<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. 1)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[X ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-
6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
BIOMERICA, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X ] No fee required.
[ ] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), 14a-6(I)(2) or
Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A
[ ] 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 transactions applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:1
(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:
-------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
BIOMERICA, INC.
1533 MONROVIA AVENUE
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92663
---------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 25, 1999
---------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of
BIOMERICA, INC., a Delaware corporation (herein called the "Company"), will be
held at the Hyatt Newporter, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, California 92660
on October 25, 1999, at 2:00 p.m. for the following purposes:
1. To elect a Board of Directors consisting of seven (7) directors.
The Proxy Statement which accompanies this Notice includes the
names of the nominees to be presented by the Board of Directors
for election;
2. To consider and vote upon an amendment to the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation to change the name of the Company to
TheBigRX.com;
3. To consider and vote upon an amendment to the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized common
stock of the Company to twenty-five million shares and to provide
for an authorized class of preferred stock, consisting of five
million shares of preferred stock, par value $.08 per share, with
rights, preferences and designation of such shares to be
determined by the Company's Board of Directors.
4. To consider and vote upon a proposal to restate the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation.
5. To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify and approve the
Company's 1999 Stock Incentive Plan ; and
6. To consider and act upon any other matters which may properly
come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof.
In accordance with the provisions of the Company's Bylaws, the Board of
Directors has fixed the close of business on September 6, 1999, as the record
date for the determination of the holders of the Company's common stock, $.08
par value (the "Common Stock") entitled to notice of and to vote at said Annual
Meeting. To assure that your shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting,
please mark, sign, date and promptly return the accompanying proxy card in the
enclosed envelope. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted. A
list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be open for
examination by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting during
ordinary business hours for a period of ten (10) days prior to the meeting at
the offices of the Company, which address is set forth above, and will also be
available for examination at the Annual Meeting until its adjournment.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/S/ ZACKARY S. IRANI
-----------------------------------
ZACKARY S. IRANI,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Newport Beach, California
September 15, 1999
<PAGE>
BIOMERICA, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Proxy Statement is furnished by the Board of Directors of BIOMERICA,
INC., a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company"), in
connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the Company's Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 25, 1999, at the Hyatt Newporter,
1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, California 92660 at 2:00 p.m, and at any and
all adjournments thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). The Annual Meeting has been
called for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders (the "Notice"). This Proxy Statement, and the Annual
Report of the Company for the year ended May 31, 1999, will be mailed on or
about September 23, 1999, to each stockholder of record as of the close of
business on September 6, 1999.
PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION
The Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company.
The solicitation of proxies is being made only by use of the mails and the cost
of preparing, assembling and mailing these proxy materials will be paid by the
Company. Following the mailing of this Proxy Statement, directors, officers and
regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies by mail, telephone,
telegraph or personal interview. Such persons will receive no additional
compensation for such services. Brokerage houses and other nominees, fiduciaries
and custodians nominally holding shares of the Company's common stock, $.08 par
value, of record will be requested to forward proxy soliciting material to the
beneficial owners of such shares. The Company will, upon request, reimburse such
parties for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy materials to the
beneficial owners.
TERMS OF THE PROXY
The enclosed Proxy indicates the matters to be acted upon at the Annual
Meeting and provides boxes to be marked to indicate the manner in which the
stockholder's shares are to be voted with respect to such matters. By
appropriately marking the boxes, a stockholder may specify whether the proxy
shall vote for or against or shall be without authority to vote the shares
represented by the Proxy. The Proxy also confers upon the proxy discretionary
voting authority with respect to such other business as may properly come before
the Annual Meeting.
If the Proxy is executed properly and is received by the proxy prior to the
Annual Meeting, the shares represented by the Proxy will be voted. Where a
stockholder specifies a choice with respect to the matter to be acted upon, the
shares will be voted in accordance with such specification. Any Proxy which is
executed in such a manner as not to withhold authority to vote for the election
of the specified nominees as directors shall be deemed to confer such authority.
A Proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by giving written
notice of the revocation thereof to Janet Moore, Secretary, Biomerica, Inc.,
1533 Monrovia Avenue, Newport Beach, California 92663, by attending the meeting
and electing to vote in person, or by a duly executed Proxy bearing a later
date.
<PAGE>
VOTING RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENTS
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
At the close of business on September 6,1999, the record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and vote at the Annual
Meeting (the "Record Date"), there was outstanding and entitled to vote an
aggregate of approximately 4,530,695 shares of the Company's common stock, $.08
par value per share (the "Common Stock"). Each share of Common Stock
outstanding on the Record Date is entitled to one (1) vote on each matter
presented.
QUORUM
The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock held of record on the
Record Date is necessary to constitute a quorum. The holder of each share of
Common Stock held of record on the Record Date is entitled to vote on each
matter to be considered at the Annual Meeting.
VOTES REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of holders representing a majority of the shares of
Common Stock present and entitled to vote at the meeting is required to elect
the directors and for the approval of the amendments to, and restatement of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation and the Company's 1999 Stock Incentive
Plan.
CUMULATIVE VOTING
Stockholders may have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election
of the seven (7) directors. No stockholder may cumulate votes unless a
stockholder has announced at the Annual Meeting his or her intention to do so.
If any stockholder makes such an announcement, all stockholders may cumulate
votes. Cumulative voting rights entitle a stockholder to give one (1) nominee
as many votes as are equal to the number of directors to be elected, multiplied
by the number of shares owned by the stockholder, or to distribute such votes
among two (2) or more nominees on the same principle, up to the total number of
nominees to be elected.
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
Under Delaware law, stockholders are not entitled to any dissenters' rights
with respect to the approval of any of the proposals described in this Proxy
Statement.
<PAGE>
COMMON STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of September 6, 1999, certain
information as to shares of Common Stock owned by (i) each person known to
beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each
director, including nominees for director, and each named executive officer of
the Company, and (iii) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a
group. Unless otherwise indicated, each person listed has sole voting and
investment power over the shares beneficially owned by him or her. Unless
otherwise indicated, the address of each named beneficial owner is the same as
that of the Company's principal executive offices located at 1533 Monrovia
Avenue, Newport Beach, California 92663.
SHARES PERCENTAGE
NAME (AND ADDRESS) OF BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIALLY
BENEFICIAL OWNER (1)(2) OWNED (3) OWNED
- ----------------------- --------- -----
Janet Moore (4) 573,158 12.5%
Zackary Irani (5) 1,109,950 19.8%
Dr. Robert A. Orlando(1)(6) 62,000 1.4%
Dr. Philip Kaplan (1)(7) 14,750 *
Dr. Carlos St. Aubyn Beharie(1)(8) 5,600 *
Francis R. Cano, Ph.D. (1) 0 0
David Burrows(1)(8) 0 0
RidgeRose Capital Partners, LLC(1)(9) 760,000 15.4%
Stilden Co., Inc.(1)(10) 1,150,000 20.2%
All executive officers and directors
as a group (seven persons) 1,765,458 30.8%
- ----------
* Less than one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(1) Dr. Orlando's address is 947 West 30th Street, Los Angeles, CA 92034; Dr.
Kaplan's address is 1613 Chaparal Summit Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89117; Dr.
Beharie's address is 583 Cherry Hill Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540; Dr. Cano's
address is 11 Acorn Lane, Los Altos, CA 94022; David Burrows' address is
3388 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663; RidgeRose Capital Partners, LLC's
address is 3388 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663; and Stilden Co., Inc.'s
address is 2939 Moss Rock, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78230.
(2) Beneficial ownership is has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Pursuant to the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, shares of Common Stock that each named
person and group has the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to
options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights, are deemed
outstanding for purposes of computing shares beneficially owned by and the
percentage ownership of each such person and group. However, such shares
are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the shares
beneficially owned by or percentage ownership of any other person or group.
(3) Unless otherwise noted, all shares listed are owned of record and the
record owner has sole voting and investment power, subject to community
property laws where applicable and the information contained in the
footnotes to this table.
(4) Includes 56,200 shares underlying options exercisable by Ms. Moore at or
within 60 days after the date of the Proxy and 8,250 shares owned by Ms.
Moore's minor children.
(5) Includes 1,081,450 shares underlying options exercisable by Mr. Irani at or
within 60 days after the date of the Proxy.
(6) Includes 48,000 shares underlying options exercisable by Dr. Orlando at or
within 60 days after the date of the Proxy.
(7) Includes 12,750 shares underlying options exercisable by Dr. Kaplan at or
within 60 days after the date of the Proxy.
(8) Dr. Beharie and Mr. Burrows were nominated to the board of directors by
RidgeRose Capital Partners, LLC pursuant to the terms of a Stock Purchase
Agreement.
(9) Includes 410,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable by TheBigStore.com,
Inc. at or within 60 days after the date of the Proxy. RidgeRose Capital
Partners, LLC is deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares owned by
TheBigStore.com, Inc. by virtue of its status as a controlling shareholder
of that entity. Mr. Robert J. McNulty is deemed to be the beneficial owner
of the shares owned by RidgeRose Capital Partners, LLC by virtue of his
status as its sole manager.
