SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the registrant /X/
Filed by a party other than the registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)2))
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14(a)-12
SHEFFIELD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (check the appropriate box):
/ / $125 per Exchange Act Rule 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or
14a- 6(i)(2) or Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and
0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined):
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
<PAGE>
/X/ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement no.:
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(3) Filing Party:
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
SHEFFIELD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, SUITE 4515
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10112
------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
JUNE 20, 1996
----------------------
To the Stockholders of SHEFFIELD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
SHEFFIELD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
will be held at The Drake Swiss Hotel, 440 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10022, on Thursday, June 20, 1996 at 10:00 a.m., local time, for the following
purposes:
1. To elect five (5) members of the Board of Directors;
2. To approve the 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan;
3. To approve an amendment to the Company's 1993 Stock Option
Plan to increase the number of shares of the Company's Common
Stock available for issuance thereunder;
4. To approve an amendment to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of
the Company's Common Stock;
5. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent
auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending December
31, 1996; and
6. To transact such other business as may properly come before
the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on May 13, 1996
are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
GEORGE LOMBARDI
SECRETARY
Dated: New York, New York
May 21, 1996
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL
MEETING YOU ARE URGED TO FILL IN, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE THAT IS PROVIDED,
WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
<PAGE>
SHEFFIELD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, SUITE 4515
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10112
-------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
JUNE 20, 1996
-------------------------
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the stockholders of SHEFFIELD
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in connection
with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of the Company of Proxies for
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at The Drake Swiss Hotel, 440 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10022, on Thursday, June 20, 1996 at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, or at any adjournments thereof. The approximate date on which this
Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy will be first sent or given to
stockholders is May 21, 1996.
RECORD DATE AND VOTING SECURITIES
The voting securities of the Company outstanding on May 13, 1996
consisted of 11,086,397 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Common
Stock"), entitling the holders thereof to one vote per share. Only stockholders
of record as at that date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual
Meeting or any adjournments thereof. A majority of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock present in person or by proxy is required for a quorum.
PROXIES AND VOTING RIGHTS
Shares of Common Stock represented by Proxies, in the accompanying form
of Proxy, which are properly executed, duly returned and not revoked, will be
voted in accordance with the instructions contained therein. If no specification
is indicated on the Proxy, the shares represented thereby will be voted (i) for
the election as directors of the persons who have been nominated by the Board of
Directors, (ii) to approve the Company's 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan (the
"1996 Directors Plan"), (iii) to approve an amendment to the Company's 1993
Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Stock Option Plan") to increase the number of
shares of Common Stock available for issuance thereunder from 500,000 shares to
1,000,000 shares, (iv) to approve an amendment to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from
twenty million (20,000,000) shares to thirty million (30,000,000) shares, (v) to
ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors of the
Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996 and (vi) for any other
matter that may properly come before the Annual Meeting in accordance with the
judgment of the person or persons voting the Proxy.
The execution of a Proxy will in no way affect a stockholder's right to
attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. Any Proxy executed and returned by
a stockholder may be revoked at any time thereafter if written notice of
revocation is given to the Secretary of the Company prior to the vote to be
taken at the Annual Meeting or by execution of a subsequent Proxy which is
presented to the Annual Meeting, or if the stockholder attends the Annual
Meeting and votes by ballot, except as to any matter or matters upon which a
vote shall have been cast pursuant to the authority conferred by such Proxy
prior to such revocation. Broker "non-votes" and the shares of Common Stock as
to which a stockholder abstains are included for purposes of determining the
presence or absence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. A broker "non-vote"
occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a
particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power
with respect to that item and has not received instructions from the beneficial
owner. Broker "non-votes" are not included in the tabulation of the voting
results on the election of directors or issues requiring approval of the
majority of the votes present and, therefore, do not have the effect of votes in
opposition in such tabulations. An abstention from voting on a matter
<PAGE>
or a Proxy instructing that a vote be withheld has the same effect as a vote
against a matter since it is one less vote for approval.
All expenses in connection with this solicitation will be borne by the
Company. It is expected that solicitations will be made primarily by mail, but
regular employees or representatives of the Company may also solicit Proxies by
telephone, telegraph or in person, without additional compensation. In addition,
the Company has engaged MacKenzie Partners, Inc., a proxy solicitation firm, to
assist in the solicitation of Proxies and will pay such firm a fee, estimated at
$1,500, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The Company
will, upon request, reimburse brokerage houses and persons holding shares in the
names of their nominees for their reasonable expenses in sending solicitation
material to their principals.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth information concerning ownership of the
Company's Common Stock, as at May 13, 1996, by (i) each director and nominee for
director, (ii) each executive officer, (iii) all directors and executive
officers as a group and (iv) each person known to the Company to be the
beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES PERCENT OF
BENEFICIALLY OUTSTANDING
BENEFICIAL OWNER(1) OWNED COMMON STOCK(2)
------------------- ----- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Douglas R. Eger......................................................... 802,500(3) 6.9%
Michael Zeldin.......................................................... --(4) *
Anthony B. Alphin, Jr. ................................................. 50,000(5) *
Dr. Stephen Sohn ....................................................... 280,000(6) 2.5%
Bernard Laurent ........................................................ 37,500(7) *
George Lombardi......................................................... 50,000(8) *
All Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers as a Group
(6 persons).......................................................... 1,220,000 10.2
</TABLE>
- - ------------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) The persons named in the table, to the Company's knowledge, have sole
voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as
beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where
applicable and the information contained in the footnotes hereunder.
(2) Calculations assume that all options and warrants held by each director,
director nominee and executive officer and exercisable within 60 days after
May 13, 1996 have been exercised.
(3) Includes 510,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
and warrants exercisable within 60 days of May 13, 1996. Mr. Eger's address
is c/o Sheffield Medical Technologies Inc., 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite
4515, New York, New York 10112.
(4) Mr. Zeldin's address is c/o Sheffield Medical Technologies Inc., 30
Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 4515, New York, New York 10112.
-2-
<PAGE>
(5) Represents 50,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
exercisable within 60 days of April 30, 1996. Mr. Alphin's address is 2692
Richmond Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40509.
(6) Represents (i) 50,000 shares of Common Stock subject to options exercisable
within 60 days of April 30, 1996, (ii) 200,000 shares of Common Stock
subject to a warrant issued to SMT Investment Partnership, a Massachusetts
limited partnership ("SMT"), and (iii) 30,000 shares of Common Stock
subject to a warrant issued to The Fort Hill Group, Inc. ("Fort Hill"). Dr.
Sohn is a general partner of SMT and a former officer of Fort Hill. Dr.
Sohn disclaims beneficial ownership of (a) any shares of Common Stock that
SMT has the right to acquire and (b) any shares that Fort Hill has the
right to acquire (other than 10,000 shares issuable upon exercise of the
above-mentioned warrant issued to Fort Hill that Dr. Sohn has the right to
receive upon issuance). See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions." Dr. Sohn's address is 170 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston,
Massachusetts 02116.
