SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss. 240.14a-11(c) or ss. 240.14a-12
WESTMARK GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
_____________________________________________________________________
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1. Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2. Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3. Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
4. Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5. Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1. Amount Previously Paid:
2. Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
3. Filing Party:
4. Date Filed:
WESTMARK GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AUGUST 20, 1997
To the shareholders of Westmark Group Holdings, Inc.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Westmark Group Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at the Sea Gate
Hotel, 400 South Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach, Florida 33483, at 8:30 a.m., for
the following purposes:
1. To elect five directors to serve until the next annual meeting of
shareholders of the Company and until their successors have been duly elected
and qualified;
2. To amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to (i) effect a
reverse split of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Stock on a basis of
1 for 5 shares, and (ii) decrease the Company's 50,000,000 authorized shares of
Common Stock to 15,000,000 authorized shares of Common Stock and adjusting the
par value from $.001 to $.005 per share;
3. To amend the Company's Stock Option Plan for Employees to increase
the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder to 3,000,0000 shares
(600,000 post split); and
4. The transaction of such other business as may properly come before
the meeting.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on July 22, 1997,
are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting, or any adjournment
thereof.
Shareholders unable to attend the Annual Meeting in person are requested
to read the enclosed Proxy Statement and then complete and deposit the Proxy
together with the power of attorney or other authority, if any, under which it
was signed or a notarized certified copy thereof with the Company's transfer
agent, Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc., Republic Plaza, 370 17th Street, Suite
2350, Denver, Colorado 80202, at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays
and statutory holidays) before the time of the Annual Meeting or adjournment
thereof or with the chairman of the Annual Meeting prior to the commencement
thereof. Unregistered shareholders who received the Proxy through an
intermediary must deliver the Proxy in accordance with the instructions given by
such intermediary.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark Schaftlein, President
August 4, 1997
THE PROXY STATEMENT WHICH ACCOMPANIES THIS NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS CONTAINS MATERIAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE MATTERS TO BE
CONSIDERED AT THE MEETING, AND SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS NOTICE.
WESTMARK GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
355 N.E. FIFTH AVENUE
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA 33483
-------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
--------------------
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to shareholders in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Westmark Group
Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
(the "Annual Meeting") to be held at the Sea Gate Hotel, 400 South Ocean
Boulevard, Delray Beach, Florida 33483, at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday August 20,
1997, and at any adjournments thereof for the purpose of considering and voting
upon the matters set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of
Shareholders (the "Notice"). This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of
proxy are first being mailed to shareholders on or about August 4, 1997. All
costs of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company.
The close of business on July 22, 1997, has been fixed as the record
date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof. As of the record date, there
were 10,023,082 shares of the Company's common stock, $.001 par value ("Common
Stock"), issued and outstanding. The presence, in person or by proxy, of
one-third of the outstanding shares of Common Stock on the record date is
necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Each nominee for
director named in Item 1 must receive a plurality of the votes of the shares of
Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at
the Annual Meeting in order to be elected. The affirmative vote of the majority
of the shares of Common Stock present or represented by proxy and entitled to
vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the approval of Items 2 and 3.
All shares represented by properly executed proxies, unless such proxies
have been previously revoked, will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance
with the directions set forth on such proxies. If no direction is indicated, the
shares will be voted (i) FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES NAMED HEREIN, (ii) FOR
THE AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, (iii) FOR THE AMENDMENT OF
THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES, AND (iv) FOR ANY OTHER PROPOSAL
WHICH SHALL COME BEFORE THE SHAREHOLDERS DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF THE
ENCLOSED PROXY IS SIGNED AND RETURNED WITH NO SPECIFIED DESIGNATION, IT WILL BE
VOTED FOR THE ABOVE CAPTIONED PROPOSALS.
The enclosed proxy, even though executed and returned, may be revoked at
any time prior to the voting of the proxy (a) by the execution and submission of
a revised proxy, (b) by written notice to the Secretary of the Company or (c) by
voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
ITEM 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
The directors are elected annually by the shareholders of the Company.
The Bylaws of the Company provide that the number of directors will be
determined by the Board of Directors, but shall not be less than three. The
shareholders will elect five directors for the coming year. The nominees
presently serve as directors of the Company.
