<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 1996
Registration No. 333-______
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA 95-2848099
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
46501 LANDING PARKWAY
FREMONT, CA 94538
(Address, including zip code, of
Registrant's principal executive offices)
1996 ACTIVE DESIGN CORPORATION STOCK OPTION PLAN
(FULL TITLE OF THE PLAN)
THINH Q. TRAN
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
46501 LANDING PARKWAY
FREMONT, CA 94538
(510) 770-0100
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
COPIES TO:
Tor R. Braham, Esq.
WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
Professional Corporation
650 PAGE MILL ROAD
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304
(415) 493-9300
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
============================================================================================================
Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum Amount of
Title of Securities Amount to be Offering Price Per Aggregate Offering Registration
to be Registered Registered Share Price Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, no par
value
Upon exercise of
outstanding options under
the 1996 Active Design
Corporation Stock Option
Plan/1/
Totals 240,240 $0.23/2/ $55,255.20/2/ $100.00/3/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1 Options to purchase Common Stock under the 1996 Active Design Corporation
Stock Option Plan were assumed by Sigma Designs, Inc. (the "Company")
pursuant to a certain Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization among
the Company, Sigma Acquisition Corp. and Active Design Corporation dated as
of April 23, 1996.
2 The Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share was estimated pursuant to
Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act") solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. With
respect to 240,240 shares which are subject to outstanding options to
purchase Common Stock under the 1996 Active Design Corporation Stock Option
Plan the Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share was estimated pursuant
to Rule 457(h) under which Rule the per share price of options to purchase
stock under an employee stock option plan may be estimated by reference to
the exercise price of such options. The weighted average exercise price of
the 240,240 shares subject to outstanding options is $0.23.
3 Pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Securities Act.
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM 3. INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.
-------------------------------------
There are hereby incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement
the following documents and information heretofore filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"):
1. The description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated November 3, 1986,
filed pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the description of the Registrant's
Common Share Purchase Rights contained in the Registrants' Registration
Statement on Form 8-A dated September 25, 1989, filed pursuant to Section
12(g) of the Exchange Act, including any amendment or report filed for the
purpose of updating such descriptions.
2. The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January
31, 1996, filed pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
3. The Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated May 2, 1996, filed with the
Commission on May 6, 1996, pursuant to Rules 13(e)-11 and 15(d)-11
promulgated under the Exchange Act.
4. The Registrant's definitive proxy statement dated May 1, 1996, prepared
in connection with the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
on June 7, 1996, filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act.
5. All documents filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Registration
Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which
indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters
all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement and to be part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents.
ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.
-------------------------
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.
--------------------------------------
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
-----------------------------------------
The Company has adopted provisions in its Second Restated Articles of
Incorporation that limit the liability of its directors for monetary damages for
breaches of a director's fiduciary duty of care, and
II-1
<PAGE>
authorize the Company to provide for, through by-law or agreement,
indemnification of agents of the Company in excess of that expressly permitted
by statute, to the fullest extent permissible under California law. As
permitted by the California Corporations Code, directors will not be liable to
the Company for monetary damages arising from a breach of their fiduciary duty
as directors, including such conduct during a merger or tender offer, in certain
circumstances. Such limitation does not affect liability for any breach of a
director's duty to the Company or its shareholders (i) with respect to any
transaction from which a director derives an improper personal benefit, (ii)
with respect to acts or omissions involving an absence of good faith, that the
director believes to be contrary to the best interests of the Company or its
shareholders, that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing and culpable
violation of law, that constitute an unexcused pattern of inattention that
amounts to an abdication of his duty to the Company or its shareholders in
circumstances in which the director was aware, or should have been aware, in the
ordinary course of performing his duties, of a risk of serious injury to the
Company or its shareholders, or (iii) based on transactions between the Company
and its directors or another corporation with interrelated directors or based on
improper distributions, loans or guarantees under applicable sections of the
California Corporations Code. Such limitation of liability also does not affect
the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.
Section 317 of the California Corporations Code authorizes a court to
award, or a corporation's Board of Directors to grant indemnity to officers and
directors in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under
certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses
incurred) arising under the Securities Act. The Company's Second Restated
Articles of Incorporation authorize the Company to indemnify the Company's
agents, including officers and directors. The Company's Bylaws provide that the
Company shall indemnify its directors and officers to the maximum extent
permitted by California law, and that the Company may indemnify other corporate
agents. The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its
officers and directors. The indemnification agreements may require the Company,
among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise
by reason of their status or service as directors or officers (other than
liabilities arising from willful misconduct of a culpable nature), to advance
their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which
they could be indemnified, and to obtain directors' and officers' insurance if
available on reasonable terms.
ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.
-----------------------------------
Not applicable.
II-2
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS.
--------
Number Document
-------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
4.1 1996 Active Design Corporation Stock Option Plan, and forms
of agreement used thereunder.
5.1 Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional
Corporation, with respect to the securities being
registered.
23.1 Independent Auditors' Consent.
23.2 Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 Power of Attorney (See page II-4).
ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS.
------------
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement 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.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's
annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a
new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
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<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to 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 S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Fremont, State of California, on May 17, 1996.
