<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 22, 1996
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------------------
FORM SB-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
<S> <C> <C>
CALIFORNIA 3841 33-0476284
(State or other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Identification No.)
</TABLE>
3 MORGAN
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92718
(714) 859-0656
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)
COLETTE COZEAN, PH.D.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
3 MORGAN
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92718
(714) 859-0656
(Name, address and telephone number, of agent of service)
--------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COPIES TO:
<S> <C>
THOMAS G. BROCKINGTON, Esq. JOEL I. PAPERNIK, Esq.
Rutan & Tucker, LLP Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent
611 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1400 & Sheinfeld, LLP
Costa Mesa, California 92626 551 Fifth Avenue
(714) 641-5100 New York, New York 10176
(212) 661-6500
</TABLE>
--------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
--------------------------
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement of
the same offering. / /
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. / /
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED MAXIMUM
PROPOSED MAXIMUM AGGREGATE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED (1) PER SHARE (2) (1)(2) REGISTRATION FEE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, no par
value..................... 2,875,000 shares $10.50 $30,187,500 $10,409.48
</TABLE>
(1) Includes 375,000 shares of Common Stock which may be purchased by the
Underwriters to cover over-allotments, if any.
(2) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(a) solely for the purpose of calculating the
registration fee.
----------------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 22, 1996
2,500,000 SHARES
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
COMMON STOCK
All of the 2,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (the "Common Stock")
offered hereby are being offered by Premier Laser Systems, Inc. (the "Company").
The Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"PLSIA." The last reported sale price of the Common Stock on May 17, 1996, as
reported by the Nasdaq National Market, was $10.50 per share. See "Price Range
of Common Stock."
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN MATERIAL FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN
CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK, SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING
ON PAGE 6 HEREOF.
------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE TO UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC DISCOUNT (1) COMPANY (2)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share..................... $ $ $
Total (3)..................... $ $ $
</TABLE>
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain civil
liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended. See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting offering expenses estimated to be approximately $550,000
payable by the Company.
(3) The Company has granted to the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up
to 375,000 additional shares of Common Stock solely to cover
over-allotments, if any, on the same terms and conditions as the shares
offered hereby. If such option is exercised in full, the total Price to
Public, Underwriting Discount and Proceeds to the Company will be $ ,
$ and $ , respectively. See "Underwriting."
------------------------
The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters named
herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their right to
reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of such
shares will be made at the offices of Rodman & Renshaw, Inc., New York, New
York, on or about , 1996.
------------------------
RODMAN & RENSHAW, INC.
The date of this Prospectus is , 1996
<PAGE>
INSIDE FRONT COVER
OPHTHALMOLOGY - DENTISTRY - SURGERY
Eleven photographs of equipment and related procedures
Footnoted procedures - *In clinical trials or pending FDA approval
Logo
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK AT
A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET, IN THE
OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE
DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME. IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS
AND SELLING GROUP MEMBERS (IF ANY) OR THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES MAY ENGAGE IN
PASSIVE MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK ON NASDAQ IN ACCORDANCE
WITH RULE 10B-6A UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (THE "EXCHANGE ACT").
SEE "UNDERWRITING."
Altair, AngleTIPS, Arago, Arago MOD, Arcturus, Aurora, Centauri,
LTM-Registered Trademark-, MOD, Orion, Pegasus, Polaris, Premier Laser Systems,
Premier MOD, Proclosure-Registered Trademark-, SAFE-Registered Trademark-,
Sirius and TouchTIPS are trademarks of the Company. This Prospectus also
includes trademarks and trade names of companies other than the Company.
2
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH, AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY, THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(INCLUDING THE NOTES THERETO) APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. UNLESS
OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES (I) A
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE OF $10.50 PER SHARE, (II) NO EXERCISE OF THE UNDERWRITERS'
OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION AND (III) NO EXERCISE OF ANY OTHER OUTSTANDING WARRANTS OR
OPTIONS. THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS
AND UNCERTAINTIES. THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM
THE RESULTS DISCUSSED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT MIGHT
CAUSE SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE DISCUSSED IN "RISK
FACTORS."
THE COMPANY
Premier Laser Systems, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets several lines
of proprietary medical lasers, fiberoptic delivery systems and associated
products for a variety of dental, ophthalmic and surgical applications
principally for use in surgical centers and medical offices. The Company's
lasers and related products use the controlled application of thermal, acoustic
and optical energy to allow the physician or dentist to perform selected
minimally invasive procedures which, compared to conventional techniques not
involving the use of lasers, vaporize or sever tissue with minimal blood loss
and scarring, increase patient comfort and reduce patient treatment time and
treatment costs. To date, the Company has received clearance to market 19 models
of medical lasers, which are covered by 19 United States patents, 13 pending
United States patent applications, 11 foreign patents and 41 pending foreign
patents.
It is estimated that over 60 million soft tissue (gums) procedures are
performed by dentists or periodontists in the United States annually, many of
which the Company believes can be addressed with laser technology. The Company's
Aurora diode laser is currently used by dentists and periodontists to treat
periodontal disease and has been shown to postpone or in some cases eliminate
the need for conventional periodontal surgery. The Company's Arago and MOD
(Multi Operatory Dentalaser) argon lasers are currently used by dentists to
accelerate the curing of composites placed in cavity preparations. The use of
the laser for this application has been shown to result in a stronger
restoration than composites cured by traditional curing lights. The Company is
seeking clearance for additional dental applications to enable it to market its
Centauri Er:YAG laser for hard tissue (teeth) procedures, and is currently
initiating clinical trials for cavity prevention and teeth whitening.
Approximately two million cataract extractions were performed in the United
States in 1994 and approximately three million people suffered from glaucoma in
the United States in 1995. The Company's multiple application Centauri Er:YAG
laser is priced significantly below current single purpose refractive lasers and
has been cleared for anterior capsulotomy (one step in the cataract extraction
procedure) and occuloplastic and other cosmetic procedures, among other
indications. The Centauri laser is also currently being tested in clinical
trials and animal studies for cataract removal, glaucoma treatment and corneal
sculpting (treatment of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism).
The suture, staple and wound closure market in 1994 was estimated to be
approximately $2 billion worldwide, a significant portion of which the Company
believes may be addressed with surgical lasers, either in conjunction with or
independent of traditional sutures or staples. The clinically demonstrated
benefits of the use of surgical lasers for tissue melding, as compared to
sutures and staples, include fluid-static seals, immediate closure strength and
reduced surgical time. The Company and its strategic partner are currently
conducting clinical and animal studies for tissue melding for ducts, arteries,
veins and skin, in support of future regulatory applications.
The Company's strategy is to seek to increase its market penetration in the
dental, ophthalmic and surgical markets by (i) expanding its marketing and
distribution efforts, (ii) creating market awareness through increased publicity
and the education of dentists and physicians, (iii) pursuing clearance for
additional laser applications, (iv) capitalizing on disposable aftermarket
related products, and (v) expanding domestically and internationally through
strategic alliances or acquisitions of companies with additional distribution
channels, complementary products or an international presence.
3
<PAGE>
The Company commenced operations in August 1991, after acquiring
substantially all of the assets of Pfizer Laser Systems, a division of Pfizer
Hospital Products Group ("Pfizer HPG"), in an acquisition led by the Company's
Chief Executive Officer. The assets acquired by the Company included the
proprietary rights to a broad base of laser and fiberoptic technologies, which
the Company developed over the past four years into 19 laser models cleared for
market introduction. Following an initial public offering in December 1994, the
Company increased inventory and expanded its dental sales force in December 1995
to include five area sales managers and 25 independent marketing
representatives. As a result of this expansion, the Company achieved $723,000 in
sales to the dental market for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996.
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 3 Morgan, Irvine,
California 92718. The Company's telephone number is (714) 859-0656.
THE OFFERING
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Common Stock Offered by the Company............. 2,500,000 shares
Common Stock to be Outstanding after the
Offering....................................... 7,217,258 shares (1)
Use of Proceeds................................. To fund the expansion of the Company's
marketing and distribution capabilities,
including distribution to international
markets, through acquisitions, strategic
alliances or internal development; to
invest in inventory and demonstration
equipment; to fund additional research and
development; to repay indebtedness; and
for general corporate and working capital
purposes.
Nasdaq National Market Common Stock Symbol...... "PLSIA"
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Does not include (i) 730,402 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of outstanding options as of May 17, 1996 granted under the Company's 1992
Employee Stock Option Plan, 1995 Stock Option Plan and 1996 Stock Option
Plans; (ii) 375,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Underwriters' over-allotment option; (iii) up to 287,500 shares of Common
Stock issuable upon exercise of Warrants to be granted to the Representative
of the Underwriters upon completion of this Offering; (iv) 679,503 shares of
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of other outstanding options and
warrants to purchase Common Stock; (v) 8,303,298 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of the Company's outstanding publicly-held Class A
Warrants and the underlying Class B Warrants; (vi) 3,095,549 shares of
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Company's outstanding
publicly-held Class B Warrants; (vii) 240,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of Unit Purchase Options granted to the underwriters
for the Company's initial public offering in December 1994 (the "IPO") and
to certain other persons (the "IPO Unit Purchase Options"), or the 720,000
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Class A Warrants or
Class B Warrants included in or underlying such securities and (viii)
1,256,818 shares of each of Class E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2 Common
Stock. For a description of the Class A Warrants, Class B Warrants, IPO Unit
Purchase Options, Class E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock, see
"Description of Securities." For a description of the Company's stock option
plans and options outstanding thereunder, see "Management -- Stock Option
Plans."
4
<PAGE>
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
----------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales....................................................... $ 2,079,335 $ 1,249,403 $ 1,704,390
Cost of sales................................................... 1,753,352 1,298,420 3,324,757
-------------- -------------- --------------
Gross profit (loss)............................................. 325,983 (49,017) (1,620,367)
Selling and marketing expenses.................................. 1,087,461 1,035,863 1,308,767
Research and development expenses............................... 678,279 1,035,705 1,213,471
General and administrative expenses............................. 1,322,888 1,747,090 1,709,327
-------------- -------------- --------------
Loss from operations............................................ (2,762,645) (3,867,675) (5,851,932)
Interest (expense) income, net.................................. (434,851) (322,540) 99,037
-------------- -------------- --------------
Loss before extraordinary items................................. (3,197,496) (4,190,215) (5,752,895)
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of indebtedness.......... -- 381,730 --
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net loss........................................................ $ (3,197,496) $ (3,808,485) $ (5,752,895)
-------------- -------------- --------------
-------------- -------------- --------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net loss........................................................ $ (1.26)
--------------
--------------
Weighted average shares outstanding (1)......................... 4,556,959
Pro forma loss before extraordinary item (2).................... $ (2.45) $ (1.59)
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of indebtedness.......... -- .15
-------------- --------------
Pro forma net loss (2).......................................... $ (2.45) $ (1.44)
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding (1)(2)............ 1,288,751 2,584,722
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT MARCH 31, 1996
------------------------------
AS ADJUSTED
ACTUAL (3)
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents...................................................... $ 35,463 $ 23,397,963
Working capital................................................................ 5,818,492 29,680,992
Total assets................................................................... 15,674,568 39,037,068
Total debt..................................................................... 481,195 --
Shareholders' equity........................................................... 13,797,046 37,659,546
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Does not include 1,256,818 shares of each of Class E-1 or Class E-2 Common
Stock issued in June and December 1994, which are subject to cancellation
under certain circumstances. See "Description of Securities -- Common Stock"
and Notes 2 and 16 of Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Adjusted to give pro forma effect to the conversion of certain of the
Company's indebtedness which occurred upon completion of the Company's
initial public offering. The effect on net loss per common share from the
conversion of such indebtedness was to reduce historical net loss by $37,500
and $67,995, and to increase weighted average shares outstanding by 76,875
and 321,099 shares for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1994 and 1995,
respectively.
(3) Adjusted to reflect the receipt by the Company of estimated net proceeds
from the issuance of 2,500,000 shares hereby and the application of the net
proceeds thereof. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
5
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
In evaluating an investment in the Common Stock being offered hereby,
investors should consider carefully, among other things, the following risk
factors, as well as the other information contained in this Prospectus.
LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY; CONTINUING OPERATING LOSSES
The Company was formed in July 1991 and has not generated significant
revenues to date. As of March 31, 1996, the Company had an accumulated deficit
of $18,616,414. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the
Company had operating losses of $2,762,645, $3,867,675 and $5,851,932,
respectively, resulting principally from costs incurred in research and
development and other costs of operations. The Company expects that operating
losses will continue until such time as product sales generate sufficient
revenues to fund its continuing operations, as to which there can be no
assurance.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT; GOING CONCERN QUALIFICATION
The report from the Company's independent accountants includes an
explanatory paragraph which describes substantial doubt concerning the ability
of the Company to continue as a going concern. The Company may incur losses for
the foreseeable future due to the significant costs associated with
manufacturing, marketing and distributing its laser products and due to
continual research and development activities which will be necessary to develop
additional applications for the Company's laser technology. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
"Financial Statements -- Report of Independent Accountants."
UNCERTAINTIES CONCERNING FUTURE PROFITABILITY
The Company's ability to achieve profitability will depend, in part, on its
ability to continue to successfully develop clinical applications and obtain
regulatory approvals for its products and to develop the capacity to manufacture
and market such products on a wide scale. There is no assurance that the Company
will be able to successfully make the transition from research and development
to manufacturing and selling commercial medical laser products on a broad basis.
While attempting to make this transition, the Company will be subject to all
risks inherent in a growing venture, including the need to produce reliable and
effective products, develop marketing expertise and enlarge its sales force. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
UNCERTAIN MARKET ACCEPTANCE
The Company's future sales are dependent, in part, on the Company's ability
to demonstrate to dentists, ophthalmologists and other physicians the potential
cost and performance advantages of its laser systems over traditional methods of
treatment and, to a lesser extent, over competitive laser systems. To date,
commercial sales of the Company's lasers have been limited, and no assurance can
be given that these laser products can be successfully commercialized on a broad
basis. Lasers have not been widely used in dentistry and their use requires
training and expertise. The acceptance of dental lasers may be adversely
affected by their high cost, concerns by patients and dentists relating to their
safety and efficacy, and the substantial market acceptance and penetration of
alternative dental tools such as the dental drill. Current economic pressure may
make dentists and physicians reluctant to purchase substantial capital equipment
or invest in new technology. The failure of medical lasers to achieve broad
market acceptance would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. No assurance can be
given that any of the Company's products will be accepted by the medical or
dental community or by patients, or that a significant market for the Company's
laser systems will be developed and sustained. The Company currently has a
limited sales force and will need to hire additional sales and marketing
personnel to increase the general acceptance of its products. See "Business --
Market Overview."
6
<PAGE>
DEPENDENCE ON SUPPLIERS
The Company purchases certain raw materials, components and subassemblies
included in the Company's products from a limited group of qualified suppliers
and does not maintain long-term supply contracts with any of its key suppliers.
The disruption or termination of these sources could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business and results of operations. For example, during
fiscal 1994, the Company's sole supplier of the specialized optic fiber required
for use in the Company's Er:YAG lasers ceased to provide this fiber to the
Company. While the Company has since qualified the new suppliers of this fiber,
the Company's inability to obtain sufficient quantities of this specialized
optical fiber had a material adverse effect on the volume of Er:YAG lasers the
Company was able to sell during fiscal 1994 and 1995. The Company's arrangement
with the supplier of its Arago argon laser terminates in August 1996, and if
this arrangement is not renewed and the Company is unable to secure another
source for this argon laser, the Company's results of operations may be
adversely affected. While the Company believes that alternative suppliers could
be found for these products, there can be no assurance that any supplier could
be replaced in a timely manner. Any interruption in the supply of these and
other key components could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
ability to manufacture its products and on its business, financial condition and
results of operations. See "Business -- Manufacturing and Materials."
RISKS APPLICABLE TO FOREIGN SALES
Sales of the Company's products to foreign markets account for a substantial
portion of the Company's sales. Foreign sales expose the Company to certain
risks, including the difficulty and expense of maintaining foreign sales
distribution channels, barriers to trade, potential fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates, political and economic instability, availability of
suitable export financing, accounts receivable collections, tariff regulations,
quotas, shipping delays, foreign taxes, export licensing requirements and other
United States and foreign regulations that may apply to the export of medical
lasers. The regulation of medical devices worldwide also continues to develop,
and there can be no assurance that new laws or regulations will not have an
adverse effect on the Company. In addition, the Company may experience
additional difficulties in providing prompt and cost effective service of its
medical lasers in foreign countries. The Company does not carry insurance
against such risks. The occurrence of any one or more of these events may
individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect upon the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Business
- -- Marketing, Sales and Service."
RISK OF TECHNOLOGICAL OBSOLESCENCE
The markets in which the Company's laser products compete are subject to
rapid technological change, as well as the potential development of alternative
surgical techniques or new pharmaceutical products. Such changes could render
the Company's products uncompetitive or obsolete. The Company will be required
to invest in research and development to attempt to maintain and enhance its
existing products and develop new products. No assurances can be given that such
research and development efforts will result in the introduction of new products
or product improvements. See "Business -- Research and Development."
DEPENDENCE ON PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY
The Company's success will depend, in part, on its ability to obtain patent
protection for products and processes, to preserve its trade secrets and to
operate without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. While the
Company holds 19 U.S. patents and 11 foreign patents and has other patent
applications pending in the United States and foreign countries, no assurance
can be given that any additional patents will be issued, that the scope of any
patent protection will exclude competitors or that any of the Company's patents
will be held valid if subsequently challenged. Further, there can be no
assurance that others will not independently develop similar products, duplicate
the Company's products or design products that circumvent any patents used by
the Company. The Company is aware of certain patents which, along with other
patents that may exist or be granted in the future, could restrict the Company's
right to market certain of its technologies without a license, including,
without
7
<PAGE>
limitation, patents relating to the Company's lens emulsification product and
ophthalmic probes for the Er:YAG laser. In the past, the Company has received
allegations that certain of the Company's laser products infringe other patents.
There has been significant patent litigation in the medical industry in general,
and in the medical laser industry in particular. Adverse determinations in
litigation or other patent proceedings to which the Company may become a party
could subject the Company to significant legal judgments or other liabilities to
third parties and could require the Company to seek licenses from third parties
that may or may not be economically viable. Patent and other intellectual
property rights disputes often are settled through licensing arrangements. No
assurance can be given that any licenses required under these or any other
patents or proprietary rights would be available on terms acceptable to the
Company, if at all. If the Company does not obtain such licenses, it could
encounter delays in product introductions while it attempts to design around
such patents, or it could find that the development, manufacture or sale of
products requiring such licenses could be enjoined. If the Company is found, in
a legal proceeding, to have infringed the patents or other proprietary rights of
others, it could be liable for significant damages. The Company also relies upon
unpatented trade secrets, and no assurance can be given that others will not
independently develop or otherwise acquire substantially equivalent trade
secrets. In addition, at each balance sheet date, the Company is required to
review the value of its intangible assets based on various factors, such as
changes in technology. Any adjustment downward in such value may result in a
write-off of the intangible asset and a substantial charge to earnings, thereby
adversely affecting the operating results of the Company in the future. See
"Business -- Patents and Patent Applications" and Note 2 of Notes to Financial
Statements.
NEED FOR FDA AND FOREIGN GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS; GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The Company's products are regulated as medical devices by the FDA under the
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the "FDC Act") and the regulations
promulgated thereunder. As such, these devices require either Section 510(k)
premarket clearance ("510(k)") or approval of a premarket approval application
("PMA") by the FDA prior to commercialization. Satisfaction of applicable
regulatory requirements may take several years and varies substantially based
upon the type, complexity and novelty of such devices, as well as the clinical
procedure. Filings and governmental approvals may be required in foreign
countries before the devices can be marketed in these countries. There can be no
assurance that further clinical trials of the Company's medical lasers or of any
future products will be successfully completed or, if they are completed, that
any requisite FDA or foreign governmental clearances or approvals will be
obtained. FDA or other governmental clearances or approvals of products
developed by the Company in the future may require substantial filing fees which
could limit the number of applications sought by the Company and may entail
limitations on the indicated uses for which such products may be marketed. In
addition, approved or cleared products may be subject to additional testing and
surveillance programs required by the FDA and other regulatory agencies, and
product approvals and clearances could be withdrawn for failure to comply with
regulatory standards or by the occurrence of unforeseen problems following
initial marketing. Also, the Company has made modifications to certain of its
existing products which it does not believe require the submission of a new
510(k) notification to the FDA. However, there can be no assurance that the FDA
would agree with the Company's determination and not require the Company to
discontinue marketing one or more of the modified devices until they have been
cleared by the FDA. The Company is also required to adhere to applicable
requirements for current Good Manufacturing Practices ("cGMP") and radiological
health requirements, to engage in extensive record keeping and reporting and to
comply with the FDA's product labeling, promotional and advertising
requirements. Noncompliance with state, local, federal or foreign requirements
can result in fines, injunctions, civil penalties, recall or seizure of
products, total or partial suspension of production, delay, denial or withdrawal
of premarket clearance or approval of devices, recommendations by the FDA that
the Company not be allowed to enter into government contracts, and criminal
prosecution, all of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of
8
<PAGE>
operations. The Company's manufacturing facilities are subject to periodic
inspections by state and federal agencies, including the FDA, the California
Department of Health Services, and comparable agencies in other countries. See
"Business -- Government Regulation."
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
The Company depends to a considerable degree on a limited number of key
personnel, including Colette Cozean, Ph.D., its Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Research. Dr. Cozean is also
an inventor of a number of the Company's patented technologies. During the
Company's limited operating history, many key responsibilities within the
Company have been assigned to a relatively small number of individuals. The loss
of Dr. Cozean's services or those of certain other members of management could
adversely affect the Company. The Company carries key person life insurance in
the amount of $3 million on Dr. Cozean. The Company has no employment agreements
with its key personnel. The success of the Company will also depend, among other
factors, on the successful recruitment and retention of qualified technical and
other personnel. See "Management."
HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY
The medical laser industry is subject to intense competition and is
characterized by rapid technological change. The Company is and will continue to
be subject to competition in its targeted markets, principally from businesses
providing other traditional surgical and nonsurgical treatments, including
existing and developing technologies, and to a lesser extent competitors' CO(2),
argon, Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers. Many of the Company's competitors have
substantially greater financial, marketing and manufacturing resources and
experience than the Company. Furthermore, the Company expects other companies
will enter the market, particularly as medical lasers gain increasing market
acceptance. Significant competitive factors which will affect future sales in
the marketplace include regulatory approvals, performance, pricing and general
market acceptance. See "-- Dependence on Suppliers" and "Business --
Competition."
POTENTIAL FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS
Due to the relatively high sales price of the Company's laser systems and
the low sales unit volume, minor timing differences in receipt of customer
orders have produced and could continue to produce significant fluctuations in
quarterly results. In addition, if anticipated sales and shipments in any
quarter do not occur when expected, expenditures and inventory levels could be
disproportionately high, and the Company's operating results for that quarter,
and potentially for future quarters, would be adversely affected. Quarterly
results may also fluctuate based on a variety of other factors, such as
seasonality, production delays, product mix, cancellation or rescheduling of
orders, new product announcements by competitors, receipt of clearances or
approvals by the Company or its competitors, notices of product suspension or
recall, the Company's ability to manage product transitions, sales prices and
market conditions. In addition, if the Company expands or augments its
manufacturing capabilities in connection with the introduction of new products,
quarterly revenues and operating results are expected to fluctuate to an even
greater degree. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations."
UNCERTAIN ABILITY TO MEET CAPITAL NEEDS
The Company will require substantial additional funds for its research and
development programs, preclinical and clinical testing, development of its sales
and distribution force, operating expenses, regulatory processes and
manufacturing and marketing programs. The Company's capital requirements will
depend on numerous factors, including the progress of its research and
development programs, results of preclinical and clinical testing, the time and
cost involved in obtaining regulatory approvals, the cost of filing,
prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual
property rights, competing technological and market developments, developments
and changes in the Company's existing research, licensing and other
relationships and the terms of any new collaborative, licensing and other
arrangements that the Company may establish. The Company believes that the net
proceeds of this Offering, together with its available short-term assets
9
<PAGE>
and investment income, will be sufficient to meet its operating expenses and
capital expenditures through the next 24 months. See "Use of Proceeds" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources." However, the Company's cash
requirements may vary materially from those now planned due to potential future
acquisitions, the progress of research and development programs, results of
clinical testing, relationships with strategic partners, if any, competitive and
technological advances, the FDA and foreign regulatory processes and other
factors. There can be no assurance, however, that additional financing will be
available when needed, or if available, will be available on acceptable terms.
Insufficient funds may prevent the Company from implementing its business
strategy or may require the Company to delay, scale back or eliminate certain of
its research and product development programs or to license to third parties
rights to commercialize products or technologies that the Company would
otherwise seek to develop itself.
BROAD DISCRETION OVER USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company intends to use a substantial portion of the net proceeds of this
Offering to expand the Company's marketing and distribution capabilities through
internal development, strategic alliances and acquisitions. In addition, the
Company may use of a portion of the net proceeds to increase its available
technologies or products through acquisitions, capital and research and
development expenditures or a combination or both. Management's allocation
decisions concerning such net proceeds will be dependent upon a variety of
factors, including the progress and results of clinical trials, the timing of
receipt of regulatory approvals and potential strategic alliances and
acquisitions. The Company is not engaged in discussions relating to any
acquisitions and has not yet determined the extent to which it will expand its
marketing, distribution, technologies and products through acquisitions or
strategic alliances, as contrasted with internal growth. As a result, a
significant portion of the net proceeds will be available for acquisitions and
projects that are not yet identified, and the Board of Directors will have broad
discretion with respect to the application of such proceeds. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to consummate acquisitions or identify
and arrange projects that meet the Company's requirements. See "Use of
Proceeds."
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
The stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and
volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of
particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the
market price of the Company's Common Stock. In addition, the market price of the
Company's Common Stock has been and is likely to be highly volatile. Factors
such as fluctuations in the Company's operating results, announcements of
technological innovations or new products by the Company or its competitors, FDA
and international regulatory actions, developments with respect to patents or
proprietary rights, public concern as to the safety of products developed by the
Company or its competitors, changes in health care policy in the United States
and internationally, changes in analysts' recommendations regarding the Company,
other medical companies or the medical laser industry generally and general
market conditions may have a significant effect on the market price of the
Company's Common Stock. See "Price Range of Common Stock."
PRODUCT LIABILITY EXPOSURE
The sale of the Company's laser products involves the inherent risk of
product liability claims against the Company. The Company currently maintains
product liability insurance coverage in the amount of $5 million per occurrence
and $5 million in the aggregate, but such insurance is expensive, subject to
various coverage exclusions and may not be obtainable by the Company in the
future on terms acceptable to the Company. There can be no assurance that claims
against the Company arising with respect to its products will be successfully
defended or that the insurance carried by the Company will be sufficient to
cover liabilities arising from such claims. A successful claim against the
Company in excess of the Company's insurance coverage could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. See "Business -- Product Liability and Insurance."
10
<PAGE>
LIMITATIONS ON THIRD PARTY REIMBURSEMENT
The Company's laser products are generally purchased by physicians, dentists
and surgical centers which then bill various third party payors, such as
government programs and private insurance plans, for the procedures conducted
with the Company's lasers. Third-party payors carefully review and are
increasingly challenging the prices charged for medical products and services.
Reimbursement rates from private companies vary depending on the procedure
performed, the third-party payor, the insurance plan and other factors. Medicare
reimburses hospitals a prospectively-determined fixed amount for the costs
associated with an in-patient hospitalization based on the patient's discharge
diagnosis, and reimburses physicians a prospectively-determined fixed amount
based on the procedure performed, regardless of the actual costs incurred by the
hospital or physician in furnishing the care and unrelated to the specific
devices used in that procedure. Third-party payors are increasingly scrutinizing
whether to cover new products and the level of reimbursement for covered
products. While the Company believes that the procedures using its laser systems
have generally been reimbursed, payors may deny coverage and reimbursement for
the Company's products if they determine that the device was not reasonable and
necessary for the purpose for which used, was investigational or not
cost-effective. As a result, there can be no assurance that reimbursement from
third party payors for these procedures will be available or if available, that
reimbursement will not be limited, thereby adversely affecting the Company's
ability to sell its products on a profitable basis. Moreover, the Company is
unable to predict what legislation or regulation, if any, relating to the health
care industry or third-party coverage and reimbursement may be enacted in the
future, or what effect such legislature or regulation may have on the Company.
UNCERTAINTIES REGARDING HEALTH CARE REFORM
Several states and the United States government are investigating a variety
of alternatives to reform the health care delivery system and further reduce and
control health care spending. These reform efforts include proposals to limit
spending on health care items and services, limit coverage for new technology
and limit or control the price health care providers and drug and device
manufacturers may charge for their services and products. If adopted and
implemented, such reforms could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Business --
Government Regulation."
CHARGE TO EARNINGS IN THE EVENT OF RELEASE OF ESCROW SHARES
The Company has outstanding 1,256,818 shares of each of Class E-1 and Class
E-2 Common Stock (the "Escrow Shares") which are being held by the Company in
escrow, and which will be released from escrow and converted into shares of
Common Stock if certain criteria are met. In the event any of these criteria are
met and any shares are released from escrow to shareholders who are officers,
directors, employees or consultants of the Company, a substantial noncash
compensation expense will be recorded for financial reporting purposes. The
recognition of such compensation expense may have an adverse effect on the
market price of the Company's securities. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Potential Future
Charge to Income," "Principal Shareholders" and "Description of Securities --
Common Stock."
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE; EFFECT OF OUTSTANDING OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
Sales of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock in the public market
following this Offering could adversely affect the market price for the Common
Stock. Other than 161,352 shares of Common Stock held by the Company's officers
and directors which are subject to 180 day lock-up agreements, substantially all
of the Company's 7,217,258 shares of Common Stock to be outstanding upon
completion of this Offering will be freely tradeable, including 1,043,907
unregistered shares of Common Stock which may be sold in the public market
subject to compliance with Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. An
additional 11,398,847 shares of Common Stock are issuable upon the full exercise
of the Company's outstanding publicly traded Units, Class A Warrants and Class B
Warrants, and 1,409,905 shares of Common Stock are issuable upon exercise of
other outstanding warrants and options. The issuance of shares upon the exercise
of the Class A Warrants or Class B
11
<PAGE>
Warrants has been registered under the Securities Act, and 661,445 shares of
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the remaining options and warrants may be
resold pursuant to Rule 701 under the Securities Act. The existence of the
Company's outstanding warrants and options could adversely affect the Company's
ability to obtain future financing. The price which the Company may receive for
the Common Stock issued upon exercise of such options and warrants will likely
be less than the market price of the Common Stock at the time such options and
warrants are exercised. Moreover, the holders of the options and warrants might
be expected to exercise them at a time when the Company would, in all
likelihood, be able to obtain needed capital by a new offering of its securities
on terms more favorable than those provided for by the options and warrants. See
"Management -- Stock Option Plans" and "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
POTENTIAL ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS
The Company's Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 8,850,000
shares of "blank check" preferred stock, which will have such designations,
rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board of
Directors. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is empowered, without shareholder
approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion,
voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other
rights of the holders of the Company's Common Stock. In the event of such
issuance, the preferred stock could be utilized, under certain circumstances, as
a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of the
Company. See "Description of Securities -- Preferred Stock." In addition, the
Company has entered into Termination Agreements with each executive officer of
the Company, pursuant to which the Company will provide such officers with up to
two years' salary in the event of a change in control of the Company, which
agreements could also discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of the
Company.
12
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 2,500,000 shares of
Common Stock being offered hereby are estimated to be $23,862,500 (or
$27,524,375 if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full)
after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable
by the Company.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this Offering to fund the
expansion of the Company's marketing and distribution capabilities, including
distribution into international markets, through acquisitions, strategic
alliances or internal development. The Company also plans to invest in inventory
and demonstration or loaner equipment, and to fund additional research and
development including further clinical trials, regulatory activities and other
research and development projects, including corneal sculpting.
The Company also plans to use approximately $500,000 of the net proceeds of
this Offering to repay the outstanding principal and unpaid accrued interest on
a promissory note payable to Pfizer HPG representing acquisition indebtedness,
which note bears interest at the rate of 10.0% per annum, and matures on the
closing of this Offering.
The remaining proceeds are expected to be used for working capital and other
general corporate purposes, including the possible strategic alliances or
acquisitions of businesses that may provide distributor networks, complementary
products or an international presence. There are no present negotiations,
agreements or understandings with respect to any such acquisitions. Because a
significant portion of the net proceeds will be available for acquisitions and
projects that are not yet identified, the Board of Directors will have broad
discretion with respect to the application of such proceeds. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to identify and arrange projects that
meet the Company's requirements or to consummate any such acquisition.
Pending the application of such proceeds, the Company intends to invest the
net proceeds of this Offering in bank deposits and short-term, investment grade
securities.
13
<PAGE>
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
The Company's Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "PLSIA." Prior to May 1, 1995, the Company's Common Stock was listed on
the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the same symbol. The following table sets
forth, for the quarters indicated, the high and low bid prices of the Company's
Common Stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market through April 30, 1995, and the high
and low closing sale prices per share of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National
Market thereafter.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH LOW
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1995:
Third Quarter (commencing November 30, 1994).......................................... $ 4 $ 4
Fourth Quarter........................................................................ 4 1/2 3 1/2
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996:
First Quarter*........................................................................ $ 4 3/4 $ 3 1/2
Second Quarter........................................................................ 7 5 5/8
Third Quarter......................................................................... 6 1/8 5
Fourth Quarter........................................................................ 8 5/8 3 7/8
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1997:
First Quarter (through May 17, 1996).................................................. $ 10 3/4 $ 8
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* For April 1 through April 30, 1995, the high and low bid prices of the
Common Stock were $5.00 and $3.50.
The quotations in the above table reflect inter-dealer prices without retail
markups, markdowns or commissions. In addition, for all periods prior to May 1,
1995, the quotations do not represent actual transactions.
On May 17, 1996, the last reported sale price for the Company's Common Stock
on the Nasdaq National Market was $10.50. The Company's Class A Warrants and
Class B Warrants are quoted on the Nasdaq National Market and the Company's
Units are listed on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. The Company also has outstanding
Class E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock for which there is no public
market. See "Description of Securities." As of May 17, 1996, the approximate
number of holders of record of the Company's Common Stock, Class E-1 and Class
E-2 Common Stock were 276, 325 and 325, respectively.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its capital stock
since its inception and for the foreseeable future intends to follow a policy of
retaining all of its earnings, if any, to finance the development and continued
expansion of its business. There can be no assurance that dividends will ever be
paid by the Company. Any future determination as to payment of dividends will
depend upon the Company's financial condition, results of operations and such
other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, the
Company's credit facility contemplated by the commitment letter with Silicon
Valley Bank would prohibit the Company's payment of any dividends without the
prior consent of such bank. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Captial
Resources."
14
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at March
31, 1996, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of 2,500,000 shares of Common
Stock offered by the Company hereby and the application of the net proceeds
therefrom. The following table should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT MARCH 31, 1996
--------------------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Short-term debt................................................................. $ 481,195 $ --
--------------- ---------------
--------------- ---------------
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, no par value; 8,850,000 shares authorized; no shares
outstanding..................................................................
Common Stock, no par value;
35,600,000 shares authorized; 4,702,203 shares outstanding; 7,202,203 shares
outstanding, as adjusted (1)................................................. $ 16,317,376 $ 40,179,876
Class E-1 Common Stock, no par value; 2,200,000 shares authorized; 1,256,818
shares outstanding and as adjusted........................................... 4,769,878 4,769,878
Class E-2 Common Stock, no par value; 2,200,000 shares authorized; 1,256,818
shares outstanding and as adjusted........................................... 4,769,878 4,769,878
Class A Warrants, 4,166,099 warrants outstanding and as adjusted................ 2,321,057 2,321,057
Class B Warrants, 3,081,099 warrants outstanding and as adjusted................ 376,774 376,774
Common stock warrants........................................................... 192,130 192,130
Unrealized holding gain on short-term investments............................... 3,666,367 3,666,367
Accumulated deficit............................................................. (18,616,414) (18,616,414)
--------------- ---------------
Total shareholders' equity...................................................... 13,797,046 37,659,546
--------------- ---------------
Total capitalization.......................................................... $ 13,797,046 $ 37,659,546
--------------- ---------------
--------------- ---------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Does not include (i) 730,402 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
exercise of outstanding options granted under the Company's 1992 Employee
Stock Option Plan, 1995 Stock Option Plan and 1996 Stock Option Plans; (ii)
375,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriters'
over-allotment option; (iii) up to 287,500 shares of Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of Warrants to be granted to the Representative of the
Underwriters upon completion of this Offering; (iv) 679,503 shares of Common
Stock issuable upon exercise of other outstanding options and warrants to
purchase Common Stock; (v) 8,332,198 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of the Company's outstanding publicly-held Class A Warrants and the
underlying Class B Warrants; (vi) 3,081,099 shares of Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of the Company's outstanding publicly-held Class B Warrants;
(vii) 240,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Unit Purchase
Options granted to the underwriters for the Company's initial public
offering in December 1994 (the "IPO") and to certain other persons (the "IPO
Unit Purchase Options"), or the 720,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of the Class A Warrants or Class B Warrants included in or
underlying such securities and (viii) 1,256,818 shares of each of Class E-1
Common Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock. For a description of the Class A
Warrants, Class B Warrants, IPO Unit Purchase Options, Class E-1 Common
Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock, see "Description of Securities." For a
description of the Company's stock option plans and options outstanding
thereunder, see "Management -- Stock Option Plans."
