ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
SC 13D/A, 2000-06-09
ELECTRONIC COMPUTERS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              Washington, DC 20549

                                  SCHEDULE 13D

                                (Amendment No. 3)

                    Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                               ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS
                                (Name of Issuer)

                           Common Stock, no par value
                         (Title of Class of Securities)

                                    020903100
                                 (CUSIP Number)

                                Benjamin P. Giess
                         Hampshire Equity Partners, L.P.
                         520 Madison Avenue, 33rd Floor
                            New York, New York 10022
                                 (212) 453-1600

                                    Copy to:
                                James B. Carlson
                              Mayer, Brown & Platt
                                  1675 Broadway
                               New York, NY 10019
                                 (212) 506-2500

                  (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
                Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

                                 March 30, 2000
             (Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)


If the filing person has previously  filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report
the  acquisition  which is the subject to this  Schedule 13D, and is filing this
schedule  because of Rule  13d-1(e),  13d-1(f) or 13d-1(g),  check the following
box.  [ ]


<PAGE>


Note: Six copies of this statement, including all exhibits, should be filed with
the  Commission.  See Rule  13d-1(a) for other  parties to whom copies are to be
sent.

*The  remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting  person's
initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and
for  any  subsequent   amendment   containing   information  which  would  alter
disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed
to be "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the  Securities  Exchange Act of
1934 ("Act") or otherwise  subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act
but  shall be  subject  to all other  provisions  of the Act  (however,  see the
Notes).


                                      -2-

<PAGE>


CUSIP No. 020903100

                                  SCHEDULE 13D

1          NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
           S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
           Hampshire Equity Partners II, L.P. (f/k/a ING Equity Partners II,
           L.P.)


2          CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A               (a) [ ]
           GROUP*

                                                                    (b) [X]
3          SEC USE ONLY


4          SOURCE OF FUNDS*

           WC


5          CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS
           REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)                  [ ]


6          CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

           Delaware

                                        7       SOLE VOTING POWER
                  NUMBER OF                     10,059,674
                    SHARES
                 BENEFICIALLY
                   OWNED BY
                     EACH               8       SHARED VOTING POWER
                  REPORTING                     None
                    PERSON              9       SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
                     WITH                       10,059,674

                                       10       SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
                                                None

                                      -3-



11         AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH
           REPORTING PERSON 10,059,674


12         CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
           EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES*                                 [ ]


13         PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
           43.36%


14         TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

           PN


                                       -4-


<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 13D

Company: Alpha Microsystems                             CUSIP Number: 020903100


Item 1.  Security and Company.

         ITEM 1 IS HEREBY  AMENDED TO ADD THE  FOLLOWING AS THE LAST SENTENCE OF
THE LAST PARAGRAPH:

         Amendment No. 2 to the original Schedule 13D ("13D Amendment No.2") was
filed on November 24, 1999.



Item 3.  Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

         ITEM 3 IS HEREBY AMENDED TO ADD THE FOLLOWING AS THE LAST PARAGRAPH:

         The source of funds for the Investment  Partnership's  acquisition  was
money held for investment by the Investment Partnership. The aggregate amount of
funds  used  by  the  Investment  Partnership  in  making  the  acquisition  was
$6,221,250.


Item 4.  Purpose of Transaction.

         ITEM 4 IS HEREBY  AMENDED TO ADD THE  FOLLOWING AS THE LAST SENTENCE TO
THE TENTH PARAGRAPH:

         Mr. Giess does  directly and  beneficially  own 83,300 shares of Common
Stock.

         ITEM 4 IS HEREBY AMENDED TO ADD THE FOLLOWING AS THE LAST
PARAGRAPH:

         On March 30, 2000,  the Investment  Partnership  acquired 391 shares of
Class E Cumulative,  Redeemable and  Exchangeable  Preferred Stock, no par value
(the "Class E Preferred  Stock")  which is  convertible  into 156,400  shares of
Common  Stock,  as a result of the Company  exercising  its option,  pursuant to
Amendment No. 3 to the Securities  Purchase  Agreement,  to pay the dividends on
the Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class A2 Preferred Stock, Class B1 Preferred Stock
and Class C1  Preferred  Stock in either  cash or in shares of Class E Preferred
Stock, at a rate of one share per each integral  multiple of $1,000 of dividends
payable,  with any remaining  fractional  dividend  amount to be paid in cash. A
copy of the Company's  Certificate of Determination of Rights and Preferences of
the Class E Preferred Stock is attached hereto as Exhibit A, and is incorporated
by reference herein.

