Anything in this Lease to the contrary
notwithstanding, LESSEE agrees that it shall look solely to the estate and
property of LESSOR in the land and buildings comprising the Building for
collection of any judgment (or other judicial process) requiring the payment of
money by LESSOR in the event of any default or breach by LESSOR with respect to
any of the terms covenants and conditions of this Lease to be performed and/or
observed by LESSOR and no other assets of LESSOR shall be subject to levy
execution or other procedures for the satisfaction of LESSEE'S remedies.
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(50) PARTIAL INVALIDITY: If any provision of this Lease or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any extent be invalid, the
remainder of this Lease or the application of such provision to persons or
circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid shall not be
affected thereby and each provision of this Lease shall be valid and enforced to
the fullest extent permitted by law.
(51) REPEATED LEGAL ACTION AGAINST LESSEE: In the event that LESSOR shall be
required to institute any legal proceedings against LESSEE, including without
limitation the service upon LESSEE of any notices as may be required by law, or
the employment of legal counsel to enforce any of LESSOR!S rights under this
LEASE, and even if LESSEE shall nevertheless thereafter cure any default which
caused LESSOR to take such action, then LESSEE agrees to pay LESSOR, as
additional rent, together with LESSEE'S next monthly rental payment, the actual
legal costs and expenses so incurred. In the event that it is necessary for
LESSOR to commence legal proceedings of any nature against LESSEE for either the
collection of rent or to enforce any other provision of this Lease twice during
any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, and even if LESSEE shall cure any
default causing, such action by LESSOR, then LESSOR shall have the right to
terminate LESSEE'S rights under this Lease upon thirty (30) days written notice
from LESSOR to LESSEE.
(52) PROVISIONS BINDING: Except as otherwise provided, all provisions herein
shall be binding, upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties, their
legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns. Each provision to be
performed by LESSEE shall be construed to be both a covenant and a condition and
if there shall be more than one LESSEE, they shall also be bound, jointly and
severally by such provisions. In the event of any sale or assignment (except for
purposes of security or collateral) by LESSOR of the Building, the Leased
Premises, or this Lease, LESSOR shall, from and after the commencement date of
this Lease (irrespective of when such sale or assignment shall occur) be
entirely relived of all of its obligations which shall, as of the date of such
sale or assignment or on the commencement date, whichever is later,
automatically pass to LESSOR'S successor in interest.
(53) ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Lease and any exhibits, riders and/or addenda,
if any, attached hereto, set forth the entire agreement between the parties. All
exhibits, riders, or addenda mentioned in this Lease are incorporated herein by
reference. Any guarantee attached hereto is an integral part of this Lease and
constitutes consideration given to LESSOR to enter into this Lease. Any prior
conversations or writings are merged herein and extinguished. No subsequent
amendment to this Lease shall be binding, upon LESSOR or LESSEE unless reduced
to writing and signed. Submission of this Lease for examination does not
constitute an option for the Leased Premises and becomes effective as a Lease
only upon execution and delivery thereof by LESSOR to LESSEE. If any provision
contained in a rider or addenda is inconsistent with any provision in the body
of this Lease, the provision contained in said rider or addenda shall control.
The captions and section numbers appearing herein are inserted only as a matter
of convenience and are not intended to define, limit, construe and describe the
scope or intent of any section or paragraph.
(54) ADDRESS OF LESSORS AUTHORIZED AGENT: All monies required to be given
under this Lease and any correspondence with LESSOR by LESSEE shall be delivered
in person or sent by United State mail to: c/o H & L Realty & Management
Company, P.O. Box 7440, Las Vegas, NV 89125.