Although the Board of Directors of the Company does not contemplate that
any of the nominees will be unable to serve, if such a situation arises prior to
the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed Proxy will vote for the
election of such person(s) as may be nominated by the Board of Directors.
MR. SCHAFTLEIN (age 39) has served as president and chief executive
officer of Westmark Group Holdings, Inc., since May 1997. In May 1997, Mr.
Schaftlein became chief executive officer of Westmark Mortgage Corporation
("Westmark Mortgage"), and served as president of Westmark Mortgage from
February 1996 until May 1997. Mr. Schaftlein has served as a director of the
Company since January 1996. From February 1995 until February 1996, Mr.
Schaftlein was director of the non-conforming division of Westmark Mortgage,
managing the transition of Westmark Mortgage from a conforming to a
non-conforming lender. Mr. Schaftlein established the bulk loan sales with
Household Finance Corp. and The Money Store, which the Company presently
utilizes. Prior thereto, Mr. Schaftlein was a senior vice president with
National Lending Center, Inc., from September 1993 until February 1995. During
that time, Mr. Schaftlein expanded operations into multiple states and assisted
in their expansion of B/C lending. From January 1993 until September 1993, Mr.
Schaftlein served as vice president of Fleet Finance and was responsible for
developing a new wholesale division in the non-conforming (B/D) credit market.
From 1984 to January 1993, Mr. Schaftlein served as vice president at Citicorp.
In 1996, Mr. Schaftlein also served as president of the Gold Coast chapter of
the Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers.
MR. BIRMINGHAM (age 42) has served as a director since April 1996. Mr.
Birmingham served as president from November 1995 to September 1996. Mr.
Birmingham has served as chief financial officer since December 1996. Since July
1995, Mr. Birmingham has served as chief operating officer, president, and as a
director of Medical Industries of America, Inc., ("MIOA"), whose securities are
registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange
Act"). Mr. Birmingham resigned as an officer of MIOA in June 1996 and as a
director in August 1996. Mr. Birmingham has been engaged in an accounting and
tax practice since 1986.
MR. STORY (age 50) has served as president of Westmark Mortgage since
May 1997, prior to that Mr. Story served as senior vice-president of lending
since May 1996. Additionally, Mr. Story has served as a director of Westmark
Group Holdings, Inc., since February 1997. Formerly, Mr. Story was chief
executive officer and president of West Coast Mortgage Services, Inc. from July
1985 to April 1996. Mr. Story was the marketing director of Beneficial
Management Corporation in Peapock, New Jersey from January 1969 to July 1985.
Additionally, in 1984 Mr. Story served as president of the Florida Association
of Mortgage Brokers-Gulf Coast. Currently, Mr. Story is a certified mortgage
consultant of Florida and National Association of Mortgage Brokers.
MR. WALKER (age 37) has served as a director since January, 1996. In
1987, Mr. Walker founded, and presently serves as president of, Southern Import
Distributors, Inc. ("SIDI"). On behalf of SIDI, Mr Walker co- founded Tampa
Convention Hotel Associates, Inc., Divot Development Corporation, Herr Damm,
Inc., and Mad Dogs & Englishmen. Prior to forming SIDI, Mr. Walker was a tax
consultant with Arthur Anderson & Company for two years. Mr. Walker is a
graduate of Tulane University (1981) and received his Masters of Business
Administration degree (1985) and Juris Doctorate degree (1985) from the Tulane
Graduate Business School and Tulane Law School, respectively.
MR. RESWEBER (age 35) has served as a director since December 1996, and
became chairman in February 1997. Mr. Resweber has extensive prior experience in
the non-conforming industry, as he has served as senior vice president, capital
markets, for United Companies Financial Corp., a NYSE-listed financial services
company and one of the nation's oldest and largest sub-prime mortgage lenders
whose stock price increased from $16 to $132 per share (pre- splits) during Mr.