(10) Includes 410,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable by TheBigStore.com,
Inc. and 250,000 shares underlying warrants exercisable by TheBigHub.com,
Inc. at or within 60 days after the date of the Proxy. Stilden Co., Inc. is
deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares owned by both
TheBigStore.com, Inc. and TheBigHub.com, Inc. by virtue of its status as a
controlling shareholder of both entities. Mr. Frank Denny is deemed to be
beneficial owner of the shares owned by Stilden Co., Inc. by virtue of his
status as its controlling shareholder. Also includes 490,000 shares
underlying warrants exercisable within 60 days of the date of this Proxy.
These warrants were assigned to Stilden Co., Inc. by RJM Consulting, LLC,
an entity controlled by Mr. Robert J. McNulty, pursuant to their agreement.
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS
The Company's Bylaws give the Board the power to set the number of
directors at no less than three (3) nor more than nine (9). The size of the
Company's Board is currently set at seven (7). Seven (7) directors are to be
elected at the Annual Meeting to be held on October 25, 1999. The directors so
elected will serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Board
knows of no reason why any nominee for director would be unable to serve as a
director. In the event that any of them should become unavailable prior to the
Annual Meeting, the Proxy will be voted for a substitute nominee or nominee
designated by the Board of Directors or the number of directors may be reduced
accordingly.
Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 11, 1999
by and between the Company, RidgeRose Capital Partners, LLC, Janet Moore and
Zackary Irani, RidgeRose Capital Partners, LLC has the right to nominate three
(3) directors to the Board. Ms. Moore and Mr. Irani have agreed to use their
best efforts to have RidgeRose Capital Partners, LLC's nominees elected to the
Board. RidgeRose Capital Partners, LLC has agreed to use its best efforts to
have Mr. Irani's and Ms. Moore's nominees elected to the Board. Upon the
successful completion of a public offering of the Common Stock, RidgeRose
Capital Partners, LLC's right to nominate directors shall be terminated.
The following table sets forth the name and age of each nominee for
director, the year he or she was first elected a director and his or her
position(s) with the Company. RidgeRose Capital Partners, LLC's nominees for
director are Dr. Beharie and Mr. Burrows. All other nominees have been selected
by Ms. Moore and Mr. Irani.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Director Since Positions Held
---- --- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Zackary Irani 33 1997 President, Chairman of
the Board and Chief
Executive Officer
Janet Moore 48 1997 Secretary,
Controller and Director
Philip B. Kaplan, M.D. 67 1971 Director
Robert A. Orlando, M.D., Ph.D. 60 1986 Director
Carlos St. Aubyn Beharie, M.D., MBA 46 1999 Director
Francis R. Cano, Ph.D. 55 1999 Director
David Burrows 41 1999 Director
</TABLE>
Zackary Irani has been a Director of the Company, and has been serving as
the Company's President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive since April
29, 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Irani served as the Company's Vice President
of Business Development since July 1994. He has been an employee of the Company
since 1986. Mr. Irani also serves as a director of Lancer Orthodontics, Inc. and
Allergy Immuno Technologies, Inc. Mr. Irani received an MBA from the University
of California, Irvine.
Janet Moore has been a Director of the Company since April 29, 1997, and
has been serving as the Company's Secretary and Controller since 1985. She has
been an employee of the Company since 1976. Ms. Moore also serves as a director
of Lancer Orthodontics, Inc. and Allergy Immuno Technologies, Inc.
Philip B. Kaplan, M.D. has been a Director of the Company since 1971. Dr.
Kaplan maintained a private medical practice in Huntington Beach, California
from 1966 to 1998 and is presently semi-retired.
<PAGE>
Robert A. Orlando, M.D., Ph.D., has served as a Director of the Company
since 1986. Dr. Orlando is a professor of pathology at Southern California
College of Optometry, as well as a biophysicist and immunologist. Dr. Orlando, a
graduate of the New Jersey University of Medicine and the University of Chicago,
has served as the Chief Pathologist at Beverly Hospital in Montebello,
California since 1991. Dr. Orlando also serves as a director of Lancer
Orthodontics, Inc. and Allergy Immuno Technologies, Inc. Dr. Orlando earned his
Ph.D. in Pathology from the University of Chicago and his M.D. from New Jersey
University of Medicine.
David Burrows has served as a Director of the Company since June 1999. Mr.
Burrows is presently the Chief Technology Officer at TheBigStore.com. Prior to
that time, Mr. Burrows served as Director of Information Services for the Orange
County Register and Director, IS Information Services for FHP, Inc., a major
managed care company.
Francis R. Cano, Ph.D. has served as a Director of the Company since June
1999. Dr. Cano currently works as a consultant in the biomedical field. Dr. Cano
is a scientist noted for his pioneering work in building biotechnology companies
and developing vaccines. From 1996 to 1997, Dr. Cano served as Senior Vice
President - Biotechnology of BDM, an information technology company. From 1992
to 1996, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Aviron, a public
biotechnology company focused on developing viral vaccines for disease
prevention. Dr. Cano was instrumental in developing a $500 million vaccine
business at a division of American Cynamid Corporation. Dr. Cano earned his
Ph.D. in microbiology from Penn State University and an M.S. in microbiology
from St. John's University.
Carlos St. Aubyn Beharie, M.D. has served as a Director of the Company
since June 1999. Since 1998, Dr. Beharie has served as the Senior Vice President
and Medical Director for Health Insurance Plan of New York, one of the largest
managed care companies in the State of New York. From 1997 to 1998, Dr. Beharie
served as Chief Medical Officer of Physicians Health Services, a subsidiary of
Foundation Health Systems. From 1995 to 1997, he served as acting President and
Chief Executive Officer of Physician Health Care Plan of New Jersey. Prior to
1995, he was employed for 13 years in various positions at FHP, Inc. Dr. Beharie
earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Boston University and an MBA
from the University of Phoenix. He is a fellow of the American College of OB/GYN
and a senior member of the American College of Physician Executives.
KEY EMPLOYEES
The key employees of the Company are as follows:
Jagdish Sandhu, Age 49, has served as the Company's Chief Operating Officer
of the Diagnostic division since July 1999. Mr. Sandhu joined the Company in
1985. From 1985 to 1990 he was the Company's General Manager, and from 1990 to
1999 he served as the Company's Production Manager. Prior to joining the
Company, he worked for several companies in the diagnostic industry including,
Nichols Institute, Bio Rad Laboratories and Diagnostic Products. Mr. Sandhu
holds a master's degree in Biology and Chemistry.
Richard Jay, Pharm.D., Age 52, has served as the Company's Vice President -
Pharmacy, since July 1999. From 1971 until 1997, Dr. Jay served in various
capacities for various divisions of FHP, Inc. His last position prior to leaving
FHP, Inc. was Vice President of Pharmacy Administration for FHP International.
Dr. Jay was also employed by Talbert Health Services Corp., designing and
implementing the central pharmacy administrative support services. Dr. Jay
earned his Pharm.D. from the University of Southern California.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Ms. Moore was married to Mr. Irani's uncle, who is deceased and who
previously was a stockholder, executive officer and director of the Company.
Other than the relationship between Ms. Moore and Mr. Irani, there is no family
relationship between any of the Company's directors and officers. Other than the
agreement between RidgeRose Capital Partners, LLC, the Company, Janet Moore and
Zackary Irani (as more fully described above), there are no arrangements or
understandings between any director or executive officer and any other person
pursuant to which any person has been elected or nominated as a director or
executive officer. All directors and executive officers serve for a term of one
(1) year until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
<PAGE>
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999, there were six (6) meetings of
the Board of Directors.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The compensation committee of the Board of Directors reviews and makes
recommendations to the Board regarding all forms of compensation and benefits
provided the Company's officers. In addition, the compensation committee
establishes and reviews general policies relating to the compensation and
benefits of all the Company's employees. The compensation committee comprises
Dr. Robert A. Orlando and Ms. Janet Moore. Two (2) compensation committee
meetings were held during the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The audit committee of the Board of Directors reviews and monitors the
Company's internal accounting procedures, corporate financial reporting,
external and internal audits, the results and scope of the annual audit and
other services provided by the Company's independent auditors, and the Company's
compliance with legal matters that have a significant impact on financial
reports. The Company's audit committee comprises of Dr. Robert A. Orlando and
Dr. Francis R. Cano. Two (2) audit committee meetings were held during the
fiscal year ended May 31, 1999.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth the total compensation earned by the Chief
Executive Officer and all other executive officers who earned in excess of
$100,000 per annum during the fiscal years ended May 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG TERM COMPENSATION
------------------------------------------------------------------
AWARDS PAYOUTS
-------------------------------
RESTRICTED SECURITIES
OTHER ANNUAL STOCK UNDERLYING LTIP ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION AWARD(S) OPTIONS/ PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
POSITION YEAR ($)(1) ($) ($) ($) SARS (#) ($) ($)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Zackary Irani, Chairman 1999 69,452 -0- -0- -0- 25,700 -0- -0-
of the Board, President
and Chief Executive 1998 64,352 -0- -0- -0- 64,000 -0- -0-
Officer
1997 41,948(2) -0- -0- -0- 40,000 -0- -0-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
(1)The amounts described in the Summary Compensation Table above do not include other compensation and benefits provided to Mr.
Irani during the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999, that in the aggregate did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the
executive's annual salary and bonus.
