<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 9, 1999
REGISTRATION NO.
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM SB-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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ADSTAR.COM,INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 7319 22-3666899
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
4553 GLENCOE AVENUE
SUITE 325
MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA 90292
(310) 577-8255
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
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LESLIE BERNHARD
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
4553 GLENCOE AVENUE
SUITE 325
MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA 90292
(310) 577-8255
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE OF
AGENT FOR SERVICE)
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Copies to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
HOWARD L. WEINREICH, ESQ. JOHN HALLE, ESQ.
MORSE, ZELNICK, ROSE & LANDER, LLP STOEL RIVES, LLP
450 PARK AVENUE 900 S.W. FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10022 PORTLAND, OREGON 97204
(212) 838-4312 (503)294-9233
(212) 838-9190 (FACSIMILE) (503)220-2480 (FACSIMILE)
</TABLE>
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: AS SOON AS
PRACTICABLE AFTER THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
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If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (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, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier registration statement for the same
offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434
under the Securities Act, please check the following box. [ ]
------------------
<PAGE> 2
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF PROPOSED
UNITS/SHARES PROPOSED AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF TO BE OFFERING PRICE OFFERING REGISTRATION
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PER SECURITY(1) PRICE(1) FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Units, consisting of one share of common stock par value,
$.0001 per share and one redeemable warrant to purchase one
share of common stock (2)................................... 1,150,000 $ 6.00 $ 6,900,000 $ 1,668.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of common stock underlying the common stock purchase
warrants included in the units (3)........................ 1,150,000 $ 9.00 $10,350,000 $ 2,877.30
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Representative's warrants to purchase units................. 100,000 -$- $ -- $ --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Units issuable upon exercise of the representative's
warrants.................................................. 100,000 $ 7.20 $ 720,000 $ 200.16
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Shares of common stock underlying the warrants issuable upon
exercise of the warrants underlying the representative's
warrants (3).............................................. 100,000 $ 9.00 $ 900,000 $ 250.20
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Total Registration Fee...................................... $ 4,995.66
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</TABLE>
(1) Estimated solely for purposes of determining the registration fee pursuant
to Rule 457 under the Securities Act.
(2) Includes 150,000 units issuable upon exercise of underwriters'
over-allotment option.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, there are also being
registered hereby such additional indeterminate number of shares as may
become issuable pursuant to the antidilution provisions of the warrants.
(4) No registration fee required pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities
Act.
----------------------
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 BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON
SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE> 3
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD
NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE
ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,
SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR
QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
Subject to Completion
Dated November 9, 1999
[ADSTAR.COM LOGO]
1,000,000 UNITS
EACH CONSISTING OF ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK AND ONE REDEEMABLE WARRANT TO
PURCHASE ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
We are offering units consisting of one share of common stock and one
redeemable warrant to purchase an additional share of common stock. The common
stock and warrants will trade only as a unit for a period of time as determined
by the Company of not more than 30 days following this offering and will then
trade separately.
The redeemable warrants will be exercisable commencing 30 days after this
offering until they expire five years after the date of this prospectus at an
exercise price, per share, of $7.20 during the nine month period following the
date of this prospectus and at $9.00 thereafter. We may redeem some or all of
the warrants at $0.25 per warrant commencing 180 days after the date of this
prospectus, if the closing bid price of our common stock on each of 10
consecutive days is greater than or equal to $12.00 and we provide 30 days prior
written notice of redemption.
Our common stock is not traded on any market. We have applied to list our
units, common stock and warrants on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market under the
symbols "ADSTU," "ADST," and "ADSTW," respectively.
INVESTING IN THE UNITS INVOLVES RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON
PAGE 8.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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PER UNIT TOTAL
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<S> <C> <C>
Initial public offering price.......................... $6.00 $6,000,000
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Underwriting discounts and commissions................. .60 600,000
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Proceeds to AdStar..................................... 5.40 $5,400,000
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</TABLE>
We expect total cash expenses in connection with the offering to be
approximately $304,550, which will include a nonaccountable expense allowance of
3% of the gross proceeds of this offering that will be paid to Paulson
Investment Company, Inc., the managing underwriter of this offering. We have
granted to the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 150,000 additional
units to cover over-allotments. We will also grant to the underwriters a
five-year warrant to purchase up to 100,000 additional units.
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.
Paulson Investment Company, Inc. expects to deliver the units on or about
November , 1999 if payment for the units is received by Paulson.
PAULSON INVESTMENT COMPANY, INC.
November , 1999
<PAGE> 4
[INSIDE FRONT COVER WILL FEATURE A CHART WHICH DISPLAYS THE FLOW OVER THE
INTERNET OF A SERIES OF E-COMMERCE TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ADVERTISERS PURCHASING
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR PUBLICATION BOTH IN PRINT MEDIA AND ON-LINE FROM VARIOUS
POINTS OF AD SUBMISSION: (1) OUR WEB SITE -- ADSTAR.COM; (2) THE WEB SITE OF A
WEB PUBLISHER WHICH IS A DISTRIBUTION PARTNER OF OURS; AND (3) THE WEB SITE OF A
NEWSPAPER AFFILIATE OF ONE OF OUR
DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS.]
2
<PAGE> 5
SUMMARY
You should read the following summary together with the more detailed
information, financial statements and notes to financial statements appearing
elsewhere in this prospectus.
OUR BUSINESS
AdStar has developed a one-stop marketplace on the Web for advertisers to
buy classified ads. We enable advertisers by accessing our Web site on their
computers to plan, schedule, compose and purchase classified advertising from a
large number of print and on-line publishers. Our service will permit both
professional and non-professional advertisers, including the general public, to
create and submit to one or many publishers any number of ads, 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, using any recognized Web browser.
This new Web-based service is an outgrowth of our historical business that,
since 1986, has offered professional advertisers the ability to place ads
electronically with a growing number of the largest newspapers in the United
States based on circulation. Using this system, we have become the largest
provider of remote entry for classified ads into newspapers in the United
States. However, because of the high cost of installation, training and on-going
support at advertiser sites, our system has been limited to use by large
advertisers or ad agencies for placement of ads in the largest newspapers in the
United States. We have had losses from operations in each of the last two years.
Our stockholders' deficit was $1,066,311 as of June 30, 1999.
In order to eliminate the cost impediments to the expansion of our
historical remote ad entry business and broaden our market penetration, we have
developed and recently implemented a Web-based service through our Web site,
Advertise123.com. By accessing our Web site using any recognized Web browser,
advertisers can:
- Select publications for ad placement, including both print and on-line
media;
- Compose and format ads using formats supported by each publication;
- Preview the ad as it will appear in each publication;
- Specify editions and scheduled publication dates; and
- Electronically transfer ads to the selected publications.
- Price and pay for each ad using a credit or debit card.
In contrast to our historical business, from which we have earned revenue
from software licensing fees, our Advertise123.com revenues are transaction fee
based; allowing us to earn revenue based on numbers of ads and advertising
dollar volume.
Our principal executive office is located at 4553 Glencoe Avenue, Suite
325, Marina del Rey, California 90292. Our telephone number is (310) 577-8255
and our Web site addresses are www.AdStar.com and www.Advertise123.com.
Information contained on our Web sites is not a part of this prospectus.
3
<PAGE> 6
THE OFFERING
Securities Offered........... 1,000,000 units. Each unit consists of one share
of common stock and a redeemable warrant to
purchase one additional share of common stock.
The common stock and warrants will trade only as
a unit for a period of time as determined by the
Company of not more than 30 days following the
offering. For more information, see "Description
of Securities."
Warrants..................... The redeemable warrants will be exercisable
commencing 30 days after this offering until
they expire on the fifth anniversary of the date
of this Prospectus, at an exercise price per
share of $7.20 during the nine month period
following the date of this prospectus and at
$9.00, thereafter. We may not redeem the
warrants for at least 180 days after the date of
this Prospectus. After that date, if the closing
bid price of our common stock on each of the 10
consecutive trading days preceding our notice of
redemption is greater than or equal to $12.00 we
may redeem some or all of the warrants if we
provide the holders with 30 days' prior written
notice. The redemption price will be $0.25 per
warrant. If we give notice of redemption,
holders of warrants will have 30 days during
which they may elect to exercise the warrants,
or allow the warrants to be redeemed for the
redemption price. Please refer to "Description
of Securities -- Warrants."
Common Stock Outstanding..... 1,669,970 shares of common stock were
outstanding on the date of this prospectus,
excluding up to 275,991 shares issuable on
exercise of outstanding options and warrants.
After this offering, there will be 2,699,970
shares of common stock outstanding, excluding up
to (i) 275,991 shares issuable on exercise of
outstanding options and warrants, (ii) 200,000
shares issuable upon exercise of the
underwriter's warrant and the underlying
redeemable warrant, and (iii) 1,000,000 shares
issuable upon exercise of the redeemable
warrants issued in this offering.
Risk Factors................. An investment in the units involves a high
degree of risk. You should not consider this
offer if you cannot afford to lose your entire
investment. Please refer to "Risk Factors" for
factors you should consider.
Use of Proceeds.............. The net proceeds from the offering, estimated to
be approximately $5,095,450, will be used for
implementing our plan for the development of
Advertise123.com and for debt retirement. For
more information regarding how we will use the
proceeds, please refer to "Use of Proceeds."
4
<PAGE> 7
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth certain financial data for the company. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and
Notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------------- -------------------------
1997 1998 1998 1999
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues.......................... $1,148,233 $1,559,361 $ 761,908 $ 781,043
Cost of revenues.................. 565,329 800,532 371,545 489,817
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit.................... 582,904 758,829 390,363 291,226
Sales, general and administrative
expenses........................ 634,029 820,574 341,580 661,645
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from operations..... (51,125) (61,745) 48,783 (370,419)
Interest expense.................. (7,873) (4,518) (2,644) (45,800)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before taxes........ (58,998) (66,263) 46,139 (416,219)
Provision for taxes............... 823 2,760 1,380 1,380
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) -- historical... $ (59,821) $ (69,023) $ 44,759 $ (417,599)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Pro forma net income (loss)....... $ (59,798) $ (67,063) $ 45,739 $ (416,619)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Pro forma earnings (loss) per
share -- basic and diluted...... $ (0.05) $ (0.27)
Pro forma weighted average number
of shares -- basic and
diluted......................... 1,458,393 1,515,239
</TABLE>
- ---------------
Pro forma net income (loss) has been computed on the basis described in Note 1
and Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements and assumes the pro forma tax
provisions described in those notes.
5
<PAGE> 8
The following table shows actual, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted
balance sheet data.
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
The following pro forma information gives effect to:
- the receipt of $850,000 as a loan from a small business investment
company in July 1999 and the debt issue costs of $137,536 on the related
issuance of 22,534 redeemable common shares;
- the conversion of $1,050,000 principal amount of convertible notes that
were issued in March and April 1999 plus interest of $53,367 of which
$33,600 will be expensed subsequent to June 30, 1999, into 231,620 shares
of our common stock on the closing of this offering;
- the reclassification of the accumulated deficit to additional paid-in
capital on the termination of the S-corporation election;
- the change in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding
resulting from our reincorporation and the 5 for 9 reverse split of our
common stock effective on or before the closing of this offering;
- our borrowing from Paulson Capital Corporation, parent of Paulson
Investment Company, Inc., of $1.1 million evidenced by a promissory note
due on October 21, 2001 and bearing interest at 6% per annum payable at
maturity; and
- the contribution of 63,848 shares of common stock to us on July 28, 1999.
The following pro forma as adjusted information gives effect to:
- the foregoing pro forma adjustments;
- the sale of 1,000,000 units offered by us in this prospectus at $6.00 per
unit;
- payment of the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses
payable by us;
- the repayment of notes payable of $1,595,450 and amortization of debt
issue costs of $137,536; and
- reclassification of redeemable common stock to common stock and
additional paid-in capital on the closing of this offering.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, 1999
--------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACTUAL PRO FORMA AS ADJUSTED
---------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents.............. $ 112,883 $2,062,883 $5,562,883
Working capital........................ (155,713) 1,775,968 5,340,812
Total assets........................... 1,297,241 3,247,241 6,747,241
Notes payable, net of current
portion.............................. 1,768,792 2,472,970 1,100,000
Total liabilities...................... 2,363,552 3,106,049 1,648,135
Redeemable common stock................ -- 137,536 --
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)... (1,066,311) 3,656 5,099,106
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE> 9
------------------------
We were incorporated in New York in 1991 as the successor to a business
that was started in 1986. On August 31, 1999 we reincorporated in Delaware and
issued or, reserved for issuance, an aggregate of 1,666,667 shares of common
stock in exchange for all the outstanding shares of our predecessor including
shares to be issued upon conversion of our convertible notes. Our principal
executive office is located at 4553 Glencoe Avenue, Suite 325, Marina del Rey,
California 90292. Our telephone number is (310) 577-8255 and our Web site
addresses are www.AdStar.com and www.Advertise123.com. Information contained on
our Web sites is not a part of this prospectus.
Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes
that:
- The underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option;
- Our outstanding convertible notes will be converted to common stock
before this offering is completed; and
- We have adjusted all share numbers to give retroactive effect to a five
for nine reverse stock split in November 1999.
7
<PAGE> 10
RISK FACTORS
This offer involves a high degree of risk. Each prospective investor should
carefully consider the risks described below and other information in this
prospectus before making an investment decision.
GROWTH OF HISTORICAL ADSTAR BUSINESS IS LIMITED
Our historical AdStar remote ad entry business is limited both in current
size and growth potential due principally to the high cost of installation,
training and on-going support at advertiser sites and the requirement that
advertisers separately dial-up each publication in which they intend to buy an
ad. Our ability to achieve sufficient revenues to justify the expectations of
our investors is dependent on the success of our new on-line business which we
believe eliminates these barriers. Our belief that we can successfully expand
our business by migrating to a delivery system over the Internet may not be
correct.
OUR NEW ON-LINE BUSINESS IS UNPROVEN AND MAY NOT BE SUCCESSFUL
We did not begin to offer our remote ad entry services over the Internet
until June 1999. Moreover, we know of no company that accepts classified ads
on-line for publication both on-line and in print. Accordingly, we cannot
guarantee that we will be able to generate the public interest necessary to
sustain our business model. You must particularly consider the risks and
difficulties frequently encountered by an early-stage business in a rapidly
evolving market, which makes our ability to successfully implement our business
plan uncertain. These risks include whether we will be able to:
- convince a large number of print and on-line media publications to be
accessible to our advertisers on our Web sites;
- attract a large number of advertisers to our Web sites;
- develop profitable pricing models for our transaction fees for ad
placements over our Web sites;
- increase awareness of our Advertise123.com brand;
- maintain current and develop new distribution relationships with highly
trafficked sites of Web publishers;
- continue to utilize our current software and effectively develop new
software and systems;
- respond effectively to competitive pressures; and
- attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.
We may not be able to successfully address these risks. Our failure to do so
will adversely affect our ability to develop an on-line business.
8
<PAGE> 11
OUR UNPROVEN ON-LINE BUSINESS MODEL MAY NOT GENERATE EXPECTED REVENUES
Because we have limited Internet experience, we cannot accurately forecast
the source, magnitude or timing of our future revenues. Current expectations are
that we will receive:
- transaction-based fees for ads processed on our Web sites except where we
agree to waive our fees in transactions between advertisers using our
licensed software with newspapers paying us license fees;
- fixed fees to be paid by on-line media clients;
- fees from media and advertising companies who advertise on our Web sites;
and
- fees from advertisers and newspapers for statistical reports generated by
data assembled from ads processed on our Web sites.
Our expectations with respect to future revenues are principally based on
our ability to attract advertisers and publications to our Web sites and thus
facilitate ad placements on these sites. In particular, our assumption that we
will not encounter any significant resistance by publishers to accepting
Web-based ads obtained by us may be wrong. Publishers might view transactions in
which we deduct a transaction fee as reducing the amounts they would receive if
they obtained the ads directly. No standards exist for measuring the
effectiveness of classified advertising. Many of our existing and potential
classified advertising publishers have only limited experience with acquiring
ads on-line and may not be willing to expend the time and expense to participate
in Web-based ad programs. If because of these factors, the revenues are not
generated in the amounts and within the time periods necessary to sustain our
operations our prospects for our on-line business will be seriously compromised.
WE HAVE A HISTORY OF LOSSES AND WE EXPECT INCREASED LOSSES
For the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 we incurred net losses of
approximately $60,000 and $69,000. For the six months ended June 30, 1999 we
incurred a net loss of approximately $418,000. Our accumulated deficit as of
June 30, 1999 was approximately $1,095,000. Our 1999 first half loss was
principally attributable to expenses incurred in starting our new on-line
business. We expect to continue to incur losses until we are able to
significantly increase our Internet revenues from transaction fees based on the
number of ad purchases transacted on our Web sites. Our operating expenses are
expected to continue to increase significantly in connection with our proposed
expanded activities. Our future profitability will depend on our ability to
increase our on-line advertiser base and transaction revenues while controlling
our costs. We may not be able to achieve profitability.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL REQUIRED TO GROW OUR BUSINESS
Our ability to grow depends significantly on our ability to substantially
increase our work force. Our operating expenses will increase substantially as
the number of employees increases. We estimate that the costs associated with
the increase of the number of our employees from 26 at November 1, 1999 to 65
over a period of 12 to 18 months will be at least $3,000,000. We expect the net
proceeds from this offering will be sufficient to meet our cash needs for at
least 12 months. However, if the actual costs of our expanded operations are
higher than projected or the revenues from our new operations fall below
9
<PAGE> 12
our current expectations, we may need additional financing before the expiration
of 12 months. In either event if our revenues are insufficient to provide the
necessary cash flow for ongoing operations, we will need to seek additional
capital from public or private equity or debt sources to fund our growth and
operating plans and respond to other contingencies. We may not be able to raise
needed cash on terms acceptable to us or at all. Financings may be on terms that
are dilutive or potentially dilutive to our stockholders. If sources of
financing are required, but are insufficient or unavailable, we will be required
to modify our growth and operating plans to the extent of available funding,
which would have a material adverse effect on the successful implementation of
our planned business expansion.
OUR NEW ON-LINE SERVICE IS ONLY PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED
Our Advertise123.com Web-based service is currently available on a limited
basis for the placement of ads with a limited number of publishers. Until our
Web site can display a critical mass of publishers, we do not expect to attract
a significant number of advertisers to our Web site and cannot guarantee its
performance as a commercial sales channel.
OUR INITIAL CO-MARKETING DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS, UPON WHICH WE DEPEND TO
FACILITATE THE ADDITION OF NEW PUBLISHERS ON OUR WEB SITE, ARE TERMINABLE ON
SHORT NOTICE
We expect to depend on distribution agreements with republishers of
classified ads on the Web with whom we have co-marketing distribution agreements
to facilitate the addition of new newspapers to our Web site. Our initial
co-marketing distribution agreements have only recently been signed and their
implementation has only recently begun. Even after these arrangements are in
place they may be terminated by our partners on short notice. Early termination
of any of these agreements could seriously affect our ability to achieve a
critical mass of publishers and in turn our ability to attract advertisers,
which is essential to success in our on-line business.
OUR EARLY STAGE AND UNTESTED INTERNET OPERATIONS ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO
BREAKDOWNS IN SERVICE
As an early stage Internet business, we are particularly vulnerable to
break downs and interruptions in our service which could disrupt our ability to
provide continued and sustained support to advertisers and publishers. We have
not yet suffered any breakdowns in service. However, our service has not yet
been tested by repeated and continuous use and vulnerability to interruptions in
service should increase as we develop increased traffic on our Web site. If
because of interruptions our customers and prospective customers lose faith in
our ability to service their needs, they may choose more traditional and
dependable means for placing their classified ads. If this were to occur, we
will not be successful in building an on-line business.
THE SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF OUR NEW ON-LINE BUSINESS MAY DIMINISH THE VALUE
OF OUR HISTORICAL LICENSED SOFTWARE BUSINESS, CAUSING MANY OF OUR NEWSPAPER
CUSTOMERS TO TERMINATE OR NOT RENEW THEIR SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENTS
Once our Web site is fully implemented, its versatility may encourage many
of the more than 1,400 large advertisers currently using our AdStar software, to
process their ad buys on Advertise123.com. This in turn may reduce the value of
our licensed software to our newspaper customers which could discourage them
from renewing their license
10
<PAGE> 13
agreements with us. This would result in reduced revenues from our historical
business which were $1,559,000 in 1998. Our loss of any revenue source would
need to be replaced with transaction fees from ad buys on our Web sites. The
failure to replace license fees with transaction fees will materially and
adversely affect our revenue and cash flow.
OUR ON-LINE BUSINESS COULD FACE COMPETITION FROM MANY SOURCES
We are unaware of any company which provides a centralized on-line sales
channel for the selection, transaction and processing of classified ads in
multiple print and on-line publications. Those publishers which accept and
process ads by traditional means like telephone, facsimile transmission and
printed copy submissions are potential competitors. Advertise123.com seeks to
attract advertisers to its Web site to capture the transaction whereby they will
select and process classified ads before they contact a publisher directly. Our
ability to compete successfully will depend on the cost effectiveness of our
services and whether the transaction fees charged to publishers for ads
processed through Advertise123.com are economical.
In addition, many companies not now in the business of providing on-line
remote ad entry and possessing larger capital resources than we do may seek to
develop their own technology and enter into the business of offering a similar
broad based, centralized on-line classified ad placement services to ours. Many
of these companies will have longer operating histories, greater name
recognition, larger customer bases and significantly greater technical and
marketing resources than we have. As a result, they may be able to respond more
quickly than us to new or emerging technologies and can devote greater resources
than us to development, promotion and sale of their services. Faced with this
type of competition, our ability to compete effectively and operate profitably
cannot be assured.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO MANAGE OUR GROWTH WHICH CONTEMPLATES NEARLY A THREE-FOLD
INCREASE IN OUR WORK FORCE
Our business plan contemplates an increase in the number of our employees
from 26 to 65 over a period of 12-18 months. The recruitment, training and
integration of these persons into our operations will place a significant strain
on our managerial, operational and financial resources. To handle this influx of
personnel and our projected growth in customer base and operations we must
install and operate new and more complex accounting, bookkeeping and telephone
systems. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to manage effectively the
expansion of our operations or that our personnel, systems, procedures and
controls will be adequate to meet our anticipated future operations. If this
were to occur, it would materially and adversely affect our business and
prospects.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RETAIN KEY EXISTING EMPLOYEES OR ATTRACT THE LARGE NUMBER
OF ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES ESSENTIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR NEW ON-LINE BUSINESS
Our performance is substantially dependent on the performance of our senior
management and key technical personnel and on our ability to attract the new
internet oriented employees required in the implementation of our business plan.
Our success depends in the first instance on the continued efforts of our Chief
Executive Officer, Leslie Bernhard, and on our Executive Vice President and
Chief Technical Officer, Eli Rousso. In addition, our future personnel needs
contemplate nearly a three-fold increase in our work force over a period of
12-18 months. The competition for Internet oriented people of
11
<PAGE> 14
the type we will be seeking is intense and we may be hard pressed to find the
personnel needed as fast as we need them. If we are unable to retain our key
existing employees or to rapidly attract, hire and assimilate the qualified
employees we will be seeking, the growth of our on-line business will be
arrested and we will not be able to meet the projected revenue increases within
the time period contemplated in our business plan, if at all.
WE ARE VULNERABLE TO POTENTIAL LAWSUITS REGARDING AD CONTENT OR SYSTEM FAILURE
Because we facilitate the placement of advertisements in print and on-line
publications, potential claims may be asserted against us for negligence,
defamation or personal injury, or based on other theories, due to the nature of
the content of these advertisements. Our technology does not contemplate our
reviewing classified advertisements processed on our Web sites for libelous or
other statements that might give rise to possible liability.
Although we carry general liability insurance, our coverage may not cover
potential claims or may not be adequate to fully indemnify us. Any imposition of
liability or legal defense expenses that are not covered by insurance or that
are in excess of our insurance coverage could place a strain on our available
cash resources, could seriously jeopardize the success of our business plan and
could materially and adversely affect our financial position, results of
operations and cash flows.
OUR LIMITED INTERNET EXPERIENCE MAY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH
TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
Our new on-line business is characterized by:
- rapidly changing technology;
- evolving industry standards;
- frequent new product and service announcements;
- introductions and enhancements; and
- changing customer demands.
These market characteristics are heightened by the emerging nature of the
Internet and Internet advertising and in particular by our limited experience
and short operating history in this market. For these reasons, our future
success depends on:
- our ability to adapt the rapidly changing technologies to the needs of
our advertising and publishing clients; and
- our ability to continually improve the performance, features and
reliability of our on-line services.
Furthermore, we do not know if we will have the experience and talent to
overcome technical difficulties that may arise from time to time that could
delay or prevent the successful design, development, testing, introduction or
marketing of solutions, or that any new solutions or enhancements to existing
solutions will adequately meet the requirements of our current and prospective
customers and achieve any degree of significant market acceptance. If we are
unable, for technological or any other reasons, to develop and
12
<PAGE> 15
introduce new solutions or enhancements to existing solutions in a timely manner
or in response to changing market conditions or customer requirements, or if our
solutions or enhancements contain errors or do not achieve a significant degree
of market acceptance, our financial position, results of operations and cash
flows could be materially and adversely affected.
WE DO NOT OWN ANY PATENTS AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROTECT OUR PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
We believe that our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to
develop proprietary rights with respect to our systems and services including
domain names, trademarks, trade names, service marks and copyrights. This is
particularly true with respect to our Web-based service technology. Although we
are in the process of determining whether patent protection is available for
certain aspects of our technology, we do not currently own any patents or patent
applications on our technology and we have no assurance that our rights to that
technology are patentable or otherwise protectable. Moreover there is no
assurance that others might not develop alternate technologies that might be
more effective than ours whether or not we obtain patent protection.
We have recently begun to use the trademark and Internet domain name
Advertise123.com but have not yet applied for registration of the trademark. We
cannot guarantee that our application for a registration of this trademark will
be granted and, if granted, that it will not be successfully challenged by
others or invalidated through administrative process or litigation. Further, if
our Advertise123.com trademark application is not granted due to the prior
rights of a third party we may not be able to obtain a license on commercially
reasonable terms to allow us to continue to use this trademark.
Despite our existing trademark rights in the marks AD-STAR, from use and
registration, and Advertise123.com, from use and our proposed expanded federal
protection for these marks, the marks remain susceptible to trademark
infringement due to the frequent illicit use and piracy of trademarks by
"cybersquatters" on the Internet. Although we own the domain names
Advertise123.com and AD-STAR.com, there remains the risk that third parties will
seek to register our marks AD-STAR and Advertise123 in the other "top level"
domains, e.g., .org, .net, and .gov, or that they will register close copies of
our marks that we may be unable to stop.
Furthermore, we cannot guarantee that our business activities will not
infringe upon the proprietary rights of others, or that other parties will not
assert infringement claims against us.
If for any of the above reasons we are deprived of any proprietary rights
to our technology or trade style our prospects for success may be seriously and
adversely affected. See "Business -- Intellectual Property".
OUR OPERATIONS AND SERVICES ARE VULNERABLE TO NATURAL DISASTERS
Our operations and services depend on the extent to which our computer
equipment and the telecommunications infrastructure of our third-party network
providers is protected against damage from fire, earthquakes, power loss,
telecommunications failures, and similar events. A significant portion of our
computer equipment, including critical equipment dedicated to our internet
access is located in the Los Angeles area. Despite precautions taken by us and
our third-party network providers, over which we have no control, a
13
<PAGE> 16
natural disaster or other unanticipated problems at our network hub, or a
third-party network provider point of presence could cause interruptions in the
services that we provide. If disruptions occur, we may have no means of
replacing these network elements on a timely basis or at all. We do not
currently maintain back-up Internet services or facilities or other back-up
computing and telecommunications facilities. Extensive or multiple interruptions
in providing users with Internet access are a reason for user decisions to stop
using access services. Accordingly, any disruption of our services due to system
failure could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition. Furthermore, we do not currently have any
business disruption insurance.