Resweber's tenure. Most recently, Mr. Resweber served as president and chief
executive officer of Network Acquisition Corp. from 1995 to 1997, which grew
from $4 million to $110 million in revenues through a series of seventeen
successful merger and acquisition transactions. Altogether, Mr. Resweber has
over fifteen years' experience in corporate finance, capital markets, mergers
and acquisitions, strategic planning, business administration and management,
investor relations and communications as an executive officer, board member
and/or senior consultant to a number of NYSE-listed, Fortune 500 firms including
NorAm Energy, Arkla Gas, Entex, Hill & Knowlton, Exxon USA, Celeron Oil, Cabot
Energy, and Goodyear Tire & Rubber. Mr. Resweber also currently serves on the
Boards of Directors of a number of other companies including Connex
Communications, Inc. and Level Best Golf, Inc.
Directors serve until the expiration of their term at the Annual Meeting
of Shareholders. All officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors,
subject to employment agreements. Each non-employee director is entitled to
receive $500 per month, and all directors are entitled to reimbursement of
out-of-pocket expenses to attend Board
- 2 -
meetings and an option to purchase 15,000 shares upon becoming a director and an
to option to purchase 12,000 shares on the first day of each new year as
provided for in the 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS
The Board of Directors held seven meetings in 1996, and each director of
the Company attended at least 75% of all Board meetings. The Company maintains
Compensation and Audit Committees and each committee member attended each
committee meeting. Messrs. Resweber and Walker presently serve as members of the
Compensation Committee. Messrs. Birmingham, Schaftlein and Story presently serve
as members of the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee recommends the annual engagement of auditors, with
whom the Audit Committee will review the scope of the audit and non-audit
assignments, related fees, the accounting principles used in financial
reporting, internal financial auditing procedures and the adequacy of internal
control procedures.
The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the remuneration
arrangements for the officers and directors of the Company and reviews and
recommends new executive compensation or stock plans in which the officers
and/or directors are eligible to participate, including the granting of stock
options.
REPORTS
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors and
executive officers, and persons who own beneficially more than ten percent of
the Common Stock of the Company, to file reports of ownership and changes of
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of all filed
reports are required to be furnished to the Company pursuant to Section 16(a).
Based solely on the reports received by the Company, the Company believes that
the directors, executive officers, and greater than ten percent beneficial
owners complied with all applicable filing requirements during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1996.
VOTE REQUIRED
Approval of Item 1 requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the
Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF THE ABOVE DIRECTORS.
ITEM 2
The Company currently has 10,023,082 shares of Common Stock currently
outstanding. The Board of Directors deems it to be in the best interest of the
Company to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to decrease the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding by effecting a 5 for 1 reverse split. This
reverse split will reduce the number of shares of outstanding Common Stock to
2,004,616 shares. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants, convertible debentures, and preferred stock will
be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, the amendment will reduce the number of
authorized Common Stock from 50,000,000 shares to 15,000,000 shares. The effect
of reducing the number of authorized shares of Common Stock will be to reduce
the number of shares of Common Stock that can be issued. The par value of the
Common Stock will be adjusted from $.001 to $.005. The primary reason the Board
has elected to effect the reverse split is to attempt to increase the market
price of the Common Stock. There can be no assurance that the trading price of
the Common Stock will increase by five times or that the price will continue to
trade at such a level. Likewise, can there be any assurance that the Common
Stock will continue to be traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. The effective
date of the reverse split would be the date the amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation is filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware, expected to
occur within three business days of the Annual Meeting, assuming the
Shareholders vote for such amendment.
- 3 -
VOTE REQUIRED
Approval of Item 2 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of the
majority of shares of Common Stock present or represented by proxy and entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
"FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION.
ITEM 3
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES
The Network Financial Services, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan")
was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the Shareholders in May
1994. A total of 333,333 shares of Common Stock were reserved for issuance under
the Plan. In July 1997, the Board of Directors amended the Plan, subject to
shareholder approval, to increase the shares reserved for issuance from 333,333
to 3,000,000 shares (600,000 post split). The Board believes this to be in the
best interests of the Company because (i) the Company has granted more options
than are presently available under the Plan, and (ii) increasing the number of
shares available under the Plan will enable the Company to continue its policy
of employee stock ownership to assist in promoting the attraction, retention and
motivation of employees. The Shareholders are being asked to approve this share
increase at the Annual Meeting. In the event that the Shareholders do not
approve the increase in the number of shares available under the Plan, certain
of the options issued thereunder will be canceled.
