STERLING SOFTWARE INC
S-3, 1994-05-26
PREPACKAGED SOFTWARE
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<PAGE>
 
     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 1994
                                                            Registration No. 33-
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                ----------------
                                    FORM S-3
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                                ----------------
                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
          Delaware                                   75-1873956
  (State or other jurisdiction                      (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                  Identification No.)
                         8080 North Central Expressway
                                   Suite 1100
                              Dallas, Texas 75206
                                 (214) 891-8600
    (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                  of registrant's principal executive offices)
                                ----------------

                                                 With a copy to:
        JEANNETTE P. MEIER, ESQ.          CHARLES D. MAGUIRE, JR., ESQ.
        Executive Vice President,           Jackson & Walker, L.L.P.
      Secretary and General Counsel             901 Main Street
         Sterling Software, Inc.                  Suite 6000
      8080 North Central Expressway           Dallas, Texas 75202
              Suite 1100                          
          Dallas, Texas 75206                 

     (Name, address, including zip code, and
      telephone number, including area code,
      of agent for service)
                                ----------------

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From time to
time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ]

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box.  [X]

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
======================================================================================
Title of Each Class             Amount      Proposed      Proposed
 of Securities to                to be       Maximum      Maximum        Amount of
  be Registered                Registered   Offering     Aggregate    Registration Fee
                                             Price       Offering
                                           Per Unit(1)    Price(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>           <C>          <C>           <C> 
Common Stock, par value
$.10 per share               1,750,000        $30.00    $52,500,000       $18,103
                               shares
======================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
     Pursuant to Rule 457(c), the offering price and registration fee are
     computed on the basis of the average of the high and low prices of the
     Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on
     May 24, 1994.

                                ----------------
     The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may
determine.
<PAGE>
 
PROSPECTUS
                                1,750,000 Shares

                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.

                                  Common Stock

     This Prospectus relates to the offer and sale by Sterling Software, Inc.
(the "Company") of up to 1,750,000 shares of the Company's common stock, par
value $0.10 per share (the "Common Stock"), issuable by the Company upon
exercise of options (the "Options") granted or to be granted from time to time
to eligible persons pursuant to the provisions of the Company's 1992 Non-
Statutory Stock Option Plan (as amended to date, the "Plan"), and the offer and
sale of up to 1,750,000 shares of Common Stock by certain stockholders (the
"Selling Stockholders") who will acquire such shares of Common Stock upon the
exercise of the Options.

     The Selling Stockholders directly, through agents designated from time to
time, or through brokers, dealers or underwriters also to be designated, may
sell the Common Stock from time to time on terms to be determined at the time of
sale.  To the extent required, the specific Common Stock to be sold, the names
of the Selling Stockholders, the purchase price, the public offering price, the
names of any such agent, dealer or underwriter, and any applicable commission or
discount with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying
Prospectus Supplement.  See "Plan of Distribution."  The Common Stock is listed
for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") and may be sold from
time to time by the Selling Stockholders either directly in private
transactions, or through one or more brokers or dealers on the NYSE, at such
prices and upon such terms as may be obtainable.

     Upon any sale of the Common Stock offered hereby, the Selling Stockholders
and participating agents, brokers or dealers may be deemed to be underwriters as
that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), and commissions or discounts or any profit realized on the resale of such
securities purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or
discounts under the Securities Act.  The Company, however, understands that the
Selling Stockholders do not admit that they are underwriters within the meaning
of the Securities Act.  The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from
the sales of the securities offered hereby, except for proceeds from the
exercise of the Options.

     No underwriter is being utilized by the Company in connection with this
offering. The Company will pay all expenses incurred in connection with this
offering, which are estimated to be approximately $25,503.00.

     On May 25, 1994, the closing price of the Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange was $29.875.

                                ----------------

     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                                ----------------

           The date of this Prospectus is ____________________, 1994.

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").  Such reports, proxy
statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the regional offices of
the Commission at Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite
1400, Chicago, Illinois 60611, and at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New
York, New York 10048.  Copies of such materials can also be obtained from the
Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.  The Common Stock is listed on the
NYSE.  Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Company
can also be inspected at the offices of the NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10005.