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LESSOR: LESSEE:
FLAMINGO FOUNTAINS NETTAXI ON-LINE COMMUNITIES
/s/ Barbara Holland /s/ Dean Rositano
- --------------------- -------------------
BARBARA HOLLAND, LESSEE,
Authorized Agent for LESSOR
6/2/99 5/28/99
Date Date
Dean Rositano
--------------
Name of LESSEE
NOTE: CONSULT YOUR ATTORNEY - This document has been prepared for approval by
your attorney. No representation or recommendation is made by H & L Realty &
Management Company and FLAMINGO FOUNTAINS or the agents or employees thereof as
to the lecal sufficiency, legal effect, or tax consequences of this document or
the transaction to which it relates. These are questions for your attorney.
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GUARANTEE OF LEASE
Whereas, a certain Lease of even date herewith has been, or will be, executed by
and between FLAMINGO FOUNTAINS therein and herein referred to as "LESSOR", and
NETTAXI ON-LINE COMMUNITIES therein referred to as "LESSEE", covering, certain
Leased Premises in the County of Clark, State of Nevada; and
WHEREAS, the LESSOR under said Lease requires as a condition to its
execution of said Lease that the undersigned guarantee the full performance of
the obligations of LESSEE under said Lease; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned is desirous that LESSOR enter into said Lease with
LESSEE.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the execution of said Lease by LESSOR, the
undersigned hereby unconditionally guarantees the full performance of each and
all of the terms, covenants and conditions of said Lease to be kept and
performed by said LESSEE, including the payment of all rentals and other charges
to accrue thereunder. The undersigned further agrees as follows:
1. That this covenant and agreement on its part shall continue in favor of
LESSOR notwithstanding any extension, modification, or alteration of said Lease
entered into by and between the parties thereto, or their successors or assigns,
or notwithstanding any assignment of said Lease, with or without the consent of
LESSOR. No extension, modification, alteration or assignment of the above
referred to Lease shall in any manner release or discharge the undersigned and
it does hereby consent thereto;
2. This Guarantee will continue unchanged by any bankruptcy, reorganization
or insolvency of LESSEE or any successor or assignee thereof or by any
disaffirmance or abandonment by a trustee of LESSEE;
3. LESSOR may, without notice, assign this Guarantee in whole or in part
and no assignment or transfer of the Lease shall operate to extinguish or
diminish the liability of the undersigned hereunder;
4. The liability of the undersigned under this Guarantee shall be primary
and therefore as to any right of action which shall accrue to LESSOR under the
Lease, LESSOR may, at its option, proceed directly against the undersigned
without having first commenced any action, or having obtained any judgment
against LESSEE;
5. To pay LESSOR'S reasonable attorney's fees and all costs and other
expenses incurred in any collection or attempted collection or in any
negotiations relative to the obligations hereby Guaranteed or in enforcing this
Guarantee against the undersigned, individually and jointly; and
6. The LESSEE does hereby waive notice of any demand by LESSOR, as well as
any notice of default in the payment of rent or any other amounts contained or
reserved in the Lease. The use of the singular herein shall include the plural.
The obligation of two (2) or more parties shall be joint and several. The terms
and conditions of this Guarantee shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of the respective successors and assigns of the parties herein named.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Guarantee to be
executed as of the date set forth on Page 1 of the Lease.
If GUARANTOR (LESSEE) shall be a CORPORATION, the authorized officers must
sign on behalf of the corporation and indicate the capacity in which they are
signing. This Guarantee must be executed by the President or Vice-President and
the Secretary or Assistant Secretary unless the bylaws or a resolution of the
Board of Directors shall otherwise provide, in which event the bylaws or a
certified copy of the resolution, as the case may be, must be attached to this
Lease. Also, the appropriate corporate seal should be affixed.
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DATE: __________________________ BY: ______________________________
TITLE: ___________________________
BY: ______________________________
TITLE: ___________________________
GUARANTOR
ADDRESS: _________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
NOTE: Unless GUARANTOR is intended to be a Corporation, there must be no
designation of "Title" appearing below or following the signature of Guarantor.
