<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement / / Confidential, for Use of the Commission
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec.240.14a-11(c) or sec.240.14a-12
</TABLE>
DOVE AUDIO, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/ / $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), or 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:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
/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.:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE> 2
DOVE AUDIO, INC.
8955 BEVERLY BOULEVARD
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90048
------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 7, 1996
------------------------
To the Shareholders of Dove Audio, Inc.:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual
Meeting") of Dove Audio, Inc., a California corporation (the "Company"), will be
held at Dove Audio, Inc., 8955 Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood, California
90048 on November 7, 1996, at 9:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
1. To approve an amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation to
change the name of the Company to "Dove Entertainment, Inc.";
2. To approve an amendment to the Company's Bylaws to provide that the size
of the Board of Directors (subject to vacancies from time to time) of
the Company shall be not less than five (5) or more than nine (9), with
the exact number of directors to be initially fixed at five (5), subject
to modification from time to time, within the limits specified, by
approval of the Board of Directors (the "Board");
3. To elect directors;
4. To approve an amendment to the Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (the
"Plan") (i) to increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock
which may be granted under the Plan to 750,000 shares, (ii) to impose a
limit on the maximum grant of options and stock appreciation rights that
can be granted to any individual under the Plan to 250,000 shares per
calendar year, and (iii) to make certain other changes to the Plan in
accordance with new Rules enacted under Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), and other changes, each of which is
described or set forth herein;
5. To approve and ratify the appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as the
Company's independent accountants for the fiscal year ending December
31, 1996; and
6. To consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before
the meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof.
Information concerning these matters, including the names of the nominees
for election to the Board, is set forth in the attached Proxy Statement, which
is part of this Notice.
The Board of Directors has fixed September 9, 1996 as the record date for
determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual
Meeting. Accordingly, only those shareholders of record at the close of business
on that date are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment(s)
thereof.
The Board urges that all shareholders of record exercise their right to
vote at the meeting personally or by proxy.
Your proxy will continue in full force and effect unless and until you
revoke such proxy prior to the vote to which such proxy pertains. You may revoke
your proxy by a writing delivered to the Company stating that the proxy is
revoked, or by a subsequently dated proxy executed by you, or by attending the
meeting and voting in person. The dates set forth on the proxy cards
presumptively determine the order of execution, regardless of the postmark dates
on the envelopes in which they are mailed.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Michael Viner
President and Chief Executive Officer
October 11, 1996
Los Angeles, California
TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN
(DO NOT PRINT) YOUR NAME AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD(S) AS PROMPTLY AS
POSSIBLE AND RETURN IT (THEM) IN THE ENCLOSED PRE-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE. IF YOU
RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD BECAUSE YOU OWN SHARES REGISTERED IN DIFFERENT
NAMES OR AT DIFFERENT ADDRESSES, EACH PROXY CARD SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND
RETURNED.
<PAGE> 3
DOVE AUDIO, INC.
8955 BEVERLY BOULEVARD
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90048
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 7, 1996
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the shareholders in connection with
the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Dove Audio, Inc., a California
corporation (the "Company"), of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of the Company (the "Annual Meeting") to be held at Dove Audio,
Inc., 8955 Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood, California, on November 7, 1996 at
9:00 a.m., local time, and any postponements and adjournment(s) thereof.
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 8955 Beverly
Boulevard, West Hollywood, California 90048 and its telephone number is (310)
786-1600.
This Proxy Statement, the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting, the
accompanying proxy card(s) and the Company's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders
(the "Annual Report") are being first mailed to shareholders of the Company on
or about October 15, 1996. The costs of preparing, assembling and mailing the
foregoing will be paid by the Company. The Company will pay brokers or other
persons holding stock in their names or the names of their nominees for the
expenses of forwarding soliciting material to their principals. The Company may
use the services of its directors, officers and other regular employees to
solicit proxies personally or by telephone. The Annual Report is not to be
regarded as proxy soliciting material or as a communication by means of which
any solicitation of proxies is to be made.
VOTING
The accompanying proxy will be voted in accordance with the instructions
contained thereon. In the absence of such instructions, the persons designated
as proxies in the accompanying proxy card(s) will vote: For approval of the
amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, for approval of the
amendment to the Company's Bylaws, for the election of the Director nominees
listed herein (the "Nominees"), for approval of the amendment of the Company's
1994 Stock Incentive Plan, for the ratification of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as the
Company's independent accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996
and, in their discretion, as to any other business that may properly come before
the Annual Meeting or any postponement(s) and adjournment(s) thereof. The Board
does not know of any other business to be brought before the Annual Meeting.
Each duly executed proxy will continue in full force and effect unless and
until revoked by the person executing it prior to the vote pursuant thereto.
Such revocation may be effected by a writing delivered to the Company to the
attention of the Corporate Secretary at the address indicated above stating that
the proxy is revoked by a subsequently dated proxy, duly executed by or on
behalf of the person executing the prior proxy and presented at the Annual
Meeting, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Board has fixed September 9, 1996 as the record date (the "Record
Date") for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote
at the Annual Meeting or any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof. At the
close of business on the Record Date, 5,313,240 shares of the Company's common
stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), held by 119 holders of
record, were outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The Common
Stock is the only class of stock of the Company entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting.
<PAGE> 4
Shareholders who own shares registered in different names or at different
addresses will receive more than one proxy card. A shareholder must sign and
return each of the proxy cards received to ensure that all of the shares owned
by such shareholder are represented at the Annual Meeting.
The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a
majority of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting
will constitute a quorum. With respect to the election of directors, the five
(5) nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected.
Abstentions and broker non-votes (which occur if a broker or other nominee does
not have discretionary authority to vote the relevant shares as to particular
matters and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner with
respect to a particular item) are counted for purposes of determining the
presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business. Abstentions are
counted in tabulations of the votes cast on proposals presented to the
shareholders and have the same legal effect as a vote against a particular
proposal (other than the election of directors). Broker non-votes are not taken
into account for purposes of determining whether a proposal has been approved by
the requisite shareholder vote.
Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each
matter to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. However, in the election of
directors, a shareholder may cumulate his votes for one or more nominees, but
only if the names of nominees were placed in nomination prior to the voting and
any shareholder has given notice at the meeting prior to the voting of his
intention to so cumulate his votes. If any one shareholder has given such
notice, all shareholders may cumulate their votes in such election of directors.