(2)Includes $4,000 cash compensation paid to Mr. Irani for services rendered as the Company's CEO and Treasurer.
</FN>
</TABLE>
STOCK OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth information concerning stock options granted
in the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999, to the Company's Chief Executive Officer.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS(1)
PERCENT OF TOTAL
NUMBER OF SECURITIES OPTIONS/SARS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR
OPTIONS/SARS EMPLOYEES IN BASE
NAME GRANTED (#) FISCAL YEAR PRICE ($/SH) EXPIRATION DATE
- ---- --------------------- ---------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Zackary Irani 700 0.38% $.85 11/01/03
25,000 13.62% $.86 02/28/04
<FN>
- ------------
(1)All options granted during the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999 vest in
accordance with the Company's standard vesting schedule.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
OPTION EXERCISES AND FISCAL YEAR-END VALUES
The following table presents information for the named officer in the
Summary Compensation Table with respect to options exercised during fiscal 1999
and unexercised options held as of the end of the fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
Number of Securities
Underlying Value of Unexercised
Shares Unexercised Options at In-the-Money Options
Acquired Value Fiscal Year End (#) at Fiscal Year End ($)
------------------- ----------------------
Name On Exercise (#) Realized (1)($) Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
- ---- --------------- --------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Zackary Irani -0- -0- 78,950/60,750 $66,755/$57,400
<FN>
- -------
(1) Based on the closing price of $2.50 for the last business day of the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999.
</FN>
</TABLE>
STOCK OPTIONS
Under the 1991 Stock Option and Common Stock Plan (the "1991 Plan"), the
Company is authorized to grant stock options and issue restricted stock to
employees, consultants, advisers, independent contractors and agents of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries, through December 3, 2001. Under the plan
350,000 shares have been authorized for grant or issuance. Stock options granted
under the 1991 Plan shall be granted at an option price not less than 100%, in
the case of incentive stock options, and not less than 85%, in the case of
non-qualified stock options, of the fair market value of the stock on the date
of the award of the stock option. Most options granted under the 1991 Plan to
date expire five (5) years from the date of their respective grant and all were
granted at fair market value on the date of grant. As of September 14, 1999,
options to purchase 36,550 shares of Common Stock were outstanding, at exercise
prices ranging from $.80 to $.86 per share with an average exercise price of
$.83 per share.
Under the 1995 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the "1995 Plan"),
which expires November 9, 2005, and is a plan similar in format to the 1991
Plan, 500,000 shares may be authorized for grant or issuance. As of September
14, 1999, options to purchase 405,250 shares of Common Stock were outstanding
under the 1995 Plan at exercise prices ranging from $.85 to $3.00 per share with
an average exercise price of $1.44 per share.
The Board of Directors has approved for adoption a 1999 Stock Incentive
Plan covering 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock, which is subject to stockholder
approval at the Annual Meeting.
In June, 1999, Zackary Irani was granted options to purchase 1,000,000
shares at $3.00 per share. In addition, 580,000 stock options have been granted
to officers, directors, employees, and non-employees at exercise prices ranging
from $2.06 to $3.00 per share.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Although not prohibited by the Company's Bylaws, directors receive no
payment for their services as directors, but they have been and may in the
future be granted options to purchase the Company's securities. The compensation
of officers and directors is subject to review and adjustment from time to time
by the Board of Directors.
<PAGE>
SECTION 16(a) - BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of
the Company's stock, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes
in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Executive officers,
directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by applicable
regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they
file.
Based solely upon a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company and information involving securities transactions of which the Company
is aware, the Company believes that during the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999,
all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive officers,
directors and greater than 10% beneficial stockholders were complied with.
<PAGE>
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999, the Company leased approximately
21,000 square feet of space in Newport Beach, California pursuant to a lease
which expired May 31, 1998 (and which was renewed until May 31, 1999) at a base
rental payment of $12,720 per month, plus taxes and insurance. During fiscal
1999, the Company paid $142,640 in rent. The lease is currently month-to-month.
However, a new lease is currently being negotiated and will be effective as of
September 1, 1999. These facilities are currently being used for the Company's
diagnostic test kit research and development, manufacturing, marketing and
administration. The facilities are leased from JSJ Management, of which Janet
Moore, an officer and director of the Company, is a partner.
On June 11, 1999, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement, the Company sold
50,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Zachary Irani and Ms. Janet Moore at a
purchase price of $5.00 per share. Both Mr. Irani and Ms. Moore are officers,
directors, and shareholders of the Company.
On June 11, 1999, the Company entered into a five-year agreement with the
BigStore.com. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, as amended, the
BigStore.com will provide the Company with back-end processing services for the
Company's web site in exchange for a warrant to purchase 410,000 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. The warrants vest
immediately prior to a public offering of Common Stock. The agreement also
provides that the BigStore.com will transfer and assign to the Company its
right, title and interest in and to the Internet domain name "the BigRX.com" and
all rights to any trademark related thereto.
On June 10, 1999, the Company granted to RJM Consulting, LLC a warrant to
purchase 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per
share. The warrant was granted as consideration for its services in helping the
Company raise equity capital and for introducing the Company to the
BigStore.com. The warrants vest immediately prior to a public offering of Common
Stock.
On September 2, 1999, the Company entered into a five-year agreement with
the BigHub.com. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the BigHub.com will
provide the Company with strategic placement of advertising and marketing on its
web site in exchange for a warrant to purchase 250,000 shares of Common Stock at
an exercise price of $5.00 per share. The warrants vest immediately prior to a
public offering of the Common Stock.
In the opinion of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors, the
above transactions were fair to the Company and were made upon terms which were
no less favorable to the Company than would have been obtained if negotiated
with unaffiliated third-parties.
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL NO. 2 APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION TO CHANGE THE COMPANY'S NAME TO THEBIGRX.COM,
INC.
The Board recommends that the Company's name be changed from "Biomerica,
Inc." to "The BigRX.com, Inc." The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine
if and when the name change will be effected. The Board believes the new name
reflects the Company's business plan to engage in the on-line marketing,
distribution and sale of pharmaceutical products and services, primarily through
the Internet. The approval of the name change will not affect in any way the
validity of currently outstanding stock certificates and will not require the
Company's stockholders to surrender or exchange any stock certificates that they
currently hold. The name change is reflected in Article I of the Amended
Certificate (as defined below).
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO CHANGE
THE COMPANY'S NAME TO THEBIGRX.COM, INC.
PROPOSAL NO. 3 APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK OF
THE COMPANY.
The Board recommends that the authorized shares of Common Stock of the
Company be increased from 10,000,000 to 25,000,000, and that the Company
authorize the issuance of 5,000,000 shares of "blank check" preferred stock, the
rights, preferences and privileges of which shall be determined by the Board of
Directors from time to time (the "Preferred Stock"). As of September 6, 1999,
the Company had issued 4,530,695 shares of Common Stock. Also, as of September
6, 1999, options to purchase a total of 2,021,800 shares of Common Stock and
warrants to purchase a total of 1,660,000 shares of Common Stock were
outstanding. If the Amended Certificate is adopted, there will be 20,469,305
additional shares of authorized and unissued Common Stock (exclusive of shares
reserved for options and warrants), and 5,000,000 additional shares of
authorized and unissued Preferred Stock.
The additional Common Stock to be authorized by adoption of the Amended
Certificate would have rights identical to the currently outstanding Common
Stock of the Company. Adoption of the Amended Certificate and issuance of the
Common Stock would not affect the rights of the holders of currently outstanding
Common Stock of the Company, except for effects incidental to increasing the
number of shares of the Company's Common Stock outstanding, such as dilution of
the earnings per share and voting rights of current holders of Common Stock.
The additional shares of Preferred Stock to be authorized by adoption of
the Amended Certificate may be issued in such number or series, and shall have
such rights, preferences and privileges as the Board of Directors may determine
from time to time.
<PAGE>
The Board desires to have additional authorized shares for future business
and financial purposes. The Board believes that the proposed increase in the
number of authorized shares of Common Stock and the authorization to issue
Preferred Stock will facilitate the Company's efforts to raise additional
capital to fund the expansion of its business enterprise and finance the
research, development and marketing costs related thereto. The additional shares
may be issued, without further stockholder approval, for various purposes,
including (without limitation) raising capital, providing equity incentives to
employees, officers or directors, establishing certain strategic relationships
with other companies and expanding the Company's business or product lines
through certain acquisitions of other businesses and products, as well as stock
dividends to existing stockholders. The Company plans to undertake a secondary
public offering of approximately 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock in October.
Other than this offering, the Company has no present intention of using the
newly authorized shares.
The increase in the authorized number of shares of Common Stock, the
authorization of shares of Preferred Stock and the subsequent issuance of such
shares could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of
the Company without further action by the stockholders. Shares of authorized and
unissued Common Stock and Preferred Stock could (within the limits imposed by
applicable law) be issued in one or more transactions which would make a change
in control of the Company more difficult, and therefore less likely. Any such
issuance of additional stock could have the effect of diluting the earnings per
share and book value per share of outstanding shares of Common Stock or the
stock ownership and voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of the
Company.
The Company is not presently aware of any pending or proposed transaction
involving a change in control of the Company. While it may be deemed to have
potential anti-takeover effects, the proposed amendment to increase the
authorized Common Stock and to authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock is not
prompted by any specific effort or takeover threat currently perceived by
management.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK.
