SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Rule 14A-6(a)(2))
[_] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc.
9101 Jameel Road
Houston, Texas 77040
Notice Of Annual Meeting Of Shareholders
To the Shareholders:
The annual meeting of shareholders of Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc. (the
"Company"), will be held at 3:00 P.M., local time, on June 6, 2000, at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 12801 Northwest Freeway, Houston, Texas, for the following
purpose:
1. To elect seven directors to serve one-year terms ending in the year
2001;
2. To amend the 1995 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares
of common stock available for Plan purposes by 1,100,000;
3. To approve the conversion of 221,127 shares of the Company's Series A
Preferred Stock to 2,211,270 shares of the Company's common stock;
and
4. To transact any other business that may properly be discussed at the
meeting or at any subsequent meeting if the annual meeting has to be
postponed or adjourned.
You may vote if you are a shareholder of record on April 20, 2000. A list
of stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting will be available for
inspection by shareholders of record during business hours at the principal
offices of the Company during the ten day period prior to the annual meeting and
will also be available at the annual meeting.
Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote to adopt the
above proposals, which are described in detail in the accompanying Proxy
Statement.
It is important your shares be represented and voted at the annual meeting.
The management of the Company hopes that you will be able to attend the annual
meeting in person. If you are unable to attend, please vote by marking,
signing, dating and promptly returning the enclosed proxy in the enclosed reply
envelope. If your shares are held in "street name" by your broker or other
nominee, only that holder can vote your shares. You should follow the
directions provided by them regarding how to instruct them to vote your shares.
By Order Of the Board of Directors:
April __, 2000 Jana B. Mitcham
Secretary
Questions And Answers About The Proposals
Q: Why is the Company now known as Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc.?
A: In March 2000 Nutrition For Life International, Inc. was reorganized into a
holding company structure in which Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc. became the
holding company. As a result of the reorganization, persons who held stock
in Nutrition For Life International, Inc. now hold stock in Advanced
Nutraceuticals, Inc., and Nutrition For Life International, Inc. is now
operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc.
Q: Why is the Board proposing the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock to
common stock?
A: In November and December 1999, we completed the acquisitions of three
companies and diversified our operations to include the manufacture of
nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals. We issued preferred stock to
the former shareholders of the three companies we acquired and agreed to
recommend to our shareholders that the preferred stock be converted to
common stock.
Q: Why is the Board proposing to amend the 1995 Stock Option Plan?
A: As a result of the acquisitions, we currently employ 280 persons, which is
an increase of approximately 58.2%. The amendment will increase the number
of shares available for Plan purposes by 1,100,000. This increase is
necessary to continue to promote our interests and the interest of our
shareholders by:
* Attracting and retaining key employees;
* Providing participants a significant stake in our performance;
* Providing an opportunity for participants to increase their holdings of
our common stock.
Q: How do I vote?
A: After carefully reading and considering the information in this proxy
statement, please mark, sign and date your proxy card. Then mail your signed
proxy card in the enclosed return envelope as soon as possible so that your
shares may be represented at the annual meeting. Your proxy card will
instruct the persons named on the card to vote your shares at the annual
meeting as you direct on the card. The Board recommends that you vote for
the Board nominees and for other proposals. If you do not vote or you
abstain, the effect will be a vote against the proposal. You may also vote
by attending the meeting in person.
Q: If my shares are held in "street name" by my broker, will my broker vote my
shares for me?
A: Your broker will vote your shares based on your instructions on how to vote.
You should follow the directions provided by your broker to vote your
shares.
Q: May I change my vote?
A: If you are a shareholder of record, you may change your vote at any time
before your proxy is voted at the annual meeting by:
* Sending us a proxy card dated later than your last vote;
* Notifying the secretary of the Company in writing; or
* Voting at the meeting.
If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares you must follow
directions received from your broker to change your vote.
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Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc.
9101 Jameel Road
Houston, Texas 77040
Proxy Statement
Table of Contents
Questions And Answers About The Proposals.................................................
General Information for Shareholders......................................................
Proposal 1: Election Of Directors.........................................................
Vote Required.............................................................................
Information About the Nominees to the Board of Directors..................................
Committees of the Board of Directors......................................................
Officers..................................................................................
Directors Meetings and Compensation.......................................................
Compensation Committee Report.............................................................
Compensation of Directors.................................................................
Proposal 2: Approval of Amended 1995 Stock Option Plan....................................
Proposal 3: Approval of Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock to Common Stock...........
Security Ownership........................................................................
Independent Public Accountants............................................................
Stockholder Proposals for the Next Annual Meeting.........................................
Where You Can Find More Information.......................................................
Other Matters.............................................................................
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General Information For Shareholders
We are mailing this proxy statement to you, on or about April ___, 2000.
Together with this document, we are also sending to you a notice of the annual
meeting and a form of proxy that our Board is soliciting for use at the annual
meeting. The annual meeting of shareholders will be held on June 6, 2000 at
3:00 p.m., local time. Your vote is very important.
Who Can Vote
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Record holders of the common stock on April 20, 2000 may vote at the annual
meeting. On the record date, there were 5,808,595 shares of common stock
outstanding.
