<PAGE> 1
AS FILED ON January 14, 1998 REGISTRATION NO. ___-______
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AMERICAN CLASSIC VOYAGES CO.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 31-0303330
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(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
TWO NORTH RIVERSIDE PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
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(Address of principal executive offices)
AMERICAN CLASSIC VOYAGES CO. 1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
----------------------------------------------------
(Full title of the Plan)
PHILIP C. CALIAN
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AMERICAN CLASSIC VOYAGES CO.
TWO NORTH RIVERSIDE PLAZA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
(312) 258-1890
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(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================================
Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum
Title of Securities Amount to be Offering Price per Aggregate Offering Amount of
to be Registered Registered Share Price Registration Fee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock
$.01 par value 2,000,000 shares $17.625 $35,250,000 $10,398.75
===============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
The offering price for such shares is estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c)
and (h) of Regulation C under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, solely
for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, and is based upon the
average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Common Stock as reported
by The Nasdaq Stock Market on January __, 1998.
-----------------------
This Registration Statement shall become effective automatically upon the
date of filing in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and 17 C.F.R. Section 230.462.
<PAGE> 2
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Pursuant to General Instruction E, this Registration Statement on Form S-8
is filed by American Classic Voyages Co., formerly known as The Delta Queen
Steamboat Co. (the "Registrant"), to register 2,000,000 additional securities
under the American Classic Voyages Co. 1992 Stock Option Plan, formerly known
as The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), which is
covered by the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-62502),
the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The current
registration of 2,000,000 shares of common stock of the Registrant will
increase the number of shares registered for issuance under the Plan to
3,000,000 shares.
2
<PAGE> 3
SIGNATURES
THE REGISTRANT. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that
it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 with respect to shares
of Common Stock offered under the American Classic Voyages Co. 1992 Stock
Option Plan (the "Plan"), and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Chicago, State of Illinois, on December 23, 1997.
AMERICAN CLASSIC VOYAGES CO.
By /s/
-------------------------
Philip C. Calian
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons on behalf
of the Registrant and in their indicated capacities as of January 3, 1998.
SIGNATURE CAPACITY
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* Chief Executive Officer and Director
- ----------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
Philip C. Calian
* Chief Accounting Officer
- ----------------------------- (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
O. Ivy Wu
* Director
- -----------------------------
Samuel Zell
* Director
- -----------------------------
Sheli Z. Rosenberg
* Director
- -----------------------------
Arthur A. Greenberg
* Director
- -----------------------------
Ann Lurie
3
<PAGE> 4
* Director
- -----------------------------
Jerry R. Jacob
* Director
- -----------------------------
Joseph P. Sullivan
* Philip C. Calian, by signing his named hereto, signs this Registration
Statement on behalf of the persons indicated above pursuant to Power's of
Attorney duly executed by such persons, in the City of Chicago, State of
Illinois, as of this 3rd day of January, 1998.
By: /s/
------------------------------
Philip C. Calian
Attorney-in-Fact
4
<PAGE> 5
EXHIBIT INDEX
Pursuant to General Instruction E of the instructions to the Form S-8, the
Registrant hereby incorporates by reference the exhibits of the previous
Registration Statement filed by the Registrant on Form S-8 (Registration No.
33-62505). The following additional exhibits are filed as part of this
Registration Statement:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number Exhibit
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<S> <C>
4.1 American Classic Voyages Co. 1992 Stock Option Plan
(known as Delta Queen Steamboat Co. 1992 Stock Option Plan
prior to change of Registrant's name).
4.2 Amendment to the 1992 Stock Option Plan, effective August 6, 1993.
4.3 Amendment to the 1992 Stock Option Plan, effective June 11, 1997.
5 Legal opinion of Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather &
Geraldson, counsel to the Registrant, regarding the legality
of the shares of common stock.
23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
23.2 Consent of Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson (included
in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5).
24 Powers of Attorney authorizing the signing of the
Registration Statement and amendments hereto on behalf of the
Registrant's officers and directors.
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 4.1
THE DELTA QUEEN STEAMBOAT CO.
1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. Purpose and Structure.