PLAN ACTIVITY
To date (without taking into account the proposed amendment to the
Plan), the Company has issued and sold options to purchase an aggregate of
1,355,917 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan and no options are
available for future issuance thereunder. The following table sets forth certain
information regarding options issued under the Plan during the Company's last
fiscal year by each of the named executive officers, all current executive
officers as a group, all non-executive directors as a group, and all employees
(excluding the executive officers) as a group:
NUMBER OF
DOLLAR SHARES
NAME VALUE PURCHASED
---- ----- ---------
Mark Schaftlein -
Norman Birmingham -
Todd Walker -
Payton Story, III -
All Executive Officers as a Group (4 persons) -
All Other Employees as a Group -
(excluding executive officers)
Non-Executive Directors as a Group (1 person) -
- -----------------------------
SUMMARY OF PLAN
The purpose of the Plan is to foster and promote the financial success
of the Company and increase stockholder value by enabling eligible key employees
and others to participate in the long-term growth and financial success of the
Company. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee which has sole
and complete authority to determine the key employees and others to whom to
grant awards. The Compensation Committee may grant options to employees of the
Company, as well as to non-employee directors and consultants. The grant of
options shall be at a price not less than 85% of the fair market value for
non-qualified stock options and at 100% of fair market value for incentive stock
options.
- 4 -
VOTE REQUIRED
Approval of Item 3 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of the
majority of shares of Common Stock present or represented by proxy and entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
"FOR" AMENDMENT OF THE STOCK OPTION PLAN.
STOCK OWNERSHIP
The following table and notes thereto set forth certain information
regarding beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock as of July 22,
1997, by (i) each person known by the Company to beneficially own more than five
percent of the Company's common stock, (ii) each of the Company's directors,
(iii) all of the directors and the officers of the Company as a group, and (iv)
each named executive officer.
NAME AND ADDRESS(1) SHARES OF COMMON STOCK PERCENT OF VOTING POWER
- --------------------------- -------------------- --------------------
GTB Company 2,888,889(2) 28.8%
Medical Industries of
America, Inc. 1,667,284 16.6%
Drew Hollenbeck 800,000(3) 8.0%
Louis Resweber 250,000(4) 2.5%
Mark Schaftlein 122,367(5) 1.2%
Norman Birmingham 80,000(6) --
Todd Walker -- --
Payton Story -- --
All officers and directors
group (five persons) 452,367(7) 4.5%
- ----------
* Less than one percent.
1 The address for the above referenced stockholders is 355 N.E. Fifth Avenue,
Delray Beach, FL 33483, except for MIOA, which is 1903 S. Congress Avenue,
#400, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 and GTB Company which is 2090 Palm Beach Lakes
Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL. 33409.
2 Consists of 2,888,889 shares of Common Stock underlying Series E Preferred
Stock.
3 Includes 300,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series A
Preferred Stock.
4 Consists of 250,000 shares of Common Stock underlying a currently
exercisable warrant.
5 Includes options and warrants currently exercisable to purchase an aggregate
of 46,500 shares of Common Stock.
6 Includes an option presently exercisable to purchase 45,000 shares of Common
Stock.
7 Includes options and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 341,500 shares of
Common Stock.
- 5 -
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Mark Schaftlein served as the chief executive officer of the Company since
May 1997, and chief operating officer from September 1996 through May 1997.
