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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 10549
____________________
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 Section 240.14a-11(c) or
ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (check the appropriate box):
/x/ $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), 14a-6(i)(2)
or Investment Company Act Rule 20a-1(c)
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and
0-11
CALCULATION OF FILING FEE
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Per unit price or other
underlying value of
Title of each class of Aggregate number of transaction computed Proposed maximum
securities to which securities to which pursuant to Exchange aggregate value of
transaction applies: transaction applies: Act Rule 0-11: transaction: Total Fee Paid
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/ / 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.
Amount Previously Paid: Filing Party:
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Form, Schedule or
Registration Statement No.: Date Filed:
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ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
815 N.W. Ninth Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
October 31, 1996
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
(the "Annual Meeting") of Acres Gaming Incorporated (the "Company").
Place: Company's Offices
7220 Bermuda Road
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Date: Tuesday, November 12, 1996
Time: 3 p.m. local time
The Notice of the Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement accompany this letter.
The Proxy Statement describes the business to be transacted at the meeting and
provides other information concerning the Company. The principal business to be
transacted at the Annual Meeting will be election of a director, amendment of
the Articles of Incorporation to authorize a class of Preferred Stock to be
designated by the Board of Directors and ratification of the appointment of
Arthur Andersen LLP as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1997. The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote
for election of the nominated director, amendment of the Articles of
Incorporation and ratification of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Company's
independent auditors.
We know that many of our shareholders will be unable to attend the Annual
Meeting. Proxies are therefore solicited so that each shareholder has an
opportunity to vote on all matters that are scheduled to come before the
meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we hope that you
will have your stock represented by marking, signing, dating and returning your
proxy card in the enclosed envelope as soon as possible. Your stock will be
voted in accordance with the instructions you have given in your proxy card.
You may, of course, attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person even if you
have previously returned your proxy card.
Sincerely,
Joseph A. Huseonica
President and Chief Operating Officer
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IMPORTANT
A proxy card is enclosed herewith. All shareholders are urged to complete and
mail the proxy card promptly. The enclosed envelope for return of the proxy
card requires no postage. Any shareholder attending the annual meeting may
personally vote on all matters that are considered, in which event the signed
proxy will be revoked.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR STOCK BE VOTED
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ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 12, 1996
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual
Meeting") of Acres Gaming Incorporated, a Nevada corporation (the "Company"),
will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 1996, at 3:00 p.m. local time, at the
Company's offices at 7220 Bermuda Road, Las Vegas, Nevada, for the following
purposes:
1. To elect one director to the Company's Board of Directors.
2. To amend the Company's Articles of Incorporation to authorize a class
of Preferred Stock to be designated by the Board of Directors.
3. To ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent
auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1997.
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on October 18, 1996
will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any
adjournment thereof.
ALL SHAREHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE,
SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE IN
THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PREPAID ENVELOPE IN ORDER THAT THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM MAY
BE ASSURED. THE GIVING OF SUCH PROXY DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO REVOKE IT
LATER OR VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON IN THE EVENT THAT YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE
ANNUAL MEETING.
By Order of the Board of Directors
John F. Acres, Chief Executive Officer
and Secretary
Corvallis, Oregon
October 31, 1996
ACRES GAMING INCORPORATED
815 N.W. Ninth Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1996
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
GENERAL
This Proxy Statement is furnished by the Board of Directors of Acres Gaming
Incorporated, a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors for use at the Company's
Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") to be held at 3 p.m. local
time, on Tuesday, November 12, 1996, at the Company's office, 7720 Bermuda Road,
Las Vegas, Nevada.
This Proxy Statement and the enclosed form of proxy are being mailed to
shareholders on or about October 31, 1996.
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
Only holders of record of the Company's Common Stock at the close of
business on October 18, 1996, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Annual Meeting. On that date, 7,982,524 shares of the Company's Common Stock
were outstanding (the "Outstanding Shares").
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The cost of preparing, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement and the
proxy solicited hereby has been or will be borne by the Company. In addition to
the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by directors, officers and other
employees of the Company, without additional remuneration, in person or by
telephone or facsimile transmission. The Company will also request brokerage
firms, bank nominees, custodians, and fiduciaries to forward proxy materials to
the beneficial owners of the Common Stock as of the record date and will provide
reimbursement for the cost of forwarding the proxy materials in accordance with
customary practice. Your cooperation in promptly completing, signing, dating
and returning the enclosed proxy card will help avoid additional expense.