The purpose of this 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "1992 Plan") is to
encourage and enable certain directors, officers, key employees and consultants
of The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. (the "Company") and its subsidiaries to acquire
a proprietary interest in the Company through the ownership of common stock of
the Company. Such ownership will provide such employees with a more direct
stake in the future welfare of the Company and encourage them to remain with
the Company or a subsidiary of the Company. It is also expected that the 1992
Plan will encourage qualified persons to seek and accept employment with the
Company.
Pursuant to the 1992 Plan, certain directors, officers, key employees and
consultants will be offered the opportunity to acquire common stock through the
grant of stock options including both "non-qualified" stock options ("NQSOs")
and for key employees only, "incentive stock options" ("ISOs") (which term, when
used herein, shall have the meaning ascribed thereto by Section 422(b) of the
internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")). In addition, the 1992
Plan provides for the granting of stock appreciation rights ("SARs"). "Options"
hereinafter means stock options (including both NQSOs and ISOs) and SARs.
"Subsidiary" hereinafter means any present or future corporation which is or
would be a "subsidiary corporation" of the Company as the term is defined in
Section 424 of the Code determined as if the Company were the employer
corporation. The Options designated as ISOs and the provisions of the 1992 Plan
applicable thereto shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with Section 422
of the Code and all valid regulations issued thereunder.
2. Administration of the 1992 Plan.
The 1992 Plan shall be administered by the Committee as described in
Paragraph 3. In administering the 1992 Plan, the Committee may adopt rules and
regulations for carrying out the 1992 Plan. Any interpretation and decision
with regard to any question arising under the 1992 Plan made by the Committee
shall be final and conclusive as to all participants in the 1992 Plan
("Participants") and all other employees of the Company or a Subsidiary. The
Committee shall determine the directors, officers, employees and consultants to
whom, and the time or times at which, grants shall be made, the number of
Options to be included in the grants, the number of Options which shall be
granted as NQSOs, ISOs and SARs, the time or times within which (during the
term of the Options) all or portions of Options may be exercised, the price at
which options granted will be exercisable, the SAR exercise value and all other
matters with respect to the Options.
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<PAGE> 2
3. Committee.
The "Committee" is the Stock Option Committee which shall be appointed
from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") and
which shall be constituted as to permit the 1992 Plan to comply with Rule 16b-3
promulgated under Section l6(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act").
The Board may at any time and from time to time remove any member of the
Committee, with or without cause, appoint additional members of the Committee
and fill vacancies, however caused, in the Committee. A majority of the members
of the Committee shall constitute a quorum. All determinations of the Committee
shall be made by a majority of its members. Any decision or determination of
the Committee reduced to writing and signed by a majority of the members of the
Committee shall be as effective as if it had been made at a meeting duly called
and held. The Committee may delegate any of its powers except the selection and
determination of grants of Options to persons subject to Section 16(b) of the
Exchange Act.
The interpretation and construction by the Committee of any provisions of
the Plan or of any agreement or of other matters related to the Plan shall be
final. The Committee may from time to time adopt such rules and regulations for
carrying out the Plan as it may deem best. No member of the Board of Directors
or the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good
faith with respect to the Plan.
4. Shares of Stock Subject to the 1992 Plan.
Except as provided in Subparagraphs 7(i) and 7(j) and Paragraph 9, the
number of shares that may be issued or transferred pursuant to the exercise of
NQSOs or ISOs granted under the 1992 Plan shall not exceed 1,000,000 shares of
the common stock of the Company (the "Common Stock"). Such shares may be
authorized and unissued shares or previously issued shares acquired or to be
acquired by the Company and held in treasury. The number of shares subject to
SARs shall not exceed 1,000,000 less the number of shares that may be issued or
transferred pursuant to the exercise of NQSOs or ISOs granted under the 1992
Plan. Any shares subject to an Option, which, for any reason, expires or is
terminated unexercised may again be subject to an Option under the 1992 Plan.
5. Eligibility
Options may be granted only to directors, officers, key employees and
consultants of the Company or a Subsidiary as selected by the Committee as
being potential contributors to the successful operation of the Company or a
Subsidiary; provided, however that the members of the Committee shall not be
eligible to participate under the 1992 Plan.