15
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, the selected
financial data of the Company and should be read in conjunction with the
Company's financial statements and related notes thereto and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The selected financial data of the
Company as of March 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and for each of the fiscal years
then ended are derived from financial statements of the Company audited by Price
Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants. The balance sheet at March 31, 1996 and
the related statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for
the fiscal years ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 and notes thereto are included in
this Prospectus. The report of Price Waterhouse LLP, which also appears herein,
contains an explanatory paragraph that describes the uncertainty as to the
ability of the Company to continue as a going concern.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
-------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales........................................................ $ 2,079,335 $ 1,249,403 $ 1,704,390
Cost of sales.................................................... 1,753,352 1,298,420 3,324,757
------------- ------------- -------------
Gross profit (loss).............................................. 325,983 (49,017) (1,620,367)
Selling and marketing expenses................................... 1,087,461 1,035,863 1,308,767
Research and development expenses................................ 678,279 1,035,705 1,213,471
General and administrative expenses.............................. 1,322,888 1,747,090 1,709,327
------------- ------------- -------------
Loss from operations............................................. (2,762,645) (3,867,675) (5,851,932)
Interest (expense) income, net................................... (434,851) (322,540) 99,037
------------- ------------- -------------
Loss before extraordinary items.................................. (3,197,496) (4,190,215) (5,752,895)
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of indebtedness........... -- 381,730 --
------------- ------------- -------------
Net loss......................................................... $ (3,197,496) $ (3,808,485) $ (5,752,895)
------------- ------------- -------------
------------- ------------- -------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA:
Net loss......................................................... $ (1.26)
-------------
-------------
Weighted average shares outstanding (1).......................... 4,556,959
Pro forma loss before extraordinary item (2)..................... $ (2.45) $ (1.59)
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of indebtedness........... -- .15
------------- -------------
Pro forma net loss (2)........................................... $ (2.45) $ (1.44)
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding (1)(2)............. 1,288,751 2,584,722
<CAPTION>
AT MARCH 31,
-------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents........................................ $ 308,764 $ 5,888,237 $ 35,463
Working capital.................................................. 1,287,587 6,756,149 5,818,492
Total assets..................................................... 12,325,029 16,883,975 15,674,568
Total debt (3)................................................... 4,403,890 481,195 481,195
Shareholders' equity............................................. 6,022,174 15,002,260 13,797,046
</TABLE>
- --------------------------
(1) Does not include 1,256,818 shares of each of Class E-1 or Class E-2 Common
Stock issued in June and December 1994, which are subject to cancellation
under certain circumstances. See "Description of Securities -- Common Stock"
and Notes 2 and 16 of Notes to Financial Statements.
(2) Adjusted to give pro forma effect to the conversion of certain of the
Company's indebtedness which occurred upon completion of the Company's
initial public offering. The effect on net loss per common share from the
conversion of such indebtedness was to reduce historical net loss by $37,500
and $67,995, and to increase weighted average shares outstanding by 76,875
and 321,099 shares for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1994 and 1995,
respectively.
(3) Amounts for long-term debt at March 31, 1994 include $285,000 in mandatorily
redeemable warrants.
16
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
Selected Financial Data and the Company's Financial Statements and related notes
thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. This Prospectus contains
forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements concerning
future cost of sales, which involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's
actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in these
forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, but
are not limited to, those discussed in "Risk Factors."
GENERAL
The Company develops, manufactures and markets several lines of proprietary
medical lasers, fiberoptic delivery systems and associated products for a
variety of dental, ophthalmic and surgical applications. The Company commenced
operations in August 1991, after acquiring substantially all of the assets of
Pfizer Laser Systems ("Pfizer Laser"), a division of Pfizer HPG which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Pfizer, Inc. The assets acquired by the Company
included the proprietary rights to a broad base of laser and fiberoptic
technologies developed by Pfizer Laser. This acquisition was led by the
Company's current Chief Executive Officer.
Since its formation and until its IPO in December 1994, the Company
principally focused on, and its research and development activities related to,
growing markets in dentistry, ophthalmology, cosmetic procedures and certain
surgical specialties to be used in surgical centers and medical offices. To
implement this strategy, the Company developed the Pegasus Nd:YAG dental laser
system from existing technology and introduced this laser to the dental market
in February 1992. In June 1993, the Company introduced the Centauri Er:YAG laser
for ophthalmology and initiated clinical trials for hard tissue procedures in
dentistry. In December 1993, the Company acquired from Proclosure, Inc., a
Florida corporation ("Proclosure"), certain technology, assets and proprietary
rights relating to a 1.32m Nd:YAG laser system for tissue melding. From its
formation in 1991 through its initial public offering, the Company developed and
received regulatory approvals for 15 models of lasers and sold certain of those
products for soft tissue applications in dentistry and as part of clinical
trials conducted by third parties.
After the Company's IPO in December 1994, the Company increased its
inventory, acquired the distribution rights to two new dental lasers and, in
December 1995, expanded its dental sales force. In September and November 1995,
the Company acquired rights to market and distribute the Arago and MOD argon
lasers, respectively for dental applications, and in February 1996, the Company
introduced and began shipping its Aurora diode laser for soft tissue dental
applications.
While the Company has received clearance to market laser products covering a
variety of medical applications, to date the Company has focused its research,
development and marketing efforts on a limited number of products or
applications (principally specific dental and ophthalmic applications). As
future resources permit, the Company may introduce certain products for
applications for which it already has all necessary approvals or may seek
strategic alliances to develop, market and distribute such products.
The Company has recorded operating losses in each of the fiscal years since
its formation, resulting principally from substantial costs incurred in research
and development activities and obtaining regulatory approvals, together with the
absence of significant revenues to date and limited commercial sales of its
products. The report of the Company's independent accountants includes an
explanatory paragraph describing substantial doubt concerning the ability of the
Company to continue as a going concern. The Company believes, however, that its
presently available short-term assets, expected revenues from operations and the
net proceeds of this Offering will provide sufficient working capital through
the next 24 months. See "-- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
17
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
1995
Net sales increased 36.4% to $1,704,390 in fiscal 1996 from $1,249,403 in
fiscal 1995. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $723,000
in sales to the dental market, related principally to the introduction of three
new products, the Aurora diode laser, the Arago argon laser and the MOD argon
laser, in the latter half of fiscal 1996. This increase was partially offset by
a decrease in sales to the surgical market of approximately $200,000, largely
due to a decline in the demand for the Company's 10 and 20 watt CO(2) lasers,
which are nearing the end of their product life cycle. The Company's arrangement
with the supplier of the Arago argon laser terminates in August 1996, and to the
extent the Company is unable to extend this arrangement or to secure another
source for this laser, the Company's results of operations may be adversely
affected.
Cost of sales increased 156.1% to $3,324,757 in fiscal 1996 from $1,298,420
in fiscal 1995. This increase in the cost of sales was due primarily to (i) a
write down of approximately $848,000 principally attributed to the Company's
CO(2) lasers and accessories obtained in the acquisition of Pfizer Laser, and
Nd:YAG lasers and accessories, which lasers were developed prior to March 31,
1992 and are nearing the end of their product life cycle, (ii) the
underabsorption of manufacturing costs due to low production volumes and an
increase in the number of manufacturing employees during fiscal 1996, and (iii)
increased costs associated with higher sales volumes in fiscal 1996. Cost of
sales for fiscal 1996 also included a fee of $122,000 to a third party pursuant
to the Company's manufacturing arrangement relating to the MOD argon laser. If
production volumes increase in future periods, management anticipates higher
absorption of manufacturing costs and increased utilization of the Company's
manufacturing personnel, which could lead to positive gross margins based upon
management's current calculation of the Company's standard cost of sales for
fiscal 1996. There can be no assurance that the Company will, in future periods,
achieve positive gross margins, or that the assumptions on which standard cost
of sales is computed will be realized by the Company.
Selling and marketing expenses increased 26.3% to $1,308,767 in fiscal 1996
from $1,035,863 in fiscal 1995. This increase was primarily attributable to
marketing efforts related to the Company's dental products, which included a
$219,000 expense related to the appointment of more than 25 new manufacturer's
representatives during the third quarter, and associated expenses including
training, promotional costs and commissions.
Research and development expenses increased 17.2% to $1,213,471 in fiscal
1996 from $1,035,705 in fiscal 1995. This increase resulted primarily from
increases in outside industrial and software design services of approximately
$305,000, and expenses of approximately $196,000 associated with the development
of new laser products. This increase was partially offset by a $175,000
reduction in clinical studies expense, due to the completion of the Company's
dental hard tissue clinical trials and a $250,000 payment received by the
Company under a Small Business Innovative Research ("SBIR") grant.
General and administrative expenses decreased 2.2% to $1,709,327 in fiscal
1996 from $1,747,090 in fiscal 1995. This decrease was the result of a reduction
in legal expenses associated with the Company's litigation with a former
supplier of optical fiber (the "Fiber Litigation"), partially offset by
increases associated with becoming a public company. In 1995, the Company
incurred legal expenses of approximately $400,000 in connection with the Fiber
Litigation. Future legal expenses in the Fiber Litigation (not including
out-of-pocket expenses) are expected to be limited in accordance with the
Company's agreement with its legal counsel, although if the litigation is
successful, counsel will be entitled to certain contingency fees.
Net interest income increased to $99,037 in fiscal 1996 from net interest
expense of $322,540 in fiscal 1995, reflecting the investment of the Company's
remaining net proceeds from its IPO and the repayment in December 1994 of a
significant portion of the Company's outstanding debt.
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<PAGE>
Net loss increased 51.1% to $5,752,895 in fiscal 1996 from $3,808,485 in
fiscal 1995. This increase was principally attributable to increases in cost of
sales, selling and marketing expenses and research and development expenses.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1995 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
1994
Net sales decreased 39.9% to $1,249,403 in fiscal 1995 from $2,079,335 in
fiscal 1994. Net sales during fiscal 1994 included substantial revenue from the
introduction of the Company's Er:YAG laser. Sales in fiscal 1995 of Nd:YAG
lasers, Er:YAG lasers and other laser products were adversely affected by the
lack of working capital to fund the purchase of inventory components (some of
which require a three month lead time to supply) and manufacturing operations,
and the limited availability of optical fibers for the Er:YAG laser. The
decrease in sales of these products was partially offset by a general increase
in sales of the Company's other products.
Cost of sales decreased 25.9% to $1,298,420 in fiscal 1995 from $1,753,352
in fiscal 1994. This decrease was primarily attributable to reduced expenditures
of raw materials resulting from lower sales.
Selling and marketing expenses decreased 4.7% to $1,035,863 in fiscal 1995
from $1,087,461 in fiscal 1994.
Research and development expenses increased 52.7% to $1,035,705 in fiscal
1995 from $678,279 in fiscal 1994 primarily due to increased efforts directed
towards dental hard tissue clinical trials and the initial development efforts
associated with two potential products.
General and administrative expenses increased 32.1% to $1,747,090 in fiscal
1995 from $1,322,888 in fiscal 1994. This increase was primarily due to expenses
incurred in connection with the Fiber Litigation, which were partially offset by
reductions in management compensation.
Net interest expense decreased 25.8% to $322,540 in fiscal 1995 from
$434,851 in fiscal 1994.
Net loss increased 19.1% to $3,808,485 in fiscal 1995 from $3,197,496 in
fiscal 1994. This increase reflected the decreased level of sales and an
increase in research and development and general and administrative expenses
during fiscal 1995. The net loss for fiscal 1995 included a net extraordinary
gain of $381,730 from the extinguishment of indebtedness.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's operations have been financed through the proceeds from the
sale of the Company's equity securities, including the IPO, revenues from
operations and the proceeds from an SBIR grant. The Company's principal capital
requirements include the financing of inventory, accounts receivable, research
and development activities, the development of an ophthalmic and a surgical
sales force, the development of marketing programs and the acquisition and/or
licensing of patents.
At March 31, 1996, the Company had a minimal cash balance and its working
capital was $5,818,492. This represents a reduction from March 31, 1995 of
$5,852,774 in cash and cash equivalents. The decrease in cash and cash
equivalents was the result of net cash used in operating activities of
$5,312,384 and cash used in investing activities of $540,694, including a
$195,971 increase in patent expenditures, a $219,723 addition to capital
equipment primarily for molds for new products and a $125,000 note receivable
from International Biolaser Corporation.
At March 31, 1996, the Company's indebtedness consisted of a $481,195 note
payable to Pfizer HPG due in three installments commencing with a $240,598
principal reduction, plus accrued interest, in July 1996 and $120,299 quarterly
payments in October 1996 and January 1997. Upon completion of this Offering, any
remaining unpaid principal and accrued interest becomes immediately due and
payable.
At March 31, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for
federal income tax purposes totaling approximately $16,319,249 which will begin
to expire in fiscal 2007. Net operating
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loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes totaling approximately
$7,895,167 at December 31, 1995 which will begin to expire in fiscal 1998. The
Tax Reform Act of 1986 includes provisions which may limit the net operating
loss carryforwards available for use in any given year if certain events occur,
including significant changes in stock ownership. Utilization of the Company's
net operating loss carryforwards to offset future income may be limited.
The Company has received from Silicon Valley Bank a commitment letter for a
credit facility ("the "Credit Facility") which would permit borrowings of up to
$1 million based on the value of the 1,150,000 shares of common stock of Mattan
Corporation (the "Mattan Shares") held by the Company. Borrowings under the
Credit Facility would be secured by the Mattan Shares, would bear interest at
the rate of 1.0% per annum over the prime rate of interest, and would be due and
payable in November 1996. The commitment letter also provides for the issuance
of warrants to the lender. There can be no assurance that the Company will enter
into a definitive agreement with respect to the proposed Credit Facility on
these or any other terms.
The Company's future capital requirements will depend on many factors,
including the progress of the Company's research and development activities, the
scope and results of preclinical studies and clinical trials, the costs and
timing of regulatory approvals, the rate of technology advances by the Company,
competitive conditions within the medical laser industry, the establishment of
manufacturing capacity and the establishment of collaborative marketing and
other relationships which may either involve cash infusions to the Company, or
require additional cash from the Company. Management believes that short term
assets, cash generated through expected future revenues and SBIR grants and the
net proceeds of this Offering will be adequate to satisfy its working capital
needs for at least the next 24 months. After that period the Company's ability
to meet its working capital needs will be dependent on its ability to achieve a
positive cash flow from operations and profitable operations, in addition to its
ability to secure additional debt or equity financing. No assurance can be given
that the Company will be able to achieve a positive cash flow from operations,
profitable operations or secure financing on acceptable terms.
SEASONALITY OF BUSINESS
To date, the Company's revenues have typically been significantly higher in
the second and fourth calendar quarters. This seasonality reflects the timing of
major medical and dental industry trade shows in these quarters, significantly
reduced sales during the summer and the effect of year end tax planning
influencing the purchasing of capital equipment for depreciation during the
fourth calendar quarter. The Company expects that this seasonality will continue
indefinitely.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
The Company has been awarded a SBIR grant for approximately $750,000 for the
study of laser cataract emulsification. Approximately $250,000 of this amount
was drawn at March 31, 1996, and an additional approximately $380,000 has been
drawn since that date. The remainder of the grant can be drawn over the next six
months upon the achievement of specified criteria. The Company has also applied
for new Phase I research grants related to dentistry, orthopedics, tissue
melding, and ophthalmology. No assurance can be given that the Company will be
awarded any of these potential government grants.
POTENTIAL FUTURE CHARGE TO INCOME
The Commission has adopted a position with respect to arrangements such as
the one entered into among the Company and the holders of its outstanding Class
E-1 and Class E-2 Common Stock ("Escrow Shares") which provides that in the
event any shares are released from escrow to certain persons who are officers,
directors, employees or consultants of the Company, compensation expense will be
recorded for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the Company expects, in
the event of the release of the Escrow Shares from escrow, to recognize
substantial noncash charges to earnings during the periods in which the criteria
for release of the Escrow Shares are met, which would have
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the effect of significantly increasing the Company's loss or reducing or
eliminating earnings, if any, at such time. The recognition of such compensation
expense by the Company may have a depressive effect on the market price of the
Company's securities.
The Escrow Shares will be automatically converted into Common Stock (at a
conversion rate of one share of Common Stock for each Escrow Share) in the event
that the Company meets certain criteria relating to the market price of the
Common Stock or the achievement by the Company of certain levels of "income," as
defined. Different criteria relate to the Class E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2
Common Stock. For these purposes, "income" means the Company's net income before
provision for income taxes, including earnings from joint ventures, distribution
agreements and licensing agreements, but exclusive of any other earnings that
are classified as an extraordinary item, and exclusive of charges to income that
may result from conversion of the Escrow Shares into Common Stock, as stated in
the Company's financial statements audited by the Company's independent
accountants. See "Description of Securities -- Common Stock."
If none of the pretax net income or market price levels are attained, the
Escrow Shares, as well as any dividends or other distributions made with respect
thereto, will be cancelled. The pretax net income and market price levels were
determined by negotiation between the Company and the Company's underwriter for
the IPO and should not be construed to imply or predict any future earnings by
the Company or any increase in the market price of its securities. There can be
no assurance that such earnings and market price levels will be attained or that
any or all of the Escrow Shares will be converted into Common Stock.
21
<PAGE>
BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
Premier Laser Systems, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets several lines
of proprietary medical lasers, fiberoptic delivery systems and associated
products for a variety of dental, ophthalmic and surgical applications
principally for use in surgical centers and medical offices. The Company's
lasers and related products use the controlled application of thermal, acoustic
and optical energy to allow the physician or dentist to perform selected
minimally invasive procedures which, compared to conventional techniques not
involving the use of lasers, vaporize or sever tissue with minimal blood loss
and scarring, increase patient comfort and reduce patient treatment time and
treatment costs. To date, the Company has received clearance to market 19 models
of medical lasers, which are covered by 19 United States patents, 13 pending
United States patent applications, 11 foreign patents and 41 pending foreign
patents.
MARKET OVERVIEW
The use of laser technology in dentistry, ophthalmology and surgery involves
the controlled application of laser light to hard or soft tissue causing an
optical, thermal, acoustic or plasma interaction with the tissue. When applied
to tissue, the laser light is partially absorbed. This process of absorption
converts the light to heat, which in turn alters the state of the tissue. The
degree of tissue absorption varies with the choice of wavelength and is an
important variable in the application of laser technology in treating various
tissues. The laser energy can also form a gas bubble in a water medium which
provides an acoustic cutting effect as it bursts. The Company often uses its
proprietary delivery systems to control the relative proportions of acoustic,
thermal and optical energy applied to tissue resulting in enhanced cutting
effects. These delivery systems include flexible fiberoptics, waveguides,
articulated and micromanipulators which are used on a disposable or limited
reuse basis which the Company intends will provide a recurring revenue stream
for the Company. The Company's strategy is to target specific applications in
the dental, ophthalmic and surgical markets, where management believes that the
Company's technology and products have competitive strengths.
DENTAL AND PERIODONTAL MARKET
The current market for laser equipment in dental procedures is comprised of
soft tissue procedures, composite curing and teeth whitening. If clearance or
approval is obtained, this market may be expanded to include hard tissue and
cavity prevention procedures.
SOFT TISSUE. It is estimated that over 60 million periodontal procedures
are performed by dentists and periodontists annually in the United States, many
of which the Company believes can be addressed with laser technology. In a
clinical study involving more than 900 procedures conducted over a period of one
year ending in late 1995, periodontists used the Company's lasers during a new
minimally invasive surgical technique used in lieu of traditional periodontal
flap surgery, for which technique the Company has filed a patent application
which is pending. The results demonstrated a reduction in bacteria, improved
periodontal pocket depth, minimal or no pain when using the laser even without
anesthesia, little or no prescription medication following surgery and a
substantial reduction in surgical time. This study also demonstrated that the
dental laser can also be used to treat early gum disease, postponing or in some
cases eliminating the need for conventional periodontal surgery and providing
the opportunity for overall cost savings. While the Company has clearance to
market six lasers for soft tissue dental procedures, the Company focuses its
marketing efforts on its Aurora diode laser in this area. The Company's Aurora
diode laser and Centauri Er:YAG laser have been cleared to market for these soft
tissue dental procedures.
COMPOSITE CURING. Clinical Research Associates estimates that in 1995
composites, an alternate material to amalgams (gold and silver) for cavity
filling, were used in approximately 48% of all cavity preparations in the United
States. Composites are rapidly replacing amalgams as the material of choice for
restoration of cavities, because they more closely match the color of teeth and
because amalgams have drawn increasing worldwide concern over safety due to the
toxic gases which may be released when the amalgams are removed from teeth.
Composite fillings are typically cured using a
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curing light which provides a broad spectrum of wavelengths. The use of the
argon laser for this application has been shown to result in a stronger
restoration than composites cured by traditional curing lights. The Company's
argon lasers can also be used to cure the resins used in placing veneers or to
bond orthodontic brackets. The Company's Arago and MOD argon lasers have
received clearance for use in these applications.
TEETH WHITENING. In a recent survey conducted by Clinical Research
Associates, approximately 89% of dentists surveyed used light accelerated
bleaching materials for teeth whitening. These materials are traditionally
applied at night over a six to eight week period to whiten a patient's teeth
while he or she sleeps. Lasers have been shown to facilitate the use of these
light sensitive materials in the dentist's office by accelerating this process
and resulting in an approximate three shade change in less than one hour. The
Company is currently conducting a marketing study with its Arago argon laser for
this application and has a 510(k) application pending before the FDA.
HARD TISSUE (CAVITY PREPARATION). The American Dental Association estimates
that more than 170 million hard tissue restorative procedures are performed each
year in the United States, many of which the Company believes could be addressed
by a dental laser which could reduce or eliminate the need for a high speed
dental hand drill, reduce the need for anesthesia and assist in the prevention
of dental caries. Potential dental laser applications for hard tissue procedures
include pit and fissure sealing, etching, caries removal and cavity preparation.
Based on user feedback from the Company's clinical sites, the Company believes
that the use of a laser in dentistry reduces the pain associated with various
traditional procedures performed with a dental drill. Although no lasers are
currently approved by the FDA for hard tissue procedures, the Company has
completed clinical trials to support its 510(k) application to the FDA for
clearance to market its Centauri Er:YAG laser on teeth. No assurance can be
given, however, that the FDA will not require the Company to submit a PMA
application for this use, or require the Company to conduct additional clinical
trials.
CAVITY PREVENTION. Studies performed by an outside university on human
extracted teeth have demonstrated that lasers used in conjunction with fluoride
treatments can be highly effective in the prevention of cavity formation. The
Company is currently initiating clinical trials to use its lasers for cavity
prevention applications. The Company's clinical trials are at an early stage and
there can be no assurance that the Company will obtain clearance for these
applications.
OPHTHALMIC MARKET
Lasers have been used for the treatment of eye disorders for many years and
are widely accepted in the ophthalmic community. The original and most widely
accepted use of lasers in ophthalmology has been for posterior capsulotomy. The
Company does not promote its lasers for this market, which it believes is
approaching saturation, but instead focuses on intraocular procedures including
anterior capsulotomy, cataract removal, glaucoma treatment, corneal sculpting
and occuloplastic or cosmetic procedures. The Company has developed the Centauri
Er:YAG laser which is capable of performing all of these procedures, which are
typically performed using several different types of medical lasers, although to
date, the Centauri laser has only been cleared for use in anterior capsulotomies
and certain cosmetic procedures.
CATARACT REMOVAL PROCEDURES. According to the American Society of Cataract
and Refractive Surgeons, approximately two million cataract extraction
procedures are performed annually in the United States. The Company believes
that no lasers have been approved to date for this application, and that lasers
may result in less trauma and inflammation than traditional surgical methods,
providing more comfort to the patient. The Company's Centauri Er:YAG laser has
been cleared to market for anterior capsulotomy, a procedure which opens the
capsule of the eye prior to the removal of the cataract. The Company is also
currently conducting clinical trials on the Centauri laser for lens
emulsification (the removal of the cataract itself), as an alternative to
phacoemulsification (the breakup of the cataract by ultrasonic energy). This
patented technology for use in lens emulsification may provide an easier and
safer method of cataract removal.
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TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA. According to the National Institutes of Health, in
1995, approximately three million people in the United States suffered from
glaucoma, a disease of the eye characterized by increased intraocular pressure
within the eyeball and progressive loss of vision. Traditionally, glaucoma has
been treated with drug therapy. When drug therapy is ineffective, periodic
invasive surgery may be required. In these cases, lasers may be used to open the
sclera and relieve pressure in the eye. This procedure, which must be repeated
periodically, can be performed under local anesthesia with a self closing
incision on an outpatient basis. The Company is currently conducting clinical
trials to support investigational device exemption ("IDE") submittals for
clearance to market its Centauri Er:YAG laser for this procedure. If clearance
is obtained, concerning which there can be no assurance, the Company's Er:YAG
laser could provide a viable alternative to the traditional invasive surgical
procedures.
CORNEAL SCULPTING. Medical Insight, Inc. estimated in 1993 that 180 million
people in the United States suffered from vision disorders including
nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. The
Company believes that the recent approval of excimer lasers has resulted in
greater acceptance and recognition of laser refractive surgery in the ophthalmic
market. Medical lasers may be used for corneal sculpting (photorefractive
keratectomy), a procedure in which the laser is used to sculpt the cornea of the
eye to a desired curvature to correct the myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. The
Company plans to seek FDA approval to market the Centauri laser for corneal
sculpting and has initiated animal studies for this application. No assurance
can be given, however, that FDA approval will be given for this application.
SURGICAL MARKET
Lasers have been approved for and are currently being used in a variety of
surgical applications including orthopedics, neurosurgery, urology,
gastroenterology, ophthalmology, cardiology, dermatology, gynecology and plastic
surgery. Although the Company's products are cleared to market in a number of
specialty areas within the surgical market, the Company has specifically
targeted tissue melding (tissue fusion) and cosmetic applications within the
surgical market.
TISSUE MELDING. The suture, staple and wound closure market represented
approximately $2 billion worldwide in 1994. The Company believes a significant
number of these procedures may be addressed with surgical lasers in conjunction
with or independent of traditional sutures or staples. The clinically
demonstrated benefits of the use of surgical lasers for tissue melding, as
compared to suture and staples, include fluid-static seals, immediate strength
of the closure and reduced surgical time. The Company and its strategic partner
have conducted animal tests to support IDE submittals for the use of the
Company's Polaris Nd:YAG laser in the areas of arteries, veins, blood vessels
and ducts, and are currently conducting clinical studies for skin and
hypospadias. The Company has also completed clinical trials for vasovasotomy
(reversal of vasectomies) which demonstrated a success rate of approximately
89%. The Company is also beginning Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of
hypospadias, the lengthening of the urethra to the end of the penis in infant
boys, in which it is anticipated that the laser's fluid-static seal may minimize
post-surgical complications such as the leakage of urine which requires
secondary surgical procedures. The Company has clearance for Phase II clinical
trials for skin closure following mastectomies and eyelid surgery at five
clinical sites. Artery and vein anastomosis is being tested in animals by the
Company's strategic partner in Japan in preparation for clinical studies.
COSMETIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES. The market for cosmetic laser surgery is
growing rapidly worldwide. Medical Laser Insight, Inc. estimates the procedural
fees for the aesthetic facial surgery market in the United States was $775
million in 1992. The Company entered into a Purchasing Agreement and a Share
Exchange Agreement dated December 20, 1995 with Mattan Corporation ("Mattan"),
the parent corporation of Medical Laser Institute of America ("MLIA"), pursuant
to which the Company made an investment in and formed an alliance with MLIA.
Mattan owns and operates or provides marketing support for a series of medical
laser cosmetic surgery centers, which centers focus on
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wrinkle removal, treatment of varicose veins, acne scar removal, tattoo removal
and refractive surgery. Pursuant to these agreements, Mattan has agreed to
purchase all laser equipment, accessories and disposable laser products for use
in its laser centers exclusively from the Company until December 31, 2005. To
the extent the Company is unable to provide a requested laser to Mattan, the
Company will act as purchasing agent for Mattan and purchase the lasers from a
third party for resale to Mattan.
The Company has regulatory clearance to market its products for a variety of
additional applications, including urology, orthopedics, gynecology,
gastroenterology, podiatry, pulmonary and neurosurgery, among other areas. In
areas where the Company's technology is not being fully utilized, the Company
may seek agreements to supply its products under private label for other
manufacturers or may enter into strategic alliances to develop and market the
Company's lasers for other applications.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company's strategy is to seek to increase its market penetration in the
dental, ophthalmic and surgical markets. Key elements of the Company's strategy
include the following:
FOCUS ON THE OFFICE AND SURGICAL CENTER MARKETS. Recognizing the cost
containment environment of the medical industry, the Company intends to focus on
clinical applications for lasers which may be performed in a surgical center or
medical office. Management believes that the Company's compact and portable
lasers offer cost efficiencies and can be used to take advantage of industry
trends which favor minimally invasive medical procedures.
INCREASE DOMESTIC MARKETING AND ACCEPTANCE OF LASER TECHNOLOGY. The Company
intends to expand its domestic marketing organization through additional sales
representatives and distributors to target the dental, ophthalmic and surgical
markets in the United States. The Company also intends to continue to implement
a doctor awareness and education program to address the individual doctor's
training, practice management and marketing needs. The Company believes
increased publicity and additional publications are essential to educate
dentists, physicians and patients about the clinical benefits of medical lasers.
EMPHASIZE EXPANSION IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS. Foreign sales account for a
substantial portion of the Company's revenues and the Company intends to devote
additional resources to expand the worldwide marketing of its products,
particularly in the Pacific Rim and Europe. The Company anticipates substantial
growth opportunity in these markets and will seek to enter into marketing
arrangements with recognized distributors who will aggressively market and
service the Company's products in each region. Such expansion may include
potential acquisitions of businesses which have a marketing presence in Europe
and the Pacific Rim. There are no present negotiations or agreements with
respect to any acquisitions, and no assurance may be given that the Company will
be able to identify or consummate any such acquisitions.
EXPAND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS FOR PROPRIETARY LASER TECHNOLOGY. The Company
manufactures lasers which are multidisciplinary in their surgical applications
and multifunctional in the specific procedures for which they have been cleared.
The Company holds 19 United States patents and 11 foreign patents, and has
pending 13 United States patents and 41 foreign patents. The Company intends to
expand its proprietary laser technology by developing and marketing lasers for
selected additional applications, which may include corneal sculpting, hard
tissue (teeth and bone) cutting, teeth whitening procedures and tissue melding
applications, subject to FDA approval or clearance.
CAPITALIZE ON DISPOSABLE AFTERMARKET SALES. The Company manufactures a
variety of disposable fiberoptic delivery systems and sculpted fiberoptic
probes, optical tips, waveguides and catheters which are designed for
single-patient use. The unique design of the Company's lasers, including the
patented connecters, encourages the users of the Company's products to purchase
the compatible disposable products distributed by the Company. The Company
believes that the increasing demand
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for product sterility and cost containment will result in an increase in
disposable product sales and will provide a recurring revenue stream. The
Company intends to market these products to existing customers, as well as to
hospital administrators on a custom basis for other surgical lasers.
DEVELOP NEW MARKETS THROUGH STRATEGIC ALLIANCES. The Company intends to
establish strategic alliances in order to expedite and lower the cost of
developing and bringing to market new products in current markets and existing
products in new markets. The Company believes a substantial potential market
exists for its laser technology and products both inside and outside the dental,
ophthalmic and surgical markets. Strategic alliances could accelerate the
Company's efforts to expand in several key areas including, but not limited to,
tissue melding, bone shaping, removal of bone cement and disectomy in
orthopedics, photo dynamic therapy, revascularization of the heart and
interstitial treatment of the prostate. The Company plans to seek strategic
alliances to develop additional clinical applications and markets. Pursuant to
this strategy, the Company entered into an Exclusive Marketing Agreement dated
July 26, 1994 with Nippon Shoji Kaisha, Ltd. ("NSK") to distribute the Company's
Polaris Nd:YAG laser for tissue melding applications in Japan, China and Taiwan,
subject to receipt of regulatory approval. The Company also entered into a
letter agreement dated October 19, 1995 to form a strategic alliance with
International Biolaser Corporation ("IBC") to manufacture and distribute the MOD
argon laser for dental use pursuant to the Company's joint marketing
relationship with IBC.
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LASER PRODUCTS
The Company's line of portable lasers are specifically designed for use in
outpatient surgical centers and medical offices. The Company believes that its
lasers are also well suited for the international market, particularly in
facilities with many surgical suites where easy transportation of equipment is
necessary. By employing techniques developed in the computer industry, the
Company has designed a laser system that (i) is modularly designed and uses
similar components for multiple laser systems thereby reducing their overall
cost, (ii) allows for efficient and inexpensive repair by replacing a board or
assembly in the field or through the mail, reducing the need for a field service
force, and (iii) can be easily moved from the office to surgical centers because
of its compact size and limited voltage requirements. The Company's Er:YAG
lasers are currently priced from $35,000 to $115,000 and its Nd:YAG lasers are
currently priced from $25,000 to $80,000. The Company's diode lasers are
currently priced from $20,000 to $30,000, its argon laser is priced from $8,000
to $20,000 and its CO(2) lasers are currently priced from $5,500 to $20,000. The
prices of lasers within these ranges depend upon each model's power capability
and the features offered.
The following table presents in summary form, the Company's lasers and
delivery systems, the principal applications for which the Company intends to
use them, and the FDA status of such products.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRODUCT MEDICAL APPLICATION FDA REGULATORY STATUS
- ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Centauri (Er:YAG) Dental -- Soft Tissue...................................... Cleared to market
Dental -- Hard Tissue...................................... Clinical trials
completed
Pending 510(k)
Ophthalmology (e.g. Anterior Capsulotomy).................. Cleared to market
Ab-externo and Ab-interno Sclerostomy, Laser Lens
Emulsification............................................ Clinical trials
Corneal Sculpting.......................................... Preclinical animal
studies
General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics,
Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Procedures, Urology,
Gynecology and Oral Surgery............................... Cleared to market
Pegasus (Nd:YAG) 20W Dental -- Soft Tissue...................................... Cleared to market
Polaris (1.32m Nd:YAG) Tissue Melding............................................. Clinical trials
General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Arthroscopic Surgery,
Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Procedures, Urology,
Gynecology and Oral Surgery............................... Cleared to market
Aurora (diode) Dental -- Soft Tissue...................................... Cleared to market
Dental and General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Arthroscopic
Surgery, Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Procedures,
Urology, Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Podiatry,
Neurosurgery, Gynecology, Pulmonary Surgery and Oral
Surgery................................................... Cleared to market
Arago and MOD (argon) Dental -- Composite and Resin Curing....................... Cleared to market
Dental -- Teeth Whitening.................................. Pending 510(k)
</TABLE>
CENTAURI ER:YAG LASER
The Company's Centauri Er:YAG laser is a portable Er:YAG pulsed solid state
laser which generates high frequencies (up to 30Hz) at relatively low peak
power. These high frequencies allow faster cutting at lower energies. The 2.9
micron wavelength of the Er:YAG is highly absorbed by water,
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producing a cut similar to the scalpel. The Er:YAG wavelength is delivered
through a fiber optic delivery system which enables the beams to be focused and
angled. These fiberoptic catheters are difficult to produce and the Company has
invested heavily in the technology to develop fibers which can handle adequate
power. The Company has experienced difficulties in securing a consistent source
for these fibers in the past, although it has recently procured two new sources
for these fibers. See "-- Manufacturing and Materials" and "-- Legal
Proceedings."
The Company's Centauri Er:YAG laser has many potential applications in
different medical specialties, including cutting hard tissue such as bone and
teeth, which could replace or minimize the use of noisy, high speed dental hand
drills, and removing ocular structures or performing microsurgery with minimal
thermal damage. Although presently marketed only for soft tissue dental
procedures and anterior capsulotomy, the Centauri laser also has clearances to
market for hemostasis, excision and vaporization of tissues in ophthalmology,
general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, gastroenterology, urology,
gynecology and oral surgery. See "-- Government Regulation." The Centauri laser
is highly effective in cataract ophthalmic procedures because its wavelength is
at the peak of the water absorption spectrum and water comprises greater than
60% of ophthalmic tissues. Therefore, the Centauri laser can emulsify cataracts,
surgically excise tissue in the treatment of glaucoma and can precisely remove
layers of cornea similarly to an excimer laser. This system, which currently is
cleared for anterior capsulotomy and other procedures in ophthalmology, is
estimated to be available for approximately one-third the price of refractive
excimer lasers currently on the market and requires substantially lower
maintenance costs than excimer lasers (an estimated annual expense of $10,000 as
compared to approximately $70,000). In addition, the multiple application
Centauri Er:YAG laser is completely portable, does not emit any toxic gases or
cause any potentially mutagenic effect which may result from the use of the
excimer laser.
While animal studies have been encouraging, there can be no assurance that
the FDA will approve the use of the Company's Centauri laser for corneal
sculpting, or that the laser will work effectively in clinical trials. Clinical
trials are estimated to continue for two to five years before approval can be
sought in the United States. There are several patents pending on this
technology and application, although no assurances can be given that these
patents will be approved or approved with the current claims.
POLARIS AND PEGASUS ND:YAG LASERS
The energy of Nd:YAG lasers is absorbed by blood in tissue and as a result
these systems are the preferred lasers to limit bleeding during surgery and for
procedures requiring fiberoptic delivery, such as laparoscopic surgery. The
Nd:YAG fiberoptic delivery system allows the surgeon to perform surgery through
small incisions, providing minimally invasive surgery to patients and usually
reducing treatment costs and the length of hospital stays.
The Company manufactures a variety of continuous wave solid state Nd:YAG
lasers which are designed for use in dentistry and a number of medical
specialties. The Company received its first clearance to market a continuous
wave Nd:YAG laser system for dental (soft tissue) applications and introduced
its 20 watt dental Pegasus Nd:YAG laser in February 1992. The Company also
manufactures 40, 60 and 100 watt Pegasus Nd:YAG lasers which have clearance to
market for various applications and procedures in general surgery, urology,
gastrointestinal procedures, pulmonary procedures, gastroenterology, gynecology
and ophthalmology.
