As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 2, 1997
SEC Registration No. 333-23891
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
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AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
FORM SB-2 REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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ASHA CORPORATION
(Name of Small Business Issuer in its Charter)
Delaware 3714 84-1016459
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Primary Standard (IRS Employer
of Incorporation) Industrial Classification Identification Number)
Code Number)
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600 C Ward Drive
Santa Barbara, California 93111
(805) 683-2331
(Address and Telephone Number of Principal Executive Offices
and Principal Place of Business)
John C. McCormack, President
600 C Ward Drive
Santa Barbara, California 93111
(805) 683-2331
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service)
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Copies to:
Jon D. Sawyer, Esq. Kenneth S. Rose, Esq.
Krys Boyle Freedman Scott & Sawyer, P.C. Morse, Zelnick, Rose & Lander, LLP
600 17th Street, Suite 2700 South Tower 450 Park Avenue, Suite 902
Denver, Colorado 80202-5427 New York, New York 10022
(303) 893-2300 (212) 838-5030
(303) 893-2882 - FAX (212) 838-9190 - FAX
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Approximate date of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable
after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [ ]
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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Proposed Proposed
Amount Maximum Maximum Amount of
Title of Each Class of to Be Offering Price Aggregate Registration
Securities to Be Registered Registered Per Unit(1) Offering Price Fee
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, $.00001 Par Value 1,415,385(2) $4.875(3) $6,900,000 $2,090.91
Shares Per Share
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Common Stock, $.00001 Par Value(4) 83,040 $4.875(3) $ 404,820 $ 122.67
Shares Per Share
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Underwriter's Warrants(5) -- -- $ 5 $ .01
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Common Stock, $.00001 Par Value(6) 123,077 $5.85 $ 720,000 $ 218.18
Shares Per Share
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Total $8,024,825 $2,431.77
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</TABLE>
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(2) Includes 184,615 Shares that may be purchased by H.J. Meyers & Co., Inc.
(the "Underwriter"), in whole or in part, to cover overallotments, if any.
(3) Estimated based on the average of the closing bid and ask quotations on the
OTC Bulletin Board on March 19, 1997.
(4) To be offered by Selling Shareholders.
(5) To be issued to the Underwriter.
(6) Issuable upon exercise of the Underwriter's Warrants.
Pursuant to Rule 416, there are also being registered such additional
shares of Common Stock, $.00001 par value, as may become issuable in accordance
with the anti-dilution provisions of the Underwriter's Warrants.
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
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<PAGE>
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 2, 1997
P R O S P E C T U S
ASHA CORPORATION
_________Shares of Common Stock
The _______ shares of common stock (the "Common Stock") offered hereby are
being sold by ASHA Corporation (the "Company"). The Common Stock is traded on
The OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "ASHA." The Company has applied to list
the Common Stock on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol "ASHA." On
May__, 1997, the closing bid and ask prices for the Common Stock were $____ and
$____ per share, respectively. The number of shares to be offered will be
determined by dividing $6 million by the offering price. The offering price of
the Common Stock will be determined by negotiations between the Company and H.J.
Meyers & Co., Inc. (the "Representative") based upon the then current market
price for the Common Stock, the Company's financial condition, estimates of its
business potential, liquidity for the Common Stock, and general market
conditions immediately preceding the date of this Prospectus. See "PRICE RANGE
OF COMMON STOCK" and "UNDERWRITING." Concurrently with this offering, the
Company is registering for resale, from time to time, an additional 83,040
shares of Common Stock held by certain Selling Shareholders. See "CONCURRENT
OFFERING."
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THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY ARE SPECULATIVE AND INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF
RISK AND IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION AND SHOULD NOT BE PURCHASED
BY INVESTORS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE ENTIRE LOSS OF THEIR INVESTMENT.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 5.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
================================================================================
Price to Underwriting Proceeds to
Public Discounts (1) Company (2)
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Per Share........................ $ $ $
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Total (3) ....................... $ $ $
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(1) Does not include additional compensation to be received by H.J. Meyers &
Co., Inc. (the "Representative") in the form of (i) a nonaccountable
expense allowance of 3% of the gross proceeds of the offering (including
proceeds from the exercise of the Representative's over-allotment option
discussed below in footnote (3); (ii) a warrant to purchase up to _______
Shares at $____ per Share, exercisable over a period of four years
commencing one year from the date of this Prospectus (the "Representative's
Warrant"); and (iii) a $60,000 fee pursuant to a financial consulting
agreement. The Company has also agreed to indemnify the Underwriters
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended. See "UNDERWRITING."
(2) Before deducting estimated expenses payable by the Company of $400,000.
(3) The Company has granted the Representative an over-allotment option,
exercisable within 30 business days of the date of this Prospectus, to
purchase up to ______ additional Shares on the same terms and conditions as
set forth above. If all such Shares are purchased by the Representative,
the total Price to Public will be $6,900,000, the total Underwriting
Discount will be $690,000, and the total Proceeds to Company will be
$6,210,000. See "UNDERWRITING."
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The Shares of Common Stock are offered subject to receipt and acceptance by
the Underwriters, to prior sale and to the Underwriters' right to reject orders
in whole or in part and to withdraw, cancel or modify the offer without notice.
It is expected that delivery of certificates for the securities will be made at
the offices of H.J. Meyers & Co., Inc., 1895 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, New
York 14620, on or about ______, 1997.
H. J. Meyers & Co., Inc.
The date of this Prospectus is __________, 1997.
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Artist's renderings of three different views of the taxi being developed by
ASHA/Taisun PTE. LTD, a joint venture between the Company and Taisun Automotive
PTE. LTD.
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK,
INCLUDING PURCHASES OF THE COMMON STOCK TO STABILIZE ITS MARKET PRICE, PURCHASES
OF THE COMMON STOCK TO COVER SOME OR ALL OF A SHORT POSITION IN THE COMMON STOCK
MAINTAINED BY THE UNDERWRITERS AND THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTY BIDS. FOR A
DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS (AND SELLING GROUP
MEMBERS) MAY ENGAGE IN PASSIVE MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK ON
THE NASDAQ SMALLCAP MARKET IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 103 OF REGULATION M. SEE
"UNDERWRITING."
2
<PAGE>
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
THE COMPANY
ASHA Corporation (the "Company" or "ASHA") is an innovative engineering
research and development company serving the global automotive and vehicular
industries. The Company is currently exploiting two proprietary technologies
which it has developed and patented, its GERODISC traction control system, and a
commercially feasible manufacturing process for modularly-based vehicles for
production and use in third world countries.
GERODISC is an automatic hydro-mechanical traction control device which
limits a vehicle's wheel spin and improves its traction and handling. GERODISC
is the only technology known to the Company that is compatible with all cars,
vans, sports utility vehicles and trucks and can be used on all four types of
vehicle platforms: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and
all-wheel drive. Management believes that, based on the testing it has
conducted, GERODISC is superior to any other competing technology currently
marketed, including electronic traction control. GERODISC has been and is being
tested by the three major US automobile manufacturers and most major European
automobile manufacturers for use in future model designs. To date, GERODISC has
been specified for inclusion in two 1999 models of a major US automobile
manufacturer, one of which is a leading four-wheel drive vehicle.
The Company has developed an innovative technology for building and
assembling vehicles which requires significantly reduced levels of tooling,
assembly and manufacturing costs, greatly reducing initial capital expenditures.
This technology, known as the "ASHA Body Concept" ("ABC"), has been targeted for
use in third world countries to facilitate the production of limited quantities
of vehicles while achieving the cost savings normally associated with the
economies of scale of mass production. Two key components of this manufacturing
process involve the use of thin wall stainless steel tubing for the frame and
the use of a space-age composite fiber material for the body. In July 1994, the
Company established a joint venture relationship with a Singapore-based
manufacturing company to exploit the ABC technology in the China and Southeast
Asian markets. In furtherance of this joint venture, the Company recently
completed its first pre-production prototype of an ABC vehicle which has
successfully undergone extensive road testing, chassis rigidity testing,
handling evaluation, suspension evaluation and heat testing. Based upon these
results, pre-production tooling has commenced at the joint venture's
manufacturing and production facility in Jiaxing City, China. The Company
expects that 100 pre-production ABC vehicles will be produced in China by the
end of 1997.
The Company's strategy is to maximize GERODISC's penetration of the
worldwide automobile and vehicle markets through licensing arrangements which
provide royalty revenue. In addition, the Company intends to exploit the
world-wide market for the ABC production system through joint venture and
license arrangements primarily in third-world countries. Further, the Company
intends to continue to develop products for the world-wide automobile and
vehicle markets through its continuing research and development activities.
The Company was formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on January
28, 1986. The Company's principal executive offices are located at 600 C Ward
Drive, Santa Barbara, California 93111, and its telephone number is (805)
683-2331.
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3
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THE OFFERING
Securities Offered............... _______ Shares of Common Stock
Common Stock Outstanding
Prior to this Offering......... 7,179,795 Shares
Common Stock to be Outstanding
After this Offering............ ________ Shares(1)
Use of Proceeds.................. To repay bridge financing notes, marketing
of GERODISC, additional investments in
the ASHA-TAISUN Joint Venture, and
working capital. See "USE OF PROCEEDS"
and "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS."
Risk Factors..................... Investment in the Common Stock involves a
high degree of risk and immediate
substantial dilution. See "RISK FACTORS"
and "DILUTION."
Proposed Nasdaq Small-Cap
Market Symbol.................. ASHA
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(1) Excludes 675,556 shares issuable under outstanding stock options and
warrants, and _____ shares issuable upon the exercise of the
Representative's Warrant. See "MANAGEMENT -- Stock Option Plan,"
"DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES" and "UNDERWRITING."
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth certain selected financial data with respect
to the Company, which has been extracted from financial statements and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the financial statements and notes
thereto included in this Prospectus.
Balance Sheet Data:
At September 30, At March 31,
--------------------- 1997
1995 1996 (Unaudited)
----- ----- ------------
Current Assets ............... $1,725,072 $1,415,903 $ 1,440,930
Total Assets ................. $3,131,525 $2,219,874 $ 3,303,051
Current Liabilities .......... $ 332,355 $ 486,247 $ 1,811,469
Working Capital .............. $1,392,717 $ 929,656 $ (370,539)
Long-Term Debt ............... $ -- $ -- $ --
Shareholders' Equity ......... $2,799,171 $1,733,627 $ 1,491,582
Statement of Operations Data:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Six Months
For the Year Ended Ended March 31,
September 30, ---------------------------
-------------------- 1996 1997
1995 1996 (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
----- ----- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues ........................... $4,435,956 $ 1,710,898 $ 1,466,953 $ 1,172,095
Operating Expenses ................. 2,491,548 2,750,536 1,483,482 1,268,213
Other Income (Expense) ............. 371,648 771,884 12,849 (427,817)
Net Income (Loss) .................. 1,531,333 (1,812,322) (17,180) (523,935)
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share.. $ .22 $ (.26) -- (.07)
</TABLE>
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4
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
The securities offered hereby represent a speculative investment and
involve a high degree of risk of a loss of part or all of the investment.
Therefore, prospective investors should read this entire Prospectus and
carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other
information set forth elsewhere in this Prospectus prior to making an
investment.
1. Accumulated Deficit; Operating Losses. As of March 31, 1997, the Company
had an accumulated deficit since inception of approximately $4,634,928. The
Company reported a net loss of $1,812,322 for the fiscal year ended September
30, 1996, and a net loss of $523,935 for the six months ended March 31, 1997.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be profitable in the future. See
"MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS."
2. Success Dependent on Management and Brian Chang. Alain Clenet, Jack
McCormack and certain other executive officers have been primarily responsible
for the development and expansion of the Company's business, and Brian Chang,
the President of the Taisun Automotive PTE LTD, has been primarily responsible
for the development of the Company's Chinese joint venture. The loss of the
services of any one or more of these individuals could have a material adverse
effect on the Company. The Company has employment agreements with Alain Clenet,
Jack McCormack and Ken Black, and the Company maintains a $2,000,000 key man
life insurance policy on Mr. Clenet and a $1,000,000 key man life insurance
policy on Mr. McCormack. See "MANAGEMENT."
3. Variability of Quarterly Operations. Results of the Company's operations
have fluctuated significantly in the past and are likely to continue to
fluctuate significantly in future periods as a result of several factors,
including, but not limited to: (i) lack of any royalty revenue related to sales
of vehicles which have GERODISC traction control systems; (ii) uncertainties
associated with signing new license or option agreements relating to GERODISC;
(iii) the long lead time it typically takes large automobile manufacturers to
commit to a new technology; and (iv) the long lead time it takes to incorporate
a new technology into an automobile production line. In addition, the Company
believes that the potential for new GERODISC option or license agreements, and
the potential for revenues from the world car project, all of which are
difficult to predict, have the possibility of significantly increasing the
Company's revenues. Accordingly, the Company's future operating results are
likely to be subject to significant variability from quarter to quarter and
could be adversely affected in any particular quarter. Due to the foregoing
factors, it is possible that the Company's operating results may from time to
time be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors. In such
event, the price of the Company's securities could be adversely affected.
4. Product Acceptance and Market Development. The market for GERODISC is
still relatively new and may not develop as anticipated by the Company. The
Company's success is dependent upon market acceptance of GERODISC in preference
to current competing products and those that may be developed by others. There
can be no assurance that GERODISC will achieve a significant level of market
acceptance to result in profitable operations. The market for the Company's ABC
technology is also new, and the market for the products being developed by the
first joint venture utilizing this technology is new and untested. Although
management believes, based on discussions with representatives for several third
world countries, there is a demand for its ABC technology, there is no assurance
that these or other countries will be willing to adopt this technology. There is
also no assurance that the taxi product of the ASHA-TAISUN Joint Venture will
achieve a significant level of market acceptance and generate profitable
operations for the Joint Venture.
5. Bureaucratic Nature of Automotive Industry. The United States is a
significant market for the Company's GERODISC product, and in order to penetrate
this market it is necessary to convince the major U.S. automobile manufacturers
of the efficacy of the GERODISC technology. These major corporations are very
bureaucratic and reluctant to adopt new technologies. The Company has been
pursuing these automobile manufacturers for several years and at this point in
time only one of the three has committed to use GERODISC on any of its vehicles
and the first of these vehicles will not be manufactured until the late summer
of 1997. The other two have tested GERODISC and are considering its use,
however, no commitments have been made. There can be no assurance that these
other two manufacturers will ever decide to use GERODISC.
6. Patents and Protection of Proprietary Rights. The Company believes that
GERODISC is covered by patents issued in the United States and certain foreign
countries. However, there can be no assurance that any issued patent, or any
patent that may issue from currently pending patent applications, will provide
the Company with significant competitive advantages, or that challenges will not
be instituted against the validity or enforceability of
5
<PAGE>
any patent which may be owned by the Company, or, if instituted, that such
challenges will not be successful. The cost of litigation to uphold the validity
of a patent and to prevent infringement can be substantial. Furthermore, there
can be no assurance that others will not independently develop similar or more
advanced technologies or design around aspects of the Company's technology.
There is also a significant risk that the Company's patent rights in its ABC
technology will not be protected in China where the ASHA-TAISUN Joint Venture is
conducting its operations. See "BUSINESS -- Patent Rights."
7. Competition. The business of the Company is subject to substantial
competition from other companies in the automobile industry. Substantially all
of such companies have significantly greater financial and technical resources
than the Company.
8. Internal Political and Other Risks of Doing Business in China. The first
joint venture the Company formed for the purposes of exploiting its ABC
technology (the "ASHA-TAISUN Joint Venture") has established its manufacturing
facility in Jiaxing City, China. As a result, this Joint Venture's operations
and assets are subject to significant political, economic, legal and other
uncertainties. Changes in policies by the Chinese government resulting in
changes in laws, regulations or the interpretation thereof, confiscatory
taxation, restrictions on imports and sources of supply, current devaluations or
the expropriation of private enterprise could materially adversely affect the
Company. Under its current leadership, the Chinese government has been pursuing
economic reform policies, including the encouragement of private economic
activity and greater economic decentralization. There can be no assurance,
however, that the Chinese government will continue to pursue such policies, that
such policies will be successfully pursued, that such policies will not be
significantly altered from time to time or that business operations in China
would not become subject to the risk of nationalization, which could result in
the total loss of investments in that country. Economic developments may be
limited as well by the imposition of austerity measures intended to reduce
inflation, the inadequate development of an infrastructure and the potential
unavailability of adequate transportation, adequate power and water supplies,
satisfactory roads and communications and raw materials and parts. If for any
reason the Joint Venture were required to close its manufacturing operation in
China, the Company's profitability would be materially adversely affected.
9. Uncertain Legal System and Application of Laws in China. The legal
system of China relating to foreign investments is both new and continually
evolving, and currently there can be no certainty as to the application of its
laws and regulations in particular instances. China does not have a
comprehensive system of laws. Enforcement of existing laws or agreements may be
sporadic and implementation and interpretation of laws inconsistent. The Chinese
judiciary is relatively inexperienced in enforcing the laws that exist, leading
to a higher than usual degree of uncertainty as to the outcome of any
litigation. Even where adequate laws exist in China, it may not be possible to
obtain swift and equitable enforcement of that law.
10. Dependence on Agreements with Provincial Government. The ASHA-TAISUN
Joint Venture's operations are dependent on its manufacturing operations
conducted in China. Pursuant to a lease in which Zhejiang Province is the
landlord, the Joint Venture occupies a manufacturing facility and a 20,000
square foot three story building in Jiaxing City in Zhejiang Province. The lease
has a 50 year term. This lease is dependent on the Joint Venture's continuing
good relationship with the local government. In the event of a dispute involving
the lease or the Joint Venture's business activities, the current arrangement
under which the Joint Venture conducts its business may be difficult to enforce
in China. The Joint Venture's operations and prospects will be materially and
adversely affected by the failure of the local government to honor the current
lease and working arrangements.
11. Inflation and China's Rapid Economic Growth. Over the last several
years, China's economy has grown at rates which have created problems such as
inflation. The Chinese government has imposed measures attempting to check
inflation and to date these methods have had a limited effect but it is
uncertain as to their effect in the future. The Company believes, because its
Chinese operations are initially intended to involve manufacturing products for
customers in China, that the current economic climate in China and efforts to
curb inflation should not have a direct adverse impact on the Company's
business. This could change if widespread social or political unrest results
from the economic climate causing the government to take actions similar to
those that were taken in 1989 which led to the student uprising in Tiananmen
Square.
12. Dependence on Single China Factory Complex; Lack of Insurance. All of
the ASHA-TAISUN Joint Venture products will be manufactured at a single
manufacturing facility located in Jiaxing City, China. Firefighting and disaster
relief or assistance in China are primitive by Western standards. The Joint
Venture does not yet have
6
<PAGE>
any insurance covering losses from fire, casualty and theft. Material damage to,
or, the loss of, all or material portions of the factory complex due to fire,
severe weather, flood, or other act of God or cause, would have a material
adverse effect on the Joint Venture's financial condition and business. It is
the Company's intention to obtain insurance on this facility, however, there is
no assurance that such insurance can be obtained, or, if so, that it will be on
reasonable terms.
13. Possible Governmental Restrictions on Production and Marketing of
Vehicles in China. The production and marketing of vehicles and the complete
knock down ("CKD") kits in China will require approval of the Central Government
of China. Based on a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the Central
Government and Taisun Automotive Ptd. Ltd. (the Company's partner in the
Singapore joint venture), Management believes that the joint venture will be
able to manufacture and export CKD kits and sell CKD kits to manufacturers in
other Chinese provinces. If the Central Government refused to recognize the
terms of this MOU, or if sometime in the future the Central Government changed
its position, the joint venture's business would be materially adversely
affected.
14. Lack of Control of Joint Venture. The first business venture formed to
exploit the Company's ABC technology is ASHA/TAISUN PTE Ltd., a joint venture
formed under the laws of Singapore. The Company owns 50% of the joint venture,
and the joint venture owns an 85% interest in a company formed under the laws of
the Peoples Republic of China. The joint venture will produce and sell in China
vehicles built using the ABC technology. The Company does not exercise complete
control over the joint venture and may be limited from exercising such control
by local law. The Company accounts for its investments in the joint venture
using the equity method, which would result in it recognizing its portion of any
net losses incurred by the joint venture. Moreover, changes in foreign
government regulations, political unrest or other disruptions could threaten or
result in the forfeiture of the Company's investments in the joint venture or
further limit the Company's involvement in its governance or access to their
products.