PROPOSAL NO. 4 APPROVAL OF RESTATEMENT OF THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION
** 1 The Board has unanimously approved, and recommends that the
stockholders approve, the amendment and restatement of the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation so that the Company's Certificate of Incorporation shall read
in its entirety as set forth in the First Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit A (the "Amended
Certificate"). The amendments to the existing Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Existing Certificate") are summarized below. The summary is qualified by
reference to the full text of the Amended Certificate.
** 2 The Existing Certificate contains provisions that are cumbersome,
redundant and do not reflect current Delaware corporate practice. The following
is a summary description of the more important of these obsolete provisions in
the Existing Certificate and the proposed amendments thereto, as set forth in
the Amended Certificate.
Under the Existing Certificate, the authorized number of directors of the
Company shall be the number fixed and specified in the Company's Bylaws. The
Board of Directors believes that these provisions are cumbersome and not
consistent with modern Delaware corporate practice. The Amended Certificate
provides that the authorized number of directors shall be fixed in the manner
provided in the Company's Bylaws. The Board believes that this change is
consistent with current Delaware corporate practice and would provide the Board
with greater flexibility in altering the authorized number of directors. This
amendment is not anticipated to materially change the rights, preferences and
privileges of current holders of Common Stock.
The Existing Certificate provides that directors shall not be liable for
breach of their fiduciary duties, except in certain specified circumstances. The
Amended Certificate contains a similar provision limiting the liability of
directors, and further provides that the liability of directors shall be
eliminated to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law in the event that
Delaware law is amended at any time in the future.
<PAGE>
The Existing Certificate also provides for indemnification of directors,
officers, employees and agents of the Company and contains detailed provisions
regarding the right to indemnification and insurance. All such detailed rights
to indemnification and insurance are set forth in the Company's current Bylaws.
The Amended Certificate eliminates these cumbersome provisions regarding
indemnification and provides that the Company's directors, officers and
employees shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware
law. This amendment is not anticipated to materially change the rights,
preferences and privileges of current holders of Common Stock.
Article VI of the Existing Certificate contains detailed provisions
relating to the management of the Company and its business, which are
customarily reserved for the Bylaws. The Board believes that provisions relating
to the Company's internal management should be reserved for the Bylaws, in order
to facilitate any changes thereto that may become necessary from time to time.
The Amended Certificate does not contain any such provisions relating to
management. The Board of Directors believes that this change is consistent with
current Delaware corporate practice. This amendment is not anticipated to
materially change the rights, preferences and privileges of current holders of
Common Stock.
If the stockholders approve the amendments described above and the
restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Company will file, shortly
following such stockholder approval, the Amended Certificate with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware. Each of the above described changes will be
effective upon such filing of the Amended Certificate with the Delaware
Secretary of State.
Under Delaware law, stockholders are not entitled to dissenter's rights
with respect to the proposed amendment and restatement of the Certificate of
Incorporation.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL
TO APPROVE THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION.
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL NO. 5 APPROVAL OF 1999 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
On August 13, 1999, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the
Company's 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), subject to stockholder
approval. The Board of Directors believes that the best interests of the Company
and its stockholders will be best served by approving the Plan. The Board
believes the Plan will enhance the Company's ability to recruit and maintain
qualified management and personnel. The following summary description of the
Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Plan, a copy of which is
attached hereto as Exhibit B.
PURPOSE. The Plan is intended to provide incentive to key employees,
officers, directors and others expected to provide significant services to the
Company, to encourage proprietary interest in the Company, to encourage such key
employees to remain in the employ of the Company, to attract new employees with
outstanding qualifications, and to afford additional incentive to others to
increase their efforts in providing significant services to the Company.
ADMINISTRATION. The Plan will be administered by a committee of the Board
of Directors (the "Stock Option Committee") which has been established by the
Board and which will at all times be composed of "non-employee directors;"
provided, however, that the Board may abolish the Stock Option Committee at any
time and revest administration of the Plan in the Board or a reconstituted Stock
Option Committee. No member of the Stock Option Committee will vote on any
matter affecting his or her own compensation.
TYPES OF AWARDS. The Company's Plan provides for the grant of (i) incentive
stock options ("ISOs") within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and (ii) stock options that are not
intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Code ("NQSOs"; collectively with
ISOs, "Options"). The Plan also authorizes the award of (i) shares of restricted
Common Stock ("Restricted Stock"), (ii) dividend equivalent rights ("DERs"),
(iii) phantom stock rights ("PSRs") and (iv) stock appreciation rights ("SARs").
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AWARDS. Options granted under the Plan will vest
and become exercisable as determined by the Stock Option Committee or the Board
of Directors. Awards will be subject to the terms and restrictions of the awards
made by the Stock Option Committee or the Board of Directors. Option and award
recipients shall enter into a written stock option agreement with the Company.
The Stock Option Committee or the Board of Directors has discretionary authority
to select participants from among eligible persons and to determine, at the time
an Option or award is granted, when and in what increments shares covered by the
Option or award will vest and may be purchased. In the case of an Option, the
Stock Option Committee or the Board of Directors also has the discretionary
authority to determine, at the time such Option is granted, whether the Option
is intended to be an ISO or a NQSO, provided, however, that certain restrictions
applicable to ISOs are mandatory, including a requirement that ISOs not be
issued for less than 100% of the then fair market value of the Common Stock
(110% in the case of a grantee who holds more than 10% of the outstanding Common
Stock) and a maximum exercise period of ten (10) years (five (5) years in the
case of a grantee who holds more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock). Fair
market value means, as of any given date, the value of one share of Common
Stock, determined as follows: (i) if the shares are traded on an exchange, the
price at which the shares traded at the close of business on the date of
valuation; (ii) if the shares are traded over-the-counter on the NASDAQ System,
the closing price if one is available, or the mean between the bid and asked
prices quoted on the NASDAQ System at the close of business on the date of
valuation; and (iii) if neither (i) nor (ii) applies, then the fair market value
as determined by the Board of Directors or the Stock Option Committee in good
faith. Such determination will be conclusive and binding on all persons.
ELIGIBLE PERSONS. Officers, directors and employees of the Company and
other persons expected to provide significant services to the Company are
eligible to participate in the Plan. ISOs may be granted to the officers and key
employees of the Company. NQSOs and other awards may be granted to the
directors, officers, key employees, agents and consultants of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries, provided that the Stock Option Committee finds that the
value of services rendered or to be rendered to the Company is at least equal to
the value of the awards being granted.
<PAGE>
Under current law, ISOs may not be granted to any director of the Company
who is not an employee, or to directors, officers and other employees of
entities unrelated to the Company.
SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. Subject to anti-dilution provisions for stock
splits, stock dividends and similar events, the Plan authorizes the grant of
Options to purchase up to One Million (1,000,000) shares of the Company's Common
Stock; provided, however, that at no time shall Options be granted to purchase
an aggregate of more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of the
Company's Common Stock.
TERM OF THE PLAN. Unless previously terminated by the Board of Directors,
the Plan will terminate on August 13, 2009, and no options may be granted under
the Plan thereafter, but existing options will remain in effect until the
options are exercised or terminated by their terms.
TERM OF OPTIONS. Each stock option must terminate no more than ten (10)
years from the date it is granted (or five (5) years in the case of ISOs granted
to an employee who is deemed to own in excess of ten percent (10%) of the
combined voting power of the Company's outstanding equity stock). Stock options
may be granted on terms providing for exercise either in whole or in part at any
time or times during their restrictive terms, or only in specified percentages
at the stated time periods or intervals during the term of the stock option.
OPTION EXERCISE. The exercise price of any stock option granted under the
Plan is payable in full in cash, or its equivalent as determined by the Stock
Option Committee. The Company may make loans available to option holders to
exercise stock options evidenced by a promissory note executed by the option
holder and secured by a pledge of Common Stock with a fair market value at least
equal to the principal of the promissory note, unless otherwise determined by
the Stock Option Committee.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN. The Board of Directors may, without
affecting any outstanding stock options, from time to time revise or amend the
Plan, and may suspend or discontinue it at any time. However, no such revision
or amendment may, without stockholder approval, increase the number of shares
subject to the Plan, modify the class of participants eligible to receive
options granted under the Plan or extend the maximum option term under the Plan.
COMMON STOCK. The Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan is
currently traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap under the symbol BMRA. The estimated per
share market value of the Common Stock is approximately $2.0625, based on the
closing price of the Common Stock as of August 12, 1999. Based on this
valuation, the One Million (1,000,000) shares reserved for issuance under the
Plan have an aggregate market value of Two Million Sixty Two Thousand Five
Hundred Dollars ($2,062,500.)
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES. Following is a brief summary of
the principal federal income tax consequences of awards under the Plan. This
summary is not an exhaustive description and does not describe all applicable
federal, state or local tax laws.