         In addition,  on March 30, 2000, the Investment  Partnership  purchased
995,400 shares of Common Stock pursuant to an  underwritten  engagement  letter.
The Investment Partnership's  acquisition of these shares of Common Stock is for
investment purposes.

                                       -5-

<PAGE>


Company: Alpha Microsystems                              CUSIP Number: 020903100


Item 5.  Interest in Securities of the Company.

         ITEM 5 IS  HEREBY  AMENDED  AND  RESTATED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY  TO READ AS
FOLLOWS:

         The  Investment  Partnership  is deemed to be the  beneficial  owner of
10,059,674  shares of the Company's Common Stock.  The Investment  Partnership's
deemed beneficial  ownership  represents  approximately  43.36% of the Company's
outstanding  Common  Stock.  Except  as set  forth  in  Item 4,  the  Investment
Partnership  has sole voting  power and  dispositive  power with  respect to its
shares of Common  Stock.  The  Investment  Partnership  is the record  holder of
$20,391,000.00 in aggregate  principal amount of Class A1 Preferred Stock, Class
A2 Preferred Stock,  Class B1 Preferred Stock, Class C1 Preferred Stock, Class E
Preferred  Stock,  Voting Preferred Stock and Restated Series A, Restated Series
B,  Series C, Series D, Series E and Series F Warrants of the Company and is the
beneficial  owner of an Option to acquire an  additional  91,428 shares that was
granted to Benjamin P. Giess.  In addition,  the  Investment  Partnership is the
beneficial owner of 995,400 shares of Common Stock.

         Except as reported in this  Statement,  the Investment  Partnership has
not  effected  any  transactions  in regard to the Common  Stock during the past
sixty days.  No person other than the  Investment  Partnership  has the right to
receive or the power to direct the receipt of (i)  dividends  from the Class A1,
Class A2, Class B1, Class C1 or Class E Preferred Stock or the proceeds from the
sale of the Class A1, Class A2,  Class B1,  Class C1 or Class E Preferred  Stock
owned beneficially by the Investment Partnership, (ii) proceeds from the sale of
the Warrants owned beneficially by the Investment  Partnership or (iii) proceeds
from the sale of the Common Stock  following the exercise of the Warrants or the
Option.


                                       -6-


<PAGE>


Company: Alpha Microsystems                              CUSIP Number: 020903100

                                    SIGNATURE

         After reasonable  inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I
certify that the information  set forth in this statement is true, complete and
correct.

Date: June 9, 2000                 HAMPSHIRE EQUITY PARTNERS II, L.P.

                                   By:    LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS II, L.P.
                                               its General Partner

                                   By:    LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS II, INC.
                                               its General Partner

                                   By:    /s/ Benjamin P. Giess
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Benjamin P. Giess
                                          Title: Authorized Signatory


                                       -7-

<PAGE>


                                                                    Exhibit A


                                 CERTIFICATE OF

                     DETERMINATION OF RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES

                                       OF

         CLASS E CUMULATIVE, REDEEMABLE AND EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK

                                       OF

                  ALPHA MICROSYSTEMS, a California corporation

                    PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 401

            OF THE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA



         Douglas J. Tullio and Richard E. Mahmarian hereby certify that:

         FIRST:  They are the President and  Secretary,  respectively,  of Alpha
Microsystems, a California corporation (the "Company").

         SECOND:  That the Board of Directors  of the  Company,  pursuant to the
authority so vested in it by the Articles of Incorporation of the Company and in
accordance with the provisions of Section 401 of the General  Corporation Law of
the State of California (the  "California  Corporation  Law"),  duly adopted the
following   resolutions   creating  the  following  series  of  Preferred  Stock
designated as Class E Cumulative  Redeemable and  Exchangeable  Preferred  Stock
(the "Class E Preferred Stock").

