<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
X Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as
permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
N/A
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
X No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(1) 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:
[ ] 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:
<PAGE>
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
4 SCIENCE PARK
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 06511
(203) 498-4210
September , 2000
Dear Fellow Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Company's Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held at 3:00 p.m., on Monday, October 23, 2000, at the Kitano
Hotel, 66 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016.
This year you are being asked to: (i) elect eight directors; (ii)
approve the amendment to the Company's certificate of incorporation to create a
classified board of directors consisting of three classes of directors, (iii)
approve the adoption of Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2000 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and (iv) ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's
independent auditors for 2000. At the meeting, I will be pleased to report on
the affairs of the Company and a discussion period will be provided for
questions and comments of general interest to stockholders.
We look forward to greeting personally those stockholders who are able
to be present at the meeting; however, whether or not you plan to be with us at
the meeting, it is important that your shares be represented. Accordingly, you
are requested to sign and date the enclosed proxy and mail it in the envelope
provided at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Very truly yours,
ALAN KESSMAN
President and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
----------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
-----------------------
New Haven, Connecticut
September , 2000
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Vion
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will be held on Monday, October 23, 2000 at 3:00 p.m., at
the Kitano Hotel, 66 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016, for the following
purposes:
(1) To elect eight directors to hold office until the next annual meeting
of stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualified;
(2) To amend the Company's certificate of incorporation to create a
classified board of directors consisting of three classes of
directors;
(3) To consider and vote on the approval of the adoption of Vion
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan;
(4) To consider and vote on the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the
Company's independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2000;
and
(5) To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment of the Annual Meeting.
Stockholders of record of the Company's Common Stock and the Company's
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock at the close of business on September 14,
2000 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any
adjournments of the Annual Meeting. All stockholders are cordially invited to
attend the Annual Meeting in person. Stockholders who are unable to attend the
Annual Meeting in person are requested to complete and date the enclosed form of
proxy and return it promptly in the envelope provided. No postage is required if
mailed in the United States. Stockholders who attend the Annual Meeting may
revoke their proxy and vote their shares in person.
THOMAS MIZELLE
Secretary
<PAGE>
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
4 SCIENCE PARK
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 06511
-------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
-------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
PROXY SOLICITATION
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the holders of Common Stock and
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock of Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the
"Company") in connection with the solicitation by and on behalf of our Board of
Directors of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
Monday, October 23, 2000, or at any adjournments of the Annual Meeting. The
purpose of the meeting and the matters to be acted upon are described in the
accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This proxy statement and
the accompanying proxy card are being mailed to the Stockholders on or about
September 19, 2000.
Execution and return of the enclosed proxy card are being solicited by
and on behalf of our Board of Directors for the purposes set forth in the
foregoing notice of meeting. The costs incidental to the solicitation and
obtaining of proxies, including the cost of reimbursing banks and brokers for
forwarding proxy materials to their principals, will be borne by us. Proxies may
be solicited, without extra compensation, by our officers and employees by mail,
telephone, telefax, personal interviews and other methods of communication. We
have engaged the firm of Corporate Investor Communications, Inc. to assist us in
the distribution and solicitation of proxies and have agreed to pay CIC a fee of
approximately $6,000, plus expenses, for its services.
REVOCABILITY AND VOTING OF PROXY
A form of proxy for use at the Annual Meeting and a return envelope for
the proxy are enclosed. Stockholders may revoke the authority granted by their
execution of proxies at any time before their effective exercise by filing with
the Secretary of the Company a written notice of revocation or a duly executed
proxy bearing a later date, or by voting in person at the meeting. Shares of the
Company's Common Stock and Class A Preferred Stock represented by executed and
unrevoked proxies will be voted in accordance with the choice or instructions
specified thereon. If no specifications are given, the proxies intend to vote
the shares represented thereby to approve Proposals No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 as set
forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and in
accordance with their best judgment on any other matters which may properly come
before the meeting.
<PAGE>
RECORD DATE AND VOTING RIGHTS
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on September 14,
2000 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On September
14, 2000 there were _________ shares of Common Stock outstanding and ________
shares of Class A Preferred Stock outstanding; each share of Common Stock is
entitled to one vote and each share of Class A Preferred Stock is entitled to
2.777777 votes on the matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting. The total
number of votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting is ________. The
holders of a voting majority of the outstanding shares that may be voted at the
meeting, present in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum at the Annual
Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of
determining the presence or absence of a quorum. "Broker non-votes" are shares
held by brokers or nominees which are present in person or represented by proxy,
but which are not voted on a particular matter because instructions have not
been received from the beneficial owner. Under applicable Delaware law, the
effect of broker non-votes on a particular matter depends on whether the matter
is one as to which the broker or nominee has discretionary voting authority. The
effect of broker non-votes on the specific items to be brought before the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders is discussed under each item.
2
<PAGE>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth information as of September 14, 2000 (except as
otherwise noted in the footnotes) regarding the beneficial ownership (as defined
by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")) of our Common Stock and
Class A Preferred Stock of: (i) each person known by us to own beneficially more
than five percent of our outstanding Common Stock or Class A Preferred Stock;
(ii) each of our current directors; (iii) each of our executive officers who
received over $100,000 in compensation from us during the 1999 fiscal year; and
(iv) all of our current directors and executive officers as a group. Except as
otherwise specified, the named beneficial owner has the sole voting and
investment power over the shares listed and the address of each beneficial owner
is c/o Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 4 Science Park, New Haven, Connecticut 06511.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
COMMON STOCK PREFERRED STOCK (1) TOTAL NUMBER OF
------------ ------------------- SHARES OF
NUMBER NUMBER COMMON STOCK
OF OF BENEFICIALLY
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS & 5% STOCKHOLDERS SHARES PERCENT SHARES PERCENT OWNED
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------- ------ ------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michel C. Bergerac....................... 50,000(2) * 0 - 50,000
Frank T. Cary............................ 72,718(3) * 0 - 72,718
James L. Ferguson........................ 36,000(4) * 0 - 36,000
Alan Kessman............................. 424,000(5) 1.1% 0 - 424,000
William R. Miller........................ 189,406(6) * 0 - 189,406
Alan C. Sartorelli, Ph.D................. 399,958(7) 1.9% 0 - 399,958
Walter B. Wriston........................ , 67,718(8) * 0 - , 67,718
Terrence W. Doyle, Ph.D.................. 299,774(9) 1.4% 0 - 299,774
Charles K. MacDonald..................... 20,000(10) * 0 - 20,000
Thomas E. Klein.......................... 143,084(11) * 0 - 143,084
Thomas Mizelle........................... 166,810(12) * 0 - 166,810
Bijan Almassian.......................... 48,125(13) * 0 - 48,125
Ivan King................................ 72,700(14) * 0 - 72,700
John A. Spears........................... 317,863 1.5% 0 - 317,863
OTHER BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Elliott Associates, L.P.
Westgate International, L.P.
Martley International, Inc.
c/o Elliott Associates, L.P.
712 Fifth Avenue, 36th Floor 2,592,313(15) 10.2% 0 - 2,592,313
New York, NY 10019....................
All directors and executive officers as a
group (14 persons).................... 2,308,156(16) 8.1% 0 - 2,308,156
</TABLE>
-------------------
*Less than one percent
(1) The Class A Preferred Stock is convertible into Common Stock by dividing
(i) the sum of the $10.00 per share stated value by (ii) $3.60 per share
(as adjusted from time to time for certain events of dilution). As of March
1, 2000, each share of Class A Preferred Stock was convertible into
2.777777 shares of Common Stock.
(2) Includes 20,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(3) Includes 10,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(4) Includes 30,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(5) Includes 400,900 shares issuable upon exercise of options.
3
<PAGE>
(6) Includes 11,250 shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(7) Includes 190,874 shares beneficially owned by Dr. Sartorelli's wife, as to
which Dr. Sartorelli disclaims beneficial ownership. Also includes 11,250
shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(8) Includes 13,750 shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(9) Includes 86,600 shares held by Dr. Doyle's wife and children, as to which
Dr. Doyle disclaims beneficial ownership. Also includes 28,050 shares
issuable upon exercise of options.
(10) Consists of shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(11) Includes 119,400 shares issuable upon exercise of options. Also includes
1,199 shares of common stock held by Mr. Klein's wife and children.
(12) Includes 145,800 shares issuable upon exercise of options. Also includes
488 shares of common stock held by Mr. Mizelle's children.
(13) Includes 28,125 shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(14) Consists of shares issuable upon exercise of options.
(15) Beneficial ownership information is based upon data set forth in a Schedule
13D Amendment No. 7 filed with the SEC on May 24, 2000. Elliott Associates,
L.P. owns 1,294,944 shares of Common Stock. Westgate International, L.P.,
which has its business address at c/o Midland Bank Trust Corporation
(Cayman) Limited, P.O. Box 1109, Mary Street, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands,
British West Indies, owns 1,297,369 shares of Common Stock. Martley
International, Inc. is the investment manager for Westgate International,
L.P. and has shared voting and dispository power over the shares held by
Westgate International, L.P. Martley International, Inc. disclaims
beneficial ownership of all such shares.
(16) Includes 911,225 shares issuable upon exercise of options.