(7) Includes 12,500 shares of Common Stock subject to warrants exercisable
within 60 days of May 13, 1996 held by Global Equities. Mr. Laurent is a
director of Global Equities. Mr. Laurent disclaims beneficial ownership of
any shares of Common Stock that Global Equities has the right to acquire.
Mr. Laurent's address is 168 Sloan Street, London, England SW1X9QF.
(8) Represents 50,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
exercisable within 60 days of May 13, 1996. Mr. Lombardi's address is c/o
Sheffield Medical Technologies Inc., 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 4515, New
York, New York 10112.
---------------
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Directors of the Company hold office until the next annual meeting of
stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualified. Directors
shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, at the
Annual Meeting. If no contrary instructions are indicated, Proxies will be voted
for the election of Douglas R. Eger, Michael Zeldin, Anthony B. Alphin, Jr., Dr.
Stephen Sohn and Bernard Laurent, the five nominees of the Board of Directors.
All of the nominees are currently directors of the Company. The Company does not
expect that any of the nominees will be unavailable for election, but if that
should occur before the Annual Meeting, the Proxies will be voted in favor of
the remaining nominees and may also be voted for a substitute nominee or
nominees selected by the Board of Directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE
FOR ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES
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<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table and paragraphs set forth information regarding each
Director, Director nominee and executive officer of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE DIRECTOR SINCE POSITION WITH COMPANY
---- --- -------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Douglas R. Eger............................... 35 November 1991 Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
Michael Zeldin................................ 58 May 1996 Chief Operating Officer,
Executive Vice President-
Corporate Development and
Director
George Lombardi............................... 52 ---- Chief Financial Officer,
Vice President, Treasurer
and Secretary
Anthony B. Alphin, Jr......................... 50 November 1993 Director
Dr. Stephen Sohn.............................. 51 January 1995 Director
Bernard Laurent............................... 44 May 1995 Director
</TABLE>
DOUGLAS R. EGER. Mr. Eger has been a Director of the Company since
November 1991, served as President of the Company from March 1992 through June
1994 and has served as Chairman of the Company since June 1994. On February 13,
1995, Mr. Eger was elected Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company and was
elected Chief Executive Officer in February 1996. From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Eger
was the owner of Eger Innovation Group, a privately held company engaged in a
variety of technology development and venture capital activities. Mr. Eger was a
founder of Eger Innovation Group, Inc. and a successor company, TechSource
Development Corporation ("TechSource"), a company founded in 1990 to assist
universities in the development and commercialization of promising scientific
discoveries.
MICHAEL ZELDIN, PH.D. Mr. Zeldin has been the Chief Operating Officer
and Executive Vice President - Corporate Development of the Company since March
1996. From 1989 to March 1996, Mr. Zeldin was President of Cambridge Biomedical
Management, a management assistance firm specializing in the biomedical and
pharmaceutical industries. From 1985 to 1989, Mr. Zeldin was President and
Director of Research of Procept, Inc., a developer of immunotherapeutic
technologies and products.
ANTHONY B. ALPHIN. Mr. Alphin has been a Director of the Company since
November 1993. Mr. Alphin has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Moneywatch Investments, Inc., a real estate investment and development company,
since 1981. Mr. Alphin has been a director of Norcross & Co., Inc., the managing
underwriter of the Company's February 1993 public offering, since 1991.
-4-
<PAGE>
DR. STEPHEN SOHN. Dr. Sohn has been a Director of the Company since
January 1995. Dr. Sohn has been on the plastic and reconstructive surgery staff
of the Brigham & Women's Hospital since 1974. From 1974 to 1990 Dr. Sohn was a
Clinical Instructor in surgery at the Harvard University Medical School.
BERNARD LAURENT. Mr. Laurent has been a Director of the Company since
May 1995. Mr. Laurent has been the owner of B. Laurent & Co., an investment firm
based in London, England, since 1990. Prior to 1990, Mr. Laurent served in
various positions at Charterhouse Bank Limited (London), Dillon Read Limited and
Bear Stearns & Co. Mr. Laurent is a Director of International CHS Resources
Corporation (Canada), International Telepresence (Canada) Inc. and Global
Equities S.A. (Paris).
BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors of the Company held eight meetings during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995. From time to time during such fiscal year,
the members of the Board acted by unanimous written consent. The Company has
standing Stock Option, Compensation, Audit and Scientific Review Committees. The
Stock Option Committee reviews, analyzes and approves grants of stock options
and stock to eligible persons under the Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan and the
Company's 1993 Restricted Stock Plan. The current members of the Stock Option
Committee (appointed in March 1996) are Anthony B. Alphin, Jr. and Stephen Sohn.
The Stock Option Committee did not hold any formal meetings in 1995, but
approved certain actions by written consent. The Compensation Committee reviews,
analyses and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding
compensation of Company directors, employees, consultants and others, including
grants of stock options (other than stock option grants under the Company's 1993
Stock Option Plan). The current members of the Compensation Committee (appointed
in December 1995) are Anthony B. Alphin, Jr., Stephen Sohn and Bernard Laurent.
The Compensation Committee did not hold any formal meeting in 1995, but approved
certain actions by written consent. The Audit Committee reviews, analyzes and
makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the Company's
compensation and accounting policies, controls and statements and coordinates
with the Company's independent public accountants. The current members of the
Audit Committee (appointed in December 1995) are Anthony B. Alphin, Jr. and
Bernard Laurent. The Audit Committee held two formal meetings in 1995. The
Scientific Review Committee was established to discuss the science and potential
commercialization, clinical development and business development of existing and
future technologies of the Company. The current members of the Scientific Review
Committee (appointed in July 1995) are Douglas R. Eger and Dr. Stephen Sohn. The
Scientific Review Committee held formal meetings on a monthly basis in 1995. The
Company does not have a standing nominating committee or a committee which
serves nominating functions.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMPENSATION
The Company does not currently compensate Directors who are also
employees of the Company for their service on the Board of Directors. Directors
who are not employees of the Company are entitled to receive compensation for
serving as directors in the amount of $750 for each Board of Directors meeting
attended and $400 for each Board of Directors committee meeting attended. Under
current Company policy, each non-employee Director of the Company receives an
option to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price per share
equal to the then current market price of a share of Common Stock in connection
with such Director's election to the Board of Directors. In the event that the
1996 Directors Plan is approved by the stockholders, on June 30, 1996, all
non-employee Directors will receive an option to purchase 15,000 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price per share equal to the then current market
price of a share of Common Stock. Thereafter, each new non-employee Director
will receive an option under the 1996 Directors Plan to purchase 25,000 shares
of Common Stock upon his or her election to the Board of Directors and will also
receive an option to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock on January 1 of each
year, in each case at an exercise price per share equal to the then current
-5-
<PAGE>
market price of a share of Common Stock. Directors are reimbursed for their
expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors and its
committees.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years indicated, all
compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to Douglas R. Eger and Harvey L.