- 2 -
<PAGE> 3
6. Granting of Options.
All ISOs granted pursuant to the 1992 Plan shall be granted no later than
ten years from the Plan's effective date. Subject to the provisions hereof,
NQSOs and SARs may be granted at any time. The date of the grant of any option
shall be the date on which the Committee authorizes the grant of such Option by
resolution or any other date specified by the Committee.
7. Terms and Conditions of Options.
Options shall be evidenced by stock option agreements, which agreements
need not be identical and shall contain in substance the following terms and
conditions:
(a) Option Price. The purchase price under each Option shall be not less
than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock at the time the Option
is granted. In the case of an ISO granted to a Participant owning more than 10%
of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, or
of any Subsidiary, actually or constructively under Section 424(d) of the Code
(a "10% Shareholder"), the purchase price shall not be less than 110% of the
Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the ISO at the time of its
grant.
(b) SARs. Upon exercise of a SAR, the holder thereof shall be entitled to
receive from the Company consideration in an amount equal to the product of (i)
the difference between the SAR exercise value as determined by the Committee
and the purchase price under such SAR, and (ii) the number of shares of Common
Stock subject to the SAR, or the number of shares represented by the portion of
the SAR which is exercised. The option agreement with respect to a SAR may
provide that the holder may request payment in cash, in Common Stock, or in any
combination thereof, provided, however, that the Committee, in its sole
discretion shall decide whether such payment shall be in cash, in Common Stock
or in a combination thereof. Agreements with respect to an SAR may provide that
the SAR is granted alone or in conjunction with an ISO or NQSO and may contain
such other provisions as determined by the Committee.
(c) Exercise of Options and Medium and Time of Payment. An Option may be
exercised only by written notice of intent to exercise such Option with respect
to a specified number of shares of the Common Stock and payment to the Company
of the amount of the option price (if any, with respect thereto). Stock
purchased pursuant to the exercise of an Option shall at the time of purchase
be paid for in full (i) in cash, (ii) with shares of Common Stock to be valued
at the fair market value
- 3 -
<PAGE> 4
thereof on the date of such exercise, (iii) with a combination of the
foregoing, or (iv) by such other means which the Committee determines to be
consistent with the purpose of the 1992 Plan and applicable law. Upon receipt
of the payment, the Company shall, without stock transfer tax to the
Participant or other person entitled to exercise the Option, deliver to the
person exercising such Option a certificate or certificates for such shares. It
shall be a condition to the performance of the Company's obligation to issue or
transfer Common Stock upon exercise of an Option that the person exercising the
Option pay, or make provision satisfactory to the Company for the payment of,
any taxes (other than stock transfer taxes) which the Company is obligated to
collect with respect to the issue or transfer of Common Stock upon such
exercise. The obligation to pay the Company any amount required to be withheld
under applicable federal, state and local tax laws in connection with the
exercise of Options may be satisfied by having the Company withhold from the
Common Stock to be acquired upon exercise of the Option.
The Committee may establish a program through which Participants may
borrow funds with which to purchase stock pursuant to the exercise of an
Option. Eligibility of any Participant for such borrowing will be determined
solely at the discretion of the Committee. Any such loan shall bear interest at
a rate determined by the Committee.
(d) Exercise Period. No ISO may be exercised after ten (10) years from the
date it is granted. In the case of an ISO granted to a 10% Shareholder, such
ISO, by its terms, may not be exercised more than five (5) years from the date
of grant. Options will become exercisable according to a maturity schedule
determined by the Committee and the exercise of any Option may be accelerated
upon terms and conditions to be determined by the Committee. Notwithstanding
any other provision of the 1992 Plan and any action of the Committee, at the
time an ISO is granted, the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time
the ISO is granted) of the stock with respect to which ISOs are exercisable for
the first time by a Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of
the Company and any parent and subsidiary of the Company which provides for
granting ISOs) shall not exceed $100,000. The Committee may limit the periods
during which persons subject to the Exchange Act may exercise SARs in
conformity with Rule 16b-3.
