SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.)
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|X| Preliminary Proxy Statement
|_| Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)
|_| Definitive Proxy Statement
|_| Definitive Additional Materials
|_| Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss.240.14a-11(c) or ss.240.14a-12
Chell Group Corporation
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
|X| No Fee Required
|_| Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1. Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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2. Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3. Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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|_| Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
|_| Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
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<PAGE>
CHELL GROUP CORPORATION
14 Meteor Drive
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M9W 1A4
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
February 28, 2001
To the Shareholders of Chell Group Corporation:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting (the "Annual Meeting") of
Shareholders of Chell Group Corporation, a New York corporation (the "Company"),
will be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on February 28, 2001, at the offices of
the Company, 14 Meteor Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 1A4, for the
following purposes:
(a) To elect a eight member Board of Directors to serve until the next
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company and until their successors are
duly elected and qualified;
(b) To consider and act upon a proposal to increase the number of Common
Shares authorized for issuance by the Company from 20,000,000 to 50,000,0000;
(d) To ratify the Board of Directors' selection of auditors, Lazar Levine
& Felix LLP for the 2001 fiscal year;
(e) To consider and transact such other business as may properly come
before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
In accordance with the provisions of the Company's By-laws, the Board of
Directors has fixed the close of business on January 3, 2001 as the date for
determining the shareholders of record entitled to receive notice of, and to
vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
Dated: January 29, 2001 By Order of the Board of Directors,
Mark Truman, Secretary
SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO FILL IN, DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN
THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING PREPAID ENVELOPE.
It is desirable that as many shareholders as possible be represented, in
person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting. Consequently, whether or not you now
expect to be present, please execute and return the enclosed proxy. You have the
power to revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted, and the giving of a
proxy will not affect your right to vote in person if you attend the Annual
Meeting.
<PAGE>
[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
<PAGE>
CHELL GROUP CORPORATION
14 Meteor Drive
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M9W 1A4
(416) 675-6666
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
February 28, 2001
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of Chell Group Corporation (the
"Company") for use at the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on
February 28, 2001, and at any adjournment thereof (the "Annual Meeting").
Further, solicitation of proxies may be made personally, or by telephone or
telegraph, by regularly employed officers and other employees of the Company,
who will receive no additional compensation for such. The cost of soliciting
proxies will be borne by the Company which may enlist the assistance, and
reimburse the reasonable expenses, of banks and brokerage houses in the
additional solicitation of proxies and proxy authorizations, particularly from
their customers whose stock is not registered in the owner's name, but in the
name of such banks or brokerage houses.
All shares represented at the Annual Meeting by proxies will be voted
provided that such proxies are properly signed and dated. In cases where a
choice is indicated, the shares represented will be voted in accordance with the
specifications so made. In cases where no specifications are made, the shares
represented will be voted FOR the election as directors of the nominees listed
below, FOR the ratification of an increase of the number of Common Shares
authorized for issuance by the Company from 20,000,000 to 50,000,0000 and FOR
the ratification of the Board of Directors' selection of auditors.
Any shareholder executing and returning a proxy has the power to revoke
such proxy at any time prior to the voting thereof by: (a) written notice to the
Secretary of the Company at the Company's headquarters delivered prior to the
commencement of the Annual Meeting, (b) providing a signed proxy bearing a later
date, or (c) appearing in person and voting at the Annual Meeting.
A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 2000 (the "2000 Fiscal Year"), including financial
statements, is being mailed concurrently herewith (on or about January 29, 2001)
to all shareholders of record at the close of business on January 3, 2001. The
Annual Report does not constitute a part of the proxy solicitation material for
the Annual Meeting.
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<PAGE>
VOTING SECURITIES
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on January 3, 2001
are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The total number of shares of common
stock, par value $.0467 per share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company, issued,
outstanding and entitled to be voted on the record date was 8,328,621 shares.
Each of such shares of Common Stock is entitled to one vote upon all matters to
be acted upon at the Annual Meeting(1). In addition, the Company has outstanding
900,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred
Stock"), of the Company. In accordance with the terms of the Certificate of
Designation by which the Preferred Stock was authorized, as modified by action
of the Company's Board Of Directors, holders of Preferred Stock are entitled
(after giving effect to the Stock Splits) to one vote for every three shares of
Preferred Stock held of record as of the record date for the Annual Meeting. As
well, the Company has outstanding 1 share of Special Voting Stock, no par value
(the "Special Voting Stock"). In accordance with the terms of the Certificate of
Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation, dated September 8, 2000, holders
of Special Voting Stock will be entitled to the number of votes equal to the
number of Exchangeable Shares of Chell Merchant Capital Group Inc. (f/k/a/
Networks North Acquisition Corp.), issued and outstanding at January 3, 2001. As
of January 3, 2001, the holder of the shares of Special Voting Stock were
eligible to 1,476,398 votes. Accordingly, there will be 10,105,019 shares
(8,328,621 votes of Common Stock, 1 share of Special Voting Stock (1,476,398
votes) and 900,000 shares (300,000 votes) of Preferred Stock, or an aggregate of
10,105,019 votes) available to be cast at the Annual Meeting. The holders of a
majority of the outstanding votes (i.e., 5,052,510 votes) shall constitute a
quorum, which is necessary for the transaction of business at the Annual
Meeting. In accordance with the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and
By-laws, and applicable law, the election of directors shall be by a plurality
of the votes cast, the increase of the number of Common Shares authorized shares
for issuance by the Company from 20,000,000 to 50,000,0000 and the ratification
of the Board of Directors' selection of auditors shall be by a majority of the
votes cast.
Shares Held By Directors and Named Executive Officers
Set forth in the table below is information concerning the ownership, as
of the close of business on January 3, 2001, of the Common Stock by the
Company's directors and Named Executive Officers(2), all directors and present
executive officers as a group (assuming all outstanding Preferred Stock is
converted to Common Stock) and each person who is known to the Company to be the
beneficial owner of more than five (5%) percent of the Common Stock.