If the voting for directors is conducted by cumulative voting, each share will
be entitled to a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected,
which votes may be cast for a single nominee or distributed between or among two
or more nominees in such proportions as the shareholder or proxy deems fit.
Dissenters rights of approval will not be available under California law
with respect to any proposal to be submitted by the Board of Directors at the
Annual Meeting.
PROPOSAL 1
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
On April 22, 1996, the Board approved an amendment to Article I of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation to change the name of the Company to "Dove
Entertainment, Inc." The Company filed a fictitious name certificate to do
business as Dove Entertainment, Inc. on December 6, 1995. Amendment of the
Articles of Incorporation is subject to the affirmative approval by holders of a
majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date. With the
diversification of the Company beyond its traditional historical business of the
production of audio books, including the Company's expansion in the areas of the
publication of printed books, the production of television programming and the
distribution of feature films, among other areas, the Board believes it is
desirable to change the Company's name to be more reflective of the Company's
overall business. The text of the Amendment is set forth on Exhibit A to this
Proxy Statement.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.
PROPOSAL 2
AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
On April 22, 1996, the Board approved an amendment to Article III, Section
2 of the Company's Bylaws to provide that the number of directors of the Company
shall be not less than five (5) or more than nine (9), with the exact number of
directors to be initially fixed at five (5), subject to modification from time
to time, within the limits specified, by approval of the Board of Directors.
Currently, the Board size may be set by the Board within a range of four (4) to
seven (7) directors. As the Company has expanded through acquisition
2
<PAGE> 5
and raising of additional capital, it has become necessary and desirable to
expand the size of the Board. The Board has nominated a slate of five (5)
directors for election at this Annual Meeting.
Accordingly, it is necessary to amend the Bylaws to expand the permitted
size of the Board, within a minimum and maximum range permitted by the
California Corporation Code. Amendment of the Bylaws as set forth herein
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock represented and voting at the Annual Meeting. The text of the Amendment is
set forth on Exhibit B to this Proxy Statement.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY'S BYLAWS.
PROPOSAL 3
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Directors of the Company are elected annually by the shareholders to serve
for a term of one year or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
As of the date hereof, the Board consists of six (6) members. The five (5)
nominees of management for election as directors are set forth below. See
"Management." Should any nominee become unavailable to serve as a director
before the election (which event is not anticipated), the proxies may be voted
for a substitute nominee selected by the Board or the authorized number of
directors may be reduced. If for any reason the authorized number of directors
is reduced, the proxies will be voted, in the absence of instructions to the
contrary, for the election of those nominees selected by the persons designated
as proxies in the accompanying proxy card(s). To the best of the Company's
knowledge, all nominees are and will be available to serve.
The following table sets forth the nominees, their ages and present
principal occupations or employment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
- -------------------
NAME AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
- ------------------- ---- --------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Michael Viner++ 52 President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director
Gerald Leider++ 63 Producer of Feature Films; Chairman of the
Board and Director
Deborah Raffin 43 Executive Vice President, Secretary and
Director
James Belasco*+ 60 Professor, San Diego State University;
Consultant, Management Development
Associates and Director
Steven F. Mayer 36 President and Managing Director of Aries
Capital Group LLC
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Denotes membership on Stock Option Committee.
+ Denotes membership on Audit Committee.
++ Denotes membership on Executive Committee.
Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin have been directors of the Company since its
inception in 1985. Mr. Belasco has been a director of the Company since being
named to fill a vacancy on the Board in April 1995. Mr. Leider has been a
director since June 1995. None of the nominees is related by blood or marriage
to one another or to an executive officer of the Company, except for Mr. Viner
and Ms. Raffin who are each other's spouse.
Pursuant to the placement agent agreement entered into by the Company in
December 1995 in connection with a private placement, the Company agreed that
the placement agent, Whale Securities Co., L.P., and its successors will have
the right to designate a nominee for election, at its or their option, either as
a member or a non-voting advisor to the Board, and the Company agreed to use its
reasonable best efforts to cause such nominee to be elected and continue in
office until December 14, 1997. The Company believes that this right has been
orally waived but has been advised by such placement agent, which has designated
Steven Mayer as its nominee, that it does not believe that any such waiver is in
effect. In addition, until
3
<PAGE> 6
December 1, 1999, the managing underwriter of the Company's initial public
offering, Joseph Stevens & Company, L.P., has the right to designate either one
member of the Board or a person to attend and observe meetings of the Board.
Steven Mayer has been designated to serve on the Board by Joseph Stevens &
Company, L.P.
Pursuant to the Four Point Entertainment, Inc. acquisition agreement
entered into by the Company in April 1996, the Company agreed to use its best
efforts to appoint Shukri Ghalayini to the Board. In June 1996, Mr. Ghalayini's
employment with the Company terminated. The Company believes that Mr.
Ghalayini's right to be on the Board has terminated and he is not being
nominated to serve on the Board.
Each of the Company's directors is elected annually by the shareholders.
The Company has agreed to reimburse each Board member's travel expenses and the
Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan provides for an automatic grant of option to
purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock to each of the outside directors. In
addition, the Company has granted 10,000 options outside the plan to each of the
non-employee board members for such members' service to the Board during the
last year. Directors who are also executive officers of the Company do not
receive any additional compensation for serving as members of the Board or any
committee thereof.
During the 1995 fiscal year, there were 2 meetings of the Board and no
meetings of the Option Committee. All other action of the Board and Option
Committee was taken pursuant to unanimous written consents. Each current
director attended the meetings of the Board and the Option Committee held during
the period for which he was a director or for which he served as an Option
Committee member. There were no meetings of the Audit Committee apart from
meetings of the entire Board of Directors.
MICHAEL VINER is the President and Chief Executive Officer, and was
co-founder of the Company in 1985. Mr. Viner also produces films for the
Company's film division and, in addition, has produced various other television
programs, movies and miniseries and feature films. Mr. Viner is the author of
365 Ways You Can Save The Earth, Final Exit for Cats and the Company's Final
Exit for Barney. Mr. Viner's professional activities prior to founding Dove
include producing records for hit artists such as Sammy Davis, Jr. (platinum
record Candy Man), Frank Sinatra, George Burns and Hank Williams, Jr. Mr. Viner
headed a division of MGM Records from 1971 to 1976, and he has also produced two
presidential inaugurals.
