<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 3, 1996.
REGISTRATION NO. 333-______________
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
----------
Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 7373 94-3092033
(State or other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Classification Number) Identification No.)
</TABLE>
1701 HARBOR BAY PARKWAY
ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA 94502
(510) 769-6001
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
----------
ROBERT K. DAHL
VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE AND
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
ONE ASCEND PLAZA
1701 HARBOR BAY PARKWAY
ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA 94502
(510) 769-6001
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
THOMAS W. FURLONG, ESQ.
JAMES A. SCHEINMAN, ESQ.
Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich
A Professional Corporation
400 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
----------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon
as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, 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, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box: [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, 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
for the same offering. [_] ______________
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
--------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================================
PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE PER AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED SHARE(1) PRICE(1) REGISTRATION FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock ($.001 par value)....................... 90,003 shares $64.0625 $5,765,817 $1,988
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee and
based on the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock of
Ascend Communications, Inc. as reported on The Nasdaq National Market on
October 1, 1996.
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 SUCH 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. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 3, 1996
90,003 SHARES
ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
COMMON STOCK
The 90,003 shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock of Ascend Communications,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Ascend" or the "Company") offered by this
Prospectus were issued in connection with the merger of Subspace Communications,
Incorporated, a California corporation ("Subspace") with Subspace Acquisition
Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ascend
("Sub") (the "Subspace Merger"), which was consummated on August 30, 1996. The
Shares may be sold from time to time by or on behalf of certain former
shareholders of Subspace (the "Selling Stockholders") who are described in this
Prospectus under "Selling Stockholders." As part of the Subspace Merger, the
Company has agreed to register the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"). The Company has also agreed to use its best
efforts to cause the registration statement covering the Shares to remain
effective until the earlier of (i) August 30, 1998, (ii) the date on which the
Selling Stockholders can sell all the Shares pursuant to Rule 144 of the
Securities Act, or (iii) when all the Shares have been resold pursuant to Rule
144 or an effective registration statement. The Company will not receive any of
the proceeds from the sale of the Shares by the Selling Stockholders. See "Use
of Proceeds."
The Company has been advised by the Selling Stockholders that they intend
to sell all or a portion of the Shares from time to time in The Nasdaq National
Market, in negotiated transactions or otherwise, and on terms and at prices then
obtainable. The Selling Stockholders and any broker-dealers, agents or
underwriters that participate with the Selling Stockholders in the distribution
of any of the Shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of
the Securities Act, and any commission received by them and any profit on the
resale of the Shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The Company has agreed to
indemnify in certain circumstances the Selling Stockholders against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The Selling
Stockholders have agreed to indemnify in certain circumstances the Company
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
See "Plan of Distribution."
The Company will bear all costs and expenses incident to the offering and
sale of the Shares to the public, including, without limitation, printers' and
accounting fees, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, but
excluding fees and expenses of counsel to the Selling Stockholders and any
underwriting commissions or discounts, filing fees and transfer or other taxes,
which shall be borne by the Selling Stockholders.
THE SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED FOR SALE UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF
ANY STATE OR JURISDICTION AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS. BROKERS OR DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE SHARES SHOULD CONFIRM THE REGISTRATION OF THE
SHARES UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES IN WHICH SUCH TRANSACTIONS OCCUR,
OR THE EXISTENCE OF ANY EXEMPTIONS FROM SUCH REGISTRATION.
The Company's Common Stock is quoted on The Nasdaq National Market. On
October 1, 1996, the last sales price of the Company's Common Stock as
reported on The Nasdaq National Market was $63.25.
----------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 FOR INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE SHARES OFFERED HEREBY.
----------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1996.
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and
copied at the Commission's public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as at the Regional Offices of the Commission
located at Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60611 and 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10048. Copies of such material can also be obtained by mail from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, upon payment of the fees prescribed by the Commission. Ascend's Common
Stock is traded on The Nasdaq National Market. Reports and other information
concerning Ascend can also be inspected at the offices of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., Market Listing Section, 1735 K Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. Such reports and other information may also be
inspected without charge at a Web site maintained by the Commission. The
address of the site is http:\\www.sec.gov.
The Company has also filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act. This Prospectus does not contain all of
the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which
are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For
further information, reference is made to the Registration Statement, copies of
which may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, upon payment of the fees prescribed
by the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant
to the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference:
1. The description of the Company's Common Stock contained in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on March 31, 1994;
2. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995;
3. Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three month periods ended March
31, 1996 and June 30, 1996;
4. Report on Form 8-K dated May 30, 1996; and
5. Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed July 11, 1996.