IN LIEU OF SIGNING THE GUARANTEE OF LEASE, LESSEE SHALL REMIT A SECURITYDEPOSIT
EQUAL TO TWO (2) MONTHS RENTAL FEES OR ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDREDSEVENTY-TEREE
AND 20/100 ($1,473.20).
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RULES AND REGULATIONS OF BUILDING
EXHIBIT "B"
1. No advertisement, sign, lettering, notice or device shall be placed in or
upon Leased Premises including windows, walls and exterior doors except as may
be approved in writing by LESSOR. This includes handbills intended to be placed
on parked vehicles.
2. Lettering upon the directory board and the doors as required by LESSEE
shall be made by the sign company designated by LESSOR, but the cost shall be
paid by LESSEE. The directories of Building will be provided exclusively for the
display of the name and location of LESSEE and their managers or representatives
only, and LESSOR reserves the right to exclude any other names therefrom.
LESSOR'S acceptance of any name for listing on the building directory will not
be deemed, nor will it substitute for, LESSOR'S consent, as required by this
lease, to any sublease, assignment, or other occupancy of the demised premises.
3. No additional locks shall he placed upon any doors of Leased Premises,
and LESSEE agrees not to have any duplicate keys made without the consent of
LESSOR. If more than two keys for any door lock are desired, such additional
keys shall be paid for by LESSEE. The LESSEE shall not alter any lock nor
install any new or additional locks or any bolts on any door of the Leased
Premises without the written consent of the LESSOR. If the LESSOR shall give its
consent, the LESSEE shall in each case furnish the LESSOR with a key for any
such lock.
4. LESSOR will not be responsible for loss of or damage to any FURNITURE,
FREIGHT, SUPPLIES OR EQUIPMENT OF ANY KIND THAT SHALL BE BROUGHT INTO OR REMOVED
FROM THE BUILDING, and all damage done to Leased Premises or Building by moving
or maintaining any such items shall be repaired at the expense of LESSEE.
5. The entrances, corridors and stairways shall not be obstructed by LESSEE,
or used for any other purpose than ingress to and from Leased Premises. LESSEE
shall not bring into or keep any animal within Building, or any bicycle or other
type of vehicle. The halls, passages, exits, entrances, elevators, stairways,
balconies, and other common areas are not for the use of the general public and
the LESSOR shall in all cases retain the right to control and prevent access
thereto by all persons whose presence in the judgment of the LESSOR shall be
prejudicial to the safety, character, reputation and interests of the Building
and its LESSEES. No LESSEE and no employees or invitees of any LESSEE shall go
upon the roof of the Buildings.
6. LESSEE shall not disturb other occupants of Building by making, any undue
or unseemly noise, or otherwise. LESSEE shall not, without LESSOR'S written
consent, install or operate in or upon Leased Premises any machine or machinery
causing noise or vibration perceptible outside the Leased Premises, electric
heater, stove, burning fluids, camphene, kerosene, naptha, gasoline, or other
combustible materials. No explosives shall be brought into Building. No cooking
shall be done or permitted by any LESSEE on the Leased Premises.
7. LESSEE shall not mark, drive nails, screw or drill into woodwork or
plaster, or paint in any way that defaces the Building or any part thereof or
Leased Premises or any part thereof, or fixtures therein. The expense of
remedying any breakage, damage or stoppage resulting from a violation of this
rule shall he borne by LESSEE
8. Canvassing, soliciting and peddling in Building are prohibited and each
LESSEE shall cooperate to prevent such activity.
9. The requirements of LESSEE will be attended to only upon application at
the management office. Building, employees shall not perform any work or do
anything outside of their regular duties, except on issuance of special
instructions the Management Office. If Building employees are made available for
the assistance of any LESSEES, LESSOR shall be paid for their services by such
LESSEES at reasonable hourly rates. No Building employee will admit any person
(LESSEE or otherwise) to any office without specific instructions from the
Management Office.