15. Control by Existing Management and Principal Shareholders. Following
this Offering, the current executive officers, directors and principal
shareholders of the Company will continue to own beneficially approximately
____% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. Accordingly, it should be
anticipated that the current executive officers, directors and principal
shareholders of the Company will continue to have the ability to significantly
influence the outcome of elections of the Company's directors and other matters
presented to a vote of shareholders. (See "PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS.")
16. Immediate Dilution to New Investors of 84.1%. Based on an assumed
offering price of $4.875 per share, purchasers of the Common Stock offered
hereby will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $4.10 per share
(84.1%) in the pro forma net tangible book value of the Common Stock. (See
"DILUTION.")
17. Broad Discretion by Management in Application of Proceeds. The net
proceeds from this Offering have only been generally allocated by management. As
a result, management will have broad discretion in the application and
allocation of such proceeds. (See "USE OF PROCEEDS.")
18. Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements Included in this
Prospectus. This Prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange
Act which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. These
statements include the plans and objectives of management for future operations,
including plans and objectives relating to (i) the licensing of the GERODISC
technology to suppliers for the major United States and foreign automotive and
vehicle manufacturers; (ii) licensing and otherwise exploiting the Company's ABC
technology in third world countries; and (iii) researching and developing new
technologies that can be commercially exploited. The forward-looking statements
included herein are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Although the Company expects to grant additional licenses for
the GERODISC technology, there can be no assurance that any additional licenses
will be granted, or if granted, that they will lead to any future royalty
revenues. The Company's plan and objectives relating to GERODISC are also based
on the assumption that automobile and vehicle manufacturers will elect to
incorporate GERODISC in their future models, that competitive conditions within
the industry will not change materially or adversely, and that there will be no
material adverse change in the Company's operations or business. The Company's
plans and objectives relating to the ABC technology are based on assumptions
that there will be a demand in third world countries for vehicles built using
the ABC technology, and that the actual costs of building such vehicles using
the ABC technology will be substantially lower than the costs of building
vehicles using conventional manufacturing methods. Assumptions relating to the
foregoing involve judgments with respect
7
<PAGE>
to, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions and
future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict
accurately and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although the
Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements
are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate and, therefore, there
can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this
Prospectus will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties
inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of
such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or
any other person that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved.
19. Limited Public Market for Company's Common Stock. Although there
presently exists a limited market for the Company's Common Stock, there can be
no assurance that such a market can be sustained. The investment community could
show little or no interest in the Company in the future. As a result, purchasers
of the Company's securities may have difficulty in selling such securities
should they desire to do so.
20. Risk of Low-Priced Securities. The Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") has adopted regulations which generally define "penny stock"
to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) of less than
$5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to
certain exceptions, including an exception for any equity security that is
quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market. If the shares of Common Stock offered hereby
are removed or delisted from The Nasdaq Small Cap Market, the security may
become subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on
broker-dealers who sell such securities. For transactions covered by these
rules, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the
purchaser of such securities and have received the purchaser's written consent
to the transactions prior to the purchase. Additionally, for any transaction
involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require the delivery, prior to
the transaction, of a disclosure schedule prepared by the Commission relating to
the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions
payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current
quotations for the securities and, if the broker-dealer is the sole
market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer's
presumed control over the market. Finally, among other requirements, monthly
statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock
held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
Consequently, the "penny stock" rules may restrict the ability of purchasers in
this offering to sell the Common Stock offered hereby in the secondary market.
21. Material Amount of Common Stock Eligible for Resale. Of the 7,179,795
shares of Common Stock presently outstanding, approximately 3,528,225 shares are
"restricted securities" and under certain circumstances may be sold in
compliance with Rule 144 adopted under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Of such shares, approximately 3,463,935 shares may presently be eligible for
resale under Rule 144, and 64,290 shares have been registered for resale by
selling shareholders in a concurrent offering. Officers and directors of the
Company, and Brian Chang, a principal shareholder, own 3,028,497 of the
3,463,935 restricted shares, and these persons have agreed not to sell (i.e., to
"Lock-up") these shares for 18 months following the closing of this offering
without the consent of the Representative. The Company has been advised by the
Representative that it has no general policy with respect to granting releases
from Lock-up agreements. The Representative may in its discretion and without
notice to the public waive the Lock-up and permit any or all of such
shareholders to sell all or any portion of such shareholders' Common Stock prior
to the expiration of the Lock-up period. It is expected that upon exercise of
the Representative's Warrant the Common Stock issued will also be freely
transferable. Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock by shareholders of
the Company under Rule 144 or otherwise, or even the potential for such sales,
could have a depressive effect on the market price of the Company's securities
and could impair the Company's ability to raise capital through the sale of its
equity securities.
In general under Rule 144, if one year has elapsed since the acquisition of
restricted shares from the Company or any affiliate of the Company, the acquiror
or subsequent holder thereof is entitled to sell in any three-month period, a
number of shares that does not exceed the greater of (i) 1% of the then
outstanding Common Shares or (ii) the average weekly trading volume during the
four calendar weeks immediately preceding the date on which the notice of the
sale is filed with the Commission. Sales pursuant to Rule 144 are subject to
certain requirements relating to manner of sale, notice and availability of
current public information about the Company. A person (or persons whose shares
are aggregated) who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of the Company at
any time during the 90 days immediately preceding the sale and who owns shares
that have not been beneficially owned by an affiliate of the Company for at
least two years is entitled to sell such shares pursuant to Rule 144(k) without
regard to certain of the limitations described above.
8
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22. Preferred Stock Authorized. The Company's Articles of Incorporation
authorize the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, the terms,
preference, rights and restrictions of which may be established by its Board of
Directors. Other companies on occasion have issued series of such preferred
stock with terms, rights, preferences and restrictions that could be considered
to discourage other persons from attempting to acquire control of such companies
and thereby insulate incumbent management. It is possible the Company could
issue shares of its Preferred Stock for such a purpose. In certain
circumstances, the existence of corporate devices which would inhibit or
discourage takeover attempts could have a depressant effect on the market value
of the stock of a company. (See "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES -- Preferred Stock.")
23. Eighteen Percent of Proceeds To Be Used to Repay Existing Debt.
Eighteen percent (18%) of the net proceeds of the offering, or $900,000, will be
used to repay the bridge loan which the Company received during December 1996
and January 1997. (See "USE OF PROCEEDS.")
24. Dependence on Major Customers. During the last three years most of the
Company's revenues have been derived from up front payments for GERODISC
licenses and for options for GERODISC licenses, in each case from a limited
number of customers. During the six months ended March 31, 1997, the $1 million
license fee earned from Steyr represented 85.3% of the Company's revenues for
that period. During the year ended September 30, 1996, the $1,275,000 which was
received from American Axle represented 74.5% of the Company's revenues for the
fiscal year, and $180,000 which was received from Steyr represented 10.5% of the
revenues for the year.
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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
The Company's Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and
quotations are carried on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "ASHA." The
following table sets forth the high and low bid price for the Company's Common
Stock for the periods indicated. These prices are believed to be inter-dealer
quotations and do not include retail mark-ups, mark-downs, or other fees or
commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Quarter Ended High Bid Low Bid
------------- --------- -------
December 31, 1994............................... $6.50 $2.00
March 31, 1995.................................. $6.75 $4.00
June 30, 1995................................... $6.25 $4.375
September 30, 1995.............................. $5.375 $3.50
December 31, 1995............................... $6.25 $2.25
March 31, 1996.................................. $6.00 $4.00
June 30, 1996................................... $7.25 $5.125
September 30, 1996 ............................. $6.00 $4.00
December 31, 1996 .............................. $4.375 $3.50
March 31, 1997.................................. $5.50 $4.625
June 30, 1997 (through May 29, 1997)............ $6.0625 $4.50
The number of holders of record of the Company's Common Stock at February
28, 1997 was 2,590. Many shares are registered in the names of brokerage firms
or other nominee names. As a result the Company estimates that it has in excess
of 6,000 shareholders.
DIVIDENDS
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be
declared by the Company's Board of Directors. No dividends have been paid with
respect to the Company's Common Stock and no dividends are anticipated to be
paid in the foreseeable future. The Company currently intends to retain all
earnings to finance the development and expansion of its operations. The
declaration of cash dividends in the future will be determined by the Board of
Directors based upon the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital
requirements and other relevant factors.
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<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The estimated net proceeds from the sale of the ______ Shares of Common
Stock offered hereby by the Company will be approximately $5,000,000 after
deducting underwriting discounts and expenses of the offering. Such proceeds
will be applied substantially as follows:
Approximate
Application of Proceeds Dollar Amount Percentage
----------------------- ------------- ----------
Repayment of Private Placement Notes(1)............. $ 900,000 18%
Marketing of GERODISC Technology(2)................. 1,000,000 20%
Research and Engineering(3)......................... 700,000 14%
Aftermarket Development of GERODISC(4).............. 500,000 10%
Additional Investments in ASHA-TAISUN
Joint Venture(5)................................. 1,000,000 20%
Working Capital and General Corporate Purposes(6)... 900,000 18%
---------- ----
Total........................................... $5,000,000 100%
========== ====
- ----------
(1) The Private Placement Notes bear interest at 8% per annum, are secured by a
$1,000,000 account receivable from New Venture Gear, Inc., and are due on
the earliest of (a) the consummation of this public offering; (b) December
31, 1997; (c) the payment of the $1,000,000 receivable; or (d) the
consummation of any financing or series of financings with gross proceeds
of at least $4,000,000. The proceeds from the sale of the Private Placement
Notes were used for working capital purposes.
(2) Represents amounts to be expended for purchasing test vehicles, licensee
support, advertising and promotion, and public relations. A portion of this
amount will also be spent to hire two additional sales engineers, one for
the Santa Barbara office and one in Detroit.
(3) Represents amounts to be expended on advanced engineering and research
activities for the GERODISC technology and new products. The Company
expects to hire two more product engineers to assist the existing staff in
connection with building prototypes of different GERODISC products.
(4) Represents amounts to be expended developing GERODISC "aftermarket"
products for existing vehicles as opposed to GERODISC products which are
incorporated in the initial design of new vehicles.
(5) Represents additional contributions to be made to the ASHA-TAISUN Joint
Venture. These amounts are intended to be expended by the joint venture on
research and development activities related to the taxi and passenger van
carried out at the Company's Santa Barbara facility over the next 12
months.
(6) Includes amounts to be expended on salaries, office expenses and other
general overhead costs. Included among the salaries are the following
annual salaries of the Company's three executive Officers: Jack McCormack
-- $90,000; Alain Clenet -- $152,500; and Ken Black -- $90,000. The Company
may also use some of the proceeds to pay down its existing $750,000 line of
credit with Montecito Bank & Trust.
The amounts set forth above are only an estimate. The Company is unable to
predict precisely what amount will be used for any particular purpose. To the
extent the proceeds received are inadequate in any area of expenditures,
supplemental amounts may be drawn from working capital, if any. Conversely, any
amounts not required for proposed expenditures will be retained and used for
working capital. Should the proceeds actually received, if any, be insufficient
to accomplish the purposes set forth above, the Company may be required to seek
other sources to finance the Company's operations, including individuals and
commercial lenders.
Pending utilization, management intends to make temporary investment of the
proceeds in bank certificates of deposit, interest-bearing savings accounts,
prime commercial paper or government obligations. Such investment in
interest-bearing assets, if continued for an excessive period of time within the
definition of the Investment Company Act of 1940, could subject the Company to
classification as an "investment company" under the Act and to registration and
reporting requirements thereunder.
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<PAGE>
DILUTION
At March 31, 1997, the net tangible book value of the Company was
$1,491,582, or approximately $.209 per share of Common Stock based on 7,144,877
shares of Common Stock outstanding. The net tangible book value per share
represents the amount of the Company's total assets less the amount of its
intangible assets and liabilities, divided by the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding. After giving effect to the receipt of net proceeds (estimated
to be approximately $5,000,000) from the sale of the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby, the net tangible book value of the Company at March 31, 1997,
would be $6,491,582, or approximately $.775 per share of Common Stock. This
would result in dilution to the public investors (i.e., the difference between
the estimated public offering price per share of Common Stock and the net
tangible book value thereof after giving effect to this offering) of
approximately $4.10 per share. The following table illustrates the per share
dilution:
Assumed public offering price(1).......................... $4.875
Net tangible book value per share at March 31, 1997 ... $.209
Increase in net tangible book value per share
attributable to new investors......................... .566
----
Net tangible book value per share after this offering... .775
------
Dilution of net tangible book value per share to new
investors............................................... $ 4.10
======
Dilution of net tangible book value per share expressed
as a percentage......................................... 84.1%
- ----------
(1) For purposes of this table it is assumed that the offering price will be
$4.875 per share which was estimated based on the average of the closing
bid and ask quotations on the OTC Bulletin Board on May 28, 1997.
12
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations
Six Months Ended March 31, 1997 Versus Six Months Ended March 31, 1996
During the six months ended March 31, 1997, the Company had $1,172,095 in
revenue compared to $1,466,953 in revenue during the corresponding prior year
period. The decrease in revenue was the result of a $351,000 decrease in license
and option revenue. The decrease is due to the fact that during the six months
ended March 31, 1997, the only license or option revenue received was a $1
million license fee paid by Steyr-Daimler-Puch-Fahrzeugtechnik GMBH, a large
European automotive supplier. During the six months ended March 31, 1996, the
Company received a $1,150,000 payment from American Axle and Manufacturing, Inc.
for an option to acquire certain licenses, and a $150,000 payment from Hall
Racing, Inc. for the right to use GERODISC units for the 1996 Indycar racing
season.
Expenses for the six months ended March 31, 1997 were approximately
$215,269 less than the corresponding prior year period. Research and development
expenses decreased $56,434 because, although the level of research and
development activities remained relatively constant, more of these activities
relate to the ASHA-Taisun Joint Venture and were accordingly charged to the
Joint Venture instead of being recorded as an expense of the Company. General
selling and other administrative expenses decreased by approximately $154,335 as
a result of reduced travel expenses and the development of cost controls
relative to administrative purchases. The Company has also implemented a
centralized travel coordinator who seeks the best travel arrangements with an
emphasis on advance purchases of airline tickets. Management expects these cost
controls to contribute to a reduction of expenditures for ongoing and future
projects.
Officers' salaries declined approximately $98,000 in the six months ended
March 31, 1997, as compared to the six months ended March 31, 1996 for several
reasons. During the six months ended March 31, 1996, the Company paid a total of
$127,045 in bonuses to officers and no bonuses were paid to officers during the
most recent six month period. In addition, the Company's former Executive Vice
President resigned on October 1, 1996. Legal and accounting expenses increased
approximately $75,000 due primarily to increased patent work. Approximately
$12,000 of this amount was due to accrued expenses for the 1997 audit. The
Company did not accrue expenses in advance of the annual audit in the prior
year.
The Company recorded a $237,966 loss from investment in affiliate during
the six months ended March 31, 1997, due to the Company's share of the
ASHA-Taisun Joint Venture's operating losses and writedowns of assets in excess
of their net realizable value. There was no comparable amount for the six months
ended March 31, 1996 because the Joint Venture did not commence significant
operations until the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
Interest expense of $155,356 for the six months ended March 31, 1997 was
due to interest paid and accrued on the Company's bank line of credit, the value
of the warrants issued to the bank in connection with the line of credit, the
value of the stock issued as additional consideration in connection with the
$900,000 bridge loan which was completed during January 1997, and accrued
interest on the bridge loan.
The net loss of $523,935 for the six months ended March 31, 1997 was
substantially more than the net loss of $17,180 for the six months ended March
31, 1996 due to a combination of lower revenues and increases in interest
expense and loss from investment in the ASHA-Taisun Joint Venture. The Company
anticipates licensing revenues for the second six months of the current year to
be sufficient to bring the Company to a profit position for the fiscal year,
however, there is no assurance that any new licenses will be signed. Expenses
for the second six months are not expected to increase significantly from the
level for the first six months of the year.
Year Ended September 30, 1996 Versus Year Ended September 30, 1995
During the year ended September 30, 1996, the Company had revenue of
approximately $1,711,000 as compared to approximately $4,436,000 during the year
ended September 30, 1995. The substantial decrease was due to a reduction of
license and right of first refusal revenue of approximately $2,725,000 as
compared to the prior year. During the year ended September 30, 1996, the
Company only entered into one new option agreement, that being with American
Axle, and renewed one license with an Indycar race team. During the year ended
September 30, 1995, the Company entered into major license agreements with New
Venture Gear and Dana Corporation, and also entered into the license agreement
with the Indycar race team.
13
<PAGE>
Revenue from contract services increased in the year ended September 30,
1996 by approximately $49,000, as compared to the prior year. Additional support
services to licensees and optionees resulted in this increase.
Total expenses for the year ended September 30, 1996, increased by
approximately $259,000 over the prior year, primarily due to increased general
and administrative expenses. Research and development expenses decreased by
approximately $23,000 as a result of the Company's decreased use of outside
services due to the purchase of new equipment. Officers' salaries increased
primarily as a result of bonuses. Legal and accounting expenses increased by
approximately $14,000 as a result of matters related to foreign operations.
Patent application expenses decreased by approximately $28,000 due to reduced
patent application activity. Taxes and licenses expenses increased by
approximately $37,000 due primarily to increased payroll tax expense.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September
30, 1996 were approximately $871,000 as compared to approximately $705,000
during the prior year. The increase is due to increased marketing activities.
The Company had a loss of approximately $(887,000) on its investment in the
ASHA-TAISUN Joint Venture during the year ended September 30, 1996, as compared
to a loss on its investment of approximately $(470,000) in the prior year. The
Company has an ownership interest in the joint venture and accordingly records
50% of the joint venture's loss in its statement of operations. The increased
net loss was due to the fact that the Joint Venture's activities in China
increased, but no revenues have yet been generated. The Company anticipates that
the net loss from the joint venture will increase slightly during the year ended
September 30, 1997 due to the expenses associated with building the
pre-production vehicles. Joint Venture revenues are not anticipated until the
year ended September 30, 1998.
The net (loss) of $(1,812,322) for the year ended September 30, 1996, was a
substantial change from the net income of $1,531,333 during the year ended
September 30, 1995. The net loss was primarily a result of the reduced license
and right of first refusal revenue recorded during the current year and the loss
from the investment in an affiliate described above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 1997, the Company had a negative working capital of
approximately $(371,000) compared to positive working capital of approximately
$930,000 at September 30, 1996. The decrease was due primarily to the net loss
of $(523,935) during the six month period.
In November 1996, the Company obtained an increase in its credit line from
Montecito Bank & Trust from $500,000 to $750,000. At March 31, 1997, the entire
credit line of $750,000 was outstanding. Amounts under the credit line bear
interest at the prime rate plus 1.5% and the loan balance is due on June 5,
1997. As of May 9, 1997, the annual rate of interest for the credit line was
10%. Montecito Bank has verbally agreed to extend this credit line for one year
to June 5, 1998.
In January 1997, the Company received approximately $799,000 in net
proceeds from the private sale of units consisting of promissory notes and
Common Stock. The Company incurred $900,000 of debt against those proceeds, and
as of March 31, 1997 had accrued $16,000 in interest against those notes.
On April 14, 1997, the Company received a cash payment of $1,000,000 for a
licensing agreement from Steyr. With the cash from the Steyr license and the
proceeds of the anticipated public offering and anticipated new license
agreements, the Company believes it will have sufficient liquidity to maintain
continued operations for the next twelve months.
Operating activities for the six months ended March 31, 1997 used
$(941,179) of net cash as compared to $1,501,117 cash provided in the six months
ended March 31, 1996. The decrease in cash from operating activities was
primarily due to the increase in Accounts Receivable for the current period as
compared to a substantial decrease in Accounts Receivable in the prior period,
and the net loss of $(523,935) for the six months ended March 31, 1997, as
compared to a net loss of $(17,180) for the comparable period in 1996.
Investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 1997 used
($240,549) of cash. Activities were attributed to the ASHA-Taisun joint venture
and the sale of short term investments. Approximately $478,110 was attributed to
the investment in ASHA-Taisun joint venture. The Company sold $237,561 of
short-term commercial paper to partially offset the expenditure.
14
<PAGE>
Cash provided from financing activities was $1,290,890 for the six months
ended March 31, 1997, as compared to $620,000 for the six months ended March 31,
1996. Bridge loan proceeds and utilization of the Company's credit line were the
primary sources of financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 1997.
During the year ended September 30, 1996, cash provided by operating
activities was approximately $545,000 as compared to approximately $(22,000)
used in operating activities during the year ended September 30, 1995. The cash
provided by operating activities was primarily a result of a reduction of
receivables totaling approximately $1,426,000. This was partially offset by the
net loss for the year.
Cash used in investing activities during the year ended September 30, 1996,
was approximately $(1,437,000) as compared to approximately $(740,000) used in
investing activities during the year ended September 30, 1995. The increase was
primarily due to increased purchases of short-term investments and also an
increased investment in the ASHA-TAISUN Joint Venture.
Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30,
1996, was approximately $892,000 as compared to approximately $149,000 provided
by financing activities during the year ended September 30, 1995. The increase
was due to the fact that the Company raised $750,000 from the private sale of
Common Stock during the year ended September 30, 1996, and increased borrowings
under its line of credit.
The Company expects to invest an additional $1,100,000 in the ASHA/TAISUN
Joint Venture during calendar year 1997. This investment is expected to be
funded with $1 million from the proceeds of this public offering and with
$100,000 from anticipated revenues from new GERODISC licenses. The Company has
no other commitments to make material capital expenditures.
15
<PAGE>
BUSINESS
General
ASHA Corporation (the "Company" or "ASHA") is an innovative engineering
research and development company serving the global automotive and vehicular
industries. The Company is currently exploiting two proprietary technologies
which it has developed and patented, its GERODISC traction control system, and a
commercially feasible manufacturing process for modularly-based vehicles for
production and use in third world countries.
GERODISC is an automatic hyrdo-mechanical traction control device which
limits a vehicle's wheel spin and improves its traction and handling. GERODISC
is the only technology known to the Company that is compatible with all cars,
vans, sports utility vehicles and trucks and can be used on all four types of
vehicle platforms: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and
all-wheel drive. Management believes that, based on the testing it has
conducted, GERODISC is superior to any other competing technologies currently
marketed, including electronic traction control. GERODISC has been and is being
tested by the three major US automobile manufacturers and most major European
automobile manufacturers for use in future model designs. To date, GERODISC has
been specified for inclusion in one 1999 four-wheel drive model of a major US
automobile manufacturer.
The Company has developed an innovative technology for building and
assembling vehicles which requires significantly reduced levels of tooling,
assembly and manufacturing costs, greatly reducing initial capital expenditures.
This technology, known as the "ASHA Body Concept" ("ABC"), has been targeted for
use in third world countries to facilitate the production of limited quantities
of vehicles while achieving the cost savings normally associated with the
economies of scale of mass production. In July 1994, the Company established a
joint venture relationship with a Singapore-based manufacturing company to
exploit the ABC technology in the China and Southeast Asia markets. In
furtherance of this joint venture, the Company recently completed its first
pre-production prototype of an ABC vehicle which has successfully undergone
extensive road testing, chassis rigidity testing, handling evaluation,
suspension evaluation and heat testing. Based upon these results, pre-production
tooling has commenced at the joint venture's manufacturing and production
facility in Jiaxing City, China. The Company expects that 100 pre-production ABC
vehicles will be produced in China by the end of 1997.
The Company's strategy is to maximize GERODISC's penetration in the
worldwide automobile and vehicle markets through licensing arrangements which
provide royalty revenue. In addition, the Company intends to exploit the
world-wide market for the ABC production system through joint venture and
license arrangements primarily in third-world countries. Further, the Company
intends to continue to develop products for the world-wide automobile and
vehicle markets through its continuing research and development activities.
The ASHA GERODISC System
GERODISC is an automatic hydro mechanical traction control device. It is a
self-activating device that can prevent wheel spin and improve traction and
handling on all four types of vehicle platforms: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel
drive, four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
All statements in the following five paragraphs which relate to the
operational superiority and effectiveness of GERODISC are based on tests
conducted by licensees, optionees and OEM's, both domestic and foreign. These
tests have been conducted on various vehicle platforms and drive train
configurations by such parties for the purpose of evaluating GERODISC.
GERODISC competes favorably with electronic traction control, a popular but
expensive option, and various less expensive mechanical and hydro- mechanical
limited slip differentials currently available for certain applications. Unlike
electronic traction control systems which reduce wheel spin by limiting power to
a vehicle's driven wheels, GERODISC transmits power to the wheels in proportion
to the traction available at each driven wheel. The ability of GERODISC to
provide a traction patch for each driven wheel also differs from a conventional
mechanical limited slip differential which only provides one traction patch per
axle. GERODISC is also smaller, lighter and quicker acting than conventional
traction control differentials and does not introduce noise, vibration or
harshness into a vehicle. In addition, the engagement of GERODISC is transparent
to the driver.
16
<PAGE>
GERODISC is sensitive to, and controls speed differences between the right
and left wheels of the drive axle of front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles
and speed differences between the front and rear axles of four-wheel drive and
all-wheel drive vehicles.
GERODISC is the only known limited slip technology that is adjustable and
powerful enough to have universal application in all vehicle drive
architectures. GERODISC is compatible with electronic engine management systems
and with antilock braking systems ("ABS"). GERODISC is uniquely adaptable to
front-wheel drive vehicles in that its operation does not induce feedback to the
driver through the steering wheel and does not impart harsh forces into the
vehicle drive train. Conversely, electronic traction control, another form of
traction control, operates by applying the brake to whichever wheel has lost
traction. This technique pulses the brake, which can be felt through the
steering wheel, induces harmful torque spikes into the axles and transmission,
can overheat brakes, and is costly to manufacture and repair.
For rear-wheel drive, GERODISC has proven to be the most powerful, yet
transparent, speed/torque sensitive limited slip device available.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles are typically
expensive, heavy, incorporate drive train components that induce drive train/
transmission stresses, and affect fuel economy negatively. The ASHA GERODISC
System eliminates the expensive components, such as two differentials and/or
viscous couplings, as well as the elimination of a large portion of the
associated weight of a typical 4WD or AWD. With less weight, components,
mechanical stress and transmission windup, GERODISC provides better fuel economy
and maximum traction. In these vehicles, GERODISC eliminates a center
differential or viscous coupling. The secondary drive axle differential is
replaced by two GERODISC couplings. GERODISC activates automatically when
needed, without electronics. Similar to the GERODISC system used on front-wheel
drive and rear-wheel drive, the 4WD/AWD coupling system is self-activating and
transparent to the driver.
On May 10, 1994, the Company received patent approval from the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office for the GERODISC technology. Other U.S. patents are pending
and international patents have been applied for.
As of December 1996, approximately 80 individual GERODISC prototypes have
been built for evaluation by original equipment manufacturer's ("OEM's") or
first tier suppliers (the companies who supply directly to the OEM's) and
approximately 25 other prototypes are currently in production.
The Company is a research and development company and therefore does not
intend to engage in manufacturing the GERODISC units; however, it does build the
prototypes which are used for testing the technology for different vehicles. The
Company's strategy is to license the GERODISC technology to the large suppliers
for the major United States and foreign automotive manufacturers. Generally, the
licenses will provide for up-front payments on the signing of the license
agreements and royalty payments based on the number of vehicles on which the
GERODISC is used. Following is a summary of the licenses which have been granted
by the Company.
New Venture Gear, Inc. License Agreement
On August 19, 1993, ASHA entered into a licensing agreement with New
Venture Gear, Inc. ("NVG") to market GERODISC. NVG is a joint venture that is
wholly owned by Chrysler Corp. ("Chrysler") and General Motors Corp. ("General
Motors"). The agreement provides for NVG to manufacture and sell the device in
the next generation of four- wheel drive transfer case products in North America
and Europe, subject to certain restrictions. The Company received a total of
$950,000 in deposits under this agreement during the three years ended September
30, 1996, which provides NVG with licensed rights throughout the life of ASHA's
patents.
In December 1994, the Company and NVG amended the license agreement to
provide that in the event NVG is awarded a production program by a major OEM,
NVG will pay $1,000,000 to the Company at the commencement of production of the
first model. On December 24, 1994, NVG was awarded a production program with a
major OEM and the first model year is anticipated to be 1999, with production
scheduled to commence in July 1998. In the event such model does include the
GERODISC, the license agreement provides that the Company will be paid a small
royalty for each vehicle produced after the first 200,000 have been produced.
During October 1995, the Company entered into an option agreement with NVG
which granted NVG a twelve month option to acquire non-exclusive licenses for up
to three different GERODISC applications in North America. The three
applications were rear axles, transaxles and twin-disc front axles. This option
expired in October 1996.
17
<PAGE>
The Company is currently negotiating with NVG concerning possible licenses for
these applications and management believes, based on these ngeotiations, that at
least one license will be signed by the end of July 1997. However, there is no
assurance that these negotiations will lead to additional license agreements.
Dana Corporation License Agreement
On December 28, 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with Dana
Corporation ("Dana") in which the Company licensed Dana to manufacture and
market GERODISC for front axles exclusively and for rear axles non-exclusively
in North America, South America, Europe, South Korea and Taiwan. On February 2,
1995, the Company received a $1,000,000 license fee, and an additional
$1,000,000 license fee payment was made during January 1996. In addition, the
Company will receive a royalty on each unit produced under the agreement. Dana
is the largest axle manufacturer in the world. Dana has been approved for
production of the front and rear axles for the same vehicle that will utilize
the NVG GERODISC transfer case, giving the Company three GERODISC units in one
vehicle model starting with the 1999 model year. Production for this 1999 model
is expected to commence in late summer 1998.
American Axle and Manufacturing, Inc. Option Agreement
On November 1, 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with American
Axle and Manufacturing, Inc. which granted American Axle an eighteen month
option to acquire non-exclusive licenses for up to three different GERODISC
applications world-wide. The three applications are rear axles, transaxles and
twin-disc front axles. If American Axle exercises any option, a license fee
ranging from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 will be payable, depending upon the
application, and a per unit royalty will also be due. American Axle paid
$1,150,000 for the option. The option for rear axles has been extended until
August 29, 1997, and American Axle has requested an extension for the options
for transaxles and twin-disc front axles. The Company is currently in
discussions with American Axle regarding possible extensions of the other two
options. American Axle is the second largest axle manufacturer in the world, and
it supplies approximately 95% of the axles used by General Motors. There is no
assurance that American Axle will exercise any portion of this option.
Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik Gmbh License Agreement
Effective March 31, 1997, the Company entered into a Gerodisc Technology
Transfer and License Agreement with Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH
("Steyr") in which the Company granted Steyr non-exclusive licenses to design,
manufacture and sell GERODISC for specified types of platforms for certain
specific European OEM's and United States OEM's who manufacture in Europe. The
Company received a $1 million license fee and the Company will receive a royalty
on each unit produced and sold under the agreement. Steyr is the largest
European automotive supplier for European OEM's.
High Performance Gerodisc Applications
While the Company's goal is to develop products for license to automotive
OEM's or their suppliers, it has also determined to pursue opportunities for the
specialized application of GERODISC technology in high performance and racing
venues. These activities provide validation of the technology, and in Europe
where the major OEM's are more directly engaged in racing activities, they
provide a means of marketing and exposing the technology to the OEM's. These
activities may also provide an avenue to generate ongoing revenues that do not
have contractual delays that are typical of OEM agreements. On May 23, 1994, the
Company successfully completed testing of a GERODISC limited slip differential
for race car use. ASHA personnel installed two GERODISC LSD's, one torque/speed
sensitive and one speed sensitive only. The vehicles demonstrated significant
improvements in computer recorded lap times with improved directional stability
in dry and wet conditions. The Company intends to supply performance units on a
lease only basis, thereby protecting its proprietary technology and providing
the Company with an ongoing opportunity to review the durability of each unit
throughout its usefulness.
Currently, the Company is working with two European automobile
manufacturers, Automobile Peugeot ("Peugeot") and Williams Touring Car
Engineering Ltd. ("Williams") which are both interested in using GERODISC in
their cars on the European racing circuit. Williams has verbally agreed to lease
three GERODISC units initially at
18
<PAGE>
the rate of $20,000 each for use in the 1997 British BTCC Sedan Racing series.
Peugeot has verbally agreed to lease five GERODISC units initially at the rate
of $20,000 each for use in the 1997 German Supertourisme and Belgian Sedan
Racing series. The Company has received payment from Peugeot for the first two
units and a purchase order from Peugeot for three more units
ABC (ASHA Body Concept)
The second technology which the Company has developed and is now actively
exploiting is the ASHA Body Concept ("ABC"), a method of producing cars in third
world countries which requires significantly reduced levels of tooling, assembly
and other manufacturing costs, greatly reducing the amount of capital required
to set up and operate the manufacturing facility. This manufacturing process is
based on the ability to manufacture very precise space frames, made of thin wall
stainless steel tubing which require a low tooling investment and can be
utilized in either low volume or high volume production. This stainless steel
tubing requires no welding to assemble. The body design uses a lightweight
space-age composite fiber material which does not require painting. The ABC
process allows for the utilization of resources which are most readily available
in the foreign country. For example, the manufacturing process requires only a
limited amount of electrical power and instead relies on natural gas which is
abundant in many third-world countries, including China. The process does not
require robotics and can be learned with only limited training.
The ABC technology is also very environment-friendly which is important in
many third-world countries. The manufacturing process, unlike conventional
automotive manufacturing technology, creates no by-products which require
recycling and the vehicle's components are almost entirely recyclable.
The first application of this technology is being conducted in China. In
July 1994, the Company entered into a joint venture with Singapore based TAISUN
Automotive PTE LTD. ("TAISUN") for the production and sale of vehicles in the
Far East. TAISUN, which is 85% owned by Brian Chang, a principal shareholder of
the Company, is a manufacturer of vehicles, ships, electrical motors, fiberglass
products, and chemicals. The Company has agreed to contribute to the joint
venture the right to use the ABC technology in the design and manufacture of
taxis.
ASHA/TAISUN is an 85% owner of Jiaxing Independence Auto Design &
Development Co. Ltd. ("JIAD&D"), a corporation formed under the laws of the
Peoples Republic of China, for the purpose of engaging in the production and
sale of automobiles in China. Ten percent (10%) of JIAD&D is owned by Walland
Electric Motor Company, a company owned by Brian Chang, and 5% is owned by Jack
Tang, who is a Chinese national and who manages the factory in China.
Following is a diagram showing the parties and ownership in this joint
venture:
------------------------
ASHA TAISUN
50% 50%
------------------------
------------------------ --------------------- ----------------
ASHA/TAISUN PTE LTD WALLAND ELECTRIC JACK TANG
85% MOTOR COMPANY 5%
------------------------ 10% ----------------
---------------------
------------------------------------------------------
JIAD&D
------------------------------------------------------
JIAD&D intends to initially manufacture and sell taxis utilizing the ABC
technology because of the demand for such vehicles in China. The vehicle has
been designed to have a short turning radius with a long suspension to best
accommodate driving conditions in China and Southeast Asian countries.
Approximately 80% of the components for the vehicle will come from China.
The balance will come from sources in the United States and Brazil. There are at
least two sources in China for both the engines and transmissions to be used in
the vehicle.
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<PAGE>
JIAD&D owns a manufacturing plant facility in Jiaxing City in Zhejiang
province in China, and a new 20,000 square foot three story building has been
completed to house engineering and administrative functions. JIAD&D has the
right to use the land on which these facilities are located for 50 years.
JIAD&D presently has approximately 86 employees.
JIAD&D expects to produce up to 10,000 complete vehicles annually at the
facility in Jiaxing. It is also expected to produce complete knock down kits (or
CKD kits) at the same facility. A CKD kit includes all of the components for one
vehicle.
The joint venture intends to sell assembly franchises to persons in other
provinces and then sell CKD kits to these franchisees for assembly and sale.
JIAD&D also expects to export the CKD kits to assemblers in other countries in
Southeast Asia, where the vehicle will be assembled and sold outside of China.
The Company is building the production tooling and molds for the joint
venture at its Santa Barbara facility before shipping them to the Jiaxing
facility. ASHA has built the first prototype at its facility. This unit has
undergone successful hot weather testing in Death Valley. It has undergone
performance and handling testing and cold weather testing. The pre-production
prototypes and all proof of production models (the first models built using the
final production tooling) will be built in Jiaxing.
The Jiaxing facility is currently building 15 pre-production units which it
intends to complete by June 1997. The joint venture then intends to build 100
pre-production units by December 1997. These units will be used by the joint
venture to market franchises in the other provinces. The goal is to then build
10,000 units in 1998. However, at this time the Company has no orders for the
vehicles.
The Company has also had discussions with representatives of the Philippine
government regarding the development of a sport utility vehicle to be
manufactured in the Philippines utilizing the ABC technology. The Company
entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding this project in early 1996,
however, there is no assurance that a final agreement will be reached.
Marketing
The Company is marketing its GERODISC technology in the U.S., Europe and
Asia. A full-time Detroit based marketing person was hired in January 1991. This
person has extensive experience in the automotive business. Claude Dubois, a
race car driver and automotive expert in Brussels, Belgium, was retained in
April 1994 as a consultant to market the GERODISC technology to auto makers in
Europe. An automotive import/export consultant was hired in August 1995 to
locate sources for automobile components in South America to eventually be used
in China.
Patent Rights
The Company is aggressively pursuing patent protection for its technologies
in both the United States and overseas. ASHA has the following patents or
pending patents relating to its GERODISC and ABC technologies:
1. Vehicle drivetrain coupling - U.S. Patent No. 5,310,388. This
patent application has proceeded into the national and regional phases in
Australia, Europe, Japan and Korea. In addition, applications have been
filed in China and Mexico.
2. Hydraulic coupling for vehicle drivetrain - U.S. Patent No.
5,536,215.
3. Hydraulic coupling for vehicle drivetrain - U.S. Patent No.
5,595,214.
4. Vehicle drivetrain coupling - U.S. Patent No. 5,611,746.
5. Hydraulic coupling for vehicle drivetrain - one other patent
application relating to a variation of this technology has been filed with
the U.S. Patent Office.
6. Vehicle body space frame (ABC technology) - one patent application
has been filed with the U.S. Patent Office.
7. Vehicle body construction (ABC technology) - one patent application
has been filed with the U.S. Patent Office.
20
<PAGE>
Major Customers
During the year ended September 30, 1996, 16% of the Company's revenues
were received from prototype development, 67% from American Axle for an option
to license GERODISC, 6% for license and development of a racing GERODISC and 11%
from a foreign tier one supplier for an option to license GERODISC and prototype
development.
During the year ended September 30, 1995, 39% of the Company's revenues
were received or accrued from licenses for research and development and
prototype development, 43% from DANA for licensing of GERODISC, 15% from
ASHA/TAISUN for development of the world car, 2% for development of a racing
GERODISC, and 1% from a foreign OEM for research and development and prototype
development.
Staff
As of March 15, 1997, the Company had 34 employees consisting of 3
executive officers, 27 automotive designers, engineers and fabricators, and 4
administrative support personnel. None of the Company's employees are
represented by a union and the Company has never had any work stoppages.
Facilities
The principal offices of the Company are located at 600 C Ward Drive, Santa
Barbara, California 93111. This space is rented at a monthly rate of $6,556
through January 1999. Beginning in January 1995 and every January thereafter,
the base rent is adjusted in proportion to the percentage increase or decrease
of the official Consumers Price Index of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, United
States Department of Labor. In no event will the rent be increased more than 8%
for any one adjustment period nor shall rent be less than the base rent. These
facilities include office space, work areas for designers and a shop and
equipment suitable for performing design, development and styling work.
Approximately 11,300 square feet of space are utilized at this location.
Legal Proceedings
The Company knows of no material pending legal proceedings to which the
Company is a party.