----------
(1) On August 15, 1996, September 30, 1992 and September 4, 1990, the Company
effectuated three for two (3:2), one for seven (1:7) and one for ten (1:10)
stock splits, respectively, of the Common Stock (the "Stock Splits"). Throughout
this Proxy Statement, all references to shares of Common Stock refer to shares
of Common Stock as adjusted to reflect the effectuation of the Stock Splits.
(2) The term "Named Executive Officers" includes all persons who served as Chief
Executive Officer of the Company at any time during the Company's fiscal year
ended August 31, 2000 (the "2000 Fiscal Year") and the four highest paid
individuals whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 for the 2000 Fiscal Year
and who were serving as executive officers of the Company at the end of the 2000
Fiscal Year.
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and Nature of Percent of
Name and Address (1) Beneficial Ownership Class (2)
-------------------- -------------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Chell.com Ltd. (3) 4,992,497 59.9%
Cameron Chell (4) 6,890,724 70.3%
Frank Killoran (5) 123,476 1.5%
Peter Rona (6) 562,500 6.3%
Gordon Herman (7) 166,188 2.0%
David Bolink (8) 155,707 1.9%
Don Pagnutti (9) 22,500 0.3%
Adrian Towning (10) 9,000 0.1%
Robert Stone 0 0
All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons) 7,930,025 76.5%
</TABLE>
(1) Unless otherwise stated, the address of the directors and executive
officers of the corporation is c/o Chell Group Corporation, 14
Meteor Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 1A4.
(2) Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that all persons
named in the table have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them. A
person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that may
be acquired by such person within 60 days from the date on which
beneficial ownership is to be determined, upon the exercise of
options, warrants or convertible securities. Each beneficial owner's
percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options,
warrants and convertible securities that are held by such person
(but not those held by any other person) and which are exercisable
within such 60-day period, have been exercised.
(3) Cameron Chell is the sole director and shareholder of Chell.com Ltd.
(4) Includes 4,992,497 Common Shares held by Chell.com Ltd.(taking into
consideration the option calls on the Chell.com holdings held by
Frank Killoran, Gordon Herman and David Bolink), 421,829 Common
Shares held in escrow in connection with the purchase of shares of
cMeRun Corp. and 1,476,398 Exchangeable Shares of Chell Merchant
Capital Group being held in escrow in connection with the purchase
of shares of eSupplies (Alberta) Ltd.
(5) Represents the vested portion of an option in Chell.com Ltd. held by
Mr. Killoran, for the purchase of the Company's shares which are
owned by Chell.com Ltd.
(6) The address for Mr. Rona is 2205-39 Old Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada, M8X 1G6. Includes (a) 300,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the 900,000 shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock held of record by Anor Management, Ltd. ("Anor"),
Mr. Rona is the President, sole director and sole shareholder of
Anor; (b) 30,000 common shares owned by Mr. Rona; and (c) 232,500
options to purchase Common Stock of the Company all of which have
vested.
(7) Represents the vested portion of an option in Chell.com Ltd. held by
Mr. Herman, for the purchase of the Company's shares which are owned
by Chell.com Ltd.
(8) Represents the vested portion of an option in Chell.com Ltd. held by
Mr. Bolink, for the purchase of the Company's shares which are owned
by Chell.com Ltd.
(9) Represents options, which have vested and are available for
exercise.
(10) Includes 3,000 Common Shares of the Company and 6,000 options, which
have vested and are available for exercise.
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<PAGE>
Voting by Directors and Executive Officers
It is anticipated that the directors and the Named Executive Officers of
the Company will vote FOR the election as directors of the nominees listed
below, FOR the ratification of an increase of the number of Common Shares
authorized for issuance by the Company from 20,000,000 to 50,000,0000 and FOR
the ratification of the Board of Directors' selection of auditors. Such
directors and executive officers, and their affiliates, hold 71.7% of the votes
entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The individuals named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote, if so authorized,
FOR the persons named below as directors of the Company, each of whom has served
as a director of the Company for the periods so indicated. Each such person is
to be elected to hold office until the next succeeding Annual Meeting of
Shareholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Management of
the Company is not aware of any reason why any of the nominees will not be able
to serve. If a nominee should subsequently become unavailable for election, the
persons voting the accompanying proxy may, in their sole discretion, vote FOR
such substitute nominee the present Board of Directors may recommend.
Director
Name Age Principal Positions with the Company Since
---- --- ------------------------------------ -----
Frank Killoran 42 Chairman 2000
Cameron Chell 32 Director, President and Chief 2000
Executive Officer
Don Pagnutti 50 Director, Vice President-Finance, 2000
Chief Financial Officer
Peter Rona 54 Director 1987
David Bolink 32 Director 2000
Gordon Herman 42 Director 2000
Adrian P. Towning 56 Director 1994
Robert Stone 57 Director 2000
Frank Killoran is the Chairman of the Company, as well as, President and
Chief Operating Officer, since March 1997, of National Process Equipment, a
Canadian distributor of industrial pumps and compressors. Mr. Killoran was also
the President of Chell.com Ltd. from June to September 2000. From June 1993 to
January 1998, Mr. Killoran served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
Taro Industries Ltd., a Canadian oil and gas services company listed on the
Toronto Stock Exchange. Prior thereto, Mr. Killoran was a partner at Coopers and
Lybrand where he worked from May 1981 until May 1993.
Cameron Chell is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
and is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chell.com Ltd. Mr. Chell was
a founder of the ASP Consortium and FutureLink Corp. ("FutureLink"), a company
listed on NASDAQ under the
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<PAGE>
trading symbol "FTRL". He served as FutureLink's President, CEO and Chairman
from 1997 to 1999. Mr. Chell is also a Director and Shareholder of VC Advantage
Limited, the general partner of VC Advantage Fund Limited Partnership. Mr. Chell
is the Vice Chairman and founder of cMeRun Corp. and is a cofounder of JAWS
Technologies Inc., a company listed on NASDAQ under the trading symbol "JAWZ"
and a provider of information security consulting services and software
solutions. Mr. Chell is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Engyro
and cDemo. Previously, Mr. Chell worked in corporate finance in the private
sector. Mr. Chell worked as a stockbroker at McDermid St. Lawrence Securities
Ltd. from 1994 to 1997. On November 6, 1998, Mr. Chell entered into a Settlement
Agreement with the Alberta Stock Exchange to resolve a pending investigation
into alleged breaches by Mr. Chell of Alberta Stock Exchange rules and bylaws.
