================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-------------------
FORM 10-K
-----------------
[x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Fee Required) For the fiscal year ended December
31, 1996
or
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (No Fee Required) For the transition period from
___________ to ___________
Commission file number: 0-26394
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Except Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ISRAEL N/A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Organization)
</TABLE>
28 PIERRE KOENIG STREET
P.O. BOX 53063
JERUSALEM 91530 ISRAEL
011-972-2-6793-723
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONE ---
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORDINARY SHARES PAR VALUE NIS .01 PER SHARE UNITS,
CONSISTING OF ONE ORDINARY SHARE AND ONE WARRANT TO PURCHASE ONE ORDINARY SHARE
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [_]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in a definitive proxy or information statement
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K [ ].
Aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by
non-affiliates of the registrant on March 26, 1997 (computed by reference to the
last reported closing sale price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap
Market on such date): $22,170,000.
On March 26, 1997, the registrant had outstanding 11,696,442 Ordinary Shares
(including 1,800,000 Ordinary Shares included in the registrant's outstanding
Units).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to
shareholders pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, in connection with the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the
Registrant are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.
<PAGE>
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Page
PART I
Item 1. Business............................................................................................1
Item 2. Properties.........................................................................................15
Item 3. Legal Proceedings..................................................................................15
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders................................................15
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters..............................16
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data...............................................................19
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations....................................................................................20
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data...........................................28
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure.............................................................................53
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.................................................53
Item 11. Executive Compensation.............................................................................53
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.....................................53
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.....................................................53
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K...................................54
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
OVERVIEW
Accent Software International Ltd., and its subsidiaries ("Accent" or "the
Company"), a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Israel,
designs, develops, markets and supports multilingual Internet and text
processing software products. Accent's products address the growing need for
organizations and individuals to view, create, edit and exchange information in
languages other than English. Through the Company's 84%-owned subsidiary
AgentSoft Ltd. ("AgentSoft"), Accent also develops and markets intelligent agent
based software tools and products for process automation over the Internet. The
Company's wholly-owned United States subsidiary, Accent Worldwide, Inc.,
performs various administrative and marketing activities for all the Company's
operations and its wholly-owned European subsidiary, Accent Software
International (Europe) Ltd., performs sales and marketing activities in Europe.
Through 1996, Accent's products were marketed in more than 30 countries,
primarily through retail distribution channels. Beginning in 1997, Accent's
market focus has shifted to one of providing its technology and experience in
developing language solutions and intelligent agent software primarily to OEM
and corporate customers.
Accent has used its multilingual software globalization technology as a
platform to launch several multilingual Internet products addressing the needs
of its target users. By offering an expanded line of multilingual Internet user
applications and development tools, Accent seeks to secure a position as the
multilingual solution of choice among Internet users, enabling Accent to
capitalize on the growth and increased internationalization of the Internet. In
December 1995, Accent introduced Internet with an Accent, which enables users to
author HTML, browse the Web and process e-mail in a wide variety of languages
and alphabets independent of the local language version of the Windows(R)
operating system. Accent broadened its Internet product line through the release
in June 1996 of Navigate with an Accent, a multilingual browser plug-in for
Netscape Navigator(TM). In early 1997, Accent released Accent Global Author, a
Web authoring tool designed for corporate users, and will release the commercial
version of the Accent Global Development Kit, a set of standards and tools that
will enable the globalization of any Windows software application, and WebTamer,
a package of Internet utilities including intelligent agents and an application
that automates the retrieval of frequently viewed Web sites.
As the Internet continues to grow in terms of the number of users,
geographic diversity and breadth of information, Accent management believes that
demand for software applications for information access and management,
electronic commerce and systems and network management will increase
significantly. Accent management believes that many of these software
applications will require multiple languages and will be based on intelligent
agent technology. Intelligent agents are electronic assistants that will help
automate the Internet by performing complex, repetitive or time-consuming
operations. In order to capitalize on the expected growth of this market, Accent
established AgentSoft in February 1996, which is dedicated to the development of
intelligent agent-based technology and applications for the Internet and
enterprise Intranet. Through the introduction of WebTamer, the Company is
seeking to establish itself as a leading participant in the emerging market for
Internet products based on intelligent agent technology.
Accent, together with its subsidiary AgentSoft, is seeking to strengthen
its position as a leading language and intelligent agent software solutions
company. To achieve this position, Accent has developed a business strategy that
(i) leverages its experience in multilingual software development; (ii)
emphasizes intelligent agent and software globalization technologies, including
providing custom solutions and
1
<PAGE>
consultation services; (iii) adds new technologies to its technology platforms ;
and (iv) develops strategic relationships with leading industry participants.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
Internet
The Internet is a global collection of computer networks that links
thousands of public and private computer networks and millions of public and
private computers around the world. Developed in 1969, the Internet acts as a
"network of networks," allowing computers connected to the Internet to
communicate with each other using the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). The Internet
has historically been used primarily by academic institutions and government
agencies to exchange information via electronic mail. In recent years, the
Internet has experienced rapid growth in use and increased globalization as a
result of, among other things, the growth in the number of commercial hosts, the
expanded breadth of information content, an increase in the installed base of
personal computers, improvements in telecommunications infrastructure supporting
Internet use and technological advances such as improved graphical user
interfaces, all of which make the Internet more useful and easier to use.
Various industry sources estimate that the Internet had 56 million users at
the end of 1996 and that the number of Internet users could grow to between 150
million and one billion by the year 2000. International Data Corporation
estimated that in 1996 approximately 27% of Internet users were located outside
the United States and forecasted that non-U.S. Internet users will grow from
1995-1999 at a compound annual growth rate of 65% versus 25% for U.S. Internet
users. The Company believes that a significant portion of the increased growth
in Internet use will be driven by users who prefer or need to use languages
other than English and by users who need to communicate in more than one
language.
World Wide Web
The Web, a client/server network of hyperlinked multimedia databases, was
introduced in 1992. The Web enables users to find, retrieve and link information
on the Internet in a consistent way that makes the underlying complexities
transparent to the user. Electronic documents are published on Web servers in a
common format described by the Hypertext Markup Language ("HTML"). The Web can
be easily accessed using client software known as Web browsers that use a
standard protocol called Hypertext Transfer Protocol ("HTTP"). The Web allows
users to offer and retrieve textual, graphical and other information. The vast
amount of information available on the Internet will require new products that
can automate the retrieval of information. This is where intelligent agent
technology will be used.
Intranet
The technology and protocols that led to the development and rapid growth
of the Internet and the Web have been applied to expand the use of private data
networks through the development of Intranets. In many instances, the same
software applications in use on the Internet can be applied to Intranets,
thereby broadening the market for such Internet software applications.
THE ACCENT SOFTWARE STRATEGY
Accent's business objective is to be the premier language solutions company
while establishing itself as a leading participant in the emerging market for
Internet products based on intelligent agent technology. To achieve these
objectives, Accent's business strategy is to:
2
<PAGE>
o Leverage its experience in multilingual software development. Accent
believes it is positioned to capitalize on the opportunities for multilingual
Internet and word processing applications and development tools due to its
experience in multilingual software development. The Company has been developing
multilingual software since 1988. In 1991, it collaborated with Microsoft to
develop the bi-directional Hebrew and Arabic versions of the Windows operating
system. Through the development of its word processing and Internet products
during the past five years, the Company has acquired significant experience in
designing software to meet the requirements of multilingual users. The Company
is leveraging its experience to develop Accent Global Development Kit, a set of
standards and tools that will enable the globalization of any Windows software
application utilizing the Company's multilingual technology.
o Emphasize intelligent agent and software globalization technologies. The
Company intends to emphasize continued development of its state-of-the-art
intelligent agent and software globalization technologies, which management
anticipates will lead to the development of new products and product extensions,
particularly for the Internet and Intranets. Examples of such products are the
Company's WebTamer product, an Internet user productivity tool that includes
intelligent agent technology, and its Navigate with an Accent multilingual
browsing plug-in for Netscape Navigator, which applies the globalization
technology to browsing on the World Wide Web.
o Add new technologies to its core technology platforms. Accent believes
the development of the Internet will create opportunities for the introduction
of new products incorporating intelligent agents and other new technologies. In
order to capitalize on the expected future growth of this market segment and to
broaden its Internet product line beyond multilingual based software, Accent
established, in February 1996, AgentSoft, a majority-owned subsidiary dedicated
to the development of intelligent agent-based software applications for the
Internet. AgentSoft's development program is headed by a team of leading experts
in distributed artificial intelligence technology research. AgentSoft's
intelligent agent technology will be included, for the first time, in WebTamer.
Accent expects that AgentSoft will provide it with competitive advantages in new
product development and product enhancement, as well as time-to-market
advantages for intelligent agent based Internet software. In the future, the
Company intends to develop intelligent document technology which it expects to
use in tasks such as automated translation indexing, abstraction, editing and
rewriting.
o Develop strategic relationships with leading industry participants. As a
leading supplier of multilingual Internet development tools and multilingual
software solution applications software for the Internet, Accent is positioned
to enter into strategic alliances with leading industry participants. Accent
believes such alliances, which may include joint marketing and sales and joint
product and technology development efforts, will become increasingly important
as the Internet continues to grow. Accent pursues strategic relationships with
leading industry participants and, in addition to its collaboration with
Microsoft in 1991, is a member of Netscape's Development Partners Program, which
led to the development of Navigate with an Accent, its browser plug-in that adds
multilingual capability to Netscape Navigator. Accent is also an associate
member of the Unicode Consortium, an industry-wide collaborative effort to
establish universal language coding standards.
THE ACCENT LANGUAGE SOLUTION
Accent is a leading supplier of multilingual word processing software.
Accent's word processing products are multilingual on three different levels:
(i) user interfaces; (ii) working languages and keyboards for input; and (iii)
utilities. Users of Accent's word processing software can, at the click of a
3
<PAGE>
mouse button, quickly and easily change the user interface language to match
their preference. In addition, the user interface language need not be the same
as that used for word processing.
Accent's multilingual word processing software enables users to input text
in over 30 languages utilizing seven alphabets without changing the user's basic
keyboard hardware. Users can choose from more than 50 different keyboard
layouts, with characters specific to the language chosen. Accent's word
processing software allows users to choose and mix languages (including
bi-directional languages) on the same page or even in the same sentence, while
the choice of a keyboard for a particular language is entirely independent of
the user interface language. Accent also offers a set of comprehensive utilities
as part of its word processing software, such as a spellchecker, thesaurus,
single-word spot translation, document translation and hyphenation programs, in
a variety of languages that automatically adjust to the language of the text.
The Accent Product Line. The Accent product line features Accent Professional,
the Company's most comprehensive multilingual word processing product, providing
word processing functionality and language utilities for a broad range of
languages, including, among others, the five major European languages (English,
French, German, Italian and Spanish) and Russian. Accent Professional
incorporates several add-ins licensed from third parties including additional
Bitstream fonts, Delrina's WinFax and the Lotus Organizer. Accent Special
Edition is targeted to users who need advanced word processing functionality and
language utilities primarily for the five major European languages plus
Portuguese. Accent Express provides basic multilingual word processing
functionality, and is positioned as a relatively low priced, mass market
software product.
The Dagesh Product Line. Accent introduced the initial version of Dagesh, its
first multilingual word processing product and the predecessor of the Accent
product line, in Israel in December 1992. Dagesh, like Accent 2.0, is
bi-directional and allows users to enter text in Hebrew, English, Russian and
selected European languages. A revised version of Dagesh, Dagesh 2.1, was
released during the first quarter of 1997.
The Accent Duo Product Line. The Company's Accent Duo line of word processors
integrates the Language Assistant Series products licensed from Globalink Inc.
("Globalink"). The Language Assistant Series products are full-sentence, natural
language translation programs which use machine translation technology to
translate text from one language to another. Because human language is complex,
the translation results will vary depending on the source text for each
translation. The draft translations produced by the Accent Duo Products with
Language Assistant enable a user to handle day-to-day communications in foreign
languages quickly, inexpensively and easily. The draft translations may also be
edited using the tools provided by Accent's multilingual word processor. The
Accent Duo product line consists of Language Assistant products with translation
capabilities for English-French, English-German, English-Italian and
English-Spanish.
The GDK Product Line. The Global Development Kit ("GDK") is a new software
product being developed by Accent which will allow software companies to rapidly
localize software products for different languages. As companies start to sell
products around the world, they will experience the need to localize their
products to the native language of the region. The GDK is a programming
interface that allows programmers to write software in English and then have all
of the display text translated and display boxes resized for that new language
text. The result is the ability to launch software products more rapidly around
the world, allowing companies to experience greater returns through expanded
markets.
4
<PAGE>
In addition to the proprietary programming interface, Accent will be
offering companies the consultation services of performing the localization if
the engineering is not available inside the company. This service is expected to
generate additional revenue and profit for the Company.
THE ACCENT INTERNET SOLUTION
Internet Productivity Tools
The Company's WebTamer suite of Internet productivity tools will contain
state-of-the-art, innovative Internet productivity tools which will speed the
use of the Internet. WebTamer, currently available in its beta version, will be
the first Accent product to feature Java-based proprietary intelligent agent
technology developed by AgentSoft. WebTamer will enable users to save time by
automating much of what Internet users do on the Web. WebTamer has a unified
interface to a collection of utilities, including intelligent agents, that make
Web browsing and searching easier, quicker and more enjoyable. WebTamer also
offers an extensible architecture, to which new agents and plug-ins can be
easily added. With Accent's Internet Request Time Compression technology,
WebTamer will enable users to access pages on the Web faster than ever before.
WebTamer contains Internet productivity tools that perform such important
activities as off-line browsing, single-click page saving and metasearch
across multiple search engines. WebTamer for Netscape Navigator is expected to
be followed by WebTamer for Microsoft Internet Explorer. WebTamer will also be
made available as an OEM product for preloading and bundling as well as for
licensing for corporate use.
WebTamer offers the following productivity-enhancing utilities:
o AgentSoft LiveAgent--a patent-pending technology that lets a
user create personalized intelligent agents in Java to
automate whatever the user would do in a browsing session.
o AgentSoft SearchAgent--activates multiple Internet search
engines simultaneously and combines results in one report
filtered to user needs, graded for relevance, with duplicates
removed.
o Speed Browse--with Accent's Internet Request Time Compression
technology, the user can mark interesting links, and WebTamer
will automatically download those pages in the background,
waiting and ready for the user to read them.
o Scheduled Off-line Browsing--reduces waiting time and
connection costs by automatically delivering Web pages
according to the user's requests.
o Site Change Notifier--notifies the user when a favorite Web
site changes.
o Site Saver--saves entire Web pages, including embedded
graphics, in one simple step.
o WebFiler--saves and organizes Web content locally on hard
drive, with full retrieval; includes built-in search engine.
o Total Recall--advanced history list offers one-click path to
any Web site visited, even in prior browsing sessions.
