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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
(Mark One)
[x] ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 0-21467
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FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC.
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(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
NEW YORK 11-2750412
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
51 East Bethpage Road
Plainview, New York 11803
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number: (516) 694-1010
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock par value $.015 per share
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights par value $.01 per share
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Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No ___
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Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [ ]
State the issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year $12,135,578
The aggregate market value of the issuer's voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the issuer as of March 30, 2000, based upon the closing price
on the date thereof is $25,908,825.
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS)
As of April 13, 2000, the issuer had outstanding a total of 8,806,999
common shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Part III of this Form 10-KSB is hereby incorporated by reference to the
Definitive Proxy or Definitive Information Statement issued by the Company for
the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one):
Yes No X
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THE REMAINING PORTION OF THIS PAGE WAS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
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Part I
Item 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company, a New York corporation formed on June 28, 1985, is engaged
in automotive fleet management and administration of automotive repairs for
businesses, insurance companies and members of affinity groups.
The Company's office is located at 51 East Bethpage Road, Plainview,
New York 11803 and its telephone number is (516) 694-1010.
Nature of Services
The services offered by the Company consist of vehicle maintenance and
repair management, including collision and general repair programs, appraisal
services, subrogation services, vehicle salvage and vehicle rentals; and the
administration of automotive collision repair referral services for self insured
fleets, insurance companies and affinity group members.
The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, National Fleet Service, Inc.,
("NFS") conducts the Company's fleet management business. The Company itself
provides the various affinity programs for all types of businesses.
Fleet Management. The Company has entered into contractual arrangements
with over 2,000 independently owned and operated repair shops throughout the
United States, as well as with national chains of automobile repair shops, to
provide repair services for the Company's fleet management clients' vehicles.
The automotive repair shops with which the Company has contracted can handle, on
a per incident basis, any repair which the Company's fleet management clients'
drivers may encounter. Because the Company has made arrangements with a large
number of repair shops, whenever a repair to a client's vehicle is needed, the
chances are excellent that a local repair shop will be available to perform the
required repair work. The repairs provided consist primarily of collision and
glass replacement repairs although general repairs can also be provided. In the
event that a repair is needed, the driver need only call the Company's toll free
telephone number. Through the development of a comprehensive proprietary
management system and customized computer software, upon receipt of the call,
the driver is directed to a local repair shop to which the driver may take the
vehicle for the needed repairs. The Company's staff tightly manages all the
activity surrounding the repair process. Upon completion of the repair, the bill
is forwarded to the Company, which in turn, bills the client. There is no need
for independent negotiations between the repair shop and the client or the
driver. As part of its fleet management services, the Company also offers its
clients computerized appraisal services, salvage and subrogation services, and
offers vehicle rentals to permit clients to avoid driver down-time while a
client's vehicle is being repaired. Additionally, the Company has created a
complete line of customized reports with features that allow risk managers to
thoroughly assess all variables concerning the collision activity expense of
their fleet. These unique systems were primarily attributable to the Company
winning in 1995 the prestigious award from Inc. Magazine and MCI, as one of the
nations best-run service companies.
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Affinity Group Programs. These programs are a series of comprehensive
vehicle-related services for consumers sold through affinity groups, financial
institutions, corporations and organizations. These programs may be used as
re-enrollment incentives and/or membership premiums, or resold at a profit, and
may be sold individually, or a variety of services can be bundled together as a
high-value package.
Driver's Shield(R). - This is the premium program consisting of
components, which may be sold individually. This package consists of the
Collision Damage Repair Program, Driver Discount Program and the Auto Service
Hotline, as well an auto buying service, legal defense reimbursement, and custom
trip routing services.
Collision Damage Repair Program (CDR). - This is the corporate
collision program modified to suit consumer needs. Drivers participating in this
program may utilize the Company's proprietary network of collision body repair
shops. Additionally, the Company's customer service department will supervise
the entire process from expediting estimates and repairs, to troubleshooting any
problems or difficulties that may occur.
Driver Discount Program (DDP). This program offers drivers
discounts of up to forty percent off automotive-related services through
thousands of premium auto chain facilities throughout the nation. It applies
these discounts to virtually all routine maintenance including oil changes,
brakes, transmissions, mufflers, shocks, tires and glass. An option to this
program also provides 24-hour emergency roadside assistance for drivers anywhere
in the U.S.
Auto Service Hotline (ASH). This program provides drivers with
their own repair specialist who will help the driver determine a course of
action to repair the vehicle, and if necessary, provide a referral to one of
thousands of independently owned auto repair facilities. Drivers will receive a
ten percent discount off repairs and an enhanced nationwide warranty when
utilizing the shop to which they were referred. Additionally, drivers will be
offered rental replacement cars at preferred rates that are delivered to and
picked up from the driver's home or office.
Discontinued Operations
In September 1996, the Company's FPG Direct division began to market
consumer goods through direct mailing efforts to credit card customers of major
oil companies and retail department stores. During the second quarter of 1997,
the Company decided to discontinue its FPG Direct division. The division has not
participated in any new promotions since June 1997, it continued to fill orders
(to reduce inventory) through October 1997, pay vendors, collect receivables,
and receive returns. The Company did not expect to incur any additional losses
during the remaining phase out period; however, the Company was unable to
realize certain assets being carried (consisting mostly of inventories) and
wrote these assets off in 1998. Losses from this division did not provide any
income tax benefit during 1998.
Recent Developments.
In April 1999 the Company established a new Internet enterprise,
driversshield.com Corp., as a wholly owned subsidiary. driversshield.com is
designed to serve insurance companies by offering a complete customer
relationship management solution by combining its Affinity Group programs and
collision repair management services into an Internet based strategy. This new
business focuses on capturing a significant
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share of the North American market for managed automotive care. The first thrust
into the marketplace is the introduction of a website for efficient management
of collision repairs. The interactive website facilitates information gathering
and distribution to launch the repair process. The website will enable insurance
carriers to utilize the Company's website to directly enter the initial vehicle
claim information, permit the insured to select an automobile collision repair
shop from the Company's network of over 2,400 shops across the country, and
enable the insurance carrier and the insured to track the repairs of the vehicle
until completion. The website address is: www.driversshield.com is in
development and is presently in the beta testing stage. [See Forward-Looking
Statements and Cautionary Factors]
Related to the website development, in November 1999, driversshield.com
entered into an agreement with Electronic Data Systems Corporation ("EDS")
whereby EDS will develop and host the Company's website through December 31,
2003. Additionally, EDS will assist the Company in offering the Internet based
automobile collision managed care program to EDS' customers that provide auto
insurance to its insureds. driversshield.com will pay no more than $350,000 for
the initial development costs of the website. Once the website is operational,
driversshield shall retain the entire Net Revenue from the operation of website,
total revenue less cost of sales, until it has recovered the fees paid to EDS
for the website development. Thereafter, EDS shall be paid the entire Net
Revenue until it has recovered the development costs in excess of $350,000, if
any. The total recoverable amount allowed for EDS is not to exceed $80,000. For
the remainder of the first year of this Agreement, driversshield.com shall pay
EDS thirty percent (30%) of the Net Revenue. In years two, three and four of the
Agreement, EDS shall receive thirty-five percent (35%), forty-two percent (42%)
and forty-two percent (42%), respectively, of the Net Revenue. Throughout the
term of this Agreement, EDS shall host and maintain the website, process all
transactions, maintain, secure and update all database functions, design,
develop and build a repair management call center, secure all transmissions over
the website, upgrade the site for additional functionality, handle all
accounting functions, fulfill customer material and introduce electronic data
interchange throughout the repair facility network at no additional cost. First
Priority Group, Inc., has guaranteed performance of this Agreement by its wholly
owned subsidiary, driversshield.com
Sales and Marketing. The Company's fleet management clients generally
consist of companies having a large number of vehicles on the road over a broad
geographical area. The Company's clients for its affinity programs are
organizations and affinity groups. The Company's clients for the
driversshield.com program are property and casualty insurance companies.
Sales activities are performed by the Company's own personnel and
contracted agencies outside the Company. Sales are made through referrals, cold
canvassing of appropriate prospects and direct mailings. The Company also
attends trade shows in order to increase its client base.
Since the Company deals with a large number of independently owned
repair facilities, it is often able to offer to its fleet management clients a
custom tailored program to suit their needs for vehicle repairs. The Company
believes that this flexibility is important in its marketing activities and in
increasing its client base.
In 1999 and 1998, one customer accounted for approximately 10% of the
Company's revenue.
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Employees
At year-end, the Company employed thirty-five full-time employees and
three part time employees. None of the Company's employees are governed by a
union contract and the Company believes that its employee relationships are
satisfactory.
Competition
Fleet Management. Some leasing companies offer fleet
management services, but most offer such services only to fleets leased by them.
The Company is aware of three other companies that, like the Company, offer
fleet management services independent of a fleet leasing arrangement.
Affinity Group Programs. Although there are several companies
providing various types of auto club programs the Company believes that there is
only one other company that offers a program providing similar services offered
by the Company's Affinity Group division.
driversshield.com. The Company is aware of three other
companies that offer automotive collision repair services to insurance
companies. Two of such companies are, like the Company, in the fleet management
business, while the other is in the vehicle software valuation business. The
Company believes that its services for insurance companies are superior to those
offered by such other companies.
Item 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
In December 1996, the Company entered into a lease for new office space
at 51 East Bethpage Road, Plainview, New York 11803. The space consists of
approximately 12,000 square feet of office space. The Company relocated to this
new space during April 1997. The lease is for five years and expires on March
31, 2002.
A portion of the premise is subleased under a lease expiring June 2000.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The Company was served with a summons and complaint filed by Philip M. Panzera
in United States District Court (Eastern District, NY) alleging that the Company
wrongfully terminated his employment on January 29, 1998 pursuant to an
employment agreement dated November 14, 1997 (the "Employment Agreement") and
wrongfully converted Mr. Panzera's personal property. Mr. Panzera is seeking
monetary damages in excess of $1 million. Mr. Panzera held the position in the
Company of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer for the period of
November 17, 1997 through January 29, 1998. The Company has answered this
complaint and denied all of Mr. Panzera's allegations stating that the Company
properly terminated Mr. Panzera for cause pursuant to the Employment Agreement.
Additionally, the Company has filed a counterclaim against Mr. Panzera alleging,
among other things, that Mr. Panzera fraudulently induced the Company to enter
into the Employment Agreement by making
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false representations concerning his educational background, employment history,
experience and skills. The Company is seeking monetary damages of no less than
$1 million. The Company believes that Mr. Panzera's claim is without merit and
intends to vigorously defend this suit. The discovery phase of this case has
been completed, and pending a ruling by the Court on both parties' cross-motions
for partial summary judgment, the case will be scheduled for trial.
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's common shares are traded on The Nasdaq SmallCap market.
The following table shows the high and low closing prices for the periods
indicated.
Sale Price($)
High Low
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1999
First Quarter $3.50 $1.125
Second Quarter $2.0625 $1.375
Third Quarter $1.825 $.75
Fourth Quarter $3.00 $.75
1998
First Quarter $6.625 $4.94
Second Quarter $6.75 $5.50
Third Quarter $5.125 $2.50
Fourth Quarter $4.25 $1.50
The number of record holders of the Company's common shares as of March
30, 2000 was 350.
The Company has never paid dividends on its common stock and is not
expected to do so in the foreseeable future. Payment of dividends is within the
discretion of the Company's Board of Directors
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and would depend on, among other factors, the earnings, capital requirements and
operating and financial condition of the Company.
Item 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
Results of Operations
In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 101 (SAB 101), the Company has determined that the portion of its
business representing commission revenues from its subrogation and salvage
services should be displayed in the financial statements on a net basis. It had
been the Company's prior policy to report such revenues and related costs on a
gross basis. Accordingly, 1998 has been reclassified to reflect the net
presentation. There was no effect on net loss or net cash flows used in
operating activities from the reclassification. Revenues and direct costs for
1998 were reduced by $2,417,503. Accounts receivable and accounts payable for
1998 were reduced by $539,759.
Automotive Management
Revenues were $12,135,578 in 1999, as compared to $12,140,971 in 1998,
representing a decrease of $5,393. The direct costs of services related to such
revenue (principally charges from automotive repair facilities) were $9,338,271
in 1999, as compared to $9,712,316 in 1998, representing a decrease of $374,045,
or 3.9%. Gross profit percentage increased 3.1% to 23.1% in 1999 from 20.0% in
1998. In 1998, the Company ceased operating in the insurance company market with
its DRP (Direct Repair Program). DRP sales for 1998 were approximately
$1,203,000 as compared to approximately $187,000 during 1999. The Company had
increased revenues of approximately $600,000 for its collision repair and fleet
management services, including subrogation and salvage commissions representing
an increase of 5.7% as compared to 1998. Affinity sales increased 113% in 1999
or $410,526 to $773,406 as compared to $362,880 in 1998. The increased gross
profit percentage is a result of the increased Affinity sales, which has a lower
cost of revenue than the other programs.
Total operating expenses were $3,886,899 for 1999, as compared to
$4,573,009 for 1998, representing a decrease of $686,110 or 15%. The decrease in
operating expenses is attributable to the discontinuation of the DRP and
Recovery Service programs as well as pay cuts taken by upper management.
Operating expenses include costs of approximately $169,000 incurred for the
Website development of driversshield.com.
Investment and other income was $152,976 in 1999, as compared to
$245,246 in 1998, representing a decrease of $92,270. The decrease is primarily
attributable to lower average cash balances available during 1999.
Interest expense was $6,784 in 1999, as compared to $2,800 in 1998,
representing an increase of $3,984.
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FPG Direct (Discontinued operations)
Management discontinued operations of the FPG Direct division in 1997
and has not participated in any new promotions since June 1997. FPG Direct
experienced a loss on disposition of assets of $93,922 in 1998.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 1999, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of
$542,359 as compared to $2,782,180 as of December 31, 1998. The Company holds
106,721 shares of Salomon Smith Barney Adjustable Rate Government Income Fund
securities valued at $1,036,263 at December 31, 1999. Working capital of the
Company as of December 31, 1999, was $1,676,240 as compared to $2,680,475 as of
December 31, 1998. The Company's operating activities used $899,336 of cash in
1999 as compared to 1998, when the Company's operating activities used
$1,554,262 of cash. This is primarily a result of the decrease in net loss for
1999.
The Company believes that its present cash position will enable the
Company to continue to support its operations for the next twelve months.
Forward Looking Statements - Cautionary Factors
Except for the historical information and statements contained in this
Report, the matters and items set forth in this Report are forward looking
statements that involve uncertainties and risks some of which are discussed at
appropriate points in the Report and are also summarized as follows:
1. The Company has been able to assemble a network of independently owned
and operated repair shops throughout the United States. These collision
repair shops must maintain the high quality repairs standard that has
enabled the Company to continue to retain and attract new clients. The
Company's inability to retain these quality repair shops and maintain
their individually high repair standards could have a material adverse
impact upon all of the Company's vehicle collision repair programs.
2. The Company, under the DARP, or NFS, under its fleet management
business, or the Affinity Division, have clients that either
individually control a large number of insureds, control large fleets,
or a large number of participants in FPG programs such as Driver's
Shield(R). The loss of any one insurance company, large fleet operator,
or affinity group, terminating its relationship with the Company or
NFS, could have an adverse impact on the continued growth of that
business. The Company and NFS have addressed the issue of customer
retention by implementing a policy of entering into long-term contracts
with its customers. In the past several years, this has materially
improved the customer retention rate.
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3. As the Company's proprietary programs gain more success, it is possible
that the competition will attempt to copy these programs and
incorporate them into their programs. This could lead to increased
competitive pressures on those programs that are the most successful.
The competition could result in decreased profit margins and/or the
loss of certain customers.
4. As the Company has embarked on an Internet strategy whereby it will
offer auto collision managed care services on its website, there will
be new and additional risks that may influence the business of the
Company. These risks are:
o The Company's website will be the first to offer auto
collision managed care services on the Internet, and
therefore, we are not sure our business model will be
successful or that we can generate revenue from this activity
or be profitable.
o As is typical for any new, rapidly evolving market,
demand and market acceptance for recently introduced products
and services are subject to a high level of uncertainty and
risk. It is also difficult to predict the market's future
growth rate, if any. If the market fails to develop, develops
more slowly than expected or becomes saturated with
competitors, or our services do not achieve or sustain market
acceptance, our business, results of operations and financial
condition could be materially and adversely affected.
o We also depend on establishing and maintaining a
number of commercial relationships with other companies. Our
business could be adversely affected if we do not maintain our
existing commercial relationships on terms as favorable as
currently in effect, if we do not establish additional
commercial relationships on commercially reasonable terms or
if our commercial relationships do not result in the expected
increased use of our Website.
o We cannot assure you that we will be able to
establish new agreements or maintain existing agreements on
commercially acceptable terms. We also may not be able to
maintain relationships with third parties that supply us with
software or products that are crucial to our success, and the
vendors of these software or products may not be able to
sustain any third- party claims or rights against their use.