DEBORAH RAFFIN is the co-founder and Executive Vice President of the
Company and President of the Dove Kids and Dove Multimedia divisions. She has
been a director of the Company since its founding and has served as Secretary
since March 1995. Ms. Raffin oversees the entire audio book department and is
involved in producing, directing, casting, new media ventures, acquisitions, new
interactive books, tapes and computer programs, films and other Company
projects. Ms. Raffin also continues to star in films. These include Touched By
Love, Noble House and Haywire. She also co-produced and starred in the recent
highly-rated CBS movie-of-the-week based on LaVyrle Spencer's bestselling novel,
Home Song. Ms. Raffin is currently co-producing Family Blessings, another film
based on a Spencer novel. In 1993, she received a Grammy Award as producer for
the Dove Kids audio, Audrey Hepburn's Enchanted Tales.
JAMES BELASCO, a director of the Company since June 1995, has been a
Professor of Management at San Diego State University since 1971. Mr. Belasco
also provides business consulting services through his affiliation with
Management Development Associates and is the author of such books as Teaching
The Elephant to Dance, Empowering Change in Your Organization and Flight of The
Buffalo, Soaring to Excellence.
GERALD LEIDER has been a director of the Company since June, 1995 and
Chairman of the Board of Directors since June 12, 1996. Mr. Leider is a producer
of feature films for theatrical, television and cable distribution and serves as
a part-time consultant to the Company through his management company. Mr. Leider
is a past Co-Chairman of the Caucus for Producers, Writers and Directors and,
until recently, was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ITC Entertainment
Group, a worldwide film and television production and distribution company. Mr.
Leider has held several positions with Warner Bros. Television and was Executive
Vice President in charge of foreign production. Mr. Leider was educated at
Syracuse University and Bristol University, England where he was a Fullbright
Scholar.
4
<PAGE> 7
STEVEN F. MAYER is currently the president and managing director of Aries
Capital Group, LLC, a private investment firm. From April 1992 until June 1994,
when he left to co-found Aries Capital Group, Mr. Mayer was an investment banker
with Apollo Advisors, L.P. ("Apollo") and Lion Advisors, L.P. ("Lion"),
affiliated private investment firms. Prior to that time, Mr. Mayer was a lawyer
with Sullivan & Cromwell specializing in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures,
leveraged buyouts and corporate finance. While at Apollo and Lion, Mr. Mayer was
responsible for equity and debt investments in a wide range of industries,
including the aluminum, apparel, automobile parts manufacturing, bedding, cable
television, cosmetics, environmental services, furniture distribution,
homebuilding, hotel, plastics, radio, real estate, retail and textile
industries. Mr. Mayer is a current or former member of the Boards of Directors
of Mednet, MPC Corporation, a publicly traded managed prescription care company,
Chicago Pizza & Brewery, Inc., a restaurant company, Electropharmacology, Inc.,
a publicly traded medical device manufacturer, BDK Holdings, Inc., a textile
manufacturer, Roland International Corporation, a real estate holding company
and The Greater LA Fund, a non-profit investment group affiliated with Rebuild
LA. In addition, Mr. Mayer has served as the chairman or a member of numerous
creditors' committees. Mr. Mayer is a graduate of Princeton University and
Harvard Law School.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR
THE ELECTION OF THE FIVE (5) PERSONS NOMINATED FOR DIRECTOR HEREIN.
MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES
Executive officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board,
subject to the rights, if any, of the executive officer under any contract of
employment. Michael Viner and Deborah Raffin are spouses; no other family
relationships exist between or among any of the executive officers of the
Company.
The following table contains certain biographical information with respect
to the executive officers of the Company, other than executive officers whose
biographical information is set forth above under the heading "Director
Nominees."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
- ----------------- --- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Simon Baker 32 Chief Financial Officer
Ronald M. Ziskin 44 Chief Operating Officer of Dove Four Point,
Inc.
</TABLE>
SIMON BAKER joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer on March 1, 1996.
From 1986 to 1996 Mr. Baker was with Bank of America where he served as a Vice
President of Corporate Finance. Mr. Baker has extensive international finance
experience and was a Vice President in Bank of America's London-based corporate
finance group for six years prior to joining the Entertainment and Media
Industries Group in Los Angeles in 1992. Mr. Baker graduated from Oxford
University where he holds a Master's Degree in Politics, Philosophy and
Economics.
RONALD M. ZISKIN is the Chief Operating Officer of the Company's Dove Four
Point, Inc. subsidiary. Mr. Ziskin co-founded and served as President of Four
Point Entertainment, Inc. From 1984 to April 1996, Mr. Ziskin optioned,
developed and executive produced "American Gladiators", and created the
successful franchises of "Haunted Lives" and "Dead Ghosts" prime time specials
for CBS and UPN. Mr. Ziskin has also produced and executive produced the Fox
prime time drama "Likely Suspects," the "Sandblast" franchise for MTV and "The
Gordon Elliott Show" pilot for CBS/20th TV.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES
WILLIAM A. SHIELDS is President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Dove
International and is involved in all aspects of acquisition, sales, marketing
and distribution of the feature and television product that Dove produces. Mr.
Shields is also Chairman of the American Film Export Association (AFEA), a
5
<PAGE> 8
member of the Board of Directors of AFMA and sits on its executive committee.
Mr. Shields is also a member of the Motion Picture Academy of America and is on
the Board of Directors of the Friars Club of Los Angeles.
Previously, Mr. Shields was President and Chief Executive Officer of Trans
Atlantic Entertainment and two time Chairman of the American Film Marketing
Association (AFMA).
STEVE SOLOWAY, age 36, is the Company's General Counsel and Vice President
of Business Affairs. He joined the Company in March 1995, having been in private
practice concentrating on business, contract and entertainment litigation
matters for over ten years.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the annual and long-term compensation for
services in all capacities to the Company for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively, of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and
compensation for the year-ended December 31, 1995 of the Company's Secretary (no
other executive officer of the Company received compensation in excess of
$100,000 during the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECURITIES
NAME AND FISCAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS/SARS COMPENSATION
- ---------------------- ------ -------- ----- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael Viner 1995 $230,000 $ -- -- 12,497(5)(6)
Chairman & Chief 1994 $200,000 -- 250,000(1) 34,955(2)
Executive Officer 1993 $100,000 -- -- 19,777(3)(4)
Deborah Raffin 1995 $115,000 -- -- 11,522(5)
Executive Vice
President, Secretary
and Director
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) An option to purchase 250,000 shares of Common Stock for $.01 per share
granted jointly to Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin in September 1994 in
satisfaction of, among other things, compensation previously deferred by
them.