5
<PAGE>
Multilingual Internet Products
The Internet was originally developed in the United States. Consequently,
nearly all Internet services, software and content are in English. Prior
attempts to serve the needs of non-English speaking users or users that require
multilingual Internet solutions have traditionally been addressed by developing
a solution in English and then producing separate versions of the solution in
other languages. This localization approach restricts the portability of single
language solutions because the user is generally required to use a specific
language version of Windows. The Accent solution, Internet with an Accent,
provides a single globalized approach focused on the needs of Internet users who
seek to access the Internet in languages other than English or in more than one
language by providing a comprehensive and multilingual solution to working with
Internet content. Internet with an Accent provides Internet users with full
functionality in more than 30 languages, including bi-directional languages such
as Arabic and Hebrew, independent of the local language version of the Windows
operating system. The Internet with an Accent suite includes the following
applications:
o Navigate with an Accent--enables a user to browse pages on the
Web that have been published in any of more than 30 languages
and ten alphabets. Navigate with an Accent is capable of
displaying Unicode and substantially all other encodings used
on the Internet today and provides user interfaces in more
than 20 languages. Navigate with an Accent can detect a
character set (alphabet and accented characters) of an
appropriately configured Web site and automatically switch to
that language. Navigate with an Accent is a multilingual
plug-in for Netscape Navigator based on the Spyglass Mosaic
Browser, which is licensed by Accent. For those users of
Internet with an Accent who do not use Netscape Navigator as
their primary browser, Accent provides Accent Multilingual
Mosaic, which serves as a stand-alone browser with all the
functionality of Navigate with an Accent.
o Accent Global Author--enables users to create Web pages in
more than 30 languages. Based on Accent's WYSIWYG (What You
See Is What You Get) word processing technology, the Accent
Global Author enables creation of Web pages in seven alphabets
in the same documents (with Asian language capabilities to be
added to the Pacific Rim version scheduled for release later
this year). Accent's multilingual HTML offers a user-friendly
solution to producing multilingual Web pages without requiring
users to obtain language-specific operating systems or
keyboards. This authoring tool also allows creators of Web
sites to program options into their web pages allowing users
to view these sites in the language of their choice.
o Accent Multilingual MailPad--an e-mail add on that enables
users to send and receive e-mail in more than 30 languages
under any language version of Windows. It allows users to send
electronic messages in any of the languages supported by
Accent Multilingual MailPad and allows users to send messages
containing multiple languages and alphabets. For instance, a
user can send a message with Greek, Spanish and Arabic text in
the same message even though the three languages have
different alphabets and despite the fact that Arabic is
written predominantly right-to-left and Greek and Spanish
left-to-right. Accent Multilingual MailPad enables users to
create a message in English or any of the 30 other languages
and send it seamlessly by clicking on the "Send Mail" icon on
the tool bar. Internet with an Accent includes the Pronto
e-mail client, licensed from CommTouch
6
<PAGE>
Software, Inc. and also works with any MAPI-compliant e-mail
package such as Microsoft Exchange or Group Wise.
o Accent Multilingual Viewer--enables users to view content and
e-mail in any combination of the languages supported. Accent
has created a viewer program that works with mainstream
browsers as a helper application to enable viewing of
multilingual content, whether originating from an Accent word
processor, from Accent Global Author or from Accent
Multilingual MailPad. Accent's Multilingual Viewer supports
advanced formatting, such as columns and tables, and also
displays multiple documents simultaneously and in several
different zoom modes. The Accent Multilingual Viewer is
supplied both in the Internet with an Accent suite and is
available for downloading at no cost from Accent's Web site.
Accent Multilingual Viewer is also available as part of
Navigate with an Accent, the Company's plug-in for Netscape
Navigator.
Accent intends to broaden its Internet product line through the
introduction of certain new products in 1997, including the release of a Pacific
Rim version of Internet with an Accent (supporting the Chinese, Japanese, Korean
and Thai languages).
DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING
The Company's principal target market segments are corporate, academic,
government system developers, systems integrators and individual customers. To
reach these target markets, the Company relies on a variety of distribution
channels, OEMs, direct sales, alternative distribution channels, retail and
ISPs. The Company's principal markets are the United States, Canada and Europe.
The Company believes that the Pacific Rim market will become increasingly
important in the future, although only limited sales have been made to date in
such market.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). OEMs consist of hardware
manufacturers, system integrators (i.e., VARs) and software publishers. Accent
has made OEM sales (either directly or through agents or distributors) to such
major manufacturers as IBM, Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq, Lotus,
Packard Bell, AT&T and Creative Labs. The OEM segment purchases large volumes of
product or product licenses at relatively low cost to bundle with hardware
and/or software prior to end-user purchase. OEM sales are typically high volume
and are made at relatively high margins because they involve little or no
marketing, manufacturing, shipping or product return costs. The Company believes
that sales of its low end products through this channel can help increase high
end upgrades by quickly increasing market penetration and capturing the
attention of people who influence users' purchasing decisions.
Direct Sales. Accent uses a combination of direct and manufacturer's
representatives, which total approximately 12 people worldwide dedicated to
direct sales efforts. Accent's sales force operates from its sales offices
located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, London, England, and Jerusalem, Israel.
The Company sells direct or through its representatives to OEMs, ISPs and key
corporate accounts.
Alternative Distribution Channels. Accent believes electronic distribution of
its products will become increasingly important with the expected development of
Internet-based commerce. The Company is currently exploring electronic
distribution and is already distributing beta and time-limited Accent Internet
products over the Web, at no cost.
Retail Sales. Accent has developed a multi-level retail distribution structure
in each of its major geographic markets, including distributors, dealers and
chain stores. The Company generally sells its
7
<PAGE>
products directly to large distributors who, in turn, sell to smaller dealers or
directly to retailers. Accent currently has distribution agreements with some of
the largest distributors in the United States, Europe and Latin America,
including Ingram Micro, Tech Data, Computer 2000 and Merisel, and its products
are sold by major software retailers, including CompUSA, Computer City, Software
Etc., Karstadt (Germany) and Interdiscount (France).
In December 1996, Simon and Schuster Publishing agreed to assist Accent
with distribution marketing in the United States. Simon and Schuster, believed
to be one of the largest software distributors in the United States, will
provide improved economies of scale in the retail channel for Accent. Using
Simon and Schuster as its primary distributor in the United States should result
in reduced costs and better service in the retail market. Accent will continue
to use other distribution channels for customers not serviced by Simon and
Schuster.
On occasion, the Company also sells products directly to certain large
retailers. In smaller niche geographic markets, the Company may also establish a
direct sales channel to dealers. The Company intends to selectively expand its
retail distribution network as the Company develops additional marketing
programs for its products over the next year.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs). ISPs typically sell end-user and business
customer connections to the Internet as well as access to basic Internet
services such as the Web and e-mail. ISPs usually offer Internet access software
to subscribers. Although the Company is not currently generating significant
revenues from ISPs, management believes that there are opportunities to increase
revenues generated from ISPs through the bulk sale of the Company's Internet
software, optional software upgrades and payments for each new Internet
subscriber introduced to the ISPs by the Company.
Marketing. The Company has historically utilized a variety of marketing
programs to stimulate and build long-term demand for its products, including
public relations, advertising, trade shows, direct mail, catalogs and on-going
customer communications. Consistent with the Company's revised business plan,
future marketing programs will be highly focused toward selling products into
specific market segments and ultimately through to the end-user. During fiscal
1997, the Company will introduce market programs that are specifically sales
oriented, rather than image or brand-awareness oriented. Specific programs will
be targeted toward the Company's primary revenue sources, OEM and direct sales,
as well as to market segments such as corporate, academic and government, which
management believes have significant potential for use of the Company's current
and planned products.
The Company intends to de-emphasize lower margin retail sales and increase
its proportion of higher margin licensed sales. Marketing programs that provide
a favorable return on investment will be continued and/or expanded.
Underperforming programs have been modified, replaced, or canceled. The Company
expects to reduce its expenditures on higher cost marketing efforts (i.e., trade
shows, general media and trade advertising) and concentrate its marketing
expenditures on direct marketing, direct selling, specifically targeted trade
advertising, targeted Web advertising and cooperative marketing efforts with the
Company's distributors and dealers that target the Company's key market
segments.
8
<PAGE>
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The Company has developed, and will seek to develop or acquire, technology
that it believes will give it a competitive advantage, such as its core
multilingual and intelligent agent technologies. Accent's core development team
consists of approximately 26 software engineers and 31 other employees engaged
in product development and enhancement, quality assurance, project management,
technical support, translation and documentation activities. In addition,
AgentSoft has its own engineering staff, headed by a team of experts in
artificial intelligence technology research. Certain non-core technology is
licensed by the Company from third parties, enabling the Company to utilize its
development personnel and resources more effectively and to reduce product time
to market. The Company's expenditures in product development were $1,075,000 in
1994, $1,797,000 in 1995 and $3,432,000 in 1996.
Accent's strategy for future products is expected to be focused on (i)
advanced intelligent agent based products utilizing AgentSoft technology; (ii)
additional Internet productivity tools as part of its WebTamer product line;
(iii) enhanced text processing and authoring capabilities; (iv) intelligent
document based products; and (v) enhanced language utilities such as more
advanced translation products.
The Company's near term product development efforts are focused on the
release of new products and product enhancements including its WebTamer, the
first in a line of Internet user productivity tools, enhancements to its
Internet with an Accent suite including the addition of Asian language
capabilities in the Pacific Rim version and its Accent Global Development Kit, a
set of standards and tools that will enable the globalization of any Windows
software application. The Company's long term development efforts also will
focus on the development of additional Internet productivity tools as part of
its soon-to-be-released WebTamer product line.
The Company believes that the development of intelligent agent technology
will position it to more fully exploit the commercial potential of the Internet
and Intranets. Intelligent agents are electronic assistants, programs that
undertake tasks that would normally be carried out manually. Agents can either
be anchored, residing on an individual user's machine, or can be mobile, capable
of moving from machine to machine. Agents can also be either client- or
server-based. With the rapid growth of the Internet and Intranets, the Company
believes that applications for electronic agents are beginning to reach their
commercial potential. For example, the Company believes significant
opportunities may exist for the application of intelligent agents in areas such
as network user productivity enhancement, workflow and coordination, scheduling
and electronic commerce.
The Company expects that both it and AgentSoft will develop intelligent
document processing technology that the Company will use in products applying
artificial intelligence concepts to document processing and other applications.
Currently available word processing programs merely reformat the characters on a
page, whereas intelligent document processing technology enables the content of
a document to be analyzed, allowing the application to undertake tasks such as
automated translation indexing, abstracting, editing and rewriting.
From time to time the Company has experienced delays in introducing new
products and product enhancements and there can be no assurance that the Company
will not experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful
development, introduction and marketing of new products or product enhancements.
In addition, there can be no assurance that such new products or product
enhancements will meet the requirements of the marketplace and achieve market
acceptance. Any such failure could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, operating results or financial condition.
9
<PAGE>
Certain of the Company's technology was developed with the assistance of
research grants received from the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Ministry
of Industry and Trade of the Government of Israel (the "OCS") pursuant to the
Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development, 1984 (the
"Research Law"). No OCS funding has been received since 1993.
COMPETITION
Word Processing Products
The Company's primary competition in the multilingual word processing
market includes Gamma Productions Inc.'s Universe program and WYSIWYG Corp.'s
Universal Word program.
In the single language word processing market in Israel, the Company's
Dagesh product line competes directly with the Hebrew version of Word for
Windows and with Q-Text for Windows. Additionally, the Company's products
compete with a number of single-language Windows word processing programs that
are available in different languages. The Company competes primarily with Word
for Windows and WordPerfect for Windows in those markets where these competitors
have add-on kits to add additional languages to their products.
While Accent believes that the multilingual aspects of its products give it
significant differentiation and expects its existing technological base to give
it an advantage over competitors who intend to enter this market, there can be
no assurance that Accent's products will retain either their differentiation or
their competitive lead for any specific period of time.
Software Globalization Tools
The Company intends to enter the market for software globalization tools
with its Accent Global Development Kit. The Company expects this market to be
highly competitive with companies such as Gamma Productions Inc., which already
have products in this market.
Intelligent Agent Products
The Company has identified competing activities in agent development
environments and agent applications. Most prominent among these potential
competitors are the providers of templates and infrastructures for the
development of agents and agent applications. Existing or potential future
competitors include: General Magic's Tabriz AgentWare and Tabriz Agent
Tools-Tabriz AgentWare, AutoNomy-AutoNomy Corporation in conjunction with
Cambridge Neurodynamics, Bits & Pixels's Java Intelligent Agent Library, IBM's
AgentBuilder, and CyberAgent Technology by FTP Software, Inc.
The agent application providers are another source of competition. The
majority of these agents are information gathering. Existing or potential future
competitors include: Surflogic's SurfBots, Travsoft's WebEx, Net mind's
URL-minder, First Floor's Smart Bookmarks (also distributed as Netscape's
SmartMarks), Agents Inc.'s Firefly-Agents Inc., Andersen Consulting's server
based agents (InfoFinder, ContactFinder, Bargainfinder, and NewsFinder),
Quarterdeck's WebCompass and Forte's FreeAgent.
10
<PAGE>
Internet Products
The market for the Company's products is highly competitive and competition
is increasing as additional market opportunities arise. Many of these
competitors have significantly greater resources than the Company. The Company
competes with Alis Technologies, Inc., which has also released a Spyglass-based
multilingual browser and authoring suite. The Company also competes with
Quarterdeck's Internet Suite, CompuServe's Spry Division's Internet in a Box,
Netscape's Personal Edition and other basic Internet software suites. In
addition, the Company competes with the localized versions of browsers developed
by major industry participants such as Netscape, Microsoft and NetManage Inc.
("NetManage"). Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 incorporates improved
multilingual display capabilities. However, unlike Accent's browser, this
product requires Windows 95 to display some languages, and in the opinion of
management, provides less comprehensive and flexible language display
capabilities than the Company's browser. Microsoft's Front Page web-authoring
product is expected to include certain Unicode features. In addition, Netscape
has begun to add certain additional multilingual capabilities to its products.
The Company believes that the principal competitive advantage of its
internet products is the ability to display the full diversity of Web content
available today without the concomitant use of a local language version of
Windows, and the broad multilingual Web authoring and e-mail capabilities.
PRODUCT SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE
Accent's Product Support Group provides the non-technical services needed
to successfully deliver and support the Company's products in the marketplace.
These services include translation, technical support, quality assurance,
training and documentation.
Accent believes that the availability of high-quality technical support is
critical to the successful establishment of its software products and brand
image in the marketplace. To this end, the Company has established contract
telephone technical support centers in the United Kingdom (serving all of
Europe) and in the United States. These support centers can also refer more
difficult problems to the Company's Jerusalem-based Technical Support Group,
which handles technical support for the Israeli market. Worldwide technical
support is also available over the Internet, CompuServe and via facsimile. The
Company provides installation support on all of its products, with the exception
of certain OEM arrangements in which the OEM provides such support.
The Product Support Group also includes employees who are responsible for
quality assurance. Specifically, such employees review, test and verify software
design (both manually and through automated testing procedures), manage alpha
(internal) and beta (external) testing of the Company's products prior to their
release, review all printed documentation and manage the "change request"
database pursuant to which suggested product enhancements are implemented and
software errors are corrected.
MANUFACTURING AND FULFILLMENT
The Accent product line is manufactured (printing, CD-ROM duplication
and packaging) primarily by Lotus Development and Sonopress, both located in
Dublin, Ireland. The Company believes this gives it high quality manufactured
products as well as credibility with potential distributors and customers.
Additional U.S. sources are expected to be developed in 1997. The Dagesh product
line is manufactured by various manufacturers in Israel to high quality
standards set by the Company.
11
<PAGE>
All international distributor and dealer orders are currently processed
in Jerusalem. Most of these orders are filled directly by Lotus or Sonopress
from the manufacturing sites in Ireland. Local fulfillment for small order
quantities is provided through contract fulfillment centers in the United
Kingdom (for Europe) and Pennsylvania (for North America). Orders from within
Israel are filled directly from Jerusalem.
In the near term, as sales increase in the United States, the Company
expects to have some of its products manufactured and fulfilled in the U.S.
Additionally, as sales increase in Asia and Latin America, the Company will
consider the establishment of manufacturing, fulfillment and support
capabilities in those areas.
By the end of the first quarter of 1997, the Company will transfer the
manufacturing and fulfillment activities currently being done by Lotus to
Sonopress. Although the Company believes that its relationship with its
manufacturing and fulfillment partners is satisfactory and that it is unlikely
that they would terminate their relationship with the Company, there can be no
assurance that these partners will continue to dedicate sufficient production
capacity to satisfy the Company's product requirement on commercially reasonable
terms or within scheduled delivery times. Any interruption of the Company's
arrangements with these partners could cause a delay in the production of the
Company's products for delivery to customers. In addition, while the Company
believes that if any of these partners were unable or unwilling to continue to
manufacture the Company's products, other manufacturers would be readily
available, there can be no assurance that arrangements with alternative
manufacturers could be established on a timely basis, on commercially reasonable
terms, or at all. The absence of suitable manufacturing arrangements would have
a materially adverse effect on the Company's operations.