Furthermore, we cannot assure you that the software, services
or products of those companies that provide access or links to
our services or products will achieve market acceptance or
commercial success.
o To remain competitive we must continue to enhance and
improve the ease of use, responsiveness, functionality and
features of our website and develop new services in addition
to continuing to improve the customer experience. These
efforts may require the development or licensing of
increasingly complex technologies. We may not be successful in
developing or introducing new features, functions and
services, and these features, functions and services may not
achieve market acceptance.
o Our future success and revenue growth depends
substantially upon continued growth in the use of the
Internet. Businesses will likely widely accept and adopt the
Internet for conducting business and exchanging information
only if the Internet provides these businesses with greater
efficiencies and improvements in commerce and communication.
In addition, e-commerce generally, and the purchase of
automotive related products and services on the Internet in
particular, must become widespread. The Internet may prove not
to be a viable commercial marketplace generally, or, in
particular, for
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vehicle related products and services. If use of the Internet
does not continue to increase, our business, results of
operations and financial condition would be materially and
adversely affected.
o We are dependent on certain key personnel. Our future
success is substantially dependent on our senior management
and key technical personnel. If one or more of our key
employees decided to leave us, join a competitor or otherwise
compete directly or indirectly with us, this could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and financial condition. Competition for such personnel is
intense, and we may not be able to attract, assimilate or
retain such personnel in the future. The inability to attract
and retain the necessary managerial, technical, sales and
marketing personnel could have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations and financial condition.
o We are a new business in a new industry and need to
manage our growth and our entry into new business areas in
order to avoid increased expenses without corresponding
revenues. The growth of our operations requires us to increase
expenditures before we generate revenues. Our inability to
generate satisfactory revenues from such expanded services to
offset costs could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. We
believe establishing industry leadership also requires us to:
- test, introduce and develop new services and products,
including enhancing our website, - expand the breadth of and
services offered, - expand our market presence through
relationships with third parties, and - acquire new or
complementary businesses, products or technologies. We cannot
assure you that we can successfully manage these tasks.
o Our success is dependent on keeping pace with
advances in technology. If we are unable to keep pace with
advances in technology, businesses may stop using our services
and our revenues will decrease. The Internet and electronic
commerce markets are characterized by rapid technological
change, changes in user and customer requirements, frequent
new service and product introductions embodying new
technologies and the emergence of new industry standards and
practices that could render our existing Website and
technology obsolete. If we are unable to adapt to changing
technologies, our business, results of operations and
financial condition could be materially and adversely
affected. Our performance will depend, in part, on our ability
to continue to enhance our existing services, develop new
technology that addresses the increasingly sophisticated and
varied needs of our prospective customers, license leading
technologies and respond to technological advances and
emerging industry standards and practices on a timely and
cost-effective basis.
o We are uncertain of our ability to obtain additional
financing for our future capital needs. If we are unable to
obtain additional financing, we may not be able to continue to
operate our business. We currently anticipate that our cash,
cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient
to meet our anticipated needs for working capital and other
cash requirements at least for the next 12 months. We may need
to raise additional funds sooner, however, in order to fund
more rapid expansion, to develop new or enhance existing
services or products, to respond to competitive pressures or
to acquire
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complementary products, businesses or technologies. There can
be no assurance that additional financing will be available on
terms favorable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not
available or are not available on acceptable terms, our
ability to fund our expansion, take advantage of potential
acquisition opportunities, develop or enhance services or
products or respond to competitive pressures would be
significantly limited. Such limitation could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations,
financial condition and prospects.
o The Company's business involves the repair of motor
vehicles through a contracted network of automobile collision
repair shops. These shops are obligated to maintain certain
minimum limits of liability insurance, indemnify the Company
from any and all claims and expenses related to the shop's
negligent acts or from the breach of the agreement between the
Company and the shop, and name the Company as an additional
insured under the shop's liability policy. However, the repair
shop and/or the Company's general liability insurance may not
cover all potential claims to which we are exposed and may not
be adequate to indemnify us for all liability that may be
imposed. Any imposition of liability that is not covered by
insurance or is in excess of insurance coverage could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and financial condition.
Item 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company's financial statements and schedules appear at the end of this
Report after Item 13.
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Part III
Items 9 through 12 have been incorporated by reference from the
Company's definitive proxy statement .
Item 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) List of Exhibits
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 19.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1991.
3.2 Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended
September 30, 1996.
3.3. Amended and restated By-laws of the Company, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December
28, 1998.
4 Shareholders Rights Agreement, dated as of December 28, 1998, between
First Priority Group, Inc. and North American Transfer Co., as Rights
Agent, together with Exhibits A, B and C attached thereto
incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form 8-A filed on December 31, 1998.
10.1 The Company's 1995 Incentive Stock Plan incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended
September 30, 1996.
10.2 Lease Agreement dated December 6, 1996 between the Company and 51 East
Bethpage Holding Corporation for lease of the Company's facilities in
Plainview, New York incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the
Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended June 30, 1997.
10.3 First Amendment to Lease Agreement dated July 14, 1997 amending the
lease dated December 6, 1996 between the Company and 51 East Bethpage
Holding Corporation incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the
Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended June 30, 1997.
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10.4 Employment Agreement dated March 23, 1998 between the Company and
Gerald M. Zutler incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended March 31, 1998.
10.5 Employment Agreement dated October 8, 1998 between the Company and
Barry Siegel incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the
Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.6 Employment Agreement dated October 2, 1998 between the Company and
Barry J. Spiegel incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the
Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.7 Employment Agreement dated December 14, 1998 between the Company and
Lisa Siegel incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company's
Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.8 Employment Agreement dated October 8, 1998 between the Company and
Gerald M. Zutler incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the
Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.9 Severance Agreement dated August 17, 1998 between the Company and
Michael Karpoff incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the
Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.10 Service Agreement dated November 29, 1999 between the Company,
driversshield.com Corp., Electronic Systems Corporation and EDS
Information Services L.L.C filed herein.
10.11 driversshield.com Corp. 1999 Stock Option Plan file herein
13.1 Form 10-QSB for the quarter ending March 31,1999 incorporated by
reference dated and previously filed with the Commission.
13.2 Form 10-QSB for the quarter ending June 30, 1999 incorporated by
reference and previously filed with the Commission.
13.3 Form 10-QSB for the quarter ending September 30, 1999 incorporated by
reference and previously filed with the Commission.
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21 List of subsidiaries filed herein.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ Barry Siegel
Barry Siegel
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Treasurer, Secretary,
Chief Executive Officer,
Principal Accounting Officer
Date: March 30, 2000
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
By: /s/ Barry Siegel Date: March 30, 2000
---------------
Barry Siegel
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Treasurer, Secretary,
Chief Executive Officer,
Principal Accounting Officer
By: /s/Barry J. Spiegel Date: March 30, 2000
------------------
Barry J. Spiegel
President
Driver's Shield, Inc.
Director
15
<PAGE>
By: /s/Kenneth J. Friedman Date: March 30, 2000
---------------------
Kenneth J. Friedman
Director
By: /s/R. Frank Mena Date: March 30, 2000
---------------
R. Frank Mena
Director
16
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
<PAGE>
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
Board of Directors
First Priority Group, Inc.
Plainview, New York
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Priority
Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of First
Priority Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the
consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the years then
ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Melville, New York NUSSBAUM YATES & WOLPOW, P.C.
March 13, 2000
F-1
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------------- ------------
Current assets:
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents $ 542,359 $ 2,782,180
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $28,223 in 1999 and 1998 1,794,740 1,171,885
Investment securities (Note 3) 1,036,263 -
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 39,376 66,207
------------- -------------
Total current assets 3,412,738 4,020,272
Property and equipment, net 689,094 601,424
Security deposits and other assets 35,288 107,972
------------- ------------
Total assets $ 4,137,120 $ 4,729,668
------------- -------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 938,418 $ 698,330
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 747,567 596,795
Current portion of long-term debt 50,513 44,672
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities 1,736,498 1,339,797
------------- -------------
Long-term debt - 51,926
------------- -------------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.015 par value, authorized 20,000,000
shares; issued 8,598,467 shares in 1999 and 1998 128,977 128,977
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 1,000,000
shares; none issued or outstanding - -
Additional paid-in capital 7,823,916 7,762,350
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, unrealized holding
loss on investment securities ( 4,095) -
Deficit ( 5,429,014) ( 4,463,382)
------------- -------------
2,519,784 3,427,945
Less common stock held in treasury, at cost, 296,667
shares in 1999 and 266,667 shares in 1998 119,162 90,000
------------- -------------
Total shareholders' equity 2,400,622 3,337,945
------------- -------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $4,137,120 $4,729,668
============= =============
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-2
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
------------- -------------
Revenue:
<S> <C> <C>
Collision repairs and fleet management services $ 10,954,912 $ 11,366,891
Subrogation and salvage service commissions 407,260 411,200
Automobile affinity services 773,406 362,880
------------- -------------
Total revenues 12,135,578 12,140,971
Cost of revenue (principally charges incurred at repair
facilities for services) 9,338,271 9,712,316
------------- -------------
Gross profit 2,797,307 2,428,655
------------- -------------
Operating expenses:
Selling 1,048,681 1,351,360
General and administrative 2,838,218 3,221,649
------------- -------------
Total operating expenses 3,886,899 4,573,009
------------- -------------
( 1,089,592) ( 2,144,354)
------------- -------------
Other income (expense):
Realized loss on investment ( 3,096) -
Investment and other income 152,976 245,246
Interest expense ( 6,784) ( 2,800)
------------- -------------
Total other income 143,096 242,446
------------- -------------
Loss from continuing operations before
income taxes ( 946,496) ( 1,901,908)
Income taxes, all current 19,136 7,928
------------- -------------
Loss from continuing operations ( 965,632) ( 1,909,836)
Discontinued operations,
loss on disposal of direct response marketing
division, no income tax benefit - ( 93,922)
------------- -------------
Net loss ($ 965,632) ($ 2,003,758)
------------- -------------
Basic and diluted loss per share:
Continuing operations ($ .12) ($ .23)
Discontinued operations - ( .01)
------------- -------------
Net loss ($ .12) ($ .24)
------------- -------------
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 8,324,649 8,197,827
------------- -------------
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Accumulated
Common Stock Additional Other
----------------------- Paid-in Comprehensive
Shares Amount Capital Loss Deficit
--------- ---------- ----------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, January 1, 1998 7,998,467 $ 119,977 $ 6,645,737 $ -- ($2,459,624)
Net loss -- -- -- -- ( 2,003,758)
Exercise of options 100,000 1,500 68,500 -- --
Exercise of warrants 500,000 7,500 992,500 -- --
Options granted for services -- -- 55,613 -- --
--------- ---------- ----------- -------- ----------
Balance, December 31, 1998 8,598,467 128,977 7,762,350 -- ( 4,463,382)
Net loss -- -- -- -- ( 965,632)
Other comprehensive income (loss),
unrealized holding loss arising
during period -- -- -- ( 4,095) --
Comprehensive loss -- -- -- -- --
Purchase of treasury stock -- -- -- -- --
Options granted for services -- -- 61,566 -- --
--------- ---------- ----------- -------- ----------
Balance, December 31, 1999 8,598,467 $ 128,977 $ 7,823,916 ($ 4,095) ($5,429,014)
========= ========== =========== ======== ===========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total
Treasury Stock Share-
----------------------- holders'
Shares Amount Equity
------- -------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, January 1, 1998 266,667 ($ 90,000) $ 4,216,090
Net loss -- -- ( 2,003,758)
Exercise of options -- -- 70,000
Exercise of warrants -- -- 1,000,000
Options granted for services -- -- 55,613
------- -------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1998 266,667 ( 90,000) 3,337,945
-----------
Net loss -- -- ( 965,632)
Other comprehensive income (loss),
unrealized holding loss arising
during period -- -- ( 4,095)
-----------
Comprehensive loss -- -- ( 969,727)
Purchase of treasury stock 30,000 ( 29,162) ( 29,162)
Options granted for services -- -- 61,566
------- -------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1999 296,667 ($ 119,162) $ 2,400,622
======= ========= ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
F-4
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows used in operating activities:
Net loss ($ 965,632) ($2,003,758)
---------- ----------
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 201,289 143,308
Gain on sale of property and equipment ( 2,500) --
Realized loss on investment 3,096 --
Provision for bad debts -- 16,723
Options granted for services 61,566 55,613
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable ( 622,855) ( 50,784)
Inventories -- 61,642
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 26,831 73,069
Security deposit and other assets 8,009 ( 66,644)
Accounts payable 240,088 ( 89,856)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 150,772 306,425
---------- ----------
Total adjustments 66,296 449,496
---------- ----------
Net cash used in operating activities ( 899,336) ( 1,554,262)
---------- ----------
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 2,500 --
Purchase of property and equipment ( 224,284) ( 287,422)
Purchase of investments ( 1,543,454) --
Proceeds from sale of investments 500,000 --
---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities ( 1,265,238) ( 287,422)
---------- ----------
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt ( 46,085) --
Purchase of treasury stock ( 29,162) --
Collection of shareholder note -- 100,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock -- 1,070,000
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ( 75,247) 1,170,000
---------- ----------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents ( 2,239,821) ( 671,684)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 2,782,180 3,453,864
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 542,359 $2,782,180
========== ==========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for income taxes $ 20,204 $ 2,876
========== ==========
Cash paid during the year for interest $ 9,175 $ --
========== ==========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-5
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
First Priority Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, National Fleet Service,
Inc., driversshield.com Corp., American Automotive Trading Corp., and First
Priority Group Leasing, Inc. (collectively referred to as the "Company")
all of which are wholly owned. All material intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. The Company provides
depreciation for machinery and equipment and for furniture and fixtures by
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets,
principally five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the
estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the lease, whichever is
less.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Investment Securities
Investments consist of securities available for sale and are carried at
fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in a separate component
of shareholders' equity. Realized gains or losses are determined based on
the specific identification method.
Use of Estimates
In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
F-6
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Reclassification
In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 101 (SAB 101), the Company has determined that the portion of
its business representing commission revenues from its subrogation and
salvage services should be displayed in the financial statements on a net
basis. It had been the Company's prior policy to report such revenues and
related costs on a gross basis. Accordingly, 1998 has been reclassified to
reflect the net presentation. There was no effect on net loss or net cash
flows used in operating activities from the reclassification. Revenues and
direct costs for 1998 were reduced by $2,417,503. Accounts receivable and
accounts payable for 1998 were reduced by $539,759.
2. Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Description of Business and
Concentration of Credit Risk, and Revenue Recognition
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
o Cash and Cash Equivalents
The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short
maturity of the instruments.
o Investments
Investments are stated at fair value as measured by quoted market
prices.
o Long-Term Debt
The carrying amount of the Company's long-term debt approximates fair
value.
Description of Business and Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company is engaged in automotive fleet management and administration of
automotive repairs for major corporate clients throughout the United
States. The Company offers computerized collision estimates and provides
its clients with a cost-effective method for repairing their vehicle. The
Company also arranges for repair of the vehicles through a nationwide
network of independently owned contracted facilities. The Company also
provides automobile affinity services for individuals.
F-7
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
2. Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Description of Business and
Concentration of Credit Risk, and Revenue Recognition (Continued)
Description of Business and Concentration of Credit Risk (Continued)
The Company formed driversshield.com Corp. in April 1999 to provide
collision repair claims management services for the insurance industry
nationwide through a website on the Internet. At December 31, 1999, the
website was not yet operational and to date, there have been no revenues.
Sales to one customer accounted for 10% of revenue in 1999 and 1998.
The Company has no financial instruments with significant off-balance-sheet
risk or concentration of credit risk.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue for its collision repairs and fleet
management at the time of customer approval and completion of repair
services. The Company warrants such services for varying periods ranging up
to twelve months. Such warranty expense is borne by the repair facilities
and has not been material to the Company. The Company recognizes
commissions for its subrogation and salvage services upon completion of the
services. Automobile affinity services are recognized as such services are
rendered.
3. Investment Securities
At December 31, 1999:
Unrealized
Holding
Cost Fair Value Loss
---------- ---------- ------
Available for sale, 106,721
shares of Salomon Smith Barney
Adjustable Rate Government Income
Fund $1,040,358 $1,036,263 ($4,095)
========== ========== ======
F-8
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
4. Property and Equipment
1999 1998
----------- ----------
Machinery and equipment $ 980,894 $ 717,912
Furniture and fixtures 285,800 264,823
Leasehold improvements 19,886 19,886
----------- -----------
1,286,580 1,002,621
Less accumulated depreciation
and amortization 597,486 401,197
----------- -----------
$ 689,094 $ 601,424
=========== ===========
5. Long-Term Debt
In August 1998, the Company agreed to pay severance to its former
Co-Chairman and President in the amount of $100,000 including imputed
interest of 8.5% in quarterly installments of $12,500 commencing March 31,
1999 and ending December 31, 2000. This amount was accrued and charged to
operations in the year ended December 31, 1998.
6. Loss Per Share
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing the loss by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss
per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common stock
equivalents, such as stock options and warrants, were exercised.
Loss Shares Per-Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
----------- --------- ----
1999:
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share
Loss from continuing operations ($ 965,632) 8,324,469 ($.12)
=========== ========= ====
1998:
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share
Loss from continuing operations ($1,909,836) 8,197,827 ($.23)
========== ========= ====
In 1999 and 1998, options and warrants were anti-dilutive.