Kellman, each of whom served as co-chief executive officers of the Company
commencing in February 1995. There is no other executive officer of the Company
whose salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 with respect to the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1995, December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1993.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS
--------------------------------------------- -----------------
OTHER ANNUAL SECURITIES
NAME AND COMPENSATION UNDERLYING
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) ($)(1) OPTIONS(#)
------------------ ---- --------- -------- ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Douglas R. Eger, Chairman............ 1995 $172,500 0 0 80,000
1994 $ 96,000 0 0 0
1993 $ 96,000 0 0 300,000
Harvey L. Kellman, Vice Chairman 1995 $163,125 0 0 0
Chief Executive Officer(2)........... 1994 $ 97,500 0 0 250,000(3)
- - ---------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Perquisites and other personal benefits, securities or property delivered
to each executive officer did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of
such executive's salary and bonus.
(2) Mr. Kellman resigned as an officer and Director of the Company in February
1996.
(3) By agreement of Mr. Kellman and the Company, Mr. Kellman's option to
purchase 124,998 shares of Common Stock included in such option grant was
terminated in August 1995.
-6-
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock
option grants made to Mr. Eger during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% OF TOTAL
NO. OF SECURITIES OPTIONS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED(#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SH) DATE
---- ---------- ----------- ------ ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Douglas R. Eger 80,000 51% $4.00 3/16/99
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth certain information regarding
unexercised stock options held by Messrs. Eger and Kellman as of December 31,
1995. No stock options were exercised by such officers during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1995.
AGGREGATED FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
DECEMBER 31, 1995(#) AT DECEMBER 31, 1994 ($)(1)
NAME EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
---- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Douglas R. Eger............... 510,000/40,000 $422,261/$40,000
Harvey L. Kellman............. 125,002/0 0/0
</TABLE>
- - ----------------
(1) Based on the last reported sales price of the Company's Common Stock on
December 29, 1995, as reported by the American Stock Exchange, of $3.50 per
share.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AND RETIREMENT PLANS
The Company maintains a 401(k) savings plan which covers substantially
all employees. Under the 401(k) savings plan, employees may elect to defer up to
15% of their salary, subject to Internal Revenue Code limits. The Company may
make a discretionary match as well as a discretionary contribution. As of March
31, 1996, the Company had not made any contributions to the 401(k) savings plan.
Aside from the 401(k) plan, the Company does not have any long-term incentive or
defined benefit pension plans.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In October 1995, the Company entered into a two-year employment
agreement with Douglas R. Eger, pursuant to which Mr. Eger serves as the
Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The term of the agreement is
automatically extended for an additional one year term from year to year unless
either party notifies the other of its intention to terminate at least 60 days
prior to the end of the then current term. Mr. Eger is required to devote such
time, attention and energy to the Company as required for performance of his
duties under the
-7-
<PAGE>
agreement. The agreement includes confidentiality and non-compete provisions.
Mr. Eger's annual base salary under the agreement is $230,000.
In March 1996, the Company entered into a two-year employment agreement
with Michael Zeldin pursuant to which Mr. Zeldin agreed to serve as Chief
Operating Officer and Executive Vice President - Corporate Development of the
Company. The Agreement automatically renews for successive one year terms unless
either party provides written notice to the other of his or its intent to
terminate at least 90 days prior to the end of the current term. The agreement
contains non-compete and confidentiality provisions. Mr. Zeldin's annual base
salary under the agreement is $175,000.
In August 1995, the Company entered into an amended and restated
employment agreement with Harvey L. Kellman pursuant to which Mr. Kellman agreed
to serve as the Company's Vice Chairman. The term of the agreement is one year.
Mr. Kellman is required by the agreement to devote his full business and
professional time to Company affairs. The agreement contains non-compete and
confidentiality provisions. Mr. Kellman's annual base salary under the agreement
is $135,000. Mr. Kellman resigned as an officer and Director of the Company in
February 1996.
In September 1995, the Company entered into a two-year employment
agreement with George Lombardi pursuant to which Mr. Lombardi agreed to serve as
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Such agreement
automatically renews for successive one-year terms unless either party provides
written notice to the other of his or its intent to terminate at least 90 days
prior to the initial day of any new term. If Mr. Lombardi's employment is
terminated other than for cause, he is entitled to receive a severance payment
of $60,000, payable in six $10,000 installments. The agreement contains
non-compete and confidentiality provisions. Mr. Lombardi's annual base salary
under the agreement is $120,000.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
requires the Company's officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten
percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file
reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Officers, directors and greater than ten percent
shareholders are required by the Commission's regulations to furnish the Company
with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on review of copies of such forms furnished to the
Company, or written representations that no Form 5's were required, the Company
believes that during the year ended December 31, 1995, except as described
below, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers,
directors and greater than ten-percent beneficial owners were complied with.
Form 3's for each of Bernard Laurent and Dr. Allan M. Green, a former
Director, were filed late with the Commission in 1995.
Douglas R. Eger failed to file one monthly report covering one
transaction in 1995. Such transaction was subsequently reported to the
Commission on Form 5.
Harvey L. Kellman failed to file one monthly report covering one
transaction in 1995. Such transaction was subsequently reported to the
Commission on Form 5.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
On January 23, 1995, SMT made a loan (the "SMT Loan") to the Company in
the principal amount of $550,000 pursuant to a demand loan agreement (the "SMT
Loan Agreement"). Under the terms of the SMT Loan
-8-
<PAGE>
Agreement, SMT could demand the payment in full of the SMT Loan at any time. To
secure the Company's obligations under the SMT Loan Agreement, the Company
granted SMT a security interest in substantially all of the Company's assets,
which security interest has since been released. The note evidencing the SMT
Loan (the "Original SMT Note") was exchanged pursuant to the terms of the SMT
Loan Agreement for a new note (the "SMT Convertible Note") that permitted the
holder to exchange the SMT Convertible Note (in whole, but not in part) into
200,000 shares of Common Stock. In addition, the SMT Loan Agreement required the
Company upon issuance of the SMT Convertible Note to issue to SMT warrants (the
"SMT Warrants") to acquire 200,000 shares of Common Stock at any time within
five years after the date of issue for a price of $4.00 per share. The SMT
Warrants are redeemable by the Company for $4.00 per share at any time after the
price of the Common Stock exceeds an average of $6.00 per share for 20 business
days. SMT was granted certain registration rights with respect to the Common
Stock issuable to SMT upon conversion of the SMT Convertible Note and the SMT
Warrants. By letter dated June 1, 1995, SMT exercised its right to convert the
SMT Convertible Note into 200,000 shares of Common Stock and subsequently
assigned the right to such shares to an unaffiliated third party.
As a condition to making the SMT Loan, the Board of Directors was
expanded by the election of John R. Lakian, George R. Begley, Andrew Monness and
Dr. Stephen Sohn, all nominees of SMT. Messrs. Lakian and Monness resigned as
directors of the Company as of May 24, 1995 and Mr. Begley resigned as a
Director as of July 6, 1995.
At the time of making the SMT Loan, Messrs. Begley and Lakian and Dr.
Stephen Sohn were general partners of SMT. In addition, Messrs. Begley and
Lakian and Dr. Stephen Sohn were executive officers of The Fort Hill Group, Inc.
