UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-----------------
SCHEDULE 13D
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. 1)*
Venturian Corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Issuer)
Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Title of Class of Securities)
923304109
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CUSIP Number)
Peter B. Foreman
President
Sirius Corporation
225 W. Washington Street, Suite 1650
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 443-5240
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
April 30, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Date of Event which Requires Filing of This Statement)
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to
report the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing
this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(b)(3) or (4), check the following box |_|.
Note: Six copies of this statement, including all exhibits, should be filed
with the Commission. See Rule 13d-1(a) for other parties to whom copies are to
be sent.
- ----------
* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's
initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities,
and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter
disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be
deemed to be filed for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (Act) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of
the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see
the Notes).
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 923304109 Page 2 of 16 Pages
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Name of Reporting Person
S.S. or I.R.S. Identification No. of Above Person
Hesperus Partners, Ltd.
36-2935432
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Check the Appropriate Box If a Member of a Group* a. |X|
b. |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC Use Only
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Source of Funds*
OO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Check Box If Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Item
2(d) or 2(e) |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Citizenship or Place of Organization
Illinois Limited Partnership
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Sole Voting Power
Number of
Shares
Beneficially --------------------------------------------------------
Owned By 8 Shared Voting Power
Each
Reporting 42,584 Shares
Person --------------------------------------------------------
With 9 Sole Dispositive Power
--------------------------------------------------------
10 Shared Dispositive Power
42,584 Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
42,584 Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 Check Box If the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares* |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 Percent of Class Represented By Amount in Row (11)
5.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Type of Reporting Person*
PN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 923304109 Page 3 of 16 Pages
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Name of Reporting Person
S.S. or I.R.S. Identification No. of Above Person
Sirius Corporation
36-3167859
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Check the Appropriate Box If a Member of a Group* a. |X|
b. |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC Use Only
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Source of Funds*
OO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Check Box If Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Item
2(d) or 2(e) |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Citizenship or Place of Organization
Illinois Corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Sole Voting Power
Number of
Shares
Beneficially --------------------------------------------------------
Owned By 8 Shared Voting Power
Each
Reporting 42,584 Shares
Person --------------------------------------------------------
With 9 Sole Dispositive Power
--------------------------------------------------------
10 Shared Dispositive Power
42,584 Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
42,584 Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 Check Box If the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares* |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 Percent of Class Represented By Amount in Row (11)
5.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Type of Reporting Person*
CO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 923304109 Page 4 of 16 Pages
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Name of Reporting Person
S.S. or I.R.S. Identification No. of Above Person
Sirius Partners L.P.
36-3924079
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Check the Appropriate Box If a Member of a Group* a. |X|
b. |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC Use Only
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Source of Funds*
OO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Check Box If Disclosure of Legal Proceedings Is Required Pursuant to Item
2(d) or 2(e) |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Citizenship or Place of Organization
Illinois Limited Partnership
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Sole Voting Power
Number of
Shares
Beneficially --------------------------------------------------------
Owned By 8 Shared Voting Power
Each
Reporting 42,584 Shares
Person --------------------------------------------------------
With 9 Sole Dispositive Power
--------------------------------------------------------
10 Shared Dispositive Power
42,584 Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person
42,584 Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 Check Box If the Aggregate Amount in Row (11) Excludes Certain Shares* |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 Percent of Class Represented By Amount in Row (11)
5.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Type of Reporting Person*
PN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!
<PAGE>
The undersigned hereby amend their statement on Schedule 13D filed on June
6, 1994 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 1. Security and Issuer.
--------------------
This Statement relates to the Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share (the
"Common Stock") of Venturian Corporation ("Venturian"), a Minnesota corporation
having its principal executive offices at 11111 Excelsior Boulevard, Hopkins, MN
55343.
Item 2. Identity and Background.
------------------------
Items 2 (a)-(c)
This Statement is filed by Hesperus Partners, Ltd. ("Hesperus"), an
Illinois limited partnership, Sirius Partners L.P. (the "General Partner"), an
Illinois limited partnership and Sirius Corporation ("Sirius"), an Illinois
corporation, each with its principal executive offices at 225 W. Washington St.,
Suite 1650, Chicago, IL 60606. Hesperus owns 42,584 shares of Common Stock.
Sirius is the general partner of the General Partner, which is the general
partner of Hesperus, a private investment fund.
Peter B. Foreman ("Mr. Foreman") is President of Sirius. Mr. Foreman's
business address is 225 W. Washington St., Suite 1650, Chicago, IL 60606. Mr.
Foreman's principal occupation is investment management.
Item 2 (d)
None of Sirius, Hesperus, the General Partner or Mr. Foreman have been
convicted in a criminal proceeding during the last five years (excluding minor
traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).