All documents and reports subsequently filed by the Company pursuant
to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the date of filing
of such documents or reports. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall
be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the
extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part
of this Prospectus. The Company will provide without charge to each person to
whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any
or all of the foregoing documents incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
(other than any exhibits thereto). Requests for such documents should be
directed to Ascend Communications, Inc. at One Ascend Plaza, 1701 Harbor Bay
Parkway, Alameda, California 94502 (telephone number (510) 769-6001), Attn:
Investor Relations.
2
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
Ascend develops, manufactures, markets, sells and supports a broad range of
high-speed digital remote networking access products that enable its customers
to build: (i) Internet access systems consisting of point of presence ("POP")
termination equipment for Internet Service Providers ("ISPs") and remote site
Internet access equipment for Internet subscribers; (ii) extensions and
enhancements to corporate backbone networks that facilitate access to these
networks by remote offices, telecommuters and mobile computer users; and (iii)
videoconferencing and multimedia access facilities. These products are termed
bandwidth on demand systems because they establish high-speed switched digital
- -------------------
connections whose bandwidth, duration and destination can be adjusted to suit
user application needs. These products support existing digital and analog
networks.
Ascend has three bandwidth on demand remote networking access product
families, each of which is focused on major application segments: MAX products
for wide area network ("WAN") access to corporate backbone networks, Internet
access in POPs and multimedia access facilities; Pipeline products for
telecommuting, remote office access and Internet access by individual sites or
users; and Multiband products for videoconferencing and multimedia networks.
These products support a wide variety of application interfaces, switched
digital services, digital modem services and digital and analog access line
types. This wide range of connectivity and interoperability options
significantly increases the number of POP, corporate and individual sites that
can benefit from bandwidth on demand networking. Ascend's products are
distributed and serviced globally and Ascend maintains marketing and sales
relationships with ISPS, including UUNET, PSI, BBN, MCI, EUNET, Demon, Pipex and
NTT-PC, with major telecommunications carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, MCI,
GTE, Pacific Bell, Southwestern Bell, British Telecom, France Telecom, Deutsche
Telekom and NTT in Japan, with video equipment providers, including Compression
Labs, GPT, PictureTel and VTEL, and with value-added resellers ("VARs") and
distributors.
On August 30, 1996, Ascend completed the Subspace Merger whereby Subspace
became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Merger was treated as a
pooling of interests for accounting and financial reporting purposes. Upon
consummation of the Subspace Merger, the Company issued approximately 90,003
shares of its Common Stock in exchange for the outstanding shares of Subspace's
Common Stock.
The principal executive offices of Ascend are located at One Ascend Plaza,
1701 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, California 94502 and its telephone number at
that location is (510) 769-6001.
RISK FACTORS
The following risk factors should be considered in conjunction with the
other information included and incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
before purchasing the Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus contains
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements as a result
of a variety of factors, including those set forth below and elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results. Ascend has experienced rapid
-------------------------------------------
quarterly growth in net sales principally due to the emergence of several
markets for bandwidth on demand network access products, increased market
acceptance of Ascend's products and the expansion of Ascend's product line and
distribution channels. Due to the evolving nature of the markets for Ascend's
products, as well as the likelihood of increased competition, there can be no
assurance that Ascend's rate of growth in net sales will continue or that Ascend
will be able to sustain profitability in the future. Ascend's quarterly
operating results are affected by a wide variety of factors, including
competition, the mix of products sold, the mix of distribution channels
employed, Ascend's success in developing, introducing and shipping new products,
price reductions for Ascend's products, changes in the levels of inventory held
by third party resellers, the timing of orders from and shipments to customers,
seasonality and general economic conditions. Ascend expects that its gross
margins could be affected in future periods by price adjustments as a result of
increased competition. Ascend also expects that its gross margins could be
adversely affected in future periods by increased sales of its Pipeline products
as a percentage of net sales. These products have lower gross margins than
Ascend's other products. In addition, Ascend's use of third parties to
distribute its products to certain VARs may adversely affect Ascend's gross
margins. Ascend typically operates with a relatively small backlog. As a result,
quarterly sales and operating results generally depend on the volume and timing
of and ability to fulfill orders received within the quarter, which are
difficult to forecast. A significant portion of Ascend's expense levels is
relatively fixed in advance based in large part on Ascend's forecasts of future
sales. If sales are below
3
<PAGE>
expectations in any given quarter, the adverse impact of the shortfall on
Ascend's operating results may be magnified by Ascend's inability to adjust
spending to compensate for the shortfall. Ascend may also increase spending in
response to competition or to pursue new market opportunities. Accordingly,
there can be no assurance that Ascend will be able to sustain profitability in
the future, particularly on a quarter-to-quarter basis.
