<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or
Section 240.14a-12
/ / Confidential, for use of the Commission only (as permitted
by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
</TABLE>
GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP.
-------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP.
-------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (check the appropriate box):
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
/X/ No Fee Required.
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)
and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction
applies:
----------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction
applies:
----------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
----------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
----------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
----------------------------------------------------------
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which
the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous
filing by registration statement number, or the Form or
Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
----------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
----------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
----------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP.
------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 28, 2000
To the Shareholders of
GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Genome
Therapeutics Corp. (the "Company") will be held on February 28, 2000 at
10:00 a.m. at Ropes & Gray, One International Place, 36th floor, Boston,
Massachusetts, for the following purposes:
A. To elect six directors.
B. To approve the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
C. To ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Company's auditors
for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2000.
D. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournments of the meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on January 5, 2000 as
the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and
to vote at this meeting and at any adjourned session(s) thereof.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting. However, to
assure your representation at the meeting, you are urged to mark, sign, date and
return the enclosed form of proxy as promptly as possible. Shareholders
attending the meeting may vote in person even if they have returned a proxy.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
DAVID C. CHAPIN, CLERK
January 28, 2000
Boston, Massachusetts
<PAGE>
GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP.
PROXY STATEMENT
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
GENERAL
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Genome
Therapeutics Corp. (the "Company") for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be held on February 28, 2000 (the "Annual Meeting"), or at any adjourned
session(s) of that meeting, for the purposes set forth in the foregoing Notice.
The cost of solicitation of proxies, including expenses in connection with
preparing and mailing this Proxy Statement, will be borne by the Company. This
solicitation of proxies is being made by mail, although it may be supplemented
by telephone, facsimile or personal solicitation by directors, officers, or
other employees of the Company. No additional compensation will be paid to such
individuals for such services. This Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy will
be mailed on or about January 28, 2000, to all shareholders entitled to vote at
the meeting. The address of the Company is 100 Beaver Street, Waltham,
Massachusetts, 02453.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on January 5, 2000 will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. As of January 5, 2000 the
Company had outstanding 19,516,056 shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value (the
"Common Stock"). Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote.
Any shareholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before
it is exercised. It may be revoked by filing with the Clerk of the Company an
instrument of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. It may
also be revoked by attending the meeting and electing to vote in person.
A copy of the Company's 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders, including
financial statements, is being mailed concurrently with this Proxy Statement to
each shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting. THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE,
WITHOUT CHARGE, A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1999 AND RELATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL
STATEMENT SCHEDULES TO EACH SHAREHOLDER ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THIS MEETING WHO
REQUESTS A COPY OF SUCH IN WRITING. REQUESTS SHOULD BE SENT TO GENOME
THERAPEUTICS CORP. 100 BEAVER STREET, WALTHAM MASSACHUSETTS, 02453, ATTENTION:
PHILIP V. HOLBERTON, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.
QUORUM, REQUIRED VOTES AND METHOD OF TABULATION
Consistent with Massachusetts law and under the Company's by-laws, a
majority of the shares entitled to be cast on a particular matter, present in
person or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum as to such matter. Votes
cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be counted by persons
appointed by the Company to act as election inspectors for the Annual Meeting.
The Company will count shares represented by proxies that withhold authority
to vote for a nominee for election as a director, or that reflect abstentions
and "broker non-votes" (i.e., shares represented at the meeting held by brokers
and nominees as to which instructions have not been received from the beneficial
owners or persons entitled to vote, and the broker or nominee does not have the
discretionary voting power in the particular matter) on any other matter, only
as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the
presence of a quorum, but none of the withheld votes, abstentions, or broker
non-votes will be counted as "cast" or have any effect on the outcome of voting
on the particular matter, even though persons analyzing the results of the
voting may interpret the results differently.
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 1999, certain information
regarding all shareholders known by the Company to be the beneficial owners of
more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock, and the stock ownership of the
Company's current directors and nominees, and of all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT
BENEFICIAL OWNER(1) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF CLASS
- ------------------- -------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Marc B. Garnick............................................. 10,701(3) *
Robert J. Hennessey......................................... 1,445,000(2) 7.4%
Philip Leder................................................ 226,567(3) 1.2%
Lawrence Levy............................................... 12,944(3) *
Steven M. Rauscher.......................................... 77,597(3) *
Norbert G. Riedel........................................... 9,593(3) *
All directors and officers as a group (9 persons)........... 1,939,567(4) 9.9%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
*Less than 1%.
(1) The address of all such persons is c/o the Company, 100 Beaver Street,
Waltham, Massachusetts, 02453.
(2) Includes 1,405,000 shares, which are issuable upon the exercise of vested
options.
(3) Includes 6,250 shares for Dr. Garnick, 220,000 shares for Dr. Leder, 10,000
shares for Mr. Levy, 70,000 shares for Mr. Rauscher, and 6,250 shares for
Dr. Riedel which shares are issuable upon the exercise of vested options or
options which are to become vested within 60 days following December 31,
1999. Includes 4,451 shares for Dr. Garnick, 6,567 shares for Dr. Leder,
2,944 shares for Mr. Levy, 7,597 shares for Mr. Rauscher, and 3,343 shares
for Dr. Riedel, which shares are deferred and issuable upon the earlier of
three years from the grant date or the date upon which the grantee ceases to
be a director of the Company. Excludes options which have been granted to
directors and officers but which will not become vested within 60 days
following December 31, 1999.