         THIRD:  That, as required by subsection A,  subsection B,  subsection C
and subsection D of the Certificate of  Determination  of Rights and Preferences
of Class A Cumulative,  Redeemable and  Exchangeable  Preferred  Stock,  Class B
Cumulative,  Redeemable and Exchangeable  Preferred  Stock,  Class C Cumulative,
Redeemable and  Exchangeable  Preferred Stock and Voting  Preferred Stock of the
Company, as filed with the California Secretary of State on August 25, 1998 (the
"8/25/98  Certificate of Determination"),  the creation of the Class E Preferred
Stock has been consented to by the Requisite  Preferred  Holders,  the Requisite
Preferred A Holders,  the Requisite Preferred B Holders, the Requisite Preferred
C Holders  and the  Requisite  Voting  Preferred  Holders  (as each such term is
defined in the 8/25/98 Certificate of Determination).
<PAGE>


         FOURTH:  That, as required by subsection A1,  subsection A2, subsection
B1, subsection C1 and subsection D of the Certificate of Determination of Rights
and Preferences of Class A1 Cumulative,  Redeemable and  Exchangeable  Preferred
Stock, Class A2 Cumulative,  Redeemable and Exchangeable  Preferred Stock, Class
B1 Cumulative, Redeemable and Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Class C1 Cumulative,
Redeemable and Exchangeable  Preferred Stock and Class D Cumulative,  Redeemable
and  Exchangeable  Preferred Stock of the Company,  as filed with the California
Secretary  of  State  on  February  22,  1999  (the  "2/22/99   Certificate   of
Determination"),  the creation of the Class E Preferred Stock has been consented
to by the Requisite Preferred Holders,  the Requisite Preferred A1 Holders,  the
Requisite  Preferred A2 Holders,  the Requisite  Preferred  A1/A2  Holders,  the
Requisite  Preferred  B  Holders,  the  Requisite  Preferred  C Holders  and the
Requisite  Preferred  D Holders  (as each such term is  defined  in the  2/22/99
Certificate of Determination).

         FIFTH: That the following resolutions designate12,000 shares of Class E
Preferred Stock, and that as of the date hereof,  no shares of Class A Preferred
Stock,  Class B Preferred  Stock,  Class C Preferred  Stock or Class D Preferred
Stock are issued and outstanding.

         SIXTH:  The  resolutions  duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the
Company are as follows:

         WHEREAS  the  Articles  of  Incorporation  of  the  Company   authorize
Preferred Stock consisting of 5,000,000 shares, no par value per share, issuable
from time to time in one or more series; and

         WHEREAS the Board of Directors of the Company is authorized, subject to
limitations  prescribed  by law  and  by the  provisions  of  Article  IV of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation, as amended, to establish and fix the number
of shares to be included in any series of Preferred Stock and the designation of
rights,  preferences,  privileges and restrictions of the shares of such series;
and

         WHEREAS it is the desire of the Board of Directors to establish and fix
the number of shares to be included in a new series of  Preferred  Stock and the
designation of rights,  preferences privileges and restrictions of the shares of
such new series;

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  BE IT  RESOLVED  that  pursuant  to Article IV of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation, as amended, there is hereby established the
following new series of Preferred  Stock with such  designations  and authorized
number  of  shares as set  forth  herein:12,000  shares  of Class E  Cumulative,
Redeemable and  Exchangeable  Preferred  Stock (the "Class E Preferred  Stock").
Each share of such Class E Preferred  Stock shall have the rights,  preferences,
privileges and restrictions set forth in the following  Determination of Rights,
Preferences,  Privileges  and  Restrictions  of  Class E  Preferred  Stock  (the
"Determination of Preferred Stock"):

                                      -2-


<PAGE>



Class E Preferred Stock.
-----------------------

         1.  DEFINITIONS.  As used in this  Determination  of  Preferred  Stock,
capitalized  terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to
such terms in the Purchase  Agreement.  In addition,  the following  capitalized
terms have the following meanings:

         "Articles of Incorporation"  means the Articles of Incorporation of the
Company as amended and restated and in effect at the time in question.

         "By-laws"  means the By-laws of the  Company,  as amended and in effect
from time to time.

         "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

         "Class A Preferred Stock" means the Class A Cumulative,  Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

         "Class A1 Preferred  Stock" means the Class A1  Cumulative,  Redeemable
and Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

         "Class A2 Preferred  Stock" means the Class A2  Cumulative,  Redeemable
and Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

         "Class B Preferred Stock" means the Class B Cumulative,  Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

         "Class B1 Preferred  Stock" means the Class B1  Cumulative,  Redeemable
and Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

         "Class C Preferred Stock" means the Class C Cumulative,  Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

         "Class C1 Preferred  Stock" means the Class C1  Cumulative,  Redeemable
and Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

         "Class D Preferred Stock" means the Class D Cumulative,  Redeemable and
Exchangeable Preferred Stock of the Company.