Norman J. Birmingham served as chief executive officer of the Company from
January 1, 1996 through September 10, 1996. The following table sets forth the
information with respect to the chief executive officers during fiscal 1996. No
other executive officer of the Company received total annual salary and bonus
for the 1996 fiscal year in excess of $100,000.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
------------------------- ---------------------------------------
NAME AND PRINCIPAL FISCAL OTHER ANNUAL STOCK OPTIONS AND ALL OTHER
POSITION YEAR SALARY COMPENSATION ISSUANCES WARRANTS COMPENSATION
- --------------------- ------ -------- ------------ --------- ----------- ------------
Mark Schaftlein, 1996 $143,353(1) $ 3,353 -- 90,000(2) --
Chief Executive 1995 $100,685 -- -- 1,500 --
Officer 1994 -- -- -- -- --
Norman J. Birmingham, 1996 $ 87,500 -- -- 90,000(2) --
Chief Financial 1995 -0- -- -- -- --
Officer 1994 -- -- -- -- --
- --------------------
(1) Includes $3,353 in other annual compensation comprised of a car allowance.
(2) Only 45,000 of these options have vested.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In April 1996, Mr. Birmingham entered into a three-year employment
agreement with the Company which provides for an annual base salary of $100,500.
Additionally, Mr Birmingham was issued a warrant to purchase 90,000 shares,
45,000 of which are currently exercisable over a five-year term at $2.25 per
share, and 45,000 of which vest in full if the Company's net income in 1996,
1997 or 1998 is $480,000 (and vest on a pro-rata basis if a lesser amount of net
income is earned in those periods), exercisable during a five year term from the
date of vesting in full. In the event Mr. Birmingham's employment agreement is
terminated other than for "just cause," he would be entitled to receive
one-year's salary.
In March 1997, Mr. Schaftlein entered into a three-year employment
agreement which provides for an annual base salary of $150,000 the first year,
$162,000 the second year and $174,000 the third year and an aggregate of 600,000
incentive stock options vesting as soon as April 1998 and as late as April 2000,
exercisable for a five-year period from vesting at exercise prices ranging from
$1.00 to $2.00 per share. Additionally, Mr. Schaftlein was issued a warrant to
purchase 90,000 shares, 45,000 of which are currently exercisable over a
five-year term at $2.25 per share, and 45,000 of which vest in full if the
Company's net income in 1996, 1997 or 1998 is $480,000 (and vest on a pro-rata
basis if a lesser amount of net income is earned in those periods), exercisable
during a five-year term from the date of vesting in full. In the event an
employment agreement is terminated other than for "just cause," such terminated
employee would be entitled to receive one-year's salary.
In March 1997, Mr. Story entered into a three-year employment agreement
which provides for an annual base salary of $126,000 the first year, $138,000
the second year and $150,000 the third year, and an aggregate of 400,000
incentive stock options vesting as soon as April 1998 and as late as April 2000,
exercisable for a five-year period from vesting at exercise prices ranging from
$1.00 to $2.00.
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OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES
NAME AGE OFFICE
---- --- ------
Mark Schaftlein 39 President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
Todd Walker 37 Secretary
Norman Birmingham 42 Chief Financial Officer
Payton Story, III 50 Senior Vice-President
The biographies of these officers are set forth in Item 1, Election of
Directors.
STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
The following table provides information on options granted under the
Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan in fiscal 1996 and warrants granted in fiscal
1996 to Messrs. Schaftlein and Birmingham :
LAND WARRANTS GRANTED IN FISCAL 1996
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
Percent of Total
Options/Warrants Exercise or
Shares Underlying Granted to Base Price
Name Options/Warrants Employees in Per Expiration
Granted Fiscal Year Share Date
- -------------------- ----------------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Mark Schaftlein 90,000(1) (1) $ 2.25 4/01
Norman J. Birmingham 90,000(1) (1) $ 2.25 4/01
(1) No options to employees were granted under the 1994 Stock Option Plan
during fiscal 1996. The warrants issued to Messrs. Schaftlein and
Birmingham each constitute 50% of warrants issued pursuant to employee
compensation arrangements. Additionally, warrants to purchase 810,469
shares of common stock were issued to third parties in connection with
financing arrangements in fiscal 1996.
The following table provides information regarding warrants exercises in
fiscal 1996 for Messrs. Schaftlein and Birmingham and the value of such
unexercised warrants at December 31, 1996:
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Shares Underlying Unexercised In-The-Money Warrants
Acquired on Value Warrants at at
Name Exercise Realized December 31, 1996 December 31, 1996
- -------------------- ----------- -------- ----------------- --------------------
Mark Schaftlein -- -- 90,000 (1)
Norman J. Birmingham -- -- 90,000 (1)
(1) Based on the last sales price on December 31, 1996, the options were not
in-the-money at December 31, 1996.