4
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL NO. 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Annual Meeting, eight directors will be elected (constituting
the entire Board of Directors). Each director is to hold office until the next
Annual Meeting or until a successor is elected and qualified, unless the
proposal to establish a classified Board of Directors is adopted by the
Stockholders, as described in Proposal No. 2, in which case only directors
designated as Class I directors will be elected at the next Annual Meeting. The
persons named below have been nominated by the Board of Directors. All nominees
have consented to be named and have indicated their intent to serve if elected.
If any nominee should become unavailable for election, your proxy may be voted
for a substitute nominee by the persons named in the proxy or the size of the
board may be reduced accordingly; however, the board is not aware of any
circumstances likely to make any nominee unavailable for election.
The nominees, their ages, the year in which each first became a
director of the Company and their principal occupations or employment during the
past five years are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF PROPOSAL YEAR FIRST
NO. 2 IS BECAME
NOMINEE ADOPTED AGE DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS
-------------------------- ------------ --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William R. Miller......... Class III 72 1995 Chairman of the Board of the Company since April 1995;
from February 1995 until April 1995, Chairman of the Board
of OncoRx Inc. ("OncoRx"), which was merged into a
subsidiary of the Company (then known as MelaRx
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) in April 1995; currently Chairman of
the Board of SIBIA Neurosciences, Inc., and a director of
ImClone Systems, Inc., Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
Transkaryotic Therapies, Inc., Westvaco Corporation and
Xomed Surgical Products Inc.; from 1964 until his retirement
in 1991, various positions with Bristol-Myers Squibb
Company, including Vice Chairman of the Board commencing in
1985. (1)
Alan Kessman.............. Class II 53 1998 Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 1999
and President of the Company since April 1999; Partner of
PS Capital, an international investment and management
advisor, since October 1998; from 1983 to 1998, Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Executone
Information Systems, Inc. and its subsidiary eLottery,
Inc.; and a director of Fastnet Corporation.
Alan C. Sartorelli, Ph.D.. Class I 68 1995 Professor of Pharmacology at Yale University School of
Medicine since 1967; Chairman of the Company's Scientific
Advisory Board since April 1995; Chairman of the OncoRx
Scientific Advisory Board from May 1993 to April 1995;
Director of Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center from 1984 to
1993.
Michel C. Bergerac........ Class I 68 1992 Chairman of M.C. Bergerac & Co., Inc., an investment
advisory firm, since 1985; from 1974 to 1985, Chairman of
the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Revlon, Inc. (1)
Frank T. Cary............. Class II 79 1995 Director of Celgene Corporation, Cygnus Therapeutic
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF PROPOSAL YEAR FIRST
NO. 2 IS BECAME
NOMINEE ADOPTED AGE DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS
-------------------------- ------------ --- ----------- ------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Systems, ICOS Corporation, Lincare, Inc., Lexmark
International Group, Inc. and Teltrend, Inc; from 1973 to
1981, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
IBM. (1)
James L. Ferguson......... Class I 74 1995 Director of ICOS Corporation; Chairman of the Board of
General Foods Corporation from 1974 until 1989 and
President from 1973 to 1977. (2)
Walter B. Wriston......... Class II 81 1995 Director of ICOS Corporation, York International
Corporation and Cygnus, Inc.; retired as Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Citicorp and its principal
subsidiary, Citibank, N.A., in 1984 after having served as
Chief Executive Officer for 17 years. (2)
Charles K. MacDonald...... Class III 41 2000 Principal and founder of Morgandane Management Corp., an
independent investment advisory firm, since 1996. Analyst
and, later, Portfolio Manager at Stonington Management
Corp from 1987 to 1995. (2)
</TABLE>
-------------------
(1) Member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
(2) Member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the Board of Directors
held six meetings. Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the meetings
of the Board of Directors held and of all committees of the Board of Directors
on which he served while he was a director of the Company, except for Mr.
Ferguson, who attended four of the six meetings of the Board of Directors, and
Mr. Spears, who attended one of the two meetings of the Board of Directors while
he was a director of the Company. Mr. MacDonald was not a director during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
In April 1995, the Board of Directors established an Audit Committee to
review the internal accounting procedures of the Company and to consult with and
review the audit scope and results of the audit with the Company's independent
auditors and the services provided by the auditors. The Audit Committee is
composed of three non-employee directors, Messrs. Wriston, Ferguson and
MacDonald. All members of the Audit Committee are independent as defined in the
listing standards of the National Association of Securities Dealers. On June 1,
2000, the Board of Directors adopted an Audit Committee Charter that meets the
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National
Association of the Securities Dealers. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is
attached to this proxy statement as Appendix B. The Audit Committee met one time
in 1999.
In April 1995, the Board formed the Compensation Committee to
administer the Company's stock option plans and the Company's executive
compensation policies. Messrs. Bergerac, Cary and Miller are the members of this
committee. The Compensation Committee held two meetings in 1999.
6
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors are reimbursed for expenses actually incurred in connection
with each meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof attended.
We also pay the Chairman of the Board $4,000 per meeting of the Board attended
and each other non-employee or non-consultant director $1,000 for each such
meeting attended. Various directors are also entitled to automatic grants of
options under our Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan.
DIRECTORS' OPTIONS
Our Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan provides for the
automatic grant of non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of common
stock to our directors who are not employees or principal stockholders. Eligible
directors elected after August 1995 will be granted an option to purchase 20,000
shares of common stock on the date such person is first elected or appointed a
director. Further, commencing on the day immediately following the date of the
Annual Meeting of stockholders each eligible director, other than directors who
received an initial director option since the last annual meeting, will be
granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock (20,000
shares in the case of the chairman of the board) on the day immediately
following the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. The exercise
price for each share subject to a director option shall be equal to the
fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Director options
will expire the earlier of 10 years after the date of grant or 90 days after
the termination of the director's service on the board. As an inducement
to enter into an employment agreement, on January 11, 1999, we granted to
Mr. Kessman options to purchase an aggregate of 980,000 shares of common
stock. The foregoing grants consist of (1) an option to purchase 760,000
shares at an exercise price of $5.775, representing a 10% premium to the market
price on the date prior to the date of grant, such option to vest 25% on July
11, 2000, 50% on July 11, 2001, 75% on July 11, 2002 and 100% on July 11, 2003
and (2) an option to purchase 220,000 shares at an exercise price of $5.25,
representing the market price on the date prior to the date of grant, such
option having vested in full on July 11, 1999, six months from the date of
grant. In addition, during 1999, Messrs. Bergerac, Cary, Ferguson, Sartorelli
and Wriston were each granted ten year options to purchase 15,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $5.063 per share and Mr. Miller was granted
an option to purchase 20,000 shares on the same terms.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own
more than ten percent of the Company's Common Stock, to file initial reports of
ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC and The NASDAQ Stock
Market. Executive officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial
owners are required by the SEC to furnish the Company with copies of all Section
16(a) forms they file.
Based upon a review of the forms furnished to the Company and written
7
<PAGE>
representations from the Company's executive officers and directors, the Company
believes that during fiscal 1999 all Section 16(a) filing requirements
applicable to its executive officers, directors and greater than ten percent
beneficial owners were complied with.
VOTE REQUIRED
The eight nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of
the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote for
them, a quorum being present, shall be elected as directors. Only votes cast for
a nominee will be counted, except that the accompanying proxy will be voted for
all nominees in the absence of instruction to the contrary. Abstentions, broker
non-votes and instructions on the accompanying proxy card to withhold authority
to vote for one or more nominees will result in the respective nominees
receiving fewer votes. However, the number of votes otherwise received by the
nominee will not be reduced by such action.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DEEMS "PROPOSAL NO. 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS"
TO BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A
VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THIS PROPOSAL.
MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table contains the names and positions of the executive
officers of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME POSITION
--------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Alan Kessman.................................. President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Terrence W. Doyle, Ph.D. ..................... Vice President - Research & Development
Thomas E. Klein............................... Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Thomas Mizelle................................ Vice President - Operations and Secretary
Bijan Almassian, Ph.D......................... Vice President - Development
Ivan King, Ph.D............................... Vice President - Biology
Mario Sznol, M.D.............................. Vice President - Clinical Affairs
</TABLE>
Alan Kessman, age 53, has been the Company's Chief Executive Officer
since January 1999, the Company's President since April 1999 and has been a
director of the Company since October 1998. Since October 1998, Mr. Kessman has
been a partner of PS Capital, an international investment and management
advisor. From 1983 to 1998,
8
<PAGE>
Mr. Kessman was Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Executone
Information Systems, Inc., a developer and marketer of voice and data
communications systems, and its subsidiary eLottery, Inc.
Terrence W. Doyle, Ph.D., age 57, has been the Company's Vice
President of Research and Development since the merger with OncoRx and served in
the same capacity for OncoRx from January 1994 until the merger. Dr. Doyle was
an employee of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company ("Bristol-Myers") from 1967 to
1993. From 1990 to 1993, Dr. Doyle was an Executive Director with Bristol-Myers.
Dr. Doyle is the original holder of 41 U.S. patents for anti-infective,
anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agents and the author of over 100 published
research articles and abstracts on cancer chemotherapy.
Thomas E. Klein, age 51, has been the Company's Vice President -
Finance and Chief Financial Officer since October 1995. From 1988 to 1994, Mr.
Klein was Director of Finance and Treasurer of Novo Nordisk of North America,
Inc.