     This Prospectus, which constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed
by the Company with the Commission under the Securities Act (the "Registration
Statement"), omits certain of the information contained in the Registration
Statement.  Reference is made to the Registration Statement and to the exhibits
thereto for further information with respect to the Company and the Common Stock
offered hereby.  Copies of such Registration Statement are available from the
Commission.  Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of documents
filed herewith as exhibits are necessarily summaries of such documents, and each
such statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the
applicable document filed with the Commission.

     The Company's principal executive offices are located at 8080 North Central
Expressway, Suite 1100, Dallas, Texas 75206, and its telephone number is (214)
891-8600.

                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

     The following documents, which have been filed with the Commission by the
Company, are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof:

     (i)    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1993, as
            amended by Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 1, filed January 26, 1994;

     (ii)   Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 
            1993;

     (iii)  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1994,
            as amended by Form 10-Q/A Amendment No. 1, filed May 16, 1994; and
 
     (iv)   The description of the Company's Common Stock contained in the
            Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A (No. 0-108465), filed
            March 7, 1990.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and
prior to the termination of the offering of Common Stock to be made hereunder
shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof
from the date of filing of such documents.  Any statement contained herein or in
a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall
be deemed to be modified or superseded for all purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein or therein or in any other
subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

     The Company will provide, without charge, to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a
copy of any or all of the documents incorporated herein by reference (other than
exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated
by reference into the information that this Prospectus incorporates).  Written
or telephonic requests for copies should be directed to the Company's principal
office:  Sterling Software, Inc., 8080 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1100,
Dallas, Texas 75206, Attention: Jeannette P. Meier, Executive Vice President,
Secretary and General Counsel (telephone: (214) 891-8600).


                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sales of the
Common Stock offered hereby, except for proceeds from the exercise of the
Options.  The proceeds received by the Company upon exercise of the Options will
be used for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, operating
and working capital requirements.


                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

     This Prospectus covers the purchase from the Company of up to 1,750,000
shares of Common Stock, in the aggregate, by the holders of the Options upon the
exercise thereof in accordance with their terms and the subsequent offer and
resale of such shares of Common Stock to be acquired by such holders upon the
exercise of the Options.

     The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") or a Stock Option
Committee appointed by the Board, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will
determine from time to time (i) the individuals, from among the Company's full
time employees and key advisors, including directors, to whom Options will be
granted, (ii) the number of shares to be covered by each Option and (iii) the
purchase price of Common Stock subject to each Option, which may be equal to,
less than or greater than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date
of grant.  Unless sooner terminated by action of the Board, the Plan will
terminate on March 31, 2002, and no Options may be granted pursuant to the Plan
after such date.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     The table below sets forth information concerning the Common Stock owned by
the following Selling Stockholders, none of whom has, or within the past three
years has had, any position, office or other material relationship with the
Company, except as noted herein:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                         Common Stock
                                          Offered for
                          Ownership of      Selling          Amount and
                          Common Stock   Stockholders'       Percentage
                            Prior to     Account Upon     of Class of after
Name                      Offering (1)     Exercise         Offering (2)
- ----                      ------------     --------         ------------     
<S>                       <C>            <C>              <C> 
George H. Ellis             188,750 (3)      80,000          108,750 (3)(*)   
                                                                              
Albert K. Hoover             22,188 (4)      16,250            5,938 (4)(*)   
                                                                              
James E. Jenkins, Jr.        22,250 (5)      12,875            9,375 (5)(*)   
                                                                              
Jeannette P. Meier          142,950 (6)      48,800           94,150 (6)(*)   
                                                                              
Donald R. Miller, Jr.        40,000          40,000              -0- (*)      
                                                                              
William D. Plumb            200,050 (7)     174,300           25,750 (7)(*)   
                                                                              
Geno P. Tolari              202,500 (8)     100,000          102,500 (8)(*)   
                                                                              
Anne Vahala                  29,000 (9)      21,500            7,500 (9)(*)   
                                                                              
Charles J. Wyly, Jr.      1,075,444 (10)    150,000          925,444 (10)     
                                                               (4.6%)         
                                                                              
Sam Wyly                    934,100 (11)    300,000          634,100 (11)     
                                                               (3.1%)         
</TABLE> 

- --------------- 
*  Indicates shares held are less than 1% of class.