These lasers also utilize the Company's disposable and reusable unique
TouchTIPS, AngleTIPS and sculptured fibers. By using the Pegasus laser with
TouchTIPS, the surgeon is allowed direct contact with tissue and the tactile
feeling of the scalpel or other surgical instruments. The Company believes that
the availability of these technologies permits the use of lower power laser
systems (20 watt in dental, 40-60 watt in surgery).
In December 1993, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with
Proclosure, pursuant to which the Company acquired from Proclosure the
proprietary rights, including several
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patents, to manufacture and sell the Polaris laser, a 1.32 micron Nd:YAG laser
(except in Japan, China and Taiwan), together with specialized software and
delivery systems, for tissue melding. The Company is developing the Polaris
laser for use in cosmetic skin closures, vascular surgeries and minimally
invasive surgical procedures normally performed with sutures and staples.
Although the use of the Polaris laser for tissue melding is still in the
development stage, and no clearance for this application has been received, the
Company believes that tissue melding offers clinical advantages over traditional
sutures and staples.
AURORA DIODE LASER
The Aurora diode laser is the Company's first semiconductor laser and is the
first truly portable diode laser designed for dentistry. The Aurora diode laser
replaces the 20 watt Pegasus laser for periodontal procedures, and is one-fourth
the size and one-half of the cost of that system. The diode wavelength is
absorbed by blood in pigmentation and has been cleared for use in multiple
specialties such as general surgery, ophthalmology, urology and plastic surgery.
The Aurora laser, which was introduced for soft tissue dental applications in
February 1996, is designed to utilize the Nd:YAG delivery systems, including
TouchTIPS, AngleTIPS and sculptured fibers, for soft tissue surgery with minimal
bleeding or anesthesia. The dental laser can also be used to treat early stage
gum disease, postponing or in some cases eliminating the need for periodontal
surgery and providing the opportunity for overall cost savings. The Company
believes the Aurora laser compares favorably with competitive products including
pulsed Nd:YAG lasers, which cannot produce the required laser settings for use
with TouchTIPs, or in the new technique for the treatment of periodontal
disease, as well as with CO(2) lasers (which cannot be delivered through a
fiber), and argon lasers (which tend to be slower in cutting and may produce
charring).
ARAGO AND MOD ARGON LASERS
The Arago and the MOD are argon gas lasers which have been cleared to market
in dentistry to accelerate the composite curing process. Composites are rapidly
replacing amalgams (gold and silver) as the material of choice for the
restoration of cavities. The argon wavelength penetrates through the composite
and has been shown to result in a stronger restoration than composites cured by
traditional curing lights. The Company's argon lasers can also be used to cure
the resins used in placing veneers or bonding orthodontic brackets.
The argon laser can also be used to enhance teeth whitening procedures using
light activated bleaching materials which have traditionally been applied at
night over a six to eight week period. Lasers have been shown to facilitate the
use of these light activated products in a dentist's office by accelerating this
process and resulting in an approximate three shade change in less than one
hour. The Company currently has a pending 510(k) for this application. No
assurance may be given, however, that the Company will be granted clearance to
market this laser for teeth whitening or that the use of the argon laser for
teeth whitening will become a widely accepted practice in the dental industry.
The Company plans to bundle its lasers with light activated whitening materials
and co-market these products with the manufacturers of these materials.
The MOD argon laser is manufactured by the Company pursuant to a letter
agreement dated October 19, 1995 with IBC which creates a joint marketing
relationship for the sale of this product. Pursuant to this agreement, the
Company has loaned IBC $125,000 and has the right to designate one member of
IBC's Board of Directors. The Company has also entered into a distribution
agreement dated March 8, 1996 with Lasermed, pursuant to which the Company
obtained the co-exclusive right to market the portable lightweight Arago argon
laser. This agreement terminates in August 1996. The Company will seek to extend
this agreement or, if no extension can be obtained on acceptable terms, to find
an alternative source for the argon laser, concerning which no assurance can be
given. The Company's inability to extend the agreement or find a suitable
replacement product could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, results of operations and financial condition.
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ALTAIR CO(2) LASERS
The CO(2) laser was the first available and the early standard in surgical
laser applications. The 10.6 micron wavelength generated by the CO(2) laser is
absorbed by water in tissue. The CO(2) laser acts like a surgical scalpel to
vaporize tissue with minimal blood loss and scarring. The risk of infection is
reduced by thermal sealing of blood and lymphatic vessels in the adjacent
tissues. The characteristics of the CO(2) laser have provided a wide variety of
medical specialists a modality of treatment that has significantly changed
conventional invasive surgery in a number of clinical specialties.
The Company's hand-held 10 and 20 watt CO(2) lasers acquired from Pfizer
Laser are marketed primarily for office use by podiatrists, dermatologists,
orthopedists, dentists and gynecologists. The laser weighs less than 40 pounds
and packs in a suitcase. The Company and Pfizer Laser have sold more than 2,000
of these lasers and the Company continues to provide service and support for
these products. To expand its CO(2) laser product line, the Company has designed
35 watt and 65 watt Altair CO(2) lasers for hospital based surgeries. These
lasers are portable, and laser energy may be delivered through a waveguide arm,
reusable or disposable handpieces or more maneuverable flexible waveguide
delivery systems.
OTHER LASERS
The Company has developed other solid state pulsed lasers including the
Sirius .532m Nd:YAG laser and the Orion Ho:YAG laser, and other applications for
its existing lasers, but is not actively marketing these lasers at the present
time. The following table sets forth in summary form, certain additional lasers
owned by the Company which are not currently marketed by the Company, and the
principal applications for which the Company has clearance to market such
lasers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRODUCT MEDICAL APPLICATION FDA REGULATORY STATUS
- ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Altair (CO(2)) and a CO(2) Orthopedics, General and Plastic Surgery, Dermatology,
laser acquired from Pfizer Podiatry, Ear, Nose and Throat, Gynecology, Pulmonary
HPG Procedures, Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology................ Cleared to market
Dental -- Soft Tissue...................................... Cleared to market
Pegasus (Nd:YAG) 40W/60W General Surgery, Urology, Gastrointestinal Procedures,
Pulmonary Procedures, Gastroenterology, Gynecology and
Ophthalmology............................................. Cleared to market
Pegasus (Nd:YAG) 100W Oral, Arthroscopic and General Surgery, Gastroenterology,
Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Procedures, Pulmonary
Procedures, Gynecology, Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology.... Cleared to market
Sirius (.532m Nd:YAG) Dermatology, General and Plastic Surgery, Podiatry and
Orthopedic Applications................................... Cleared to market
Orion (Ho:YAG) General Surgery, Orthopedics, Ear, Nose and Throat,
Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonary Procedures and
Urology................................................... Cleared to market
Er:YAG/Nd:YAG combination Various specialties........................................ Cleared to market
</TABLE>
DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS
An integral part of any laser system is the means of delivering laser energy
to the target tissue. Delivery systems commonly employed in laser surgery
include flexible fiberoptics, waveguides, articulated arms and
micromanipulators. The Company's proprietary delivery systems control the
relative proportions of acoustic, thermal and optical energy applied to tissue
resulting in enhanced cutting
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efforts. Flexible fibers are a preferred method of delivery for most clinical
procedures, but until recently were only available for Nd:YAG and argon lasers.
The end of a fiber may be shaped or used with a detachable tip to control the
mechanism of laser/tissue interaction, to give a tactile feel, to provide
certain mechanical effects and to angle or focus the laser beam. The Company has
also been granted a perpetual paid-up license to manufacture, use and sell
flexible waveguides to deliver CO(2) energy pursuant to the Assignment and
Modification Agreement dated July 26, 1991 among the Company, Pfizer HPG and
Medical Laser Technologies Limited.
While each laser system marketed by the Company consists of a laser and an
integral fiber, these fibers and other products, such as tubing sets, are used
by surgeons on a disposable or limited reuse basis for each clinical procedure.
The Company believes that expansion into this market could provide it with a
recurring revenue stream. The Company manufactures a variety of fiberoptic
delivery systems, sculpted fiberoptic probes, optical tips (AngleTIPS and
TouchTIPS), waveguides and catheters which are designed for single-patient use.
The patented connectors and need for product sterility encourage the users of
the Company's lasers to purchase only products which are compatible with this
system. The Company believes it can sell these products on a custom basis to
hospital administrators for other surgical laser systems at a significant
discount to competitors' published prices, while maintaining gross margins
through vertical integration and the extensive use of molds and tooling. The
Company also assembles and distributes a full line of laser accessories,
including glasses, goggles, laser signs and smoke evacuators.
MARKETING, SALES AND SERVICE
MARKETING AND SALES
The Company markets its products to the dental market in the United States
directly to dentists and periodontists through its direct sales force consisting
of five area sales managers and its recently expanded distributor and
manufacturer's representative network consisting of more than 25 people. The
Company markets its products primarily through conventions, educational courses,
direct mail, telemarketing and other dental training programs. In March 1994,
the Company entered into a sales and marketing arrangement for its dental lasers
with Burkhart Dental Supply Company, a member of the American Dental
Cooperative, Inc., which is one of the largest distributors of dental equipment
and supplies in the United States. This agreement is terminable by either party
at any time. If this strategic alliance is successful, the Company believes this
relationship may be expanded to the other members of the American Dental
Cooperative, Inc. which markets dental products to a significant number of the
approximately 129,000 practicing dentists in the United States. Such alliance is
expected to assist the Company if the Company receives clearance to market the
Centauri laser for hard tissue applications. The Company has also entered into a
joint marketing relationship with IBC, pursuant to which IBC will provide
marketing and technical support for the MOD argon laser.
Through an active program of educational courses and preceptorships, the
Company has trained dentists in ten countries during the past year using
industry recognized dentists and periodontists. In the past two years, more than
20 dental papers have been presented by the Company or clinicians using the
Company's products.
The Company markets its products in the ophthalmic market through two direct
sales managers who focus on sales to key ophthalmologists worldwide. The Company
has entered into Distribution Agreements with distributors in nine countries in
preparation for market introduction of the Centauri laser during calendar 1996.
The Company grants exclusive distribution rights in select territories to its
distributors who must maintain certain distribution minimums in order to retain
their exclusive rights. The Company plans to expand its ophthalmic sales force
both by enlarging its domestic sales force, either internally or through
acquisition, and by acquiring or engaging additional international manufacturing
representatives.
In the surgical market, the Company intends to form strategic alliances in
any specialty area where the partner has an established presence in the market
selling to either the physician or the hospital. The Company has entered into
such a strategic alliance with NSK, one of the leading
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suppliers of sutures in the Pacific Rim, pursuant to an Exclusive Marketing
Agreement. Under this agreement, Proclosure granted to NSK the exclusive rights
to market and distribute this Nd:YAG laser, and the Company granted
manufacturing rights to the Polaris, in Japan, China and Taiwan in exchange for
a license fee to Proclosure for the marketing rights and a $1.5 million fee and
royalties to the Company which is payable if NSK elects to manufacture the
Polaris laser. NSK is not required to and has not yet indicated whether it
intends to manufacture these products. There can be no assurance that the
Company will receive any payments under this agreement.
Sales to one customer in fiscal 1996 accounted for 10% of the Company's net
sales for that year. Sales to a different customer in fiscal 1995 accounted for
approximately 11% of the Company's net sales for that year.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT
The Company is seeking to create a group of loyal customers by focusing on
customer service, quality and reliability. In addition to its educational
courses, the Company performs a complete installation of its lasers and trains
the customers' staff in its proper use. Educational videos and papers are
available upon request. The Company conducts service training courses for the
representatives of its distributors. Prior to shipping, every laser is subjected
to an extensive battery of quality control tests. The Company provides a one
year warranty with all lasers and extended warranties are available at an
additional cost. The Company generally provides service within one business day
to all of its customers in the United States. An owner is either sent a loaner
laser by overnight carrier or a service representative visits the owner to
repair the unit. International service is provided either by the foreign
distributor or by return of the laser to the Company. The Company has
experienced and may continue to experience difficulties in providing prompt and
cost-effective service of its medical lasers in foreign countries.
COMPETITION
The Company is and will continue to be subject to competition in its
targeted markets, principally from businesses providing other traditional
surgical and nonsurgical treatments, including existing and developing
technologies or therapies, some of which include medical lasers manufactured by
competitors. In the dental market, the Company competes primarily with dental
drills, traditional curing lights and other existing technologies, and to a
lesser extent competitors' CO(2), argon, Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers. In the
ophthalmic market, the Company is subject to competition principally from the
(i) traditional surgical treatments using a needle to tear a circle in the
anterior capsule, (ii) phacoemulsification, an ultrasound device used to break
up cataracts in cataract removal procedures, (iii) corrective eyewear (such as
eyeglasses and contact lenses) and surgical treatments for refractive disorders
such as photorefractive keratectomy which is typically performed with an excimer
laser and radial keratotomy which is performed with a scalpel, and (vi) drug
therapy or surgical treatment of glaucoma. In the surgical market, wound closure
procedures are usually performed using sutures and staples, and traditional
cosmetic surgical procedures may be performed with a scalpel or a CO(2) laser.
The Company believes that for many applications its proprietary methods and
fiberoptic delivery systems provide clinical benefits over other currently known
technologies and competitors' laser products.
The medical laser industry in particular is also subject to intense
competition and rapid technological changes. The Company believes that the
principal competitive factors in the medical laser industry are the products'
technological capabilities, proven clinical ability, patent protection, price
and scope of regulatory approval, as well as industry expert endorsements. Many
conventional laser systems target one particular application, while the
Company's Er:YAG system is designed to perform in multiple therapeutic
applications. The Company's self-contained units are significantly smaller than
competitive surgical models, have internal cooling devices and are powered
primarily by dedicated readily available 110 volt lines instead of the 220 volt
lines used by most surgical solid state lasers. The specialized menu-driven
system software utilized in the Company's lasers also enhances safety and ease
of use of the lasers.
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The Company believes that its ability to compete successfully against
traditional treatments, competitive laser systems and treatments that may be
developed in the future will depend on its ability to create and maintain
advanced technology, develop proprietary products, obtain required regulatory
approvals and clearances for its products, attract and retain scientific
personnel, obtain patent or other proprietary protection for its products and
technologies, and manufacture and successfully market products either alone or
through other parties. Certain of the Company's competitors have substantially
greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the Company. There can
be no assurance that such competition will not adversely affect the Company's
results of operations or its ability to maintain or increase market share.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
During the last two fiscal years, the Company has invested an aggregate of
approximately $2.5 million in research and development programs since the
Company's formation. The Company's research and development programs have
capitalized on the research and development activities conducted by Pfizer Laser
wherein that company identified key military and aerospace technologies and
adapted these technologies to portable, efficient, solid-state laser products
that were modular in nature. This investment in research and development has
resulted in the development of 19 models of lasers, more than 1,000 types of
custom delivery systems and approximately 20 types of surgical tips and
accessories. Approximately 41% of the Company's net sales for fiscal 1996 were
derived from sales of three new lasers introduced during the last six months of
that year. Five more lasers or related products are scheduled for introduction
in fiscal 1997, subject to receipt of clearance to market such products, for
which no assurance may be given.
In order to maintain its technological advantage, the Company must continue
to invest in new product development. The Company seeks to augment its funding
of research and development through government grants. The Company has been
awarded a Phase II SBIR grant of $750,000, of which approximately $630,000 has
been drawn to date and the remainder of which can be drawn over the next six
months to fund additional research and clinical trials regarding laser
emulsification of cataracts. The Company has also applied for new Phase I
research grants related to dentistry, orthopedics, tissue welding, and
ophthalmology. No assurance can be given that the Company will be awarded any of
these potential government grants.
The Company's current research is focused on expanding the clinical
applications of its existing products, reducing the size and cost of current
laser systems, developing custom delivery systems and developing new innovative
products. The Company's in-house research and development efforts have focused
on the development of a systems approach to medical laser products with
proprietary delivery systems designed to allow the laser to interact with tissue
by a number of different mechanisms (e.g., acoustic, ablative and thermal) for
unique laser/tissue effects. These disposable fiberoptic delivery systems,
developed specifically for niche surgical applications, demonstrate the
principal focus of the Company's research efforts. Examples of patented or
patent pending products resulting from these research efforts include:
TouchTIPS, AngleTIPS, Er:YAG fiberoptics and CO(2) waveguides. Clinical research
has also yielded several new surgical procedures.
PATENTS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS
Patent protection is an important part of the Company's business strategy,
and the Company's success depends, in part, on its ability to maintain patents
and trade secret protection and on its ability to operate without infringing on
the rights of third parties. The Company has sought to protect its unique
technologies and clinical advances through the use of the patent process. Patent
applications filed in the United States are frequently also filed in selected
foreign countries. The Company focuses its efforts on filing only for those
patents which the Company believes will provide it with key defensible features
instead of filing for all potential minor device features. In the United States,
the Company holds 19 patents and has an additional 13 pending patent
applications, including divisional applications. In addition, the Company holds
11 foreign patents including two utility model patents
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and has an additional 41 foreign patent applications, one of which is an
international application. The Company also has a nonexclusive license to a
number of basic laser technologies which are commonly licensed on such basis in
the laser industry.
The Company's success will depend in part on its ability to obtain patent
protection for its products and processes, to preserve trade secrets and to
operate without infringing the rights of others. The Company is aware of certain
patents which, along with other patents that may exist or be granted in the
future, could restrict the Company's right to market certain of its technologies
without a license, including, without limitation, patents relating to the
Company's lens emulsification product and ophthalmic probes for its Er:YAG
laser. In the past, the Company has received allegations that certain of the
Company's laser products infringe other patents. There has been significant
patent litigation in the medical industry in general, and in the medical laser
industry in particular. Adverse determinations in litigation or other patent
proceedings in which the Company may become a party could subject the Company to
significant legal judgments or liabilities to third parties, and could require
the Company to seek licenses from third parties that may or may not be
economically viable. Patent and other intellectual property rights disputes
often are settled through licensing arrangements. No assurance can be given that
any licenses required under these or any other patents or proprietary rights
would be available on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. If the Company
does not obtain such licenses, it could encounter delays in product
introductions while it attempts to design around such patents, or it could find
that the development, manufacture or sale of products requiring such licenses
could be enjoined. If the Company is found, in a legal proceeding, to have
infringed the patents or other proprietary rights of others, it could be liable
for significant damages. The Company also relies on unpatented trade secrets,
and no assurance can be given that others will not independently develop or
otherwise acquire substantially equivalent trade secrets.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
FDA REGULATION
The lasers that are manufactured by the Company are regulated as medical
devices by the FDA under the FDC Act. Satisfaction of applicable regulatory
requirements may take several years and requirements vary substantially based
upon the type, complexity and novelty of such devices as well as the clinical
procedure. Pursuant to the FDC Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
the FDA regulates the preclinical and clinical testing, manufacture, labeling,
distribution, and promotion of medical devices. Noncompliance with applicable
requirements can result in fines, injunctions, civil penalties, recall or
seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production, denial or
withdrawal of premarket clearance or approval for devices, recommendations by
the FDA that the Company not be allowed to enter into government contracts, and
criminal prosecution. The FDA also has the authority to request recall, repair,
replacement or refund of the cost of any device manufactured or distributed by
the Company.
The FDA classifies medical devices in commercial distribution into one of
three classes: Class I, II or III. This classification is based on the controls
the FDA deems necessary to reasonably ensure the safety and effectiveness of
medical devices. Class I devices are subject to general control (E.G., labeling,
premarket notification and adherance to GMPs) and Class II devices are subject
to general and special controls (E.G., performance standards, postmarket
surveillance, patient registries, and FDA guidelines). Generally, Class III
devices are those which must receive premarket approval by the FDA to ensure
their safety and effectiveness (E.G., life-sustaining, life-supporting and
implantable devices, or new devices which have been found not to be
substantially equivalent to legally marketed devices). Lasers are classified as
Class II devices.
If a manufacturer or distributor of a medical device can establish that a
proposed device is "substantially equivalent" to a legally marketed Class I or
Class II medical device or to a pre-1976 Class III medical device for which the
FDA has not called for a PMA, the manufacturer or distributor may seek FDA
clearance for the device by filing a Section 510(k) premarket notification. If a
manufacturer or distributor of a medical device cannot establish that a proposed
device is substantially
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equivalent to another legally marketed device, whether or not the FDA has made a
determination in response to a 510(k) notification, the manufacturer or
distributor will have to seek premarket approval for the proposed device. A
510(k) notification and the claim of substantial equivalence will likely have to
be supported by various types of data and materials, possibly including test
results or the results of clinical studies in humans. A PMA would have to be
submitted and be supported by extensive data, including preclinical and clinical
study data, to prove the safety and effectiveness of the device.
If human clinical studies of a proposed device are required, whether for a
510(k) or a PMA, and the device presents a "significant risk," the manufacturer
or the distributor of the devices will have to file an IDE application with the
FDA prior to commencing human clinical trials. The IDE application must be
supported by data, typically including the results of animal and mechanical
laboratory testing. If the IDE application is approved by the FDA and one or
more appropriate Institutional Review Boards ("IRBs"), human clinical trials may
begin at a specific number of investigational sites with a specific number of
patients, as approved by the FDA. Submission of an IDE does not give assurance
that FDA will approve the IDE and, if it is approved, there can be no assurance
that the FDA will determine that the data derived from these studies support the
safety and efficacy of the device or warrant the continuation of clinical
studies. Sponsors of clinical studies are permitted to sell those devices
distributed in the course of the study provided such compensation does not
exceed recovery of the costs of manufacture, research, development and handling.
Clinical studies of nonsignificant risk devices may be performed without prior
FDA approval, but various regulatory requirements still apply, including the
requirement for approval by an Institutional Review Board, conduct of the study
according to applicable portions of the IDE regulations, and prohibitions
against commercialization of an investigational device.
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The manufacturer or distributor may not place the device into interstate
commerce until an order is issued by the FDA granting premarket clearance for
the device. The FDA has no specific time limit by which it must respond to a
510(k) premarket notification. The FDA has recently been requiring more rigorous
demonstration of substantial equivalence in connection with 510(k) notifications
and the review time can take four to 12 months or longer for a 510(k). If a PMA
submission is filed, the FDA has by statute 180 days to review it; however, the
review time is often extended significantly by the FDA asking for more
information or clarification of information already provided in the submission.
During the review period, an advisory committee may also evaluate the
application and provide recommendations to the FDA as to whether the device
should be approved. In addition, the FDA will inspect the manufacturing facility
to ensure compliance with the FDA's good manufacturing practice requirements
prior to approval of a PMA.
Devices are cleared by 510(k) or approved by PMA only for the specific
intended uses claimed in the submission and agreed to by the FDA. Marketing or
promotion of products for medical applications other than those that are cleared
or approved could lead to enforcement action by the FDA. Labeling and
promotional activities are also subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain
instances, by the Federal Trade Commission.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain necessary
regulatory approvals or clearances on a timely basis or at all, and delays in
receipt of or failure to receive such approvals or clearances, the loss of
previously received approvals or clearances, limitations on intended use imposed
as a condition of such approvals or clearances, or failure to comply with
existing or future regulatory requirements would have a material adverse effect
on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. FDA or
other governmental approvals of products developed by the Company in the future
may require substantial filing fees which could limit the number of applications
sought by the Company and may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which
such products may be marketed. In addition, approved or cleared products may be
subject to additional testing and surveillance programs required by the FDA and
other regulatory agencies, and product approvals and clearances could be
withdrawn for failure to comply with regulatory standards or by the occurrence
of unforeseen problems following initial marketing.
REGULATORY STATUS OF PRODUCTS
The Company has received 510(k) clearance to market the following lasers in
an aggregate of more than 100 specialty areas: CO(2) (four models: 10W, 20W,
35W, 65W); Nd:YAG (four models: 20W, 40W, 60W, 100W); Ho:YAG (one model); Er:YAG
(two models); 1.32m Nd:YAG (two models: 15W, 25W); .532m Nd:YAG (one model);
Argon (two models); diode (four models); Nd:YAG/Er:YAG combination laser (one
model). Each of these lasers has clearances in multiple specialty areas. The
Company also has received 510(k) clearance to market sculptured fiber contact
tip fibers, bare fibers, TouchTIPS, AngleTIPS and focusing tips for all cleared
wavelengths of the Company's lasers as well as argon lasers. If a device for
which the Company has already received 510(k) premarket clearance is changed or
modified in design, components, method of manufacture or intended use, such that
the safety or effectiveness of the device could be significantly affected, a new
510(k) premarket notification is required before the modified device can be
marketed in the United States. The Company has made modifications to certain of
its products which the Company believes do not require the submission of new
510(k) notifications. However, there can be no assurance that the FDA will agree
with the Company's determinations and not require the Company to discontinue
marketing one or more of the modified devices until they have been cleared by
the FDA.
The Company currently is conducting preclinical animal studies and clinical
trials, both under approved IDEs and as nonsignificant risk studies. There can
be no assurance that the results of any of these clinical studies will be
successful or that the FDA will not require the Company to discontinue any of
these studies in the interest of the public health or due to any violations of
the FDA's IDE regulations. There can be no assurance that the Company will
receive approval from the FDA to
36
<PAGE>
conduct any of the significant risk studies for which the Company seeks IDE
approval, or that the FDA will not disagree with the Company's determination
that any of its studies are "nonsignificant risk" studies and require the
Company to obtain approval of an IDE before the study can continue.
ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
Any products manufactured or distributed by the Company pursuant to a 510(k)
premarket clearance notification or PMA are or will be subject to pervasive and
continuing regulation by the FDA. The FDC Act also requires the Company to
manufacture its products in registered establishments and in accordance with
cGMP regulations, which include testing, control and documentation requirements.
The Company must also comply with Medical Device Reporting ("MDR") requirements
that a firm report to the FDA any incident in which its product may have caused
or contributed to a death or serious injury, or in which its product
malfunctioned and, if the malfunction were to recur, would be likely to cause or
contribute to a death or serious injury. The Company's facilities in the United
States are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA. The FDA may require
postmarketing surveillance with respect to the Company's products. The export of
medical devices is also subject to regulation in certain instances.
All lasers manufactured by the Company are subject to the Radiation Control
for Health and Safety Act administered by the Center for Devices and
Radiological Health of the FDA. The law requires laser manufacturers to file new
product and annual reports and to maintain quality control, product testing and
sales records, to incorporate certain design and operating features in lasers
sold to end users pursuant to a performance standard, and to comply with
labeling and certification requirements. Various warning labels must be affixed
to the laser, depending on the class of the product under the performance
standard.
In addition, the use of the Company's products may be regulated by various
state agencies. For instance, the Company is required to register as a medical
device manufacturer with certain state agencies. In addition to being subject to
inspection by the FDA, the Company also will be routinely inspected by the State
of California for compliance with cGMP regulations and other requirements.
Although the Company believes that it currently complies and will continue
to comply with the applicable regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of
medical devices, such regulations are always subject to change and depend
heavily on administrative interpretations. There can be no assurance that future
changes in law, regulations, review guidelines or administrative interpretations
by the FDA or other regulatory bodies, with possible retroactive effect, will
not adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. In addition to the foregoing, the Company is subject to numerous
federal, state and local laws relating to such matters as safe working
conditions, manufacturing practices, environmental protection, fire hazard
control and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances. There can
be no assurance that the Company will not be required to incur significant costs
to comply with such laws and regulations in the future, or that such laws or
regulations will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company's ability
to conduct business.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Company's products in foreign countries
may require obtaining foreign regulatory clearances, and additional safety and
effectiveness standards are required in certain other countries. The Company
believes that only a limited number of foreign countries currently have
extensive regulatory requirements. These countries include France, Germany,
Canada, Mexico and Japan. Domestic manufacturing locations of American companies
doing business in certain foreign countries, including European Community
countries, may be subject to inspection. The time required for regulatory
approval in foreign countries varies and can take a number of years. During the
period in which the Company will be attempting to obtain the necessary
regulatory approvals, the Company expects to market its products on a limited
basis in certain other countries that do not require regulatory approval. There
can be no assurance that the Company's
37
<PAGE>
products will be cleared or approved by the FDA or other governmental agencies
for additional applications in the United States or in other countries or that
countries that do not now require regulatory approval will not require such
approval in the future.
MANUFACTURING AND MATERIALS
Manufacturing consists of component assembly and systems integration of
electronic, mechanical and optical components and modules. The Company's product
costs are principally related to the purchase of raw materials while labor and
overhead have been reduced due to the use of customized tooling and automated
test systems. The Company believes that these manufacturing systems improve
quality and manufacturing reliability resulting in lower overall manufacturing
costs, and that these systems will allow the Company to expand production
rapidly.
The Company purchases certain raw materials, components and subassemblies
included in the Company's products from a limited group of qualified suppliers
and does not maintain long-term supply contracts with any of its key suppliers.
While multiple sources of supply exist for most critical components used in the
laser and fiberoptic delivery systems, the disruption or termination of these
sources could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and
results of operations. Vendor delays or quality problems could also result in
production delays of up to six months as several components have long production
lead times. These long lead times, as well as the need for demonstration units,
require a significant portion of working capital to fund inventory growth.
The Company owns the molds used to produce certain proprietary parts of its
laser products and owns the software used in the operation of its laser systems.
The Company designs and assembles its own fiberoptic delivery systems and laser
accessory equipment such as laser carts, smoke evacuation devices and associated
disposable supplies. The Company believes that its manufacturing practices are
in accordance with cGMP regulations.
PRODUCT LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
Since the Company's products are intended for use in the treatment of human
medical conditions, the Company is subject to an inherent risk of product
liability and other liability claims which may involve significant claims and
defense costs. The Company currently has product liability insurance with
coverage limits of $5.0 million per occurrence and $5.0 million in the aggregate
per year. Product liability insurance is expensive and subject to various
coverage exclusions, and in the future may not be available in acceptable
amounts, on acceptable terms, or at all. Although the Company does not have any
outstanding product liability claims, in the event the Company were to be held
liable for damages exceeding the limits of its insurance coverage or outside of
the scope of its coverage, the business and results of operations of the Company
could be materially adversely affected. The Company's reputation and business
could also be adversely affected by product liability claims, regardless of
their merit or eventual outcome.
FACILITIES
The Company leases approximately 28,000 square feet in one facility in
Irvine, California pursuant to a lease which expires in December 2000. This
facility contains the Company's executive offices, service center and
manufacturing space. The Company is required to lease an additional 13,000
square feet in the same facility commencing in January 1999, or on such earlier
date that the adjoining tenant's lease terminates. While the Company believes
that its manufacturing and administrative facilities are adequate to satisfy the
Company's needs through at least 2000, it may need to lease additional clean
room facilities in the future.
EMPLOYEES
As of May 17, 1996, the Company employed 44 people, two of whom are employed
on a part-time basis. None of these employees are represented by a union. Ten
employees perform sales, marketing and customer support activities. The
remaining employees perform manufacturing, financial, administration,
regulatory, research and development and quality control activities. The Company
believes that its relationship with its employees is good.
38
<PAGE>
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In March 1994, the Company instituted litigation in the U.S. District Court,
Central District of California, against Infrared Fiber Systems, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("IFS") which contracted to supply optical fiber to the Company for
the Company's Er:YAG laser. Two of IFS's senior officers are also named as
defendants. The Company's complaint in this matter alleges that IFS and two of
its officers made misrepresentations to the Company and that IFS breached its
agreement to supply fibers and certain warranties concerning the quality of the
fiber to be provided. The Company is seeking damages and an injunction requiring
IFS to subcontract the production of optical fiber to a third party, as provided
in the supply agreement. In April 1994, IFS filed a general denial and a cross-
complaint against the Company alleging breach of contract and intentional
interference with prospective economic advantage, seeking compensatory damages
"in excess of $500,000," punitive damages and a judicial declaration that the
contract has been terminated and that IFS is free to market its fibers to
others.
IFS has agreed to license certain fiber technologies, to which the Company
claims exclusive license rights, to Coherent, Inc. ("Coherent"), a competitor of
the Company. Coherent joined the above litigation on behalf of IFS, seeking a
declaration that IFS had the legal right to enter into this license and supply
the fiber covered by that agreement.
In May 1995, the Company instituted litigation concerning this dispute in
the Orange County, California Superior Court against Coherent, Westinghouse
Electric Corporation ("Westinghouse") and an individual employee of Westinghouse
who was an officer of IFS from 1986 to 1993, when the events involved in the
federal action against IFS took place and while Westinghouse owned a substantial
minority interest in IFS. The complaint charges that Coherent conspired with IFS
in the wrongful conduct which is the subject of the federal lawsuit described
above and interfered with the Company's contracts and relations with IFS and
with prospective contracts and advantageous economic relations with third
parties. The complaint asserts that Westinghouse is liable for its employee's
wrongful acts as an IFS executive while acting within the scope of his
employment at Westinghouse. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief and compensatory
damages. In October 1995, the federal action was stayed by order of the court in
favor of the California state court action, in which the pleadings have been
amended to include all claims asserted by the Company in the federal action. No
trial date has been set.
39
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's
directors and executive officers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ----------------------------------- --- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Colette Cozean, Ph.D............... 38 Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President
and Director of Research
T. Daniel Caruso, Jr............... 53 Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Ronald E. Higgins.................. 54 Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance,
and Secretary
James S. Polentz................... 52 Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Richard Roemer..................... 62 Vice President, Operations and Industrial Lasers
Patrick J. Day..................... 69 Director (1)
Grace Ching-Hsin Lin............... 46 Director (1)(2)
E. Donald Shapiro.................. 64 Director (1)(2)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Member of the Audit Committee.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
The business experience, principal occupations and employment, as well as
the periods of service, of each of the directors and executive officers of the
Company during at least the last five years are set forth below.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
COLETTE COZEAN, PH.D. is a founder of the Company and has been Chairman of
the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of
Research of the Company since it began operations in August 1991. From April
1987 to August 1991, Dr. Cozean served as Director of Research and Development,
Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Programs at Pfizer Laser and in such capacities
managed the development of the laser technologies which were acquired by the
Company from Pfizer Laser. Prior to April 1987, Dr. Cozean held various research
positions at Baxter Edwards, a division of Baxter Healthcare Corporation
("Baxter"), and American Technology and Ventures, a division of American
Hospital Supply Company ("American Hospital"). Baxter and American Hospital are
manufacturers and suppliers of advanced medical products. Dr. Cozean holds
several patents, has published many articles and has served as a member of the
National Institutes of Health grant review committee. Dr. Cozean holds a Ph.D.
in biomedical engineering and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Ohio State
University, a B.S. in biomedical engineering from the University of Southern
California, and a B.A. in physical sciences from Westmont College.
T. DANIEL CARUSO, JR. has been Vice President, Sales and Marketing of the
Company since July 1992. From July 1989 to April 1992, Mr. Caruso was Vice
President, Sales and Marketing at Hycor Biomedical, a laboratory diagnostics
company. From March 1988 to July 1989, Mr. Caruso was President and Chief
Executive Officer of Physicians Home Infusion Care, a home health care company.
Mr. Caruso has a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry and an M.B.A. in marketing from
the University of Southern California.
RONALD E. HIGGINS is a founder and the Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
and Quality Assurance of the Company, a position he has held since January 1995.
From the founding of the Company in August 1991 to January 1995, Mr. Higgins was
Vice President, Operations. From September 1989 to August 1991, Mr. Higgins was
Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance at Pfizer Laser. From
January 1987 to September 1989, Mr. Higgins was Director of Regulatory Affairs
at Cardio Pulmonics, a medical device company. Mr. Higgins holds a B.S. in
Zoology from the University of Utah and has completed post graduate work in the
areas of biochemistry, educational training, regulatory affairs, manufacturing
and engineering.
40
<PAGE>
JAMES S. POLENTZ joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer in April
1994. From October 1992 to April 1994, Mr. Polentz served as the Chief Financial
Officer with Spector Entertainment Group, a telecommunications service company.
From March 1991 through July 1992, Mr. Polentz served as the Vice President,
Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Commstruct International, Inc., a
telecommunications company. A subsidiary of Commstruct International, US
Commstruct, Inc., filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code within six months after the date Mr. Polentz left the employ of
Commstruct International, Inc. Mr. Polentz is a certified public accountant and
has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Southern California and an
M.B.A. from California State University.
RICHARD ROEMER has been Vice President, Operations and Industrial Lasers of
the Company since February 1995. From 1994 to 1995, Mr. Roemer was an
independent consultant for the Company. From 1988 to 1994, Mr. Roemer was a
consultant to and general manager of California Labs, JMED, Inc. and Pineridge
Capital, which are manufacturers of laser-based medical products. Prior to 1988,
Mr. Roemer founded the laser group of Melles Griot and served as the Chief
Operating Officer of the laser division of Hughes Aircraft Corporation. Mr.
Roemer holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University.
PATRICK J. DAY has served as a director of the Company since August 1991.
Mr. Day is a Certified Public Accountant and owns a CPA firm which he
established in 1967. He has served as a director for several organizations
including the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood and many private companies.
Mr. Day is the father of Dr. Cozean, the Company's Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and President. Mr. Day has a B.A. in accounting from the
University of Idaho.
GRACE CHING-HSIN LIN has served as a director of the Company since February
1992, representing a group of original investors in the Company. Ms. Lin has
been an agent providing real estate consulting services for Security Trust
Realty since April 1988 and an owner of South Pacific Investment, an investment
management company, since 1989.
E. DONALD SHAPIRO joined the Board of Directors in August 1994. Since 1983,
Mr. Shapiro has served as the Joseph Solomon Distinguished Professor of Law at
New York Law School where he served as both Dean and Professor of Law from 1973
to 1983. He is Supernumerary Fellow of St. Cross College at Oxford University,
England. Mr. Shapiro received a J.D. degree at Harvard Law School. He currently
serves on the Boards of Directors for several public companies including Loral
Space and Communications, Ltd., Eyecare Products PLC, Kranzco Realty Trust,
Group Health Incorporated, Vasomedical Corporation, MacroChem Corporation,
United Industrial, Telepad, Inc. and Food Entertainment, Inc. He also serves on
the Board of Directors of Bank Leumi NY. Mr. Shapiro is special counsel to the
law firm of Herzfeld and Rubin, which firm is representing the Company in the
litigation described in "Business -- Legal Proceedings." Mr. Shapiro is not a
partner of such firm and receives no compensation calculated by reference to
such firm's profits.