As part of the Settlement Agreement, (i) Mr. Chell acknowledged that he had
breached certain duties of supervision, disclosure, or compliance in connection
with various offers and sales of securities and (ii) Mr. Chell was prohibited
from receiving Alberta Stock Exchange approval for a five year period, subjected
to a CDN$25,000 fine and a three year period of enhanced supervision.
Don Pagnutti was appointed the Vice President, Finance of the Company on
September 19, 2000. Mr. Pagnutti has been the Chief Financial Officer of the
Company since September 1998, and was the Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer from September 1997 to September 2000. From 1996 to 1997, he
worked for Sullivan Entertainment Inc., as Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer. From 1980 to 1996, he worked for Telemedia Communications
Ltd., a large Canadian media company as Vice President, Radio. Mr. Pagnutti is a
Chartered Accountant and has a Masters Degree in Business Administration and a
Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Toronto.
Peter Rona had been the President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company from September 1987 until September 2000. In addition, he was the
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Company from September 1987 to
August 1997. He was the President of NTN Interactive Network, Inc. (formerly,
NTN Sports, Inc. until 1993) from 1985 to 1991 and February 1993 to September
1999. Mr. Rona has also been the President, sole director and sole shareholder
of Anor Management, Ltd., a personal holding company, since 1987.
David Bolink is a Managing Director of Chell Merchant Capital Group and
served as Chell.com. Ltd.'s first President from December 1999 to July 2000. Mr.
Bolink served as Director of Business Management of FutureLink Distribution
Corp., an application service provider and a provider of server-based computing
services, from May 1998 to December 1999. Mr. Bolink also served as Business
Manager of Edmonton Society for Christian Education from May 1996 to May 1998.
From February 1989 to May 1996, Mr. Bolink served as Asset Manager of Wilson
Holdings, a property and financial management company.
Gordon Herman is a Senior Managing Director of Chell Merchant Capital
Group. Mr. Herman is also currently the Chairman/President of Madison Companies
Ltd., a company listed on the Canadian Venture Exchange Inc., which focuses on
acquiring small to medium sized facilities management companies since 1997. From
1992 to 1998, Mr. Herman was the President/owner of Harding Hall & Graburne
Insurance Inc., a property and casualty insurance
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<PAGE>
broker. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Herman was the Vice President, Western Canada -
Acquisitions, at Equisure Financial Network, an insurance broker network trading
on the Toronto Stock Exchange. From 1988 to 1992, Mr. Herman was the President
of General Electric Capital Canada Leasing Inc., Canadian Operations (Canadian
Subsidiary of General Electric).
Adrian Towning is a private, independent investor in several companies
involved in the communications industry. As a result of his investments, he has
served as a director of some of these companies, including Medical
Communications Corporation ("MCC") from 1994 to July 1996. On May 14, 1996, MCC
filed a petition under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and the
Bankruptcy Court appointed a Trustee of MCC on July 11, 1996. On July 16, 1996,
MCC was dissolved. From 1983 to 1989, he established and managed
Anglo-Massachusetts Investments Incorporated, with offices in Boston and London,
which was involved in providing financial advice to Europeans.
Robert Stone graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science from the
University of Toronto in 1964. From 1973 until 1997 Mr. Stone served in various
capacities with Cominco Ltd., a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
("TSE") and the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX") under the trading symbol "CLT",
being the Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of that company
from 1980 until 1997. From 1969 until 1973 Mr. Stone was the Director of Finance
of Great Northern Capital Corporation. From 1964 until 1969 Mr. Stone worked
with Ernst & Young, Chartered Accountants, receiving his Chartered Accountant
designation in 1967. Mr. Stone currently serves as a director of a number of
companies including: Boliden Limited, a company listed on the TSE under the
trading symbol "BOL"; Golden Star Resources Ltd., a company listed on the TSE
under the trading symbol "GSC" and listed on AMEX under the trading symbol
"GSR"; Mainsborne Communications International Inc.; Manhatten Minerals Corp., a
company listed on the TSE under the trading symbol "MAN"; Mr. Stone is also a
former director of Agrium Inc., a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange
and the TSE under the trading symbol "AGU"; Cominco Ltd.; Global Stone
Corporation; Pine Point Mines Ltd.; TVI Pacific Inc., a company listed on the
TSE and Canadian Venture Exchange Inc. under the trading symbol "TVI"; and
United Bolero Development Corp., a company listed on the Canadian Venture
Exchange Inc. under the trading symbol "UNB"; Union Bank of Switzerland and West
Kootenay Power & Light Company.
Board Committees and Attendance Records
The Company's Audit and Compensation Committee currently consists of
Messrs. Adrian Towning and Robert Stone. Neither Mr. Towning nor Mr. Stone is an
officer or employee of the Company and neither has served in such capacities
with the Company in the past.
During the 2000 Fiscal Year, there were thirteen (13) formal meetings of the
Board of Directors of the Company. The following chart outlines the directors of
the Company during the 2000 fiscal year, how many of the formal meetings they
were eligible to attend and how many they attended.
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---------------------------------------------------------
Board Member Eligible Attended
Meetings
---------------------------------------------------------
Marie Curry 3 2
---------------------------------------------------------
Lorne Stephenson 6 6
---------------------------------------------------------
Dale Smith 8 7
---------------------------------------------------------
Douglas Connolly 7 5
---------------------------------------------------------
Bart Yabsley 3 3
---------------------------------------------------------
Blair Layton 4 4
---------------------------------------------------------
Adrian Towning 13 13
---------------------------------------------------------
Peter Rona 13 13
---------------------------------------------------------
David Bolink 6 6
---------------------------------------------------------
Don Pagnutti 6 6
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Cameron Chell 4 4
---------------------------------------------------------
Frank Killoran 4 3
---------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Herman 2 2
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Audit Committee Report
The Board of Directors maintains an Audit Committee comprised of two of
the Company's outside directors. The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee
believe that the Audit Committee's current member composition satisfies the rule
of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") that governs
audit committee composition, Rule 310(c)(26)(B)(i), including the requirement
that audit committee members all be "independent directors" as that term is
defined by NASD Rule 4200(a)(15).