(4) Includes a total of 1,868,165 shares which may be issuable upon the exercise
of vested options or options which are to become vested within 60 days
following December 31, 1999. Includes 24,902 shares which are deferred and
issuable upon the earlier of three years from the grant date or the date
upon which the grantee ceases to be a director of the Company. Excludes
options which have been granted to directors and officers but which will not
become vested within 60 days following December 31, 1999.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than ten
percent of the Company's stock, to file initial reports of ownership and reports
of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
National Association of Securities Dealers. Executive officers, directors and
greater than ten percent beneficial owners are required by Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company and written representations from the Company's executive officers and
directors, the Company believes that during fiscal 1999 all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to its executive officers, directors and greater than
ten percent beneficial owners were complied with.
2
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the cash compensation paid by the Company to
its Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers who earned more than
$100,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1999:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION AWARDS
--------------------------------- -------------------------------
FISCAL STOCK/OPTIONS ALL OTHER
YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($) SARS (#) COMPENSATION(1)
-------- ---------- --------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert J. Hennessey..................... 1999 290,000 -- -- 19,799
Chairman, President/CEO 1998 281,634 20,625 -- 26,684
1997 266,635 40,000 -- 83,015
Fenel M. Eloi........................... 1999 139,754(2) 12,000 -- 2,192
Sr. Vice President, 1998 158,461 21,000 25,100 3,000
CFO & Treasurer 1997 138,003 24,000 15,100 17,589
Christopher T. Kelly.................... 1999 174,982 12,750 -- 19,024
Sr. Vice President-- 1998 169,807 25,000 10,000 36,652
Strategic Planning and Business 1997 54,807(3) 15,000 165,000 4,450
Development
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) These amounts represent Company contributions to the Company's 401(k) Plan,
relocation expenses and other executive compensation allowances.
(2) Mr. Eloi resigned from the Company effective May 21, 1999.
(3) Mr. Kelly's salary in 1997 reflects 4 months of employment.
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Robert J. Hennessey, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company, has an employment agreement with the Company, which
commenced March 15, 1996. The agreement is subject to automatic extension
annually thereafter unless prior written notice of nonrenewal is given.
Mr. Hennessey's current base salary is $305,000, and is subject to increase each
year, as determined by the Board of Directors or Stock Option and Compensation
Committee. The percentage of the increase must be at least equal to the
percentage increase, if any, during the preceding year in the Consumer Price
Index--Boston Region. The agreement entitles Mr. Hennessey to receive bonuses
based on the Company's achievement of certain operating and financial goals. The
Board (or a committee of the Board) shall determine the amount of any bonus
pursuant to the agreement. Mr. Hennessey also received certain other
compensation allowances, as approved by the Board, equal to $16,949. Upon
hiring, Mr. Hennessey was awarded non-qualified stock options to purchase
1,600,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.625 per share, all
of which were vested as of August 31, 1999. In February, 1996, Mr. Hennessey was
also awarded non-qualified stock options to purchase up to 300,000 shares of
Common Stock, at an exercise price of $8.87 per share, the fair market value of
the Common Stock on the date of the grant. As of August 31, 1999, 175,000
options have vested and the balance of the 125,000 options by their terms vest
on
3
<PAGE>
December 21, 2005 or earlier if the average closing price of the Common Stock
for a period of 10 out of 20 consecutive trading days is $14.25 or higher.
Mr. Hennessey's options shall become fully vested upon the occurrence of a
change in control (as defined). In addition, the agreement provides for the
continuation of all compensation and benefits for a period equal to the lesser
of the remaining term of the agreement or 8 months in the event that
Mr. Hennessey's employment is terminated without cause (as defined) or
terminates with good reason (as defined). In the event that Mr. Hennessey's
employment is terminated by the Company within 12 months following a change in
control (as defined) for any reason other than cause, the Company will pay him a
lump sum cash payment equal to two times the base salary and bonus paid to
Mr. Hennessey for the calendar year preceding the year in which the change in
control occurs, and together with all accrued obligations (as defined). The
agreement contains customary confidentiality and non-competition clauses.
The following table reflects the stock options granted by the Company to the
named executive officers for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1999:
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZED
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS VALUE AT ASSUMED
----------------------------------------------------------- RATES OF
% OF TOTAL STOCK PRICE
OPTIONS/SARS APPRECIATION
GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR BASE FOR OPTION TERM(1)
OPTIONS/SARS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION -------------------
GRANTED (#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) DATE 5% 10%
------------ ------------ ---------------- ---------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert J. Hennessey............... -- -- -- -- --
Fenel M. Eloi..................... 34,255(2) 3.37% $4.230 11/10/08 $22,495 $121,647
Christopher T. Kelly.............. 140,250(2) 13.8% 4.230 11/10/08 92,100 498,060
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The amounts shown on this table represent hypothetical gains that could be
achieved for the respective options if exercised at the end of the option
term. These gains are based on assumed rates of stock appreciation of 5% and
10%, compounded annually from the date the respective options were granted
to their expiration date. The gains shown are net of the option exercise
price, but do not include deductions for taxes or other expenses associated
with the exercise. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises will
depend on the future performance of the Common Stock, the optionholders'
continued employment through the option period, and the date on which the
options are exercised.
(2) These non-qualified stock options were granted as part of the Company's
stock options repricing program, which replaces previously, issued option
grants that were forfeited under the terms of the repricing plan. The
repriced options have a term of ten years and include a dual faceted vesting
schedule based upon vested/unvested options at the date of repricing. The
vesting period for repriced vested and unexcerised options commenced with
the date of repricing. The Black-Scholes valuation model was used to
determine the exercise price.