KEY CONSULTANTS
ROBERT J. FREIBERG, PH.D. is currently a Technical Advisor to the Company
and from August 1991 has provided consulting services to the Company. From 1986
to 1991, Dr. Freiberg served in various capacities for Pfizer Laser, most
recently holding the position of Director of Engineering and Manufacturing
Operations. From 1983 to 1986, Dr. Freiberg was Director of Minimally Invasive
Surgery Products for American Technology and Ventures, a division of American
Hospital. Dr. Freiberg has also managed projects/departments at Hughes Research
Laboratory, United Technologies and TRW. In addition to holding several patents,
Dr. Freiberg identified and developed emerging medical technologies for American
Hospital. Dr. Freiberg holds a Ph.D., M.S. and B.S. in physics from the
University of Illinois and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
RICHARD P. KRATZ, M.D. became affiliated with the Company in April 1994 as a
Medical Director. Dr. Kratz is a clinical professor of ophthalmology at the
University of California, Irvine and a clinical professor emeritus at the
University of Southern California. Dr. Kratz is on the Board of Directors for
the University of California, Irvine, Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic
and a member of the
41
<PAGE>
Board of Directors of the American Board of Eye Surgeons, and is on the
editorial boards for OCULAR SURGERY NEWS, OCULAR SURGERY NEWS INTERNATIONAL and
the EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMPLANT AND REFRACTIVE SURGERY. Dr. Kratz received a
M.D. from the University of Southern California. Dr. Kratz has published
numerous papers and frequently lectures on topics in ophthalmology, including
cataract surgery.
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARDS
The Company is advised by three Medical Advisory Boards (the "Advisory
Boards") covering ophthalmology, dentistry and surgery, respectively. Each of
the Advisory Boards is comprised of up to fifteen members who are active
primarily in the Company's target markets and who are selected to provide a
balance of university deans, researchers and clinicians, different
subspecialties, and laser users of multiple wavelengths, users of the Company's
systems and users who do not use lasers in their practice at all. The Advisory
Board's function is to review clinical, regulatory, new product development and
marketing programs and proposals for the Company. Members of these boards often
serve as clinical investigators, course lecturers and perform research resulting
in published papers. Each Advisory Board is headed by a Chairman. Currently, the
Chairmen of the Company's Advisory Boards are as follows:
D. MICHAEL COLVARD, M.D., OPHTHALMOLOGY. Dr. Colvard is the founder of the
Center for Ophthalmic Surgery in Encino, California, and has been responsible
for its Outpatient Surgery Center for the past ten years. Dr. Colvard has also
been a clinical faculty member at the University of Southern California since
1991 and has published widely in the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Colvard
maintains a medical practice and is engaged by a major ophthalmic company to
review its clinical trials, procedures and results. Dr. Colvard also served as
the Medical Director for the Company during its first two years. The Company has
entered into an Assignment Agreement with Dr. Colvard, pursuant to which Dr.
Colvard assigned to the Company certain technology relating to the Er:YAG laser
for use on ocular structures. While this agreement provides for the payment of
royalties under certain circumstances to Dr. Colvard of 1.0% to 2.5% on sales of
the Er:YAG intraocular and refractive lasers, fiberoptic intraocular catheters
and intraocular probes, no royalties have been earned as of the date of this
Prospectus.
G. LYNN POWELL, D.D.S., DENTISTRY. Dr. Powell has been on the faculty at
the University of Utah since 1982, where he currently serves as the Assistant
Dean for Dental Education in the School of Medicine and Professor in the
Department of Pathology. He is a patent holder who has performed extensive
research in the field of dentistry serving as primary investigator on several
funded grants and is author or co-author of over 45 papers in journals, a
majority of which relate to the use of lasers in dentistry. He serves as a
reviewer for three dental and laser journals, has lectured nationally as well as
internationally and routinely presents his work at research meetings. Dr. Powell
is the current President of the International Society for Lasers in Dentistry.
Dr. Powell received his D.D.S. from the University of Washington and was on the
full time faculty in Restorative Dentistry for ten years.
WARREN SCOTT GRUNDFEST, M.D., GENERAL SURGERY. Dr. Grundfest, a Fellow of
the American College of Surgeons, has been the Director, Laser Research and
Technology Development Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles
since 1985. He is also the holder of the Dorothy and E. Phillip Lyon Chair in
Laser Research at such hospital, as well as being an Assistant Director of
Surgery. In addition, he is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the
UCLA School of Medicine, and the co-editor of the Journal of Laparoendoscopic
Surgery. Dr. Grundfest has published more than 100 papers, 30 book chapters and
conducted multiple courses in the fields of laser applications in medicine,
microendoscopy and minimally invasive surgery. His laboratory has been involved
in the development of minimally invasive surgery, from angioscopy to
laparoscopic transcystic duct common bile duct exploration. Dr. Grundfest
consults for a variety of governmental agencies including the FDA and the
National Institutes of Health.
42
<PAGE>
BOARD COMMITTEES AND DESIGNATED DIRECTORS
The Board's Audit Committee consists of Ms. Lin and Messrs. Day and Shapiro.
The Audit Committee meets periodically with management and the Company's
independent accountants to review the results and scope of the audit and other
services provided by the Company's independent auditors and the need for
internal auditing procedures and the adequacy of internal controls.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consists of Ms. Lin and
Mr. Shapiro. The Compensation Committee establishes salaries, incentives and
other forms of compensation for officers, directors and certain key employees
and consultants (including the Chairmen of the Advisory Boards), administers the
Company's various incentive compensation and benefit plans, including the
Company's 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan, 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan and
the Stock Bonus Plan and recommends policies relating to such plans.
The representative of the underwriters for the Company's IPO has certain
rights to designate one nominee to the Board of Directors. Until November 1999,
the Company has agreed, if requested by such underwriter, to nominate a designee
of such underwriter to the Company's Board of Directors. Such underwriter has
designated Mr. Shapiro, a current director of the Company, pursuant to this
provision.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information concerning the annual
compensation paid by the Company for the fiscal years indicated to the Chief
Executive Officer and executive officers of the Company whose compensation
exceeded $100,000 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
-------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION (1) SECURITIES
FISCAL ----------------------------- UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS COMPENSATION
- ------------------------------------- --------- -------------- ------------- ------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Colette Cozean, Ph.D. ............... 1996 $ 117,000 $ -- 140,000 $ 15,000(5)
Chairman of the Board, 1995 $ 97,500 $ 37,500 358,650(4) $ 4,800(6)
Chief Executive Officer, President 1994 $ 97,500(2) $ -- -- $ 5,376(6)
and Director of Research
T. Daniel Caruso, Jr. ............... 1996 $ $ -- (3) 95,000 $ --
Vice President, 90,625
Sales and Marketing
Ronald E. Higgins ................... 1996 $ 92,625 $ -- (3) 80,000 $ --
Vice President, Regulatory
Affairs and Quality
Assurance and Secretary
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Excludes perquisites and other personal benefits, securities and properties
otherwise categorized as salary or bonuses which in the aggregate, for each
of the named persons did not exceed the lesser of either $50,000 or 10% of
the total annual salary reported for such person.
(2) Includes $19,500 which was deferred until January 1995.
(3) Bonuses for fiscal 1996 have not yet been determined, but the Company
anticipates paying such bonuses in July 1996. The Company estimates that
such bonuses will be between approximately $8,000 and $16,000.
43
<PAGE>
(4) The exercise price for these options is $5.00 per share. One-half of such
options will vest in five equal annual installments commencing on August 8,
1995. The remaining options will vest on the earlier of August 8, 2005, or
when the Company attains certain financial criteria. Vesting of these
options is accelerated in the event of certain acquisitions of the Company.
(5) Represents the full amount of premiums paid by the Company for a
split-dollar life insurance policy in the amount of $2 million on the life
of Dr. Cozean.
(6) Represents an auto allowance for Dr. Cozean.
OPTIONS GRANTED IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth certain information concerning stock options
granted to the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended March 31,
1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES OF PERCENT OF TOTAL
COMMON STOCK OPTIONS GRANTED EXERCISE OR
UNDERLYING TO EMPLOYEES BASE PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME OPTIONS DURING 1996 PER SHARE (1) DATE
- ------------------------------------------- -------------- ------------------- ------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Colette Cozean, Ph.D....................... 140,000(2) 19.6% $ 4.625 02/23/06
T. Daniel Caruso, Jr....................... 60,000(3) 13.3% $ 4.625 02/23/06
35,000(4) $ 5.625 06/01/05
Ronald E. Higgins.......................... 45,000(3) 11.2% $ 4.625 02/23/06
35,000(4) $ 5.625 06/01/05
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The options were granted at an exercise price at least equal to the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The exercise price
may be paid by delivery of cash or already owned shares, subject to certain
conditions.
(2) Such options vest in four equal annual installments commencing March 31,
1996.
(3) Such options vest in three equal annual installments commencing March 31,
1997.
(4) 15,000 of the options held by each of Messrs. Caruso and Higgins vest on
September 21, 1997. The remaining 20,000 options held by each of Messrs.
Caruso and Higgins vest on the earlier of June 1, 2005, or when the Company
attains certain financial criteria.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock options
exercised by the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended March 31,
1996, as well as the number of exercisable and unexercisable in-the-money stock
options and their values at fiscal year end. An option is in-the-money if the
fair market value for the underlying securities exceeds the exercise price of
the option.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
SHARES MARCH 31, 1996 AT MARCH 31, 1996 (1)
ACQUIRED ON VALUE ----------------------- ------------------------
EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
------------- ----------- ----------------------- ------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Colette Cozean, Ph.D......... -- -- 106,730/391,920 $400,021/$1,460,085
T. Daniel Caruso, Jr......... -- -- 5,514/104,008 $9,063/$372,188
Ronald E. Higgins............ -- -- 2,500/87,500 $9,063/$312,188
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Represents the closing sales price of underlying securities at fiscal year
end as reported by the Nasdaq National Market, less the exercise price of
the options.
44
<PAGE>
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
All directors are elected annually and hold office until the next annual
meeting of the shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and
qualified. The Company pays to all nonemployee directors $1,000 per Board
meeting attended, $1000 per committee meeting attended which is not in
conjunction with a Board meeting, $500 per committee meeting attended in
conjunction with a Board meeting, and $500 per telephonic Board or committee
meeting. Directors are also reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred
in attending meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees. Mr. Shapiro
also receives a fee of $1,000 per month as compensation for additional
consulting services relating to the Company's pending litigation matter and to
new business issues. The Company may also periodically award options or warrants
to its Directors. On November 30, 1994, the Company granted to each nonemployee
director warrants to purchase, at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, (i)
45,000 shares of Common Stock, which warrants vest on the earlier of August 8,
2005 or when the Company attains certain financial conditions (subject to
earlier vesting upon certain acquisitions of the Company, and subject to the
requirement that the director remains on the Board through the vesting date);
and (ii) 20,000 shares of Common Stock, which warrants vested immediately upon
grant. On February 23, 1996, the Company also granted to Mr. Day, the only
nonemployee director of the Company not on the Board's Compensation Committee,
an option to purchase 10,000 shares at an exercise price of $4.63 per share.
The Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan provides that each person who was or is
a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board on February 23, 1996,
February 23, 1997 and February 23, 1998 will be issued on each such date, under
that plan, options to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock.
These options will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the
Company's Common Stock on the trading day prior to the grant date and a term of
ten years. These options are issued subject to approval by the Company's
shareholders at the 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and will terminate if
such approval is not given.
The Company's Articles of Incorporation and indemnification agreements
entered into between the Company and certain of the Company's directors and
officers require the Company to indemnify such officers and directors to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law against liabilities incurred in
connection with their duties as officers and directors of the Company. Such
indemnification rights may extend to liabilities under the Securities Act.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may
be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company, the
Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and
is, therefore, unenforceable.
STOCK OPTION PLANS
Each of the Company's Stock Option Plans is administered by the Board of
Directors which has sole discretion and authority, consistent with the
provisions of the plans, to determine which eligible participants will receive
options, the time when options will be granted, the terms of options granted and
the number of shares which will be subject to options. The Board may also
appoint a committee (the "Committee") to administer the plans and, subject to
applicable law, to exercise all of the powers of the Board under the plans.
1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN AND 1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company's 1992 Stock Option Plan and 1995 Stock Option Plan each provide
for the granting of "incentive stock options," within the meaning of Section 422
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Incentive Stock Options"),
and nonstatutory options. Under the 1992 Stock Option Plan, options covering an
aggregate of 54,264 shares of the Company's Common Stock may be granted and
under the 1995 Stock Option Plan options covering an aggregate of 225,000 shares
of the Company's Common Stock may be granted, in each case to directors,
employees and consultants of the Company, except that Incentive Stock Options
may not be granted to nonemployee directors or nonemployee consultants. The 1992
Stock Option Plan terminates in August 1996, and the 1995 Stock Option Plan
terminates in 2005. As of March 31, 1996 there were options to purchase
45
<PAGE>
an aggregate of 31,952 shares of Common Stock and 1,728 shares of each of Class
E-1 and Class E-2 Common Stock outstanding under the 1992 Stock Option Plan, at
an exercise price ranging from $1.00 to $11.06, which were held by 18 former and
current employees, and 179,250 options outstanding under the 1995 Stock Option
Plan at an exercise price of $5.625 per share, held by 31 employees and
consultants.
FEBRUARY 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN AND 1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN
In February 1996, the Board of Directors adopted two option plans, the
February 1996 Stock Option Plan and the 1996 Stock Option Plan which provide for
the grant of options covering an aggregate of 550,000 shares and 500,000 shares,
respectively, of the Company's Common Stock to employees and directors of, and
consultants to the Company. Both plans terminate in February 2006. The 1996
Stock Option Plan provides for the granting of Incentive Stock Options and
nonstatutory stock options. The 1996 Stock Option Plan provides that each person
who was or is a member of the Company's Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors on February 23, 1996, February 23, 1997 and February 23, 1998 will be
issued on each such date, options to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock. These options will have a term of ten years and an exercise price
equal to the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on the trading day
prior to the grant date. As of May 17, 1996, there were options to purchase an
aggregate of 499,200 shares of Common Stock outstanding under the February 1996
Stock Option Plan, at an exercise price of $4.625 per share, which options were
held by 52 employees, directors and consultants. As of May 17, 1996, there were
options to purchase an aggregate of 20,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock,
at an exercise price of $4.625 per share, which options were held by two
directors of the Company.
The exercise price of Incentive Stock Options must be not less than the fair
market value of a share of Common Stock on the date the option is granted (110%
with respect to optionees who own at least 10% of the outstanding Common Stock)
and nonstatutory options must have an exercise price equal to at least 85% of
the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date the option is
granted. Except for formula grants under the 1996 Stock Option Plan the Board of
Directors has the authority to determine the time or times at which options
granted under the Stock Option Plans become exercisable, provided that options
expire no later than ten years from the date of grant (five years with respect
to optionees who own at least 10% of the outstanding Common Stock). Options are
nontransferable, other than by will and the laws of descent and distribution,
and generally may be exercised only by an employee while employed by the Company
or within 60 days after termination of employment (one year for termination
resulting from death or disability).
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<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information as of May 17, 1996, and
as adjusted to reflect the sale of 2,500,000 shares of common stock by the
Company in this Offering, regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company's
Common Stock by: (i) all persons known by the Company to beneficially own more
than 5% of the Company's Common Stock, (ii) each director and executive officer
of the Company, and (iii) all directors and executive officers as a group. The
following table treats the Common Stock, the Class E-1 Common Stock and the
Class E-2 Common Stock as a single class.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF
OUTSTANDING
AMOUNT AND STOCK OWNED
NATURE OF ------------------------------
BENEFICIAL BEFORE AFTER
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER (1) OWNERSHIP OFFERING OFFERING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- --------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Colette Cozean, Ph.D. (2)............................................ 247,320 5.1% 3.4%
Patrick J. Day (3)................................................... 232,981 4.9 3.2
E. Donald Shapiro (4)................................................ 108,000 2.2 1.5
Ronald E. Higgins (5)................................................ 97,820 2.1 1.4
Grace Chin-Hsin Lin (6).............................................. 52,801 1.1 *
T. Daniel Caruso, Jr. (7)............................................ 48,876 * *
James S. Polentz (8)................................................. 2,500 * *
Richard Roemer....................................................... -- * *
All directors and executive officers
as a group (8 persons) (9).......................................... 790,290 15.6% 10.5%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) The address of each of Dr. Cozean, Ms. Lin and Messrs. Day, Caruso, Higgins
and Shapiro is 3 Morgan, Irvine, California 92718. Unless otherwise noted,
the Company believes that all persons named in the table have sole
investment and voting power with respect to all shares of Common Stock
beneficially owned by such person, subject to community property laws where
applicable.
(2) Includes 49,144 shares of Common Stock, 43,514 shares of Class E-1 Common
Stock and 43,514 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock held by Dr. Cozean and
1,594 shares of Common Stock, 1,412 shares of Class E-1 Common Stock and
1,412 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock held by Dr. Cozean as custodian for
her two minor children. Also includes 106,730 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of options which become exercisable within 60 days.
(3) Includes 54,263 shares of Common Stock, 48,047 shares of Class E-1 Common
Stock and 48,047 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock. Also includes 48,992
shares of Common Stock, 16,816 shares of Class E-1 Common Stock and 16,816
shares of Class E-2 Common Stock subject to warrants and options exercisable
within 60 days.
(4) Includes 108,000 shares of Common Stock subject to Class A Warrants and
other warrants and options exercisable within 60 days.
(5) Includes 34,400 shares of Common Stock, 30,460 shares of Class E-1 Common
Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock. Also includes 2,500 shares of Common Stock
subject to options exercisable within 60 days.
(6) Includes 6,330 shares of Common Stock, 5,605 shares of Class E-1 Common
Stock and 5,605 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock held by Linco Investments,
a limited partnership in which Ms. Lin's husband serves as a general
partner, and 1,899 shares of Common Stock, 1,681 shares of Class E-1 Common
Stock and 1,681 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock held by the pension plan
for Ms. Lin's husband. Also includes 30,000 shares of Common Stock subject
to warrants and options exercisable within 60 days.
47
<PAGE>
(7) Includes 13,722 shares of Common Stock, 12,050 shares of Class E-1 Common
Stock and 12,050 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock. Also, includes 5,514
shares of Common Stock, 2,670 shares of Class E-1 Common Stock and 2,670
shares of Class E-2 Common Stock subject to options exercisable within 60
days.
(8) Includes 2,500 shares of Common Stock subject to options exercisable within
60 days.
(9) Includes 161,352 shares of Common Stock, 142,869 shares of Class E-1 Common
Stock and 142,869 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock. Also includes 304,236
shares of Common Stock, 19,486 shares of Class E-1 Common Stock and 19,486
shares of Class E-2 Common Stock subject to warrants and options exercisable
within 60 days.
48
<PAGE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
As of September 30, 1994, the Company owed an aggregate of approximately
$226,000 to its officers for unreimbursed expenses and deferred salaries.
Included in that amount was $52,000 owed to an immediate family member of an
officer of the Company for consulting services rendered to the Company. All of
these amounts were paid in December 1994 and January 1995. In addition, between
June and September 1994, the Company borrowed an aggregate of $55,000 and
$25,000 from Messrs. Patrick J. Day (a director) and Irving M. Frankman (a
former director), respectively, pursuant to short-term promissory notes bearing
interest at 10% per annum (18% upon the occurrence of an event of a default).
These loans have been repaid in full.
In March 1994, the Company's Board of Directors agreed to extend Mr. Day's
outstanding warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for
two years. In December 1994, the Company exchanged these warrants for warrants
to purchase 9,044 shares of Common Stock, and 8,008 shares of each of Class E-1
and Class E-2 Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $100,000. In May
1996, the Company's Board of Directors agreed to extend such warrants until
March 31, 1997.
In connection with the Company's private placement in August 1994, Mr.
Shapiro, a director of the Company, purchased $100,000 principal amount of
promissory notes and 70,000 warrants (which converted by their terms in December
1994 into Class A Warrants) for an aggregate purchase price of $100,000. These
promissory notes were repaid in full in December 1994.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
The following description of the Company's capital stock and selected
provisions of its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws is a summary and is
qualified in its entirety by the Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws,
copies of which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
COMMON STOCK
The Company is authorized to issue 35,600,000 shares of Common Stock, no par
value, 2,200,000 shares of Class E-1 Common Stock, no par value, and 2,200,000
shares of Class E-2 Common Stock. The Common Stock, Class E-1 Common Stock and
the Class E-2 Common Stock have equal voting rights and are entitled to share
equally in dividends from sources available therefor when, as and if declared by
the Board of Directors, subject to certain escrow conditions pertaining to
dividends declared with respect to the Class E-1 and Class E-2 Common Stock. See
"Dividend Policy." Shareholders have no preemptive rights and no right to
convert their Common Stock into any other securities. The holders of Common
Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters
submitted to a vote of the shareholders, except that holders of Common Stock are
entitled to cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors upon
giving notice as required by law. In cumulative voting, the holders of Common
Stock are entitled to cast for each share held the number of votes equal to the
number of directors to be elected. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, holders of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably
in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation
preference of any then outstanding Preferred Stock. There are no redemption or
sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock. All outstanding shares
are, and all shares to be sold and issued as contemplated hereby will be, fully
paid and nonassessable and legally issued. The Board of Directors is authorized
to issue additional shares of Common Stock within the limits authorized by the
Company's charter and without shareholder action. As of May 17, 1996 there were
4,717,258 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
CLASS E-1 COMMON STOCK
The Company is authorized to issue 2,200,000 shares of Class E-1 Common
Stock, no par value. As of May 17, 1996, there were outstanding 1,256,818 shares
of Class E-1 Common Stock and 1,256,818 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock (the
"Escrow Shares"). The Escrow Shares are not
49
<PAGE>
transferrable (but may be voted), and each Escrow Share will automatically
convert into one share of Common Stock and be released to the owners thereof
upon the achievement of the objectives described below. On June 30, 2000, all
Escrow Shares not previously converted into Common Stock will be cancelled. This
arrangement was required by the representative of the underwriters for the
Company's initial public offering as a condition of such offering.
All of the shares of Class E-1 Common Stock will be automatically converted
into Common Stock in the event that: (a) the Company's net income before
provision for income taxes, including earnings from joint ventures, distribution
agreements and licensing agreements, but exclusive of any other earnings that
are classified as an extraordinary item, and exclusive of any charges to income
that may result from the conversion of the Escrow Shares into Common Stock (as
stated in the Company's financial statements audited by the Company's
independent accountants) ("Minimum Pretax Income") amounts to at least
$5,500,000 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1997; or (b) the Minimum Pretax
Income amounts to at least $6,850,000 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998;
(c) the Minimum Pretax Income amounts to at least $8,425,000 for the fiscal year
ending March 31, 1999; (d) the Minimum Pretax Income amounts to at least
$9,900,000 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2000; or (e) the Closing Price
of the Company's Common Stock for any 30 consecutive business days shall average
in excess of $19.25 during the period commencing June 1996 and ending in
November 1997 (subject to adjustment in the event of any reverse stock splits or
similar events). The Closing Price shall be the closing sale price as reported
by the Nasdaq National Market. In the event additional shares are issued, all of
the Minimum Pretax Income amounts will be increased proportionately.
CLASS E-2 COMMON STOCK
The Company is authorized to issue 2,200,000 shares of Class E-2 Common
Stock, no par value. All of the shares of Class E-2 Common Stock will be
automatically converted into Common Stock in the event that: (a) the Minimum
Pretax Income amounts to at least $11,800,000 for the fiscal year ending March
31, 1997; (b) the Minimum Pretax Income amounts to at least $14,750,000 during
the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998; (c) the Minimum Pretax Income amounts to
at least $20,475,000 during the fiscal year ending March 31, 1999; (d) the
Minimum Pretax Income amounts to at least $26,750,000 during the fiscal year
ending March 31, 2000; or (e) the Closing Price of the Company's Common Stock
for any 30 consecutive business days shall average in excess of $24.00 during
the period commencing June 1996 and ending November 1997. In the event any
additional shares are issued, all of the Minimum Pretax Income amounts
referenced above will be proportionately increased.
Any money, securities, rights or property distributed in respect of the
Escrow Shares, including any property distributed as dividends or pursuant to
any stock split, merger, recapitalization, dissolution or total or partial
liquidation of the Company, shall be held by the Company in escrow until
conversion of the Escrow Shares. If none of the foregoing earnings or market
price levels are attained, the Escrow Shares, as well as any dividends or other
distributions made with respect thereto, will be cancelled. The earnings and
market price levels set forth above were determined by negotiation between the
Company and the representative of the underwriter in the Company's initial
public offering and should not be construed to imply or predict any future
earnings by the Company or any increase in the market price of its securities.
There can be no assurance that such earnings and market price levels will be
attained or that any or all of the Escrow Shares will be converted into Common
Stock. However, the conversion to Common Stock of all or any portion of the
Escrow Shares may result in a charge to earnings to the extent that such shares
are held by management or employees. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Potential Future Charge to
Income."
PREFERRED STOCK
The Company's authorized preferred stock consists of 20,000,000 shares, no
par value (the "Preferred Stock"), of which 11,150,000 shares have been
cancelled or already designated. The Board of Directors has the authority,
without further action by the shareholders, to issue from time to time
50
<PAGE>
up to 8,850,000 shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix the
dividend rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights (whole, limited or
none), redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, sinking funds and
any other rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions applicable to each
such series of Preferred Stock. The purpose of authorizing the Board of
Directors to determine such rights and preferences is to eliminate delays
associated with a shareholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of the
Preferred Stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible
acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, adversely
affect the voting power of the holders of Common Stock and, under certain
circumstances, could make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of
the Company. Such issuance of Preferred Stock could also adversely affect the
distributions on and liquidation preference of the Common Stock by creating more
series of Preferred Stock with distribution or liquidation preferences senior to
the Common Stock. The Company has no present plan to issue any shares of
Preferred Stock.
REDEEMABLE WARRANTS
The Company has outstanding redeemable Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants
(collectively, the "Warrants") which are currently listed on the Nasdaq National
Market. These Warrants are in fully registrable form under a Warrant Agreement
(the "Warrant Agreement") between the Company and American Stock Transfer and
Trust Company, and are evidenced by Warrant certificates. These Warrants may be
exercised upon surrender of the Warrant certificate on or prior to the
respective expiration dates (or earlier redemption dates), accompanied by
payment of the full exercise price (by certified or bank check payable to the
order of the Company) for the number of shares with respect to which the
Warrants are being exercised. Holders of the Warrants do not have any voting or
other rights of a shareholder of the Company. Upon notice to the holders of the
Warrants, the Company has the right to unilaterally reduce the exercise price or
extend the expiration date of the Warrants. The Warrants provide for the
adjustment of the exercise price and for a change in the number of shares
issuable upon exercise to protect the holders of the Warrants against dilution
in the event of a stock dividend, stock split, combination or reclassification
of the Common Stock or upon issuance of additional shares of Common Stock at
prices lower than the market price then in effect other than issuances upon
exercise of options granted to employees, directors and consultants to the
Company.
CLASS A WARRANTS
Each Class A Warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of
Common Stock and one redeemable Class B Warrant at an exercise price of $6.50 at
any time prior to November 30, 1999. As of May 17, 1996, the Company has
outstanding 4,151,649 Class A Warrants. The Company has the right to redeem all
of the Class A Warrants at a price of $0.05 per Class A Warrant upon not less
than 30 days' prior written notice at any time, provided that before any such
redemption can take place, the last sale price of the Company's Common Stock in
the over-the-counter market shall have averaged in excess of $9.10 per share for
30 consecutive business days ending within 15 days of the date of the notice of
redemption. During the 30-day notice period, a holder shall have the option to
exercise his Class A Warrants. This right of redemption shall not apply to the
Class A Warrants that are components of the IPO Unit Purchase Option.
CLASS B WARRANTS
Each Class B Warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per share at any time prior to
November 30, 1999. As of May 17, 1996, the Company had outstanding 3,095,549
Class B Warrants. The Company has a right to redeem all of the Class B Warrants
at a price of $.05 per Class B Warrant upon not less than 30 days' prior written
notice at any time, provided that before any such redemption can take place, the
last sale price of the Company's Class A Common Stock in the over-the-counter
market shall have averaged in excess of $11.20 per share for 30 consecutive
business days ending within 15 days prior to the date of the notice of
redemption. During the 30-day notice period, a holder shall have the option to
exercise his Class B Warrants. This right of redemption shall not apply to the
Class B Warrants that are components of the IPO Unit Purchase Option.
51
<PAGE>
UNITS
The Company also has outstanding Units which are currently listed on the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market. Each Unit consists of (i) one share of Class A Common
Stock, (ii) one Class A Warrant and one Class B Warrant. The Class A Common
Stock, Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants were separately transferable
immediately upon issuance.
IPO UNIT PURCHASE OPTIONS
In connection with the Company's IPO, the Company granted to the underwriter
for the IPO and three finders IPO Unit Purchase Options to purchase up to an
aggregate of 240,000 Units. The IPO Unit Purchase Options are exercisable at any
time prior to November 30, 1999 at an exercise price of $7.00 per Unit (140% of
the initial public offering price) subject to adjustment in certain events to
protect against dilution. These units will be identical to the publicly traded
Units except that the Class A Warrants and the Class B Warrants included in the
IPO Unit Purchase Options will not be subject to redemption by the Company,
except if at the time the Warrants are called for redemption, the IPO Unit
Purchase Options have been exercised and the underlying warrants are
outstanding. The IPO Unit Purchase Options cannot be transferred, sold, assigned
or hypothecated until November 30, 1997, except in the case of a transfer to any
officer of the underwriter for the IPO or a member of that selling group.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND
OFFICERS
The Company's Bylaws provide that the Company will indemnify its directors
and officers to the fullest extent permitted by California law. The Company is
also empowered under its Bylaws to enter into indemnification contracts with its
directors and officers and certain others and to purchase insurance on behalf of
any person it is required or permitted to indemnify. Pursuant to this provision,
the Company has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its directors and
executive officers and certain key consultants.
In addition, the Company's Articles of Incorporation provides that, to the
fullest extent permitted by California law, the Company's directors will not be
liable for monetary damages for breach of the directors' fiduciary duty of care
to the Company or its shareholders. This provision in the Articles of
Incorporation does not eliminate the duty of care, and in appropriate
circumstances equitable remedies such as an injunction or other forms of
nonmonetary relief would remain available under California law. Each director
will continue to be subject to liability for breach of the director's duty of
loyalty to the Company, for acts or omissions involving intentional misconduct
or knowing and culpable violations of law, for acts or omissions that the
absence of good faith on the part of the director, for any transaction from
which the director derived an improper personal benefit, for acts or omissions
involving a reckless disregard for the director's duty to the Company or its
shareholders when the director was aware or should have been aware of a risk of
serious injury to the Company or its shareholders, for acts or omissions that
constitute an unexcused pattern of inattention that amounts to an abdication of
the director's duty to the Company or its shareholders, for improper transaction
between the director and the Company, for improper distributions to shareholders
and loans to directors and officers or for acts or omissions by the director as
an officer. This provision also does not affect a director's responsibilities
under any other laws, such as the federal securities laws or state or federal
environmental laws.
There is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director or officer
of the Company concerning which indemnification is being sought, nor is the
Company aware of any pending or threatened litigation that may result in claims
for indemnification by any director or officer.
The Company believes the foregoing provisions are necessary to attract and
retain qualified persons as directors and officers.
52
<PAGE>
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised
that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
TRANSFER AND WARRANT AGENT
The Transfer and Warrant Agent for the Company's securities is American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
As of May 17, 1996, the Company had outstanding 4,717,258 shares of Common
Stock (excluding approximately 1,409,905 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants, and approximately 11,398,847
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise in full of the Class A Warrants
and the Class B Warrants. Of these shares, the 2,760,000 shares of Common Stock
sold by the Company in its IPO are freely tradeable without restriction or
further registration under the Securities Act.
Of the remaining 1,957,258 shares of outstanding Common Stock, 1,043,907 are
"restricted securities" (the "Restricted Shares") within the meaning of Rule 144
under the Securities Act and may not be sold in the absence of a registration
under the Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is available,
including an exemption contained in Rule 144. In general, under Rule 144 as
currently in effect, any person (or persons whose shares are aggregated for
purposes of Rule 144) who has beneficially owned "restricted securities," as
that term is defined in Rule 144, for at least two years (including, in the case
of a nonaffiliate holder, any period of ownership of preceding nonaffiliate
holders) is entitled to sell, within any three-month period, a number of shares
that does not exceed the greater of (i) 1% of the then outstanding shares of
Common Stock of the Company, or (ii) the average weekly trading volume in Common
Stock during the four calendar weeks preceding such sale, provided that certain
public information about the Company, as required by Rule 144, is then available
and the seller complies with the manner of sale and notification requirements of
the rule. A person who is not an affiliate and has not been an affiliate within
three months prior to the sale and has, together with any previous owners who
were not affiliates, beneficially owned restricted securities for at least three
years is entitled to sell such shares under Rule 144(k) without regard to any of
the volume limitations described above. Approximately 1,011,912 of the
Restricted Shares are presently eligible for sale upon compliance with Rule
144(k).
The issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Class A Warrants
or Class B Warrants has been registered under the Securities Act, and 661,445
shares of Common Stock are issuable upon exercise of the remaining options and
warrants and may be resold pursuant to Rule 701 under the Securities Act. Rule
701 under the Securities Act provides an exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act for offers and sales of securities issued
pursuant to certain compensatory benefit plans or written contracts of a company
not subject, at the time of issuance, to the reporting requirements of Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934. Securities issued pursuant to Rule 701
are defined as restricted securities for purposes of Rule 144. However, 90 days
after the issuer becomes subject to the reporting provisions of the Exchange
Act, the Rule 144 resale restrictions, except for the broker's transaction
requirements, are inapplicable for nonaffiliates. Affiliates are subject to all
Rule 144 restrictions after this 90-day period, but without the Rule 144 holding
period requirement. The officers and directors of the Company (who hold an
aggregate of 161,352 shares of Common Stock) have agreed not to sell or
otherwise transfer any shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible
into or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, for the 180 days following the
effective date of this Prospectus without the consent of the Representative on
behalf of the Underwriters.
No predictions can be made of the effect, if any, that future sales of
shares of Common Stock, and grants of options to acquire shares of Common Stock,
or the availability of shares for future sale, will
53
<PAGE>
have on the market price of the Common Stock prevailing from time to time. Sales
of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market, or the perception
that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices
of the Common Stock. See "Principal Shareholders," "Description of Securities"
and "Underwriting."
54
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
The Underwriters below, for whom Rodman & Renshaw, Inc., is acting as
Representative, have severally agreed, subject to the terms and conditions
contained in the Underwriting Agreement, to purchase from the Company the number
of shares of Common Stock set forth below opposite their respective names.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITER NUMBER OF SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
<S> <C>
Rodman & Renshaw, Inc......................................................
-----------------
Total.................................................................. 2,500,000
-----------------
-----------------
</TABLE>
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters thereunder are subject to approval of certain legal matters by
counsel and to various other considerations. The nature of the Underwriters'
obligations is such that they are committed to purchase and pay for all of the
above shares of Common Stock if any are purchased.
The Underwriters, through the Representative, have advised the Company that
they propose to offer the Common Stock initially at the public offering price
set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus; that the Underwriters may allow
to selected dealers a concession of $ per share, and that such dealers may
reallow a concession of $ per share to certain other dealers. After the public
offering, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the
Underwriters. The Common Stock is included for quotation on the Nasdaq National
Market.
The Company has granted to the Underwriters a 30-day over-allotment option
to purchase up to an aggregate of 375,000 additional shares of Common Stock,
exercisable at the public offering price less the underwriting discount. If the
Underwriters exercise such over-allotment option, then each of the Underwriters
will have a firm commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
approximately the same percentage thereof as the number of shares of Common
Stock to be purchased by it, as shown in the above table, bears to the 2,500,000
shares of Common stock offered hereby. The Underwriters may exercise such option
only to cover over-allotments made in connection with the sale of the shares of
Common Stock offered hereby.
In connection with this Offering, the Company has agreed to sell to the
Representative, for nominal consideration, warrants to purchase a number of
shares of Common Stock equal to 10% of the shares of Common Stock sold in the
Offering including over-allotments, if any (the "Representative's Warrants").
The Representative's Warrants are initially exercisable at a price of $ per
share of Common Stock (120% of the public offering price of the shares offered
hereby) for a period of four years, commencing one year from the effective date
of the Offering and are restricted from sale, transfer, assignment or
hypothecation for a period of 12 months from the effective date of the Offering,
except to officers, partners or successors of the Representative. The exercise
price of the Representative's Warrants and the number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise thereof are subject to adjustment under certain
circumstances. The Representative's Warrants grant to the holders thereof
certain rights of registration for the securities issuable upon exercise of the
Representative's Warrants. The Representative's Warrants are redeemable by the
Company, on prior notice, if the price of the Common Stock three years after the
closing of the Offering, exceeds $20.00 for 30 consecutive business days within
a period of 15 days prior to the date of the notice of redemption.
In addition, the Company has granted to the Representative a right of first
refusal to perform services for the Company with respect to certain future
transactions for a period of one year after the closing date of the Offering,
subject to certain rights granted to the underwriter in the IPO.
The officers and directors of the Company have agreed that they will not
sell or dispose of any shares of Common Stock of the Company for a period of 180
days after the later of the date on which the Registration Statement is declared
effective by the Commission or on the first date on which the shares are bona
fide offered to the public, without the prior written consent of the
Representative on behalf of the Underwriters.