QUORUM AND VOTING
Each Outstanding Share entitles the holder thereof to one vote upon each
matter to be presented at the Annual Meeting. A quorum, consisting of a
majority of the Outstanding Shares, must be present in person or by proxy for
the transaction of business. If a quorum is present:
(i) a nominee for election to the Board of Directors will be elected
by a plurality of the votes cast by holders of Outstanding Shares;
(ii) the Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation to authorize a
Class of Preferred Stock will be approved if it receives the affirmative vote
of a majority of the Outstanding Shares; and
(iii) the appointment of Arthur Andersen, L.L.P, will be ratified if
the proposal receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the Outstanding
Shares represented at the meeting.
Abstentions and other non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether
a quorum exists at the Annual Meeting, but have no effect on
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the determination of whether a plurality exists with respect to a given nominee.
An abstention or other non-vote has the effect of a vote against a proposal
Proxies and ballots will be received and tabulated by Norwest Bank Minnesota,
N.A., the Company's transfer agent.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Any proxy delivered pursuant to this solicitation is revocable at the
option of the person giving it at any time before it is exercised. A proxy
may be revoked prior to its exercise by delivering to the Company's Secretary
a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy card bearing a later
date, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at
the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of a
proxy.
Each proxy returned to the Company will be voted in accordance with the
instructions indicated thereon. If no instructions are indicated, the shares
will be voted "FOR" (i) election of the nominee for the Board of Directors
named in this Proxy Statement; (ii) amendment of the Company's Articles of
Incorporation to authorize a class of Preferred Stock; and (iii) ratification
of the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent auditors for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1997. While the Board of Directors knows of no
other matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment
thereof, all proxies returned to the Company will be voted on any such matter
in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holders.
PROPOSAL NO. 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTOR
ELECTION OF DIRECTOR
The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of
its Board of Directors. The Company's Bylaws provide that the Board of
Directors shall consist of not less than one nor more than 15 members. The
Board of Directors currently consists of one member, John F. Acres. Members of
the Board of Directors are elected for a term of one year or until their
successors are elected.
The Board of Directors has nominated Mr. Acres to serve as the sole
director of the Company. Unless authority is withheld, all proxies received in
response to this solicitation will be voted for the election of Mr. Acres. If
Mr. Acres becomes unable to serve prior to the Annual Meeting, the proxies
received in response to this solicitation will be voted for a replacement
nominee selected in accordance with the best judgment of the proxy holders named
therein.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIRECTOR NOMINEE
DIRECTOR
NAME POSITIONS WITH THE COMPANY AGE SINCE
- ---- -------------------------- --- ---------
John F. Acres Chief Executive Officer, 42 1985
Secretary and Director
JOHN F. ACRES, the founder of the Company, has served as Chief Executive
Officer, Secretary and a director of the Company since its inception in 1985.
Mr. Acres served as President of the Company from January 1985 to January 1996.
Mr. Acres has been involved in the gaming industry since 1972, and has designed
slot data collection systems, player tracking systems, and equipment for
progressive jackpot systems that are widely used in the industry.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEE.
BOARD COMMITTEES, ACTIONS AND COMPENSATION
The Board of Directors does not have a standing Audit Committee,
Compensation Committee or Nominating Committee. During the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1996, the Board of Directors took action by written
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resolutions rather than at meetings. There were ____ sets of written
resolutions filed in the Company's Minute Book in fiscal 1996.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following discussion sets forth information about the executive
officers of the Company who are not directors.
NAME POSITIONS WITH THE COMPANY AGE OFFICER SINCE
- ---- -------------------------- --- -------------
Joseph A. Huseonica President and Chief Operating 52 1996
Officer
Robert W. Brown Chief Financial Officer and 41 1993
Treasurer
JOSEPH A. HUSEONICA joined the Company in January 1996 as President and
Chief Operating Officer. From July 1994 to December 1995, Mr. Huseonica served
as Chief Operating Officer for Centric Corporation, a Portland, Oregon marketing
services company. From August 1993 to July 1994, Mr. Huseonica was a consultant
to various companies. From October 1991 to August 1993, Mr. Huseonica was Vice
President, Marketing & Sales for Radisys Corporation, a manufacturer of embedded
computer systems based in Beaverton, Oregon. For more than 10 years prior to
1991, Mr. Huseonica held various senior management positions at Intel
Corporation, including General Manager of its OEM platforms operations.