(e) Rights as a Stockholder. No holder of any Option shall have rights as
a stockholder with respect to any shares issuable or transferable upon exercise
thereof until the date a stock certificate is issued to him for such shares.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in the 1992 Plan, no adjustment shall be
made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the
date such stock certificate is issued.
- 4 -
<PAGE> 5
(f) Non-Assignability of Options. No Option granted to a Participant
subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act nor
any ISO shall be assignable or transferable by the Participant except by will
or by the laws of descent and distribution. Options granted to a Participant
subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and all
ISOs shall be exercisable during the lifetime of a Participant only by the
Participant. The Committee in its discretion may permit Participants not
subject to the Exchange Act to transfer NQSOs and SARs to (i) family members,
(ii) custodianships under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act or any similar
statute (iii) trusts for the benefit of any family member, (iv) trusts by such
Participant for the Participant's primary benefit and (v) upon termination of a
custodianship under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act or similar statute or
the termination of a trust, by the custodian or trustee thereof, to the person
or persons who, in accordance with the terms of such custodianship or trust are
entitled to receive Options held in custody or trust.
(g) Effect of Termination of Employment or Death. No Option shall be
exercisable after termination of employment with the Company or a Subsidiary,
except as provided in the stock option agreement or by the Committee. Options
shall not be affected by any change of employment so long as the Participant
continues to be employed by either the Company or a Subsidiary.
Nothing in the 1992 Plan or in any Option shall confer any right to
continue in the employ of the Company or a Subsidiary or interfere in any way
with the right of the Company or Subsidiary of the Company to terminate the
employment of the Participant at any time unless an employee is otherwise
subject to such an agreement.
Notwithstanding any other provision in the 1992 Plan, ISOs will expire no
later than three months after termination by employment for any reason, except
in the case of termination by reason of death or permanent and total disability
(within the meaning of proposed Treasury Regulations Section 1.422A-l(a)(3)),
in which case the ISO will expire no later than one year after termination.
(h) Leave of Absence. In the case of a Participant on an approved leave of
absence, the Committee may, if it determines that to do so would be in the best
interests of the Company, provide in a specific case or cases for continuation
of Options during such leave of absence, such continuation to be on such terms
and conditions as the Committee determines to be appropriate taking into
account the effect, if any, of the provisions of applicable law with respect to
the exercisability of ISOs, except that in no event shall an Option be
exercisable after ten years from the date it is granted.
- 5 -
<PAGE> 6
(i) Recapitalization. If the Common Stock should, as a result of any
stock dividend, stock split, other subdivision or combination of shares of
Common Stock, or any reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise, be
increased or decreased, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each
outstanding Option, the Option price under each outstanding Option and the
total number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 1992
Plan shall be adjusted as determined by the Committee to reflect such action.
Any new shares or other securities issued with respect to shares of Common
Stock shall be deemed shares of Common Stock.
(j) Sale or Reorganization. In case the Company is merged or consolidated
with another corporation, or in case the property or stock of the Company is
acquired by another corporation, or in case of a reorganization or liquidation
of the Company, or in case of any extraordinary transaction, the Committee or
the board of directors of any corporation assuming the obligations of the
Company hereunder, shall have the right to provide for the continuation of
Options or for other equitable adjustments as determined by the Committee (by
means, such as, for example, cash payment in an amount equal to the difference
between the Common Stock price and the purchase price, conversion into other
property or securities, or giving written notice to holders that their Options
will become immediately exercisable, notwithstanding any waiting period
otherwise prescribed by the Committee, and that such Options must be exercised
within a specified period of days of such notice or they will be terminated).