(2) Includes approximately $22,655 consisting of an automobile allowance,
automobile insurance and expenses incidental to operation of an automobile.
(3) Includes (i) $14,195 consisting of an automobile allowance, automobile
insurance and expenses incidental to operation of an automobile, and (ii)
$5,582 consisting of health insurance premiums and reimbursement of medical
expenses incurred which were not reimbursed under such insurance.
(4) Does not include $1,730 in life insurance premiums paid in fiscal 1992 on a
policy covering Mr. Viner's life during fiscal 1993. The Company and Ms.
Raffin are equal beneficiaries under such policy.
(5) Includes $11,522 paid to Ms. Raffin and $12,497 paid to Mr. Viner for an
automobile allowance, automobile insurance and expenses incidental to the
operation of an automobile. This amount does not include compensation paid
to Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin for production, directing and acting services
related to the making of Home Song and Family Blessings. (See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions").
(6) Does not include $4,010 in life insurance premiums paid in fiscal 1995 on a
policy covering Mr. Viner's life during fiscal 1995. The Company and Ms.
Raffin are equal beneficiaries under such policy.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
As of January 1, 1995, the Company entered into employment agreements with
Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin which expire in December 2002. Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin
may terminate such agreements upon 30 days
6
<PAGE> 9
written notice to the Company. Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin are entitled to an
annual salary increase and bonus subject to certain limitations agreed upon with
the underwriter of the Initial Public Offering at the discretion of the Board.
The Board approved an annual salary of $230,000 per year for Mr. Viner and
$115,000 per year for Ms. Raffin for the 1995 fiscal year. The Board approved an
annual salary increase to $312,000 per year for Mr. Viner and $250,000 per year
for Ms. Raffin for the 1996 fiscal year.
The increases in each of the salaries of Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin for
fiscal year 1996 was approved following a review by the KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Compensation and Benefits division (the "KPMG Compensation Division"), which was
retained by the Company. The KPMG Compensation Division reviewed compensation
levels (base salaries, annual incentives, and long-term incentives) for each
executive officer relative to competitive compensation levels of other top
executives at companies comparable to Dove. This review was undertaken by the
Company to establish consistent yet competitive compensation arrangements.
The Company has entered into a three-year employment agreement with Ronald
M. Ziskin as Chief Operating Officer of Dove Four Point. Mr. Ziskin receives
annual base salary of $200,000, annual advances against producer fees of
$100,000 per year and customary fringe benefits.
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN 1995
There were no stock options or SARs granted to named executive officers
during 1995.
OPTION EXERCISES IN 1995 AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table provides certain information concerning the exercise of
stock options and shows the number of shares covered by both exercisable and
non-exercisable stock options held as of December 31, 1995. Also shown are
values for "in-the-money" options, which represent the positive difference
between the exercise price of such options and the price of the Common Stock at
year end.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1995 AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE
NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE ($) UNEXERCISABLE ($)
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------ ----------- ------------- --------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael Viner.............. --(1) -- 250,000(2) -- 3,216,250(3)
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Does not include option exercised in April 1995 to purchase 214,113 shares
of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock issued in connection with the IPO
to Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin in repayment of certain amounts owed to them by
the Company. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
(2) Held jointly by Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin.
(3) Based on a closing price of $12.875 per share of Common Stock on December
29, 1995, the last trading day of fiscal 1995.
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<PAGE> 10
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as of October 1, 1996 concerning
the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each shareholder known to the
Company to own beneficially more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock, by each director and director nominee and the Chief
Executive Officer, and by all executive officers and directors as a group.
Unless otherwise specified, the address of each beneficial owner listed below is
8955 Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood, California 90048.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE
OF BENEFICIAL PERCENTAGE OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP OUTSTANDING SHARES
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Michael Viner....................... 1,989,924(1)(2) 34.4%
Deborah Raffin...................... 1,989,924(1)(2) 34.4%
Sidney Sheldon...................... 611,913 11.5%
Norton Herrick...................... 375,000(3) 7.1%
James Belasco....................... 1,000(4) *
Gerald Leider....................... 1,000(5) *
Steven F. Mayer(6).................. --
Gary Matus.......................... --(7)
Simon Baker......................... --
Ronald Ziskin....................... 201,757 3.8%
All current directors and executive
officers as a group (eight
individuals)...................... 2,193,681(2)(4)(5)(6)(7) 38.0%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) All of such shares are jointly held by Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin as community
property.
(2) Includes (i) Mr. Viner's and Ms. Raffin's option to purchase 250,000 shares
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share and (ii) 214,113
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares
acquired by Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin in April 1995. Excludes options, which
are not currently exercisable and will not be exercisable within the next 60
days, to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of
$3.50 per share issued to each of Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin in September
1996.
(3) Based on a Form 13-D filed on July 14, 1996. Includes 187,500 shares of
Common Stock issuable to Mr. Herrick upon exercise of a currently
exercisable warrant at $12.00 per share.
(4) Includes 1,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Belasco upon exercise
of a currently exercisable option, exercisable at $9.75 per share. Excludes
options that are not currently exercisable and will not be exercisable
within the next 60 days, including options to purchase 10,000 shares at
$3.50 per share granted in September 1996.
(5) Includes 1,000 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Leider upon exercise
of a currently exercisable option, exercisable at $7.38 per share. Excludes
options that are not currently exercisable and will not be exercisable
within the next 60 days, including options to purchase 60,000 shares of
Common Stock exercisable at $3.50 per share granted in September 1996.
(6) Mr. Mayer has been retained by the Company pursuant to a consulting
agreement dated as of September 13, 1996, subject to termination by either
party on 30 days notice, under which he received options to purchase 10,000
shares of Common Stock exercisable at $3.75 per share. Such options are not
currently exercisable and will not be exercisable in the next 60 days. Under
such agreement, Mr. Mayer may receive additional stock consideration in the
event of consummation of a transaction introduced or facilitated by him.
(7) Excludes options, which are not currently exercisable and will not be
exercisable within the next 60 days, to purchase 15,000 shares of Common
Stock at an exercise price of $3.50 per share granted in September 1996.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
During 1995, the Company made payments totaling $66,000 to Michael Viner
for the business rental of a condominium owned by Mr. Viner. The business rental
is $2,000 per month on a month-to-month basis, and
8
<PAGE> 11
the balance of the monies paid to Mr. Viner in 1995 represents the settlement of
deferred rental amounts owed by the Company to Mr. Viner for previous years
which were not paid.