Dependence on the Internet Access Market; Developing Markets; Market
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptance of Ascend's Products. The recent growth in Ascend's net sales has
- -------------------------------
been largely attributable to the use of its products for Internet access. Sales
of Ascend's MAX products, which are used principally as POP termination devices
by ISPs, accounted for approximately 26%, 63% and 79% of Ascend's net sales in
1994, 1995 and the first six months of 1996, respectively. Similarly, sales of
Ascend's Pipeline products, which are used for Internet access by Internet
subscribers, were approximately 10%, 20% and 14% of net sales in 1994, 1995 and
the first six months of 1996, respectively. The market for Internet access
products is new and evolving, and it is difficult to predict its size or future
growth rate. Ascend believes that sales of its MAX and Pipeline products will
depend in large part upon a robust industry and infrastructure for providing
Internet access and carrying Internet traffic and upon sustained adoption by
end-user customers of the Internet for commerce and communication. There can be
no assurance that this industry and infrastructure will develop or that this
adoption will occur. Ascend believes competition in these markets will increase
significantly in the future and could adversely affect Ascend's business,
results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, market acceptance of Ascend's products for applications other
than Internet access is important to Ascend's future success. Specifically,
Ascend's products are targeted at access to corporate backbone networks and
local area networks ("LANs") by remote offices, telecommuters and mobile users,
videoconferencing and multimedia access facilities. Ascend's success in
generating significant sales in these emerging markets will depend in part on
its ability to educate users about the benefits of Ascend's technology and to
develop effective distribution channels to address these markets. These markets
are diverse and rapidly evolving, and it is difficult to predict their potential
size or future growth rate. Moreover, Ascend's limited resources relative to
certain of its competitors may restrict its ability to remain current with
respect to developments in these markets and to effectively pursue marketing
activities in multiple markets simultaneously. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that Ascend's products will be widely accepted in these new markets or
that Ascend will be able to identify additional markets. The inability of
Ascend to continue to penetrate the various markets for its products or to
successfully expand the markets for its products would have a material adverse
effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.
Reliance on Sales to Internet Service Providers. Ascend sells a
-----------------------------------------------
substantial percentage of its products, particularly its MAX products, to ISPs.
Sales to ISPs accounted for approximately 21% and 23% of Ascend's net sales in
1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. Sales to one of
these ISPs, UUNET, accounted for approximately 11% and 10% of net sales in 1995
and the six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. Because Ascend's products
are being used to enhance or extend the Internet access infrastructure of the
ISPs, Ascend expects that sales to any particular ISP may vary considerably from
period to period. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that sales to these
entities, individually or as a group, will equal or exceed historical levels in
any future period. Any development that would result in a substantial decrease
or delay in sales to one or more of these entities, including actions by
competitors or technological changes, could have a material adverse effect on
Ascend's business, results of operations and financial condition.
Integration of Recent Acquisitions. Ascend has completed several
----------------------------------
acquisitions of businesses, products or technologies since the beginning of
1995. These have included the acquisition of NetStar, Inc. and the Subspace
Merger, both of which were completed in August 1996. Ascend anticipates that it
may acquire additional businesses, products or technologies in the future,
although there are currently no agreements with respect to such transactions.
Achieving the anticipated benefits of the acquisition transactions will depend
in part upon whether the integration of the two companies' businesses is
accomplished in an efficient and effective manner, and there can be no assurance
that this will occur. The combination of the two companies will require, among
other things, integration of the companies' respective product offerings and
technology and coordination of their research and development, sales and
marketing and financial reporting efforts. There can be no assurance that such
integration will be accomplished smoothly or successfully. If significant
difficulties are encountered in the integration of the existing product lines
and technology, resources could be diverted from new product development,
resulting in delays in new product introductions. The integration of the product
lines could also cause confusion or dissatisfaction among existing customers of
Ascend and the acquired company. The difficulties of such integration
4
<PAGE>
may be increased by the necessity of coordinating geographically separated
organizations with distinct cultures. The integration of certain operations
following an acquisition will require the dedication of management and other
personnel resources which may temporarily distract attention from the day-to-day
business of Ascend. Failure to successfully accomplish the integration of the
two companies' operations could have a material adverse effect on Ascend's
business, financial condition or results of operations.