CONCENTRATION OF VOTING RIGHTS MAY PREVENT YOU FROM HAVING ANY VOICE IN
CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Upon the successful completion of this offering, Leslie Bernhard and Eli
Rousso will each have voting rights with respect to 27% of our issued and
outstanding shares of common stock. With these holdings, Ms. Bernhard and Mr.
Rousso will be able to control all matters requiring stockholder approval,
including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate
transactions. This concentration of ownership may also have the effect of
delaying or preventing any change in how and by whom we are controlled.
YOUR INVESTMENT IS SUBJECT TO SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION AT THE TIME YOU INVEST AND IN
THE FUTURE UPON OUR ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL SHARES.
As an investor purchasing units in this offering you will incur an
immediate $4.16 dilution in net tangible book value for each share of stock
included in the units you purchase. In addition, we have issued options to our
employees to purchase an aggregate of 141,742 shares of common stock at prices
substantially below the cost of the shares that you will acquire in this
offering. To the extent these options are exercised at prices below our net
tangible book value per share at the time of exercise they will dilute the then
net tangible book value of all our outstanding shares, including yours. And if
in the future the Company should issue additional shares for acquisitions or
other corporate purposes at prices below the per share net tangible book value
at the time of issuance you and our other stockholders will suffer a still
further dilution of your and their stock interests. This dilution may adversely
affect the market price of our stock. For a more detailed description please
refer to "Dilution".
OUR CORPORATE DOCUMENTS MAY LIMIT RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Following the closing of the offering, our Board of Directors will have the
authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock without any further
vote or action by our stockholders, and to determine the price, rights,
preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights of these
shares. Since the preferred stock could be issued with voting, liquidation,
dividend and other rights superior to the rights accompanying shares of our
common stock, the rights of the holders of shares of common stock included in
the units, will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the superior
rights of the holders of preferred stock.
The issuance of preferred stock could also make it more difficult for a
third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock. Furthermore,
certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation, and certain provisions
of our Bylaws and of Delaware law,
14
<PAGE> 17
could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the
company which you may deem to be in the best interests of the company.
FAILURE TO ACHIEVE YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE MAY HAVE MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS ON OUR
BUSINESS
A significant portion of the world's computer hardware and software has
historically used only two digits to identify the year in a date, often meaning
that the computer will fail to distinguish dates in the 21st century from dates
in the 20th century. As a result, various problems may arise from the improper
processing of dates and date-sensitive calculations by computers and other
machinery as the Year 2000 is approached and reached. These problems include
system failures or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including,
among other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices
or engage in similar business activities.
Our failure, or the failure of third parties on which we rely, to
adequately address Year 2000 readiness issues could result in an interruption,
or a failure, of our normal business activities or operations. Based on
discussions with our publishing clients, we believe that all, or substantially
all, of them have taken steps to make themselves Year 2000 compliant. As to
prospective advertisers, we believe most all current PC models that they will be
using to access our Web site will be Year 2000 compliant and that any Year 2000
problems with this group will arise only with the use of older PC models.
Presently, we believe that the primary risks that we face with regard to the
Year 2000 are those arising from other third-party providers of services or
products. If, however, they, we or new publishers to our system encounter Year
2000 problems we in turn may suffer serious interruptions or reduced revenues in
the conduct of our business.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements based on our current
expectations about our company and our business. You can identify these
forward-looking statements because they usually contain words like "expect,"
"believe," "plan," "intend," "anticipate" and other similar expressions. These
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results
could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking
statements as a result of the factors described in the "Risk Factors" section
and elsewhere in this prospectus.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
In October 1999, a proposed $15.5 million initial public offering of our
securities became effective but did not close. In full settlement of our claims,
if any, against Paulson Investment Company, Inc., the representative of the
underwriters in that offering, we received $500,000 from the representative. In
addition, Paulson Capital Corporation, the parent of the representative lent us
$1.1 million evidenced by a $1.1 million promissory note due on October 21, 2001
and bearing interest at 6% per annum payable at maturity. Paulson Investment
Company, Inc. is the representative of the underwriters in this offering.
15
<PAGE> 18
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to us from the sale of units being offered by this
prospectus, are estimated to be $5,095,450 after deducting the underwriting
discounts and estimated offering expenses. The following table sets forth the
principal categories of expense for which the offering proceeds are to be used,
based on our current budget. We expect that our actual allocation of proceeds
will vary, possibly substantially, from our current budget as a result of
unforeseen developments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGE
ALLOCATION OF NET PROCEEDS DOLLAR AMOUNT OF NET PROCEEDS
- -------------------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Development and expansion of Advertise123.com Web
site................................................. $ 2,000,000 39%
Product development and site maintenance............. 1,500,000 29
Debt retirement...................................... 1,595,450 32
----------- ---
Total................................................ $ 5,095,450 100%
=========== ===
</TABLE>
Development and expansion of our Web site includes gathering necessary
information regarding publishers for installation onto our Web site and
providing software to additional newspapers allowing them to publish data
received from our Web site without data reentry.
Product development and site maintenance includes providing technical
support and creating and updating editorial content.
Debt retirement consists of indebtedness of:
- $745,450 payable in monthly installments of $8,333.33 through March 2013
which includes interest at 10% per annum for the purchase of technology
which we formerly licensed from the seller; and
- $850,000 for a loan from a small business investment company, the
proceeds of which were used as working capital. The loan is payable on or
before July 12, 2004 and bears annual interest at the rate of 14% per
annum.
Both items of indebtedness must be paid on completion of this offering.
In October 1999, we received $1,600,000 from Paulson Investment Company,
Inc. and Paulson Capital Corporation as discussed in "Recent Developments." This
sum increased our working capital and may be used for general corporate purposes
and to supplement the proceeds of this offering in expanding our Web site.
The amounts we actually expend for general corporate purposes may vary
significantly and will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of
our future revenues and the other factors described under "Risk Factors." Our
management will retain broad discretion in the allocation of the net proceeds of
this offering. A portion of the net proceeds may also be used for general
corporate purposes or for strategic partnerships or to acquire or invest in
complementary businesses, technologies or product lines. We have no current
agreements or commitments and we are not currently engaged in any negotiations
with respect to any acquisitions. Pending these uses, the net proceeds of this
offering will be invested in short term, interest-bearing, investment grade
securities.
16
<PAGE> 19
DIVIDEND POLICY
Prior to this offering we were a "Sub S" corporation for income tax
purposes, owned by persons active in the business. From time to time we declared
and paid cash dividends on our common stock. We intend to retain future
earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business and do not expect to
pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
On July 13, 1999 we entered into a loan with InterEquity Capital Partners,
L.P. which prohibits us from paying dividends or making distributions on our
stock while this loan is outstanding. Because we intend to use a portion of the
proceeds from this offering to repay InterEquity, the restriction on dividends
and distributions will cease to apply.
17
<PAGE> 20
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 1999:
- on an actual basis;
- on a pro forma basis to give effect to:
- the receipt of $850,000 as a loan from a small business investment
company in July 1999 and the debt issue costs of $137,536 on the
related issuance of 22,534 redeemable common shares;
- the conversion of $1,050,000 principal amount of convertible notes
that were issued in March and April 1999 plus interest of $53,367 of
which $33,600 will be expensed subsequent to June 30, 1999, into
231,620 shares of our common stock on the closing of this offering;
- the reclassification of the accumulated deficit to additional paid-in
capital on the termination of the S-corporation election;
- the change in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding
resulting from our reincorporation and the 5 for 9 reverse split of
our common stock effective on or before the closing of this offering;
- our borrowing from Paulson Capital Corporation, parent of Paulson
Investment Company, Inc., of $1.1 million evidenced by a promissory
note due on October 21, 2001 and bearing interest at 6% per annum
payable at maturity; and
- the contribution of 63,848 shares of common stock to us on July 28,
1999.
- on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to:
- the foregoing pro forma adjustments;
- the sale of 1,000,000 units offered by us in this prospectus at $6.00
per unit;
- payment of the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses
payable by us;
- the repayment of notes payable of $1,595,450 and amortization of debt
issue costs of $137,536; and
- reclassification of redeemable common stock to common stock and
additional paid-in capital on the closing of this offering.
18
<PAGE> 21
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, 1999
---------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACTUAL PRO FORMA AS ADJUSTED
---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Notes payable, net of current portion.... $1,768,792 $2,472,970 $1,100,000
---------- ---------- ----------
Redeemable common stock.................. -- $ 137,536 --
---------- ---------- ----------
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Preferred stock, par value $0.0001;
authorized 5,000,000 shares; none
issued and outstanding.............. -- -- --
Common stock, par value $0.0001;
authorized 10,000,000 shares; shares
issued and outstanding: 1,479,664
actual; 1,647,436 pro forma;
2,669,970 pro forma as adjusted
(1)................................. 28,300 165 267
Additional paid-in capital............. -- 37,091 5,269,975
Accumulated deficit.................... (1,094,611) (33,600) (171,136)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity
(deficit)......................... (1,066,311) 3,656 5,099,106
---------- ---------- ----------
Total capitalization.............. $ 702,481 $2,614,162 $6,199,106
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) Based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30,
1999. Excludes:
- 212,101 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock
options granted in April and July 1999; and
- 63,890 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants
granted in July and August 1999
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<PAGE> 22
DILUTION
Our pro forma tangible book deficit of June 30, 1999 was $178,663, or $0.11
per share of common stock. Pro forma net tangible book value per share is
determined by dividing total tangible assets less total liabilities by the
number of outstanding shares of common stock as of June 30, 1999. In making this
calculation we have given effect to the conversion of $1,050,000 principal
amount of our convertible notes which were issued in March and April 1999 and
interest of $53,367, the contribution to us of 63,848 shares of our common stock
in July 1999, the loan to us of $1,100,000 in October 1999, evidenced by a
$1,100,000, 6% promissory note due in October 2001, the exchange of 3,000,000
shares in connection with our reincorporation in Delaware and the 5-for-9
reverse split of our common stock on or before the closing of this offering.
After giving effect to the sale of 1,000,000 units at $6.00 per unit and
after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and expenses of this offering,
our pro forma net tangible book value at June 30, 1999 would have been
$4,916,787 or $1.84 per share, representing an immediate increase in net
tangible book value of $1.95 per share to the existing stockholders and an
immediate dilution of $4.16 or 69.3% per share to new investors. For purposes of
the dilution computation and the following tables, we have allocated the full
purchase price of a unit to the share of common stock included in the unit and
nothing to the warrants included in the unit.
The following table illustrates the above information with respect to
dilution to new investors on a per share basis:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Initial public offering price............................... $6.00
Pro forma net tangible book deficit at June 30, 1999........ (0.11)
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value attributable
to new investors....................................... 1.95
------
Pro forma net tangible book value after offering............ 1.84
-----
Dilution to new investors................................... $4.16
=====
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth, on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 1999,
with respect to our existing stockholders and new investors, a comparison of the
number of shares of common stock we issued, the percentage ownership of those
shares, the total consideration paid, the percentage of total consideration paid
and the average price per share.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES PURCHASED TOTAL CONSIDERATION
-------------------- --------------------- AVERAGE PRICE
NUMBER PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT PER SHARE
--------- ------- ---------- ------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Existing
stockholders........ 1,669,970 63% $1,078,300 15.23% $ 0.65
New investors......... 1,000,000 37% 6,000,000 84.77% 6.00
--------- --- ---------- ------
Total............ 2,669,970 100% $7,078,300 100.00%
========= === ========== ======
</TABLE>
The above table assumes no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment
option. If the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised, the selling
stockholders identified in this prospectus will provide the stock and we will
provide the warrants included in the units covered by the over-allotment option.
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the stock by the
selling stockholders.
20
<PAGE> 23
In addition, the above table does not give effect to the shares issuable
upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants which may at the time they are
exercised have a dilutive effect on the stock interest of all stockholders. We
have 212,101 shares which are issuable upon exercise of options held by key
employees. of which 141,742 are exercisable at $4.77 per share and 70,359 are
exercisable at $7.20 per share. We have also granted warrants to purchase 63,890
shares, of which 33,334 are issuable at an exercise price equivalent to the
price of shares in this offering. The remaining 30,556 shares are issuable only
upon completion of this offering at an exercise price equivalent to 110% of the
share price in this offering and we expect to take a charge of approximately
$80,000 at that time for the vested portion, and may recognize additional
charges in future periods as the amounts vest.
21
<PAGE> 24
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included elsewhere in this prospectus. The statement of operations
data for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 1998, and
the balance sheet data at December 31, 1998, are derived from financial
statements of AdStar.com, Inc., which have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, and are included elsewhere
in this prospectus. The statement of operations data for the six month periods
ended June 30, 1998 and 1999 and the balance sheet data for June 30, 1999 are
derived from unaudited financial statements of AdStar.com, Inc. The unaudited
financial statements have been prepared on substantially the same basis as the
audited financial statements and, in the opinion of management, include all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the
fair presentation of the results of operations for these periods. Historical
results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the
future, and the results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of
results for the entire year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------------ --------------------------
1997 1998 1998 1999
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Revenues.................. $1,148,233 $1,559,361 $ 761,908 $ 781,043
Cost of revenues.......... 565,329 800,532 371,545 489,817
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit............ 582,904 758,829 390,363 291,226
Sales, general and
administrative
expenses................ 634,029 820,574 341,580 661,645
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from
operations.............. (51,125) (61,745) 48,783 (370,419)
Interest expense.......... (7,873) (4,518) (2,644) (45,800)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before
taxes................... (58,998) (66,263) 46,139 (416,219)
Provision for taxes....... 823 2,760 1,380 1,380
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) --
historical.............. $ (59,821) $ (69,023) $ 44,759 $ (417,599)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Pro forma net income
(loss)(1)............... $ (59,798) $ (67,063) $ 45,739 $ (416,619)
Pro forma earnings (loss)
per share -- basic and
diluted (2)............. $ (0.05) $ (0.27)
Pro forma weighted average
number of
shares -- basic and
diluted (2)............. 1,458,393 1,515,239
</TABLE>
22
<PAGE> 25
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1998 JUNE 30, 1999
----------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents....................... $ 90,007 $ 112,883
Working capital................................. (271,804) (155,713)
Total assets.................................... 339,147 1,297,241
Notes payable, net of current portion........... -- 1,768,792
Total liabilities............................... 535,151 2,363,552
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)............ (196,004) (1,066,311)
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) Computed on the basis described in Note 1 and Note 2 of Notes to financial
statements and assuming the pro forma tax provisions described in Note 2.
(2) See Note 2 of Notes to financial statements for an explanation of the method
used to determine the number of shares used in computation of the pro forma
basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.
23
<PAGE> 26
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of
operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes to the financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risk and
uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated
in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including
those set forth under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus.
OVERVIEW
Revenues from our traditional business, which account for substantially all
of our historical revenues, consist of licensing fees and fees for advertiser
service and support charged to publishers. We are in the process of implementing
our Web-based service and intend to charge for that service based on a fixed
transaction fee and/or a percentage of the advertising fee charged by the
publisher. We received our first transaction fees from Internet business in June
1999. This change will result in material changes in our financial statements,
including changes in revenue recognition, timing of cash flows and volume of
accounts receivable as a percentage of revenues.
Our level of revenues has been generally sufficient to support our historic
business. In developing our Web-based system we began to incur expenses in 1998
that cannot be offset by the revenues generated by our historic business. These
expenses caused us to be unprofitable in 1998 and 1999. We intend to continue to
make significant financial investments to support publishers on our Web site,
Advertise123.com for content development, technology and infrastructure
development and marketing and advertising expense. As a result, we believe that
we will incur operating losses and negative cash flows from operations before
the build-up in revenues from our Internet business offset anticipated increases
in expense. Because we have limited Internet experience, we cannot accurately
forecast the source, magnitude or timing of our future revenues and therefore
cannot forecast if or when we will return to profitability. In 1999 we received
through the issuance of a note the surrender of an option to acquire 15% of our
stock as part of our purchase of technology we had formerly licensed. The
surrender of this option increased our stockholders' deficit by $447,935 to a
total of $1,066,311 at June 30, 1999 but had no impact on our cash flow
available to fund operations.
Through June 30, 1999, we had elected to be taxed under Subchapter S of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Effective July 1, 1999, we will be taxed as a
Subchapter C corporation, and therefore will pay tax on our income, if any, at
the corporate level. This tax will be recorded as an expense and will affect our
operating results. Because we have historically been a Subchapter S corporation,
we have no accumulated loss or credit carryforwards that would be usable to
offset future income, if any.
As a result of these changes, our historical financial statements are not
necessarily reflective of future operating results.
24
<PAGE> 27
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the results of operations expressed as a
percentage of revenues:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTH
YEAR ENDED PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
------------ ------------
1997 1998 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues........................................... 100% 100% 100% 100%
Cost of revenues................................... 49% 51% 49% 63%
--- --- --- ---
Gross profit....................................... 51% 49% 51% 37%
Sales, general and administrative expenses......... 55% 53% 45% 85%
--- --- --- ---
Income (loss) from operations...................... (4)% (4)% 6% (47)%
Interest expense................................... (1)% -- -- (6)%
--- --- --- ---
Income (loss) before taxes......................... (5)% (4)% 6% (53)%
Provision for taxes................................ -- -- -- --
--- --- --- ---
Net income (loss).................................. (5)% (4)% 6% (53)%
</TABLE>
SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 AND 1998
REVENUES. Revenues increased by 3% to $781,043 for the six months ended
June 30, 1999 from $761,908 for the six months ended June 30, 1998. The increase
in revenues resulted primarily from an increase in computer hardware sales to
$88,279 in 1999 from $22,351 in 1998 and our recording our first Internet
revenues in June 1999 of $29,650. The increase was offset in part by a decrease
in license and end-user support revenues (referred to as "service revenues") to
$651,114 in 1999 from $727,557 in 1998. While we expect to continue to recognize
service revenues from existing and potential new software licensing contracts,
we expect that Internet transaction based revenues will increase at a faster
rate than service revenues and will eventually become our principal source of
revenues.
COST OF REVENUES. Cost of revenues consists primarily of charges to
configure and install the AdStar software into the publishing systems of
newspapers, to configure end-user software for the newspaper's advertiser
clients, to make payments to publications for transactions placed on our
Internet system, to pay costs of installing publications on our Internet system,
to provide customer training and end-user support, and to pay costs of hardware
sales and royalty fees. These costs increased to $489,817, as compared to
$371,545 in 1998. Personnel costs associated with cost of revenues increased to
$243,537 in 1999 compared with $157,371 in 1998 as we added technical support
and end user support staff. Hardware expense increased to $77,597 in 1999 from
$17,613 in 1998. These increases were offset in part by a reduction in royalty
expense to $8,594 in 1999 from $55,148 in 1998 due to the timing of royalties
payable on installation of our fax product. Cost of revenues increased as a
percentage of net revenues due to increases in staff in anticipation of support
requirements for new customers and because of an increased level of hardware
sales at a lower margin than our service revenues. We view sales of hardware as
an accommodation to our clients coincident to the installation of our software
in the front-end publishing systems of newspapers.
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SALES, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Sales, general and administrative
expense consists primarily of salaries of business development personnel, sales
and marketing personnel and other marketing, trade show and travel expense.
These personnel costs increased to $382,059 in 1999 from $184,028 in 1998,
primarily because of the addition of business development personnel for our
Web-based service. We expect to incur additional sales, general and
administrative expenses as we hire additional personnel and incur additional
expenses related to the development of our Web-based service.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense increased for the six months ended June
30, 1999 to $45,800 from $2,644 due to the issuance by us of $1,050,000 of 12%
convertible notes in March and April 1999 and a 10% note for $751,710 to
purchase the technology, intellectual property and software rights for the
AdStar technology. Payments on the 10% note are equivalent to royalty payments
we were required to make under the pre-existing license agreement. The 12%
convertible notes will be converted into common stock concurrently with this
offering. We intend to pay the 10% notes with proceeds from this offering.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
NET REVENUES. Net revenues increased by approximately 36% to $1,559,361
for 1998 from $1,148,233 for 1997. Service revenues from existing customers were
essentially flat for 1998 ($817,822) when compared with 1997 ($809,045). The
increase in 1998 over 1997 was due primarily to the large volume of installation
work performed in 1998 (for new and existing customers). Three customers
installed the AdStar fax system to complement their pre-existing basic systems
and one additional existing customer upgraded its system. Two new customers were
added in 1998. Hardware sales were $94,285 in 1998 compared with $8,687 in 1997.
Excluding the revenues from hardware sales the increase in net revenues in 1998
over 1997 was 29%.
COST OF REVENUES. Cost of revenues increased by 42% in 1998 to $800,532
from $565,329 in 1997. As a percentage of net revenues, cost of revenues
increased by 2% from 1997 to 1998 as a result of an increase in lower margin
hardware sales.
SALES, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Sales, general and administrative
expense increased by approximately 29% to $820,574 in 1998 compared with
$634,029 in 1997. The primary factors accounting for the increase were
compensation and recruitment costs that increased to $415,220 in 1998 from
$373,646 in 1997. This increase was primarily due to the addition of business
development personnel in the second half of 1998 for our Web-based service.
Additionally, travel expense increased by approximately $40,000, to $110,367 in
1998.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We have financed our business primarily from cash generated by operations
and, more recently, from debt financings. As of June 30, 1999, the Company had
cash and cash equivalents of $112,883 compared with $90,007 at December 31,
1998. At June 30, 1999 we had no material commitments for capital expenditures.
Over the next 12 months we do not expect that our capital expenditures will
exceed $200,000.
Net cash provided by operations was $98,603 for 1998 compared to net cash
used in operations of $12,826 in 1997, primarily because of an increase in
accounts payable and accrued expenses offset by a reduction in deferred revenue
in 1998. Net cash used in
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investment activities increased to $25,532 in 1998 from $12,902 in 1997. The
difference is attributable to an increase in the purchase of equipment to
support additional personnel. Net cash used in financing activities was $30,552
in 1998 compared with cash provided by financing activities in 1997 of $1,500.
Principally, these activities involved proceeds from and repayments of
capitalized leases or notes payable.
Net cash used in operations was $762,101 for the six months ended June 30,
1999 compared with net cash provided by operations of $75,618 for the comparable
1998 period. The difference is due primarily to the net loss from operations in
the six month period ended June 30, 1999 compared to net income in the
comparable 1998 period and expenditures connected with this offering. Net cash
used in investing activities increased to $276,874 in the period ended June 30,
1999 compared with $12,573 in the comparable period of 1998 resulting from the
purchase and development of computer equipment and related infrastructure for
our Web-based system. Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,061,851
during the six month period ended June 30, 1999 compared to $12,678 used in
financing in the comparable period of 1998. The activity in 1999 primarily
reflects the issuance of $1,050,000 of our 12% convertible notes payable.
In March and April 1999, we sold $1,050,000 of our 12% convertible notes in
a private placement. These notes will automatically convert to common stock upon
consummation of this offering. In July 1999, we borrowed $850,000 from
InterEquity Capital Partners, L.P. a small business investment company. The loan
bears interest at 14% per annum and is repayable in 54 equal installments
commencing six months after the date of issuance. The holder of the note also
received 22,534 shares of our common stock at the time of the financing. The
holder is entitled to increases in the amount of stock issued to it if the note
is not repaid starting nine months after issuance. We expect to repay this note
from the offering proceeds. The proceeds of these financings have been used for
working capital, primarily to support the development of our Web-based service.
Also in March 1999, we purchased the technology, intellectual property and
software rights related to the AdStar technology for $751,710 by the issuance of
a 10% note. This note is payable in monthly installments of $8,333 comprising
principal and interest and is prepayable on the consummation of this offering.
We anticipate that our operating expenses will increase substantially as
the number of our employees increases. Additionally we may evaluate from time to
time possible investments in businesses, products and technologies to build our
business. We expect that the net proceeds from this offering, will be sufficient
to meet our anticipated needs for working capital and capital expenditures for
at least the next 12 months. We cannot guarantee, however, that the underlying
assumed levels of revenues and expenses will prove to be accurate. We may need
to seek additional funding through public or private financings or other
arrangements prior to the expiration of the 12 month period. Adequate funds may
not be available when needed or may not be available on terms favorable to us.
If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities,
dilution to existing stockholders may result. If funding is insufficient at any
time in the future, we may be unable to develop or enhance our products or
services, take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive
pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial
position, results of operations and cash flows.
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YEAR 2000 READINESS
Many existing computers and computer programs will malfunction or fail
completely when processing dates past the year 1999 because they use only the
last two digits, for example, "98" or "99", to refer to a year. This means, for
example, that they cannot distinguish between the year 2000 and the year 1900,
both of which would be referred to as "00". Because our current systems and
services and those being developed depend heavily on computers and computer
programs, we have paid careful attention to this potentially disruptive problem.
The computer programs that we use to provide our existing traditional
AdStar services have all been reviewed for year 2000 compliance by our
technology team, and suitable modifications have been made and tested and these
programs appear to be functioning properly with no year 2000 problems. We are
distributing these modified programs to both our advertiser users and our
publishing clients. A large percentage of the update distribution has been
completed. An initiative is in place to have the balance completed prior to
December 1999.
In addition to installing our updated AdStar software, our users
(advertisers and publishers) must use computers for AdStar programs that are
free of year 2000 problems. Also, our publishing clients must have computer
systems to which we connect that function properly. All of our publishing
clients and many of our advertising users have their own company initiatives to
correct year 2000 problems and we have been cooperating with them to assure
proper operation of our computer programs and systems. To the extent that any
third-party product or technology is not year 2000 compliant prior to December
1999 our financial position, results of operations and cash flows may be
adversely affected due to our association with this type product or technology.
The Web-based Advertise123.com service that we are building has been
designed and implemented to be year 2000 ready:
1. The software programs and systems we have built and continue to
build are designed to use coding and algorithms based on the four digit
year representation for handling and processing date and date related
information, and our database structures are designed to provide for the
same standardized four digit representation;
2. Our Web-based technology utilizes newly purchased hardware and 1999
releases of third party software systems from industry leading suppliers
that specify that the systems that we use are year 2000 ready;
3. We have assessed the year 2000 readiness of our Internet service
providers, and have determined that they have taken steps to become year
2000 compliant;
4. We are conducting both unit and complete system testing for year
2000 readiness, and expect to be able to correct any potential problems
that are uncovered before year 2000 dates are expected to be processed
through our service.
The internal administrative systems currently in use are scheduled to be
replaced, before the end of 1999, in preparation for our expected growth. We are
only considering systems that are specified by their suppliers to be year 2000
ready and we plan to conduct our own year 2000 readiness tests prior to using
any of these systems.
Our internal technology systems consisting of a data network, workstations,
and telephone systems have been assessed for year 2000 readiness. Most of these
items are
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relatively new and do not exhibit year 2000 problems. Items that we have
determined have problems have been replaced or are in the process of being
updated. We do not anticipate any unexpected internal system year 2000 problems.
The only concern in this area is that some third party providers may possibly
have problems. In any and all events we do not anticipate any significant
interruption or disruption of our business. We believe, the worst case scenario
to be a reduction or interruption in the business that is derived from or
provided by a third party provider that is not Year 2000 compliant.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and
hedging activities that requires companies to recognize all derivatives as
either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measures
those instruments at fair value. This statement is effective for all fiscal
quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. Management does not
believe that the implementation of SFAS No. 133 will have any impact on its
financial statements since we do not currently engage in derivative or hedging
activities.
On September 28, 1998, the SEC issued a press release and stated the "SEC
will formulate and augment existing accounting rules and interpretations
covering revenue recognition, restructuring reserves, materiality and
disclosure" for all publicly-traded companies. Until the SEC staff issues
interpretative guidance, it is unclear what, if any, impact any interpretative
guidance will have on our current accounting practices.
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BUSINESS
Since 1986 we have enabled advertisers to place classified advertisements
in publications by electronic means. Our historic AdStar business, was confined
to permitting some large advertisers to place classified ads in a limited number
of newspapers through the use of our proprietary software. Our new
Advertise123.com service, offers anyone with access to the Internet the
opportunity to create, price, pay for and submit a classified ad for publication
in print or on-line in one or more of an increasing number of publications.