(k) General Restrictions. Each Option granted under the 1992 Plan shall
be subject to the requirement that if at any time the Board shall determine, in
its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the shares
issuable or transferable upon exercise thereof upon any securities exchange or
under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental
regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection
with the granting of such Option, or the issuance, transfer or purchase of
shares thereunder, such Option may not be exercised in whole or in part unless
such listing, registration, qualification, consent, or approval shall have been
effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Board. The
Company shall not be obligated to sell or issue any shares of Common Stock in
any manner in contravention of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any
state securities law. Each Participant shall agree to such terms and conditions
in connection with the exercise of an Option, including restrictions on the
disposition of the Common Stock acquired upon exercise thereof, as the
Committee may deem appropriate. Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an
Option may be legended as the Committee shall deem appropriate to reflect the
restrictions imposed by the Committee, the 1992 Plan or by securities laws
generally.
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<PAGE> 7
8. Option Granted to S. Cody Engle.
As of the date of the 1992 Plan's adoption by the Board, S. Cody Engle
will be granted Options to purchase 200,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price equal to the initial offering price of a share of Common Stock
offered by the Company pursuant to the first Form S-1 Registration Statement
under the Securities Act of 1933 which shall become effective during 1992. to
the extent allowable under Section 7(d) hereunder, such Options shall be ISO's.
The Options shall vest as follows: a) one-third at the date of grant; b)
one-third one year after the date of grant; and c) one-third two years after
the date of grant. The Option may be exercised only during a term (the "Term")
commencing 180 days from the date of the grant of the Option and ending on the
date ten (10) years from the date of grant of the Option and then only in
cumulative annual installments as follows:
(a) During the first year of the Term, the Option shall be exercisable as
to 66,666 of the shares subject to the Option;
(b) During the second year of the Term, the Option shall be exercisable as
to 133,333 shares subject to the Option minus the number of shares, if any, as
to which the Option was exercised during the first year of the Term:
(c) During the remaining years of the Term, the Option shall be
exercisable as to all of the shares subject to the Option, minus the number of
shares, if any, as to which the Option was previously exercised.
Except as contained herein in Section 8, all other terms and conditions in
Section 7 hereunder shall apply to such Option.
9. Termination and Amendment of the 1992 Plan.
The Board shall have the right to amend, suspend, or terminate the 1992
Plan at any time; provided, however, that shareholder approval shall be
necessary to adopt any amendment if the adoption of such amendment without
shareholder approval would cause the 1992 Plan to no longer comply with Rule
16b-3 or any successor rule or regulatory requirement.
10. Restriction on Sale of Shares.
Without prior written notice to the Company, no Common Stock acquired by a
Participant upon exercise of an ISO granted hereunder shall be disposed of by
the Participant within two years from the date such ISO was granted, nor within
one year after the transfer of such stock to the Participant; provided,
however, that a transfer to a trustee, receiver, or other fiduciary in any
insolvency proceeding, as described in Section 422(c)(3) of the Code, shall not
be deemed to be such a disposition.
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<PAGE> 8
11. Effective Date of the 1992 Plan.
The 1992 Plan is effective as of the date of its adoption by the Board,
subject, however, to approval by the shareholders of the Company within 12
months thereafter; and if such approval is not obtained, the 1992 Plan shall
terminate and any and all Options granted during such interim periods shall
also terminate and be of no further force or effect. The 1992 Plan shall
terminate at such time as no further shares of Common Stock are available for
issue upon the exercise or transfer of Options hereunder (including shares
available due to the forfeiture or expiration of Options) and all such options
have been exercised or expired, or on such earlier date as the Board may
determine. Any Option outstanding at the termination date shall remain
outstanding until it has either expired or has been exercised.
12. Miscellaneous.
Any references herein to sections of the Code, regulations thereunder or
rules under the Exchange Act shall also mean successor provisions to such
sections, regulations or rules.
For purposes of the 1992 Plan, Fair Market Value shall be determined in
accordance with the Code and the regulations thereunder.
The 1992 Plan is intended to comply with Rule 16b-3 with respect to
persons subject to the Exchange Act and any provision which would prevent
compliance with Rule 16b-3 shall be deemed invalid to the extent permitted by
law and deemed necessary by the Committee.
The Committee may, in order to fulfill the purposes of the 1992 Plan and
without amending the 1992 Plan, modify grants of Options to participants who
are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States to recognize
differences in local law, tax policy or custom.