New Product Development and Timely Introduction of New and Enhanced
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Products. The markets for Ascend's products are characterized by rapidly
- --------
changing technologies, evolving industry standards, frequent new product
introductions and short product life cycles. Inherent in the product
development process are a number of risks. The development of new,
technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring
high levels of innovation, as well as the accurate anticipation of technological
and market trends. The introduction of new or enhanced products also may
require Ascend to manage the transition from older products in order to minimize
disruption in customer ordering patterns, avoid excessive levels of older
product inventories and ensure that adequate supplies of new products can be
delivered to meet customer demand. There can be no assurance that Ascend will
successfully develop, introduce or manage the transition of new products.
Products may contain undetected or unresolved software errors when they are
first introduced or as new versions are released. There can be no assurance
that, despite extensive testing, software errors will not be found in new
products or upgrades after commencement of commercial shipments of new or
enhanced products. The inability of such products to gain market acceptance or
problems associated with new product transitions could adversely affect Ascend's
operating results, particularly on a quarterly basis.
Competition. The markets for Ascend's products are highly competitive and
-----------
subject to rapid technological change. Ascend expects competition to increase
in the future as current competitors enhance their product offerings and
additional companies enter the market. Ascend's current competitors can be
classified into three groups: manufacturers of WAN and Internet access
equipment, manufacturers of remote LAN access and Internet subscriber access
equipment, and manufacturers of bandwidth on demand products addressing the
needs of the videoconferencing market. In the WAN and Internet access equipment
market, Ascend primarily competes with Cisco Systems, Inc. ("Cisco"), U.S.
Robotics Corporation and 3Com Corporation ("3Com"), each of which has
substantially greater financial, marketing and technical resources than Ascend.
In the remote LAN access and Internet subscriber access market, competition is
widespread, although few companies have positioned their products specifically
as digital bandwidth on demand network access systems. Ascend's primary
competitors in this market are Gandalf, Cisco, Shiva and 3Com. In the
videoconferencing access market, competitors include Madge Networks, Adtran and
Promptus Communications (a subsidiary of GTI).
Competitive factors in Ascend's markets include core technology, breadth of
product features, product quality and functionality, pricing, marketing and
distribution resources, international certifications and customer service and
support. Some of Ascend's current and potential competitors have substantially
greater financial, marketing and technical resources than Ascend. Many also
have established relationships with current and potential customers for Ascend's
products. Increased competition could result in price reductions, reduced
profit margins or loss of market share, each of which would adversely affect
Ascend's operating results. There can be no assurance that Ascend will be able
to continue to compete successfully against current and future competitors as
bandwidth on demand markets evolve and competition increases.
Management of Growth. Ascend is currently experiencing rapid growth and
--------------------
expansion, which has placed, and will continue to place, a significant strain on
its administrative, operational and financial resources and increased demands on
its systems and controls. This growth has resulted in a continuing increase in
the level of responsibility for both existing and new management personnel.
Ascend anticipates that its continued growth will require it to recruit and hire
a substantial number of new engineering, sales and marketing and managerial
personnel. There can be no assurance that Ascend will be successful at hiring
or retaining these personnel. Ascend's ability to manage its growth
successfully will also require Ascend to continue to expand and improve its
operational, management and financial systems and controls and to expand its
manufacturing capacity. If Ascend's management is unable to manage growth
effectively, Ascend's business, results of operations and financial condition
may be materially and adversely affected.
Reliance on Third Party Value-Added Resellers and Distributors. Ascend's
--------------------------------------------------------------
sales, to a significant degree, are made through VARs and distributors.
Accordingly, Ascend is dependent upon the continued viability and financial
stability of these VARs and distributors. While Ascend has contractual
relationships with many of its
5
<PAGE>
VARs and distributors, these agreements do not require the VAR or distributor to
purchase Ascend's products and can be terminated by the VAR or distributor at
any time. There can be no assurance that any of Ascend's VARs and distributors
will continue to market Ascend's products. Ascend's VARs and distributors
generally offer products of several different companies, including products that
are competitive with Ascend's products. Accordingly, there is a risk that these
VARs and distributors may give higher priority to products of other suppliers,
thus reducing their efforts to sell Ascend's products. Any special distribution
arrangements and product pricing arrangements that Ascend may implement in one
or more distribution channels for strategic purposes could adversely affect
gross profit margins for its products.