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
The Company regards its products and the processes used to produce them
as proprietary trade secrets and confidential information. Like many software
companies, the Company relies on a combination of trademarks, trade secret and
copyright law to establish and protect proprietary rights in its products. In
addition, the Company attempts to protect trade secrets and other proprietary
information through confidentiality agreements with its employees, outside
consultants and potential business partners. The Company requires all of its
employees to sign such confidentiality agreements as a condition of employment.
The Company currently holds no patents. However, the Company has
established an internal process which it believes will result in the filing of
one or more applications for patent protection within the next year. In
addition, AgentSoft currently has one patent application pending and anticipates
filing additional applications as appropriate. Nevertheless, there can be no
assurance that any patent application filed by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries for any of their technology or products derived therefrom will be
granted.
The Company provides its products to customers under non-exclusive,
non-transferable licenses. The Company has not required end-users of its
products to sign license agreements. Instead, the Company includes a license
agreement in its product packaging. It is uncertain whether license agreements
of this type are legally enforceable in all countries and jurisdictions in which
the products are marketed.
12
<PAGE>
The Company believes that its products are proprietary and are
protected by copyright, trade secret and trademark law, as well as by the
contractual agreements described above. However, certain protections, such as
limitations on use of a product and limitations on warranties and liability, are
not afforded by copyright law and may not be available without an enforceable
license agreement. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the proprietary
technology of the Company will continue to be secret or that others will not
develop similar technology and use such technology to compete with the Company.
The Company does not currently include in its products any mechanism to prevent
or inhibit unauthorized copying or usage, with the exception of its HebCorel
product sold in Israel which contains a mechanism to prohibit unauthorized use.
However, the Company is considering including such protection in products
targeted for certain markets where piracy is a major issue, such as the
countries of the former Soviet Union, Central and Eastern Europe, India and some
third world countries.
The following chart describes the status of the Company's and its subsidiaries'
trademarks:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARK STATUS
- ---- -------------------------------------------------------------------
REGISTERED APPLICATION PENDING
<S> <C> <C>
Accent United Kingdom, Germany, France, United States, Italy, Spain
Benelux
LanguageWare United States, United Kingdom,
France, Israel
WebTamer United Kingdom, France United States, Canada,
Germany, Italy
AccentDuo United Kingdom, France, Germany, United States, Italy, Spain
Mexico and Switzerland
Dagesh Israel
AgentSoft France, Israel United States, United Kingdom,
Germany
LiveAgent United States, Israel
</TABLE>
The Company does not believe that its products or their trademarks
infringe upon the proprietary rights of third parties. However, there can be no
assurance that a third party will not make a contrary assertion. The cost of
responding to such assertions may be material whether or not the assertions are
validated.
The Company licenses, pursuant to non-exclusive licenses, proprietary
technology from companies such as Spyglass (browser technology), Globalink, Inc.
(translation software), INSO, Inc. (language utilities and filters), Bitstream,
Inc.(fonts) and URW, GmbH (fonts), for inclusion in its products. These licenses
are generally for a one year term with automatic renewal. There can be no
assurance that these third parties will continue to license their software
programs to the Company on commercially reasonable terms, particularly if such
companies develop programs which they perceive as competitive with those
developed and marketed by the Company. Although the Company believes that
multiple sources are available for such licensed products, if any of the
Company's license agreements were terminated and the Company was unable to
replace those licenses with comparable licenses from alternate suppliers, such
terminations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to
market its products.
13
<PAGE>
EMPLOYEES
The Company currently has 84 employees, the majority of whom are
presently located in Jerusalem. Of this total, 57 are employed in the
departments encompassed by Product Development, 5 in sales and marketing, and
approximately 22 are employed in manufacturing and administration. In addition,
Accent Worldwide, Inc., the Company's U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary,
currently employs 2 persons. Accent Software International (Europe) Ltd., the
Company's European sales and marketing subsidiary based in the United Kingdom,
employs 3 persons, and AgentSoft Ltd. employs 19 persons, virtually all of whom
are in the engineering group. While the Company anticipates that the number of
employees employed by it and by its subsidiaries will increase during the next
several years, all planned additions to staff will be re-evaluated in light of
changing conditions and actual performance as compared to the budget plan, prior
to actual authorization.
Certain provisions of the collective bargaining agreements between the
Histadrut (the Israeli Federation of Labor) and the Coordination Bureau of
Economic Organizations (including the Industrialists Association) are applicable
to the Company's employees who are based in Israel by order of the Israeli
Ministry of Labor. These provisions concern principally the length of the work
day, minimum daily wages for professional workers, contributions to a pension
fund, insurance for work-related accidents, procedures for dismissing employees,
determination of severance pay and other conditions of employment. The Company
generally provides its employees with benefits and working conditions beyond the
required minimums. Cost of living adjustments of Israeli employees' wages are
determined on a nationwide basis and are legally binding. Under the current
inflation rates, these adjustments compensate employees for approximately 40% of
the change in the cost of living, with certain lag factors in implementation.
Israel employers and employees are required to pay predetermined
amounts to the National Insurance Institute, which is similar to the United
States Social Security Administration. The payments to the National Insurance
Institute amount to approximately 13% of wages, of which approximately
two-thirds is contributed by the employer with the balance contributed by the
employee.
Pursuant to Israeli law, the Company is legally required to pay
severance benefits upon the retirement or death of an employee or the
termination of employment of an employee without due cause. The Company finances
this obligation by contributing funds to a fund known as "Managers' Insurance."
This fund provides a combination of savings plans, insurance and severance pay
benefits to the employee, giving the employee a lump sum payment upon retirement
and a severance payment, if legally entitled, upon termination of employment.
Pursuant to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement referred to above,
each employee is required to participate in the plan, and contributes an amount
equal to 5% of his or her salary and the employer contributes between 13.3% and
15.8% of the employee's salary.
The Company believes that its relations with its employees are
satisfactory.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
The Company occupies approximately 15,800 square feet of office space
in an industrial area of Jerusalem. The Company took possession of part of its
current office space on July 1, 1993
14
<PAGE>
pursuant to short-term lease agreements. The Company believes this facility is
suitable for its intended purpose and has adequate productive capacity for the
Company's current needs. The Company expects to continually evaluate its needs
for space in the Jerusalem office and shall expand or contract such space as
appropriate.
The Company's United States subsidiary, Accent Worldwide, Inc.,
occupies approximately 2,600 square feet of office space in Colorado Springs,
Colorado, pursuant to a 24 month lease agreement with an option to terminate the
lease after 12 months. Accent Worldwide took possession of its space on March 1,
1997, after moving its headquarters from its prior location in Newport Beach,
California. It is anticipated that this space will be sufficient for its
intended utilization at least through the end of the lease period.
Accent Software International (Europe) Ltd. has leased 2,670 square
feet of office space in London, England, pursuant to a month-to-month lease,
renewable at the Company's discretion. It is anticipated that this space will be
sufficient for Accent (Europe)'s purposes through the end of the fiscal year.
AgentSoft, Ltd. currently occupies approximately 2,150 square feet of
space in a building several hundred yards from the building housing the Company.
The Company's and AgentSoft's computer systems are connected by an infrared
connection. AgentSoft has sufficient space for its current and anticipated needs
through the term of its lease, which terminates in June 1998.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Other than as described below, no material legal proceedings are pending as
of the date of this filing. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a
party to any other material litigation or is aware of any pending or threatened
litigation that would have a material adverse effect on the Company or any of
its subsidiaries.
The Company has filed an action in the District Court in Jerusalem, Israel
against Mainframe Education Consulting GmbH, a German software distributor that
had ordered a large amount of the Company's software in 1995, but had refused to
pay for it. In the action, the Company is seeking approximately $360,000 as
compensation for Mainframe's breach of contract.
In addition, in the latter part of 1996, the Company became aware that
Creatix Polymedia, GmbH, a German modem manufacturer that had licensed the
Company's software to be bundled with its modem products, had declared
bankruptcy before having complied with its contractual obligations to the
Company. Accordingly, the Company has filed a claim with the German bankruptcy
trustee for the amount due and owing under the contract with Creatix.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
None.
15
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
(A) MARKET INFORMATION
The Company's Ordinary Shares and Units are quoted on The Nasdaq SmallCap
Market under the symbols "ACNTF" and "ACNUF," respectively. The following table
sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing bid prices of
the Company's Ordinary Shares and Units as reported by the Nasdaq SmallCap
Market.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ordinary Shares Units
--------------- -----
Low High Low High
--- ---- --- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1995
Third Quarter (commencing July 21, 1995) $ 6.00 $ 11.50 - -
Fourth Quarter $ 8.00 $ 21.00 - -
1996
First Quarter $ 10.50 $ 28.67 - -
Second Quarter $ 24.67 $ 34.50 - -
Third Quarter $ 11.13 $ 32.25 - -
Fourth Quarter $ 7.25 $ 14.50 $ 6.75 $ 9.50
1997
First Quarter (to March 26) $ 2.69 $ 8.22 $ 2.50 $ 8.38
</TABLE>
Over-the-counter market quotations for the Company's Ordinary Shares and Units
reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission,
and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. On March 26, 1997, the
last reported sales price of the Ordinary Shares and Units on The Nasdaq
SmallCap Market was $2.91 per Ordinary Share and $3.06 per Unit, respectively.
(B) HOLDERS
As of March 26, 1997 there were approximately 80 record holders of
the Ordinary Shares (including 3 record holders of the Units). Such number
of record holders was determined from the Company's shareholder records, and
does not include beneficial owners of the Ordinary Shares whose shares are held
in the names of various shareholders, dealers and clearing agencies.
(C) DIVIDENDS
The Company has paid no cash dividends to date and does not currently
intend to declare any dividends on its Ordinary Shares in the foreseeable
future. The Company intends to retain earnings, if any, for the foreseeable
future to fund the development and growth of its business. Payment of cash
dividends on the Ordinary Shares will depend upon the Company's earnings, its
capital requirements and financial condition, and other relevant factors.
The Company's decisions with respect to dividend payments in the future
will be determined by its Board of Directors. Under Israeli law, certain
dividends, referred to as final dividends (which are comparable to annual
dividends and are not related to distributions on dissolution or liquidation or
similar final distributions), are recommended by the Board of Directors and may
be declared by shareholders at
16
<PAGE>
the annual meeting of shareholders, but only in an amount per share equal to or
less than the amount recommended by the Board of Directors. In addition, the
Board of Directors may declare and pay interim dividends on account of the final
dividend. Cash dividends may be paid by an Israeli company only out of the
profits of such company, as determined for statutory purposes.
Under Israeli law, cash dividends paid by the Company to its shareholders
(other than Israeli corporate shareholders) are subject to a withholding tax.
The applicable withholding tax rate will depend on the particular operations
that have generated the earnings constituting the source of dividends .
(D) EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND TAXATION MATTERS AFFECTING NON-ISRAELI
SHAREHOLDERS
Exchange Controls
All non-residents of Israel who purchase equity securities of the
Company with certain non-Israeli currencies (including dollars) may freely
repatriate in such non-Israeli currencies all amounts received in respect of
such securities in Israeli currency, whether as a dividend, as a liquidating
distribution or as proceeds from the sale of such securities (provided in each
case that any applicable Israeli income tax is paid or withheld on such amounts)
at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of conversion, pursuant to the
general permit issued under the Israeli Currency Law, 1978.
Capital Gains Taxation of the Company and its Shareholders
Israeli law imposes a capital gains tax on the sale of capital assets,
including securities held by the Company and securities of the Company sold by
holders thereof. The law distinguishes between "Real Gain" and "Inflationary
Surplus." Real Gain is the excess of the total capital gain over Inflationary
Surplus, computed on the basis of the increase in the Israeli CPI between the
date of purchase and the date of sale. Inflationary Surplus accumulated until
December 31, 1993 is taxed at a rate of 10% for residents of Israel in respect
of securities (in respect of securities reduced to no tax for non-residents if
calculated according to the exchange rate of the dollar instead of the Israeli
CPI), while Real Gain is added to ordinary income, which is taxed at the
applicable ordinary rates for individuals (30% to 50%) and for corporations (36%
in 1996 and thereafter), while Inflationary Surplus accumulated from and after
December 31, 1993 is exempt from any capital gains tax. Under current law, the
Ordinary Shares of the Company are exempt from Israeli capital gains tax so long
as they are listed on Nasdaq or on a stock exchange recognized by the Israeli
Ministry of Finance and the Company qualifies as an "Industrial Company" as
defined in the "Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969." There can
be no assurance that the Company will maintain such listing or qualifications.
Pursuant to the Convention Between the Government of the United States
of America and the Government of Israel with Respect to Taxes on Income (the
"U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty"), the sale, exchange or disposition of Ordinary Shares
by a person who qualifies as a resident of the United States within the meaning,
and who is entitled to claim the benefits afforded to such resident under, the
U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty ("Treaty U.S. Resident") will not be subject to the
Israeli capital gains tax unless such Treaty U.S. Resident holds, directly or
indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of the voting power of the Company
during any part of the 12-month period preceding such sale, exchange or
disposition (assuming that Israeli law would otherwise tax such gain). If such
gain is taxed by Israel, the gain will be a foreign source under the U.S.-Israel
Tax Treaty and such U.S. Holder can elect to credit such Israeli tax against the
U.S. federal income tax imposed on the gain, subject to the limitations imposed
by U.S. law.
17
<PAGE>
Other Taxation Matters Under Israeli Law Affecing Non-Israeli
Shareholders; Estate Taxes
Individuals who are non-residents of Israel are subject to a graduated
income tax on income derived from sources in Israel. Israeli source income is
defined under Israeli law as income derived or accrued in Israel and income
derived or accrued outside of Israel, if such income is received in Israel. A
corporate entity is deemed an "Israeli resident" under Israeli law if it is
controlled and managed from Israel or if it is registered in Israel and its
business activities are primarily in Israel. On the distribution of dividends
other than bonus shares to foreign residents, income tax at the rate of 25% (15%
in the case of dividends distributed from the taxable income attributable to an
Approved Enterprise) is withheld at the source unless a different rate is
provided for in a treaty between Israel and the shareholder's country of
residence. The U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty provides for a maximum tax of 25% on
dividends paid to a Treaty U.S. Resident.
A non-resident of Israel who has interest, dividend or royalty income
derived from, accrued or received in Israel from which tax was withheld at the
source is generally exempt from the duty to file tax returns in Israel in
respect of such income, provided that such income was not derived from a
business conducted in Israel.
Residents of the United States generally will have withholding tax in
Israel deducted at the source. Such persons may be entitled to a credit or
deduction for United States federal income tax purposes for the amount of such
taxes withheld.
Israel currently has no estate tax.