4
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth the aggregate dollar value of all
Options/SARs exercised and the total number of unexercised Options/SARs held on
August 31, 1999 by each of the named executive officers.
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL
YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED MONEY OPTIONS/SARS AT
OPTIONS/SARS AT FISCAL FISCAL
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE YEAR-END(#) YEAR-END($)
NAME ON EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE(1)
- ---- --------------- ------------ ------------------------- ----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert J. Hennessey..... 0 0 1,405,000/125,000 $3,613,740/0
Fenel M. Eloi........... 3,875 $5,212 19,667/0 2,803/0
Christopher T. Kelly.... 0 0 27,198/123,050 8,224/38,479
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The closing price of the Common Stock on August 31, 1999 was $4.5625 as
reported by NASDAQ National Market. Value is calculated on the basis of the
difference between the Option/SAR grant price and $4.5625 multiplied by the
number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Option/SAR.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY SET FORTH IN ANY OF THE COMPANY'S
PREVIOUS FILINGS UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 THAT MIGHT INCORPORATE FUTURE FILINGS, INCLUDING THIS PROXY
STATEMENT, IN WHOLE OR PART, THE FOLLOWING REPORT AND THE PERFORMANCE GRAPH ON
PAGE 6 SHALL NOT BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO ANY SUCH FILINGS.
REPORT OF THE STOCK OPTION AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Stock Option and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Compensation Committee') of the Company consists of Messrs. Rauscher and Levy
and Dr. Riedel, Committee Chairman. The Committee's responsibilities include
recommending to the Board of Directors the compensation of the Company's
executive officers, administering the Company's stock option plans and approving
the grant of stock options to employees of, and consultants to, the Company. No
member of the Committee was an officer or employee of the Company during the
year ended August 31, 1999.
The Company's executive compensation programs reflect input and
recommendations from the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation
Committee reviews his proposals concerning executive compensation and makes a
recommendation to the Board of Directors concerning the scope and nature of
compensation arrangements. It is the Company's current policy to establish,
structure and administer compensation plans and arrangements so that the
deductibility to the Company of such compensation will not be limited under
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
COMPENSATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Company and Mr. Hennessey are parties to an employment agreement. During
the year ended August 31, 1999 Mr. Hennessey received a salary of $290,000 and
compensation allowances of $16,949 under the agreement. Pursuant to the
agreement, in March 1993 and March 1996, Mr. Hennessey was granted an option to
purchase up to 1,600,000 and 300,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock
respectively. See "Executive Compensation--Executive Employment Agreements."
Mr. Hennessey's continues to have rights to 1,530,000 outstanding options, and
is a shareholder in the Company. Effective in
5
<PAGE>
1999, the Company changed Mr. Hennessey's annual performance review date to
September, to coincide with the Company's fiscal year period.
Under Mr. Hennessey's employment with the Company, Mr. Hennessey receives an
annual adjustment to the base salary equal to the CPI. The overall base salary
adjustment for the fiscal year also includes pro rated merit to reflect change
in review date. Mr. Hennessey's change in fiscal year base compensation was
influenced primarily by the Company's performance over the fiscal year period
and his overall performance in achieving certain predefined business objectives.
OFFICERS COMPENSATION
The Company maintains compensation and incentive programs designed to
motivate, retain, and attract key management talent. The compensation levels
provided for the Company's executive officers reflect incumbent performance and
future potential, appropriate benchmark survey data, and company performance and
financial position.
The Chief Executive Officer determines the compensation of executive
officers by taking into consideration the above factors. The Chief Executive
Officer provides recommendations to the Stock Option and Compensation Committee
for the proposed remuneration of the Company's officers based on achievement of
both individual and company performance.
Officer compensation is generally composed of cash compensation and option
grants. The Company promotes the use of stock options to align the interests of
its employees with those of the Company's shareholders. Options generally vest
over a period of years. Factors considered in making option awards include the
officer's option holdings, competitive position, importance to the Company,
performance, and future potential to the Company.
OTHER MATTERS
As part of the Company's ongoing effort to retain its employees and in light
of intense competition for qualified individuals, the Stock Option and
Compensation Committee, at the Direction of the Board of Directors, approved a
one time stock option repricing program in November 1998. The program was
offered to all employees with the exception of the Chief Executive Officer. The
terms and conditions of the program included forfeitures, a renewed vesting
period, and a strike price based upon the Black-Scholes valuation model.
STOCK OPTION AND COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE
Norbert Riedel, Chairman
Lawrence Levy
Steven M. Rauscher
6
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
NOTE: The stock price performance shown on the graph below is not necessarily
indicative of future price performance.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP., THE S&P 500 INDEX
AND THE HAMBRECHT & QUIST BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX
The graph below compares the relative cumulative total returns to the
Company's shareholders with the cumulative total of the S&P 500 Index and the
Hambrecht & Quist Biotechnology Index over the last five years.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION, THE S & P 500 INDEX
AND THE H & Q BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX
[GRAPHIC]
*$100 invested on 8/31/94 in stock or index-- including reinvestment of
dividends. Fiscal year ending August 31.
7
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL A
ELECTION OF SIX DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has fixed the number of directors at six. It is
intended that the enclosed proxy will be voted for the election of the four
persons named below unless such authority has been withheld in the proxy. Each
director will hold office until the next annual meeting and until his successor
is elected and shall have been qualified. In order to be elected a majority of
the shares entitled to vote must approve, or be deemed to have approved, the
election of each nominee for director. If any nominee should be unavailable for
election at the time of the meeting (which is not presently anticipated) the
persons named as proxies may vote for another person in their discretion or may
vote for fewer than four directors. All of the nominees are currently directors
of the Company and were elected at the 1999 Annual Meeting. All have agreed to
serve as directors if elected at the meeting.