(1)  Based on ownership as of April 30, 1994.  Includes shares to be acquired
     upon exercise of Options granted under the Plan, some of which are not
     exercisable within 60 days of the date of this Prospectus.
(2)  Based on 20,160,902 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 30,
     1994.  Assumes the exercise of all Options granted under the Plan, the
     exercise of which is covered by this Prospectus, and the sale of the Common
     Stock acquired thereby.
(3)  Includes 108,750 shares purchasable pursuant to options not granted under
     the Plan, some of which are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of
     this Prospectus.
(4)  Includes 5,938 shares purchasable pursuant to options not granted under the
     Plan, some of which are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this
     Prospectus.
(5)  Includes 9,375 shares purchasable pursuant to options not granted under the
     Plan, some of which are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this
     Prospectus.
(6)  Includes 94,150 shares purchasable pursuant options not granted under the
     Plan, some of which are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this
     Prospectus.
(7)  Includes 3,000 shares purchasable pursuant options not granted under the
     Plan, some of which are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this
     Prospectus, and 21,500 shares purchasable pursuant to Options granted under
     the Plan, the resale of which is not registered pursuant to this
     Registration Statement and some of which are not exercisable within 60 days
     of the date of this Prospectus.
(8)  Includes 102,500 shares purchasable pursuant to options not granted under
     the Plan, some of which are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of
     this Prospectus.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
(9)  Includes 750 shares purchasable pursuant to options not granted under the
     Plan, some of which are not exercisable within 60 days of the date of this
     Prospectus, and 6,750 shares purchasable pursuant to Options granted under
     the Plan, the resale of which is not registered pursuant to this
     Registration Statement and some of which are not exercisable within 60 days
     of the date of this Prospectus.
(10) Includes 368,870 shares directly owned by family trusts of which Charles J.
     Wyly, Jr. is trustee.  Also includes 556,574 shares held of record by two
     limited partnerships of which Charles J. Wyly, Jr. is general partner.
(11) Includes 195,488 shares directly owned by family trusts of which Sam Wyly
     is trustee.  Also includes 438,612 shares held of record by two limited
     partnerships of which Sam Wyly is general partner.

     George H. Ellis serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company.  Albert K. Hoover serves as Vice President, Assistant
Secretary and Assistant General Counsel of the Company.  James E. Jenkins, Jr.
serves as Vice President, Tax, and Assistant Secretary of the Company.
Jeannette P. Meier serves as Executive Vice President, Secretary and General
Counsel of the Company.  Donald R. Miller, Jr. serves as a Director of the
Company.  William D. Plumb serves as Executive Vice President of the Company.
Geno P. Tolari serves as Executive Vice President of the Company.  Anne Vahala
serves as Vice President, Corporate Communications, of the Company.  Charles J.
Wyly, Jr. serves as Vice Chairman of the Board.  Sam Wyly serves as Chairman of
the Board.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     The Common Stock may be issued to the Selling Stockholders from time to
time by the Company upon exercise of the Options.  The Common Stock may be sold
from time to time to purchasers directly by any of the Selling Stockholders.
Alternatively, the Selling Stockholders may from time to time offer the Common
Stock through underwriters, dealers or agents, who may receive compensation in
the form of underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling
Stockholders and/or the purchasers of the Common Stock for whom they may act as
agent.  The Selling Stockholders and any underwriters, dealers or agents that
participate in the distribution of the Common Stock may be deemed to be
underwriters under the Securities Act, and any profit on the sale of the Common
Stock by them and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any such
underwriters, dealers or agents might be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act.