THE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MARKET
Classified newspaper advertisements consist of small to full page print and
combined print and graphic or pictorial advertisements that appear in designated
sections and are organized by category. The principal categories of classified
ads are employment, automotive and real estate. Classified ads generated
approximately $18 billion in newspaper revenue in 1998 in the United States.
Classified ads are placed by advertising agencies, large and small businesses
and individuals. Some large volume advertisers enter into contractual
relationships with publishers providing for discounted rates in return for
volume commitments.
Classified advertising in newspapers represents one of the highest margin
revenue sources for newspapers. Although the market for classified advertising
on-line is relatively new, it is growing rapidly.
Most classified ads are placed by the advertiser or its agent directly with
a newspaper either by telephone, fax, email, mail or messenger. The process can
be cumbersome, time consuming and inefficient. Ads placed in this way are
susceptible to error and misunderstanding in the voice or fax transmission or in
re-keying print submissions; they may require multiple phone calls or faxes
especially if ads are being placed in more than one newspaper; they require
familiarization with each newspaper's separate printing and pricing practices;
access both by phone and fax may be available only during limited business hours
and even then access may be difficult in periods of heavy phone activity or
facsimile transmission activity and there is much duplication of work between
the advertiser and the newspaper.
OUR HISTORICAL APPROACH -- THE ADSTAR REMOTE AD ENTRY SOLUTION
Our AdStar business is based on technology we developed that simplifies the
media buying process by providing professional advertisers with software to
compose and submit advertising directly into a newspaper's computer systems. Our
software automatically adapts the ad to the publisher's formatting
specifications. This technology affords the advertiser greater control of the
advertising process, including:
- submission of ads directly into a newspaper's classified ad system;
- ability to work closer to deadlines;
- fewer errors from copy re-keying, elimination of messengers and overnight
delivery;
- simplified resubmission of ads;,
- administrative and reporting functions; and,
- in many cases, more favorable rates.
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One of the principal advantages of this system is that the advertiser using
our software is able to view the computer screen and configure the ad exactly as
it will run in the selected newspapers. Another important advantage is that with
our system the information viewed by the user for all publishers is the same, so
users don't have to learn a different system for each publisher.
In our AdStar business, we collect no fees from advertisers. Our clients
are the newspapers to which we license our technology. These are primarily large
metropolitan newspapers. The benefits of our AdStar system to newspapers are
significant. By automating the ad input process, we reduce the time required of
a publisher's personnel, as well as the publisher's total processing time; we
virtually eliminate credits and give backs associated with re-keying copy
errors; and we enable newspapers to extend ad deadlines to maximize revenues and
permit integration of the automatic remote entry of advertisements into their
computer system with their order entry, advertising and pagination systems. Our
license agreements with newspapers are for terms of three to ten years. We
charge fixed license and maintenance fees and installation charges, all of which
are unrelated to the amount of advertising revenue generated by our licensed
technology. While one or two single customers may account for more than 10% of
our revenue in a single year, no customer has accounted for more than 10% in
successive years. In 1997 the L.A. Times accounted for 13% of our revenues, and
in 1998 the Chicago Tribune accounted for 12% of our revenues.
Our license and support fees are circulation based. License fees range from
$25,000 to $100,000 for the first year and from $6,000 to $18,000 for years two
through ten. User support fees generally range between $6,000 to $30,000 per
year during the life of a contract. Implementation fees usually are between
$15,000 and $30,000, excluding hardware costs.
We also offer a fax management system. Under this system faxed ads are
received, logged, stored and converted into text files at the newspaper. They
are then routed to special workstations designed for split screen editing. This
is a two way system allowing for manipulation of ads in various ways and
interactive discourse between the newspaper and the advertiser for both interim
and final fax-back acknowledgements of acceptance by the advertiser.
Fax management license fees are circulation based. License fees range from
$20,000 to $80,000 for the first year and from $6,000 to $16,500 for years two
through ten. Implementation fees generally range from $15,000 to $30,000,
excluding hardware costs.
Our 43 current newspaper customers account for approximately 25% of the
total 1998 Sunday newspaper circulation in the United States. These newspapers
include major metropolitan newspapers including The Chicago Tribune, The
Washington Post, The (Newark) Star Ledger, The Los Angeles Times, The Denver
Post, The Miami Herald, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The (New York) Daily News and
The (Atlanta) Journal-Constitution as well as smaller suburban and regional
newspapers like the Ventura County (CA) Star, The (Lancaster PA) Reporter and
(NJ) Courier Post. In 1998, more than 1,400 advertiser locations, including
advertising agencies like Bernard Hodes Advertising, TMP Worldwide, Shaker
Advertising, Nationwide Advertising, and Austin Knight Advertising and large
direct advertisers like Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Ford and General Cinema,
placed, by our estimate, classified advertising valued at more than $150 million
in newspaper revenue with our newspaper customers through our AdStar system.
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However, this volume represents less than 1% of the $18 billion in newspaper
classified advertising sold in 1998.
The use of our AdStar remote ad entry system has been limited to connecting
large metropolitan newspapers with their highest volume commercial classified
advertisers. Most classified advertisers are small and medium sized businesses
which have been excluded from participating in the AdStar system, as has anyone
seeking to place an ad with any of the approximately 1,500 daily and 7,200
weekly newspapers in the United States which are not among the 43 AdStar
licensees. Additionally, the AdStar system does not provide for the placement of
classified advertising in on-line publications. In order to overcome the
limitations of our AdStar business and reach virtually the entire classified ad
market, including the growing market for Internet publications, we commenced our
Web-based classified ad service.
OUR NEW WEB-BASED CLASSIFIED AD MARKETPLACE -- ADVERTISE123.COM
THE CONCEPT. Our new Advertise123.com Web site that we launched on a
limited basis in June 1999 will permit any prospective advertiser, individual or
commercial, with Internet access, to:
- select print and on-line publications for ad placement;
- compose and format ads;
- preview ads;
- schedule publication dates;
- price and pay for ads at standard rates, or, alternatively, for high
volume customers, enter a publisher authorized contract ID and obtain
special contract rates and direct billing from the publisher; and
- electronically submit ads to publications
In order to use our Advertise123.com system, the advertiser accesses our
Web site and composes and formats the ad for each selected publication. We also
support proprietary Web sites maintained by us for our publisher customers. The
system incorporates the particular style, format and data parameters unique to
each publication's advertising or ad posting system. For print ads this feature
enables the user to preview the ad as it will appear in the publication,
allowing an accurate sizing usually measured in lines or inches, of the ad which
in turn usually determines the price of the print ad. On-line publications
usually place a limit on ad size based upon text size and have a fixed price for
a given publication schedule. All these variables can be obtained from the
publication and entered into our system so as to give anyone that qualifies the
published rate. Ads submitted under publisher authorized contracts can be sized
but are not priced: they are priced by the publisher's computer system and
billed directly to the advertiser.
If the advertiser pays for the ad by credit card or debit card we access a
separate third-party on-line service that processes credit card and debit card
payments on the Web. In these cases, the total price of the ad less credit or
debit card processing charges is remitted to us. We in turn deduct our
transaction fee and remit the balance to the publisher. If the advertiser has a
volume contract with the publisher and is billed directly by the publisher, we
collect our transaction fee from the publisher by sending an invoice.
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Once the ad has been composed and formatted, the ad is transferred to the
publication selected. If it is directed to a newspaper that is an AdStar
licensee, the ad is transferred directly into that newspaper's computer
publishing system. If the ad is directed to a publication which is not an AdStar
licensee or which is an on-line publisher, then Advertise123.com transfers it by
e-mail, fax or by means of an Internet file transfer protocol known as an FTP,
as instructed by the publisher. We are encouraging more print publishers to
acquire the necessary AdStar software to enable them to receive ads directly
into their computer publishing systems from Advertise123.com; most online
publishers that can accept FTP transfer of ads will be able to use their own
software to accept Advertise123.com ad feeds.
OUR EVOLUTION.
We believe that our Web-based ad-taking services represents a major
improvement, with benefits to the advertiser and the publisher, not only over
the way most classified ads are being placed today but even over those placed by
our own remote entry process. Most classified ads are still manually placed in a
person-to-person exchange by an individual, advertising agency or commercial
entity with each publication in which the advertiser seeks to place an ad. This
process is time consuming and expensive both for the advertiser and the
publisher, particularly for advertisers not familiar with the procedures and
cost schedules of a particular publication. In these cases, the placing of an ad
may involve long telephone or repeat phone calls or fax transmissions or other
communications before an ad is actually placed. The likelihood for error
resulting in costly refunds or credits is high. We believe our AdStar remote
entry process expedites the process and reduces the likelihood of these
problems. But, it is available only for large advertisers, and then only with
respect to their placing ads in print in any of our 43 newspaper customers. Our
new Web-based ad taking process improves on this business model in the following
respects:
- It is accessible for use by any individual, small business or
professional advertiser with access to a computer.
- Classified ads may be placed by any of the above parties not only in our
43 remote entry newspaper customers but in many other print publications
that we plan to enable on our site.
- Ads may be placed for dissemination on-line on any one of several web
sites engaged in the on-line distribution of classified ad postings.
- Classified ads from non-contract advertisers can be priced and paid for
in real time; ads from contract advertisers can be submitted directly to
the publisher for invoicing to the advertiser.
- A classified ad can be placed in multiple publications in one
transaction.
- While some of these features are available with various services
currently being offered by others, we believe that we will be the only
company offering all of these features in one service.
MARKETING ADVERTISE123
Our first goal in building Advertise123.com into a marketplace for
purchasing classified ads is to attract a critical mass of newspapers and Web
publishers who agree to be accessible on our site as ad recipients. The more
publishers accessible on
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Advertise123.com, the more attractive our service will be to prospective
advertisers. We do not anticipate any significant resistance from publishers to
their being listed on our Web site. It is necessary however to add to our data
base certain information about each publisher before it can become a named
participant on our Advertise123.com Web site. This information can be obtained
either from the publisher or from public records. The input of this information
into our Web site, however, is time consuming and restricts our ability to add
new publishers to our Web site as fast as we would like.
Once we have a critical mass of publishers, our marketing efforts can shift
to bringing advertisers to our site. We expect that all of our 43 newspapers
will agree to be accessible on Advertise123.com. These 43 newspaper customers
have a readership of approximately 45 million and have a circulation which
covers eight of the top 10 designated market areas in the United States. To add
additional newspapers, as well as Web publishers, we will emphasize in our
marketing the e-commerce opportunities of on-line ad placement in building
advertising revenues. We will also market our service on the basis of the proven
advantages of remote ad entry over traditional manual methods of classified ad
placement.
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS. There are six major sites on the Web which
aggregate and republish classified ads which appear in newspapers. None of these
Web publishers originates ads on-line -- whether for publication on-line or in
print. We are focusing our initial marketing efforts on promoting the e-commerce
opportunity of Advertise123 to these Web publishers and through them to the
participating newspapers whose classified ads are republished on-line by these
publishers. We have entered into distribution agreements with two of these Web
publishers: AdOne, LLC (AdOne.com) and PowerAdz, LLC (PowerAdz.com), which
enable them to offer versions of Advertise123 to their participating newspapers
so that these newspapers can obtain ads through Advertise123.com for publication
either on-line or in print. AdOne.com and PowerAdz.com provide on-line
republication of the classified ads from approximately 1,200 newspapers. Under
our distribution agreements, in order for anyone coming to one of our
distribution partners' sites or the site of one of their participating
newspapers added to our system -- to place an ad for publication in print or
on-line -- the prospective advertiser will click-on a "place an ad" button which
will link such party to a co-branded version of Advertise123.com hosted by us.
As we implement this ad taking service for our distribution partners and their
participating newspapers, each of these publications becomes accessible on
Advertise123.com which enhances our value to advertisers.
Each of our distribution agreements grants us the right to provide our
distribution partners and their participating newspapers with the the ability to
enable advertisers to select, transact and process ads for print and on-line
publication from their Web sites and from Advertise123.com. For any
advertisement entered on a Web site of a distribution partner or one of its
participating newspapers -- which we call partnered sites -- and for any ad
entered on Advertise123.com for placement on a partnered site or in a
participating newspaper of one of our distribution partners, a percentage of the
publisher's charges for this advertisement is divided among us and the other
party or parties in the distribution chain to the transaction. Our agreements
with AdOne and PowerAdz are for three years but may be terminated on short
notice by either party. Our Advertise123.com service is being made available to
users of the AdOne and PowerAdz Web sites. We have begun installing our ad entry
software on the Web sites of their participating newspapers -- and these
newspapers will join our Advertise123.com marketplace as their publications are
also accessible on our Web site.
In addition, AdStar.com has recently entered into a distribution agreement
with Recruitment Marketplace, a division of Landon Media Group, a major
newspaper
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representative firm which represents over two thirds of the nations newspapers.
The Recruitment Marketplace division is dedicated to increasing newspaper
exposure to recruitment advertising buyers and their agents. AdStar will provide
Recruitment Marketplace's on-line channel for buying and selling print
recruitment advertising. Recruitment Marketplace will drive increased
recruitment advertising to the publications it represents via its soon to be
released RecruitmentMarketPlace Web site. Advertisers who are solicited by
Recruitment Marketplace will be able to go to its RecruitmentMarketplace.com Web
site to create, schedule and submit their recruitment advertising directly to
the newspaper. AdStar's Advertise123.com service will power the Recruitment
Marketplace Web site.
SERVICE AGREEMENT. We have also entered into three year agreements with
Web publishers, CareerPath.com and CareerEngine, which aggregate and republish
job recruitment advertisements on-line. These agreements grant us the right to
provide our Advertise123.com ad entry services on these Web sites, the
co-branded Web sites of CareerPath.com's participating newspapers, and on
CareerEngine's 23 category specific Web sites. This will enable prospective
employers to place job related ads on these sites.
CareerPath.com sources its listings from the help wanted ads of more than
90 daily newspapers and from employer Web sites. We have installed a "Post A Job
On-line" button on CareerPath.com and on the sites of its more than 90
participating newspapers which takes a prospective advertiser to a private label
version of Advertise123.com.
CareerEngine sponsors the: ITClassifieds.com, SalesClassifieds.com and
AccountingClassifieds.com Web sites. CareerEngine job counselors and recruiters
help prospective candidates define, locate and secure career opportunities
and/or consulting assignments. CareerEngine offers e-recruiting services to
Fortune 1000 companies and has distribution partnerships with leading recruiting
firms, which sell the services of CareerEngine's sites.
In addition to making the Advertise123.com service available directly from
the respective Web sites of CareerPath.com and CareerEngine, advertising
opportunities of both will be available directly from the Advertise123.com Web
site. Pursuant to our service agreements, we receive installation fees and a
percentage of revenues generated by the service. Our service with CareerPath.com
is fully operational and our service agreement with CareerEngine is expected to
be operational in December 1999.
OUR STRATEGY
We have now expanded our business to make remote ad entry available to
virtually all newspapers and advertisers by utilizing the Internet. We believe
this expansion is a natural extension of our business.
In working to establish Advertise123.com as a leading on-line e-commerce
marketplace for publishers and classified advertisers to transact business, we
intend to:
- leverage our knowledge and experience in classified advertisements to
establish our credibility in the Web-based ad taking business;
- quickly build an on-line business with our established newspaper customer
base and commercial advertiser relationships;
- expand the number of publications accessible on Advertise123.com and
therefore its attractiveness to advertisers by emphasizing the e-commerce
opportunities of our site for building ad revenues as well as the many
proven advantages of remote ad entry over traditional manual methods of
classified ad placement to both advertisers and publishers;
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- convert our revenue and pricing model from fixed software license fees to
transaction fees for each ad purchased on Advertise123.com and the
private label and co-branded sites which we host;
- expand our ad placement distribution channels through private label and
co-branded relationships with leading Web publishers which aggregate and
republish print media classified ads but do not provide for ad entry; and
- develop revenue sources for reporting trends and statistical information
of interest to print and on-line publishers and advertisers assembled
from data collected from our Web sites.
REVENUE
Our historical revenues have been derived principally from our license fees
and installation charges billed to our newspaper customers for our AdStar remote
ad entry service. We expect this revenue to continue in accordance with our
outstanding license agreements.
Our revenue sources from Advertise123.com are expected to fall into the
following categories:
(1) TRANSACTION FEES. These fees will be charged for placing
classified ads on our Web site or on a partnered site. The charge for each
advertisement by the on-line or print publication will be prepaid by the
advertiser by credit card payment through third party facilities accessible
on-line or in cases involving large volume purchases, in separate
arrangements which we may establish with the advertiser. We will receive
the full payment from the credit card facility, less its processing charge,
from which we will deduct our fee, as agreed to with the publisher, before
forwarding the balance to the publisher. Fees for ads placed in print
publications paid for by credit cards will generally be 10% of the cost of
the ad, but may change as a result of changing market conditions. We expect
those paid for by advertisers under contracts with publishers will carry a
per ad charge of $.25. For those ads placed in existing AdStar newspapers
there is no charge to the publisher for use of Advertise123.com by contract
advertisers. We expect that fees on ads which originate on the publisher's
Web site which flow through our system will be subject to annual caps
ranging from $6,000 to $33,000 per publisher. There are no caps for
revenues on ads originating on Advertise123.com. Existing fees for on-line
publications will range between 5% to 10% of the cost of the ad if
originated on their Web site and 10% to 35% of the cost of the ad if
originated on Advertise123.com. In our distribution arrangements, we share
this fee with our partners. We expect our sharing arrangements to be
separately negotiated for each distribution arrangement.
(2) CARRIAGE FEES. In co-marketing or co-branding situations in which
we carry or display the brand of another company on our Web site, we will
in certain circumstances charge a fixed fee, known in the trade as a
carriage fee.
(3) MARKET RESEARCH REPORTS. We expect to be able to derive a
separate revenue stream for providing market research and reporting
services to both advertisers and newspapers based on data we are able to
assemble from the operation of our Web-based market place.
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(4) FEES FROM ADVERTISEMENTS ON OUR WEB SITE. Additional revenues
should be provided by premium positioning and promotional advertising sold
to media and advertising companies and carried on our Web site. Initially
we may provide an opportunity to these prospective advertisers to advertise
on our Web site without fee. As we develop activity on our site, we will
adopt a rate schedule for these advertisers based on the number of "hits"
each advertiser receives from visitors to our site.
COMPETITION
We expect to provide a "marketplace" or "one-stop-shop" Internet location
for publishers and advertisers. We will be competing with all traditional
methods of ad origination and entry -- as conducted by newspapers and Web
publishers.
Our ability to compete will also depend upon the timing and market
acceptance of our new Web-based ad taking service, the enhancements developed by
us, the quality of our customer service, and the ease of use, performance, price
and reliability of our services.
We also have to expect that other companies may enter our market and
compete with us for ad origination business. Many of these potential new
competitors may have longer operating histories, greater name recognition,
larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, technical and
marketing resources than us. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to compete
successfully against current or future competitors or that competitive pressures
will not have a material and adverse effect on our financial position, results
of operations and cash flows.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We regard our intellectual property as critical to our success, and we rely
upon trademark, copyright and trade secret laws in the United States to protect
our proprietary rights. We do not currently own any patents. We have established
trademark rights in the mark AD-STAR, based on our use of this mark since 1985
and our ownership of the incontestible United States trademark registration No.
1,497,387 for AD-STAR issued in 1988. While this registration covers computer
programs for preparation, editing and electronic transmission of classified
advertisements, we have expanded our use of the trademark AD-STAR to
Internet-related advertising services and we will be filing a new trademark
application to cover these services. Our trademark search, along with our
longstanding use of the mark AD-STAR and our ownership of the U.S. Registration
for AD-STAR, should entitle us to further registration, although we cannot
guarantee how the Trademark Office will view our proposed application or whether
our expanded use of the mark will encounter any opposition in the marketplace.
We have also recently begun to use the trademark and Internet domain name
Advertise123.com but have not yet applied for registration.
We seek to protect our proprietary rights through the use of
confidentiality agreements with employees, consultants, advisors and others. We
cannot guarantee that these agreements will provide adequate protection for our
proprietary rights in the event of any unauthorized use or disclosure, that our
employees, consultants, advisors or others will maintain the confidentiality of
proprietary information, or that proprietary information will not otherwise
become known, or be independently developed, by competitors.
We have licensed in the past, and expect that we may license in the future,
elements of our trademarks, trade dress and similar proprietary rights to third
parties. While we
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attempt to ensure that the quality of our name and brand are maintained by our
business partners, we cannot guarantee that these partners will not take actions
that could materially and adversely affect the value of our proprietary rights
or the reputation of our solutions and technologies.
Legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of
protection of certain proprietary rights in Internet-related industries are
uncertain and still evolving, and we cannot make any guarantees as to the future
viability or value of any of our proprietary rights or those of other companies
within the industry. We cannot guarantee that the steps taken by us to protect
our proprietary rights will be adequate or that third parties will not infringe
or misappropriate our proprietary rights. Any infringement or misappropriation,
should it occur, could have a material adverse effect on our business, our
results of operations of our financial condition. Furthermore, we cannot
guarantee that our business activities will not infringe upon the proprietary
rights of others, or that other parties will not assert infringement claims
against us.
EMPLOYEES
As of November 1, 1999, we had 26 full-time employees, including two in
sales and marketing, two in business development, 11 in technical staff and
product development, 10 in operations and customer support, and one in clerical
and administration. We are not subject to any collective bargaining agreements
and we believe that our relations with our employees are good. In order to
implement our business plan for building our Web based service we expect over a
relatively short period of time beginning with the completion of this offering
to significantly increase our work force. We will be looking to add
approximately 39 people to our staff during the next 12-18 months as follows:
4 persons to our administrative staff
17 persons to assemble and input information about publishers into our
data base
2 persons to staff our "Help Desk" to provide support and assistance
at our Web site to prospective advertisers
13 persons for marketing
3 persons for product development
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not currently a party to any legal proceeding.
FACILITIES
Our principal offices are currently located in two separate facilities. One
in Marina del Rey, California consisting of an aggregate of approximately 3,000
square feet and one in Syosset, New York consisting of approximately 1,400
square feet. The leases for these premises expire on February 15, 2001 and March
31, 2002. The aggregate monthly rent is approximately $7,000. We believe that if
these leases are not renewed, satisfactory alternative space will be available.
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MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Our executive officers and directors and their respective ages as of July
31, 1999 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Leslie Bernhard...................... 55 President, Chief Executive Officer and
director
Eli Rousso........................... 62 Executive Vice President, Chief Technology
Officer and director
Michael Kline........................ 33 Senior Vice President -- Strategy and
Products
Adam Leff............................ 33 Senior Vice President -- Business
Development and Corporate Communications
Benjamin J. Douek.................... 49 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and director
Richard Bassler...................... 40 Vice President -- Operations
Ronald S. Posner..................... 57 Director nominee
Chris A. Karkenny.................... 31 Director nominee
</TABLE>
- ---------------
Messrs. Posner and Karkenny will take office upon the earlier of 45 days
from the date of this prospectus or the closing of the sale of units subject to
the over-allotment option. Ms. Bernhard and Mr. Rousso have served as directors
since the Company was formed in 1991. Mr. Douek was elected director in July
1999. All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders
and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Officers are elected
to serve subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors. Set forth below is
a brief description of the background and business experience of the executive
officers and directors of AdStar for the past 5 years:
LESLIE BERNHARD is one of our co-founders and has served as our President
and Chief Executive Officer since the organization of our predecessor in 1986.
ELI ROUSSO is our other co-founder and has served as our Executive Vice
President and Chief Technology Officer since the organization of our predecessor
in 1986.
MICHAEL KLINE joined us in January 1999 first as a consultant and then in
April as a Senior Vice President-Strategy and Products. Prior to joining us, Mr.
Kline was associated with Recycler.com, a popular online classifieds publisher,
as a consultant from July 1998 to January 1999 and General Manager from March
1996 through July 1998. From October 1995 to March 1996 Mr. Kline worked as a
consultant for Recycler Classifieds, a newspaper company based in Los Angeles,
California. From August 1994 to October 1995 Mr. Kline was Assistant
Director-Strategic Development for the Times Mirror, Inc., a leading media
company.
ADAM LEFF joined us in August 1998 and is Senior Vice President-Business
Development and Corporate Communications. Prior to joining us Mr. Leff served as
Vice President-Product Development and Marketing and Vice President-Business
Development of AdOne Classified Network since June 1996. From 1993 to May 1996
he held various positions within the classified and new media departments of the
LA Times as well as positions with a joint venture in which the LA Times was a
co-venturer with PacBell.
BENJAMIN J. DOUEK joined us in April 1999 as Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Douek has been a consultant and private investor
for more than the
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last five years during which period he also served as Director of Investment
Banking for Ladenberg Thalmann & Co., Inc. (1997-1998), Vice Chairman for
Coleman & Company (1996-1997) and Managing Director for Bankers Trust Company
(1992-1994).
RICHARD BASSLER joined us in April 1999 as Vice President/Operations.
Prior to his joining us he was Vice President-General Manager of AdOne
Classified Network from June 1998 to March 1999, and Vice President-Affiliate
Relations from May 1997 to June 1998. Previously he served as Director of New
Media with Packet Publications and News Director of Princeton Packet from May
1994 to May 1997.
RONALD S. POSNER has been Co-Chief Executive Officer of GlobalNet
Financial.Com, Inc., a provider of online financial news and information
services since July 1999. For more than five years Mr. Posner has also served as
Chairman of the Board of P S Capital, a venture capital firm which he founded
that focuses on the Internet, software and technology markets. Mr. Posner is a
director of Beyond.com, a software superstore, Asymetrix Learning Systems, Inc.,
a provider of Internet-based learning solutions and Smallworld, a seller of
new-era GIS applications to the energy industry.
CHRIS A. KARKENNY has been Chief Executive Officer of Technologz.com LLC,
an incubator and venture catalyst company, since January 1999. Prior to January
1999 and since February 1998 Mr. Karkenny was a private consultant in corporate
finance. From September 1995 to February 1998 he was Treasurer of Quarterdeck
Corporation, a technology and software company and prior to September 1995 Mr.
Karkenny was a consultant for CDK Industries, a consulting firm specializing in
mergers and acquisitions.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors has established Compensation and Audit committees,
whose initial members will be Messrs. Posner and Karkenny. The Compensation
Committee reviews and recommends to the Board of Directors the compensation and
benefits of all our officers, reviews general policy matters relating to
compensation and benefits of our employees and administers the issuance of stock
options and discretionary cash bonuses to our officers, employees, directors and
consultants. The Audit Committee meets with management and our independent
public accountants to determine the adequacy of internal controls and other
financial reporting matters. It is our intention to appoint only independent
directors to the Audit and Compensation Committees.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth all compensation awarded to, earned by or
paid to our Chief Executive Officer and our other two most highly compensated
executive officers whose annual compensation exceeded $100,000 in 1998 for all
services rendered in all capacities to us during 1998, 1997 and 1996.
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<PAGE> 43
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
COMPENSATION
----------------
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY
- --------------------------- ---- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Leslie Bernhard............................................. 1998 $150,131
President and Chief Executive Officer 1997 $150,131
1996 $150,131
Eli Rousso.................................................. 1998 $145,662
Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer 1997 $145,357
1996 $145,357
Jeffrey Diamond............................................. 1998 $100,626
Vice President-Technical Services 1997 $100,626
1996 $100,626
</TABLE>
Mr. Diamond resigned as an officer and director of the Company in July
1999. There was no other compensation including stock options granted to any of
the officers mentioned above for the periods indicated.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company has entered into employment agreements dated as of July 1, 1999
with Leslie Bernhard and with Eli Rousso. These agreements provide for terms of
employment which expire on June 30, 2002 and annual salaries of $200,000
commencing the first day of the month following the closing of the offering.
Each agreement provides, among other things, for participation in an
equitable manner in any profit-sharing or retirement, separation and disability
plans for employees or executives and for participation in other employee
benefits applicable to employees and executives of our company. Each agreement
further provides for the use of an automobile and other fringe benefits
commensurate with the executive's duties and responsibilities.