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<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 4.2
AMENDMENT TO THE 1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
Whereas The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. (the "Company") believes it is in
the best interest of the Company to amend the 1992 Stock Option Plan (the
"Plan");
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED for adequate consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, that the Plan be amended to
incorporate the following:
1) Paragraph 4 Shares of Stock Subject to the 1992 Plan is deleted and
replaced with the following Paragraph 4:
"Except as provided in Subparagraphs 7(i) and 7(j) and Paragraph 9, the
number of shares that may be issued or transferred pursuant to the
exercise of NQSOs or ISOs granted under the 1992 Plan shall not exceed
2,000,000 shares of the common stock of the Company (the "Common Stock").
Such shares may be authorized and unissued shares or previously issued
shares acquired or to be acquired by the Company and held in treasury.
The number of shares subject to SARs shall not exceed 2,000,000 less the
number of shares that may be issued or transferred pursuant to the
exercise of NQSOs or ISOs granted under the 1992 Plan. Any shares subject
to an Option, which, for any reason, expires or is terminated unexercised,
may again be subject to an Option under the 1992 Plan."
2) Paragraph 5 Eligibility is deleted and replaced with the following
Paragraph 5:
"Options may be granted only to directors, officers, key employees and
consultants of the Company or a Subsidiary as selected by the Committee as
being potential contributors to the successful operation of the Company or
a Subsidiary."
3) Paragraph 13 Non-Employee Board of Director Options is added as follows:
"Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Committee shall
grant to each non-employee director as of the first meeting of the Board
after each annual meeting of stockholders of the Company commencing with
the annual meeting to be held on August 6, 1993, an Option to purchase
5,000 shares of Common Stock at the Fair Market Value as determined in
accordance with the Plan. The term of the Option shall be for a period of
ten (10) years from the date of the grant. The Option shall be immediately
exercisable.
"Such Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of
descent and distribution, subject to the provisions described below. Such
Option may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by the
Optionee. Following the termination of the directorship of the Optionee
with the Company or any Subsidiary for any reason other than the death of
the Optionee, the Optionee's Option shall terminate. In the event of the
death of the Optionee while the Optionee is a director of the Company or
of a Subsidiary, or within three (3) months from the date of termination of
the directorship of the Optionee but before the expiration of the Term of
the Option, the Optionee or the Successor of the Optionee may exercise the
Option to the extent that the Option was exercisable on the date of the
termination or death of the Optionee. The Successor must exercise the
Option within twelve (12) months from the date of the death of the
Optionee and in any event prior to the expiration of the Term of the
Option."
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 4.3
AMENDMENT TO THE 1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Corporation to pay its non-employee
members of the Board of Directors a sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00)
per year, payable in the form of stock units in the Corporation's common stock;
and
WHEREAS, in order to effect the foregoing, certain amendments must be made
to the Corporation's 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "Plan").
RESOLVED, that the second paragraph of Section 1 of the Plan shall be
deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following text:
Pursuant to the 1992 Plan as amended certain directors, officers, key
employees and consultants will be offered the opportunity to acquire common
stock through the grant of certain interests, including: (a) "non-qualified"
stock options ("NQSO's"); (b) for key employees only, "incentive stock options"
("ISOs") (which term, when used herein, shall have the meaning ascribed thereto
by Section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"); (c) stock appreciation rights ("SARs") or phantom shares; and (d)
stock units or grants; (e) performance shares; and (f) reload options to
purchase additional shares if shares are delivered in payment for any other
interest. The term "Options" hereinafter shall refer to all of the foregoing
interests. The term "Subsidiary" hereinafter shall mean any present or future
corporation which is or would be a "subsidiary corporation" of the Corporation
as the term is defined in Section 424 of the Code determined as if the
Corporation were the employer corporation. The Options designated as ISOs and
the provisions of the 1992 Plan applicable thereto shall be interpreted in a
manner consistent with Section 422 of the Code and all valid regulations issued
thereunder.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Section 4 of the Plan shall be deleted in its
entirety and replaced with the following text:
Except as provided in Subparagraphs 7(i) and 7(j) and Paragraph 9, the
number of shares that may be issued or transferred pursuant to the exercise of
NQSOs, ISOs, or stock units granted under the 1992 Plan as amended shall not
exceed 3,000,000 shares of the common stock of the Company (the "Common
Stock"). Such shares may be authorized and unissued shares or previously issued
shares acquired or to be acquired by the Company and held in treasury. The
number of shares subject to SARs shall not exceed 3,000,000 less the number of
shares that may be issued or transferred pursuant to the exercise of NQSOs,
ISOs or stock units granted under the 1992 Plan. The number of shares that may
be subject to Options granted to any director, officer, employee or consultant
in any year cannot exceed 500,000 shares. Any shares subject to an Option,
which, for any reason, expires or is terminated unexercised, may again be
subject to an Option under the 1992 Plan.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Section 8 shall be deleted in its entirety,
including the heading, and replaced with the following text:
8. Special Provisions Under Code Section 162(m).
(a) The provisions of this Section 8 shall apply only to persons
designated by the Committee as individuals who are or who are likely to become
"covered employees," within the contemplation of Section 162(m) of the Code;
provided that, if an individual is so designated and the Committee determines
that such individual is not a covered employee for the year in which the
Company is entitled to a deduction with respect to income he recognizes for
Federal income tax purposes in connection with an Option, the provisions of
this Section 8 shall not apply to such Option. The provisions of this Section 8
shall only apply to conditions, restrictions and limitations applicable to
Options that are related to the performance of the Company and if the
provisions of this Section 8 are necessary so that the Option qualifies as
"qualified performance-based compensation" as defined in Treasury Regulation
Section 1.162-27(e)(2). In the event of any inconsistencies between this
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<PAGE> 2
Section 8 and the other Plan provisions within the scope of the foregoing, the
provisions of this Section 8 shall control with respect to covered employees.
(b) As soon as practicable following the grant of an Option subject to
this Section 8 (but in no event more than ninety (90) days after the date of
grant), the Committee shall establish the performance-related goals to be used
in connection with conditions, restrictions and limitations applicable to such
Option. The performance-related goals shall be chosen from among the following
factors, or any combination of the following, as the Committee deems
appropriate: total stockholder return; growth in revenues, sales, net income,
stock price, and/or earnings per share; return on assets, net assets, and/or
capital; return on stockholders' equity; or the Company's financial performance
versus peers. The Committee may select among the goals specified, which need
not be the same for each participant or each Option.
(c) With respect to each Option described in paragraph (b), the Committee
shall (at the same time it is making the determinations under paragraph (b))
determine the relationship between the performance-related goals and the
conditions, restrictions and limitations applicable to the Option.
(d) In connection with the Options described in paragraph (b), no
performance-related goal will be considered to be satisfied until the Committee
has certified the extent to which the performance-related goals and any other
material terms were satisfied.
(e) Once established, performance-related goals shall not be changed,
except to the extent that the Committee has specified adjustments as part of
the determinations made under paragraph (b) and (c). Except as provided in the
preceding sentence, no performance-related goal applicable to a condition,
restriction or limitation shall be considered to be satisfied if the minimum
performance-related goals applicable thereto are not achieved.
(f) Individual performance shall not be reflected in a performance-related
goal under this Section 8. However, the Committee may retain the discretion to
treat a performance-related goal as not having been satisfied due to the
failure of a Participant to meet individual performance goals.