The Company has not established, nor does it provide for, long-term
incentive plans or defined benefit or actuarial plans. The Company does not
grant any stock appreciation rights.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Effective November 1995, MIOA purchased 1,298,388 shares of Common
Stock for a purchase price of $3,210,000, comprised of $1,210,000 cash and cash
equivalents, and the issuance of 200,000 shares of MIOA series B convertible
preferred stock with a stated value of $10 per share. The stock purchase
agreement provides that the MIOA ownership position, equal to 49% of the shares
of Company Common Stock actually outstanding, shall not be diluted below 49%,
with additional shares to be issued to MIOA to maintain such ownership position.
In May 1996, the Company issued MIOA 368,896 shares of Common Stock in order to
maintain such percentage ownership. Subsequent to the November 1995 purchase
agreement, MIOA loaned the Company an aggregate of $2,388,593
- 7 -
pursuant to one-year notes, bearing interest at the rate of 10% per annum.
Effective March 1996, MIOA converted $700,000 of this indebtedness into 200,000
shares of Series C Preferred Stock with a stated value of $3.50 per share. MIOA
agreed to the termination of the 49% anti-dilution protection, and payment of
the outstanding indebtedness through the execution of a three year promissory
note in the sum of $1,953,000, bearing interest at 10% per annum, with monthly
payments in the amount of $25,000 which commenced June 30, 1997. In the event
the Company receives additional capitalization of a minimum amount of $300,000
and a maximum amount of $1.5 million, MIOA shall be entitled to receive the
first $300,000. In the event the additional capitalization exceeds $1.5 million,
MIOA will be entitled to receive the first $500,000 of additional capitalization
in excess of $1.5 million. In the event additional capitalization exceeds $3
million, MIOA shall be entitled to receive 50% of the excess until the above
captioned indebtedness is paid in full. In addition, MIOA shall be entitled to
15% of the net cash of the Company in excess of operating expenses and
settlement payments on a consolidated basis during the calendar year 1997, and
20% of said net cash flow in the calendar year 1998. In the event the Company
should sell or spin-off either of its subsidiaries, MIOA shall be entitled 50%
of the cash proceeds received by the Company resulting from the sale or
spin-off. In connection with the initial funds MIOA invested in November 1995,
the then officers of the Company, Messrs. Morrel and Gardener and Linda Moore
resigned as officers and Mr. Morrel resigned as a director. Subsequent to their
resignations, Mr. Morrel and Ms. Moore entered into to termination agreements
and consulting agreements with the Company. Various disputes arose in connection
with the performance of those agreements, and in January 1997, the parties
entered into a settlement agreement. The settlement agreement provided that the
Company shall pay unpaid salary to Mr. Morrel in the sum of $115,000 through the
issuance of shares registered pursuant to Form S-8 with interest in the sum of
$31,000 is to be satisfied by the partial assignment of a promissory note
receivable or shares of common stock of Green World received by the Company in
connection with the spin-off of Green World to its shareholders. The Company
leases certain of its facilities from Mr. Morrel at rates it believes reflect
fair market value. In February 1997, Mr. Morrel was paid $13,800 for past due
rental obligations. In January 1997, Mr. Morrel was paid $45,000 in delinquent
consulting fees through the issuance of shares registered pursuant to Form S-8,
and the Company and Mr. Morrel agreed that the remaining monthly consulting fees
in the amount of $7,500 per month for 22 months would be paid in cash or through
the issuance of shares registered pursuant to Form S-8. The Company reimbursed
Mr. Morrel $5,400 for automobile lease expenses, and Mr. Morrel returned the
vehicle to the Company in February 1997. Mr. Morrel was issued a one year option
to purchase 125,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1 per share,
and a one year warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise
price of $.81 per share. Ms. Moore is to receive unpaid salary in the sum of
$40,000 contemporaneously with the close of any transaction by which the Company
shall receive additional capitalization in the minimum sum of $3,000,000. If no
such capitalization is received, the $40,000 shall be paid through the issuance
of shares registered pursuant to Form S-8. In addition, Ms. Moore was paid
$40,000 through the issuance of shares registered pursuant to Form S-8. Interest
in the sum of $9,000 is to be satisfied by the partial assignment of a
promissory note receivable or shares of common stock of Green World received by
the Company in connection with the spin-off of Green World to its shareholders.