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
By: /s/ Thinh Q. Tran
-----------------
Thinh Q. Tran
President and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Thinh Q. Tran and Q. Binh Trinh jointly
and severally, his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for
him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Registration
Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorney-in-fact, or his
substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
II-4
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Thinh Q. Tranh Chairman of the Board, President May 17, 1996
----------------------- and Chief Executive Officer and
Thinh Q. Tran Director (Principal Executive
Officer)
/s/ Q. Binh Trinh Vice President, Finance, Chief May 17,1996
----------------------- Financial Officer, Secretary and
Q. Binh Trinh Director (Principal Accounting
Officer)
/s/ Julien Nguyen Co-Chairman of the Board, Chief May 17, 1996
----------------------- Technical Officer and Director
Julian Nguyen
/s/ William J. Almon Director May 17, 1996
-----------------------
William J. Almon
/s/ William Wang Director May 17, 1996
-----------------------
William Wang
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
EXHIBITS
Registration Statement on Form S-8
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
May 17, 1996
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
-----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Description Sequentially
Number Numbered
Page
<S> <C> <C>
4.1 1996 Active Design Corporation Stock Option Plan, and forms
of agreement used thereunder. 10
5.1 Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional
Corporation, with respect to the securities being registered. 37
23.1 Independent Auditors' Consent. 38
23.2 Consent of Counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 Power of Attorney (See page II-4).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
ACTIVE DESIGN CORPORATION
1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Option Plan are
to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants of
the Company and its Subsidiaries and to promote the success of the Company's
business. Options granted under the Plan may be incentive stock options (as
defined under Section 422 of the Code) or nonstatutory stock options, as
determined by the Administrator at the time of grant of an option and subject
to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code, as amended, and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall
apply:
(a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees
appointed pursuant to Section 4 of the Plan.
(b) "Applicable Laws" means the legal requirements relating to
the administration of stock option plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code and the applicable laws of any
foreign country or jurisdiction where Options will be or are being granted
under the Plan.
(c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(e) "Committee" means a Committee appointed by the Board of
Directors in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(f) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.
(g) "Company" means Active Design Corporation, a Calfornia
corporation.
(h) "Consultant" means any person who is engaged by the Company
or any Parent or Subsidiary to render consulting or advisory services and is
compensated for such services, and any director of the Company whether
compensated for such services or not. If and in the event the Company
registers any class of any equity security pursuant to the Exchange Act, the
term Consultant shall thereafter not include directors who are not compensated
for their services or are paid only a director's fee by the Company.
(i) "Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant" means that
the employment or consulting relationship with the Company, any Parent, or
Subsidiary, is not interrupted or
<PAGE>
terminated. Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant shall not be
considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the
Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the
Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. A leave of absence
approved by the Company shall include sick leave, military leave, or any other
personal leave approved by an authorized representative of the Company. For
purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed 90 days, unless
reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract,
including Company policies. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of
absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such
leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated
as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a
Nonstatutory Stock Option.
(j) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and
directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
The payment of a director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient to
constitute "employment" by the Company.
(k) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(l) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of
Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its
Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system
for the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported
in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems
reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value
shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common
Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination, or;
(iii) In the absence of an established market for the
Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith
by the Administrator.
(m) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify
as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(n) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(o) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the
Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
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<PAGE>
(p) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(q) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.
(r) "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an
Option.
(s) "Parent" means a "parent corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(t) "Plan" means this 1996 Stock Option Plan.
(u) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(v) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 11 below.
(w) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section
11 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned
and sold under the Plan is 1,092,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but
unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been
exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an option exchange program,
the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for
future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated); provided,
however, that Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan, except that if unvested Shares are repurchased by the Company
at their original purchase price, and the original purchaser of such Shares did
not receive any benefits of ownership of such Shares, such Shares shall become
available for future grant under the Plan. For purposes of the preceding
sentence, voting rights shall not be considered a benefit of Share ownership.
4. Administration of the Plan.
(a) Initial Plan Procedure. Prior to the date, if any, upon
which the Company becomes subject to the Exchange Act, the Plan shall be
administered by the Board or a committee appointed by the Board.
(b) Plan Procedure after the Date, if any, upon Which the Company
becomes Subject to the Exchange Act.
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<PAGE>
(i) Administration with Respect to Directors and Officers.
With respect to grants of Options to Employees who are also Officers or
directors of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board if
the Board may administer the Plan in compliance with the rules under Rule 16b-3
promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor thereto ("Rule 16b-3")
relating to the disinterested administration of employee benefit plans under
which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and awards of equity securities
are to be made, or (B) a Committee designated by the Board to administer the
Plan, which Committee shall be constituted to comply with the rules under Rule
16b-3 relating to the disinterested administration of employee benefit plans
under which Section 16(b) exempt discretionary grants and awards of equity
securities are to be made. Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to
serve in its designated capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From
time to time the Board may increase the size of the Committee and appoint
additional members thereof, remove members (with or without cause) and appoint
new members in substitution therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and
remove all members of the Committee and thereafter directly administer the
Plan, all to the extent permitted by the rules under Rule 16b-3 relating to the
disinterested administration of employee benefit plans under which Section
16(b) exempt discretionary grants and awards of equity securities are to be
made.
(ii) Multiple Administrative Bodies. If permitted by Rule
16b-3, the Plan may be administered by different bodies with respect to
directors, non-director Officers and Employees who are neither directors nor
Officers.
(iii) Administration With Respect to Consultants and
Other Employees. With respect to grants of Options to Employees or Consultants
who are neither directors nor Officers of the Company, the Plan shall be
administered by (A) the Board or (B) a committee designated by the Board, which
committee shall be constituted in such a manner as to satisfy Applicable Laws.
Once appointed, such Committee shall continue to serve in its designated
capacity until otherwise directed by the Board. From time to time the Board
may increase the size of the Committee and appoint additional members thereof,
remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution
therefor, fill vacancies, however caused, and remove all members of the
Committee and thereafter directly administer the Plan, all to the extent
permitted by the Applicable Laws.