18
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following selected financial data have been summarized from the
Company's consolidated financial statements and are qualified in their entirety
by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, such consolidated
financial statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
(U.S. dollars in thousands except per share data)
-------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales........................................ $ 255 $ 1,220 $ 1,851 $ 5,135 $ 4,953
Cost of sales.................................... 248 566 1,155 2,972 6,767
------ ------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit (loss).............................. 7 654 696 2,163 (1,814)
------ ------- -------- -------- --------
Product development costs, net................... 311 363 507 1,097 3,386
Marketing expenses............................... 17 673 2,115 5,955 9,242
General and administrative expenses.............. 56 360 1,071 2,796 6,437
------ ------- -------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses.......... 384 1,396 3,693 9,848 19,065
------ ------- -------- -------- --------
Operating loss................................... (377) (742) (2,997) (7,685) (20,879)
Other income (expense), net...................... 56 7 (137) (163) (155)
------ ------- -------- -------- --------
Net loss ........................................ $ (321) $ (735) $ (3,134) $ (7,848) $(21,034)
------ ------- -------- -------- --------
Net income loss per share........................ $(0.48) $ (0.39) $ (0.68) $ (1.22) $ (2.12)
====== ======= ======== ======== ========
Weighted average number of shares and equivalent
shares outstanding............................ 664 1,893 4,619 6,421 9,926
<CAPTION>
As of December 31
-----------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents........................ $ - $ - $ 78 $ 9,633 $ 8,723
Working capital (deficit)........................ (563) (1,433) (1,009) 10,329 3,628
Total assets..................................... 262 1,050 2,503 17,650 13,789
Total debt....................................... 515 1,034 1,680 2,358 4,062
Accumulated deficit.............................. (495) (1,231) (4,365) (12,213) (33,247)
Shareholders' equity (deficit)................... (496) (932) (1,064) 10,133 2,974
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
OVERVIEW
Accent designs, develops, markets and supports multilingual Internet and
text-processing software products. Through its 84%-owned subsidiary, AgentSoft,
the Company also develops and markets intelligent agent-based software tools and
products for process automation over the Internet. Accent commenced operations
in 1988 as a software development company and from 1988 to 1992 generated nearly
all of its revenues from consulting services. The Company introduced its first
word processing software product in Israel in 1992 and began shipping its first
product intended for the international market in 1994. During this period,
Accent's revenues were almost entirely attributable to sales of word processing
software. The Company introduced its first Internet product, Internet with an
Accent, in late 1995.
Since it first began to develop multilingual software in 1988, Accent has
invested substantial sums on research and development, established a sales and
marketing force, introduced new products, and developed customer support
services and the administrative infrastructure necessary to conduct its
operations. The Company has historically made significant expenditures on sales
and marketing efforts to establish distribution channels, promote brand
recognition, facilitate geographic expansion and foster long-term consumer
demand. Such expenditures have included the cost of participating in industry
trade shows (including Comdex, CEBIT and Internet shows), public relations,
marketing and advertising expenses. The Company has also made significant
expenditures in connection with the launch of new products. As a result of the
start-up nature of its business efforts during this period, Accent has incurred
net losses each year since 1992. The Company incurred net losses of $3,134,000,
$7,848,000 and $21,034,000 for the fiscal years ended 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively.
In response to its operating results, the Company revised its business plan
in October 1996, to decrease operating expenses and to improve its operating
and financial performance while continuing to support its product development
activities. Specifically, through February 1997, the Company has implemented an
approximate 40% reduction in the number of its employees. In addition, the
Company has reduced (i) its expenditures on marketing and advertising by more
than 50% and (ii) its other operating expenses, exclusive of research and
development by approximately 50%. Research and development expenses are expected
to remain relatively level so as to enable the Company to achieve its strategic
product development objectives. The goal of these initiatives is to achieve
greater operating efficiencies by reducing operating expenses, strategically
focusing marketing expenditures by product category and continually monitoring
the Company's operating performance in-line with the revised business plan. In
addition, the Company has implemented a number of corporate governance changes
to enable it to achieve its revised business and financial management
objectives. Also during the fourth quarter of 1996 and the first quarter of
1997, certain new experienced senior management individuals joined the Company.
The Company's operating results may fluctuate significantly from period to
period as a result of a variety of factors, including the timing of the
introduction of new products and product enhancements by the Company and its
competitors, the length of the Company's sales cycle to key customers,
distributors, OEMs and ISPs, purchasing patterns of consumers, technological
factors, variations in sales by distribution channel and competitive pricing. In
addition, like other software companies, the Company's sales may be subject to
seasonality, with a larger portion of sales and sales growth generally occurring
in the spring and the last three months of each calendar year.
20
<PAGE>
The Company's ability to generate increased revenue and to fund planned
expenditures is dependent on a number of factors, many of which are outside of
its control. In particular, revenue growth and profitability, if any, will
depend on the ability of the Company to develop and market new products and
product enhancements, the continued growth in the number of Internet users,
demand for the Company's products, the level of product and price competition,
the success of the Company in attracting and retaining motivated and qualified
personnel, the ability of the Company to control its costs and general economic
conditions. There can be no assurance that the Company will meet such challenges
successfully. Any of these or other factors could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's business, operating results or financial condition. In
addition, because of the rapidly evolving market for software products, it is
difficult to assess or predict with any assurance the growth rate, if any, and
the size of the market for the Company's products. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that a market for the Company's products will develop or that the
Company will generate increased revenues from such products.
Revenue Recognition
As required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, revenue from
the sale of software products to end-users and resellers (including distributors
and OEMs) is generally recognized when a customer purchase order has been
received, the software has been shipped, the Company has a right to invoice the
customer, collection of the receivable is determined to be probable and there
are no significant obligations remaining on the part of the Company.
A significant portion of the Company's revenues are derived from sales to
distributors under agreements that allow certain rights of return on unsold
merchandise. If the Company has sufficient historical experience to estimate
returns for a specific distributor, revenue is recorded upon shipment of the
product to that distributor and a provision for estimated returns is recorded at
that time. If the Company does not have sufficient historical experience to
estimate such returns, the Company defers recognition of such revenue until the
software is sold by the distributor.
OEM arrangements may include non-refundable payments in the form of
guaranteed sublicense fees. These guaranteed sublicense fees are recognized as
revenue upon shipment of the master copy of all software to which the sublicense
fees relate provided there are no significant post-delivery obligations and the
OEM is creditworthy. Additionally, such revenue is recognized only to the extent
that the obligation to pay such fees is not subject to price adjustment, is
non-recoverable and non-refundable and is due within five months. These
guaranteed sublicense fees are applied against sublicense fees reported by the
reseller as it relicenses the Company's products to end-users.
The Company also generally grants the right to limited telephone support to
its retail customers, which is generally provided in the first several months
after purchase of the software by the customer. The Company accrues the cost of
such telephone support at the time the related revenue is recognized.
Product Development Costs
Costs relating to the development of the Company's software products which
are incurred subsequent to establishing the product's technological feasibility
(which has been defined as the time when the Company has a working model of the
product), primarily consisting of engineering salaries and related expenses, are
capitalized consistent with the principles set forth in the Financial Accounting
Standards Board of the United States ("FASB") Statement No. 86. Product
development costs are shown net of these capitalized software costs.
Capitalization of software costs reduces the product development expense
recorded in the current year. Amortization of these costs, which is included in
cost of sales, is first
21
<PAGE>
recorded when the products are available for general release to customers, and
is computed on a product-by-product basis as the greater of: (i) the ratio of
current gross revenues for a product to the total of current and anticipated
future gross revenues for the product; or (ii) the straight-line method over the
remaining estimated economic life of the product, which until 1994 was estimated
by management to be three years. The lives of the Company's word processing
products whose general release occurred in 1995 have been estimated by
management to be two and a half years; however, the estimated life of the
Company's Internet products are and will be significantly shorter.
The functional currency for the Company is the dollar, which is the
currency of the primary economic environment in which the operations of the
Company are conducted. The majority of the Company's sales are made outside of
Israel in, or linked to, the dollar, as are a significant portion of the
Company's expenses. Transactions and balances originally denominated in dollars
are presented at their original amounts. Transactions and balances in other
currencies (including NIS) are remeasured into dollars in accordance with
principles set forth in FASB Statement No. 52. Exchange gains and losses arising
from remeasurement are reflected in other income or expenses, as applicable.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage of
sales represented by certain items reflected in the Company's Consolidated
Statements of Operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
1994 1995 1996
----- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales........................................ 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales.................................... 62.4 57.9 136.6
------- ------- -------
Gross profit (loss).......................... 37.6 42.1 (36.6)
------- ------- -------
Product development costs, net................... 27.4 21.4 68.4
Marketing expenses............................... 114.2 116.0 186.6
General and administrative expenses.............. 57.9 54.4 130.0
------- ------- -------
Total operating costs and expenses........... 199.5 191.8 385.0
------- ------- -------
Operating loss............................... (161.9)% (149.7)% (421.6)%
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
Net Sales. Net sales decreased to $4,953,000 in 1996 from $5,135,000 in 1995.
The decrease was primarily due to significant returns experienced by the Company
in the second half of 1996. The Company's allowance for sales returns increased
to $1,136,000 at December 31, 1996 from $401,000 at December 31, 1995.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased to $6,767,000 in 1996 from $2,972,000 in
1995. This increase resulted primarily from two factors. First, royalty expenses
increased to $2,286,000 in 1996 from $694,000 in 1995, attributable primarily to
fixed royalty agreements which were entered into due to an expected significant
increase in sales. Second, due to lower than expected sales, the Company
increased its inventory obsolescence reserve by $1,725,000 in 1996.
Product Development Costs, Net. Product development costs, net increased to
$3,386,000 in 1996 from $1,097,000 in 1995. This increase was primarily due to
an increase in the number of product development employees to 70 at December 31,
1996 from 42 at December 31, 1995. In addition, only
22
<PAGE>
$46,000 of salary costs were capitalized in 1996 related to software development
as compared to $700,000 in 1995.
Marketing Expenses. Marketing expenses increased to $9,242,000 in 1996 from
$5,955,000 in 1995. This increase was attributable to significant increases in
exhibition, advertising and public relations expenditures. In addition, in 1996
the Company increased its sales and marketing staff both in Israel and in the
United States. The sales and marketing staff peaked at 37 employees during 1996
as compared to 24 employees at December 31, 1995. As a result of certain recent
expense reduction efforts, as of March 1997, there were 7 employees in this
area.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses
increased to $6,437,000 in 1996 from $2,796,000 in 1995. This increase was
primarily due to increases in the number of general and administrative employees
for the full year, including senior executives, finance, legal, human resources
and office administration employees and an increase in bad debt expense. The
general and administrative staff peaked at 49 employees during 1996 as compared
to 29 at December 31, 1995. General and administrative expenses also increased
as a result of a higher provision for doubtful accounts, which was $1,728,000 in
1996 compared to $722,000 in 1995. As a result of certain recent expense
reduction efforts, as of March 1997, there were 21 employees in this area.
Other Income (Expense), net (consisting of interest income net of interest
expense) decreased to ($155,000) in 1996 from ($163,000) in 1995. Short-term and
long-term bank borrowing increased to $4,062,000 at December 31, 1996, from
$2,358,000 at December 31, 1995. Interest expense, however, was partially offset
by interest income earned on short-term investments funded by the $8,160,000 of
proceeds from the Company's exercise in the fourth quarter of 1995 of the
redeemable warrants issued in the IPO and the $12,791,000 of proceeds from the
Company's secondary offering in November 1996.
Net Loss. As a result of the foregoing , the Company's net loss during the year
increased to $21,034,000 in 1996 from $7,848,000 in 1995.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
Net Sales. Net sales increased to $5,135,000 in 1995 from $1,851,000 in 1994.
This overall sales increase was primarily attributable to an increase in sales
of the Company's multilingual word processing products. Internet with an Accent,
which was released at the end of December 1995, accounted for approximately 5%
of revenues in 1995. The Company released several new versions of existing word
processing products and several new products during the year, including Dagesh2
in January, Accent 2.0 in June and Accent Duo in October. Revenues derived from
sales outside Israel increased to 82% of total revenues in 1995 from 62% of
total revenues in 1994. During 1995, total package software sales increased 163%
and OEM sales increased 258%.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased to $2,972,000 in 1995 from $1,155,000 in
1994. This increase was a result of increased sales volume. As a percentage of
sales, cost of sales decreased to 57.9% in 1995 from 62.4% in 1994. In 1995, the
Company commenced selling Accent products in CD-ROM format. Production costs of
Accent products in CD-ROM format are significantly lower than those associated
with the production of such products in diskette format.
Product Development Costs, Net. Product development costs, net increased to
$1,097,000 in 1995 from $507,000 in 1994. Product development costs, net
excluded capitalized amounts of $700,000 and $568,000, respectively. This
increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of product
23
<PAGE>
development employees to 42 at December 31, 1995 from 30 at December 31, 1994.
In addition, a lower percentage of salary costs was capitalized related to
software development in 1995 (48%) than in 1994 (67%). During 1994 a higher
percentage of personnel resources was devoted to the development of new
products. In 1995, a higher percentage of personnel resources was devoted to
improving and maintaining products that already were released into the market
and whose costs, in accordance with the Company's accounting policies, were not
capitalized.
Marketing Expenses. Marketing expenses increased to $5,955,000 in 1995 from
$2,115,000 in 1994. This increase was attributable to significant increases in
exhibition, advertising and public relations expenditures. In addition, Accent
continued to increase the number of its sales and marketing personnel. At
December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Company's Israel-based sales group included 17
and 12 employees, respectively. In addition, the Company opened a sales and
marketing office in California during the fourth quarter of 1995, which employed
seven people at the end of 1995.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses
increased to $2,796,000 in 1995 from $1,071,000 in 1994. This increase was
primarily due to increases in the number of general and administrative
employees, including senior executives, finance, legal, human resources and
office administration employees. General and administrative expenses also
increased as a result of a higher provision for doubtful accounts, which was
$722,000 in 1995 compared to $169,000 in 1994. Approximately $380,000 of this
increase was due to one customer from whom payments have not been forthcoming
and against whom legal action by the Company has been initiated. Despite these
increases, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales,
decreased to 54% in 1995 from 58% in 1994.
Other Income (Expense). Other expense increased to $163,000 in 1995 from
$137,000 in 1994. Short-term and long-term bank borrowings increased to
$2,358,000 at December 31, 1995 from $1,680,000 at December 31, 1994. However,
interest expense was offset by interest income earned from August through
December, 1995. As a result of the initial public offering of Ordinary Shares in
July 1995, (the "IPO"), the Company received net proceeds of $9,785,000, of
which $1,500,000 was immediately used to pay short-term borrowings incurred in
connection with the Company's Private Placement (as defined below) and
approximately $1,000,000 was used to repay certain payables and other short-term
liabilities. As a result of the exercise of the redeemable warrants issued in
the IPO and certain other outstanding warrants, the Company received net
proceeds during the fourth quarter of 1995 of $8,160,000. The Company's cash and
cash equivalents at the end of 1995 were $9,633,000.
Additionally, in 1994 the NIS was devalued by 1% against the dollar from NIS
2.986 to NIS 3.018, while in 1995 the NIS was devalued by 4% to NIS 3.135. A
devaluation of the NIS against the dollar reduces the Company's financing
expense by reducing the amount of the Company's net NIS-linked liabilities in
dollar terms. Because of the smaller devaluation in 1994 and the overall lower
level of dollar based liabilities in 1994, the relative reduction of NIS-linked
liabilities was greater in 1995 than in 1994.
Net Loss. As a result of the foregoing, the Company's net loss during the year
increased to $7,848,000 in 1995 from $3,134,000 in 1994.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Future sales of the Company's products and proposed products and services
will depend principally on customer demand for multilingual software programs
and services, multilingual Internet products and services and products and
services utilizing intelligent agent technology. The computer industry has
24
<PAGE>
historically been volatile and, as is typically the case with newly introduced
products, the ultimate level of demand for the Company's products is subject to
a high degree of uncertainty. Developing worldwide market acceptance for the
Company's existing and planned products will require substantial marketing
efforts and capital resources to inform customers of the perceived benefits and
cost advantages of the Company's products. The Company intends to narrow the
focus of its future marketing efforts on primarily corporate and OEM customers
so as to achieve greater sales to users of the Company's products.