ROBERT W. BROWN joined the Company in July 1993 as Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer. From June 1991 through May 1993, Mr. Brown was the Chief
Financial Officer of Color & Design Exhibits, Inc., a manufacturer of
interpretive and trade show exhibits in Portland, Oregon. From September 1983
through May 1991, Mr. Brown held financial management positions with Floating
Point Systems, Inc., a Beaverton, Oregon manufacturer of mini-supercomputers,
and served as its Corporate Controller from November 1989 through May 1991.
Prior to 1983, Mr. Brown was employed by Arthur Andersen LLP for more than six
years. Mr. Brown is a Certified Public Accountant.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION SUMMARY
The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation
paid to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and each officer who was paid
compensation in excess of $100,00 in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 (the
"Named Executive Officers") for each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 1996,
1995 and 1994.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
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NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS
- --------------------------- ------ -------- -------
John F. Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996 $180,000 --
Chief Executive Officer and Secretary 1995 $180,000 --
1994 $180,000 --
Robert W. Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996 $100,000 --
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 1995 $ 95,000 --
1994 $ 80,000 --
Joseph A. Huseonica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996 $ 87,500 25,000
Chief Operating Officer and President 1995 -- --
1994 -- --
The following table sets forth certain information regarding options
granted during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, to the Named Executive
Officers.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
Individual Grants
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Potential Realizable Value at
Percent of Assumed Annual Rates of
Number of Total Options Stock Price Appreciation for
Securities Granted to Exercise Option Term(5)
Underlying Employees in Price Expiration ------------------------------
Name Options Fiscal Year ($/Share) Date(1) 5% 10%
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John F. Acres.................. 160,000(1) % $3.50 2/1/2006 $912,000 $1,451,200
Robert W. Brown................ 15,000(2) % $4.82 4/1/2006 $117,750 $187,500
25,000(3) % $5.50 4/9/2006 $224,000 $356,750
Joseph Huseonica............... 160,000(4) % $3.75 1/23/2006 $977,600 $1,556,800
(1) One-sixth of the options vest six months from the date of grant, with
an additional one-sixth vesting semi-annually thereafter until all
options are vested. The options expire ten years from the date of
grant.
(2) One-third of the options vest two years from the date of grant, another
one-third vest three years from date of grant and options become fully
exercisable four years from the date of grant. The options expire
ten years from the date of grant.
(3) One-half of the options vest six months from the date of grant with
the remainder vesting one-year from the date of grant. The options
expire ten years from the date of grant.
(4) With respect to 100,000 options, 13,325 options vest approximately
six months from the date of grant, with an additional 13,325 options
vesting semi-annually thereafter for a period of two and one-half
years and a final 20,050 options vesting approximately three years
from the date of grant. With respect to 60,000 options, one-sixth
vest approximately six months from the date of grant, with an
additional one-sixth vesting semi-annually thereafter until all
options are vested. The options expire ten years from the date of
grant.
(5) Future value of current year grants assuming appreciation of 5% and
10% per year over the ten-year option period. The actual value
realized may be greater than or less than the potential realizable
values set forth in the table.
This following table sets forth the gain realized by the Named Executive
Officers through option exercises, as well as the value of unexercised
in-the-money options.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Year-End Option Values
Number of Securities
Underlying Value of Unexercised
Unexercised Options In-The-Money Options
at FY-End (#) at FY-End ($)
Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name Unexercisable Unexercisable(1)
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John F. Acres 0/160,000 $0/$940,000
Robert W. Brown 60,000/40,000 $382,500/$165,200
Joseph A. Huseonica 23,325/136,675 $131,203/$768,797
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(1) The per share fair market value for the Company's Common Stock was $9.375
at June 30, 1996.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
The Company maintains a profit sharing and savings plan (the "401(k) Plan")
under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), which allows employees to contribute up to 15 % of their pre-tax income
to the 401(k) Plan. The 401(k) Plan includes a discretionary matching
contribution by the Company and provides that the Company may make an additional
discretionary contribution out of profits at the end of any year. The Company
has not made any discretionary matching contributions nor any additional
discretionary contributions under the 401(k) Plan.