Under each agreement, employment may be terminated by us with cause or by
the executive with good reason. Termination by the Company without cause, or by
the executive for good reason, would subject us to liability for liquidated
damages in an amount equal to the terminated executive's base salary for the
remaining term of his or her employment agreement or 12 months, whichever is
higher.
STOCK OPTION PLANS
In July 1999, the board of directors and stockholders adopted our 1999
Stock Option Plan. We have reserved 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance
upon exercise of options granted from time to time under the option plan. The
stock option plan is intended to assist us in securing and retaining key
employees, directors and consultants by allowing them to participate in our
ownership and growth through the grant of incentive and non-qualified options.
Under our stock option plan, we may grant incentive and non-qualified
options to our officers, employees, directors, consultants, agents and
independent contractors. The stock option plan is to be administered by a
committee, appointed by our board of directors, consisting of from one to three
directors.
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Subject to the provisions of the stock option plan, the committee will
determine who shall receive options, the number of shares of common stock that
may be purchased under the options, the time, manner of exercise and exercise
price of options. The term of options granted under the stock option plan may
not exceed ten years or five years for an incentive stock option granted to an
optionee owning more than 10% of our voting stock. The exercise price for
incentive stock options shall be equal to or greater than 100% of the fair
market value of the shares of the common stock at the date of grant; provided
that incentive stock options granted to a 10% holder of our voting stock shall
be exercisable at a price equal to or greater than 110% of the fair market value
of the common stock on the date of the grant. The exercise price for
non-qualified options will be set by the committee, in its discretion, but in no
event shall the exercise price be less than the fair market value of shares of
common stock on the date of grant. Shares of common stock received upon exercise
of options granted under the plan will be subject to restrictions on sale or
transfer.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have granted stock options to
purchase 212,101 shares of common stock under our option plan at a weighted
average price of $5.58. Of these options, options to purchase 171,183 shares
have been granted to our officers and directors. All of the options granted to
such officers and directors terminate five years from the date of grant.
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS
As authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of
incorporation provides that none of our directors shall be personally liable to
us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director, except for:
- Any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;
- Acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
- Unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock redemptions or
repurchases; or
- Any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit.
This provision limits our rights and the rights of our stockholders to recover
monetary damages against a director for breach of the fiduciary duty of care
except in the situations described above. This provision does not limit our
rights or the rights of any stockholder to seek injunctive relief or rescission
if a director breaches his duty of care.
Our certificate of incorporation further provides for the indemnification
of any and all persons who serve as our director, officer, employee or agent, to
the fullest extent permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to
the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion
of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable.
We intend to obtain a policy of insurance under which our directors and
officers will be insured, subject to the limits of the policy, against certain
losses arising from claims made against our directors and officers by reason of
any acts or omissions covered under this policy in their capacities as directors
or officers, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
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CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
In July 1999 Jeffrey Diamond, an employee and former director and officer,
sold 281,144 shares of our common stock to some of the holders of our
convertible notes for $500,000 pursuant to an agreement among Jeffrey Diamond, a
representative of the purchasers and us under which Diamond agreed to provide
technical services for us for a year at his current compensation of $100,000 a
year. In connection with this transaction the purchasers transferred 63,848
shares of our common stock to us.
In July, 1999 we issued to Ronald S. Posner, a director nominee of the
Company, three year warrants to purchase 16,667 shares of common stock at the
initial public offering price of the shares in this offering.
In October 1999, a proposed $15.5 million initial public offering of our
securities became effective but did not close. In full settlement of our claims,
if any, against Paulson Investment Company, Inc., the representative of the
underwriters in that offering, we received $500,000 from the representative. In
addition, Paulson Capital Corporation, the parent of the representative lent us
$1.1 million evidenced by a promissory note due on October 21, 2001 and bearing
interest at 6% per annum payable at maturity. Paulson Investment Company, Inc.
is the representative of the underwriters in this offering.
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<PAGE> 46
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial
ownership of our common stock, as of July 15, 1999 and as adjusted to reflect
the sale by us of our common stock in this offering, for each person known by us
to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock; each of our directors; and
all our directors and executive officers as a group.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and includes voting or investment power with
respect to the securities. Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to
applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole
voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as
beneficially owned by them.
The number of shares of common stock outstanding used in calculating the
percentage for each listed person includes the shares of common stock underlying
options or warrants held by person that are exercisable within 60 days of July
15, 1999 but excludes shares of common stock underlying options or warrants held
by any other person. Percentage of shares beneficially owned is based on:
- prior to the offering, 1,669,970 shares of common stock outstanding,
after giving effect to the issuance of 22,534 shares of stock to a small
business investment company in connection with a $850,000 loan, the
acquisition on July 28, 1999 by certain stockholders and us of an
aggregate of 281,144 shares from a former officer and director of the
Company, the conversion of all convertible notes and interest into
231,620 shares of stock, the issuance of shares in connection with our
reincorporation in Delaware, and the 5-for-9 reverse split of our common
stock in November 1999;
- after the offering, 2,669,970 shares of common stock outstanding.
The address of each party named in the table is Ms. Bernhard and Mr.
Rousso, c/o AdStar, 4553 Glencoe Avenue, Suite 325, Marina del Rey, California
90292; Mr. Douek, 450 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022; Mr. Posner, 820
Stony Hill Road, Tiburon, California 94920; Mr. Karkenny, 11670 Chenault St.,
Los Angeles, California 90049; William Harris Profit Sharing Trust and Couderay
Partners 2 North La Salle, suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, Rolling Oaks
Enterprises, LLC, 1501 Main St. Venice
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California 90291 and Paulson Capital Corporation, 811 S.W. Naito Parkway, Suite
200, Portland Oregon 97204, Attention:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE OF SHARES
BENEFICIALLY OWNED
SHARES ---------------------
BENEFICIALLY PRIOR TO AFTER
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED OFFERING OFFERING
- ------------------------ ------------ --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Leslie Bernhard............................... 731,667(1)(2) 44% 27%
Eli Rousso.................................... 731,667(1)(2) 44% 27%
Benjamin J. Douek............................. 17,226(1)(3) 1% *
Ronald S. Posner.............................. 16,667(1)(4) 1% *
Chris A. Karkenny............................. --(1) -- --
William Harris Employee Profit Sharing
Trust....................................... 110,054(6) 7% 4%
Couderay Partners............................. 88,251(7) 5% 3%
Rolling Oaks Enterprises, LLC................. 114,312(8) 7% 4%
All directors and officers as a group (eight
persons).................................... 1,418,656(2)(5) 85% 53%
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Denotes a director of the Company or, in the case of Messrs. Posner and
Karkenny, a director nominee.
(2) Includes an aggregate of 203,830 shares, as to which Ms. Bernhard and Mr.
Rousso have voting power.
(3) Consists of shares of common stock that could be purchased by exercise of
options currently exercisable.
(4) Consists of shares of common stock that could be purchased by exercise of
warrants currently exercisable.
(5) Includes shares of common stock that could be purchased by exercise of
options and warrants as of July 15, 1999 or within 60 days after this date.
(6) A trust for the benefit of several persons including Irving Harris who has
a beneficial economic interest in the trust in excess of 50%. The trustees
are Jerome Kahn and Wesley Saul.
(7) A partnership consisting of grandchildren, great grandchildren and trusts
for their benefit in which Jerome Kahn and Michael S. Resnick are managing
agents.
(8) A private investment firm in which Brian Sullivan, its chief executive
officer, holds a beneficial interest in excess of 75%.
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<PAGE> 48
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Upon the closing of our offering, our authorized capital stock will consist
of 10,000,000 shares of common stock, $.0001 par value per share, and 5,000,000
shares of preferred stock, $.0001 par value per share, whose rights and
designation have not yet been established. We will not have any shares of our
preferred stock outstanding immediately after the closing of our offering.
COMMON STOCK
Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all
matters submitted to a stockholder vote. Holders of common stock do not have
cumulative voting rights. Therefore, holders of a majority of the shares of
common stock voting for the election of directors can elect all of the
directors. Holders of common stock are entitled to share in all dividends that
the board of directors, in its discretion, declares from legally available
funds. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each
outstanding share entitles its holder to participate pro rata in all assets that
remain after payment of liabilities and after providing for each class of stock,
if any, having preference over our common stock.
Holders of our common stock have no conversion, preemptive or other
subscription rights, and there are no redemption provisions applicable to our
common stock. The rights of the holders of common stock are subject to any
rights that may be fixed for holders of preferred stock, when and if any
preferred stock is issued. All outstanding shares of common stock are, and the
shares underlying all options and warrants will be, duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable upon our issuance of these shares.
PREFERRED STOCK
Under our certificate of incorporation, our board of directors is
authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law, without further
stockholder approval, from time to time to issue up to an aggregate of 5,000,000
shares of our preferred stock. The preferred stock may be issued in one or more
series. Each series may have different rights, preferences and designations and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions that may be established by our
board of directors without approval from the stockholders. These rights,
designations and preferences include:
- number of shares to be issued;
- dividend rights;
- dividend rates;
- right to convert the preferred stock into a different type of security;
- voting rights attributable to the preferred stock;
- right to set aside a certain amount of assets for payments relating to
the preferred stock; and
- prices to be paid upon redemption of the preferred stock or a bankruptcy
type event.
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If our board of directors decides to issue any preferred stock, it could
have the effect of delaying or preventing another party from taking control of
AdStar. This is because the terms of the preferred stock could be designed to
make it prohibitively expensive for any unwanted third party to make a bid for
our shares of common stock. We have no present plans to issue any shares of
preferred stock.
WARRANTS
GENERAL. Our warrants may be exercised at any time during the period
commencing 30 days after this offering and ending on the fifth anniversary date
of the date of this prospectus, the expiration date. Each redeemable warrant
entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise
price during the nine month period after the date of this prospectus for $7.20
per share and $9.00 thereafter, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of
certain events as provided in the warrant certificate and summarized below. A
warrant holder will not be deemed to be a holder of the underlying common stock
for any purpose until the warrant has been exercised.
SEPARATE TRANSFERABILITY. Our redeemable warrants are detachable and
separately transferable commencing on a date determined by the Company within 30
days of the effective date of this offering.
REDEMPTION. We have the right, commencing six months after the date of
this prospectus, to redeem the warrants issued in the offering at a redemption
price of $.25 per warrant after providing 30 days' prior written notice to the
warrant holders, if the average closing bid price of the common stock equals or
exceeds $12.00 for ten consecutive trading days ending within 15 days prior to
the date of the notice of redemption. We will send the written notice of
redemption by first class mail to warrant holders at their last known addresses
appearing on the registration records maintained by the transfer agent for our
warrants. No other form of notice or publication or otherwise will be required.
If we call the warrants for redemption, they will be exercisable until the close
of business on the business day next preceding the specified redemption date or
the right to exercise will lapse.
EXERCISE. A warrant holder may exercise our warrants only if an
appropriate registration statement is then in effect with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and if the shares of common stock underlying our warrants
are qualified for sale under the securities laws of the state in which the
holder resides.
Our warrants may be exercised by delivering to our transfer agent the
applicable warrant certificate on or prior to the expiration date or the
redemption date, as applicable, with the form on the reverse side of the
certificate executed as indicated, accompanied by payment of the full exercise
price for the number of warrants being exercised. Fractional shares of common
stock will not be issued upon exercise of our redeemable warrants.
ADJUSTMENTS OF EXERCISE PRICE. The exercise price is subject to adjustment
if we declare any stock dividend to stockholders, or effect any split or share
combination with respect to our common stock. Therefore, if we effect any stock
split or stock combination with respect to our common stock, the exercise price
in effect immediately prior to this stock split or combination will be
proportionately reduced or increased, as the case may be. Any adjustment of the
exercise price will also result in an adjustment of the number of shares
purchasable upon exercise of a warrant or, if we elect, an adjustment of the
number of warrants outstanding.
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ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF DELAWARE LAW AND OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND
BY-LAWS
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law. That section provides, with exceptions, that a Delaware
corporation may not engage in any of a broad range of business combinations with
a person or his affiliate or associate who is an owner of 15% or more of the
outstanding voting stock of the corporation for a period of three years from the
date that this person became an interested stockholder.
TRANSFER AGENT AND WARRANT AGENT
The transfer agent for our common stock and warrants is American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, 40 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.
48
<PAGE> 51
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Before this offering, there was no public market for our common stock. We
cannot predict the effect, if any, that sales of, or the availability for sale
of, our common stock will have on the market price of our common stock
prevailing from time to time. Future sales of substantial amounts of common
stock in the public market, including shares issuable upon the exercise of
warrants being issued in this offering or options granted or to be granted under
our stock option plans, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of
our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital in the future
through the sale of securities.
Upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding an aggregate of
2,669,970 shares of our common stock assuming no exercise of outstanding options
or warrants. Of these shares, all of the shares sold in this offering will be
freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities
Act, unless these shares are purchased by "affiliates" as that term is defined
in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The remaining 1,669,970 shares of common
stock held by existing stockholders are "restricted securities" as that term is
defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may be sold
in the public market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from
registration under Rule 144 or 701 under the Securities Act, which rules are
summarized below.
We have the following shares subject to issuance upon exercise of options
and warrants and conversion of convertible notes:
212,101 shares subject to options held by key employees
63,890 shares subject to warrants granted to two investors and one
consultant
231,620 shares issuable upon conversion on the consummation of this
offering of $1,050,000 of our 12% convertible notes
There are 14 holders of record of our outstanding common stock not
including three holders of our 12% convertible notes who are not currently
stockholders but will become stockholders when their notes automatically convert
to shares upon the consummation of this offering.
There are eight holders of our 12% convertible notes.
LOCK-UP AGREEMENTS
All of our officers, directors and stockholders have signed lock-up
agreements under which they agreed, not to transfer or dispose of, directly or
indirectly, any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for shares of common stock, for a period of one year
after the date of this prospectus. Transfer or dispositions can be made sooner:
- with the prior written consent of Paulson Investment Company, Inc.;
- in the case of certain transfers to affiliates;
- as a bona fide gift; or
- to any trust for the benefit of the transferring stockholders or members
of their families.
49
<PAGE> 52
Upon expiration of the lock-up period, one year after the date of this
prospectus, 2,183,000 shares will be available for resale to the public in
accordance with the volume and trading limitations of Rule 144.
RULE 144
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, beginning 90 days after
the date of this prospectus, a person who has beneficially owned shares of our
common stock for at least one year would be entitled to sell within any
three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:
- 1% of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding which will
equal approximately 26,700 shares immediately after this offering; or
- the average weekly trading volume of the common stock on the American
Stock Exchange during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a
notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.
Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to manner of sale provisions and
notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about
us.
RULE 144(k)
Under Rule 144(k), a person who is not one of our affiliates at any time
during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned the
shares proposed to be sold for at least two years, including the holding period
of any prior owner other than an affiliate, is entitled to sell shares without
complying with the manner of sale, public information, volume limitation or
notice provisions of Rule 144. Therefore, unless otherwise restricted, "144(k)
shares" may be sold immediately upon the completion of this offering.
RULE 701
In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act as currently in effect,
some of our employees, consultants or advisors who purchases shares from us in
connection with a compensatory stock plan or other written agreement may be
eligible to resell these shares. Resales under Rule 701 must be effected 90 days
after the effective date of this offering in reliance on Rule 144, but without
compliance with many of the restrictions, including the holding period,
contained in Rule 144.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
We have granted registration rights to Paulson Investment Company, Inc. and
its transferees with respect to an aggregate of 200,000 restricted shares
issuable upon exercise of Paulson's warrants to purchase units and upon exercise
of warrants included in the units. We have also granted certain limited
registration rights to the holders of $1,050,000 of convertible notes with
respect to an aggregate of 231,620 shares into which these notes are
convertible. These rights are exercisable only after the expiration of the
lock-up agreements which these holders have entered into with Paulson, and only
with respect to shares not otherwise saleable under rule 144. In addition, two
of our consultants have been granted piggy-back registration rights with respect
to an aggregate of 33,334 shares subject to warrants held by them.
50
<PAGE> 53
UNDERWRITING
We and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting
agreement with respect to the units being offered. Subject to conditions
customary in agreements of this kind, each underwriter has severally agreed to
purchase the number of units indicated in the following table. Paulson
Investment Company, Inc. is the representative of the underwriters.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITERS NUMBER OF UNITS
------------ ---------------
<S> <C>
Paulson Investment Company, Inc ................
---------
Total........................................... 1,000,000
=========
</TABLE>
The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are committed to
purchase all the units offered by this prospectus if any units are purchased.
This commitment does not apply to 150,000 units subject to the over-allotment
option granted to the underwriters to purchase additional units in this
offering.
We have granted the underwriters an option, expiring 45 days after the date
of this prospectus, to purchase up to 150,000 additional units on the same terms
as set forth in this prospectus. The underwriters may exercise this option, in
whole or in part, only to cover over-allotments, if any, incurred in the sale of
the units offered by this prospectus.
The underwriters have advised us that they propose to offer our units
offered by this prospectus to the public at the initial public offering price
set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and to selected dealers at that
price less a concession within their discretion and that the underwriters and
selected dealers may reallow a concession to other dealers, including the
underwriters, within the discretion of the underwriters. After completion of the
initial public distribution of the units offered by this prospectus, the public
offering price, the concessions to selected dealers and the reallowance to their
dealers may be changed by the underwriters.
The underwriters have informed us that they do not expect to confirm sales
of our units offered by this prospectus on a discretionary basis.
A copy of the registration statement is available from Web sites maintained
by the underwriters' representative and IPO.com (www.IPO.com) and may be
available on other Web sites. However, the underwriters do not intend to make
any part of the distribution of the units electronically or over the Internet.
Until the distribution of the units offered by this prospectus is
completed, rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability
of the underwriters to bid for and purchase units. As an exception to these
rules, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of
the units. These transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of
pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the units. If the underwriters
create a short position in connection with the offering, that is, if they sell
more units than are set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the
underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing units in the open
market. The underwriters may also elect to reduce any short position by
exercising all or part of the over-allotment option to purchase additional units
described above.
In general, the purchase of a security to stabilize or to reduce a short
position could cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be
otherwise. Neither we nor the underwriters can predict the direction or
magnitude of any effect that the transactions
51
<PAGE> 54
described above may have on the price of the units. In addition, neither we nor
the underwriters can represent that the underwriters will engage in these types
of transactions or that these types of transactions, once commenced, will not be
discontinued without notice.
The underwriting agreement provides for indemnification between us and the
underwriters against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, and for contribution by us and the underwriters to payments that
may be required to be made with respect to those liabilities. We have been
advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, indemnification for liabilities under
the Securities Act is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is therefore unenforceable.
The underwriters will purchase the units at a discount of 10% from the
initial public offering price of the units. The difference between the price
payable to us by the underwriters and the price at which the underwriters resell
the units to the public will constitute compensation to the underwriters.
We have agreed to pay the underwriters' representative an expense allowance
equal to three percent of the aggregate initial public offering price of the
units offered by this prospectus. The amount of the expense allowance is not
dependent on the representative's actual out-of-pocket expense and the
representative will not provide an accounting for these expenses to us.
We have agreed to issue warrants to the underwriters to purchase from us up
to 100,000 units at an exercise price per unit equal to $7.20 per unit. These
warrants are exercisable during the four-year period beginning one year from the
date this registration statement becomes effective. These Underwriter's warrants
may not be sold, transferred, pledged or hypothecated for one year from the date
of issuance, except by transfer to an individual who is either a partner or an
officer of an underwriter, by will or by the laws of descent and distribution
and are not redeemable. These warrants will have registration rights.
In summary, compensation payable by us to the underwriters consists of:
- The underwriting discount
- The representative's expense allowance
- The underwriters' warrants
Our officers, directors and the stockholders also have agreed that, for a
period of one year from the date this registration statement becomes effective,
they will not sell, contract to sell, grant any option for the sale or otherwise
dispose of any of our equity securities without the consent of Paulson, as
representative of the underwriters, which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld. Intra-family transfers or transfers to trusts for estate planning
purposes are exempt from these restrictions. They have also agreed that for the
two-year period beginning on the date this registration statement becomes
effective that they will notify the representative before they sell any of our
equity securities under Rule 144.
Before this offering, there has been no public market for the units and our
common stock and warrants contained in the units. Accordingly, the initial
public offering price of the units offered by this prospectus was determined by
negotiations between us and the
52
<PAGE> 55
underwriters. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public
offering price of the units offered by this prospectus were:
- our history and our prospects,
- the industry in which we operate,
- the status and development prospects for our proposed products and
services,
- our past and present operating results,
- the previous experience of our executive officers, and
- the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this
offering.
The offering price stated on the cover page of this prospectus should not
be considered an indication of the actual value of the units. That price is
subject to change as a result of market conditions and other factors, and we
cannot assure you that the units, or our common stock and warrants contained in
the units, can be resold at or above the initial public offering price.
53
<PAGE> 56
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities being offered hereby will be passed upon on
our behalf by Morse Zelnick Rose & Lander, LLP, 450 Park Avenue, New York, New
York 10022-2605. Partners of Morse Zelnick Rose & Lander LLP own, in the
aggregate, 82,371 shares of our common stock. Legal matters relating to this
offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Stoel Rives LLP, Portland,
Oregon 97204.
EXPERTS
The financial statements as of December 31, 1998 and for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1998, included in this prospectus have been included in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement on Form SB-2 under the Securities
Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the units
offered hereby. This prospectus filed as a part of the registration statement
does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statements
and exhibits and reference is hereby made to such omitted information.
Statements made in this registration statement are summaries of the terms of
these referenced contracts, agreements or documents and are not necessarily
complete. Reference is made to each exhibit for a more complete description of
the matters involved and these statements shall be deemed qualified in their
entirety by the reference. The registration statement and the exhibits and
schedules filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be inspected by
you at the Securities and Exchange Commission's principal office in Washington,
D.C. Copies of all or any part of the registration statement may be obtained
from the Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the commission's regional
offices located at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York
10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 11400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661. The commission also maintains a website
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy statements and information
statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically
with the Commission. For further information pertaining to us and the units
offered by this prospectus, reference is made to the registration statement.
We intend to furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing
financial statements audited by its independent accountants.
54
<PAGE> 57
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Accountants........................... F-2
Financial Statements:
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and June 30,
1999................................................... F-3
Statements of Operations for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 1998 and the six-month
periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1999................... F-4
Statements of Stockholders' Deficit for each of the two
years in the period ended December 31, 1998 and the
six-month period ended June 30, 1999................... F-5
Statements of Cash Flows for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 1998 and the six-month
periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1999................... F-6
Notes to Financial Statements............................. F-7
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE> 58
The following report is in the form that will be signed upon the completion
of the Company's proposed 5-for-9 stock split as described in Note 9 to the
financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Woodland Hills, California
, 1999
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of AdStar.com, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheet and the related statements
of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of AdStar.com, Inc. (the
"Company") as of December 31, 1998, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audit of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
Woodland Hills, California
July 21, 1999 except for the effects
of the reincorporation in Delaware
described in Note 1, as to which the date
is September 1, 1999 and the
effects of the stock split and
settlement agreement as described in Note 9,
as to which the date is , 1999
F-2
<PAGE> 59
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30, 1999
1998 1999 (PRO FORMA)
------------ ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.......................... $ 90,007 $ 112,883
Accounts receivable................................ 125,313 280,643
Receivable from the sale of stock.................. 26,300 --
Other current assets............................... 16,763 44,543
--------- ----------
Total current assets............................ 258,383 438,069
Property and equipment, net.......................... 77,561 339,026
Intangible assets, net............................... -- 182,319
Deferred offering costs.............................. -- 328,449
Other assets......................................... 3,203 9,378
--------- ----------
Total assets.................................... $ 339,147 $1,297,241
========= ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable................................... $ 177,929 $ 350,987
Accrued expenses................................... 275,019 168,451
Deferred revenue................................... 34,656 4,533
Dividends payable.................................. 20,750 20,750
Notes payable...................................... 15,000 41,658
Capital lease obligations.......................... 6,833 7,403
--------- ----------
Total current liabilities....................... 530,187 593,782
Notes payable........................................ -- 1,768,792
Capital lease obligations............................ 4,964 978
--------- ----------
Total liabilities............................... 535,151 2,363,552
--------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies (note 8)
Stockholders' equity (deficit)
Preferred stock, par value $0.0001; authorized
5,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding... -- -- --
Common stock, par value $0.0001; authorized
10,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding
1,479,664 at December 31, 1998 and June 30, 1999
and 1,704,232 at June 30, 1999 on a pro forma
basis........................................... 28,300 28,300 170
Additional paid-in capital......................... -- -- 3,486
Accumulated deficit................................ (224,304) (1,094,611) --
--------- ---------- ------
Total stockholders' deficit..................... (196,004) (1,066,311) 3,656
--------- ---------- ------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit..... $ 339,147 $1,297,241
========= ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 60
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998 AND THE
SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX-MONTH PERIODS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------------ ------------------------
1997 1998 1998 1999
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues............................. $1,148,233 $1,559,361 $ 761,908 $ 781,043
Cost of revenues..................... 565,329 800,532 371,545 489,817
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit....................... 582,904 758,829 390,363 291,226
Sales, general and administrative
expenses........................... 634,029 820,574 341,580 661,645
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from operations...... (51,125) (61,745) 48,783 (370,419)
Interest expense..................... (7,873) (4,518) (2,644) (45,800)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before taxes......... (58,998) (66,263) 46,139 (416,219)
Provision for taxes.................. 823 2,760 1,380 1,380
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss).................. $ (59,821) $ (69,023) $ 44,759 $ (417,599)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Pro forma information (unaudited)
Historical income (loss) before
income taxes.................... $ (58,998) $ (66,263) $ 46,139 $ (416,219)
Pro forma income tax expense....... 800 800 400 400
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Pro forma net income (loss)........ $ (59,798) $ (67,063) $ 45,739 $ (416,619)
========== ========== ========== ==========
Pro forma earnings (loss) per share--
basic and diluted.................. $ (0.05) $ (0.27)
Pro forma weighted average number of
shares -- basic and diluted........ 1,458,393 1,515,239
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 61
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
AND THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL STOCKHOLDERS'
----------------------- PAID-IN ACCUMULATED EQUITY
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL (DEFICIT) (DEFICIT)
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1996... 1,405,723 $ 2,000 $ -- $ (68,861) $ (66,861)
Net loss..................... -- -- -- (59,821) (59,821)
Dividends.................... -- -- -- (1,000) (1,000)
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1997... 1,405,723 2,000 -- (129,682) (127,682)
Net loss..................... -- -- -- (69,023) (69,023)
Sale of common stock......... 73,941 26,300 -- 26,300
Dividends.................... -- -- -- (25,599) (25,599)
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1998... 1,479,664 28,300 -- (224,304) (196,004)
Repurchase of option......... -- -- -- (447,935) (447,935)
Net loss..................... -- -- -- (417,599) (417,599)
Dividends.................... -- -- -- (4,773) (4,773)
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, June 30, 1999....... 1,479,664 28,300 -- (1,094,611) (1,066,311)
Conversion of convertible
note and accrued interest
(unaudited)................ 224,568 1,069,967 -- -- 1,069,967
Reincorporation in Delaware
and change in par value
(unaudited)................ -- (1,098,097) 1,098,097 -- --
Reclassification of deficit
due to termination of S
corporation
election (unaudited)....... -- -- (1,094,611) 1,094,611 --
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance, June 30, 1999 pro
forma (unaudited).......... 1,704,232 $ 170 $ 3,486 $ -- $ 3,656
========= =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-5
<PAGE> 62
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
AND THE SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SIX-MONTH PERIOD
DECEMBER 31, ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------- --------------------
1997 1998 1998 1999
-------- -------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)......................................... $(59,821) $(69,023) $ 44,759 $(417,599)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization........................... 23,523 21,032 9,857 28,433
Changes in assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable................................... (25,567) (20,913) (20,269) (155,330)
Other assets and deferred offering costs.............. 612 1,522 (4,337) (362,404)
Accounts payable...................................... 20,505 104,371 37,549 173,058
Accrued expenses...................................... (21,578) 78,248 5,316 1,864
Deferred revenue...................................... 49,500 (16,634) 2,743 (30,123)
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities....... (12,826) 98,603 75,618 (762,101)
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment...................... (12,902) (25,532) (12,573) (276,874)
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities..................... (12,902) (25,532) (12,573) (276,874)
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance from convertible notes payable... -- -- -- 1,050,000
Proceeds from issuance of note payable.................. 2,500 -- -- --
Proceeds from sales of stock............................ -- -- -- 26,300
Repayment of note payable............................... -- (22,500) (12,500) (6,260)
Principal repayments on capital leases.................. -- (3,203) (178) (3,416)
Dividends paid.......................................... (1,000) (4,849) -- (4,773)
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Net cash from (used in) financing activities.............. 1,500 (30,552) (12,678) 1,061,851
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents...... (24,228) 42,519 50,367 22,876
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period...... 71,716 47,488 47,488 90,007
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period................ $ 47,488 $ 90,007 $ 97,855 $ 112,883
======== ======== ======== =========
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
Taxes paid.............................................. $ 9,138 $ 6,052 $ 5,981 $ 2,588
Interest paid........................................... $ 7,873 $ 4,518 $ 2,644 $ 15,639
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Purchase of intangible assets, cancellation of an option
and repayment of accrued liability by issuance of note
payable............................................... -- -- -- $ 751,710
Issuance of common stock for note receivable............ -- $ 26,300 $ 26,300 --
Property and equipment leases........................... -- 15,000 5,600 --
Dividends declared...................................... -- 20,750 -- --
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-6
<PAGE> 63
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS:
AdStar.com, Inc. (the "Company") (formerly Ad-Star Services Inc.) was
incorporated in the State of New York on June 29, 1991 as an S-Corporation under
the Internal Revenue Code. On August 31, 1999 the Company reincorporated in
Delaware by merging the New York predecessor corporation into the Delaware
corporation and issuing to each stockholder of the New York corporation, 25,303
shares of the Delaware corporation with a par value of $0.0001 per share for
each issued and outstanding share, no par value, of the New York corporation.