("Fort Hill"), a former financial adviser to the Company, at such time.
Fort Hill served as financial advisor to the Company in connection with
the Company's private placement of units (each consisting of two shares of
Common Stock and one warrant to purchase an additional share of Common Stock)
that was consummated in April 1995 (the "First 1995 Unit Private Placement").
For its financial advisory services, Fort Hill was paid $177,470 in fees and
commissions. In addition, the Company issued Fort Hill a five year warrant to
purchase 30,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $3.25 per
share.
Global Equities, an investment firm headquartered in Paris, France, was
paid commissions totalling $45,440 for services provided in connection with the
First 1995 Unit Private Placement. In addition, the Company issued Global
Equities units consisting of 25,000 shares of Common Stock and warrants to
purchase 12,500 additional shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.00
per share. Bernard Laurent, a Director of the Company, and Patrick Piard, a
former Director of the Company, are also principals of Global Equities.
TECHSOURCE
E/J Development Corporation d/b/a TechSource Development Corporation
("TechSource") was founded in 1990 as a service corporation to provide advocacy
in the management, protection, development and marketing of promising
technological innovations. The Company acquired its rights to certain of its
biomedical projects from TechSource in consideration for the issuance of shares
of Common Stock by the Company to TechSource described below. TechSource is a
privately held corporation which, prior to September 1994, was owned on an equal
basis by Douglas Eger, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company, and Arthur M. Jenke, a former Director and former Chief Financial
Officer of the Company.
Pursuant to a Right of First Refusal Agreement dated November 10, 1992
(the "Right of First Refusal Agreement") between the Company, TechSource, and
Messrs. Eger and Jenke, TechSource agreed that in the course of its business
involving technology transfer from a variety of disciplines, it would not,
during the term of the agreement, transfer, offer, assign, sell or otherwise
grant to any third party, any interest, in whole or in part, in any biomedical
technology in which TechSource had or could acquire rights, without first
offering to transfer or assign such biomedical technology to the Company upon
the terms and conditions negotiated for, or available to, any other bona fide
prospective transferee. In June 1993, the Right of First Refusal Agreement was
terminated in exchange
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for the grant of five year options to purchase 140,000 shares of Common Stock to
Mr. Eger and 60,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Jenke at an exercise price
equal to $3.50 per share.
Under the UGIF Option Agreement dated November 11, 1992 (the "UGIF
Option Agreement"), which was approved by the Company's stockholders on December
2, 1993, the Company obtained an option from TechSource to acquire an exclusive
sublicense for the UGIF Technology (the "UGIF Option"). Pursuant to the UGIF
Option Agreement, the Company assumed the obligations of TechSource to fund
research under a related sponsored research agreement between TechSource and
Baylor College of Medicine, pursuant to which and if the technology is
successfully developed, the Company has the right to license, fund additional
research and commercialize the UGIF Technology at the time of the execution of
such agreement. As consideration for the UGIF Option, the Company agreed to
issue 300,000 shares of Common Stock to TechSource. TechSource assigned its
right to receive such shares of Common Stock to Messrs. Eger and Jenke and, in
January 1994, the Company issued 215,000 of such shares to Mr. Eger and 85,000
of such shares to Mr. Jenke.
In September 1994, Mr. Eger and Mr. Jenke executed an agreement
pursuant to which Mr. Eger conveyed all of his stock in TechSource to Mr. Jenke.
Upon such conveyance, Mr. Jenke became the sole officer, director and
shareholder of TechSource.
Pursuant to assignment agreements executed by TechSource in 1994,
TechSource formally assigned certain of its rights to technology in respect of
which the Company has funded research to the Company for no additional
consideration.
CONSULTING ARRANGEMENTS
Dr. Allan M. Green and Dr. Stephen Sohn each received fees of $33,333
and $37,500, respectively, in 1995 from the Company in consideration of
scientific consulting services rendered to the Company by them.
Bernard Laurent received $35,000 in 1995 from the Company in
consideration of investment banking and business advice rendered to the Company
by Mr. Laurent.
OTHER TRANSACTIONS
In connection with Arthur M. Jenke's resignation as Director and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company in September 1994, the Company entered into a
consulting agreement with Mr. Jenke. Pursuant to the consulting agreement, Mr.
Jenke agreed to provide advice to the Company in connection with various Company
matters, including periodic filings and registration statements with the
Commission. Mr. Jenke received approximately $5,300 per month for his services
under the consulting agreement and was reimbursed for his related expenses. In
addition, the consulting agreement provides that the Company shall permit Mr.
Jenke to effect a "cashless" exercise of his outstanding options and warrants.
Mr. Jenke's services to the Company as a consultant concluded in January 1995.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
APPROVAL OF 1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN
GENERAL
The Board of Directors has unanimously approved for submission to a
vote of stockholders a proposal to approve the 1996 Directors Plan as set forth
in Appendix A to the Proxy Statement. THIS DISCUSSION IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO APPENDIX A. The purpose of the 1996 Directors Plan is
to secure for the Company
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and its shareholders the benefits arising from stock ownership by its Directors.
The 1996 Directors Plan will provide a means whereby such Directors may purchase
shares of Common Stock pursuant to options granted in accordance with the 1996
Directors Plan. Any Director of the Company who is not a full or part-time
employee of the Company (each an "Eligible Director") shall be eligible to
participate in the 1996 Directors Plan.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE DIRECTORS PLAN
The 1996 Directors Plan is administered by the Board of Directors,
which shall have full and complete authority to adopt such rules and regulations
and to make all such other determinations not inconsistent with the 1996
Directors Plan as may be necessary for the administration thereof.
The Board of Directors is authorized to amend, suspend or terminate the
1996 Directors Plan, except that it is not authorized without stockholder
approval (except with regard to adjustments resulting from changes in
capitalization) to (i) increase the maximum number of shares that may be sold
pursuant to options granted under the 1996 Directors Plan; (ii) change the
minimum price per share at which an option may be exercised pursuant to the 1996
Directors Plan; (iii) increase the maximum term of any option granted under the
1996 Directors Plan; or (iv) permit the granting of options to anyone other than
as provided in the 1996 Directors Plan.
Unless the 1996 Directors Plan is terminated earlier by the Board of
Directors, it will terminate on May 2, 2006.
COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO THE 1996 DIRECTORS PLAN
The shares of Common Stock to be issued under the 1996 Directors Plan
may be either authorized but unissued shares or reacquired shares. The number of
shares of Common Stock available under the 1996 Directors Plan will be subject
to adjustment to prevent dilution in the event of a stock split, combination of
shares, stock dividend or certain other events. If an option granted under the
1996 Directors Plan, or any portion thereof, shall expire or terminate for any
reason without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased shares of Common
Stock covered by such option shall be available for future grants of options.
The 1996 Directors Plan, as proposed, would authorize the issuance of a
maximum of 500,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment, pursuant to
the exercise of options granted thereunder. As of the date hereof, no options to
purchase Common Stock have been granted pursuant to the 1996 Directors Plan.