How To Vote
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You are entitled to cast one vote for each share of common stock you own on
the record date. Shares represented by a proxy marked "abstain" on any matter
will be considered present at the annual meeting for purposes of determining a
quorum and for purposes of calculating the vote, but will not be considered to
have voted in favor of the proposal. Therefore, any proxy marked "abstain" will
have the effect of a vote against the matter.
The shares represented by a proxy as to which there is a "broker non-vote"
(for example, where a broker does not have discretionary authority to vote the
shares), or a proxy in which authority to vote for any matter considered is
withheld, will be considered present at the annual meeting for purposes of
determining a quorum, but will have no effect on the vote.
All shares that have been properly voted and not revoked will be voted at
the annual meeting in accordance with your instructions. If you sign your
proxy, but do not give voting instructions, the shares represented by that proxy
will be voted as recommended by our Board.
If any other matters are properly presented at the annual meeting for
consideration, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will have the discretion
to vote on those matters for you. At the date this proxy statement went to
press, we do not know of any other matter to be raised at the annual meeting.
Vote Required
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The vote required for each proposal is set forth in the discussion of each
proposal under the caption entitled, "Vote Required."
Costs Of Solicitation
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We will pay for preparing, printing and mailing this proxy statement. Our
regular employees or other representatives without additional compensation by us
may solicit proxies personally or by telephone. We will reimburse banks,
brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their costs of
sending the proxy materials to beneficial owners.
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Proposal 1: Election of Directors
The current members of the Board of Directors are F. Wayne Ballenger, David
P. Bertrand, M. F. Florence, Jana B. Mitcham and Gregory Pusey. Each of the
current directors has been nominated for election to the Board of Directors to
serve for a term of one year until the next annual meeting of shareholders or
until his successor is elected and qualified. In addition, Pailla M. Reddy and
Neil S. Sirkin have been nominated. If any nominee is unable to serve as a
director at the time of the annual meeting, your proxy will be voted for the
election of another person the Board may nominate in his or her place, unless
you indicate otherwise.
Vote Required
The seven candidates having the highest number of votes cast in favor of
their election will be elected to the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote for the election of these nominees
for election as directors.
Information About The Nominees To The Board Of Directors
Please review the following information about the nominees for election to
the Board of Directors.
F. Wayne Ballenger, age 53, has served as President of First Commercial
Capital since 1995. He has also served as President of Puncture Guard LLC since
December 1994. From March 1992 to December 1994, he served as director of sales
and marketing for Petrolon, Inc., a multi-level marketing organization.
Immediately prior thereto, he served as a vice president of Southwest Bank of
Texas with commercial lending responsibilities. Mr. Ballenger received a B.B.A.
degree from the University of the South in 1968. Mr. Ballenger became a
director of the Company in November 1995.
David P. Bertrand, age 56, has served as president, chief executive officer
and a director of the Company and its predecessors since 1984. Mr. Bertrand
received a B.S. degree in education in 1966 and a Master of Education degree in
administration and supervision in 1969, both from McNeese State University in
Lake Charles, Louisiana. Mr. Bertrand is the brother-in-law of Jana B. Mitcham.
M. F. Florence, age 63, has served as President of Sherfam Inc. since 1989.
Sherfam Inc. is a holding company, principally of pharmaceutical companies and
is the parent of Shermfin Corp., which is a principal shareholder of the
Company. From 1958 to 1989, Mr. Florence was associated with the firm of Wm.
Eisenberg & Co., a firm of chartered accountants in Canada. He served as a
partner of the firm from 1964 to 1989. Mr. Florence received a Bachelor of
Commerce degree from the University of Toronto. He is the recipient of a
Chartered Accountant degree from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Ontario. Mr. Florence is President of Citadel Gold Mines, Inc. Mr. Florence is
also a Director of Barr Laboratories, Inc., a publicly held corporation whose
common shares are listed on the American Stock Exchange. Mr. Florence has
served as a director of the Company since 1994.
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Jana B. Mitcham, age 52, has served as Executive Vice President, Secretary
and Director of the Company and its predecessors since 1984. Ms. Mitcham
received a B.A. degree in 1974 in special education from McNeese State
University and undertook graduate work in special education at the Korean
Extension of the University of Maryland. Ms. Mitcham is a Fellow with Boston
Bio-Science Research Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors of the
Multi-Level Marketing International Association. Ms. Mitcham is the sister-in-
law of David P. Bertrand.
Gregory Pusey, age 47, has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of
the Company since November 1999. Mr. Pusey served as an officer and director of
the company formerly known as Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc. ("Old ANI") since
December 1997. Old ANI was acquired by the Company in November 1999. He has
served both as President of Livingston Capital, Ltd. and President of the
general partner of Graystone Capital, Ltd., venture capital firms, since 1987.
From 1986 to 1994 , he served as a consultant to the Company and from 1994 to
1998, he served as a director and consultant to the Company. Since 1988, Mr.
Pusey has been the President and a director of Cambridge Holdings, Ltd., a
publicly held real estate development firm. Mr. Pusey graduated summa cum laude
from Boston College with a B.S. degree in finance in 1974.