STOCK OPTIONS
The Acres Gaming Incorporated 1993 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the
"1993 Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company and
approved by the stockholders in 1993. The 1993 Plan permits the granting of
awards to employees and consultants of the Company in the form of stock
options and grants of restricted stock. Stock options granted under the 1993
Plan may be "incentive stock options" meeting the requirement of Section 422
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code) or non-qualified
options which do not meet the requirements of Section 422. A total of
1,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock has been reserved for issuance
pursuant to awards granted under the 1993 Plan. As of October 18, 1996, an
aggregate of [328,300] shares were subject to outstanding stock options and
[______] shares were available for grant. The exercise prices for currently
outstanding stock options range from [$3.00 to $10.00] per share. Options
for [______] shares have been exercised under the 1993 Plan. No grants of
restricted stock have been made under the 1993 Plan.
The 1993 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors of the Company, or
by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors. The 1993 Plan gives broad
powers to the Committee to administer and interpret the 1993 Plan, including the
authority to select the individuals to be granted options and to prescribe the
particular form and conditions of each option granted. Options may be granted
pursuant to the 1993 Plan through July 2003. The 1993 Plan may be terminated
earlier by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
The Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. Joseph A.
Huseonica on January 2, 1996 (the "Employment Agreement"). The term of the
Employment Agreement will expire on December 13, 1998, subject however to
prior termination by the Company without cause upon 180 days written notice
to Mr. Huseonica. The Employment Agreement provides for a base salary of
$175,000 per year. In the event that Mr. Huseonica's employment is
terminated, Mr. Huseonica shall be entitled to receive his base salary and a
pro-rated portion of any bonuses due under the Employment Agreement for its
remaining term. The Employment Agreement contains a non-compete agreement
pursuant to which, following termination of employment, he will not, directly
or indirectly, be connected in any manner with any business that competes
with the Company, or divert any customer of the Company or induce any
amployee or consultant of the Company to terminate his or her relationship
with the Company.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Company has no compensation committee. During the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1996, the Company's sole Director, John F. Acres, determined executive
officer compensation.
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The underlying objectives of the Company's compensation strategy are to
attract and retain the best possible executive talent, to motivate those
executives to achieve optimum operating performance for the Company, to link
executive and stockholder interests through equity-based plans and to provide a
compensation package that recognizes individual contributions as well as overall
business results. There are three components to the Company's executive
compensation: base salary, long-term incentives in the form of stock options,
and incentive (bonus) payments.
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BASE SALARY. Base salary for each executive officer, other than the
President and Chief Operating Officer, was subjectively determined by an
assessment of his or her sustained performance, advancement potential,
experience, responsibility, scope and complexity of the position, and current
salary in relation to salary levels for comparable positions in the industry,
based on the Company's general awareness of such salary levels. Mr.
Huseonica's base salary for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996 was based on
his employment agreement entered into in January 1996. In addition, the
Chief Executive Officer's base salary takes into consideration his
technological ability and a recognition of his position as a key innovator in
the industry.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVES. Stock options have been granted to the Chief
Executive Officer and other executive officers to encourage management of the
Company from the perspective of an owner with an equity interest in the
Company. Vesting is used to encourage key employees to continue in the
employ of the Company. For 1996, John Acres was granted options to acquire
160,000 shares and Mr. Brown was granted options to acquire 40,000 in
recognition of their contributions to the Company's continued growth. In
addition, options to acquire 160,000 shares were granted to Mr. Huseonica in
connection with his joining the Company.
ANNUAL INCENTIVES. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Huseonica will
receive a performance bonus targeted at $50,000 per year upon successful
completion of certain objectives agreed upon by Mr. Huseonica and the Board
of Directors. Except for Mr. Huseonica, none of the Company's executive
officers were awarded bonuses for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996.