GRANT OF OPTIONS
Subject to stockholder approval, each incumbent Eligible Director on
June 30, 1996 shall receive the grant of an option to purchase 15,000 shares of
Common Stock on such date. Subject to stockholder approval, each Eligible
Director elected after June 30, 1996 shall receive the grant of an option to
purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock on the date such Eligible Director is
first elected as a member of the Board of Directors. To the extent that shares
of Common Stock remain available for the grant of options under the 1996
Directors Plan, on January 1st of each year commencing January 1, 1997, each
Eligible Director shall be granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of Common
Stock.
VESTING OF OPTIONS
Options granted under the 1996 Directors Plan are exercisable at such
time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by
the Board of Directors at grant; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the case of an
Eligible Director's death or Permanent Disability (as defined in the 1996
Directors Plan), the options held thereby will become immediately exercisable,
unless a longer vesting period is otherwise determined by the Board of Directors
at grant. The Board of Directors may waive any installment exercise provision at
any time in whole or
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in part based on performance and/or such other factors as the Board of Directors
may determine in its sole discretion; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no option shall be
exercisable until at least six months have elapsed from the date of grant and,
PROVIDED, FURTHER, that no option shall be exercisable until stockholder
approval of the 1996 Directors Plan shall have been obtained.
OPTION PRICE
The exercise price of each option shall be the Fair Market Value (as
hereinafter defined) for each share of Common Stock subject to an option. Fair
Market Value means the closing sale price of publicly-traded shares of Common
Stock as quoted on the national exchange on which shares of common stock are
listed (if such shares are so listed) or on the Nasdaq Stock Market System (if
the shares are regularly quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market System) on the date
of grant of any option or on the next preceding date on which shares of Common
Stock are traded if no shares were traded on the date of grant. If the Common
Stock is not quoted on a national exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market System,
Fair Market Value shall be deemed to be the average of the high bid and low
asked prices of publicly-traded shares of Common Stock in the over-the-counter
market on the date of grant, or the next preceding date on which such prices
were recorded, if no shares were traded on the date of grant or, if such bid and
asked prices shall not be available, as reported by any nationally recognized
quotation service selected by the Company.
TERM OF OPTIONS
The term of each option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant,
subject to early termination by the Board of Directors. The 1996 Directors Plan
also provides for the earlier termination of options in the event a Director's
membership on the Board of Directors terminates.
TRANSFERABILITY; TERMINATION OF DIRECTORSHIP
All options granted under the 1996 Directors Plan are non-transferable
and non-assignable except by will or by the laws of decent and distribution and
may be exercised during an Eligible Director's lifetime only by such Eligible
Director, his guardian or legal representative. If an Eligible Director's
membership on the Board of Directors terminates for any reason, including death
of such Eligible Director, an option held on the date of termination may be
exercised in whole or in part at any time within one year after the date of such
termination (but in no event after the term of such option expires) and shall
thereafter terminate.
REGISTRATION OF SHARES
The Company plans to file a registration statement under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the shares of
Common Stock issuable pursuant to the 1996 Directors Plan subsequent to the
approval by the Company's stockholders.
REQUIRED VOTE
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
Common Stock present, in person or by proxy, is required for approval of the
1996 Directors Plan.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE 1996 DIRECTORS PLAN
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PROPOSAL NO. 3
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO 1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Board of Directors of the Company has unanimously approved for
submission to a vote of the shareholders a proposal to amend the 1993 Stock
Option Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to
the exercise of options granted thereunder from 500,000 shares of Common Stock
to 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Amendment"). The purposes of the 1993
Stock Option Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for
positions of responsibility within the Company, to provide additional incentives
to employees of the Company and to promote the success of the Company's business
through the grant of options to purchase Common Stock. Each option granted
pursuant to the 1993 Stock Option Plan shall be designated at the time of grant
as either an "incentive stock option" or as a "non-qualified option."
The 1993 Stock Option Plan, as proposed to be amended, would authorize
the issuance of a maximum of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the
exercise of options granted thereunder. As of the date hereof, stock options to
purchase all of the 500,000 shares of Common Stock available under the 1993
Stock Option Plan have been granted to officers and employees of the Company.
Options to purchase a total of 13,500 shares of Common Stock under the 1993
Stock Option Plan have been exercised through the date hereof.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
The 1993 Stock Option Plan is administered by the Stock Option
Committee of the Board of Directors, which determines to whom, among those
eligible, and the time or times at which options, will be granted, the number of
shares to be subject to options the duration of options, any conditions to the
exercise of options, and the manner in a price at which options may be
exercised. In making such determinations, the Stock Option Committee may take
into account the nature and period of service of eligible employees, their level
of compensation, their past, present and potential contributions to the Company
and such other factors as the Stock Option Committee in its discretion deems
relevant.
The Stock Option Committee is authorized to amend, suspend or terminate
the 1993 Stock Option Plan, except that it is not authorized without stockholder
approval (except with regard to adjustments resulting from changes in
capitalization) to (i) increase the maximum number of shares that may be issued
pursuant to the exercise of options granted under the 1993 Stock Option Plan;
(ii) permit the grant of an incentive stock option under the 1993 Stock Option
Plan with an option price less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares
at the time such option is granted; (iii) change the eligibility requirements
for participation in the 1993 Stock Option Plan; (iv) extend the term of any
option or the period during which any option may be granted under the 1993 Stock
Option Plan; or (v) decrease an option exercise price (although an option may be
cancelled and a new option granted at a lower exercise price).
Unless the 1993 Stock Option Plan is terminated by the Stock Option
Committee, it will terminate on August 30, 2003.
OPTION PRICE
The exercise price of each option is determined by the Stock Option
Committee, but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares
of Common Stock covered by the option on the date the option is granted, in the
case of an incentive stock option, nor less than 85% of the fair market value of
the shares of Common Stock covered by the option on the date the option is
granted, in the case of a non-qualified stock option. If an incentive stock
option is to be granted to an employee who owns over 10% of the total combined
voting power of all classes of Company's stock, then the exercise price may not
be less than 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock covered by the
option on the date the option is granted.
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TERMS OF OPTIONS
Unless otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreement, the term of
each option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant, provided that the
maximum term of each option shall be 10 years. Options granted to an employee
who owns over 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of
the Company shall expire not more than five years after the date of grant. The
1993 Stock Option Plan provides for the earlier expiration of options of a
participant in the event of certain terminations of employment.
REGISTRATION OF SHARES
The Company has filed a registration statement under the Securities Act
with respect to 500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the 1993
Stock Option Plan. The Company intends to file an additional registration
statement under the Securities Act with respect to the additional 500,000 shares
of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Amendment subsequent to the Amendment's
approval by the Company's stockholders.
REQUIRED VOTE
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the
Common Stock present, in person or by proxy, is required by approval of the
Amendment to the 1993 Stock Option Plan. If the Amendment is approved, the first
sentence of Section 3 of the 1993 Stock Option Plan captioned "Common Stock
Subject to the Plan" will read as follows:
"Subject to the provisions of Section 11 of the Plan, the maximum
aggregate number of shares which may be optioned and sold under the Plan is One
Million (1,000,000) Shares of Common Stock."