During 1995, the Company entered into two producer service agreements and
an actor's television motion picture agreement with Mr. Viner, Ms. Raffin and
Mr. Leider. These agreements provide for compensation of $150,000, $100,000 and
$25,000 for Mr. Viner, Ms. Raffin and Mr. Leider, respectively, for acting and
production services relating to the making of Home Song.
During 1996, the Company entered into three producer service agreements and
a directors television motion picture agreement with Mr. Viner, Ms. Raffin and
Mr. Leider. The agreements provide for compensation of $50,000 to each such
person. In addition, Ms. Raffin has entered into an agreement providing for
compensation of $50,000 for her directing and producing services in connection
with the movie Family Blessings.
In September 1996, in connection with Samuelson Entertainment Ltd.'s
financing of the production of the motion picture presently entitled "Wilde"
(the "Picture") for which the Company acquired certain North American rights,
Michael Viner personally guaranteed $1,000,000 of the payment obligations of
Dove International, Inc. payable commencing on December 1, 1996 through April 2,
1997 to Samuelson Entertainment, Ltd. in order to obtain additional time for
Dove International, Inc. to make such payments. In addition, Mr. Viner
personally deposited $500,000 at Guinness Mahon & Co. Ltd. (and pledged the
deposit plus interest thereon) to secure Dove International Inc.'s additional
payment obligation to Samuelson Entertainment Ltd. in the amount of L333,334 on
delivery of the Picture. In consideration for agreeing to pledge such deposit,
Samuelson Entertainment Ltd. and Dove International, Inc. agreed that Michael
Viner will receive a 5% commission up to a maximum of $120,000 payable from 5%
of 100% of the gross receipts (only after recoupment of Dove's full distribution
fee) received by all third-party distributors (including Dove International,
Inc.) from exploitation of the North American distribution rights in the
Picture. The terms pursuant to which Michael Viner pledged the deposit were
based on similar terms as offered by the producer (Samuelson Entertainment Ltd.)
to a third party, which were not able to be consummated. In addition, Samuelson
Entertainment, Ltd. agreed that Michael Viner will receive 8% of 100% of
Samuelson Entertainment Ltd.'s net profits from the Picture.
Each of Mr. Viner and Ms. Raffin has also personally guaranteed the
Company's obligations to Sanwa Bank California to a maximum principal amount of
$1,600,000 in order to avoid an event of default on such obligations.
In connection with the above guarantees, in September 1996, the Company
entered into a reimbursement agreement with Michael Viner and Deborah Raffin.
The Company agreed to immediately reimburse or provide cash collateral to
Michael Viner and Deborah Raffin upon the occurrence and during the continuation
of certain events of default relating to the guaranteed obligations or upon the
occurrence of certain other "Events" (including a change in control of the
Company) as defined in the Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company
further agreed that should Michael Viner or Deborah Raffin terminate their
employment agreement following the occurrence of an "Event" or material breach
of their employment agreements, the Company would remain obligated to continue
to pay them their base compensation and other benefits due for the balance of
their employment terms, together with reimbursement of any excise tax payable
with respect to such compensation. Upon any such termination, such executives
would be free to establish, invest in or be employed by any business, whether or
not in competition with the Company. Under the agreement, the Company also
granted to Michael Viner, in the first instance, and Deborah Raffin,
secondarily, a right of first refusal in the event of certain asset sales
outside the ordinary course of business by Dove or any of its subsidiaries in
the next three years.
In June 1996, the Company entered into an arrangement with Gerald Leider
whereby Mr. Leider provides certain services as a consultant and Chairman of the
Board. Such agreement provides for compensation of $125,000 annually, paid
monthly in arrears.
In September 1996, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with
Steven F. Mayer whereby Mr. Mayer is to provide certain financial consulting and
investment banking services to the Company. Such agreement provides for
compensation of $3,000 per month, options to purchase 10,000 shares of Common
Stock, certain contingent compensation and customary expense reimbursement. The
agreement is terminable by either party upon 30 days notice.
9
<PAGE> 12
PROPOSAL 4
AMENDMENT OF 1994 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
GENERAL
The Company's 1994 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") was designed to
encourage executive officers, other key employees and certain third parties to
acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and thereby align their interests
with those of the shareholders, to continue their employment or work with the
Company and to render superior performance during such period.
On April 22, 1996, the Board approved an amendment to the Company's 1994
Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") to increase the number of shares of Common
Stock available for option grant under the Plan from an aggregate of 400,000
shares to an aggregate of 750,000 shares (in each case, subject to adjustment in
the event of stock splits, combinations or similar circumstances). Amendment of
the Plan is subject to the affirmative approval of a majority of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock represented and voting at the Annual Meeting.
At September 10, 1996, 289,999 shares had been granted and were outstanding
under the Plan. The Board took such action to increase the Plan because it
believes that a stock incentive program is an important factor in attracting,
retaining and motivating key employees and certain third parties who will
dedicate their maximum productive efforts toward the advancement of the Company.
The Board believes that the proposed amendment furthers these objectives by
assuring continuing availability of stock incentives in the appropriate
circumstances and permitting flexibility in compensation awards.
In general, Section 162(m) of the Code imposes an annual $1,000,000 limit
on the tax deduction that the Company may take for compensation paid to certain
top executives, including salary, bonuses, and the "spread" on nonqualified
stock options, unless the compensation meets the requirements for an option. To
comply with the requirements that apply to stock options and stock appreciation
rights, the Board has approved an amendment to the Plan imposing a limit on the
maximum number of options or stock appreciation rights which may be granted to a
participant in one calendar year to 250,000 shares. A limit on the maximum
number of shares is required to comply with tax provisions related to the Plan.
The Board believes this to be an appropriate maximum because it will allow the
Committee flexibility in attracting and retaining high quality personnel.