     At the time a particular offer of the Common Stock is made, to the extent
required, a Prospectus Supplement will be distributed that will set forth the
number of shares of Common Stock being offered and the terms of the offering,
including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any
discounts, commissions and other items constituting compensation from the
Selling Stockholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or
reallowed or paid to dealers.

     The Common Stock may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions
at a fixed offering price, which may be changed, or at varying prices determined
at the time of sale or at negotiated prices.

                                     -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                LEGAL MATTERS

          Certain legal matters in connection with the validity of the
securities offered hereby have been passed upon for the Company by Jackson &
Walker, L.L.P., Dallas, Texas.  Michael C. French, a partner in Jackson &
Walker, L.L.P., is a director of the Company.

                                    EXPERTS

          The consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedules of the Company appearing in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 1993, as amended by Form 10-K/A Amendment No.
1, filed January 26, 1994, have been audited by Ernst & Young, independent
auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein and
incorporated by reference herein, which, as to the years 1992 and 1991, are
based in part on the report of Arthur Andersen & Co., independent public
accountants.  Such consolidated financial statements and schedules are
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given upon the
authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing.

                                     -6-
<PAGE>
 
No person has been authorized in connection with the offering made hereby to
give any information or to make any representation not contained in this
Prospectus and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be
relied upon as having been authorized by the Company.   This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities
to any person or by anyone in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation
would be unlawful.  Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made
hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that the
information contained herein is correct as of any date subsequent to the date
hereof.

                    ----------------------------------------

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Page
                                                    ----
                     <S>                            <C>
                     Available Information..........  2
 
                     Incorporation of Certain
                        Documents by Reference......  2
 
                     Use of Proceeds................  3
 
                     Selling Stockholders...........  3
 
                     Plan of Distribution...........  5
 
                     Legal Matters..................  6
 
                     Experts........................  6
</TABLE>


                                1,750,000 SHARES



                               STERLING SOFTWARE,
                                      INC.



                                  COMMON STOCK



                        --------------------------------


                                   PROSPECTUS


                       ---------------------------------


                                             , 1994
                             ----------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
               INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

       Item 14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
                 -------------------------------------------

       The estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the issuance
and distribution of the Common Stock covered by this Registration Statement, all
of which will be paid by the Registrant, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
           Registration Fee.............................  $18,103.00
           Printing, Engraving and Filing Expenses......    1,300.00
           Accounting Fees and Expenses.................    3,000.00
           Legal Fees and Expenses......................    3,000.00
           Miscellaneous................................      100.00
                                                    
           Total........................................  $25,503.00
                                                          ==========
</TABLE>

       Item 15.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
                 ----------------------------------------- 

       Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law empowers a
corporation to indemnify its directors and officers or former directors or
officers and to purchase insurance with respect to liability arising out of
their capacity or status as directors and officers.  Such law provides further
that the indemnification permitted thereunder shall not be deemed exclusive of
any other rights to which the directors and officers may be entitled under a
corporation's certificate of incorporation, bylaws, any agreement or
otherwise.

       Article IX of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended,
provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of
the Company shall not be liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.  Article IX of the Company's
Restated Bylaws provides for indemnification of officers and directors.  In
addition, the Company has entered into Indemnity Agreements with each of its
officers and directors pursuant to which such officers and directors may be
indemnified against losses arising from certain claims, including claims under
the Securities Act, which may be made by reason of their being officers or
directors.

       Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Company
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Company has been advised that in the
opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

                                    II-1
<PAGE>
 
       Item 16.  Exhibits.
                 -------- 

       The following is a list of all exhibits filed as a part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-3, including those incorporated herein by
reference.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Exhibit
 Number   Description of Exhibit
- --------  ----------------------
<C>       <S> 
1         None.