Pailla M. Reddy, age 40, is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer and President of Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc. Bactolac
was acquired by the Company in November 1999. Dr. Reddy founded Bactolac and
has served as an officer and director of Bactolac, since 1995. From 1991 to
1995, he was production manager for Max Pharmaceutical, Inc. From 1983 to 1991,
Dr. Reddy held various positions with Wellcome Pharmaceuticals Ltd., including
research chemist and production manager. Dr. Reddy received a B.Sc. degree in
chemistry from Osmania University in India, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in
organic chemistry from Kanpur University in India.
Neil S. Sirkin, age 36, is currently the President of the Ash division of
Bactolac. Ash was acquired by the Company in December 1999. Mr. Sirkin was co-
founder of Ash and served as an officer and director of Ash since 1996. He
previously performed a variety of consulting and special project activities
while affiliated with Sirkin Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Sirkin attended the
University of Miami.
Officers
The Board has elected the following executive officers. It is expected
that the Board will elect officers annually following each annual meeting of
Shareholders. Information is provided below regarding the names and ages of all
executive officers of Nutrition For Life who are not directors of Nutrition For
Life, their position with Nutrition For Life and the period they have served as
executive officers of Nutrition For Life.
John R. Brown, Jr., age 62, became Vice President-Finance of the Company in
September 1996, and had previously served the Company on a part-time basis
commencing in December 1995. From April, 1989, until he joined the Company, Mr.
Brown was a management consultant performing merger and acquisition services,
systems analyses, financial reporting assistance, and other services for both
publicly and privately held companies. From June, 1987 to March, 1989 he
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was Vice President-Finance & Administration for Environmental Protective
Industries, Inc., an environmental services organization. Mr. Brown is a
Certified Public Accountant and has over 20 years experience in public
accounting with both national and local firms. He received a B.S. degree in
mechanical engineering from Stanford University and an M.B.A. degree from the
University of Texas at Austin.
Barry C. Loder, age 41, became Vice President of Corporate Development of
the Company in November 1999. Mr. Loder served as an officer and director of
Old ANI from September 1997 to November 1999. In January 1998, he served as
President of BCL Partners, Inc., a firm specializing in mergers and
acquisitions. From March 1995 to January 1998, Mr. Loder served as Chief
Financial Officer and later also as Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
From October 1993 through March 1995, Mr. Loder was a financial consultant,
performing corporate finance, merger and acquisition and other financing
activities. Mr. Loder was the Manager of Mergers and Acquisitions for Allwaste,
Inc. from 1992 to 1994. Mr. Loder was co-founder of Republic Waste Industries
and served as Senior Vice President of Finance during 1990 and 1991. Mr. Loder
has a Masters Degree in business administration from Houston Baptist University,
a B.A. in accounting from Walsh University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Jeffrey G. McGonegal, age 49, became Senior Vice President - Finance of the
Company in February 2000. Since 1997, Mr. McGonegal has served as Managing
Director of McGonegal and Co., a company engaged in providing accounting and
business consulting services. Mr. McGonegal served as a consultant to the
Company in connection with the recent acquisitions. From 1974 to 1997, Mr.
McGonegal was an accountant with BDO Seidman LLP. While at BDO Seidman LLP, Mr.
McGonegal served as managing partner of the Denver, Colorado office. Mr.
McGonegal is a member of the board of directors of The Rockies Venture Club,
Inc. and Colorado Venture Centers, Inc. He received a B.A. degree in accounting
from Florida State University.
David O. Rodrigue, age 52, became Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company in January, 1998. From 1993 until he joined the Company,
Mr. Rodrigue served as Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer of
Positron Corporation, a publicly held company engaged in medical imaging. From
1989 to 1993, he functioned as a consultative chief financial officer to several
privately held companies. Mr. Rodrigue is a Certified Public Accountant and was
previously employed by Coopers & Lybrand. He received B.S. and M.B.A. degrees
from Louisiana State University.
Relevant Business Relationships And Related Transactions
In March 1995, we entered into an agreement with Shermfin Corp. regarding
conversion to common stock of debt owned by us to Shermfin Corp. We agreed
with Shermfin Corp. that, for so long as Shermfin Corp. owns 10% or more of our
outstanding common stock, Shermfin Corp. would be entitled to designate one
person to serve as a member of our Board of Directors. Shermfin Corp.
designated M. F. Florence to serve on the Board.
NION Laboratories, which was a subsidiary of Shermfin Corp. until June
1995, was a key supplier to us of nutritional supplements and other consumer-
related products. We purchased from NION approximately $494,000, $4,190,000 and
$5,234,000 of goods during the fiscal years ended
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September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Richard S. Kashenberg, a
director of the Company until October 1999, served as the chief executive
officer of NION until December 31, 1996 and as a consultant to NION through
October 31, 1997. We believe that the terms we obtained from NION were at least
as favorable as could have been obtained from third parties.