         "Common  Stock" means,  collectively,  all of the Common Stock,  no par
value, of the Company of any class,  and any other class of capital stock of the
Company hereafter authorized that is not limited to a fixed sum or percentage of
par or  stated  value  in  respect  to the  rights  of the  holders  thereof  to
participate in dividends or in the  distribution of assets upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company.

                                      -3-

<PAGE>


         "Dividend  Reference  Date" has the  meaning  ascribed to it in Section
C.2(c).

         "Exchange Triggering Date" means December 31, 1999.

         "Liquidation"  means, subject to the provisions of Section 3(b) of this
Determination  of Preferred  Stock,  any voluntary or  involuntary  liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company.

         "Liquidation  Value"  shall mean  Original  Cost plus any  accrued  and
unpaid dividends as determined pursuant to Section 2(c) of this Determination of
Preferred Stock.

         "Maturity  Date" means,  with respect to any Class E Preferred Stock or
Notes issued in exchange for Class E Preferred  Stock,  the earliest to occur of
(i) a Maturity Default, (ii) a Change of Control or (iii) June 30, 2005.

         "Maturity  Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) of
this Determination of Preferred Stock.

         "Net Proceeds" of any transaction shall mean the gross proceeds of such
transaction net of any commissions or transaction  fees and expenses paid by the
Company in connection with such transaction.

         "Original  Cost" means,  with respect to any share of Class E Preferred
Stock, $1,000.

         "Person"  shall  be  construed   broadly  and  shall  include   without
limitation an individual, a partnership, a corporation,  an association, a joint
stock  company,  a limited  liability  company,  a trust,  a joint  venture,  an
unincorporated organization and a Governmental Authority.

         "Preferred E Holders" means holders of Class E Preferred Stock.

         "Preferred  Stock" means,  collectively,  the Class A Preferred  Stock,
Class B Preferred  Stock,  Class C Preferred  Stock,  Class A1 Preferred  Stock,
Class A2 Preferred Stock,  Class B1 Preferred  Stock,  Class C1 Preferred Stock,
Class D Preferred Stock, Class E Preferred Stock and Voting Preferred Stock.

         "Purchase  Agreement" means the Securities  Purchase Agreement dated as
of August 7, 1998, between the Company and the Investor (as defined therein), as
amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

         "Rate per Annum"  means the  specified  rate per annum  computed on the
basis of a 360 day year;  provided,  that in the event dividends are not paid in
full in cash on any  applicable  Dividend  Reference Date or upon any Redemption
Date,  the Rate per Annum for the  applicable  period  shall be increased by 500
basis points (e.g., a 9.0% Rate per Annum would be increased to a 14.0% Rate per
Annum) until such dividends are paid in full in cash.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

         "Redemption  Price" has the meaning  ascribed to it in Section  5(a) of
this Determination of Preferred Stock.

         "Requisite  Preferred E Holders" means the holders of a majority of the
then outstanding shares of Class E Preferred Stock.

         "Requisite Preferred Holders" means the holders representing a majority
of the then outstanding  shares of Class A1 Preferred Stock,  Class A2 Preferred
Stock,  Class B1 Preferred Stock,  Class C1 Preferred  Stock,  Class D Preferred
Stock and Class E Preferred Stock voting together as a group.

         "Transaction Documents" means the Purchase Agreement,  the Exhibits and
Schedules attached thereto in their final and executed form, as applicable,  and
each of the agreements contemplated thereby.

         "Voting  Preferred  Stock"  means  the  Voting  Preferred  Stock of the
Company.


         "Warrant" has the meaning given to such term in the Purchase Agreement.