Directors of the Company who are not also employees will receive
compensation under the 1997 Directors' Deferred Stock Plan.
The nominees for directors of the Company who are proposed for election at
the meeting, their ages, and a description of their principal occupations are
set forth in the following table. The principal occupations and business
experience of the nominees for the past five years have been with the employers
indicated, although in some cases they have held different positions with such
employers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DIRECTOR
NAME AGE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS SINCE
---- -------- ----------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Robert J. Hennessey....... 58 Mr. Hennessey became Chief Executive Officer and 1993
President of the Company in March 1993 and was
elected Chairman of the Board in May 1994. From
1990 to March 1993, Mr. Hennessey was President of
Hennessey & Associates, Ltd., a consulting firm,
and from 1980 to 1990, he was a Vice President of
Sterling Drug, Inc., a pharmaceutical company.
Philip Leder, M.D. ....... 65 Dr. Leder, a director of the Company, has served as 1994
the John Emery Andrus Professor of Genetics and
Chairman of the Department of Genetics at Harvard
Medical School since 1980. He has also been a
Senior Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical
Institute since 1986. Dr. Leder is a director of
Monsanto Company, Inc.
Lawrence Levy............. 76 Mr. Levy, a director of the Company, is Chairman of 1986
the Board of Directors and President of Northern
Ventures Corporation, international management and
business consulting firm. He has held this position
since 1982.
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DIRECTOR
NAME AGE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS SINCE
---- -------- ----------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Steven M. Rauscher........ 46 Mr. Rauscher is a director of the Company and has 1993
been the Chief Executive Officer and a director of
Affiliated Research Centers, Inc. since 1995. From
1993 to 1995, Mr. Rauscher was President and Chief
Executive Officer of Pharmedic Company, a
biopharmaceutical company and from 1976 to 1993, he
was Vice President of Abbott Laboratories, a
biopharmaceutical company.
Norbert G. Riedel, 42 Dr. Riedel is currently President of the 1999
Ph.D. .................. Recombinant Strategic Business Unit for Baxter
Hyland Immuno, a division of Baxter Healthcare
Corp. From 1991 to 1998, Dr. Riedel served in
various research and management positions at
Hoechst Marion Roussel, Inc. where his most recent
responsibility was Head of Global Biotechnology and
the Hoechst Ariad Genomic Center. From 1984 to
1992, Dr. Riedel held various academic appointments
at Harvard University, Boston University School of
Medicine and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Marc B. Garnick, M.D. .... 52 Dr. Garnick is currently Executive Vice President 1999
and Chief Medical Officer at Praecis
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Clinical Professor of
Medicine at Harvard Medical School. From 1987 to
1994, Dr. Garnick was Vice President, Clinical
Development at Genetics Institute. From 1978 to
1998, Dr. Garnick held various academic and
hospital appointments at Harvard Medical School,
the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Brigham
and Women's Hospital.
</TABLE>
The Board of Directors held 4 meetings during fiscal 1999. Each member of
the Board of Directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of
Directors and of each committee on which they serve.
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee consisting of
Mr. Rauscher, Committee Chairman, Dr. Garnick and Mr. Levy and which held
1meetings during fiscal 1999. The duties of the Audit Committee consist of
reviewing with the Company's independent auditors and its management the scope
and results of the annual audit, the scope of other services provided by the
Company's auditors, proposed changes in the Company's financial and accounting
standards and principles, the Company's policies and procedures with respect to
its internal accounting, auditing and financial controls, and making
recommendations to the Board of Directors on the engagement of independent
auditors.
The Board of Directors has established a Stock Option and Compensation
Committee, consisting of Messrs. Rauscher and Levy and Dr. Riedel, Chairman. The
duties of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee consist of determining the
compensation of the Company's executive officers, and administering the
Company's stock option plans and determining the grant of stock options to
employees of, and consultants to, the Company. During fiscal 1999, the Stock
Option and Compensation Committee held 4 meetings.
9
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors has established a Nominating Committee, consisting of
Mr. Levy and Dr. Leder. The duties of the Nominating Committee consist of
considering and making recommendations to the Board of Directors. During fiscal
year 1999, the Nominating Committee held no meetings. The Nominating Committee
does not consider nominees recommended by shareholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS ELECTION OF THE
SIX NOMINEES DESCRIBED ABOVE.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive officers of the Company who are not also directors of the
Company are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME POSITION
---- --------
<S> <C>
Richard D. Gill...................... President and Chief Operating Officer
Philip V. Holberton.................. Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Christopher T. Kelly................. Senior Vice President--Strategic
Planning and Business Development
</TABLE>
Richard D. Gill was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer
effective December 1999. Since 1994, he served as Senior Vice President &
General Manager of BTG International, Inc., a subsidiary of BTG plc. From
1990-1994, Dr Gill was Vice President of BTG USA, Inc., establishing BTG plc's
presence in the United States.
Philip V. Holberton was appointed Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for
the Company effective May 1999. Since 1995, he has been an independent
contractor, serving corporations as its Chief Financial Officer. He served as a
contract Chief Financial Officer for BioSepra, Inc. from August 1998 to
December 1999. From 1991 to 1995, he was Chief Financial Officer of Cambridge
NeuroScience, Inc., a biotechnology company.