(g) If, on advice of the Company's tax counsel, the Committee determines
that Code Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder will not adversely
affect the deductibility for federal income tax purposes of any amount paid
under the Plan by applying provisions of this Plan (including this Section
8(g)) that conflict with this Section 8 to a covered employee, then the
Committee may, in its sole discretion, apply such Section or Sections to the
covered employee without regard to the exceptions to such Section or Sections
that are contained in this Section 8.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Section 13 shall be deleted in its entirety,
including the heading, and replaced with the following text:
Non-Employee Board of Director Stock Units. Notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary, effective January 1, 1997, the Corporation will pay
each non-employee member of the Board, as of the first day of each applicable
period, a certain number of stock units as an annual retainer, subject to the
provisions hereof. The number of stock units for each Director will be
determined as follows: (a) for the period of January 1, 1997 through June 30,
1997, the sum of $7,500 will be divided by the "Market Value" of the common
stock of the Corporation, as set forth below (the "Partial Year Grant"); and
(b) for every twelve (12) month period commencing July 1, 1997 and thereafter,
the sum of $30,000 will be divided by the Market Value. The Market Value of the
common stock of the Corporation will be the average closing price for the five
(5) trading days preceding any grant date. The number of stock units so
determined will be rounded to the nearest one-hundred (100) shares. The stock
units will be converted into an equal number of shares of common stock at any
time or times after the stock units are fully vested, as selected by each
Director prior to each grant of such stock units. Any distribution on the
common stock will either be distributed to the holder of the stock units or
will result in an equitable adjustment in the number of stock units as
determined by the Committee. The number of stock units will also be equitably
adjusted for stock splits and similar events. No stock units shall be deemed
vested prior to stockholder approval hereof, after which the Partial Year Grant
shall be deemed vested. Subsequent
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<PAGE> 3
grants of stock units will vest at the rate of 25% on the first day of each
calendar quarter. Any unvested stock units will be forfeited if the holder is
not a director at the time of vesting and any previous distributions on
forfeited shares will be subject to recapture upon determination of the
Committee.
A-3
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 5
[SEYFARTH, SHAW, FAIRWEATHER & GERALDSON LETTERHEAD]
January 12, 1998
American Classic Voyages Co.
Two North Riverside Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60606
RE: AMERICAN CLASSIC VOYAGES CO. 1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel for American Classic Voyages Co., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the proposed issuance by the
Company of options ("Options") to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of the
Company's common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), under
the American Classic Voyages Co. 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), all of
which are being registered pursuant to the filing of a Registration Statement
on Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933.
We have examined the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, its Bylaws,
the Plan, the forms of Option Agreements, and such other corporate records,
certificates, documents and matters of law as we have deemed necessary to
render this opinion.
Based on the foregoing and having due regard for such legal questions as
we have deemed relevant, we are of the opinion that the Plan, the Options and
the Common Stock have been duly authorized, and that the shares of Common Stock
issued are, or to be issued under the Plan will be, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable shares.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibits 5 and 23.2 to
the Registration Statement for the Plan.
Very truly yours,
SEYFARTH, SHAW, FAIRWEATHER & GERALDSON
/s/
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
Board of Directors
American Classic Voyages Co.
We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form
S-8 of American Classic Voyage Co. of our report dated February 19, 1997,
relating to the consolidated balance sheets of American Classic Voyages Co. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated
statements of earnings, retained earnings, and cash flow for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, and all related schedules,
which report appears in the December 31, 1996 annual report on Form 10-K of
American Classic Voyages Co.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Chicago, Illinois
January 14, 1998
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned officers and directors of American Classic Voyages,
Inc. (the "Company"), hereby appoint Philip C. Calian as our true and lawful
attorney, with the full power of substitution, to sign for us and in our names
with respect to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 pertaining to the
offering of common stock of the Company under the American Classic Voyages,
Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan, and any and all amendments to the Registration
Statement, and generally to do all such things in our names and on our behalf
in our capacities as officers and directors to enable the Company to comply
with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and all
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and all requirements of
any other applicable law or regulation, hereby ratifying and confirming our
signatures as they may be signed by our attorney to the Registration Statements
and any and all amendments thereto, including post-effective amendments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
-------------- -------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Chief Executive
/s/ Officer and Director December 23, 1997
------------------------
Philip C. Calian
Chief Accounting
/s/ Officer December 23, 1997
-----------------------
O. Ivy Wu
/s/ Director December 23, 1997
-----------------------
Samuel Zell
/s/ Director December 23, 1997
------------------------
Sheli Z. Rosenberg
/s/ Director December 30, 1997
------------------------
Arthur A. Greenberg
/s/ Director December 23, 1997
-----------------------
Ann Lurie
/s/ Director January 3, 1998
-----------------------
Jerry R. Jacob
/s/ Director December 23, 1997
------------------------
Joseph P. Sullivan
</TABLE>