55
<PAGE>
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, losses and expenses, including liabilities under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect thereof.
The Representative was retained by the Company in April 1996 for a 12-month
period to provide certain financial advisory services related to general
strategic financial advice, including in connection with serving as the managing
underwriter of this Offering, valuation and potential mergers and acquisitions.
The Company has agreed to pay the Representative (i) $250,000 for such services,
$150,000 of which will be paid upon consummation of this Offering, and the
balance will be payable in 12 equal monthly installments commencing the month
following the closing of the Offering, and (ii) a transaction fee with respect
to consummated restructurings, mergers or acquisitions.
In connection with the Offering made hereby, certain Underwriters and
selling group members (if any) or their respective affiliates who are qualified
registered market makers on the Nasdaq National Market may engage in passive
market making transactions in the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market in
accordance with Rule 10b-6A under the Exchange Act, during a specified period
before commencement of offers or sales of the Common Stock. The passive market
making transactions must comply with applicable volume and price limits and be
identified as such. In general, a passive market maker may display its bid at a
price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all
independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker's bid, however, such
bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the issuance of the shares of Common Stock offered by this
Prospectus will be passed upon for the Company by Rutan & Tucker, LLP, Costa
Mesa, California. Certain matters in connection with the sale of Common Stock
offered hereby will be passed on for the Underwriters by Squadron, Ellenoff,
Plesent & Sheinfeld, LLP, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of the Company as of March 31, 1996 and for each of
the two fiscal years in the period ended March 31, 1996 included in this
Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report (which contains an
explanatory paragraph relating to the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern as described in Note 4 to the financial statements) of Price Waterhouse
LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
Certain statements in this Prospectus under the captions "Risk Factors --
Dependence on Patents and Proprietary Technology" and "Business -- Patents" and
certain other references herein to intellectual property of the Company have
been reviewed and approved by Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP, Newport Beach,
California, patent counsel for the Company, and are included herein in reliance
upon that review and approval.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, a Registration Statement on Form SB-2 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the Common Stock being
offered pursuant to this Prospectus. This Prospectus does not contain all the
information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto,
certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the Commission. For further information, reference is hereby made to the
Registration Statement and the exhibits and financial statements filed as a part
thereof. Statements made in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract,
agreement or other document referred to are not necessarily complete. With
respect to each such contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement, reference is made to the exhibit for a complete
description of the matter involved, and each such statement shall be
56
<PAGE>
deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference. All of these documents may
be inspected without charge at the Commission's principal office at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies may be obtained therefrom at
prescribed rates.
The Company is subject to certain informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in accordance therewith files periodic
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Commission. Such
reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 or at the Regional Offices of the
Commission at 210 South Dearborn Street, Room 1204, Chicago, Illinois 60604;
5670 Wilshire Boulevard, 11th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90036-3648; and 7
World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such
material can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission, Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In
addition, copies of such reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning the Company may also be inspected and copied at the library of the
Nasdaq National Market, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, upon which
the Common Stock of the Company is listed.
The Company intends to furnish its security holders with annual reports
containing audited financial statements and such interim unaudited reports as it
deems appropriate.
57
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Accountants.......................................................................... F-2
Balance Sheet at March 31, 1996............................................................................ F-3
Statement of Operations for the Years Ended March 31, 1995 and 1996........................................ F-4
Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended March 31, 1995 and 1996.............................. F-5
Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 31, 1995 and 1996........................................ F-6
Notes to Financial Statements.............................................................................. F-7
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of
Premier Laser Systems, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheet and the related statements of
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Premier Laser Systems, Inc. at March 31,
1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two
years in the period ended March 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 4 to the
financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations
which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 4. The
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the
outcome of this uncertainty.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
May 17, 1996
F-2
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31,
1996
--------------
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents....................................................................... $ 35,463
Short-term investments (Note 6)................................................................. 4,547,377
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $154,677......................... 508,315
Inventories (Note 7)............................................................................ 2,185,355
Prepaid expenses and other current assets....................................................... 419,504
--------------
Total current assets........................................................................ 7,696,014
Property and equipment, net (Note 8)............................................................ 493,942
Intangibles, net (Note 9)....................................................................... 7,353,462
Other assets (Note 6)........................................................................... 131,150
--------------
$ 15,674,568
--------------
--------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable................................................................................ $ 1,208,219
Accrued liabilities (Note 10)................................................................... 188,108
Notes payable to related party (Notes 11 and 12)................................................ 481,195
--------------
Total current liabilities................................................................... 1,877,522
--------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders' equity (Notes 5 and 16):
Preferred stock -- 8,850,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock -- Class A -- no par value, 35,600,000 shares authorized;
4,702,203 shares issued and outstanding........................................................ 16,317,376
Common stock -- Class E-1 -- no par value, 2,200,000 shares authorized;
1,256,818 shares issued and outstanding........................................................ 4,769,878
Common stock -- Class E-2 -- no par value, 2,200,000 shares authorized;
1,256,818 shares issued and outstanding........................................................ 4,769,878
Class A warrants................................................................................ 2,321,057
Class B warrants................................................................................ 376,774
Warrants to purchase Class A common stock....................................................... 192,130
Unrealized holding gain on short-term investments............................................... 3,666,367
Accumulated deficit............................................................................. (18,616,414)
--------------
Total shareholders' equity.................................................................. 13,797,046
--------------
$ 15,674,568
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
------------------------------
1995 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales......................................................................... $ 1,249,403 $ 1,704,390
Cost of sales..................................................................... 1,298,420 3,324,757
-------------- --------------
Gross (loss)...................................................................... (49,017) (1,620,367)
Selling and marketing expenses.................................................... 1,035,863 1,308,767
Research and development expenses................................................. 1,035,705 1,213,471
General and administrative expenses............................................... 1,747,090 1,709,327
-------------- --------------
Loss from operations.......................................................... (3,867,675) (5,851,932)
Interest income (expense), net.................................................... (322,540) 99,037
-------------- --------------
Loss before extraordinary items............................................... (4,190,215) (5,752,895)
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of indebtedness............................ 381,730
-------------- --------------
Net loss...................................................................... $ (3,808,485) $ (5,752,895)
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
Loss per share:
Net loss........................................................................ $ (1.26)
--------------
--------------
Weighted average number of shares outstanding................................... 4,556,959
--------------
--------------
Pro forma loss per share (unaudited):
Loss before extraordinary items................................................. $ (1.59)
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of indebtedness.......................... .15
--------------
Net loss........................................................................ $ (1.44)
--------------
--------------
Pro forma weighted average number of shares outstanding....................... 2,584,722
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK
CLASS A CLASS E-1 CLASS E-2
---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- CLASS A CLASS B
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT WARRANTS WARRANTS
--------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, March 31, 1994.... 1,432,636 $ 5,372,022 1,268,488 $ 4,756,528 1,268,488 $ 4,756,528
Exercise of common stock
options................. 4,936 2,848 3,011 1,081 3,011 1,081
Common stock issued in
lieu of cash payments... 1,635 13,046 1,447 11,552 1,447 11,552
Common stock forfeited
due to cessation of
employment.............. (7,798) (20,124) (6,905) (17,818) (6,905) (17,818)
Warrants issued in
connection with private
placement units.........
Repurchase of common
stock................... (17,681) (6,910) (15,752) (6,119) (15,752) (6,119)
Initial public offering
of units, net
proceeds................ 2,400,000 7,633,504 $1,622,222 $ 286,274
Conversion of warrants... 186,000
Conversions of certain
related party notes and
associated accrued
interest................ 7,072 28,448 6,260 24,596 6,260 24,596
Conversion of debentures
and associated accrued
interest................ 321,099 1,284,397 272,934 48,165
Exercise of over-
allotment option........ 360,000 1,128,947 239,901 42,335
Net loss.................
--------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Balance, March 31, 1995.. 4,501,899 15,436,178 1,256,549 4,769,820 1,256,549 4,769,820 2,321,057 376,774
Common stock issued for
investment in Mattan
(Note 6)................ 200,000 881,010
Exercise of stock
options................. 304 188 269 58 269 58
Unrealized holding gain
on short-term
investments.............
Net loss.................
--------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Balance, March 31, 1996.... 4,702,203 $16,317,376 1,256,818 $ 4,769,878 1,256,818 $ 4,769,878 $2,321,057 $ 376,774
--------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
--------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
<CAPTION>
COMMON UNREALIZED
STOCK HOLDING ACCUMULATED
WARRANTS GAIN DEFICIT TOTAL
--------- ---------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, March 31, 1994.... $ 192,130 $ (9,055,034) $ 6,022,174
Exercise of common stock
options................. 5,010
Common stock issued in
lieu of cash payments... 36,150
Common stock forfeited
due to cessation of
employment.............. (55,760)
Warrants issued in
connection with private
placement units......... 186,000 186,000
Repurchase of common
stock................... (19,148)
Initial public offering
of units, net
proceeds................ 9,542,000
Conversion of warrants... (186,000)
Conversions of certain
related party notes and
associated accrued
interest................ 77,640
Conversion of debentures
and associated accrued
interest................ 1,605,496
Exercise of over-
allotment option........ 1,411,183
Net loss................. (3,808,485) (3,808,485)
--------- ---------- ------------ ------------
Balance, March 31, 1995.. 192,130 (12,863,519) 15,002,260
Common stock issued for
investment in Mattan
(Note 6)................ 881,010
Exercise of stock
options................. 304
Unrealized holding gain
on short-term
investments............. $3,666,367 3,666,367
Net loss................. (5,752,895) (5,752,895)
--------- ---------- ------------ ------------
Balance, March 31, 1996.... $ 192,130 $3,666,367 $(18,616,414) $ 13,797,046
--------- ---------- ------------ ------------
--------- ---------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
------------------------------
1995 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss........................................................................ $ (3,808,485) $ (5,752,895)
Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization................................................. 812,196 814,401
Extraordinary gain from extinguishment of debt................................ (381,730)
Amortization of debt discount................................................. 119,230
Exchange of product for clinical studies...................................... (158,250)
Amortization of clinical program expense...................................... 227,000 31,367
Issuance of stock options and stock in lieu of consulting payments............ 36,150
Common stock forfeited upon cessation of employment........................... (55,760)
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable.................................... (151,751)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable.................................... 142,591 (92,716)
Increase in inventories....................................................... (21,880) (14,665)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets.............. (320,569) 22,468
(Increase) decrease in other assets........................................... 230,793 (6,150)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable....................................... (411,197) 594,654
(Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities.................................... 28,907 (598,847)
-------------- --------------
Net cash used in operating activities....................................... (3,402,754) (5,312,384)
-------------- --------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment............................................. (45,785) (219,723)
Note receivable pursuant to strategic alliance agreement (Note 6)............... (125,000)
Patent expenditures............................................................. (204,838) (195,971)
-------------- --------------
Net cash used in investing activities......................................... (250,623) (540,694)
-------------- --------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options.................................. 304
Proceeds from issuance of common stock prior to initial public offering......... 5,010
Proceeds from issuance of common stock warrants................................. 186,000
Proceeds from initial public offering and exercise of over-allotment option..... 10,953,183
Cash paid for repurchase of common stock........................................ (19,148)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable......................................... 1,519,000
Cash paid for repurchase of mandatorily redeemable warrants..................... (285,000)
Principal payments on notes payable............................................. (3,126,195)
-------------- --------------
Net cash provided by financing activities..................................... 9,232,850 304
-------------- --------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash................................................... 5,579,473 (5,852,774)
-------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.................................... 308,764 5,888,237
-------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.......................................... $ 5,888,237 $ 35,463
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Premier Laser Systems, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in July 1991 and
commenced operations in August 1991 after acquiring substantially all of the
assets and certain liabilities of Pfizer Laser Systems (Pfizer), a division of
Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc. The Company designs, develops, manufactures
and markets several lines of lasers for surgical and other medical purposes,
laser waveguides and fiber optic devices, disposables and associated accessory
products for the medical market.
The financial statements as of March 31, 1996 and for each of the two years
in the period ended March 31, 1996 give effect to the Company's recapitalization
and reverse stock splits discussed in Note 16.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenues are recognized when products are shipped to customers.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash equivalents represent short-term, highly liquid investments that have
original maturities of three months or less and are readily convertible to cash.
Such investments consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Notes and commercial paper.
Cost of such investments is equal to the related fair value at March 31, 1996.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
In fiscal 1995, the Company adopted SFAS 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Under SFAS 115, the Company's
investments are classified as "available-for-sale" securities and are reported
at fair market value. Any unrealized holding gains or losses are reported as a
separate component of stockholders' equity. Realized gains and losses are
reported on the specific identification method and are reported in income. The
Company's marketable securities portfolio at March 31, 1996 consists of its
investments in the common stock of Mattan Corporation (see Note 6).
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and include material,
labor, and related manufacturing overhead. The Company determines cost using the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for replacements and
improvements are capitalized and expenditures for repairs, maintenance and
routing replacements are charged to operating expense as incurred. When assets
are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation
are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in
operations.
Depreciation of furniture, machinery and equipment is calculated on a
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from
three to eight years.
INTANGIBLES
Intangible assets consists primarily of patents, technology rights and
license agreements. The costs assigned to acquired intangible assets, based in
part upon independent appraisals, are being amortized on a straight-line basis
over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 2 to 15 years.
Periodically, the Company evaluates the recoverability of intangibles based on
estimated undiscounted future cash flows from operating activities compared with
the carrying values of the intangibles.
F-7
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. A substantial
portion of the research and development expense is related to developing new
products, improving existing products or processes, and clinical research
programs.
The Company enters into agreements with certain doctors to exchange a
portion of a product's sales price for completion of certain portions of
clinical studies necessary for obtaining product approval by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration. Typically, the amounts consist of a portion of the product
sales price which is equal to the fair value of the services to be rendered by
the doctor. Pursuant to the agreements, in the event the doctor is unable to
complete the agreed upon clinical study, the doctor is required to remit cash
payment for the entire amount. The amounts are capitalized as prepaid research
and development expense and amortized upon completion of certain milestones of
the clinical study. These studies are generally completed within one year.
Research and development expenses included in prepaid expenses totaled $204,000
at March 31, 1996.
INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS 109), ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES.
SFAS 109 requires the liability method for accounting for income taxes. This
method mandates the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for
expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying
amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities.
NET LOSS PER SHARE
Net loss per share was computed based on the weighted average number of the
Company's common shares outstanding during fiscal 1996 and excludes all shares
of Class E-1 and Class E-2 Common Stock, discussed in Note 16, outstanding, or
subject to option, because all such shares of stock are subject to escrow and
the conditions for the release of shares from escrow have not been satisfied.
Common stock equivalents were not considered in the net loss per share
calculation because the effect on the net loss would be antidilutive.
PRO FORMA NET LOSS PER SHARE (UNAUDITED)
Net loss per common share was computed based on the weighted average number
of the Company's common shares outstanding during the fiscal year ended March
31, 1995 after giving retroactive adjustment for the recapitalization discussed
in Note 16 and the conversion of the Company's debentures into units (as defined
in Note 5) which occurred upon completion of the Company's initial public
offering (see Note 5). The effect on net loss per common share of the conversion
of the Company's debentures was to reduce historical net loss by $67,995 and to
increase weighted average shares outstanding by 321,099 shares for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 1995. Class E-1 and E-2 common stock shares, discussed in
Note 16, were excluded from the net loss per share calculation because the
conditions for release of shares from escrow have not been satisfied. Other
common stock equivalents were not considered in the net loss per share
calculation because the effect on the net loss per share would be antidilutive.
Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 83,
all stock options and warrants granted and common shares issued within one year
of the Company's initial public offering and not in escrow have been included as
outstanding for the six months ended September 30, 1994 (the date of the most
recent financial statements included in the Company's initial public offering
prospectus) using the treasury stock method.
F-8
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS
123"), effective for years beginning after December 15, 1995, which establishes
a fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans. The
statement allows companies to continue to use the intrinsic value-based
approach, supplemented by footnote disclosure of the pro forma net income and
earnings per share of the fair value-based approach. The Company intends to
follow this method allowed by SFAS 123.
USE OF ESTIMATES BY MANAGEMENT
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates and assumptions include those made surrounding
inventory valuation and the realizability of certain intangible assets. The
Company's inventory and intangibles largely relate to technologies which have
yet to gain wide spread market acceptance. Management believes no loss will be
incurred on the disposition of its inventory and that the remaining economic
life of the Company's tangible assets is reasonable. If wide spread market
acceptance of the Company's products is not achieved, the carrying amount of
inventory and intangible assets could be materially reduced.
3. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
----------------------
1995 1996
----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash paid for:
Interest................................................. $ 550,962 $ 52,129
Income taxes............................................. 800 800
</TABLE>
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
In fiscal 1996, the Company issued 200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in
connection with the acquisition of 1,150,000 shares of Mattan Corporation's
common stock. The value of the Mattan Corporation common stock shares was
$881,010 on the date of the transaction (see Note 6).
Concurrent with the completion of the Company's initial public offering,
certain notes payable to shareholders totaling $66,500 and convertible
debentures totaling $1,500,000, plus related accrued interest, were converted
into 7,072 shares of Class A Common Stock and 6,260 shares of each Class E-1 and
E-2 Common Stock, and 321,099 Units, respectively.
4. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and may continue
to incur losses for the foreseeable future due to the significant costs
anticipated to be incurred in connection with manufacturing, marketing and
distributing its laser products. In addition, the Company intends to conduct
continuing research and development activities, including regulatory submittals
and clinical trials to develop additional applications for its laser technology.
The Company operates in a highly competitive environment and is subject to all
of the risks inherent in a new business enterprise. The Company is presently
attempting to borrow funds and/or complete a public offering of its common stock
to provide working capital for operations in the near term. The outcome of such
efforts to raise
F-9
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
4. BASIS OF PRESENTATION (CONTINUED)
working capital cannot be assured. The ultimate timeframe in which a sufficient
level of product or market acceptance can be achieved is uncertain. As such,
there is substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern.
The Company's financial statements have been prepared on the basis of
accounting principles applicable to a going concern. Accordingly, they do not
purport to give effect to adjustments, if any, that may be necessary should the
Company be required to realize its assets and liquidate its liabilities,
contingent liabilities and commitments in other than the normal course of
business at amounts different from those disclosed in the financial statements.
5. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
On December 7, 1994, the Company completed an initial public offering
consisting of 2,400,000 Units of the Company's securities, each unit consisting
of one share of Class A Common Stock, one redeemable Class A Warrant and one
redeemable Class B Warrant (the "Units"). The Company realized net proceeds of
$9,542,000 from this offering. Each Class A Warrant consists of the right to
purchase one share of Class A Common Stock and one Class B Warrant at any time
through the fifth anniversary date of the initial public offering at an exercise
price of $6.50. Each Class B Warrant consists of the right to purchase one share
of Class A Common Stock from the date of issuance through the fifth anniversary
date of the initial public offering's effective date at an exercise price of
$8.00.
On January 12, 1995, the underwriter in the initial public offering
exercised its over-allotment option to purchase 360,000 Units at the initial
public offering price, resulting in net proceeds of $1,411,183 to the Company.
6. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
In December 1995, the Company entered into a strategic marketing alliance
with Mattan Corporation (Mattan), a Canadian Corporation whose stock is publicly
traded on the Alberta Stock Exchange. The strategic marketing alliance agreement
(the Agreement) stipulates that the Company will supply all laser equipment and
associated disposables for all laser surgery centers to be designed and opened
by Mattan in Canada and the United States. It is anticipated that these surgery
centers will be operated under the name of Medical Laser Institute of America.
In connection with entering into the Agreement, the Company issued 200,000
shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock to certain parties affiliated with
Mattan, who purchased 1,150,000 shares of Mattan's common stock for
approximately $881,010 on the Company's behalf. Prior to March 31, 1996, the
Mattan affiliates sold the 200,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock
and released the shares of the Mattan common stock to the Company. At March 31,
1996, the fair value of this investment totaled approximately $4,547,377 and the
related unrealized holding gain totaled approximately $3,666,367.
In October 1995, the Company entered into a strategic business alliance with
International Biolaser Corporation (IBC). This agreement specifies that the
Company will manufacture IBC's CO2 and argon lasers and that such products will
be jointly marketed by the two companies. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company
advanced $125,000 to IBC in exchange for a convertible note payable due in
October 1997, bearing interest at 10% per annum and secured by substantially all
of IBC's intangible assets. This note payable is convertible, at the Company's
sole option, into an 80% ownership interest in IBC only after IBC has repaid
certain pre-existing indebtedness.
F-10
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
7. INVENTORIES
Inventories at March 31, 1996 consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Raw materials.................................. $ 938,560
Work-in-progress............................... 276,998
Finished goods................................. 969,797
----------
$2,185,355
----------
----------
</TABLE>
8. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment at March 31, 1996 consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Machinery, equipment, molds and tooling........ $1,032,188
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment....... 433,286
----------
1,465,474
Less: accumulated depreciation............... 971,532
----------
$ 493,942
----------
----------
</TABLE>
9. INTANGIBLES
Intangibles at March 31, 1996 consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Patents and technology rights.................. $9,413,088
License agreements............................. 255,000
Other.......................................... 201,000
----------
9,869,088
Less: accumulated amortization................. 2,515,626
----------
$7,353,462
----------
----------
</TABLE>
10. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities at March 31, 1996 consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accrued payroll, vacation and related taxes.... $ 96,132
Accrued other.................................. 91,976
----------
$ 188,108
----------
----------
</TABLE>
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As discussed in Note 1, the Company commenced operations after acquiring
substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Pfizer in August
1991. At March 31, 1996, notes payable to Pfizer totaled $481,195 (see Note 12).
Consulting fees aggregating $12,000 and $26,000 for the fiscal years ended
March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were paid to a consultant of the Company,
directly related to an officer of the Company.
12. NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTY AND EXTRAORDINARY GAIN
Prior to the completion of the initial public offering described in Note 5,
the Company's notes payable to Pfizer amounted to $2,517,390. Pursuant to an
agreement between the Company and Pfizer, the Company paid $1,386,195 of the
notes payable to Pfizer immediately subsequent to the closing of the initial
public offering and Pfizer forgave $650,000 of the total indebtedness. The
remaining balance of $481,195, bearing interest at 10% per annum at March 31,
1996, and related
F-11
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
12. NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTY AND EXTRAORDINARY GAIN (CONTINUED)
accrued interest are payable in quarterly installments commencing July 8, 1996
with the first principal payment totaling $240,598, plus accrued interest, and
the remaining two quarterly principal payments totaling $120,299, plus accrued
interest. If the Company completes a private or public equity offering which
raises net proceeds of at least $3 million, the note payable balance outstanding
at the time of that offering becomes immediately due and payable. The note
payable to Pfizer is secured by substantially all of the tangible assets and
certain patents of the Company.
In June 1994, notes payable to third parties of $1,500,000 were converted
into convertible debentures. These debentures and related accrued interest were
converted into 321,099 Units concurrent with the closing of the initial public
offering. Also concurrent with the close of the offering, notes payable to
shareholders totaling $66,500 plus related accrued interest were converted into
7,072 shares of Class A Common Stock and 6,260 shares of each Class E-1 and E-2
Common Stock.
In August 1994, the Company completed a private placement of debt units,
whereby $1,550,000 of notes payable bearing interest at 10% per annum (the
"Bridge Notes") and warrants to purchase 1,085,000 shares of Class A common
stock were issued. In connection with this private placement, the Company
incurred placement costs of $201,500 and issued the notes at a discount totaling
$186,000. These notes payable were also paid in full in December 1994.
In connection with the debt forgiven by Pfizer and the extinguishment of the
bridge notes, the Company recognized a net extraordinary gain on extinguishment
of debt totaling $381,730.
13. GRANTS
In September, 1995, the Company obtained a Small Business Innovative
Research Grant totaling approximately $750,000 for the study of laser
emulsification. Pursuant to the terms of the grant, the Company is eligible to
receive reimbursement for research and development costs incurred in connection
with the laser emulsification study up to $750,000 upon the achievement of
certain deliverables, as defined. During fiscal 1996, the Company received
approximately $250,000 under the grant. The amounts received under the grant
were offset against research and development costs incurred in the study.
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS
The Company leases its facilities and certain equipment under noncancellable
operating leases. Total rental expense for operating leases was $348,059 and
$387,055 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. At
March 31, 1996, future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating
leases are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING MARCH 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
1997................................................... $ 241,536
1998................................................... 244,634
1999................................................... 247,811
2000................................................... 252,448
2001................................................... 250,488
-------------
$ 1,236,917
-------------
-------------
</TABLE>
Pursuant to the Company's facility lease, effective January 1997, the
Company becomes guarantor of a lease agreement between the Company's lessor and
a third party lessee. The guaranteed future minimum lease payments relating to
the third party are $108,456, $111,624, and $85,500 for the years ended March
31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
F-12
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
The Company entered into employment agreements with three members of its
executive management team. These agreements provide for two to four months of
severance benefits upon termination of employment. Based upon salary levels as
of March 31, 1996, such severance benefits range from approximately $15,000 to
$33,000 for each of the above members of management.
CONTINGENCIES
The Company entered into an agreement with Infrared Fiber Systems, Inc.
(IFS), as a supplier of certain fiberoptics that expires in the fiscal year
ending March 31, 2002 and requires the supplier to sell exclusively to the
Company fiberoptics for medical and dental applications as long as the Company
purchases defined minimum amounts.
In March 1994, the Company initiated litigation against IFS. The Company's
complaint alleges that IFS and two of its officers misrepresented IFS' ability
to supply optical fibers, and that IFS breached its supply agreement and certain
warranties. In April 1994, IFS filed a cross-complaint alleging breach of
contact and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage,
seeking declaratory relief that the contract has been terminated and that IFS is
free to market its fibers to others. In July 1994, Coherent, Inc., a major
shareholder of IFS and a manufacturer of medical lasers which employ IFS optical
fibers, joined the lawsuit for the express purpose of defending their rights to
the IFS optical fibers. In May 1995, the Company instituted litigation
concerning this dispute in the Orange County, California Superior Court against
Coherent, Westinghouse Electric Corporation ("Westinghouse") and an individual
employee of Westinghouse who was an officer of IFS from 1986 to 1993, when the
events involved in the federal action against IFS took place and while
Westinghouse owned a substantial minority interest in IFS. The complaint charges
that Coherent conspired with IFS in the wrongful conduct which is the subject of
the federal lawsuit and interfered with the Company's contracts and relations
with IFS and with prospective contracts and advantageous economic relations with
third parties. The complaint asserts that Westinghouse is liable for its
employee's wrongful acts as an IFS executive while acting within the scope of
his employment at Westinghouse. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief and
compensatory damages. In October 1995 the federal action was stayed by order of
the court in favor of the California state court action, in which the pleadings
have been amended to include all claims asserted by the Company in the federal
action. No trial date has been set. The Company believes that the likely
liability of the Company, if any, arising from this litigation would not have a
materially adverse impact upon the Company.
The Company is involved in various disputes and other lawsuits from time to
time arising from its normal operations. The litigation process is inherently
uncertain and it is possible that the resolution of the IFS litigation, disputes
and other lawsuits may adversely affect the Company. It is the opinion of
management, that the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse
impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash
flows.
15. INCOME TAXES
The Company incurred losses totaling $5,752,895 and $3,808,485 for fiscal
years ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. As a result, no provision for
income taxes has been charged to continuing operations during these periods.
F-13
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
15. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
Deferred tax assets at March 31, 1996 are comprised as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accounts receivable reserves........................... $ 62,084
Research and development expenditures capitalized for
tax purposes.......................................... 410,247
Research and development federal tax credits........... 187,436
Depreciation of property and equipment................. 40,289
Net operating loss carryforwards....................... 6,033,150
Other.................................................. 852,876
-----------
Gross deferred tax assets.............................. 7,586,082
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance................. (7,586,082)
-----------
$ --
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
The net change in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was an
increase of approximately $2,634,142 from the balance at March 31, 1995. The
change primarily relates to additional net operating loss carryforwards
generated as well as changes in other deferred assets in fiscal 1996, which were
fully reserved for at March 31, 1996.
At March 31, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for
federal income tax purposes totaling approximately $16,319,249 which begin to
expire in fiscal 2007. Operating loss carryforwards for state income tax
purposes totaling approximately $7,895,167 at March 31, 1996 begin to expire in
fiscal 1998. Pursuant to provisions in the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the net
operating loss carryforwards and research and development credits available for
use in any given year may be limited as a result of the significant changes in
stock ownership attributable to the initial public offering.
16. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
COMMON STOCK AND RECAPITALIZATION
On June 11, 1994, the Company effected a recapitalization pursuant to an
Amendment of its Articles of Incorporation. In this recapitalization: (i) the
Company authorized for issuance three new classes of Common Stock, designated as
Class A Common Stock, Class E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock, of
which 35,600,000 shares of Class A Common Stock were authorized, 2,200,000
shares of Class E-1 Common Stock were authorized and 2,200,000 shares of Class
E-2 Common Stock were authorized; (ii) the Company authorized for issuance a new
class of Preferred Stock (having rights, preferences and privileges to be
determined in the future) of which 8,850,000 shares were authorized for
issuance; (iii) the Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
recapitalization was reclassified as Class A Common Stock; and (iv) each share
of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the recapitalization was
converted, through a reverse stock split, into 0.1292 shares of Class A Common
Stock.
Following the above Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation, the Company
declared a stock split effected as a stock dividend to the holders of its Common
Stock, providing for the issuance of approximately 0.1144 shares of Class E-1
Common Stock and 0.1144 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock for each share of
Common Stock held immediately prior to the recapitalization.
As a result of this recapitalization and stock split, each share of the
Company's outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock was
converted into 0.1292 shares of Class A Common Stock, 0.1144 shares of Class E-1
Common Stock and 0.1144 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock. Conversion of Series A
and Series B Preferred Stock into Class A Common Stock, Class E-1 Common Stock
and Class E-2 Common Stock was effected upon the closing of the Company's
initial public offering.
F-14
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
16. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
On October 20, 1994, the Company voted to effect a 7:1 reverse stock split
pursuant to an amendment of its Articles of Incorporation. As a result thereof,
the shares of Series A Common Stock, E-1 Common Stock, and E-2 Common Stock,
discussed above, were reduced in number by a factor of 0.7.
STOCK OPTION PLANS AND WARRANTS
The Company has adopted several stock option plans that authorize the
granting of options to employees, officers and/or consultants to purchase shares
of the Company's Class A Common Stock. The stock option plans are administered
by the Board of Directors or a committee appointed by the Board of Directors,
which determines the terms of the options, including the exercise price, the
number of shares subject to option and the exercisability of the option. The
options are generally granted at the fair market value of the shares underlying
the options at the date of the grant and expire within ten years of the grant
date.
In addition to options granted pursuant to the stock option plans, the
Company has issued to certain Board of Directors members, consultants and former
notes payable holders warrants to purchase shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock.
A summary of the activity related to stock options and warrants for the
fiscal years ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WARRANT/OPTION
PRICE PER
SHARES SHARE
----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding at March 31, 1994......................... 228,590 $ 1.00-17.69
Granted............................................... 1,733,650 5.00- 6.50
Exercised............................................. (1,535) 1.00- 1.77
Cancelled............................................. (50,872) 8.85
----------- --------------
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 1995......... 1,909,833 1.00-17.69
Granted............................................... 705,700 4.63- 5.63
Exercised............................................. (304) 1.00
Cancelled............................................. (31,236) 1.00-11.06
----------- --------------
Outstanding at March 31, 1996......................... 2,583,993 $ 1.00-17.69
----------- --------------
----------- --------------
</TABLE>
Warrants to purchase 89,357 shares of the Company's common stock issued in
connection with the acquisition of certain patents and technology rights during
fiscal 1994 will expire by December 31, 1998 and the warrants to purchase 9,044
shares of common stock issued to a related party will expire by March 31, 1997.
Effective December 30, 1993, the Company issued warrants to purchase 50,872
shares of common stock, under the 1993 Limited Warrant Plan, with an exercise
price of $8.85 per share for services rendered by consultants in connection with
the acquisition of technology rights. In January 1995, the warrant holders
exercised their right to receive a cash payment of $285,000, an amount equal to
the liability owed to the consultants on the date of issuance in exchange for
and cancellation of the warrants.
In connection with the initial public offering in December, 1994 and
exercise of the underwriter's over-allotment option, the Company issued
2,760,000 of each of Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants. Both the Class A and
Class B Warrants will expire in November 1999.
F-15
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
16. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
The Company has the right, commencing three years from the November 30,
1994, the effective date of the initial public offering, to redeem the Class A
and Class B Warrants at a price of $.05 per warrant subject to certain
conditions regarding the bid price of the Class A Common Stock.
CLASS E-1 AND CLASS E-2 COMMON STOCK
The Company's Class E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock are held in
escrow, are not transferable, can be voted and will be converted into Class A
Common Stock only upon the occurrence of specified events. All the Class E-1
Common Stock shares will be automatically converted into Class A Common Stock
shares in the event that: (1) the Company's net income before provision for
income taxes, as defined, amounts to at least $4,800,000 for the years ending
March 31, 1995 or 1996, or at least $5,500,000, $6,850,000, $8,425,000,
$9,900,000 for the fiscal years ending March 31, 1997 through 2000,
respectively, provided that if additional shares are issued earnings must
increase proportionately; or (2) the closing price, as defined, of the Company's
Class A Common Stock shall average in excess of $15.00 for any 30 consecutive
trading days during the 18 months following the November 30, 1994 effective date
of the Company's initial public offering or average in excess of $19.25 for any
30 consecutive trading days during the period commencing with the nineteenth
month after November 30, 1994 and ending 36 months from that date. If none of
the above events occur, the Class E-1 Common Stock shares will be cancelled by
the Company on June 30, 2000. All of the Class E-2 Common Stock shares will be
automatically converted into Class A Common Stock shares in the event that: (1)
the Company's net income before provision for income taxes, as defined, amounts
to at least $8,625,000 for the years ending March 31, 1995 or 1996 or at least
$11,800,000, $14,750,000, $20,475,000 or $26,750,000 for the years ending March
31, 1997 through 2000, respectively, provided that if additional shares are
issued earnings must increase proportionally; or (2) the closing price, as
defined, of the Company's Class A Common Stock shall average in excess of $19.75
for any 30 consecutive trading days during the 18 months following the November
30, 1994 effective date of the Company's initial public offering or average in
excess of $24.00 for any 30 consecutive trading days during the period
commencing with the nineteenth month after November 30, 1994 and ending 36
months from November 30, 1994. If none of the above events occur, the Class E-2
Common Stock shares will be cancelled by the Company on June 30, 2000.
The Company will, in the event of the release of the Class E-1 Common Stock
and Class E-2 Common Stock, recognize during the period in which the earnings
thresholds are met or such minimum bid prices are achieved, a substantial
noncash charge to earnings equal to the fair value of such shares on the date of
their release, which would have the effect of significantly increasing the
Company's loss or reducing or eliminating earnings, if any, at such time.
17. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND FOREIGN SALES
The Company generates revenues principally from sales in the medical field.
As a result, the Company's accounts receivable are concentrated primarily in
this industry. In addition, sales to one customer represented 10% of the
Company's sales in fiscal 1996 and 11% to a different customer in fiscal 1995.
Sales in foreign countries accounted for approximately 40% and 63% of the
Company's total sales in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively. These foreign sales
related almost entirely to sales in Asia and Europe.
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and
generally does not require collateral. Generally, letters of credit are obtained
on international sales. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit
losses and such losses have been within management expectations.
F-16
<PAGE>
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
17. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK AND FOREIGN SALES (CONTINUED)
INSIDE BACK COVER
CORPORATE COMMITMENTS
From Research and Development To Customer Satisfaction, Premier Laser Systems,
Inc. ...
Four photographs, including corporate headquarters
F-17
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER
THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
COMPANY OR ANY OF THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH SUCH OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED, OR IN WHICH THE
PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO, OR TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary............................. 3
Risk Factors................................... 6
Use of Proceeds................................ 13
Price Range of Common Stock.................... 14
Dividend Policy................................ 14
Capitalization................................. 15
Selected Financial Data........................ 17
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.................................... 18
Business....................................... 22
Management..................................... 40
Principal Shareholders......................... 47
Certain Transactions........................... 49
Description of Securities...................... 49
Underwriting................................... 55
Legal Matters.................................. 56
Experts........................................ 56
Available Information.......................... 56
Index to Financial Statements.................. F-1
</TABLE>
PREMIER LASER
SYSTEMS, INC.
2,500,000 SHARES
COMMON STOCK
--------------
PROSPECTUS
--------------
RODMAN & RENSHAW, INC.
, 1996
- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 24. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Underwriting Agreement (Exhibit 1.1 hereto) provides for indemnification
by the Underwriters of the Registrant and its officers and directors, and by the
Registrant of the Underwriters for certain liabilities arising under the
Securities Act or otherwise.
The California General Corporations Laws provides that California
corporations may include provisions in their articles of incorporation relieving
directors of monetary liability for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors,
except for the liability of a director resulting from (i) any transaction from
which the director derives an improper personal benefit, (ii) acts or omissions
involving intentional misconduct or a knowing and culpable violation of law,
(iii) acts or omissions that a director believes to be contrary to the best
interests of the Registrant or its shareholders or that involves the absence of
good faith on the party of the director (iv) acts or omissions constituting an
unexcused pattern of inattention that amounts to an abdication of the director's
duty to the Registrant or its shareholders, (v) acts or omissions showing a
reckless disregard for the director's duty to the Registrant or its shareholders
in circumstances in which the director was aware or should have been aware, in
the ordinary course of performing a director's duties, of a risk of serious
injury to the Registrant or its shareholders, (vi) any improper transaction
between a director and the Registrant in which the director has a material
financial interest, or (vii) the making of an illegal distribution to
shareholders or an illegal loan or guaranty. The Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation provide that the Registrant's directors are not liable to the
Registrant or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of their
fiduciary duties to the fullest extent permitted by California law.