In accordance with its written charter adopted by the Board of Directors
(set forth in Appendix A to this proxy statement), the Audit Committee assists
the Board of Directors with fulfilling its oversight responsibility regarding
the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting
practices of the Company. In discharging its oversight responsibilities
regarding the audit process, the Audit Committee:
(1) reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with
management;
(2) discussed with the independent auditors the material required to be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61; and
(3) reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from the independent
auditors required by the Independence Standards Board's Standard No. 1, and
discussed with the independent auditors any relationships that may impact their
objectivity and independence.
Based upon the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial
statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended August 31, 2000, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
7
<PAGE>
Compensation Committee Report
Proxy disclosure rules require the Company to report certain relationships
involving the Company in which members of the Compensation Committee have a
direct or indirect material interest. Also required is disclosure of
interlocking relationships among Compensation Committee members and those
executive officers of the Company, if any, who also serve as members of
Compensation Committees or executive officers at other companies. The purpose of
these requirements is to allow shareholders to assess the independence of the
Company's Compensation Committee members in making executive compensation
decisions and recommendations.
Formation
The Company's Compensation Committee was formed after the 2000 fiscal year
end on September 8, 2000 and its mandate is to assist the Board in the discharge
of its fiduciary responsibilities relating to the fair and competitive
compensation of the employees of the Company, including: (i) the review and
approval of the Company's compensation philosophy; (ii) the review and approval
of compensation programs, plans and awards; (iii) administration of the
Company's short- and long-term incentive plans and other stock or stock-based
plans, and; (iv) to issue an annual report on executive compensation for
inclusion in the Company's proxy statement.
Insider Participation and Interlocks
While the Company has had transactions with companies and firms with which
certain members of the Compensation Committee are, or at some point during
fiscal year 2000 were, affiliated as an officer and/or director, there are no
such relationships in which members of the Committee have a direct or indirect
material interest. In addition, there are no interlocking relationships of the
nature described above involving members of the Compensation Committee.
Director and Executive Compensation
Existing executive compensation agreements were entered into prior to the
formation of the Compensation Committee. For information regarding these
agreements, please see "Employment Contracts with Named Executive Officers".
On December 11, 2000, the Board of Directors ratified the Compensation
Committee's proposed compensation plan for outside directors. Please see
"Directors Remuneration".
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF
THE ABOVE-LISTED SLATE OF DIRECTOR-NOMINEES
8
<PAGE>
RATIFICATION OF A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF COMMON
SHARES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE BY THE COMPANY
FROM 20,000,000 TO 50,000,0000
The Board of Directors has adopted, subject to stockholder approval, an
amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to increase the
authorized capital stock of the Company by increasing the number of authorized
shares of Common Stock from 20,000,000 to 50,000,000 shares.
The Company is presently authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of Common
Stock, par value of $.0467 per share, and 1,500,000 shares of preferred stock,
par value $.01 per share. As of January 3, 2001, there were 8,328,621 shares of
Common Stock issued and outstanding. As of January 3, 2001, an aggregate of
10,110,000 shares of common stock had been reserved for issuance as follows: (i)
an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the
Canadian Advantage Partnership II Convertible Debenture, (ii) an aggregate of
150,000 shares of common stock issuable in connection with outstanding warrants
to purchase shares of common stock, (iii) an aggregate of approximately
1,383,000 shares of common stock issuable in connection with options granted or
to be granted under the Chell Group Corporation Stock Option Plan, (iv) an
aggregate of approximately 300,000 shares of common stock issuable upon
conversion of the Company's issued and outstanding Preferred Stock, (v)
1,928,267 shares of Common Stock in connection with the Agreement of Purchase
and Sale between the Company, Chell Merchant Capital Group Inc., Chell.com Ltd.
and Cameron Chell, (vi) 100,000 shares of Common Stock issued in connection with
consulting agreements with iCapital Corporation and three of it's principals,
and (vii) 1,110,000 shares of Common Stock in connection with the Company's
proposed Offering Memorandum (based on the minimum offering). Therefore, as of
January 3, 2001, approximately 1,561,376 unreserved shares of our common stock
were available for issuance.
The additional 30,000,000 shares of Common Stock to be authorized would
provide needed flexibility for future financial and capital requirements so that
proper advantage could be taken of favorable market conditions and possible
business acquisitions. Additional shares of Common Stock would also be available
to the Company for stock dividends or splits should the Board of Directors
decide that it would be desirable, in light of market conditions then
prevailing, to broaden the public ownership of, and to enhance the market for,
the shares of the Company's Common Stock. The additional shares would be
available for issuance for these and other purposes, subject to the laws of New
York and Nasdaq rules, at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors
without, in most cases, the delays and expenses attendant to obtain further
stockholder approval.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE BY THE COMPANY
FROM 20,000,000 TO 50,000,0000
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<PAGE>
RATIFICATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' SELECTION OF AUDITORS
Subject to shareholder ratification, the Board has selected Lazar Levine &
Felix LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2001,
and until its successor is selected. Lazar Levine & Felix LLP has audited the
Company's financial statements for the Company's fiscal year ended August 31,
2000. No representative of Lazar Levine & Felix LLP is expected to be present at
the Annual Meeting, and accordingly it will not have an opportunity to make a
statement or be available to answer questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' SELECTION OF AUDITORS
MANAGEMENT REMUNERATION
General
The Company compensates its employees and directors in Canadian dollars
("Cdn$"). For information concerning the applicable exchange rates, see
"Exchange Rates."
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation
paid or accrued by the Company during the three years ended August 31, 2000 to
the Company's Named Executive Officer.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-term
Annual Compensation Compensation
------------------------------------ ----------------
Other Annual Securities Under All Other
Name and Principal Salary(1) Bonus Compensation(1) Options/Granted Compensation
Position Year (Cdn$) (Cdn$) ($) (#) ($)
------------------ ---- --------- ------ --------------- ---------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Peter Rona 2000 192,334 -- -- 100,000 --
President and Chief 1999 167,665 30,755 -- 30,000 --
Executive Officer(2) 1998 168,426 32,963 -- 40,000 --
Donald Pagnutti (3) 2000 156,249 -- -- 22,500 --
Vice-President, Finance
and Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>
Notes:
(1) Perquisites and other personal benefits received in 1998, 1999 and
2000 did not exceed the lesser of US$50,000 and 10% of the total
annual salary and bonuses for any of the Named Executive Officers.