10/27/93 6/30/94 6/30/95 6/30/96
Acres Gaming $ 100.00 $ 55.00 $ 77.50 $ 93.75
Nasdaq US Stock Market $ 100.00 $ 91.46 $ 120.93 $ 153.52
Dow Jones Group CNO $ 100.00 $ 65.12 $ 109.06 $ 141.98
ACRES GAMING
Share price $ 10.000 $ 5.500 $ 7.750 $ 9.375
Assumed shares 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00
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Total investment $ 100.00 $ 55.00 $ 77.50 $ 93.75
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NASDAQ US STOCK MARKET
Share price $ 771.880 $ 705.960 $ 933.450 $ 1,185.020
Assumed shares 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13
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Total investment $ 100.00 $ 91.46 $ 120.93 $ 153.52
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DOW JONES GROUP CNO
Share price $ 1,409.490 $ 917.870 $ 1,537.210 $2,001.130
Assumed shares 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07
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Total investment $ 100.00 $ 65.12 $ 109.06 $ 141.98
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COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), requires that Company's officers, directors and persons who
own more than 10 percent of the Common Stock file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") initial reports of beneficial ownership on
Forms 3 and reports of changes in beneficial ownership of Common Stock and other
equity securities of the Company on Forms 4. Officers, directors and greater
than 10 percent shareholders of the Company are required by SEC regulations to
furnish to the Company copies of all Section 16(a) reports that they file. To
the Company's knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of such reports
furnished to the Company and written representation that no other reports are
required, during the 1996 fiscal year all Section 16(a) filing requirements
applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10 percent beneficial
owners were complied with by such persons.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial
ownership of shares of the Company's Common Stock by each director of the
Company, by each Named Executive Officer, by all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group, and by each stockholder who is known by
the Company to own more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock as of October
18, 1996.
NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED (1) OUTSTANDING (2)
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------
John F. Acres 2,801,152(3) 26.8%
--------- ----
Robert Brown 80,500(4) 1.0%
---------
Joseph A. Huseonica 23,325(5) *
---------
All directors and executive 2,904,977(6) 36.4%
officers as a group (3 persons) --------- ----
*Less than 1%.
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(1) Each person has sole voting and sole dispositive power with respect to all
outstanding shares, except as noted.
(2) Based on 7,982,524 shares outstanding at October 18, 1996.
(3) Includes 2,574,186 shares held by a revocable trust established by Mr.
Acres and his wife, with respect to which Mr. Acres has shared voting and
shared dispositive powers. Also includes 199,500 shares beneficially owned
by Mr. Acres' children who reside in his household, with respect to which
Mr. Acres has no voting or dispositive powers. Also includes 26,666 shares
subject to options exercisable within 60 days of October 18.
(4) Includes 72,500 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
October 18, 1996.
(5) Includes 23,325 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
October 18, 1996.
(6) Includes 123,491 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of
October 18, 1996.
PROPOSAL NO. 2 - APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT
TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Article IV of the Company's Articles of Incorporation currently
authorizes issuance of 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per
share. The Board of Directors has adopted a resolution to amend the
Articles of Incorporation to authorize a class of 20,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, to be issued from time to time in one or
more series, in any manner permitted by law, as determined from time to time
by the Board of Directors. The text of the Amendment to the Articles of
Incorporation (the "Amendment") is set forth as an Exhibit to this Proxy
Statement. The Board of Directors will have the authority to fix and
determine the rights and preferences of the shares of any series so
established, including dividends, conversion prices, voting rights,
redemption prices, maturity dates and similar matters without further action
by shareholders.
INTRODUCTION
Publicly held companies, such as the Company, typically have a capital
structure which includes Preferred Stock which may be issued from time to time
in order to respond to financing needs. The Board of Directors believe it is in
the Company's interest to have preferred stock available in order to respond to
changing capital markets and to be able to finance the Company appropriately.
In addition, the Company is seeking to amend its Articles of Incorporation to
authorize Preferred Stock in connection with a proposed strategic alliance with
International Game Technology ("IGT").
IGT STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
On August 8, 1996, the Company and IGT entered into a letter of intent to
form a strategic alliance. Under the proposed strategic alliance with IGT, the
Company plans to (i) create proprietary games, using IGT equipment as the
foundation, to be installed under leasing or revenue sharing agreements in
casinos; (ii) sell its
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Concept III Bonusing Technology and player tracking components for use in IGT
Smart System-TM- player tracking/slot accounting installations; (iii) eventually
withdraw from part of the player tracking/slot accounting business; (iv) have
its displays and other game enhancements tools incorporated into IGT's slot
machines; and (v) develop promotions for use on IGT's Wide Area Network that
supports "Megabucks," "QuarterMania" and other progressive jackpot promotions.