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL
OF THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE 1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN
PROPOSAL NO. 4
INCREASE AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK
The Board of Directors recommends an amendment to the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of
Common Stock from twenty million (20,000,000) shares to thirty million
(30,000,000) shares. No increase is proposed in the currently authorized number
of shares of the Company's Preferred Stock. If approved by the stockholders, the
first sentence of Article Four of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
would be amended to provide as follows:
"Fourth: The total number of shares of stock that the Corporation shall
have authority to issue is (i) thirty million (30,000,000) shares of
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share ("Common Stock"), and (ii)
three million (3,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value
per share ("Preferred Stock").
The Company is currently authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of
Common Stock. As of May 13, 1996, the record date for the Annual Meeting,
11,086,397 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding, and approximately
an additional 3,820,000 shares of Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon
exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants and for options that may be
granted in the future under the 1993 Stock Option Plan and the 1996 Directors
Plan (assuming the approval of the amendment to the 1993 Stock Option Plan and
the approval of the 1996 Directors Plan by stockholders described in this proxy
statements).
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The Board of Directors of the Company believes that it is advisable and
in the best interests of the Company to have available authorized but unissued
shares of Common Stock in an amount adequate to provide for the future needs of
the Company. The additional shares will be available for issuance from time to
time by the Company in the discretion of the Board of Directors, normally
without further stockholder action (except as may be required for a particular
transaction by applicable law, requirements of regulatory agencies or by stock
exchange rules), for any proper corporate purpose including, among other things,
future acquisitions of property or securities of other corporations, stock
dividends, stock splits, convertible debt financing and equity financings. No
stockholder of the Company would have any preemptive rights regarding future
issuance of any shares of Common Stock.
The Company has no present plans, understandings or agreements for the
issuance or use of the proposed additional shares of Common Stock. However, the
Board of Directors believes that if an increase in the authorized number of
shares of Common Stock were to be postponed until a specific need arose, the
delay and expense incident to obtaining the approval of the Company's
stockholders at that time could significantly impair the Company's ability to
meet financing requirements or other objectives.
Issuing additional shares of Common Stock may have the effect of
diluting the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of the
Company. Although the Board of Directors has no present intention of doing so,
the Company's authorized but unissued Common Stock and Preferred Stock could be
issued in one or more transactions that would make more difficult or costly, and
less likely, a takeover of the Company. The proposed amendment to the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation is not being recommended in response to any
specific effort of which the Company is aware to obtain control of the Company,
nor is the Board of Directors currently proposing to stockholders any
anti-takeover measures.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of outstanding shares
of Common Stock is required for approval of the proposal to amend the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of
Common Stock.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF
THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
PROPOSAL NO. 5
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has appointed Ernst & Young LLP to be the
independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31,
1995. Although the selection of auditors does not require ratification, the
Board of Directors has directed that the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP be
submitted to stockholders for ratification. If stockholders do not ratify the
appointment of Ernst & Young LLP, the Board of Directors will consider the
appointment of other certified public accountants. A representative of Ernst &
Young LLP is expected to be available at the Annual Meeting to make a statement
if such representative desires to do so and to respond to appropriate questions.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Common Stock
present, in person or by proxy, is required for ratification of the appointment
of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors of the Company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE
SELECTION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.
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RESIGNATION OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
On January 10, 1995, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP ("KPMG") resigned as
independent accountants to the Company. KPMG's accountant's report on the
financial statements of the Company for the past two years did not contain an
adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as
to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, except that KPMG's report
dated February 11, 1994 on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31,
1993, and the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and
cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1992 and the period from
October 17, 1986 (inception) to December 31, 1993 contained a separate paragraph
stating that the Company's "recurring losses and net deficit position raise
substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's
plans in regard to these matters are described in Note 8. The financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of
this uncertainty." There were no disagreements on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or
procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of KPMG,
would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the
disagreements in connection with its reports.
On March 2, 1995, Ernst & Young LLP was engaged as the new independent
accountants to the Company. The change in accountants was approved by the Board
of Directors of the Company.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
To the extent required by law, any stockholder proposal intended for
presentation at next year's annual stockholders' meeting must be received at the
Company's principal executive offices prior to February 28, 1997.
OTHER MATTERS
So far as it is known, there is no business other than that described
above to be presented for action by the stockholders at the forthcoming Annual
Meeting, but it is intended that Proxies will be voted upon any other matters
and proposals that may legally come before the Annual Meeting, or any
adjustments thereof, in accordance with the discretion of the persons named
therein.
The Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995, including financial statements, has been mailed to stockholders with this
Proxy Statement. If, for any reason, you did not receive your copy of the Annual
Report, please advise the Company and a copy will be sent to you.
By Order of the Board of Directors
GEORGE LOMBARDI
SECRETARY
Dated: New York, New York
May 21, 1996
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APPENDIX A TO
PROXY STATEMENT
SHEFFIELD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Sheffield Medical Technologies Inc. 1996 Directors
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") is to secure for Sheffield Medical Technologies
Inc. and its stockholders the benefits arising from stock ownership by its
Directors. The Plan will provide a means whereby such Directors may purchase
shares of the common stock, $.01 par value, of Sheffield Medical Technologies
Inc. pursuant to options granted in accordance with the Plan.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
The following capitalized terms used in the Plan shall have the
respective meanings set forth in this Article:
2.1 "AMEX" shall mean the American Stock Exchange.
2.2 "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of Sheffield Medical
Technologies Inc.
2.3 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2.4 "Company" shall mean Sheffield Medical Technologies Inc. and any of
its Subsidiaries.
2.5 "Director" shall mean any person who is a member of the Board of
Directors of the Company.
2.6 "Eligible Director" shall be any Director who is not a full or
part-time Employee of the Company.
2.7 "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
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2.8 "Exercise Price" shall mean the price per Share at which an Option
may be exercised.
2.9 "Fair Market Value" shall mean the closing price of publicly traded
Shares on the national securities exchange on which Shares are listed (if the
Shares are so listed) or on the Nasdaq Stock Market System (if the Shares are
regularly quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market System), or, if not so listed or
regularly quoted, the average of the closing bid and asked prices of publicly
traded Shares in the over-the-counter market, or, if such bid and asked prices
shall not be available, as reported by any nationally recognized quotation
service selected by the Board.
2.10 "Grant Date" shall mean the Initial Grant Date and any Subsequent
Grant Date.
2.11 "Initial Grant Date" shall mean June 30, 1996 with respect to each
Eligible Director that is a member of the Board on such date.
2.12 "New Director Grant Date" shall mean, with respect to an Eligible
Director first elected a member of the Board after June 30, 1996, the date such
Eligible Director is first elected a member of the Board.
2.13 "Option" shall mean an Option to purchase Shares granted pursuant
to the Plan.
2.14 "Option Agreement" shall mean the written agreement described in
Article VI herein.