Thomas Mizelle, age 49, has been the Company's Vice President of
Operations since the merger with OncoRx and has been the Company's Secretary
since October 1995. Prior to the merger, Mr. Mizelle was Vice President of
Business Development since August 1994. From May 1990 to July 1994, Mr. Mizelle
served as Senior Vice President, Vice President of Sales and Marketing and
Director of Sales of Immunex Corporation.
Bijan Almassian, Ph.D., age 47, has been our Vice President,
Development since March 1997 and was named an executive officer in July 1999.
From September 1995 to March 1997, Dr. Almassian was our Director of
Development. From 1994 to 1995, Dr. Almassian was the Director of Pharmaceutical
development at Genelabs Technologies, where he was responsible for product
development of several anticancer and antiviral drugs and biologics. Before
joining Genelabs, he held several scientific positions at Genzyme/Integrated
Genetics, Instrumentation Laboratories and Orion Research.
Ivan King, Ph.D., age 45, has been our Vice President, Biology since
September 1995 and became an executive officer in July 1999. From 1990 to 1995,
Dr. King was a Section Leader in the Department of Tumor Biology at
Schering-Plough Research Institute in charge of the Cell Biology and In Vivo
Biology groups where he was responsible for identifying targets, developing high
throughput assays, evaluating in vitro and in vivo activities of drug candidates
and recommending candidates for clinical development. Dr. King's first
industrial position was as a Senior Research Scientist at Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Mario Sznol, M.D., age 42, has been our Vice President, Clinical
Affairs since September 1999 and became an executive officer in November 1999.
From 1987 to 1999, Dr. Sznol worked for the National Cancer Institute, or NCI, a
component of the National Institutes of Health. Most recently he was Head of the
Biologics Evaluation Section, Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy
Evaluation Program. From March 1997 to October 1998, he served as acting Chief
of NCI's Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer
9
<PAGE>
Therapy Evaluation Program. Prior to joining the NCI, Dr. Sznol conducted his
fellowship in Medical Oncology, Department of Neoplastic Diseases, at Mt. Sinai
School of Medicine, and his residency in Internal Medicine at Baylor College of
Medicine in Houston. Dr. Sznol is on the editorial advisory boards of both the
Journal of the National Cancer Institute and the Journal of Immunotherapy.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
This Executive Compensation Report discusses the Company's executive
compensation policies and the basis for the compensation paid to the Named
Executive Officers, including the person serving as its chief executive officer
during the year ended December 31, 1999.
Compensation Policy. The Committee's policy with respect to executive
compensation has been designed to:
Adequately and fairly compensate executive officers in relation to
their responsibilities, capabilities and contributions to the
Company and in a manner that is commensurate with compensation
paid by companies of comparable size or within the Company's
industry;
Reward executive officers for the achievement of short-term
operating goals and for the enhancement of the long-term value of
the Company; and
Align the interests of the executive officers with those of the
Company's Stockholders with respect to short-term operating goals
and long-term increases in the price of the Company's common
stock.
The components of compensation paid to executive officers consist of:
(a) base salary, (b) incentive compensation in the form of annual bonus payments
and stock options awarded by the Company under the Company's Amended and
Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan and (c) certain other benefits provided to the
Company's executive officers. The Company's Compensation Committee is
responsible for reviewing and approving cash compensation paid by the Company to
its executive officers and members of the Company's senior management team,
including annual bonuses and stock options awarded under the Company's Amended
and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan, selecting the individuals who will be
awarded bonuses and stock options under the Amended and Restated 1993 Stock
Option Plan, and for determining the timing, pricing and amount of all stock
options granted thereunder, each within the terms of the Company's Amended and
Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan.
The Company's executive compensation program historically has
emphasized the use of incentive-based compensation to reward the Company's
executive officers and members of senior management for the achievement of goals
established by the board of directors. The Company uses stock options to provide
an incentive for a substantial
10
<PAGE>
number of its officers and employees, including selected members of management,
and to reward such officers and employees for achieving goals that have been
established for the Company. The Company believes its incentive compensation
plan rewards management when the Company and its Stockholders have benefited
from achieving the Company's goals and targeted research and development
objectives, all of which the Compensation Committee feels will dictate, in
large part, the Company's future operating results. The Compensation Committee
believes that its policy of compensating officers and employees with
incentive-based compensation fairly and adequately compensates those
individuals in relation to their responsibilities, capabilities and
contribution to the Company, and in a manner that is commensurate with
compensation paid by companies of comparable size or within the Company's
industry.
Components of Compensation. The primary components of compensation paid
by the Company to its executive officers and senior management personnel, and
the relationship of such components of compensation to the Company's
performance, are discussed below:
Base Salary. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews and
approves the base salary paid by the Company to its executive
officers and members of the senior management team. Adjustments to
base salaries are determined based upon a number of factors,
including the Company's performance (to the extent such
performance can fairly be attributed or related to each
executive's performance), as well as the nature of each
executive's responsibilities, capabilities and contributions. In
addition, the Compensation Committee periodically reviews the base
salaries of its senior management personnel in an attempt to
ascertain whether those salaries fairly reflect job
responsibilities and prevailing market conditions and rates of
pay. The Compensation Committee believes that base salaries for
the Company's executive officers have historically been reasonable
in relation to the Company's size and performance in comparison
with the compensation paid by similarly sized companies or
companies within the Company's industry.
Incentive Compensation. As discussed above, a substantial portion
of each executive officer's compensation package is in the form of
incentive compensation designed to reward the achievement of
short-term operating goals and long-term increases in stockholder
value. The Company's Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan
allow the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee to
grant stock options to executive officers and employees for the
purchase of shares of the Company's common stock. Under the terms
of the Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan, the Board of
Directors and the Compensation Committee have authority, within
the terms of the Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan, to
select the executive officers and employees who will be granted
stock options and to determine the timing, pricing and number of
stock options to be awarded. The Compensation Committee believes
that the stock options granted under the Amended and Restated 1993
Stock Option Plan reward executive officers
11
<PAGE>
only to the extent that Stockholders have benefited from
increases in the value of the Company's common stock.
Other Benefits. The Company maintains certain other arrangements
for the benefit of its executive officers and members of senior
management. The Company believes these benefits are reasonable in
relation to the executive compensation practices of other
similarly sized companies or companies within the Company's
industry.
Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer. As described elsewhere in
this proxy statement, the Company has entered into an executive employment
agreement with Mr. Kessman. The material terms of this executive employment
agreement are described elsewhere. The Compensation Committee believes that the
monthly compensation under such contract adequately and fairly compensates this
executive officer in relation to his respective responsibilities, capabilities,
contributions and dedication to the Company and secures for the Company the
benefit of his leadership, management and financial skills and capabilities.
Moreover, the Compensation Committee believes that the salary and other benefits
are reasonable in relation to the responsibilities, capabilities, contributions
and dedication of Mr. Kessman to the Company and are in line with the
compensation earned by chief executive officers employed by companies of
comparable size or within the Company's industry.
Conclusion. The Compensation Committee believes that the concepts
discussed above further the Stockholder interests because a significant part of
executive compensation is based upon the Company achieving its marketing, sales
and product development goals and other specific goals set by the board of
directors. At the same time, the Compensation Committee believes that the
program encourages responsible management of the Company in the short-term. The
Compensation Committee regularly considers plan design so that the total program
is as effective as possible in furthering Stockholder interests.
The Compensation Committee bases its review on the experience of its
own members, on information requested from management personnel, and on
discussions with and information compiled by various independent consultants
retained by the Company.
Respectfully submitted,
Compensation Committee:
William R. Miller
Frank T. Cary
Michel C. Bergerac
12
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth information concerning all cash and
non-cash compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the named executive
officers who earned over $100,000 and were serving at the end of 1999, for
services in all capacities to the Company, its subsidiaries and predecessors.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
------------------- ----------------------
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
OTHER ANNUAL OPTIONS/ ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) COMPENSATION SARS (#) COMPENSATION($)
--------------------------- ---- -------- ------- ------------ --------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alan Kessman - President and 1999 $391,393 (2) $152,000 (3) 980,000 $1,773(4)
Chief Executive Officer (1) 1998 $0 $0 (3) 20,000 $-----
1997 $0 $0 (3) ----- $-----
Terrence W. Doyle - Vice President, 1999 $191,100 $43,628 (3) 45,000 $-----
Research and Development 1998 $183,750 $27,563 (3) 9,600 $-----
1997 $174,549 $38,000 (3) ----- $-----
Thomas E. Klein - Vice President, 1999 $163,800 $26,159 (3) 20,000 $-----
Finance, and Chief Financial Officer 1998 $157,500 $23,625 (3) 9,600 $-----
1997 $148,486 $33,000 (3) ----- $-----
Thomas Mizelle - Vice President, 1999 $191,100 $41,206 (3) 20,000 $-----
Operations, and Secretary 1998 $183,750 $27,563 (3) 9,600 $-----
1997 $173,362 $38,000 (3) ----- $-----
Bijan Almassian - Vice President, 1999 $160,760 $30,896 (3) 12,500 $-----
Development 1998 $153,400 $23,010 (3) 12,500 $-----
1997 $140,000 $21,750 (3) 25,000 $-----
Ivan King - Vice President, 1999 $152,250 $30,165 (3) 31,300 $-----
Research 1998 $137,500 $21,750 (3) 11,000 $-----
1997 $121,475 $16,600 (3) 12,500 $-----
John A. Spears - Former President 1999 $85,540 $0 (3) 0 $178,894 (6)
and Chief Executive Officer (5) 1998 $246,750 $37,013 (3) 12,000 $-----
1997 $234,557 $61,000 (3) ----- $-----
</TABLE>
-------------------
(1) We are a party to an employment agreement with Mr. Kessman. See
"-Employment Agreements." Mr. Kessman became our Chief Executive Officer
in January 1999 and became our President in April 1999.