(c) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of
the Plan and, in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the
Board to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant
authorities, including the approval, if required, of any stock exchange upon
which the Common Stock is listed, the Administrator shall have the authority,
in its discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common
Stock, in accordance with Section 2(l) of the Plan;
(ii) to select the Consultants and Employees to whom
Options may from time to time be granted hereunder;
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<PAGE>
(iii) to determine whether and to what extent
Options are granted hereunder;
(iv) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock
to be covered by each such award granted hereunder;
(v) to approve forms of agreement for use under the
Plan;
(vi) to determine the terms and conditions of any award
granted hereunder;
(vii) to determine whether and under what circumstances
an Option may be settled in cash under subsection 9(f) instead of Common Stock;
(viii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the
then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock
covered by such Option has declined since the date the Option was granted; and
(ix) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and
awards granted pursuant to the Plan.
(d) Effect of Administrator's Decision. All decisions,
determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and
binding on all Optionees and any other holders of any Options.
5. Eligibility.
(a) Nonstatutory Stock Options may be granted to Employees and
Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. An
Employee or Consultant who has been granted an Option may, if otherwise
eligible, be granted additional Options.
(b) Each Option shall be designated in the written option
agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate
Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options
are exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year
(under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000,
such Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of
this Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the
order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be
determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.
(c) The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with
respect to continuation of employment or consulting relationship with the
Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with his or her right or the
Company's right to terminate his or her employment or consulting relationship
at any time, with or without cause.
-5-
<PAGE>
(d) Upon the Company or a successor corporation issuing any class
of common equity securities required to be registered under Section 12 of the
Exchange Act or upon the Plan being assumed by a corporation having a class of
common equity securities required to be registered under Section 12 of the
Exchange Act, the following limitations shall apply to grants of Options to
Employees:
(i) No Employee shall be granted, in any fiscal year of the
Company, Options to purchase more than 250,000 Shares.
(ii) In connection with his or her initial employment, an
Employee may be granted Options to purchase up to an additional 250,000 Shares
which shall not count against the limit set forth in subsection (i) above.
(iii) The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted
proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization
as described in Section 11.
(iv) If an Option is cancelled in the same fiscal year of the
Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction
described in Section 11), the cancelled Option will be counted against the
limit set forth in subsection (i) above. For this purpose, if the exercise
price of an Option is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a
cancellation of the Option and the grant of a new Option.
6. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to
occur of its adoption by the Board of Directors or its approval by the
shareholders of the Company, as described in Section 17 of the Plan. It shall
continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under
Section 13 of the Plan.
7. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be the term stated
in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than
ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. However, in the case of an
Incentive Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Option is
granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting
power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the
term of the Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant thereof or
such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.
8. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(a) The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued
pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the
Administrator, but shall be subject to the following:
(i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
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<PAGE>
(A) granted to an Employee who, at the time of the
grant of such Incentive Stock Option, owns stock representing more than ten
percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any
Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110%
of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B) granted to any Employee other than an Employee
described in the preceding paragraph, the per Share exercise price shall be no
less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option
(A) granted to a person who, at the time of the grant
of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the
voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of the grant.
(B) granted to any person, the per Share exercise price
shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of
grant.
(b) The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined by
the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be
determined at the time of grant) and may consist entirely of (1) cash, (2)
check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares which (x) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an Option have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender and (y) have a Fair Market Value on
the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to
which said Option shall be exercised, (5) delivery of a properly executed
exercise notice together with such other documentation as the Administrator and
the broker, if applicable, shall require to effect an exercise of the Option
and delivery to the Company of the sale or loan proceeds required to pay the
exercise price, or (6) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In
making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the
Administrator shall consider if acceptance of such consideration may be
reasonably expected to benefit the Company.
9. Exercise of Option.
(a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times and under such conditions
as determined by the Administrator, including performance criteria with respect
to the Company and/or the Optionee, and as shall be permissible under the terms
of the Plan, but in no case at a rate of less than 20% per year over five (5)
years from the date the Option is granted.
An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
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<PAGE>
An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice
of such exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of
the Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for
the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by
the Company. Full payment may, as authorized by the Administrator, consist of
any consideration and method of payment allowable under Section 8(b) of the
Plan. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the
stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends
or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned
Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or
cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly upon exercise of the
Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the
record date is prior to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as
provided in Section 11 of the Plan.
Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a
decrease in the number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for
purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as
to which the Option is exercised.
(b) Termination of Employment or Consulting Relationship. In the event
of termination of an Optionee's Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant
with the Company (but not in the event of an Optionee's change of status from
Employee to Consultant (in which case an Employee's Incentive Stock Option shall
automatically convert to a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the date three (3)
months and one day from the date of such change of status) or from Consultant to
Employee), such Optionee may, but only within such period of time as is
determined by the Administrator, of at least thirty (30) days, with such
determination in the case of an Incentive Stock Option not exceeding three (3)
months after the date of such termination (but in no event later than the
expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement), exercise his or her Option to the extent that Optionee was entitled
to exercise it at the date of such termination. To the extent that Optionee was
not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of such termination, or if
Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time
specified herein, the Option shall terminate.