(2) Mr. Rona was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company from September 1, 1987 until September 19, 2000.
(3) Mr. Pagnutti's title was changed to Vice President Finance and Chief
Financial Officer on September 19, 2000.
During the three year period ended August 31, 2000, the Company did not
grant any restricted stock awards or stock appreciation rights. Additionally,
all of the Company's group life, health, hospitalization, medical reimbursement
or relocation plans, if any, do not discriminate in scope, terms or operation,
in favor of the Named Executive Officers and are generally available to all
salaried employees. Further, no Named Executive Officer received, in
10
<PAGE>
any of the periods specified in the Summary Compensation Table, perquisites and
other personal benefits, securities or property in an aggregate amount in excess
of the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total salary and bonus reported for the
Named Executive Officer in the fiscal year in which such benefits were received,
and no single type of perquisite or other personal benefits exceeded 25% of the
total perquisites and other benefits reported for the Named Executive Officer in
the applicable fiscal year
Option Grants Table
The following table sets forth (a) the number of shares underlying options
granted to each Named Executive Officer during the 2000 Fiscal Year, (b) the
percentage the grant represents of the total number of options granted to all
Company employees during the 2000 Fiscal Year, (c) the per share exercise price
of each option, (d) the expiration date of each option, and (e) the potential
realized value of each option based on: (i) the assumption of a five (5%)
percent annualized compounded appreciation of the market price of the Common
Stock from the date of the grant of the subject option to the end of the option
term, and (ii) the assumption of a ten (10%) percent annualized compounded
appreciation of the market price of the Common Stock from the date of the grant
of the subject option to the end of the option term.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realizable Value at
Percentage of Assumed Rates of Stock Price
Number of Total Options Appreciation for Option Term
Shares Granted to -----------------------------
Underlying Employees in Exercise Expiration
Name Options Granted Fiscal Year Price Date 5% 10%
---- --------------- ----------- ----- ---- -- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Peter Rona 75,000 9.7% US$2.00 October 14, 2004 US$41,442 US$91,577
President and CEO(1) 25,000 3.2% US$4.375 April 3, 2005 US$30,218 US$176,150
Donald Pagnutti (2) 22,500 2.9% US$9.75 August 11, 2004 US$47,277 US$101,812
Vice-President,
Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
</TABLE>
Notes:
(1) Mr. Rona was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company from September 1, 1987 until September 19, 2000.
(2) Mr. Pagnutti's title was changed to Vice President Finance and Chief
Financial Officer on September 19, 2000.
Options Exercised and Remaining Outstanding
Set forth in the table below is information, with respect to each of the
Named Executive Officers, as to the (a) number of shares acquired during the
2000 Fiscal Year upon each exercise of options granted to such individuals, (b)
the aggregate value realized upon each such exercise (i.e., the difference
between the market value of the shares at exercise and their exercise price),
(iii) the total number of unexercised options held on August 31, 2000,
separately identified between those exercisable and those not exercisable, and
(iv) the aggregate value of in-the-money, unexercised options held on August 31,
2000, separately identified between those exercisable and those not exercisable.
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Securities Aggregate Value of Unexercised in the
Acquired on Value Unexercised Options at Money Options at August 31,
Exercise Realized August 31, 2000 2000
(#) ($) (#) ($)
----------- -------- ---------------------- -------------------------------
Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable(1) Unexercisable(1)
----------- ------------- -------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Peter Rona Nil Nil 135,000 97,500(2) US$445,625 US$438,750
Donald Pagnutti Nil Nil 18,750 33,750 US$69,375 US$50,625
</TABLE>
Note:
(1) The value of the unexercised "in-the-money" options has been
determined by subtracting the exercise price of the options from the
closing Common Share price of US$6.50 on August 31, 2000, and
multiplying by the number of Common Shares that may be acquired upon
the exercise of the options.
(2) As at September 19, 2000, these options vested and were exercisable.
Director's Remuneration
Prior to September 8, 2000, each director, not otherwise a full time
employee of the Company, was eligible to receive $500 for each meeting of the
Board of Directors or committee thereof which they attended, along with the
reimbursement of their reasonable expenses incurred on the Company's behalf. In
addition, each director, not otherwise a full time employee of the Company was
eligible to receive 1,500 stock options annually. During the fiscal year ended
August 31, 2000, 45,000 options were issued to Adrian Towning at a strike price
of US$9.75 on August 11, 2000. The vesting schedule for these options are
one-third per year on each anniversary of the grant date. On December 11, 2000,
45,000 options were issued to Robert Stone at a strike price of US$3.06. The
vesting schedule for these options are one-third per year on each anniversary of
the grant date.
As of December 11, 2000, the Board of Directors formally adopted a
standard arrangement pursuant to which only the outside directors of the Company
are compensated by the Company for their services in their capacity as
directors. This compensation arrangement is retroactive to September 19, 2000
(the date of the closing of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale between Chell
Group Corporation (f/k/a Networks North Inc.), Chell Merchant Capital Group Inc.
(f/k/a Networks North Acquisition Corp.), Chell.com Ltd. and Cameron Chell).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Outside Director's Compensation Schedule Cash Options
(US$)
<S> <C> <C>
1. Directorship Acceptance Options (one time grant with a 3 year vesting 45,000
schedule)
2. Annual Retainer-Chairman 20,000 10,000
3. Annual Retainer-Director 6,000
4. Annual Retainer-Committee Member (over and above directorship 3,000
retainer)
5. Annual Retainer-Committee Chair (over and above directorship retainer 2,000
and committee retainer)
6. Board Meeting Attendance Fee 750/mtg.
7. Committee Attendance Fee 500/mtg
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
Mr. Killoran has elected not to claim his Annual Retainer and Options for the
2001 Fiscal Year.
Employment Contracts with Named Executive Officers
The Company entered a new employment agreement (the "Rona Agreement") with
Peter Rona, its President and Chief Executive Officer, for a three-year period
commencing April 1, 2000 and continuing until March 1, 2003. The Rona Agreement
provided for a base compensation of $225,000 with annual increases to be subject
to review by the Board of Directors. In September 2000, Mr. Rona and the Company
entered into an agreement to terminate the Rona Agreement (the "Termination
Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Termination Agreement, the Company
paid Mr. Rona $643,250 and all options then held by Mr. Rona vested immediately.