The inclusion of the above provision in the Articles of Incorporation may
have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against
directors and may discourage or deter shareholders or management from bringing a
lawsuit against directors for breach of their duty of care, even though such an
action, if successful, might otherwise have benefitted the Registrant and its
shareholders. At present, there is no litigation or proceeding pending involving
a director of the Registrant as to which indemnification is being sought, nor is
the Registrant aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for
indemnification by any director.
The Registrant's Articles of Incorporation provide that the Registrant shall
indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by
California law, including circumstances in which indemnification is otherwise
discretionary under California law. The Registrant has entered into
indemnification agreements with certain of its directors and officers that
require the Registrant to indemnify such directors and officers to the fullest
extent permitted by law. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion
of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may
be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable.
II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 25. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
It is estimated that the following expenses will be incurred in connection
with the proposed offering hereunder. All of such expenses will be borne by the
Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT
-----------
<S> <C>
SEC filing fee....................................................................................... $ 10,410
NASD filing fee...................................................................................... $ 3,519
NASDAQ National Market fee........................................................................... $ 17,500
-----------
Legal fees and expenses.............................................................................. $ 110,000
-----------
Accounting fees and expenses......................................................................... $ 100,000
-----------
Blue sky fees and expenses (including counsel fees).................................................. $ 25,000
-----------
Representative's consulting fee...................................................................... $ 150,000
Printing expenses.................................................................................... $ 90,000
-----------
Miscellaneous........................................................................................ $ 43,571
-----------
TOTAL............................................................................................ $ 550,000
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
ITEM 26. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
Since May 20, 1993, the Registrant has sold and issued the following
unregistered securities:
1. During the period, the Registrant granted incentive stock options (net
of cancelled options) to employees, officers and consultants of the Registrant
under its 1992 Stock Option Plan to purchase an aggregate of 32,375 shares of
the Registrant's Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $4.80 per
share. Upon exercise of these options, the holders will also receive 2,103
shares of each of Class E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2 Common Stock. These
options vest over a period of time following their respective dates of grant. As
of May 17, 1996, certain employees exercised options to purchase an aggregate of
423 shares of Common Stock and 374 shares of each of Class E-1 and Class E-2
Common Stock.
2. Between October 1992 and April 1993, the Registrant issued convertible
promissory note agreements in the original principal amount of $615,000 to five
accredited investors. Effective June 30, 1993, $605,000 of the principal amount
was converted into 54,716 shares of Common Stock. The balance of the principal
amount was repaid immediately following the IPO.
3. In September 1993, the Registrant sold to two officers of and two
consultants to the Company an aggregate of 16,721 shares of Common Stock at an
aggregate purchase price of $16,721 payable in cash or for the cancellation of
indebtedness, and 28 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at an aggregate purchase
price of $310. Also in September 1993, the Registrant issued 904 shares of
Common Stock to a former director of the Registrant upon exercise of outstanding
stock options, at an aggregate purchase price of $904.
4. In November 1993, the Registrant granted an officer an option to
purchase up to 4,522 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.06 per
share.
5. In December 1993, the Registrant sold 18,992 shares of Common Stock and
70,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to three accredited investors at an
aggregate purchase price of $280,311.
6. In December 1993, the Registrant purchased certain technology rights
from Proclosure. As partial payment, the Registrant issued to Proclosure 227,898
shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 89,356 shares of Common Stock at
an average exercise price of $15.54 per share. The Registrant issued to a
consultant to Proclosure 5,217 shares of Common Stock in cancellation of
outstanding indebtedness assumed by the Registrant in the acquisition. In
connection with the acquisition, the Registrant issued secured promissory notes
to three venture capital firms in the
II-2
<PAGE>
original principal amount of $1,500,000. In June 1994, the Registrant exchanged
the promissory notes with the venture capital firms for Convertible Debentures
in an aggregate of $1,500,000. The Convertible Debentures converted into 321,099
Units in December 1994.
7. In December 1993, the Registrant issued warrants to purchase 50,872
shares of Common Stock to two consultants to the Registrant at an exercise price
of $8.85 per share pursuant to the Company's 1993 Limited Warrant Plan (which
warrants have been subsequently cancelled).
8. Between February and June 1994, the Registrant issued convertible notes
to certain accredited or sophisticated investors in the original principal
amount of $66,500, which notes converted into an aggregate of 7,072 shares of
Common Stock, 6,260 shares of Class E-1 Common Stock and 6,260 shares of Class
E-2 Common Stock at the closing of the IPO.
9. Between July 1993 and September 30, 1994, the Registrant sold and issued
shares of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into an aggregate of 8,175 shares
of Common Stock and 7,239 shares of each of Class E-1 and Class E-2 Common Stock
to certain consultants to the Registrant accredited or sophisticated investors
for cash and forgiveness of indebtedness in the aggregate amount of $180,894.
10. In March 1994, a former director of the Registrant and his employee
entered into an agreement pursuant to which they exchanged warrants to purchase
an aggregate of 318,918 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for an aggregate of
14,420 shares of Common Stock, 12,768 shares of Class E-1 Common Stock and
12,768 shares of Class E-2 Common Stock pursuant to a cashless exchange. No
additional consideration was paid for the shares.
11. In June 1994, the Registrant effected a .1292 for 1 reverse stock split.
In October 1994 the Registrant effected a .7 for 1 reverse stock split. All
numbers of shares in this Item 14 have been adjusted to reflect these reverse
stock splits.
12. In June 1994, the Registrant's Board of Directors declared a stock
dividend of .1144 shares of each of Class E-1 Common Stock and Class E-2 Common
Stock for each share of Common Stock outstanding on the date of the dividend.
13. In connection with the private placement by the Registrant in August
1994, the Registrant issued to certain accredited investors, for an aggregate
price of $1,550,000, $1,550,000 principal amount of 10% promissory notes and
warrants to purchase 1,085,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal
to $6.64 per share. Upon consummation of the IPO, these warrants were exchanged
for 1,085,000 Class A Warrants. The representative of the underwriters for the
Registrant's IPO acted as placement agent for this offering and received
aggregate commissions in the amount of $155,000, together with $46,500 as
reimbursement for nonaccountable expenses.
14. In November 1994, the Registrant granted to a consultant of the
Registrant a warrant to purchase up to 3,165 shares of the Registrant's Common
Stock at an exercise price of $7.00 per share. The Registrant also granted to
the Registrant's Chief Executive Officer an option to purchase up to 358,650
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share.
15. In September 1995, the Registrant granted incentive stock options (net
of cancelled options) to employees and consultants of the Registrant under its
1995 Stock Option Plan to purchase an aggregate of 179,250 shares of Common
Stock at an exercise price of $5.625 per share.
16. In February 1996, the Registrant granted nonqualified stock options
under its February 1996 Stock Option Plan to purchase an aggregate of 499,200
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4,625 per share. In addition,
the Registrant granted to two nonemployee directors options to purchase an
aggregate of 20,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.625 per
share pursuant to a formula granted under the Registrant's 1996 Stock Option
Plan. These options are subject to the shareholders approval of this plan.
II-3
<PAGE>
17. In December 1995, the Registrant issued 200,000 shares of Common Stock
to two affiliates of Mattan Corporation pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement
between the Registrant and Mattan as partial consideration for the issuance to
the Registrant of 1,150,000 shares of Mattan Corporation's Common Stock.
The issuances of securities described in paragraphs 11 and 12 above were
deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act by virtue of
Section 2(3) thereof in that the securities were issued in transactions not
involving a "sale" of securities as such term is used in Section 2(3) of the
Securities Act.
The sales and issuances of securities in the remaining transactions
described above were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities
Act by virtue of Section 4(2), Regulation D or Rule 701 promulgated under the
Securities Act. The purchasers in each case represented their intention to
acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to the
distribution thereof. Appropriate legends are affixed to the stock certificates
issued in such transactions.
ITEM 27. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- --------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of
State on November 23, 1994.**
3.2 Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended.**
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate.**
4.2 Form of Representative's Warrant.
5.1 Opinion of Rutan & Tucker.
10.1 Letter Agreement and Patent License Agreement dated August 29, 1991 among the Registrant,
Patlex Corporation and Gordon Gould.**
10.2 Assignment Agreement dated July 27, 1992 between the Registrant and Michael Colvard, M.D.**
10.3 Gold Catalyst Licensing Agreement dated April 16, 1992 between the Registrant and Optical
Engineering, Inc.**
10.4 Assignment and Modification Agreement dated July 26, 1991 among the Registrant, Pfizer
Hospital Products Group and Medical Laser Technologies Limited.**
10.5 Letter Agreement dated October 13, 1987 between Pfizer Laser Systems, Inc. and Duke
University, together with Patent Assignment as filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
on October 23, 1993.**
+ 10.6 Lead Generation/Distribution Agreement dated March 17, 1994 between the Registrant and
Burkhart Dental Supply Company.**
10.7 Form of International Distribution Agreement.**
10.8 Letter of Intent between the Registrant and Richard Leaderman, D.D.S., together with related
Patent Assignments as filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on February 22, 1994.**
+ 10.9 Exclusive Marketing Agreement dated July 26, 1994 between the Registrant, Proclosure, Inc.
and Nippon Shoji Kaisha, Ltd.**
10.10 Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated June 17, 1994 among the Registrant,
Onset Enterprise Associates, L.P., New Enterprise Associates IV Limited Partnership and
Franklin Capital Associates, LLP.**
10.11 Subordinated Note dated August 8, 1991 payable to Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc. in the
original principal amount of $1,343,658.**
10.12 Letter Agreement dated July 21, 1994 between the Registrant and Pfizer, Inc., as amended.**
10.13 Letter Agreement dated February 29, 1996 between the Registrant and Pfizer Hospital Products
Group.***
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- --------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.14 Form of Indemnification Agreement.**
<C> <S>
10.15 Industrial Lease dated December 6, 1995 between the Registrant and Irvine Company.***
10.16 Use and Cost Sharing Agreement dated December 1, 1995 between the Registrant and Biopsys
Medical, Inc.***
10.17 Purchase/Supply Agreement dated January 13, 1987 between Infrared Fiber Systems, Inc. and
Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc., as amended.**
10.18 Security Agreement dated August 8, 1991 between the Registrant and Pfizer Hospital Products
Group, Inc.**
10.19 Letter of Intent dated October 19, 1995 between the Registrant and International Biolaser
Corporation, together with related Promissory Note dated October 19, 1995 payable to
Registrant in the original principal amount of $125,000, and Security Agreement dated October
19, 1995 between the Registrant and International Biolaser Corporation.****
10.20 Share Exchange Agreement dated December 20, 1995 among the Registrant, 658994 Alberta Ltd.,
658997 Alberta Ltd. and Mattan Corporation.****
10.21 Purchasing Agreement dated December 20, 1995 between the Registrant and Mattan
Corporation.****
10.22 Exclusive Licensing Agreement dated June 1, 1992 between the Registrant and Quentin M.
Murphy, D.D.S.***
10.23 Distribution Agreement dated August 31, 1995 between the Registrant and Lasermed, Inc.***
10.24 Broker Agreement dated March 13, 1996 among the Registrant, First National Marketing
Services, Inc. and William F. Sullivan.***
10.25 Form of Consulting Agreement.***
10.26 Radiation Services Agreement dated January 10, 1994 between the Registrant and SteriGenics
International.***
10.27 Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement between the Registrant and Colette Cozean
(granting option to purchase 358,650 shares of Registrant's Common Stock).***
10.28 Form of Termination Agreement between the Registrant and certain of the Registrant's
Executive Officers.***
10.29 1996 Stock Option Plan.***
10.30 Form of Warrant Agreement (including forms of Class A and Class B Warrant Certificates).**
10.31 Form of Underwriter's IPO Unit Purchase Option.**
10.32 Form of Finders' IPO Unit Purchase Option.**
10.33 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan, together with form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
and form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement.**
10.34 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan, together with form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
and form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement.***
10.35 February 1996 Stock Option Plan, together with form of Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreement.***
23.1 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23.2 Consent of Rutan & Tucker LLP (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit (5).
23.3 Consent of Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear LLP.
24 Power of Attorney. Reference is made to page II-7.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
+ Confidential treatment was granted with respect to portions of this
Exhibit.
* To be filed by amendment.
II-5
<PAGE>
** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form
SB-2 (Registration No. 33-83984).
*** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB
for the year ended March 31, 1996.
**** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-QSB for the quarter ended December 31, 1995.
ITEM 28. UNDERTAKINGS
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
the information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form
of Prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of Prospectus shall be
deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
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 provisions described in Item 24 hereof, or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the 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 thereof 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.
II-6
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form SB-2 and authorized this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Irvine, California, on May 21, 1996.
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
By: _____/s/ COLETTE COZEAN, PH.D.____
Colette Cozean, Ph.D.,
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Colette
Cozean, Ph.D. and James S. Polentz his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, at any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration
Statement, or any Registration Statement for the same offering that is to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents
in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming
that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, acting alone, or his or her
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement was signed by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates stated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------- ----------------
<C> <S> <C>
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
/s/ COLETTE COZEAN, PH.D. Executive Officer (Principal Executive May 21, 1996
Colette Cozean, Ph.D. Officer)
/s/ PATRICK J. DAY
Patrick J. Day Director May 21, 1996
/s/GRACE CHING-HSIN LIN
Grace Ching-Hsin Lin Director May 21, 1996
/s/ E. DONALD SHAPIRO, J.D.
E. Donald Shapiro, J.D. Director May 21, 1996
/s/ JAMES S. POLENTZ Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial
James S. Polentz Officer (Principal Financial Officer) May 21, 1996
</TABLE>
II-7
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- --------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of
State on November 23, 1994.**
3.2 Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended.**
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate.**
4.2 Form of Representative's Warrant.
5.1 Opinion of Rutan & Tucker.
10.1 Letter Agreement and Patent License Agreement dated August 29, 1991 among the Registrant,
Patlex Corporation and Gordon Gould.**
10.2 Assignment Agreement dated July 27, 1992 between the Registrant and Michael Colvard, M.D.**
10.3 Gold Catalyst Licensing Agreement dated April 16, 1992 between the Registrant and Optical
Engineering, Inc.**
10.4 Assignment and Modification Agreement dated July 26, 1991 among the Registrant, Pfizer
Hospital Products Group and Medical Laser Technologies Limited.**
10.5 Letter Agreement dated October 13, 1987 between Pfizer Laser Systems, Inc. and Duke
University, together with Patent Assignment as filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
on October 23, 1993.**
+ 10.6 Lead Generation/Distribution Agreement dated March 17, 1994 between the Registrant and
Burkhart Dental Supply Company.**
10.7 Form of International Distribution Agreement.**
10.8 Letter of Intent between the Registrant and Richard Leaderman, D.D.S., together with related
Patent Assignments as filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on February 22, 1994.**
+ 10.9 Exclusive Marketing Agreement dated July 26, 1994 between the Registrant, Proclosure, Inc.
and Nippon Shoji Kaisha, Ltd.**
10.10 Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated June 17, 1994 among the Registrant,
Onset Enterprise Associates, L.P., New Enterprise Associates IV Limited Partnership and
Franklin Capital Associates, LLP.**
10.11 Subordinated Note dated August 8, 1991 payable to Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc. in the
original principal amount of $1,343,658.**
10.12 Letter Agreement dated July 21, 1994 between the Registrant and Pfizer, Inc., as amended.**
10.13 Letter Agreement dated February 29, 1996 between the Registrant and Pfizer Hospital Products
Group.***
10.14 Form of Indemnification Agreement.**
10.15 Industrial Lease dated December 6, 1995 between the Registrant and Irvine Company.***
10.16 Use and Cost Sharing Agreement dated December 1, 1995 between the Registrant and Biopsys
Medical, Inc.***
10.17 Purchase/Supply Agreement dated January 13, 1987 between Infrared Fiber Systems, Inc. and
Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc., as amended.**
10.18 Security Agreement dated August 8, 1991 between the Registrant and Pfizer Hospital Products
Group, Inc.**
10.19 Letter of Intent dated October 19, 1995 between the Registrant and International Biolaser
Corporation, together with related Promissory Note dated October 19, 1995 payable to
Registrant in the original principal amount of $125,000, and Security Agreement dated October
19, 1995 between the Registrant and International Biolaser Corporation.****
10.20 Share Exchange Agreement dated December 20, 1995 among the Registrant, 658994 Alberta Ltd.,
658997 Alberta Ltd. and Mattan Corporation.****
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- --------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.21 Purchasing Agreement dated December 20, 1995 between the Registrant and Mattan
Corporation.****
<C> <S>
10.22 Exclusive Licensing Agreement dated June 1, 1992 between the Registrant and Quentin M.
Murphy, D.D.S.***
10.23 Distribution Agreement dated August 31, 1995 between the Registrant and Lasermed, Inc.***
10.24 Broker Agreement dated March 13, 1996 among the Registrant, First National Marketing
Services, Inc. and William F. Sullivan.***
10.25 Form of Consulting Agreement.***
10.26 Radiation Services Agreement dated January 10, 1994 between the Registrant and SteriGenics
International.***
10.27 Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement between the Registrant and Colette Cozean
(granting option to purchase 358,650 shares of Registrant's Common Stock).***
10.28 Form of Termination Agreement between the Registrant and certain of the Registrant's
Executive Officers.***
10.29 1996 Stock Option Plan.***
10.30 Form of Warrant Agreement (including forms of Class A and Class B Warrant Certificates).**
10.31 Form of Underwriter's IPO Unit Purchase Option.**
10.32 Form of Finders' IPO Unit Purchase Option.**
10.33 1992 Employee Stock Option Plan, together with form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
and form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement.**
10.34 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan, together with form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement
and form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement.***
10.35 February 1996 Stock Option Plan, together with form of Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreement.***
23.1 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23.2 Consent of Rutan & Tucker LLP (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit (5).
23.3 Consent of Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear LLP.
24 Power of Attorney. Reference is made to page II-7.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
+ Confidential treatment was granted with respect to portions of this
Exhibit.
* To be filed by amendment.
** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form
SB-2 (Registration No. 33-83984).
*** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB
for the year ended March 31, 1996.
**** Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-QSB for the quarter ended December 31, 1995.
<PAGE>
DRAFT 5/20/96
_________ SHARES
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
COMMON STOCK
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
_____________, 1996
Rodman & Renshaw, Inc.
One Liberty Plaza
165 Broadway
New York, New York 10006
On behalf of the Several
Underwriters named in
Schedule I attached hereto.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Premier Laser Systems, Inc., a California corporation (the "Company"),
proposes to sell to you and the other underwriters named in Schedule I attached
hereto (the "Underwriters"), for whom you are acting as the Representative, an
aggregate of 2,500,000 shares (the "Firm Shares") of the Company's Class A
Common Stock, without par value (the "Common Stock"). In addition, the Company
proposes to grant to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional
375,000 shares (the "Option Shares"), of Common Stock for the purpose of
covering over-allotments in connection with the sale of the Firm Shares. The
Firm Shares and the Option Shares are together called the "Shares."
1. SALE AND PURCHASE OF THE SHARES. On the basis of the representations,
warranties and agreements contained in, and subject to the terms and conditions
of, this Agreement:
(a) The Company agrees to issue and sell the Company Shares, to the
several Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and
not jointly, to purchase at the purchase price per share of Common Stock of
$_____ (the "Initial Price"), the aggregate number of Firm
<PAGE>
Shares set forth opposite such Underwriter's name in Schedule I attached
hereto. The Underwriters agree to offer the Firm Shares to the public as
set forth in the Prospectus.
(b) The Company grants to the several Underwriters an option to
purchase all or any part of the number of Option Shares at the Initial
Price. The number of Option Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter
shall be the same percentage (adjusted by the Representative to eliminate
fractions) of the total number of Option Shares to be purchased by the
Underwriter as such Underwriter is purchasing of the Firm Shares. Such
option may be exercised only to cover over-allotments in the sales of the
Firm Shares by the Underwriters and may be exercised in whole or in part at
any time on or before 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the business day
before the Firm Shares Closing Date (as defined below), and from time to
time thereafter within 30 days after the date of this Agreement, upon
written or telegraphic notice, or verbal or telephonic notice confirmed by
written or telegraphic notice, by the Representative to each of the Company
no later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the business day before
the Firm Shares Closing Date or at least two business days before any
Option Shares Closing Date (as defined below), as the case may be, setting
forth the number of Option Shares to be purchased and the time and date (if
other than the Firm Shares Closing Date) of such purchase.
(c) On each Closing Date (as defined below), the Company shall issue
and sell to the Representative, individually and not as Representative of
the Underwriters, for an aggregate purchase price of $.001 per warrant,
warrants representing the right of the Representative to purchase a number
of Shares of Common Stock (the "Warrant Stock") equal to 10.0% of the
aggregate number of shares purchased in the Offering, including the over-
allotment option (which warrants shall be evidenced in the form set forth
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement) (the "Representative's
Warrants").
2. DELIVERY AND PAYMENT. Delivery by the Company of the Firm Shares to
the Representative for the respective accounts of the Underwriters, and payment
of the purchase price by certified or official bank check or checks payable in
New York Clearing House (next day) funds to the Company, shall take place at the
offices of Rodman & Renshaw, Inc., at One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway, New York,
New York, 10006, at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the third business day
following the date on which the public offering of the Shares commences (unless
such date is postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10(b)), or
at such time and place on such other date, not later than 10 business days after
the date of this Agreement, as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the
Representative (such time and date of delivery and payment are called the "Firm
Shares Closing Date"). The public offering of the Shares shall be deemed to
have commenced at the time, which is the earlier of (a) the time, after the
Registration Statement (as defined in Section 4 below) becomes
-2-
<PAGE>
effective, of the release by you for publication of the first newspaper
advertisement which is subsequently published relating to the Shares or (b) the
time, after the Registration Statement becomes effective, when the Shares are
first released by you for offering by the Underwriters or dealers by letter or
telegram.
In the event the option with respect to the Option Shares is exercised,
delivery by the Company of the Option Shares to the Representative for the
respective accounts of the Underwriters and payment of the purchase price by
certified or official bank check or checks payable in New York Clearing House
(next day) funds to the Company shall take place at the offices of Rodman &
Renshaw, Inc. specified above at the time and on the date (which may be the same
date as, but in no event shall be earlier than, the Firm Shares Closing Date)
specified in the notice referred to in Section 1(b) (such time and date of
delivery and payment is called the "Option Shares Closing Date"). The Firm
Shares Closing Date and the Option Shares Closing Dates are called,
individually, a "Closing Date" and, together, the "Closing Dates."
Certificates evidencing the Shares shall be registered in such names and
shall be in such denominations as the Representative shall request at least two
full business days before the Firm Shares Closing Date or the Option Shares
Closing Date, as the case may be, and shall be made available to the
Representative for checking and packaging, at such place as is designated by the
Representative, on the full business day before the Firm Shares Closing Date or
the Option Shares Closing Date, as the case may be.
3. PUBLIC OFFERING. The Company understands that the Underwriters
propose to make a public offering of the Shares, as set forth in and pursuant to
the Prospectus (as defined in Section 4 below), as soon after the effective date
of the Registration Statement and the date of this Agreement as the
Representative deems advisable. The Company hereby confirms that the
Underwriters and dealers have been authorized to distribute or cause to be
distributed each preliminary prospectus and are authorized to distribute the
Prospectus (as from time to time amended or supplemented if the Company
furnishes amendments or supplements thereto to the Underwriters).
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.
The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the several
Underwriters that:
(i) The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") a registration statement, and may have
filed one or more amendments thereto, on Form S-1 (Registration No.
333-_____), including in such registration
-3-
<PAGE>
statement and each such amendment a related preliminary prospectus (a
"Preliminary Prospectus"), for the registration of the Shares and the
Option Shares, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). In addition, the Company has
filed or will promptly file a further amendment to such registration
statement, in the form heretofore delivered to you. As used in this
Agreement, the term "Registration Statement" means such registration
statement, as amended, on file with the Commission at the time such
registration statement becomes effective (including the prospectus,
financial statements, exhibits, and all other documents filed as a
part thereof or incorporated by reference directly or indirectly
therein), provided that such Registration Statement, at the time it
becomes effective, may omit such information as is permitted to be
omitted from the Registration Statement when it becomes effective
pursuant to Rule 430A of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated
under the Act (the "Regulations"), which information ("Rule 430
Information") shall be deemed to be included in such Registration
Statement when a final prospectus is filed with the Commission in
accordance with Rules 430A and 424(b)(1) or (4) of the Regulations;
the term "Preliminary Prospectus" means each prospectus included in
the Registration Statement, or any amendments thereto, before it
becomes effective under the Act, the form of prospectus omitting
Rule 430A Information included in the Registration Statement when it
becomes effective, if applicable (the "Rule 430A Prospectus"), and
any prospectus filed by the Company with your consent pursuant to
Rule 424(a) of the Regulations; and the term "Prospectus" means
the final prospectus included as part of the Registration Statement,
except that if the prospectus relating to the securities covered by
the Registration Statement in the form first filed on behalf of the
Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the
Regulations shall differ from such final prospectus, the term
"Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus as filed pursuant to Rule
424(b) from and after the date on which it shall have first been
used.
(ii) When the Registration Statement becomes effective, and at
all times subsequent thereto to and including the Closing Dates, and
during such longer period as the Prospectus may be required to be
delivered in connection with sales by the Underwriters or a dealer,
and during such longer period until any post-effective amendment
thereto shall become effective, the Registration Statement (and any
post-effective amendment thereto) and the Prospectus (as amended or as
supplemented if the Company shall have filed with the Commission any
amendment or supplement to the
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<PAGE>
Registration Statement or the Prospectus) will contain all statements
which are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Act and
the Regulations, will comply with the Act and the Regulations, and
will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading, and no event will have
occurred which should have been set forth in an amendment or
supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which has
not then been set forth in such an amendment or supplement; if a Rule
430A Prospectus is included in the Registration Statement at the time
it becomes effective, the Prospectus filed pursuant to Rules 430A and
424(b)(1) or (4) will contain all Rule 430A Information; and each
Preliminary Prospectus, as of the date filed with the Commission, did
not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading; except that no representation
or warranty is made in this Section 4(a)(ii) with respect to statement
or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Company as stated in Section 7(b) with
respect to any Underwriter by or on behalf of such Underwriter through
the Representative expressly for inclusion in any Preliminary
Prospectus, the Registration Statement, or the Prospectus, or any
amendment or supplement thereto.
(iii) Neither the Commission nor the "blue sky" or securities
authority of any jurisdiction have issued an order (a "Stop Order")
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, preventing
or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus,
the Registration Statement, or any amendment or supplement thereto,
refusing to permit the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or
suspending the registration or qualification of the Firm Shares or the
Option Shares nor has any of such authorities instituted or threatened
to institute any proceedings with respect to a Stop Order.
(iv) Any contract, agreement, instrument, lease, or license
required to be described in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus has been properly described therein. Any contract
agreement, instrument, lease, or license required to be filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement has been filed with the
Commission as an exhibit to or has been incorporated as an exhibit by
reference into the Registration Statement.
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<PAGE>
(v) The Company has no subsidiary or subsidiaries and does not
control, directly or indirectly, any corporation, partnership, joint
venture, association or other business organization, except for those
listed on Schedule II hereto and for those permitted to be excluded
pursuant to Item 601, Exhibit 21 or Regulation S-K (each such
corporation singly a "Subsidiary" and collectively, the
"Subsidiaries"). Each of the Company and each of the Subsidiaries is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing
under the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation, with full
corporate power and authority, and all necessary consents,
authorizations, approvals, orders, licenses, certificates, and permits
of and from, and declarations and filings with, all federal, state,
local, and other governmental authorities and all courts and other
tribunals, to own, lease, license, and use its properties and assets
and to carry on its business as now being conducted and in the manner
described in the Prospectus. Each of the Company and each of the
Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing
in each jurisdiction in which its ownership, leasing, licensing, or
character, location or use of property and assets or the conduct of
its business makes such qualification necessary. Neither the Company
nor any of the Subsidiaries own, lease or license any property or
conduct any business outside the United States of America.
(vi) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
35,600,000 shares of Common Stock, of which [4,702,808] shares are
outstanding; 2,200,000 shares of Class E-1 common stock, without par
value, of the Company (the "Class E-1 Stock"), of which 1,256,549
shares are outstanding; 2,200,000 shares of Class E-2 common stock,
without par value, of the Company (the "Class E-2" Stock), of which
1,256,549 shares are outstanding; and 8,850,000 shares of preferred
stock, without par value, of the Company of which none are
outstanding. Each outstanding share of Common Stock and each
outstanding share of capital stock of each Subsidiary has been duly
and validly authorized and issued, fully paid, and non-assessable,
without any personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof and
has not been issued and is not owned or held in violation of any
preemptive rights of shareholders and, in the case of the
Subsidiaries, is owned of record and beneficially by the Company, free
and clear of all liens, security interests, pledges, charges,
encumbrances, stockholders' agreements, and voting trusts. There is
no commitment, plan, preemptive right or arrangement to issue, and no
outstanding option, warrant, or other right calling for the issuance
of, shares of capital stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary or any
security or other instrument
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<PAGE>
which by its terms is convertible into, exercisable for, or
exchangeable for capital stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary,
except as may be properly described in the Prospectus. There is
outstanding no security or other instrument which by its terms is
convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock of the Company or
of any Subsidiary, except as may be properly described in the
Prospectus.
(vii) The consolidated financial statements of the Company
and the Subsidiaries included in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus fairly present, with respect to the Company and its
Subsidiaries the financial position, the consolidated results of
operations, and the other information purported to be shown therein at
the respective dates and for the respective periods to which they
apply. Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles (except to the extent
that certain footnote disclosures regarding any stub period may have
been omitted in accordance with the applicable rules of the Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act") consistently applied throughout the periods involved, are
correct and complete, and are in accordance with the books and records
of the Company and the Subsidiaries. The accountants whose report on
the audited financial statements is filed with the Commission as a
part of the Registration Statement are, and during the periods covered
by their report(s) included in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus were, independent certified public accountants with respect
to the Company and the Subsidiaries within the meaning of the Act and
the Regulations. No other financial statements are required by Form
S-1 or otherwise to be included in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus. There has at no time been a material adverse change in
the financial condition, results of operations, business, properties,
assets, liabilities, or future prospects of the Company or any
Subsidiary from the latest information set forth in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus, except as may be properly described in
the Prospectus.
(viii) There is no litigation, arbitration, claim, governmental
or other proceeding (formal or informal), or investigation before any
court or before any public body or board pending, threatened, or in
prospect (or any basis therefor) with respect to the Company, any
Subsidiary, or any of their respective operations, business,
properties, or assets, except as may be properly described in the
Prospectus or such as individually or in the aggregate do not now have
and will not in the future have a
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<PAGE>
material adverse effect upon the operations, business, properties,
assets or financial condition of the Company. Neither the Company nor
any of the Subsidiaries is involved in any labor dispute, nor is such
dispute threatened, which dispute would have a material adverse effect
upon the operations, business, properties, assets or financial
condition of the Company or the Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor
the Subsidiaries is in violation of, or in default with respect to,
any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, or decree; nor is the
Company or the Subsidiaries required to take any action in order to
avoid any such violation or default.
(ix) The Company and each of the Subsidiaries has good and
marketable title in fee simple absolute to all real properties and
good title to all other properties and assets which the Prospectus
indicates are owned by it, and has valid and enforceable leasehold
interests in each of such items, free and clear of all liens, security
interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances, and mortgages (except as
may be properly described in the Prospectus). No real property owned,
leased, licensed or used by the Company or the Subsidiaries lies in an
area which is, or to the knowledge of the Company or the Subsidiaries
will be, subject to zoning, use or building code restrictions which
would prohibit, and no state of facts relating to the actions or
inaction of another person or entity or his or its ownership, leasing,
licensing or use of any real or personal property exists or will exist
which would prevent, the continued effective ownership, leasing,
licensing or use of such real property in the business of the Company
or the Subsidiaries as presently conducted or as the Prospectus
indicates it contemplates conducting (except as may be properly
described in the Prospectus).
(x) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries, nor to the
knowledge of the Company and the Subsidiaries, any other party, is now
or is expected by the Company to be in violation or breach of, or in
default with respect to, complying with any term, obligation or
provision of any contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license,
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, arrangement or understanding
which is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries or by which any
of its properties or business may be bound or affected, and no event
has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would
constitute such a default, and each such contract, agreement,
instrument, lease, license, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note,
arrangement or understanding is in full force and is the legal, valid
and binding obligation of the parties thereto and is enforceable as to
them in accordance with
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<PAGE>
its terms. The Company and each of the Subsidiaries enjoys peaceful
and undisturbed possession under all leases and licenses under which
it is operating. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is a
party to or bound by any contract, agreement, instrument, lease,
license, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, arrangement or
understanding, or subject to any charter or other restriction, which
has had or may in the future have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition, results of operations, business, properties,
assets, liabilities or future prospects of the Company or any of the
Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is in
violation or breach of, or in default with respect to, any term of its
certificate of incorporation (or other charter document) or by-laws or
of any franchise, license, permit, judgment, decree, order, statute,
rule or regulation.
(xi) The Company and each of the Subsidiaries has filed all
federal, state, local and foreign tax returns which are required to be
filed through the date hereof, or have received extensions thereof,
and have paid all taxes shown on such returns and all assessments
received by it to the extent that the same are material and have
become due.
(xii) All patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark
applications, trade names, service marks, copyrights, copyright
applications, franchises, and other intangible properties and assets
listed in the Registration Statement under "Business-Patents and
Patent Applications" (all of the foregoing being collectively herein
called "Intangibles") that the Company and the Subsidiaries own,
possesses or have pending, or under which they are licensed, are in
good standing and uncontested. There is no right under any Intangible
necessary to the business of the Company or the Subsidiaries as
presently conducted or as the Prospectus indicates the Company or the
Subsidiaries contemplates conducting (except as may be so described in
the Prospectus). Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has
infringed, is infringing, or has received any notice of infringement
with respect to asserted Intangibles of others. To the knowledge of
the Company and each of the Subsidiaries, there is no infringement by
others of Intangibles of the Company or the Subsidiaries. To the
knowledge of the Company and the Subsidiaries, there is no Intangible
of others which has had or may in the future have a materially adverse
effect on the financial condition, results of operations, business,
properties, assets, liabilities or future prospects of the Company and
the Subsidiaries.
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<PAGE>
(xiii) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries nor any
director, officer, agent, employee or other person associated with or
acting on behalf of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries has,
directly or indirectly: used any corporate funds for unlawful
contributions, gifts, entertainment, or other unlawful expenses
relating to political activity; made any unlawful payment to foreign
or domestic government officials or employees or to foreign or
domestic political parties or campaigns from corporate funds; violated
any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as
amended; or made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment,
kickback, or other unlawful payment. No transaction has occurred
between or among the Company and any of its officers or directors or
any affiliates or affiliates of any such officer or director, except
as described in the Prospectus.
(xiv) The Company has all requisite power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform each of this Agreement and the
Representative's Warrants (collectively, the "Company Documents").
All necessary corporate proceedings of the Company have been duly
taken to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of each of
the Company Documents. This Agreement has been duly authorized,
executed, and delivered by the Company, is the legal, valid and
binding obligation of the Company, and is enforceable as to the
Company in accordance with its terms and each of the other Company
Documents have been duly authorized and when executed and delivered by
the Company will be the legal, valid and binding obligation of the
Company enforceable as to the Company in accordance with its terms
(subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws
affecting the enforceability of creditors' rights generally). No
consent, authorization, approval, order, license, certificate or
permit of or from, or declaration or filing with, any federal, state,
local or other governmental authority or any court or other tribunal
is required by the Company for the execution, delivery or performance
by the Company of the Company Documents (except filings under the Act
which have been or will be made before the applicable Closing Date and
such consents consisting only of consents under "blue sky" or
securities laws which have been obtained at or prior to the date of
this Agreement). No consent of any party to any contract, agreement,
instrument, lease, license, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note,
arrangement or understanding to which the Company is a party, or to
which any of its respective properties or assets are subject, is
required for the execution, delivery or performance of the Company
Documents, and the execution, delivery and performance of the Company
Documents, will not violate, result in a breach of, conflict with,
accelerate the
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<PAGE>
due date of any payments under, or (with or without the giving of
notice or the passage of time or both) entitle any party to terminate
or call a default under any such contract, agreement, instrument,
lease, license, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, arrangement,
or understanding, or violate or result in a breach of any term of the
certificate of incorporation (or other charter document) or by-laws of
the Company, or violate, result in a breach of, or conflict with any
law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree binding on the
Company or to which any of its operations, business, properties or
assets are subject.
(xv) The Firm Shares, the Option Shares and the Warrant Stock are
duly and validly authorized. The Firm Shares, the Option Shares and
the Warrant Stock, when delivered in accordance with this Agreement
and the Representative's Warrants, respectively, will be duly and
validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable, without any personal
liability attaching to the ownership thereof, and will not be issued
in violation of any preemptive rights of shareholders, optionholders,
warrantholders and any other persons and the Underwriters will receive
good title to the Firm Shares, Option Shares and Warrant Stock
purchased by them, respectively, free and clear of all liens, security
interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances, shareholders' agreements
and voting trusts.
(xvi) The Warrant Stock is validly authorized and reserved
for issuance and, when issued and delivered upon exercise of the
Representative Warrants, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-
assessable, without any personal liability attaching to the ownership
thereof, and will not be issued in violation of any preemptive rights
of stockholders, optionholders, warrantholders and any other persons
and the holders of the Representative Warrants will receive good title
to the securities purchased by them, respectively, free and clear of
all liens, security interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances,
stockholders' agreements and voting trusts.