Dependence on Key Personnel. Ascend's success depends to a significant
---------------------------
degree upon the continuing contributions of its key management, sales, marketing
and product development personnel. Ascend does not have employment contracts
with its key personnel and does not maintain any key person life insurance
policies. The loss of key management or technical personnel could adversely
affect Ascend. Ascend believes that its future success will depend in large
part upon its ability to attract and retain highly-skilled engineering,
managerial, sales and marketing personnel. Competition for such personnel is
intense, and there can be no assurance that Ascend will be successful in
attracting and retaining such personnel. Failure to attract and retain key
personnel could have a material adverse effect on Ascend's business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Tariff and Regulatory Matters. Rates for telecommunications services are
-----------------------------
governed by tariffs of licensed carriers that are subject to regulatory
approval. Future changes in these tariffs could have a material effect on
Ascend's business. For example, should tariffs for public switched digital
services increase in the future relative to tariffs for private leased services,
the cost-effectiveness of Ascend's products would be reduced, and its business
and results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, Ascend's
products must meet standards and receive certification for connection to the
public telecommunications network prior to their sale. In the United States,
Ascend's products must comply with Part 15(a) (industrial equipment), Part 15(b)
(residential equipment) and Part 68 (analog lines) of the Federal Communications
Commission regulations. Ascend's products also must be certified by domestic
telecommunications carriers. In foreign countries, Ascend's products are
subject to a wide variety of governmental review and certification requirements.
In addition, foreign customers typically require that Ascend's products receive
certification from the country's primary telecommunications carriers. Any
future inability to obtain on a timely basis or retain domestic certification or
foreign regulatory approvals could have a material adverse effect on Ascend's
business and results of operations.
Dependence on Contract Manufacturers and Single-Source Suppliers. Ascend's
----------------------------------------------------------------
production operations consist primarily of materials planning and procurement,
quality control and final assembly, burn-in and testing of certain products.
Ascend relies on independent contractors to manufacture certain of Ascend's
products or components and subassemblies used in Ascend's products to its
specifications. Ascend is also dependent upon single or limited source suppliers
for a number of components and parts used in its products, including certain key
microprocessors and integrated circuits. There can be no assurance that these
independent contractors and suppliers will be able to meet Ascend's future
requirements for manufactured products, components and subassemblies. Ascend
generally purchases single or limited source components pursuant to purchase
orders and has no guaranteed supply arrangements with these suppliers. In
addition, the availability of many of these components to Ascend is dependent in
part on Ascend's ability to provide its suppliers with accurate forecasts of its
future requirements. Ascend has generally been able to obtain adequate supplies
of parts and components in a timely manner from existing sources and endeavors
to maintain inventory levels adequate to guard against interruptions in
supplies. Ascend believes that there are alternative suppliers or alternative
components for all of the components contained in its products. However, any
extended interruption in the supply of any of the key components currently
obtained from a single or limited source or the time necessary to transition a
replacement supplier's product or a replacement component into Ascend's products
could disrupt its operations and have a material adverse effect on Ascend's
operating results in any given period. Ascend purchases certain components from
foreign suppliers; however, all such purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars
and Ascend believes all such components or alternate components are available
from domestic suppliers. Ascend may also be subject to increases in component
costs, which could also have a material adverse effect on its operating results.
Dependence on Proprietary Technology. Ascend's success and ability to
------------------------------------
compete is dependent in part upon its proprietary technology. Ascend relies on
a combination of patent, copyright and trade secret laws and non-disclosure
agreements to protect its proprietary technology. Ascend currently holds two
United States patents and one foreign patent and has three patent applications
pending. There can be no assurance that patents will be issued
6
<PAGE>
with respect to pending or future patent applications or that Ascend's patents
will be upheld as valid or will prevent the development of competitive products.
In addition, Ascend has generally entered into confidentiality or license
agreements with its employees, VARs, distributors, customers and potential
customers and limits access to the distribution of its software, documentation
and other proprietary information. There can be no assurance that the steps
taken by Ascend to protect its proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent
misappropriation of its technology or that Ascend's competitors will not
independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior
to Ascend's technology. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not
protect proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United
States. Ascend is also subject to the risk of adverse claims and litigation
alleging infringement of the intellectual property rights of others. From time
to time, Ascend has received claims of infringement of other parties'
proprietary rights. Although Ascend believes that all such claims received to
date are immaterial, there can be no assurance that third parties will not
assert infringement claims in the future with respect to current or future
products or that any such claims will not require Ascend to enter into license
arrangements or result in protracted and costly litigation, regardless of the
merits of such claims. No assurance can be given that any necessary licenses
will be available or that, if available, such licenses can be obtained on
commercially reasonable terms.