In addition, the Termination Agreement provided that Mr. Rona shall exercise all
options, repay his loan of US$70,000 and agree not to sell any of his Common
Shares without first consulting with the Chairman, President or Chief Executive
Officer of the Company.
In November 1999, NTN IN renewed Donald Pagnutti's employment agreement
originally dated August 15, 1997, pursuant to which Mr. Pagnutti serves as the
Company's Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating
Officer. Effective September 19, 2000, Mr. Pagnutti's title was changed to Vice
President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. The agreement provides for an
initial base compensation of $160,000 with annual reviews, together with
automobile expenses of $9,000. In addition to the fixed remuneration, the
Company shall pay Mr. Pagnutti a bonus at the end of each year of the term in
the event that during the said year the actual net income before taxes of the
Company as audited using the generally accepted accounting principles applied on
a basis consistent with those previous years, equaled or exceeded the projected
net income before taxes of the Company as determined by the Board of Directors
of the Company at the commencement of the said year. The agreement further
provided that the Company grant to Mr. Pagnutti options to purchase a minimum of
15,000 Common Shares of the Company.
On September 19, 2000, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Cameron Chell, pursuant to which Mr. Chell serves as the Company's
President and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement provides for an initial
base compensation of $360,000, together with automobile expenses of $8400. In
addition to the fixed remuneration, the Company shall provide Mr. Chell with the
services of an Executive Assistant on an ongoing basis and an Accountant for a
reasonable period of time to allow for the completion of outstanding accounting
work related to existing companies in which Mr. Chell is involved. It was the
understanding of the parties that this agreement was to be replaced by a
definitive employment agreement before October 10, 2000, however, such agreement
has not been entered into at this time. Since the signing of this agreement, Mr.
Chell has eliminated both his salary and automobile allowance in an effort to
reduce cash requirements of the Company. These were eliminated with the
understanding that the compensation of Mr. Chell will be mutually agreed upon
between the parties.
On September 19, 2000, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Gord Herman, pursuant to which Mr. Herman serves as the Company's Senior
Managing Director.
13
<PAGE>
The agreement provides for an initial base compensation of $175,000, together
with automobile expenses of $8,400. It was the understanding of the parties that
this agreement was to be replaced by a definitive employment agreement before
October 10, 2000, however, such agreement has not been entered into at this
time. Since the signing of this agreement, Mr. Herman has reduced his salary to
a level of $120,000 and has eliminated the automobile allowance in an effort to
reduce cash requirements of the Company. These were eliminated with the
understanding that the compensation of Mr. Herman will be mutually agreed upon
between the parties.
In September 2000, CMCG assumed an employment agreement from Chell.com,
which had been entered into on November 29, 1999 with David Bolink, pursuant to
which Mr. Bolink serves as CMCG's Managing Director and General Manager. The
agreement provides for an initial base compensation of $150,000. Since the
assumption of this agreement, Mr. Bolink has reduced his salary to $120,000 in
an effort to reduce cash requirements of CMCG. This was reduced on the
understanding that the compensation of Mr. Bolink would be mutually agreed upon
between the parties.
The Company does not have any other employment agreements in effect with
any other executive employee.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Set forth below is a description of certain transactions between the
Company and its directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of five
percent or more of the outstanding Common Stock, or member of the immediate
family of any of the foregoing persons, as well as certain business
relationships between the Company and its directors, which occurred or existed
in the 2000 Fiscal Year.
a) Cameron Chell is Chairman of the Board and a director in each of
Engyro and cDemo. Chell.com., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cameron
Chell, holds 120,000 warrants to purchase common shares of cDemo at
$5.00 per share and 85,000 warrants to purchase Class A Voting
Shares of eSupplies at $7.00 per share and 500,000 options at $7.00.
Chell.com holds 200,000 options to purchase shares of Engyro for
$5.00 and warrants for 97,500 shares at $5.00.
b) Frank Killoran is a director and shareholder of cDemo and he and
members of his immediate family hold 264,000 common shares in such
company. He holds an option from Chell.com to acquire 370,428 shares
of the Company, which are held by Chell.com, at a price of $1.00
(which may be adjusted up or downward based on certain
contingencies).
c) Gordon Herman is interim President of cDemo, a consultant to
eSupplies and receives compensation therefore. He holds an option in
Chell.com to acquire 498,354 shares of the Company, which are held
by Chell.com, at a price of $1.00 (which may be adjusted up or
downward based on certain contingencies).
14
<PAGE>
d) David Bolink is a consultant to eSupplies and receives compensation
therefore. He holds an option in Chell.com to acquire 467,121 shares
of the Company, which are held by Chell.com, at a price of $1.00
(which may be adjusted up or downward based on certain
contingencies).
e) Cameron Chell is the owner of various trademarks and domain names
which he has licensed to the corporation, including "Chell.com",
"Chell Corporation" and "Chell Merchant Capital Group" for $1 per
year for as long as he remains a director of the Corporation.
f) Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Company,
Chell Merchant Capital Group, Cameron Chell and Chell.com Ltd.,
5,369,733 shares of the Company were issued and 1,928,268
Exchangeable Shares of Chell Merchant Capital Group were issued to
Cameron Chell and Chell.com Ltd. The shares of the Company that were
issued in exchange for shares of cMeRun are currently held in escrow
until such time as (i) cMeRun is current with its SEC filings
pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; (ii)
The average closing price of cMeRun's stock is $11 for five
consecutive trading days and (iii) cMeRun is listed in good standing
on either the NASD Bulletin Board or the NASDAQ Small Cap or
National Stock Market. In addition, the 1,476,398 shares of the
Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Chell Merchant Capital Group
Inc., that were issued in exchange for shares of eSupplies will be
held in escrow until at such time the Board of Directors of the
Company has reviewed a new business plan and made a determination
that the new course taken by eSupplies fits with the Company's
business model and provides similar value to the Company.