F-9
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
7. Stock Options
Stock Compensation Plan
The Company accounts for its stock option plans under APB Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," under which no compensation
expense is recognized. In 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,"
(SFAS No. 123) for disclosure purposes; accordingly, no compensation
expense has been recognized in the results of operations for its stock
option plans as required by APB Opinion No. 25. The Company has two fixed
option plans, the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, and the 1987 Incentive Stock
Option Plan. Under the plans, in the aggregate, the Company may grant
options to its employees, directors and consultants for up to 7,000,000
shares of common stock. Under both plans, incentive stock options may be
granted at no less than the fair market value of the Company's stock on the
date of grant, and in the case of an optionee who owns directly or
indirectly more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock ("an Affiliate"),
110% of the market price on the date of grant. The maximum term of an
option is ten years, except, in regard to incentive stock options granted
to an Affiliate, in which case the maximum term is five years.
For disclosure purposes, the fair value of each stock option grant is
estimated on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model
with the following weighted average assumptions used for stock options
granted in 1999 and 1998, respectively: annual dividends of $-0- for both
years, expected volatility of 174% and 80%, risk-free interest rate of
5.90% and 5.02%, and expected life of five years for all grants. The
weighted-average fair value of stock options granted in 1999 and 1998 was
$1.08 and $.83, respectively.
Under the above model, the total value of stock options granted in 1999 and
1998 was $801,945 and $1,044,745, respectively, which would be amortized
ratably on a pro forma basis over the related vesting periods, which range
from immediate vesting to five years (not including performance-based stock
options granted in 1999 and 1998, see below). Had compensation cost been
determined based upon the fair value of the stock options at grant date
consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, the Company's loss from
continuing operations and loss per share from continuing operations would
have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
F-10
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
7. Stock Options (Continued)
Stock Compensation Plan (Continued)
1999 1998
----------- ---------
Loss from continuing operations:
As reported ($ 965,632) ($1,909,836)
Pro forma ($3,293,360) ($2,994,711)
Basic and diluted loss per share from
continuing operations:
As reported ($ .12) ($ .23)
Pro forma ($ .40) ($ .37)
During 1998, the Company repriced certain options granted in 1997,
representing the right to purchase 465,000 shares of common stock. The
original 1997 grants gave the holders the right to purchase common stock at
prices ranging from $2.75 to $6.84 per share. The options were repriced at
prices ranging from $1.75 to $1.93 per share. In addition, during 1998, the
Company repriced certain options granted at earlier dates in 1998,
representing the right to purchase 1,095,000 shares of common stock. The
original 1998 grants gave the holders the right to purchase common stock at
prices ranging from $5.13 to $5.69 per share. The options were repriced at
prices ranging from $1.75 to $1.93 per share. At the date of repricing, the
new exercise price was equal to the fair market value of the shares (110%
of the fair market value in the case of an affiliate).
In March 1999, the Company repriced certain options granted to employees
and third parties in previous years, representing the right to purchase
1,665,000 shares of common stock. The original grants gave the holders the
right to purchase common stock at prices ranging from $1.25 to $5.00 per
share. The options were repriced at prices ranging from $1.13 to $3.00 per
share. The Company also granted options to employees, representing the
right to purchase 630,000 shares of common stock at prices ranging from
$1.13 to $1.24 per share. In addition, in October 1999, the Company
repriced certain options granted to employees and third parties,
representing the right to purchase 2,330,000 shares of common stock, of
which 2,235,000 were part of the March 1999 grant. The original grants gave
the holders the right to purchase common stock at prices ranging from $1.00
to $1.24 per share. The options were repriced at prices ranging from $.75
to $.83 per share. At the date of the repricing, the new exercise price was
equal to the fair market value of the shares (110% of the fair market value
in the case of an affiliate).
The SFAS No. 123 method of accounting does not apply to options granted
prior to January 1, 1995, and accordingly, the resulting pro forma
compensation cost may not be representative of that to be expected in
future years.
F-11
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
7. Stock Options (Continued)
Performance-Based Stock Options
Under its 1995 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company had granted options to
certain key executives whose vesting was entirely contingent upon the
future profits (as defined) for the division or subsidiary or commissions
earned under the management of the related key executive. As of January 1,
1998, there were 1,100,000 of such options outstanding. During 1998, the
Company terminated and cancelled 950,000 of such options. During 1999, the
Company terminated the remainder of the options.
Non-Incentive Stock Option Agreements
The Company has non-incentive stock option agreements with five of its
directors and/or officers.
Summary
Stock options transactions (other than performance-based stock options) are
summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Number Exercise Average
of Price Exercise
Shares Range Price
---------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Options outstanding, January 1, 1998 3,765,000 .06 - 6.84 1.17
Options granted 3,242,500 1.75 - 6.63 3.38
Options expired/canceled (3,630,000) .06 - 6.84 2.79
Options exercised ( 100,000) .70 .70
----------
Options outstanding, December 31, 1998 3,277,500 .12 - 5.00 1.57
Options granted 5,035,000 .75 - 3.00 1.02
Options canceled ( 4,352,500) 1.00 - 5.00 1.54
----------
Options outstanding, December 31, 1999 3,960,000 .12 - 3.75 .91
==========
Options exercisable, December 31, 1998 1,552,500 .12 - 5.00 1.36
==========
Options exercisable, December 31, 1999 2,712,914 .12 - 3.75 .92
==========
</TABLE>
F-12
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
7. Stock Options (Continued)
Summary (Continued)
The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at
December 31, 1999 other than performance-based stock options:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
---------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Weighted
Average Weighted Weighted
Range of Remaining Average Average
Exercise Number Contractual Exercise Number Exercise
Prices Outstanding Life (Years) Price Exercisable Price
--------------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$.14 - $.22 450,000 .46 $.19 450,000 $ .19
$.75 - $1.56 3,190,000 3.11 $.87 1,976,248 $ .90
$1.75 - $3.75 320,000 3.33 $2.36 286,666 $ 2.28
</TABLE>
driversshield.com Corp.
During 1999, the Company's subsidiary, driversshield.com Corp. established
the "driversshield.com Corp. 1999 Stock Option Plan." Under this plan,
options may be granted to employees of driversshield.com Corp or the Parent
or other subsidiaries of the Company, and outside directors for up to
2,000,000 shares of common stock. Under this plan, incentive stock options
may be granted at no less than fair market value of the driversshield.com
Corp. stock at the date of grant, and in the case of an optionee who owns
directly or indirectly more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock, 110%
of the market price on the date of grant. The maximum term of an option is
ten years, except in regard to incentive stock options granted to an
Affiliate, in which case the maximum term is five years. No options have
been granted as of December 31, 1999.
F-13
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
8. Common Stock and Stock Warrants
In August 1997, the Company raised $1,500,000 through the private placement
issuance of 750,000 units at $2.00 per unit. Each unit consists of one
share of common stock and a redeemable common stock purchase warrant at
$2.00 per share for a period of two years. The units were issued to an
executive of the Company and a private investment group. In response to the
Notice of Redemption issued by the Company, the executive exercised 250,000
shares of the warrants in December 1997. Thereafter, in January 1998, the
private investment group exercised 500,000 shares of the warrants.
In December 1997, the Company raised $2,330,813 through the private
placement issuance of 581,250 units at $4.01 per unit. Each unit consists
of one share of common stock and a redeemable common stock purchase warrant
at $5.75 per share for a period of five years. Should the price of the
Company's stock exceed $11.50 per share for 20 consecutive trading days,
the Company may request redemption of the warrants at a price of $.01 per
share. The warrant holders would then have 30 days in which to either
exercise the warrant or accept the redemption offer.
In connection with the 1995 issuance of 1,000,000 shares of its common
stock, the Company issued warrants to purchase 850,000 shares of the
Company's common stock. The warrants are all presently exercisable at
prices ranging from $.125 to $.50 per share and these warrants expire in
2000. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, none of
these warrants were exercised. In lieu of the payment of the exercise price
in cash, the holders of these warrants have the right (but not the
obligation) to convert the warrants, in whole or in part, into common stock
as follows; upon exercise of the conversion rights of the warrant, the
Company shall deliver to the holder that number of shares of common stock
equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the remainder derived from
subtracting (a) the exercise price multiplied by the number of shares of
common stock being converted from (b) the market price of the common stock
multiplied by the number of shares of common stock being converted, by the
market price of the stock.
F-14
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
9. Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
On December 28, 1998, the Board of Directors authorized the issuance of up
to 200,000 shares of non-redeemable Junior Participating Preferred Stock
("JPPS"). The JPPS shall rank junior to all other series of preferred stock
(but senior to the common stock) with respect to payment of dividends and
any other distributions. Among other rights, the holders of the JPPS shall
be entitled to receive, when and if declared, quarterly dividends per share
equal to the greater of (a) $100 or (b) the sum of 1,000 (subject to
adjustment) times the aggregate per share of all cash and non cash
dividends (other than dividends payable in common stock of the Company and
other defined distributions). Each share of JPPS shall entitle the holders
to voting rights equal to 1,000 votes per share. The holders of JPPS shall
vote together with the common stockholders.
On December 28, 1998, the Board of Directors also adopted a Rights
Agreement ("the Agreement"). Under the agreement, each share of the
Company's common stock carries with it one preferred share purchase right
("Rights"). The Rights themselves will at no time have voting power or pay
dividends. The Rights become exercisable (1) when a person or group
acquires 20% or more of the Company's common stock (10% in the case of an
Adverse Person as defined) and an additional 1% or more in the case of
acquisitions by any shareholder with beneficial ownership of 20% or more on
the record date (10% in the case of an Adverse Person as defined) or (2) on
the tenth business day after a person or group announces a tender offer to
acquire 20% or more of the Company's common stock (10% in the case of an
Adverse Person as defined). When exercisable, each Right entitles the
holder to purchase 1/1000 of a share of the JPPS at an exercise price of
$27.50 per 1/1000 of a share, subject to adjustment.
10. Employee Benefit Plan
The Company has a 401(k) profit sharing plan for the benefit of all
eligible employees as defined in the plan documents. The plan provides for
voluntary employee salary contributions from 1% to 15% not to exceed the
statutory limitation provided by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company
may, at its discretion, match within prescribed limits, the contributions
of the employees. Employer contributions to the plan amounted to $8,671 and
$9,632 in 1999 and 1998.
F-15
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
The Company leases its executive office in Plainview, New York, expiring in
March 2002 under a noncancelable operating lease which requires minimum
annual rentals and certain other expenses including real estate taxes. A
portion of the premise is subleased under a lease expiring June 2000.
Sublease income was $39,728 for the year ended December 31, 1999. Rent
expense including real estate taxes for the years ended December 31, 1999
and 1998 aggregated $178,490 and $253,531, respectively.
As of December 31, 1999, the Company's future minimum rental commitments,
net of sublease income of $20,000 to be received in 2000, are approximately
as follows:
2000 $164,000
2001 191,600
2002 48,400
--------
$404,000
========
Employment Contracts
The Company has employment contracts with its two principal officers
expiring during 2001. The agreements provide minimum annual salaries of
$300,000 to the Chief Executive Office ("CEO") and $150,000 to the
President.
In March 1999, in consideration for several senior executives who
volunteered to temporarily reduce their salaries (without changing the
terms of employment contracts), the Company granted stock options
representing the right to purchase 145,000 shares of the Company's common
stock at prices ranging from $1.13 to $1.24. These options were
subsequently repriced in October 1999 (see Note 7). All grants were at no
less than the fair market value at date of grant or repricing. Such
temporary salary reduction amounts to approximately $145,000 on an
annualized basis, of which $100,000 is attributable to the CEO. Such salary
reductions can be terminated by the executives at any time without
forfeiture of the options. During the year ended December 31, 1999, salary
reductions were approximately $123,000.
F-16
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
11. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
Employment Contracts (Continued)
The CEO's employment contract provides that, in the event of termination of
the employment of the officer within three years after a change in control
of the Company, then the Company would be liable to pay a lump sum
severance payment of three years' salary (average of last five years), less
$100, in addition to the cash value of any outstanding but unexercised
stock options. The President's employment contract provides that, in the
event of termination of the employment of the officer within one year after
a change in control of the Company, then the Company would be liable to pay
a lump sum severance payment of two years' salary as determined on the date
of termination or the date on which a change in control occurs, whichever
is greater. In no event would the maximum amount payable exceed the amount
deductible by the Company under the provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code.
Purchase Commitment
In September 1999, the Company entered into an agreement with a vendor for
the design, development and operational services for an Internet website.
The Company will pay the vendor the lesser of $350,000 or the actual rate
determined by the number of hours accumulated on the project as defined for
the design and development services. The operational services require the
Company to compensate the vendor with 30% of any net revenue during the
first contract year, provided, however, that the Company shall be entitled
to retain for itself 100% of the net revenue until it has recouped the
amount paid for the design and development services. After the Company has
recouped the amount for the design and development services, the vendor
shall be paid 100% of the revenue until it has recouped its cost, as
defined. During the remainder of the contract which expires December 31,
2003, the vendor shall be paid between 35% to 42% of any net revenue
generated from the website. Through December 31, 1999, the Company has
expensed $168,794 for the development of the website.
F-17
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
11. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
Litigation
On January 29, 1998, the Company terminated the employment of its chief
financial and accounting officer, who had been employed by the Company
since November 17, 1997 pursuant to an employment contract. The employment
contract provided for a base salary of $145,000 during the first year of
the contract, $152,250 during the next year of the contract and $160,000
during the third year of the contract. The employment contract also
provided for the employee to receive incentive compensation equal to 2% of
annual pre-tax earnings of the Company, and health and other fringe
benefits. Further, the employee was granted options to purchase 120,000
shares of common stock of the Company. Such options were cancelled upon the
termination of employment. The employee has asserted a claim against the
Company in excess of $1,000,000, including, but not limited to, the
remaining unpaid portion of the employment contract and other losses
sustained. The Company has served an answer denying liability and
interposing a counterclaim to recover amounts previously paid to the former
employer. Both parties have cross-motions for partial summary judgment
pending before the Court and are awaiting a decision. Counsel for the
Company is unable to form an opinion as to the outcome of this matter, and
the Company intends to vigorously defend the action.
The Company has not provided for any loss on this matter in the
accompanying financial statements.
12. Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes according to the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes." Under the liability method specified by SFAS 109, deferred
tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between
the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured
by the enacted tax rates which will be in effect when these differences
reverse.
F-18
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
12. Income Taxes (Continued)
At December 31, 1999, the Company has an operating loss carryforward of
approximately $4,950,000 which is available to offset future taxable
income. A valuation allowance has been recognized to offset the full amount
of the related deferred tax asset of approximately $1,880,000 and
$1,520,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998 due to the uncertainty of
realizing the benefit of the loss carryforwards.
At December 31, 1999, the Company's net operating loss carryforwards are
scheduled to expire as follows:
Year ended December 31,
-----------------------
2002 $ 232,000
2003 24,000
2005 50,000
2008 36,000
2012 1,685,000
2018 1,973,000
2019 950,000
-----------
$ 4,950,000
===========
The Company's effective income tax rate differs from the Federal statutory
rate as follows:
1999 1998
---------- ---------
Federal statutory rate (34.0%) (34.0%)
Valuation allowance 34.0 34.0
State income taxes 2.0 .4
---------- ---------
2.0% .4%
========== =========
F-19
<PAGE>
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
13. Advertising Expense
Advertising expense, which is expensed as incurred, amounted to $95,947 and
$125,873 in 1999 and 1998.
14. Discontinued Operations
At June 30, 1997, the Company decided to discontinue its direct-response
marketing division. Accordingly, the loss on disposal of the division has
been segregated from continuing operations and reported separately on the
statement of operations.
At the measurement date, the Company did not provide for any loss on
disposal or anticipate any continuing losses from this division. Subsequent
to the measurement date, the division reflected a loss of $93,922 during
the year ended December 31, 1998 which is reflected as a disposal loss in
the accompanying financial statements. As of December 31, 1998, there were
no remaining assets or liabilities of this division.
15. Fourth Quarter Adjustments
During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company
recorded a severance agreement (see Note 5) and an accrual for consulting
services of $50,000, applicable to earlier periods in 1998.
F-20
<PAGE>
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 19.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1991.
3.2 Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended
September 30, 1996.
3.3. Amended and restated By-laws of the Company, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December
28, 1998.
4 Shareholders Rights Agreement, dated as of December 28, 1998, between
First Priority Group, Inc. and North American Transfer Co., as Rights
Agent, together with Exhibits A, B and C attached thereto
incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form 8-A filed on December 31, 1998.
10.1 The Company's 1995 Incentive Stock Plan incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended
September 30, 1996.
10.2 Lease Agreement dated December 6, 1996 between the Company and 51 East
Bethpage Holding Corporation for lease of the Company's facilities in
Plainview, New York incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the
Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended June 30, 1997.
10.3 First Amendment to Lease Agreement dated July 14, 1997 amending the
lease dated December 6, 1996 between the Company and 51 East Bethpage
Holding Corporation incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the
Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended June 30, 1997.
10.4 Employment Agreement dated March 23, 1998 between the Company and
Gerald M. Zutler incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
Company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended March 31, 1998.
10.5 Employment Agreement dated October 8, 1998 between the Company and
Barry Siegel incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the
Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998.
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<PAGE>
10.6 Employment Agreement dated October 2, 1998 between the Company and
Barry J. Spiegel incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the
Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.7 Employment Agreement dated December 14, 1998 between the Company and
Lisa Siegel incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company's
Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.8 Employment Agreement dated October 8, 1998 between the Company and
Gerald M. Zutler incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the
Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.9 Severance Agreement dated August 17, 1998 between the Company and
Michael Karpoff incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the
Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1998.