Incentive Stock Options. A Plan participant is not subject to federal
income tax at the time of either the grant or the exercise of an ISO. In the
year in which an ISO is exercised, however, the amount by which the fair market
value of the shares of Common Stock received upon the exercise of an ISO exceeds
the exercise price will constitute an adjustment to the option holder's income
in computing alternative minimum taxable income. Such adjustment could result in
the imposition of, or increase the amount of, the option holder's "alternative
minimum tax" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
If an option holder does not dispose of such shares of Common Stock within two
(2) years after the ISO was granted or one (1) year after the ISO was exercised,
whichever is later (any such disposition, a "disqualifying event"), then any
gain or loss recognized upon such disposition generally will be treated as
long-term capital gain or loss. In such event, the Company will not receive a
tax deduction on either the exercise of the ISO or on the sale of the underlying
Common Stock.
<PAGE>
If an option holder makes a "disqualifying disposition," the option holder
will realize ordinary income in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date the ISO is exercised minus the
exercise price, or (ii) the sales price received by the option holder on the
disposition of such Common Stock minus the exercise price. In such event, the
Company will be entitled to a deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary
income recognized by the option holder. If a sale is a disqualifying
disposition, the option holder also may realize short-term or long-term capital
gain or loss, if such shares constitute capital assets in an option holder's
hands. The gain or loss will be measured by the difference between the fair
market value of the shares on the date of exercise of the ISO and the sales
price of the shares.
Non-Qualified Stock Options. No income is realized by an option holder upon
the grant of an NQSO. Upon the exercise of an NQSO, however, the amount by which
the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise exceeds the
exercise price will be taxed as ordinary income to an option holder and the
Company will be entitled to a deduction in an equal amount. Such amount will not
be an adjustment to income in computing alternative minimum taxable income. Upon
subsequent sales of Common Stock received upon exercise of NQSO's, an option
holder may realize short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending upon
the holding period of the shares, if such shares constitute capital assets in
the option holder's hands. The gain or loss will be measured by the difference
between the sales price and the tax basis of the shares sold. The tax basis for
this purpose will be the sum of the exercise price and the amount of ordinary
income realized by the option holder as a result of such exercise.
Restricted Stock. A participant who has been awarded Restricted Stock will
not realize taxable income at the time of the award, and the Company will not be
entitled to a deduction at that time; provided, however, that the participant
may elect to treat the value of the shares as income at the time of receipt
(without regard to restrictions) by filing with the IRS (with a copy to the
Company) an election under Section 83(b) of the Code no later than thirty (30)
days after the issuance date. When the restrictions on the Restricted Stock
lapse, the participant will have ordinary income and the Company will have a
corresponding deduction. The measure of such income and deduction will be the
fair market value of the shares at the time the restrictions lapse.
SARs and PSRs. No income is realized by a holder of an SAR or PSR at the
time the SAR or PSR is granted; however, upon exercise, the amount of cash or
the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock received will be taxable as
ordinary income to the holder thereof and the Company will be entitled to a
deduction in an equal amount.
DERs. A recipient of a DER award will not realize taxable income at the
time of grant and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction at that time.
When a dividend equivalent is paid, the participant will recognize ordinary
income, and the Company will be entitled to a deduction. The measure of the
income and deduction will be the amount of cash and the fair market value of the
shares at the time the DER is paid.
One Million Dollar Compensation Limit. The Code limits the deductibility
(under certain circumstances) of compensation that exceeds One Million Dollars
($1,000,000) annually that is paid by the Company to its president and to its
four (4) most highly compensated officers (other than the president) as
determined at the end of the Company's taxable year. The Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder provide certain exclusions from the amounts
included in the One Million Dollar ($1,000,000) limitation, including
compensation that is "qualified performance-based compensation" within the
meaning of the regulations. The Plan generally is intended to satisfy the
requirements set forth in the regulations with respect to "qualified
performance-based compensation" with respect to Options that are exercisable at
an exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of
Common Stock on the date of grant. However, if an Option is exercisable at a
price less than 100% of the price of a share of Common Stock on the date of
grant, the compensatory element of such NQSO (i.e., the excess of such fair
market value over the exercise price) will not constitute "qualified
performance-based compensation," unless the exercise of Options is contingent
upon the attainment of pre-established performance goals.
MISCELLANEOUS. The Plan is not qualified under Section 401 of the Code. In
addition, the Plan is not subject to any of the provisions of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). The Plan is not
intended to be a funded plan.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE 1999 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN.
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Effective April 13, 1999, the Board of Directors appointed BDO Seidman, LLP
as independent public accountants, to audit the consolidated financial
statements of the Company for the year ending May 31, 1999 and to perform other
appropriate services as directed by the Company's management and Board of
Directors. In connection with the engagement of BDO Seidman, LLP, the Company
dismissed Corbin & Wertz, who had been engaged to audit the Company's financial
statements for the prior fiscal years. The audit reports provided by Corbin &
Wertz for the fiscal years ended May 31, 1998 and 1997 did not contain any
adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion nor was any report modified as to
uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. There were no disagreements
between management and Corbin & Wertz on any matter of accounting principles or
practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing, scope, or procedure.
Prior to the engagement of BDO Seidman, LLP there were no consultations by the
Company and BDO Seidman, LLP relating to disclosable disagreements with Corbin &
Wertz, how accounting principles would be applied by BDO Seidman, LLP to a
specific transaction, or the type of an opinion BDO Seidman, LLP might render.
BDO Seidman, LLP has advised the Company that they had no direct or
indirect financial interest in the Company and its subsidiaries. BDO Seidman,
LLP has not indicated to the Company that it is unwilling to serve again as the
Company's independent public accountants. In connection with its audit for the
fiscal year ended May 31, 1999, there have been no disagreements with BDO
Seidman, LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures which disagreements, if not
resolved to their satisfaction, would have caused them to make reference in
connection with their opinion to the subject matter of the disagreement.
It is expected that a representative of BDO Seidman, LLP will be present at
the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions or to make a statement if
he or she so desires.
OTHER BUSINESS
Management is not aware of any matters to come before the Annual Meeting
other than those stated in this Proxy Statement. However, inasmuch as matters of
which management is not now aware may come before the meeting or any adjournment
thereof, the Proxy confers discretionary authority with respect to acting
thereon, and the persons named in such Proxy intend to vote, act, and consent in
accordance with their best judgment with respect thereto.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report to Stockholders covering the Company's fiscal year ended
May 31, 1999 is being mailed to stockholders with this Proxy Statement. The
Company's annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended May 31, 1999,
including the financial statements and schedules thereto, which the Company will
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will be made available to
beneficial owners of the Company's securities upon request. The annual report
does not form any part of the material for the solicitation of the Proxy.
DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR ANNUAL MEETING
Any proposal relating to a proper subject which a stockholder may intend to
present for action at the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and which such
stockholder may wish to have included in the Company's proxy materials for such
meeting must, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14a-8 promulgated under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, be received in proper form by the Company
at its principal executive office not later than June 23, 2000. It is suggested
that any such proposal be submitted by certified mail, return receipt requested.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/S/ ZACKARY S. IRANI
---------------------------------
ZACKARY S. IRANI,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Newport Beach, California
September 15, 1999
<PAGE>
REVOCABLE PROXY
BIOMERICA, INC. ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OCTOBER 25, 1999
The undersigned stockholder(s) of Biomerica, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company") hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints Janet Moore, his, her
or its true and lawful agent and proxy, with full power of substitution, to vote
all the shares of stock of the Company which the undersigned is entitled to vote
at the Annual Meeting of the Company to be held at the Hyatt Newporter, 1107
Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, California 92660 on October 25, 1999, at 2:00
p.m., and any and all adjournments thereof, with respect to the matters
described in the accompanying Proxy Statement, and, in her discretion, on such
other matters which properly come before the Annual Meeting, as fully and with
the same force and effect as the undersigned might or could do if personally
present thereat, as follows:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2, 3, 4, AND 5
1. For all nominees WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
------- -------
(Except as listed below) (As to all nominees)
Nominees: Dr. Carlos St. aubyn Beharie; David Burrows; Dr.
Francis R. Cano; Zackary Irani; Dr. Philip B.
Kaplan; Janet Moore; and Dr. Robert A. Orlando.
Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any
individual nominee, write the nominee's name
in the space provided below.
----------------------------------------------
2. Proposal to amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to change the
Company's name to TheBigRX.com.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
--- ------- -------
3. Proposal to amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to increase
the authorized common stock to twenty-five million shares and to provide
for five million shares of "blank-check preferred stock."
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
--- ------- -------
4. Proposal to restate the Company's Certificate of Incorporation.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
--- ------- -------
5. Proposal to ratify and approve the Company's 1999 Stock Incentive Plan,
and the reservation of One Million (1,000,000) shares of the
Company's Common Stock thereunder.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
--- ------- -------
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND MAY BE REVOKED PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE.
PLEASE SIGN AND DATE ON REVERSE SIDE.
<PAGE>
THE PROXY CONFERS AUTHORITY TO VOTE AND UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE SHALL BE
VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2, 3, 4 AND 5 AND WILL BE VOTED BY THE PROXY HOLDER AT
HER DISCRETION AS TO ANY OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY TRANSACTED AT THE MEETING.
Dated:
-------------------------
- -----------------------------------
(Please Print Name)
- -----------------------------------
(Signature of Stockholder)
- -----------------------------------
(Please Print Name)
- -----------------------------------
(Signature of Stockholder)
(Please date this Proxy and sign your name as it appears on your
stock certificate(s). Executors, administrators, trustees, etc., should
give their full titles. All joint owners should sign.)