2         None.

4.1       Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. (1)

4.2       Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the
          Registrant. (2)

4.3       Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the
          Registrant. (3)

4.4       Restated Bylaws of the Registrant. (4)

4.5       Form of Common Stock Certificate. (5)

5         Opinion of Jackson & Walker, L.L.P. (6)

8         None.

12        None.

15        None.

23.1      Consent of Ernst & Young. (6)

23.2      Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co. (6)

23.3      Consent of Jackson & Walker, L.L.P. (included in its opinion filed as
          Exhibit 5 to this Registration Statement). (6)

24        Power of Attorney (appearing on page II-6 of this Registration
          Statement). (6)

25        None.

26        None.

27        None.

28        None.
</TABLE> 

                                    II-2
<PAGE>
 
99        1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan of the Registrant (as amended
          through May 24, 1994). (6)

- ------------------------

(1) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement
    No. 2-82506 on Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference.

(2) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-
    K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1993 and incorporated herein by
    reference.

(3) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement
    No. 33-69926 on Form S-8 and incorporated herein by reference.

(4) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement
    No. 33-47131 on Form S-8 and incorporated herein by reference.

(5) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement
    No. 2-86825 on Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference.

(6) Filed herewith.

                                    II-3
<PAGE>
 
    Item 17.  Undertakings.
              ------------ 

    (a)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
    made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

               (i)  To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of
          the Securities Act;

               (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
          after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most
          recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
          aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
          in the Registration Statement;

               (iii)  To include any material information with respect to the
          plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration
          Statement or any material change to such information in the
          Registration Statement;

    Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if
the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement.

          (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
    Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
    new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
    the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
    initial bona fide offering thereof.

          (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
    amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
    termination of the offering.

    (b)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                                    II-4
<PAGE>
 
    (c)   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

                                    II-5
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

    Each person whose signature appears below authorizes Sterling L. Williams,
George H. Ellis and Jeannette P. Meier, and each of them, each of whom may act
without joinder of the others, to execute in the name of each such person who is
then an officer or director of the Registrant and to file any amendments to this
Registration Statement necessary or advisable to enable the Registrant to comply
with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in respect thereof, in
connection with the registration of the securities which are the subject of this
Registration Statement, which amendments may make such changes in the
Registration Statement as such attorney may deem appropriate.

                                   SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Dallas, State of Texas on the 26th day of May, 1994.



                                    STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.


                                            /s/ GEORGE H. ELLIS
                                    By:_____________________________________

                                                GEORGE H. ELLIS
                                         Name:______________________________

                                                Executive Vice President,
                                                Chief Financial Officer
                                         Title:_____________________________


                                    II-6
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

   Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
        Signatures                     Title                      Date
        ----------                     -----                      ----        
<S>                          <C>                        <C>

                                 President, Chief
/s/ Sterling L. Williams         Executive Officer
__________________________         and Director               May 26, 1994
   Sterling L. Williams        (Principal Executive
                                     Officer)

                             Executive Vice President
/s/ George H. Ellis                 and Chief
__________________________       Financial Officer            May 26, 1994
    George H. Ellis          (Principal Financial and
                                Accounting Officer)
/s/ Sam Wyly
__________________________        Chairman of the             May 26, 1994
       Sam Wyly                  Board of Directors
 
/s/ Charles J. Wyly, Jr.
__________________________     Vice Chairman of the           May 26, 1994
   Charles J. Wyly, Jr.         Board of Directors
 
/s/ Evan A. Wyly
__________________________           Director                 May 26, 1994
      Evan A. Wyly

/s/ Michael C. French
__________________________           Director                 May 26, 1994
    Michael C. French
 
/s/ Robert J. Donachie        
__________________________    Chairman of the Audit           May 26, 1994
    Robert J. Donachie        Committee and Director

 
/s/ Phillip A. Moore
_________________________    Executive Vice President,        May 26, 1994
    Phillip A. Moore          Technology and Director
 
/s/ Robert E. Cook
__________________________           Director                 May 26, 1994
     Robert E. Cook
 
/s/ Donald R. Miller, Jr.
__________________________           Director                 May 26, 1994
   Donald R. Miller, Jr.
</TABLE>

                                    II-7
<PAGE>
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                            Sequentially
Exhibit                                                        Numbered
Number   Description of Exhibit                                  Page
- -------  ----------------------                                  ----
<S>      <C>                                                <C>     
1        None.