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<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
Directors and Executive Officers
The Directors and Executive Officers of the Company are as follows:
Name Age Positions and Offices Held
---- --- --------------------------
Alain J-M Clenet ......... 52 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer
John C. McCormack ........ 65 President, Chief Operations Officer, Secretary
and Treasurer
Kenneth R. Black ......... 50 Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Steven E. Sanderson ...... 44 Chief Financial Officer and Controller
Sheila R. Ronis .......... 46 Director
Robert J. Sinclair ....... 64 Director
Lawrence Cohen ........... 52 Director
There are no family relationships among any of the Directors or executive
officers.
ALAIN J-M CLENET. Mr. Clenet has served as Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company since August 1986; he served as President from August
1986 until February 1, 1995; and he has served as Chief Executive Officer since
February 1, 1995. He also served as President and a Director of
Stehrenberger/Clenet, Inc. (S/C), an automotive design company, from its
inception in February 1983 until it was liquidated in early 1988 at the
formation of ASHA Corporation. S/C employed approximately 15 people in design,
engineering and fabricating trades.
From 1983 until the sale of the business in November 1986, Mr. Clenet also
served as President and a Director of Wood, Ltd., a Michigan corporation which
manufactures automotive wood components. From July 1976 until September 1981, he
served as President and a Director of Clenet Coachworks, Inc., a company which
designed, manufactured and sold approximately 500 Clenet automobiles. From 1965
until 1975, Mr. Clenet conducted automotive design, research and development in
France and the United States. Mr. Clenet received a CAFAS Degree from the Ecole
des Beaux Arts, Angers, France in 1963 and an E.N.S.A.D. Degree from the
National Superior School of Design of Paris in 1965.
JOHN C. McCORMACK. Mr. McCormack has served as President and Chief
Operations Officer of ASHA since February 1, 1995, and as Secretary and
Treasurer since January 31, 1996. Mr. McCormack helped start American Honda
Motor Company in 1959, and served as its General Manager until 1964. He has been
described as the driving force in its rise to prominence in the U.S. motorcycle
market. He was co-founder of U.S. Suzuki Motor Corporation in 1964, and by 1967
this company was second in the U.S. market for motorcycles, behind Honda. He
served as President and CEO of McCormack International Motors, Inc. from 1969
until 1975. McCormack International Motors was the first to bring a wide range
of motorized recreational vehicles under one label, and it established some 925
dealers and 10 overseas distributors. From 1975 until 1980, he was a founder and
President of Jacwall Corporation. Mr. McCormack was a founder and served as
President and COO of Hirsch Electronics Corporation from 1980 to 1985, where he
guided product development to successful completion at less than budgeted costs.
These systems are now in use in the White House, Pentagon, IBM, General Motors,
FBI, British Secret Service, as well as many other secure government and
business installations around the world. He was a co-founder and he served as
President and CEO of the Napa Valley Railroad and the Napa Valley Wine Train
from 1985 until April 1991. From April 1991 until April 1994, he served as Vice
President of Marketing and Sales for Mission Industries, an industrial laundry
business, and from April 1994 until January 1995, he was engaged in general
business consulting under the name McCormack and McCormack Consulting.
KENNETH R. BLACK. Mr. Black has served as the Company's Vice President of
Sales and Marketing since July 1992 after having served as the Sales Director
since January 1991. From 1985 until December 1990, he served as President of
Technologies International Ltd., a company he founded and which was involved in
market development and technology licensing for various domestic and foreign
clients. From 1979 until 1985, he served as a Director of New Business
Development for the Paint, Plastics and Vinyl Division of Ford Motor Company.
STEVEN E. SANDERSON. Mr. Sanderson has served as Controller of the Company
since January 1997 and as Chief Financial Officer since March 1997. From 1991
until December 1996, he served as the President and owner of Sanderson
Investments, Inc., a consulting company which prepared financial analyses
encompassing
22
<PAGE>
productivity, variances, standard costs and production bonus plans, time
studies, rate of return, and risk management. From 1985 until 1991, he served as
Controller for the Systems Division of Computer Products Inc., a public company,
where he was responsible for the accounting and management information systems
group for two manufacturing facilities. From 1981 until 1985, he served as
Controller of Southeastern Public Service Company, a public company, where he
had complete responsibility for the accounting and management information
systems functions for this multi-state business. From 1977 to 1981, he was
employed by the Solid State Division of RCA where his last position was cost
accounting supervisor. Mr. Sanderson received a B.B.A. Degree in Accounting from
Florida Atlantic University in 1977.
SHEILA R. RONIS, PH.D. Dr. Sheila Ronis has served as a Director of ASHA
since 1989. She has been President of The University Group, Inc., a management
consulting company since 1988. She is also an adjunct professor at the
University of Detroit where she teaches Strategic Management and Business Policy
in the M.B.A. program. Dr. Ronis received a B.S. degree in Physics and
Mathematics in 1972 from Ohio State University. She received M.A. and Ph.D.
degrees in Organizational Behavior from Ohio State University in 1974 and 1976,
respectively. Dr. Ronis consults for many organizations as diverse as General
Motors, Ameritech, The White House, the Pentagon and USCAR.
ROBERT J. SINCLAIR. Mr. Sinclair has served as a Director of the Company
since April 1994. Mr. Robert J. Sinclair is retired Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Saab Cars USA, Inc. Early in his automotive career he served as
advertising manager and public relations manager of Saab, before joining Volvo
North America where he rose to President of Volvo's Western US organization. He
rejoined Saab as President in 1979, retiring as Chairman and CEO in 1991. Mr.
Sinclair consults for many organizations, and serves as a director of Hansa
Reinsurance Co. of America, which is publicly-held.
LAWRENCE COHEN. Mr. Cohen has served as a Director of the Company since
January 20, 1995. Mr. Cohen has served as Vice Chairman of the Board, Executive
Vice President and Treasurer of Bristol Technology Systems, Inc. ("Bristol")
since its inception in April 1996. Bristol is in the business of establishing a
national network of full service dealerships of retail automation equipment such
as point of sale systems. From November 1990 to September 1996, Mr. Cohen served
as Chairman of the Board of BioTime, Inc. ("BioTime"), a publicly-held
biotechnology company engaged in the artificial plasma business. Mr. Cohen has
also served as a director of Apollo Genetics Inc., a company founded by Mr.
Cohen which is engaged in the genetic pharmaceutical business, from January 1993
to the present; and a director of Registry Magic Inc., a company founded by Mr.
Cohen which develops voice recognition equipment, from November 1995 to present.
The standing committees of the Board of Directors are the Audit Committee
and the Compensation Committee.
The Audit Committee consists of Sheila Ronis, Robert Sinclair and Lawrence
Cohen, each of whom is an independent Director. The Audit Committee's function
is to review and report to the Board of Directors with respect to the selection
and the terms of engagement of the Company's independent public accountants, and
to maintain communications among the Board of Directors, such independent public
accountants, and the Company's internal accounting staff with respect to
accounting and audit procedures, the implementation of recommendations by such
independent public accountants, the adequacy of the Company's internal controls
and related matters. The Audit Committee also reviews certain related party
transactions and any potential conflict of interest situations involving
officers, directors or stockholders beneficially owning more than 10% of an
equity security of the Company.
The Compensation Committee consists of Sheila Ronis, Robert Sinclair and
Lawrence Cohen. The Compensation Committee's function is to review and approve
annual salaries and bonuses for all executive officers and review, approve and
recommend to the Board of Directors the terms and conditions of all employee
benefit plans or changes thereto, including the granting of stock options
pursuant to the Company's 1994 Option Plan.
The Company has agreed with the Representative that, for a period of 36
months from the date of closing of this offering, the Company will allow an
observer designated by the Representative and acceptable to the Company to
attend all meetings of the Board of Directors. Such observer will have no voting
rights. He or she will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
attending such meetings, and will be indemnified against any claims arising out
of participation at Board meetings, including claims based on liabilities
arising under the securities laws.
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<PAGE>
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth information regarding the executive
compensation for the Company's Chief Executive Officer, President and Executive
Vice President. No other executive Officer received compensation in excess of
$100,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994:
Summary Compensation Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-Term Compensation
----------------------------------------------
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
------------------- -------------------- -------
Securities
Other Underlying
Annual Restricted Options/ All
Name and Principal Compen- Stock SARs LTIP Other
Position Year Salary Bonus sation Award(s) (Number) Payouts Compensation
- ------------------ ---- ------ ----- ------ -------- --------- ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alain J-M Clenet, 1996 $152,500(1) $73,000 -- -- -- -- $7,819(2)
Chief Executive Officer 1995 $152,500 -- -- -- -- -- $3,035(3)
1994 $152,500 -- -- -- -- -- --
John C. McCormack, 1996 $ 90,000 $10,000 -- -- 65,786 -- $ 504(4)
President 1995 60,000 -- -- -- -- -- --
1994 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Theo E. Shaffer, 1996 $ 92,025 $19,373 -- -- -- -- --
Executive Vice 1995 $ 90,000 -- -- -- 3,098 -- --
President (5) 1994 $ 90,000 -- -- -- -- -- --
Kenneth R. Black, 1996 $100,592(6) $10,000 -- -- 10,524 -- --
Vice President of 1995 $ 85,000 -- -- -- 2,788 -- --
Sales and Marketing 1994 $ 78,000 -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Of this amount, $88,958 was paid during the fiscal year ended September 30,
1996, and the remainder was deferred until January 1997.
(2) Represents medical expense reimbursements for Mr. Clenet and his family.
(3) Includes $981 in medical expense reimbursements for Mr. Clenet and his
family, $857 paid for premiums on a $5 million umbrella liability insurance
policy for Mr. Clenet, and other expenses paid on his behalf.
(4) Represents amounts paid by the Company as a matching amount to a 401(k)
plan contribution.
(5) Mr. Shaffer resigned on October 1, 1996.
(6) Includes $15,592 paid to Mr. Black in settlement of unused vacation time.
Options/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year
Individual Grants
Number of % of Total
Securities Options/SARs
Underlying Granted to Exercise
Options/SARs Employees in or Base Expiration
Name Granted(#) Fiscal Year Price($/sh) Date
------ ------------ ------------- ---------- ----------
Alain J-M Clenet ...... -- -- -- --
John C. McCormack ..... 40,786 33.1% $4.625 11/01/98
25,000 20.3% $4.50 9/24/99
Theo E. Shaffer ....... -- -- -- --
Kenneth R. Black ...... 10,524 8.5% $4.625 11/01/98
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and FY-End Option/SAR Values
Securities Under- Value of Unexer-
Shares lying Unexer- cised-in-the
Acquired cised Options Money/Options/
on SARs at FY-End SARs at FY-End
Exercise Value Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name (Number) Realized Unexercisable Unexercisable
-------- --------- ------- --------------- ---------------
Alain J-M Clenet ...... -- -- -- --
John C. McCormack ..... -- -- 65,786 / 0 0 / 0
Theo E. Shaffer ....... -- -- -- --
Kenneth R. Black ...... -- -- 13,312 / 0 $697 / 0
24
<PAGE>
Subsequent to September 30, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors granted
additional stock options to executive officers under the Company's 1994 Stock
Option Plan. In December 1996, the Board of Directors granted stock options,
exercisable at $3.6875 per share, to John C. McCormack to purchase 6,386 shares
of Common Stock, to Kenneth R. Black to purchase 4,257 shares of Common Stock,
and to Alain J-M Clenet to purchase 8,278 shares of Common Stock. Each of the
options granted in December 1996 expire on December 17, 1999. In January 1997,
the Board of Directors granted stock options, exercisable at $4.00 per share, to
John C. McCormack and Kenneth R. Black each to purchase 100,000 shares of Common
Stock, expiring on January 15, 2002.
Employment Agreements
In April 1995, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement with Alain J-M Clenet, the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer, pursuant to which he receives a base annual salary of
$152,500. Mr. Clenet's base salary is subject to cost-of-living adjustments and
may be increased by the Board of Directors. The initial term is through April
20, 2000, and will be automatically extended for additional two year terms
unless either party notifies the other at least six months in advance. Mr.
Clenet is entitled to participate in all insurance plans and benefits of the
Company and to also be reimbursed for all of his and his family's medical and
dental expenses not paid for under such programs. Mr. Clenet also receives a $5
million umbrella liability insurance policy paid for by the Company.
On March 1, 1997, the Company entered into employment agreements with Jack
McCormack and Ken Black. Each of the Employment Agreements expires as of
February 28, 1999, however, they will be automatically renewed for additional
two year terms unless either the Company or the employee gives to the other six
months notice that the agreement is to be terminated. Pursuant to the employment
agreements, Mr. Black is entitled to a salary of $90,000 per year and Mr.
McCormack is entitled to a salary of $90,000 per year. Both agreements provide
for cost of living adjustments and participation in all fringe benefits
available to other executive officers. Mr. McCormack's agreement also provides
that he is to be granted options to purchase 25,000 shares annually, in addition
to the 100,000 options he was granted on January 15, 1997.
Effective during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, the Company's
Directors do not receive fees for their attendance at Board or committee
meetings, but they have received options under the Company's 1994 Stock Option
Plan. Directors are also reimbursed for their reasonable expenses in attending
meetings of the Board of Directors and any committees thereof.
Directors' Compensation
During the last three years the Company has granted to the independent
members of the Company's Board of Directors options to purchase 25,000 shares of
common stock each year. The most recent options granted under this policy were
granted on December 17, 1996, with an exercise price of $3.6875, when 25,000
options were granted to each of Sheila Ronis, Robert Sinclair and Lawrence
Cohen.
Stock Option Plans
1994 Stock Option Plan
The 1994 Stock Option Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase up
to 750,000 shares of Common Stock to employees, officers, directors and
consultants of the Company. The purpose of this plan is two-fold. First, the
plan will further the interests of the Company and its shareholders by providing
incentives in the form of stock options to employees who contribute materially
to the success and profitability of the Company. Second, the plan will provide
the Company flexibility and the means to reward directors and consultants who
render valuable contributions to the Company. The Board has the power to
determine at the time the option is granted whether the option will be an
incentive stock option (an option which qualifies under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986) or an option which is not an incentive stock
option. However, incentive stock options will only be granted to persons who are
employees of the Company. Vesting provisions are determined by the Board at the
time options are granted. The option price must be satisfied by the payment of
cash. The Board of Directors may amend the plan at any time, provided that the
Board may not amend the plan to materially increase the number of shares
available under the plan to materially change the eligible class of employees
without shareholder approval.
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<PAGE>
As of March 15, 1997, there were 656,806 options outstanding under the plan
with exercise prices ranging from $3.6875 to $4.5625.
401(K) Plan
Effective October 1, 1995, the Company implemented a 401(K) Plan pursuant
to which all eligible employees may contribute up to 15% of their compensation.
The Company matches contributions in the amount of 10% of all elective
deferrals, and, at the Company's option, may contribute annually up to 15% of
the total compensation of all eligible employees. Executive Officers of the
Company are eligible to participate in this plan. During the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1996, the Company made $8,047 in matching contributions under this
plan.
CONCURRENT OFFERING
The registration statement of which this Prospectus forms a part also
includes a Prospectus with respect to an offering by certain Selling
Shareholders of 83,040 shares of Common Stock issued in connection with the
Company's December 1996 - January 1997 Private Placement. These shares may be
sold in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise
directly by the holders thereof, subject to the following contractual
restrictions. Each Selling Shareholder has agreed not to sell, transfer or
otherwise publicly dispose of the Selling Shareholders' Stock for up to six
months from the date of this Prospectus without the prior written consent of the
Representative.
The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of any of the
Selling Shareholders' shares. Sales of such stock or the potential of such sales
may have an adverse effect on the market price of the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby.
26
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth the number and percentage of shares of the
Company's no par value Common Stock owned beneficially, as of May 28, 1997, by
any person, who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more
of such Common Stock, and, in addition, by each Director of the Company and by
all Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as a group. Information as
to beneficial ownership is based upon statements furnished to the Company by
such persons.
Percent of Class
Amount and -----------------------
Name and Address Nature of Before After
Of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Offering Offering
------------------- -------------------- -------- --------
Alain J-M Clenet ............. 2,019,742(1) 28.5%
600 C Ward Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Sheila R. Ronis .............. 63,596(2) 0.9%
640 Rolling Green Circle
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Robert J. Sinclair ........... 63,377(2) 0.9%
1025 North Ontare Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Lawrence Cohen ............... 50,000(3) 0.7%
3311 NE 26th Avenue
Lighthouse Point, FL 33064
Brian Chang .................. 1,217,113 17.2%
1 Chatworth Road, No. 2421
Singapore 1024
All Directors and Executive .. 2,496,456(4) 32.8%
Officers as a Group (7 persons)
- ----------
(1) Includes 8,278 shares underlying stock options held by Mr. Clenet.
(2) Includes 50,000 shares underlying stock options held by such person.
(3) Represents shares underlying stock options held by Mr. Cohen.
(4) Includes shares beneficially owned by the following persons who are
Executive Officers of the Company; 172,172 shares underlying stock options
held by John C. McCormack; 117,569 shares underlying options held by
Kenneth R. Black; and 10,000 shares underlying options held by Steven E.
Sanderson.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
On August 11, 1994, ASHA Corporation entered into a joint venture with
TAISUN Automotive of which Mr. Brian Chang is 85% shareholder. Mr. Chang is a
principal shareholder of the Company. The joint venture was formed as a
Singapore corporation named ASHA/TAISUN PTE LTD. ("ASHA/TAISUN"). The purpose of
this Joint Venture is to exploit the Company's ABC technology in the China and
Southeast Asia markets.
ASHA/TAISUN, through its 85%-owned subsidiary, Jiaxing Independent Auto
Design and Development Co., Ltd., is developing an automobile manufacturing
facility in Jiaxing, China. ASHA/TAISUN has also contracted with the Company for
automobile design work. During the year ended September 30, 1996, the Company
invested $1,540,727 in the joint venture.
In March 1994, Brian Chang purchased 235,294 shares of the Company's Common
Stock for $1,000,000 in cash. On November 2, 1995, Mr. Chang purchased an
additional 181,818 shares of ASHA Common Stock from the Company for $750,000 in
cash.
Management of the Company believes that the above transactions have been on
terms no less favorable to the Company than those that could have been obtained
from unaffiliated parties. Future transactions with affiliated parties will be
approved by a majority of the Company's disinterested Directors and will be on
terms no less favorable than those that could be obtained from unaffiliated
parties.
27
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 20,000,000 shares
of Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock.
Common Stock
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote per share on all matters
to be voted on by stockholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to
any outstanding Preferred Stock, if any, the holders of Common Stock are
entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time
to time by the Board of Directors in its discretion out of funds legally
available therefor. See "DIVIDENDS." In the event of a liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the Company, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to share
ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior
rights of Preferred Stock, if any, then outstanding. The Common Stock has no
preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no conversion rights or
redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to such shares. All of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
On December 9, 1993, the Company's shareholders approved a proposed
reverse split of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock of 1 for
85. The reverse split was effective on February 1, 1994. All share data in this
Prospectus gives a retroactive effect to the reverse stock split.
Preferred Stock
The Company is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of undesignated
Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors will have the authority to issue the
undesignated Preferred Stock in one or more series and to determine the powers,
preferences and rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
granted to or imposed upon any wholly unissued series of undesignated Preferred
Stock, as well as to fix the number of shares constituting any series and the
designations of such series, without any further vote or action by the
shareholders. The issuance of any Preferred Stock may have the effect of
delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company without
further action by the shareholders and may adversely affect the voting and other
rights of the holders of the Common Stock. At present, the Company has no plans
to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Company's Common Stock is
TranSecurities International, Inc., 2510 North Pines, Suite 202, Spokane,
Washington 99206.
Bank Warrant
In connection with the increase in the Company's line of credit from
Montecito Bank and Trust (the "Bank") in November 1996, the Company issued a
warrant to the Bank to purchase up to 18,750 shares of Common Stock at $4.00 per
share. The warrant is exercisable until November 24, 2001. The warrant contains
certain registration rights, and the resale of the shares issuable under this
warrant is covered by the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part. See "CONCURRENT OFFERING."