Christopher T. Kelly has been Senior Vice President--Strategic Planning and
Business Development since March 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kelly
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Spectral
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company which he co-founded in 1993. Prior to Spectral,
he was Vice President of Commercial Development at Triplex Pharmaceutical
Corporation. From March 1986 to March 1992, Mr. Kelly held senior strategic
planning and business development positions at Sterling Drug, Inc., serving as
Vice President Business Development from March 1989 to March 1992. Mr. Kelly
previously held senior marketing positions with Boehringer Mannheim Corporation,
Cooper Biomedical, Inc. and Hoffmann-LaRoche Inc.
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PROPOSAL B
APPROVAL OF EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
GENERAL
On October 27, 1999, the Board of Directors adopted an employee stock
purchase plan (the "Stock Purchase Plan"), subject to Stockholder approval, and
reserved 250,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock for issuance thereunder.
Under the Stock Purchase Plan, eligible employees may authorize the Company to
deduct amounts from their bi-weekly base salary, which amounts are used to
enable the employees to exercise options (each an "Option") to purchase shares
of Common Stock of the Company. The purpose of the Stock Purchase Plan is to
attract and retain key personnel, and encourage stock ownership by the Company's
employees.
SUMMARY OF THE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The full text of the Stock Purchase Plan is set forth in Exhibit A to this
Proxy Statement. The following description of the Stock Purchase Plan is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text.
ADMINISTRATION; PARTICIPATION. The Stock Purchase Plan will be administered
by the Stock Option and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. All
employees who, on the first day of an Option Period (as defined below), are
scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week and who are expected to be employed
for at least five months per year by the Company are eligible to participate in
the Stock Purchase Plan, unless after the grant of their option such employee
would be treated as owning 5% or more of the voting power or value of the stock
of the Company (an "Eligible Employee"). The number of employees potentially
eligible to participate in the Stock Purchase Plan is approximately 170 persons.
An Eligible Employee may elect to become a participant (a "Participant") in
the Stock Purchase Plan by delivering to the Company, at least 15 days prior to
the beginning of an Option Period, a form authorizing the Company to deduct an
amount from his or her salary to exercise Options. The aggregate amount which an
employee may authorize the Company to deduct under the Company's Stock Purchase
Plan is not less than 1% nor more than 15% of the employee's bi-weekly base
salary. Participants are allowed to increase or decrease the percentage of wages
deducted once per quarter during the time the Option is outstanding. A
Participant may suspend his or her contributions at any time.
TERMS OF OPTIONS. The first stock option period (the "Initial Option
Period") for which Options may be granted shall commence on March 1, 2000 and
end on June 30, 2000. Thereafter, the periods for which Options may be granted
shall be January 1 to June 30 and July 1 to December 30 of each year. Such
periods, together with the Initial Option Period, are each "Option Periods".
Each Participant will be granted an Option on the first day of the Option Period
and such Option will be deemed exercised if an Eligible Employee continues to be
a Participant on the last day of the Option Period. For the Initial Option
Period, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock covered by an Option is
that number having a fair market value of $8,333.33 on the first day of the
Initial Option Period. For each Option Period thereafter, the maximum number of
shares covered by an Option is that number having a fair market value of $12,500
on the first day of the Option Period. The exercise price of an Option is 85% of
the fair market value for the Common Stock (a) on the grant date or (b) at the
time at which the Option is deemed exercised, whichever is less.
The Options are nontransferable, except in the case of death of the
employee. If an employee dies, his or her beneficiary may withdraw the
accumulated payroll deduction or use such deductions to purchase shares on the
last day of the Option period. If an employee ceases to be employed by the
Company by
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reason of permanent disability or retirement or is on an approved leave of
absence from the Company, such employee may request that his or her accumulated
payroll deductions be used to purchase shares on the last day of the Option
Period. If an employee ceases to be employed by the Company for any other
reason, the Option held by him or her will be deemed canceled and any of his or
her accumulated payroll deductions will be returned. A Participant may elect to
discontinue participation at any time prior to the end of an Option Period and
to have his or her accumulated payroll deduction refunded.
SHARES SUBJECT TO THE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. The number of shares that are
reserved for issuance under the Stock Purchase Plan will be 250,000 shares of
the Company's Common Stock, subject to adjustment for stock splits and similar
events. The proceeds received by the Company from exercise under the Stock
Purchase Plan will be used for the general purposes of the Company. Shares
issued under the Stock Purchase Plan may be authorized but unissued or shares
reacquired by the Company and held in its treasury.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. The Stock Purchase Plan shall remain in full
force and effect until suspended or discontinued by the Board of Directors. The
Board of Directors may at any time or times amend or revise the Stock Purchase
Plan for any purpose which may at any time be permitted by law, or may at any
time terminate the Stock Purchase Plan, provided that no amendment that is not
approved by the Stockholders shall be effective if it would cause the Stock
Purchase Plan to fail to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3 (or any
successor rule) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. No amendment
of the Stock Purchase Plan may adversely affect the rights of any recipient of
any option previously granted without such recipient's consent.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. The Stock Purchase Plan will
become effective as of March 1, 2000, provided that it is approved by the
Stockholders at this meeting.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Federal income tax is not imposed upon an employee in the year an option is
granted or the year the shares are purchased pursuant to the exercise of the
option granted under the Stock Purchase Plan. Federal income tax generally is
imposed upon an employee when he or she sells or otherwise disposes of the
shares acquired pursuant to the Stock Purchase Plan. If an employee sells or
disposes of the shares, more than two years from the grant date and more than
one year from the exercise date, then Federal income tax assessed at ordinary
rates will be imposed upon the amount by which the fair market value of the
shares on the date of grant or disposition, whichever is less, exceeds the
amount paid for the shares. In addition, the difference between the amount
received by the employee at the time of sale and the employee's tax basis in the
shares, (the amount paid on exercise of the option plus the amount recognized as
ordinary income) will be recognized as a capital gain or loss. The Company will
not be allowed a deduction under these circumstances for Federal income tax
purposes. If the employee sells or disposes of the shares sooner than two years
from the grant date or one year from the exercise date, then the difference
between the fair market value on the last day of the Option Period and the
amount paid for the shares) will be taxed as ordinary income, and the Company
would be entitled to a deduction equal to that amount. In addition, the
difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the Participant's
basis in the shares (the amount paid on exercise of the option plus the ordinary
income recognized as a result of the disposition) will be recognized as a
capital gain or loss.