2        None.

4.1      Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. (1)

4.2      Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of 
         Incorporation of the Registrant. (2)

4.3      Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of 
         Incorporation of the Registrant. (3)

4.4      Restated Bylaws of the Registrant. (4)

4.5      Form of Common Stock Certificate. (5)

5        Opinion of Jackson & Walker, L.L.P. (6)

8        None.

12       None.

15       None.

23.1     Consent of Ernst & Young. (6)

23.2     Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co. (6)

23.3     Consent of Jackson & Walker, L.L.P. 
         (included in its opinion filed as Exhibit 
         5 to this Registration Statement). (6)

24       Power of Attorney (appearing on page II-6 
         of this Registration Statement). (6)

25       None.

26       None.

27       None.
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 

<S>      <C> 
28       None.

99       1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan of the Registrant (as amended
         through May 24, 1994). (6)
</TABLE> 

- ------------

(1) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement
    No. 2-82506 on Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference.

(2) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-
    K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1993 and incorporated herein by
    reference.

(3) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement
    No. 33-69926 on Form S-8 and incorporated herein by reference.

(4) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement
    No. 33-47131 on Form S-8 and incorporated herein by reference.

(5) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement
    No. 2-86825 on Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference.

(6) Filed herewith.

<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT 5
 
                                 May 26, 1994

                           JACKSON & WALKER, L.L.P.
                           ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS              OTHER LOCATIONS
                                901 MAIN STREET
CABLE-JWAL                        SUITE 6000                     HOUSTON
TELEX-73-385               DALLAS, TEXAS 75202-3797              FORT WORTH
TELECOPIER-(214)953-5822        (214) 953-6000                   SAN ANTONIO

Sterling Software, Inc.
8080 N. Central Expressway
Suite 1100
Dallas, Texas 75206

        Re:    Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Sterling Software, Inc.

Gentlemen:

        We are acting as counsel for Sterling Software, Inc., a Delaware 
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the registration under the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of the offering and sale of up 
to 1,750,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share 
(the "Shares"), which Shares are issuable upon the exercise of options granted 
or to be granted from time to time under the Company's 1992 Non-Statutory Stock 
Option Plan (the "Plan"). A Registration Statement on Form S-3 covering the
offering and sale of the Shares (the "Registration Statement") is expected to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on or about
the date hereof.

        In reaching the conclusions expressed in this opinion, we have examined 
and relied upon the originals or certified copies of all documents, certificates
and instruments as we have deemed necessary to the opinions expressed herein, 
including the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and the Restated Bylaws 
of the Company and a copy of the Plan. In making the foregoing examinations, we
have assumed the genuineness of all signatures on original documents, the 
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to
original documents of all copies submitted to us.

        Based solely upon the foregoing, subject to the comments hereinafter 
stated, and limited in all respects to the laws of the State of Texas, the 
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the federal laws of the 
United States of America, it is our opinion that the Shares, when sold in 
accordance with the terms of the Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and 
nonassessable.

        You should be aware that we are not admitted to the practice of law in 
the State of Delaware. Accordingly, any opinion herein as to the laws of the 
State of Delaware is based solely upon the latest generally available 
compilation of the statutes and case law of such state.

<PAGE>
 
Sterling Software, Inc.
May 26, 1994
Page 2



        We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an Exhibit to the 
Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we come 
within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the 
Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.


                                       Very truly yours,



                                       Jackson & Walker, L.L.P.


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                        Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement (Form S-3) pertaining to the registration of 1,750,000 
shares of common stock of Sterling Software, Inc. and to the incorporation by 
reference therein of our report dated November 15, 1993, with respect to the 
consolidated financial statements and schedules of Sterling Software, Inc. 
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended September 30, 1993 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
                                            

                                                           Ernst & Young

Dallas, Texas
May 25, 1994


 



<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by 
reference in this registration statement of our report dated June 18, 1993 
(except with respect to the matter discussed in Note 19 as to which the date is 
July 1, 1993), included in Sterling Software, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K 
for the year ended September 30, 1993, and to all references to our Firm 
included in this registration statement.