I (We) do do not
- ------- -------
expect to attend the meeting.
<PAGE>
Exhibit A
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
BIOMERICA, INC.
Biomerica, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue
of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation") does
hereby certify as follows:
1. The Corporation filed its original Certificate of Incorporation with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 22, 1971 under the
name of Nuclear Medical Systems, Inc.
2. At a duly called meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation
at which a quorum was present at all times, a resolution was duly adopted,
pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware ("General Corporation Law"), setting forth the First Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, declaring said First
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation advisable and directing that
said First Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation be considered at
the next annual meeting of the stockholders. The stockholders of the
Corporation duly approved said proposed First Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation at such annual meeting of the stockholders in accordance with
Sections 222, 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law.
3. The text of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as
amended, is hereby further amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this Corporation is The BigRx.com, Inc.
ARTICLE II
REGISTERED OFFICE IN STATE AND REGISTERED AGENT
The address of the registered office of this Corporation in the State of
Delaware is 229 South State Street, City of Dover, County of Kent. The name of
this Corporation's registered agent at such registered office is The Prentice-
Hall Corporation System, Inc.
ARTICLE III
PURPOSE
The purpose for which this Corporation is organized is to engage in any
lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General
Corporation Law.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL STOCK
This Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of shares designated
respectively "Common Stock" and "Preferred Stock" and referred to herein as
Common Stock or Common Shares and Preferred Stock or Preferred Shares,
respectively. The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the
Corporation shall have authority to issue is 30,000,000 shares, par value $.08,
consisting of:
(a) 25,000,000 shares of Common Stock; and
(b) 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. The Preferred Shares may be
issued from time to time in one or more series. The board of
directors is authorized to fix the number of shares of any series of
Preferred Stock and to determine the designation of any such series.
The board of directors is also authorized to determine or alter the
rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed
upon any wholly unissued series of Preferred Shares and, within the
limits and restrictions stated in any resolution or resolutions of the
board of directors originally fixing the number of shares constituting
any series, to increase or decrease (but not below the number of
shares of any such series then outstanding) the number of shares of
any series subsequent to the issue of shares of that series.
ARTICLE V
PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING AND
REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THIS
CORPORATION AND OF THE DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. Number of Directors. The number of directors which shall
--------------------
comprise the full Board of Directors of this Corporation shall be fixed by, or
in the manner provided in, the Bylaws of this Corporation.
Section 2. Power to Authorize Issuance of Stock. The Board of Directors
-------------------------------------
of this Corporation is hereby empowered to authorize the issuance from time to
time of shares of capital stock, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such
consideration as the Board of Directors may deem advisable, subject to such
limitations as may be set forth in this Certificate of Incorporation or in the
Bylaws of this Corporation or in the General Corporation Law.
Section 3. Limitation on Liability of Directors. A director of this
-------------------------------------
Corporation shall not be personally liable to this Corporation or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to
this Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law as
now in effect, or any successor provision thereto, (iii) under Section 174 of
the General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director
derived any improper personal benefit. If the General Corporation Law is
amended after approval by the stockholders of this Article V to authorize
corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of
directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be
eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation
Law, as so amended.
<PAGE>
Any repeal or modification of this Section 3 of Article V by the
stockholders of this Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or
protection of a director of this Corporation existing at the time of such repeal
or modification.
Section 4. Indemnification. Each director, officer and employee of this
----------------
Corporation shall be indemnified by this Corporation to the fullest extent
permitted by the General Corporation Law as now or hereafter in force.
Section 5. Bylaws. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers
-------
conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, the board of directors of this
Corporation is expressly authorized and empowered to make, alter, amend and
repeal the Bylaws of this Corporation, subject to the power of the stockholders
of this Corporation to alter or repeal any Bylaw made by the board of directors.
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENTS
This Corporation reserves the right at any time, and from time to time, to
amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of
Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Corporation has caused this First Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by its President and attested
by its Secretary this day of October, 1999.
------
BIOMERICA, INC.
By:
-----------------------------------
Zackary Irani, President
ATTEST:
By:
---------------------------
Janet Moore, Secretary
<PAGE>
Exhibit B
BIOMERICA, INC.
1999 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
ARTICLE 1. INTRODUCTION.
The Plan was adopted by the Board effective August 13, 1999. The purpose
of the Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation
of stockholder value by (a) encouraging Employees, Outside Directors and
Consultants to focus on critical long-range objectives, (b) encouraging the
attraction and retention of Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants with
exceptional qualifications and (c) linking Employees, Outside Directors and
Consultants directly to stockholder interests through increased stock ownership.
The Plan seeks to achieve this purpose by providing for Awards in the form of
Restricted Shares or Options (which may constitute incentive stock options or
nonstatutory stock options).
The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the
State of California.
ARTICLE 2. ADMINISTRATION.
2.1 COMMITTEE COMPOSITION. The Plan shall be administered by the
Committee. The Committee shall consist exclusively of two or more Outside
Directors of the Company, who shall be appointed by the Board. In addition, the
composition of the Committee shall satisfy:
(a) Such requirements as the Securities and Exchange Commission may
establish for administrators acting under plans intended to
qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3 (or its successor) under
the Exchange Act; and
(b) Such requirements as the Internal Revenue Service may establish
for outside directors acting under plans intended to qualify for
exemption under Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code.
2.2 COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES. The Committee shall (a) review
management's recommendation as to the Employees, Outside Directors and
Consultants who are to receive Awards under the Plan, (b) determine the type,
number, vesting requirements and other features and conditions of such Awards,
(c) interpret the Plan and (d) make all other decisions relating to the
operation of the Plan. The Committee may adopt such rules or guidelines as it
deems appropriate to implement the Plan. The Committee's determinations under
the Plan shall be final and binding on all persons.
2.3 COMMITTEE FOR NON-OFFICER GRANTS. The Board may also appoint a
secondary committee of the Board, which shall be composed of one or more
directors of the Company who need not satisfy the requirements of Section 2.1.
Such secondary committee may administer the Plan with respect to Employees and
Consultants who are not considered officers or directors of the Company under
section 16 of the Exchange Act or covered employees under Section 162(m)(3) of
the Code, may grant Awards under the Plan to such Employees and Consultants and
may determine all features and conditions of such Awards. Within the limitations
of this Section 2.3, any reference in the Plan to the Committee shall include
such secondary committee.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 3. SHARES AVAILABLE FOR GRANTS.
3.1 BASIC LIMITATION. Common Shares issued pursuant to the Plan may be
authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. The aggregate number of
Options and Restricted Shares awarded under the Plan shall not exceed (a) One
Million (1,000,000) plus (b) the additional Common Shares described in Sections
3.2 and 3.3. The limitations of this Section 3.1 and Section 3.2 shall be
subject to adjustment pursuant to Article 9.
3.2 ANNUAL INCREASE IN SHARES. As of the first day of each calendar year,
commencing with January 1, 2000, the aggregate number of Options and Restricted
Shares that may be awarded under the Plan shall automatically increase by a
number equal to the lesser of (a) 1.5% of the total number of Common Shares then
outstanding (assuming for this purpose the conversion to common stock of any
outstanding convertible securities) or (b) 500,000.
3.3 ADDITIONAL SHARES. If Options are forfeited or terminate for any
other reason before being exercised, then the corresponding Common Shares shall
again become available for the grant of Options or Restricted Shares under the
Plan. If Restricted Shares or Common Shares issued upon the exercise of Options
are forfeited, then such Common Shares shall again become available for the
grant of NSOs and Restricted Shares under the Plan. The aggregate number of
Common Shares that may be issued under the Plan upon the exercise of ISOs shall
not be increased when Restricted Shares or other Common Shares are forfeited.
ARTICLE 4. ELIGIBILITY.
4.1 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED SHARES. Only Employees,
Outside Directors and Consultants shall be eligible for the grant of NSOs and
Restricted Shares.
4.2 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. Only Employees who are common-law employees
of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary shall be eligible for the grant of
ISOs. In addition, an Employee who owns more than 10% of the total combined
voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company or any of its
Parents or Subsidiaries shall not be eligible for the grant of an ISO unless the
requirements set forth in section 422(c)(5) of the Code are satisfied.
ARTICLE 5. OPTIONS.
5.1 STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT. Each grant of an Option under the Plan shall
be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the Optionee and the Company.
Such Option shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be
subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The
provisions of the various Stock Option Agreements entered into under the Plan
need not be identical. Options may be granted in consideration of a reduction in
the Optionee's other compensation. A Stock Option Agreement may provide that a
new Option will be granted automatically to the Optionee when he or she
exercises a prior Option and pays the Exercise Price in the form described in
Section 6.2.
<PAGE>
5.2 NUMBER OF SHARES. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the
number of Common Shares subject to the Option and shall provide for the
adjustment of such number in accordance with Article 9. Options granted to any
Optionee in a single fiscal year of the Company shall not cover more than
250,000 Common Shares, except that Options granted to a new Employee in the
fiscal year of the Company in which his or her service as an Employee first
commences shall not cover more than 500,000 Common Shares. The limitations set
forth in the preceding sentence shall be subject to adjustment in accordance
with Article 9.