(2) Includes $324,726 paid pursuant to our January 1999 employment agreement
with Mr. Kessman to PS Capital, LLC, a family partnership, of which Mr.
Kessman is a controlling member. See " -Employment Agreements."
(3) Aggregate amount of such compensation is less than the lesser of $50,000
or 10% of the total salary and bonus reported for the indicated person.
(4) Consists of life insurance payments of $878 and disability insurance
payments of $895.
(5) We were a party to an employment agreement with Mr. Spears. See
"-Employment Agreements." Mr. Spears was our Chief Executive Officer
until January 1999 and our President until April 1999.
(6) Consists of severance paid to Mr. Spears.
13
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth the grant of stock options made during
the year ended December 31, 1999 to the persons named in the Summary
Compensation Table:
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
SECURITIES OPTIONS GRANTED FOR OPTION TERM
UNDERLYING TO EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE EXPIRATION ---------------------------
NAME OPTIONS GRANTED FISCAL PERIOD(1) PRICE DATE 5% 10%
($) ($)
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)
-------------------------- --------------- ---------------- -------- ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alan Kessman.............. 700,000 48.9% $5.775 1/11/2009 2,542,308 6,442,702
120,000 8.4% $5.25 1/11/2009 396,204 1,004,057
60,000(2) 4.2% $5.775 1/11/2009 217,912 552,231
60,000(2) 4.2% $5.25 1/11/2009 198,102 502,028
40,000 2.8% $5.25 1/11/2009 132,068 334,685
Terrence W. Doyle......... 45,000 3.2% $6.063 5/20/2009 171,585 434,828
Thomas E. Klein........... 20,000 1.4% $6.063 5/20/2009 76,260 193,257
Thomas Mizelle............ 20,000 1.4% $6.063 5/20/2009 76,260 193,257
Bijan Almassian........... 12,500 0.9% $4.6875 3/4/2009 36,849 93,383
Ivan King................. 14,000 1.0% $4.6875 3/4/2009 41,271 104,589
17,300 1.2% $6.063 5/20/2009 65,965 167,167
</TABLE>
-------------------
(1) Computed based on an aggregate of 1,430,375 shares issuable upon exercise
of options granted to employees during the year ended December 31, 1999.
(2) Options were granted to CBK Associates, LLC, an entity of which Mr.
Kessman is a member.
14
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth information with respect to stock
options exercised in 1999 and unexercised stock options held by the persons
named in the Summary Compensation Table at December 31, 1999.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-END IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
(#) FISCAL YEAR-END($)(1)
-------------------------- -----------------------
SHARES
ACQUIRED ON VALUE
NAME EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
-------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alan Kessman 19,100 $0 205,900 775,000 $195,598 $298,430
Terrence W. Doyle -- -- 11,400 55,200 $24,862 $30,877
Thomas E. Klein 2,400 $5,325 102,750 36,450 $223,688 $44,952
Thomas Mizelle 12,500 $62,969 123,900 42,700 $252,987 $60,577
Bijan Almassian -- -- 65,625 34,375 $133,887 $64,935
Ivan King -- -- 59,000 45,800 $125,695 $57,667
John A. Spears 348,042 $1,587,906 0 0 -- --
</TABLE>
-------------------
(1) Computed based upon the difference between the closing price of the
Company's Common Stock on December 31, 1999 ($6.125) and the exercise
price.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In October 1999, we entered into an employment agreement with Alan
Kessman, our President and Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to this agreement,
which will terminate on December 31, 2003, Mr. Kessman receives a base salary of
$400,000 per year and will be eligible for a bonus of up to 50% of his base
salary based on the achievement of specified objectives. In the event Mr.
Kessman's employment is terminated by us for any reason other than cause or
disability, or if Mr. Kessman terminates for good reason, we are obligated to
pay him the sum of two times his base salary, average annual bonus for the prior
two years and continue payment of certain insurance costs on his behalf. The
agreement further provides that if Mr. Kessman's employment is terminated on or
after a change in control, he will be paid two and one-half times his base
amount as defined in the agreement. This agreement replaced a prior agreement we
entered into an agreement with Alan Kessman and PS Capital LLC, an entity of
which Mr. Kessman is a member, which was effective January 11, 1999, pursuant to
which Mr. Kessman served as our chief executive officer. Pursuant to the prior
agreement, Mr. Kessman received a base salary of $400,000 per year. The prior
agreement did not provide for any payments upon a change in control or any other
severance payments. As an inducement to enter into the prior agreement, on
January 11, 1999, we granted to Mr. Kessman options to purchase an aggregate of
980,000 shares of common stock. The foregoing grants consist of (1) an option to
purchase 760,000 shares
15
<PAGE>
at an exercise price of $5.775, representing a 10% premium to the market price
on the date prior to the date of grant, such option to vest 25% on July 11,
2000, 50% on July 11, 2001, 75% on July 11, 2002 and 100% on July 11, 2003 and
(2) an option to purchase 220,000 shares at an exercise price of $5.25,
representing the market price on the date prior to the date of grant, such
option having vested in full on July 11, 1999, six months from the date of
grant.
Effective January 16, 1998, we entered into an employment agreement
with John A. Spears, then our President and Chief Executive Officer. The
agreement was for a term of three years and provided for an annual base salary
of $246,750. In the event of our termination of the employment agreement for any
reason other than "just cause" or death, including a "change in control," we
were required to pay Mr. Spears his base salary for the remaining term of the
employment agreement through January 2001, subject to the obligation of Mr.
Spears to mitigate damages by seeking new employment. We also had the right at
any time after the first anniversary of the date of the agreement to terminate
the employment agreement without cause upon ten days notice, upon payment to Mr.
Spears of a single lump sum equal to one year's base salary, plus an amount
equal to the average annual cash bonus paid to Mr. Spears during the prior two
years. Mr. Spears was relieved of his obligations as Chief Executive Officer in
January 1999 and was relieved of his obligations as President and as a director
in April 1999. As a result, the employment agreement was terminated and we
agreed to make bi-monthly payments to Mr. Spears in the same amounts as his base
salary due pursuant to the separation and release agreement through the earlier
of January 16, 2001 or the date on which Mr. Spears secures full-time
employment; provided, we will receive a credit against such payments equal to
75% of any gross income earned by Mr. Spears from providing services as a
part-time employee or consultant; and provided further, that Mr. Spears will
receive a lump-sum payment of 40% of the balance of payments otherwise payable
through January 16, 2001 if he secures full-time employment elsewhere, such
amount to be payable only if we close an underwritten public offering resulting
in gross proceeds to us of at least $10 million. Because Mr. Spears obtained a
new position, we are no longer obligated for some these payments. We also agreed
to pay Mr. Spears his 1998 bonus of $37,012.50, and Mr. Spears agreed to a
lock-up provision regarding certain of the shares underlying his stock options
and further agreed to a confidentiality covenant.
SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS
Effective October 15, 1998, with respect to Thomas Mizelle, our Vice
President, Operations, Terrence W. Doyle, our Vice President, Research and
Development and Thomas E. Klein, our Vice President, Finance, and effective July
28, 1999 with respect to Ivan King, our Vice President Research and Bijan
Almassian, our Vice President Development, we entered into severance agreements
pursuant to which each of these officers would be entitled to certain payments
in the event such officer loses his employment during the twelve-month period
following a "change in control." Specifically, if a "change in control" occurs,
the officer shall be entitled to a lump sum severance payment equal to the sum
of twelve months of the officer's monthly base salary as in effect as of the
date of termination or immediately prior to the change in control, whichever is
greater, plus the average of the last two cash bonus payments made
16
<PAGE>
to the officer prior to the change in control. The officer would also be
entitled to all payments necessary to provide him with group health insurance
benefits substantially similar to those which he was receiving immediately prior
to the date of termination until the earlier of 18 months after such termination
or the date he has obtained new full-time employment. The foregoing amounts are
not payable if termination of the officer is because of his death, by us for
cause, or by the officer other than for good reason. For purposes of the
severance agreements, a "change in control" means that (1) any person or entity
becomes the beneficial owner of our securities representing 30 percent or more
of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities; (2) during any
period of two consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such
period, constitute the board, and any new director (other than a director
designated by an acquiring person) whose election by the board or nomination for
election by our stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of
the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of
the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so
approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof; or (3)
our stockholders approve a merger or consolidation (other than certain
recapitalizations).
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following line graph compares the Company's cumulative total return
on its Common Stock to (a) the change in the cumulative total return on the
NASDAQ Composite Index for U.S. Companies and (b) the change in the cumulative
total return on the Nasdaq Pharmaceutical Index, which includes biotechnology
companies, assuming an investment of $100 made in each and assuming the
reinvestment of any dividends, for the period beginning on the date of the
Company's initial public offering of the Common Stock on August 14, 1995 and
ending on December 31, 1999.