International Sales. Ascend's international sales accounted for
-------------------
approximately 15%, 20%, 29% and 43% of Ascend's net sales in 1993, 1994, 1995
and the six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. International sales are
expected to continue to account for a significant portion of Ascend's net sales
in future periods. International sales are subject to certain inherent risks,
including unexpected changes in regulatory requirements and tariffs,
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, longer payment cycles,
problems in collecting accounts receivable and potentially adverse tax
consequences. Ascend depends on third party resellers for substantially all of
its international sales. Certain of these third party resellers also act as
resellers for competitors of Ascend and could devote greater effort and
resources to marketing competitive products. The loss of certain of these third
party resellers could have a material adverse effect on Ascend's business and
results of operations. Although Ascend's sales are denominated in U.S. dollars,
fluctuations in currency exchange rates could cause Ascend's products to become
relatively more expensive to customers in a particular country, leading to a
reduction in sales or profitability in that country. Furthermore, future
international activity may result in foreign currency denominated sales, and, in
such event, gains and losses on the conversion to U.S. dollars of accounts
receivable and accounts payable arising from international operations may
contribute to fluctuations in Ascend's results of operations. In addition,
sales in Europe and certain other parts of the world typically are adversely
affected in the third quarter of each calendar year as many customers and end-
users reduce their business activities during the summer months. These seasonal
factors may have an effect on Ascend's business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Potential Issuance of Preferred Stock; Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Board
---------------------------------------------------------------
of Directors of Ascend has the authority to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions,
including voting rights, of these shares without any further vote or action by
the stockholders. The rights of the holders of the Ascend Common Stock will be
subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any
Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of the Preferred
Stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible
acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it
more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of the outstanding voting
stock of Ascend, thereby delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control
of Ascend. Furthermore, such Preferred Stock may have other rights, including
economic rights, senior to the Ascend Common Stock, and as a result, the
issuance of such stock could have a material adverse effect on the market value
of the Ascend Common Stock. Ascend has no present plans to issue shares of
Preferred Stock. Ascend may in the future adopt other measures that may have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of Ascend.
Certain of such measures may be adopted without any further vote or action by
Ascend's stockholders. Ascend is also afforded the protections of Section 203
of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which could delay or prevent a change
in control of Ascend, impede a merger, consolidation or other business
combination involving Ascend or discourage a potential acquiror from making a
tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of Ascend.
Volatility of Stock Price. Ascend's Common Stock has experienced
-------------------------
significant price volatility and such volatility may occur in the future,
particularly as a result of quarter-to-quarter variations in the actual or
anticipated financial results of Ascend or of other companies in the network
access industry or announcements by Ascend or its competitors regarding new
product introductions or other developments affecting Ascend. In addition, the
market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected
the market price of many technology companies' stocks and that have been
unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies.
7
<PAGE>
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The Selling Stockholders hold Shares which were issued by the Company in
connection with the Subspace Merger. The following table lists the Selling
Stockholders, the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock which each
owned, the number of Shares expected to be sold by each, and the number of the
shares of the Company's Common Stock which each will own after the offering
pursuant to the Registration Statement, assuming the sale of all the Shares
expected to be sold.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares
Owned
Shares Owned Shares To After
Selling Stockholder/(1)/ Before Offering Be Offered Offering
- ----------------------- --------------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
William Davis 16,224 16,224 0
Dean Hamilton 19,128 19,128 0
Lianghwa Jou 16,224 16,224 0
Siu-Hing ("Carol") Lai 342 342 0
P. Timothy Lum 570 570 0
Serena Lum 16,224 16,224 0
Gregory Margo 5,067 5,067 0
Boris Tverskoy 16,224 16,224 0
------ ------ -
Totals 90,003 90,003 0
====== ====== =
</TABLE>
- ----------
1 The persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares of Ascend Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by
them, subject to community property laws, where applicable.
8
<PAGE>
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Any or all of the Shares may be sold from time to time to purchasers
directly by any of the Selling Stockholders. Alternatively, the Selling
Stockholders may from time to time offer the Shares through underwriters,
dealers or agents who may receive compensation in the form of underwriting
discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Stockholders and/or the
purchasers of Shares for whom they may act as agents. The Selling Stockholders
and any such underwriters, dealers or agents that participate in the
distribution of Shares may be deemed to be underwriters, and any profit on the
sale of the Shares by them and any discounts, commissions or concessions
received by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions
under the Securities Act. The Shares may be sold from time to time in one or
more transactions at a fixed offering price, which may be changed, or at varying
prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices.