In January 1997, Ms. Moore was paid $24,000 in delinquent consulting fees
through the issuance of shares registered pursuant to Form S-8, and the Company
and Ms. Moore agreed that the remaining monthly consulting fees in the amount of
$4,000 per month for four months would be paid in cash or through the issuance
of shares registered pursuant to Form S-8. Ms. Moore was issued a one year
option to purchase 67,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1 per
share, and a one year warrant to purchase 53,333 shares of common stock at an
exercise price of $.81 per share. Mr. Gardner was issued 25,000 shares of Common
Stock and severance compensation in the amount of $54,000.
Effective July 21, 1996, the Company and GTB Company entered into an
agreement whereby the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of Green World Technologies, Inc. ("Green World") in consideration for (i)
130,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock, stated value $10.00 per share, which
preferred stock is convertible into Common Stock at the option of the holder at
any time prior to July 21, 1997, at a conversion price of $.45 per share of
Common Stock, and (ii) payment of royalties of 14% of the gross sales of Green
World for a period of two years from the date of this agreement, which payments
are to be made on a quarterly basis. GTB Company had acquired Green World from
MIOA, for the following consideration: (i) it discharged a note executed by MIOA
payable to GTB Company in the amount of $700,000, (ii) executed a non-interest
bearing promissory note in the amount of $380,000, and (iii) agreed to a royalty
payment of 7% of the gross sales of Green World until July 1998, and 5% until
July 1999. Within one month of acquiring Green World, GTB Company sold it to the
Company for the above-captioned terms and conditions. The Company acquired Green
World pursuant to a prior corporate strategy to diversify its business
operations. Management has determined not to pursue any further diversification
strategies at this time,
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and intends to focus its resources on its mortgage operations. As of the date
hereof, the board of directors of the Company has determined to spin-off a
minimum of 51% and a maximum of 100% of the Green World capital stock owned by
the Company. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, neither the record date or
the amount of capital stock to be spun-off has been determined. The timing in
terms of the spin-off will be disclosed through appropriate SEC filings when
determined. GTB Company is controlled by Charles Chillingworth, the sole
stockholder, officer and director. Bradley Ray is a creditor of GTB Company, but
disclaims that he is a controlling party of GTB Company.
On July 10,1996, the Company sold all of its capital stock of Network
Capital Group, Inc. to PBF Land Company ("PBF"), an affiliate of GTB Company
whose sole officer, director and shareholder is Charles Chillingworth, in
exchange for various parcels of real property in Florida with a market value
appraised at $1,298,000 (Parcel A). In addition, PBF placed an attorney's
opinion letter of title for Quit Claim Deeds for additional parcels (Parcel B)
valued at up to $5 million into escrow. In exchange for the additional property,
the Company authorized the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of Series F preferred
stock with a stated value of $5 million. In August 1996, an aggregate of 200,000
shares of this preferred stock was issued. The preferred stock may be
convertible into common stock beginning April 1, 1997. The minimum conversion
price is $1 per share and no more than a cumulative total of $200,000 worth of
preferred stock may be converted per quarter. For any additional shares to be
issued, certain sales by PBF must be completed. Further due diligence regarding
appraisal, title and legal issues are necessary in order for the Company to
exercise the option to acquire the additional parcels.
In September 1996, Mr. Chillingworth was issued 36,551 shares of Common
Stock registered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8, for services
rendered. In January 1997, Mr. Chillingworth was issued 21,000 shares of common
stock for services rendered the resale of which the Company is obligated to
register under the Act.