Item 2 (e)
None of Sirius, Hesperus, the General Partner or Mr. Foreman have been a
party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent
jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding were or are subject to a
judgment, decree or final order enjoining activities subject to federal or state
securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
Item 2 (f)
Mr. Foreman is a United States citizen.
Page 5 of 16 Pages
<PAGE>
Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.
--------------------------------------------------
Investors' capital contributions.
Item 4. Purpose of Transaction.
-----------------------
State the purpose or purposes of the acquisition of the securities of the
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
issuer. Describe any plans or proposals which the reporting persons may have
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
which relate to or would result in:
- -----------------------------------
White Dwarf Partners, L.P. ("White Dwarf"), a Delaware limited partnership,
was formed pursuant to an Agreement of Limited Partnership entered into on April
3, 1997, by and among Pluto L.L.C., an Illinois limited liability company
("Pluto") and Hesperus. On April 30, 1997, Hesperus contributed certain assets
(including 37,516 shares of Common Stock) to White Dwarf in exchange for a
limited partnership interest in White Dwarf. Immediately therafter, Hesperus
distributed its entire limited partnership interest in White Dwarf to certain
former limited partners ("Limited Partners") in Hesperus who became limited
partners in White Dwarf.
White Dwarf continues until December 31, 2010, unless sooner dissolved. The
business purpose of White Dwarf is to operate and maintain its assets, including
the Common Stock, with the ultimate objective of liquidating and/or distributing
all such assets. No decision has been made to liquidate or distribute the Common
Stock or to dissolve White Dwarf.
With respect to the remaining 42,584 shares of Common Stock retained by
Hesperus, Hesperus, the General Partner, Sirius and Mr. Foreman continue to hold
it for investment purposes only. They have no plans to cause or effect a
material change in Venturian's business or corporate structure by merger, sale
of assets, or other form of reorganization or to take any action to prevent the
acquisition of control by another person through a change in corporate
instruments or membership of the Board of Directors or through any other means,
nor do they have an intention to alter the capitalization or dividend policies
of the Common Stock, or to effect any other transaction comparable in nature to
the above, except as stated herein.
Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer.
(a) Hesperus is the beneficial owner of 42,584 shares of Common Stock,
representing 5.7% of the 750,189 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March
31, 1997. Sirius controls the General Partner, which in turn controls Hesperus.
Mr. Foreman controls Sirius.
(b) Hesperus, by virtue of its beneficial ownership of the Common Stock,
holds the power to dispose of 42,584 shares of Common Stock. Hesperus has the
power to vote the foregoing shares of Common Stock. The General Partner may act
in its capacity as general partner of Hesperus in connection with voting the
Common Stock. Sirius may act in its capacity
Page 6 of 16 Pages
<PAGE>
as general partner of the General Partner in connection with voting the Common
Stock. Mr. Foreman controls Sirius.
(c) None of Hesperus, the General Partner, Sirius or Mr. Foreman have
effected any transactions in the Common Stock other than as described in Item
4(a).
(d) Each of Hesperus, the General Partner, Sirius and Mr. Foreman have the
power to direct the receipt of dividends or sale proceeds from the Common Stock.
(e) Not applicable.
Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities of the Issuer.
- -------------------------
Not applicable.
Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits.
---------------------------------
1. Schedule 13D relating to Venturian Corporation filed by Sirius
Corporation on June 6, 1994.
Page 7 of 17 Pages
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I
certify that the information set forth in this Statement is true, complete and
correct.
Dated: May 9, 1997
SIRIUS CORPORATION
By:/s/Peter B. Foreman
---------------------------
Peter B. Foreman
President
SIRIUS PARTNERS L.P.
By: Sirius Corporation, general partner
By:/s/Peter B. Foreman
---------------------------
Peter B. Foreman
President
HESPERUS PARTNERS, LTD.
By: Sirius Partners L.P., general partner
By: Sirius Corporation, general partner
By:/s/Peter B. Foreman
---------------------------
Peter B. Foreman
President
Page 8 of 16 Pages
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description Page No.
- ----------- ----------- --------
99.1 Schedule 13D relating to Venturian Corporation filed 10
by Sirius Corporation on June 6, 1994.
Page 9 of 16 Pages
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-----------------
SCHEDULE 13D
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. )*
Venturian Corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Issuer)
Common Stock
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Title of Class of Securities)
923304109
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CUSIP Number)
Peter B. Foreman
Sirius Corporation
225 W. Washington Street, Suite 1650
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 443-5240
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
1/25/94
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Date of Event which Requires Filing of This Statement)
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report
the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this
schedule because of Rule 13d-1(b)(3) or (4), check the following box |X|.
Check the following box if a fee is being paid with the statement |X|. (A fee is
not required only if the reporting person: (1) has a previous statement on file
reporting beneficial ownership of more than five percent of the class of
securities described in Item 1; and (2) has filed no amendment subsequent
thereto reporting beneficial ownership of five percent or less of such class.)
(See Rule 13d-7.)