At the time a particular offer of Shares is made, to the extent required, a
supplement to this Prospectus will be distributed which will identify and set
forth the aggregate amount of Shares being offered and the terms of the
offering, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents,
the purchase price paid by any underwriter for Shares purchased from the Selling
Stockholders, any discounts, commissions and other items constituting
compensation from the Selling Stockholders and/or the Company, and any
discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers,
including the proposed selling price to the public. The Company will not
receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the Selling Stockholders of the
Shares offered hereby.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person
engaged in a distribution of the Shares may not simultaneously engage in market
making activities with respect to the Shares for a period of nine business days
prior to the commencement of such distribution. In addition, and without
limiting the foregoing, the Selling Stockholders will be subject to applicable
provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
including, without limitation, Rules 10b-2, 10b-6 and 10b-7, which provisions
may limit the timing of purchases and sales of the Shares by the Selling
Stockholders.
In order to comply with certain states' securities laws, if applicable, the
Shares will be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed
brokers or dealers. In certain states the Shares may not be sold unless the
Shares have been registered or qualified for sale in such state, or unless an
exemption from registration or qualification is available and is obtained.
The Company has agreed to indemnify in certain circumstances the Selling
Stockholders against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act. The Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify in certain
circumstances the Company against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act.
The Company has agreed to use its best efforts to keep the Registration
Statement, of which this Prospectus constitutes a part, effective until the
earlier of (i) August 30, 1998, (ii) the date on which the Selling Stockholders
can sell all the Shares pursuant to Rule 144 of the Security Act, or (iii) when
all of the Shares have been resold pursuant to Rule 144 or an effective
registration statement.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Shares by
the Selling Stockholders.
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the Shares is being passed upon by Gray Cary Ware &
Freidenrich, A Professional Corporation, Palo Alto, California.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Ascend
Communications, Inc. incorporated by reference and appearing in the Company's
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1995, have been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report
thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such
consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of NetStar, Inc. as of September 30,
1994 and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended September 30,
1995 incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 Ascend Communications, Inc. dated July 11, 1996, have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
report, which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated
in reliance upon the report of such firm given its authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.
9
<PAGE>
================================================================================
NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION
OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING DESCRIBED HEREIN,
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR BY ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER
TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES,
OR AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, IN ANY JURISDICTION
IN WHICH 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 AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
Available Information..................................................... 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference........................... 2
The Company............................................................... 3
Risk Factors.............................................................. 3
Selling Stockholders...................................................... 8
Plan of Distribution...................................................... 9
Use of Proceeds........................................................... 9
Legal Matters............................................................. 9
Experts................................................................... 9
================================================================================
================================================================================
90,003 SHARES
ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
COMMON STOCK
---------------
PROSPECTUS
---------------
____________ __, 1996
================================================================================
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses in connection with
the sale and distribution of the securities being registered, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions. All of the amounts shown are estimates
except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fees and Nasdaq
filing fee.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
To be Paid
By The
Registrant
----------
<S> <C>
SEC Registration Fee............................................. $ 2,011
Nasdaq filing fee................................................ 1,801
Accounting fees and expenses..................................... 3,000
Printing......................................................... 1,000
Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses................... 0
Blue Sky fees and expenses....................................... 0
Legal fees and expenses.......................................... 4,000
Miscellaneous expenses........................................... 500
-------
Total........................................................ $12,312
=======
</TABLE>
The Company will pay all expenses of registration, issuance and
distribution of the shares being sold by the Selling Stockholders, excluding
fees and expenses of counsel to the Selling Stockholders and any underwriting
commissions and discounts, filing fees and transfer or other taxes, which shall
be borne by the Selling Stockholders.
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Delaware Law")
permits identification of officers, directors, and other corporate agents under
certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations. The Company's
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws provide that the Company shall
indemnify its directors, officers, employees, and agents to the full extent
permitted by Delaware Law, including in circumstances in which indemnification
is otherwise discretionary under Delaware law. In addition, the Company entered
into separate indemnification agreements with its directors and officers which
would require the Company, among other things, to indemnify them against certain
liabilities which may arise by reason of their status or service (other than
liabilities arising from willful misconduct of a culpable nature) and to
maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance, if available on
reasonable terms.