[Performance Graph]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Vion Pharmaceuticals, Nasdaq Total U.S. Nasdaq Biotechnology
Inc. Index and Drug Index
----------------------- ------------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
08/14/1995 100.00 100.00 100.00
12/31/1995 45.00 104.39 122.40
12/31/1996 61.25 128.44 122.78
12/31/1997 72.50 157.37 126.81
12/31/1998 100.00 221.89 161.32
12/31/1999 122.50 412.49 214.89
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL NO. 2 - CLASSIFIED BOARD
PROPOSAL TO CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION UPON APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE
COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCLUDE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE
ADOPTION OF A CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The Board of Directors currently consists of members who are selected
to one-year terms at each annual meeting of the stockholders. The Board of
Directors, by resolution adopted on [September 7], 2000, unanimously approved
and recommended for approval by the Company's stockholders an amendment to its
Certificate of Incorporation ("Certificate") that would establish a classified
board of directors.
GENERAL
A classified board is one in which a group or class of directors is
elected on a rotating basis each year. This method of electing directors makes
changes in the composition of the board of directors lengthier, which
consequently would make a change in control of a corporation a lengthier and
more difficult process. Under the classified board provisions, the Board of
Directors would be divided into three classes, namely, Class I, Class II and
Class III, with the number of directors in each class to be as nearly equal as
possible, and with each class to be elected for a three-year term on a staggered
basis.
Following the implementation of the classified board provisions, all
directors in Class I would initially serve a one-year term and would be eligible
for re-election for a full three-year term at the annual meeting of the
stockholders to be held in 2001; all directors in Class II would initially serve
a two-year term and would be eligible for re-election for a full three-year term
at the annual meeting of the stockholders in 2002; and all directors in Class
III would serve a three-year term and would be eligible for re-election for a
full three-year term at the annual meeting of the stockholders in 2003 or, in
each case, until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their
earlier resignation, removal from office or death. As a result, only one class
of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of the stockholders, with
the remaining classes continuing their respective two-year and three-year terms
until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until earlier
resignation, removal from office or death. Vacancies and newly created
directorships resulting from any increase in the number of authorized Directors
may be filled by a majority vote of the directors then remaining in office.
The directors, who are nominated for election under Proposal One, will
be divided into three classes as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Class I, serving until 2001- Michel C. Bergerac, James Ferguson and Alan C. Sartorelli
Class II, serving until 2002-Frank T. Cary, Alan Kessman and Walter B. Wriston
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE>
Class III, serving until 2003-Charles K. MacDonald and William R. Miller
By approving Proposal Two, stockholders will be approving the
classified board provisions, the election of the same directors who are
nominated for election to the Board of Directors of the company under Proposal
One, and the initial classification of those directors as set forth above.
CLASSIFIED BOARD
At each annual meeting, directors to replace those of a class whose
term expires at such annual meeting shall be elected to hold office until the
third succeeding annual meeting or until their respective successors shall have
been duly elected and qualified. If the number of directors is later changed,
any newly created directorships or decrease in directorships shall be so
apportioned among the classes as to make all classes as nearly equal in number
as is practicable. Thus, stockholders will elect only one-third of the directors
at each annual meeting of stockholders.
The Board of Directors believes that dividing the directors into three
classes is advantageous to the Company and its stockholders because by providing
that directors will serve three-year terms rather than one-year terms, the
likelihood of continuity and stability in the policies formulated by the Board
will be enhanced. Although the Board of Directors is not aware of any problems
experienced by the Company in the past with respect to such continuity and
stability, the Board of Directors believes that a classified Board of Directors
could decrease the likelihood of such problems arising in the future. In
addition, the Board of Directors believes that a classified Board of Directors
will assist the Company in attracting and retaining qualified persons to serve
as members of the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors also believes that a classified board would, if
adopted, reduce the possibility that a third party could effect an unsolicited
change in control of the Company's Board of Directors. A classified board would
likely allow the Board and management, if confronted by a proposal from a third
party who has acquired a block of the Company's Common Stock, sufficient time to
review the proposal and appropriate alternatives to the proposal and to attempt
to negotiate a better transaction, if possible, for the stockholders.
The Board of Directors for the Company believes that if a potential
acquiror were to purchase a significant or controlling interest in the Company,
such potential acquiror's ability to remove the Company's directors and obtain
control of the Board and thereby remove the Company's management would severely
curtail the Company's ability to negotiate effectively with such potential
acquiror. The threat of obtaining control of the Board may deprive the Board of
Directors the time and information necessary to evaluate the proposal, to study
alternative proposals and to help ensure that the best price is obtained in any
transaction involving the Company which may ultimately be undertaken.
Since the creation of a classified board will increase the amount of
time required
19
<PAGE>
for a takeover bidder to obtain control of the Company without the cooperation
of the Board, even if the takeover bidder were to acquire a majority of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock, the existence of a classified board could
tend to discourage certain tender offers which stockholders might feel would be
in their best interests. Because tender offers for control usually involve a
purchase price higher than the current market price, the creation of a
classified board could also discourage open market purchases by a potential
takeover bidder. Such tender offers or open market purchases could increase the
market price of the Company's stock, enabling stockholders to sell their shares
at a price higher than that which otherwise would prevail. In addition, the
creation of a classified board could make the Company's Common Stock less
attractive to persons who invest in securities in anticipation of an increase in
price if a takeover attempt develops. Since these provisions will make the
removal of a director more difficult, it will increase the directors' security
in their positions and, since the Board has the power to retain and discharge
management, would tend to perpetuate incumbent management. In addition, the
additional time required to change control of the Board makes it more difficult
for stockholders to change the composition of the Board even if they believe
such a change desirable.
If the stockholders approve these classified board provisions as
proposed, the Company would file a Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate
with the Delaware Secretary of State incorporating the provisions set forth in
Appendix C.
VOTE REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock is required for the adoption of this proposal. In addition, the
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Class A Preferred
Stock, voting as a separate class, is required. As a result, abstentions and
broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS; VOTE REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSAL
TO AMEND THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND TO ADOPT THE PROVISIONS RELATING
TO A CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
20
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL NO. 3 -- APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTION OF
2000 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted, subject to
stockholder approval at the Company's 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Vion
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Employee Purchase
Plan").
The Company's Board of Directors believes that the Employee Purchase
Plan will encourage broader stock ownership by employees who might not otherwise
own Common Stock and who, as owners of Common Stock, will have a greater
incentive to contribute to the profitability and long term growth of the
Company.
The principal features of the Employee Purchase Plan are summarized
below. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of the
Employee Purchase Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix D.
The Employee Purchase Plan allows eligible employees to authorize
payroll deductions for the periodic purchase of the Company's Common Stock at a
price generally equal to 85% of the Common Stock's fair market value.
In general, all employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are
eligible to participate in the Employee Purchase Plan after completing at least
six months of employment. For purposes of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, a
subsidiary is any corporation at least 50% of the stock of which is owned
directly or indirectly by the Company. Non-employee directors are not eligible
to participate in the Employee Purchase Plan.
Subject to appropriate adjustment for stock splits and other capital
changes, the Company may sell a total of 450,000 shares of its Common Stock
under the Employee Purchase Plan. Shares sold under the Employee Purchase Plan
may be authorized and unissued or held by the Company in its treasury. The
Company may purchase shares for resale under the Employee Purchase Plan.
Participation in the Employee Purchase Plan is completely voluntary.
Employees who choose to enroll in the Employee Purchase Plan must designate the
portion of their base cash compensation (limited to 10%) to be withheld during
each Employee Purchase Plan offering period. Unless changed, an offering period
is each three-month calendar quarter. If the Employee Purchase Plan is approved
by the Company's stockholders, it is anticipated that the first offering period
will be the calendar quarter beginning January 1, 2001. An employee's payroll
deductions will be adjusted downward or refunded to the extent necessary to
ensure that he or she will not purchase during any calendar year Common Stock
that has a fair market value greater than $25,000 (determined under the rules of
the Internal Revenue Service).
The amount of an employee's payroll deductions under the Employee
Purchase Plan will be credited to an unfunded, bookkeeping account maintained in
the employee's name. At the end of each offering period, the amount credited to
a participant's account
21
<PAGE>
will be applied to the purchase of shares of Common Stock from the Company at a
price equal to 85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock at that time.
An employee may elect to terminate his or her participation during an
offering period. An employee's participation will automatically terminate upon
the termination for any reason of his or her employment with the Company and its
subsidiaries. Upon termination of participation, payroll deductions will cease
and the amount credited to the participant's account (representing previous
uninvested payroll deductions) will be paid in cash to the participant (or the
participant's beneficiary). A participant who voluntarily withdraws from the
Employee Purchase Plan during an offering period may re-enroll for any
subsequent offering period for which he or she is an eligible employee.
The Employee Purchase Plan will be administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors. Subject to the provisions of the Employee
Purchase Plan, the Compensation Committee, acting in its sole and absolute
discretion, will have full power and authority to construe, interpret and apply
the terms of the Employee Purchase Plan. The Board of Directors may amend or
terminate the Employee Purchase Plan at any time, subject to stockholder
approval in the case of amendments changing the class of persons eligible to
participate in the Employee Purchase Plan or increasing the number of shares of
Common Stock which may be sold under the Employee Purchase Plan.