Finally, because of revisions to Employee Benefit Plan Exemptive Rules
Under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Board
has approved certain amendments to the Plan, which modifications will comport
with changes made in the Rules. These prescribed changes include, among others,
the elimination of certain prohibitions on exercise during the six months
following the date of grant and the replacement of the "disinterested director"
requirement with a committee of two "non-employee directors" or the entire
Board. In addition, the Board of Directors and the Committee will each,
individually, have the power to amend the Plan without obtaining shareholder
approval to the fullest extent permitted by Rule 16b-3, Section 162(m) of the
Code, or any successors thereto, and any other applicable law or regulation,
including, without limitation, amendments that would (i) increase the maximum
number of aggregate shares issuable under the Plan, (ii) materially increase the
benefits accruing to Plan participants, and (iii) change the classes of eligible
persons under the Plan. To the extent the Board of Directors or the Committee
determined that shareholder approval of an amendment would be required under
applicable law or regulation, such amendment would become effective once
approved by the Board of Directors or the Committee and a majority of the
Company's shareholders entitled to vote.
Each Director and executive officer of the Company who is eligible to
receive Awards under the Plan can be considered to have an interest in the vote
on this proposal.
The text of the Amendment is set forth in Exhibit C to this Proxy
Statement. Shareholders are urged to read Exhibit C carefully. The descriptions
of the Amendment and the Plan in this Proxy Statement are qualified in their
entirety by reference to Exhibit C. The principal aspects of the existing Plan
are summarized below.
10
<PAGE> 13
Existing Plan Summary
The Plan authorizes the granting of stock incentive awards ("Awards") to
qualified officers, employee directors, key employees and third parties
providing valuable services to the Company, e.g., independent contractors,
consultants and advisors to the Company. At September 10, 1996, 94,999 shares
had been granted and were outstanding under the Plan. The Plan is administered
by a committee appointed by the Board and consisting of two or more members,
each of whom must be disinterested (the "Committee"). The Committee determines
the number of shares to be covered by an Award, the term and exercise price, if
any, of the Award and other terms and provisions of Awards; members of the
Committee receive formula awards.
Awards can be Stock Options ("Options"), Stock Appreciation Rights
("SARs"), Performance Share Awards ("PSAs") and Restricted Stock Awards
("RSAs"). The number and kind of shares available under the Plan are subject to
adjustment in certain events. Shares relating to Options or SARs which are not
exercised, shares relating to RSAs which do not vest and shares relating to PSAs
which are not issued will again be available for issuance under the Plan.
An Option may be an incentive stock option ("ISO") or a nonqualified
Option. The exercise price for Options is to be determined by the Committee, but
in the case of an ISO is not to be less than fair market value on the date the
Option is granted (110% of fair market value in the case of an ISO granted to
any person who owns more than 10% of the Common Stock). The award agreement may
provide for "cashless" exercise and payment. Subject to early termination or
acceleration provisions, an Option is exercisable, in whole or in part, from the
date specified in the related award agreement (which may be six months after the
date of grant) until the expiration date determined by the Committee.
An SAR is the right to receive payment based on the appreciation in the
fair market value of Common Stock from the date of grant to the date of
exercise. In its discretion, the Committee any grant an SAR concurrently with
the grant of an Option. An SAR is only exercisable at such time, and to the
extent, that the related Option is exercisable. Upon exercise of an SAR, the
holder receives for each share with respect to which the SAR is exercised an
amount equal to the difference between the exercise price under the related
Option and the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of
exercise of the SAR. The Committee in its discretion may pay the amount in cash,
shares of Common Stock, or a combination thereof.
An RSA is an award of a fixed number of shares of Common Stock subject to
restrictions. The Committee specifies the prices, if any, the recipient must pay
for such shares. Shares included in an RSA may not be sold, assigned,
transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of or encumbered until they have
vested. These restrictions may not terminate earlier than six months after the
award date. The recipient is entitled to dividend and voting rights pertaining
to such RSA shares even though they have not vested, so long as such shares have
not been forfeited.
A PSA is an award of a fixed number of shares of Common Stock, the issuance
of which is contingent upon the attainment of such performance objectives, and
the payment of such consideration, if any, as is specified by the Committee.
Issuance shall in any case not earlier than six months after the award date.
To date, no SAR, RSA or PSA awards have been granted by the Company.
The options granted under the Plan are not transferable other than by will
or the laws of descent and distribution. Unexercised options generally lapse 3
months after termination of employment other than be reason of retirement,
disability or death in which case it terminates one year thereafter.
The exercisability of all outstanding Awards will be accelerated, subject
to the discretion of the Committee, upon the occurrence of an "Event," defined
in the Plan to include approval by the shareholders of the dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, certain mergers, consolidations, sale of
substantially all of the Company's business and/or assets and a "change in
control." The Plan defines a change in control to have occurred if (i) a
"person," as defined in Section 13(d) and 14(d) under the Exchange Act acquires
35% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, and (ii)
during any two consecutive year periods there has been a change of a majority of
the members of the Board of Directors, unless the election or
11
<PAGE> 14
nomination of the new Directors has been approved by at least three-fourths of
the members still in office from the beginning of the two year period.
The Plan provides for anti-dilution adjustments which are applicable in the
event of a reorganization, merger, combination recapitalization,
reclassification, stock dividend, stock split or reverse stock split; however,
no such adjustment need be made if it determined that the adjustment may result
in the receipt of federal taxable income to optionees or the holders of Common
Stock or other classes of the Company's securities. Upon the dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, or upon a reorganization, merger or consolidation of
the Company as a result of which the Company is not the surviving entity, the
Plan shall terminate, and any outstanding awards shall terminate and be
forfeited unless assumed by the successor corporation.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The tax consequences with respect to Awards are quite complex and subject
to change. Thus, the following discussion is general in nature and does not
purport to be complete. Options granted under the Plan will not result in the
recognition of income by the recipient at the time of grant; however, upon the
exercise of an Option, the recipient will recognize ordinary income in an amount
equal to the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of
the Stock purchased upon such exercise, and the Company will generally be
entitled to a deduction of a like amount. Recipients of RSAs will not ordinarily
recognize income upon receipt of the Award absent an election under the Code to
recognize income upon the date of grant. Income will be recognized in an amount
equal to the difference between the purchase price of the Stock and the fair
market value of the Stock on the date of vesting (or grant, if the
above-referenced election has been made), and the Company will generally be
entitled to a deduction of a like amount. For a discussion of the impact of
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1996, as amended (the "Code"),
see "-- General."
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL
OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE 1994 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN.