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RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors believe that adoption of the Stock Purchase Plan and
the reservation of shares thereunder is important for the Company to attract and
retain key employees and to be able to continue to offer them the opportunity to
participate in the ownership and growth of the Company. Accordingly, the Board
of Directors believe the Stock Purchase Plan is in the best interest of the
Company and its stockholders and recommends that the Stockholders approve the
Stock Purchase Plan and the reservation of 250,000 shares of Common Stock
thereunder.
It is the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote the shares to
which the proxy relates to approve the Stock Purchase Plan, unless instructed to
the contrary. The Stock Purchase Plan will not take effect unless it is approved
by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common
Stock represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL B.
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PROPOSAL C
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF AUDITORS
Arthur Andersen LLP, Boston, Massachusetts, has been selected by the Board
of Directors of the Company as auditors of the Company for the fiscal year
ending August 31, 2000. Unless otherwise indicated, proxies will be voted in
favor of ratifying the selection of Arthur Andersen as auditors. A
representative of Arthur Andersen will be present at the Annual Meeting if
requested by a shareholder (either in writing or by telephone) in advance of the
Annual Meeting. Such requests should be directed to the Clerk of the Company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL C.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
In order for any proposal that a shareholder intends to present at next
year's annual meeting of shareholders to be eligible for inclusion in the
Company's proxy material for that meeting, it must be received by the Clerk of
the Company at the Company's offices in Waltham, Massachusetts, no later than
September 29, 2000.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of not other business to be presented at the
meeting, but if other matters do properly come before the meeting, it is
intended that the persons named in the proxy will vote in respect thereof in
accordance with their best judgment.
In the event that sufficient votes in favor of any of the proposals set
forth in the accompanying Notice are not received by the time scheduled for the
meeting, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of
such meeting for a period of not more than 60 days in the aggregate to permit
further solicitation of proxies with respect to any of such proposals. Any such
adjournments will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast
on the question in person or by proxy at the session of the meeting to be
adjourned. The persons named as proxies will vote in favor of such adjournment
those proxies that they are entitled to vote in favor of such proposals. They
will vote against any such adjournment those proxies required to be voted
against any of such proposals. The costs of any such additional solicitation and
of any adjourned session will be borne by the Company.
The Board of Directors encourages you to have your shares voted by signing
and returning the enclosed form of proxy. The fact that you will have returned
your proxy in advance will in no way affect your right to vote in person should
you find it possible to attend. However, by signing and returning the proxy you
have assured your representation at the meeting. Thank you for your cooperation.
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EXHIBIT A
GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
SECTION 1. PURPOSE OF PLAN
The Genome Therapeutics Corp. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") is
intended to provide a method by which eligible employees of Genome Therapeutics
Corp. (the "Company") may use voluntary, systematic payroll deductions to
purchase shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value of the Company (such Common
Stock being hereafter referred to as "Stock") and thereby acquire an interest in
the future of the Company. The purpose of the Plan is to assist the Company in
retaining high quality employees and to expand employee stock ownership. The
Plan is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), and shall be construed accordingly.
SECTION 2. OPTIONS TO PURCHASE STOCK
Under the Plan, there is available an aggregate of not more than 250,000
shares of Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15) for sale
pursuant to the exercise of options ("Options") granted under the Plan to
employees of the Company ("Employees") who meet the eligibility requirements set
forth in Section 3 hereof ("Eligible Employees"). The Stock to be delivered upon
exercise of Options under the Plan may be either shares of authorized but
unissued Stock or shares of reacquired Stock, as the Board of Directors of the
Company (the "Board of Directors") may determine.
SECTION 3. ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
Except as otherwise provided below, each Employee who, on the first day of
an Option Period (as defined below) following his or her employment by the
Company, is scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week and is expected to be
employed by Company for at least five months per year will be eligible to
participate in the Plan
(a) Any Employee who immediately after the grant of an Option would own (or
pursuant to Section 423(b)(3) of the Code would be deemed to own) stock
possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes
of stock of the Company, as defined in Section 424 of the Code, will not be
eligible to receive an Option to purchase Stock pursuant to the Plan.
(b) No Employee will be granted an Option under the Plan that would permit
his or her rights to purchase shares of stock under all employee stock purchase
plans of the Company to accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000 in fair market
value of such stock (determined at the time the Option is granted) for each
calendar year during which any such Option granted to such Employee is
outstanding at any time, as provided in Section 423 of the Code.
SECTION 4. METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
The first stock option period (the "Initial Option Period") for which
Options may be granted hereunder shall commence on March 1, 2000 and end on
June 30, 2000. After the Initial Option Period, the periods for which Options
may be granted hereunder shall be from January 1 to June 30 and from July 1 to
December 31 of each year. Such periods, together with the Initial Option Period,
shall be referred to as the "Option Periods." Each person who will be an
Eligible Employee on the first day of any Option
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Period may elect to participate in the Plan by executing and delivering, at
least 15 days prior to such day, a payroll deduction authorization in accordance
with Section 5. Such Employee will thereby become a participant ("Participant")
on the first day of such Option Period and will remain a Participant until his
or her participation is terminated as provided in the Plan.