Consistent with industry practices, the Company may accept product returns
or provide other credits in the event that a distributor or retailer holds
excess inventory of the Company's products. The Company's sales are made on
credit terms which vary significantly depending on the nature of the sale and
size of the customer. In addition, the Company does not hold collateral to
secure payment from its distributors and retailers. Therefore, defaults in
payment by several of the Company's distributors or retailers have adversely
affected, and in the future could adversely affect, the Company's business,
results of operations and financial condition. The Company believes it has
established sufficient reserves to accurately reflect the amount or likelihood
of product returns or credits and uncollectible receivables. However, there can
be no assurance that actual returns or uncollected accounts receivable beyond
the reserves established would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, and also consistent with industry practice for packaged
software companies that are establishing their distribution channel, the
Company will, when appropriate, be transferring product through the distribution
channel on a consignment basis. In 1996, significant shipments were made on that
basis, resulting in higher inventory balances and working capital requirements.
There can be no assurance that such inventory consignment will result in
additional sales for the Company, or that such inventory consignment will not
result in excess inventory or continued increased working capital requirements
for the Company.
The Company's operating activities used cash of $2,622,000, $8,733,000 and
$15,422,000 for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
The Company's investing activities used cash of $949,000, $1,435,000 and
$1,067,000 for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
Financing activities provided $3,649,000, $19,723,000 and $15,579,000 for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
In January 1995, the Company obtained short-term bank loans amounting to
$665,000 for general working capital purposes. Such loans were repaid in May
1995 from the proceeds of the Private Placement (as defined below). In April
1995, the Company borrowed $1,000,000 from certain individuals, including
certain shareholders, which borrowings were converted into units that were
issued in the Private Placement. To date, the Company's capital requirements in
connection with its development and marketing activities have been and will
continue to be significant. Since its inception, the Company has financed its
operations primarily through net proceeds from sales of equity securities, bank
and other credit facilities, various government guaranteed long-term loans under
the Approved Enterprise Program which is administered by the Israel Investment
Center, revenues from sales of its word processing and Internet software and
loans from certain affiliated parties. In addition, the Company utilized certain
of the proceeds of the IPO to bring creditors current in the amounts owed to
them.
In May 1995, the Company received net proceeds of $2,600,000 from a
private placement (the "Private Placement") of units consisting of Ordinary
Shares, warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares and an unsecured promissory note.
In July 1995, Accent received net proceeds of $9,785,000 from the IPO of
25
<PAGE>
Ordinary Shares and warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares (the "IPO Warrants").
The Company called the IPO Warrants for redemption in November 1995, as a result
of which substantially all of the IPO Warrants were exercised, providing
proceeds to the Company of $8,160,000.
From August 1996 to November 1996, the Company borrowed an aggregate of
$1,500,000 from IMR, consisting of (i) a $425,000 loan at 12% made in August
1996 and (ii) $1,075,000 in loans at 10% made in October and November 1996. In
connection therewith, IMR was issued warrants to purchase 180,000 Ordinary
Shares (the "IMR Warrants"). IMR Investments also agreed to purchase 176,470
Units offered in the Company's secondary offering. In November 1996, the Company
successfully completed a secondary offering, receiving net proceeds of
approximately $12,800,000 from Ordinary Shares and warrants to purchase Ordinary
Shares. The Company repaid the $1,500,000 IMR loan from the proceeds.
Long term bank loans received as part of the Approved Enterprise Program
totaled $4,100,000 as of December 31, 1996, an increase from the $2,400,000
outstanding at December 31, 1995. The Law for the Encouragement of Capital
Investments, 1959, provides that capital investment in certain production
facilities (or other eligible assets) may, upon application to the Israel
Investment Center which administers the program, be designated as an "Approved
Enterprise." Each certificate of approval for an Approved Enterprise relates to
a specific investment program in the Approved Enterprise, delineated both by the
financial scope of the investment and by the physical characteristics of the
facility or other asset. To date, the Company has received guaranteed loans of
approximately $4,100,000 under the Approved Enterprise Program and is not
eligible to receive any additional loans thereunder. The Company must continue
to comply with the various conditions of each respective approved program,
including compliance with minimum investment levels and the achievement of
certain levels of sales. The Company believes it is in compliance with, and will
continue to comply with, these conditions; however, there can be no assurance of
such continued compliance.
Significant increases in sales are essential to the Company's future. The
Company is not generating sufficient revenues from its operations to fund its
activities. Working capital decreased from a surplus of $10,329,000 on December
31, 1995 to $3,628,000 on December 31, 1996 due to the Company's continuing
operating losses, working capital needs and capital spending. Sales activities
at the retail customer level and subsequent cash collections from the Company's
customers have been significantly slower than originally anticipated. In
addition, due to the nature of sales terms with several large distributors,
shipments to certain customers represent consignment sales. The Company is
dependent on remaining cash and cash equivalents, the timely collection of
receivables and obtaining additional financing either through new borrowings or
the sale of equity in order to fund its current obligations and continue the
development of its technology and the marketing of its products. In addition,
the report of the Company's independent public accountants contains an
explanatory paragraph as to the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern. See the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company anticipates, based on its current plans and assumptions
relating to its operations, that its current cash level and its projected cash
flow from operations will allow it to operate consistently with its plans
throughout 1997. In addition, management believes it has developed appropriate
contingency plans in the event its current plans and assumptions do not
materialize. Thereafter, the Company will need to raise additional funds. The
Company may need to raise additional funds sooner in order to fund more rapid
expansion, to develop new or enhanced services or products, or to acquire
complementary products, businesses or technologies. If additional funds are
raised through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the
Company's shareholders may experience dilution. There can be no assurance,
however, that additional financing will be available, if necessary, to the
Company on
26
<PAGE>
commercially reasonable terms, or at all. The Company has no current
arrangements with respect to, or sources of, additional financing. The inability
to obtain additional financing, when and if needed, would have a material
adverse effect on the Company, including possibly requiring the Company to
curtail or cease its operations.
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
The dollar cost of the Company's operations in Israel is influenced by the
extent to which any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel over the rate of
inflation in the United States is offset by the devaluation of the NIS in
relation to the dollar. Inflation in Israel will have a negative effect on the
profitability to the Company of contracts under which the Company is to receive
payment in dollars or other foreign currencies while incurring expenses in NIS
linked to the Israeli CPI, unless such inflation is offset by a devaluation of
the NIS. Inflation in Israel and currency fluctuations will also have a negative
effect on the profitability to the Company of fixed price contracts under which
the Company is to receive payment in NIS.
A devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar will have the effect of
decreasing the dollar value of any asset of the Company that consists of NIS or
receivables payable in NIS (unless such receivables are linked to the dollar).
Such a devaluation would also have the effect of reducing the dollar amount of
liabilities of the Company that are payable in NIS (unless such payables are
linked to the dollar). Conversely, any increase in the value of the NIS in
relation to the dollar will have the effect of increasing the dollar value of
any unlinked NIS assets of the Company and the dollar amounts of any unlinked
NIS liabilities of the Company.
Because exchange rates between the NIS and the other currencies in which
the Company conducts its business, including the dollar, fluctuate continuously
(albeit with a historically declining trend in the value of the NIS), exchange
rate fluctuation, and especially larger periodic devaluations, have an impact on
the Company's profitability and period-to-period comparisons of the Company's
results. Such impact is recorded in the Company's financial statements as
financial income/expense. Favorable exchange rates will tend to increase
reported financial income and unfavorable exchange rates will tend to reduce
reported income. To date, the Company has not engaged in currency-hedging
transactions intended to reduce the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates on the Company's results of operations.
EFFECTIVE CORPORATE TAX RATE
Virtually all of the Company's facilities and investment programs have been
granted "Approved Enterprise" status under the Law for Encouragement of Capital
Investments, 1959. Under the Approved Enterprise program, the Company is
entitled to reductions in the tax rate normally applicable to Israeli companies
with respect to income generated from Approved Enterprise investments. The
Company has derived, and expects to continue to derive, a substantial portion of
its income from Approved Enterprise investments. The Company is entitled to a
ten-year tax exemption commencing in the first year in which taxable income is
earned, subject to certain time restrictions, the benefit period for which has
not yet commenced. In addition, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards
that it intends to utilize to reduce its future income tax liability.
27
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Independent Auditors' Report.......................................................................29
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996...................................30
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996...........................................................31
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
(Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996.............................32
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996...........................................................33
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................34
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.....................................................52
All other schedules are omitted as the required information is
inapplicable or the information is presented in the financial
statements or related notes.
</TABLE>
28
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders of
Accent Software International Ltd.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Accent Software
International Ltd. as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related statements
of operations, shareholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the
three years ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards in Israel and in the United States, including those prescribed under
the Auditors' Regulations (Auditor's Mode of Performance), 1973. Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well
as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December
31, 1995 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the three years ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in Israel and in the United States (as applicable
to the financial statements of the Company such principles are practically
identical).
As discussed further in Note 1, the Company incurred losses of
approximately $21 million during the year ended December 31, 1996. As of that
date, the Company has an accumulated deficit of approximately $33 million. The
Company anticipates that it will continue to incur losses for some time. These
factors, among others, as described in Note 1, create a substantial doubt about
the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and uncertainty as to the
recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts, and the amounts and
classification of liabilities. The accompanying financial statements do not
include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of
assets carrying amounts or the amount and classification of liabilities that
might result should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
LUBOSHITZ, KASIERER & CO.
MEMBER OF ANDERSEN WORLDWIDE, SC
Jerusalem, Israel
March 20, 1997
29
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
U.S. DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS
December 31,
------------
1995 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,633 $ 8,723
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $997
in 1995 and $2,245 in 1996 2,661 984
Other receivables 696 172
Prepaid expenses 656 595
Inventories 1,659 1,021
---------- ----------
Total current assets 15,305 11,495
---------- ----------
Equipment
Cost 1,456 2,462
Less - accumulated depreciation 339 723
---------- ----------
Equipment, net 1,117 1,739
---------- ----------
Capitalized software development costs, net of
accumulated amortization of $379 in 1995
and $1,098 in 1996 1,228 555
---------- ----------
Total assets $ 17,650 $ 13,789
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term loans $ 27 $ 1,443
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 4,949 6,424
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 4,976 7,867
---------- ----------
Long-term bank loans 2,331 2,619
---------- ----------
Accrued severance pay 210 329
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 7,517 10,815
---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity
Share capital
Ordinary shares of NIS 0.01 par value. Authorized
30,000 shares; issued and outstanding
9,481 shares and 11,670 shares as of
December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively 21 28
Share premium 22,325 36,193
Accumulated deficit (12,213) (33,247)
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 10,133 2,974
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 17,650 $ 13,789
========== ==========
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
30
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
U.S. DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS (EXCEPT PER SHARE INFORMATION)
For the year ended December 31,
-------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 1,851 $ 5,135 $ 4,953
Cost of sales 1,155 2,972 6,767
---------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit (loss) 696 2,163 (1,814)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating expenses
Product development costs, net 507 1,097 3,386
Marketing expenses 2,115 5,955 9,242
General and administrative
expenses 1,071 2,796 6,437
---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating costs and
expenses 3,693 9,848 19,065
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating loss (2,997) (7,685) (20,879)
---------- ---------- ----------
Other income (expense):
Interest income - 114 155
Interest expense (121) (284) (295)
Other (16) 7 (15)
---------- ---------- ----------
(137) (163) (155)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net loss $ (3,134) $ (7,848) $ (21,034)
========== ========== ==========
Net loss per share $ (0.68) $ (1.22) $ (2.12)
========== ========== ==========
Weighted average number of shares 4,619 6,421 9,926
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
31
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
U.S. DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS
Number of
ordinary Share Share Accumulated
shares capital premium deficit Total
------ ------- ------- ------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance as of
January 1, 1994 3,000 $ 7 $ 293 $ (1,231) $ (931)
Issuance of shares 1,576 4 2,997 - 3,001
Net loss - - - (3,134) (3,134)
-------- --- --------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of
December 31, 1994 4,576 11 3,290 (4,365) (1,064)
Issuance of shares
in private placement 495 1 1,099 - 1,100
Issuance of shares
and warrants in
initial public offering 2,812 6 9,779 - (*) 9,785
Warrants exercised 1,598 3 8,157 - 8,160
Net loss - - - (7,848) (7,848)
-------- --- --------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of
December 31, 1995 9,481 21 22,325 (12,213) 10,133
Issuance of shares
and warrants in
public offering 1,800 6 12,785 - (*) 12,791
Warrants and
options exercised 389 1 1,083 - 1,084
Net loss - - - (21,034) (21,034)
-------- --- --------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of
December 31, 1996 11,670 $28 $ 36,193 $ (33,247) $ 2,974
======== === ========= ========== ==========
</TABLE>
(*) Net of $ 3,000 issuance expenses in 1995 and $2,500 in 1996.
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
32
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
U.S. DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS
For the year ended December 31,
-------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities
Net loss $ (3,134) $ (7,848) $ (21,034)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash used in operating activities (see below) 512 (885) 5,612
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities (2,622) (8,733) (15,422)
--------- --------- ---------
Investing activities
Acquisition of equipment (381) (735) (1,021)
Capitalized software development costs (568) (700) (46)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (949) (1,435) (1,067)
--------- --------- ---------
Financing activities
Decrease in short-term bank borrowings (511) (335) -
Decrease in short-term loan from a shareholder (100) - -
Borrowing from shareholders - - 1,500
Repayment of loan from shareholder - - (1,500)
Borrowings under long-term bank loans 1,347 1,013 1,758
Repayment of long-term loans (88) - (54)
Proceeds received on issuance of shares (net
of expenses) 3,001 9,294 12,791
Proceeds received on issuance and exercise of
warrants and options, net of expenses - 9,751 1,084
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities 3,649 19,723 15,579
--------- --------- ---------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 78 9,555 (910)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year - 78 9,633
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 78 $ 9,633 $ 8,723
========= ========= =========
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used
in operating activities
Items not involving cash flows:
Depreciation and amortization $ 199 $ 430 $ 1,118
Increase in severance pay 16 160 119
Increase in allowance for doubtful accounts
and sales returns, net 107 881 1,248
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in trade receivables (407) (2,942) 429
(Increase) decrease in inventories (251) (1,349) 638
(Increase) decrease in other receivables 51 (646) 524
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses (125) (531) 61
Increase in accounts payable and accrued
expenses 922 3,112 1,475
--------- --------- ---------
Net adjustments $ 512 $ (885) $ 5,612
========= ========= =========
Cash paid during the year in respect of interest $ 86 $ 246 $ 232
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
33
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 1 - GENERAL
Accent Software International Ltd. and Subsidiaries (the "Company")
designs, develops, markets and supports multi-lingual Internet and word
processing software products. The Company was founded in 1988 and is located in
Jerusalem, Israel. Through the Company's 84%-owned subsidiary, AgentSoft Ltd.
("AgentSoft"), Accent also develops and markets intelligent agent-based tools
and products for automation over the Internet. The Company's subsidiaries also
include Accent Worldwide, Inc. (organized in 1994 as the Company's U.S.-based
unit).
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in U.S. dollars
as the currency of the primary economic environment in which the operations of
the Company are conducted is the U.S. dollar. A majority of the Company's sales
are made outside Israel in foreign currencies (mainly the U.S. dollar), as are a
majority of the purchases of materials. Thus, the functional currency of the
Company is the U.S. dollar.
Transactions and balances originally denominated in U.S. dollars are
presented at their original amounts. Transactions and balances in other
currencies are remeasured into U.S. dollars in accordance with principles
identical to those set forth in Statement No. 52 of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board of the United States (FASB). Exchange gains and losses from the
aforementioned remeasurements are reflected in the statements of operations. The
representative rate of exchange prevailing on December 31, 1996 was U.S. $1 =
New Israeli Shekel ("NIS") 3.251 (December 31, 1994, 1995, U.S. $1 = NIS 3.018
and NIS 3.315, respectively.