During 1998 and 1999, respectively, we purchased approximately 41,000 and
32,000 copies of a book, "Making A Difference While You're Making A Living",
written by our President, David P. Bertrand, and his son, J. Mark Bertrand, who
is also an employee of the Company, at a cost to us of $5.00 per book. New
Paradigm Publishing, a company established by J. Mark Bertrand, published the
book and subsequently sold it to us. We sold approximately 10,000 and 3,000
copies of the book during 1999 and 1998, respectively, at an average selling
price of approximately $10.95 per copy. The book has been placed in our product
catalog at per copy prices ranging from $8.95 to $12.95, based upon quantity
ordered, and in 1999, approximately 35,000 of the books were part of the
materials provided to new distributors in our starter kits. Additionally, in
1998 approximately 19,000 copies of the book were shipped to distributors as
part of our Business Training Systems for that month. New Paradigm Publishing
has agreed to accept return of any books ordered, but not sold by us and to
refund to us the $5.00 per book purchase price for any copies returned to it by
us. The Board unanimously approved the purchase of these books. As of
September 30, 1999 and 1998, no amounts were owed by us to New Paradigm
Publishing.
Board of Directors Meetings and Committees
Our Board held nine meetings in person or by consent during the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1999. None of the incumbent directors attended fewer than
75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the
Committees on which they served that were held during the period that they
served.
The Board has two standing committees, the audit committee and the
compensation committee. M.F. Florence and F. Wayne Ballenger serve as the two
members of the audit committee. During the fiscal year ended September 30,
1999, the audit committee held three meetings. The primary functions of the
audit committee are to review the scope and results of audits by our independent
auditors, internal accounting controls, non-audit services performed by the
independent accountants and the cost of accounting services. F. Wayne
Ballenger, M.F. Florence and Richard S. Kashenberg served as the three members
of the compensation committee. Mr. Kashenberg resigned as a director in October
1999. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, the compensation
committee held two meetings. The compensation committee reviews stock option
and other compensation policies and programs.
Compliance With Section 16(a) Reporting Requirements
Based solely on our review of copies of Section 16(a) reports filed by
officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, which have been received by us and written representations
from these persons that no other reports were required for those persons, we
believe that all filing requirements applicable to those persons were complied
with for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, except that each person who
was an officer or director
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during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999 failed to file on a timely basis
a report on Form 5 reporting a stock option grant.
Compensation Committee Report
The compensation committee (the "Committee") of the Board has been
established by the Board to periodically review the compensation philosophy for
our executives, and to recommend to the Board compensation packages for the
Company's executives. The Committee also reviews and recommends to the Board
any additions to or revisions of our stock option plans. The Committee consists
exclusively of non-employee directors, appointed by resolution of the entire
Board.
The Committee's objective is to set executive compensation at levels which
(i) are fair and reasonable to the shareholders, (ii) link executive
compensation to long-term and short-term interest of the shareholders, and (iii)
are sufficient to attract, motivate and retain outstanding individuals for
executive positions.
Fairness to the shareholders is balanced with the need to attract, retain
and motivate outstanding individuals by comparing our executive compensation
with the compensation of executives at other companies. The Committee's overall
goal is to achieve strong performance by the Company and its executives by
affording the executives the opportunity to be rewarded for strong performance.
The Committee attempts to provide both short-term and long-term incentive pay.
To accomplish its objectives, the Committee has structured the executive
compensation program with three primary components. These primary components
are base salary, annual incentives, and long-term incentives.
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997, the Committee determined
to undertake a review of the Company's executive compensation program, with
particular emphasis on our chief executive officer and executive vice president.
We experienced dramatic growth in the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, but
also experienced problems due to regulatory scrutiny and negative media reports.
The Committee determined that it would be in the best interest of the Company
and its shareholders for the Committee to review the existing compensation
arrangements and to provide a compensation program which recognized, among other
factors, the Company's growth, problem areas which could result in short-term
performance difficulties, and appropriate incentives to provide impetus for our
long-term growth. We retained an independent compensation consultant to assist
us in reviewing the executive compensation program. The review included
compensation programs of publicly traded peer companies similar in
characteristics to us, as well as compensation paid by other network marketing
companies with different product lines.
Effective in October 1996, we entered into employment agreements with David
P. Bertrand, our president and chief executive officer, and Jana B. Mitcham, our
executive vice president and secretary. The employment agreements are described
in "Employment Agreements." The Committee determined that the base salaries for
Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham should be increased, based on the progress made by
the Company, the tremendous effort and energy devoted by them to our business,
and the recommendations of the independent compensation consultant based on
review of base salaries of other companies.
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In March 1998, after consultation with the Committee, Mr. Bertrand and Ms.
Mitcham agreed to a 25% reduction in their annual salaries. Concurrent with the
salary reductions, the Company granted to each of Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham
stock options to purchase up to 20,000 shares of common stock at $5.13 per
share, the closing trading price of the common stock on the date of the grant.
In December 1998, the Company granted to each of Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham
options to purchase up to 25,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $3.00
per share, the closing trading price of the common stock on the date of the
grant. The options are exercisable in one-third annual installments commencing
in December 1999. The Committee recommended these actions in furtherance of its
objectives of linking compensation with Company performance and providing
incentive for key executives.