(xvii) The Firm Shares, the Option Shares, the Representative's
Warrants, all of the classes of the Common Stock and the Preferred
Stock, conform to all statements relating thereto contained in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
(xviii) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which
information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus,
and except as may otherwise be properly described therein, there has
not been any material adverse change in the
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<PAGE>
assets or properties, business or results of operations or financial
condition of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, whether or not
arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business; neither
the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has sustained any material
loss or interference with its business or properties from fire,
explosion, earthquake, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered
by insurance; since the date of the latest balance sheet included in
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as reflected
therein, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has
undertaken any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, except
for liabilities or obligations undertaken in the ordinary course of
business; and the Company has not (A) issued any securities or
incurred any liability or obligation, primary or contingent, for
borrowed money, (B) entered into any transaction not in the ordinary
course of business, or (C) declared or paid any dividend or made any
distribution on any of its capital stock or redeemed, purchased or
otherwise acquired or agreed to redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire
any shares of its capital stock.
(xix) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries, nor any of
their officers, directors or affiliates (as defined in the
Regulations), has taken or will take, directly or indirectly, prior to
the termination of the underwriting syndicate contemplated by this
Agreement, any action designed to stabilize or manipulate the price of
any security of the Company, or which has caused or resulted in, or
which might in the future reasonably be expected to cause or result
in, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the
Company, to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Firm Shares or
the Option Shares.
(xx) The Company has obtained from each of its executive officers
and directors, their enforceable written agreement, in form and
substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, that for a
period of 180 days from the date on which the public offering of the
Shares commences they will not, without the prior written consent of
Rodman & Renshaw, Inc. ("Rodman"), on behalf of the Underwriters,
offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, grant any option for the sale
of, or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of
Common Stock or other securities of the Company (or any security or
other instrument which by its terms is convertible into, exercisable
for, or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock or other securities of
the Company, including, without limitation, any shares of Common Stock
issuable under any employee stock options), beneficially owned by
them.
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<PAGE>
(xxi) The Company is not, and does not intend to conduct its
business in a manner in which it would be, an "investment company" as
defined in Section 3(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"Investment Company Act").
(xxii) No person or entity has the right to require registration
of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company because
of the filing or effectiveness of the Registration Statement, except
such person or entities from whom written waivers of such rights have
been received prior to the date hereof.
(xxiii) Except as may be set forth in the Prospectus, neither the
Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has incurred any liability for a
fee, commission or other compensation on account of the employment of
a broker or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
(xxiv) No transaction has occurred between or among the Company
or any of the Subsidiaries and any of their respective officers or
directors or any affiliates of any such officer or director, that is
required to be described in and is not described in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus.
(xxv) All issuances and sales of securities by the Company and
the Subsidiaries were either (i) registered in a public offering or
(ii) exempt from registration under the Act and complied in all
respects with the provisions of all applicable federal and state
securities laws.
(xxvi) The Company has, and at each Closing Date will have, made
all filings required to be made by it under the Exchange Act, and such
filings, at the time they were made, complied in all material respects
with the requirements of the Exchange Act, and the rules and
regulations thereunder, and did not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(xxvii) The Common Stock, including the Shares, are authorized
for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market.
(xxviii) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries nor any
of their affiliates is presently doing business with the government of
Cuba or with any person or affiliate located in Cuba.
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<PAGE>
If, at any time after the date that the Registration Statement is
declared effective with the Commission or with the Florida Department
of Banking and Finance (the "Florida Department"), whichever date is
later, and prior to the end of the period referred to in the first
clause of Section 4(a)(ii) hereof, the Company commences engaging in
business with the government of Cuba or with any person or affiliate
located in Cuba, the Company will so inform the Florida Department
within ninety days after such commencement of business in Cuba, and
during the period referred to in Section 4(a)(ii) hereof will inform
the Florida Department within ninety days after any change occurs with
respect to previously reported information.
5. CONDITIONS OF THE UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of the
Underwriters under this Agreement are several and not joint. The respective
obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Shares are subject to each of
the following terms and conditions:
(a) The Prospectus shall have been timely filed with the Commission
in accordance with Section 6(a)(i) of this Agreement.
(b) No order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary
prospectus or the Prospectus shall have been or shall be in effect and no
order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be
in effect and no proceedings for such purpose shall be pending before or
threatened by the Commission, and any requests for additional information
on the part of the Commission (to be included in the Registration Statement
or the Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the
satisfaction of the Representative.
(c) The representations and warranties of the Company contained in
this Agreement and in the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 5(d)
shall be true and correct when made and on and as of each Closing Date as
if made on such date and the Company shall have performed all covenants and
agreements and satisfied all the conditions contained in this Agreement
required to be performed or satisfied by it at or before such Closing Date.
(d) The Representative shall have received on each Closing Date a
certificate, addressed to the Representative and dated such Closing Date,
of the chief executive or chief operating officer and the chief financial
officer of the Company to the effect that the persons executing such
certificate have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the
Prospectus and this Agreement and that the representations and warranties
of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct on and as of such
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Closing Date with the same effect as if made on such Closing Date and the
Company has performed all covenants and agreements and satisfied all
conditions contained in this Agreement required to be performed or
satisfied by it at or prior to such Closing Date.
(e) The Representative shall have received at the time this Agreement
is executed and on each Closing Date a signed letter from Price Waterhouse,
LLP addressed to the Representative and dated, respectively, the date of
this Agreement and each such Closing Date, in form and scope reasonably
satisfactory to the Representative, with reproduced copies or signed
counterparts thereof for each of the Underwriters confirming that they are
independent accountants within the meaning of the Act and the Regulations,
that the response to Item 10 of the Registration Statement is correct in so
far as it relates to them and stating in effect that:
(i) in their opinion the audited financial statements and
financial statement schedules included or incorporated by reference in
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and reported on by them
comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable
accounting requirements of the Act, the Exchange Act and the related
published rules and regulations thereunder;
(ii) on the basis of a reading of the amounts included in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus under the heading "Selected
Financial Data" which would not necessarily reveal matters of
significance with respect to the comments set forth in such letter, a
reading of the minutes of the meetings of the shareholders and
directors of the Company, and inquiries of certain officials of the
Company who have responsibility for financial and accounting matters
of the Company as to transactions and events subsequent to the date of
the latest audited financial statements, except as disclosed in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, nothing came to their
attention which caused them to believe that:
(A) the amounts in "Selected Financial Data," and included
or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and
the Prospectus do not agree with the corresponding amounts in the
audited financial statements from which such amounts were
derived; or
(B) with respect to the Company, there were, at a specified
date not more than five business days prior to the date of the
letter, any decreases in net sales, income before income taxes
and net income or any increases in long-term
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debt of the Company or any decreases in the capital stock,
working capital or the shareholders' equity in the Company, as
compared with the amounts shown on the Company's audited Balance
Sheet for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996 included in the
Registration Statement or the audited Statement of Operations,
for such year; and
(iii) they have performed certain other procedures as a result of
which they determined that information of an accounting, financial or
statistical nature (which is limited to accounting, financial or
statistical information derived from the general accounting records of
the Company) set forth in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus and reasonably specified by the Representative agrees with
the accounting records of the Company.
References to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus in this
paragraph (e) are to such documents as amended and supplemented at the date
of such letter.
(f) The Representative shall have received on each Closing Date from
Rutan & Tucker, LLP, counsel for the Company, an opinion, addressed to the
Representative and dated such Closing Date, and in form and scope
satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, with reproduced copies or
signed counterparts thereof for each of the Underwriters, to the effect
that:
(i) The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, with full corporate power and authority to own, lease,
license and use its properties and assets and to conduct its business
in the manner described in the Prospectus. To the knowledge of such
counsel, the Company has no subsidiary and does not control, directly
or indirectly any corporation, partnership, joint venture, association
or other business organization except for those listed on Schedule II
attached hereto and those permitted to be excluded in a registration
statement pursuant to Item 601, Exhibit 21 of Regulation S-K (each
such corporation singly a "Subsidiary" and collectively, the
"Subsidiaries"). Each of the Subsidiaries has been duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation, with full corporation power and
authority to own, lease, license and use its properties and assets and
to conduct its business in the manner described in the Prospectus. To
the knowledge of such counsel, the Company and each of the
Subsidiaries has all necessary consents, authorizations, approvals,
orders, certificates and permits of and
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from, and declarations and filings with, all federal, state, local and
other governmental authorities and all courts and other tribunals, to
own, lease, license and use its properties and assets and to conduct
its business in the manner described in the Prospectus. The Company
and each of the Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business and is
in good standing, in each state where the failure to be so qualified
could have a material adverse effect on the operating condition
(financial and otherwise) or business of the Company and each of the
Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries owns,
leases or licenses any property or conducts any business outside the
United States of America.
(ii) The Company has authorized, issued and outstanding capital
stock as set forth in the "actual" column of the capitalization table
under the caption "Capitalization" in the Prospectus. The
certificates evidencing the Shares are in due and proper legal form.
Each outstanding share of Common Stock has been duly and validly
authorized and issued, fully paid, and non-assessable, without any
personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof, and has not
been issued and is not owned or held in violation of any preemptive
right of shareholders. To the knowledge of such counsel, all of the
capital stock of the Subsidiaries is owned of record and beneficially
by the Company, free and clear of all liens, security interests,
pledges, changes, encumbrances, stockholders' agreements and voting
trusts. To the knowledge of such counsel, there is no commitment,
plan, or arrangement to issue, and no outstanding option, warrant, or
other right calling for the issuance of, any share of capital stock of
the Company or any security or other instrument which by its terms is
convertible into, exercisable for, or exchangeable for capital stock
of the Company, except as may be properly described in the Prospectus.
To the knowledge of such counsel, there is outstanding no security or
other instrument which by its terms is convertible into, exercisable
for or exchangeable for capital stock of the Company, except as may be
properly described in the Prospectus.
(iii) To the knowledge of such counsel, there is no
litigation, arbitration, claim, governmental or other proceeding
(formal or informal), or investigation before any court or before any
public body or board pending, threatened, or in prospect (or any basis
therefor) with respect to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or
any of their respective operations, businesses, properties, assets, or
financial condition except as may be properly described in the
Prospectus or such as individually or in
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the aggregate do not now have and will not in the future have a
material adverse effect upon the operations, business, properties,
assets, or financial condition of the Company or any of the
Subsidiaries. To the knowledge of such counsel, neither the Company,
nor any of the Subsidiaries is involved in any labor dispute, nor is
such dispute threatened, which dispute would have a material adverse
effect upon the operations, business, properties, assets or financial
condition of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. Neither the
Company, nor any of the Subsidiaries is in violation of, or in default
with respect to, any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, or
decree, except as may be properly described in the Prospectus or such
as in the aggregate do not now have and will not in the future have a
material adverse effect upon the operations, business, properties,
assets, or financial condition of the Company or any of the
Subsidiaries; nor is the Company, or any of the Subsidiaries required
to take any action in order to avoid any such violation or default.
(iv) To the knowledge of such counsel, neither the Company, any
of the Subsidiaries, nor any other party is now or is expected by the
Company, or any of the Subsidiaries, to be in violation or breach of,
or in default with respect to, complying with any term, obligation or
provision of any contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license,
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, arrangement or understanding
which is material to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or by
which any of its properties or businesses may be bound or affected and
no event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would
constitute such a default.
(v) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is in
violation or breach of, or in default with respect to, any term of its
certificate of incorporation (or other charter document) or by-laws.
(vi) The Company has all requisite power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform the Company Agreements and to issue and
sell the Shares and to issue the Representative's Warrants. All
necessary corporate proceedings of the Company have been taken to
authorize the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of
the Company Documents. Each of the Company Documents has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, is the legal, valid
and binding obligation of the Company and (subject to applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws affecting the enforceability of
creditors' rights generally) is enforceable as to
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the Company in accordance with its terms. No consent, authorization,
approval, order, license, certificate or permit of or from, or
declaration or filing with, any federal state, local or other
governmental authority or any court or other tribunal is required by
the Company, for the execution, delivery or performance by the Company
of the Company Documents (except filings under the Act which have been
made prior to the Closing Date and consents consisting only of
consents under "blue sky" or securities laws). To the knowledge of
such counsel, no consent of any party to any contract, agreement,
instrument, lease, license, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note,
arrangement or understanding to which the Company is a party, or to
which any of its respective properties or assets are subject, is
required for the execution, delivery or performance of the Company
Documents; and the execution, delivery and performance of the Company
Documents will not violate, result in a breach of, conflict with, or
(with or without the giving of notice or the passage of time or both)
entitle any party to terminate or call a default under any such
contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license, indenture, mortgage,
deed of trust, note, arrangement or understanding, in each case known
to such counsel, or violate or result in a breach of any term of the
certificate of incorporation (or other charter document) or by-laws
of the Company, or violate, result in a breach of, or conflict with
any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, or decree binding on the
Company or to which any of its respective operations, businesses,
properties or assets are subject.
(vii) The Warrant Stock is validly authorized and reserved
for issuance and, when issued and delivered upon exercise of the
Representative Warrants, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-
assessable, without any personal liability attaching to the ownership
thereof, and will not be issued in violation of any preemptive rights
of stockholders, optionholders, warrantholders and any other persons
and the holders of the Representative Warrants will receive good title
to the securities purchased by them, respectively, free and clear of
all liens, security interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances,
stockholders' agreements and voting trusts.
(viii) The Firm Shares, the Option Shares and the Warrant Stock
are duly and validly authorized. Such opinion delivered at each of
the Closing Dates shall state that each Share, as the case may be, to
be delivered on that date is duly and validly issued, fully paid, and
non-assessable, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership
thereof, and is not issued in violation
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of any preemptive rights of shareholders, and the Underwriters have
received good title to the Shares purchased by them, respectively,
from the Company for the consideration contemplated herein and in good
faith and without notice of any adverse claim within the meaning of
the Uniform Commercial Code, free and clear of any liens, security
interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances, shareholders' agreements,
voting trusts and other claims. The Common Stock, the Preferred
Stock, the Firm Shares and the Option Shares conform to all statements
relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus.
(ix) The shares of Warrant Stock have been duly and validly
reserved for issuance. Such opinion delivered at the Firm Shares
Closing Date shall state that the Representative Warrants to be
delivered on that date have been duly and validly issued, fully paid,
and non-assessable, with no personal liability attaching to the
ownership thereof, and will not have been issued in violation of any
preemptive rights of stockholders, optionholders, warrantholders and
any other persons, and the holders of the Representative Warrants will
receive good title to the securities purchased by them, respectively,
from the Company, for the consideration contemplated herein and in
good faith and without notice of any adverse claim within the meaning
of the Uniform Commercial Code, free and clear of any liens, security
interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances, stockholders' agreements,
voting trusts and other claims. The Warrant Stock and the
Representative Warrants conform to all statements relating thereto
contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
(x) To the knowledge of such counsel, any contract, agreement,
instrument, lease or license required to be described in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus has been properly described
therein. To the knowledge of such counsel, any contract, agreement,
instrument, lease or license required to be filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement has been filed with the Commission as an
exhibit to or has been incorporated as an exhibit by reference into
the Registration Statement.
(xi) Insofar as statements in the Prospectus purport to summarize
the status of litigation or the provisions of laws, rules,
regulations, orders, judgments, decrees, contracts, agreements,
instruments, leases or licenses, such statements have been prepared or
reviewed by such counsel and to the knowledge of such counsel,
accurately reflect the status of such litigation and
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provisions purported to be summarized and are correct in all material
respects.
(xii) The Company is not an "investment company" as defined in
Section 3(a) of the Investment Company Act and, if the Company
conducts its business as set forth in the Prospectus, will not become
an "investment company" and will not be required to be registered
under the Investment Company Act.
(xiii) To the knowledge of such counsel, no person or entity has
the right to require registration of shares of Common Stock or other
securities of the Company because of the filing or effectiveness of
the Registration Statement except such persons or entities from whom
written waivers of such rights have been received prior to the Closing
Date.
(xiv) The Registration Statement has become effective under
the Act. No Stop Order has been issued and no proceedings for that
purpose has been instituted or are threatened, pending, or to such
counsel's knowledge, contemplated.
(xv) The Registration Statement, any Rule 430A Prospectus, and
the Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto (other than
financial statements and other financial data and schedules which are
or should be contained in any thereof, as to which such counsel need
express no opinion), comply as to form in all material respects with
the requirements of the Act and the Regulations. The conditions for
the use of Form S-1 have been satisfied with respect to the
Registration Statement.
(xvi) Such counsel has no reason to believe that any of the
Registration Statement, any Rule 430A Prospectus, or the Prospectus,
or any amendment or supplement thereto (other than financial
statements and other financial data and schedules which are or should
be contained in any thereof, as to which such counsel need express no
opinion), contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading.
(xvii) To the knowledge of such counsel, since the effective date
of the Registration Statement, no event has occurred which should have
been set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus which has not been set forth in such an
amendment or supplement.
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(xviii) The agreement of each officer and director of the
Company, stating that for a period of 180 days from the date on which
the public offering of the Shares commences, such officer or director
will not, without the prior written consent of Rodman, on behalf of
the Underwriters, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, grant any
option for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of, directly or
indirectly, any shares of Common Stock (or any other securities of the
Company or any security or other instrument which by its terms is
convertible into, exercisable for, or exchangeable for shares of
Common Stock or other securities of the Company, including, without
limitation, any shares of Common Stock issuable under any employee
stock options), beneficially owned by such individual, has been duly
and validly authorized, executed and delivered by such individual and
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such individual
enforceable against such individual in accordance with its terms.
In addition, such counsel shall state that such counsel has
participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
and in conferences with officers and other representatives of the Company,
representatives of the Representative and representatives of the independent
accountants of the Company, at which conferences the contents of the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus and related matters were discussed
and, although such counsel has not independently verified and is not passing
upon and does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or
fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus (except as specified in the foregoing opinion), on the basis of the
foregoing and relying as to materiality upon the representations of executive
officers of the Company after conferring with such executive officers, no facts
have come to the attention of such counsel which lead such counsel to believe
that the Registration Statement at the time it became effective contained any
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
or that the Prospectus, except for the financial statements and other financial
and statistical data included therein as to which counsel need express no
opinion, as amended or supplemented on the date thereof contained any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading.
In rendering their opinion as aforesaid, counsel may rely upon an
opinion or opinions, each dated the Closing Date, of other counsel retained by
the Company as to laws of any jurisdiction other than the Federal laws of the
United States, the General Corporate Law of the states of Delaware, California
and New York, provided that (1) each such local counsel is reasonably acceptable
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to the Representative and (2) such reliance is expressly authorized by each
opinion so relied upon and a copy of each such opinion is addressed to the
Representative and is in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to them and
their counsel. In addition, such counsel may rely, as to matters of fact, to
the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of responsible officers of
the Company, provided that executed copies of such certificates are provided to
the Representative.
(g) The Representative shall have received on each Closing Date from
Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP, patent counsel for the Company, an opinion,
addressed to the Representative and dated such Closing Date, and in form and
scope satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters.
(h) The Representative shall have received on each Closing Date from
Hogan & Hartzen, FDA counsel for the Company, an opinion, addressed to the
Representative and dated such Closing Date, and in form and scope satisfactory
to counsel for the Underwriters.
(i) All proceedings taken in connection with the sale of the Firm
Shares and the Option Shares as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in
form and substance to the Representative and its counsel, and the Underwriters
shall have received from Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent & Sheinfeld, LLP, a
favorable opinion, addressed to the Representative and dated such Closing Date,
with respect to the Shares, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and
such other related matters, as the Representative may reasonably request, and
the Company shall have furnished to Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent & Sheinfeld,
LLP, such documents as they may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling
them to pass upon such matters.
(j) On each Closing Date, the Company shall have issued to the
Representative, the Representative's Warrants equal to 10% of the shares of
Common Stock sold on each Closing Date.
6. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.
(a) The Company covenants and agrees as follows:
(i) The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the
Registration Statement to become effective as promptly as possible.
If the Registration Statement has become or becomes effective with a
form of prospectus omitting Rule 430A information, or filing of the
Prospectus is otherwise required under Rule 424(b), the Company will
file the Prospectus, properly completed, pursuant to Rule 424(b)
within the time period prescribed and will provide evidence
satisfactory to you of such timely filing. The Company shall
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notify you immediately, and confirm such notice in writing, (A) when
the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto
become effective, (B) of the receipt of any comments from the
Commission or the "blue sky" or securities authority of any
jurisdiction regarding the Registration Statement, any post-effective
amendment thereto, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement
thereto, and (C) of the receipt of any notification with respect to a
Stop Order. The Company shall not file any amendment of the
Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus unless the
Company has furnished the Representative a copy for their review prior
to filing and shall not file any such proposed amendment or supplement
to which the Representative reasonably object. The Company shall use
its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any Stop Order and, if
issued, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof.
(ii) During the time when a prospectus relating to the Shares is
required to be delivered hereunder or under the Act or the
Regulations, comply so far as it is able with all requirements imposed
upon it by the Act, as now existing and as hereafter amended, and by
the Regulations, as from time to time in force, so far as necessary to
permit the continuance of sales of or dealings in the Shares in
accordance with the provisions hereof and the Prospectus. If, at any
time when a prospectus relating to the Shares is required to be
delivered under the Act and the Regulations, any event as a result of
which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
necessary to make the statements therein in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made not misleading, or if it
shall be necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply
with the Act or the Regulations, the Company promptly shall prepare
and file with the Commission, subject to the third sentence of
paragraph (i) of this Section 6(a), an amendment or supplement which
shall correct such statement or omission or an amendment which shall
effect such compliance.
(iii) The Company shall make generally available to its
security holders and to the Representative as soon as practicable, but
not later than 45 days after the end of the 12-month period beginning
at the end of the fiscal quarter of the Company during which the
Effective Date (or 90 days if such 12-month period coincides with the
Company's fiscal year), an earnings statement (which need not be
audited) of the Company, covering such 12-month
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period, which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act
or Rule 158 of the Regulations.
(iv) The Company shall furnish to the Representative and counsel
for the Underwriters, without charge, signed copies of the
Registration Statement (including all exhibits and amendments thereto)
and to each other Underwriter a copy of the Registration Statement
(without exhibits thereto) and all amendments thereof and, so long as
delivery of a prospectus by an Underwriter or dealer may be required
by the Act or the Regulations, as many copies of any preliminary
prospectus and the Prospectus and any amendments thereof and
supplements thereto as the Representative may reasonably request.
(v) The Company shall cooperate with the Representative and its
counsel in endeavoring to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under
the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representative may designate and
shall maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required for
the distribution of the Shares; provided, however, that the Company
shall not be required in connection therewith, as a condition thereof,
to qualify as a foreign corporation or to execute a general consent to
service of process in any jurisdiction or subject itself to taxation
as doing business in any jurisdiction.
(vi) For a period of five years after the date of this Agreement,
the Company shall supply to the Representative, and to each other
Underwriter who may so request in writing, copies of such financial
statements and other periodic and special reports as the Company may
from time to time distribute generally to the holders of any class of
its capital stock and to furnish to the Representative a copy of each
annual or other report it shall be required to file with the
Commission.
(vii) Without the prior written consent of Rodman, on behalf
of the Underwriters, for a period of 180 days from the date on which a
public offering of the Shares commences, the Company shall not issue,
sell or register with the Commission or otherwise dispose of, directly
or indirectly, any securities of the Company (or any securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for securities of the
Company), except for the issuance of the Shares pursuant to the
Registration Statement.
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(viii) On or before completion of this offering, the Company
shall make all filings required under applicable securities laws and
by the Nasdaq National Market.
(ix) Until expiration of the Representative's Warrants, the
Company shall keep reserved sufficient shares of Common Stock for
issuance upon exercise thereof.
(x) For a period of one year after the Firm Shares Closing Date,
the Company shall grant the Representative, individually and not as
representative of the Underwriters, a 30-day right of first refusal to
act as the Company's financial advisor or managing underwriter or
exclusive placement agent, as the case may be, in connection with any
sale of the Company (including the sale of a majority or controlling
minority interest in the stock or assets of the Company), an
acquisition or merger by the Company, or the raising of additional
financing through either a public or private offering of securities,
subject to the approval of Rodman's Commitment Committee and the good
faith negotiation of customary and mutually agreeable terms provided
the Company is working with a regional investment banking firm. If
such transaction as is contemplated by this paragraph 6(a)(x) is
instituted by a major bracket investment banking firm, then Rodman
will act as a manager and receive economics pari passu to all other
co-managers, provided that if there are no other co-managers, then
Rodman will receive no less than 35%. Rodman's rights under this
Section 6(a)(x) shall terminate upon the earlier of (i) the completion
of the first successful transaction under this Section 6(a)(x)
performed by Rodman, or (ii) Rodman's failure to exercise its right of
first refusal to lead manage a bonafide public offering of at least
$20,000,000.
(xi) The Company will make all filings required to be made under
the Exchange Act and such filings shall comply in all material
respects with the Requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder.
(b) The Company agrees to pay, or reimburse if paid by the
Representative, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are
consummated or this Agreement is terminated, all costs and expenses
relating to the registration and public offering of the Shares including
those relating to: (i) the preparation, printing, filing and distribution
of the Registration Statement including all exhibits thereto, each
preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus, all amendments and supplements to
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the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and any documents required
to be delivered with any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, and the
printing, filing and distribution of the Agreement Among Underwriters, this
Agreement and related documents; (ii) the preparation and delivery of
certificates for the Shares to the Underwriters; (iii) the registration or
qualification of the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or Blue
Sky laws of the various jurisdictions referred to in Section 6(a)(v),
including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in
connection with such registration and qualification and the preparation,
printing, distribution and shipment of preliminary and supplementary Blue
Sky memoranda; (iv) the furnishing (including costs of shipping and
mailing) to the Representative and to the Underwriters of copies of each
preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus and all amendments or supplements to
the Prospectus, and of the several documents required by this Section to be
so furnished, as may be reasonably requested for use in connection with the
offering and sale of the Shares by the Underwriters or by dealers to whom
Shares may be sold; (v) the filing fees of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. in connection with its review of the terms of the
public offering; (vi) the furnishing (including costs of shipping and
mailing) to the Representative and to the Underwriters of copies of all
reports and information required by Section 6(a)(vi); (vii) inclusion of
the Shares for quotation on the NASDAQ National Market System; and (viii)
all transfer taxes, if any, with respect to the sale and delivery of the
Shares by the Company to the Underwriters. Except as otherwise
contemplated by Section 9 hereof, the Underwriters will pay their own
counsel fees and expenses to the extent not otherwise covered by clause
(iii) above, and their own travel and travel-related expenses in connection
with the distribution of the Shares. Without limiting the Company's
obligations set forth above, it agrees to pay all of its other costs and
expenses incident to the performance of its obligations under this
Agreement and the sale of the Shares by it hereunder.
7. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each
Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within
the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act
against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities, joint or
several (including any reasonable investigation, legal and other expenses
incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any
action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted), to which they, or any of
them, may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or other Federal
or state law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of or are based
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upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any preliminary prospectus, the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of
or are based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein such
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make such statements
therein not misleading. Such indemnity shall not inure to the benefit of
any Underwriter (or any person controlling such Underwriter) on account of
any losses, claims, damages or liabilities arising from the sale of the
Shares to any person by such Underwriter if such untrue statement or
omission or alleged untrue statement or omission was made in such
preliminary prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or
such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished in writing to the Company by the Representative on
behalf of any Underwriter specifically for use therein. In no event shall
the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 7(a) inure to the
benefit of any Underwriter on account of any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or actions arising from the sale of the Shares upon the public
offering to any person by such Underwriter if such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or actions arise out of, or are based upon, a statement or
omission or alleged omission in a preliminary prospectus and if, in respect
to such statement, omission or alleged omission, the Prospectus differs in
a material respect from such preliminary prospectus and a copy of the
Prospectus has not been sent or given to such person at or prior to the
confirmation of such sale to such person. This indemnity agreement will be
in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have.
(b) Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify
and hold harmless the Company, each person, if any, who controls the
Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange Act, each director of the Company, and each officer of the Company
who signs the Registration Statement, to the same extent as the foregoing
indemnity from the Company to each Underwriter, but only insofar as such
losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of or are based upon any
untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission which
was made in any Preliminary Prospectus, any Rule 430A Prospectus, the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or any amendment thereof or
supplement thereto, which were made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished in writing to the Company by the Representative on
behalf of any Underwriter for specific use therein; provided, however, that
the obligation of each Underwriter to indemnify the Company (including any
controlling person, director or officer thereof) shall be limited to the
net proceeds received by the Company from such Underwriter. For all
purposes of this Agreement, the amounts of the selling concession and
reallowance set forth in the
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Prospectus constitute the only information furnished in writing by or on
behalf of any Underwriter expressly for inclusion in any Preliminary
Prospectus, any Rule 430A Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto.
(c) Any party that proposes to assert the right to be indemnified
under this Section will, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement
of any action, suit or proceeding against such party in respect of which a
claim is to be made against an indemnifying party or parties under this
Section, notify each such indemnifying party of the commencement of such
action, suit or proceeding, enclosing a copy of all papers served. No
indemnification provided for in Section 7(a) or 7(b) shall be available to
any party who shall fail to give notice as provided in this Section 7(c) if
the party to whom notice was not given was unaware of the proceeding to
which such notice would have related and was prejudiced by the failure to
give such notice but the omission so to notify such indemnifying party of
any such action, suit or proceeding shall not relieve it from any liability
that it may have to any indemnified party for contribution or otherwise
than under this Section. In case any such action, suit or proceeding shall
be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the
indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party
shall be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that it shall wish,
jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the
defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified
party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified
party of its election so to assume the defense thereof and the approval by
the indemnified party of such counsel, the indemnifying party shall not be
liable to such indemnified party for any legal or other expenses, except as
provided below and except for the reasonable costs of investigation
subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the
defense thereof. The indemnified party shall have the right to employ its
counsel in any such action, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall
be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the employment of
counsel by such indemnified party has been authorized in writing by the
indemnifying parties, (ii) the indemnified party shall have reasonably
concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the indemnifying
parties and the indemnified party in the conduct of the defense of such
action (in which case the indemnifying parties shall not have the right to
direct the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party), or
(iii) the indemnifying parties shall not have employed counsel to assume
the defense of such action within a reasonable time after notice of the
commencement thereof, in each of which cases the reasonable fees and
expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnifying parties.
An indemnifying party shall not be
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liable for any settlement of any action, suit, proceeding or claim effected
without its written consent.
8. CONTRIBUTION. In order to provide for just and equitable contribution
in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in Sections 7(a) and
(b) is due in accordance with its terms but for any reason is held to be
unavailable from the Company or the Underwriters, the Company and the
Underwriters shall contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and
liabilities (including any investigation, legal and other expenses reasonably
incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action,
suit or proceeding or any claims asserted, but after deducting any contribution
received by the Company from persons other than the Underwriters, persons who
control the Company within the meaning of the Act, officers of the Company who
signed the Registration Statement and directors of the Company, who may also be
liable for contribution) to which the Company and one or more of the
Underwriters may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters
on the other from the offering of the Shares or, if such allocation is not
permitted by applicable law or indemnification is not available as a result of
the indemnifying party not having received notice as provided in Section 7
hereof, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative
benefits referred to above but also the relative fault of the Company and on the
one hand and the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or
omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative
benefits received by the Company and the Underwriters shall be deemed to be in
the same proportion as (x) the total proceeds from the Offering (net of
underwriting discounts but before deducting expenses) received by the Company
from the sale of the Shares, as set forth in the table on the cover page of the
Prospectus (but not taking into account the use of the proceeds of such sale of
Shares by the Company), bear to (y) the underwriting discount received by the
Underwriters, as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus.
The relative fault of the Company and the Underwriters shall be determined by
reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact related to information supplied by the Company, or the
Underwriters and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information
and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company
and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 8 were determined by pro rata allocation
(even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any
other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable
considerations referred to above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this
Section 8, (i) in no case shall any Underwriter (except as may be provided in
the Agreement Among Underwriters) be liable or responsible for any amount in
excess of the underwriting discount applicable to the Shares purchased by such
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Underwriter hereunder, and (ii) the Company shall be liable and responsible for
any amount in excess of the underwriting discount; provided, however (i) that no
person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section
11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 8,
each person, if any, who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of Section
15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to
contribution as such Underwriter, and each person, if any, who controls the
Company within the meaning of the Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the
Exchange Act, each officer of the Company who shall have signed the Registration
Statement and each director of the Company shall have the same rights to
contribution as the Company, subject in each case to clauses (i), (ii) and (iii)
in the immediately preceding sentence of this Section 8. Any party entitled to
contribution will, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any
action, suit or proceeding against such party in respect of which a claim for
contribution may be made against another party or parties under this Section,
notify such party or parties from whom contribution may be sought, but the
omission so to notify such party or parties from whom contribution may be sought
shall not relieve the party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from
any other obligation it or they may have hereunder or otherwise than under this
Section. No party shall be liable for contribution with respect to any action,
suit, proceeding or claim settled without its written consent. The
Underwriters' obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8 are several
in proportion to their respective underwriting commitments and not joint.
9. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated with respect to the
Shares to be purchased on any Closing Date by the Representative by notifying
the Company at any time prior to the purchase of the Shares:
(a) in the absolute discretion of the Representative at or before any
Closing Date: (i) if on or prior to such date, any domestic or
international event or act or occurrence has materially disrupted, or in
the opinion of the Representative will in the future materially disrupt,
the securities markets; (ii) if there has occurred any new outbreak or
material escalation of hostilities or other calamity or crisis the effect
of which on the financial markets of the United States is such as to make
it, in the judgment of the Representative, inadvisable to proceed with the
Offering; (iii) if there shall be such a material adverse change in general
financial, political or economic conditions or the effect of international
conditions on the financial markets in the United States such as to make
it, in the judgment of the Representative, inadvisable or impracticable to
market the Shares; (iv) if trading in the Shares has been suspended by the
Commission or trading generally on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the
American Stock Exchange, Inc. or the Nasdaq National Market System has been
suspended or limited, or minimum or
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maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been fixed, or maximum
ranges for prices for securities have been required, by said exchanges or
by order of the Commission, the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., or any other governmental or regulatory authority; or (v) if a
banking moratorium has been declared by any state or federal authority, or
(b) at or before any Closing Date, if any of the conditions specified
in Section 5 shall not have been fulfilled when and as required by this
Agreement.
If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to any of its provisions, the
Company shall not be under any liability to any Underwriter, and no Underwriter
shall be under any liability to the Company, except that (y) if this Agreement
is terminated by the Representative or the Underwriters because of any failure,
refusal or inability on the part of the Company or all of them to comply with
the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, the Company
will reimburse the Underwriters for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the
fees and disbursements of their counsel) incurred by them in connection with the
proposed purchase and sale of the Shares or in contemplation of performing their
obligations hereunder and (z) no Underwriter who shall have failed or refused to
purchase the Shares agreed to be purchased by it under this Agreement, without
some reason sufficient hereunder to justify cancellation or termination of its
obligations under this Agreement, shall be relieved of liability to the Company
or to the other Underwriters for damages occasioned by its failure or refusal.
10. SUBSTITUTION OF UNDERWRITERS. If one or more of the Underwriters
shall fail (other than for a reason sufficient to justify the cancellation or
termination of this Agreement under Section 9) to purchase on any Closing Date
the Shares agreed to be purchased on such Closing Date by such Underwriter or
Underwriters, the Representative may find one or more substitute underwriters to
purchase such Shares or make such other arrangements as the Representative may
deem advisable or one or more of the remaining Underwriters may agree to
purchase such Shares in such proportions as may be approved by the
Representative, in each case upon the terms set forth in this Agreement. If no
such arrangements have been made by the close of business on the business day
following such Closing Date:
(a) if the number of Shares to be purchased by the defaulting
Underwriters on such Closing Date shall not exceed 10% of the Shares that
all the Underwriters are obligated to purchase on such Closing Date, then
each of the nondefaulting Underwriters shall be obligated to purchase such
Shares on the terms herein set forth in proportion to their respective
obligations hereunder; provided, that in no event shall the
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maximum number of Shares that any Underwriter has agreed to purchase
pursuant to Section 1 be increased pursuant to this Section 10 by more than
one-ninth of such number of Shares without the written consent of such
Underwriter, or
(b) if the number of Shares to be purchased by the defaulting
Underwriters on such Closing Date shall exceed 10% of the Shares that all
the Underwriters are obligated to purchase on such Closing Date, then the
Company shall be entitled to an additional business day within which it
may, but is not obligated to, find one or more substitute underwriters
reasonably satisfactory to the Representative to purchase such Shares upon
the terms set forth in this Agreement.
In any such case, either the Representative or the Company shall have the
right to postpone the applicable Closing Date for a period of not more than five
business days in order that necessary changes and arrangements (including any
necessary amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or Prospectus)
may be effected by the Representative and the Company. If the number of Shares
to be purchased on such Closing Date by such defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters shall exceed 10% of the Shares that all the Underwriters are
obligated to purchase on such Closing Date, and none of the nondefaulting
Underwriters or the Company shall make arrangements pursuant to this Section
within the period stated for the purchase of the Shares that the defaulting
Underwriters agreed to purchase, this Agreement shall terminate with respect to
the Shares to be purchased on such Closing Date without liability on the part of
any nondefaulting Underwriter to the Company and without liability on the part
of the Company, except in both cases as provided in Sections 6(b), 7, 8 and 9.
The provisions of this Section shall not in any way affect the liability of any
defaulting Underwriter to the Company or the nondefaulting Underwriters arising
out of such default. A substitute underwriter hereunder shall become an
Underwriter for all purposes of this Agreement.
11. MISCELLANEOUS. The respective agreements, representations,
warranties, indemnities and other statements of the Company or its officers, and
the Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement shall remain in
full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of
any Underwriter or the Company or any of the officers, directors or controlling
persons referred to in Sections 7 and 8 hereof, and shall survive delivery of
and payment for the Shares. The provisions of Sections 6(b), 7, 8 and 9 shall
survive the termination or cancellation of this Agreement.