28
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
The Underwriters listed below (the "Underwriters") have agreed, subject to
the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement between the Company and
H.J. Meyers & Co., Inc., as Representative of the Underwriters, to purchase from
the Company the number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite their names.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters are
subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Underwriters shall be
obligated to purchase all of the shares of Common Stock if any of the shares are
purchased. The 10% underwriting discount set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus will be allowed to the Underwriters at the time of delivery to the
Underwriters of the shares of Common Stock so purchased.
Name of Underwriter Number of Shares
------------------- ----------------
H.J. Meyers & Co., Inc. .................
---------------
Total ...............................
===============
The Underwriters have advised the Company that they propose to offer the
shares of Common Stock to the public at an offering price of $____ per Share and
that the Underwriters may allow certain dealers who are members of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") a concession of not in excess
of $____ per Share. After commencement of the offering, the public offering
price and concession may be changed.
The Underwriters have advised the Company that they do not intend to sell
any of the securities offered hereby to accounts for which they exercise
discretionary authority.
The Company has granted to the Representative an option, exercisable
during the 30 business-day period from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase
up to a maximum of ________ additional Shares on the same terms set forth above.
The Representative may exercise such right only to satisfy over-allotments in
the sale of the Shares.
The Company has agreed to pay to the Representative a non-accountable
expense allowance equal to 3% of the total proceeds of the offering, or $180,000
($207,000 if the Representative exercises the over-allotment option in full), of
which $50,000 has already been paid. In addition to the Underwriter's
commissions and Representative's expense allowance, the Company is required to
pay the costs of qualifying the shares under federal and state securities laws,
together with legal and accounting fees, printing and other costs in connection
with this offering, estimated to total approximately $220,000.
At the closing of the offering, the Company will issue to the
Representative, for $5.00, a warrant (the "Representative's Warrant") to
purchase for investment a maximum of _____ Shares of Common Stock. The
Representative's Warrant will be exercisable for a four year period commencing
one year from the date of this Prospectus. The exercise price of the
Representative's Warrant is 120% of the public offering price per Share, or
$_____ per Share. The Representative's Warrant will not be transferable prior to
its exercise date except to officers of the Representative and members of the
selling group and officers and partners thereof.
The Representative's Warrant will contain anti-dilution provisions
providing for adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization, reclassification or similar transaction. The Representative's
Warrant does not entitle the Representative to any rights as a shareholder of
the Company until such warrant is exercised and the shares of Common Stock are
purchased thereunder.
The Representative's Warrant and the shares of Common Stock thereunder may
not be offered for sale except in compliance with the applicable provisions of
the Securities Act. The Company has agreed that, upon written request by a
holder or holders of 50% or more of the Representative's Warrants which is made
during the exercise period of the Representative's Warrant, the Company will, on
two separate occasions, register the Representative's Warrant and any of the
securities issuable upon exercise thereof. The initial such registration will be
at the Company's expense and the second such registration will be at the expense
of the holder(s) of the Representative's Warrant.
For the period during which the Representative's Warrant is exercisable,
the holder or holders will have the opportunity to profit from the rise in the
market value of the Company's Common Stock, with a resulting dilution in the
interests of the other shareholders of the Company. The holder or holders of the
Representative's Warrant
29
<PAGE>
can be expected to exercise it at a time when the Company would, in all
likelihood, be able to obtain any needed capital from an offering of its
unissued Common Stock on terms more favorable to the Company than those provided
for in the Representative's Warrant. Such fact may adversely affect the terms on
which the Company can obtain additional financing. To the extent that the
Representative realizes any gain from the resale of the Representative's Warrant
or the securities issuable thereunder, such gain may be deemed additional
underwriting compensation under the Securities Act.
Officers, directors and holders of five percent or more of the Company's
outstanding capital stock have agreed that they will not sell any shares of
Common Stock owned by them (or subsequently acquired under any option, warrant
or convertible security owned prior to this offering) for eighteen months
following the date of this Prospectus, without the Representative's prior
written consent. However, the Representative has agreed to allow Alain J-M
Clenet, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, to sell
up to 30,000 shares of Common Stock commencing 90 days after the date of this
Prospectus, provided such sales are made through the Representative. During the
three (3) year period after the closing date of the Offering, the Representative
will have the right to purchase for its own account or sell for the account of
the Company's officers, directors and principal shareholders (any person holding
5% or more of the Company's voting securities) any securities sold pursuant to
Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
The Company has agreed that for a period of eighteen months from the date
of this Prospectus it will not sell any securities (with the exception of the
shares of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of the Redeemable Warrants or
currently outstanding options or warrants) without the prior written consent of
the Representative, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The
Company has also agreed that with respect to sales of securities to be made
pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act such period shall be for
twenty-four months.
The Company has also agreed that, for a period of two years from the date
of this Prospectus, if it participates in any merger, consolidation or other
transaction which the Representative has brought to the Company (including an
acquisition of assets or stock for which it pays, in whole or in part, with
shares of the Company's Common Stock or other securities) then it will pay for
the Representative's services an amount equal to 5% of the first $3,000,000 of
value paid or received in the transaction, 2-1/2% of any consideration paid over
$3,000,000 and not greater than $5,000,000, and 2% of all such value above
$5,000,000. The Company has also agreed that if, during this two-year period,
someone other than the Representative brings such a merger, consolidation or
other transaction to the Company, and the Representative renders advice in
connection therewith, then upon consummation of the transaction the Company will
pay to the Representative as a fee the appropriate amount as set forth or as
otherwise agreed to between the Company and the Representative.
The Company has agreed to enter into a consulting agreement with the
Representative under the terms of which the Representative will be paid a
non-refundable fee of $5,000.00 per month for 12 months. The Company has agreed
to pay the Representative the entire one year fee upon the closing of this
Offering. The Representative will perform consulting services related to
corporate finance and other financial service matters, upon the request of the
President of the Company, and will make available qualified personnel for this
purpose and devote such business time and attention to such matters as it shall
determine is required.
The Company has agreed that, for a period of three years from the date of
this Prospectus, it will allow a non-voting observer to the Company's Board of
Directors designated by the Representative and acceptable to the Company, who
shall be invited to attend all meetings and shall be compensated in the same
manner as are non-employee directors of the Company.
The Underwriting Agreement provides for reciprocal indemnification between
the Company and the Representative against certain liabilities in connection
with the registration statement, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Company pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, or otherwise, the Company has
been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable.
30
<PAGE>
The foregoing is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Underwriting
Agreement and does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and
conditions. A copy of the Underwriting Agreement is on file with the Commission
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
See "AVAILABLE INFORMATION."
The initial public offering price of the Shares offered hereby has been
negotiated between the Company and the Representative. Among the factors
considered in determining the offering price were the market price of the Common
Stock, the Company's financial condition and prospects, market prices of similar
securities of comparable publicly-traded companies, certain financial and
operating information of companies engaged in activities similar to those of the
Company and general conditions of the securities markets.
The rules of the Commission generally prohibit the Underwriters from
making a market in the Common Stock during the two business days prior to
commencement of sales in the offering (the "Cooling Off Period"). The Commission
has, however, adopted Rule 103 under Regulation M ("Regulation M") which
provides an exemption from such prohibition for certain passive market making
transactions. Such passive market making transactions must comply with
applicable price and volume limits and must be identified as passive market
making transactions. In general, pursuant to Regulation M, a passive market
maker may display its bid for a security at a price not in excess of the highest
independent bid for the security. If all independent bids are low or below the
passive market maker's bid, however, such bid must then be lowered when certain
purchase limits are exceeded. Further, net purchases by a passive market maker
on each day are generally limited to a specified percentage of the passive
market maker's average daily trading volume in a security during a specified
prior period and must be discontinued when such limit is reached. Pursuant to
the exemption provided by Regulation M, certain of the Underwriters and selling
group numbers may engage in passive market making in the Common Stock during the
Cooling Off Period. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the
Common Stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail, and if
commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
In connection with this Offering, certain Underwriters and selling group
members and their respective affiliates may engage in transactions that
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Common Stock.
Such transactions may include stabilization transactions effected in accordance
with Rule 104 of Regulation M, pursuant to which such persons may bid for or
purchase Common Stock for the purpose of stabilizing its market price. The
Underwriters also may create a short position for the account of the
Underwriters by selling more Common Stock in connection with the Offering than
they are committed to purchase from the Company, and in such case may purchase
Common Stock in the open market following completion of the Offering to cover
all or a portion of such short position. The Underwriters may also cover all or
a portion of such short position by exercising the over-allotment option
referred to above. In addition, the Representative may impose "penalty bids"
under contractual arrangements with the Underwriters whereby it may reclaim from
an Underwriter (or dealer participating in the Offering) for the account of
other Underwriters, the selling concession with respect to Common Stock that is
distributed in the Offering but subsequently purchased for the account of the
Underwriters in the open market. Any transactions described in this paragraph
may result in the maintenance of the price of the Common Stock at a level above
that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. None of the transactions
described in this paragraph is required, and, if they are undertaken, they may
be discontinued at any time.
The foregoing is a summary of the principal terms of the agreements
described above and does not purport to be complete. Reference is made to a copy
of each such agreement which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. See "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION."
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the securities of the Company offered will be passed on
for the Company by Krys Boyle Freedman Scott & Sawyer, P.C., Suite 2700 South
Tower, 600 Seventeenth Street, Denver, Colorado 80202. Brooks & Kushman, P.C.,
Southfield, Michigan, has acted as patent counsel for the Company. The law firm
of Morse, Zelnick, Rose & Lander, a limited liability partnership, 450 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10022-2605, has acted as legal counsel to the
Representative in connection with certain legal matters relating to this
offering.
31
<PAGE>
EXPERTS
The audited financial statements of the Company included in this
Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration Statement have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their
reports with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
The financial statements of the Company for the year ended September 30,
1995, included in this Prospectus and in the Registration Statement, have been
included herein in reliance upon the report of McDirmid, Mikkelsen & Secrest,
P.S., Certified Public Accountants, given upon the authority of that firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A Registration Statement on Form SB-2, including amendments thereto,
relating to the securities offered hereby has been filed by the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. This Prospectus does not
contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the
exhibits thereto. For further information with respect to the Company and the
securities offered hereby, reference is made to such Registration Statement and
exhibits. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any
contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each
instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified
in all respects by such reference. A copy of the Registration Statement may be
inspected without charge at the Commission's principal offices in Washington,
D.C., and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the Commission
upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the Commission.
The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(a) and
to the proxy requirements of Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and in accordance therewith files periodic reports, proxy statements
and other information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and
other information concerning the Company may be inspected or copied at the
public reference facilities at the Commission located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's Regional Offices in
New York, 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048, and in Chicago,
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Copies of such documents can be obtained at the public reference
section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates. Electronic filings made through the Electronic Data Gathering,
Analysis and Retrieval system are publicly available through the Commission's
web site (http.//www.sec.gov).
32
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
----
Reports of Independent Public Accountants........................ F-2 - F-5
Financial Statements
Balance Sheets............................................... F-6
Statements of Operations..................................... F-7
Statements of Stockholders' Equity........................... F-8
Statements of Cash Flows..................................... F-9
Notes to Financial Statements................................ F-10 - F-17
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of ASHA Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of ASHA CORPORATION (a
Delaware Corporation) as of September 30, 1996, and the related statements of
operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year 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 audit. We did not audit the financial statements of ASHA-TAISUN Pte. Ltd., a
joint venture in which the Company owns 50 percent (see Note 5), which
investment is reflected as $600,491 on the September 30, 1996 balance sheet.
Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished
to us and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for that
entity, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.
We conducted our audit 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 audit and the report of other auditors provides a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of the other auditors,
the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of ASHA Corporation at September 30, 1996, and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Los Angeles, California
December 6, 1996
F-2
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
Board of Directors of
ASHA Corporation
Santa Barbara, California
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of ASHA CORPORATION as of
September 30, 1995, and the related statements of operations, stockholders'
equity and cash flows for the year 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 audit.
We conducted our audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of ASHA Corporation at
September 30, 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
year then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ McDirmid, Mikkelsen & Secrest, P.S.
MCDIRMID, MIKKELSEN & SECREST, P.S.
Spokane, Washington
January 11, 1996
F-3
<PAGE>
AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ASHA-TAISUN PTE LTD.
We have audited the financial statements set out on pages 7 to 11 in
accordance with Statements of Auditing Guidelines and Statements of Auditing
Practice and, accordingly, included such tests of the accounting records and
such other auditing procedures as we considered appropriate in the
circumstances.
The Company has not consolidated the financial statements of the
subsidiary, Jiaxing Independence Auto Design and Development Co Ltd., as the
audited financial statements are not available. This is a departure from the
Statement of Accounting Standard 26.
Except for the matter referred to above, in our opinion:
(a) The financial statements are properly drawn up in accordance with the
provisions of the Companies Act, Cap. 50 and Statements of Accounting Standards
and so as to give a true and fair view of:
(i) the state of affairs of the Company as at 30 September 1996 and
the results of the Company for the period ended on that date; and
(ii) the other matters required by Section 201 of the Act to be dealt
with in the financial statements.
(b) The accounting and other records, and the registers required by the
Act to be kept by the Company have been properly kept in accordance with the
provisions of the Act.
/s/ Y.P. TAN & CO.
Y.P. TAN & CO.
Certified Public Accountants
13A Teo Hong Road
Singapore 088327
December 6, 1996
F-4
<PAGE>
AUDITING REPORT
ASHA-TAISUN PTE LTD.
We have verified Jiaxing Independence Auto Design and Development Co.'s
Balance Sheet on
September 30th 1996, Income Statement and the Statement of Changes in Financial
Position from October 1, 1995 to September 30, 1996, after we had received Mrs.
Marguerite Monroy's fax order on November 25th 1996. All these accounting
statements will be prepared by Jiaxing Independence Co. Our auditing is based on
the Independent Auditing Standards of the CCPA's. During this period, we have
done all necessary procedures inclose spot check that we have considered.
We certified that all the Accounting Forms following are in conformity with
the stipulation of the Accounting Standards and the Foreign Investment
Enterprise Accounting System of the People's Republic of China. They also
impartially report the Entity's financial position on September 30th 1996, and
rightly report the performance and the cash flowing's during this period and
that all the Accounting Procedures are rely on the Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles.
Additional copy: Specification on the audit activity.
By: /s/ Jiaxing Dexin Certified Public Accountants
Jiaxing Dexin Certified Public Accountants
Add. No. 567 Qinjian Road
Jiaxing China
Date: December 2, 1996
F-5
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, March 31,
---------------------------- -------------
1995 1996 1997
------------ ------------ -------------
(unaudited)
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents .............................. $ 12,804 $ 13,581 $ 122,743
Short-term investments ................................. -- 247,548 9,987
Accounts receivable .................................... 1,624,272 1,089,955 1,132,777
Prepaid expenses and other ............................. 87,996 64,819 175,423
----------- ----------- -----------
Total current assets ............................. 1,725,072 1,415,903 1,440,930
----------- ----------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost,
net of accumulated depreciation
and amortization ...................................... 147,407 203,480 169,692
OTHER ASSETS:
Long-term receivable ................................... 829,345 -- 851,794
Investment in affiliate ................................ 429,702 600,491 840,635
----------- ----------- -----------
1,259,047 600,491 1,692,429
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 3,131,526 $ 2,219,874 $ 3,303,051
=========== =========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term borrowings .................................. $ 85,000 $ 275,000 $ 750,000
Notes payable-- bridge financing ....................... -- -- 759,375
Due to related party ................................... 45,000 -- --
Accounts payable ....................................... 74,723 102,262 149,060
Accrued liabilities .................................... 127,632 108,985 153,034
----------- ----------- -----------
Total current liabilities ........................ 332,355 486,247 1,811,469
----------- ----------- -----------
COMMITMENTS (Note 10)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value
Authorized--10,000,000 shares;
no shares issued or outstanding ................... -- -- --
Common stock, $.00001 par value:
Authorized--20,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding--6,891,837
shares in 1995, 7,076,217 shares in
1996, and 7,144,877 shares in 1997 ................ 69 71 72
Additional paid-in capital ............................. 5,139,936 5,926,456 6,208,345
Accumulated deficit .................................... (2,298,671) (4,110,993) (4,634,928)
Less: Treasury stock, at cost .......................... (42,163) (81,907) (81,907)
----------- ----------- -----------
2,799,171 1,733,627 1,491,582
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 3,131,526 $ 2,219,874 $ 3,303,051
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
F-6
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
Year Ended September 30, December 31,
--------------------------- -------------------------
1995 1996 1996 1997
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
License and right of refusal ...... $ 4,089,643 $ 1,315,000 $ 1,351,000 $ 1,000,000
Contract and other services ....... 346,313 395,898 115,953 172,095
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
4,435,956 1,710,898 1,466,953 1,172,095
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development .......... 1,067,795 1,044,873 515,930 459,496
Officers' salaries ................ 414,415 480,900 304,199 205,893
Legal and accounting .............. 82,854 97,149 51,263 125,838
Patent application ................ 73,253 45,537 12,701 12,064
Taxes and licenses ................ 98,946 136,076 53,854 64,244
Selling, general and administrative 705,493 870,529 521,225 366,890
Depreciation and amortization ..... 48,792 75,472 24,310 33,788
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
2,491,548 2,750,536 1,483,482 1,268,213
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) from operations ... 1,944,408 (1,039,638) (16,529) (96,118)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Revaluation of long-term receivable -- -- -- (39,608)
Loss from investment in affiliate . (470,298) (886,592) -- (237,966)
Interest and investment income .... 100,095 117,322 12,849 5,113
Interest expense .................. (1,445) (2,614) -- (155,356)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(371,648) (771,884) 12,849 (427,817)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before provision
for income taxes ............... 1,572,760 (1,811,522) (3,680) (523,935)
Provision for income taxes .......... 41,427 800 13,500 --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) ................... $ 1,531,333 $(1,812,322) $ (17,180) $ (523,935)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Net income (loss) per common share .. $ .22 $ (.26) $ -- $ (.07)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Weighted Average Number of common
shares outstanding ............... 6,838,196 7,057,635 6,924,367 7,103,919
=========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock Additional Total
------------------ Paid-in Accumulated Treasury Stockholders'
Shares/Amount Capital Deficit Stock Equity
------------------ ------------ ------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE,
September 30, 1994............ 6,842,591 $68 $5,009,087 $(3,830,004) $(19,788) $1,159,363
Issuance of common stock
for services.................. 15,104 -- 70,457 -- -- 70,457
Issuance of common stock......... 39,142 1 60,392 -- -- 60,393
Purchase of common
stock for treasury............ (5,000) -- -- -- (22,375) (22,375)
Net income....................... -- -- -- 1,531,333 -- 1,531,333
--------- --- ---------- ----------- -------- ----------
BALANCE,
September 30, 1995............ 6,891,837 69 5,139,936 (2,298,671) (42,163) 2,799,171
Issuance of common stock
for cash...................... 181,818 2 749,998 -- -- 750,000
Issuance of common stock,
due to exercise of
stock options................. 8,921 -- 36,522 -- -- 36,522
Retirement of common
stock for treasury............ (6,359) -- -- -- (39,744) (39,744)
Net loss......................... -- -- -- (1,812,322) -- (1,812,322)
--------- --- ---------- ----------- -------- ----------
BALANCE,
September 30, 1996............ 7,076,217 71 5,926,456 (4,110,993) (81,907) 1,733,627
Issuance of common stock,
due to exercise of stock
options (unaudited)........... 4,370 -- 16,890 -- -- 16,890
Fair value of common stock
issued in connection with the
sale of units (unaudited)..... 64,290 1 224,999 -- -- 225,000
Fair value of warrant issued
to a bank (unaudited)......... -- -- 40,000 -- -- 40,000
Net loss (unaudited)............. -- -- -- (523,935) -- (523,935)
--------- --- ---------- ----------- -------- ----------
BALANCE,
March 31, 1997
(unaudited)................... 7,144,877 $72 $6,208,345 $(4,634,928) $(81,907) $1,491,582
========= === ========== =========== ======== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-8
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
Year Ended September 30, March 31,
--------------------------- ---------------------------
1995 1996 1996 1997
----------- ------------ ------------ -----------
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)................................ $1,531,333 $(1,812,322) $ (17,180) $(523,935)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Interest expense in connection
with issuance of common stock
and stock warrant.......................... -- -- -- 109,375
Depreciation and amortization................ 48,792 75,472 24,310 33,788
Revaluation of long-term receivable.......... -- -- -- 39,608
Issuance of common stock for services........ 70,457 -- -- --
Accrued interest on long-term receivable..... -- (62,057) -- --
Gain on sale of equipment.................... (2,401) -- -- --
Loss on sale of short-term investments....... 1,121 -- -- --
Loss on investment in affiliate.............. 470,298 886,592 -- 237,966
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in:
Accounts receivable...................... (1,434,450) 1,425,719 1,508,628 (934,224)
Officer receivable....................... 20,515 -- -- --
Long-term receivable..................... (829,345) -- -- --
Prepaid expenses and other............... 2,383 23,177 232 5,396
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable......................... 43,220 27,539 (38,392) 46,798
Accrued liabilities...................... 56,006 (18,647) 23,519 44,049
---------- ----------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities..................... (22,071) 545,473 1,501,117 (941,179)
---------- ----------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of short-term investments.............. (7,782) (247,548) (1,514,784) 237,561
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments..... 253,207 -- -- --
Additions to property and equipment.............. (90,575) (131,545) (56,687) --
Proceeds from sale of property
and equipment................................. 5,500 -- -- --
Investment in affiliate.......................... (900,000) (1,057,381) (447,533) (478,110)
---------- ----------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities...... (739,650) (1,436,474) (2,019,004) (240,549)
---------- ----------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
Net borrowing (repayments)
under line of credit agreement................ 85,000 190,000 (85,000) 475,000
Net proceeds from sale of units.................. -- -- -- 799,000
Due to related party............................. 45,000 (45,000) (45,000) --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock........... -- 750,000 750,000 16,890
Proceeds from exercise of stock options.......... 41,813 36,522 -- --
Purchase of common stock for treasury............ (22,375) -- -- --
Repayment of receivable through
retirement of common stock.................... -- (39,744) -- --
Principal payments on obligations under
capital lease................................. (733) -- -- --
---------- ----------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by
financing activities.................... 148,705 891,778 620,000 1,290,890
---------- ----------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents.............................. (613,016) 777 102,113 109,162
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period..................................... 625,820 12,804 12,804 13,581
---------- ----------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period....... $ 12,804 $ 13,581 $ 114,917 $ 122,743
========== =========== ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>
F-9
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. The Company
ASHA Corporation (the Company) is incorporated in the State of Delaware.