The Committee also periodically reviews other executive salaries. In
addition to the external competitive compensation market, base salary levels
reflect each officer's performance over time and each individual's role in the
Company. Consequently, employees with higher levels of sustained performance
over time and/or employees assuming greater responsibilities will typically be
paid correspondingly higher salaries. Individual performance criteria used to
assess performance include leadership, professionalism, initiative and
dependability. However, individual performance assessments are made
qualitatively and in total, and no specific weightings are attached to these
performance indicators, nor is a formula utilized in determining appropriate
salary increases or salary levels.
In January 1998, David O. Rodrigue joined the Company as Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Rodrigue's annual salary is $105,000 and he is
entitled to receive bonuses as determined by the Board. Mr. Rodrigue was
granted options at the inception of his employment to purchase up to 25,000
shares of the common stock at $5.75 per share, the then closing trading price of
the common stock. The options are exercisable in one-third annual installments
commencing January 1999. In December 1998, we granted to Mr. Rodrigue options
to purchase up to 15,000 shares of the common stock at $3.00 per share, the then
closing trading price of the common stock. The options are exercisable in one-
third annual installments commencing December 1999. The Committee believes that
the compensation package for Mr. Rodrigue is reasonable in relation to industry
standards and for companies comparable in size and in the Company's geographic
area. The Committee also believes that the compensation program for Mr.
Rodrigue has accomplished the objective of linking shareholder and financial
performance to Mr. Rodrigue's total compensation.
In reviewing the employment agreements of Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham, the
Committee recommended that their annual compensation relate to and be contingent
upon the performance of the Company. As a result, much of their compensation
package is subject directly to annual bonus compensation measured by the
Company's achievement of certain specified income criteria. No bonus was paid
to either of these persons in the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999 due to
the failure to achieve these income criteria.
The Committee periodically reviews the performance of other executive
officers to determine whether bonuses should be paid to those persons. The
Committee has not established specific performance measures for determining the
award of bonuses. The Committee believes that bonuses should be provided to
reward key employees based on Company and individual
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performance and to provide competitive cash compensation opportunities to the
Company's executives. However, based primarily on the Company's financial
results in the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, no bonuses were paid to any
executive officers.
The Company's stock option plans are designed to focus executive efforts on
long-term goals of the Company and to maximize total return to the Company's
shareholders. The Committee believes that stock options advance the interests
of employees and shareholders by providing value to the executives through stock
price appreciation only. Options terminate if the employee's employment with
the Company is terminated. All options awarded must have an exercise price of
at least 100% of fair market value on the date of grant.
The exact number of shares actually granted to a particular participant
reflects both the participant's performance and role in the Company, as well as
the Company's financial success, and its future business plans. All of these
factors are assessed subjectively and are not weighted. In determining each
grant, the Committee also considers the number of stock options which are
outstanding, and the total number of options to be awarded.
In making grants during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, the
Committee also considered the number of outstanding options previously granted
to each officer. Due to the decline in the Company's stock price during the
year, all of the options granted to executive officers of the Company in fiscal
1999 were "out-of-the-money" at the fiscal year end of September 30, 1999. The
Committee believes that its awards were consistent with the Company's
compensation philosophy to increase the emphasis placed on long-term incentives
and to be competitive in its total compensation program.
Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
public companies are precluded from receiving a tax deduction on compensation
paid to executive officers in excess of $1,000,000, unless the compensation is
excluded from the $1,000,000 limit as a result of being classified performance-
based. At this time, the Company's executive officers cash compensation levels
do not exceed the payment limit and will most likely not be affected by the
regulations in the near future. Nonetheless, the Committee intends to review
its executive pay plans over time in light of these regulations.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
F. Wayne Ballenger
M. F. Florence
Richard S. Kashenberg
Directors Compensation
Directors who are not employees of the Company receive $18,000 per year,
$400 for each Board meeting attended, and $200 for each committee meeting of the
Board attended. Directors who are also employees of the Company receive no
additional compensation for serving as
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directors. The Company reimburses its directors for expenses incurred for
attendance at meetings of the Board.
On November 28, 1995, the 1995 Non-Discretionary Stock Option Plan was
adopted for our directors who are not eligible to participate in the other
Plans. The Non-Discretionary Plan provided for the grant of options to purchase
5,000 shares of our common stock to each eligible director on November 28, 1995,
and options to purchase an additional 5,000 shares of common stock on December 1
of each year, commencing in 1996. The exercise price of the options is the
fair market value of the common stock on the date the options are granted. The
options expire in five years and are exercisable in full at the date of grant.
During the years ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, we issued 15,000
options to directors under this Plan. Utilizing the Black-Scholes option-
pricing model for the year ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, we determined that
the value of the options was not material. The Non-Discretionary Plan was
terminated on October 6, 1999. Directors have been granted options as described
in Proposal 2: Approval of 1995 Stock Option Plan.
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation
paid by us to the chief executive officer and each of the other executive
officers of the Company (the "named executive officers") during the fiscal years
ended September 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999.