The Company incurred losses of approximately $21 million in the year ended
December 31, 1996. Net cash used in operating activities for the year amounted
to approximately $15 million. As of December 31, 1996, the Company had an
accumulated deficit of approximately $33 million, and anticipates that it will
continue to incur losses for some time although significantly less than in 1996.
The substantial losses incurred in 1995 and 1996 are primarily attributed to the
aggressive product development and marketing efforts based upon strong retail
market expectations for the Company's products. Anticipated revenue expectations
did not materialize resulting in substantial operating and cash losses.
34
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 1 - GENERAL (Cont.)
Beginning in October 1996, the Company began a significant restructuring
and refocusing effort including the reduction of employees, significantly
reduced marketing efforts and the elimination of various other costs. On
November 22, 1996, the Company completed the sale of equity and realized
approximately $12.8 million of net proceeds. After the payment of $1.5 million
in short-term borrowings and approximately $2.6 million in past due payables,
the Company finished 1996 with $8.7 million of cash and $3.6 million in working
capital. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 1996 and the first quarter of
1997, certain new, experienced senior management individuals joined the Company.
As a result of these efforts the Company believes, at this time, that it
has sufficient funds, which will allow it to operate consistently with its plans
throughout 1997. In addition, management believes it has developed contingency
plans in order to further manage its cash and working capital. However, there is
no assurance that the Company will be able to operate in accordance with its
plans and therefore, additional funding from other sources may be necessary.
As 1997 results begin to be achieved, efforts will be placed on obtaining
additional funding through new borrowings or the sale of equity. While
management of the Company believes that additional funding will be available as
necessary, there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available
on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all, when such financing is required.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
35
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States which, in the case of the
Company, also complies with the accounting principles generally accepted in
Israel. The significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the
financial statements, applied on a consistent basis, are:
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
All highly liquid investments (including commercial paper) with an original
maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS AND SALES RETURNS
The allowance for doubtful accounts is calculated principally for specific
accounts the collectibility of which is doubtful and, in part, includes a
general provision based on the aging of the accounts. A provision for estimated
returns is recorded at the time of sale based on past experience in determining
returns for similar types of products.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and consists
primarily of various printed documentation and packaging and assembled box
products. Cost is determined mainly by the "first-in, first-out" method.
EQUIPMENT
Equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from
five to fifteen years.
36
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
CAPITALIZED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COSTS
The Company capitalizes software development costs incurred after
technological feasibility has been established which has been defined as when
the Company has a working model of the product. Amortization is first recorded
when the products are available for general release to customers, and is
computed on a product-by-product basis as the greater of: (a) the ratio of
current gross revenues for a product to the total of current and anticipated
future gross revenues for the product; or (b) the straight-line method over the
remaining estimated economic life of the product which is estimated by
management to be two and a half years.
During the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company
capitalized software cost of $568, $700 and $46 respectively, and amortized
$113, $266 and $719 of such costs, respectively. Principal estimates with
respect to capitalized software development costs involve estimated useful lives
and evaluation of net realizable value.
REVENUES
License fees are earned under software license agreements to end-users and
resellers (including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors)
and are generally recognized when a customer purchase order has been received,
the software has been shipped, the Company has a right to invoice the customer,
collection of the receivable is determined to be probable, and there are no
significant obligations remaining.
During 1995 and 1996, a portion of the Company's revenues were made to
distributors under agreements which allow certain rights of return for unsold
merchandise. If the Company has adequate history to estimate returns for a
specific distributor, revenue is recorded upon shipment of the product to the
customer and a provision for the estimated returns is recorded at the time the
revenue is recorded. If the Company does not have adequate history to estimate
such returns, the Company defers recognition of such revenue until the software
is sold by the distributors.
37
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
REVENUES (Cont.)
OEM arrangements may include non-refundable payments in the form of
guaranteed sublicense fees. Guaranteed sublicense fees from OEMs are recognized
as revenue upon shipment of the master copy of all software to which the
sublicense fees relate if there are not significant post-delivery obligations
and the obligation is not subject to price adjustment, is non-recoverable and
non-refundable and due within five months.
The Company also grants the right to limited telephone support to its
customers which is generally provided in the first several months after purchase
of the software by the customer. The Company accrues the cost of such telephone
support at the time the related revenue is recognized.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
The Company sells products primarily to distributors who in turn sell to
smaller dealers or directly to retailers. In addition the Company also has
entered into arrangements with original equipment manufacturers who sublicense
the Company's products. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its
customers and maintains allowances of potential credit losses and product
returns.
LOSS PER SHARE
Loss per share is computed based on the weighted average number of ordinary
shares outstanding during each period. This excludes the antidilutive effect of
outstanding options. Retroactive recognition has been given in the calculation
of loss per share, through the initial public offering, to shares and warrants
granted in the twelve month period preceding the Company's initial public
offering for a consideration below the initial public offering price for share
capital, although the effect is antidilutive.
38
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONT.)
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts of cash, receivables, accounts payable and bank loans
approximate fair value, unless otherwise noted.
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
As allowed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 ("SFAS
123"), the Company measures compensation cost of stock issued to employees under
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 ("APB 25").
NOTE 3 - TRADE RECEIVABLES
December 31,
------------
1995 1996
---- ----
Domestic (Israel) $ 327 $ 482
Foreign 3,331 2,747
-------- --------
3,658 3,229
Less - allowance for doubtful accounts and
sales returns 997 2,245
-------- --------
$ 2,661 $ 984
======== ========
39
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES
December 31,
------------
1995 1996
---- ----
Materials $ 372 $ 230
Finished goods 1,287 791
-------- --------
$ 1,659 $ 1,021
======== ========
NOTE 5 - EQUIPMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Computers, Office
software furniture
and related and
Vehicles equipment equipment Total
-------- --------- --------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cost
January 1, 1996 $ 98 $ 1,014 $ 344 $ 1,456
Additions 41 717 327 1,085
Disposals (38) (3) (38) (79)
-------- -------- -------- --------
December 31, 1996 101 1,728 633 2,462
-------- -------- -------- --------
Accumulated depreciation
January 1, 1996 20 272 47 339
Provision 15 297 87 399
Disposals (14) - (1) (15)
-------- -------- -------- --------
December 31, 1996 21 569 133 723
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net book value
December 31, 1996 $ 80 $ 1,159 $ 500 $ 1,739
======== ======== ======== ========
December 31, 1995 $ 78 $ 742 $ 297 $ 1,117
======== ======== ======== ========
Annual rates of
depreciation 15% 20% 7%-15%
=== === ======
</TABLE>
40
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 6 - CAPITALIZED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COSTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------
1995 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Cost
January 1, $ 907 $ 1,607
Additions 700 46
-------- --------
December 31, 1,607 1,653
-------- --------
Accumulated Amortization
January 1, 113 379
Provision 266 719
-------- --------
December 31, 379 1,098
-------- --------
Net book value $ 1,228 $ 555
======== ========
</TABLE>
NOTE 7 - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------
1995 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Suppliers $ 2,881 $ 4,212
Employees and related expenses 670 826
Accrued expenses and other payables 1,398 1,386
-------- --------
$ 4,949 $ 6,424
======== ========
</TABLE>
41
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 8 - LONG-TERM BANK LOANS
TERMS AND RATES OF INTEREST
The loans are linked to the U.S. dollar and bear interest at variable rates
based on a certain margin above the LIBOR rate. The interest rates as of
December 31, 1996 are between 1.625% and 1.2% above the LIBOR rate.
The loans were received in connection with the Company's approved
investment program and are guaranteed by the State of Israel. As of the balance
sheet date, the Company is in compliance with the terms of the investment
program.
MATURITIES
1997 - current maturities $ 1,443
1998 1,744
1999 424
2000 139
2001 116
2002 107
2003 89
--------
$ 4,062
========
COLLATERALIZATION
The loans are collateralized by fixed and floating charges (liens) on the
Company's assets and a specific charge on unissued share capital and goodwill.
NOTE 9 - SEVERANCE PAY
The Company's severance pay obligation to its employees is partially
covered by payments to insurance companies. The amounts so funded are not
reflected in the balance sheet as they are not under the control and management
of the Company. The accrual for severance pay in the balance sheet reflects that
portion of the liability not covered as above.
42
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 10 - SHARE CAPITAL
SECONDARY PUBLIC OFFERING
In November 1996, the Company completed a secondary offering in the United
States. Pursuant to this offering, the Company issued 1,800,000 Units,
consisting of one ordinary share and one warrant to purchase an ordinary share
at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. The proceeds received by the Company
from the secondary amounted to approximately $12.8 million (net of underwriting
commissions and expenses of approximately $2.5 million).
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING ("IPO")
In July 1995, the Company completed an IPO in the United States. Pursuant
to the IPO, the Company issued 2,811,750 ordinary shares and warrants to
purchase 1,405,875 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $5.67 per share. The
proceeds received by the Company from the IPO amounted to approximately $9.8
million (net of underwriting commissions and expenses of approximately $3.0
million). As of December 31,1995, substantially all of the above mentioned
warrants were exercised for net proceeds of approximately $7.8 million.
43
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 10 - SHARE CAPITAL (CONT.)
WARRANTS
In 1995, prior to the IPO, the Company issued warrants to purchase ordinary
shares in connection with various short-term financing obtained by the Company.
During 1995, warrants to purchase 87,750 ordinary shares were exercised and
proceeds received amounted to $293. As of December 31, 1995, warrants to
purchase 498,875 ordinary shares and 407,250 ordinary shares at an exercise
price of $1.83 and $3.33 per share, respectively, were outstanding. In 1996,
warrants to purchase 281,246 ordinary shares were exercised and proceeds
received amounted to $869. As of December 31, 1996, warrants to purchase 474,500
ordinary shares and 146,163 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $1.83 per
share and $3.33 per share, respectively, were outstanding. The warrants to
purchase 146,163 shares expire on May 22, 1998, and the warrants to purchase
474,500 shares expire on December 30, 1999.
In connection with the IPO, the Company issued to the underwriter warrants
to purchase (i) 244,500 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $7.15 per share
and (ii) 122,250 warrants (each to purchase one ordinary share at a price of
$8.50 per share). The underwriter's warrants to purchase ordinary shares are
exercisable until July 19, 2000, and the underwriter's warrants to purchase
warrants are exercisable until July 19, 1998.
During the secondary public offering, the Company issued 1,800,000 units,
which included 1,800,000 ordinary shares and 1,800,000 warrants to purchase
1,800,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. In addition,
the Company issued warrants to purchase 180,000 Ordinary Shares at an exercise
price of $11.50 per share to a shareholder in connection with the shareholder's
1996 loan of $1.5 million to the Company.
In connection with the secondary public offering, the Company issued to the
underwriter 180,000 units, which included 180,000 ordinary shares and warrants
to purchase 180,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $12.75 per share.
OPTIONS
The Company has granted options to shareholders, senior employees and,
pursuant to formal share option plans adopted in 1995 under which 1,425,000
shares were initially reserved, to employees, non-employee directors and
consultants of the Company. The options are exercisable under certain conditions
and for certain periods and expire between January 1996 and November 2003. The
exercise price of options granted was not less than the fair market value of the
shares on the date of the grants.
44
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 10 - SHARE CAPITAL (CONT.)
OPTIONS (Cont.)
Option transactions are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Prices per
shares share
------ -----
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding January 1, 1993 -
Granted 375,000 $ 0.24
----------
Outstanding December 31, 1993 375,000
Granted 60,000 $ 1.00
Forfeited (45,000)
----------
Outstanding December 31, 1994 390,000
Granted 625,500 $ 3.03-17.83
Exercised (105,000) $ 0.24
----------
Outstanding December 31, 1995 910,500
Granted 385,250 $ 7.25-32.65
Exercised (110,500) $ 0.24-3.03
Forfeited (192,998)
----------
Outstanding December 31, 1996 992,252
==========
</TABLE>
The weighted average fair value of options granted in 1996 was $6.90 per share.
The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at December
31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding
Number Weighted- Weighted
Range of outstanding at average average
exercise prices December 31, remaining exercise price
$ 1996 contractual life $
-------------------------- -------------- -------------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
0.24 - 1.00 225,125 5 0.44
3.00 - 10.00 596,877 6 5.50
11.00 - 20.00 78,750 6 17.00
25.00 - 33.00 91,500 6 27.00
----------
992,252
==========
</TABLE>
45
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 10 - SHARE CAPITAL (CONT.)
OPTIONS (Cont.)
As the fair market value of options granted did not exceed the exercise
price on the date of the grant, no compensation was recorded for these options
in accordance with APB No. 25.
Had compensation cost been determined under the alternative fair value
accounting method provided for under FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation" the Company's net loss and net loss per share would
have been increased to the following pro forma amounts:
1995 1996
---- ----
Net loss:
As reported $ (7,848) $(21,034)
Pro forma (8,023) (21,994)
Net loss per share:
As reported $ (1.22) $ (2.12)
Pro forma (1.25) (2.22)
Under Statement 123, the fair value of each option grant is estimated on the
date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1995 and 1996: (1) expected life
of the option for 2 years; (2) dividend yield of 0%; (3) expected volatility of
84%; and (4) risk-free interest rate of 6%.
Because the Statement 123 method of accounting has not been applied to
options granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation
cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years.
As of December 31, 1996, 513,600 options were fully vested but have not
been exercised, and the remaining 478,652 will vest as follows: 1997 - 244,117;
1998 - 161,619; 1999 - 72,916.
In connection with the formation of AgentSoft, the Company entered into a
shareholders' agreement whereby it agreed to cause AgentSoft to grant options to
certain persons involved in the formation and ongoing business of AgentSoft (14%
of the currently outstanding shares on a fully diluted basis) as a nominal
exercise price equal to NIS 30 per share. These options will vest over a three
year period commencing one year from the date of grant, and will be subject to
the employee's continued service AgentSoft. Compensation expense related to
these options was not significant.
46
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 10 - SHARE CAPITAL (CONT.)
RESERVED FOR FUTURE ISSUANCES
The Company has reserved authorized but unissued ordinary shares for future
issuance as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of shares
December 31,
------------
1995 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Warrants 1,272,875 987,413
Founders' Share Option Plan 285,000 225,125
Employee and Non-Employee Share
option Plans (1995) 900,000 1,374,375
------------ ------------
2,457,875 2,586,913
============ ============
</TABLE>
INCREASE IN AUTHORIZED SHARES AND STOCK SPLIT
At a general shareholders' meeting held on May 22, 1996, the shareholders
approved an increase in the number of authorized shares from 10,000,000 to
30,000,000. The shareholders also approved increases in the number of authorized
options available for grant pursuant to the Employee and Non-Employee Share
Option Plans (1995) from 750,000 to 1,125,000 and from 150,000 to 300,000,
respectively.
On June 6, 1996, the Company effected a three-for-two split. All share and
per share data have been retroactively restated in the accompanying financial
statements to give effect to this stock split.