10.10 Service Agreement dated November 29, 1999 between the Company,
driversshield.com Corp., Electronic Systems Corporation and EDS
Information Services L.L.C filed herein.
10.11 driversshield.com Corp. 1999 Stock Option Plan file herein
13.1 Form 10-QSB for the quarter ending March 31,1999 incorporated by
reference dated and previously filed with the Commission.
13.2 Form 10-QSB for the quarter ending June 30, 1999 incorporated by
reference and previously filed with the Commission.
13.3 Form 10-QSB for the quarter ending September 30, 1999 incorporated by
reference and previously filed with the Commission.
21 List of subsidiaries filed herein.
2
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.10
Services Agreement
------------------
This Services Agreement (the "Agreement"), documents the business relationship
between each of driversshield.com Corp., a Delaware corporation
("driversshield"), driversshield's parent, First Priority Group, Inc., a New
York corporation ("FPG"), Electronic Data Systems Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("EDS"), and EDS Information Services L.L.C., a Delaware limited
liability company ("EIS"), and describes the terms and conditions under which
EDS will perform for driversshield the website design and website hosting
services described below. The obligations of EDS set forth in this Agreement
will be performed by EDS, itself and through its direct and indirect
wholly-owned subsidiaries, including EIS. All references to EDS in this
Agreement will be deemed to include all such subsidiaries, and EDS and
driversshield may be referred to in this Agreement individually as a "party" and
together as the "parties".
1. Term, Definitions, and Exhibits. The term of this Agreement will begin
on September 15, 1999 (the "Effective Date"), and, unless earlier
terminated as provided in Section 11 of this Agreement, will continue
through December 31, 2003. Such original term may be extended by mutual
written agreement of the parties. Unless defined elsewhere in this
Agreement, or the context clearly indicates otherwise, all capitalized
terms used in this Agreement shall have the definitions set forth in
Exhibit A. This Agreement shall consist of the terms and conditions set
forth herein, as well as the following Exhibits, which are incorporated
herein:
Exhibit A: Definitions
Exhibit B: Description of EDS Services
Exhibit C: driversshield's Role
Exhibit D: Compensation
Exhibit E: Confidentiality
Exhibit F: Warranties and Covenants
Exhibit G: Indemnities
2. EDS Services. The EDS Services to be provided by EDS hereunder shall
consist of the Design and Development Services, the Operational
Services, and the Additional Services, and will be performed in two
separate phases, as set forth below:
(a) Design and Development Services. During the period from
September 15, 1999 through the Operational Date, the EDS
Services will consist of design and development services (the
"Design and Development Services") to provide driversshield
with an internet website and underlying database management
application in accordance with a jointly developed and
mutually agreeable technical specification (the "Website
Specification"). Upon completion of joint acceptance testing
by both parties in accordance with mutually agreeable
acceptance criteria, driversshield will transition the Website
from a test environment to an operational environment by
making the Website available for operational use (processing
"live" Repair data) by insurance carriers.
(b) Operational Services. After the Operational Date, the EDS
Services will consist of the basic and, if required, the
incremental services generally described in Exhibit B (the
"Operational Services").
(c) Additional Services. From time to time, driversshield may
request, and EDS may provide, services in addition to those
expressly required to be provided hereunder (the "Additional
Services").
3. Representatives. During the term of this Agreement, EDS and
driversshield will each maintain a representative who will be its
primary point of contact in dealing with the other under this Agreement
and will have the authority and power to make decisions with respect to
actions to be taken by it under this Agreement. Either party may change
its representative by giving notice to the other of the new
representative and the date upon which such change will become
effective. In performing its obligations under this Agreement, EDS will
be entitled to rely upon any routine instructions, authorizations,
approvals or other
3
<PAGE>
information provided to EDS by driversshield's representative or, as to
areas of competency specifically identified by such representative, by
any other driversshield personnel identified by driversshield's
representative, from time to time, as having authority to provide the
same on behalf of driversshield in such person's area of competency.
Unless EDS knew of any error, incorrectness or inaccuracy in such
instructions, authorizations, approvals or other information, EDS will
incur no liability or responsibility of any kind in relying on or
complying with any such instructions, authorizations, approvals or
other information.
4. driversshield's Role. During the term of this Agreement and in addition
to the other obligations of driversshield described herein,
driversshield will, at its own cost and expense, have the obligations
to EDS described in Exhibit C. driversshield acknowledges and agrees
that EDS' ability to perform the EDS Services in accordance with this
Agreement is contingent upon driversshield's timely performance of
those obligations assigned to driversshield hereunder. driversshield
agrees and acknowledges that it shall not use the Website to process,
track or record any collision repair information of any other person or
entity (including its Affiliates) deriving revenue therefrom until
driversshield and EDS have agreed upon an equitable adjustment in EDS'
compensation hereunder.
5. Payment.
(a) Design and Development Services. In consideration for the
performance of the Design and Development Services as
described in Section 2(a) above, driversshield will pay EDS
the lesser of (i) Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars
($350,000.00), or (ii) the rate of One Hundred and Twenty Five
Dollars ($125.00) per hour (which rate will be increased to
One Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per hour effective
January 1, 2000) for each hour of Design and Development
Services provided. EDS will submit a written invoice to
driversshield monthly in arrears reflecting the amount owed to
EDS by driversshield for Design and Development Services
provided during the previous month, with such supporting
documentation as driversshield reasonably requests, and
driversshield will pay the invoiced amount by the 15th day
following receipt by driversshield of the invoice.
(b) Operational Services. Within the first ten (10) days of each
month of this Agreement beginning with the Operational Date,
in consideration for the performance of the Operational
Services as described in Section 2(b) above, driversshield
will pay EDS the EDS Percentage applicable to the prior month,
as set forth on Exhibit D. The EDS Percentage covers all of
EDS' out of pocket expenses related to providing the services
that EDS is expressly required to perform hereunder.
(c) Additional Services. For any Additional Services provided by
EDS hereunder, EDS will (unless otherwise set forth in
Sections B-1(a), B-2(b)(i), or B-3(b)(i) of Exhibit B),
invoice driversshield therefor at the EDS Labor Rate, plus any
expenses associated therewith, which amounts shall be paid in
accordance with Section 5(d); provided, however, that the
Fulfillment Services and the transition services described in
Section 11(d) will be invoiced at EDS' then current commercial
billing rates.
(d) Invoicing. Unless expressly agreed otherwise, driversshield
shall pay all invoiced amounts by the fifteenth (15th) day
following receipt by driversshield of EDS' invoice. For all
EDS Services provided, driversshield will pay or reimburse EDS
for all taxes, assessments, duties, permits and fees, however
designated, that are levied upon this Agreement, the EDS
Services or the software, equipment, materials or other
property, or their use, provided hereunder, excluding income
or franchise taxes that are based on or measured by EDS' net
income. EDS will submit a written invoice to driversshield
monthly in arrears reflecting the amount owed to EDS by
driversshield for such expenses or taxes incurred during the
previous month, with such supporting documentation as
driversshield reasonably requests, and driversshield will pay
the invoiced amount by the 15th day following receipt by
driversshield of the invoice. Any past due amounts hereunder
will bear interest until paid at a rate of interest equal to
the lesser of (i) the prime rate established from time to time
by Citibank of New York plus two percent or (ii) the maximum
rate of interest allowed by applicable law.
4
<PAGE>
(e) Audit Rights. Upon EDS' request, driversshield will provide
EDS or its designee with access to its facilities, books and
records, for audit as reasonably necessary to determine the
amounts due to EDS hereunder. Upon driversshield's request,
EDS will provide driversshield or its designee with access to
its facilities, books and records, for audit as reasonably
necessary to determine the amounts due to driversshield
hereunder; provided, however, that in no event will EDS be
required to disclose its internal costs.
6. Employees. The EDS personnel performing the EDS Services will be and
remain the employees of EDS, and EDS will provide for and pay the
compensation and other benefits of such employees, including salary,
health, accident and workers' compensation benefits and all taxes and
contributions which an employer is required to pay relating to the
employment of employees. During the term of this Agreement and for a
period of 12 months thereafter, neither party will solicit, directly or
indirectly, for employment or employ any employee of the other who is
or was involved in the performance of the EDS Services without the
prior written consent of the other.
7. Confidentiality and Announcements. EDS and driversshield will have the
confidentiality obligations set forth in Exhibit E. Neither party will
make any media release or other public announcement relating to or
referring to this Agreement without the other's prior written consent.
8. Warranties and Additional Covenants. EDS and driversshield will have
the obligations relating to warranties and additional covenants set
forth in Exhibit F.
9. Ownership. Each party will retain all rights in any software, ideas,
concepts, know-how, development tools, techniques or any other
proprietary material or information that it owned or developed prior to
the Effective Date, or acquired or developed after the Effective Date
without reference to or use of the intellectual property of the other
party. All software that is licensed by a party from a third party
vendor will be and remain the property of such vendor. EDS shall obtain
any applicable third party consents or licenses necessary for EDS to
host the Website as required hereunder, and, thereafter, such consents
or licenses shall be the responsibility of driversshield. Subject to
any third party rights or restrictions and the other provisions of this
Section 9, driversshield will own the deliverables that (a) are
developed and delivered by EDS under this Agreement and (b) are paid
for by driversshield (the "Deliverables"). Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Agreement, EDS (i) will retain all right, title
and interest in and to all software development tools, know-how,
methodologies, processes, technologies or algorithms used in performing
the EDS Services which are based on trade secrets or proprietary
information of EDS or are otherwise owned or licensed by EDS
(collectively, "tools"), (ii) will be free to use the ideas, concepts,
methodologies, processes and know-how which are developed or created in
the course of performing the EDS Services and may be retained by EDS'
employees in intangible form and (iii) will retain ownership of any
EDS-owned software or tools that are used in producing the Deliverables
and become embedded in the Deliverables. EDS hereby grants to
driversshield a perpetual (subject to compliance with this sentence),
royalty-free, nontransferable, nonexclusive license to use such
embedded software and tools (if any) solely in connection with
driversshield's internal use and exploitation of the Deliverables and
only so long as such software and tools (if any) remain embedded in the
Deliverables and are not separated therefrom. No licenses will be
deemed to have been granted by either party to any of its patents,
trade secrets, trademarks or copyrights, except as otherwise expressly
provided in this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement will require EDS
or driversshield to violate the proprietary rights of any third party
in any software or otherwise. The provisions of this Section 9 will
survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason.
10. Mediation; Arbitration. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising
under, out of, in connection with or in relation to this Agreement, or
the breach, termination, validity or enforceability of any provision
hereof (a "Dispute"), if not resolved informally through negotiation
between the parties, will be submitted to non-binding mediation. The
parties will mutually determine who the mediator will be from a list of
mediators obtained from the American Arbitration Association office
located in the city determined as set forth below in this Section 10
(the "AAA"). If the parties are unable to agree on the mediator, the
mediator will be selected by the AAA. If any Dispute is not resolved
through mediation, it will be resolved by final and binding arbitration
5
<PAGE>
conducted in accordance with and subject to the Commercial Arbitration
Rules of the AAA then applicable. One arbitrator will be selected by
the parties' mutual agreement or, failing that, by the AAA, and the
arbitrator will allow such discovery as is appropriate, consistent with
the purposes of arbitration in accomplishing fair, speedy and cost
effective resolution of disputes. The arbitrator will reference the
rules of evidence of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure then in
effect in setting the scope of discovery, except that no requests for
admissions will be permitted and interrogatories will be limited to
identifying (a) persons with knowledge of relevant facts and (b) expert
witnesses and their opinions and the bases therefor. Judgment upon the
award rendered in any such arbitration may be entered in any court
having jurisdiction thereof. Any negotiation, mediation or arbitration
conducted pursuant to this Section 10 and initiated by driversshield
will take place in Plano, Texas, and in Plainview, New York if
initiated by EDS. Other than those matters involving injunctive relief
or any action necessary to enforce the award of the arbitrator, the
parties agree that the provisions of this Section 10 are a complete
defense to any suit, action or other proceeding instituted in any court
or before any administrative tribunal with respect to any Dispute or
the performance of the EDS Services by EDS. Each party acknowledges and
agrees that the other party may seek injunctive relief in order to
enforce the covenants set forth in Section 16(b) and (c). Nothing in
this Section 10 prevents the parties from exercising their right to
terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 11.
11. Termination.
(a) Default. If either party materially defaults in the
performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement,
which default (a) if of a non-monetary nature, is not
substantially cured within 60 days after notice is given to
the defaulting party specifying the default or, with respect
to those defaults that cannot reasonably be cured within 60
days, should the defaulting party fail to proceed within 60
days to commence curing the default and thereafter to proceed
with all reasonable diligence to substantially cure the
default, or (b) if of a monetary nature, is not cured within
10 days after notice is given to the defaulting party
specifying the default, the party not in default may, by
giving written notice thereof to the defaulting party,
terminate this Agreement as of a date specified in such notice
of termination.
(b) Other Than Default. This Agreement may be terminated for
reasons other than default as set forth below:
(i) If, during the final two (2) calendar months of the
First Contract Year, the Contracted Net Revenue
averages less than Two Hundred and Twenty Five
Thousand Dollars ($225,000.00) per month, then either
party shall have the option to terminate this
Agreement upon thirty (30) days' prior written
notice, which option must be exercised within thirty
(30) days following the date that driversshield
provides EDS with such information as set forth in
Section C-1 of Exhibit C; or
(ii) If the EDS Revenues for the Second Contract Year are
less than Three Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Five
Thousand Dollars ($3,255,000.00), then EDS shall have
the option to terminate this Agreement upon thirty
(30) days' notice, which option must be exercised
within sixty (60) days following the end of the
Second Contract Year; or
(iii) If the EDS Revenues for the Third Contract Year are
less than Twelve Million, Eight Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($12,800,000.00), then EDS shall have the
option to terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30)
days' notice, which option must be exercised within
sixty (60) days following the end of the Third
Contract Year; or
(iv) If, during any two (2) consecutive calendar months
after EDS begins to provide the incremental services
that are described in Sections B-2(b), B-3(b) or
B-4(b) of Exhibit B, the Contracted Net Revenue or
the EDS Revenues, as applicable, fall below the
amounts that "triggered" EDS' provision of such
additional services, EDS may terminate this Agreement
upon sixty (60) days' written notice; provided,
however, that (A) during this 60-day period
6
<PAGE>
the parties will negotiate in good faith an amendment
to this Agreement in lieu of such termination, and
(B) if the parties are unable to agree to such an
amendment, EDS will provide the transition services
described in subparagraph 11(d) below.
(c) Effect of Termination or Expiration. Upon expiration or
termination of this Agreement for any reason, (i) EDS will
cease to perform the EDS Services for driversshield; and (ii)
driversshield will pay to EDS all sums due to EDS as a result
of the EDS Services performed through the effective date of
such expiration or termination, including the then current EDS
Percentage applicable to any Repair, or data relating thereto,
that was processed, tracked, or otherwise recorded using the
Website prior to such expiration or termination. Expiration or
termination of this Agreement for any reason will not release
either party from any liabilities or obligations set forth in
this Agreement which (i) the parties have expressly agreed
will survive any such expiration or termination or (ii) remain
to be performed or by their nature would be intended to be
applicable following any such expiration or termination.
(d) Transition Services. In connection with the termination of
this Agreement, EDS will, at driversshield's request and at
EDS' then current commercial billing rates, assist in the
orderly transition and migration to driversshield of the
Deliverables and the EDS Services then being performed by EDS,
including assisting driversshield in the installation of any
hardware and/or software or equipment purchased by
driversshield in connection with the transition.
12. Indemnities. EDS and driversshield will have the indemnity obligations
set forth in Exhibit G.
13. Liability.
(a) General Limitation. Neither party's liability to the other
(and any Affiliate) for any damages arising out of or related
to this Agreement, whether based in contract, equity,
negligence, tort or otherwise (excluding willful misconduct),
will be limited to and will not exceed, in the aggregate for
all claims, actions and causes of action of every kind and
nature, the lesser of (i) the sum of the payments to EDS
hereunder during the six (6) months prior to the event giving
rise to the liability, or (ii) Five Million Dollars
($5,000,000.00).
(b) Limitation on Other Damages. In no event will the measure of
damages payable by either party include, nor will either party
be liable for, any amounts for loss of income, profit or
savings or indirect, incidental, consequential, exemplary,
punitive or special damages of any party, including third
parties, even if such party has been advised of the
possibility of such damages in advance, and all such damages
are expressly disclaimed.
(c) Contractual Statute of Limitations. No claim, demand for
mediation or arbitration or cause of action which arose out of
an event or events which occurred more than two years prior to
the filing of a demand for mediation or arbitration or suit
alleging a claim or cause of action may be asserted by either
party against the other. The provisions of this Section 13
will survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement
for any reason.
14. Excused Performance. Neither party will be deemed to be in default
hereunder, or will be liable to the other, for failure to perform any
of its non-monetary obligations under this Agreement for any period and
to the extent that such failure results from any event or circumstance
beyond that party's reasonable control (each, a "force majeure event"),
including natural disasters, riots, war, civil disorder, court orders,
acts or omissions of the other party or third parties, acts or
regulations of governmental bodies, labor disputes or failures or
fluctuations in electrical power, heat, light, air conditioning or
telecommunications equipment or lines, or other equipment failure, and
which it could not have prevented by reasonable precautions or could
not have remedied by the exercise of reasonable efforts.