The Employee Purchase Plan is intended to qualify as an "employee stock
purchase plan" within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code. Amounts withheld
from an employee's pay under the Employee Purchase Plan constitute ordinary
income as if such amounts had been paid outright. No income is realized by an
employee upon the purchase of shares at the end of an offering period. A
participant may realize ordinary income upon a sale or other disposition of
shares acquired under the Employee Purchase Plan. In general, if the sale or
other distribution occurs more than two years after the beginning of the
offering period in which the shares were acquired, then gain realized will be
treated as ordinary income in an amount up to the amount of the 15% purchase
price discount. The balance of the gain, if any, will be treated as long-term
capital gain. If the sale or other disposition occurs within said two-year
period, then the employee will realize ordinary income equal to the 15% purchase
price discount and the amount of the ordinary income will be added to the
employee's basis for the shares in determining the capital gain or loss realized
on the sale. The Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the ordinary
income realized by an employee who sells.
THE EMPLOYEE PURCHASE PLAN IS NOT QUALIFIED UNDER SECTION 401(a) OF THE CODE.
It is not possible at this time to determine who may elect to
participate in the Employee Purchase Plan. Such election will be made by each
eligible participant.
VOTE REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Common
Stock and Class A Preferred Stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote,
present or represented at
22
<PAGE>
the meeting, a quorum being present, is required for the adoption of this
proposal. Broker non-votes with respect to this matter will be treated as
neither a vote "for" or a vote "against" the matter, although they will be
counted in determining if a quorum is present. However, abstentions will be
considered in determining the number of votes required to attain a majority of
the shares present or represented at the meeting and entitled to vote.
Accordingly, an abstention from voting by a stockholder present in person or by
proxy at the meeting has the same legal effect as a vote "against" the matter
because it represents a share present or represented at the meeting and entitled
to vote, thereby increasing the number of affirmative votes required to approve
this proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DEEMS "PROPOSAL NO. 3 -- APPROVAL OF THE
ADOPTION OF VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN" TO BE IN
THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE
"FOR" APPROVAL OF THIS PROPOSAL.
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PROPOSAL NO. 4 -- RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has selected Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's
independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2000, and has further
directed that management submit the selection of independent auditors for
ratification by stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Ernst & Young LLP has
audited the Company's financial statements since 1995. A representative of Ernst
& Young LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an
opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires and will be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
Stockholder ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the
Company's independent auditors is not required by the Company's Bylaws or
otherwise. However, the Board is submitting the selection of Ernst & Young LLP
to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If
the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Board will reconsider whether
or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection were ratified, the Board in
its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent accounting
firm at any time during the year if the Board determines that such a change
would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
VOTE REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the aggregate voting
power of Common Stock and Class A Preferred Stock issued, outstanding and
entitled to vote, present or represented at the meeting, a quorum being present,
is required for the adoption of this proposal. Broker non-votes with respect to
this matter will be treated as neither a vote "for" nor a vote "against" the
matter, although they will be counted in determining if a quorum is present.
However, abstentions will be considered in determining the number of votes
required to attain a majority of the shares present or represented at the
meeting and entitled to vote. Accordingly, an abstention from voting by a
stockholder present in person or by proxy at the meeting has the same legal
effect as a vote "against" the matter because it represents a share present or
represented at the meeting and entitled to vote, thereby increasing the number
of affirmative votes required to approve this proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DEEMS "PROPOSAL NO. 4 -- RATIFICATION OF
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS" TO BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY
AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THIS PROPOSAL.
24
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CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Michael Kent, a former director, is a principal of an executive search
firm that has rendered services for us. We paid the firm $60,000 for services
rendered for the year ended December 31, 1999 and $120,000 for services rendered
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.
We and Dr. Alan Sartorelli, one of our directors, who is affiliated
with Yale University, entered into a five year consulting agreement on September
29, 1995 providing for various advisory services that is renewable for one
additional year. Under the agreement, Dr. Sartorelli receives an annual fee of
$48,000.
On August 27, 1998, Elliott Associates, L.P., together with Westgate
International, L.P., two of our principal stockholders, exercised their rights
as holders of the 5% Convertible Preferred Stock Series 1998, to nominate a
candidate for election to our board of directors. That candidate, Alan Kessman,
is now our President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as a director. In
addition, Charles MacDonald, one of our nominees for our Board of Directors, is
the principal of Morgandane Management Corp., which currently acts as a
consultant to Elliott Associates, L.P., and Westgate International, L.P.
In April 1999, we completed a private placement of 893,915 shares of
our common stock. 446,957 of these shares were sold to Elliott Associates, L.P.
and Westgate International, L.P., two of our principal stockholders. All shares
were sold at a price of approximately $4.47 per share, which was 90% of the
average closing price of the common stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market for the
10 consecutive trading days immediately prior to April 8, 1999, for aggregate
proceeds of $4,000,000.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
All stockholder proposals which are intended to be presented at the
2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company must be received by the
Company no later than February 15, 2001 for inclusion in the Board of Directors'
proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other business to be acted upon at
the Annual Meeting. However, if any other business properly comes before the
Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy
to vote on those matters in accordance with their best judgment. The prompt
return of your proxy will be appreciated and helpful in obtaining the necessary
vote. Therefore, whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please
sign the proxy and return it in the enclosed envelope.
By Order of the Board of Directors
25
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THOMAS MIZELLE
Secretary
Dated: September 14, 2000
26
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 23, 2000
Alan Kessman and Thomas Mizelle, and each of them, as the true and
lawful attorneys, agents and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of
substitution, are hereby authorized to represent and to vote all shares of
Common Stock or Class A Convertible Preferred Stock of Vion Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. held of record by the undersigned on September 14, 2000, at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2000, at
the Kitano Hotel, 66 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016, and at any
adjournments thereof. Any and all proxies heretofore given are hereby revoked.
WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DESIGNATED BY THE
UNDERSIGNED. IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS
NO. 1, 2, 3 AND 4.
(Continued And To Be Signed On Reverse Side.)
X PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE USING DARK INK ONLY.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR WITHHOLD FOR ALL
ALL NOMINEES ALL EXCEPT:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1. Nominees for the Board of Directors: [ ] [ ] [ ]
01) WILLIAM R. MILLER, 02) ALAN KESSMAN,
03) MICHAEL C. BERGERAC, 04) FRANK T.
CARY, 05) JAMES L. FERGUSON, 06) ALAN C.
SARTORELLI, PH.D., 07) WALTER B. WRISTON
AND 08) CHARLES K. MACDONALD.
When you mark "For All Except," write the nominee's number on the line below:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. Approval of Amendment to the Certificate [ ] [ ] [ ]
of Incorporation
3. Approval of Adoption of the 2000 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan: [ ] [ ] [ ]
4. Approval of Appointment of Ernst & Young
LLP as the Company's Independent Auditors: [ ] [ ] [ ]
</TABLE>
A-1
<PAGE>
Discretionary authority is hereby granted with respect to such other matters as
may properly come before the meeting.
Important: Please sign exactly as name appears below. Each joint owner should
sign. Executors, administrators, trustees, etc. should give full title as such.
If signor is a corporation, please give full corporate name by duly authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
SIGNATURE: _____________________________
SIGNATURE IF HELD JOINTLY: _____________________________
DATED ________, 2000
The above-signed acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and the Proxy Statement furnished therewith. Please sign, date and
return this proxy card promptly using the enclosed envelope.
A-2
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
MISSION STATEMENT
The Audit Committee (the "Committee") will assist the board of
directors in fulfilling their oversight and monitoring responsibilities to the
stockholders relating to corporate accounting, reporting practices of the
company, financial controls, capital structure of the company, borrowing and
repayment of funds by the company, and other matters related to the preparation
of the audited financial statements and financing of the company. In performing
its duties, the Committee will maintain effective working relationships with the
board of directors, and oversight of the independent accountants, the internal
auditors, and the financial management of the company. The independent
accountants shall ultimately be accountable to the board of directors and the
Committee. To effectively perform his or her role, each committee member will
obtain an understanding of the responsibilities of committee membership as well
as the company's business operations and risks.
ORGANIZATION
The Committee shall be composed solely of directors who are independent
of management and the company, as defined by the listing requirements of the
Nasdaq Stock Market. A director who does not meet these requirements may be
appointed to the Committee if the board under exceptional and limited
circumstances, determines that membership on the Committee by the individual is
required for the best interests of the company and its stockholders. There shall
be at least three directors of the Committee each of whom, as determined by the
board, shall have a working familiarity with basic finance and accounting
practices, and at least one member of the Committee shall have accounting or
related financial management expertise.
The members of the Committee and its Chairperson shall be elected by
the board of directors. The Committee shall meet at such times and from
time-to-time as it deems to be appropriate, but not less than two times per
year. The Committee may ask members of management or others to attend the
meetings and provide pertinent information as necessary.
RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the overriding responsibility of the Committee to oversee
management, the independent accountants and the internal auditors. It is the
responsibility of those parties to ensure that adequate internal controls are in
place and that financial reports are completed in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The responsibility of the Committee is
one of oversight and due diligence.
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General Responsibilities:
Provide an open environment of communication among the internal auditors,
the independent accountants and the board of directors.
Recommend to the board of directors the selection, evaluation, and
compensation of the independent accountants and, when appropriate,
recommend their replacement to the board.
Review and concur in the appointment, reassignment or dismissal of the
director of internal audit, if there is one employed.