PROPOSAL 5
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
On July 24, 1995, Ernst & Young LLP, successor to Kenneth Leventhal &
Company, resigned as the Company's independent accountants. Kenneth Leventhal &
Company audited the Company's 1992, 1993 and 1994 financial statements and
effective June 1, 1995 was merged into Ernst & Young LLP. In connection with the
Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, there were no disagreements with
Kenneth Leventhal & Company on any manner of accounting principles or practices,
financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which, if not
resolved to their satisfaction, would have caused them to make reference to the
subject matter of the disagreement in connection with the Company's Report on
Form 8-K filed July 26, 1995.
The audit reports of Kenneth Leventhal & Company on the consolidated
financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994
did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it
qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
The Company engaged KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as its principal accountants as
of September 18, 1995.
Upon recommendation of the Board, the Company has appointed KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP as the Company's independent certified public accountants for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 1996.
Services provided to the Company by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP during fiscal
year 1995 included the examination of the Company's consolidated financial
statements, tax return preparation and certain additional accounting services
provided in connection with acquisition and securities matters.
12
<PAGE> 15
In the event shareholders do not approve the appointment of KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP as the Company's independent accountants for the forthcoming fiscal
year, such appointment will be reconsidered by the Board.
Representatives of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP will be present at the Annual
Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to make such statements as they
may desire.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP AS THE COMPANY'S
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.
SHAREHOLDERS' PROPOSALS FOR THE 1997 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
A proper proposal submitted by a shareholder for presentation at the
Company's 1997 Annual Meeting and received at the Company's executive offices no
later than March 3, 1997 will be included in the Company's proxy statement and
form of proxy relating to the 1997 Annual Meeting.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board is not aware of any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting
other than those described in this Proxy Statement. Unless otherwise directed,
all shares represented by the persons named in the accompanying proxy will be
voted in favor of the proposals described in this Proxy Statement. If any other
matter properly comes before the meeting, however, the proxy holders will vote
thereon in accordance with their best judgment.
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than ten
percent (10%) of the Company's stock, to file initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC"). Executive officers, directors and greater than ten percent (10%)
beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with
copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company and written representations from the executive officers and directors,
the Company believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to
its executive officers, directors and greater than ten percent (10%) beneficial
owners have been satisfied with the exception of the late filing of one Form 4
Report by Michael Viner, President and Chief Executive Officer with respect to
two transactions.
ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
The Company files each year with the SEC an Annual Report on Form 10-KSB as
prescribed by the rules of the SEC. Copies of the 10-KSB will be provided,
without charge, to any shareholder of the Company. Written requests for a copy
of the 10-KSB should be directed to Dove Audio, Inc., 8955 Beverly Boulevard,
West Hollywood, California 90048.
13
<PAGE> 16
EXHIBIT A
AMENDMENT NUMBER 1 TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF DOVE AUDIO, INC.
1. Article I is stricken from the Articles of Incorporation of the
corporation and amended to read as follows:
"The name of the corporation is Dove Entertainment, Inc."
14
<PAGE> 17
EXHIBIT B
AMENDMENT NUMBER 1 TO
BYLAWS OF DOVE AUDIO, INC.
ARTICLE III, SECTION 2 OF THE CORPORATION'S BYLAWS SHALL BE STRICKEN AND AMENDED
TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
Section 2. Number and Qualifications. The size of the Board of Directors of
the corporation shall be not less than five (5) nor more than nine (9), subject
to vacancies from time to time. The exact number of directors within the limits
specified shall be five (5) until changed by an amendment to these bylaws duly
adopted by the board of directors or by the shareholders. Such range may be
changed, or a definite number fixed without provision for a range, by an
amendment to these bylaws duly adopted by the vote or written consent of the
shareholders provided, however, that a bylaw reducing the minimum number of
directors to a number less than five (5) cannot be adopted if the votes cast
against its adoption at a meeting or the shares not consenting in the case of
action by written consent are equal to more than 16 2/3% of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote. No amendment may change the stated maximum number of
authorized directors to a number greater than two times the stated minimum
number of directors minus one.
15
<PAGE> 18
EXHIBIT C
FIRST AMENDMENT
TO THE
DOVE AUDIO, INC. 1994 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
FIRST
The Plan is hereby renamed the "Dove Entertainment, Inc. 1994 Stock
Incentive Plan," and all references to "Dove Audio, Inc." in the Plan are hereby
amended to refer to "Dove Entertainment, Inc."
SECOND
The definition of "Committee" in Section 1.1(i) of the Plan is hereby
amended in its entirety, to read as follows:
(i) "Committee" shall mean either a committee appointed by the Board,
consisting of two or more members, each of whom is a Non-Employee Director,
or the entire Board.
THIRD
Section 1.1 of the Plan is hereby amended by deleting the definition of
"Disinterested" in Section 1.1(m) in its entirety, and the remaining subsections
of Section 1.1 are hereby renumbered accordingly, to the extent necessary.
FOURTH
Section 1.1 of the Plan is hereby amended by adding the following
definition thereto as Section 1.1(r), and the remaining subsections are hereby
renumbered accordingly, to the extent necessary :
(r) "Non-Employee Director" shall mean a Non-Employee Director within
the meaning of the applicable regulatory requirements promulgated under
Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
FIFTH
Section 2.3 of the plan is hereby amended in its entirety to read as
follows:
Awards my be granted only to Eligible Persons. An Eligible Person who
has been granted an Award may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional
Awards if the Committee shall so determine.
Section 2.4 of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety, to read as
follows:
2.4 Stock Subject to the Plan
The stock to be offered under this Plan shall be shares of the
Corporation's authorized but unissued Common Stock. The aggregate amount of
Common Stock that may be issued or transferred pursuant to Awards granted
under this Plan shall not exceed 750,000 shares, subject to adjustment as
set forth in Section 7.2; provided that any Stock Appreciation Rights
granted concurrently in accordance with Section 4.1 are not subject to the
foregoing limitation. If an Option and any Stock Appreciation Right shall
lapse or terminate without having been exercised in full, or any Common
Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award shall not vest or any Common
Stock subject to a Performance Share Award shall not have been transferred,
the unpurchased or nontransferred shares subject thereto shall again be
available for purposes of this Plan; provided, however, that the counting
of shares subject to Awards granted under the Plan against the number of
shares available for further Awards shall in all cases conform to the
requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act; and provided, further,
that with respect to any Option and any Stock Appreciation Right granted to
any Eligible Person who is a "covered
16
<PAGE> 19
employee," as defined in Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations
promulgated thereunder, that is canceled, the number of shares subject to
such Option and Stock Appreciation Right shall continue to count against
the maximum number of shares which may be the subject of Options and Stock
Appreciation Rights granted to such Eligible Person. For purposes of the
preceding sentence, if, after grant, the exercise price of an Option and/or
the base amount of any Stock Appreciation Right is reduced, such reduction
shall be treated as a cancellation of such Option and Stock Appreciation
Right and the grant of a new Option and Stock Appreciation Right (if any),
and both the cancellation of the Option and Stock Appreciation Right and
the new Option and Stock Appreciation Right shall reduce the maximum number
of shares for which Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted to
the holder of such Option and Stock Appreciation Right, to the extent
required by Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated
thereunder.