g) Escrow Agreement dated October 11, 2000 among Cameron Chell, the
Corporation, Chell Merchant Capital Group Inc. and Wolff Leia
Huckell (as escrow agent). The CMCG Exchangeable Shares may be
released from escrow after receiving written notice from the board
of directors of the Corporation that the new course of business
being taken by eSupplies including potential new acquisitions in the
e-business field, fits within the Corporation's business model and
provides significant value to the Corporation. If there is no such
notice from the board of directors of the Corporation prior to
October 12, 2001, the CMCG Exchangeable Shares shall be cancelled
and the shares of eSupplies held by the escrow agent will be
returned to Mr. Chell. Mr. Chell is a major shareholder in
eSupplies.
h) Consulting Agreement between Chell.com and eSupplies (Alberta) Ltd.
dated February 8, 2000 that was assigned to the Corporation as part
of the purchase of Chell.com assets effective August 31, 2000,
whereby the Company provides consulting services to eSupplies for a
period of 12 months for a fee of US$720,000. Cameron Chell is a
major shareholder of eSupplies.
i) Consulting Agreement between Chell.com and Buyersangel.com Inc. (now
known as cDemo, Inc.) dated January 21, 2000 that was assigned to
the
15
<PAGE>
Corporation as part of the purchase of Chell.com assets effective
August 31, 2000, whereby the Company provides consulting services to
cDemo for a period of 12 months for a fee of US$720,000. Cameron
Chell is the Chairman of the Board of cDemo. Mr. Killoran and Mr.
Herman are directors.
j) Consulting Agreement between Chell.com and R Home Funding Company
Ltd. (now known as Engyro, Inc.) dated January 17, 2000 that was
assigned to the Corporation as part of the purchase of Chell.com
assets effective August 31, 2000 whereby the Company provides
consulting services to Engyro for a period of 14 months, ending on
January 15, 2001, for a fee of US$720,000. Cameron Chell is the
Chairman of the Board of Engyro.
k) Consulting Agreement between Chell Group Corporation and Mainsborne
Communications International Inc. dated September 1, 2000 whereby
the Company provides consulting services for a term of 1 year for a
fee of US$25,000 per month. Mr. Stone is a director of Mainsborne
Communications International Inc.
l) Consulting Agreement between Chell.com Ltd. and cMeRun Corp. dated
November 15, 1999 that was assigned to the Corporation as part of
the purchase of Chell.com assets effective August 31, 2000 whereby
the Company provides consulting services to cMeRun for a term of 12
months for a fee of US$720,000. Cameron Chell is cMeRun's
Vice-Chairman and Frank Killoran is a director of cMeRun.
m) License Agreement between Cameron Chell, the Company and Chell
Merchant Capital Group dated August 31, 2000 whereby Mr. Chell
grants the Company and Chell Merchant Capital Group the right to use
the trademarks "Chell.com", "Chell Merchant Capital Group" and
"Chell Corporation" in exchange for the fee of $1.00 per year.
n) Securities Purchase Agreement with VC Advantage Fund ("VC") on
October 3, 2000, for up to US$3,000,000 loan to the Company. VC
received a Convertible Debenture, which is convertible into Common
Stock of the Company, based upon an agreed conversion price of $3.00
per share. As of November 30, 2000, VC had assigned its rights in
this Agreement to Canadian Advantage Limited Partnership ("CALP II")
and a total of US$1,700,000 has been advanced to the Company.
Cameron Chell is a Director and shareholder of VC Advantage Limited,
the general partner of VC. Pursuant to the assignment of this
agreement to CALP II, this is no longer a related transaction as Mr.
Chell has no interests in CALP II.
o) The Company provided a U.S. $70,000 loan to Peter Rona, the
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, on May 20,
1998 which was utilized to pay the Company for the exercise of stock
options. The loan was collateralized by a Promissory Note, dated May
20, 1998, in the principal amount of U.S. $70,000. The Promissory
Note was due on demand and bore
16
<PAGE>
interest, at a specified bank prime rate plus three quarters of one
percent. Subsequent to the 2000 fiscal year end, Mr. Rona repaid the
loan in full.
OTHER BUSINESS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors is not
aware of any other matter, which is to be presented for action at the Annual
Meeting. If any matter other than those described above (i.e., election of
directors, approval of increase the number of Common Shares authorized for
issuance by the Company and ratification of the Board's selection of auditors)
does properly come before the Annual Meeting, the individuals named in the
enclosed Proxy will, unless indicated otherwise, vote the shares represented
thereby in accordance with their best judgment.
EXCHANGE RATES
This Proxy Statement contains translations of certain amounts in Canadian
dollars ("Cdn$") into United States dollars ("US$") based upon the exchange rate
in effect at the end of the period to which the amount relates, or the exchange
rate on the date specified. For such purposes, the exchange rate means the noon
buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in Canadian dollars as
certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the
"Noon Buying Rate"). These translations should not be construed as
representations that the Canadian dollar amounts actually represent such U.S.
dollar amounts or that Canadian dollars could be converted into U.S. dollars at
the rate indicated or at any other rate. The Noon Buying Rate at the end of each
of the five years ended August 31, 2000, the average of the Noon Buying Rates on
the last day of each month during each of such fiscal years and the high and low
Noon Buying Rate for each of such fiscal year's were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
August 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
At end of period......... Cdn$1.4715 Cdn$1.4965 Cdn$1.5722 Cdn$1.3885 Cdn$1.3685
Average for period....... 1.4714 1.4949 1.4390 1.3676 1.3634
High for period.......... 1.4955 1.5135 1.5770 1.3942 1.3815
Low for period........... 1.4489 1.4760 1.4100 1.3381 1.3401
</TABLE>
ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Upon the written request of any shareholder of the Company, as record or
beneficial owner, the Company will provide to such shareholder a copy of the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended August 31, 2000,
including the financial statements and the schedules thereto, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Any request should be directed to the
Corporate Secretary, at the Company's place of business listed above. There will
be no charge for the Form 10-K, unless one or more exhibits thereto are
requested, in which event the Company's reasonable expenses of furnishing such
exhibits may be charged.