     2.   Dividends.
          ---------

         (a) The Preferred E Holders shall be entitled to receive,  out of funds
legally available therefor, cumulative dividends on the Liquidation Value at the
Rate per Annum and for the periods set forth below:

                                                            Rate Per
                            Period                           Annum
                            ------                          --------
            Until June 30, 2000.............................   9.0%
            July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001...................  11.0%
            July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002...................  12.0%
            July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003...................  13.0%
            July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004...................  14.0%
            July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005...................  15.0%

(subject to appropriate  adjustments in the event of any stock  dividend,  stock
split, combination or other similar recapitalization  affecting such shares) per
share per annum, and no more,  payable in preference and priority to any payment
of any cash dividend on Common Stock or any other shares of capital stock of the
Company other than the Class A Preferred Stock, Class B Preferred Stock, Class C
Preferred Stock,  Class A1 Preferred Stock,  Class A2 Preferred Stock,  Class B1
Preferred  Stock,  Class C1 Preferred  Stock and Class D Preferred  Stock (which
shall rank on a par with the Class E  Preferred  Stock) or other class or series
of stock  ranking  on a par with,  or senior to the Class E  Preferred  Stock in
respect  of  dividends  (such  Common  Stock  and  other  inferior  stock  being
collectively referred to as "Junior Stock"), when and as declared by the Board.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>


         (b) Such  dividends  shall accrue with respect to each share of Class E
Preferred  Stock from the date on which such share is issued and outstanding and
thereafter  shall be deemed to accrue  from day to day  whether or not earned or
declared and whether or not there exists profits, surplus or other funds legally
available for the payment of dividends,  and shall be cumulative so that if such
dividends on the Class E Preferred  Stock shall not have been paid,  or declared
and set apart for payment,  the  deficiency  shall be fully paid or declared and
set apart for payment before any dividend shall be paid or declared or set apart
for any Junior Stock and before any purchase or  acquisition of any Junior Stock
is made by the Company,  except the repurchase of Junior Stock from employees of
the Company upon termination of employment,  except as otherwise approved by the
Requisite Preferred E Holders.

         (c) Dividends  shall be payable in cash,  quarterly in arrears.  To the
extent  dividends are not paid on each  September 30,  December 31, March 31 and
June 30, (each a "Dividend  Reference Date") all dividends which have accrued on
each share of Class E Preferred Stock during the three-month  period (or shorter
period  in the  case  of the  first  or last  period)  ending  on each  Dividend
Reference  Date will be added to the  Liquidation  Value of such  share and will
remain a part  thereof  until  such  dividends  are  paid in full in cash.  Each
dividend  paid in cash  shall be mailed to the  holders of record of the Class E
Preferred Stock as their names and addresses appear on the share register of the
Company or at the office of the  transfer  agent on the  corresponding  dividend
payment date.


     3.   Liquidation.
          -----------

         (a) In the event of any  Liquidation  of the Company,  the  Preferred E
Holders  shall be entitled  to be paid out of the assets of the Company  legally
available for distribution to its stockholders, after and subject to the payment
in full of all  amounts  required  to be  distributed  to the  holders of Voting
Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock of the Company ranking on
liquidation prior and in preference to the Class E Preferred Stock (collectively
referred to as "Senior Preferred  Stock"),  but before any payment shall be made
to the holders of Junior Stock by reason of their ownership  thereof,  an amount
equal to the Liquidation Value per share of Class E Preferred Stock. If upon any
such  Liquidation of the Company the remaining  assets of the Company  available
for distribution to its stockholders shall be insufficient to pay the holders of
shares  of Class E  Preferred  Stock  the full  amount  to which  they  shall be
entitled,  the holders of shares of Class E  Preferred  Stock and the holders of
shares of Class A Preferred Stock,  Class B Preferred  Stock,  Class C Preferred
Stock,  Class A1 Preferred Stock,  Class A2 Preferred Stock,  Class B1 Preferred
Stock,  Class C1 Preferred Stock, Class D Preferred Stock and any other class or
series of stock  ranking on  liquidation  on a parity with the Class E Preferred
Stock shall share ratably in any  distribution of the remaining assets and funds
of the Company in proportion to the respective  amounts which would otherwise be
payable  in respect of the  shares  held by them upon such  distribution  if all
amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid in full.

         (b) The merger or  consolidation  of the Company  into or with  another
corporation  which results in the exchange of outstanding  shares of the Company
for securities or other  consideration  issued or paid or caused to be issued or
paid by such other corporation or an affiliate thereof (except if such merger or
consolidation  does not  result in the  transfer  of more than 50 percent of the
voting  securities of the Company),  or the sale of all or substantially all the
assets of the Company,  shall be deemed to be a

                                      -6-
<PAGE>


Liquidation of the Company for purposes of this Section 3 of this  Determination
of Preferred Stock, unless the Requisite Preferred E Holders vote otherwise. The
amount  deemed  distributed  to the holders of Class E Preferred  Stock upon any
such  merger or  consolidation  shall be the cash or the value of the  property,
rights and/or  securities  distributed to such holders by the acquiring  person,
firm or other entity.  The value of such  property,  rights or other  securities
shall be determined in good faith by the Board.