2.15 "Permanent Disability" shall mean the condition of an Eligible
Director who is unable to participate as a member of the Board by reason of any
medically determined physical or mental impairment that can be expected to
result in death or which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not
less than 12 months.
2.16 "Purchase Price" shall be the Exercise Price multiplied by the
number of whole Shares with respect to which an Option may be exercised.
2.17 "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
2.18 "Shares" shall mean shares of common stock, $.01 par value, of the
Company.
2.19 "Subsequent Grant Date" shall mean any Grant Date other than the
Initial Grant Date.
2.20 "Subsidiaries" shall have the meaning provided in Section 425(f)
of the Code.
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ARTICLE III
ADMINISTRATION
3.1 GENERAL. The Plan shall be administered by the Board in accordance
with the express provisions of the Plan.
3.2 POWERS OF THE BOARD. The Board shall have full and complete
authority to adopt such rules and regulations and to make all such other
determinations not inconsistent with the Plan as may be necessary for the
administration of the Plan.
ARTICLE IV
SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN
Subject to adjustment in accordance with Article IX, an aggregate of
500,000 Shares is reserved for issuance under the Plan. Shares sold under the
Plan may be either authorized but unissued Shares or reacquired Shares. If an
Option, or any portion thereof, shall expire or terminate for any reason without
having been exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares covered by such Option
shall be available for future grants of Options.
ARTICLE V
GRANTS
5.1 INITIAL GRANTS. On June 30, 1996, each Eligible Director on such
date shall receive the grant of an Option to purchase 15,000 Shares. If an
Eligible Director is granted an option under the Plan prior to the date of
approval of the Plan by the Company's stockholders, such option shall not become
effective until the Company's stockholders approve the Plan.
5.2 NEW DIRECTOR GRANTS. To the extent that Shares remain available for
the grant of Options under the Plan, on the New Director Grant Date with respect
to an Eligible Director, such Eligible Director shall receive the grant of an
Option to purchase 25,000 Shares.
5.3 SUBSEQUENT GRANTS. To the extent that Shares remain available for
the grant of Options under the Plan, on January 1 of each year commencing
January 1, 1997, each Eligible Director shall be granted an Option to purchase
15,000 Shares.
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5.4 ADJUSTMENT OF GRANTS. The number of Shares set forth in Section
5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 as to which Options shall be granted shall be subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 9.1 hereof.
5.5 COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 16b-3. The terms for the grant of Options to
an Eligible Director may only be changed if permitted under Rule 16b-3 under the
Exchange Act and, accordingly, the formula for the grant of Options may not be
changed or otherwise modified more than once in any six month period, other than
to comport with changes in the Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act, or the rules and regulations thereunder.
ARTICLE VI
TERMS OF OPTION
Each Option shall be evidenced by a written Option Agreement executed
by the Company and the Eligible Director which shall specify the Grant Date, the
number of Shares subject to the Option, the Exercise Price and shall also
include or incorporate by reference the substance of all of the following
provisions and such other provisions consistent with the Plan as the Board may
determine.
6.1 TERM. The term of each Option shall be 5 years from the Grant Date
thereof, subject to earlier termination in accordance with Articles VI and X.
6.2 RESTRICTION ON EXERCISE. Options shall be exercisable at such time
or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the
Board at grant; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the case of the Eligible Director's
death or Permanent Disability, the Options held by him will become immediately
exercisable, unless a longer vesting period is otherwise determined by the Board
at grant. The Board may waive any installment exercise provision at any time in
whole or in part based on performance and/or such other factors as the Board may
determine in its sole discretion; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no Option shall be
exercisable until at least than six months have elapsed from the Grant Date and,
PROVIDED, FURTHER, that no Option will be exercisable until the requisite
approval of the Plan by the Company's stockholders shall have been obtained.
6.3 EXERCISE PRICE. The Exercise Price for each Share subject to an
Option shall be the Fair Market Value of the Share as determined in Section 2.9
herein.
6.4 MANNER OF EXERCISE. An Option shall be exercised in accordance with
its terms, by delivery of a written notice of exercise to the Company and
payment of the full purchase price of the Shares being purchased. An Eligible
Director may exercise an Option with respect to all or less than all of the
Shares for which the Option may then be exercised, but an Eligible Director must
exercise the Option in full Shares.
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6.5 PAYMENT. The Purchase Price of Shares purchased pursuant to an
Option or portion thereof, may be paid:
(a) in United States Dollars, in cash or by check, bank
draft or money order payable to the Company; or
(b) at the discretion of the Board by delivery of Shares
already owned by an Eligible Director with an aggregate Fair Market Value on the
date of exercise equal to the Purchase Price, subject to the provisions of
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act; and
6.6 TRANSFERABILITY. No Option shall be transferable otherwise than by
will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic
relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act, or the rules thereunder. An Option shall be exercisable
during the Eligible Director's lifetime only by the Eligible Director, his
guardian or legal representative.
6.7 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP ON THE BOARD. If an Eligible Director's
membership on the Board terminates for any reason, an Option held on the date of
termination may be exercised in whole or in part at any time within one (1) year
after the date of such termination (but in no event after the term of the Option
expires) and shall thereafter terminate.
ARTICLE VII
GOVERNMENT AND OTHER REGULATIONS
7.1 DELIVERY OF SHARES. The obligation of the Company to issue or
transfer and deliver Shares for exercised Options under the Plan shall be
subject to all applicable laws, regulations, rules, orders and approvals which
shall then be in effect.
7.2 HOLDING OF STOCK AFTER EXERCISE OF OPTION. The Option Agreement
shall provide that the Eligible Director, by accepting such Option, represents
and agrees, for the Eligible Director and his permitted transferees hereunder
that none of the Shares purchased upon exercise of the Option shall be acquired
with a view to any sale, transfer or distribution of the Shares in violation of
the Securities Act and the person exercising an Option shall furnish evidence
satisfactory to that Company to that effect, including an indemnification of the
Company in the event of any violation of the Act by such person. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company in its sole discretion may register under the Act the
Shares issuable upon exercise of the Options under the Plan.
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ARTICLE VIII
WITHHOLDING TAX
The Company may, in its discretion, require an Eligible Director to pay
to the Company, at the time of exercise of an Option an amount that the Company
deems necessary to satisfy its obligations to withhold federal, state or local
income or other taxes (which for purposes of this Article includes an Eligible
Director's FICA obligation) incurred by reason of such exercise. When the
exercise of an Option does not give rise to the obligation to withhold federal
income taxes on the date of exercise, the Company may, in its discretion,
require an Eligible Director to place Shares purchased under the Option in
escrow for the benefit of the Company until such time as federal income tax
withholding is required on amounts included in the Eligible Director's gross
income as a result of the exercise of an Option. At such time, the Company, in
its discretion, may require an Eligible Director to pay to the Company an amount
that the Company deems necessary to satisfy its obligation to withhold federal,
state or local taxes incurred by reason of the exercise of the Option, in which
case the Shares will be released from escrow upon such payment by an Eligible
Director.