These indemnification provisions may be sufficiently broad to permit
indemnification of the Registrant's officers and directors for liabilities
(including reimbursement of expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a
director, officer, employee or other agent of the Company in which
indemnification is being sought.
II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
The following exhibits are filed with this Registration Statement:
EXHIBIT
NUMBER EXHIBIT TITLE
- ------- -------------
5.1 Opinion of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, A Professional Corporation.
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors.
23.2 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors.
23.3 Consent of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, A Professional Corporation
(included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 Power of Attorney (included in the Signature Page contained in Part II of
the Registration Statement).
- ----------------------------
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
A. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of
the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act");
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-
effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent
a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities
offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that
which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus
filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee"
table in the effective registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement; provided,
--------
however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the
- -------
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by these
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.
B. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
C. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be
delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or
given, the latest annual report to security holders that is incorporated by
reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the
requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934; and, where interim financial information required to be presented by
Article 3 of Regulation S-X are not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or
cause to be delivered to
II-2
<PAGE>
each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest quarterly report
that is specifically incorporated by reference in the prospectus to provide such
interim financial information.
D. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons
of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the 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 of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
E. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For the 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 a form of
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of the registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the 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.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Alameda, State of
California on the 3rd day of October, 1996.
ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: /s/ Robert K. Dahl
---------------------------------------
ROBERT K. DAHL
Vice President Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Mory Ejabat and Robert K. Dahl, or either
of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-
3, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto
said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to
do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done
in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-
in-facts and agents, or either of them, or their or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to
the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------ -------------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Mory Ejabat President, Chief Executive October 3, 1996
- ------------------------ Officer and Director (Principal
(Mory Ejabat) Executive Officer)
/s/ Robert K. Dahl Vice President Finance, Chief October 3, 1996
- ------------------------ Financial Officer and Director
(Robert K. Dahl) (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Michael J. Johnson Controller and Chief October 3, 1996
- ------------------------ Accounting Officer (Principal
(Michael J. Johnson) Accounting Officer)
/s/ Betsy S. Atkins Director October 3, 1996
- ------------------------
(Betsy S. Atkins)
/s/ Roger L. Evans Director October 3, 1996
- ------------------------
(Roger L. Evans)
/s/ C. Richard Kramlich Director October 3, 1996
- ------------------------
(C. Richard Kramlich)
/s/ James P. Lally Director October 3, 1996
- ------------------------
(James P. Lally)
/s/ Martin Schoffstall Director October 3, 1996
- ------------------------
(Martin Schoffstall)
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Page No.
- ----------- --------
5.1 Opinion of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, A Professional
Corporation.
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors.
23.2 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors.
23.3 Consent of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, A Professional
Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1 Power of Attorney (included in the Signature Page contained
in Part II of the Registration Statement).
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5.1
October 3, 1996
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
RE: ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
As legal counsel for Ascend Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), we are rendering this opinion in connection with the preparation and
filing of a registration statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement")
relating to the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of
90,003 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Common Stock"),
issued by the Company to the Selling Stockholders in connection with that
certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 30, 1996 by and among the
Company, Subspace Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and Subspace
Communications, Incorporated, a California corporation.
We have examined such instruments, documents and records as we deemed relevant
and necessary for the basis of our opinion hereinafter expressed. In such
examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures and the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to
the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies.
Based on such examination, we are of the opinion that the 90,003 shares of
Common Stock of the Company being registered pursuant to the Registration
Statement and to be sold by the Selling Stockholders are duly authorized shares
of Common Stock and, when sold, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement referred to above and the use of our name wherever it
appears in said Registration Statement.
This opinion is to be used only in connection with the issuance of the Common
Stock while the Registration Statement is in effect.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich
------------------------------------
GRAY CARY WARE & FREIDENRICH
A Professional Corporation
<PAGE>
Securities and Exchange Commission
October 2, 1996
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG, LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Ascend
Communications, Inc. for the registration of 90,003 shares of its common stock
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 16,
1996 with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Ascend Communications, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young
- -------------------------
Walnut Creek, California
October 2, 1996
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.2
Securities and Exchange Commission
October 2, 1996
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
of Ascend Communications, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated November 7, 1995
relating to the financial statements of NetStar, Inc. as of September 30, 1994
and 1995 and for each of the years in the period ended September 30, 1995
included in the Form S-4 of Ascend Communications, Inc. filed on July 11, 1996.
We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche
- ---------------------------------------
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
September 30, 1996