47
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 11 - NET SALES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the year ended
December 31,
------------
1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
The Company's sales by
geographic areas are as follows:
Domestic (Israel) $ 696 $ 932 $ 1,098
North America 286 1,173 2,167
Germany 306 1,259 254
Other European countries 478 1,482 1,150
Other 85 289 284
-------- -------- --------
$ 1,851 $ 5,135 $ 4,953
======== ======== ========
Sales to single customers exceeding 10%:
Customer A $ 252 $ - $ 1,000
Customer B 237 - 713
</TABLE>
NOTE 12 - COST OF SALES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the year ended
December 31,
------------
1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Direct product costs $ 736 $ 1,737 $ 3,548
Amortization of capitalized
software development costs 113 267 719
Royalties 165 694 2,286
Other 141 274 214
-------- -------- --------
$ 1,155 $ 2,972 $ 6,767
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
NOTE 13 - PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COSTS, NET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the year ended
December 31,
------------
1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Salaries and related costs $ 854 $ 1,458 $ 2,740
Other costs 221 339 692
-------- -------- --------
1,075 1,797 3,432
Software development costs
capitalized (568) (700) (46)
-------- -------- --------
$ 507 $ 1,097 $ 3,386
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
48
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 14 - MARKETING EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the year ended
December 31,
------------
1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Salaries and related expenses $ 476 $ 997 $ 1,681
Exhibitions (including foreign
travel and related expenses) 851 1,663 1,797
Advertising and public relations 498 2,290 4,386
Other 290 1,005 1,378
-------- -------- --------
$ 2,115 $ 5,955 $ 9,242
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
NOTE 15 - GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the year ended
December 31,
1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Salaries and related expenses $ 315 $ 1,027 $ 2,153
Bad and doubtful debts 169 722 1,736
Professional fees 288 411 687
Other 299 636 1,861
-------- -------- --------
$ 1,071 $ 2,796 $ 6,437
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
49
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 16 - TAXES ON INCOME
TAX BENEFITS UNDER THE LAW FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF CAPITAL
INVESTMENTS, 1959
The Company has been granted "approved enterprise" status under the Law for
the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959. The Company opted for benefits
under the "alternative path" which entitles it to a ten year tax exemption
commencing in the first year in which taxable income will be earned, subject to
certain time restrictions. Entitlement to the benefits is dependent upon
compliance with the conditions of the letter of approval. Due to reported
losses, the benefit period has not yet commenced.
The approval was given in respect of investments to be made over a period
of three years in the amount of $ 6.2 million for which the Company was eligible
to receive government guaranteed loans of $ 4.1 million. As of December 31,
1996, the Company received all of the eligible government guaranteed loans.
INFLATIONARY TAX LAW
The Company is subject to the Income Tax Law (Inflationary Adjustments),
1985, which provides for an adjustment to taxable income for the effects of
inflation (based on the Israeli Consumer Price Index) on that portion of
shareholders' equity not invested in inflation resistant assets.
CARRYFORWARD LOSSES
The Company has carryforward losses for tax purposes and deductible
temporary differences in the approximate amount of $30 million. There are no
deferred tax balances as of December 31, 1996. As the Company is exempt from
tax, the statutory tax rate for the purposes of the reconciliation of tax
expense is zero.
TAX ASSESSMENTS
The Company has received final tax assessments through December 31, 1991.
50
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
NOTE 17 - TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the year ended December 31,
-------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales to shareholder $ 38 $14 $ -
==== === ===
Purchases from shareholder $ 65 $ - $ -
==== === ===
Consulting fees to shareholder $ 3 $16 $ -
==== === ===
</TABLE>
As part of short-term financing, the Company borrowed and issued promissory
notes in 1995 to shareholders in the amount of $1.5 million. All of the notes
were repaid in full with the proceeds from the IPO offering. In addition, during
1996, the company issued promissory notes to shareholders in the amount of $1.5
million. All of the notes were repaid in full with the proceeds from the
secondary offering.
51
<PAGE>
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Balance at Charge Deductions Balance at
Beginning of to and End of
Period Expenses Write-offs Period
------ --------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31, 1994:
Allowance for doubtful accounts 8 170 (62) 116
Allowance for sales returns - - - -
Year ended December 31, 1995:
Allowance for doubtful accounts 116 722 (242) 596
Allowance for sales returns - 401 - 401
Year ended December 31, 1996:
Allowance for doubtful accounts 596 1,728 1,215 1,109
Allowance for sales returns 401 735 - 1,136
</TABLE>
52
<PAGE>
ITEM 9. DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
The information to be included under the caption "ELECTION OF
DIRECTORS" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
The information to be included under the caption "SECTION 16(a)
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE" in the Proxy Statement is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information to be included under the caption "EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
The information to be included under the caption "PRESENT BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP OF ORDINARY SHARES" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
The information to be included under the caption "EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION--Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Proxy
Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
53
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a)(1) Financial Statements.
See Index to Financial Statements and Financial
Statements which appear under Item 8 herein.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedule which appear under Item 8 herein.
(a)(3) Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements.
Employee Share Option Plan (1995) (filed as Exhibit 10.7(a)
to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-92754).*
Amended and Restated Employee Share Option Plan (1995)
(filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-04285).*
Non-Employee Director Share Option Plan (1995) (filed as
Exhibit 10.7(b) to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 33-92754).*
Amended and Restated Non-Employee Share Option Plan (1995)
(filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-07965).*
Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert S.
Rosenschein, dated July 26, 1995 (filed as Exhibit
10.7(a) to the Company's Form 10-K on April 1, 1996).*
Employment Agreement between the Company and Herbert
Zlotogorski, dated July 26, 1995 (filed as Exhibit
10.7(c) to the Company's form 10-K on April 1, 1996).*
Agreement between the Company and Jeffrey Rosenschein, dated
July 26, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.7(d) to the
Company's Form 10-K on April 1, 1996).*
Employment Agreement between the Company and Moshe Kranc,
dated September 12, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10-7(b)
hereto).
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
None.
________________
* Incorporated by reference.
54
<PAGE>
(c) Exhibits.
3.1(a) _ Memorandum of Association of Registrant (filed as
Exhibit 3.1(a) to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 33-92754).*
3.1(b) _ Certificate of Name Change dated October 23, 1994
(filed as Exhibit 3.1(b) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-92754).*
3.1(c) _ Certificate of Name Change dated April 23, 1995 (filed
as Exhibit 3.1(c) to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 33-92754).*
3.2 _ Articles of Association of Registrant (filed as Exhibit
3.2 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
4.1 _ Form of Ordinary Share Certificate (filed as Exhibit
4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
4.2 _ Form of Underwriter's Warrant Agreement (filed as
Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
4.3 _ Form of Bridge Financing Warrant dated as of May 22,
1995 between the Company and each of the Holders (filed
as Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 33-92754).*
4.4 _ Form of Representative's Warrant Agreement, between the
Company and Sands Brothers & Co, Ltd., as representative
of the several underwriters (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-7637). *
4.5 _ Form of IMR Warrant dated as of November 22, 1996
between the Company and IMR Fund, L.P. (filed as Exhibit
4.5 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
333-7637).*
4.6 _ Form of Redeemable Warrant Agreement dated as of
November 22, 1996 between the Company, Sands Brothers &
Co., Ltd., as respresentative of the several
underwriters, and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-7637).*
4.7 _ Form of Redeemable Warrant Certificate (filed as
Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
333-7637).*
4.8 _ Form of Unit Certificate (filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-7637).*
___________________
* Incorporated by reference.
55
<PAGE>
10.1 _ Stock Purchase Agreement between IMR Investments V.O.F.
and Kivun Computers Company (1988), Ltd., Robert
Rosenschein, Jeffrey Rosenschein, Accent Software
Partners, Pal-Ron Marketing, Ltd., and KZ Overseas
Holding Corp., dated as of May 11, 1994, as amended July
20, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form
10-K on April 1, 1996).*
10.2 _ Shareholders' Agreement by and among Kivun Computers
Company (1988) Ltd., Robert Rosenschein, Dr. Jeffrey
Rosenschein, Pal-Ron Marketing, Ltd., Accent Software
Partners, KZ Overseas Holding Corp. and IMR Investments
V.O.F., dated May 11, 1994, as amended July 20, 1995
(filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-K on
April 1, 1996).*
10.3(a) _ Option Agreement dated March 23, 1993 between the
Company and Robert S. Rosenschein (filed as Exhibit
10.3(a) to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
10.3(b) _ Schedule of other option agreements substantially
identical in all material respects to the option
agreement filed as Exhibit 10.3(a) (filed as Exhibit
10.3(b) to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
10.4(a) _ Warrant Acquisition Agreement dated January 1, 1995
between the Registrant and Robert S. Rosenschein (filed
as Exhibit 10.4(a) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-92754).*
10.4(b) _ Schedule of other warrant acquisition agreements
substantially identical in all material respects to the
warrant agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.4(b) to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33-92754).*
10.5 _ Form of Registration Rights Agreements dated as of May
22, 1995 between the Company and each of the Holders
(filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-92754).*
10.6(a) _ Employee Share Option Plan (1995) (filed as Exhibit
10.7(a) to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
10.6(b) _ Amended and Restated Employee Share Option Plan (1995)
(filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-04285).*
10.6(c) _ Non-Employee Director Share Option Plan (1995) (filed
as Exhibit 10.7(b) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-92754).*
___________________
* Incorporated by reference.
56
<PAGE>
10.6(d) _ Amended and Restated Non-Employee Share Option Plan
(1995) (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 333-07965).*
10.7(a) _ Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert S.
Rosenschein, dated July 26, 1995 (filed as Exhibit
10-7(a) to the Company's Form 10-K on April 1, 1996).*
10.7(b) _ Employment Agreement between the Company and Moshe
Kranc, dated September 12, 1996.
10.7(c) _ Employment Agreement between the Company and Herbert
Zlotogorski, dated July 26, 1995 (filed as Exhibit
10-7(c) to the Company's Form 10-K on April 1, 1996).*
10.7(d) _ Employment Agreement between the Company and Jeffrey
Rosenschein, dated July 26, 1995 (filed as Exhibit
10-7(d) to the Company's Form 10-K on April 1, 1996).*
10.8 _ License Agreement dated October 4, 1994 between the
Registrant and Computime GmbH (filed as Exhibit 9 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33-92754).*
10.9 _ Production and Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and IBM Denmark A/S, Software Manufacturing
Company, dated January 11, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 10.10
to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-92754).*
10.10 _ Shareholders Agreement by and between Accent Software
International Limited and Gilad Zlotkin, dated February
21, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Form
10-K on April 1, 1996).*
10.11 _ Debenture between the Company and Bank Leumi (filed as
Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
333-7637).*
21 _ Subsidiaries of Registrant (filed as Exhibit 21 to the
Company's Form 10-K filed on April 2, 1996).*
23 _ Consent of Luboshitz, Kasierer & Co., a Member Firm of
Andersen Worldwide, SC.
27 _ Financial Data Schedule.
(d) [Not applicable.]
57
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
March 28, 1997 By: /s/ TODD A. OSETH
-----------------------
Todd A. Oseth
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities indicated, on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ TODD A. OSETH President, Chief Executive Officer March 28, 1997
- ----------------- (principal Executive Officer) and Director
Todd A. Oseth
/s/ ROBERT J. BEHR Chief Financial Officer (principal March 28, 1997
- ------------------ Financial and Accounting Officer)
Robert J. Behr
/s/ ROBERT S. ROSENSCHEIN Chief Technology Officer, Co-Chairman and March 28, 1997
- ------------------------- Director
Robert S. Rosenschein
/s/ JEFFREY S. ROSENSCHEIN Chief Technology Officer and Director March 28, 1997
- --------------------------
Jeffrey S. Rosenschein
/s/ ROGER R. CLOUTIER, II Chairman and Director March 28, 1997
- -------------------------
Roger R. Cloutier, II
/s/ ELLIOTT B. BROIDY Director March 28, 1997
- ---------------------
Elliot B. Broidy
/s/ ESTHER DYSON Director March 28, 1997
- ----------------
Ester Dyson
/s/ MELDON LEVINE Director March 28, 1997
- -----------------
Meldon Levine
/s/ MARK TEBBE Director March 28, 1997
- --------------
Mark Tebbe
</TABLE>
58
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- -----------
3.1(a) _ Memorandum of Association of Registrant (filed as
Exhibit 3.1(a) to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 33-92754).*
3.1(b) _ Certificate of Name Change dated October 23, 1994
(filed as Exhibit 3.1(b) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-92754).*
3.1(c) _ Certificate of Name Change dated April 23, 1995 (filed
as Exhibit 3.1(c) to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 33-92754).*
3.2 _ Articles of Association of Registrant (filed as Exhibit
3.2 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
4.1 _ Form of Ordinary Share Certificate (filed as Exhibit
4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
4.2 _ Form of Underwriter's Warrant Agreement (filed as
Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
4.3 _ Form of Bridge Financing Warrant dated as of May 22,
1995 between the Company and each of the Holders (filed
as Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 33-92754).*
4.4 _ Form of Representative's Warrant Agreement, between the
Company and Sands Brothers & Co, Ltd., as representative
of the several underwriters (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-7637). *
4.5 _ Form of IMR Warrant dated as of November 22, 1996
between the Company and IMR Fund, L.P. (filed as Exhibit
4.5 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
333-7637).*
4.6 _ Form of Redeemable Warrant Agreement dated as of
November 22, 1996 between the Company, Sands Brothers &
Co., Ltd., as respresentative of the several
underwriters, and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-7637).*
4.7 _ Form of Redeemable Warrant Certificate (filed as
Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
333-7637).*
4.8 _ Form of Unit Certificate (filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 333-7637).*
___________________
* Incorporated by reference.
59
<PAGE>
10.1 _ Stock Purchase Agreement between IMR Investments V.O.F.
and Kivun Computers Company (1988), Ltd., Robert
Rosenschein, Jeffrey Rosenschein, Accent Software
Partners, Pal-Ron Marketing, Ltd., and KZ Overseas
Holding Corp., dated as of May 11, 1994, as amended July
20, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form
10-K on April 1, 1996).*
10.2 _ Shareholders' Agreement by and among Kivun Computers
Company (1988) Ltd., Robert Rosenschein, Dr. Jeffrey
Rosenschein, Pal-Ron Marketing, Ltd., Accent Software
Partners, KZ Overseas Holding Corp. and IMR Investments
V.O.F., dated May 11, 1994, as amended July 20, 1995
(filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-K on
April 1, 1996).*
10.3(a) _ Option Agreement dated March 23, 1993 between the
Company and Robert S. Rosenschein (filed as Exhibit
10.3(a) to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
10.3(b) _ Schedule of other option agreements substantially
identical in all material respects to the option
agreement filed as Exhibit 10.3(a) (filed as Exhibit
10.3(b) to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
10.4(a) _ Warrant Acquisition Agreement dated January 1, 1995
between the Registrant and Robert S. Rosenschein (filed
as Exhibit 10.4(a) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-92754).*
10.4(b) _ Schedule of other warrant acquisition agreements
substantially identical in all material respects to the
warrant agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.4(b) to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33-92754).*
10.5 _ Form of Registration Rights Agreements dated as of May
22, 1995 between the Company and each of the Holders
(filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-92754).*
10.6(a) _ Employee Share Option Plan (1995) (filed as Exhibit
10.7(a) to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-92754).*
10.6(b) _ Amended and Restated Employee Share Option Plan (1995)
(filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-04285).*
10.6(c) _ Non-Employee Director Share Option Plan (1995) (filed
as Exhibit 10.7(b) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-92754).*
___________________
* Incorporated by reference.
60
<PAGE>
10.6(d) _ Amended and Restated Non-Employee Share Option Plan
(1995) (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 333-07965).*
10.7(a) _ Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert S.
Rosenschein, dated July 26, 1995 (filed as Exhibit
10-7(a) to the Company's Form 10-K on April 1, 1996).*
10.7(b) _ Employment Agreement between the Company and Moshe
Kranc, dated September 12, 1996.
10.7(c) _ Employment Agreement between the Company and Herbert
Zlotogorski, dated July 26, 1995 (filed as Exhibit
10-7(c) to the Company's Form 10-K on April 1, 1996).*
10.7(d) _ Employment Agreement between the Company and Jeffrey
Rosenschein, dated July 26, 1995 (filed as Exhibit
10-7(d) to the Company's Form 10-K on April 1, 1996).*
10.8 _ License Agreement dated October 4, 1994 between the
Registrant and Computime GmbH (filed as Exhibit 9 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33-92754).*
10.9 _ Production and Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and IBM Denmark A/S, Software Manufacturing
Company, dated January 11, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 10.10
to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-92754).*
10.10 _ Shareholders Agreement by and between Accent Software
International Limited and Gilad Zlotkin, dated February
21, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Form
10-K on April 1, 1996).*
10.11 _ Debenture between the Company and Bank Leumi (filed as
Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
333-7637).*
21 _ Subsidiaries of Registrant (filed as Exhibit 21 to the
Company's Form 10-K filed on April 2, 1996).*
23 _ Consent of Luboshitz, Kasierer & Co., a Member Firm of
Andersen Worldwide, SC.