The Company's operations include the design, development and marketing of
automobiles, automobile components and accessories. Manufacturing and
distribution are expected to be contracted to other companies through licensing,
joint venture or other arrangements. During fiscal 1996, all of the Company's
revenues were related to its GERODISC product. The GERODISC is an automated
hydromechanical traction control device.
Management is continuing its marketing and development activities with the
goal of generating revenue through prototype and product development and the
eventual sale or license of its products.
Management believes that continuation of its marketing and product
development efforts will produce increasing revenues. Management also believes
it will be able to generate sufficient funds through the issuances of debt or
equity to sustain operations until revenues are sufficient to sustain
operations. During fiscal 1996, the Company raised approximately $787,000
through the sale of common stock. In January 1997, the Company received
approximately $799,000 in net proceeds from the private sale of units consisting
of promissory notes and common stock.
The Company is subject to numerous business risks at this stage of its
development. These risks include, but are not limited to, the Company's
accumulated deficit and recent operating losses, the uncertainty of market
acceptance of the Company's GERODISC product into the U.S. automotive industry,
the dependence upon primarily one product (GERODISC), potential competition and
the uncertainty of doing business in China.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from license fees over the period the
license fee is earned. Service revenues are recognized as the service is
performed.
Research and Development
Costs associated with developing and testing new concepts and designs are
expensed as incurred. All research and development and patent acquisition costs
have been expensed through September 30, 1996.
Significant Customers
During fiscal 1996, revenues from one customer (see Note 3) represented 75
percent of the Company's total revenues. At September 30, 1996, a receivable
from another customer accounted for 82 percent of the Company's accounts
receivable balance.
During fiscal 1995, revenues from two customers (see Note 3) represented 82
percent of the Company's total revenues. At September 30, 1995, receivables from
these two customers accounted for 89 percent of the Company's accounts
receivable balance.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
F-10
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Short-Term Investments
The Company accounts for its investments in debt and equity securities
under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". As defined
by the new standard, the Company has classified its investments as "trading
securities". The investments are recorded at cost, which approximated their
market values at September 30, 1996.
Investment in Affiliate
Investment in affiliate is accounted for on the equity method (see Note 5).
Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from transactions with the
affiliated company are included in results of operations.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed on
straight-line and accelerated methods over estimated useful lives of five to
seven years.
Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for income taxes was $41,427 in 1995 and $28,026 in 1996. Cash
paid for interest was $1,445 in 1995 and $2,614 in 1996.
In 1996, the long-term receivable was reclassified into accounts
receivable. This non-cash transaction is excluded from the 1996 Statement of
Cash Flows.
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
Net income (loss) per common share amounts are based on the weighted
average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents (dilutive
stock options) outstanding during the related periods. The weighted average
number of common stock equivalent shares includes shares issuable upon the
assumed exercise of stock options, less the number of shares assumed purchased
with the proceeds available from such exercise. The effect of dilutive common
share equivalents is not included in the net loss per common share calculation
for fiscal 1996.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior years' financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
3. Licensing and Right of First Refusal Agreements
In August 1993, the Company entered into a licensing agreement with New
Venture Gear, Inc. (NVG) to manufacture and market one of its products (the
GERODISC). During fiscal 1995, the Company received $250,000 under the agreement
and NVG committed to pay $450,000 to keep the agreement in force through 1996.
The $450,000 was paid in fiscal 1996. The agreement also calls for the Company
to receive a royalty for each unit produced under the agreement. Through
September 30, 1996, no royalties had been earned under the agreement.
In December 1994, the Company and NVG amended the license agreement to
provide that in the event NVG is awarded a production program by a major
original equipment manufacturer (OEM), NVG will pay $1,000,000 to the Company at
the beginning of the first model year of production, in addition to the amounts
discussed above. On December 24, 1994, NVG was awarded a production program with
a major OEM, with the first model year scheduled to begin in August 1997. In May
1997, the production schedule was revised (see Note 12). The $1,000,000 was
recognized as revenue in fiscal 1995 as the amount will be paid in August 1997
(see Note 12) irrespective of any units ever being produced and with no further
performance required on the part of the Company. The long-term receivable in
1995 represents the $1,000,000 payment due discounted to its present value of
$829,345 as of September 30, 1995. At September 30, 1996, this receivable is
included in accounts receivable at its present value of approximately $900,000.
F-11
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
On December 28, 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with DANA
Corporation in which the Company licensed DANA the right to manufacture and
market GERODISC. The license agreement provides for a licensing fee of
$2,000,000, of which $1,000,000 was paid in February 1995 and $1,000,000 was
paid in January 1996. The $2,000,000 was recorded as license revenue in fiscal
1995 as the license fee was solely for the right to manufacture and market the
product and there was no further performance required on the part of the
Company. In addition, the Company will receive a royalty on each unit produced
under the agreement. Through September 30, 1996, no royalties had been earned
under the agreement.
On November 10, 1995, the Company and Hall Racing entered into an agreement
for the 1996 IndyCar racing season. The November 1995 agreement requires Hall
Racing to pay $65,000 for the right to use GERODISC on an exclusive basis for
the 1996 racing season. This amount has been recorded as revenue in fiscal 1996.
On October 9, 1995, the Company and Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik,
GmbH, (Steyr) entered into an option agreement to use GERODISC applications. In
fiscal 1996, Steyr paid $100,000 for the option. This amount has been recorded
as revenue in fiscal 1996.
On November 1, 1995, the Company entered into an option agreement with
American Axle and Manufacturing, Inc., which granted American Axle an eighteen
month option to acquire non-exclusive licenses for up to three different
applications world-wide. The agreement also calls for the Company to receive a
royalty on each unit produced under the agreement. In November 1995, American
Axle paid $1,150,000 for the option. As of September 30, 1996, no royalties had
been earned under the agreement.
4. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following at September 30, 1995 and
1996:
1995 1996
----- -----
Vehicles......................................... $ 33,196 $ 70,378
Furniture and fixtures........................... 98,945 103,284
Machinery and equipment.......................... 234,974 320,705
Leasehold and improvements....................... 31,374 35,667
-------- --------
398,489 530,034
Accumulated depreciation and amortization........ (251,082) (326,554)
-------- --------
$147,407 $203,480
======== ========
5. Investment in Affiliate
On August 11, 1994, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with
TAISUN Automotive Pte. Ltd., a Singapore corporation. The joint venture is
operated through ASHA-TAISUN Pte. Ltd. (ASHA-TAISUN), a Singapore corporation,
which is owned 50 percent by the Company and 50 percent by TAISUN Automotive
Pte. Ltd. The purpose of this joint venture is for the licensing of the
Company's GERODISC technology in China and Malaysia and for the development of
an automotive industry for China and Southeast Asia.
ASHA-TAISUN is a holding company, which through its 85 percent-owned
subsidiary, Jiaxing Independence Auto Design and Development Co., Ltd. (Jiaxing
Auto), is developing automobile manufacturing facilities in Jiaxing, China.
The Company has recorded its investment in ASHA-TAISUN at its invested
capital contributions less its share of the operating losses in fiscal years
1995 and 1996 of $470,298 and $886,592, respectively.
F-12
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
A reconciliation of the Company's investment in the joint venture as
recorded on the accompanying September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet, to the balance as
reported in the financial statements covered by the report of other auditors, is
as follows:
The equity of ASHA-TAISUN per the financial statements
of ASHA-TAISUN...................................... $2,494,516
Additional investment by the Company................. 1,057,381
Write-off of capitalized research and
development (R&D) costs............................ (988,816)
Write down of investment in Jiaxing
Auto, primarily related to capitalized
organization costs and R&D costs................... (1,362,099)
---------
1,200,982
Company interest at 50 percent....................... .50
---------
Balance per the accompanying
September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet..................... $ 600,491
=========
The following is adjusted summarized financial information of ASHA-TAISUN
as of, and for the year ended, September 30, 1996:
Assets............................................ $1,201,607
Liabilities....................................... (625)
Shareholders' Equity.............................. 1,200,982
Net Loss.......................................... $(1,773,184)
6. Short-Term Borrowings
The Company has entered into a line of credit agreement with a bank under
which the Company may borrow up to $500,000. Borrowings under this facility bear
interest at the prime rate (8.25 percent at September 30, 1996) plus 1.5
percent. The line is secured by essentially all assets of the Company. The line
expired in November 1996. At September 30, 1996, $275,000 was outstanding on the
line.
In November 1996, the Company renewed its line of credit agreement with the
same bank through June 1997. Under the revised terms, the Company may borrow up
to $750,000 at the borrowing rate of prime plus 1.5 percent. The line is secured
by essentially all assets of the Company. In connection with the renewal, the
Company issued a warrant to the bank to purchase up to 18,750 shares of the
Company's common stock at $4.00 per share. The fair value of the warrant
(approximately $40,000) will be amortized as interest expense through June 1997.
During the six month period ended March 31, 1997, $25,000 of interest expense
was recorded in connection with the warrant. At March 31, 1997, $750,000 was
outstanding on the line.
7. Due to Related Party
The amount due to a related party at September 30, 1995 consisted of an
unsecured note payable of $45,000 to TAISUN Automotive Pte. Ltd., which is 85
percent owned by a major stockholder of the Company. The note was repaid in full
in fiscal 1996. 8. Equity Transactions
Sale of Common Stock for Cash
On November 2, 1995, the Company sold 181,818 shares of its common stock
for $750,000 in cash to the majority shareholder of TAISUN Automotive Pte. Ltd.
Stock Option Plans
In August 1993, the Company's Board of Directors approved the 1993
Nonqualified Stock Option Plan in which any employee, officer, director or
consultant that the Board, in its sole discretion, designates is eligible to
participate. At September 30, 1996, no options were outstanding under this plan.
F-13
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
In May 1994, the Company granted an option to a consultant to purchase up
to 11,765 shares of its common stock at the exercise price of $1.28 per share.
The option expires on September 30, 1997.
In December 1994, the Company's Board of Directors approved the 1994 Stock
Option Plan which provides for the granting of options to purchase up to 750,000
shares of common stock, consisting of both incentive and nonqualified stock
options. Incentive stock options are issuable only to employees of the Company
and may not be granted at an exercise price less than the fair market value of
the common stock on the date the option is granted. Vesting provisions are
determined by the Board at the time the options are granted, and the options
expire three to five years from the date of grant.
A summary of option activities under the 1994 Stock Option Plan is as
follows:
Number of
Shares Option Price
--------- -----------
Balance, September 30, 1994............. -- $ --
Granted............................... 75,745 4.00
Exercised............................. (5,396) 4.00
Cancelled............................. -- --
------- ---------------
Balance, September 30, 1995............. 70,349 4.00
Granted............................... 198,402 4.125 to 4.625
Exercised............................. (8,921) 4.00 to 4.125
Cancelled............................. (1,239) 4.00
------- ----------------
Balance, September 30, 1996............. 258,591 $4.00 to 4.625
======= ================
Stock Incentive Plans
In December 1988, the Board of Directors approved a stock incentive plan.
Under this plan, 58,824 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance
to participants, defined as any person or firm providing services to the
Company. The stock will be granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors
and a cash payment equal to twenty percent of the value of the stock granted
will be paid to the participant. Granting of stock under this plan is intended
to encourage a continued relationship and services by the participant and to
reward creative or noteworthy efforts to the participant.
The stock is 100 percent forfeitable if the services of the participant are
terminated within two years of the grant of the stock and 50 percent forfeitable
if services are terminated after two years but less than three years from the
grant of the stock.
A balance of 45,523 shares are available for issuance under this plan at
September 30, 1996. No stock has been issued under this plan since fiscal 1990.
Director Stock Compensation Plan
In June 1994, the Company's Board of Directors approved a Director Stock
Compensation Plan and have reserved 20,000 shares of the Company's common stock
for issuance in exchange for services provided to the Company outside of their
regular duties as directors. All members of the Board of Directors will be
eligible to receive shares under the plan. A balance of 10,000 shares are
available for issuance under this plan at September 30, 1996. No shares have
been issued since fiscal 1994.
9. Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109.
Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the
temporary difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of
assets and liabilities using the statutory marginal income tax rate in effect
for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income
tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the deferred income tax
assets or liabilities from period to period.
F-14
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The components of the net deferred income tax asset at September 30, 1995
and 1996 are as follows:
1995 1996
----------- -----------
Loss in investment in affiliate ................ $ 203,639 $ 587,534
Capitalized research and development costs ..... 91,307 175,007
Net operating loss carryforwards ............... 611,353 919,389
Other, net ..................................... 11,717 49,371
----------- -----------
918,016 1,731,301
Less: Valuation reserve ........................ (918,016) (1,731,301)
----------- -----------
$ -- $ --
=========== ===========
Realization of the net deferred income tax asset is dependent on generating
sufficient taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences will
reverse. Due to the Company's limited profitable operating history and the
uncertainty of long-term profitability, management believes it is more likely
than not that the net deferred income tax asset may not be realized. The amount
of the net deferred income tax asset considered realizable, however, may be
adjusted in the future if estimates of future taxable income during the reversal
periods justify such adjustment.
The components of the current provision for income taxes for the years
ended September 30, 1995 and 1996 are as follows:
1995 1996
---- ----
Federal........................................ $35,914 $ --
State.......................................... 5,513 800
------- ----
$41,427 $800
======= ====
There was no deferred provision for income taxes for the years ended
September 30, 1995 and 1996.
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed
at the federal statutory rate for the years ended September 30, 1995 and 1996 is
as follows:
1995 1996
---- ----
Federal income tax provision (benefit) at the
statutory rate.................................. $ 534,738 $(615,917)
State taxes, net of federal benefit............... 95,938 800
Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards... (625,163) --
Tax benefits not recognized....................... -- 615,917
Other............................................. 35,914 --
--------- --------
$ 41,427 $ 800
========= =========
The net operating loss carryforward as of September 30, 1996 for federal
tax purposes is approximately $2,700,000 and expires beginning in 2006.
10. Commitments
Lease Commitments
The Company leases its facility under an operating lease agreement with
monthly payments of approximately $6,300 through January 1999. Rent expense
under this agreement was $54,562 and $68,389 for the years ended September 30,
1995 and 1996, respectively.
The Company also leases certain equipment under operating lease agreements
that expire in April 2001.
F-15
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Minimum future obligations under these agreements are as follows:
Years ending September 30,
-----------------------
1997............................................... $119,165
1998............................................... 112,826
1999............................................... 60,860
2000............................................... 41,863
2001............................................... 16,600
--------
$351,314
========
Employment Agreement
In April 1995, the Company entered into a five-year employment contract
with its Chief Executive Officer providing for an annual salary of $152,500,
subject to annual review by the Board of Directors. In addition, the contract
authorizes health insurance, medical reimbursements, expense accounts, executive
incentives and other fringe benefits.
11. 401(k) Plan
Effective October 1, 1995, the Company implemented a 401(k) Plan pursuant
to which all eligible employees may contribute up to 15 percent of their
compensation. The Company matches contributions in the amount of 10 percent of
all elective deferrals, and, at the Company's option, may contribute annually up
to 15 percent of the total compensation of all eligible employees. During the
year ended September 30, 1996, the Company made $8,047 in matching contributions
under this plan.
12. Unaudited Information
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited financial statements related to December 31, 1996 and the
three month periods ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 have been prepared pursuant
to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain
information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although
the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the
information presented not misleading. These unaudited financial statements
reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly present the results of
operations, changes in cash flows and financial position as of and for the
periods presented. These unaudited financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes thereto,
appearing elsewhere herein. The results for the interim periods presented are
not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
Short-Term Investments
The Company accounts for its investments in debt and equity securities
under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". As defined
by the new standard, the Company has classified its investments as "trading
securities". The investments are recorded at cost, which approximated their
market values at March 31, 1997.
Investment in Affiliate
Investment in affiliate is accounted for on the equity method (see Note 5).
Foreign currency gains and losses resulting from transactions with the
affiliated company are included in results of operations. During the six month
period ended March 31, 1997, the Company invested an additional $478,110 into
the joint venture and recorded a loss on their investment in the amount of
$237,966, which represents 50 percent of the loss of the affiliated company. As
the affiliated company is only a holding company, it does not record sales or
gross profits.
F-16
<PAGE>
ASHA CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Income Taxes
For the six month period ended March 31, 1997, the provision for income
taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income
tax rate to the loss before income taxes as follows:
Expected federal benefit..................... $(178,138) (34.0)%
Benefit not recognized....................... 178,138 34.0
-------- ----
$ -- -- %
======== ====
Stock Options
In December 1996, the Company granted options to purchase up to 152,999
shares of its common stock at the exercise price of $3.69 per share. In January
1997, the Company granted options to purchase up to 260,000 shares of its common
stock at exercise prices ranging from $3.75 to $4.00 per share. The options
expire three to five years from the date of grant. During the six month period
ending March 31, 1997, options to purchase 4,370 shares of common stock were
exercised.
Bridge Loan Financings
In January 1997, the Company received net proceeds of approximately
$799,000 from the sale of units, each of which consisted of an 8 percent
promissory note and common stock. This sale is in connection with the Company's
signing of a Letter of Intent with an underwriter concerning a proposed public
offering of the Company's common stock. In connection with the sale of the
units, the Company issued 64,290 shares of its common stock (with a fair value
of approximately $225,000) and incurred $900,000 of debt. The fair value of the
stock will be amortized as interest expense during the second and third quarters
of fiscal 1997, as this is the earliest estimated time of repayment of the
promissory notes. During the six month period ended March 31, 1997, $84,375 of
interest expense was recorded in connection with the sale of the units, and
$148,625 was recorded as a reduction to the notes payable. The $148,625 will be
amortized as interest expense in the third quarter.