     4.   Voting Rights.
          -------------

         (a) Except as required by law and pursuant to  paragraphs  (b), (c) and
(d) below, the Preferred E Holders shall not be entitled to vote.

         (b) The Company shall not, without the affirmative  consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred E Holders:

                  (i) in any manner authorize, issue or sell any shares of
         Class E Preferred Stock other than as contemplated by the Purchase
         Agreement or this Determination of Preferred Stock;

                  (ii)  reclassify,  cancel or in any manner alter or change
         the designations, privileges or relative, optional or other special
         rights, or the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof,
         of the Class E Preferred Stock;

                  (iii)  amend, repeal or modify any provision of this
         Determination of Preferred Stock; or

                  (iv) amend, repeal or modify any provision of the Articles
         of Incorporation or By-laws in a manner that would adversely affect
         the preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred E Holders.

         (c)(i) The Company  hereby  covenants  that the  Requisite  Preferred E
Holders shall have the right to have that number of  representatives  (each such
representative, an "Observer") determined as hereinafter provided present at all
meetings  of the Board.  Such right  shall from time to time be  exercisable  by
delivery to the Company of written notice from the Requisite Preferred E Holders
specifying  the names of such  Observers.  The number of Observers  shall at all
times and from time to time be equal to that  number  of  nominees  to the Board
that the Preferred E Holders are then  entitled to designate  less the number of
such nominees as are then members of the Board.

            (ii) The Company will give each Observer reasonable prior notice (it
being  agreed  that the same  prior  notice  given to the Board  shall be deemed
reasonable  prior notice) in any manner  permitted in the Company's  By-laws for
notices to directors of the time and place of any proposed meeting of the Board,
such notice in all cases to include  true and complete  copies of all  documents
furnished to any director in connection  with such  meeting.  Each such Observer
will

                                      -7-
<PAGE>


be entitled to be present in person as an observer at any such  meeting or, if a
meeting is held by telephone conference,  to participate therein for the purpose
of listening thereto.

            (iii) The Company will deliver to each Observer copies of all papers
which may be  distributed  from time to time to the  directors of the Company at
such time as such papers are so  distributed  to them,  including  copies of any
written consent.

         (d) The Company shall not, without the affirmative  consent or approval
of the Requisite Preferred Holders:

                  (i)  take any action, or enter into or authorize  any material
         agreement or material transaction, other than in the ordinary course of
         business and consistent with past practice;

                  (ii)  agree to acquire  the stock or assets  of, or  otherwise
         agree to any  joint  venture,  licensing  arrangement  with,  any other
         person.

                  (iii) enter into any  arrangement  which would  reasonably  be
         expected to result in a Change of Control;

                  (iv)  sell,  transfer,  convey, assign or otherwise dispose of
         any of its material  assets or  properties,  or spinoff or splitoff any
         material assets, properties or Securities except sales of inventory and
         used,  obsolete,  worn out or unnecessary  equipment or fixtures in the
         ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

                  (v)  sell,  transfer,  convey, assign,  license  or  otherwise
         dispose of any significant portion of its Intellectual Property Rights;

                  (vi)  except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
         with past  practice,  waive,  release  or cancel  any  material  claims
         against  third  parties or material  debts owing to it, or any material
         rights which have any material value;

                  (vii)  make any material  changes in its  accounting  systems,
         policies,  principles  or practices  except in the  ordinary  course of
         business and consistent with past practice;

                  (viii)  enter into,  authorize, or permit any transaction with
         Affiliates,   or  modify  in  any  material   respect  the  employment,
         compensation or other  arrangements with the executive  officers of the
         Company or any Subsidiary;

                  (ix)  authorize for issuance, issue, sell, deliver or agree or
         commit to issue,  sell or deliver  (whether  through  the  issuance  or
         granting of options, warrants or exchangeable Securities,  commitments,
         subscriptions,  rights to purchase or otherwise)  any shares of capital
         stock or any other  Securities  of the  Company or any  Subsidiary,  or
         amend any of the terms of any such capital stock or other Securities;