SIXTH
The first sentence of Section 2.5 of the Plan is hereby amended in its
entirety, to read as follows:
Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall
determine from the class of Eligible Persons those individuals to whom
Awards under the Plan shall be granted, the terms of Awards (which need not
be identical) and the number of shares of Common Stock subject to each
Award; provided, however, that no Eligible Person may be granted Options
and Stock Appreciation Rights relating in the aggregate to more than
250,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in
Section 7.2) in any calendar year; and provided, further, that any shares
of Common Stock relating to Stock Appreciation Rights granted concurrently
with one or more Options in accordance with Section 4.1 shall only be
counted once for purposes of such limit.
SEVENTH
The first sentence of Section 3.4 of the Plan is hereby amended in its
entirety, to read as follows:
Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.4, an Option may become
exercisable, in whole or in part, on the date or dates specified in the
Award Agreement, and thereafter shall remain exercisable until the
expiration or earlier termination of such Option.
EIGHTH
Section 4.2(d) of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety, to read as
follows:
(d) A Stock Appreciation Right granted independently of any Option
shall be exercisable pursuant to the terms of the Award Agreement.
NINTH
The second sentence of Section 5.1 of the Plan is hereby amended in its
entirety, to read as follows:
Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall specify the number of
shares of Common Stock to be issued to the Participant, the date of such
issuance, the price, if any, to be paid for shares and the restrictions
imposed on such shares.
TENTH
The second sentence of Section 6.1 of the Plan is hereby amended in its
entirety, to read as follows:
A Performance Share Award Agreement shall specify the number of shares
of Common Stock subject to the Performance Share Award, the price, if any,
to be paid for such shares by the Participant and the conditions upon which
issuance to the Participant shall be based.
17
<PAGE> 20
ELEVENTH
The first sentence of Section 7.4 of the Plan is hereby amended in its
entirety, to read as follows:
Unless prior to an Event the Committee determines that, upon its
occurrence, there shall be no acceleration of Awards or determines those
Awards which shall be accelerated and the extent to which they shall be
accelerated upon the occurrence of an Event (i) each Option and each Stock
Appreciation Right shall become immediately exercisable to the full extent
theretofore not exercisable, (ii) Restricted Stock shall immediately vest
free of restrictions, and (iii) the number of shares covered by each
Performance Share Award shall be issued to the Participant.
TWELFTH
Section 7.7(b) of the Plan is hereby amended in its entirety, to read as
follows:
(b) If an amendment would (i) materially increase the benefits
accruing to Participants within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(a) under the
Exchange Act or any successor thereto, (ii) increase the aggregate number
of shares which may be issued under this Plan or to any individual, (iii)
modify the requirements of eligibility for participation in this Plan, or
(iv) require shareholder approval in order to qualify Options and Stock
Appreciation Rights as "performance-based compensation," within the meaning
of Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder,
the amendment shall be approved by the Board or the Committee and a
majority of the shareholders. If the provisions of Rule 16b-3 under the
Exchange Act or any successor thereto or Section 162(m) of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder permit the amendment of stock option
plans without compliance with the shareholder approval requirements then
set forth therein, the foregoing restrictions on the ability of the Board
and the Committee to amend the Plan shall terminate to the extent such
approval is not required thereunder (or under any other applicable law or
regulation), and the Board and the Committee shall be empowered to amend
the Plan without regard to the terminated restrictions in appropriate
circumstances.
18
<PAGE> 21
DOVE AUDIO, INC.
8955 BEVERLY BOULEVARD
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90048
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DOVE AUDIO, INC.
The undersigned hereby appoints Michael Viner and Deborah Raffin, and each of
them, acting singly or jointly, as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his
or her substitute, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote
as designated below, all the shares of Common Stock of Dove Audio, Inc. held of
record by the undersigned on September 9, 1996, at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of Dove Audio, Inc. to be held on November 7, 1996 and any
postponements or adjournments thereof.
The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR each of the items below.
1. Amendment of Articles of Incorporation to change the name of the Company
to Dove Entertainment, Inc.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
2. Amendment of the Bylaws to expand the size of Board of Directors.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. Election of Directors:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
/ / FOR all nominees listed below (except as / / WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
marked to the contrary below) to vote for the nominees listed below
</TABLE>
INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE
STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THE NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE LIST BELOW
Michael Viner Deborah Raffin Steven F. Mayer James Belasco Gerald Leider
4. Amendment of 1994 Stock Incentive Plan to increase shares subject to the
Plan, to provide for a maximum grant per individual of 250,000 shares and
to make certain changes to the Plan to comport with new rules enacted
under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
5. Ratification of the appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as independent
accountants for fiscal 1996:
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
6. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before such meeting and any and all
postponements and adjournments thereof.
PLEASE DATE, SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS INDICATED; HOWEVER,
IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIVEN, THE PROXIES WILL VOTE THE SHARES ON SPECIFIED
MATTERS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND IN THEIR DISCRETION ON
MATTERS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 6.
<PAGE> 22
(continued on reverse side)
THIS PROXY when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein
by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be
voted on specific matters as recommended by the Board of Directors and in their
discretion on the matters described in Item 6.
Date:_____________ , 1996
----------------------------------
Signature
----------------------------------
Signature (if held jointly)
IMPORTANT: Please sign exactly as
your name or names are set forth on
this proxy. When shares are held
jointly, both holders should sign.
When signing as attorney, executor
or administrator, or trustee or
guardian, please give your full
title as such. If a corporation,
please sign in full the corporate
name by an authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in the
partnership's name by an authorized
person.
Do you plan to attend the meeting?
/ / YES / / NO
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY.
A STAMPED AND ADDRESSED ENVELOPE HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR YOUR USE.