(c) Disability of Optionee. In the event of termination of an
Optionee's consulting relationship or Continuous Status as an Employee as a
result of his or her disability, Optionee may, but only within twelve (12)
months from the date of such termination (and in no event later than the
expiration date of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent otherwise entitled to exercise it
at the date of such termination; provided, however, that if such disability is
not a "disability" as such term is defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, in
the case of an Incentive Stock Option such Incentive Stock Option shall
automatically convert to a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the day three months
and one day following such termination. To the extent that Optionee is not
entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or if Optionee does
not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.
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<PAGE>
(d) Death of Optionee. In the event of the death of an Optionee,
the Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months following the
date of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or by a
person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance,
but only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at
the date of death. If, at the time of death, the Optionee was not entitled to
exercise his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unexercisable
portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. If, after death,
the Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option
by bequest or inheritance does not exercise the Option within the time
specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such
Option shall revert to the Plan.
(e) Rule 16b-3. Options granted to persons subject to Section
16(b) of the Exchange Act must comply with Rule 16b-3 and shall contain such
additional conditions or restrictions as may be required thereunder to qualify
for the maximum exemption from Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to
Plan transactions.
(f) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer
to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based
on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and
communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.
10. Non-Transferability of Options. Options may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by
will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the
lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.
11. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization or Merger.
(a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by
the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered
by each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have
been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet
been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or
expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered
by each such outstanding Option, shall be proportionately adjusted for any
increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting
from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or
reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the
number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been
"effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by
the Administrator, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding
and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the
Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares
of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject
to an Option.
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<PAGE>
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify the
Optionee at least fifteen (15) days prior to such proposed action. To the
extent it has not been previously exercised, the Option will terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c) Merger. In the event of a another corporation, the Option may be
assumed or an equivalent option may be substituted by such successor corporation
or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation. If, in such event, the
Option is not assumed or substituted, the Option shall terminate as of the date
of the closing of the merger. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option
shall be considered assumed if, following the merger, the option confers the
right to purchase, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option
immediately prior to the merger, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or
other securities or property) received in the merger by holders of Common Stock
for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders
were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the
holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if
such consideration received in the merger was not solely common stock of the
successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of
the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the
exercise of the Option for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option to
be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair
market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock
in the merger.
12. Time of Granting Options. The date of grant of an Option shall,
for all purposes, be the date on which the Administrator makes the
determination granting such Option, or such other date as is determined by the
Board. Notice of the determination shall be given to each Employee or
Consultant to whom an Option is so granted within a reasonable time after the
date of such grant.
13. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration,
suspension or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of
any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent. In
addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Rule 16b-3 under
the Exchange Act or with Section 422 of the Code (or any other applicable law
or regulation, including the requirements of the NASD or an established stock
exchange), the Company shall obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment
in such a manner and to such a degree as required.
(b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. Any such amendment or
termination of the Plan shall not affect Options already granted, and such
Options shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been
amended or terminated, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee
and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the
Optionee and the Company.
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<PAGE>
14. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and
the issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all
relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the Shares
may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for
the Company with respect to such compliance.
As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may
require the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time
of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment
and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of
the aforementioned relevant provisions of law.
15. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any
regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's
counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares
hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure
to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not
have been obtained.
16. Agreements. Options shall be evidenced by written agreements in
such form as the Administrator shall approve from time to time.
17. Shareholder Approval. Continuance of the Plan shall be subject to
approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or
after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be
obtained in the degree and manner required under Applicable Laws and the rules
of any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is listed.
18. Information to Optionees and Purchasers. The Company shall
provide to each Optionee, not less frequently than annually, copies of annual
financial statements. The Company shall also provide such statements to each
individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan while such individual owns
such Shares. The Company shall not be required to provide such statements to
key employees whose duties in connection with the Company assure their access
to equivalent information.
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<PAGE>
ACTIVE DESIGN CORPORATION
1996 STOCK PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall
have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.
I. NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
[Optionee's Name]
You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the
Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement, as follows:
Grant Number _________________________
Date of Grant _________________________
Vesting Commencement Date _________________________
Exercise Price per Share $________________________
Total Number of Shares Granted _________________________
Total Exercise Price $________________________
Type of Option: ___ Incentive Stock Option
___ Nonstatutory Stock Option
Term/Expiration Date: _________________________
<PAGE>
Vesting Schedule:
You may exercise this Option, in whole or in part, according to the
following vesting schedule:
25% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest twelve months after
the Vesting Commencement Date, and thereafter 25% of the Shares subject to the
Option shall vest on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the
Vesting Commencement Date.
Termination Period:
You may exercise this Option for three months after your employment or
consulting relationship with the Company terminates, or for such longer period
upon your death or disability as provided in the Plan. If your status changes
from Employee to Consultant or Consultant to Employee, this Option Agreement
shall remain in effect. In no case may you exercise this Option after the
Term/Expiration Date as provided above.
II. AGREEMENT
1. Grant of Option. Active Design Corporation, a California
corporation (the "Company"), hereby grants to the Optionee named in the Notice
of Grant (the "Optionee"), an option (the "Option") to purchase the total
number of shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") set forth in the Notice of
Grant, at the exercise price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the
"Exercise Price") subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of the 1996
Stock Plan (the "Plan") adopted by the Company, which is incorporated herein by
reference. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan
shall have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.
If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option
("ISO"), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as
defined in Section 422 of the Code. Nevertheless, to the extent that it
exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), this Option shall be treated
as a Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO").
2. Exercise of Option.
(a) Right to Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable during
its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant
and with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. In
the event of Optionee's death, disability or other termination of the
employment or consulting relationship, this Option shall be exercisable in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement.