27 _ Financial Data Schedule.
___________________
* Incorporated by reference.
61
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made by and between ACCENT SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL LTD., an
Israeli corporation, having its principal place of business at 28 Pierre Koenig
Street, Jerusalem (hereinafter "the Employer or Company"), and MOSHE KRANC, I.D.
No. __________, residing at Rehov Efrata 31, Jerusalem (hereinafter "the
Employee), on 12 September 1996.
WHEREAS the Employer is a Company carrying on the business of writing and
developing software products; and
WHEREAS the Employer is prepared to employ the Employee and the Employee
is prepared to be so employed on the said basis and on the conditions set out in
this Agreement hereinafter,
NOW THEREFORE THE PARTIES COVENANT AND AGREE, EACH WITH THE OTHER, AS FOLLOWS:
1. Employment of Employee
The Employer agrees to employ the Employee and the Employee agrees to
be employed by the Employer as Senior Vice President of Product
Development on the specific terms and conditions set out in this
Agreement hereinafter. The terms of the Employee's employment shall
also be governed, insofar as relevant, by the provisions of the
Employer's Employment Policy Handbook, the provisions of which, as
amended from time to time, are hereby incorporated into this Agreement
by reference (hereinafter "the Employment Policy").
<PAGE>
2. Working Hours
The Employee shall be employed by the Employer on a full-time basis,
namely for not less than forty-five (45) hours per week (inclusive of
meal time). It is agreed that the Employee is being employed in a
senior, managerial position that requires a special degree of skill and
devotion, requiring a special relationship of trust between the
Employer and the Employee, and may require work beyond the Employer's
normal business hours, which hours cannot be overseen by the Employer.
It is therefore agreed that the renumeration referred to in section 4,
below, shall cover any additional time devoted by the Employee in
excess of normal working hours, and no compensation for overtime as
defined and set forth in the Hours of Work and Rest Law shall be
payable.
3. Employee's Duties and Obligations
During the period of his employment:
a) The Employee shall devote his full time, efforts and ability to
the advancement of the projects of the Employer to which he may be
assigned.
b) The Employee shall carry out his work in accordance with
instructions which he receives from the Employer given to him by
its Chief Executive Officer or such other person appointed by
Employer as his supervisor from time to time.
c) The Employee, without the express, written permission of the
Employer, shall not work at any other place of employment nor
shall he in any way be involved in the development of software
similar to or competing with the software developed and/or
marketed by the Employer nor in any way similar to the business
being carried on by the Employer, except for the benefit of the
Employer, within the framework of this Agreement.
<PAGE>
4. Compensation
a) In consideration for his work for the Employer as set in this
Agreement, the Employee shall be paid a gross monthly salary in
the amount of the NIS equivalent of US $10,834.00. Such salary
includes, as an integral part thereof, payments due the Employee
for travel (Damei Nesiya) and recreation pay (Damei Havra'ah).
Such salary shall be reviewed on an annual basis on or about
Employee's anniversary date.
b) The Employee shall participate in a management employee's
insurance scheme whereby five percent of his base salary shall be
deducted therefrom and paid as premiums and the Employer shall
contribute an equal amount as well as an amount equal to 8 1/3% of
Employee's base salary in lieu of severance pay, all in accordance
with the terms of the scheme which shall be chosen and provisions
of law. In addition, the Employer shall pay the necessary amounts
for the Employee's enrollment in a long term disability plan of
the Employer's choice.
c) The Employee shall be entitled to join a continuing education fund
(keren hishtalmut) to be calculated on his base salary.
d) The Employee shall have the exclusive use of a passenger van owned
or leased by the Employer, the expenses of which shall be paid by
the Employer.
e) The Employer shall deduct from the compensation of the Employee
national insurance fees, income tax and any other amounts as
dictated by law, and shall provide the Employee with the required
documentation on such deductions.
<PAGE>
5. Vacation and Sick Leave
The Employee shall be entitled to fifteen (15) paid vacation days
annually and sick leave in accordance with legal requirements as
reflected in the Employment Policy.
6. Copyright and Ownership of Software
The Employee hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Employer or its
subsidiaries or affiliates, as appropriate, its successors, assigns or
nominees, the Employee's entire right, title and interest in any
developments, designs, patents, inventions and improvements, trade
secrets, trademarks, copyrightable subject matter or proprietary
information which the Employee has made or conceived, or may make or
conceive, either solely or jointly with others, while providing
services to the Employer, or with the use of the time, material or
facilities of the Employer or relating to any actual or anticipated
business, research, development, product, service or activity of the
Employer, or suggested by or resulting from any task assigned to the
Employee or work performed by the Employee for or on behalf of the
Employer, whether or not such work was performed prior to the date of
this Agreement. It is further agreed, that without further charge to
the Employer, but at its expense, the Employee will execute and deliver
all such further documents as may be necessary, including original
applications and applications for renewal, extension or reissue of such
patents, trademark registrations or copyright registrations, in any and
all countries, to vest title thereto in the Employer, its successor,
assigns or nominees.
<PAGE>
7. Confidentiality of Information
a) The Employee declares that he knows and is fully aware that all
the software written and/or sold and/or distributed and/or
developed and/or in the process of any of the foregoing, by the
Employer or his employees or by any other person for the Employer,
even if not located at his offices or with distributors of the
software and/or customers of the Employer, constitute valuable
property and a business secret of the Employer or of the
Employer's clients and business partners. The Employee further
acknowledges that in the course of his employment, he may learn of
other confidential and proprietary information and trade secrets
of the Employer. The Employee undertakes to keep confidential all
information about the software and other confidential and
proprietary information and trade secrets, and not to reveal such
information to any person whomsoever, neither during the period of
his employment by the Employer nor subsequent thereto, and the
Employee shall use his best efforts to prevent the publication or
disclosure of any secret or process or information related to the
Employer's or its clients' software, business, work methods,
customers, suppliers, partners or any other subject, identified as
confidential, which comes to his knowledge during the term of his
employment.
b) The Employee undertakes not to make any copies whatsoever of the
software, nor to permit others so to do, nor to remove from the
offices of the Employer or any other place of work to which he
may be sent by the Employer, any document, disk, magnetic tape or
other media whatsoever which contains any part of the software or
data on the software of the Employer or any client, supplier or
customer of the Employer.
c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, where the Employee is
specifically authorized to carry out certain work at his home, he
may take a copy only of that software absolutely necessary in
order for him to be able to perform such work after registering
each piece of software so taken with the Employer. Employee shall
take all reasonable steps to ensure the security of such software
while at his home, and upon completion of each part of the work
being carried on at his home, he shall return to the offices of
the Employer all copies of the software so prepared or required
for its preparation, and shall ensure that no copies thereof
remain at his home or on the computers there located.
d) Employee undertakes to keep confidential and not to transfer,
inform, submit or bring to the knowledge of any person,
information of clients of Employer which is classified by such
clients as confidential and which is gained by Employee in the
course of his employment by Employer or as a result thereof.
<PAGE>
8. Covenant Not to Compete
On the termination (for whatever cause and howsoever arising) of his
employment, the following shall apply:
a) The Employee shall not at any time disclose to any third party or
use or seek to use or knowingly allow any third party to use or
seek to use any matter or information coming to his knowledge or
attention during the period of his employment hereunder which he
knows or ought reasonably to have known to be a trade secret of
the Company or otherwise of a confidential nature relating in any
way to the customers of the Company or the business or affairs of
or manufacturing or other processes from time to time carried out
or conducted by the Company, provided that this sub-clause shall
not operate so as to prevent or restrict the Employee from using
his own personal knowledge or skill in any business or trade in
which he may (subject to the provisions hereof) be lawfully
engaged following termination of his employment hereunder.
b) The Employee undertakes that in his future work, after completing
his employment with the Company, he will not utilize any
procedures and/or programs and/or computer instructions and/or
parts of the software known to him as a result of his employment
that are not public knowledge, neither for his own use or work or
for the creation of software products for himself and/or for the
development of software products for any other person, whether or
not for a fee or profit. This undertaking shall not prevent the
Employee from utilizing the general knowledge and experience that
he acquired during the term of his employment as he sees fit,
provided that he does not utilize the knowledge he gained of the
specific programs as set out above.
c) So long as Employee is employed by Company and for a period of
twenty four (24) months after the termination of the Employee's
employment, Employee agrees not to enter into competitive
activity, including becoming an owner, executive officer, or
director of, or consultant to, any firm or person that competes
with the Company or its affiliated companies. For purposes of this
Clause, "competitive activity" shall mean any activity, without
the written consent of the Board, consisting of Employee's
participation in the management of, or his acting as a consultant
for or employee of, any business operation of any enterprise if
such operation engages in the development, production, sale and/or
marketing of any product that competes with any product developed
and/or produced by Company or jointly developed and/or produced
with an affiliated company, or in the process of being developed
and/or produced by the Company or in the process of being
developed and/or produced jointly with an affiliated company,
during Employee's employment or at the time of Employee's
termination, provided, however, that the Employee may own any
securities of any corporation that engaged in such business and is
publicly owned and traded but in any amount not to exceed at any
time 5% (five percent) of any class of stock or securities of such
company, so long as he has no active role in the publicly owned
and traded company as director, employee, consultant, or
otherwise. To remove all doubt, nothing in this paragraph shall
prevent the Employee from being a consultant to or an employee of
a competitor of the Company or an affiliated company during the
term of this non-competition clause provided that he does not
otherwise violate the terms of this paragraph.
d) While employed by the Employer and for twenty-four (24) months
following the termination of his employment, the Employee shall
not directly or indirectly solicit, entice, persuade, or induce
any employee of the Employer, or any third party then under
contract to the Employer, to terminate his employment by or
contractual relationship with the Employer, or to enter into
contractual relations with a competitor of the Employer, or
authorize or assist in the taking of any such actions by any third
party.
<PAGE>
e) Employee agrees that the time specified in this paragraph (twenty
four (24) months) is reasonable in view of the nature of the
business in which the Employer is engaged and proposes to engage,
his access to the confidential and proprietary information of the
Employer and his knowledge of the Employer's business. The
restrictions upon the Employee in this Agreement shall be in
addition to and not in substitution for any obligations imposed
upon him by law in relation to confidential information or
otherwise, and so that each of the foregoing restrictions in
paragraphs 7 and 8, above, shall constitute separate agreements
between the Employer and the Employee and shall be in addition to
and not in substitution for any obligations imposed upon him by
the general law.
9. Saving Provision
Employer and Employee agree and stipulate that the agreements and
covenants not to compete contained in this Agreement are fair and
reasonable in their scope and duration in light of all the facts and
circumstances of the relationship between Employee and Employer;
however, Employee and Employer are aware that in certain circumstances
courts have refused to enforce certain agreements not to compete.
Therefore in furtherance and not in derogation of the provisions of the
preceding paragraphs, the parties agree that in the event a court
declines to enforce the provisions of paragraph 9, above, that those
provisions shall be deemed to be modified to restrict Employee's
competition with Employer to the maximum extent, in both time, content
and geography, which a competent court shall find enforceable; however,
in no event shall those provisions be deemed more restrictive to
Employee than those contained therein.
10. Injunctive Relief
Employee acknowledges that disclosure of any Confidential Information
or breach of any of the non-competitive covenants or agreements
contained herein will give rise to irreparable injury to Employer or
clients of Employer, inadequately compensable in damages. Accordingly,
Employer or, where appropriate a client of Employer, may seek and
obtain injunctive relief against the breach or threatened breach of the
foregoing undertakings, in addition to any other legal remedies which
may be available. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that in the
event of the termination of employment with Employer, Employee's
experience and capabilities are such that Employee can obtain
employment in business activities which are of a different or
non-competing nature with his or her activities as an employee of
Employer; and that the enforcement of a remedy hereunder by way of
injunction shall not prevent Employee form earning a reasonable
livelihood. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that the covenants
herein are necessary for the protection of Employer's legitimate
business interests and are reasonable in scope and intent.
<PAGE>
11. Termination
a) Termination for No Cause: Either party may bring the period of
employment to a close by giving the other party written notice of at
least sixty (60) days in accordance with legal requirements. The
Employer, at its sole discretion, may terminate the Employee effective
immediately and pay the Employee the salary equivalent of the required
period of notice.
b) Termination for Cause: Notwithstanding paragraph 11(a), above, the
Employer may terminate the Employee's employment without prior notice and
without the payment to the Employee of his salary for the two (2) month
period of notice provided for in paragraph 11(a), above, if the Employee
shall, at any time: i) be guilty of serious misconduct or any other
conduct that, in the reasonable opinion of the Employer, brings the
Employer or any parent, affiliate or subsidiary of the Employer into
disrepute; and/or ii) be convicted of any criminal offense of disrepute.
c) Nothing in this section shall prevent or limit the Employer from
protecting its interests as allowed by law. The provisions of paragraphs
6, 7 and 8 of this Agreement shall continue to apply after the
termination of the employment period.
12. Possession
The Employee agrees that upon request by the Employer, and in any event
upon termination of the Employee's employment, the Employee shall turn
over to the Employer all documents, papers or other material in the
Employee's possession or under the Employee's control which may contain
or be derived from confidential and proprietary information, together
with all documents, notes, or the Employee's work products which are
connected with or derived from the Employee's services to the Employer
and all copies of software obtained from the Employer shall be either
returned to the Employer or, as appropriate, permanently deleted.
<PAGE>
13. Enforceability
The provisions of this Agreement shall be enforceable notwithstanding
the existence of any claim or cause of action of Employee against
Employer whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise.
14. Governing Law and Venue
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Israel. Jurisdiction for the litigation of any
dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in connection with this
Agreement shall be in a court having subject matter jurisdiction
located in Jerusalem, Israel.
15. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
with respect to this subject matter and supersedes all previous
proposals, both oral and written, negotiations, representations,
commitments, writings and all other communications between the parties.
This Agreement may not be modified except by an instrument in writing
signed by the parties.
16. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, such
determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any
other part or provision of this Agreement.
17. Waiver
No waiver by the Employer of any breach of any provisions of this
Agreement shall constitute a waiver unless made in writing and signed
by an authorized representative of the Employer.
<PAGE>
18. Preamble
The preamble to this Agreement constitutes an integral part hereof.
19. Headings
The headings in this Agreement are for the convenience of organization
and reference. They are not intended by the parties to have any
relevance in the interpretation of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands at the place
and on the date first above written.
Accent Software International Ltd.
per:
/s/ MOSHE KRANC
________________________ _____________________
Employer Employee
LUBOSHITZ,
KASIERER & CO.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement of Accent
Software International Ltd. on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-07965 and 333-04285) of
our report dated March 20, 1997, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Accent Software International Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 1996.
Jerusalem, Israel
March 28, 1997
LUBOSHITZ, KASIERER & CO.
Member of Andersen Worldwide, SC
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This Schedule contains summary financial
information extracted from the financial
statements contained in the body of the
accompanying Form 10-K and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> Year
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> Dec-31-1996
<PERIOD-END> Dec-31-1996
<CASH> 8,723
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 3,229
<ALLOWANCES> 2,245
<INVENTORY> 1,021
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 11,495
<PP&E> 2,462
<DEPRECIATION> 723
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 13,789
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 7,867
<BONDS> 2,619
0
0
<COMMON> 28
<OTHER-SE> 2,946
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 13,789
<SALES> 4,953
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 4,953
<CGS> 6,767
<TOTAL-COSTS> 19,065
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 140
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 295
<INCOME-PRETAX> (21,034)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (21,034)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (21,034)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (2.12)
<EPS-DILUTED> (2.12)
</TABLE>