17
<PAGE>
FUTURE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
From time to time, shareholders present proposals, which may be the proper
subject for inclusion in the Company's Proxy Statement and for consideration at
its annual meetings of shareholders. To be considered, proposals must be
submitted on a timely basis. Proposals for the next Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of the Company must be received by the Company no later than
September 15, 2001, for inclusion, if proper, in next year's proxy solicitation
materials.
GENERAL
The Company will pay all of the costs of preparing, assembling and mailing
the form of Proxy, Proxy Statement and other materials which may be sent to the
shareholders in connection with this solicitation, as well as any costs of
soliciting proxies in the accompanying form. Solicitation will be made by mail,
and officers and regular employees of the Company may also solicit proxies by
telephone, telegraph or personal interview for which they will receive no
additional remuneration. The Company expects to request brokers and nominees who
hold stock in their names to furnish this proxy material to their customers and
to solicit proxies from them. The Company will reimburse such brokers and
nominees for their out-of-pocket and reasonable clerical expenses in connection
therewith.
WHILE YOU HAVE THE MATTER IN MIND, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN
THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Mark Truman, Secretary
18
<PAGE>
Appendix "A"
CHELL GROUP CORPORATION
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board to assist the Board in monitoring:
1) the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, and;
2) the independence and performance of the Company's external auditors.
The Audit Committee shall:
1) meet the independence and experience requirements of the NASDAQ
Stock Market, Inc. and shall be appointed by the Board.
2) have the authority to retain special legal, accounting or other
consultants to advise the Committee. The Audit Committee may request
any officer or employee of the Company or the Company's outside
counsel or independent auditor to attend a meeting of the Committee
or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the Committee.
3) make regular reports to the Board.
4) review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter annually and
recommend any proposed changes to the Board for approval.
5) review the annual audited financial statements with management,
including major issues regarding accounting and auditing principles
and practices, as well as the adequacy of internal controls that
could significantly affect the Company's financial statements.
6) review an analysis prepared by management and the independent
auditor of significant financial reporting issues and judgments made
in connection with the preparation of the Company's financial
statements.
7) review with management and the independent auditor the Company's
quarterly financial statements prior to the filing of its 10-Q.
8) meet periodically with management to review the Company's major
financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to
monitor and control such exposures.
9) review major changes to the Company's auditing and accounting
principles and practices as suggested by the independent auditor or
management.
10) recommend to the Board the appointment of the independent auditor,
which firm is ultimately accountable to the Audit Committee and the
Board.
11) approve the fees to be paid to the independent auditor.
12) receive periodic reports from the independent auditor regarding the
auditor's independence consistent with Independence Standards Board
Standard 1, discuss such reports with the auditor, and if so
determined by the Audit Committee, take or recommend that the full
Board take appropriate action to oversee the independence of the
auditor.
13) evaluate the performance of the independent auditor and, if so
determined by the Audit Committee, recommend that the Board replace
the independent auditor.
19
<PAGE>
14) review the appointment and replacement of senior financial
executives.
15) meet with the independent auditor and Chief Financial Officer to
review the logistics of the audit.
16) obtain from the independent auditor assurance that Section 10A of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 has not been implicated.
17) discuss with the independent auditor the matters required to be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 relating to the
conduct of the audit.
18) review with the independent auditor any problems or difficulties the
auditor may have encountered and any management letter provided by
the auditor and the Company's response to that letter. Such review
should include:
a) any difficulties encountered in the course of the audit work,
including any restrictions on the scope of activities or
access to required information.
b) any changes required in the planned scope of the internal
audit.
19) prepare the report required by the rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission to be included in the Company's annual proxy
statement.
20) review with the Company's General Counsel legal matters that may
have a material impact on the financial statements.
21) meet at least annually with the Chief Financial Officer and the
independent auditor in separate executive sessions.
While the Audit Committee has the responsibility and powers set forth in this
Charter, it is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or
to determine that the Company's financial statements are complete and accurate
and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This is the
responsibility of management and the independent auditor. Nor is it the duty of
the Audit Committee to conduct investigations, to resolve disagreements, if any,
between management and the independent auditor or to assure compliance with laws
and regulations and the Company's Code of Conduct.
Approved and adopted by the Audit Committee on June 8, 2000.
/s/ Adrian Towning /s/ Frank Killoran
------------------ ------------------
Adrian Towning Frank Killoran
Ratified by the Board of Directors on June 13, 2000.
20
<PAGE>
PROXY PROXY
CHELL GROUP CORPORATION
14 Meteor Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada MAW 1A4
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENT, that the undersigned shareholder of Chell
Group Corporation (the "Company") hereby constitutes and appoints Cameron Chell
and Mark Truman and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys, agents and
proxies of the undersigned, each with full power of substitution to vote all of
the shares of stock of the Company that the undersigned would be entitled, if
personally present, to vote at the meeting of shareholders of the Corporation to
be held on February 28, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of the Company, 14
Meteor Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 1A4, and at any adjournment thereof.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR:
1. Election of Directors:
NOMINEES: David Bolink, Cameron Chell, Gordon Herman, Frank Killoran,
Don Pagnutti, Peter Rona, Adrian P. Towning, Robert Stone
FOR all nominees listed below (except as marked to the contrary below) |_|
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed above |_|
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
write that nominee's name in the space provided below.
__________________________________________________________________________
2. To approve the increase the number of Common Shares authorized for
issuance by the Company from 20,000,000 to 50,000,0000.
For |_| Against |_| Abstain |_|
3. To approve the appointment of Lazar Levine & Felix LLP as auditors of the
Company for fiscal year 2001.
For |_| Against |_| Abstain |_|
Dated: , 2001
You may fax your completed proxy to North American Transfer Company at (516)
379-8525 or forward it via mail to 147 Merrick Road, Freeport, NY, 11520 in the
envelope provided.