(b) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by
written notice (in the form attached as Exhibit A) which shall state the
election to exercise the Option, the number of
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<PAGE>
Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised, and such other
representations and agreements as to the holder's investment intent with respect
to such shares of Common Stock as may be required by the Company pursuant to the
provisions of the Plan. Such written notice shall be signed by the Optionee and
shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the Secretary of the
Company. The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of the Exercise
Price. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company
of such written notice accompanied by the Exercise Price.
No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option
unless such issuance and such exercise shall comply with all relevant
provisions of law and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the
Shares may then be listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes
the Shares shall be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date on which
the Option is exercised with respect to such Shares.
3. Optionee's Representations. In the event the Shares
purchasable pursuant to the exercise of this Option have not been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, at the time this Option is
exercised, Optionee shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with the
exercise of all or any portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his or
her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
B, and shall read the applicable rules of the Commissioner of Corporations
attached to such Investment Representation Statement.
4. Method of Payment. Payment of the Exercise Price shall be by any
of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:
(a) cash;
(b) check;
(c) surrender of other shares of Common Stock of the Company which
(A) in the case of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a Company
option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the
date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender
equal to the Exercise Price of the Shares as to which the Option is being
exercised; or
(d) delivery of a properly executed exercise notice together with such
other documentation as the Administrator and the broker, if applicable, shall
require to effect an exercise of the Option and delivery to the Company of the
sale or loan proceeds required to pay the Exercise Price.
5. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised until
such time as the Plan has been approved by the shareholders of the Company, or
if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable
federal or state securities or other law or regulation, including any rule
under Part 207
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<PAGE>
of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("Regulation G") as promulgated
by the Federal Reserve Board.
6. Termination of Relationship. In the event an Optionee's Continuous
Status as an Employee or Consultant terminates, Optionee may, to the extent
otherwise so entitled at the date of such termination (the "Termination Date"),
exercise this Option during the Termination Period set out in the Notice of
Grant. To the extent that Optionee was not entitled to exercise this Option at
the date of such termination, or if Optionee does not exercise this Option
within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.
7. Disability of Optionee. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
6 above, in the event of termination of an Optionee's consulting relationship
or Continuous Status as an Employee as a result of his or her disability,
Optionee may, but only within twelve (12) months from the date of such
termination (and in no event later than the expiration date of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Option Agreement), exercise the Option to the extent
otherwise entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination; provided,
however, that if such disability is not a "disability" as such term is defined
in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option such
Incentive Stock Option shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option
and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the day
three months and one day following such termination. To the extent that
Optionee was not entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination, or
if Optionee does not exercise such Option to the extent so entitled within the
time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.
8. Death of Optionee. In the event of termination of Optionee's
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant as a result of the death of
Optionee, the Option may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months
following the date of death (but in no event later than the date of expiration
of the term of this Option as set forth in Section 10 below), by Optionee's
estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest
or inheritance, but only to the extent the Optionee could exercise the Option
at the date of death.
9. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred
in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution
and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by Optionee. The
terms of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators,
heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.
10. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term
set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option. The limitations set out
in Section 7 of the Plan regarding Options designated as Incentive Stock
Options and Options granted to more than ten percent (10%) shareholders shall
apply to this Option.
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<PAGE>
11. Tax Consequences. Set forth below is a brief summary as of the
date of this Option of some of the federal and California tax consequences of
exercise of this Option and disposition of the Shares. THIS SUMMARY IS
NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR
DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.
(a) Exercise of ISO. If this Option qualifies as an ISO, there
will be no regular federal income tax liability or California income tax
liability upon the exercise of the Option, although the excess, if any, of the
Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price
will be treated as an adjustment to the alternative minimum tax for federal tax
purposes and may subject the Optionee to the alternative minimum tax in the
year of exercise.
(b) Exercise of ISO Following Disability. If the Optionee's
Continuous Status as an Employee or Consultant terminates as a result of
disability that is not total and permanent disability as defined in Section
22(e)(3) of the Code, to the extent permitted on the date of termination, the
Optionee must exercise an ISO within three months of such termination for the
ISO to be qualified as an ISO.
(c) Exercise of Nonstatutory Stock Option. There may be a regular
federal income tax liability and California income tax liability upon the
exercise of a Nonstatutory Stock Option. The Optionee will be treated as
having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates)
equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date
of exercise over the Exercise Price. If Optionee is an Employee or a former
Employee, the Company will be required to withhold from Optionee's compensation
or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount
in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of
exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if
such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.
(d) Disposition of Shares. In the case of an NSO, if Shares are held
for at least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be
treated as long-term capital gain for federal and California income tax
purposes. In the case of an ISO, if Shares transferred pursuant to the Option
are held for at least one year after exercise and are disposed of at least two
years after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares
will also be treated as long-term capital gain for federal and California income
tax purposes. If Shares purchased under an ISO are disposed of within such one-
year period or within two years after the Date of Grant, any gain realized on
such disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary
income rates) to the extent of the difference between the Exercise Price and the
lesser of (1) the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of exercise, or
(2) the sale price of the Shares.
(e) Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option
granted to Optionee herein is an ISO, and if Optionee sells or otherwise
disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the
later of (1) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (2) the date one
year after the date of exercise, the Optionee shall immediately notify the
Company in writing
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<PAGE>
of such disposition. Optionee agrees that Optionee may be subject to income tax
withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by the
Optionee.
12. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein
by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire
agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the
Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be
modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing
signed by the Company and Optionee. This agreement is governed by California
law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws.