PRELIMINARY TERMS OF SERIES A STOCK
In connection with the Strategic Alliance, the Company has agreed in
principle (subject to shareholder approval of the Amendment and agreement on
definition documentation) to issue 519,481 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to
IGT at a price of $9.625 per share and to grant to IGT the option, exercisable
until August 7, 1997 to purchase an additional 519,481 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock at $9.625 per share. The final terms of the Series A Preferred
Stock have not yet been determined, but the following is a description of what
the Company believes will be the significant features of the Series A Preferred
Stock ("Series A Stock"):
The Series A Stock will be entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends at
a rate per share equal to 3 percent of $9.625, the initial purchase price. Any
dividends declared and not paid in cash may be paid in additional shares of
Series A Stock or credits to purchase the Company's products. Holders of the
Series A Stock will have the option, upon notice to the Company, to convert
shares of Series A Stock into shares of Common Stock based upon the applicable
conversion rate in effect at the time of conversion. The initial conversion
rate will be one share of Common Stock for each share of Series A Stock. The
conversion rate is subject to certain adjustments for issuances of Common Stock
without consideration. The Series A Stock will be subject to redemption on or
after five years from the date of the initial issuance, at the option of the
holders of the Series A Stock or the Company.
Holders of the Series A Stock will be entitled as a class to elect one
director. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the Company, the holders of the Series A Stock will be entitled
to receive a liquidation preference of $9.625 per share plus any declared but
unpaid dividends prior to the distribution of any of the Company's assets to
holders of the Common Stock. Any assets remaining after the distribution to
holders of the Series A Stock will be distributed to holders of the Common
Stock. If no shares of Common Stock are outstanding at the time of
distribution, the assets remaining after payment of the liquidation preference
to the holders of Series A Stock will be divided ratably among the holders of
the Series A Stock.
Shares of the Series A Stock and shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the Series A Stock will be "restricted securities" under the
federal securities laws and may not be resold without registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless an exemption from registration is
available.
So long as shares of the Series A Stock are outstanding, the Company cannot
effect any sale, lease, assignment, transfer or other conveyance of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, or any consolidation or merger
in which the Company is not the surviving corporation or in which the holders of
the capital stock of the Company before the consolidation or merger own less
than 50 percent of the Company after the consolidation or merger, or any
reclassification or other change of any stock, or any recapitalization of the
Company, or any voluntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company,
without the approval of the holders of the Series A Stock.
The Company expects to grant to IGT certain rights to demand registration
of the Series A Stock which may be exercised on or after December 31, 1997.
Those rights would require the Company to register with the Securities and
Exchange Commission the shares of common stock issuable on conversion of the
Series A Stock. The Company will likely agree to pay all the expenses of one
such registration. The Company will agree to indemnify certain parties in
connection with such registration, including any underwriters.
-7-
As part of and conditions to the Strategic Alliance and issuance of the
Series A Stock, the Company and IGT are negotiating a Stock Purchase Agreement
which will contain customary representations, warranties, covenants and
conditions to closing.
Among the conditions to closing are that the Company enter into a five year
employment and noncompetition agreement with John Acres, the Company's Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer. Although the Company and Mr. Acres have been
discussing an employment agreement, no agreement has been reached.
Reaching agreement on certain details of the Strategic Alliance is also
expected to be a condition to closing of the Stock Purchase Agreement.
The Company is governed by the provisions of Chapter 78 of the Nevada
Revised Statutes, including without limitation, Sections 78.378 through 78.3793
and 78.411 through 78.444 of the Nevada corporation law. Section 78.379 provides
that an acquiring person shall obtain only such rights in acquired control
shares as are conferred by a resolution of the shareholders of a corporation.
Generally, this section applies to the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of
beneficial ownership of shares that would, when added to all other shares
beneficially owned by the acquiring person, enable the acquiring person to
exercise 20% or more of all the voting power of the corporation in the election
of directors. In general, Section 78.438 prohibits a resident domestic Nevada
corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested
stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in
which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business
combination is approved in a prescribed manner. "Business combination" includes
mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to
the interested stockholder. An "interested stockholder" is a person who is the
beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the corporation's
voting stock or who is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and at any
time within three years prior to the date in question was the beneficial owner,
directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the corporation's voting stock.