15. Export Regulations. This Agreement is expressly made subject to any
United States government laws, regulations, orders or other
restrictions regarding export from the United States of computer
hardware, software, technical data or derivatives of such hardware,
software or technical data. Notwithstanding
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anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither party will directly
or indirectly export (or reexport) any computer hardware, software,
technical data or derivatives of such hardware, software or technical
data, or permit the shipment of same: (a) into (or to a national or
resident of) Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria or any other
country to which the United States has embargoed goods; (b) to anyone
on the U.S. Treasury Department's List of Specially Designated
Nationals, List of Specially Designated Terrorists or List of Specially
Designated Narcotics Traffickers, or the U.S. Commerce Department's
Denied Parties List; or (c) to any country or destination for which the
United States government or a United States governmental agency
requires an export license or other approval for export without first
having obtained such license or other approval. Each Party will
reasonably cooperate with the other and will provide to the other
promptly upon request any end-user certificates, affidavits regarding
reexport or other certificates or documents as are reasonably requested
to obtain approvals, consents, licenses and/or permits required for any
payment or any export or import of products or services under this
Agreement. The provisions of this Section 15 will survive the
expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason.
16. Right to Engage in Other Activities; Limited Restrictions; Exclusivity.
(a) General Right to Engage in Other Activities. driversshield
acknowledges and agrees that EDS may provide information
technology services for third parties at any EDS facility that
EDS may utilize from time to time for performing the EDS
Services. Except as expressly set forth in Section 16(b),
nothing in this Agreement will impair EDS' right to acquire,
license, market, distribute, develop for itself or others or
have others develop for EDS similar technology performing the
same or similar functions as the technology and EDS Services
contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Limited Restrictions. In consideration of driversshield's
exclusivity covenant described in Section 16(c), EDS agrees
that:
(i) it will not, prior to January 17, 2001, enter into an
agreement with any party to design, develop and
operate a website with functionality substantially
similar to that of the Website, and the purpose of
which is to provide insurance carriers with the
ability to offer its individual insureds (as opposed
to its corporate or fleet customers) collision repair
management services in the United States of America,
Canada, Mexico or Puerto Rico (collectively, "North
America") via the internet; and
(ii) it will not, prior to January 17, 2001, dedicate any
of the three (3) key Website developers (David
Shapiro, Jay Dunning and Christine Boudreau), to the
design and development of a website with
functionality substantially similar to that of the
Website for an EDS client that is in the business of
providing insurance carriers with the ability to
offer its individual insureds (as opposed to its
corporate or fleet customers) collision repair
management services in North America via the
internet; and
(iii) it will not, prior to January 17, 2004, enter into an
agreement with any party under which (i) EDS is
required to design, develop and operate a website
with functionality substantially similar to that of
the Website, and the purpose of which is to provide
insurance carriers with the ability to offer its
individual insureds (as opposed to its corporate or
fleet customers) collision repair management services
in North America via the internet, and (ii) EDS'
compensation under for such services is based upon a
percentage of the client's revenues;
provided, however, that the restrictions enumerated in this
Section 16(b) shall lapse upon termination or expiration of
this Agreement for any reason.
(c) Exclusivity. driversshield shall market, promote and utilize
the Website exclusively to support its respective clients
providing individual insureds (as opposed to corporate or
fleet customers) with collision repair management services in
North America via the internet.
8
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17. Notices. All notices under this Agreement will be in writing and will
be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or by a
nationally recognized courier service, faxed or mailed by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the
parties at the addresses set forth herein. All notices under this
Agreement that are addressed as provided in this Section 17, (a) if
delivered personally or by a nationally recognized courier service,
will be deemed given upon delivery, (b) if delivered by facsimile, will
be deemed given when confirmed and (c) if delivered by mail in the
manner described above, will be deemed given upon receipt. Either party
may change its address or designee for notification purposes by giving
notice to the other of the new address or designee and the date upon
which such change will become effective.
18. FPG Guarantee. From the Effective Date through the Operational Date,
FPG hereby unconditionally guarantees the performance by driversshield
of all of driversshield's duties and obligations under this Agreement
(including payment for the Design and Development Services), which
guarantee is an absolute, present and continuing guaranty of
performance. Beginning with the Operational Date and ending with the
earlier of the first date that (i) driversshield's voting stock is
publicly traded over a nationally recognized exchange, or (ii) the
percentage of FPG's ownership of driversshield's voting stock falls
below fifty percent (50%), or (iii) FPG controls less than fifty
percent (50%) of the total voting rights of driversshield, FPG shall
guarantee the performance of driversshield's duties and obligations
hereunder (including payment of the EDS Percentage) in proportion to
the percentage of FPG's equity in driversshield. The guarantee shall
remain in full force and effect without regard to, and the obligations
of FPG shall not be affected or impaired by: (a) any amendment or
modification of or addition or supplement to any of the respective
guaranteed obligations; (b) any extension, indulgence or other action
or inaction in respect of any of the respective guaranteed obligations;
(c) any exercise or nonexercise of any right, remedy, power or
privilege in respect of such guarantee, or any of the respective
guaranteed obligations; (d) any transfer of assets to, or any
consolidation or merger with or into, any person corporation,
partnership or other entity; (e) any bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or similar proceeding: (f) any assignment or subcontract
by driversshield; or (g) any other circumstance, whether or not FPG
shall have had notice or knowledge of any of the foregoing. FPG
unconditionally waives (i) notice of any of the matters referred to in
the preceding sentence and (ii) all notice which may be required by
statute, rule of law or otherwise to preserve the rights thereof,
including, without limitation, the right to notice of default,
presentment to and demand of payment and protest for non-payment or
dishonor. Any notice to FPG must be in writing and delivered in
accordance with the terms, and to the address of such party, originally
set forth in this Agreement.
19. Other. Where agreement, approval, acceptance or consent of either party
is required by this Agreement, such action will not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed. The Parties are independent contractors, and this
Agreement will not be construed as constituting either party as
partner, joint venturer or fiduciary of the other. If any provision
(other than a provision relating to any payment obligation) of this
Agreement or the application thereof to any persons or circumstances
is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this
Agreement or the application of such provision to persons or
circumstances other than those as to which it is invalid or
unenforceable will not be affected thereby, and each provision of this
Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the extent permitted by law.
Nothing in this Agreement may be relied upon or will benefit any party
other than EDS and driversshield. This Agreement (a) will be governed
by the substantive laws of the State of Texas (without giving effect to
any choice-of-law rules that may require the application of the laws of
another jurisdiction), (b) may not be assigned by either party without
the prior written consent of the other (except that EDS will have the
right to perform the EDS Services itself and through its direct and
indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries and to subcontract to unaffiliated
third parties portions of the EDS Services, so long as EDS remains
responsible for the obligations performed by any of its subsidiaries or
subcontractors to the same extent as if such obligations were performed
by EDS employees), (c) may not be changed or modified orally or through
a course of dealing, but only by a written amendment or revision signed
by the parties and (d) together with the exhibits attached hereto (each
of which is incorporated into this Agreement by this reference),
constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof, superseding any previous or contemporaneous
representations, understandings or agreements with respect thereto.
9
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10
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In Witness Whereof, the parties have duly executed and delivered this Agreement
as of the date first set forth above.
driversshield.com CORP. ELECTRONIC DATA SYSTEMS
CORPORATION
By: By:
----------------------------- -------------------------------
Title: Title:
-------------------------- ----------------------------
Address:51 East Bethpage Rd. Address: 5400 Legacy Drive; Mail Stop
Plainview, NY 11803-4224 Plano, TX 75024
Date: Date:
---------------------------- -------------------------------
FIRST PRIORITY GROUP, INC. EDS INFORMATION SERVICES L.L.C.
[For purposes of Section 18 only]
By: By:
------------------------------ ----------------------------------
Title: Title:
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Address: Address: 5400 Legacy Drive; Mail Stop
------------------------- Plano, TX 75024
Date: Date:
---------------------------- -------------------------------
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<PAGE>
Exhibit A
Definitions
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
Affiliate shall mean every corporation or other entity directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by or under the direct or indirect common control with
driversshield. A corporation or other entity shall be deemed to control a
corporation or other entity if such corporation or other entity possesses
directly or indirectly the power to (i) vote 10% or more of the securities
having ordinary voting power for the election of the directors of such other
corporation or (ii) direct or cause the direction of the management and policies
of such other corporation or other entity whether through the ownership of
voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Contract Year shall mean, as applicable, the First Contract Year, and each
one-year period thereafter.
Contracted Net Revenue shall mean that portion of the Net Revenue that is
received, recognized or accrued by driversshield from a driversshield client
pursuant to an agreement that does not contain a clause permitting the
termination of such agreement, without cause, or such clause has expired without
cancellation of that agreement.
Cost of Sales shall mean (i) payments by driversshield to a Vendor for a Repair,
and (ii) the direct cost to driversshield of the Fulfillment Services, whether
such services are performed by driversshield, or performed by EDS and invoiced
to driversshield as set forth in Section B-5 of Exhibit B, and (iii) any
Additional Services that are paid for by driversshield in accordance with
Sections B-1(a), B-2(b)(i), or B-3(b)(i) of Exhibit B.
EDS Labor Rate shall mean eighty percent (80%) of EDS' then current commercial
billing rates (which rates shall be subject to adjustment in accordance with
Section D-5 of Exhibit D), discounted by the amount of the then current EDS
Percentage.
EDS Percentage shall mean, for each calendar month of this Agreement after the
Operational Date, the percentage of Net Revenue that is received, recognized or
accrued by driversshield applicable to the prior calendar month, and payable to
EDS in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
EDS Revenue shall mean the amounts, derived from the EDS Percentage, actually
paid to EDS hereunder.
First Contract Year shall mean the period of time beginning with the Operational
Date, and ending on the last day of the twelfth (12th) calendar month
thereafter. For example, if the Operational Date is January 15, 2000, the last
day of the First Contract Year will be January 31, 2001.
Fulfillment Services shall mean the printing, assembly, material insertion, and
postage to deliver the Driver's Shield(R) membership kit (which, as of the
Effective Date, driversshield represents costs approximately Five Dollars
($5.00) per kit).
Net Revenue shall mean an amount determined, for any applicable period of time,
by subtracting Cost of Sales from Total driversshield Revenue.
Operational Date shall mean the first date that the Website is made available
for access by insurance carriers.
Repair shall mean a claim for the physical damage or mechanical repair of a
motor vehicle that is processed, tracked or otherwise recorded on the Website.
Second Contract Year shall mean the one-year period beginning on the day after
the last day of the First Contract Year.
A-1
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Third Contract Year shall mean the one-year period beginning on the day after
the last day of the Second Contract Year.
Total driversshield Revenue shall mean, for any applicable period of time, all
revenues that are received, recognized or accrued by driversshield (and any
Affiliate that EDS and driversshield may agree, pursuant to Section 4, may
utilize the Website to process, track or otherwise record any data relating to a
Repair) following the Operational Date, including but not limited to all: Repair
payments from insurance carriers; Website listing fees; and driversshield
membership fees (including renewal thereof) derived solely from memberships that
were originated following the completion of a Repair processed, tracked, or
otherwise recorded on the Website.
Vendor shall mean a motor vehicle repair facility, rental agency, appraiser,
glass replacement company, salvage facility or other facility providing
Repair-related services.
Website shall mean the internet website developed pursuant to the Website
Specification.
A-2
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Exhibit B
Description of EDS Services
The EDS Services to be provided hereunder shall consist of (i) the Design and
Development Services generally described in Section 2(a) of this Agreement, for
which EDS shall be compensated as set forth in Section 5(a) of this Agreement,
and (ii) the Operational Services, as described below, for which EDS shall be
compensated as set forth in Section 5(b) of this Agreement.
B-1. First Contract Year.
(a) Basic Services. During the First Contract Year, EDS will generally be
responsible for providing the following items:
o EDS will use reasonable efforts to introduce driversshield to EDS'
customers that provide auto insurance to its insureds.
o EDS will provide an account manager responsible for:
o Coordinates and prioritizes resources to meet driversshield business
requirements, ongoing and incremental
o Accountable for deliverables
o driversshield communications
o Advises driversshield on IT aspects of its business plan
o Escalation of relevant issues within EDS
o Web hosting and help desk - as described in the Website Specification
o Website enhancements - up to 100 hours monthly
o EDS will provide additional website enhancements, as mutually agreed, above
100 hours and, in consideration thereof, driversshield will pay for such
additional hours at the lesser of (i) EDS' then current commercial billing
rates, or (ii) an adjustable rate that shall start, as of the Effective
Date, at One Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per hour, and shall be
subject to adjustment in accordance with Section D-5 of Exhibit D, which
amount shall be invoiced by EDS and payable by driversshield in accordance
with Section 5(d), and then, upon payment, included in the Cost of Sales.
o Implementation support to insurance carrier - up to 40 hours per carrier,
with roles and responsibilities to be mutually agreed upon between EDS and
driversshield, which may include:
o Documentation / creation of training materials
o Training tech support of carrier MIS department on:
o Firewall / network issues
o Password administration
o EDS will provide additional implementation support to insurance carriers,
as mutually agreed, above 40 hours and, in consideration thereof,
driversshield will pay for such additional hours at the lesser of (i) EDS'
then current commercial billing rates, or (ii) an adjustable rate that
shall start, as of the Effective Date, at One Hundred and Fifty Dollars
($150.00) per hour, and shall be subject to adjustment in accordance with
Section D-5 of Exhibit D, which amount shall be invoiced by EDS and payable
by driversshield in accordance with Section 5(d), and then, upon payment,
included in the Cost of Sales.
(b) Incremental EDS Services During the First Contract Year. If the trigger
described in Section B-2(b) is satisfied during the First Contract
Year, then EDS agrees to perform, during the first two (2) months after
such trigger is satisfied, up to One Thousand (1,000) hours of the
additional services described in Section B-2(b)(i) below. Additionally,
if during the First Contract Year the Contracted Net Revenue exceeds
Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) during any calendar month,
then EDS will provide (during the two (2) months immediately following
the completion of the first One Thousand (1,000) hours of services
described in the preceding sentence), an additional One Thousand
(1,000) hours to begin implementing some of the incremental services
described in Section B-2(b)(i) below.
It is understood and agreed that (i) nothing in this Section
B-1(b) shall require EDS to provide, during the First Contract Year, more than
Two Thousand (2,000) hours of the incremental services
B-1
<PAGE>
described in Section B-2(b) below; and (ii) the services performed by EDS
pursuant to this Section B-1(b) shall be credited toward EDS' obligations
described in Section B-2(b).
B-2. Second Contract Year.
(a) Basic Services. During the Second Contract Year, EDS will generally be
responsible for providing the basic services described in Section
B-1(a) above.
(b) Trigger for Incremental EDS Services. If during the First Contract
Year, either (i) the Contracted Net Revenue exceeds Three Hundred and
Eight Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Three Dollars ($308,333.00)
for two (2) consecutive calendar months, or (ii) the Net Revenue
exceeds Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for two (2)
consecutive calendar months, EDS will provide, during the Second
Contract Year, the following incremental services:
(i) up to Six Thousand (6,000) hours of implementation and/or
development services (less any hours provided by EDS pursuant
to Section B-1(b)), to be used as mutually agreed for
activities including but not limited to developing and
implementing call center services similar to those provided by
driversshield during the First Contract Year; additional
definition and/or development work on the website; development
and/or implementation of additional services like iBilling,
financial EDI, or EDS*FAX; or a carrier interface (similar to
informational website developed by EDS prior to the
commencement of the Design and Development Services). If
driversshield requests additional hours of support,
driversshield will pay for such additional hours at the lesser
of (i) EDS' then current commercial billing rates, or (ii) an
adjustable rate that shall start, as of the Effective Date, at
One Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per hour, and shall be
subject to adjustment in accordance with Section D-5 of
Exhibit D, which amount shall be invoiced by EDS and payable
by driversshield in accordance with Section 5(d), and then,
upon payment, included in the Cost of Sales; and
(ii) up to 25 total people to staff the call center, assuming up to
4,000 Repairs per month and based upon driversshield's
estimate that each Repair will require an average of fifty
(50) minutes. Should the average amount of call minutes
required per Repair exceed fifty (50), then EDS shall have the
right to add additional personnel and invoice driversshield
therefor at the EDS Labor Rate, which amount shall be due and
payable in accordance with Section 5(d) of this Agreement. So
long as the average amount of call minutes required per Repair
does not exceed fifty (50), EDS agrees to increase the
staffing of the call center (over the original 25) at no
additional charge, at the rate of one additional person per
each additional 160 Repairs per month; and
(iii) up to 3 total Account Executives; and
(iv) An accounting system with a maximum cost of Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($50,000.00) for acquisition/development and
implementation, with driversshield and EDS to mutually define
functionality/scope.
B-3. Third Contract Year.
(a) Basic Services. During the Third Contract Year, EDS will generally be
responsible for providing the Operational Services performed during the
Second Contract Year.