ACTIVE DESIGN CORPORATION
a California corporation
By: ____________________________________
OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO
THE OPTION HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING CONSULTANCY OR EMPLOYMENT AT THE
WILL OF THE COMPANY (NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS
OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND
AGREES THAT NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT, NOR IN THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLAN
WHICH IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, SHALL CONFER UPON OPTIONEE ANY RIGHT
WITH RESPECT TO CONTINUATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY BY THE COMPANY, NOR
SHALL IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO
TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S EMPLOYMENT OR CONSULTANCY AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT
CAUSE.
Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that
he is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this
Option subject to all of the terms and provisions
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<PAGE>
thereof. Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has
had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this
Option and fully understands all provisions of the Option. Optionee hereby
agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or
interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan
or this Option. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in
the residence address indicated below.
Dated: _______________________________________________________
Optionee
Residence Address:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
1996 STOCK PLAN
EXERCISE NOTICE
Active Design Corporation
1885 Lundy Ave.
Suite 202
San Jose, CA 95131
Attention: Secretary
1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ___________, 19__, the
undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to exercise Optionee's option to
purchase _________ shares of the Common Stock (the "Shares") of Active Design
Corporation (the "Company") under and pursuant to the 1996 Stock Plan, as
amended (the "Plan") and the [ ] Incentive [ ] Nonstatutory Stock Option
Agreement dated ________, 19 (the "Option Agreement").
2. Representations of Optionee. Optionee acknowledges that Optionee
has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees
to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.
3. Rights as Shareholder. Until the stock certificate evidencing such
Shares is issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the
Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to
vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with
respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The
Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such stock certificate promptly
after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or
other right for which the record date is prior to the date the stock
certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 11 of the Plan.
Optionee shall enjoy rights as a shareholder until such time as
Optionee disposes of the Shares or the Company and/or its assignee(s) exercises
the Right of First Refusal hereunder. Upon such exercise, Optionee shall have
no further rights as a holder of the Shares so purchased except the right to
receive payment for the Shares so purchased in accordance with the provisions
of this Agreement, and Optionee shall forthwith cause the certificate(s)
evidencing the Shares so purchased to be surrendered to the Company for
transfer or cancellation.
4. Company's Right of First Refusal. Before any Shares held by
Optionee or any transferee (either being sometimes referred to herein as the
"Holder") may be sold or otherwise transferred (including transfer by gift or
operation of law), the Company or its assignee(s) shall have a right of first
refusal to purchase the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Section (the "Right of First Refusal").
<PAGE>
(a) Notice of Proposed Transfer. The Holder of the Shares shall
deliver to the Company a written notice (the "Notice") stating: (i) the
Holder's bona fide intention to sell or otherwise transfer such Shares; (ii)
the name of each proposed purchaser or other transferee ("Proposed
Transferee"); (iii) the number of Shares to be transferred to each Proposed
Transferee; and (iv) the bona fide cash price or other consideration for which
the Holder proposes to transfer the Shares (the "Offered Price"), and the
Holder shall offer the Shares at the Offered Price to the Company or its
assignee(s).
(b) Exercise of Right of First Refusal. At any time within thirty
(30) days after receipt of the Notice, the Company and/or its assignee(s) may,
by giving written notice to the Holder, elect to purchase all, but not less
than all, of the Shares proposed to be transferred to any one or more of the
Proposed Transferees, at the purchase price determined in accordance with
subsection (c) below.
(c) Purchase Price. The purchase price ("Purchase Price") for the
Shares purchased by the Company or its assignee(s) under this Section shall be
the Offered Price. If the Offered Price includes consideration other than
cash, the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration shall be
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith.
(d) Payment. Payment of the Purchase Price shall be made, at the
option of the Company or its assignee(s), in cash (by check), by cancellation
of all or a portion of any outstanding indebtedness of the Holder to the
Company (or, in the case of repurchase by an assignee, to the assignee), or by
any combination thereof within 30 days after receipt of the Notice or in the
manner and at the times set forth in the Notice.
(e) Holder's Right to Transfer. If all of the Shares proposed in
the Notice to be transferred to a given Proposed Transferee are not purchased
by the Company and/or its assignee(s) as provided in this Section, then the
Holder may sell or otherwise transfer such Shares to that Proposed Transferee
at the Offered Price or at a higher price, provided that such sale or other
transfer is consummated within 120 days after the date of the Notice and
provided further that any such sale or other transfer is effected in accordance
with any applicable securities laws and the Proposed Transferee agrees in
writing that the provisions of this Section shall continue to apply to the
Shares in the hands of such Proposed Transferee. If the Shares described in
the Notice are not transferred to the Proposed Transferee within such period, a
new Notice shall be given to the Company, and the Company and/or its assignees
shall again be offered the Right of First Refusal before any Shares held by the
Holder may be sold or otherwise transferred.
(f) Exception for Certain Family Transfers. Anything to the
contrary contained in this Section notwithstanding, the transfer of any or all
of the Shares during the Optionee's lifetime or on the Optionee's death by will
or intestacy to the Optionee's immediate family or a trust for the benefit of
the Optionee's immediate family shall be exempt from the provisions of this
Section. "Immediate Family" as used herein shall mean spouse, lineal
descendant or antecedent, father, mother, brother or sister. In such case, the
transferee or other recipient shall receive and hold the Shares so
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<PAGE>
transferred subject to the provisions of this Section, and there shall be no
further transfer of such Shares except in accordance with the terms of this
Section.