NEVADA GAMING REGULATION
The holders of any form of gaming license in Nevada are subject to: (i) the
Nevada Gaming Control Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder
(collectively, "Nevada Act"); and (ii) various local regulation. The Company's
gaming operations are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the
Nevada Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board ("Nevada Board"), the
Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board and any other local jurisdiction
within which the Company does business in Nevada. The Nevada Commission, the
Nevada Board and the local gaming regulatory authorities are collectively
referred to as the "Nevada Gaming Authorities."
The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming
Authorities are based upon declarations of public policy which are concerned
with, among other things: (i) the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons
from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any
capacity; (ii) the establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting
practices and procedures; (iii) the maintenance of effective controls over the
financial practices of licensees, including the establishment of minimum
procedures for internal fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and
revenues, providing reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic
reports with the Nevada Gaming Authorities; (iv) the prevention of cheating and
fraudulent practices; and (v) to provide a source of state and local revenues
though taxation and licensing fees. Change in such laws, regulations and
procedures could have an adverse effect on the Company's gaming operations.
The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a
material relationship to, or material involvement with, the Company or AGI in
order to determine whether such individual is suitable or should be licensed as
a business associate of a gaming licensee or Registered Corporation. Officers,
directors, shareholders and key employees of the Company who are actively and
directly involved in gaming activities of AGI are required to be licensed or
found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. Changes in licensed positions
must be reported to the Nevada Gaming Authorities and in addition to their
authority to deny an application for a finding of suitability or licensure, the
Nevada Gaming Authorities have jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a
corporate position.
-8-
Any beneficial holder of the Company's voting securities, regardless of the
number of shares owned, may be required to file an application, be investigated,
and have his suitability as a beneficial holder of the Company's voting
securities determined if the Nevada Commission has reason to believe that such
ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the
state of Nevada. The applicant must pay all costs of investigation incurred by
the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any such investigation.
The Nevada Act requires any person who individually, or in conjunction with
others, directly or indirectly acquires beneficial ownership of more than 5% of
the voting securities of the Company to report such acquisition to the Nevada
Commission within ten days following the required, or voluntary, reporting of
such acquisition with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Likewise,
the Nevada Act requires any person who individually, or in conjunction with
others, directly or indirectly acquires beneficial ownership of more than 10% of
the voting securities of the Company to report such acquisition to the Nevada
Commission in the same manner, and further, to apply to the Nevada Commission
for a finding of suitability to be associated with the Company within thirty
days after the chairman of the Nevada Board mails a written notice to such
person(s) requiring such filing. Under certain circumstances, an "institutional
investor," as defined in the Nevada Act, which acquires more than 10%, but not
more than 15%, of the voting securities of the Company may apply to the Nevada
Commission for a waiver of such finding of suitability if such institutional
investor holds the voting securities for investment purposes only. An
institutional investor shall not be deemed to hold voting securities for
investment purposes unless the voting securities were acquired and are held in
the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor and not for the
purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the election of a majority of the
members of the board of directors of the Company, any change in the Company's
corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies or operations of the Company, or
any of its gaming affiliates, including, but not limited to, AGI, or any other
action which the Nevada Commission finds to be inconsistent with holding the
voting securities of the Company for investment purposes only. Activities which
are not deemed to be inconsistent with holding voting securities for investment
purposes only include: (i) voting on all matters voted on by stockholders; (ii)
making financial and other inquiries of management of the type normally made by
securities analysts for informational purposes and not to cause a change in its
management, policies or operations; and (iii) such other activities as the
Nevada Commission may determine to be consistent with such investment intent. If
the beneficial holder of voting securities who must be found suitable is a
corporation, partnership or trust, it must submit detailed business and
financial information including a list of beneficial owners. The applicant is
required to pay all costs of investigation.
Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a
license within thirty days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Commission
or the Chairman of the Nevada Board, may be found unsuitable. The same
restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request, fails
to identify the beneficial owner. Any stockholder found unsuitable and who
holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the common stock of a
Registered Corporation beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by the
Nevada Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. The Company is subject
to disciplinary action if, after it receives notice that a person is unsuitable
to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with the Company or AGI,
the Company (i) pays that person any dividend or interest upon voting securities
of the Company, (ii) allows that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any
voting right conferred through securities held by that person, (iii) pays
remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or otherwise, or
(iv) fails to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable person to
relinquish his voting securities for cash at fair market value. Additionally,
at least one local gaming regulatory authority, the Clark County Liquor and
Gaming Licensing Board, has taken the position that it has the authority to
approve all persons owning or controlling the stock of any corporation
controlling a Slot Route Operator's license, in this case the Company.
The Company is required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada which
may be examined by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time. If any securities
are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required
to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada Gaming
Authorities. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the
record holder unsuitable. The Company is also required to render maximum
assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner. The Nevada
Commission has the power to require the Company's stock certificates to bear a
legend indicating that the
-9-
securities are subject to the Nevada Act. However, to date, the Nevada
Commission has not imposed such a requirement on the Company.
The Company may not make a public offering of its securities without the
prior approval of the Nevada Commission if the securities or the proceeds
therefrom are intended to be used to construct, acquire or finance gaming
operations in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for such
purposes. Such approval, if given, does not constitute a finding,
recommendation or approval by the Nevada Commission or the Nevada Board as to
the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus or the investment merits of the
securities. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.
Changes in control of the Company through merger, consolidation, stock or
asset acquisitions, management or consulting agreements, or any act or conduct
by a person whereby he obtains control, may not occur without the prior approval
of the Nevada Commission. Entities seeking to acquire control of a Registered
Corporation must satisfy the Nevada Board and Nevada Commission in a variety of
stringent standards prior to assuming control of such Registered Corporation.
The Nevada Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers,
directors and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with
the entity proposing to acquire control, to be investigated and licensed as part
of the approval process relating to the transaction.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO
THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.
PROPOSAL NO. 3 - RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors will request that the shareholders ratify the
appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent auditors to examine the
financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1997.
The firm of Arthur Andersen LLP has served as the Company's auditors since 1993.
A representative of Arthur Andersen LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting,
will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so, and
will be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY.
PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Any shareholder wishing to have a proposal considered for inclusion in the
proxy materials for the Company's 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must set
forth such proposal in writing and file it with the Secretary of the Company no
later than July 1, 1997.
OTHER BUSINESS
At the date of this Proxy Statement, management knows of no other business
that may properly come before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters
properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed form of
proxy will vote the proxies received in response to this solicitation in
accordance with their best judgment on such matters.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The financial information required by Item 13 of Schedule 14A is hereby
incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended June 30, 1996.
-10-
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Company's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders, including, but not
limited to, the balance sheets as of June 30, 1996 and 1995 and the related
statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the
fiscal years then ended and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 accompany these materials. Additional copies of
these reports may be obtained from the Company without charge upon written
request to the Company. Requests should be directed to the Chief Financial
Officer, Acres Gaming Incorporated, 815 NW Ninth Street, Corvallis, Oregon
97330.
By Order of the Board of Directors
--------------------------------------------
John F. Acres, Chief Executive Officer
and Secretary
October 28, 1996
PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 12, 1996
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Joseph A. Huseonica and John F. Acres, and
each of them, as Proxies, with full power of substitution, and hereby authorizes
them to represent and to vote, as designed below, all the shares of Common Stock
of Acres Gaming Incorporated held of record by the undersigned on October 18,
1996, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on November 12, 1996.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTOR. Election of the following nominee to serve as
director for a one-year term or until his successor is duly elected.
JOHN F. ACRES
/ / FOR nominee / / WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for nominee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION. Amend the
Company's Articles of Incorporation to authorize a class of Preferred Stock to
be designated by the Board of Directors.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITIONS FOR 1996. Ratify the selection
of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1996.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting. This proxy, when properly
executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned. IF NO
DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR ALL NOMINEES" IN ITEM 1 AND
"FOR" ITEMS 2 AND 3.
Please sign below exactly as your name
appears on your stock certificate. When
shares are held jointly, each person
should sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as
such. An authorized person should sign
on behalf of corporations, partnerships
and associations and give his or her
title.
Dated: , 1996
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Signature
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Signature if held jointly
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PROMPT RETURN OF THIS PROXY CARD WILL HELP
SAVE THE EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION EFFORTS