Stock-Based Compensation Plan
The Company accounts for its 1994 Stock Option Plan under the provisions of
APB Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation cost has been recognized for the
employee and director stock option awards. The Company has elected to follow the
disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
(SFAS 123), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". Had compensation cost for
the stock option awards been determined consistent with SFAS 123, the Company's
net loss and loss per common share amounts would have been increased to the
following pro forma amounts for the year ended September 30, 1996 and the six
month period ended March 31, 1997:
September 30, March 31,
1996 1997
----------- -----------
Net loss
As Reported............................ $(1,812,322) $(523,935)
Pro Forma.............................. (2,205,390) (1,243,943)
Net loss per common share
As reported ........................... $ (.26) $ (.07)
Pro Forma.............................. (.31) (.18)
Licensing Agreement
In May 1997, the production schedule relating to the Company's amended
license agreement with NVG (see Note 3) was revised. Due to a marketing decision
effected by the major OEM, the first model year of production was revised to
begin in August 1998, rather than in August 1997. The decision was effected to
introduce the Company's GERODISC product into the 1999 model year, which has
significantly more units scheduled to be produced than for the 1998 model. As
such, the $1,000,000 payment due under the agreement has been reclassified as a
long-term receivable at its discounted value of $851,794 at March 31, 1997.
During the six month period ended March 31, 1997, an expense in the amount of
$39,608 has been recorded to reduce the receivable to its discounted value.
Employment Agreements
In March 1997, the Company entered into two-year employment agreements with
its President and Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Each employee is
entitled to a salary of $90,000 per year. The President's agreement also
provides that he is to be granted options to purchase 25,000 shares annually.
F-17
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Exploded view of an engineering drawing of the GERODISC traction system.
<PAGE>
================================================================================
No dealer, salesperson or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations not contained in this Prospectus and,
if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Company, the Underwriter or by any other person.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, any security other than the shares of Common Stock offered hereby
nor does it constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any
of the securities offered hereby to any person in any jurisdiction to which it
is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation to such person. Neither the
delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall under any
circumstances create any implication that the information contained herein is
correct as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.
-------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
Prospectus Summary...................................................... 3
The Company............................................................. 3
Risk Factors............................................................ 5
Price Range of Common Stock............................................. 10
Dividends............................................................... 10
Use of Proceeds......................................................... 11
Dilution................................................................ 12
Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations............................................. 13
Business................................................................ 16
Management.............................................................. 22
Concurrent Offering..................................................... 26
Principal Shareholders.................................................. 27
Certain Transactions.................................................... 27
Description of Securities............................................... 28
Underwriting............................................................ 29
Legal Matters........................................................... 31
Experts................................................................. 32
Additional Information.................................................. 32
Index to Financial Statements........................................... F-1
================================================================================
================================================================================
ASHA CORPORATION
________ Shares of Common Stock
------------
PROSPECTUS
------------
H. J. Meyers & Co., Inc.
_______, 1997
================================================================================
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 25, 1997
P R O S P E C T U S
83,040 Shares of Common Stock
ASHA CORPORATION
This Prospectus relates to 83,040 shares of common stock (the "Common
Stock") of ASHA Corporation (the "Company"), held by nine (9) holders (the
"Selling Shareholders"). Of the 83,040 shares of Common Stock offered hereby (i)
64,290 shares of Common Stock are presently held by the Selling Shareholders and
(ii) 18,750 shares of Common Stock are issuable upon the exercise of a warrant
("Warrant") which entitles the holder to purchase up to 18,750 shares of Common
Stock at $4.00 per share. The shares of Common Stock presently held by the
Selling Shareholders were issued in a private placement by the Company in
December 1996 (the "Private Placement"), and the Warrant was issued to one of
the Selling Shareholders in November 1996 in connection with an increase in the
Company's line of credit from a bank. See "Selling Shareholders" and "Plan of
Distribution."
The Common Stock offered by the Selling Shareholders pursuant to this
Prospectus may be sold from time to time by the Selling Shareholders or by their
transferees. The distribution of the Common Stock offered hereby by the Selling
Shareholders may be effected in one or more transactions that may take place on
the over-the-counter market, including ordinary brokers' transactions, privately
negotiated transactions or through sales to one or more dealers for resale of
such securities as principals, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale,
at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
Usual and customary or specifically negotiated brokerage fees or commissions may
be paid by the Selling Shareholders.
The Selling Shareholders, and intermediaries through whom such securities
are sold, may be deemed underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the securities offered,
and any profits realized or commissions received may be deemed underwriting
compensation.
The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of Common
Stock by the Selling Shareholders. See "Selling Shareholders" and "Plan of
Distribution."
On the date of this Prospectus, a registration statement under the
Securities Act with respect to an underwritten public offering by the Company of
______ shares of Common Stock was declared effective by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The Company will receive approximately
$___________ in net proceeds from such offering (assuming no exercise of the
Underwriter's over-allotment option) after payment of underwriting discounts and
commissions and estimated expenses of such offering.
----------
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND IMMEDIATE
SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION. SEE"RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE __.
----------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------
The date of this Prospectus is __________, 1997.
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A Registration Statement on Form SB-2, including amendments thereto,
relating to the securities offered hereby has been filed by the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. This Prospectus does not
contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the
exhibits thereto. For further information with respect to the Company and the
securities offered hereby, reference is made to such Registration Statement and
exhibits. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any
contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each
instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified
in all respects by such reference. A copy of the Registration Statement may be
inspected without charge at the Commission's principal offices in Washington,
D.C., and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the Commission
upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the Commission.
The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(a) and
to the proxy requirements of Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and in accordance therewith files periodic reports, proxy statements
and other information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and
other information concerning the Company may be inspected or copied at the
public reference facilities at the Commission located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's Regional Offices in
New York, 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048, and in Chicago,
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Copies of such documents can be obtained at the public reference
section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates. Electronic filings made through the Electronic Data Gathering,
Analysis and Retrieval system are publicly available through the Commission's
web site (http.//www.sec.gov).
2
<PAGE>
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
An aggregate of up to 83,040 shares of Selling Shareholders' Common Stock
may be offered for resale by the investors listed below.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to each
Selling Shareholder for whom the Company has registered Selling Shareholders'
Common Stock for resale to the public. The Company will not receive any of the
proceeds from the sale of such Common Stock. There are no material relationships
between any of the Selling Shareholders and the Company or any of its
predecessors or affiliates, nor have any such material relationships existed
within the past three years except as footnoted below. Except as described
below, no Selling Shareholder will beneficially own any Common Stock of the
Company if the Selling Shareholders' Common Stock is sold.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Number of Shares
Number of Shares Shares to be Beneficially Owned
Beneficially Owned Being on Completion of the Offering
Name of Selling ------------------ -----------------------------
Shareholder Record Other Offered Record Other % of Class
--------------- ------- ----- ------- ------- ----- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael Canter................................. 5,358 -- 5,358 -- -- --
Villandry Investments Ltd...................... 10,715 -- 10,715 -- -- --
Dhananjay Wadeker.............................. 2,679 -- 2,679 -- -- --
Banque Paribas................................. 14,286 -- 14,286 -- -- --
Robert Kassenbrock............................. 5,358 -- 5,358 -- -- --
Swan Alley Limited............................. 8,036 -- 8,036 -- -- --
Wiseman Family Trust........................... 3,572 -- 3,572 -- -- --
Thomas Lutri................................... 14,286 -- 14,286 -- -- --
Montecito Bank & Trust......................... -- 18,750(1) 18,750 -- -- --
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Represents shares issuable upon the exercise of a warrant held by Montecito
Bank & Trust. See "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES."
Each of the Selling Shareholders has agreed not to sell the share being
offered hereby until six months after the date of this Prospectus without the
consent of the Representative.
3
<PAGE>
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The sale of the Common Stock by the Selling Shareholders may be effected
from time to time in transactions (which may include block transactions by or
for the account of the Selling Shareholders) in the over-the-counter market or
in negotiated transactions or otherwise. Sales may be made at fixed prices which
may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, or at
negotiated prices.
The Selling Shareholders may effect such transactions by selling their
Common Stock directly to purchasers, through broker-dealers acting as agents for
the Selling Shareholders or to broker-dealers who may purchase Common Stock as
principals and thereafter sell the Common Stock from time to time in the
over-the-counter market in negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such
broker-dealers, if any, may receive compensation in the form of discounts,
concessions or commissions from the Selling Shareholders or the purchasers for
whom such broker dealers may act as agents or to whom they may sell as
principals or otherwise (which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer may
exceed customary commissions).
Each Selling Shareholder has agreed not to sell, transfer, or otherwise
dispose publicly the Selling Shareholders' Common Stock for a period of six
months after the date of this Prospectus without the consent of the
Representative of the Underwriters in the underwritten public offering.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 ("Exchange Act"), any person engaged in the distribution of the Selling
Shareholders' Common Stock may not simultaneously engage in market making
activities with respect to any securities of the Company for a period of at
least two (and possibly nine) business days prior to the commencement of such
distribution. Accordingly, in the event that H.J. Meyers & Co., Inc., the
Representative of the Underwriters of the Company's public offering, is engaged
in a distribution of the Selling Shareholders' Common Stock it will not be able
to make a market in the Company's Common Stock during the applicable restrictive
period. However, the Representative has not agreed to nor is it obliged to act
as broker-dealer in the sale of the Selling Shareholders' Common Stock. The
Selling Shareholders may be required, and in the event the Underwriter is a
market maker, will likely be required to sell such Common Stock through another
broker-dealer. In addition, each Selling Shareholder desiring to sell Common
Stock will be subject to the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder, including without limitation, Rules l0b-6 and
l0b-7, which provisions may limit the timing of the purchases and sales of the
Company's Common Stock by such Selling Shareholders.
The Selling Shareholders and broker-dealers, if any, acting in connection
with such sale might be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of Section
2(11) of the Securities Act and any commission received by them and any profit
on the resale of the securities might be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act.
4
<PAGE>
CONCURRENT PUBLIC OFFERING
On the date of this Prospectus, a Registration Statement was declared
effective under the Securities Act with respect to an underwritten offering by
the Company of _________ shares of Common Stock by the Company and up to _______
additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any.
5
<PAGE>
================================================================================
No dealer, salesperson or other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations other than those contained in this
prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not
be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company or the Underwriter. This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to
buy any security other than the securities offered by this Prospectus, or an
offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities by any person
in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful.
Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under
any circumstances, imply that the information in this Prospectus is correct as
of any time subsequent to the date of this Prospectus.
----------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
Prospectus Summary..................................................... __
The Company............................................................ __
Price Range of Common Stock............................................ __
Dividends.............................................................. __
Risk Factors .......................................................... __
Use of Proceeds........................................................ __
Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations
and Financial Condition............................................. __
Business............................................................... __
Management ............................................................ __
Principal Shareholders ................................................ __
Certain Transactions................................................... __
Selling Shareholders................................................... __
Concurrent Public Offering............................................. __
Description of Securities.............................................. __
Plan of Distribution................................................... __
Legal Matters.......................................................... __
Experts................................................................ __
Index to Financial Statements ......................................... __
================================================================================
================================================================================
ASHA CORPORATION
83,040 Shares of Common Stock
-----------
PROSPECTUS
-----------
_______, 1997 __
================================================================================
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 24. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
The only statute, charter provision, bylaw, contract, or other arrangement
under which any controlling person, Director or Officer of the Registrant is
insured or indemnified in any manner against any liability which he may incur in
his capacity as such, is as follows:
The Delaware General Corporation Law (the "Code") permits the Company
to indemnify an officer and director who was or is a party or is threatened
to be made a party to any proceeding because of his or her position, if the
officer or director acted in good faith and in a manner he or she
reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company. The Code
authorizes the Company to advance expenses incurred in defending any such
proceeding under certain circumstances, and if the officer or director is
successful on the merits, it authorizes the Company to indemnify the
officer or director against all expenses, including attorney's fees,
incurred in connection with any such proceeding. The Company's Certificate
of Incorporation, as amended, provides that the Company shall indemnify its
officers and directors to the full extent authorized by the Code.
The Code permits the Company to limit the personal liability of its
directors for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duty as a
director, except for breaches that involve the director's duty of loyalty,
acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of law, acts involving unlawful dividends or stock
redemptions or transactions from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. Article VII of the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended, includes such a provision which limits the
personal monetary liability of its directors.
The Code does not limit a Director's or Officer's liability for
violations of the Federal securities laws.
Item 25. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The estimated expenses of the offering, all of which are to be borne by the
Registrant, are as follows:
SEC Filing Fee........................................... $ 2,432
Nasdaq Listing Fees...................................... 10,000
NASD Filing Fee.......................................... 1,300
Underwriter's Non-Accountable Expense Allowance.......... 180,000
Printing Expenses........................................ 75,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses............................. 5,000
Legal Fees and Expenses.................................. 60,000
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses............................... 55,000
Registrar and Transfer Agent Fees........................ 1,000
Miscellaneous............................................ 10,268
--------
Total............................................ $400,000
========
Item 26. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
During its past three fiscal years, the Company issued securities which
were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), as
follows. The numbers of shares of Common Stock stated give retroactive effect to
a 1 for 85 reverse stock split which was effected on February 1, 1994.
In February 1994 and October 1995, the Company sold 235,295 and 181,818
shares of Common Stock, respectively, in offshore transactions, as defined in
Rule 902(i) of Regulation S, to Brian Chang, a foreign investor, for $1,000,000
and $750,000, respectively, in cash. In connection with the first sale, the
Company paid a finder 6,000 shares of its Common Stock for his services. In
connection with such sales, the Company complied with the requirements of Rule
903 of Regulation S in that all sales were made in offshore transactions, no
directed selling efforts were made in the United States, the Company is a
reporting issuer, offering restrictions were implemented, offers and sales were
not made to any U.S. persons or for the account or benefit of any U.S. persons,
and 40-day restricted periods were implemented.
II-1
<PAGE>
During the period from October 1, 1993, through September 30, 1994, the
Company issued a total of 22,621 shares of its Common Stock to the following
persons who were either Directors or consultants to the Company is exchange for
services to the Company:
Relationship to Number of Value of
Name Company Shares Services
----- ------------- --------- -------
Sheila Ronis ................. Director 726 $ 400
Robert Sinclair .............. Director 10,000 $43,200
Larry Phillips ............... Consultant 1,376 $ 9,000
Robert L. French ............. Consultant 2,357 $15,803
Corporation Relations Group .. Consultant 3,362 $ 8,571
Mark Depew ................... Consultant 4,800 $30,000
In connection with these issuances, the Registrant relied on Section 4(2)
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The shares were offered for
investment only to sophisticated investors and not for the purpose of resale or
distribution, and the transfer thereof was appropriately restricted by the
Registrant.
During the period from October 1, 1994 through September 30, 1995, the
Company issued a total of 13,556 shares of its Common Stock to the following
persons who were consultants to the Company in exchange for services to the
Company:
Number of Value of
Name Shares Services
----- --------- -------
Larry Phillips .................................. 2,012 $12,837
Rebecca, Inc. ................................... 6,000 $30,000
Corporate Relations Group ....................... 1,961 $ 9,230
Mark Depew ...................................... 3,583 $12,199
In connection with these issuances, the Registrant relied on Section 4(2)
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The shares were offered for
investment only to sophisticated investors and not for the purpose of resale or
distribution, and the transfer thereof was appropriately restricted by the
Registrant.
In December 1996 and January 1997, the Company sold 24 Units, each Unit
consisting of a $37,500 principal amount 8% Secured Promissory Note and 2,678.57
shares of Common Stock, to eight accredited investors for net proceeds of
$798,750. In connection with such sales the Company paid H.J. Meyers & Co., Inc.
a commission of $62,500 and a non-accountable expense allowance of $18,750 for
its services as placement agent.
With respect to these sales, the Company relied on Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated
thereunder. Each investor was given a copy of a Private Placement Memorandum
containing complete information concerning the Company, a Form D was filed with
the SEC and the Company complied with the other applicable requirements of Rule
506. Each investor signed a subscription agreement in which he represented that
he was purchasing the shares for investment only and not for the purpose of
resale or distribution. The appropriate restrictive legends were placed on the
certificates and stop transfer instructions were issued to the transfer agent.
II-2
<PAGE>
Item 27. Exhibits.
The following Exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement
pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-B:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description Location
------- ---------- --------
<C> <S> <C>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement Previously filed
1.2 Form of Representative's Warrant Previously filed
3.1 Articles of Incorporation Incorporated by reference to the
Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-18 (SEC File No. 33-3135D)
3.2 Bylaws Incorporated by reference to the
Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-18 (SEC File No. 33-3135D)
5 Opinion of Krys Boyle Freedman Previously filed
Scott & Sawyer, P.C. regarding the
legality of the securities being registered
10.1 License Agreement with Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
New Venture Gear, Inc.* 10.2 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1993
10.2 License Agreement with Dana Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
Corporation 10.3 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1993 and year
ended September 30, 1994
10.3 1994 Stock Option Plan Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.4 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1994
10.4 License Agreement with Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
ASHA/TAISUN Pte. Ltd. 10.4 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1995
10.5 Amended and Restated Employment Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
Agreement with Alain Clenet 10.5 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1995
10.6 Lease Agreement, as amended Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.6 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1995
10.7 Option Agreement with American Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
Axle and Manufacturing, Inc. 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1995
10.8 Employment Agreement with Previously filed
John McCormack
10.9 Employment Agreement with Previously filed
Ken Black
10.10 GERODISC Technology Transfer Filed herewith electronically
and License Agreement with
Steyr-Daimler-Puch-
Fahrgeugtechnik, AG&KOKG
dated March 31, 1997*
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen Previously filed
23.2 Consent of McDirmid, Previously filed
Mikkelsen & Secrest, P.S.
II-3
<PAGE>
23.3 Consent of Krys Boyle Freedman Previously filed
Scott & Sawyer, P.C.
23.4 Consent of Arthur Anderson Filed herewith electronically
23.5 Consent of McDirmid, Filed herewith electronically
Mikkelsen & Secrest, P.S.
23.6 Consent of Y.P. Tan & Co. Filed herewith electronically
23.7 Consent of Jiaxin Dexin, Filed herewith electronically
Certified Public Accountants
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Portions of this document have been excluded pursuant to a confidential
treatment request.
Item 28. Undertakings.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) For purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part
of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in
a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
(4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the
registration statement.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(5) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(6) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the
Underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements,
certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required
by the Underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form SB-2 and authorized this Amendment No. 1
to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Santa Barbara, State of California, on
the 29th day of May 1997.
ASHA CORPORATION
By: /s/ ALAIN J-M CLENET
-----------------------
ALAIN J-M CLENET,
Chief Executive Officer
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ---- ----
/s/ ALAIN J-M CLENET
- ---------------------------- Chairman of the Board, May 29, 1997
Alain J-M Clenet Chief Executive Officer
and Director
/s/ SHELIA R. RONIS
- ---------------------------- Director May 29, 1997
Sheila R. Ronis
/s/ ROBERT J. SINCLAIR
- ---------------------------- Director May 29, 1997
Robert J. Sinclair
/s/ LAWRENCE COHEN
- ---------------------------- Director May 29, 1997
Lawrence Cohen
/s/ STEVEN E. SANDERSON
- ---------------------------- Chief Financial Officer May 29, 1997
Steven E. Sanderson (Principal Financial and
Acounting Officer)
II-5
EXHIBIT 10.10
GERODISC
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
AND LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is effective on March 31, 1997, and is by and between
ASHA CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation with an office and place of business at
600 C Ward Drive, Santa Barbara, California 93111 ("ASHA"), and
STEYR-DAIMLER-PUCH FAHRZEUGTECHNIK, AG & KOKG, an Austrian corporation with an
office and place of business at 317 Liebenauer Haupstrasse, Graz, Austria A-8041
("STEYR").
RECITALS
A. ASHA developed and owns certain technology and patents and patent
applications relating to hydromechanical limited slip mechanisms
adapted for use in couplings, differentials, drive axles, transaxles,
and transfer cases. These hydromechanical limited slip mechanisms are
known as GERODISC technology.
B. STEYR wishes to obtain information relating to GERODISC technology and
licenses under ASHA patents to use the technology throughout the
world.