                                      -8-
<PAGE>


                  (x)  split,  combine, or reclassify  any shares of its capital
         stock,  declare, set aside or pay any dividend (other than dividends on
         the Preferred Stock) or other  distribution  (whether in cash, stock or
         property or any  combination  thereof) in respect of its capital stock,
         or redeem or otherwise acquire any capital stock or other Securities of
         the Company or any Subsidiary;

                  (xi)  except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
         with past practice,  make any borrowings,  incur any  Indebtedness,  or
         assume,   guarantee,   endorse  or  otherwise  become  liable  (whether
         directly,  contingently  or otherwise) for the obligations of any other
         Person;

                  (xii) except in the ordinary course of business and consistent
         with past practice,  make any loans,  advances or capital contributions
         to, or investments in, any other Person.


     5.   Redemption.
          ----------

         (a)  Subject to the Company  having  funds legally  available  for such
purpose, (i) on the Maturity Date the Company shall redeem all shares of Class E
Preferred  Stock  then  outstanding  and (ii) upon the  Company's  receipt  of a
written redemption request from any Preferred E Holder, the Company shall redeem
all of the  shares  of Class E  Preferred  Stock  with  respect  to  which  such
redemption  request was made. The per share  redemption price at which shares of
Class E Preferred  Stock are to be redeemed  pursuant to this Section 5(a) shall
be equal to the Liquidation Value (the "Redemption Price").

         (b)  In the event the Company or any of its Subsidiaries  consummates a
public or private offering for cash of capital stock or other equity  interests,
the Company  shall be required to apply 50% of the Net Proceeds of such offering
toward the redemption of shares of Preferred Stock (other than Voting  Preferred
Stock),  on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the number of shares of
Preferred Stock (other than Voting  Preferred  Stock),  held by such holder over
the total  number of shares of  Preferred  Stock  (other than  Voting  Preferred
Stock) outstanding) from the Holders of Preferred Stock at the Redemption Price.

         (c)  In addition to the Company's  obligations as set forth in Sections
5(a) and (b), of this  Determination  of Preferred Stock, the Company shall have
the  option  to redeem a  minimum  of $1  million  of  Original  Cost of Class E
Preferred Stock and integral multiples of $100,000 thereafter at the Liquidation
Value thereof.  Any shares to be redeemed  pursuant to this Section 5(c) of this
Determination  of  Preferred  Stock  shall be  selected  for  redemption  at the
discretion of, or in a manner approved by, the Board.

         (d)  On and after any date set for redemption (the  "Redemption  Date")
pursuant to this  Section 5 of this  Determination  of Preferred  Stock  (unless
default shall be made by the Company in the payment of the Redemption  Price, in
which event such rights shall be exercisable  until such default is cured),  all
rights in respect of the shares of the Class E Preferred  Stock to be  redeemed,
except the right to receive the Redemption Price, shall cease and terminate, and
such  shares  shall no longer be deemed to be  outstanding,  whether  or not the
certificates representing such shares have been received by the Company.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>


         (e)  Any  communication or notice relating to redemption given pursuant
to this  Section 5 of this  Determination  of  Preferred  Stock shall be sent by
first-class  certified mail, return receipt requested,  postage prepaid,  to the
Preferred E Holders,  at their respective  addresses as the same shall appear on
the books of the Company, or to the Company at the address of its principal,  or
registered office, as the case may be.

         (f)  At any  time on or after the  Redemption  Date,  the  Preferred  E
Holders shall be entitled to receive the Redemption  Price upon actual  delivery
to the Company or its agents of the certificates  representing the shares of the
Class E Preferred Stock to be redeemed.

         (g)  Any redemption  payments by the Company pursuant to this Section 5
of this Determination of Preferred Stock shall be paid in cash.

         (h)  Any  shares  of Class E Preferred  Stock  which  are  redeemed  or
otherwise  acquired by the Company  shall be canceled and shall not be reissued,
sold or  transferred  as Class E Preferred  Stock and the Board shall reduce the
number of authorized  shares of Class E Preferred  Stock by the number of shares
so redeemed or otherwise acquired.