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<PAGE>
This Agreement has been and is made for the benefit of the Underwriters, the
Company and their respective successors and assigns and, to the extent expressed
herein, for the benefit of persons controlling any of the Underwriters, or the
Company, and directors and officers of the Company, and their respective
successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right
under or by virtue of this Agreement. The term "successors and assigns" shall
not include any purchaser of Shares from any Underwriter merely because of such
purchase.
All notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing and mailed or
delivered, or by telefax or telegraph if subsequently confirmed by letter, (a)
if to the Representative, to Rodman & Renshaw, Inc., One Liberty Plaza, 165
Broadway, New York, New York 10006, and Attention: Julia H. Heckman, Managing
Director, telecopy: (212) 346-5099 and (b) if to the Company, to the Company's
agent for service as such agent's address appears on the cover page of the
Registration Statement.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflict of laws.
This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and
hereto were upon the same instrument.
All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the
masculine, feminine, or neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the
person or persons or entity or entities require.
All section headings herein are for convenience of reference only and are
not part of this Agreement, and no construction or inference shall be derived
therefrom.
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<PAGE>
Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement among
us.
Very truly yours,
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
By:_________________________________
Confirmed on behalf of itself
and as the Representative of the several Underwriters
named in Schedule I annexed hereto:
RODMAN & RENSHAW, INC.
By:______________________________
Name: Julia H. Heckman
Title: Managing Director
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<PAGE>
SCHEDULE I
Number of Firm
Shares to be
NAME OF UNDERWRITER Purchased
- ------------------- ----------------
Rodman & Renshaw, Inc. . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500,000
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<PAGE>
WARRANT FOR COMMON STOCK
W/CASHLESS EXERCISE
THE WARRANTS REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES ISSUABLE
UPON EXERCISE HEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
LAWS AND, UNLESS SO REGISTERED, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT
PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES LAWS.
THE TRANSFER OF THIS WARRANT IS
RESTRICTED AS DESCRIBED HEREIN.
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
Warrant for the Purchase of Shares of Common Stock,
par value $.01 per Share
No. 1 [__________] Shares
THIS CERTIFIES that, for receipt in hand of [$______]
[$0.001 per share of underlying Common Stock] and other value received,
[Rodman & Renshaw, Inc.] (the "Holder"), is entitled to subscribe for and
purchase from PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC., a California corporation (the
"Company"), upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, at any time or
from time to time after [one year after the effective date], and before 5:00
P.M. on [five years after the effective date], New York time (the "Exercise
Period"), [________]shares of the Company's Common Stock, without par value
("Common Stock"), at a price of $_____ per Share [120% of the Offering price]
(the "Exercise Price"). This Warrant is the warrant or one of the warrants
(collectively, including any warrants issued upon the exercise or transfer of
any such warrants in whole or in part, the "Warrants") issued pursuant to the
Underwriting Agreement, dated __________, between Rodman & Renshaw, Inc. as
representative of the several Underwriters named therein, and the Company.
As used herein the term "this Warrant" shall mean and include this Warrant
and any Warrant or Warrants hereafter issued as a consequence of the exercise
or transfer of this Warrant in whole or in part. This Warrant may not be
sold, transferred, assigned or hypothecated until
[one year after the effective date] except that it may be transferred, in
whole or in part, to (i) one or more officers or partners of the Holder (or
the officers or partners of any such partner); (ii) any other underwriting
firm or member of the selling group which participated in the public offering
of Common Stock (the "Offering")
<PAGE>
which commenced on [effective date] (or the officers or partners of any such
firm); (iii) a successor to the Holder, or the officers or partners of such
successor; (iv) a purchaser of substantially all of the assets of the Holder; or
(v) by operation of law; and the term the "Holder" as used herein shall include
any transferee to whom this Warrant has been transferred in accordance with the
above.
The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Warrants (the "Warrant Shares") and the Exercise Price may be adjusted from time
to time as hereinafter set forth.
1. This Warrant may be exercised during the Exercise Period, as to
the whole or any lesser number of whole Warrant Shares, by the surrender of this
Warrant (with the election at the end hereof duly executed) to the Company at
its office at 3 Morgan, Irvine, California 92718, or at such other
place as is designated in writing by the Company, together with a certified or
bank cashier's check payable to the order of the Company in an amount equal to
the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Warrant Shares for which this
Warrant is being exercised (the "Stock Purchase Price").
2. (a) In lieu of the payment of the Stock Purchase Price, the
Holder shall have the right (but not the obligation), to require the Company to
convert this Warrant, in whole or in part, into shares of Common Stock (the
"Conversion Right") as provided for in this Section 2. Upon exercise of the
Conversion Right, the Company shall deliver to the Holder (without payment by
the Holder of any of the Stock Purchase Price) that number of shares of Common
Stock (the "Conversion Shares") equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x)
the value of this Warrant (or portion thereof as to which the Conversion Right
is being exercised if the Conversion Right is being exercised in part) at the
time the Conversion Right is exercised (determined by subtracting the aggregate
Stock Purchase Price of the shares of Common Stock as to which the Conversion
Right is being exercised in effect immediately prior to the exercise of the
Conversion Right from the aggregate Current Market Price (as defined in Section
6(e) hereof) of the shares of Common Stock as to which the Conversion Right is
being exercised immediately prior to the exercise of the Conversion Right) by
(y) the Current Market Price of one share of Common Stock immediately prior to
the exercise of the Conversion Right.
(b) The Conversion Rights provided under this Section 2 may be
exercised in whole or in part and at any time and from time to time while any
Warrants remain outstanding. In order to exercise the Conversion Right, the
Holder shall surrender to the Company, at its offices, this Warrant with the
Notice of Conversion at the end hereof duly executed. The presentation and
surrender shall be deemed a waiver of the Holder's obligation to pay all or any
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<PAGE>
portion of the aggregate purchase price payable for the shares of Common Stock
as to which such Conversion Right is being exercised. This Warrant (or so much
thereof as shall have been surrendered for conversion) shall be deemed to have
been converted immediately prior to the close of business on the day of
surrender of such Warrant for conversion in accordance with the foregoing
provisions.
3. Upon each exercise of the Holder's rights to purchase Warrant
Shares or Conversion Shares, the Holder shall be deemed to be the holder of
record of the Warrant Shares or Conversion Shares issuable upon such exercise or
conversion, notwithstanding that the transfer books of the Company shall then be
closed or certificates representing such Warrant Shares or Conversion Shares
shall not then have been actually delivered to the Holder. As soon as
practicable after each such exercise or conversion of this Warrant, the Company
shall issue and deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates for the
Warrant Shares or Conversion Shares issuable upon such exercise or conversion,
registered in the name of the Holder or its designee. If this Warrant should be
exercised or converted in part only, the Company shall, upon surrender of this
Warrant for cancellation, execute and deliver a new Warrant evidencing the right
of the Holder to purchase the balance of the Warrant Shares (or portions
thereof) subject to purchase hereunder.
4. Any Warrants issued upon the transfer or exercise or conversion in
part of this Warrant shall be numbered and shall be registered in a Warrant
Register as they are issued. The Company shall be entitled to treat the
registered holder of any Warrant on the Warrant Register as the owner in fact
thereof for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or
other claim to or interest in such Warrant on the part of any other person, and
shall not be liable for any registration or transfer of Warrants which are
registered or to be registered in the name of a fiduciary or the nominee of a
fiduciary unless made with the actual knowledge that a fiduciary or nominee is
committing a breach of trust in requesting such registration or transfer, or
with the knowledge of such facts that its participation therein amounts to bad
faith. This Warrant shall be transferable only on the books of the Company upon
delivery thereof duly endorsed by the Holder or by his duly authorized attorney
or representative, or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment,
or authority to transfer. In all cases of transfer by an attorney, executor,
administrator, guardian, or other legal representative, duly authenticated
evidence of his or its authority shall be produced. Upon any registration of
transfer, the Company shall deliver a new Warrant or Warrants to the person
entitled thereto. This Warrant may be exchanged, at the option of the Holder
thereof, for another Warrant, or other Warrants of different denominations, of
like tenor and representing in the aggregate the right to purchase a like number
of Warrant Shares (or portions thereof), upon surrender to the Company or its
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<PAGE>
duly authorized agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no
obligation to cause Warrants to be transferred on its books to any person if, in
the opinion of counsel to the Company, such transfer does not comply with the
provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and the rules
and regulations thereunder.
5. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available out of
its authorized and unissued Common Stock, solely for the purpose of providing
for the exercise of the rights to purchase all Warrant Shares and/or Conversion
Shares granted pursuant to the Warrants, such number of shares of Common Stock
as shall, from time to time, be sufficient therefor. The Company covenants that
all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant, upon receipt
by the Company of the full Exercise Price therefor, and all shares of Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of this Warrant, shall be validly issued, fully
paid, and nonassessable, without any personal liability attaching to the
ownership thereof, and will not be issued in violation of any preemptive rights
of stockholders, optionholders, warrantholders and any other persons and the
Holders will receive good title to the securities purchased by them,
respectively, free and clear of all liens, security interests, pledges, charges,
encumbrances, stockholders' agreements and voting trusts which might be created
by acts or omissions to act of the Company.
6. (a) In case the Company shall at any time after the date the
Warrants were first issued (i) declare a dividend on the outstanding Common
Stock payable in shares of its capital stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding
Common Stock, (iii) combine the outstanding Common Stock into a smaller number
of shares, or (iv) issue any shares of its capital stock by reclassification of
the Common Stock (including any such reclassification in connection with a
consolidation or merger in which the Company is the continuing corporation),
then, in each case, the Exercise Price, and the number and kind of securities
issuable upon exercise or conversion of this Warrant, in effect at the time of
the record date for such dividend or of the effective date of such subdivision,
combination, or reclassification, shall be proportionately adjusted so that the
Holder after such time shall be entitled to receive the aggregate number and
kind of shares which, if such Warrant had been exercised or converted
immediately prior to such time, he would have owned upon such exercise or
conversion and been entitled to receive by virtue of such dividend, subdivision,
combination, or reclassification. Such adjustment shall be made successively
whenever any event listed above shall occur.
(b) In case the Company shall distribute to all holders of Common
Stock (including any such distribution made to the stockholders of the Company
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<PAGE>
in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the
continuing corporation) evidences of its indebtedness, cash (other than any cash
dividend which, together with any cash dividends paid within the 12 months prior
to the record date for such distribution, does not exceed 5% of the Current
Market Price at the record date for such distribution) or assets (other than
distributions and dividends payable in shares of Common Stock), or rights,
options, or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock, or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, then, in each case,
the Exercise Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Exercise Price in effect
immediately prior to the record date for the determination of stockholders
entitled to receive such distribution by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the Current Market Price per share of Common Stock on such record date,
less the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the board of
directors of the Company, whose determination shall be conclusive absent
manifest error) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets so to
be distributed, or of such rights, options, or warrants or convertible or
exchangeable securities, or the amount of such cash, applicable to one share,
and the denominator of which shall be such Current Market Price per share of
Common Stock. Such adjustment shall be made whenever any such distribution is
made, and shall become effective on the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.
(c) For the purpose of any computation under this Section 6, the
Current Market Price per share of Common Stock on any date shall be deemed to be
the average of the daily closing prices for the 30 consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the date in question. The closing price for each day
shall be the last reported sales price regular way or, in case no such reported
sale takes place on such day, the closing bid price regular way, in either case
on the principal national securities exchange (including, for purposes hereof,
the NASDAQ National Market System) on which the Common Stock is listed or
admitted to trading or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading
on any national securities exchange, the highest reported bid price for the
Common Stock as furnished by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. through NASDAQ or a similar organization if NASDAQ is no longer reporting
such information. If on any such date the Common Stock is not listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange and is not quoted by
NASDAQ or any similar organization, the fair value of a share of Common Stock
on such date, as determined in good faith by the board of directors of the
Company, whose determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error, shall be
used.
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<PAGE>
(d) No adjustment in the Exercise Price shall be required if such
adjustment is less than $.05; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any adjustments which by
reason of this Section 6 are not required to be made shall be carried forward
and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under
this Section 6 shall be made to the nearest cent or to the nearest
one-thousandth of a share, as the case may be.
(e) In any case in which this Section 6 shall require that an
adjustment in the Exercise Price be made effective as of a record date for a
specified event, the Company may elect to defer, until the occurrence of such
event, issuing to the Holder, if the Holder exercised or converted this Warrant
after such record date, the shares of Common Stock, if any, issuable upon such
exercise or conversion over and above the shares of Common Stock, if any,
issuable upon such exercise or conversion on the basis of the Exercise Price in
effect prior to such adjustment; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall
deliver to the Holder a due bill or other appropriate instrument evidencing the
Holder's right to receive such additional shares upon the occurrence of the
event requiring such adjustment.
(f) Upon each adjustment of the Exercise Price as a result of the
calculations made in this Section 6, this Warrant shall thereafter evidence
the right to purchase, at the adjusted Exercise Price, that number of shares
(calculated to the nearest thousandth) obtained by dividing (i) the product
obtained by multiplying the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of
this Warrant prior to adjustment of the number of shares by the Exercise
Price in effect prior to adjustment of the Exercise Price, by (ii) the
Exercise Price in effect after such adjustment of the Exercise Price.
(g) Whenever there shall be an adjustment as provided in this Section
6, the Company shall promptly cause written notice thereof to be sent by
registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Holder, at its address as it shall
appear in the Warrant Register, which notice shall be accompanied by an
officer's certificate setting forth the number of Warrant Shares purchasable
upon the exercise of this Warrant and the Exercise Price after such adjustment
and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment and
the computation thereof, which officer's certificate shall be conclusive
evidence of the correctness of any such adjustment absent manifest error.
(h) The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of shares of
Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company upon the exercise or
conversion of this Warrant. If any fraction of a share would be issuable on the
exercise or conversion of this Warrant (or specified portions thereof), the
Company shall purchase such fraction for an amount in cash equal to the same
fraction of the Current Market Price of such share of Common Stock on the date
of exercise or conversion of this Warrant.
- 6 -
<PAGE>
7. (a) In case of any consolidation with or merger of the Company
with or into another corporation (other than a merger or consolidation in which
the Company is the surviving or continuing corporation), or in case of any sale,
lease, or conveyance to another corporation of the property and assets of any
nature of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, such
successor, leasing, or purchasing corporation, as the case may be, shall (i)
execute with the Holder an agreement providing that the Holder shall have the
right thereafter to receive upon exercise or conversion of this Warrant solely
the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities, property, cash, or
any combination thereof receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale, lease,
or conveyance by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this
Warrant might have been exercised or converted immediately prior to such
consolidation, merger, sale, lease, or conveyance, and (ii) make effective
provision in its certificate of incorporation or otherwise, if necessary, to
effect such agreement. Such agreement shall provide for adjustments which shall
be as nearly equivalent as practicable to the adjustments in Section 6.
(b) In case of any reclassification or change of the shares of Common
Stock issuable upon exercise or conversion of this Warrant (other than a change
in par value or from no par value to a specified par value, or as a result of a
subdivision or combination, but including any change in the shares into two or
more classes or series of shares), or in case of any consolidation or merger of
another corporation into the Company in which the Company is the continuing
corporation and in which there is a reclassification or change (including a
change to the right to receive cash or other property) of the shares of Common
Stock (other than a change in par value, or from no par value to a specified par
value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination, but including any change
in the shares into two or more classes or series of shares), the Holder shall
have the right thereafter to receive upon exercise or conversion of this Warrant
solely the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities, property,
cash, or any combination thereof receivable upon such reclassification, change,
consolidation, or merger by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for
which this Warrant might have been exercised or converted immediately prior to
such reclassification, change, consolidation, or merger. Thereafter,
appropriate provision shall be made for adjustments which shall be as nearly
equivalent as practicable to the adjustments in Section 6.
(c) The above provisions of this Section 7 shall similarly apply to
successive reclassifications and changes of shares of Common Stock and to
successive consolidations, mergers, sales, leases, or conveyances.
8. In case at any time the Company shall propose
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<PAGE>
(a) to pay any dividend or make any distribution on shares of
Common Stock in shares of Common Stock or make any other distribution
(other than regularly scheduled cash dividends which are not in a greater
amount per share than the most recent such cash dividend) to all holders of
Common Stock; or
(b) to issue any rights, warrants, or other securities to all
holders of Common Stock entitling them to purchase any additional shares of
Common Stock or any other rights, warrants, or other securities; or
(c) to effect any reclassification or change of outstanding
shares of Common Stock, or any consolidation, merger, sale, lease, or
conveyance of property, described in Section 7; or
(d) to effect any liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of
the Company; or
(e) to take any other action which would cause an adjustment to
the Exercise Price;
then, and in any one or more of such cases, the Company shall give written
notice thereof, by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Holder at the
Holder's address as it shall appear in the Warrant Register, mailed at least 15
days prior to (i) the date as of which the holders of record of shares of Common
Stock to be entitled to receive any such dividend, distribution, rights,
warrants, or other securities are to be determined, (ii) the date on which any
such reclassification, change of outstanding shares of Common Stock,
consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance of property, liquidation,
dissolution, or winding-up is expected to become effective, and the date as of
which it is expected that holders of record of shares of Common Stock shall be
entitled to exchange their shares for securities or other property, if any,
deliverable upon such reclassification, change of outstanding shares,
consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance of property, liquidation,
dissolution, or winding-up, or (iii) the date of such action which would require
an adjustment to the Exercise Price.
9. The issuance of any shares or other securities upon the exercise
or conversion of this Warrant, and the delivery of certificates or other
instruments representing such shares or other securities, shall be made without
charge to the Holder for any tax or other charge in respect of such issuance.
The Company shall not, however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable
in respect of any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of any certificate
in a name other than that of the Holder and the Company shall not be required
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to issue or deliver any such certificate unless and until the person or persons
requesting the issue thereof shall have paid to the Company the amount of such
tax or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Company that such tax
has been paid.
10. (a) If, at any time during the five-year period commencing
upon the effective date of the Offering, the Company shall file a
registration statement (other than on Form S-4, Form S-8, or any successor
form) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") while
any Underwriters' Securities (as hereinafter defined) are outstanding, the
Company shall give all the then holders of any Underwriters' Securities (the
"Eligible Holders") at least 30 days prior written notice of the filing of
such registration statement. If requested by any Eligible Holder in writing
within 20 days after receipt of any such notice, the Company shall, at the
Company's sole expense (other than the fees and disbursements of counsel for
the Eligible Holders and the underwriting discounts, if any, payable in
respect of the Underwriters' Securities sold by any Eligible Holder),
register or qualify all or, at each Eligible Holder's option, any portion of
the Underwriters' Securities of any Eligible Holders who shall have made such
request, concurrently with the registration of such other securities, all to
the extent requisite to permit the public offering and sale of the
Underwriters' Securities through the facilities of all appropriate securities
exchanges and the over-the-counter market, and will use its best efforts
through its officers, directors, auditors, and counsel to cause such
registration statement to become effective as promptly as practicable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the managing underwriter of any such
offering shall advise the Company in writing that, in its opinion, the
distribution of all or a portion of the Underwriters' Securities requested to
be included in the registration concurrently with the securities being
registered by the Company would materially adversely affect the distribution
of such securities by the Company for its own account, then any Eligible
Holder who shall have requested registration of his or its Underwriters'
Securities shall delay the offering and sale of such Underwriters' Securities
(or the portions thereof so designated by such managing underwriter) for such
period, not to exceed 90 days (the "Delay Period"), as the managing
underwriter shall request, provided that no such delay shall be required as
to any Underwriters' Securities if any securities of the Company are included
in such registration statement and eligible for sale during the Delay Period
for the account of any person other than the Company and any Eligible Holder
unless the securities included in such registration statement and eligible
for sale during the Delay Period for such other person shall have been
reduced pro rata to the reduction of the Underwriters' Securities which were
requested to be included and eligible for sale during the Delay Period in
such registration. As used herein, "Underwriters' Securities" shall mean the
Warrants and the Warrant Shares and the Conversion Shares which, in each
case, have not been
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previously sold pursuant to a registration statement or Rule 144 promulgated
under the Act.
(b) If, at any time during the four-year period commencing [one year
after the effective date], the Company shall receive a written request, from
Eligible Holders who in the aggregate own (or upon exercise of all Warrants then
outstanding would own) a majority of the total number of shares of Common Stock
then included (or upon such exercise would be included) in the Underwriters'
Securities (the "Majority Holders"), to register the sale of all or part of such
Underwriters' Securities, the Company shall, as promptly as practicable, prepare
and file with the Commission a registration statement sufficient to permit the
public offering and sale of the Underwriters' Securities through the facilities
of all appropriate securities exchanges and the over-the-counter market, and
will use its best efforts through its officers, directors, auditors, and counsel
to cause such registration statement to become effective as promptly as
practicable; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall only be obligated to file
one such registration statement for which all expenses incurred in connection
with such registration (other than the fees and disbursements of counsel for the
Eligible Holders and underwriting discounts, if any, payable in respect of the
Underwriters' Securities sold by the Eligible Holders) shall be borne by the
Company and one additional such registration statement for which all such
expenses shall be paid by the Eligible Holders. Within three business days
after receiving any request contemplated by this Section 10(b), the Company
shall give written notice to all the other Eligible Holders, advising each of
them that the Company is proceeding with such registration and offering to
include therein all or any portion of any such other Eligible Holder's
Underwriters' Securities, provided that the Company receives a written request
to do so from such Eligible Holder within 20 days after receipt by him or it of
the Company's notice.
(c) In the event of a registration pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 10, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Underwriters'
Securities so registered to be registered or qualified for sale under the
securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Holder or such holders
may reasonably request; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall not for any
such purpose be required to (A) qualify generally to do business as a foreign
corporation in any jurisdiction wherein it is not otherwise required to be so
qualified, (B) subject itself to taxation in any jurisdiction wherein it is not
so subject or (C) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction
or otherwise take action that would subject it to the general jurisdiction of
the courts of any jurisdiction to which it is not so subject.
(d) The Company shall keep effective any registration or
qualification contemplated by this Section 10 and shall from time to time amend
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or supplement each applicable registration statement, preliminary prospectus,
final prospectus, application, document, and communication for such period of
time as shall be required to permit the Eligible Holders to complete the offer
and sale of the Underwriters' Securities covered thereby. The Company shall in
no event be required to keep any such registration or qualification in effect
for a period in excess of nine months from the date on which the Eligible
Holders are first free to sell such Underwriters' Securities.
(e) In the event of a registration pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 10, the Company shall furnish to each Eligible Holder such number of
copies of the registration statement and of each amendment and supplement
thereto (in each case, including all exhibits), such reasonable number of
copies of each prospectus contained in such registration statement and each
supplement or amendment thereto (including each preliminary prospectus), all of
which shall conform to the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder, and such other documents, as any Eligible Holder may reasonably
request to facilitate the disposition of the Underwriters' Securities included
in such registration.
(f) In the event of a registration pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 10, the Company shall furnish each Eligible Holder of any Underwriters'
Securities so registered with an opinion of its counsel (reasonably acceptable
to the Eligible Holders) to the effect that (i) the registration statement has
become effective under the Act and no order suspending the effectiveness of the
registration statement, preventing or suspending the use of the registration
statement, any preliminary prospectus, any final prospectus, or any amendment or
supplement thereto has been issued, nor has the Commission or any securities or
blue sky authority of any jurisdiction instituted or threatened to institute any
proceedings with respect to such an order, (ii) the registration statement and
each prospectus forming a part thereof (including each preliminary prospectus),
and any amendment or supplement thereto, complies as to form with the Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder, and (iii) such counsel has no knowledge of
any material misstatement or omission in such registration statement or any
prospectus, as amended or supplemented. Such opinion shall also state the
jurisdictions in which the Underwriters' Securities have been registered or
qualified for sale pursuant to the provisions of Section 10(c).
(g) In the event of a registration pursuant to the provision of this
Section 10, the Company shall enter into a cross-indemnity agreement and a
contribution agreement, each in customary form, with each underwriter, if any,
and, if requested, enter into an underwriting agreement containing conventional
representations, warranties, allocation of expenses, and customary closing
conditions, including, but not limited to, opinions of counsel and accountants'
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<PAGE>
cold comfort letters, with any underwriter who acquires any Underwriters'
Securities.
(h) The Company agrees that until all the Underwriters' Securities
have been sold under a registration statement or pursuant to Rule 144 under the
Act, it shall keep current in filing all reports, statements and other materials
required to be filed with the Commission to permit holders of the Underwriters'
Securities to sell such securities under Rule 144.
11. (a) Subject to the conditions set forth below, the Company agrees
to indemnify and hold harmless each Eligible Holder, its officers, directors,
partners, employees, agents, and counsel, and each person, if any, who controls
any such person within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), from and
against any and all loss, liability, charge, claim, damage, and expense
whatsoever (which shall include, for all purposes of this Section 11, but not be
limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees and any and all reasonable expense
whatsoever incurred in investigating, preparing, or defending against any
litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, and any and all
amounts paid in settlement of any claim or litigation), as and when incurred,
arising out of, based upon, or in connection with (i) any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained (A) in any registration
statement, preliminary prospectus, or final prospectus (as from time to time
amended and supplemented), or any amendment or supplement thereto, relating to
the sale of any of the Underwriters' Securities, or (B) in any application or
other document or communication (in this Section 11 collectively called an
"application") executed by or on behalf of the Company or based upon written
information furnished by or on behalf of the Company filed in any jurisdiction
in order to register or qualify any of the Underwriters' Securities under the
securities or blue sky laws thereof or filed with the Commission or any
securities exchange; or any omission or alleged omission to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and
in conformity with written information furnished to the Company with respect to
such Eligible Holder by or on behalf of such person expressly for inclusion in
any registration statement, preliminary prospectus, or final prospectus, or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or in any application, as the case may be, or
(ii) any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement of the
Company contained in this Warrant. The foregoing agreement to indemnify shall
be in addition to any liability the Company may otherwise have, including
liabilities arising under this Warrant.
If any action is brought against any Eligible Holder or any of its
officers, directors, partners, employees, agents, or counsel, or any controlling
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<PAGE>
persons of such person (an "indemnified party") in respect of which indemnity
may be sought against the Company pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, such
indemnified party or parties shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the
institution of such action (but the failure so to notify shall not relieve the
Company from any liability pursuant to this Section 11(a) and the Company shall
promptly assume the defense of such action, including the employment of counsel
(reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party or parties) and payment of
expenses. Such indemnified party or parties shall have the right to employ its
or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees and expenses of such counsel
shall be at the expense of such indemnified party or parties unless the
employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the Company
in connection with the defense of such action or the Company shall not have
promptly employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party or
parties to have charge of the defense of such action or such indemnified party
or parties shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of
interest between the indemnified party or parties and the Company in the conduct
of the defense of such action in any of which events such fees and expenses
shall be borne by the Company and the Company shall not have the right to direct
the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party or parties.
Anything in this Section 11 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall
not be liable for any settlement of any such claim or action effected without
its written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Company
shall not, without the prior written consent of each indemnified party that is
not released as described in this sentence, settle or compromise any action, or
permit a default or consent to the entry of judgment in or otherwise seek to
terminate any pending or threatened action, in respect of which indemnity may be
sought hereunder (whether or not any indemnified party is a party thereto),
unless such settlement, compromise, consent, or termination includes an
unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability in respect of
such action. The Company agrees promptly to notify the Eligible Holders of the
commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of its
officers or directors in connection with the sale of any Underwriters'
Securities or any preliminary prospectus, prospectus, registration statement, or
amendment or supplement thereto, or any application relating to any sale of any
Underwriters' Securities.
(b) The Holder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company,
each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who shall have signed
any registration statement covering Underwriters' Securities held by the Holder,
each other person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and its or their
respective counsel, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the
Company to the Holder in Section 11(a), but only with respect to statements or
omissions, if any, made in any registration statement, preliminary prospectus,
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<PAGE>
or final prospectus (as from time to time amended and supplemented), or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or in any application, in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished to the Company with respect to the
Holder by or on behalf of the Holder expressly for inclusion in any such
registration statement, preliminary prospectus, or final prospectus, or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or in any application, as the case may be. If
any action shall be brought against the Company or any other person so
indemnified based on any such registration statement, preliminary prospectus, or
final prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any application,
and in respect of which indemnity may be sought against the Holder pursuant to
this Section 11(b), the Holder shall have the rights and duties given to the
Company, and the Company and each other person so indemnified shall have the
rights and duties given to the indemnified parties, by the provisions of Section
11(a).
(c) To provide for just and equitable contribution, if (i) an
indemnified party makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a) or
11(b) (subject to the limitations thereof) but it is found in a final judicial
determination, not subject to further appeal, that such indemnification may not
be enforced in such case, even though this Agreement expressly provides for
indemnification in such case, or (ii) any indemnified or indemnifying party
seeks contribution under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, then the
Company (including for this purpose any contribution made by or on behalf of any
director of the Company, any officer of the Company who signed any such
registration statement, any controlling person of the Company, and its or their
respective counsel), as one entity, and the Eligible Holders of the
Underwriters' Securities included in such registration in the aggregate
(including for this purpose any contribution by or on behalf of an indemnified
party), as a second entity, shall contribute to the losses, liabilities, claims,
damages, and expenses whatsoever to which any of them may be subject, on the
basis of relevant equitable considerations such as the relative fault of the
Company and such Eligible Holders in connection with the facts which resulted in
such losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses. The relative fault, in
the case of an untrue statement, alleged untrue statement, omission, or alleged
omission, shall be determined by, among other things, whether such statement,
alleged statement, omission, or alleged omission relates to information supplied
by the Company or by such Eligible Holders, and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent such
statement, alleged statement, omission, or alleged omission. The Company and
the Holder agree that it would be unjust and inequitable if the respective
obligations of the Company and the Eligible Holders for contribution were
determined by pro rata or per capita allocation of the aggregate losses,
liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses (even if the Holder and the other
indemnified parties were treated as one entity for such
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<PAGE>
purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not reflect the
equitable considerations referred to in this Section 11(c). In no case shall
any Eligible Holder be responsible for a portion of the contribution obligation
imposed on all Eligible Holders in excess of its pro rata share based on the
number of shares of Common Stock owned (or which would be owned upon exercise of
all Underwriters' Securities) by it and included in such registration as
compared to the number of shares of Common Stock owned (or which would be owned
upon exercise of all Underwriters' Securities) by all Eligible Holders and
included in such registration. No person guilty of a fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be
entitled to contribution from any person who is not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 11(c), each person, if any, who
controls any Eligible Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or
Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and each officer, director, partner, employee,
agent, and counsel of each such Eligible Holder or control person shall have the
same rights to contribution as such Eligible Holder or control person and each
person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, each officer of the Company who shall
have signed any such registration statement, each director of the Company, and
its or their respective counsel shall have the same rights to contribution as
the Company, subject in each case to the provisions of this Section 11(c).
Anything in this Section 11(c) to the contrary notwithstanding, no party shall
be liable for contribution with respect to the settlement of any claim or action
effected without its written consent. This Section 11(c) is intended to
supersede any right to contribution under the Act, the Exchange Act or
otherwise.
12. (a) At any time after two (2) years and sixty (60) days after
the closing date of the Offering, on not less than thirty (30) days notice, this
Warrant may be redeemed, at the option of the Company, at a redemption price of
$0.05 per underlying share of Common Stock, provided the market price of the
Common Stock receivable upon exercise of such Warrant shall exceed 250% of the
price per share of Common Stock in the Offering for a period of 60 days
commencing two (2) years after the closing date of the Offering (the "Target
Price"), subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 12(e), below. Market
price for the purpose of this Section 12 shall mean the last reported sale price
on the primary exchange on which the Common Stock is traded, if the Common Stock
is traded on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq Market System.
(b) In the event the conditions set forth in Section 12(a) are met,
and the Company shall desire to exercise its right so to redeem the Warrants, it
shall mail a notice of redemption to each of the Holders of the Warrants to be
redeemed, first class, postage prepaid, not later than the thirtieth day before
the date fixed for redemption, at their last address as shall appear on the
records of the Warrants. Any notice mailed in the manner provided herein
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<PAGE>
shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given whether or not the Holder
receives such notice.
(c) The notice of redemption shall specify the (i) the redemption
price, (ii) the date fixed for redemption, (iii) the place where the Warrants
shall be delivered and the redemption price paid, and (iv) that the right to
exercise the Warrant shall terminate at 5:00 P.M. (New York time) on the
business day immediately preceding the date fixed for redemption. The date
fixed for the redemption of the Warrants shall be the Redemption Date. No
failure to mail such notice nor any defect therein or in the mailing thereof
shall affect the validity of the proceedings for such redemption except as to a
Holder (a) to whom notice was not mailed or (b) whose notice was defective.
(d) Any right to exercise a Warrant shall terminate at 5:00 P.M. (New
York time) on the business day immediately preceding the Redemption Date. On
and after the Redemption Date, Holders of the Warrants shall have no further
rights except to receive, upon surrender of the Warrant, the Redemption Price.
(e) If the shares of the Company's Common Stock are subdivided or
combined into a greater or smaller number of shares of Common Stock, the Target
Price shall be proportionally adjusted by the ratio which the total number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such event bears to the
total number of shares of Common Stock to be outstanding immediately after such
event.
13. Unless registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 10
hereof, the Warrant Shares or Conversion Shares issued upon exercise or
conversion of the Warrants shall be subject to a stop transfer order and the
certificate or certificates evidencing such Warrant Shares shall bear the
following legend:
"THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
"SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND, UNLESS SO
REGISTERED, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION
FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION
REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES
LAWS."
14. Upon receipt of evidence satisfactory to the Company of the loss,
theft, destruction, or mutilation of any Warrant (and upon surrender of any
Warrant if mutilated), and upon reimbursement of the Company's reasonable
incidental expenses, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Holder thereof
a new Warrant of like date, tenor, and denomination.
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15. The Holder of any Warrant shall not have, solely on account of
such status, any rights of a stockholder of the Company, either at law or in
equity, or to any notice of meetings of stockholders or of any other proceedings
of the Company, except as provided in this Warrant.
16. This Warrant shall be construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of New York applicable to contracts made and performed within such
State, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
Dated: , 199_
PREMIER LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
By: _______________________________
[Seal]
______________________________
Secretary
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<PAGE>
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
(To be executed by the registered holder if such holder desires to transfer the
attached Warrant.)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _______________________________ hereby sells,
assigns, and transfers unto __________________ a Warrant to purchase
__________ shares of Common Stock, without par value, of Premier Laser
Systems, Inc. (the "Company"), together with all right, title, and interest
therein, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
_______________________________ attorney to transfer such Warrant on the
books of the Company, with full power of substitution.
Dated: ___________________
Signature ________________________
NOTICE
The signature on the foregoing Assignment must correspond to the name as
written upon the face of this Warrant in every particular, without alteration or
enlargement or any change whatsoever.
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<PAGE>
To: Premier Laser Systems, Inc.
3 Morgan
Irvine, Ca. 92718
ELECTION TO EXERCISE
The undersigned hereby exercises his or its rights to purchase _______
Warrant Shares covered by the within Warrant and tenders payment herewith in the
amount of $_________ in accordance with the terms thereof, and requests that
certificates for such securities be issued in the name of, and delivered to:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
- -_______________________________________________________________________________
(Print Name, Address and Social Security
or Tax Identification Number)
and, if such number of Warrant Shares shall not be all the Warrant Shares
covered by the within Warrant, that a new Warrant for the balance of the Warrant
Shares covered by the within Warrant be registered in the name of, and delivered
to, the undersigned at the address stated below.
Dated: _______________________ Name_______________________________
(Print)
Address:_________________________________________________________
___________________________
(Signature)
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<PAGE>
To: Premier Laser Systems, Inc.
3 Morgan
Irvine, Ca. 92718
CASHLESS EXERCISE FORM
(To be executed upon conversion of the attached Warrant)
The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to surrender its Warrant for the
number of shares of Common Stock as shall be issuable pursuant to the cashless
exercise provisions of the within Warrant, in respect of _____ shares of Common
Stock underlying the within Warrant, and requests that certificates for such
securities be issued in the name of and delivered to:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(Print Name, Address and Social Security
or Tax Identification Number)
and, if such number of shares shall not be all the shares exchangeable or
purchasable under the within Warrant, that a new Warrant for the balance of the
Warrant Shares covered by the within Warrant be registered in the name of, and
delivered to, the undersigned at the addressed stated below.
Dated: _________________________ Name _____________________________
(Print)
Address: _____________________________________________________________
__________________________________
(Signature)
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5.1
LETTERHEAD
MAY 21, 1996
Premier Laser Systems, Inc.
3 Morgan
Irvine, California 92718
Ladies and Gentlemen:
At your request, we have examined the form of Registration Statement on Form
SB-2 (the "Registration Statement") which has been filed by Premier Laser
Systems, Inc. (the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") for the purpose
of registering the sale of 2,875,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company.
We are familiar with the proceedings taken in and proposed to be taken
connection with the issuance and sale of the securities in the manner set forth
in the Registration Statement. Subject to completion of the proceedings
contemplated in connection with the foregoing matters, we are of the opinion
that all of the Common Stock to be sold pursuant to the Registration Statement
has been duly authorized and, when issued and sold in the manner set forth in
the Registration Statement will, upon such issuance and sale, be validly and
legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, or any amendment thereto, and to the use of our name
under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTAN & TUCKER, LLP
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 of our report dated May 17, 1996, relating
to the financial statements of Premier Laser Systems, Inc., which appears in
such Prospectus. We also consent to the references to us under the headings
"Experts" and "Selected Financial Data" in such Prospectus. However, it should
be noted that Price Waterhouse LLP has not prepared or certified such "Selected
Financial Data."
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
May 21, 1996
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF KNOBBE, MARTENS, OLSON & BEAR, LLP
We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts"
in the Prospectus constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form SB-2.
KNOBBE, MARTENS, OLSON & BEAR, LLP
Newport Beach, California
May 21, 1996