(b) Trigger for Incremental EDS Services. If, during the final two (2)
calendar months of the Second Contract Year, the EDS Revenue averages
more than Three Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Two Hundred Dollars
($312,200.00) per month, then EDS will provide, during the Third
Contract Year, the following incremental services:
(i) up to Three Thousand (3,000) hours of implementation and/or
development services to be
B-2
<PAGE>
used as mutually agreed for such activities as developing and
implementing enhancements to the website. If driversshield
requests additional hours of support, driversshield will pay
for such additional hours at the lesser of (i) EDS' then
current commercial billing rates, or (ii) an adjustable rate
that shall start, as of the Effective Date, at One Hundred and
Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per hour, and shall be subject to
adjustment in accordance with Section D-5 of Exhibit D, which
amount shall be invoiced by EDS and payable by driversshield
in accordance with Section 5(d), and then, upon payment,
included in the Cost of Sales; and
(ii) up to 43 total people to staff the call center, assuming up to
9,333 Repairs per month and based upon driversshield's
estimate that each Repair will require an average of forty
(40) minutes. Should the average amount of call minutes
required per Repair exceed forty (40), then EDS shall have the
right to add additional personnel and invoice driversshield
therefor at the EDS Labor Rate, which amount shall be due and
payable in accordance with Section 5(d) of this Agreement. So
long as the average amount of call minutes required per Repair
does not exceed forty (40), EDS agrees to increase the
staffing of the call center (over the original 43) at no
additional charge, at the rate of one additional person per
each additional 217 Repairs per month; and
(iii) up to 4 total Account Executives.
B-4. Fourth Contract Year.
(a) Basic Services. During the Fourth Contract Year, EDS will generally be
responsible for providing the Operational Services performed during the
Third Contract Year.
(b) Trigger for Incremental EDS Services. If, during the final two (2)
calendar months of the Third Contract Year, the EDS Revenue averages
more than One Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty Three Thousand, Three
Hundred and Thirty Three Dollars ($1,933,333.00) per month, then EDS
will provide, during the Fourth Contract Year, the following
incremental services:
(i) up to 66 total people to staff the call center, assuming up to
20,000 Repairs per month and based upon driversshield's
estimate that each Repair will require an average of thirty
(30) minutes. Should the average amount of call minutes
required per Repair exceed thirty (30), then EDS shall have
the right to add additional personnel and invoice
driversshield therefor at the EDS Labor Rate, which amount
shall be due and payable in accordance with Section 5(d) of
this Agreement. So long as the average amount of call minutes
required per Repair does not exceed thirty (30), EDS agrees to
increase the staffing of the call center (over the original
66) at no additional charge, at the rate of one additional
person per each additional 303 Repairs per month; and
(ii) up to 5 total Account Executives.
B-5. Fulfillment Services. The parties anticipate that EDS will assume
responsibility for performing the Fulfillment Services (the mailing of
the driversshield membership kits) during the Second Contract Year;
however, since EDS has not had the opportunity to estimate the
resources required for such performance, the parties will negotiate in
good faith a mutually agreeable price therefor, which amount will be
invoiced to driversshield on a monthly basis and included in the Cost
of Sales.
B-3
<PAGE>
Exhibit C
driversshield's Role
C-1. Data Transfers. Within five (5) days following the end of each month of
this Agreement, driversshield will transmit to EDS, in a mutually
agreed upon format, an updated file containing the current status of
all Repair-related activity (including but not limited to Cost of
Sales, Total driversshield Revenue, Contracted Net Revenue and Net
Revenue), as necessary for EDS to (i) perform the EDS Services, and
(ii) verify the amounts due EDS hereunder.
C-2. DELETED
C-3. Software. driversshield will provide, or cause to be provided, to EDS
the right to access driversshield-owned software (including any
Deliverables) and software licensed to driversshield or a customer of
driversshield by a vendor if such is required for EDS to perform the
EDS Services, but for no other purpose. EDS will assist driversshield
in determining whether driversshield will need to obtain any consents,
licenses or other rights from vendors as contemplated by this Section
C-3. driversshield will be responsible for obtaining any such consents,
licenses or other rights and for finding an alternative solution in the
event a vendor refuses consent.
C-4. Inability to Access. Notwithstanding C-3, if for any reason (including
a determination that the costs and expenses associated with obtaining
consents, licenses or other rights or with finding an alternative
solution are unreasonable) driversshield declines or is unable to
provide to EDS the right to access any hardware, related equipment or
software for any reason, EDS will be relieved of those of its
obligations under this Agreement that are affected by such lack of
access rights, and the parties will mutually agree in writing on any
appropriate adjustments to this Agreement, whether with respect to the
scope of the EDS Services, EDS' charges or otherwise.
C-5. Personnel Resources. driversshield will provide and make available to
EDS appropriate management and technical personnel of driversshield who
will work with EDS and will perform, on a timely basis, those
activities referenced in this Agreement, the responsibility for which
is required therein to be assumed by driversshield. In addition,
driversshield will cooperate with EDS through making available such
personnel, management decisions, information, authorizations, approvals
and acceptances in order that EDS' performance of the EDS Services may
be properly, timely and efficiently accomplished.
C-6. Other Resources. Unless this Agreement specifically states otherwise,
driversshield will provide and be responsible for all:
o Call center staff including:
Shop management personnel
Account executive personnel
Accounting workstation / system
o Fulfillment services
o Sales and marketing
o Fax servers and support
o Implementation support to insurance carrier (to be determined by
EDS & driversshield)
C-1
<PAGE>
Exhibit D
Compensation
D-1. First Contract Year.
During the First Contract Year, the EDS Percentage shall be
Thirty Percent (30%) of Net Revenue; provided, however, that
(i) driversshield shall be entitled to retain for itself one
hundred percent (100%) of the Net Revenue until it has
recouped the amount that it paid EDS for the Design and
Development Services pursuant to Section 5(a) of this
Agreement; and
(ii) after driversshield has recouped the amount set forth in (i)
above, EDS shall be paid one hundred percent (100%) of the Net
Revenue until it has recouped an amount equal to $100 per hour
for each hour in excess of 2,800 that it expended performing
the Design and Development Services (up to 3,600 hours).
D-2. Second Contract Year.
For each month of the Second Contract Year, the EDS Percentage shall be
Thirty Five Percent (35%).
D-3. Third Contract Year.
For each month of the Third Contract Year, the EDS Percentage shall be
Forty Two Percent (42%).
D-4. Fourth Contract Year.
For each month of the Fourth Contract Year, the EDS Percentage shall be
Forty Two Percent (42%).
D-5. Annual Adjustment to Charges Using Hewitt Index. The Parties
acknowledge and agree to use the percent change in "Total Cash
Compensation" for Systems Integration Job Families (the "Percent
Change") as the basis for annual adjustments to all charges to be paid
by driversshield to EDS under this Agreement as being subject to this
Section D-5 (the "Hewitt Index Adjustable Charges"), as the Percent
Change is either reported in the Hewitt Associates Index for Total Cash
Compensation (the "Index") or as such Systems Integration Job Families
information is otherwise made available by the management consulting
firm of Hewitt Associates LLC (or another comparable measure published
or made available by a mutually agreeable source should the Index no
longer be published, the content or format of the Index substantially
change or Hewitt Associates LLC no longer make comparable Systems
Integration Job Families information available). If, on any September 1
during the term of this Agreement, the most recently published or
available Percent Change is positive, an adjustment to the Hewitt Index
Adjustable Charges will be made by increasing the Hewitt Index
Adjustable Charges by such Percent Change. If an adjustment is not made
on a September 1 for any reason, then the basis for measuring the
Percent Change for the following September 1 will be same as the basis
for measuring the Percent Change for the September 1 on which no
adjustment was made. The Parties acknowledge and agree that EDS will
adjust the Hewitt Index Adjustable Charges and will advise
driversshield of such adjustment in writing so that the new charges
will amend this Agreement and become effective on the applicable
September 1. If no adjustment is made on a September 1 for any reason,
EDS will advise driversshield in writing of such fact.
D-1
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Exhibit E
Confidentiality
E-1. Scope of Obligation. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, EDS and driversshield each agrees that (a) all information
communicated to it by the other and identified as confidential, whether
before or after the date hereof, (b) all information identified as
confidential to which it has access in connection with the EDS
Services, whether before or after the date hereof, and (c) this
Agreement and the parties' rights and obligations hereunder, will be
and will be deemed to have been received in confidence and will be used
only for purposes of this Agreement, and each of EDS and driversshield
agrees to use the same means as it uses to protect its own confidential
information, but in no event less than reasonable means, to prevent the
disclosure and to protect the confidentiality thereof. No such
information will be disclosed by the recipient party without the prior
written consent of the other party; provided, however, that each party
may disclose this Agreement and the other party's confidential
information to those of the recipient party's attorneys, auditors,
insurers (if applicable), subcontractors and full time employees who
have a need to have access to such information in connection with their
employment (or engagement, if applicable) by the recipient party, so
long as the recipient party requires, in the case of its attorneys,
auditors and insurers, that each of them execute a confidentiality
agreement containing terms and conditions no less restrictive than
those set forth in this Exhibit E and advises, in the case of its
subcontractors and employees, each such subcontractor and employee of
the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Exhibit E. In any
event, compliance by each of the persons referenced in the preceding
sentence with the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Exhibit
E will remain the responsibility of the party employing or engaging
such persons.
E-2. Exceptions. The foregoing will not prevent either party from disclosing
information that belongs to such party or (i) is already known by the
recipient party without an obligation of confidentiality other than
under this Agreement, (ii) is publicly known or becomes publicly known
through no unauthorized act of the recipient party, (iii) is rightfully
received from a third party, (iv) is independently developed without
use of the other party's confidential information or (v) is disclosed
without similar restrictions to a third party by the party owning the
confidential information. If confidential information is required to be
disclosed pursuant to a requirement of a governmental authority, such
confidential information may be disclosed pursuant to such requirement
so long as the party required to disclose the confidential information,
to the extent possible, provides the other party with timely prior
notice of such requirement and coordinates with such other party in an
effort to limit the nature and scope of such required disclosure;
provided, however, that, in the event of a tax audit, (A) notice of a
disclosure requirement in connection therewith will not be given prior
to the commencement of the audit, and (B) the parties will use
commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that any confidential
information that is subject to a valid request for delivery of a copy
of such information (including a copy of this Agreement) to the taxing
authority is not subject to further disclosure by it (such as by
marking such information as a trade secret). If confidential
information is required to be disclosed in connection with the conduct
of any mediation or arbitration proceeding carried out pursuant to
Section 10 of this Agreement, such confidential information may be
disclosed pursuant to and in accordance with the approval and at the
direction of the mediator or arbitrator, as the case may be, conducting
such proceeding. Upon written request of the disclosing party at the
expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason, all
documented confidential information (and all copies thereof) of the
disclosing party will be returned to the disclosing party or will be
destroyed, with written certification thereof being given to the
disclosing party. The provisions of this Exhibit E will survive the
expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the parties
acknowledge that certain disclosure of this Agreement may be required
to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")
and/or an exchange on which the party's common stock is traded, and
nothing in this Agreement shall prevent either party from making such
required disclosures upon advice of their respective counsel.
Additionally, the terms of this Agreement may be disclosed to potential
investors of driversshield so long as driversshield requires such
potential investors to execute a confidentiality agreement containing
terms and conditions no less restrictive than those set forth in this
Exhibit E.
E-1
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Exhibit F
Warranties and Additional Covenants
F-1. Performance. EDS represents and warrants that all EDS Services will be
performed in a professional and workmanlike manner.
F-2. driversshield Information. driversshield represents and warrants that,
to the best of its knowledge, the information furnished by
driversshield to EDS on which EDS based the description of the EDS
Services and the charges to be paid by driversshield therefor, in each
case as set forth in this Agreement, is accurate and complete in all
material respects.
F-3. Viruses. Each party will use commercially reasonable measures to screen
any software provided or made available by it to the other party
hereunder for the purpose of avoiding the introduction of any "virus"
or other computer software routine or hardware components which are
designed (i) to permit access or use by third parties to the software
of the other party not authorized by this Agreement, (ii) to disable or
damage hardware or damage, erase or delay access to software or data of
the other party or (iii) to perform any other similar actions.
F-4. Disabling Codes. EDS will not, without informing driversshield's
Representative, knowingly insert into the software used by it hereunder
any code or other device which would have the effect of disabling,
damaging, erasing, delaying or otherwise shutting down all or any
portion of the EDS Services or the hardware, software or data used in
performing the EDS Services. EDS will not invoke such code or other
device at any time, including upon expiration or termination of this
Agreement for any reason, without driversshield's prior written
consent.
F-5. Year 2000. driversshield acknowledges and agrees that EDS will not be
responsible for:
(a) Changes, modifications, updates or enhancements to, and
any inaccuracies, delays, interruptions or errors caused by,
interfaces between any EDS-proprietary system and any system
that EDS does not operate under this Agreement;
(b) Any inaccuracies, delays, interruptions or errors
occurring as a result of incorrect data or data from other
systems, including telecommunications systems, software,
hardware, processes or third parties provided in a format that
is inconsistent with the format and protocols established for
any EDS-proprietary system, including date data in two digit
format, even if such data is required for the operation of
that system; and
(c) any inaccuracies, delays, interruptions or errors
occurring as a result of incorrect data or data from
telecommunication systems.
F-6. Disclaimer. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS EXHIBIT F,
EDS MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
REGARDING ANY MATTER, INCLUDING THE MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY,
ORIGINALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE, OR RESULTS TO BE
DERIVED FROM THE USE, OF ANY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICE, SOFTWARE,
HARDWARE OR OTHER MATERIALS PROVIDED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. EDS DOES NOT
REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT THE OPERATION OF ANY SOFTWARE WILL BE
UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE OR YEAR 2000 COMPLIANT.
F-1
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Exhibit G
Indemnities
G-1. Claims Relating to Personal Injury and Property Damage.
(a) General. EDS and driversshield each will be responsible for
any and all claims, actions, damages, liabilities, costs and
expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses
(collectively, "Losses"), to their respective tangible
personal or real property (whether owned or leased), and each
party agrees to look only to its own insuring arrangements (if
any) with respect to such Losses. EDS and driversshield each
will be responsible for Losses for the death of or personal
injury to any person (including any employee of either party)
and Losses for damages to any third party's tangible personal
or real property (whether owned or leased), in accordance with
the law of the jurisdiction in which such Loss is alleged to
have occurred. Subject to Section 13 of this Agreement and the
procedures set forth below in Section G-4, each party will
indemnify and defend the other party and hold the other party
harmless from any and all Losses arising out of, under or in
connection with claims for which the indemnitor is responsible
under the preceding sentence.
(b) Waiver of Subrogation. EDS and driversshield waive all rights
to recover against each other for any Loss to their respective
tangible personal property (whether owned or leased) from any
cause covered by insurance maintained by each of them,
including their respective deductibles or self-insured
retentions. EDS and driversshield will cause their respective
insurers to issue appropriate waivers of subrogation rights
endorsements to all property insurance policies maintained by
each Party. Each Party will give the other written notice if a
waiver of subrogation is unobtainable or obtainable only at
additional expense. If the Party receiving such notice agrees
to reimburse the other Party for such additional expense, the
other Party will obtain such waiver of subrogation. If a
waiver is unobtainable or if a Party elects not to pay the
additional expense of a waiver, then neither Party nor their
insurers will waive such subrogation rights.
G-2. Infringement Claims.
(a) General. Subject to Section 13 of this Agreement, the
limitations set forth below in this Section G-2 and the
procedures set forth below in Section G-4, EDS and
driversshield each agrees to defend the other party against
any action to the extent that such action is based upon a
claim that the software (other than third party software) or
confidential information provided by the indemnitor, or any
part thereof, (i) infringes a copyright perfected under United
States statute, (ii) infringes a patent granted under United
States law or (iii) constitutes an unlawful disclosure, use or
misappropriation of another party's trade secret. The
indemnitor will bear the expense of such defense and pay any
Losses that are attributable to such claim finally awarded by
a court of competent jurisdiction.
(b) Exclusions. Neither EDS nor driversshield will be liable to
the other for claims of indirect or contributory infringement.
The indemnitor will have no liability to the indemnitee
hereunder if (i) the claim of infringement is based upon the
use of software provided by the indemnitor hereunder in
connection or in combination with equipment, devices or
software not supplied by the indemnitor or used in a manner
for which the software was not designed, (ii) the indemnitee
modifies any software provided by the indemnitor hereunder and
such infringement would not have occurred but for such
modification, or uses the software in the practice of a
patented process and there would be no infringement in the
absence of such practice, or (iii) the claim of infringement
arises out of the indemnitor's compliance with specifications
provided by the indemnitee and such infringement would not
have occurred but for such compliance.
(c) Additional Remedy. If software or confidential information
becomes the subject of an infringement claim under this
Section G-2, or in the indemnitor's opinion is likely to
become the subject of such a claim, then, in addition to
defending the claim and paying any damages and attorneys' fees
as required above in this Section G-2, the indemnitor may, at
its option and in its sole discretion, (A) replace or modify
the software or confidential information to make it
noninfringing or cure any claimed misuse of another's trade
secret or (B) procure for the indemnitee the right to continue
using the software or confidential information pursuant to
this Agreement. Any costs associated with
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implementing either of the above alternatives will be borne by
the indemnitor but will be subject to Section 13 of this
Agreement. If neither alternative is pursued by, or (if
pursued) is available to, the indemnitor, (x) the indemnitee
will return such software or confidential information to the
indemnitor and (y) if requested by the indemnitee in good
faith, the parties will negotiate, pursuant to Section 10 of
this Agreement but subject to Section 13 of this Agreement, to
reach a written agreement on what, if any, monetary damages
(in addition to the indemnitor's obligation to defend the
claim and pay any damages and attorneys' fees as required
above in this Section G-2) are reasonably owed by the
indemnitor to the indemnitee as a result of the indemnitee no
longer having use of such software or confidential
information. The payment of any such monetary damages will be
the indemnitee's sole and exclusive remedy for the inability
of the indemnitor to implement either of the above
alternatives.