Ensure there are oral communications and receipt of a written statement
at least annually from the independent accountants delineating all
relationships between the independent accountants and the company,
consistent with Independent Standards Board Standard 1 that may impact
their objectivity and independence and take, or recommend that the board
take appropriate action in response to such disclosure to monitor their
independence.
Meet as required, with the director of internal audit (if there is one),
the independent accountants, and management in separate executive
sessions to discuss any matters that the Committee or these groups
believe should be discussed privately with the Committee.
If the Committee determines it to be appropriate, institute special
investigations and/or hire special counsel or experts.
Periodically review the results of the company's employee compliance
assessment of its code of conduct.
Periodically review with management environmental compliance policies,
programs and significant matters.
On an annual basis, review, and update as necessary the Committee's
charter.
Provide all information necessary for compliance with the reporting
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq Stock
Market
Maintain minutes or other records of meetings and activities of the
Committee.
Report Committee actions to the board of directors with such
recommendations as the Committee may deem appropriate.
Internal Control Responsibilities:
Meet with the independent accountants, financial management and the
director of internal audit of the company (when and if hired) to review
the scope of the proposed independent audit for the current year and the
audit procedures to be
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utilized, and, at the conclusion thereof, review such audit.
Review with the independent accountants, the company's director of
internal audit (if there is one) and financial and accounting personnel,
the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and financial controls
of the company, and elicit any recommendations for improvement.
Review the activities of the internal audit function including: its
objectivity and the authority of its reporting obligations, the proposed
internal audit plan and the resources required to performed its
obligations.
Review the results of completed internal audits and significant
deviations from the internal audit plan.
Financial Reporting Responsibilities:
Review significant accounting and reporting issues and legal and
regulatory matters, including recent professional and regulatory
pronouncements, and understand their impact on the financial statements.
Review the annual financial statements with management and the
independent accountants to determine that the independent accountants are
satisfied with the disclose and content of the financial statements to be
present to the Stockholders. Any changes in accounting principles should
be reviewed. Discuss with the independent accountants the matters
required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
relating to the conduct of the audit.
With respect to interim financial information the Committee's Chairman
will meet with management and the independent public accountants to
discuss the quarterly review results and require communications under
Statements on Auditing Standards No. 90 prior to any interim filings with
the SEC.
Other Responsibilities:
Review with management and make recommendations to the board related to
the following areas:
The company's financing strategy
Debit and equity financings
The global corporate legal and tax structure
Share repurchases
Dividend policy
Review with management and report to the board of directors as
appropriate on the status and results of major capital projects and other
major business transactions.
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The responsibilities of a member of the Committee are in addition to
those for a member of the board of directors. While the committee has the
responsibilities and powers set forth in the charter, it is not the duty of the
Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the company's financial
statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. This is the responsibility of management and the
independent accountants. Nor is it the duty of the Committee to conduct
investigations, to resolve disagreements, if any, between management and the
independent accountants or to assure compliance with laws and regulations and
the company's code of conduct.
B-4
<PAGE>
APPENDIX C
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., a corporation organized and existing under
and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
"Corporation"), DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:
FIRST: That by unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors of
the Corporation, dated as of [September ], 2000, resolutions were duly adopted
setting forth a proposed amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Corporation, declaring said amendment to be advisable and directing that said
amendment be submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation for consideration
thereof. The proposed amendment to the Corporation's Certification of
Incorporation is as follows:
SECOND: The Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation is amended to
add a new Article Twelve thereto which shall read in its entirety as follows:
"Twelve: A. Directors shall be divided into three classes, as
nearly equal in number as possible. The initial term of office of the
first class shall expire on the day of the first annual meeting of
stockholders following the end of the 1999 fiscal year (the "1999
Annual Meeting"); the initial term of office of the second class shall
expire on the day of the annual meeting of stockholders next succeeding
the 1999 Annual Meeting; and the initial term of office of the third
class shall expire on the day of the second annual meeting of
stockholders succeeding the 1999 Annual Meeting. At each annual meeting
of stockholders, directors elected to succeed those directors whose
terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the
third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election.
Except as the GCL may otherwise require, any vacancies in the Board of
Directors for any reason, including unfilled vacancies resulting from
the removal of directors for cause, and newly created directorships,
may be filled by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors then
in office, although less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining
director. All directors shall hold office until the expiration of their
respective terms of office and until their successors shall have been
elected and qualified.
B. Notwithstanding anything contained in
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<PAGE>
this Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation to
the contrary, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3%
of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled
to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a
single class, shall be required to alter, change, amend, repeal, or
adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article Twelve."
THIRD: That pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors, the
proposed amendment was submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation and was
duly adopted by the stockholders of the Corporation pursuant to a written
consent in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 228 of the
General Corporation Law of Delaware, and in accordance with such Section 228
written notice has been given to those stockholders who have not consented in
writing.
FOURTH: That the aforesaid amendment was duly adopted in accordance
with the applicable provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of
Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have signed this Certificate and
affirm, under penalties of perjury that the Certificate is the act and deed of
the corporation and the facts stated herein are true.
Date: ___________________________ ______________________________________
President
ATTEST
------------------------
C-2
<PAGE>
APPENDIX D
VION PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
2000 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan is to provide Eligible Employees of the Company and
its Subsidiaries with a means to acquire shares of Common Stock through payroll
deductions. The Plan is intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan"
under Section 423 of the Code and will be interpreted and construed accordingly.
2. Definitions. For purposes of the Plan, the following terms have the
following meanings:
(a) "ACCOUNT" shall mean the bookkeeping account established in the
name of each Participant to reflect the payroll deductions made on behalf of the
Participant.
(b) "BOARD" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(c) "CODE" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) "COMMITTEE" shall mean the committee appointed by the Board to
administer the Plan pursuant to Section 4.
(e) "COMMON STOCK" shall mean the Company's common stock, par value,
$0.01.
(f) "COMPANY" shall mean Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and any successor thereto.
(g) "COMPENSATION" shall mean the base compensation paid by the
Company or a Subsidiary to a Participant which is required to be reported as
wages on the Participant's Form W-2, including such additional amounts which are
not includable in gross income by reason of Sections 125, 402(e)(3) or
402(h)(1)(B) of the Code, and excluding any bonuses, overtime pay, severance,
sick leave, expense and relocation allowances, gains from the exercise of stock
options and other irregular payments (except commissions).
(h) "ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE" shall mean, with respect to an Offering
Period, any individual, who is an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary on the
Enrollment Date and satisfies each of the following criteria:
(i) the employee does not immediately after the grant,
directly or indirectly, own stock (as defined by the Code) and/or hold
D-1
<PAGE>
outstanding options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or
more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of
stock of the Company or a "parent corporation" or Subsidiary of the
Company;
(ii) THE EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN EMPLOYED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS
SUBSIDIARIES FOR AT LEAST SIX (6) MONTHS,] provided that the Committee
may, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, decrease or increase
(but not in excess of two (2) years) such minimum employment period for
future Offering Periods;
(iii) THE EMPLOYEE'S CUSTOMARY EMPLOYMENT IS FOR TWENTY (20)
HOURS OR MORE PER WEEK,] provided that the Committee may, on a uniform
and nondiscriminatory basis, decrease this minimum hours requirement
for future Offering Periods; and
(iv) if specified by the Committee for a future Offering
Period, the employee customarily works a minimum of five (5) months per
year or any lesser number of months established by the Committee.
If the Committee permits any Eligible Employee of a Subsidiary to participate in
the Plan during an Offering Period, then all Eligible Employees of that
Subsidiary shall also be permitted to participate in the Plan during such
Offering Period.
(i) "ENROLLMENT DATE" shall mean the first day of an Offering
Period.
(j) "EXERCISE DATE" shall mean the last trading day of an
Offering Period.
(k) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" shall mean, as of any date, the
closing sale price per share of Common Stock as published by the
principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is
traded on such date or, if there is no sale of Common Stock on such
date, the average of the bid and asked prices on such exchange at the
close of trading on such date, or if shares of the Common Stock are not
listed on a national securities exchange on such date, the last
reported trading price or, if none, the average of the bid and asked
prices in the over-the-counter market at the close of trading on such
date, or if the Common Stock is not traded on a national securities
exchange or the over-the-counter market, the value of a share of the
Common Stock on such date as determined in good-faith by the Committee.
(l) "OFFERING PERIOD" shall mean the six month period
commencing on January 1, 2001 or such later date as established by the
Committee, and every six months thereafter. To the extent permitted
under Section 423 of the Code, the Committee shall have the power to
change the duration of future Offering Periods and the commencement
dates thereof.
(m) "PARTICIPANT" shall mean any Eligible Employee for whom an
Account is maintained under the Plan.
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(n) "PURCHASE PRICE" shall mean, subject to adjustment
pursuant to Section 10 hereof, eighty-five percent (85%) of the lesser
of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on (i) the
Enrollment Date or (ii) the Exercise Date.
(o) "PLAN" shall mean this Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended from time to time.
(p) "SUBSIDIARY" shall mean any "subsidiary corporation" of
the Company (within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code) that is
designated by the Committee as an eligible Subsidiary under the Plan
from time to time.