Effective July 1, 1999 the Company converted from an S-Corporation to a
C-Corporation. The accompanying statements of operations reflect a pro forma tax
provision for all periods presented, based upon pre tax income (loss), as if the
Company has been subject to C-Corporation federal and state income taxes.
The Company's principal business is the provision of software services
which allow for the direct entry of classified advertisements by large
commercial advertisers, on a dial up basis through modems directly into the
publishing systems of the Company's customers. The Company's customers are
principally located in the United States.
The Company is now offering a one-stop market place on the World Wide Web
for advertisers to buy classified ads. This service enables advertisers to plan,
schedule, compose and purchase classified advertising from many print and
on-line publishers, using one interface.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
In July 1999, the Company authorized the filing of a registration statement
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that would permit the
Company to sell shares of the Company's common stock in connection with its
proposed initial public offering ("IPO").
The conversion of $1,050,000 of convertible notes outstanding at June 30,
1999 upon the completion of the Company's IPO, the reincorporation in Delaware
and change in par value of the Company's common stock and the termination of the
Company's S-Corporation election have been reflected in the accompanying pro
forma balance sheet at June 30, 1999.
UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The interim financial statements of the Company for the six months ended
June 30, 1999 and 1998 included herein, have been prepared by the Company,
without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally
included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such
rules and regulations relating to interim financial statements. In the opinion
of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements reflect
all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to
F-7
<PAGE> 64
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 1999 and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the six-month periods ended
June 30, 1998 and 1999.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all investments purchased with an initial maturity of
three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are
carried at cost, which approximates fair value. At times, cash balances held at
financial institutions are in excess of FDIC insurance limits.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant
concentrations of credit risk are principally comprised of trade accounts
receivable.
For the year ended December 31, 1997 one customer accounted for 13% of the
Company's revenues and for the year ended December 31, 1998, two different
customers accounted for 9% and 12% of the Company's revenues, respectively. As
of December 31, 1998 three customers accounted for 53% of the Company's accounts
receivable.
The majority of the Company's customers consist of newspapers and
publishers of classified advertisements.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and
amortization. When such items are retired or otherwise disposed, the cost and
related accumulated depreciation and amortization are relieved from the accounts
and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations. Depreciation and
amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the assets. The depreciation and amortization periods by asset
category are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Furniture and fixtures................. 7 years
Computer equipment..................... 5 years
Leasehold improvements................. Shorter of useful life or lease term
</TABLE>
Maintenance and minor replacements are charged to expense as incurred while
renewals and improvements are capitalized.
F-8
<PAGE> 65
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets comprise trademarks, license agreements and proprietary
technology and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization
is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the
intangible assets of 5 years.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The carrying value of long-lived assets is periodically reviewed by
management and impairment losses, if any are recognized when the expected
nondiscounted future operating cash flows derived from such assets are less than
their carrying value. To date no such impairment has been recorded.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other assets, accounts
payable, deferred revenue, notes payable and accrued expenses are carried at
cost which approximates their fair value because of the short term maturity of
these instruments.
SOFTWARE COSTS
Costs incurred to establish technological feasibility of software developed
by the Company are charged to expense as incurred. Costs incurred subsequent to
the achievement of technological feasibility are capitalized and amortized over
the estimated useful life of the software. Amortization of such costs commences
when the software is available for general release to customers. Through
December 31, 1998, no such costs have been capitalized, as costs incurred by the
Company between completion of the working model and the point at which the
product is ready for general release have been insignificant.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of its software upon delivery
and customer acceptance and when collection of the resulting receivable is
probable. Maintenance, license fees and user support fees are recognized ratably
over the period to which they relate. The extent that customers make advance
payments for installation fees, license fees, user support or maintenance fees,
the amount received is deferred until the revenue has been earned. Revenues are
recorded net of any discounts.
The Company also sells hardware to certain customers to support the
installation of its Ad-Star technology. The Company charges the customer a small
mark-up on the cost of the hardware and recognizes revenue on delivery to the
customer. For the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 sales of hardware
totaled approximately $8,700 and $94,300, respectively, and for the six-month
periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1999 totaled approximately $22,400 and $88,300,
respectively.
In June 1999 the Company introduced a Web-based product which permits
advertisers to plan, schedule, compose and purchase advertising from many print
and on-line publishers. The Company recognizes revenues on a per transaction
basis. The manner
F-9
<PAGE> 66
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
in which these transaction revenues are recognized depends on the service sold.
With respect to ads composed directly on the Company's web-site, and where the
advertiser does not have a contract with the publisher, the amount billed to the
customer by the Company is recognized if, and when, the Company accepts the
customer's ad and charges the customer's credit card. In these transactions, the
Company is responsible for the resulting credit risk. Credit card and debit card
processing fees and amount remitted to the publisher on these transactions are
recognized as a cost of sale. With respect to ads placed through the Company's
Web site, where the customer has a contract with the publisher, the publisher
collects the revenues and remits the transaction fee to the Company. In these
instances, these transaction fees are recognized when the ad is placed through
the Company's system and the collection from a publisher of the resulting
receivable is probable.
The Company also recognizes revenue from banner advertising as the
impressions are displayed; carriage revenues are recognized as the services are
performed. To date, revenues from these services have been immaterial.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Costs incurred in the research and development of products are expensed as
incurred. To date research and development costs have been immaterial.
INCOME TAXES
The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes.
Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on
the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the
differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established, when
necessary, to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be
realized.
Effective July 1, 1999 the Company is taxed as a C-Corporation.
The Company had elected to be taxed under the provisions of Subchapter S of
the Internal Revenue Code through June 30, 1999. As such, the Company was not
subject to income taxes at the corporate level and was subject to reduced
franchise tax; either based on a percentage of income or gross payroll costs,
which is provided for in the financial statements. The Company's income is
included in the tax return of its stockholders and any resultant liability
thereon is the individual responsibility of the stockholder.
ADVERTISING COSTS
The Company expenses the costs of advertising in the periods in which those
costs are incurred. Advertising expense was approximately $24,400 and $58,800
for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
F-10
<PAGE> 67
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income
(loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding
during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the
net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if
all dilutive potential common shares had been issued, using the treasury stock
method. Potential common shares are excluded from the computation when their
effect is antidilutive.
Pro forma earnings (loss) per share reflects adjustments for income taxes
had the Company been a C-Corporation for all periods presented. The income tax
provision represents the minimum state tax payable.
For the six-month periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1999, diluted earnings
(loss) per share does not include 0 and 224,568 shares issuable upon conversion
of the convertible debt and accrued interest on an "as-if-converted" basis, and
0 and 141,742 options to purchase common stock, as their inclusion is
antidilutive.
Pro forma earnings (loss) per share for the year ended December 31, 1998
and the six-month period June 30, 1999, assumes that the common stock issuable
on the conversion of the outstanding convertible note payable had been
outstanding during the period or from the date of issuance.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
In January 1998, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement Financial
Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." This
statement establishes standards for reporting and disclosure of comprehensive
income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements.
Comprehensive income generally represents all changes in stockholders' equity
(deficit) during the period except those resulting from investments by, or
distributions to, stockholders. SFAS No. 130 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997, and requires restatement of earlier periods
presented. SFAS No. 130 defines comprehensive income as net income plus all
other changes in equity from non-owner sources. The Company has no other
comprehensive income items and accordingly net income equals comprehensive
income for all periods presented.
SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" for the year ended December 31, 1998. SFAS
No. 131 supersedes SFAS No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business
Enterprise", replacing the "industry segment" approach with the "management"
approach. The management approach designates the internal organization that is
used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as
the source of a company's reportable segments. SFAS No. 131 also requires
disclosures about products or services, geographic areas and major customers.
The Company's management reporting structure
F-11
<PAGE> 68
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
provides for only one reportable segment and accordingly, no separate segment
information is presented.
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in
accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and has elected the
disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation." Under APB No. 25, compensation expense is based on the
difference, if any, on the date of grant, between the fair value of the
Company's stock and the exercise price of the option. The Company accounts for
equity instruments issued to non-employees in accordance with the provisions of
SFAS No. 123 and Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 96-18.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and
hedging activities that requires companies to recognize all derivatives as
either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measures
those instruments at fair value. This statement is effective for all fiscal
quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. Management does not
believe that the implementation of SFAS No. 133 will have any impact on its
financial statements since the Company does not currently engage in derivative
or hedging activities.
On September 28, 1998, the SEC issued a press release and stated the "SEC
will formulate and augment existing accounting rules and interpretations
covering revenue recognition, restructuring reserves, materiality and
disclosure" for all publicly-traded companies. Until such time as the SEC staff
issues such interpretative guidance, it is unclear what, if any, impact such
interpretative guidance will have on the Company's current accounting practices.
3. RECEIVABLE ON THE SALE OF STOCK
In April 1998, the Company sold 73,941 shares of common stock for aggregate
consideration of $26,300 by issuance of a note receivable bearing interest at
5.6% per annum. In April 1999, the Company received the proceeds in full on the
note receivable plus the then outstanding interest.
F-12
<PAGE> 69
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 1998 and
June 30, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
1998 1999
------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Computer equipment and software....................... $ 164,752 $ 437,595
Furniture and fixtures................................ 26,752 30,783
Leasehold improvements................................ 2,854 2,854
--------- ---------
194,358 471,232
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization....... (116,797) (132,206)
--------- ---------
Net property and equipment.......................... $ 77,561 $ 339,026
========= =========
</TABLE>
Computer equipment includes $15,000 of equipment held under capital leases.
Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 1998 was
$21,032. Accumulated depreciation and amortization, includes amortization of
computer equipment held under capital leases of $3,203.
5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
At June 30, 1999, intangible assets are comprised of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
1999
--------
<S> <C>
Cost........................................................ $195,343
Less: Accumulated amortization.............................. (13,024)
--------
$182,319
========
</TABLE>
In March 1999, the Company purchased the technology, related intellectual
property and software rights related to the AdStar technology for $751,710 which
includes amounts owed to the seller of $108,432. The Company formerly licensed
these assets from the seller. As part of the transaction, the seller also sold
its option to purchase 15% of the Company's common stock back to the Company.
The net purchase price of $643,278 has been allocated to the technology, related
intellectual property and software rights and the option based on their relative
fair values. The amount ascribed to the option of $447,935 has been recorded as
an increase to stockholders' deficit. The amount ascribed to the technology,
related intellectual property and software rights of $195,343 is being amortized
over the estimated useful economic life of 5 years. The purchase was financed
through the issuance of a 10% note payable repayable in equal monthly
installments of $8,333.
F-13
<PAGE> 70
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
6. NOTES PAYABLE:
At December 31, 1998 and June 30, 1999, notes payable consisted of the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
1998 1999
------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Notes payable to two individuals bearing interest at
10% per annum, payable semi-annually............... $ 15,000 $ 15,000
Note payable to an individual bearing interest at 10%
per annum, repayable in monthly installments of
$8,333 comprising principal and interest........... -- 745,450
Convertible unsecured notes payable to certain
individuals and corporations, bearing interest at
12% per annum payable annually in arrears. If on or
before March 31, 2000, the Company receives net
proceeds of $2,000,000 in aggregate from one or
more public or private offerings of the Company's
debt or equity securities (a "Qualified
Financing"), then the holder, may elect on written
notice any time after March 31, 2000 but before May
15, 2000 to receive the outstanding principal and
interest on the notes payable in 47 equal monthly
installments commencing June 1, 2000. If on or
before March 31, 2001, the Company completes a
Qualified Financing, the holder may elect to
receive the outstanding principal and interest on
the notes payable in 35 equal monthly installments
commencing June 1, 2001. The unpaid balance on the
convertible notes payable is repayable in full on
April 1, 2004. The convertible note will
automatically convert on the closing of a qualified
public offering, as defined, of not less than
$5,000,000 or at the option of the holder, at any
time into shares of common stock at a conversion
price of $4.77 per share. The convertible unsecured
notes payable agreement also requires certain
non-financial covenants including restriction on
principal payments of other debt, delivery of
financial statements and maintenance of insurance
coverage........................................... -- 1,050,000
-------- ----------
15,000 1,810,450
Less: short term portion............................. (15,000) (41,658)
-------- ----------
Notes payable, net of current portion................ $ -- $1,768,792
======== ==========
</TABLE>
In July 1999, the Company entered into an $850,000 Loan Agreement with a
small business investment company. The note issued under the Loan Agreement
bears interest at 14% per annum, and is repayable in 54 equal monthly
installments commencing six months after the date of issuance. Pursuant to the
Loan Agreement, the small business
F-14
<PAGE> 71
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
investment company received 22,534 shares of common stock for an aggregate
consideration of $1,000. In accordance with APB Opinion No. 14 "Accounting for
Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants" the amount
ascribed to the relative value of the stock of $137,536 has been recorded as a
discount to the note payable and is amortized over the expected term of the
note.
The Loan Agreement also provides for additional grants of common stock to
the note holder if the note is not repaid within nine months, 12 months, 18
months and each six month interval thereafter. The agreement also contains
certain financial covenants relating to minimum revenues, profitability,
interest coverage, cash flow coverage and minimum net worth. The agreement also
contains restrictions on the payment of dividends. The note is collateralized by
the patents and trademarks of the Company.
If at the maturity date of the note, or at any time thereafter, the Company
has not completed a qualified public offering raising gross proceeds of at least
$8,000,000, the small business investment company may sell its shares to the
Company for a purchase price equal to the value of such shares pro rata to the
total value of the Company as determined based on the higher of (i) ten times
EBITDA as calculated based on most recent year end financial statements or (ii)
an independent valuation. Accordingly, these shares will be recorded as
redeemable common stock on the balance sheet.
7. CAPITALIZATION:
PREFERRED STOCK
Under the Company's certificate of incorporation, the Board of Directors is
authorized, subject to certain limitations, to issue up to an aggregate of
5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The preferred stock may be issued in one or
more series, with each series having different rights, preferences and
designations relating to dividends, conversion, voting, redemption and other
features. No shares of preferred stock have been issued at December 31, 1998 and
June 30, 1999.
STOCK OPTIONS
In 1999, the Board of Directors adopted the 1999 Stock Option Plan (the
"Plan") in order to attract and retain officers, other key employees,
consultants and non-employee directors of the Company. An aggregate of 500,000
shares of common stock has been authorized for issuance under the Plan.
The Plan provides for issuance of nonqualified and incentive stock options
to officers, key employees, consultants and non-employee directors to the
Company. Each nonqualified stock option shall have an exercise price not less
than 100% of the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant, unless as
otherwise determined by the committee that administers the Plan. Incentive stock
options shall have an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair value of
the common stock on the date of grant provided that incentive stock options
granted to a 10% holder of the Company's voting stock shall have an exercise
price equal to or greater than 110% of the fair market value of the common stock
on the date of grant. Each option has a term of ten years from the date of grant
unless otherwise determined by the committee that administers the Plan. The Plan
also
F-15
<PAGE> 72
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
provides that no option may be exercised prior to the consummation of an
underwritten public offering where the gross proceeds from such an offering are
in excess of $5,000,000.
Upon the occurrence of a change in control, as defined, each option granted
under the Plan shall thereupon become fully vested and exercisable.
As of December 31, 1998 no stock options to purchase shares of the
Company's common stock have been granted.
In April 1999, the Company granted, at fair value, 141,742 options to
purchase common stock to officers and key employees at an exercise price of
$4.77 per share. The fair value was determined by management based on the
conversion price of the convertible notes issued in March/April 1999. These
options have a term of 5 years and generally vest one-third on date of grant and
one-third on each anniversary thereafter.
In July 1999, the Company granted 70,539 options to purchase common stock
to employees at an exercise price of $7.20 per share. These options have a term
of 5 years and generally vest one-third on the first anniversary of the date of
grant and one-third on each anniversary thereafter.
WARRANTS
In July 1999, the Company granted to two individuals warrants to purchase
an aggregate of 33,334 shares of common stock at an exercise price equivalent to
the IPO price for a consideration of $3,000. The warrants expire on June 30,
2002 and are exercisable from the date of grant. The Company intends to record a
non-cash charge of approximately $97,000, representing the deemed value of the
warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. One of the individuals
became a director of the Company in July 1999.
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
OPERATING AND CAPITAL LEASE COMMITMENTS
The Company has certain non-cancelable operating lease obligations for
office space and capital lease obligations for computer equipment. The operating
leases are for office space located in New York and in California and expire
through March 2002. The leases contain certain escalation clauses based on
certain charges that the landlord of the properties may incur over the base
year, as defined in the lease agreements. Future
F-16
<PAGE> 73
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
minimum lease payments under the non-cancelable operating and capital leases as
of December 31, 1998 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING CAPITAL
YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31, LEASES LEASES
- ------------------------- --------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
1999...................................................... $ 71,805 $ 8,229
2000...................................................... 71,202 5,354
2001...................................................... 37,831 712
2002...................................................... 10,611 --
-------- -------
Total minimum obligations............................ $191,449 14,295
========
Less amounts representing interest........................ (2,498)
-------
Present value of minimum obligations...................... 11,797
Less current portion...................................... 6,833
-------
Non-current portion....................................... $ 4,964
=======
</TABLE>
Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 was
approximately $49,700 and $50,600, respectively, including month-to month
rentals. Through June 1999, the Company subleased a portion of its office space
to a third party on a month-to-month basis. For the years ended December 31,
1998 and 1997, the Company received $15,880 and $17,466, respectively, of
sub-lease income.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS:
In July 1999, the Company entered into two employment agreements with two
officers of the Company. The agreements provide for base salaries of $200,000
per annum effective upon the closing of a qualified initial public offering and
certain fringe benefits and are effective through June 30, 2002. The agreements
provided that on termination of employment by the Company without cause, or by
the employee for good reason, the Company is obligated to pay severance costs
based on the higher of the remaining term of the agreement or 12 months.
LICENSE AGREEMENT
In April 1996, the Company entered into an exclusive license agreement with
a software company that developed the facsimile technology. This agreement
provides that the Company pays royalties of up to 50% of net revenues generated
by the Company on license fees, implementation fees and maintenance fees. This
agreement is for an initial term of 20 years, though it can be terminated by the
Company upon six months notice or by the software Company in certain
circumstances. For the year ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 and for the six
month period ended June 30, 1999, the Company paid royalties of approximately
$50,000, $140,000 and $9,000, respectively.
F-17
<PAGE> 74
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1998 AND 1999 IS UNAUDITED)
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS
In November 1998 and February 1999, the Company entered into two
distribution agreements whereby the Company has agreed to pay the other parties
a percentage of the transaction fees generated from the other parties' Web site.
These agreements expire after three years and will automatically be renewed for
successive one-year periods unless terminated by either party. Through June 30,
1999 no amounts have been paid under these agreements.
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
In July 1999, a stockholder of the Company sold his entire stockholding of
281,144 shares of common stock to a third party for $500,000. The third party
contributed 63,848 of the 281,144 shares of common stock to the company's
capitalization. Pursuant to this agreement, the stockholder agreed to provide
technical services to the Company for one year for $100,000.
In October 1999, a proposed public offering of the Company's securities was
declared effective but did not close. On October 21, 1999, in full settlement of
the Company's claims, if any, against Paulson Investment Company, the
representative of the underwriters in that offering, the Company received
$500,000 for the reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the
offering. The Company will expense the offering costs associated with that
aborted offering in the third quarter of 1999 against the $500,000 reimbursement
of expenses from Paulson Investment Company.
Also on October 21, 1999, the parent company of Paulson Investment Company,
Paulson Capital Corporation, lent the Company $1,100,000 evidenced by a
promissory note due on October 21, 2001 bearing interest at 6% per annum payable
at maturity.
On , 1999, the Company authorized and implemented a
five-for-nine stock split. The share information in the accompanying financial
statements has been retroactively restated to reflect the effect of the stock
split.
F-18
<PAGE> 75
- ---------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------
YOU MAY RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE
NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION DIFFERENT FROM THAT CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR THE SALE OF THE
UNITS MEANS THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS CORRECT AFTER
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE UNITS IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE
OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL.
-------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary.................. 3
Risk Factors........................ 8
Recent Developments................. 15
Use of Proceeds..................... 16
Dividend Policy..................... 17
Capitalization...................... 18
Dilution............................ 20
Selected Financial Data............. 22
Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations..................... 24
Business............................ 30
Management.......................... 39
Certain Transactions................ 43
Principal Stockholders.............. 44
Description of Securities........... 46
Shares Eligible for Future Sale..... 49
Underwriting........................ 51
Legal Matters....................... 54
Experts............................. 54
Available Information............... 54
Index to Financial Statements....... F-1
</TABLE>
UNTIL , 1999 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
BROKER-DEALERS THAT EFFECT THE TRANSACTIONS IN THESE SECURITIES, WHETHER OR NOT
PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS
IN ADDITION TO THE DEALERS' OBLIGATION TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS
UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
- ---------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------
1,000,000 UNITS
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
-------------------------
PROSPECTUS
-------------------------
PAULSON INVESTMENT
COMPANY, INC.
NOVEMBER , 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 76
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 24. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
provides for the indemnification of officers and directors under certain
circumstances against expenses incurred in successfully defending against a
claim and authorizes a Delaware corporation to indemnify its officers and
directors under certain circumstances against expenses and liabilities incurred
in legal proceedings involving these persons because of their being or having
been an officer or director.
Section 102(b) of the Delaware General corporation Law permits a
corporation, by so providing in its certificate of incorporation, to eliminate
or limit a director's liability to the corporation and its stockholders for
monetary damages arising out of certain alleged breaches of their fiduciary
duty. Section 102(b)(7) provides that this limitation of liability may not
affect a director's liability with respect to any of the following: (i) breaches
of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii)
acts or omissions not made in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct
of knowing violations of law; (iii) liability for dividends paid or stock
repurchased or redeemed in violation of the Delaware General Corporation law; or
(iv) any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. Section 102(b)(7) does not authorize any limitation on the ability of
the company or its stockholders to obtain injunctive relief, specific
performance or other equitable relief against directors.
Article [EIGHTH] of the Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation provides
that the personal liability of the directors of the Registrant be eliminated to
the fullest extent permitted under Section 102(b) of the Delaware General
Corporation law.
Article [NINTH] of the Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation and the
Registrant's By-laws provides that all persons whom the Registrant is empowered
to indemnify pursuant to the provisions of Section 145 of the Delaware General
Corporation law (or any similar provision or provisions of applicable law at the
time in effect), shall be indemnified by the Registrant to the full extent
permitted. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be deemed to be
exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be
entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors, or otherwise.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") may be permitted to directors, officers
or persons controlling the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the
Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Commission, this type of
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is therefore unenforceable.
Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement, the proposed form of which
is filed as Exhibit 1.1, pursuant to which the underwriter agrees to indemnify
the directors and certain officers of the Registrant and certain other persons
against certain civil liabilities.
ITEM 25. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth the expenses (other than the underwriting
discounts and commissions and the representative's non-accountable expense
allowance) expected to be incurred in connection with the issuance and
distribution of the securities being registered. All
II-1
<PAGE> 77
of these expenses are estimates, other than the filing fees payable to the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission Filing Fee............. $ 4,995.66
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Filing
Fee....................................................... 2,297.00
Nasdaq Listing Fee........................................ 48,750.00
Accounting Fees........................................... 15,000.00
Legal Fees................................................ 25,000.00
Printing and Engraving Expenses........................... 15,000.00
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses................................ 10,000.00
Transfer and Warrant Agent fees........................... 3,000.00
Miscellaneous Expenses.................................... 507.34
-----------
Total................................................ $124,550.00
</TABLE>
ITEM 26. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
Since May 1996, the Registrant has issued securities without registration
under the Securities Act in the following transactions:
1. In March 1998 we purchased the technology, intellectual property
and software rights related to the AdStar technology for $751,710 by the
issuance of our 10% note payable in monthly installments of $8,333 and
prepayable on the consummation of this offering.
2. During the period from March 1998 through April 30, 1999 the
Registrant issued convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of
$1,050,000 to eight investors entitling the holders to purchase an
aggregate of 231,620 shares of Common Stock. The notes will convert on the
effective date of the offering.
3. On April 15, 1998 Registrant issued 73,941 shares to Adam Leff, an
officer of the Company, for a purchase price of $26,300.
4. In July 1999 the Registrant issued 22,534 shares to a small
business investment company in connection with an $850,000 loan by it to
the Registrant.
5. On July 15, 1999 the Registrant issued three year warrants to
Jonathan Cohen and Ronald Posner to purchase an aggregate of 33,334 shares
of Common Stock at the initial public offering price per share.
6. In October 1999 the Registrant issued a $1.1 million 6% promissory
note due October 2001 to Paulson Capital Corporation.
The sales and issuances of the common stock, warrants, promissory note and
convertible notes described above were deemed to be exempt from registration
under the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(2) and 4(6) as transactions
not involving a public offering. In addition, we also relied on Regulation 701
as exempting the issuance of shares described in Item 3 above, from
registration. The Registrant made a determination that each of the purchasers
was a sophisticated investor. The purchasers in these private offerings
represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment only and
not with a view to their distribution. Appropriate legends were affixed to the
stock certificates and warrants issued in these transactions. All purchasers had
adequate access, to sufficient information about the Registrant to make an
informed investment decision. None of the securities was sold through an
underwriter and, accordingly, there were no underwriting discounts or
commissions involved.