-9-
Summary Compensation Table
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS PAYOUTS
------------------- ------- -------
Other
Annual Restricted All other
Name and Principal Salary Compen- Stock Options/ LTIP Compen-
Position Year ($) Bonus sation Awards SARs Payouts sation
David P. Bertrand 1997 412,434 0 0 0 40,200 0 6,485
Chief Executive 1998 363,969 0 0 0 20,000 0 6,744
Officer 1999 318,269 0 0 0 25,000 0 6,744
Jana B. Mitcham 1997 387,793 0 0 0 37,800 0 4,985
Executive Vice 1998 342,172 0 0 0 20,000 0 5,184
President 1999 298,378 0 0 0 25,000 0 5,184
Barry C. Loder(2) 1997 161,243 0 0 0 55,000 0 0
Vice President and 1998 64,762 0 0 0 0 0 0
Chief Financial 1999 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Officer
Ronnie D. Meaux(3) 1997 87,101 0 6,000 0 12,250 0 2,619
Vice President, 1998 87,739 0 0 0 0 0 0
Treasurer and 1999 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Assistant Secretary
John R. Brown, Jr.(4) 1997 76,357 0 0 0 0 0 0
Vice President- 1998 88,628 7,500 0 0 0 0 0
Finance 1999 96,067 0 0 0 10,000 0 0
David O. Rodrigue(5) 1997 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Vice President and 1998 74,431 0 0 0 25,000 0 0
Chief Financial 1999 117,760 0 0 0 15,000 0 0
Officer
________________
(1) We have obtained insurance policies on the lives of Mr. Bertrand and Ms.
Mitcham, of which benefit amounts of $1,060,000 and $660,000 on the lives
of Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham, respectively, constitute "keyman"
insurance and are payable to us. Approximately 51% of the aggregate
insurance benefits on the lives of Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham are payable
to beneficiaries designated by Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham. In addition,
part of the cash value may be used as retirement benefits for the executive
officers. The premiums paid by us allocable to these items are included in
the table.
(2) Mr. Loder joined the Company as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
in March 1995, and became Chief Operating Officer in April 1997. He
resigned in January 1998. Mr. Loder rejoined the Company as Vice President
of Corporate Development in November 1999.
(3) Mr. Meaux resigned his position with the Company in February 1998.
-10-
(4) Mr. Brown commenced work with us on a part-time basis in December 1995 and
became a full-time employee and officer in September 1996.
(5) Mr. Rodrigue joined us in January 1998.
Employment Agreements
Effective October 1, 1996, we entered into employment agreements with Mr.
Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham. The terms of these agreements are essentially
identical, except that Mr. Bertrand's annual salary is $400,000 and Ms.
Mitcham's annual salary is $376,000. Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham are each also
entitled to a bonus if the Company has pre-tax annual income between $3 million
and $20 million. Each is entitled to receive 5% of any annual pre-tax income
between $3 million and $5 million; four percent of the annual pre-tax income
between $5 million and $10 million; and three percent of the annual pre-tax
income between $10 million and $20 million. The term of each agreement is three
years. Each of the agreements may be earlier terminated upon mutual agreement,
death, disability or conviction of the officer, or a material breach of the
agreement by the officer. In March 1998 each of Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham
agreed to a 25% reduction in their annual salaries.
Effective November 1, 1999, we entered into new employment agreements with
Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham. The terms of these agreements are essentially
identical, except that Mr. Bertrand's annual salary is $300,000 and Ms.
Mitcham's annual salary is $282,000. Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham are each also
entitled to a bonus based on the same formula as in their prior employment
agreements. The term of each agreement is one year and will automatically renew
for two successive periods of one year each unless notice is given by either
party more than 30 days prior to the expiration of the applicable yearly period.
Each of the agreements may be earlier terminated upon mutual agreement, death,
disability or conviction of the officer, or a material breach of the agreement
by the officer.
On November 17, 1999, we entered into a two year employment agreement with
Gregory Pusey, the chairman of the Board, and a one year employment agreement
with Barry C. Loder, our vice president of corporate development. Mr. Pusey's
and Mr. Loder's annual salaries are $120,000 and $100,000, respectively. Both
individuals are entitled to a performance bonus at the discretion of the Board.
In connection with our acquisition of Bactolac Pharmaceuticals, Inc., we
entered into a two year employment agreement with Pailly Reddy. Mr. Reddy will
continue to be responsible for the operations of Bactolac. Mr. Reddy receives an
annual salary of $200,000 and is entitled to a performance bonus at the
discretion of the Board. He is also entitled to continued use of the vehicle
that is leased by Bactolac.
In connection with our acquisition of Ash Corp. through Bactolac, Bactolac
entered into two year employment agreements with Neil S. Sirkin and his father,
Allan I. Sirkin. Neil S. Sirkin and Allan I. Sirkin are key personnel in the
operations of the Ash Division of Bactolac. Both individuals receive an annual
salary of $150,000 and are entitled to a discretionary performance bonus.