G-3. Claims Relating to Internet Usage. driversshield warrants that the
publication of any material delivered by or through it hereunder will
not violate the copyright laws of the United States or any other
jurisdiction, unlawfully infringe or interfere in any way with the
literary property or rights of another or contain libelous or indecent
matter. Subject to Section 13 of this Agreement and the procedures set
forth below in Section G-4, driversshield will indemnify and defend EDS
and hold EDS harmless from any and all Losses, including those
associated with claims for indirect or contributory infringement,
arising out of, under or in connection with any claims relating to (i)
content, whether of an editorial, advertising or other nature, (ii) the
provision, use, alteration or distribution thereof, the accessibility
thereto or the exchange of information over the Internet in connection
therewith, including copyright infringement, libel, indecency, false
light, misrepresentation, invasion of privacy or image or personality
rights, (iii) statements or other materials made or made available by
readers of the content or by persons to whom the content is linked at
the request of driversshield or (iv) the conduct of driversshield's
business.
G-4. Procedures. The indemnification obligations set forth in this Exhibit G
will not apply unless the party claiming indemnification: (a) notifies
the other promptly in writing of any matters in respect of which the
indemnity may apply and of which the notifying party has knowledge, in
order to allow the indemnitor the opportunity to investigate and defend
the matter; provided, however, that the failure to so notify will only
relieve the indemnitor of its obligations under this Exhibit G if and
to the extent that the indemnitor is prejudiced thereby; and (b) gives
the other party full opportunity to control the response thereto and
the defense thereof, including any agreement relating to the settlement
thereof; provided, however, that the indemnitee will have the right to
participate in any legal proceeding to contest and defend a claim for
indemnification involving a third party and to be represented by legal
counsel of its choosing, all at the indemnitee's cost and expense.
However, if the indemnitor fails to promptly assume the defense of the
claim, the party entitled to indemnification may assume the defense at
the indemnitor's cost and expense. The indemnitor will not be
responsible for any settlement or compromise made without its consent,
unless the indemnitee has tendered notice and the indemnitor has then
refused to assume and defend the claim and it is later determined that
the indemnitor was liable to assume and defend the claim. The
indemnitee agrees to cooperate in good faith with the indemnitor at the
request and expense of the indemnitor.
2
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Exhibit 10.11
driversshield.com Corp.
1999 STOCK OPTION PLAN
SECTION 1
DEFINITIONS
As used herein, the following terms have the meanings hereinafter set
forth unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:
(a) "Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(b) "Administrator" means the Board or the Committee, whichever shall
be administering the Plan from time to time in the discretion of the Board, as
described in Section 3 of the Plan.
(c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(e) "Committee" means the committee appointed by the Board in
accordance with Section 3 of the Plan.
(f) "Company" means driversshield.com Corp., a Delaware corporation.
(g) "Director" means a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(h) "Employee" means an individual who is employed (within the meaning
of Section 3401 of the Code and the regulations thereunder) by the Company or
any future Parent Corporation or Subsidiary Corporation of the Company.
(i) "Employer Company" means the company, whether the Company or a
Parent Corporation or Subsidiary Corporation of the Company, which employs the
Employee.
(j) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(k) "Fair Market Value of Shares" shall mean (i) if the Shares are not
publicly traded on the day in question, the fair market value of the Shares on
the day in question as determined and set forth in writing by the Administrator
(which, in making such determination, shall make a good faith effort to
establish the true fair market value of the Shares as of such date using such
methods as it deems appropriate, including independent appraisals, and taking
into consideration any requirements set forth in the Code or the regulations
thereunder), (ii) if the Shares are publicly traded on the day in question, the
closing price of the Shares on the day in question. The closing price shall be
the average of the highest and lowest quoted selling prices on the New York
Stock Exchange or, if the Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on such
Exchange, on the principal national securities exchange on which the Shares are
listed or admitted to trading or, if not listed or admitted to trading on any
national securities exchange, as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market's National
Market on the day in question, or (iii) if the Shares are not listed or admitted
to trading on any national securities exchange or reported by the Nasdaq Stock
Market's National Market, the closing price of the Shares shall be the average
of the highest and lowest quoted selling prices as reported by The Wall Street
Journal for the over-the-counter market on the day in question.
(l) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option for Shares which is
intended to be, designated in writing as, and qualifies as an Incentive Stock
Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(m) "Inside Director" means a Director who is an Employee.
(n) "Key Employee" means any Employee so designated pursuant to Section
3.2 by the Administrator to receive Options.
(o) "Non-statutory Stock Option" means an Option which is not an
Incentive Stock Option and which is designated as a Non-statutory Stock Option
by the Board.
(p) "Option" means an option to purchase a Share pursuant to the
provisions of this Plan.
(q) "Optionee" means an Employee or Outside Director to whom an Option
has been granted hereunder.
(r) "Option Price" means the price per share of the Shares subject to
each Option as provided in Section 6.4.
(s) "Option Term" means the maximum period of time during which an
Option may be exercised as set forth in Section 6.5 below.
(t) "Outside Director" means a Director who is not an Employee.
(u) "Parent Corporation" shall have the meaning assigned to that term
under Section 424 of the Code.
(v) "Plan" means the driversshield.com Corp. 1999 Stock Option Plan,
the terms of which are set forth herein.
(w) "Share" or "Shares" means Common Stock of the Company, par value
$.01 per share, or, in the event that the outstanding Shares are hereafter
changed into or exchanged for different shares or securities of the Company or
some other corporation or other entity, such other shares or securities.
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(x) "Stock Option Agreement" means the agreement described in Section
6.1 between the Company and the Optionee under which the Optionee may purchase
Shares hereunder.
(y) "Subsidiary Corporation" shall have the meaning assigned to that
term under Section 424 of the Code.
(z) "Total and Permanent Disability", unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Stock Option Agreement, means the inability of an Employee to engage
in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable
physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which
has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than
twelve months.
SECTION 2
THE PLAN
2.1. Name. This Plan shall be known as "driversshield.com Corp. 1999
Stock Option Plan."
2.2. Purpose. The purpose of this Plan is to advance the interests of
the Company and its stockholders by affording Employees of the Employer Company
and Outside Directors an opportunity to acquire or increase their proprietary
interest in the Company by the grant to such individuals of Options under the
terms set forth herein. By thus encouraging such individuals to acquire or
increase their proprietary interest in the Company, the Company seeks to
attract, motivate and retain those highly competent individuals upon whose
judgment, initiative, leadership, and continued efforts the success of the
Company in large measure depends.
2.3. Intention. It is intended that Options (if any) issued to
Employees as Incentive Stock Options under this Plan will qualify as Incentive
Stock Options under Section 422 of the Code and the terms of this Plan shall be
interpreted in accordance with such intention. Options issued to Outside
Directors shall be Non-Statutory Stock Options.
SECTION 3
ADMINISTRATION
3.1. Administration. The Plan shall be administered, in the discretion
of the Board from time to time, by the Board or by the Committee acting as the
Administrator. The Committee shall be appointed by the Board, in a manner
consistent with the Company's Bylaws, and shall consist of not less than three
(3) members of the Board; provided, however, that, after the Company effects an
initial public offering, the Committee will be comprised of solely two (2) or
more members, each of who is an outside director (within the meaning of Code
Section 162(m) and the Treasury Regulations thereunder) as well as a
non-employee director (within the meaning of Rule 16(b)-3 of the Securities and
Exchange Commission adopted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended). The Board may from time to time remove members from, or add members
to, the Committee. Vacancies on the Committee, however caused, shall be filled
by the Board. The Board may appoint one (1) of the members of the Committee as
Chairman. The Administrator shall hold meetings at such times and places as it
may determine. Acts of a majority of the Administrator at which a quorum is
present, or acts reduced to or approved in writing by the unanimous consent of
the members of the Administrator, shall be the valid acts of the Administrator.
3.2. Duties. The Administrator shall from time to time at its
discretion select the Employees who are to be granted Options, determine the
number of Shares to be subject to Options to be granted to each Optionee and
designate any such Options granted to Employees as Incentive Stock Options or
Non-Statutory Stock Options. The interpretation and construction by the
Administrator of any provisions of the Plan or of any Option granted thereunder
shall be final. No member of the Administrator shall be liable for any action or
determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Option granted
hereunder.
SECTION 4
PARTICIPATION
4.1. Eligibility. The Optionees shall be:
(a) such persons (collectively, "Participants"; individually a
"Participant") as the Administrator may select from among the following
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classes of persons, subject to the terms and conditions of Section 4.2 below:
(1) Key Employees of the Company;
(2) Key Employees of the Company's Parent Corporations or Subsidiary
Corporations; and (b) Outside Directors, who shall automatically be
eligible to participate in the Plan in accordance with Section 6.12
below.
4.2. Ten-Percent Stockholders. An Employee who beneficially owns more
than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of
outstanding stock of the Company, as determined under Sections 422 and 424 of
the Code, shall not be eligible to receive an Incentive Stock Option unless (i)
the Option Price of the Shares subject to such Option is at least one hundred
ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of such Shares on the date of grant
and (ii) such Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of
five (5) years from the date of grant.
(a) Stock Ownership. For purposes of Section 4.2 above, in determining
stock ownership, an Employee's beneficial ownership of any class of outstanding
stock of the Employer Company or a Parent Corporation or a Subsidiary
Corporation shall be determined as provided in Rule 16a-1(a) of the Securities
and Exchange Commission adopted under the Exchange Act, and in any event (i)
such Participant shall be considered as owning the stock owned, directly or
indirectly, by or for his or her brothers and sisters, spouse, ancestors and
lineal descendants; (ii) stock owned, directly or indirectly, by or for a
corporation, partnership, estate or trust shall be considered as being owned
proportionately by or for its stockholders, partners or beneficiaries; and (iii)
stock with respect to which such Participant holds an Option shall not be
counted.
(b) Outstanding Stock. For purposes of Section 4.2 above, "outstanding
stock" shall include all stock actually issued and outstanding immediately after
the grant of the Option to the Optionee. "Outstanding stock" shall not include
shares authorized for issue under outstanding Options held by the Optionee or by
any other person.
SECTION 5
SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN
5.1. Shares Available for Options. Subject to adjustment pursuant to
the provisions of Section 5.2 hereof, the total number of Shares which may be
issued upon the exercise of all Options shall not exceed 2,000,000 Shares. Such
Shares may be either authorized and unissued Shares or issued Shares which have
been reacquired by the Company (pursuant to Section 6.7(d) or otherwise). If any
Option shall expire or terminate for any reason without having been exercised in
full, new Options may be granted covering Shares originally set aside for the
unexercised portion of such expired or terminated Option.
5.2. Adjustments.
(a) Stock Splits and Dividends. Subject to any required action by the
Board, the number of Shares covered by the Plan as provided in Section 5.1
hereof, the number of Shares covered by each outstanding Option and the Option
Price thereof shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in
the number of issued Shares resulting from a recapitalization, reclassification,
subdivision or consolidation of Shares or the payment of a stock dividend (but
only if paid in Shares), a stock split or any other increase or decrease in the
number of issued Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the
Company.
(b) Mergers. Subject to any required action by the Board and/or
stockholders, if the Company shall merge with another corporation and the
Company is the surviving corporation in such merger and under the terms of such
merger the Shares outstanding immediately prior to the merger remain outstanding
and unchanged, each outstanding Option shall continue to apply to the Shares
subject thereto and shall also pertain and apply to any additional securities
and other property, if any, to which a holder of the number of Shares subject to
the Option would have been entitled as a result of the merger.
(c) Adjustment Determination. To the extent that the foregoing
adjustments relate to securities of the Company, such adjustments shall be made
by the Administrator, whose determination shall be conclusive and binding on all
persons. In computing any adjustment under this Section 5.2, any fractional
Share which might otherwise become subject to an Option shall be eliminated.
(d) Special Dividends. Subject to any required action by the Board, the
Administrator shall be entitled to determine whether any adjustment shall be
made with respect to the number of Shares covered by the Plan as provided in
Section 5.1 hereof, the number of Shares covered by each outstanding Option and
the Option Price thereof if the Company pays a special or extraordinary
dividend.
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SECTION 6
OPTIONS
6.1. Option Grant and Agreement.
(a) The Administrator may from time to time, subject to the terms of
this Plan, grant to any Participant (other than a person who is an Outside
Director) one or more Options but in no event may any such Participant receive
Options under this Plan on more than 500,000 Shares during any one calendar
year. Each Option grant shall be evidenced by a written Stock Option Agreement,
dated as of the date of grant and executed by the Company and the Optionee,
which Stock Option Agreement shall set forth the number of Options granted,
whether the Options are Incentive Stock Options or Non-statutory Stock Options,
the Option Price, the Option Term and such other terms and conditions as may be
determined appropriate by the Administrator, provided that such terms and
conditions are not inconsistent with the Plan. The Stock Option Agreement shall
incorporate this Plan by reference and provide that any inconsistencies or
disputes shall be resolved in favor of the Plan language.
(b) Except as provided in Section 6.12 below, grants under the Plan
shall be made by the Administrator selectively among the Participants and the
terms and provisions of such grants and the agreements evidencing the same
(including, without limitation, the form, the amount, the timing, the
exercisability and the vesting schedule of such grants) need not be uniform,
whether or not the Optionees are similarly situated.
6.2. Conditions with Respect to Non-Statutory Stock Options. Certain
Non-Statutory Stock Options ("Performance Grants") shall be subject to the
following conditions, which conditions shall be stated within the applicable
Stock Option Agreement.
(a) At the time of grant, the Administrator may, in its discretion,
place additional restrictions on Performance Grants requiring that, for example,
the Option will vest only if and when, or on an accelerated basis if and when,
the Common Stock price exceeds a specific amount. Generally, Performance Grants
will be subject to the same requirements described herein, unless the
Administrator decides otherwise.
(b) At the time of grant, the Administrator may, in its discretion,
place additional restrictions on the Performance Grants requiring that on the
exercise of such a grant an Employee will purchase Shares that will be forfeited
if the Optionee terminates employment within a certain number of years.
Additional transferability restrictions may be imposed in connection with
Performance Grants.
6.3. Conditions with Respect to Incentive Stock Options. Each Incentive
Stock Option shall be subject to the following conditions, which conditions
shall be stated within the applicable Stock Option Agreement. Any Incentive
Stock Option which does not comply with these provisions shall not be considered
an Incentive Stock Option and instead shall be considered a Non-statutory Option
issued under the Plan:
(a) To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of Shares
(determined as of the time an Option is granted) exercisable for the first time
by an Optionee during any calendar year under such Incentive Stock Option and
any other Incentive Stock Option issued by the Company or any Subsidiary
Corporation or Parent Corporation exceeds $100,000, such excess Incentive Stock
Options shall be deemed Non-statutory Stock Options.
(b) No Incentive Stock Option may be assigned or transferred by an
Optionee other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. During
the lifetime of an Incentive Stock Optionee, the Option may be exercisable only
by the Optionee. Transfer of an Incentive Stock Option by will or by the laws of
descent and distribution shall not be effective to bind the Company unless the
Company shall have been furnished with written notice thereof and an
authenticated copy of the will or such other evidence as the Administrator may
deem necessary to establish the validity of the transfer and the acceptance by
the transferee of the terms and conditions of such Incentive Stock Option.
6.4. Option Price. The Option Price shall be determined by the
Administrator, subject to any limitations imposed by this Plan and, in any
event, shall not be less than eighty-five (85) percent of the Fair Market Value
on the date of grant. The Option Price for Incentive Stock Options shall not be
less than the Fair Market Value of Shares on the date such Incentive Stock
Options are granted and, in the case of Incentive Stock Options granted to an
Optionee described in Section 4.2 hereof, the Option Price shall not be less
than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of Shares on the
date of grant.
6.5. Option Term. The Option Term shall be determined by the
Administrator at the time of grant, subject to any limitations imposed by this
Plan, but in any event shall not be more than ten years from the date such
Option is granted, and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an
Optionee described in Section 4.2 hereof, shall not be more than five years from
the date such Option is granted. Options may be subject to earlier termination
as provided in this Plan.
6.6. Limitations on Exercise of Options. Notwithstanding anything
contained in this Plan to the contrary:
(a) Options may not be exercised until the Plan has been ratified by
the a majority of the stockholders as provided in Section 9.8.
(b) Options shall be exercisable in full or in such equal or unequal
installments as the Administrator shall determine; provided that if an
4
<PAGE>
Optionee does not purchase all of the Shares which the Optionee is entitled to
purchase on a certain date or within an established installment period, the
Optionee's right to purchase any unpurchased Shares shall continue during the
Option Term (taking into account any early termination of such Option Term which
may be provided for under the Plan); provided, further that an Optionee who is
not an officer, director or consultant shall have the right to exercise at least
20% of the options granted per year over five (5) years from the grant date.