C. ASHA is willing to furnish technology and grant certain licenses to
STEYR in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
A. Within one month after the Effective Date of this Agreement, ASHA will
transfer to STEYR the technical information relating to GERODISC
mechanisms in applications of [THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AS
CONFIDENTIAL AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION] that ASHA has in tangible form. This technical information
will include drawings, specifications, engineering data, bills of
materials, process sheets, computer programs and software, and quality
standards.
B. ASHA will provide reasonably required assistance to STEYR during the
period of three years immediately following the Effective Date to
assist STEYR in understanding and applying the technical information
of the preceding section.
C. From time to time during the term of this Agreement up to the fifth
anniversary of the effective date, ASHA will transfer to STEYR
developments in GERODISC mechanisms that are made by ASHA free of
charge to Steyr.
D. ASHA hereby grants to STEYR License rights, as defined in section 3 of
this Agreement, to use the technical information transferred pursuant
to this section to design and develop GERODISC mechanisms for [THIS
INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AS CONFIDENTIAL AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION] limited to those OEM's named
in Section 3.A of this Agreement, to make, have made, use, sell, and
service GERODISC mechanisms for rear axles, transaxles, couplings and
center differentials.
<PAGE>
2. CONFIDENTIALITY
A. Each party covenants that it and its employees, agents, and
contractors will keep secret and retain in strictest confidence, the
technical information relating to GERODISC mechanisms transferred to
it by the other party and other matters relating to the business of
the other party that it acquires in the course of activities pursuant
to this Agreement, for the term of this Agreement and for a period of
five years after expiration or termination of this Agreement.
B. Neither party shall have any obligation under the preceding subsection
for information that:
(1) it knew at the time of the transfer,
(2) it shows to be publicly known through no wrongful act of itself,
(3) it receives from a third party that has the right to transfer the
information,
(4) the other party furnishes to any third party without
restrictions,
(5) it independently develops,
(6) is approved for disclosure by the other party,
(7) is required by court order to be disclosed, in which case the
party receiving notice thereof shall provide prompt notice to the
other party so that such party may seek an appropriate protective
order or take such other action as it deems appropriate to
protect its information.
C. Notwithstanding the foregoing, STEYR may furnish information
transferred to it by ASHA in the course of activities under this
Agreement to its customers and potential customers that agree to
handle the information in accordance with provisions equivalent to
those of Section 2.A and 2.B.
3. LICENSES
A. ASHA hereby grants to STEYR non-exclusive licenses under the patents
listed in Attachment A, and patents issuing from the patent
applications listed in Attachment A, to design, develop, make, have
made, use, and sell GERODISC mechanisms for the following Original
Equipment Manufacturers (OEM's) in the following GERODISC applications
for original equipment components and service and replacement
components throughout the world. The grant of this section includes
divisions, reissues, continuations, renewals, and extensions of the
patents:
[THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AS CONFIDENTIAL AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]
B. ASHA hereby grants to STEYR non-exclusive licenses under patents
obtained by ASHA and/or its Licensees, who are parties to Grant Back
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<PAGE>
Agreements, during the term of this Agreement that are improvements to
GERODISC mechanisms covered by the patents and patent applications
listed in Attachment A, to make have made, use, and sell GERODISC
mechanisms limited to those OEM's of Section 3.A above. The grant of
this section includes divisions, reissues, continuations, renewals,
and extensions of the patents.
C. The licenses of this Section shall extend to the last to expire of the
patents licensed under this Section.
D. From time to time during the term of this Agreement STEYR may elect to
broaden the license grants of Section 3.A above, and ASHA agrees to
convey such rights to STEYR upon terms and conditions to be agreed to
by STEYR and ASHA on a case by case basis. STEYR shall have the right
to request broader rights in any form commensurate with STEYR's
business objectives. Rights to be conveyed in the future to STEYR are
not reserved and are based upon the availability of such rights with
respect to the prior rights of other ASHA licensee's.
E. ASHA hereby warrants that ASHA shall not convey any license or
proprietary rights to any European OEM for any GERODISC application
licensed by STEYR under the terms of this Agreement for a period of
thirty-six (36) months from the effective date of this Agreement. This
limitation shall apply to specific platform applications to which
STEYR has engaged in a GERODISC development and has so notified ASHA
in writing.
4. FEES, ROYALTIES, AND REPORTS
A. STEYR will pay ASHA a lump sum fee in accordance with the following
schedule:
(1) $1,000,000 / USD on the Effective Date of this Agreement.
B. The fees of Section 4.A are committed and irrevocable.
C. During the term of this Agreement, STEYR will pay ASHA a royalty not
to exceed the royalty specified in the following table for each
GERODISC mechanism sold or transferred by STEYR that (i) embodies any
of the technical information transferred to STEYR pursuant to Section
1 of this Agreement which is proprietary to ASHA, or (ii) is covered
by a claim of any of the patents of Section 3 of this Agreement which
has not been declared invalid by a court with jurisdiction over such
matters.
[THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED AS CONFIDENTIAL AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION]
D. The royalty fees are due and payable upon sale or transfer of the
GERODISC mechanisms by STEYR. STEYR shall calculate the royalty fees
for each six-month (6-month) period and royalty fees are due and
payable to ASHA one month after the end of each six-month period
during the term of this Agreement and the two year period immediately
following expiration or early termination of this Agreement. STEYR
shall accompany each payment with a written statement showing by
application the number of GERODISC mechanisms manufactured during the
preceding six month period, the number of GERODISC mechanisms sold
during the same six month period, and a
3
<PAGE>
computation of the amounts payable. STEYR may take appropriate credits
for returned goods. If no payment is due for any six month period,
STEYR shall render to ASHA a written statement to such effect in
accordance with the timing of this subsection. In the event that STEYR
has manufactured GERODISC mechanisms prior to the date of any
expiration or termination of this Agreement, but has not sold those
mechanisms prior to such date, STEYR will pay the royalty fees of this
section upon sale or transfer thereof.
E. STEYR shall keep true books of account consistent with generally
accepted accounting principles that contain an accurate record of all
data necessary for the determination of the royalty fees payable under
this section. At any time during the three year period following any
written statement of the previous, ASHA may examine STEYR's books of
account at reasonable times and upon reasonable advance notice during
normal working hours for the purpose of independently calculating the
royalty fees due and payable to ASHA.
F. In no event shall STEYR be required to pay royalties based solely upon
a patent claim which has been held invalid by the decision, unappealed
or unappealable, of a court of competent jurisdiction.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
A. ASHA represents and warrants that technical information transferred to
STEYR and patents licensed to STEYR hereunder, excluding any material
deviations made by STEYR to processes or hardware that are based on
ASHA's technology or patents, do not infringe any enforceable right of
any other party and that ASHA has not received any notice or claim of
infringement with respect thereto. If ASHA, during the term of this
Agreement, receives any such notice or claim, it will promptly provide
a copy thereof to STEYR and the parties will meet as soon as
practicable thereafter to discuss and solve the matter in accordance
with Section 6.
B. ASHA and STEYR each represent and warrant that it has the legal power
and authority to enter into this Agreement and that it has not made
any commitments to others inconsistent with or in derogation of its
obligations under this Agreement. ASHA represents and warrants that
ASHA has rights of ownership to technical information transferred to
STEYR under Section 1 and is the owner of the patents and patent
applications listed in Attachment A.
C. ASHA makes no other express or implied representations or warranties.
6. LITIGATION
A. If STEYR receives notice of a claim for infringement of a third
party's rights in respect to GERODISC mechanisms manufactured and/or
sold by STEYR, STEYR shall notify ASHA and provide ASHA with all
information which it has relating to the such claim at the time of
sending such notice. STEYR shall defend all such claims at it expense
in a timely and good-faith manner, and ASHA shall cooperate with and
provide assistance to STEYR in its defense of any such claim, excet
that should such claim involve the patents of ASHA, and not any
productionized applications of ASHA's technology, ASHA will defend
such claim at its expense in a timely and good-faith manner,
4
<PAGE>
and STEYR will cooperate with and provide assistance to ASHA in its
defense of any such claim.
B. If STEYR believes that a third party has unlawfully manufactured, used
or sold GERODISC mechanisms infringing and licensed patent or rights
to proprietary data, STEYR shall immediately notify ASHA and provide
as many facts as STEYR has to support its belief, and ASHA shall
cooperate with and provide assistance to STEYR in pursuing any such
infringement. STEYR is empowered:
(1) to bring suit in its own name or, if required by law, jointly
with ASHA, for such infringement of the licensed patents or
rights to proprietary data; and
(2) in any such suit, to enjoin infringement, to settle with ASHA's
consent which shall not be unreasonably withheld, and to collect
damages, settlements and awards of whatever nature recoverable
for such infringement. STEYR shall pay to ASHA fifty percent
(50%) of any recovery, after deduction of STEYR's reasonable
attorney fees and costs actually paid by STEYR and after
reimbursement to ASHA of ASHA's reasonable attorney fees and
costs actually paid by ASHA.
C. In the event ASHA shall bring to the attention of STEYR any
infringement of the licensed patents or proprietary data by a third
party, and STEYR shall not, within six (6) months:
(1) secure cessation of the infringement; or
(2) file suit against the infringer; or
(3) provide ASHA with evidence of the pendency of bona fide
negotiations for settlement, then ASHA shall have the right to
sue for the infringement at ASHA's own expense, and to collect
for its own use all damages, profits and awards of whatever
nature recoverable for such infringement. ASHA shall pay to STEYR
fifty percent (50%) of any recovery, after deduction of ASHA's
reasonable attorney fees and costs actually paid by ASHA and
after reimbursement to STEYR of STEYR's reasonable attorney fees
and costs actually paid by STEYR.
7. TERMINATION
A. Unless otherwise terminated as provided below, this Agreement shall
run to the end of the life of the last to expire of the licensed
patents, and shall then expire.
B. STEYR may terminate this Agreement at will at any time upon thirty
(30) days prior written notice thereof to ASHA.
C. If either ASHA or STEYR is in material default of any obligation under
this Agreement, the non-defaulting party, at its option, may give
written notice specifying the material default or defaults and
indicating its intention to terminate this Agreement in thirty (30)
days. Unless the defaulting party has cured the default or defaults
within the thirty (30) day period, this Agreement shall automatically
terminate upon the expiration of the thirty (30) day period.
5
<PAGE>
D. This Agreement hereunder may be terminated by ASHA by providing
written notice to STEYR if:
(1) STEYR files a petition or application for bankruptcy under the
codes of any national insolvency laws having similar effect; or
(2) a receiver is appointed for STEYR's business; or
(3) STEYR makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors.
E. Upon termination of this Agreement STEYR shall cease manufacturing and
selling products covered by one or more claims of the licensed
patents, except to the extent reasonably necessary to fulfill
contracts in effect on the date of termination.
F. Upon termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.B, 7.C
or 7.D, the following obligations will continue:
(1) STEYR's obligation to allow ASHA to inspect STEYR's books of
account for the period during which royalties are payable; and
(2) STEYR's obligation to pay royalties for the period up to and
including the effective date of termination for GERODISC
mechanisms manufactured and sold by STEYR:
a. in fulfilling contracts in effect on the date of
termination; and
b. during any period of default.
8. INDEMNITY
A. STEYR shall indemnify, defend and hold ASHA, its affiliates,
subsidiaries and employees harmless against and from all costs,
expenses, liabilities and damages of any nature and kind, arising from
claims for injury to person, or property arising out of STEYR's
manufacture, use or sale of GERODISC mechanisms.
9. TRANSFERABILITY OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
A. This Agreement may not be assigned or transferred by either party,
except in connection with the sale of the entire line of business
relating to GERODISC mechanisms or an operating division of such
party.
10. STEYR'S DEVELOPMENTS AND TRAINING
A. ASHA and STEYR agree to keep each other regularly and fully informed
about developments relating to the manufacture, use and sale of
GERODISC mechanisms, including technical information and data relating
thereto. Any such developments which are developed or owned by STEYR,
whether or not patented or patentable, will be provided to ASHA in the
form of an irrevocable, royalty-free, non-exclusive license, for the
entire world. The grant to ASHA shall also carry the right to grant
sublicenses to ASHA's other licensees; subject, however, to the
conditions (i) that the sublicense shall not become effective for a
period of two (2) years following the date of grant of the underlying
license; (ii) that any such licensee has agreed to cross-licenses
and\or grant-back terms with ASHA which
6
<PAGE>
are substantially equivalent to those set forth in Section 10; and
(iii) ASHA grants STEYR any such rights resulting from the above
mentioned cross licenses.
B. STEYR shall promptly notify ASHA in writing of any inventions or
improvements which relate to any of the licensed patents or to the
manufacture or use thereof, and in which STEYR is entitled to claim a
proprietary right therein, including those inventions or improvements
made by any employee of STEYR or by any contractor to whom STEYR has
subcontracted work relating to the licensed patents. Within a period
of one hundred and twenty (120) days after each such notification,
STEYR shall elect by notifying ASHA in writing whether or not STEYR
intends to file for patent protection on such invention or
improvements, and specify the countries in which patents applications
are to be filed. ASHA shall receive the license of Section 10.A for
any such patent protection of STEYR. STEYR's failure to notify ASHA of
an election to file for patent protection within the one hundred and
twenty (120) day period shall constitute an election of STEYR not file
for patent protection.
B. In the event STEYR shall elect not to file for patent protection on
any invention or improvements in any countries or to file on any
inventions or improvements only in certain countries, ASHA shall have
the right to file for patent protection in any and all countries which
STEYR has not elected to file in; provided, however, that if ASHA so
obtains patent rights in any country ASHA, at the request of STEYR,
shall grant to STEYR a royalty-free, non-exclusive, irrevocable
license under such patents consistent with the other terms of this
Agreement for the full life of the patents.
C. ASHA shall have the right to grant sublicenses under any license
granted hereunder by STEYR without any obligation to pay any monies to
STEYR, except as defined in 10.F.a of this Agreement.
D. In any instance where STEYR is a proprietor but not the sole
beneficial owner of any invention, improvement, or patent to which
Sections 10.B and 10.C are applicable, it shall use all reasonable
endeavors to obtain the consent of all others interested in the
invention, improvement, or patent to STEYR performing its obligations
as stipulated. STEYR shall also notify ASHA of any third parties that
STEYR intends to have assist it in design, development, manufacture,
use or sale of GERODISC mechanisms and shall use all reasonable
endeavors to obtain an agreement of such third parties to assign any
inventions, improvements or patents developed in the course of such
assistance to STEYR.
F. STEYR, to the best of its ability, shall obtain the assignment to
STEYR from its employees or other persons under its control of all
inventions and improvements relating to the licensed patents and
GERODISC mechanisms which result from STEYR's activities under this
Agreement, provided, however, STEYR shall not be obliged to give any
consideration for such assignment, other than payment of the
incidental costs thereof.
(1) Should STEYR be required, by law or contract, to pay employees in
order to obtain such assignments and if such cost are not fully
recovered within the two year period prior to the requirement for
Grant-Back license as in 10A. of this Agreement then STEYR may,
upon adequate disclosure to ASHA of
7
<PAGE>
its cost paid to employees for such assignments, charge a license
fee sufficient to fully amortize such cost for a period not to
exceed four years.
G. ASHA will provide a minimum of (5) days of technical consultation per
year, as well as reasonable and adequate assistance in connection with
the initial technology transfer and application of such technology
during the first two years of this Agreement. Each party shall bear
its own costs with respect to travel of the parties to each other's
location.
11. GENERAL
A. Failure by either party to this Agreement to exercise or enforce or to
insist upon the strict performance of any of the terms or conditions
of this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of that party's rights
to enforce each and every term and condition of this Agreement for any
subsequent breach or default of the terms of this Agreement.
B. All notices required or allowed to be given under this Agreement shall
be given in writing and delivered by registered mail to a party at the
address set forth above, or to such other addresses either party may
instruct to the other party in writing, and any notice shall be deemed
to be received ten (10) working days after mailing.
C. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties
relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. There are no terms,
obligations, covenants, representations, statements or conditions
other than those contained in this Agreement. No modifications of this
Agreement or waiver of any of the terms or provisions of this
Agreement will be deemed valid, unless in writing and signed by all
parties to this Agreement.
D. If a dispute arises between the parties relating to this Agreement,
the following procedure shall be implemented before either party
pursues other available remedies, except that either party may seek
injunctive relief from a court where appropriate in order to maintain
the status quo while this procedure is being followed:
(1) the parties shall hold a meeting promptly, attended by persons
with decision-making authority regarding the dispute, to attempt
in good faith to negotiate a resolution of the dispute; provided,
however, that no such meeting shall be deemed to vitiate or
reduce the obligations and liabilities of the parties hereunder
or be deemed a waiver by a party hereto of any remedies to which
such party would otherwise be entitled hereunder.
(2) If, within thirty (30) days after such meeting, the parties have
not succeeded in negotiating a resolution of the dispute, they
agree to submit the dispute to mediation in Switzerland in
accordance with the Rules of Conciliation and Arbitration of the
International Chamber of Commerce by one or more arbitrators
appointed in accordance with said Rules.
(3) This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance
with the laws of Switzerland.
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<PAGE>
(4) Provided that any further agreements or documents are not
inconsistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
parties to this Agreement agree to enter into and execute any and
all such further agreements and documents and to do such things
as may be necessary or beneficial to carry out the purpose of
this Agreement.
(5) In the event that any of the provisions contained in the
Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable,
this Agreement shall be construed as if such provisions were not
contained in this Agreement and the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall continue to be valid and enforceable to the
fullest extent permitted by law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto execute this Agreement by duly
authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
STEYR-DAIMLER-PUCH, ASHA CORPORATION,
By: /s/ Dr. A. Koch
/s/ Di. R. Aita By: /s/ John C. McCormack
------------------------ -----------------------------
Dr. A. Koch Di R. Aita John C. McCormack
Members of the Executive Board Its: President
Date: April 8, 1997 Date: March 31, 1997
9
<PAGE>
ATTACHMENT A
ASHA GERODISC
Patents and Patent Applications
ASHA NO. TITLE SERIAL NO. PATENT NO. ISSUE DATE
- -------- ----- ---------- ---------- ----------
0134PUS Vehicle Drivetrain 08/016,168 5,310,388 5/10/94
Coupling
0134PCT Vehicle Drivetrain PCT/US93/01098
Coupling
(This PCT application has proceeded
into the national and regional phases
in Australia, Europe, Japan and Korea)
0134PCN Vehicle Drivetrain 94101564.5
Coupling 02/09/94
0134PMX Vehicle Drivetrain 940391
Coupling 01/11/94
0135PUS Hydraulic Coupling 08/205,900 5,536,215 7/16/96
For Vehicle
Drivetrain
0137PUS Hydraulic Coupling 08/482,761 5,595,214 1/21/97
For Vehicle 06/07/95
Drivetrain
0137PCT Hydraulic Coupling PCT/US96/07987
For Vehicle 05/30/96
Drivetrain
0138PUS Vehicle Drivetrain 08/496,250 5,611,746 3/18/97
Coupling 06/28/95
0138PCT Vehicle Drivetrain PCT/US96/07988
Coupling
0147PUS Hydraulic Coupling 08/733,362
For Vehicle 01/17/96
Drivetrain
10
EXHIBIT 23.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
report and to all references to our firm included in or made a part of this
registration statement.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Los Angeles, California
May 30, 1997
EXHIBIT 23.5
MCDIRMID, MIKKELSEN & SECREST, P.S.
Certified Public Accountants
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of ASHA Corporation on form SB-2 of our report dated January 11, 1996.
/s/ McDirmid, Mikkelsen & Secrest, P.S.
MCDIRMID, MIKKELSEN & SECREST, P.S.
Spokane, Washington
May 29, 1997
EXHIBIT 23.6
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
OF ASHA-TAISUN PTE LTD.
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
report for the period 1 January 1996 to 30 September 1996 and to all references
to our firm included in or made a part of this registration statement.
/s/ Y.P. Tan & Co.
Y.P. Tan & Co.
13A Teo Hong Road
Singapore 088327
Location: Singapore
Date: 29 May 1997
EXHIBIT 23.7
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
report and to all references to our firm included in or made a part of this
registration statement.
/s/ Jiaxin Dexin Certified Public Accountants
Jiaxin Dexin Certified Public Accountants
No. 567 Qinjian Road, City of Jiaxin
Zhejiang Province
Date: May 29, 1997