5.3 EXERCISE PRICE. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the
Exercise Price; provided that the Exercise Price under an ISO shall in no event
be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the date of
grant and the Exercise Price under an NSO shall in no event be less than 85% of
the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the date of grant. In the case of an
NSO, a Stock Option Agreement may specify an Exercise Price that varies in
accordance with a predetermined formula while the NSO is outstanding.
5.4 VESTING, EXERCISABILITY AND TERM. Unless otherwise provided in the
Stock Option Agreement, an Optionee's right to exercise the Option shall vest
pro rata over a period of three (3) years with 25% of the Option vesting on the
date of grant, and 25% of the Option vesting on each of the first, second and
third anniversaries of the date of grant. The Stock Option Agreement shall
also specify the term of the Option; provided that the term of an ISO shall
in no event exceed 10 years from the date of grant. A Stock Option Agreement
may provide for accelerated exercisability in the event of the Optionee's death,
disability or retirement or other events and may provide for expiration prior
to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Optionee's
service.
5.5 EFFECT OF CHANGE IN CONTROL. Notwithstanding Section 5.4 above, each
Option shall automatically fully vest (e.g., become exercisable) as to all or
part of the Common Shares subject to such Option in the event that a Change in
Control (as defined in Section 15.4 below) occurs with respect to the Company,
subject to the following limitations:
(a) In the case of an ISO, the acceleration of exercisability shall
not occur without the Optionee's written consent.
(b) If the Company and the other party to the transaction
constituting a Change in Control agree that such transaction is
to be treated as a "pooling of interests" for financial reporting
purposes, and if such transaction in fact is so treated, then the
acceleration of exercisability shall not occur to the extent that
the Company's independent accountants and such other party's
independent accountants separately determine in good faith that
such acceleration would preclude the use of "pooling of
interests" accounting.
<PAGE>
5.6 MODIFICATION OR ASSUMPTION OF OPTIONS. Within the limitations of the
Plan, the Committee may modify, extend or assume outstanding options or may
accept the cancellation of outstanding options (whether granted by the Company
or by another issuer) in return for the grant of new options for the same or a
different number of shares and at the same or a different exercise price. The
foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an Option shall, without the
consent of the Optionee, alter or impair his or her rights or obligations under
such Option.
5.7 BUYOUT PROVISIONS. The Committee may at any time (a) offer to buy out
for a payment in cash or cash equivalents an Option previously granted or (b)
authorize an Optionee to elect to cash out the vested portion of an Option
previously granted, in either case at such time and based upon such terms and
conditions as the Committee shall establish.
ARTICLE 6. PAYMENT FOR OPTION SHARES.
6.1 GENERAL RULE. The entire Exercise Price of Common Shares issued upon
exercise of Options shall be payable in cash or cash equivalents at the time
when such Common Shares are purchased, except as follows:
(a) In the case of an ISO granted under the Plan, payment shall be
made only pursuant to the express provisions of the applicable
Stock Option Agreement. The Stock Option Agreement may specify
that payment may be made in any form(s) described in this Article
6.
(b) In the case of an NSO, the Committee may at any time accept
payment in any form(s) described in this Article 6.
6.2 EXERCISE/SALE. To the extent that this Section 6.2 is applicable, all
or any part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid by
delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) an irrevocable direction to a
securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Common
Shares being purchased under the Plan and to deliver all or part of the sales
proceeds to the Company.
6.3 EXERCISE/PLEDGE. To the extent that this Section 6.3 is applicable,
all or any part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid by
delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) an irrevocable direction to
pledge all or part of the Common Shares being purchased under the Plan to a
securities broker or lender approved by the Company, as security for a loan, and
to deliver all or part of the loan proceeds to the Company.
<PAGE>
6.4 PROMISSORY NOTE. To the extent that this Section 6.4 is applicable,
all or any part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid by
delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) a full-recourse promissory
note. However, the par value of the Common Shares being purchased under the
Plan, if newly issued, shall be paid in cash or cash equivalents.
6.5 OTHER FORMS OF PAYMENT. To the extent that this Section 6.5 is
applicable, all or any part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may
be paid in any other form that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations
and rules.
ARTICLE 7. AUTOMATIC OPTION GRANTS TO OUTSIDE DIRECTORS.
7.1 INITIAL GRANTS. Each Outside Director shall receive a one-time grant
of a NSO covering 20,000 Common Shares (subject to adjustment under Article
9). Such NSO shall be granted on the date when such Outside Director first joins
the Board and shall become exercisable in 36 equal installments at monthly
intervals over the 36-month period commencing on the date of grant.
7.2 ANNUAL GRANTS. Upon the conclusion of each regular annual meeting of
the Company's stockholders, each Outside Director who will continue serving as a
member of the Board thereafter shall receive a NSO covering an amount of Common
Shares to be determined by the Board from year to year (subject to adjustment
under Article 9), except that such NSO shall not be granted in the fiscal year
in which the same Outside Director received the NSO described in Section 7.1.
NSOs granted under this Section 7.2 shall become exercisable in full on the
first anniversary of the date of grant.
7.3 ACCELERATED EXERCISABILITY. All NSOs granted to an Outside Director
under this Article 7 shall become exercisable in full in the event of:
(a) the termination of such Outside Directors service because of
death, total and permanent disability or retirement at or after
age 70; or
(b) a Change in Control (as defined in Section 15.4 below) with
respect to the Company, except as provided in the next following
sentence. If the Company and the other party to the transaction
constituting a Change in Control agree that such transaction is
to be treated as a "pooling of interests" for financial reporting
purposes, and if such transaction in fact is so treated, then the
acceleration of exercisability shall not occur to the extent that
the Company's independent accountants and such other party's
independent accountants separately determine in good faith that
such acceleration would preclude the use of "pooling of
interests" accounting.
7.4 EXERCISE PRICE. The Exercise Price under all NSOs granted to an
Outside Director under this Article 7 shall be equal to 100% of the Fair Market
Value of a Common Share on the date of grant, payable in one of the forms
described in Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4.
<PAGE>
7.5 TERM. Unless otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreement, all
NSOs granted to an Outside Director under this Article 7 shall terminate on the
earliest of (a) the 10th anniversary of the date of grant, (b) the date 3 months
after the termination of such Outside Director's service for any reason other
than death or total and permanent disability or (c) the date 12 months after the
termination of such Outside Director's service because of death or total and
permanent disability.
7.6 AFFILIATES OF OUTSIDE DIRECTORS. The Committee may provide that the
NSOs that otherwise would be granted to an Outside Director under this Article 7
shall instead be granted to an affiliate of such Outside Director. Such
affiliate shall then be deemed to be an Outside Director for purposes of the
Plan, provided that the service-related vesting and termination provisions
pertaining to the NSOs shall be applied with regard to the service of the
Outside Director.
ARTICLE 8. RESTRICTED SHARES.
8.1 RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT. Each grant of Restricted Shares under the
Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Agreement between the recipient
and the Company. Such Restricted Shares shall be subject to all applicable terms
of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with
the Plan. The provisions of the various Restricted Stock Agreements entered into
under the Plan need not be identical.
8.2 PAYMENT FOR AWARDS. Subject to the following sentence, Restricted
Shares may be sold or awarded under the Plan for such consideration as the
Committee may determine, including (without limitation) cash, cash equivalents,
full-recourse promissory notes, past services and future services. To the extent
that an Award consists of newly issued Restricted Shares, the Award recipient
shall furnish consideration with a value not less than the par value of such
Restricted Shares in the form of cash, cash equivalents or past services
rendered to the Company (or a Parent or Subsidiary), as the Committee may
determine.
8.3 VESTING CONDITIONS. Unless otherwise provided in the Restricted Stock
Agreement, the Restricted Shares shall vest pro rata over a period of three (3)
years with 25% of the Restricted Shares vesting on the date of grant, and 25% of
the Restricted Shares vesting on each of the first, second and third
anniversaries of the date of grant. A Restricted Stock Agreement may provide
for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant's death, disability or
retirement or other events. All Restricted Shares shall become vested in the
event that a Change in Control (as defined in Section 15.4) occurs with respect
to the Company, except as provided in the next following sentence. If the
Company and the other party to the transaction constituting a Change in Control
agree that such transaction is to be treated as a "pooling of interests" for
financial reporting purposes, and if such transaction in fact is so treated,
then the acceleration of vesting shall not occur to the extent that the
Company's independent accountants and such other party's independent accountants
separately determine in good faith that such acceleration would preclude the use
of "pooling of interests" accounting.
8.4 VOTING AND DIVIDEND RIGHTS. The holders of Restricted Shares awarded
under the Plan shall have the same voting, dividend and other rights as the
Company's other stockholders. A Restricted Stock Agreement, however, may require
that the holders of Restricted Shares invest any cash dividends received in
additional Restricted Shares. Such additional Restricted Shares shall be subject
to the same conditions and restrictions as the Award with respect to which the
dividends were paid.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 9. PROTECTION AGAINST DILUTION.