(g) Termination of Right of First Refusal. The Right of First
Refusal shall terminate as to any Shares 90 days after the first sale of Common
Stock of the Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement
filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
5. Tax Consultation. Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Optionee represents that Optionee has consulted with any tax
consultants Optionee deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Optionee is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.
6. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.
(a) Legends. Optionee understands and agrees that the Company
shall cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent
thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the
Shares together with any other legends that may be required by the Company or
by state or federal securities laws:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR
OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL
REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COMPANY COUNSEL
SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR
TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL HELD BY THE
ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE EXERCISE NOTICE BETWEEN
THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY
BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER. SUCH TRANSFER
RESTRICTIONS AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF
THESE SHARES.
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY, OR
ANY INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION THEREFOR, WITHOUT
THE PRIOR
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<PAGE>
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES.
Optionee understands that transfer of the Shares may be restricted
by Section 260.141.11 of the Rules of the California Corporations Commissioner,
a copy of which is attached to Exhibit B, the Investment Representation
Statement.
(b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Optionee agrees that, in order to
ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may
issue appropriate "stop transfer" instruc- tions to its transfer agent, if any,
and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate
notations to the same effect in its own records.
(c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to
transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred
in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as
owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any
purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so
transferred.
7. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights
under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to
the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding
upon Optionee and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and
assigns.
8. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this
Agreement shall be submitted by Optionee or by the Company forthwith to the
Company's Board of Directors or the committee thereof that administers the
Plan, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The
resolution of such a dispute by the Board or committee shall be final and
binding on the Company and on Optionee.
9. Governing Law; Severability. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California excluding
that body of law pertaining to conflicts of law. Should any provision of this
Agreement be determined by a court of law to be illegal or unenforceable, the
other provisions shall nevertheless remain effective and shall remain
enforceable.
10. Notices. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given
in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon
deposit in the United States mail by certified mail, with postage and fees
prepaid, addressed to the other party at its address as shown below beneath its
signature, or to such other address as such party may designate in writing from
time to time to the other party.
11. Further Instruments. The parties agree to execute such further
instruments and to take such further action as may be reasonably necessary to
carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
-4-
<PAGE>
12. Delivery of Payment. Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the
full Exercise Price for the Shares.
13. Entire Agreement. The Plan and Notice of Grant/Option Agreement
are incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan, the Option
Agreement and the Investment Representation Statement constitute the entire
agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the
Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be
modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing
signed by the Company and Optionee
Submitted by: Accepted by:
OPTIONEE: Active Design Corporation
By:_______________________________
Its:______________________________
__________________________________
(Signature)
Address: Address:
___________________________ 1885 Lundy Avenue
Suite 202
___________________________ San Jose, CA 95131
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT
OPTIONEE :
COMPANY : ACTIVE DESIGN CORPORATION
SECURITY : COMMON STOCK
AMOUNT :
DATE :
In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Securities, the
undersigned Optionee represents to the Company the following:
(a) Optionee is aware of the Company's business affairs and
financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company
to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Securities.
Optionee is acquiring these Securities for investment for Optionee's own
account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any
"distribution" thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act").
(b) Optionee acknowledges and understands that the Securities
constitute "restricted securities" under the Securities Act and have not been
registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption
therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide
nature of Optionee's investment intent as expressed herein. In this
connection, Optionee understands that, in the view of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the statutory basis for such exemption may be unavailable
if Optionee's representation was predicated solely upon a present intention to
hold these Securities for the minimum capital gains period specified under tax
statutes, for a deferred sale, for or until an increase or decrease in the
market price of the Securities, or for a period of one year or any other fixed
period in the future. Optionee further understands that the Securities must be
held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities
Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Optionee further
acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to
register the Securities. Optionee understands that the certificate evidencing
the Securities will be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of
the Securities unless they are registered or such registration is not required
in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company, a legend prohibiting
their transfer without the consent of the Commissioner of Corporations of the
State of California and any other legend required under applicable state
securities laws.
(c) Optionee is familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule
144, each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance,
limited public resale of "restricted securities" acquired, directly or
indirectly from the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to
<PAGE>
the satisfaction of certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer
qualifies under Rule 701 at the time of the grant of the Option to the Optionee,
the Act. In the event the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements
of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days
thereafter (or such longer period as any market stand-off agreement may require)
the Securities exempt under Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction
of certain of the conditions specified by Rule 144, including: (1) the resale
being made through a broker in an unsolicited "broker's transaction" or in
transactions directly with a market maker (as said term is defined under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934); and, in the case of an affiliate, (2) the
availability of certain public information about the Company, (3) the amount of
Securities being sold during any three month period not exceeding the
limitations specified in Rule 144(e), and (4) the timely filing of a Form 144,
if applicable.
In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at the
time of grant of the Option, then the Securities may be resold in certain
limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which requires the
resale to occur not less than two years after the later of the date the
Securities were sold by the Company or the date the Securities were sold by an
affiliate of the Company, within the meaning of Rule 144; and, in the case of
acquisition of the Securities by an affiliate, or by a non-affiliate who
subsequently holds the Securities less than three years, the satisfaction of
the conditions set forth in sections (1), (2), (3) and (4) of the paragraph
immediately above.
(e) Optionee further understands that in the event all of the
applicable requirements of Rule 701 or 144 are not satisfied, registration
under the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other
registration exemption will be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact
that Rules 144 and 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell
private placement securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise
than pursuant to Rules 144 or 701 will have a substantial burden of proof in
establishing that an exemption from registration is available for such offers
or sales, and that such persons and their respective brokers who participate in
such transactions do so at their own risk. Optionee understands that no
assurances can be given that any such other registration exemption will be
available in such event.