II-2
<PAGE> 78
ITEM 27. EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
<C> <S>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement*
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company*
3.1a Proposed Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation**
3.2 By-Laws of the Company*
3.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger*
4.1 Specimen Stock Certificate**
4.2 Form of Public Warrant**
4.3 Form of Underwriter's Warrant**
4.4 Form of Warrant Agreement**
5.1 Opinion of Morse, Zelnick, Rose & Lander, LLP**
10.1 1999 Stock Option Plan*
10.4 Employment Agreement between the Company and Leslie
Bernhard*
10.5 Employment Agreement between the Company and Eli Rousso*
10.6 Memorandum of Agreement between the Company and
CareerPath.com LLC dated March 11, 1999*
10.7 Distribution and Service Agreement dated February 9, 1999 by
and between the Company and PowerAdz*
10.8 Distribution and Service Agreement dated November 19, 1998
by and between the Company and AdOne Classified Network,
Inc.*
10.9 Agreement dated March 16, 1999 by and between James E. Mann
and the Company*
10.10 Form of warrant to purchase 16,667 shares of Common Stock
issued to Jonathan Cohen and Ronald Posner*
10.12 Loan and Subscription Agreement dated July 13, 1999 by and
between the Company and Interequity Capital Partners L.P.*
10.13 Form of Subscription Agreement for 12% Convertible
Subordinated Unsecured Promissory Note*
10.14 Form of 12% Convertible Subordinated Unsecured Promissory
Note*
10.15 Form of Shareholders' Agreement by and among the Company,
its principal stockholders and certain investors*
10.16 Employment Agreement dated July 20, 1998 between Adam Leff
and the Company and amendment dated July 15, 1999*
10.17 Employment Agreement dated as of April 12, 1999 between
Michael Kline and the Company*
10.18 Promissory Note issued to Paulson Capital Corporation**
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP**
23.2 Consent of Morse, Zelnick, Rose & Lander, LLP (included in
Exhibit 5.1).
24. Power of Attorney (included in signature page).
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* Filed as an exhibit with the same number to Registration Statement No.
333-84209, and incorporated herein by reference.
** To be filed by amendment.
II-3
<PAGE> 79
ITEM 28. UNDERTAKINGS.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to:
(1) file, during any period in which it offers or sells securities, a
post effective amendment to this Registration Statement to:
(i) include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;
(ii) reflect in the prospectus any facts or events which,
individually or together, 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) if, in the
aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20
percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
"Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration
Statement; and
(iii) include any additional or changed material information on the
plan of distribution;
(2) for determining liability under the Securities Act, treat each
post-effective amendment as a new registration statement relating to the
securities then being offered, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of such
securities.
(3) file a post-effective amendment to remove from registration any of
the securities that remain unsold at the end of the offering.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes (1) to provide to the
underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates
in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the
underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser; (2) that for the
purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, treat the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act as part of this Registration Statement as of the time
the Securities and Exchange Commission declares it effective; and (3) that for
the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, treat each
post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus as a new
registration statement for the securities offered in the registration statement
herein, and treat the offering of the securities at that time as the initial
bona fide offering of those securities.
II-4
<PAGE> 80
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that
it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form SB-2 and authorized this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of New York, State of New York on November 9, 1999.
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
By: /s/ LESLIE BERNHARD
-----------------------------------
Leslie Bernhard, President
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Leslie Bernhard and Howard L. Weinreich, or any one of
them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all pre- or post-effective amendments to
this Registration Statement, 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 fully 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 one of them, or
their or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities indicated on November 9, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
<C> <S>
LESLIE BERNHARD President, Chief Executive Officer
- --------------------------------------------------- and Director
Leslie Bernhard
ELI ROUSSO Executive Vice President and
- --------------------------------------------------- Director
Eli Rousso
BENJAMIN J. DOUEK Senior Vice President, Chief
- --------------------------------------------------- Financial Officer and Director
Benjamin J. Douek
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE> 81
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
<C> <S>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement*
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company*
3.1a Proposed Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation**
3.2 By-Laws of the Company*
3.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger*
4.1 Specimen Stock Certificate**
4.2 Form of Public Warrant**
4.3 Form of Underwriter's Warrant**
4.4 Form of Warrant Agreement**
5.1 Opinion of Morse, Zelnick, Rose & Lander, LLP**
10.1 1999 Stock Option Plan*
10.4 Employment Agreement between the Company and Leslie
Bernhard*
10.5 Employment Agreement between the Company and Eli Rousso*
10.6 Memorandum of Agreement between the Company and
CareerPath.com LLC dated March 11, 1999*
10.7 Distribution and Service Agreement dated February 9, 1999 by
and between the Company and PowerAdz*
10.8 Distribution and Service Agreement dated November 19, 1998
by and between the Company and AdOne Classified Network,
Inc.*
10.9 Agreement dated March 16, 1999 by and between James E. Mann
and the Company*
10.10 Form of warrant to purchase 16,667 shares of Common Stock
issued to Jonathan Cohen and Ronald Posner*
10.12 Loan and Subscription Agreement dated July 13, 1999 by and
between the Company and Interequity Capital Partners L.P.*
10.13 Form of Subscription Agreement for 12% Convertible
Subordinated Unsecured Promissory Note*
10.14 Form of 12% Convertible Subordinated Unsecured Promissory
Note*
10.15 Form of Shareholders' Agreement by and among the Company,
its principal stockholders and certain investors*
10.16 Employment Agreement dated July 20, 1998 between Adam Leff
and the Company and amendment dated July 15, 1999*
10.17 Employment Agreement dated as of April 12, 1999 between
Michael Kline and the Company*
10.18 Promissory Note issued to Paulson Capital Corporation**
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP**
23.2 Consent of Morse, Zelnick, Rose & Lander, LLP (included in
Exhibit 5.1).
24. Power of Attorney (included in signature page).
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* Filed as an exhibit with the same number to Registration Statement No.
333-84209, and incorporated herein by reference.
** To be filed by amendment.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4.1
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
CUSIP:
This certifies that
is the owner of
Fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock of the par
value of $.0001 per share of AdStar.com, Inc., transferable on the books of the
Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized Attorney, upon
surrender of this Certificate, properly endorsed. This certificate is not valid
until countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile
signatures of its duly authorized officers.
Dated:
Secretary:
President:
<PAGE> 1
WARRANT AGREEMENT
between
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
and
----------------------
Dated as of , 1999
-----------
<PAGE> 2
This Agreement, dated as of __________, 1999, is between
AdStar.com, Inc., a ______ corporation (the "Company") and _________________, a
____________ corporation, (the "Warrant Agent").
The Company, at or about the time that it is entering into this
Agreement, proposes to issue and sell to public investors up to 1,150,000 Units
("Units"). Each Unit consists of two shares of Common Stock of the Company
("Common Stock") and one Warrant (collectively, the "Warrants"), each Warrant
exercisable to purchase one share of Common Stock for $_____, upon the terms and
conditions and subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, all as set forth
in this Agreement..
The Company proposes to issue to the Representative of the
Underwriters in the public offering of Units referred to above warrants to
purchase up to 100,000 additional Units.
The Company wishes to retain the Warrant Agent to act on behalf
of the Company, and the Warrant Agent is willing so to act, in connection with
the issuance, transfer, exchange and replacement of the certificates evidencing
the Warrants to be issued under this Agreement (the "Warrant Certificates") and
the exercise of the Warrants;
The Company and the Warrant Agent wish to enter into this
Agreement to set forth the terms and conditions of the Warrants and the rights
of the holders thereof ("Warrantholders") and to set forth the respective rights
and obligations of the Company and the Warrant Agent. Each Warrantholder is an
intended beneficiary of this Agreement with respect to the rights of
Warrantholders herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
agreements herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1. Appointment of Warrant Agent
The Company appoints the Warrant Agent to act as agent for the
Company in accordance with the instructions in this Agreement and the Warrant
Agent accepts such appointment.
Section 2. Date, Denomination and Execution of Warrant Certificates
The Warrant Certificates (and the Form of Election to Purchase
and the Form of Assignment to be printed on the reverse thereof) shall be in
registered form only and shall be substantially of the tenor and purport recited
in Exhibit A hereto, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of
identification or designation and such legends, summaries or endorsements
printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the Company may deem appropriate
and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement, or as may be
required to comply with any law, or with any rule or regulation made pursuant
thereto, or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which the
Common Stock or the Warrants may be listed or any automated quotation system, or
to conform to usage. Each Warrant Certificate shall entitle the registered
holder thereof, subject to the provisions of this Agreement and of the Warrant
Certificate, to purchase, on or before the close of business on __________, 2004
(the "Expiration Date"), one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock
for each Warrant evidenced by such Warrant Certificate, subject to adjustments
as provided in Sections 6 hereof, for $_____ (the "Exercise Price"). Each
Warrant Certificate issued as a part of a Unit offered to the public as
described in the recitals, above, shall be dated _____________, 1999; each other
Warrant Certificate shall be dated the date on which the Warrant Agent receives
valid issuance instructions from the Company or a transferring holder of a
Warrant Certificate or, if such instructions specify another date, such other
date.
2
<PAGE> 3
For purposes of this Agreement, the term "close of business" on
any given date shall mean 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on such date; provided,
however, that if such date is not a business day, it shall mean 5:00 p.m.,
Eastern time, on the next succeeding business day. For purposes of this
Agreement, the term "business day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday,
Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are
authorized or obligated by law to be closed.
Each Warrant Certificate shall be executed on behalf of the
Company by the Chairman of the Board or its President or a Vice President,
either manually or by facsimile signature printed thereon, and have affixed
thereto the Company's seal or a facsimile thereof which shall be attested by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, either manually or by
facsimile signature. Each Warrant Certificate shall be manually countersigned by
the Warrant Agent and shall not be valid for any purpose unless so
countersigned. In case any officer of the Company who shall have signed any
Warrant Certificate shall cease to be such officer of the Company before
countersignature by the Warrant Agent and issue and delivery thereof by the
Company, such Warrant Certificate, nevertheless, may be countersigned by the
Warrant Agent, issued and delivered with the same force and effect as though the
person who signed such Warrant Certificate had not ceased to be such officer of
the Company.
Section 3. Subsequent Issue of Warrant Certificates
Subsequent to their original issuance, no Warrant Certificates
shall be reissued except (i) Warrant Certificates issued upon transfer thereof
in accordance with Section 4 hereof, (ii) Warrant Certificates issued upon any
combination, split-up or exchange of Warrant Certificates pursuant to Section 4
hereof, (iii) Warrant Certificates issued in replacement of mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Warrant Certificates pursuant to Section 5 hereof,
(iv) Warrant Certificates issued upon the partial exercise of Warrant
Certificates pursuant to Section 7 hereof, and (v) Warrant Certificates issued
to reflect any adjustment or change in the Exercise Price or the number or kind
of shares purchasable thereunder pursuant to Section 22 hereof. The Warrant
Agent is hereby irrevocably authorized to countersign and deliver, in accordance
with the provisions of said Sections 4, 5, 7 and 22, the new Warrant
Certificates required for purposes thereof, and the Company, whenever required
by the Warrant Agent, will supply the Warrant Agent with Warrant Certificates
duly executed on behalf of the Company for such purposes.
Section 4. Transfers and Exchanges of Warrant Certificates
The Warrant Agent will keep or cause to be kept books for
registration of ownership and transfer of the Warrant Certificates issued
hereunder. Such registers shall show the names and addresses of the respective
holders of the Warrant Certificates and the number of Warrants evidenced by each
such Warrant Certificate.
The Warrant Agent shall, from time to time, register the transfer
of any outstanding Warrants upon the books to be maintained by the Warrant Agent
for that purpose, upon surrender of the Warrant Certificate evidencing such
Warrants, with the Form of Assignment duly filled in and executed with such
signature guaranteed by a banking institution or NASD member and such supporting
documentation as the Warrant Agent or the Company may reasonably require, to the
Warrant Agent at its stock transfer office in __________, California at any time
on or before the Expiration Date, and upon payment to the Warrant Agent for the
account of the Company of an amount equal to any applicable transfer tax.
Payment of the amount of such tax may be made in cash, or by certified or
official bank check, payable in lawful money of the United States of America to
the order of the Company.
Upon receipt of a Warrant Certificate, with the Form of
Assignment duly filled in and executed, accompanied by payment of an amount
equal to any applicable transfer tax, the Warrant Agent shall promptly cancel
the surrendered Warrant Certificate and countersign and deliver to the
transferee a new Warrant Certificate for the number of full Warrants transferred
to such transferee; provided, however, that in case the registered holder of any
Warrant Certificate shall elect to transfer fewer than all of the Warrants
evidenced by such Warrant Certificate, the Warrant Agent in addition shall
promptly countersign and deliver to such registered holder a new Warrant
Certificate or Certificates for the number of full Warrants not so transferred.
3
<PAGE> 4
Any Warrant Certificate or Certificates may be exchanged at the
option of the holder thereof for another Warrant Certificate or Certificates of
different denominations, of like tenor and representing in the aggregate the
same number of Warrants, upon surrender of such Warrant Certificate or
Certificates, with the Form of Assignment duly filled in and executed, to the
Warrant Agent, at any time or from time to time after the close of business on
the date hereof and prior to the close of business on the Expiration Date. The
Warrant Agent shall promptly cancel the surrendered Warrant Certificate and
deliver the new Warrant Certificate pursuant to the provisions of this Section.
Section 5. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Warrant Certificates
Upon receipt by the Company and the Warrant Agent of evidence
reasonably satisfactory to them of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of
any Warrant Certificate, and in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of
indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to them, and reimbursement to them
of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto, and, in the case of mutilation,
upon surrender and cancellation of the Warrant Certificate, the Warrant Agent
shall countersign and deliver a new Warrant Certificate of like tenor for the
same number of Warrants.
Section 6. Adjustments of Number and Kind of Shares Purchasable and Exercise
Price
The number and kind of securities or other property purchasable
upon exercise of a Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time to time upon
the occurrence, after the date hereof, of any of the following events:
A. In case the Company shall (1) pay a dividend in, or make a distribution
of, shares of capital stock on its outstanding Common Stock, (2) subdivide its
outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of such shares or (3)
combine its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of such
shares, the total number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise
of each Warrant outstanding immediately prior thereto shall be adjusted so that
the holder of any Warrant Certificate thereafter surrendered for exercise shall
be entitled to receive at the same aggregate Exercise Price the number of shares
of capital stock (of one or more classes) which such holder would have owned or
have been entitled to receive immediately following the happening of any of the
events described above had such Warrant been exercised in full immediately prior
to the record date with respect to such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to
this Subsection shall, in the case of a stock dividend or distribution, become
effective as of the record date therefor and, in the case of a subdivision or
combination, be made as of the effective date thereof. If, as a result of an
adjustment made pursuant to this Subsection, the holder of any Warrant
Certificate thereafter surrendered for exercise shall become entitled to receive
shares of two or more classes of capital stock of the Company, the Board of
Directors of the Company (whose determination shall be conclusive and shall be
evidenced by a Board resolution filed with the Warrant Agent) shall determine
the allocation of the adjusted Exercise Price between or among shares of such
classes of capital stock.
B. In the event of a capital reorganization or a reclassification of the
Common Stock (except as provided in Subsection A. above or Subsection E. below),
any Warrantholder, upon exercise of Warrants, shall be entitled to receive, in
substitution for the Common Stock to which he would have become entitled upon
exercise immediately prior to such reorganization or reclassification, the
shares (of any class or classes) or other securities or property of the Company
(or cash) that he would have been entitled to receive at the same aggregate
Exercise Price upon such reorganization or reclassification if such Warrants had
been exercised immediately prior to the record date with respect to such event;
and in any such case, appropriate provision (as determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company, whose determination shall be conclusive and shall be
evidenced by a certified Board resolution filed with the Warrant Agent) shall be
made for the application of this Section 6 with respect to the rights and
interests thereafter of the Warrantholders (including but not limited to the
allocation of the Exercise Price between or among shares of classes of capital
stock), to the end that this Section 6 (including the adjustments of the number
of shares of Common Stock or other securities purchasable and the Exercise Price
thereof) shall thereafter be reflected, as nearly as reasonably practicable, in
all subsequent exercises of the Warrants for any shares or securities or other
property (or cash) thereafter deliverable upon the exercise of the Warrants.
4
<PAGE> 5
C. Whenever the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities
purchasable upon exercise of a Warrant is adjusted as provided in this Section
6, the Company will promptly file with the Warrant Agent a certificate signed by
a Chairman or co-Chairman of the Board or the President or a Vice President of
the Company and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary of the Company setting forth the number and kind of
securities or other property purchasable upon exercise of a Warrant, as so
adjusted, stating that such adjustments in the number or kind of shares or other
securities or property conform to the requirements of this Section 6, and
setting forth a brief statement of the facts accounting for such adjustments.
Promptly after receipt of such certificate, the Company, or the Warrant Agent at
the Company's request, will deliver, by first-class, postage prepaid mail, a
brief summary thereof (to be supplied by the Company) to the registered holders
of the outstanding Warrant Certificates; provided, however, that failure to file
or to give any notice required under this Subsection, or any defect therein,
shall not affect the legality or validity of any such adjustments under this
Section 6; and provided, further, that, where appropriate, such notice may be
given in advance and included as part of the notice required to be given
pursuant to Section 12 hereof.
D. In case of any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the
Company into, another corporation (other than a consolidation or merger which
does not result in any reclassification or change of the outstanding Common
Stock), or in case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation of the
property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, the
corporation formed by such consolidation or merger or the corporation which
shall have acquired such assets, as the case may be, shall execute and deliver
to the Warrant Agent a supplemental warrant agreement providing that the holder
of each Warrant then outstanding shall have the right thereafter (until the
expiration of such Warrant) to receive, upon exercise of such Warrant, solely
the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property (or
cash) receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a holder
of the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company for which such Warrant
might have been exercised immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale
or transfer. Such supplemental warrant agreement shall provide for adjustments
which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments
provided in this Section. The above provision of this Subsection shall similarly
apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales or transfers.
The Warrant Agent shall not be under any responsibility to
determine the correctness of any provision contained in any such supplemental
warrant agreement relating to either the kind or amount of shares of stock or
securities or property (or cash) purchasable by holders of Warrant Certificates
upon the exercise of their Warrants after any such consolidation, merger, sale
or transfer or of any adjustment to be made with respect thereto, but subject to
the provisions of Section 20 hereof, may accept as conclusive evidence of the
correctness of any such provisions, and shall be protected in relying upon, a
certificate of a firm of independent certified public accountants (who may be
the accountants regularly employed by the Company) with respect thereto.
E. Irrespective of any adjustments in the number or kind of shares issuable
upon exercise of Warrants, Warrant Certificates theretofore or thereafter issued
may continue to express the same price and number and kind of shares as are
stated in the similar Warrant Certificates initially issuable pursuant to this
Warrant Agreement.
F. The Company may retain a firm of independent public accountants of
recognized standing, which may be the firm regularly retained by the Company,
selected by the Board of Directors of the Company or the Executive Committee of
said Board, and not disapproved by the Warrant Agent, to make any computation
required under this Section, and a certificate signed by such firm shall, in the
absence of fraud or gross negligence, be conclusive evidence of the correctness
of any computation made under this Section.
G. For the purpose of this Section, the term "Common Stock" shall mean (i)
the Common Stock or (ii) any other class of stock resulting from successive
changes or reclassifications of such Common Stock consisting solely of changes
in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par
value. In the event that at any time as a result of an adjustment made pursuant
to this Section, the holder of any Warrant thereafter surrendered for exercise
shall become entitled to receive any shares of capital stock of the Company
other than shares of Common Stock, thereafter the number of such other shares so
receivable upon exercise of any Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from time
to time in a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the
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provisions with respect to the Common Stock contained in this Section, and all
other provisions of this Agreement, with respect to the Common Stock, shall
apply on like terms to any such other shares.
H. The Company may, from time to time and to the extent permitted by law,
reduce the exercise price of the Warrants by any amount for a period of not less
than 20 days. If the Company so reduces the exercise price of the Warrants, it
will give not less than 15 days' notice of such decrease, which notice may be in
the form of a press release, and shall take such other steps as may be required
under applicable law in connection with any offers or sales of securities at the
reduced price.
Section 7. Exercise and Redemption of Warrants
Unless the Warrants have been redeemed as provided in this
Section 7, the registered holder of any Warrant Certificate may exercise the
Warrants evidenced thereby, in whole at any time or in part from time to time at
or prior to the close of business, on the Expiration Date, subject to the
provisions of Section 9, at which time the Warrant Certificates shall be and
become wholly void and of no value. Warrants may be exercised by their holders
or redeemed by the Company as follows:
A. Exercise of Warrants shall be accomplished upon surrender of the Warrant
Certificate evidencing such Warrants, with the Form of Election to Purchase on
the reverse side thereof duly filled in and executed, to the Warrant Agent at
its stock transfer office in _________, California, together with payment to the
Company of the Exercise Price (as of the date of such surrender) of the Warrants
then being exercised and an amount equal to any applicable transfer tax and, if
requested by the Company, any other taxes or governmental charges which the
Company may be required by law to collect in respect of such exercise. Payment
of the Exercise Price and other amounts may be made by wire transfer of good
funds, or by certified or bank cashier's check, payable in lawful money of the
United States of America to the order of the Company. No adjustment shall be
made for any cash dividends, whether paid or declared, on any securities
issuable upon exercise of a Warrant.
B. Upon receipt of a Warrant Certificate, with the Form of Election to
Purchase duly filled in and executed, accompanied by payment of the Exercise
Price of the Warrants being exercised (and of an amount equal to any applicable
taxes or government charges as aforesaid), the Warrant Agent shall promptly
request from the Transfer Agent with respect to the securities to be issued and
deliver to or upon the order of the registered holder of such Warrant
Certificate, in such name or names as such registered holder may designate, a
certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of the securities to
be purchased, together with cash made available by the Company pursuant to
Section 8 hereof in respect of any fraction of a share of such securities
otherwise issuable upon such exercise. If the Warrant is then exercisable to
purchase property other than securities, the Warrant Agent shall take
appropriate steps to cause such property to be delivered to or upon the order of
the registered holder of such Warrant Certificate. In addition, if it is
required by law and upon instruction by the Company, the Warrant Agent will
deliver to each Warrantholder a prospectus which complies with the provisions of
Section 9 of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Company agrees to supply Warrant
Agent with sufficient number of prospectuses to effectuate that purpose.
C. In case the registered holder of any Warrant Certificate shall exercise
fewer than all of the Warrants evidenced by such Warrant Certificate, the
Warrant Agent shall promptly countersign and deliver to the registered holder of
such Warrant Certificate, or to his duly authorized assigns, a new Warrant
Certificate or Certificates evidencing the number of Warrants that were not so
exercised.
D. Each person in whose name any certificate for securities is issued upon
the exercise of Warrants shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the
holder of record of the securities represented thereby as of, and such
certificate shall be dated, the date upon which the Warrant Certificate was duly
surrendered in proper form and payment of the Exercise Price (and of any
applicable taxes or other governmental charges) was made; provided, however,
that if the date of such surrender and payment is a date on which the stock
transfer books of the Company are closed, such person shall be deemed to have
become the record holder of such shares as of, and the certificate for such
shares shall be dated, the next succeeding business day on which the stock
transfer books of the Company are open (whether before, on or after the
Expiration Date) and the Warrant Agent shall be under no duty
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to deliver the certificate for such shares until such date. The Company
covenants and agrees that it shall not cause its stock transfer books to be
closed for a period of more than 20 consecutive business days except upon
consolidation, merger, sale of all or substantially all of its assets,
dissolution or liquidation or as otherwise provided by law.
E. The Warrants outstanding at the time of a redemption may be redeemed at
the option of the Company, in whole or in part on a pro-rata basis, at any time
if, at the time notice of such redemption is given by the Company as provided in
Paragraph F, below, the Daily Price has exceeded $_____ for the twenty
consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of such notice, at a
price equal to $0.25 per Warrant (the "Redemption Price"). For the purpose of
the foregoing sentence, the term "Daily Price" shall mean, for any relevant day,
the closing bid price on that day as reported by the principal exchange or
quotation system on which prices for the Common Stock are reported. On the
redemption date the holders of record of redeemed Warrants shall be entitled to
payment of the Redemption Price upon surrender of such redeemed Warrants to the
Company at the principal office of the Warrant Agent in ___________, California.
F. Notice of redemption of Warrants shall be given at least 30 days prior
to the redemption date by mailing, by registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, a copy of such notice to the Warrant Agent and to all of the
holders of record of Warrants at their respective addresses appearing on the
books or transfer records of the Company or such other address designated in
writing by the holder of record to the Warrant Agent not less than 40 days prior
to the redemption date.
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G. From and after the redemption date, all rights of the Warrantholders
(except the right to receive the Redemption Price) shall terminate, but only if
(a) no later than one day prior to the redemption date the Company shall have
irrevocably deposited with the Warrant Agent as paying agent a sufficient amount
to pay on the redemption date the Redemption Price for all Warrants called for
redemption and (b) the notice of redemption shall have stated the name and
address of the Warrant Agent and the intention of the Company to deposit such
amount with the Warrant Agent no later than one day prior to the redemption
date.
H. The Warrant Agent shall pay to the holders of record of redeemed
Warrants all monies received by the Warrant Agent for the redemption of Warrants
to which the holders of record of such redeemed Warrants who shall have
surrendered their Warrants are entitled.
I. Any amounts deposited with the Warrant Agent that are not required for
redemption of Warrants may be withdrawn by the Company. Any amounts deposited
with the Warrant Agent that shall be unclaimed after six months after the
redemption date may be withdrawn by the Company, and thereafter the holders of
the Warrants called for redemption for which such funds were deposited shall
look solely to the Company for payment. The Company shall be entitled to the
interest, if any, on funds deposited with the Warrant Agent and the holders of
redeemed Warrants shall have no right to any such interest.
J. If the Company fails to make a sufficient deposit with the Warrant Agent
as provided above, the holder of any Warrants called for redemption may at the
option of the holder (a) by notice to the Company declare the notice of
redemption a nullity as to such holder, or (b) maintain an action against the
Company for the Redemption Price. If the holder brings such an action, the
Company will pay reasonable attorneys' fees of the holder. If the holder fails
to bring an action against the Company for the Redemption Price within 60 days
after the redemption date, the holder shall be deemed to have elected to declare
the notice of redemption to be a nullity as to such holder and such notice shall
be without any force or effect as to such holder. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in this Paragraph J, a notice of redemption, once mailed
by the Company as provided in Paragraph F shall be irrevocable.
Section 8. Fractional Interests
The Company shall not be required to issue any Warrant
Certificate evidencing a fraction of a Warrant or to issue fractions of shares
of securities on the exercise of the Warrants. If any fraction (calculated to
the nearest one-hundredth) of a Warrant or a share of securities would, except
for the provisions of this Section, be issuable on the exercise of any Warrant,
the Company shall, at its option, either purchase such fraction for an amount in
cash equal to the current value of such fraction computed on the basis of the
closing market price (as quoted on NASDAQ) on the trading day immediately
preceding the day upon which such Warrant Certificate was surrendered for
exercise in accordance with Section 7 hereof or issue the required fractional
Warrant or share. By accepting a Warrant Certificate, the holder thereof
expressly waives any right to receive a Warrant Certificate evidencing any
fraction of a Warrant or to receive any fractional share of securities upon
exercise of a Warrant, except as expressly provided in this Section 8.
Section 9. Reservation of Equity Securities
The Company covenants that it will at all times reserve and keep
available, free from any pre-emptive rights, out of its authorized and unissued
equity securities, solely for the purpose of issue upon exercise of the
Warrants, such number of shares of equity securities of the Company as shall
then be issuable upon the exercise of all outstanding Warrants ("Equity
Securities"). The Company covenants that all Equity Securities which shall be so
issuable shall, upon such issue, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable.