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10. LESSOR reserves the right to close and keep locked all entrance and exit
doors/GATES of Building on Sundays and legal holidays and between the hours of
6:00 p.m. of any day and 8:00 a.m. of the following and during such further
hours as LESSOR may deem advisable for the adequate protection of Building and
the property of the LESSEES.
11. If LESSOR utilizes an outside agency to control access to Building when
it is locked, LESSEE shall pay a reasonable charge each time this access service
is used. LESSOR assumes no responsibility for and shall not be liable for any
damage resulting from any error in regard to any identification of LESSEE or its
employees and from admission to or exclusion from Building by such outside
agency.
12. LESSEE shall exercise care and caution to insure that all water faucets
or water apparatus, electricity and gas are carefully and entirely shut off and
all windows closed before LESSEE or its employees leave the Building, so as to
prevent waste or damage. The floors, skylights and windows that reflect or admit
light into passageways or into any place in Building shall not be covered or
obstructed by any of the LESSEES. The toilets and other water apparatus shall
not be used for any purpose other than those for which they were constructed and
no sweepings, rubbish, rags, ashes or other foreign substances shall be thrown
therein. Any damage resulting to such apparatus by misuse shall be borne by the
LESSEE who, or whose employees or invitees, shall have caused it.
13. The LESSEE shall keep their Leased Premises clean and shall not allow
any accumulation of useless property of rubbish therein. Upon the termination of
its Lease each LESSEE shall deliver to the LESSOR the keys of offices, rooms and
restrooms which shall have been furnished for the LESSEE or which the LESSEE
shall have had made. The LESSEE shall pay for the loss of any keys so furnished.
LESSEE shall be responsible for any damage to Leased Premises or Building and
for all damage or injuries sustained by other LESSEES or occupants of Building
arising from LESSEE'S failure to observe this provision.
14. LESSOR will direct electricians as to where and how telephone and
telegraph wires are to be installed. No boring or cutting of wires will be
allowed without the consent of LESSOR. The location of telephones, call boxes
and other office equipment affixed to the Leased Premises shall be subject to
the approval of the LESSOR.
15. Normal business hours for the building are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. Excepting legal holidays, LESSOR reserves the right to
close and lock all entrance and exit doors of the building at all other times
and during such further hours as LESSOR may deem advisable for the adequate
protection of the Building and the property of its LESSEES.
16. All drapes used in or on any of the windows of the Leased Premises shall
be of such material, pattern, design and color as shall from time to time be
approved by the LESSOR and shall be hung as the LESSOR may determine. LESSEE
shall remove any unauthorized curtains, blinds, shades, or screens attached to
or hung in or used in connection with any window or door of the Leased Premises
visible to the outside after written notice from the LESSOR. No awning shall be
permitted on any part of the Leased Premises.
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17. LESSOR reserves the right to exclude or expel from Building any person
who, in the judgment of LESSOR, is under the influence of liquor or drugs, or
who shall in any manner do any act in violation of any of the rules and
regulations of the Building.
18. LESSOR reserves the right to make such other and further reasonable
rules and regulations as in its judgment may from time to time be needed or
desirable for the safety, care and cleanliness of Leased Premises or Building
and the preservation of good order therein.
LESSOR: LESSEE:
FLAMINGO FOUNTAINS NETTAXI ON-LINE COMMUNITIES
________________________________ __________________________________
BARBARA HOLLAND, LESSEE
Authorized Agent for Lessor
________________________________ __________________________________
DATE NAME OF LESSEE
__________________________________
LESSEE
_________________________________
NAME OF LESSEE
__________________________________
DATE
153
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OFFICE
OPTION TO EXTEND TERM LEASE RIDER
EXHIBIT "E"
This Rider is attached to and made part of that certain Lease (the "Lease")
dated MAY 27, 1999 between FLAMINGO FOUNTAINS, as LESSOR, and NETTAXI ON-LINE
COMMUNITIES, as LESSEE, covering the Property commonly known as 3885 SOUTH
DECATUR BOULEVARD, SUITE 1050, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89103 (the "Property"). The
terms used herein shall have the same definitions as set forth in the Lease. The
provisions of the Rider shall supersede any inconsistent or conflicting
provisions of the Lease.