-11-
Option Grants in Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 1999
The following table sets forth information with respect to stock option
grants to the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended September
30, 1999:
Potential Realizable Value at
Assumed Annual Rates of
Individual Grants Stock Price Appreciation
For Option Term
Number of Percent of
Securities Total options/ Exercise or
Name underlying SARs granted base price Expiration 5% ($) 10% ($)
Options/SARs to employees ($/Sh) date
granted (#) in fiscal year
David P. 25,000 13 3.00 02/08 47,167 119,531
Bertrand
Jana B. 25,000 13 3.00 02/08 47,167 119,531
Mitcham
Barry C. Loder 0 0 0 0 0
Ronnie D. Meaux 0 0 0 0 0 0
John R. Brown, 10,000 5 3.00 02/08 18,867 47,812
Jr.
David O. 15,000 8 3.00 02/08 28,300 71,718
Rodrigue
Option Exercises and Year-End Values
The following table shows option exercises by the named executive officers
during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999 and the number and value of
unexercised options at September 30, 1999.
Value of
Number of Unexercised
Number of Unexercised Options In-the-Money
Name Shares Under- Value At Year End(#) Options at
---- Lying Options Realized Exercisable/ Year End ($)
Exercised (#) ($) Unexercisable Exercisable/
------------- --- ------------- Unexercisable(1)
----------------
David P. Bertrand 0 0 85,200/38,400 10,848/0
Jana B. Mitcham 0 0 78,800/37,600 13,224/0
Barry C. Loder 0 0 0/0 0/0
Ronnie D. Meaux 0 0 0/0 0/0
John R. Brown, Jr. 0 0 10,000/10,000 0/0
David O. Rodrigue 0 0 8,334/31,666 0/0
____________________
(1) Based on the price of the common stock of $2.44 on September 30, 1999 as
reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market.
-12-
Corporate Performance Graph
The following graph compares the yearly cumulative return on Nutrition For
Life's common stock since July 10, 1995, the date Nutrition For Life's common
stock began trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market, with that of the Index for The
Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. Companies) and a peer group including the following
companies: BeautiControl Cosmetics, Inc., Herbalife International, Inc.,
Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc and Reliv' International, Inc.
[INSERT GRAPH]
Total Return Analysis 7/10/95 9/29/95 9/29/96 9/30/97 9/30/98 9/30/99
- --------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Nutrition For Life $ 100 $ 304.29 $ 506.40 $ 277.08 $ 104.93 $ 85.26
Peer Group $ 100 $ 332.96 $ 141.28 $ 404.00 $ 218.69 $ 298.48
Nasdaq Composite (US) $ 100 $ 106.85 $ 125.63 $ 172.60 $ 173.43 $ 282.07
Source: Carl Thompson Associates www.ctasaline.com (800) 959-9677. Data from
Bloomberg Financial Markets.
S&P 500 Total Return provided by Bloomberg Financial Markets Nasdaq Composite
calculations performed by Nordby International
-13-
Proposal 2: Approval of Amendment to 1995 Stock Option Plan
You are asked to consider an amendment of our 1995 Stock Option Plan. The
following is a summary of the proposed amended 1995 Stock Option Plan.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common
stock entitled to vote at the annual meeting is required for approval of the
Plan.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR amendment of the Plan.
Purpose
The purpose of the Plan is to promote the interests of the Company and its
shareholders by:
. Attracting and retaining key employees;
. Providing participants a significant stake in the performance of the
Company; and
. Providing an opportunity for participants to increase their holdings
of common stock.
Administration
The Plan is administered by the option committee. The option committee
consists of the Board or a committee of the Board, as the Board may from time to
time designate, composed of not less than two members of the Board, each of whom
shall be a director who is not employed by the Company. The option committee
currently consists of the full Board. The option committee has the authority to
select employees and consultants to receive awards, to determine the number of
shares of common stock covered by awards, and to set the terms and conditions of
awards. The option committee has the authority to establish rules for the
administration of the Plan, and its determinations and interpretations are
binding.
Eligible Participants
. Any employee or officer (including executive officers) of the Company,
including Any of its subsidiaries will be eligible for a stock option
grant under the Plan if selected by the option committee. There are
currently approximately 280 employees of the Company, including its
subsidiaries who would be eligible for option grants under the Plan.
. Any consultant to the Company, including directors, will also be
eligible to receive option grants under the Plan if authorized by the
option committee.
-14-
Shares Authorized
Prior to the amendment, there were 900,000 shares authorized, exclusive of
specific options grants made in 1995 to purchase up to 85,000 shares. The
proposed amendment will increase the authorized shares, exclusive of specific
option grants, to 2,000,000 shares. There are currently outstanding options to
purchase up to 1,232,300 shares, including options to purchase shares which have
been granted subject to approval of the Company's shareholders of the amendment
to the Plan. Option grants to officers, directors and nominees for directors are
described under the caption entitled, "Security Ownership." Options to employees
typically have vesting periods of three years in annual one-third installments
and are exercisable for ten years. All options granted pursuant to the Plan were
granted at the fair market value of common stock on the respective dates of
grant. If any option grant expires or terminates, all shares which were not
issued under the option grant will become available for additional awards under
the Plan.
Types of Options
The Plan was designed to permit the option committee to grant stock options
that qualify as "incentive stock options" under Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code or options that do not so qualify -- "non-incentive stock options."
All options granted will be subject to the following:
. The exercise price must be paid at the time the option is exercised in
either cash or other shares of common stock.
. The exercise price cannot be less than the fair market value of the
common stock on the grant date.