In June 1996, Mr. Ray was issued 150,000 shares of Common Stock
registered pursuant to a registration statement on form S-8, for services
rendered, pursuant to a January 1996 consulting agreement. Furthermore, an
affiliate of Mr. Chillingworth loaned the Company $150,000 pursuant to notes
that mature in June 1997, and bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum. This
obligation is presently $130,000, as $20,000 has been paid. Mr. Ray loaned the
Company $61,251 in August 1996, pursuant to a note which bears interest at the
rate of 12% per annum payable quarterly, and is convertible at $.56 per share.
The note matured in December 1996, and to date, the sum of $54,751 remains
outstanding. In March 1997, GTB loaned the Company $150,000 pursuant to a note
that matures in March 1998 and bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum.
In March 1996, Mr. Hollenbeck agreed with the Company to provide for the
redemption of his 290,000 shares of Common Stock based on the then market price
in exchange for, among other considerations, a two-year consulting agreement
providing for the payment of $75,000 in the first year and $90,000 in the second
year, $400,000 cash, and the issuance of 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred
Stock in April 1996. In December 1996, Mr. Hollenbeck relinquished his right to
force the Company to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock. In June 1997, Mr.
Hollenbeck converted 62,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 500,000
shares of Common Stock.
In June 1997, Mr. Schaftlein converted $45,416 in accrued salary for
72,700 shares of Common Stock and Mr. Birmingham converted $21,384 in
reimbursable expenses into 34,000 shares of Common Stock.
OTHER MATTERS
Management is not aware of any other matters to be presented for action
at the meeting. However, if any other matter is properly presented, it is the
intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote in
accordance with their best judgment on such matter.
GENERAL
A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for its last fiscal year is available without
charge to shareholders upon written request to Todd Walker, Secretary, 355 N.E.
Fifth Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33483.
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COST OF SOLICITATION
The Company will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies from its
shareholders. In addition to the use of mail, proxies may be solicited by
directors, officers and regular employees of the Company in person or by
telephone or other means of communication. The directors, officers and employees
of the Company will not be compensated additionally for the solicitation, but
may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this
solicitation. Arrangements are also being made with brokerage houses and any
other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of solicitation
material to the beneficial owners of the Company, and the Company will reimburse
the brokers, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT MEETING
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the next annual
meeting must be received by the Company for inclusion in the Company's proxy
statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting before April 3, 1998.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark Schaftlein, President and Chief Executive Officer
Delray Beach, Florida
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PROXY
WESTMARK GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WESTMARK GROUP
HOLDINGS, INC. THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE CHOICES SPECIFIED BELOW.
The undersigned shareholder of WESTMARK GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. (the "Company")
hereby appoints Mark Schaftlein and Norman J. Birmingham, the true and lawful
attorneys, agents and proxies of the undersigned with full power of substitution
for and in the name of the undersigned, to vote all the shares of Common Stock
of the Company which the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held at the Sea Gate Hotel, 400
South Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach, Florida 33483, on August 20, 1997, at 8:30
a.m., and any and all adjournments thereof, with all of the powers which the
undersigned would possess if personally present, for the following purposes:
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
1. To elect five directors to serve until the [ ] [ ] [ ]
next annual meeting of shareholders of the
Company and until their successors have
been duly elected and qualified;
2. To amend the Company's Certificate of [ ] [ ] [ ]
Incorporation to (i) effect a reverse split
of the Company's issued and outstanding
Common Stock on a basis of 1 for 5 shares,
and (ii) decrease the Company's 50,000,000
authorized shares of Common Stock to
15,000,000 authorized shares of Common
Stock and adjusting the par value from
$.001 par value per share to $.005 par
value per share;
3. To amend the Company's Stock Option Plan [ ] [ ] [ ]
for Employees to increase the number of
shares reserved for issuance thereunder to
3,000,000 shares (600,000 post split).
4. The transaction of such other business as
may properly come before the meeting.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE CHOICES SPECIFIED. IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED
FOR ITEMS 1, 2 AND 3 THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THESE ITEMS.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting and
Proxy Statement dated August 4, 1997.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
DATED:_______________ ____________________________________________________
[Signature]
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[Signature if jointly held]
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[Printed Name]
Please sign exactly as name appears on stock
certificate(s). Joint owners should each sign.
Trustees and others acting in a representative
capacity should indicate the capacity in which they
sign.