SECTION 5. PAYROLL DEDUCTION
The payroll deduction authorization will request withholding at a rate (in
whole percentages) of not less than 1% nor more than 15% from the Participant's
Compensation by means of substantially equal payroll deductions over the Option
Period from payroll periods ending in the Option Period. For purposes of the
Plan, "Compensation" means all compensation paid to the Participant by the
Company and currently includable in his or her income, including bonuses,
commissions and other amounts includible in the definition of compensation
provided in the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 415 of the Code,
plus any amount that would be so included but for the fact that it was
contributed to a qualified plan pursuant to an elective deferral under
Section 401(k) of the Code, but not including payments under stock option plans
and other employee benefit plans or any other amounts excluded from the
definition of compensation provided in the Treasury Regulations under
Section 415 of the Code. Once per quarter, a Participant may increase or
decrease the withholding rate of his or her payroll deduction authorization by
written notice delivered to the Company at least 15 days prior to the first day
of the Option Period as to which the change is to be effective. All amounts
withheld in accordance with a Participant's payroll deduction authorization will
be credited to a withholding account for such Participant.
SECTION 6. GRANT OF OPTIONS
Each person who is a Participant on the first day of an Option Period will
as of such day be granted an Option for such Period. Such Option will be for the
number of whole shares of Stock to be determined by dividing (i) the balance in
the Participant's withholding account on the last day of the Option Period, by
(ii) the purchase price per share of the Stock determined under Section 7;
PROVIDED, that the maximum number of shares that may be purchased by any
Participant for the Initial Option Period shall be that number of shares which
had a fair market value of $8,333.33 on the first day of the Initial Option
Period; PROVIDED, FURTHER, that the maximum number of shares that may be
purchased by any Participant for any subsequent Option Period shall be that
number of shares which had a fair market value of $12,500 on the first day of
the Option Period. The Company will reduce, on a substantially proportionate
basis, the number of shares of Stock purchasable by each Participant upon
exercise of his or her Option for an Option Period in the event that the number
of shares then available under the Plan is insufficient.
SECTION 7. PURCHASE PRICE
The purchase price of Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option
will be 85% of the fair market value of the Stock at (a) the time of grant of
the Option or (b) the time at which the Option is deemed exercised, whichever is
less. Fair market value will mean the Closing Price of the Stock. The "Closing
Price" of the Stock on any business day will be the last sale price, regular
way, with respect to such Stock, or, in case no such sale takes place on such
day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, with respect
to such Stock, in either case as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market ("NASDAQ");
or, if such Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on NASDAQ, as reported on
such other principal national securities exchange on which such Stock is listed
or admitted to trading.
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SECTION 8. EXERCISE OF OPTIONS
If any Employee is a Participant in the Plan on the last business day of an
Option Period, he or she will be deemed to have exercised the Option granted to
him or her for that period. Upon such exercise, the Company will apply the
balance of the Participant's withholding account to the purchase of the number
of whole shares of Stock determined under Section 6 and as soon as practicable
thereafter will issue and deliver certificates for said shares to the
Participant and will return to him or her the balance, if any, of his or her
withholding account in excess of the total purchase price of the shares so
issued; PROVIDED, that if the balance left in the account consists solely of an
amount equal to the value of a fractional share it will be retained in the
Account and carried over to the next Period. No fractional shares will be issued
hereunder.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company's obligation to
issue and deliver shares of Stock under the Plan will be subject to the approval
required of any governmental authority in connection with the authorization,
issuance, sale or transfer of said shares, to any requirements of any national
securities exchange applicable thereto, and to compliance by the Company with
other applicable legal requirements in effect from time to time.
SECTION 9. INTEREST
No interest will be payable on withholding accounts.
SECTION 10. CANCELLATION AND WITHDRAWAL
A Participant who holds an Option under the Plan may at any time prior to
exercise thereof under Section 8 cancel all or any part of his or her Options by
written notice delivered to the Company. Upon such cancellation, the balance in
the Participant's withholding account will be returned to the Participant.
A Participant may terminate his or her payroll deduction authorization as of
any date by written notice delivered to the Company and will thereby cease to be
a Participant as of such date. Any Participant who voluntarily terminates his or
her payroll deduction authorization prior to the last business day of an option
period will be deemed to have canceled his or her Option.
SECTION 11. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
Upon the termination of a Participant's service with the Company by reason
of retirement or disability (permanent or temporary) or upon a Participant's
leave of absence with the Company, such Participant, by written notice to the
Company, may request that the balance of his or her withholding account be
applied to the exercise of his or her Option as of the last day of the Option
Period pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan.
In the absence of such a written notice to the Company, subject to
Section 12, upon the termination of a Participant's service with the Company for
any reason, he or she will cease to be a Participant, and any Option held by him
or her under the Plan will be deemed canceled, the balance of his or her
withholding account will be returned, and he or she will have no further rights
under the Plan.