[(f) Optionee understands that the certificate evidencing the
Securities will be imprinted with a legend which prohibits the transfer of the
Securities without the consent of the Commissioner of Corporations of
California. Optionee has read the applicable Commissioner's Rules with respect
to such restriction, a copy of which is attached.]
Signature of Optionee:
______________________________________
Date:__________________________, 19___
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<PAGE>
ATTACHMENT 1
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Title 10. Investment - Chapter 3. Commissioner of Corporations
260.141.11: Restriction on Transfer. (a) The issuer of any security
upon which a restriction on transfer has been imposed pursuant to Sections
260.102.6, 260.141.10 or 260.534 shall cause a copy of this section to be
delivered to each issuee or transferee of such security at the time the
certificate evidencing the security is delivered to the issuee or transferee.
(b) It is unlawful for the holder of any such security to consummate a
sale or transfer of such security, or any interest therein, without the prior
written consent of the Commissioner (until this condition is removed pursuant
to Section 260.141.12 of these rules), except:
(1) to the issuer;
(2) pursuant to the order or process of any court;
(3) to any person described in Subdivision (i) of Section 25102 of
the Code or Section 260.105.14 of these rules;
(4) to the transferor's ancestors, descendants or spouse, or any
custodian or trustee for the account of the transferor or the transferor's
ancestors, descendants, or spouse; or to a transferee by a trustee or
custodian for the account of the transferee or the transferee's ancestors,
descendants or spouse;
(5) to holders of securities of the same class of the same issuer;
(6) by way of gift or donation inter vivos or on death;
(7) by or through a broker-dealer licensed under the Code (either
acting as such or as a finder) to a resident of a foreign state, territory or
country who is neither domiciled in this state to the knowledge of the
broker-dealer, nor actually present in this state if the sale of such
securities is not in violation of any securities law of the foreign state,
territory or country concerned;
(8) to a broker-dealer licensed under the Code in a principal
transaction, or as an underwriter or member of an underwriting syndicate or
selling group;
(9) if the interest sold or transferred is a pledge or other lien
given by the purchaser to the seller upon a sale of the security for which
the Commissioner's written consent is obtained or under this rule not
required;
(10) by way of a sale qualified under Sections 25111, 25112, 25113 or
25121 of the Code, of the securities to be transferred, provided that no
order under Section 25140 or subdivision (a) of Section 25143 is in effect
with respect to such qualification;
(11) by a corporation to a wholly owned subsidiary of such
corporation, or by a wholly owned sub- sidiary of a corporation to such
corporation;
(12) by way of an exchange qualified under Section 25111, 25112 or
25113 of the Code, provided that no order under Section 25140 or subdivision
(a) of Section 25143 is in effect with respect to such qualification;
(13) between residents of foreign states, territories or countries
who are neither domiciled nor actually present in this state;
(14) to the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law
or to the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another state; or
(15) by the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law
or by the administrator of the unclaimed property law of another state if,
in either such case, such person (i) discloses to potential purchasers at
the sale that transfer of the securities is restricted under this rule, (ii)
delivers to each purchaser a copy of this rule, and (iii) advises the
Commissioner of the name of each purchaser;
(16) by a trustee to a successor trustee when such transfer does not
involve a change in the beneficial ownership of the securities;
(17) by way of an offer and sale of outstanding securities in an
issuer transaction that is subject to the qualification requirement of
Section 25110 of the Code but exempt from that qualification requirement by
subdivision (f) of Section 25102; provided that any such transfer is on the
condition that any certificate evidencing the security issued to such
transferee shall contain the legend required by this section.
(c) The certificates representing all such securities subject to such a
restriction on transfer, whether upon initial issuance or upon any transfer
thereof, shall bear on their face a legend, prominently stamped or printed
thereon in capital letters of not less than 10-point size, reading as follows:
"IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OR TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY, OR ANY
INTEREST THEREIN, OR TO RECEIVE ANY CONSIDERATION THE REFOR, WITHOUT THE
PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS OF THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S RULES."
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5.1
May 17, 1996
Sigma Designs, Inc.
46501 Landing Parkway
Fremont, CA 94538
RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8
----------------------------------
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by you
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about May 17, 1996 (the
"Registration Statement"), in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 240,240 shares of your Common Stock (the
"Shares"), which are to be issued pursuant to the 1996 Active Design Corporation
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). As your legal counsel, we have examined the
proceedings taken and are familiar with the proceedings proposed to be taken by
you in connection with the sale and issuance of the Shares under the Plan.
It is our opinion that upon completion of the proceedings to be taken prior
to issuance of the Shares pursuant to the Prospectus constituting part of the
Registration Statement and upon completion of the proceedings being taken in
order to permit such transactions to be carried out in accordance with the
securities laws of various states where required, the Shares, when issued and
sold in the manner described under the Plan and the agreements which accompany
the Plan, will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement, including any Prospectus constituting a part thereof,
and any amendments thereto.
Very truly yours,
WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
Professional Corporation
/s/ Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.1
------------
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Sigma Designs, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated March 1, 1996 (April 22,
1996 as to Note 14) on the consolidated financial statements and related
financial statement schedule of Sigma Designs, Inc. and our report dated April
22, 1996 on the financial statements of Active Design Corporation appearing in
the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sigma Designs, Inc. for the year ended January
31, 1996.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Jose, California
May 17, 1996