ARTICLE IX
ADJUSTMENTS
9.1 PROPORTIONATE ADJUSTMENTS. If the outstanding Shares are increased,
decreased, changed into or exchanged into a different number or kind of Shares
or securities of the Company through reorganization, recapitalization,
reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other
similar transaction, an appropriate and proportionate adjustment shall be made
to the maximum number and kind of Shares as to which Options may be granted
under the Plan. A corresponding adjustment changing the number or kind of Shares
allocated to unexercised Options or portions thereof, which shall have been
granted prior to any such change, shall likewise be made. Any such adjustment in
the outstanding Options shall be made without change in the Purchase Price
applicable to the unexercised portion of the Option with a corresponding
adjustment in the Exercise Price of the Shares covered by the Option.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, there shall be no adjustment for the issuance of
Shares on conversion of notes, preferred stock or exercise of warrants or Shares
issued by the Board for such consideration as the Board deems appropriate.
9.2 DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION. Upon the dissolution or liquidation of
the Company, or upon a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company
with one or more corporations as a result of which the Company is not the
surviving corporation, or upon a sale of substantially all of the property or
more than 80% of the then outstanding Shares of the Company to another
corporation, the Company shall give to each Eligible Director at the time of
adoption of the plan for liquidation, dissolution, merger or sale either (1) a
reasonable time thereafter within which to exercise the Option prior to the
effective date of such liquidation or
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dissolution, merger or sale, or (2) the right to exercise the Option as to an
equivalent number of Shares of stock of the corporation succeeding the Company
or acquiring its business by reason of such liquidation, dissolution, merger,
consolidation or reorganization.
ARTICLE X
AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN
10.1 AMENDMENTS. The Board may at any time amend or revise the terms of
the Plan, provided no such amendment or revision shall, unless appropriate
approval of such amendment or revision by the Company's stockholders is
obtained:
(a) increase the maximum number of Shares which may be
sold pursuant to Options granted under the Plan, except as permitted under the
provisions of Article IX;
(b) change the minimum Exercise Price set forth in
Article VI;
(c) increase the maximum term of Options provided for
in Article VI; or
(d) permit the granting of Options to anyone other
than as provided in Article V.
10.2 TERMINATION. The Board at any time may suspend or terminate the
Plan. The Plan, unless sooner terminated, shall terminate on the tenth (10th)
anniversary of its adoption by the Board. Termination of the Plan shall not
affect Options previously granted thereunder. No Option may be granted under the
Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.
10.3 CONSENT OF HOLDER. No amendment, suspension or termination of the
Plan shall, without the consent of the holder of Options, alter or impair any
rights or obligations under any Option theretofore granted under the Plan.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
11.1 PRIVILEGE OF STOCK OWNERSHIP. No Eligible Director entitled to
exercise any Option granted under the Plan shall have any of the rights or
privileges of a stockholder of the Company with respect to any Shares issuable
upon exercise of an Option until certificates representing the Shares shall have
been issued and delivered.
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11.2 PLAN EXPENSES. Any expenses incurred in the administration of the
Plan shall be borne by the Company.
11.3 USE OF PROCEEDS. Payments received from an Eligible Director upon
the exercise of Options shall be used for general corporate purposes of the
Company.
11.4 GOVERNING LAW. The Plan has been adopted under the laws of the
State of New York. The Plan and all Options which may be granted hereunder and
all matters related thereto, shall be governed by and construed and enforceable
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York as it then exists.
ARTICLE XII
STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL
The Plan is subject to approval of the Company's stockholders, at a
duly held meeting of the Company's stockholders, within 12 months after the date
the Board approves the Plan, by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of
the voting Shares of the Company represented in person or by proxy and entitled
to vote at the meeting. Options may be granted, but not exercised, before such
stockholder approval is obtained. If the stockholders fail to approve the Plan
within the required time period, any Options granted under the Plan shall be
void, and no additional Options may thereafter be granted.
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THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
SHEFFIELD MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
PROXY -- ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
JUNE 20, 1996
The undersigned, a stockholder of Sheffield Medical Technologies Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), does hereby appoint Douglas R. Eger and
George Lombardi, and each of them, the true and lawful attorneys and proxies
with full power of substitution, for and in the name, place and stead of the
undersigned, to vote all of the shares of Common Stock of the Company which the
undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at The Drake Swiss Hotel, 440
Park Avenue at 56th Street, New York, New York 10022, on Thursday, June 20,
1996, at 10:00 a.m., local time, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
The undersigned hereby instructs said proxies or their substitutes:
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
To vote for the election of the following directors: Douglas R.
Eger, Michael Zeldin, Anthony B. Alphin, Jr., Dr. Stephen Sohn,
and Bernard Laurent.
TO WITHHOLD
AUTHORITY TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
TO VOTE TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL
FOR ALL NOMINEE(S), PRINT NAME(S)
FOR ____ NOMINEES ____ BELOW
-------------------------
-------------------------
-------------------------
-------------------------
2. 1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN:
To vote for approval of the 1996 Directors Stock Option Plan.
FOR ____ AGAINST ____ ABSTAIN ____
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3. AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY'S 1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN:
To vote for approval of the amendment of the Company's 1993 Stock
Option Plan.
FOR ____ AGAINST ____ ABSTAIN ____
4. AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION:
To vote for approval of the amendment to the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of
the Company's Common Stock.
FOR ____ AGAINST ____ ABSTAIN ____
5. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS:
To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's
independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996.
FOR ____ AGAINST ____ ABSTAIN ____
6. DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY:
To vote with discretionary authority with respect to all other
matters which may come before the Meeting.
FOR ____ AGAINST ____ ABSTAIN ____
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY DIRECTIONS HEREINBEFORE
GIVEN. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED (i) FOR THE ELECTION
AS DIRECTORS OF THE PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN NOMINATED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
(ii) FOR APPROVAL OF THE 1996 DIRECTORS STOCK OPTION PLAN, (iii) FOR APPROVAL OF
THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S 1993 STOCK OPTION PLAN, (iv) FOR THE APPROVAL OF
THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, (v) TO RATIFY THE
APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND (vi) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DISCRETION
OF THE PROXIES OR PROXY WITH RESPECT TO ANY OTHER BUSINESS TRANSACTED AT THE
ANNUAL MEETING.
The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy or proxies heretofore given
and ratifies and confirms that all the proxies appointed hereby, or any of them,
or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. The
undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Notice of Annual
Meeting and Proxy Statement, both dated May 21, 1996.
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Dated _______________________, 1996
_____________________________ (L.S.)
_____________________________ (L.S.)
Signature(s)
NOTE: PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS HEREON. JOINT OWNERS SHOULD EACH SIGN.
WHEN SIGNING AS ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE
GIVE FULL TITLE AS SUCH. WHEN SIGNING ON BEHALF OF A CORPORATION, YOU SHOULD BE
AN AUTHORIZED OFFICER OF SUCH CORPORATION, AND PLEASE GIVE YOUR TITLE AS SUCH.
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