A. OPTION(S) TO EXTEND TERM.
1. LESSOR hereby grants to LESSEE TWO (2) option(s) (the "Option(s)") to
extend the Lease Term for additional term(s) of ONE (1) year (S) each (the
"Extension(s)"), on the same terms and conditions as set forth in the Lease, but
at an increased rent as set forth below. Each Option shall be exercised only by
written notice delivered to LESSOR at least ninety (90) days before the
expiration of the Lease Term or the preceding Extension of the Lease Term,
respectively. If LESSEE fails to deliver LESSOR written notice of the exercise
of an Option within the prescribed time period, such Option and any succeeding
Options shall lapse, and there shall be no further right to extend the Lease
Term. Each Option shall be exercisable by LESSEE on the express conditions that
(a) at the time of the exercise, and at all times prior to the commencement of
such Extension, LESSEE shall not be in default under any of the provisions of
this Lease and (b) LESSEE has not been five (5) or more days late in the payment
of rent during the Lease Term and all preceding Extensions.
2. Personal Options. The Option(s) are personal to the LESSEE names in Section I
of the Lease. If LESSEE subleases any portion of the Property or assigns or
otherwise transfers any interest under the Lease prior to the exercise of an
Option (whether with or without LESSOR'S consent), such Option and any
succeeding Options shall lapse and the Lease Term shall expire as if such Option
were not exercised. If LESSEE subleases any portion of the Property or assigns
or otherwise transfers any interest of LESSEE under the Lease in accordance with
Article 25 of the Lease after the exercise of an Option and after the
commencement of the Extension related to such Option, then the term of the Lease
shall expire upon the expiration of the Extension during which such sublease or
transfer occurred and only the succeeding Options shall lapse.
B. CALCULATION OF RENT.
The Base Rent shall be increased on the first day of the FIRST month(s) of
-----
the FIRST extension(s) of the lease term (the "rental adjustment date") by
-----
reference to the index section 3 of the Lease or the substitute index described
-
there in as follows:
1. Cost of Living Adjustment (Section B(l), below) ___________
2. Fair Rental Value Adjustment (Section B(2), below) ___________
3. Fixed Adjustment (Section 2(3), below) ___________
1. Cost of Living Adjustment. The Base Rent shall be increased on the first day
of the FIRST month(s) of the FIRST Extension(s) of the Lease Tern (the "Rental
-----
Adjustment Date") by reference of the index defined in Section 3A of the Lease
or the substitute index described in Section 3 of the Lease, as follows: The
Base Rent in effect immediately prior to the applicable Rental Adjustment Date
(the "Comparison Base Rent") shall be increased by the percentage that the index
has increased from the month in which the payment of the Comparison Base Rent
commenced through the month in which the applicable Rental Adjustment Date
occurs. In no event shall the Base Rent be reduced by reason of such
computation.
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Initials: ____________
____________
LESSOR: LESSEE:
FLAMINGO FOUNTAINS NETTAXI ON-LINE COMMUNITIES
_______________________________ __________________________________
BARBARA HOLLAND, LESSEE
Authorized Agent for Lessor
_______________________________ __________________________________
DATE NAME OF LESSEE
__________________________________
LESSEE
__________________________________
NAME OF LESSEE
__________________________________
DATE
155
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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors
Nettaxi, Inc.
We hereby consent to the use of our report, in the Registration Statement on
Form S-1, dated March 16, 1999, except for matters discussed in Note 2 for which
the date is June 5, 1999, relating to the balance sheets of Nettaxi, Inc. as of
December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the related statements of operations,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for the period from October 23, 1997 (date
of incorporation) to December 31, 1997 and for the year ended December 31, 1998.
We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-1.
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
BDO Seidman, LLP
San Jose, California
June 25, 1999
<PAGE>