                                       Arthur Andersen & Co.


Washington, D.C.
  May 25, 1994

<PAGE>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 99
 
                            STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.

                     1992 NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN

                       (As amended through May 24, 1994)

   1. Purpose. The purpose of the 1992 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan of
Sterling Software, Inc. (the "Plan") is to provide employees and key advisors
with a proprietary interest in Sterling Software, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
and its subsidiaries (the "Company") through the granting of options ("Option"
or "Options") to purchase shares of the Company's authorized Common Stock, par
value $0.10 per share ("Common Stock"), in order to:

       a. Increase the interest in the Company's welfare of those employees and
   key advisors who share primary responsibility for the management, growth and
   protection of the business of the Company;

       b. Recognize the contributions made by certain employees and key advisors
   to the Company's growth during its development stage;

       c. Furnish an incentive to such employees and key advisors to continue
   their services for the Company; and

       d. Provide a means through which the Company may attract able persons to
   engage as employees and key advisors.

   2. Administration. The Plan shall be administered by a Stock Option Committee
(the "Committee") of not less than two directors of the Company appointed by the
Board of Directors (the "Board"); provided that any and all of the powers 
granted to the Committee hereunder may be exercised by the full Board or by the 
Executive Committee of the Board. No member of the Committee shall take any 
action with respect to Options granted to such member.

   The Committee shall have full and final authority in its discretion, but 
subject to the provisions of the Plan, to determine from time to time the 
individuals to whom Options shall be granted and the number of shares to be 
covered by each Option; to determine the time or times at which Options shall be
granted; to interpret the Plan and the instruments by which Options will be 
evidenced; to make, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the 
Plan; to determine the terms and provisions of the instruments by which Options 
shall be evidenced; with the consent of the Participant (as defined in Section 
3), to modify or amend any Option agreement or waive any conditions or 
restrictions applicable to any Option or the exercise thereof; and to make all 
other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.


<PAGE>

   3. Participants. The Committee may, from time to time, select particular 
full-time employees and key advisors, including directors, of the Company, or of
any subsidiary of the Company, to whom Options are to be granted, and upon the 
grant of such Options, the selected employees and key advisors shall become 
Participants in the Plan. As used herein, the term "Participant" means an 
employee or key advisor who accepts an Option, or the estate, personal 
representative or beneficiary thereof having the right to exercise an Option 
pursuant to its terms.

   4. Shares Subject to the Plan. The shares of Common Stock subject to Options 
granted pursuant to the Plan shall be either shares of authorized but unissued 
Common Stock or shares of Common Stock reacquired by the Company. The maximum 
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued from time to time 
pursuant to the Plan shall be 3,500,000. Shares that by reason of the expiration
of an Option, or for any other reason, are no longer subject to purchase 
pursuant to an Option granted under the Plan, and shares from time to time 
rendered in payment of the exercise price of Options, may be made subject to 
additional Options granted pursuant to the Plan. The Committee may adjust the 
number of shares available for Options, the number of shares subject to and the 
exercise price of Options granted hereunder to effect a change in capitalization
of the Company, such as a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, 
share combination, exchange of shares, merger, consolidation, reorganization, 
liquidation, or the like, of or by the Company.

   5. Grant of Options. Options granted hereunder shall be evidenced by written 
stock option agreements containing such terms and provisions as are recommended 
and approved from time to time by the Committee, but subject to and not more 
favorable than the terms of the Plan. The Committee may from time to time 
require additional terms which the Committee deems necessary or advisable. The 
Company shall execute stock option agreements upon instruction from the 
Committee.

   6. Amount of Stock Subject to Options. The number of shares of Common Stock 
subject to an Option to be granted to a Participant shall be determined by the 
Committee in its sole discretion.

   7. Option Exercise Price. The purchase price of Common Stock subject to an 
Option shall be determined by the Committee on the date of grant and may be 
equal to, less than or greater than the fair market value of the Common Stock on
the date of grant.