The Company covenants that if any equity securities, required to
be reserved for the purpose of issue upon exercise of the Warrants hereunder,
require registration with or approval of any governmental authority under any
federal or state law before such shares may be issued upon exercise of Warrants,
the Company will use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause such
securities to be duly registered, or approved, as the case may be, and, to the
extent practicable, take all such action in anticipation of and prior to the
exercise of the Warrants, including, without limitation, filing any and all
post-effective amendments to the Company's Registration
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Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. ___-_____) necessary to permit a public
offering of the securities underlying the Warrants at any and all times during
the term of this Agreement, provided, however, that in no event shall such
securities be issued, and the Company is authorized to refuse to honor the
exercise of any Warrant, if such exercise would result in the opinion of the
Company's Board of Directors, upon advice of counsel, in the violation of any
law; and provided further that, in the case of a Warrant exercisable solely for
securities listed on a securities exchange or for which there are at least two
independent market makers, in lieu of obtaining such registration or approval,
the Company may elect to redeem Warrants submitted to the Warrant Agent for
exercise for a price equal to the difference between the aggregate low asked
price, or closing price, as the case may be, of the securities for which such
Warrant is exercisable on the date of such submission and the Exercise Price of
such Warrants; in the event of such redemption, the Company will pay to the
holder of such Warrants the above-described redemption price in cash within 10
business days after receipt of notice from the Warrant Agent that such Warrants
have been submitted for exercise.
Section 10. Reduction of Conversion Price Below Par Value
Before taking any action that would cause an adjustment pursuant
to Section 6 hereof reducing the portion of the Exercise Price required to
purchase one share of capital stock below the then par value (if any) of a share
of such capital stock, the Company will use its best efforts to take any
corporate action which, in the opinion of its counsel, may be necessary in order
that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and non-assessable
shares of such capital stock.
Section 11. Payment of Taxes
The Company covenants and agrees that it will pay when due and
payable any and all federal and state documentary stamp and other original issue
taxes which may be payable in respect of the original issuance of the Warrant
Certificates, or any shares of Common Stock or other securities upon the
exercise of Warrants. The Company shall not, however, be required (i) to pay any
tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the transfer and
delivery of Warrant Certificates or the issuance or delivery of certificates for
Common Stock or other securities in a name other than that of the registered
holder of the Warrant Certificate surrendered for purchase or (ii) to issue or
deliver any certificate for shares of Common Stock or other securities upon the
exercise of any Warrant Certificate until any such tax shall have been paid, all
such tax being payable by the holder of such Warrant Certificate at the time of
surrender.
Section 12. Notice of Certain Corporate Action
In case the Company after the date hereof shall propose (i) to
offer to the holders of Common Stock, generally, rights to subscribe to or
purchase any additional shares of any class of its capital stock, any evidences
of its indebtedness or assets, or any other rights or options or (ii) to effect
any reclassification of Common Stock (other than a reclassification involving
merely the subdivision or combination of outstanding shares of Common Stock) or
any capital reorganization, or any consolidation or merger to which the Company
is a party and for which approval of any stockholders of the Company is
required, or any sale, transfer or other disposition of its property and assets
substantially as an entirety, or the liquidation, voluntary or involuntary
dissolution or winding-up of the Company, then, in each such case, the Company
shall file with the Warrant Agent and the Company, or the Warrant Agent on its
behalf, shall mail (by first-class, postage prepaid mail) to all registered
holders of the Warrant Certificates notice of such proposed action, which notice
shall specify the date on which the books of the Company shall close or a record
be taken for such offer of rights or options, or the date on which such
reclassification, reorganization, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, other
disposition, liquidation, voluntary or involuntary dissolution or winding-up
shall take place or commence, as the case may be, and which shall also specify
any record date for determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to vote
thereon or participate therein and shall set forth such facts with respect
thereto as shall be reasonably necessary to indicate any adjustments in the
Exercise Price and the number or kind of shares or other securities purchasable
upon exercise of Warrants which will be required as a result of such action.
Such notice shall be filed and mailed in the case of any action covered by
clause (i) above, at least ten days prior to the record date for determining
holders of the Common Stock for purposes of such action or, if a record is not
to be taken, the date as of which the holders of
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shares of Common Stock of record are to be entitled to such offering; and, in
the case of any action covered by clause (ii) above, at least 20 days prior to
the earlier of the date on which such reclassification, reorganization,
consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, other disposition, liquidation, voluntary
or involuntary dissolution or winding-up is expected to become effective and the
date on which it is expected that holders of shares of Common Stock of record on
such date shall be entitled to exchange their shares for securities or other
property deliverable upon such reclassification, reorganization, consolidation,
merger, sale, transfer, other disposition, liquidation, voluntary or involuntary
dissolution or winding-up.
Failure to give any such notice or any defect therein shall not
affect the legality or validity of any transaction listed in this Section 12.
Section 13. Disposition of Proceeds on Exercise of Warrant Certificates, etc.
The Warrant Agent shall account promptly to the Company with
respect to Warrants exercised and concurrently pay to the Company all moneys
received by the Warrant Agent for the purchase of securities or other property
through the exercise of such Warrants.
The Warrant Agent shall keep copies of this Agreement available
for inspection by Warrantholders during normal business hours at its stock
transfer office. Copies of this Agreement may be obtained upon written request
addressed to the Warrant Agent at its stock transfer office in __________,
California.
Section 14. Warrantholder Not Deemed a Stockholder
No Warrantholder, as such, shall be entitled to vote, receive
dividends or be deemed the holder of Common Stock or any other securities of the
Company which may at any time be issuable on the exercise of the Warrants
represented thereby for any purpose whatever, nor shall anything contained
herein or in any Warrant Certificate be construed to confer upon any
Warrantholder, as such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any
right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to
stockholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any
corporate action (whether upon any recapitalization, issuance of stock,
reclassification of stock, change of par value or change of stock to no par
value, consolidation, merger, conveyance or otherwise), or to receive notice of
meetings or other actions affecting stockholders (except as provided in Section
12 hereof), or to receive dividend or subscription rights, or otherwise, until
such Warrant Certificate shall have been exercised in accordance with the
provisions hereof and the receipt of the Exercise Price and any other amounts
payable upon such exercise by the Warrant Agent.
Section 15. Right of Action
All rights of action in respect to this Agreement are vested in
the respective registered holders of the Warrant Certificates; and any
registered holder of any Warrant Certificate, without the consent of the Warrant
Agent or of any other holder of a Warrant Certificate, may, in his own behalf
for his own benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action or
proceeding against the Company suitable to enforce, or otherwise in respect of,
his right to exercise the Warrants evidenced by such Warrant Certificate, for
the purchase of shares of the Common Stock in the manner provided in the Warrant
Certificate and in this Agreement.
Section 16. Agreement of Holders of Warrant Certificates
Every holder of a Warrant Certificate by accepting the same
consents and agrees with the Company, the Warrant Agent and with every other
holder of a Warrant Certificate that:
A. the Warrant Certificates are transferable on the registry books of the
Warrant Agent only upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;
and
B. the Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the person in whose
name the Warrant Certificate is registered as the absolute owner of the Warrant
(notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other
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writing thereon made by anyone other than the Company or the Warrant Agent) for
all purposes whatever and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be
affected by any notice to the contrary.
Section 17. Cancellation of Warrant Certificates
In the event that the Company shall purchase or otherwise acquire
any Warrant Certificate or Certificates after the issuance thereof, such Warrant
Certificate or Certificates shall thereupon be delivered to the Warrant Agent
and be canceled by it and retired. The Warrant Agent shall also cancel any
Warrant Certificate delivered to it for exercise, in whole or in part, or
delivered to it for transfer, split-up, combination or exchange. Warrant
Certificates so canceled shall be delivered by the Warrant Agent to the Company
from time to time, or disposed of in accordance with the instructions of the
Company.
Section 18. Concerning the Warrant Agent
The Company agrees to pay to the Warrant Agent from time to time,
on demand of the Warrant Agent, reasonable compensation for all services
rendered by it hereunder and also its reasonable expenses, including counsel
fees, and other disbursements incurred in the administration and execution of
this Agreement and the exercise and performance of its duties hereunder. The
Company also agrees to indemnify the Warrant Agent for, and to hold it harmless
against, any loss, liability or expense, incurred without gross negligence, bad
faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Warrant Agent, arising out of or
in connection with the acceptance and administration of this Agreement.
Section 19. Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Warrant Agent
Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent may be merged or
with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger
or consolidation to which the Warrant Agent shall be a party, or any corporation
succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Warrant Agent, shall be the
successor to the Warrant Agent hereunder without the execution or filing of any
paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, provided that
such corporation would be eligible for appointment as a successor warrant agent
under the provisions of Section 21 hereof. In case at the time such successor to
the Warrant Agent shall succeed to the agency created by this Agreement, any of
the Warrant Certificates shall have been countersigned but not delivered, any
such successor to the Warrant Agent may adopt the countersignature of the
original Warrant Agent and deliver such Warrant Certificates so countersigned;
and in case at that time any of the Warrant Certificates shall not have been
countersigned, any successor to the Warrant Agent may countersign such Warrant
Certificates either in the name of the predecessor Warrant Agent or in the name
of the successor Warrant Agent; and in all such cases such Warrant Certificates
shall have the full force provided in the Warrant Certificates and in this
Agreement.
In case at any time the name of the Warrant Agent shall be
changed and at such time any of the Warrant Certificates shall have been
countersigned but not delivered, the Warrant Agent may adopt the
countersignature under its prior name and deliver Warrant Certificates so
countersigned; and in case at that time any of the Warrant Certificates shall
not have been countersigned, the Warrant Agent may countersign such Warrant
Certificates either in its prior name or in its changed name; and in all such
cases such Warrant Certificates shall have the full force provided in the
Warrant Certificates and in this Agreement.
Section 20. Duties of Warrant Agent
The Warrant Agent undertakes the duties and obligations imposed
by this Agreement upon the following terms and conditions, by all of which the
Company and the holders of Warrant Certificates, by their acceptance thereof,
shall be bound:
A. The Warrant Agent may consult with counsel satisfactory to it (who may
be counsel for the Company or the Warrant Agent's in-house counsel), and the
opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection
to the Warrant Agent as to any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good
faith and in accordance with such opinion; provided, however, that the Warrant
Agent shall have exercised reasonable care in
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the selection of such counsel. Fees and expenses of such counsel, to the extent
reasonable, shall be paid by the Company.
B. Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Agreement, the
Warrant Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be
proved or established by the Company prior to taking or suffering any action
hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be
herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and
established by a certificate signed by a Chairman or co-Chairman of the Board or
the President or a Vice President or the Secretary of the Company and delivered
to the Warrant Agent; and such certificate shall be full authorization to the
Warrant Agent for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it under the
provisions of this Agreement in reliance upon such certificate.
C. The Warrant Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own gross
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
D. The Warrant Agent shall not be liable for or by reason of any of the
statements of fact or recitals contained in this Agreement or in the Warrant
Certificates (except its countersignature on the Warrant Certificates and such
statements or recitals as describe the Warrant Agent or action taken or to be
taken by it) or be required to verify the same, but all such statements and
recitals are and shall be deemed to have been made by the Company only.
E. The Warrant Agent shall not be under any responsibility in respect of
the validity of this Agreement or the execution and delivery hereof (except the
due execution hereof by the Warrant Agent) or in respect of the validity or
execution of any Warrant Certificate (except its countersignature thereof); nor
shall it be responsible for any breach by the Company of any covenant or
condition contained in this Agreement or in any Warrant Certificate; nor shall
it be responsible for the making of any change in the number of shares of Common
Stock for which a Warrant is exercisable required under the provisions of
Section 6 or responsible for the manner, method or amount of any such change or
the ascertaining of the existence of facts that would require any such
adjustment or change (except with respect to the exercise of Warrant
Certificates after actual notice of any adjustment of the Exercise Price); nor
shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty
as to the authorization or reservation of any shares of Common Stock to be
issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Warrant Certificate or as to whether
any shares of Common Stock will, when issued, be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
F. The Warrant Agent shall be under no obligation to institute any action,
suit or legal proceeding or take any other action likely to involve expense
unless the Company or one or more registered holders of Warrant Certificates
shall furnish the Warrant Agent with reasonable security and indemnity for any
costs and expenses which may be incurred. All rights of action under this
Agreement or under any of the Warrants may be enforced by the Warrant Agent
without the possession of any of the Warrants or the production thereof at any
trial or other proceeding relative thereto, and any such action, suit or
proceeding instituted by the Warrant Agent shall be brought in its name as
Warrant Agent, and any recovery of judgment shall be for the ratable benefit of
the registered holders of the Warrant Certificates, as their respective rights
or interests may appear.
G. The Warrant Agent and any stockholder, director, officer or employee of
the Warrant Agent may buy, sell or deal in any of the Warrants or other
securities of the Company or become pecuniarily interested in any transaction in
which the Company may be interested, or contract with or lend money to or
otherwise act as fully and freely as though it were not Warrant Agent under this
Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude the Warrant Agent from acting in any
other capacity for the Company or for any other legal entity.
H. The Warrant Agent is hereby authorized and directed to accept
instructions with respect to the performance of its duties hereunder from a
Chairman or co-Chairman of the Board or President or a Vice President or the
Secretary or the Controller of the Company, and to apply to such officers for
advice or instructions in connection with the Warrant Agent's duties, and it
shall not be liable for any action taken or suffered or omitted by it in good
faith in accordance with instructions of any such officer.
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I. The Warrant Agent will not be responsible for any failure of the Company
to comply with any of the covenants contained in this Agreement or in the
Warrant Certificates to be complied with by the Company.
J. The Warrant Agent may execute and exercise any of the rights or powers
hereby vested in it or perform any duty hereunder either itself or by or through
its attorneys, agents or employees and the Warrant Agent shall not be answerable
or accountable for any act, default, neglect or misconduct of any such
attorneys, agents or employees or for any loss to the Company resulting from
such neglect or misconduct; provided, however, that reasonable care shall have
been exercised in the selection and continued employment of such attorneys,
agents and employees.
K. The Warrant Agent will not incur any liability or responsibility to the
Company or to any holder of any Warrant Certificate for any action taken, or any
failure to take action, in reliance on any notice, resolution, waiver, consent,
order, certificate, or other paper, document or instrument reasonably believed
by the Warrant Agent to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by
the proper party or parties.
L. The Warrant Agent will act hereunder solely as agent of the Company in a
ministerial capacity, and its duties will be determined solely by the provisions
hereof. The Warrant Agent will not be liable for anything which it may do or
refrain from doing in connection with this Agreement except for its own
negligence, bad faith or willful conduct.
Section 21. Change of Warrant Agent
The Warrant Agent may resign and be discharged from its duties
under this Agreement upon 30 days' prior notice in writing mailed, by registered
or certified mail, to the Company. The Company may remove the Warrant Agent or
any successor warrant agent upon 30 days' prior notice in writing, mailed to the
Warrant Agent or successor warrant agent, as the case may be, by registered or
certified mail. If the Warrant Agent shall resign or be removed or shall
otherwise become incapable of acting, the Company shall appoint a successor to
the Warrant Agent and shall, within 15 days following such appointment, give
notice thereof in writing to each registered holder of the Warrant Certificates.
If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a period of 15 days
after giving notice of such removal or after it has been notified in writing of
such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or incapacitated Warrant Agent,
then the Company agrees to perform the duties of the Warrant Agent hereunder
until a successor Warrant Agent is appointed. After appointment and execution of
a copy of this Agreement in effect at that time, the successor Warrant Agent
shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and responsibilities as if
it had been originally named as Warrant Agent without further act or deed; but
the former Warrant Agent shall deliver and transfer to the successor Warrant
Agent, within a reasonable time, any property at the time held by it hereunder,
and execute and deliver any further assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary
for the purpose. Failure to give any notice provided for in this Section,
however, or any defect therein shall not affect the legality or validity of the
resignation or removal of the Warrant Agent or the appointment of the successor
warrant agent, as the case may be.
Section 22. Issuance of New Warrant Certificates
Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Agreement or the
several Warrant Certificates to the contrary, the Company may, at its option,
issue new Warrant Certificates in such form as may be approved by its Board of
Directors to reflect any adjustment or change in the Exercise Price or the
number or kind of shares purchasable under the several Warrant Certificates made
in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 23. Notices
Notice or demand pursuant to this Agreement to be given or made
on the Company by the Warrant Agent or by the registered holder of any Warrant
Certificate shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class or
registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in
writing by the Company with the Warrant Agent) as follows:
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AdStar.com, Inc.
at 4553 Glencoe Avenue, Suite 325
Marina del Rey, California 90292
Subject to the provisions of Section 21, any notice pursuant to
this Agreement to be given or made by the Company or by the holder of any
Warrant Certificate to or on the Warrant Agent shall be sufficiently given or
made if sent by first-class or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed
(until another address is filed in writing by the Warrant Agent with the
Company) as follows:
-------------------------
-------------------------
-------------------------
Any notice or demand authorized to be given or made to the
registered holder of any Warrant Certificate under this Agreement shall be
sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class or registered mail, postage
prepaid, to the last address of such holder as it shall appear on the registers
maintained by the Warrant Agent.
Section 24. Modification of Agreement
The Warrant Agent may, without the consent or concurrence of the
Warrantholders, by supplemental agreement or otherwise, concur with the Company
in making any changes or corrections in this Agreement that the Warrant Agent
shall have been advised by counsel (who may be counsel for the Company) are
necessary or desirable to cure any ambiguity or to correct any defective or
inconsistent provision or clerical omission or mistake or manifest error herein
contained, or to make any other provisions in regard to matters or questions
arising hereunder and which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the
Warrant Certificates and which shall not adversely affect the interests of the
Warrantholders. As of the date hereof, this Agreement contains the entire and
only agreement, understanding, representation, condition, warranty or covenant
between the parties hereto with respect to the matters herein, supersedes any
and all other agreements between the parties hereto relating to such matters,
and may be modified or amended only by a written agreement signed by both
parties hereto pursuant to the authority granted by the first sentence of this
Section.
Section 25. Successors
All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the
benefit of the Company or the Warrant Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit
of their respective successors and assigns hereunder.
Section 26. California Contract
This Agreement and each Warrant Certificate issued hereunder
shall be deemed to be a contract made under the laws of the State of California
and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said
State.
Section 27. Termination
This Agreement shall terminate as of the close of business on the
Expiration Date, or such earlier date upon which all Warrants shall have been
exercised or redeemed, except that the Warrant Agent shall account to the
Company as to all Warrants outstanding and all cash held by it as of the close
of business on the Expiration Date.
Section 28. Benefits of this Agreement
Nothing in this Agreement or in the Warrant Certificates shall be
construed to give to any person or corporation other than the Company, the
Warrant Agent, and their respective successors and assigns hereunder and
14
<PAGE> 15
the registered holders of the Warrant Certificates any legal or equitable right,
remedy or claim under this Agreement; but this Agreement shall be for the sole
and exclusive benefit of the Company, the Warrant Agent, their respective
successors and assigns hereunder and the registered holders of the Warrant
Certificates.
Section 29. Descriptive Headings
The descriptive headings of the several Sections of this
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the
meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof.
Section 30. Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together
constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.
AdStar.com, Inc.
By:
------------------------
Title:
- ----------------------
By:
------------------------
Title:
15
<PAGE> 16
EXHIBIT A
VOID AFTER 5 P.M. PACIFIC TIME ON , 2004
----------
WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK
W Warrants
----- ---------
ADSTAR.COM, INC.
CUSIP
--------------
THIS CERTIFIES THAT
or registered assigns, is the registered holder of the number of Warrants
("Warrants") set forth above. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to
purchase from AdStar.com, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the
State of __________________ ("Company"), subject to the terms and conditions set
forth hereinafter and in the Warrant Agreement hereinafter more fully described
(the "Warrant Agreement") referred to, at any time on or before the close of
business on ___________, 2004 or, if such Warrant is redeemed as provided in the
Warrant Agreement, at any time prior to the effective time of such redemption
(the "Expiration Date"), one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock
Stock of the Company ("Common Stock") upon presentation and surrender of this
Warrant Certificate, with the instructions for the registration and delivery of
Common Stock filled in, at the stock transfer office in __________, California,
of __________________, Warrant Agent of the Company ("Warrant Agent") or of its
successor warrant agent or, if there be no successor warrant agent, at the
corporate offices of the Company, and upon payment of the Exercise Price (as
defined in the Warrant Agreement) and any applicable taxes paid either in cash,
or by certified or official bank check, payable in lawful money of the United
States of America to the order of the Company. Each Warrant initially entitles
the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock for $______. The number and
kind of securities or other property for which the Warrants are exercisable are
subject to further adjustment in certain events, such as mergers, splits, stock
dividends, recapitalizations and the like, to prevent dilution. The Company may
redeem any or all outstanding and unexercised Warrants at any time if the Daily
Price has exceeded $_____ for twenty consecutive trading days immediately
preceeding the date of notice of such redemption, upon 30 days notice, at a
price equal to $____ per Warrant. For the purpose of the foregoing sentence, the
term "Daily Price" shall mean, for any relevant day, the closing bid price on
that day as reported by the principal exchange or quotation system on which
prices for the Common Stock are reported. All Warrants not theretofore exercised
or redeemed will expire on _________, 2004.
This Warrant Certificate is subject to all of the terms,
provisions and conditions of the Warrant Agreement, dated as of ____________,
1999 ("Warrant Agreement"), between the Company and the Warrant Agent, to all of
which terms, provisions and conditions the registered holder of this Warrant
Certificate consents by acceptance hereof. The Warrant Agreement is incorporated
herein by reference and made a part hereof and reference is made to the Warrant
Agreement for a full description of the rights, limitations of rights,
obligations, duties and immunities of the Warrant Agent, the Company and the
holders of the Warrant Certificates. Copies of the Warrant Agreement are
available for inspection at the stock transfer office of the Warrant Agent or
may be obtained upon written request addressed to the Company at 4553 Glencoe
Avenue, Suite 325,Marina del Rey, California 90292, Attention: Chief Financial
Officer.
i
<PAGE> 17
The Company shall not be required upon the exercise of the
Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate to issue fractions of Warrants,
Common Stock or other securities, but shall make adjustment therefor in cash on
the basis of the current market value of any fractional interest as provided in
the Warrant Agreement.
In certain cases, the sale of securities by the Company upon
exercise of Warrants would violate the securities laws of the United States,
certain states thereof or other jurisdictions. The Company has agreed to use all
commercially reasonable efforts to cause a registration statement to continue to
be effective during the term of the Warrants with respect to such sales under
the Securities Act of 1933, and to take such action under the laws of various
states as may be required to cause the sale of securities upon exercise to be
lawful. However, the Company will not be required to honor the exercise of
Warrants if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, upon advice of counsel,
the sale of securities upon such exercise would be unlawful. In certain cases,
the Company may, but is not required to, purchase Warrants submitted for
exercise for a cash price equal to the difference between the market price of
the securities obtainable upon such exercise and the exercise price of such
Warrants.
This Warrant Certificate, with or without other Certificates,
upon surrender to the Warrant Agent, any successor warrant agent or, in the
absence of any successor warrant agent, at the corporate offices of the Company,
may be exchanged for another Warrant Certificate or Certificates evidencing in
the aggregate the same number of Warrants as the Warrant Certificate or
Certificates so surrendered. If the Warrants evidenced by this Warrant
Certificate shall be exercised in part, the holder hereof shall be entitled to
receive upon surrender hereof another Warrant Certificate or Certificates
evidencing the number of Warrants not so exercised.
No holder of this Warrant Certificate, as such, shall be entitled
to vote, receive dividends or be deemed the holder of Common Stock or any other
securities of the Company which may at any time be issuable on the exercise
hereof for any purpose whatever, nor shall anything contained in the Warrant
Agreement or herein be construed to confer upon the holder of this Warrant
Certificate, as such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any
right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to
stockholders at any meeting thereof or give or withhold consent to any corporate
action (whether upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any meeting
thereof, or give or withhold consent to any merger, recapitalization, issuance
of stock, reclassification of stock, change of par value or change of stock to
no par value, consolidation, conveyance or otherwise) or to receive notice of
meetings or other actions affecting stockholders (except as provided in the
Warrant Agreement) or to receive dividends or subscription rights or otherwise
until the Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate shall have been
exercised and the Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise thereof shall have
become deliverable as provided in the Warrant Agreement.
If this Warrant Certificate shall be surrendered for exercise
within any period during which the transfer books for the Company's Common Stock
or other class of stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrants evidenced
by this Warrant Certificate are closed for any purpose, the Company shall not be
required to make delivery of certificates for shares purchasable upon such
transfer until the date of the reopening of said transfer books.
Every holder of this Warrant Certificate by accepting the same
consents and agrees with the Company, the Warrant Agent, and with every other
holder of a Warrant Certificate that:
(a) this Warrant Certificate is transferable on the registry books of the
Warrant Agent only upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Warrant
Agreement, and
(b) the Company and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the person in
whose name this Warrant Certificate is registered as the absolute owner hereof
(notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon made by
anyone other than the Company or the Warrant Agent) for all purposes whatever
and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any notice to
the contrary.
The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any
certificate for shares of Common Stock or other securities upon the exercise of
Warrants evidenced by this Warrant Certificate until any tax which may be
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<PAGE> 18
payable in respect thereof by the holder of this Warrant Certificate pursuant to
the Warrant Agreement shall have been paid, such tax being payable by the holder
of this Warrant Certificate at the time of surrender.
This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any
purpose until it shall have been countersigned by the Warrant Agent.
WITNESS the facsimile signatures of the proper officers of the
Company and its corporate seal.
Dated:
AdStar.com, Inc.
By:
----------------------
Chief Executive Officer
Attest:
-------------------------
Secretary
Countersigned
- ----------------------------------------
By:
-------------------------
Authorized Officer
iii
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 5.1
[MORSE, ZELNICK, ROSE & LANDER, LLP LETTERHEAD]
(212) 838-1177
September 29, 1999
AdStar.com, Inc.
4553 Glencoe Avenue
Suite 325
Marina del Rey
California 90292
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as counsel to AdStar.com, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company") in connection with the preparation of a registration statement on
Form SB-2, (the "Registration Statement") filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"),
to register the offering by (a) the Company of (i) 1,000,000 Units, each Unit
consisting of three shares of Common Stock and two Warrants, each to purchase a
share of Common Stock (the "Warrants")(and the offering of an additional
150,000 Units if the over-allotment option is exercised); (ii) 3,000,000 shares
of Common Stock included in the Units (and an additional 450,000 shares if the
over allotment Option is exercised), (iii) 2,000,000 Warrants included in the
Units (and an additional 300,000 Warrants if the over-allotment option is
exercised), (iv) 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Warrants included in the Units (and an additional 300,000 shares if the
over-allotment option is exercised), (v) an option (the "Underwriter's Option")
to purchase 100,000 Units, (vi) 100,000 Units issuable on exercise of the
Underwriter's Option, (vii) 300,000 shares of Common Stock included in the
Units underlying the Underwriter's Option, (viii) 200,000 Warrants included in
Units underlying Underwriter's Option, (ix) 200,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of the Warrants included in the Units underlying the
Underwriter's Option, and any and all amendments to the Registration Statement,
and any Registration Statements for any additional Units, shares of Common
Stock, Warrants, Common Stock underlying the Units, Warrants underlying the
Units, Common Stock underlying the Warrants, Underwriter's Option, Units
underlying the Underwriter's Option, Common Stock underlying such Units,
Warrants underlying such Units and Common Stock underlying such Warrants,
pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Act.
<PAGE> 2
AdStar.Com, Inc.
September 20, 1996
Page 2 of 2
In this regard, we have reviewed the Certificate of Incorporation of
the Company, as amended, resolutions adopted by the Company's Board of
Directors, the Registration Statement, the proposed form of the Warrants and the
Underwriter's Option, and other exhibits to the Registration Statement and such
other records, documents, statutes and decisions as we have deemed relevant in
rendering this opinion. Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. Each Unit, each share of Common Stock included in the Units being
offered, each Warrant included in the Units being offered, each share of Common
Stock underlying such Warrants, (and as for any over-allotment option each Unit
issued upon the exercise of such option, share of Common Stock included in such
Units, each Warrant included in the Units being offered, and each share of
Common Stock underlying such Warrants) the Underwriter's Option, the Units
issuable upon exercise of the Underwriter's option, the Common Stock underlying
those Units, the Warrants underlying those Units, and the Common Stock
underlying those Warrants being offered pursuant to the Registration Statement
and all amendments thereto and any Registration Statements pursuant to Rule
462(b) of the Act for additional Units, shares of Common Stock underlying such
Units, Warrants underlying such Units, shares of Common Stock underlying such
Warrants, the Underwriter's Option, the Units issuable upon the exercise of such
option, the Common Stock underlying those Units, the Warrants underlying those
Units, and the Common Stock underlying those Warrants have been duly and validly
authorized for issuance and when issued as contemplated by the Registration
Statement or upon exercise of the Warrants or the Underwriter's Option, will be
legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
2. The warrants are binding obligations under New York contract law
governing the warrant agreement.