SECTION 12. DEATH OF PARTICIPANT
A Participant may file a written designation of beneficiary specifying who
is to receive any stock and/or cash credited to the Participant under the Plan
in the event of the Participant's death, which designation will also provide for
the election by the Participant of either (i) cancellation of the Participant's
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<PAGE>
Option upon his or her death, as provided in Section 10 or (ii) application as
of the last day of the Option Period of the balance of the deceased
Participant's withholding account at the time of death to the exercise of his or
her Option, pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan. In the absence of a valid
election otherwise, the death of a Participant will be deemed to effect a
cancellation of his or her Option. A designation of beneficiary and election may
be changed by the Participant at any time, by written notice. In the event of
the death of a Participant and receipt by the Company of proof of the identity
and existence at the Participant's death of a beneficiary validly designated by
him or her under the Plan, the Company will deliver such stock and/or cash to
which the beneficiary is entitled under the Plan to such beneficiary. In the
event of the death of a Participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly
designated under the Plan who is living at the time of such Participant's death,
the Company will deliver such stock and/or cash to the executor or administrator
of the estate of the Participant, if the Company is able to identify such
executor or administrator. If the Company is unable to identify such
administrator or executor, the Company in its discretion may deliver such stock
and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents of a Participant as
the Company may determine. No beneficiary will, prior to the death of the
Participant by whom he or she has been designated, acquire any interest in the
stock or cash credited to the Participant under the Plan.
SECTION 13. EQUAL RIGHTS; PARTICIPANT'S RIGHTS NOT TRANSFERABLE
All Participants granted Options under the Plan will have the same rights
and privileges, and each Participant's rights and privileges under any Option
granted under the Plan will be exercisable during his or her lifetime only by
him or her, and will not be sold, pledged, assigned, or transferred in any
manner. In the event any Participant violates the terms of this Section, any
Options held by him or her may be terminated by the Company and upon return to
the Participant of the balance of his or her withholding account, all his or her
rights under the Plan will terminate.
SECTION 14. EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS
Nothing contained in the provisions of the Plan will be construed to give to
any Employee the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or to
interfere with the right of the Company to discharge any Employee at any time.
SECTION 15. CHANGE IN CAPITALIZATION
In the event of any change in the outstanding Stock of the Company by reason
of a stock dividend, split-up, recapitalization, merger, consolidation,
reorganization, or other capital change, the aggregate number of shares
available under the Plan, the number of shares under Options granted but not
exercised, the maximum number of shares purchasable under an Option, and the
Option price will be appropriately adjusted.
SECTION 16. ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN
The Plan will be administered by the Stock Option and Compensation Committe
of the Board of Directors, which will have the right to determine any questions
which may arise regarding the interpretation and application of the provisions
of the Plan and to make, administer, and interpret such rules and regulations as
it will deem necessary or advisable.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 17. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF PLAN
The Company reserves the right at any time or times to amend the Plan to any
extent and in any manner it may deem advisable by vote of the Board of
Directors; provided, however, that any amendment relating to the aggregate
number of shares which may be issued under the Plan (other than an adjustment
provided for in Section 15) will have no force or effect unless it will have
been approved by the shareholders within twelve months before or after its
adoption.
The Plan may be suspended or terminated at any time by the Board of
Directors, but no such suspension or termination will adversely affect the
rights and privileges of holders of the outstanding Options. The Plan will
terminate in any case when all or substantially all of the Stock reserved for
the purposes of the Plan has been purchased.
SECTION 18. APPROVAL OF SHAREHOLDERS
The Plan will be subject to the approval of the shareholders of the Company
secured within twelve months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the
Board of Directors.
SECTION 19. EFFECTIVE DATE
The effective date of the Plan shall be March 1, 2000.
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DETACH HERE
PROXY
GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
FEBRUARY 28, 2000
The undersigned hereby appoints Robert J. Hennessey, Richard D. Gill and Philip
V. Holberton or either of them, proxies with power of substitution to each, to
vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Genome Therapeutics Corp., to be
held on February 28, 2000, at Ropes & Gray, One International Place, 36th Floor,
Boston, Massachusetts at 10:00 a.m., local time, or at any adjournments thereof,
all of the shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, of Genome
Therapeutics Corp. that the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally
present. The undersigned instructs such proxies or their substitutes to act on
the following matters as specified by the undersigned, and to vote in such
manner as they may determine on any other matters that may properly come before
the meeting.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SEE REVERSE CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE SEE REVERSE
SIDE SIDE
<PAGE>
GENOME THERAPEUTICS CORP.
c/o EquiServe
P.O. Box 9040
Boston, MA 02266-9040
DETACH HERE
Please mark
/X/ votes as in
this example.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed by the
undersigned stockholder. If no contrary direction is made, this proxy will be
voted for Proposals 1, 2 and 3.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. To elect six directors. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
Nominees: (01) Philip Leder, (02) Robert J. 2. To approve the Company's
Hennessey, (03) Lawrence Levy, (04) Marc B. Garnick, Employee Stock Purchase Plan. / / / / / /
(05) Steven M. Rauscher, (06) Norbert G. Riedel
FOR WITHHELD
ALL / / / / FROM ALL 3. To ratify the selection of Arthur / / / / / /
NOMINEES NOMINEES Andersen LLP as the Company's
auditors for the fiscal year ending
August 31, 2000.
/ / 4. In their discretion, the proxies are
---------------------------------- authorized to vote upon such other
For all nominees except as noted above business as may properly come before
the meeting or any adjournments of the
meeting.
MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE AND NOTE
AT LEFT / /
PLEASE SIGN AND DATE.
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears on
this card. All joint owners should sign. When
signing as executor, administrator, attorney
or guardian or as custodian for a minor, please
give full title as such. If a corporation,
please sign in full corporate name and
indicate the signer's office. If a partner,
sign in the partnership name.
</TABLE>
Signature: Date:
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Signature: Date:
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