6.7. Method of Exercising Options; Withholding Tax.
(a) Options shall be exercised by a written notice, delivered to the
Company at its principal office located at 51 East Bethpage Road, Plainview, New
York 11803, Attention: Stock Option Committee, or such other address that may be
designated by the Company, specifying the number of Shares to be purchased and
tendering payment in full for such Shares. Payment may be tendered in cash or by
certified, bank cashier's or teller's check or by Shares (valued at Fair Market
Value as of the date of tender), or some combination of the foregoing or such
other form of consideration which has been approved by the Board or the
Committee, including any approved cashless exercise mechanism or a promissory
note given by the Optionee. The right to deliver in full or partial payment of
such Option Price any consideration other than cash shall be limited to such
frequency as the Board or the Committee shall determine in its absolute
discretion from time to time. In the event all or part of the Option Price is
paid in Shares, any excess of the value of such Shares over the Option Price
will be returned to the Optionee as follows: (i) any whole Share remaining in
excess of the Option Price will be returned in kind, and may be represented by
one or more share certificates; and (ii) any partial Shares remaining in excess
of the Option Price will be returned in cash.
(b) In the event an Optionee pays all or part of the Option Price in
Shares, the Administrator shall be entitled as it deems appropriate to award to
the Optionee additional Options equal to the number of Shares tendered to
exercise, provided such Option has an Option Price equal to Fair Market Value.
(c) In the event the Company determines that it is required to withhold
state or Federal income tax as a result of the exercise of an Option, as a
condition to the exercise thereof, the Optionee may be required to make
arrangements satisfactory to the Company to enable it to satisfy such
withholding requirements. Payment of such withholding requirements may be made,
in the discretion of the Administrator, (i) in cash, (ii) by delivery of Shares
registered in the name of the Optionee having a Fair Market Value at the time of
exercise equal to the amount to be withheld, (iii) by the Company retaining or
not issuing such number of Shares subject to the Option as have a Fair Market
Value at the time of exercising equal to the amount to be withheld or (iv) any
combination of (i), (ii) and (iii) above.
(d) The Administrator shall be entitled as it deems appropriate to make
available for issuance under the Plan Shares tendered by an Optionee as payment
of the Option Price or Shares used to satisfy the Company's withholding
requirements.
6.8. Rights in the Event of Sale, Merger or Other Reorganization.
Except as expressly provided in Section 5.2 and this Section 6.8, the Optionee
shall have no rights by reason of 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 or by reason of any
dissolution, liquidation, merger or consolidation or spin-off of assets or stock
of another corporation, and any issue by the Company of shares of stock of any
class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall not
affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the
number or Option Price of Shares subject to an Option. The grant of an Option
pursuant to the Plan shall not affect in any way the right or power of the
Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of
its capital or business structure, to merge or consolidate or to dissolve,
liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets. In any
such event (other than a merger in which the Company is the surviving
corporation as described in Section 5.2(b) and under the terms of which the
shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the merger remain
outstanding and unchanged):
(a) Unless otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreement for any
given Option, upon any such merger, consolidation, or sale or transfer of
assets, all rights of the Optionee with respect to the unexercised portion of
any Option shall become immediately vested and may be exercised immediately,
except to the extent that any agreement or undertaking of any party to any such
merger, consolidation, or sale or transfer of assets, shall make specific
provision for the assumption of the obligations of the Company with respect to
the Plan and the rights of Optionees with respect to Options granted thereunder.
(b) Unless otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreement for any
given Option, upon any such liquidation or dissolution, all rights of the
Optionee with respect to the unexercised portion of any Option shall wholly and
completely terminate and all Options shall be canceled at the time of any such
liquidation or dissolution, except to the extent that any plan pursuant to which
such liquidation or dissolution is effected, shall make specific provision with
respect to the Plan and the rights of Optionees with respect to Options granted
thereunder.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any such Option or right
theretofore granted and still outstanding shall have the right immediately prior
to the effective date of such merger, consolidation, sale or transfer of assets,
liquidation or dissolution to exercise such Option in whole or in part without
regard to any installment provision that may have been made part of the terms
and conditions of such Option or right; provided, that any conditions precedent
to such exercise set forth in the Stock Option Agreement other than the passage
of time, have occurred
5
<PAGE>
or been waived. In no event, however, may any Incentive Stock Option which
becomes exercisable pursuant to this Section 6.8 be exercised, in whole or in
part, later than the date preceding the tenth anniversary date of the grant
thereof.
6.9. Rights in the Event of Death. Unless otherwise provided in the
Stock Option Agreement for any given Option, if an Optionee's employment with
the Employer Company or service as a member of the Board is terminated on
account of death, the person or persons who shall have acquired the right, by
will or the laws of descent and distribution, to exercise the Optionee's Options
shall continue to have (subject to Sections 6.3 and 6.6 above) the right, for a
period of at least six (6) months from the date of termination by death or such
longer period (if any) as may be specified in the applicable Stock Option
Agreement, to exercise any Options which such Optionee would have been entitled
to exercise on the Optionee's death or during the first year thereafter. At the
expiration of such period any such Options which remain unexercised shall
expire. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise in the Stock Option
Agreement, any Options that could not have been exercised by an Optionee as of
the Optionee's death or during the first year thereafter may not be exercised.
6.10. Rights in the Event of Total and Permanent Disability. Unless
otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreement for any given Option, if an
Optionee's employment with the Employer Company or service as a member of the
Board is terminated on account of Total and Permanent Disability, the Optionee
shall have (subject to Sections 6.3 and 6.6 above) the right, for a period of at
least six (6) months from the date of termination by disability or such longer
period (if any) as may be specified in the applicable Stock Option Agreement, to
exercise any Options which such Optionee would have been entitled to exercise on
the date of such Optionee's Total and Permanent Disability. At the expiration of
such period any such Options which remain unexercised shall expire. Unless the
Administrator provides otherwise in the Stock Option Agreement, any Options that
could not have been exercised by an Optionee on the date of such Optionee's
Total and Permanent Disability may not be exercised.
6.11. Rights in the Event of Termination of Employment or Service.
Unless otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreement for any given Option, in
the event that an Optionee's employment with the Employer Company or service as
a member of the Board terminates, other than by reason of death or Total and
Permanent Disability and other than due to termination for "Cause," the Optionee
shall have (subject to Sections 6.3 and 6.6 above) the right, for a period of at
least ninety (90) days from the date of such termination or such longer period
(if any) as may be specified in the applicable Stock Option Agreement, to
exercise any Options which such Optionee would have been entitled to exercise on
the date of such Optionee's termination. At the expiration of such period any
such Options which remain unexercised shall expire. Unless the Administrator
provides otherwise in the Stock Option Agreement, any Options that could not
have been exercised by an Optionee on the date of such Optionee's termination of
employment or service as a member of the Board may not be exercised.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Optionee's employment or service is
terminated for "Cause," the Company may notify the Optionee that any Options not
exercised prior to the termination are canceled, provided, however, that such
Optionee shall have fifteen (15) days to cure such termination for "Cause." For
purposes hereof and unless the Administrator provides otherwise in the Stock
Option Agreement, a termination of employment or service for "Cause" shall
include dismissal as a result of (1) Optionee's conviction of any crime or
offense involving money or other property of the Company or its subsidiaries or
which constitutes a felony in the jurisdiction involved; (2) Optionee's gross
negligence, gross incompetence or willful gross misconduct in the performance of
his or her duties; or (3) Optionee's willful failure or refusal to perform his
or her duties.
6.12. Automatic Option Grants to Outside Directors.
(a) First Option. Each person who becomes an Outside Director after
December 1, 1999 shall be automatically granted an Option to purchase twenty
thousand (20,000) Shares (the "First Option") on the date on which such person
first becomes an Outside Director, whether through election by the stockholders
of the Company or appointment by the Board to fill a vacancy; provided, however,
that an Inside Director who ceases to be an Inside Director but who remains a
member of the Board shall not receive the grant of a First Option; provided
further, that if any person serving as an Outside Director on December 1, 1999
received less that 20,000 shares (as adjusted for any stock splits or
combinations subsequent to the date of such grant) on the date such person
became a member of the Board, such person shall be granted an Option to purchase
a number of Shares equal to the difference between twenty thousand (20,000)
Shares and the Shares actually granted (as adjusted).
(b) Subsequent Option. Each Outside Director shall be automatically
granted an Option to purchase ten thousand (10,000) Shares (a "Subsequent
Option") on their annual anniversary date as a member of the Board of Directors.
(c) Terms of Options. The terms of First Options and Subsequent Options
granted hereunder shall be as follows:
(i) Term. The term of the Option shall be five (5) years.
(ii) Exercise Price. The exercise price per Share shall be one
hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant. In the
event that the date of grant is not a trading day, the exercise price per Share
shall be the Fair Market Value on the next trading day immediately following the
date of grant.
6
<PAGE>
(iii) Vesting Schedule. Each grant of Shares subject to the
Option shall vest in its entirety and become exercisable on the first
anniversary of the grant date, subject to the Optionee remaining an Outside
Director as of the applicable vesting date.
(c) Stock Option Agreement. Each Option granted to Outside Directors
shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement, which shall contain such other
provisions as may be applicable to such Options under this Plan.
6.13 Changes in Control of Company. In the event there occurs a Change
in Control of the Company (as hereafter defined) all of the Shares subject to
the Option shall vest and become exercisable upon the effective date of any such
Change in Control.
(a) Definition of "Change in Control." For purposes of the Plan,
"Change in Control" shall be defined as:
(i) When any "person" as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the
Exchange Act and as used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof (including a
"group" as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding the
Company, any Subsidiary or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by
the Company or any Subsidiary (including any trustee of such plan acting as
trustee), directly or indirectly, becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, as amended from time to time), of securities
of the Company representing more than 50% or more of the combined voting power
of the Company's then outstanding securities.
(ii) The individuals, who were members of the Board as of the
first date the Board was constituted of at least (5) five members (the
"Incumbent Board"), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of
the Board; provided however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent
to the Effective Date, whose election, or nomination for election by the
Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the
directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall not, for purposes of this
section, be counted in determining whether the Incumbent Board constitutes a
majority of the Board.
(iii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger or
consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company or the acquisition of assets of another corporation (a
"Business Combination"), in each case, unless, following such Business
Combination:
A. all or substantially all of the individuals and
entities who were the beneficial owners of the then outstanding shares of common
stock of the Company and the beneficial owners of the combined voting power of
the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally
in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than seventy percent (70%) of the
then outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the
then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors, respectively, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from
such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as
a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the
Company's assets either directly or indirectly or through one or more
subsidiaries); and
B. no person (excluding any employee benefit plan or
related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business
Combination beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or
more of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting
from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the corporation
except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business
Combination; or
(iv) The Company offers its common stock shares to the public
in an initial public offering whereby such shares are traded on an national
securities market.
7
<PAGE>
SECTION 7
SHARES ISSUED PURSUANT TO AN OPTION
7.1. Issuance of Certificates. The Company shall not be required to
issue or deliver any certificate for Shares purchased upon the exercise of any
Option, or any portion thereof, prior to fulfillment of all of the following
applicable conditions:
(a) The admission of such Shares to listing on all stock exchanges or
markets on which the Shares are then listed to the extent such admission is
necessary;
(b) The completion of any registration or other qualification of such
Shares under any federal or state securities laws or under the rulings or
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental
regulatory body, which the Board shall in its sole discretion deem necessary or
advisable, or the determination by the Board in its sole discretion that no such
registration or qualification is required;
(c) The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any federal
or state governmental agency which the Board shall, in its sole discretion,
determine to be necessary or advisable; and
(d) The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise
of the Option as the Board from time to time may establish for reasons of
administrative convenience.
7.2. Compliance with Securities and Other Laws. In no event shall the
Company be required to sell, issue or deliver Shares pursuant to Options if in
the opinion of the Company the issuance thereof would constitute a violation by
either the Optionee or the Company of any provision of any law or regulation of
any governmental authority or any securities exchange. As a condition of any
sale or issuance of Shares pursuant to Options, the Company may place legends on
the Shares, issue stop-transfer orders and require such agreements or
undertakings from the Optionee as the Company may deem necessary or advisable to
assure compliance with any such law or regulation, including if the Company or
its counsel deems it appropriate, representations from the Optionee that the
Optionee is acquiring the Shares solely for investment and not with a view to
distribution and that no distribution of the Shares acquired by the Optionee
will be made unless registered pursuant to applicable federal and state
securities laws or unless, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, such
registration is unnecessary.
7.3. Requirements in the Event of a Disposition of Shares. Any
Optionee, or person representing such Optionee, who sells, exchanges, transfers
or otherwise disposes of any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an
Incentive Stock Option within two (2) years following the grant of such
Incentive Stock Option or within one (1) year following the actual transfer of
such Shares to the Optionee, shall be obligated to notify the Company in writing
of the date of disposition, the number of Shares so disposed and the amount of
consideration received as a result of such disposition. The Company shall have
the right to take whatever reasonable action it deems appropriate against an
Optionee, including early termination of any Options which remain outstanding,
in order to recover any additional taxes the Company incurs as a result of such
Optionee's failure to so notify the Company.
7.4. Legend. All certificates for Shares purchased upon the exercise of
an Incentive Stock Option shall bear a legend indicating that such Shares were
issued pursuant to an Incentive Stock Option grant.
SECTION 8
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION OF PLAN
8.1. Board Termination, Amendment and Modification of Plan. The Board
may at any time amend or modify the Plan; provided, however, that no such action
of the Board, without approval of the stockholders of the Company (in the same
manner as provided in Section 9.8), may:
(a) Increase the number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan;
(b) Modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the
Plan;
(c) Change the Option Price provisions in Sections 1.(p) or 6.4 other
than to change the manner of determining the Fair Market Value of the Shares to
conform with any then applicable provisions of the Code or regulations or
rulings thereunder, unless such change does not have a materially adverse effect
on the Company; or
(d) Amend this Section 8.1 to defeat its purpose.
Notwithstanding anything above to contrary, the Board shall be entitled adjust
the Option Price with respect to any outstanding Option at any time provided
that the Optionee shall so consent.
8
<PAGE>
8.2. Plan Termination. Subject to Section 9.8 below, unless terminated
earlier as provided in Section 8.1, the Plan shall terminate ten (10) years from
the date it is adopted by the Board and no Option shall be granted under this
Plan after such expiration date. Termination of the Plan shall not alter or
impair any of the rights or obligations under any Option theretofore granted
under the Plan unless the Optionee shall so consent.
8.3. Effect of Termination, Amendment or Modification of Plan.
Notwithstanding Sections 8.1 and 8.2, no termination, amendment or modification
of the Plan shall in any manner affect any Option theretofore granted under the
Plan without the written consent of the Optionee or a person who shall have
acquired the right to exercise the Option by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.
SECTION 9
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1. Non-assignability of Options. No Option shall be assignable or
transferable by the Optionee except by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution. During the lifetime of the Optionee, the Option shall be
exercisable only by the Optionee.
9.2. Leaves of Absence. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise,
the vesting of an Option granted under the Plan shall not be tolled during any
unpaid leave of absence taken by an Optionee.
9.3. No Employment Rights. Nothing in the Plan or in any Option granted
hereunder or in any Stock Option Agreement relating thereto shall confer upon
any individual the right to continue in the employ or service of the Employer
Company.
9.4. Purchase Offer. The Administrator may offer to purchase, for cash
or Shares, any Option granted hereunder and such offer to purchase any Option
shall be on such terms and conditions as the Administrator establishes and
communicates to the Optionee at the time the offer is extended to the Optionee.
9.5. Binding Effect. The Plan shall be binding upon the successors and
assigns of the Company.
9.6. Singular, Plural, Gender. Whenever used herein, except where the
context clearly indicates to the contrary, nouns in the singular shall include
the plural, and the masculine pronoun shall include the feminine gender.
9.7. Headings. Headings of the Sections hereof are inserted for
convenience and reference and constitute no part of the Plan.
9.8. Effective Date; Ratification by Stockholders. This Plan shall
become effective upon its adoption by the Board but is subject to the
ratification and approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the Company's outstanding shares of capital stock within 12 months following
such adoption. If this Plan is not so approved by the stockholders this Plan
shall become null and void and of no force or effect. Any Options granted
pursuant to the Plan may not be exercised until the Plan shall have been
ratified and approved by the stockholders pursuant to this Section.
9.9. Rights as Stockholder. An Optionee or transferee of an Option
shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares subject to such
Option prior to the purchase of such Shares by exercise of such Option as
provided herein.
9.10. Applicable Law. This Plan and the Options granted hereunder shall
be interpreted, administered and otherwise subject to the laws of the State of
New York, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
9.11. Reports. The Company will comply with all applicable reporting
requirements applicable to Incentive Stock Options under the Code.
9.12. Information to Employees. All Optionees shall be provided with
financial statements of the Company annually unless the Optionee is a key
employee whose duties in connection with the Company assure him or her access to
equivalent information.
9
<PAGE>
Exhibit 21
List of Subsidiaries State of Incorporation
- -------------------- ----------------------
National Fleet Service, Inc. New York
Driver's Shield, Inc. New York
driversshield.com Corp. Delaware
1
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<PP&E> 1,286,580
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128,977
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