3. Available Shares. Subject to adjustment as provided in
Section 10, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be
issued under the Plan shall not exceed 450,000 shares. Such shares may
be either authorized and unissued or held by the Company in its
treasury. The Committee may cause the Company to purchase previously
issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock in order to enable the
Company to satisfy its obligations hereunder. Subject to adjustment
pursuant to Section 10 or as otherwise determined by the Board prior to
the commencement of any Offering Period, the maximum number of shares
of Common Stock a Participant may purchase during any Offering Period
shall not exceed 2,000 shares.
4. Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the
Company's Compensation Committee or such other committee appointed by
the Board from time to time. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the
Committee, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, shall have full
power and authority to interpret the provisions of the Plan, to change
the time covered by an Offering Period, to supervise the administration
of the Plan, and to take such other action as may be necessary or
desirable in order to carry out the provisions of the Plan. A majority
of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum. The
Committee may act by the vote of a majority of its members present at a
meeting at which there is a quorum or by written consent. The decision
of the Committee, including questions of construction, interpretation
and administration, shall be final, binding and conclusive on all
persons. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each member of
the Committee and any employee or director of the Company or of a
Subsidiary who provides assistance or performs services in connection
with the administration or interpretation of the Plan against any loss,
cost, liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with
the approval of the Board), damage and expense (including legal and
other expenses incident thereto) arising out of or incurred in
connection with the Plan, unless and except to the extent attributable
to such person's fraud or willful misconduct.
5. Eligibility and Enrollment. An Eligible Employee shall
become a Participant on the first Enrollment Date occurring on or after
his or her satisfaction of the Plan's eligibility requirements and
completion of a Plan enrollment form authorizing payroll deductions.
Such enrollment form must be filed with the Company prior to the
applicable Offering Period and during the enrollment period
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established by the Company. Payroll deductions for a Participant shall
commence with the first payroll and shall end with the last payroll in
the Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless
sooner terminated by the Participant in accordance with the provisions
hereof. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Plan to the contrary, to
the extent required by applicable law, no Participant may be granted
the right to purchase Common Stock under the Plan if and to the extent
that the Participant's right to purchase stock under all employee stock
purchase plans (within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code) of the
Company or a Subsidiary would accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000 in
Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) in accordance with
the Code for each calendar year in which such right is outstanding.
6. Payroll Deduction. At the time a Participant enrolls in the
Plan, he or she must elect the amount to be deducted from each paycheck
during the Offering Period(s) covered by the election, provided that
(i) unless otherwise determined by the Committee with respect to future
Offering Periods, no more than TEN PERCENT (10%) of a Participant's
Compensation may be withheld under the Plan on any pay date, and (ii)
the Committee, acting in its discretion and in a uniform and
nondiscriminatory manner, may establish a minimum required amount or
percentage of Compensation which must be withheld during an Offering
Period. All payroll deductions made for a Participant shall be credited
to the Participant's Account. Interest shall not accrue on any amounts
credited to a Participant's Account. The rate of a Participant's
contribution, once established, shall remain in effect for all
subsequent Offering Periods unless changed by the Participant in
writing at such time and in such manner as the Committee may prescribe.
7. Purchase of Shares. On each Exercise Date, the amount
credited to a Participant's Account shall be used to purchase a number
of shares of Common Stock, the number of which will be determined by
dividing the amount credited to the Participant's Account by the
Purchase Price per share. Any amount remaining in the Participant's
Account shall be credited to the Participant's Account as of the
beginning of the next Offering Period. If the total number of shares of
Common Stock to be purchased as of an Exercise Date, when aggregated
with shares of Common Stock previously-purchased under the Plan,
exceeds the number of shares then authorized under the Plan, a pro-rata
allocation of the available shares shall be made among the Participants
based upon the amounts in their respective Accounts as of the Exercise
Date.
8. Discontinuance or Withdrawal; Withholding Changes.
(a) Discontinuance or Withdrawal. At any time during an
Offering Period, a Participant may notify the Company that he or she
wishes to discontinue contributions under the Plan. This notice shall
be in writing and shall become effective as soon as practicable
following its receipt by the Company. A Participant may elect to
withdraw all, but not less than all, of the amount of his or her
Account at any time during an Offering Period, except on the Exercise
Date with respect to that Offering Period. If a withdrawal is made
during an Offering Period, no further
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contributions shall be permitted during that Offering Period by the
withdrawing Participant.
(b) Withholding Changes. At any time during an Offering
Period, a Participant may increase or decrease the rate of his or her
payroll deductions by completing or filing with the Company a new
enrollment form authorizing a change in payroll deduction rate. The
Committee may, in its discretion, limit the number of payroll deduction
rate changes during any Offering Period. The change in rate shall be
effective as soon as practicable following the Company's receipt of the
new enrollment form.
(c) Termination of Employment. Any Participant whose
employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated for any
reason before an Exercise Date shall thereupon cease being a
Participant. The total amount credited to the Participant's Account
during the Offering Period shall be returned to the Participant or, in
the case of a deceased Participant, to the Participant's beneficiary,
as soon as practicable after the Participant's termination of
employment.
9. Rights as a Stockholder. No shares of Common Stock shall be
issued under the Plan until full payment therefor has been made. A
Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any
shares until the date a stock certificate for such shares is issued to
him or her. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no
adjustments shall be made for dividends or distributions of other
rights for which the record date is prior to the date such stock
certificate is issued.
10. Capital Changes; Reorganization; Sale.
(a) Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization. The
aggregate number and class of shares of Common Stock which may be
issued under the Plan and purchased by a Participant, as well as the
number and class of shares of Common Stock and the price per share
covered by each right outstanding under the Plan which has not yet been
exercised, shall be adjusted proportionately or as otherwise
appropriate to reflect any increase or decrease in the number of issued
shares of Common Stock resulting from a split-up or consolidation of
shares or any like capital adjustment, or the payment of a stock
dividend, and/or to reflect a change in the character or class of
shares covered by the Plan arising from a readjustment or
recapitalization.
(b) Cash, Stock or Other Property for Stock. Except as
otherwise provided in this Section, in the event of an Exchange
Transaction (as defined below), each Participant shall be permitted to
purchase Common Stock with the balance of his or her Account
immediately prior to such Exchange Transaction, and any amount credited
to a Participant's Account which is not used to purchase Common Stock
before the Exchange Transaction shall be distributed to the
Participant. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, (i) if, as part of
the Exchange
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Transaction, the stockholders of the Company receive capital stock of
another corporation ("Exchange Stock") in exchange for their shares of
Common Stock (whether or not such Exchange Stock is the sole
consideration), and if the Board, in its sole discretion, so directs,
then the rights of all Participants to purchase shares of Common Stock
shall be converted into rights to purchase shares of Exchange Stock on
an economically equivalent basis; and (ii) the Board, acting in its
discretion, may suspend operation of the Plan as of any date that
occurs after a contract is made which, if consummated, would result in
an Exchange Transaction and before the Exchange Transaction is
consummated.
(c) Definition of Exchange Transaction. For purposes
hereof, the term "Exchange Transaction" shall mean a merger (other than
a merger of the Company in which the holders of Common Stock
immediately prior to the merger have the same proportionate ownership
of Common Stock in the surviving corporation immediately after the
merger), consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation,
reorganization (other than a mere reincorporation or the creation of a
holding company), liquidation of the Company or any other similar
transaction or event so designated by the Board in its sole discretion,
as a result of which the stockholders of the Company receive cash,
stock or other property in exchange for or in connection with their
shares of Common Stock.
(d) Determination of Board to be Final. All adjustments
under this Section 10 shall be made by the Board, and its determination
as to what adjustments shall be made, and the extent thereof, shall be
final, binding and conclusive.
11. Amendment and Termination. The Board may amend or terminate the
Plan at any time; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided in
Section 10 hereof, any amendment which increases the aggregate number of shares
of Common Stock which may be issued under the Plan, modifies the corporations or
class of corporations whose employees are offered options under the Plan or
otherwise requires stockholder approval under applicable law shall be subject to
the approval of the Company's stockholders.
12. Transferability. The rights of a Participant to purchase Common
Stock under the Plan are not assignable or transferable and may only be
exercised during the Participant's lifetime by the Participant. A Participant
may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive the amount
credited to the Participant's Account in the event of the Participant's death
during an Offering Period. A Participant's beneficiary designation may be
changed by the Participant at any time by written notice. In the event of the
death of a Participant and in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary
who is living at the time of the Participant's death, the Participant's estate
shall be deemed to be his or her designated beneficiary.
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13. No Rights Conferred. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be deemed
to give any individual any right to be retained in the employ of the Company and
its Subsidiaries or to interfere with the right of the Company and its
Subsidiaries to discharge him or her at any time.
14. Use of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the
Company under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and
the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.
15. Legal Requirements. The Committee may impose such other conditions
with respect to the purchase of Common Stock hereunder, including, without
limitation, any conditions relating to the application of federal or state
securities laws and/or any exchange or listing requirements as it may deem
necessary or advisable.
16. Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by the laws of the State
of New York, without regard to its principles of conflicts of law.
17. Decisions and Determinations. Any decision or determination made by
the Board pursuant to the provisions hereof and, except to the extent rights or
powers under the Plan are reserved specifically to the discretion of the Board,
all decisions and determinations of the Committee are final, binding and
conclusive.
18. Effective Date. The Plan shall be effective on March 2, 2000, the
date on which the Plan was adopted by the Board, subject to approval by the
Company's stockholders within twelve (12) months thereafter.
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