We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto, and any Registration
Statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Act for any additional Units, shares
of Common Stock, Warrants, shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants and
Underwriter's Option (including the Units issuable upon the exercise of the
Underwriter's Option, the Common Stock underlying these Units, the Warrants
underlying these Units and the shares of Common Stock underlying these Warrants.
In giving such opinion, we do not thereby admit that we are acting within the
category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the
rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Members of this firm or their affiliates own an aggregate of 148,200 shares of
Common Stock of the Company.
Very truly yours,
/s/ MORSE, ZELNICK, ROSE & LANDER
MORSE, ZELNICK, ROSE & LANDER, LLP
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.16
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made this 20 day of July, 1998, between Adam
Leff (the "Executive") and Ad-Star Services, Inc., a New York Corporation (the
"Company").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive as
Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of the Company on the terms and
conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the Executive desires to be so employed.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of
the respective convenants and agreement herein contained, the parties, intending
to be legally bound, agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT
The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby
agrees to serve as Vice President/Chief Operating Officer ("COO") of the Company
subject only to policy directives from the Board of Directors of the Company
(the "Board of Directors"), the President of the Company (the "President")
and/or the Executive Vice President of the Company (the "Executive Vice
President"). The Executive agrees to use reasonable efforts to perform specific
services for the development and execution of a business plan ("the Business
Plan") to add to the existing business of the Company additional business based
upon revenue opportunities on the World Wide Web, such new business to be
referred to heretofore as "AdStar-Net". In addition, the Executive shall use
reasonable efforts to raise necessary funding to execute the Business Plan,
which funding is estimated to be five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in
private funding and 8 million dollars ($8,000,000) in venture capital under
terms that are satisfactory to and approved by the Board of Directors. In
addition the Executive agrees to perform such services that are customary to the
office of Vice President/Chief Operating Officer as shall from time to time be
assigned to him in the discretion of either the President, the Executive Vice
President or the Board of Directors. The Executive further agrees to devote his
full business time and energies to the business and affairs of the Company.
2. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
The term of this Agreement shall be for four (4) years commencing on __________,
199__ (the "Commencement Date") and ending on ____________, 200__, unless
terminated earlier pursuant to Paragraph 3 of this Agreement. This Agreement
shall automatically be renewed for successive terms of one (1) year (each, a
"Renewal Term") commencing on anniversaries of the Commencement Date, unless
such renewal is objected to by either party upon ninety (90) days prior written
notice before the expiration of the initial term or any Renewal Term. Any
non-renewal is subject to Paragraph 3.
Page 1
<PAGE> 2
3. TERMINATION
3.1 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
3.2 RESIGNATION. The Executive may resign his employment with the
Company upon thirty (30) days' prior written notice. In the event of the
Executive's resignation pursuant to this Paragraph 3.2, the Company shall pay to
the Executive the salary provided for in Paragraph 4.1 (at the annual rate then
in effect) accrued to the date of such termination and not therefore paid to the
Executive and neither the Executive nor the Company shall have any further
rights or obligations under this Agreement, except as provided Paragraphs 5, 6
and 7 hereof. Rights and benefits of the Executive, the Executive's estate or
other legal representative under the employee benefit plans and programs of the
Company, if any, will be determined in accordance with the terms and provisions
of such plans and programs.
3.3 TERMINATION WITH DUE CAUSE. The Company may terminate the
Executive's employment hereunder at any time for Due Cause (as hereinafter
defined). Except as set forth below, in the event of the Executive's termination
pursuant to this Paragraph 3.3, the Company shall pay to the Executive the
salary provided for in Paragraph 4.1 (at the annual rate then in effect) accrued
to the date of such termination and not theretofore paid to the Executive and
neither the Executive nor the Company shall have any further rights or
obligations under this Agreement, except as provided in Paragraph 5, 6 and 7
hereof. Rights and benefits of the Executive, the Executive's estate or other
legal representative under the employee benefit plans and programs of the
Company, if any, will be determined in accordance with the terms and provisions
of such plans and programs. For purposes hereof, "DUE CAUSE" shall mean (a) a
material breach of any of the Executive's obligations hereunder (it being
understood that any breach of the provisions of Paragraphs 1, 5, 6, or 7 hereof
shall be considered material) or the Executive's failure to perform his duties
hereunder as determined in the good faith judgment by a unanimous vote of the
Board of Directors; or (b) that the Executive, in carrying out the Executive's
duties hereunder, has been guilty of (i) willful or gross neglect or (ii)
willful or gross misconduct, resulting in either case in harm to the Company; or
(c) that the Executive has been convicted of or pleads nolo contendere to (i) a
felony, excepting any changes in the laws after the Commencement Date relating
to electronic publishing, or (ii) any crime or offense involving moral
turpitude. In the event that the Executive is charged with a felony which is
potentially injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise (each , a
"charge"), the Company shall be entitled to suspend the Executive immediately
without pay and the Company shall pay the Executive his salary (at the annual
rate then in effect) through the date of suspension. Notwithstanding anything
else contained in this Paragraph 3.3 to the contrary, in the event that the
Executive is not exonerated of the charge, upon termination of the Executive's
employment with the Company, the Company shall have no further obligation to pay
the Executive his salary and neither the Executive nor the Company shall have
any further rights or obligations under this Agreement, except as provided in
Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof. In the event that the Executive is exonerated of
the charge, the Company shall immediately reinstate the Executive and pay him
the salary (at the annual rate then in effect) for the period of time during
which the Executive was suspended.
3.4 DEATH. In the event of the death of the Executive during the term
of this Agreement, the Company shall pay to the estate or other legal
representative of the Executive the salary provided for in Paragraph 4.1
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<PAGE> 3
accrued to the Executive's date of death and not theretofore paid, and the
rights of the Employee's estate or other legal representative under the employee
benefit plans and programs of the Company, if any, will be determined in
accordance with the terms and provisions of such plans and programs.
3.5 DISABILITY. If the executive shall become incapacitated by reason
of sickness, accident or other physical or mental disability and shall for a
period of ninety (90) consecutive days (the "Disability Period") be unable to
perform the Executive's normal duties hereunder with a reasonable accommodation,
the employment of the Executive hereunder may be terminated without cause by the
Company immediately upon the expiration of the Disability Period. Within thirty
(30) days after such termination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the
salary provided for in Paragraph 4.1 (at the annual rate then in effect) accrued
to the date of such termination and not theretofore paid. Rights and benefits of
the Executive, the Executive's estate or other legal representative under the
employee benefit plans and programs of the Company, if any, will be determined
in accordance with the terms and provisions of such plans and programs. Neither
the Executive nor the Company shall have further rights or obligations under
this Agreement, except as provided in Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof.
3.6 REPURCHASE RIGHT. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the
contrary, in the event Employee's employment is terminated pursuant to either
Paragraph 3.2 or Paragraph 3.3 hereof, the Company shall have an option,
exercisable within 15 days of the date of termination of employment, to purchase
up to one-third of the shares of the Company's common stock then owned by
Employee for an aggregate purchase price of $8,766.67.
4. COMPENSATION AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.
4.1 BASE SALARY. As compensation for services rendered hereunder, the
Executive shall receive an annual salary in the amount of Ninety Six Thousand
Dollars ($ 96,000.00), less all applicable withholding taxes, such salary to be
paid in accordance with the Company's normal procedures.
4.2 BONUS. The Company agrees to pay the Executive an annual bonus at
the end of each Company fiscal year (which coincides with the calendar year,
subject to change) while the Executive is employed pursuant to this Agreement.
The amount of such annual bonus shall be determined as follows:
AdStar-Net Revenues from 0 to $500,000 - 1% of revenues
AdStar-Net Revenues from $500,001 to $1,000,000 - 2% of revenues
AdStar-Net Revenues from $1,000,001 to $1,500,000 -3 % of revenues
"AdStar-Net Revenues" are defined as gross revenues derived from AdStar-Net, and
the percentage will be applied on the total revenue and not the tiered revenues.
The maximum amount of bonus will be capped at $45,000 per fiscal year. The Board
of Directors of the Company will have the sole discretion to award an arbitrary
bonus, in addition to the above amounts.
In addition, the Company agrees to pay the Executive a one time bonus from the
initial private funding provided for in Paragraph 1 hereof. The bonus shall be
in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) if the Company receives four
hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) or more from the private funding, or ten
thousand dollars ($10,000) if the Company receives less than four hundred
thousand dollars ($400,000). Payment shall be made within 30 days after the
receipt of the funds.
Page 3
<PAGE> 4
4.3 EXPENSES. During the term of this Agreement, the Company shall
pay, or the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement from the
Company of, all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by him in performing
services hereunder, provided he properly accounts therefor in accordance with
Company policy as in effect from time to time. The Executive's reasonable moving
expenses from New York to Los Angeles will be reimbursed, up to a maximum of
$4000, within 30 days of receipt by the Company of suitable documentation of
such moving expenses.
4.4 VACATION. The Executive shall receive three (3) weeks of paid
vacation per year.
4.5 OTHER BENEFITS. The fringe benefits, perquisites and other
benefits of employment to be provided to the Executive shall be equivalent to
those the Company normally provides to employees of the Company plus any
additional benefits and perquisites as shall be provided to future senior
executives of the Company. The Company shall provide the Executive with computer
equipment that has the power reasonably necessary for the performance of the
services hereunder.
5. CONFIDENTIALITY.
(a) The Executive acknowledges that as a stockholder and an employee of the
Company he has had access, and may have access, to confidential information
which relates to the business of the Company. The Executive shall, during the
Executive's employment with the Company and at all times thereafter, treat all
confidential material (as hereinafter defined) of the Company confidentially.
The Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the President,
disclose such confidential material, directly or indirectly, to any party or
remove from the Company's premises any notes or records relating thereto, copies
or facsimiles thereof (whether made by electronic, electrical, magnetic,
optical, laser, acoustic or other means), or any other property of the Company.
The Executive agrees that all confidential material, together with all notes and
records of the Executive relating thereto, and all computer disks, copies or
facsimiles thereof in the possession of the Executive (whether made by the
foregoing or other means) are the exclusive property of the Company. The
Executive shall not in any manner use any confidential material of the Company,
or any other property of the Company, in any manner not specifically directed by
the Company or in any way which is detrimental to the Company, as determined by
the President in his sole discretion.
(b) For the purposes of this Agreement, the "business of the Company" shall
mean the nature of the Company's current business or as may be described in the
Company's business plans from time to time in effect, or such other projects as
may be dictated or formulated by the Board of Directors of the Company during
the term of this Agreement.
(c) For the purposes of this Agreement, the term "confidential material"
shall mean all information in any way concerning the activities, business or
affairs of the Company or any of the customers and clients of the Company,
including, without limitation, information concerning trade secrets, together
with all software and sales and financial information concerning projects in
research and development or marketing plans for any products or projects of the
Company, and all information concerning the practices, customers and clients of
the Company, and all information in any way concerning the
Page 4
<PAGE> 5
activities, business or affairs of any of such customers or clients, as such,
which is furnished to the Executive by the Company or any of its agents,
customers or clients, as such, or otherwise acquired by the Executive in the
course of the Executive's employment with the Company.
6. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.
6.1 NON-COMPETITION. The Executive acknowledges that the services to
be rendered by the Executive to the Company are of a special and unique
character. The Executive agrees that, in consideration of the Executive's
employment hereunder, the Executive will not directly or indirectly, own,
manage, operate, control or participate in the ownership, management or control
of, or act as an officer, employee, partner, director of or otherwise with, or
have any financial interest in, or aid or assist anyone else in the conduct of,
any entity or business which competes with the business conducted by the Company
(other than the Executive's ownership of securities of a public company engaged
in competition with the Company not in excess of 2% of any class of such
securities, anywhere in the United States), prior to two (2) years (the
"Restricted Period") from the date of termination of the Executive's employment
by the Company until the end of term as defined in Paragraph 2 or 12 months
whichever is greater, so long as the Executive is paid a salary by the Company
as outlined in Paragraph 4.1 during this period of non-competition.
6.2 NON-SOLICITATION. For a period of two (2) years following the date
of termination of the Executive's employment hereunder for any reason, the
executive will not, directly or indirectly, take any of the following actions,
and, to the extent the Executive directly or indirectly owns, manages, operates,
controls, is employed by or participates in the ownership, management, operation
or control of, or is connected in any manner with, any business of the type and
character engaged in and competitive with that conducted by the Company during
the period of the Executive's employment, the Executive will use his best
efforts to ensure that such business does not take any of the following actions:
(i) persuade or attempt to persuade any client of the Company to cease doing
business with the Company, or to reduce the amount of business it does with the
Company;
(ii) persuade or attempt to persuade any potential client to which the
Company has made a presentation, or with which the Company has been having
discussions, not to hire the Company;
(iii) solicit, for himself or any person other than the Company, any
business that is the same as, similar to or is a replacement for that of the
Company, from any person which is a client of the Company, or was its client
within (6) months prior to the termination of the Executive's employment;
notwithstanding the above, this section (iii) does not apply after the period
that Company pays the Executive's salary if the Executive is terminated without
cause as provided for in paragraph 3.1; or
(iv) persuade or attempt to persuade any employee of the Company or any
individual who was its employee during the one (1) year prior to the Executive's
termination of employment, to leave the Company's employ or to become employed
by any person other than the Company.
The obligations of the Executive under this paragraph 6 shall survive any
Page 5
<PAGE> 6
termination of this Agreement.
7. INVENTIONS.
(a) Any and all intellectual property, and inventions or software made,
developed or created by the Executive during the term of this Agreement which
reasonably relate to the business of the Company or which reasonably relate to
any business conducted by the Company during the term of the Executive's
employment by the Company (each, an "Invention"), whether at the request or
suggestion of the Company or otherwise, whether alone or in conjunction with
others, and whether during regular working hours of work or otherwise, shall be
promptly and fully disclosed by the Executive to the President and/or the Board
of Directors of the Company and shall be the Company's exclusive property as
against the Executive, and the Executive shall promptly deliver to the President
and/or the Board of Directors all papers, drawings, models, data and other
material relating to any Invention made, developed or created by him as
aforesaid. In addition, the Executive during the term of this Agreement, whether
or not such Invention relates to the business being conducted by the Company at
the time of development or creation of such Invention.
(b) The Executive hereby expressly acknowledges and agrees that any
Invention developed or created by the Executive during the term of this
Agreement which reasonably relates to the business of the Company or which
reasonably relates to the business conducted by the Company during the
Executive's employment by the Company shall be considered "works made for hire"
within the meaning of the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended (17 U.S.C. S 101).
Each such Invention as well as all copies of such Invention in whatever medium
fixed or embodied, shall be owned exclusively by the Company as of the date of
creation.
(c) The Executive shall, upon the Company's request and without any
payment therefor, execute any documents necessary or advisable in the opinion of
the Company's counsel to direct issuance of patents or copyrights of the Company
with respect to such Invention as are to be in the Company's exclusive property
as against the Executive under this Paragraph 7 or to vest in the Company title
to such inventions as against the Executive, the expense of securing any such
patent or copyright, to be borne by the Company. In addition, the Executive
agrees not to file any patent, copyright or trademark applications related to
such Invention.
8. MISCELLANEOUS.
8.1 SUCCESSORS; BINDING AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the obligations
of the Company hereunder and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure
to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns; provided, however, that the duties of
the Executive hereunder are personal to the Executive and may not be delegated
or assigned by him.
8.2 NOTICES. All notices, requests or instructions hereunder shall be
in writing and delivered personally, sent by telecopier or sent by registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows:
IF TO THE EXECUTIVE:
Mr. Adam Leff
66 West 88th Street, Apt 1-D
New York, NY 10024
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Telephone: (212) 724-8602
IF TO THE COMPANY:
Ad-Star Services, Inc.
4553 Glencoe Avenue, Suite 325
Marina del Rey, California 90292
Telephone: (310) 577-8255
Facsimile: (310) 577-8266
Attention: Leslie Bernhard
Either of the above addresses may be changed at any time by notice given as
provided above; provided, however, that any such notice of change of address
shall be effective only upon receipt. All notices, requests or instructions
given in accordance herewith shall be deemed received on the date of delivery,
if hand delivered or telecopied, and two business days after the date of
mailing, if mailed.
8.3 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of
laws rules thereof.
8.4 WAIVERS. The waiver of either party hereto of any right hereunder
or of any failure to perform or breach by the other party hereto shall not be
deemed a waiver of any other right hereunder or of any other failure or breach
by the other party hereto, whether of the same or a similar nature or otherwise.
No waiver shall be deemed to have occurred unless set forth in writing executed
by or on behalf of the waiving party. No such written waiver shall be deemed a
continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall
operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not
constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future or as to any act
other than that specifically waived.
8.5 VALIDITY. The invalidity or enforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any provision
of this Agreement, which shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.
Moreover, if any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement is
held to be excessively broad as to duration, scope, activity or other, in lieu,
such provisions shall be construed by limiting and reducing them so as to be
enforceable to the maximum extent compatible with applicable law.
8.6 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
8.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement
and understanding of the parties in respect of the subject matter contained
herein, and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, convenants, arrangements,
communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any
officer, employee or representative of either party in respect of said subject
matter.
8.8 HEADING DESCRIPTIVE. The headings of the several paragraphs of
this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not in any way affect
the meaning or construction of any of this Agreement.
8.9 INDEMNIFICATION. As an officer of the Company, the Executive will
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have the same indemnification as the other officers have, according to the
Articles of Incorporation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this
Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
EXECUTIVE
-------------------------------------
AD-STAR SERVICES, INC.
By:
----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
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AD-STAR SERVICES, INCORPORATED
4553 GLENCOE AVENUE, SUITE 325
MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA 90292
July 15, 1999
Mr. Adam Leff
7037 Sunny Bare Avenue
Winnetka, California 91306
RE: Ad-Star Services, Incorporated
Dear Adam:
This is to confirm our understanding with respect to our agreement
amending your Employment Agreement with the Company dated July 20, 1998
(the "Employment Agreement") in the following respects:
1. Effective June 1, 1999 (i) your base compensation as set forth in
Section 4.1 of the Employment Agreement shall be raised from $96,000 per annum
to $118,000 per annum, (ii) you shall be entitled to a monthly car allowance of
$650 and (iii) your title shall be Senior Vice President/Business Development
and Corporate Communications in place and instead of Vice President/Chief
Operating Officer and the new title shall be used to replace Vice
President/Chief Operating Officer wherever it appears in Section 1 or elsewhere
in the Employment Agreement.
2. If during the next twelve months the Company has an initial public
offering in which stockholders of the Company sell shares owned by them to the
Underwriter pursuant to its exercise of its over-allotment option, within five
days after the closing of such offering the Company will purchase and you shall
sell to the Company so many shares of your stock which when valued at the
initial public offering ("IPO") price most nearly equals $160,000.
3. In all other respects the Employment Agreement is ratified and
approved.
Please indicate your approval of the foregoing changes by signing this
letter where indicated and returning it to me.
Very truly yours,
Leslie Bernhard
APPROVED AND RATIFIED:
- --------------------------
Adam Leff
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EXHIBIT 10.17
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of April 12, 1999 between MICHAEL KLINE
(the "Executive") and AD-STAR SERVICES, INC., a New York corporation (the
"Company").
1. Term of Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the
term of employment of the Executive under this Employment Agreement shall be for
the period commencing on April 12, 1999 and terminating on April 11, 2001,
unless sooner terminated as provided in accordance with the provisions of
Section 6 hereof. Such term of employment is herein sometimes called the
"Employment Term."
2. Duties and Responsibilities. With respect to his duties and
responsibilities as Senior Vice President - Strategy the Executive shall report
to the Chief Executive Officer and with respect to his duties and
responsibilities as Senior Vice President - Products, the Executive shall report
to the Executive Vice President.. In both capacities the Executive shall perform
such duties consistent with his titles and position as may be assigned to him
from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer, and the Board of Directors.
During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote his full time, skill, energy
and attention to the business of the Company and shall perform his duties in a
diligent, trustworthy, loyal and businesslike manner.
3. Compensation. The Company shall pay to Executive a salary at the
rate of $102,000 per year payable in such manner as it shall determine, but in
no event any less often than monthly, less withholding required by law and other
deductions agreed to by Executive.
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4. Incentive Stock Options. As of the date hereof, the Company and
Executive shall enter into a Stock Option Agreement (the "Stock Option
Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company shall grant to Executive options to
acquire 5.26 shares of the common stock, without par value, of the Company (the
"Common Stock") at a price equal to $66,977 per share and upon such terms and
conditions as are set forth in its 1999 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). The
options are intended to constitute Incentive Stock Options (the "Incentive Stock
Options") as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). One-third of such Incentive Stock Options shall vest and
become exercisable on each of April 12, 1999, 2000 and 2001, provided, however,
that in the event of a change of control, as defined in the Plan, the Company
terminates Executive's employment without cause or the Executive terminates his
employment with good reason, all options granted to Executive which have not yet
vested shall then vest and become exercisable and if the Company has an initial
public offering of its securities within twelve months from the date hereof, the
vesting of the outstanding invested options shall be accelerated by twelve
months. All options shall expire five years from the date of grant.
5. Expenses and Benefits.
(a) The Company shall, consistent with its policy of reporting
and reimbursement of business expenses, reimburse Executive for such ordinary
and necessary business related expenses as shall be incurred by Executive in the
course of the performance of his duties under this Agreement including, but not
limited to, the expenses associated with the use of a cellular telephone and
internet access at Executive's home provided by a local cable service.
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(b) Executive shall be eligible to participate to the extent
that he qualifies in all benefit plans, including without limitation, pension,
term life insurance, hospitalization, medical insurance and disability plans as
are made available from time-to time to executives of the Company.
(c) Executive shall be entitled to two weeks of paid vacation
annually, which shall be taken in accordance with the procedures of the Company
in effect from time-to-time.
6. Termination.
(a) The Company shall have the right to terminate the
employment of the Executive under this Agreement for disability in the event
Executive suffers an injury, illness or incapacity of such character as to
substantially disable him from performing his duties hereunder for a period of
more one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days upon the Company giving at last
thirty (30) days' written notice of termination.
(b) This Agreement shall terminate upon the death of Executive.
(c) The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time
because of (i) Executive's material breach of any term of this Agreement, (ii)
Executive's disloyalty or (iii) the willful engaging by the Executive in
misconduct which is materially injurious to the Company, monetarily or
otherwise.
(d) The Executive may terminate this agreement for good reason,
consisting of the material breach of this agreement by the Company including
effecting a material change in the Executive's title, reporting relationships or
responsibilities; provided, however, that relieving the Executive of one of his
two titles cited in Section 2 herein shall not justify Executive's termination
under this subsection.
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(e) In the event the Company terminates Executive's employment
without cause or the Executive terminates his employment with good reason
pursuant to Section 6(d) the Company shall pay the Executive for the balance of
what would have been the Employment Term but for its early termination as
described in this Section 6(e) one half of the monthly compensation payable to
him under Section 3 hereof or three full months of compensation under Section 3,
whichever is higher, provided, however, that no payment shall be made hereunder
for any month in which the Company makes a payment to the Executive pursuant to
Section 8 hereof. If the amount payable under this section exceeds two months
compensation, the Company may at its option pay the Executive a lump sum payment
equal to two months compensation and the balance in 10 equal monthly
installments with interest thereon at the rate of 8% per annum.
7. Revealing of Trade Secrets, etc. Executive acknowledges the
interest of the Company in maintaining the confidentiality of information
related to its business and shall not at any time during the Employment Term or
thereafter, directly or indirectly, reveal or cause to be revealed to any person
or entity the supplier lists, customer lists or other confidential business
information of the Company; provided, however, that the parties acknowledge that
it is not the intention of this paragraph to include within its subject matter
(a) information not proprietary to the Company, (b) information which is then in
the public domain, or (c) information required to be disclosed by law.
8. Covenants Not to Compete. During the Employment Term and, subject
to the last sentence of this paragraph, for a period of one year thereafter, the
Executive shall not, directly or indirectly: (i) in any manner, engage in any
business which competes with any business conduced by the Company and will not
directly or indirectly own, manage, operate,
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join, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control
of, or be employed by or connected in any manner with any corporation, firm or
business that is so engaged, (provided, however, that nothing herein shall
prohibit the Executive from owning not more than three (3%) percent of the
outstanding stock of any publicly held corporation), (ii) persuade or attempt to
persuade any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company or to
become employed by any other entity or (iii) persuade or attempt to persuade any
current client or former client with, or to reduce the amount of business it
does or intends or anticipates doing with the Company. If the Executive is
terminated without cause or if he terminates his employment with good reason
prior to the end of the Employment Term, the covenant not to compete shall
terminate unless the Company agrees to continue to pay Executive his
compensation as set forth in Section 3 for one year subsequent to termination in
which event the Executive shall be bound by the non-competition covenant for
such one year period.
9. Opportunities. During his employment with the Company, and for one
year thereafter, Executive shall not take any action which might divert from the
Company any opportunity learned about by him during his employment with the
Company (including without limitation during the Employment Term) which would be
within the scope of any of the businesses then engaged in or planned to be
engaged in by the Company.
10. Survival. In the event that this Agreement shall be terminated,
then notwithstanding such termination, the obligations of Executive pursuant to
Sections 7 and 8 of this Agreement shall survive such termination.
11. Contents of Agreement, Parties in Interest, Assignment, etc. This
Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect
to the subject matter
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hereof. All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective heirs,
representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto, except that the
duties and responsibilities of Executive hereunder which are of a personal
nature shall neither be assigned nor transferred in whole or in part by
Executive. This Agreement shall not be amended except by a written instrument
duly executed by the parties.
12. Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement shall be
held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, such term or provision shall
be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining terms and provisions hereof, and this Agreement shall
be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable term or provision had not been
contained herein.
13. Notices. Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be
given hereunder by any party to the other party shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally or five (5) days after
dispatch by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested, to the party to whom the same is so given or made:
If to the Company
addressed to: Ad-Star Services, Inc.
4553 Glencoe Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
with a copy to: Morse, Zelnick, Rose & Lander, LLP
450 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
If to Executive
addressed to: Michael Kline
2815 Ocean Avenue
Venice, California 90291
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or to such other address as the one party shall specify to the other party in
writing.
14. Indemnification. The Company shall amend its Certificate of
Incorporation to provide its officers with the maximum indemnification permitted
under New York law.
15. Adjusted Cash Credit Payment. The Consultant Service Agreement
between the Company and the Executive dated January 4, 1999 (the "Consultant
Agreement") shall, except as indicated below, in all respects be deemed
terminated as of April 12, 1999. The Company shall account to the Executive for
an accumulated cash credit of $14,000 earned by him under the Consultant
Agreement as follows: If the Company consummates an initial public offering (an
"IPO") of its securities within 365 days from the date of this agreement and the
over allotment option of the Underwriter is exercised, the Executive shall be
entitled to receive in cash the Adjusted Cash Credit, as defined below,
multiplied by a fraction in which the numerator shall be the market
capitalization value of the Company as of the date of the IPO based on the IPO
price and the denominator of which shall be $7,000,000 (the agreed upon value of
the Company as of April 30, 1999). The Adjusted Cash Credit shall mean $14,000
less whatever portion of such amount the Executive elects to take prior to the
IPO. In the event that an IPO does not take place or in the event an IPO takes
place in which the over allotment option is not exercised, within the 365 day
period the Executive shall have the right to be paid the balance of the
accumulated cash credit at any time upon 30 days written notice.
16. Counterparts and Headings. This Agreement may be executed in one
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument. All headings are inserted
for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.
AD-STAR SERVICES, INC.
By:
--------------------------------
-----------------------------------
MICHAEL KLINE
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