   8. Restrictions. The Committee may, but need not, at the time of granting of 
an Option or at any subsequent time impose such restrictions, if any, on
issuance, voluntary disposition and release from escrow of any Options
including, without limitation, permitting exercise of Options only in
installments over a period of years.

   9. Payment. Full payment for Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of an 
Option shall be made at the time of exercise. No Common Stock shall be issued 
until full payment has been made and a Participant shall have none of the rights
of a shareholder until shares of Common Stock are issued to him. Any federal, 
state or local taxes required to be paid

                                      -2-

<PAGE>

or withheld at the time of exercise shall also be paid or withheld in full prior
to any delivery of shares of Common Stock upon exercise. Payment may be made in 
cash, in shares of Common Stock then owned by the Participant, or in any other 
form of valid consideration, or a combination of any of the foregoing, as 
required by the Committee in its discretion. Shares of Common Stock tendered in 
payment of the exercise price of any Options may be reissued to the Participant 
who tendered the shares of Common Stock as part of the shares of Common Stock 
issuable upon exercise of other Options granted from time to time pursuant to 
the Plan.

  10. Transferability of Options. Options granted under the Plan may be 
transferred by the holder thereof upon five days prior written notice to the 
Company.

  11. Time of Granting of an Option. The grant of an Option pursuant to the Plan
shall be deemed to have occurred when the Stock Option Committee shall have 
adopted a resolution approving such grant.

  12. Rights in Event of Death or Disability of Participant. The Committee shall
have discretion to include in each Option agreement such provisions regarding 
exercisability of the Options following the death or disability of the 
Participant as it, in its sole discretion, deems to be appropriate.

  13. Stock Purchased for Investment. At the discretion of the Committee, any 
Option agreement may provide that the Option holder shall, by accepting an 
Option, represent and agree on behalf of himself and his transferees by will or 
the laws of descent and distribution that all shares of Common Stock purchased 
upon the exercise of the Option will be acquired for investment and not for 
resale or distribution, and that upon each exercise of any portion of an Option,
the person entitled to exercise the same shall furnish evidence satisfactory to 
the Company (including a written and signed representation) to the effect that 
the shares of Common Stock are being acquired in good faith and for investment 
and not for resale or distribution.

  14. Termination of Option Rights and Awards. The Committee may provide in each
Option agreement for the circumstances under which Options granted hereunder may
terminate for any reason that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems to be
appropriate.

  15. Amendment or Discontinuation. The Plan may be amended, altered or 
discontinued by the Board without approval of the stockholders. In the event any
law, or any rule or regulation issued or promulgated by the Internal Revenue 
Service, Securities and Exchange Commission, National Association of Securities 
Dealers, Inc., any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed for 
trading or other governmental or quasi-governmental agency having jurisdiction 
over the Company, its Common Stock or the Plan requires the Plan to be amended, 
the Plan will be amended at that time and all Options then outstanding will be 
subject to such amendment.

  16. Employment. This Plan and any Option granted under this Plan do not confer
upon the Participant any right to be employed or to continue employment with the
Company.

                                      -3-

<PAGE>

  17. No Obligation to Exercise Option. The granting of an Option pursuant to 
the Plan shall not impose any obligation upon the Participant to exercise such 
Option.

  18. Termination. Unless sooner terminated by action of the Board, the Plan 
shall terminate on March 31, 2002, and no Options may be granted pursuant to the
Plan after such date.

  19. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds derived from the sale of stock pursuant to 
Options granted under the Plan shall constitute general funds of the Company.

  20. Effective Date of the Plan. The Plan, as originally adopted, was effective
as of the first day of April, 1992. The Plan, as amended and restated, shall be 
effective as of the 24th day of May, 1994.


                                       STERLING SOFTWARE, INC.


Dated: As of May 24, 1994              By:  /s/ Sterling L. Williams
                                          ------------------------------------
                                                  Sterling L. Williams
                                                     President and
                                                 Chief Executive Officer
 
                                      -4-



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