9.1 ADJUSTMENTS. In the event of a subdivision of the outstanding Common
Shares, a declaration of a dividend payable in Common Shares, a declaration of a
dividend payable in a form other than Common Shares in an amount that has a
material effect on the price of Common Shares, a combination or consolidation of
the outstanding Common Shares (by reclassification or otherwise) into a lesser
number of Common Shares, a recapitalization, a spin-off or a similar occurrence,
the Committee shall make such adjustments as it, in its sole discretion, deems
appropriate in one or more of (a) the number of Options and Restricted Shares
available for future Awards under Article 3, (b) the limitations set forth in
Section 5.2, (c) the number of NSOs to be granted to Outside Directors under
Article 7; (d) the number of Common Shares covered by each outstanding Option or
(e) the Exercise Price under each outstanding Option. Except as provided in this
Article 9, a Participant shall have no rights by reason of any issue by the
Company of stock of any class or securities convertible into stock of any class,
any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of
any stock dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of
stock of any class.
9.2 DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION. To the extent not previously exercised,
Options shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation of
the Company.
9.3 REORGANIZATIONS. In the event that the Company is a party to a merger
or other reorganization, outstanding Options and Restricted Shares shall be
subject to the agreement of merger or reorganization. Such agreement shall
provide for (a) the continuation of the outstanding Awards by the Company, if
the Company is a surviving corporation, (b) the assumption of the outstanding
Awards by the surviving corporation or its parent or subsidiary, (c) the
substitution by the surviving corporation or its parent or subsidiary of its own
awards for the outstanding Awards, (d) full exercisability or vesting and
accelerated expiration of the outstanding Awards or (e) settlement of the full
value of the outstanding Awards in cash or cash equivalents followed by
cancellation of such Awards.
ARTICLE 10. DEFERRAL OF DELIVERY OF SHARES.
The Committee (in its sole discretion) may permit or require an Optionee to
have Common Shares that otherwise would be delivered to such Optionee as a
result of the exercise of an Option converted into amounts credited to a
deferred compensation account established for such Optionee by the Committee as
an entry on the Company's books. Such amounts shall be determined by reference
to the Fair Market Value of such Common Shares as of the date when they
otherwise would have been delivered to such Optionee. A deferred compensation
account established under this Article 10 may be credited with interest or other
forms of investment return, as determined by the Committee. An Optionee for whom
such an account is established shall have no rights other than those of a
general creditor of the Company. Such an account shall represent an unfunded and
unsecured obligation of the Company and shall be subject to the terms and
conditions of the applicable agreement between such Optionee and the Company. If
the conversion of Options is permitted or required, the Committee (in its sole
discretion) may establish rules, procedures and forms pertaining to such
conversion, including (without limitation) the settlement of deferred
compensation accounts established under this Article 10.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 11. AWARDS UNDER OTHER PLANS.
The Company may grant awards under other plans or programs. Such awards may
be settled in the form of Common Shares issued under this Plan. Such Common
Shares shall be treated for all purposes under the Plan like Restricted Shares
and shall, when issued, reduce the number of Common Shares available under
Article 3.
ARTICLE 12. LIMITATION ON RIGHTS.
12.1 RETENTION RIGHTS. Neither the Plan nor any Award granted under the
Plan shall be deemed to give any individual a right to remain an Employee,
Outside Director or Consultant. The Company and its Parents, Subsidiaries and
Affiliates reserve the right to terminate the service of any Employee, Outside
Director or Consultant at any time, with or without cause, subject to applicable
laws, the Company's certificate of incorporation and by-laws and a written
employment agreement (if any).
12.2 STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHTS. A Participant shall have no dividend rights,
voting rights or other rights as a stockholder with respect to any Common Shares
covered by his or her Award prior to the time when a stock certificate for such
Common Shares is issued or, in the case of an Option, the time when he or she
becomes entitled to receive such Common Shares by filing a notice of exercise
and paying the Exercise Price. No adjustment shall be made for cash dividends or
other rights for which the record date is prior to such time, except as
expressly provided in the Plan.
12.3 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. Any other provision of the Plan
notwithstanding, the obligation of the Company to issue Common Shares under the
Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and such
approval by any regulatory body as may be required. The Company reserves the
right to restrict, in whole or in part, the delivery of Common Shares pursuant
to any Award prior to the satisfaction of all legal requirements relating to the
issuance of such Common Shares, to their registration, qualification or listing
or to an exemption from registration, qualification or listing.
ARTICLE 13. WITHHOLDING TAXES.
13.1 GENERAL. To the extent required by applicable federal, state, local
or foreign law, a Participant or his or her successor shall make arrangements
satisfactory to the Company for the satisfaction of any withholding tax
obligations that arise in connection with the Plan. The Company shall not be
required to issue any Common Shares or make any cash payment under the Plan
until such obligations are satisfied.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 14. FUTURE OF THE PLAN.
14.1 TERM OF THE PLAN. The Plan, as set forth herein, shall become
effective on ___________, 1999. The Plan shall remain in effect until it is
terminated under Section 14.2, except that no ISOs shall be granted on or after
the 10th anniversary of the later of (a) the date when the Board adopted the
Plan or (b) the date when the Board adopted the most recent increase in the
number of Common Shares available under Article 3 which was approved by the
Company's stockholders.
14.2 AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION. The Board may, at any time and for any
reason, amend or terminate the Plan. An amendment of the Plan shall be subject
to the approval of the Company's stockholders only to the extent required by
applicable laws, regulations or rules. No Awards shall be granted under the Plan
after the termination thereof. The termination of the Plan, or any amendment
thereof, shall not affect any Award previously granted under the Plan.
ARTICLE 15. DEFINITIONS.
15.1 "AFFILIATE" means any entity other than a Subsidiary, if the Company
and/or one or more Subsidiaries own not less than 50% of such entity.
15.2 "AWARD" means any award of an Option or a Restricted Share under the
Plan.
15.3 "BOARD" means the Company's Board of Directors, as constituted from
time to time.
15.4 "CHANGE IN CONTROL" shall mean:
(a) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with
or into another entity or any other corporate reorganization, if
more than 50% of the combined voting power of the continuing or
surviving entity's securities outstanding immediately after such
merger, consolidation or other reorganization is owned by persons
who were not stockholders of the Company immediately prior to
such merger, consolidation or other reorganization;
(b) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially
all of the Company's assets;
(c) at such time as the Company's Board of Directors becomes fully
constituted (e.g., the number of directors reaches nine (9)),
a cumulative change in the identity of a majority of the members
of the Company's first fully constituted Board of Directors
(provided, however, that the appointment of a new director upon
the death or resignation of a director by the remaining directors
then in office shall not constitute a change in identity with
respect to such departed director); or
<PAGE>
(d) any transaction as a result of which any person is the
"beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company
representing at least 50% of the total voting power represented
by the Company's then outstanding voting securities. For
purposes of this Subsection (d), the term "person" shall have the
same meaning as when used in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Exchange Act but shall exclude (i) a trustee or other fiduciary
holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company
or of a Parent or Subsidiary and (ii) a corporation owned
directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the
common stock of the Company.
A transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose
is to change the state of the Company's incorporation or to create a holding
company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons
who held the Company's securities immediately before such transaction.
15.5 "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
15.6 "COMMITTEE" means a committee of the Board, as described in Article 2.
15.7 "COMMON SHARE" means one share of the common stock of the Company.
15.8 "COMPANY" means Biomerica, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
15.9 "CONSULTANT" means a consultant or adviser who provides bona fide
services to the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate as an
independent contractor. Service as a Consultant shall be considered employment
for all purposes of the Plan, except as provided in Section 4.2.
15.10 "EMPLOYEE" means a common-law employee of the Company, a Parent,
a Subsidiary or an Affiliate.
15.11 "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
15.12 "EXERCISE PRICE" means the amount for which one Common Share may
be purchased upon exercise of such Option, as specified in the applicable Stock
Option Agreement.
15.13 "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means the market price of Common Shares,
determined by the Committee in good faith on such basis as it deems appropriate.
Whenever possible, the determination of Fair Market Value by the Committee shall
be based on the prices reported in The Wall Street Journal. Such determination
shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
15.14 "ISO" means an incentive stock option described in section 422(b)
of the Code.
15.15 "NSO" means a stock option not described in sections 422 of the
Code.
<PAGE>
15.16 "OPTION" means an ISO or NSO granted under the Plan and entitling
the holder to purchase Common Shares.
15.17 "OPTIONEE" means an individual or estate who holds an Option.
15.18 "OUTSIDE DIRECTOR" shall mean a member of the Board who is not an
Employee. Service as an Outside Director shall be considered employment for all
purposes of the Plan, except as provided in Section 4.2.
15.19 "PARENT" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an
unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the
corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other
corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Parent on
a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Parent commencing as
of such date.
15.20 "PARTICIPANT" means an individual or estate who holds an Award.
15.21 "PLAN: means this Biomerica, Inc. 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, as
amended from time to time.
15.22 "RESTRICTED SHARE" means a Common Share awarded under the Plan.
15.23 "RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT" means the agreement between the
Company and the recipient of a Restricted Share that contains the terms,
conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Restricted Share.
15.24 "STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT" means the agreement between the Company
and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining
to his or her Option.
15.25 "SUBSIDIARY" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an
unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the
corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock
possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains
the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be
considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 16. EXECUTION.
To record the adoption of the Plan by the Board, the Company has caused its
duly authorized officer to execute this document in the name of the Company.
BIOMERICA, INC.
By:
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Name:
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Title:
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Date approved by Board of Directors:
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Date Approved by Shareholders:
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