     6.   Maturity Default.
          ----------------

         (a)  The occurrence of any of the following events of default shall, at
the option of the Requisite Preferred Holders, constitute a Maturity Default:

                  (i)  the Company fails to comply in any material  respect with
         any of its obligations  under any of the  Transaction  Documents or the
         Fundamental Documents;

                  (ii)  a material default occurs under any mortgage,  indenture
         or other  instrument  under which there may be secured or evidenced any
         indebtedness  for money borrowed by the Company if the principal amount
         of such indebtedness aggregates $1,000,000 or more; or

                  (iii)  the Company  fails to  comply  with the  provisions  of
         Section 7.2(g)(iv) of the Purchase Agreement.

         (b) A default under clauses (a)(i) or (a)(ii) is not a Maturity Default
until the Company does not cure the default within 30 days of the Company having
Knowledge of such default. When a default is cured, it ceases.

         (c)  The Requisite Preferred Holders by notice to the Company may waive
an existing default or Maturity Default and its consequences.  When a default or
Maturity Default is waived, it ceases.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>


     7.   Exchange.
          --------

         (a)  Subject to the provisions of Section 500 of California Corporation
Law, the Requisite Preferred E Holders and the Company may agree at any time and
from time to time following the Exchange  Triggering Date to exchange all or any
portion of the shares of Class E Preferred Stock  outstanding into the Company's
Subordinated  Debentures  (the "Notes") to be issued  substantially  in the form
attached  to the  Purchase  Agreement  as  Exhibit  D, in the  amount  of $1,000
principal  amount  of Notes  for each  $1,000  of  Liquidation  Value of Class E
Preferred  Stock;  provided,  however,  that no such exchange may be consummated
unless  full  cumulative  dividends   (including,   without  duplication,   full
cumulative  dividends pro rata for the elapsed  portion of the current  dividend
period) on the Class E Preferred  Stock to the date of exchange  shall have been
paid. Notes shall be issued only in integral  multiples of $1,000 at the time of
exchange.  If any additional  amounts  ("Fractional  Principal  Amounts")  would
otherwise be issuable to any holders of Preferred Stock, then the Company shall,
in lieu of issuing a Fractional  Principal Amount therefor,  pay in full payment
of the Company's obligation with respect to such Fractional Principal Amount, to
each  Preferred  E Holder an amount in cash  equal to the  Fractional  Principal
Amount.  Any and all  exchange  rights  set  forth  in  this  Section  7 of this
Determination  of  Preferred  Stock shall be deemed to be a right of  redemption
subject to Section 402 of the California  Corporation Law. In the event that the
Company  exercises its option to exchange any portion of the outstanding  shares
of Class E  Preferred  Stock  into  Notes  pursuant  to this  Section  7 of this
Determination of Preferred Stock,  such shares to be exchanged shall be selected
for exchange at the discretion of, or in a manner approved by, the Board.

         (b) Any exchange pursuant to this Section 7 shall be made upon not less
than 30 days' notice prior to the date fixed for exchange (the "Exchange Date").
The notice  given shall state  that,  upon  surrender  of their  certificate  or
certificates to the Company, the holders of Class E Preferred Stock will receive
Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of this Determination of Preferred
Stock above and that, at the close of business on the Exchange  Date, all rights
of the holders with  respect to such shares so called for exchange  shall cease,
except the right to receive the Notes in the amount set forth in Section 7(a) of
this  Determination of Preferred Stock.  Except as may be otherwise  required by
applicable law, the form of the Notes may only be amended or supplemented before
the first Exchange Date which occurs with the affirmative vote or consent of the
Requisite  Preferred E Holders.  On or after such first Exchange Date, the Notes
may only be amended or supplemented  as provided in the Notes.  The Company will
cause the Notes to be  authenticated  on the Exchange Date, and the Company will
pay  interest on the Notes at the rate and on the dates  specified  in the Notes
from and after the relevant Exchange Date.





                                              /s/ Douglas J. Tullio
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Douglas J. Tullio
                                             President


                                      -11-
<PAGE>




                                              /s/ Richard E. Mahmarian
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Richard E. Mahmarian
                                             Secretary





         We further declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State
of  California  that the  matters  set  forth in this  Certificate  are true and
correct of our own knowledge. Executed at Santa Ana, California, on November 18,
1999.


                                              /s/ Douglas J. Tullio
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Douglas J. Tullio
                                             President




                                              /s/ Richard E. Mahmarian
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Richard E. Mahmarian
                                             Secretary



                                      -12-




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