Note: Six copies of this statement, including all exhibits, should be filed with
the Commission. See Rule 13d-1(a) for other parties to whom copies are to be
sent.
* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's
initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and
for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter
disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed
to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act
but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the
Notes).
10 of 16
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 923304109 Page 1 of 6 Pages
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
Hesperus Partners, Ltd.
36-2935432
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP* a. |_|
Not applicable b. |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS*
OO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS
2(d) or 2(e) |_|
Not applicable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Illinois limited partnership
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 SOLE VOTING POWER
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY --------------------------------------------------------
OWNED BY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING 80,100
PERSON --------------------------------------------------------
WITH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
--------------------------------------------------------
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
80,100
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
80,100
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES* |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
10.71
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
PN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!
11 of 16
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 923304109 Page 2 of 6 Pages
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
Sirius Corporation
36-3167859
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP* a. |_|
Not applicable b. |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS*
OO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS
2(d) or 2(e) |_|
Not applicable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Illinois corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 SOLE VOTING POWER
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY --------------------------------------------------------
OWNED BY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING 80,100
PERSON --------------------------------------------------------
WITH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
--------------------------------------------------------
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
80,100
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
80,100
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES* |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
10.71
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
CO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!
12 of 16
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 13D
CUSIP No. 923304109 Page 3 of 6 Pages
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
Sirius Partners L.P.
36-3924079
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP* a. |_|
Not applicable b. |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS*
OO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS
2(d) or 2(e) |_|
Not applicable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Illinois limited partnership
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 SOLE VOTING POWER
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY --------------------------------------------------------
OWNED BY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
EACH
REPORTING 80,100
PERSON --------------------------------------------------------
WITH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
--------------------------------------------------------
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
80,100
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
80,100
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES* |_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
10.71
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*
PN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!
13 of 16
<PAGE>
Item 1 Security and Issuer:
- ------
Common stock, $.01 Par Value (the "Shares")
Venturian Corporation
1600 Second Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
Item 2 Identity and Background:
- ------
Hesperus Partners Ltd. ("Hesperus")
Hesperus is an Illinois limited partnership
Sirius Partners L.P. (the "General Partner")
The General Partner is an Illinois limited partnership
Sirius Corporation ("Sirius")
Sirius is an Illinois Corporation
Sirius is the general partner of the General Partner which is the general
partner of Hesperus, a private investment fund.
225 W. Washington St.
Suite 1650
Chicago, IL 60606
Item 2 (d)
- ----------
None of Sirius, Hesperus, the General Partner, or any officer or director
of the General Partner have been convicted in a criminal proceeding during the
last five years (excluding minor traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).
Item 2 (e)
- ----------
None of Sirius, Hesperus, the General Partner, any officer or director of
the General Partner have been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or
administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding
was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining activities
subject to federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with
respect to such laws.
Item 3 Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration:
- ------
Investors' capital contributions.
Item 4 Purpose of Transaction:
- ------
The securities purchased were strictly for investment purposes.
Item 5 (a)-(e) Interest in Securities of the Issuer
- --------------
Item 5 (a)
- ----------
14 of 16
<PAGE>
Hesperus is the beneficial owner of 80,100 Shares, which is 10.71% of the
747,789 outstanding Shares of the Company as of January 25, 1994. Sirius
controls the General Partner, which in turn controls Hesperus. Mr. Peter
B. Foreman controls Sirius. Mr. Foreman is a United States citizen.
Item 5 (b)
- ----------
Hesperus, by virtue of its beneficial ownership of the Shares holds the
power to dispose of 80,100 Shares. Hesperus has the power to vote the
foregoing Shares. Sirius generally does not have the power to vote any of
the foregoing Shares, except in its capacity as general partner of the
General Partner. Mr. Peter B. Foreman controls Sirius. Mr. Foreman is a
United States citizen. Sirius may act in its capacity as general partner
of the General Partner in connection with voting the Shares.
Item 5 (c)
- ----------
During the sixty (60) days preceding the date hereof, Hesperus entered
into the following transactions:
NO TRADES
Item 5 (d)
- ----------
Hesperus has the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the
proceeds from the sale of Shares.
Item 5 (e)
- ----------
Not applicable
Item 6 Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to
- ------
Securities of the Issuer.
Not applicable
Item 7 Material to be filed as Exhibits
- ------
Not applicable
* * * * * * *
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I
certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and
correct.
15 of 16
<PAGE>
Dated: May 11, 1994
Sirius Corporation, for itself
and as general partner, for
Sirius Partners L.P.
By: /s/ Peter B. Foreman
--------------------------------
Peter B. Foreman
President
Sirius Partners L.P., for
itself and, as general
partner, for Hesperus
Partners, Ltd.
By: /s/ Peter B. Foreman
--------------------------------
Peter B. Foreman
President