. The option committee will determine the vesting schedule of options
granted under the Plan and may also impose additional conditions on
exercise, including performance goals.
. Options are not exercisable for at least six months after they are
granted, and they cannot be exercised more than ten years after grant.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax
consequences generally applicable to option grants under the Plan:
. The grant of an option is not expected to result in any taxable income
for the recipient.
-15-
. The holder of an incentive stock option generally will have no taxable
income upon exercising the incentive stock option if certain
requirements are met. However, liability may arise for alternative
minimum tax. We will not be entitled to a tax deduction when an
incentive stock option is exercised.
. Upon exercise of a Non-incentive stock option, the holder will
recognize ordinary income equal to the difference between the fair
market value of shares of common stock acquired and the exercise
price. We will be entitled to a tax deduction for the same amount.
. The tax consequences upon a sale of shares acquired in an exercise of
an option will depend on how long the shares were held prior to sale,
and upon whether such shares were acquired in the exercise of an
incentive stock option or non-incentive stock option.
. If shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock options are
held for at least one year after exercise and two years from the date
that the incentive stock options were granted, the holder will
recognize long-term capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the
difference between the option exercise price and the sale price of
shares. If the shares are not held for that period, gain on the sale
of shares may be treated as ordinary income.
. Any gain realized upon the sale of shares acquired in the exercise of
a non-incentive stock options for an amount greater than their fair
market value on the date of exercise, will be capital gain and any
loss will be capital loss. Generally, there will be no tax
consequences to us in connection with the disposition of shares
acquired in the exercise of an option, except that we may be entitled
to a tax deduction in the case of a sale of incentive stock option
shares before the holding periods described above have been satisfied.
Adjustments
Certain corporate transactions or events such as stock splits,
recapitalizations, spin-offs, mergers, etc., may directly affect the number of
outstanding shares and/or the value of the outstanding common stock. If such
transactions occur, the option committee may adjust the number of shares that
may be granted under the Plan, as well as the limits on individual option
grants. The option committee may adjust the number of shares and the exercise
price under outstanding options, and may make other adjustments, which are
thought to be in our best interests.
Transferability
Options granted under the Plan may not be transferred except:
. By will or the laws of descent and distribution; or
-16-
. Pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order or the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act.
Amendments
The Board may amend or terminate the Plan at any time. No amendment,
however, may:
. Increase the number of shares reserved for option grants without
shareholder approval;
. Impair the right of a holder under an option previously granted; or
. Increase the benefits accruing to employees under the Plan.
Term
The Plan will continue until February 28, 2005, unless abandoned or
terminated at an earlier time.
-17-
Proposal 3: Approval of Conversion of
Series A Preferred Stock to
Common Stock
You are asked to consider and approve the conversion of the outstanding
shares of Series A Preferred Stock to common stock.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common
stock entitled to vote at the annual meeting is required to approve the
conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the conversion of 221,127
shares of Series A Preferred Stock into common stock.
Purpose of the Conversion
In November and December 1999, we completed the acquisitions of three
companies and diversified our operations to include the manufacture of
nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals. We issued preferred stock to the
former shareholders of the three companies we acquired and agreed to recommend
to our shareholders that the preferred stock be converted to common stock.
Reason for Shareholder Approval
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market. Under Nasdaq
rules, we must obtain shareholder approval of issuances of common stock equal to
20% or more of our outstanding common stock prior to the issuance. We currently
have 5,808,595 shares outstanding. The 221,127 shares of outstanding Series A
Preferred Stock will be converted into 2,211,270 shares of common stock upon
shareholder approval. This represents 38.1% of the current outstanding shares
and will represent 27.6% of the outstanding shares after conversion. There are
also 1,232,400 shares of common stock which could be received if earnout amounts
are achieved as described below.
The Acquisitions and Acquired Companies
On November 17, 1999, we completed the acquisitions of Old ANI and
Bactolac. Old ANI was formed to pursue a consolidation and integration program
in the nutrition industry, and its operations consisted of organizational and
financing activities and arrangements for acquisitions of other companies. We
subsequently changed the name of Old ANI so that we could use the name Advanced
Nutraceuticals, Inc. as the name of the holding company when we reorganized into
a holding company structure in March 2000.
Headquartered in Westbury, New York, Bactolac manufactures nutritional
supplements for private label customers. Bactolac handles the formulation,
micropulverization, mixing, blending, screening, filter, capleting, and
encapsulation of over 100 different vitamins and supplements.
-18-
Bactolac also performs limited bottling, labeling and packaging. In addition to
the licenses required to manufacture nutritional products, Bactolac also
possesses an OTC drug license. Prior to its acquisition, Bactolac was a
subcontractor to one of our suppliers.
In connection with the acquisitions, shareholders of Old ANI received
75,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and the Bactolac shareholder, Pailla
M. Reddy, received 96,831 shares (968,310 shares of common stock after
conversion) of Series A Preferred Stock, $2,500,000 in cash and a subordinated
promissory note for $2,500,000. In addition, Dr. Reddy may earn up to a total
of 17,606 shares of a Series A Preferred Stock (176,060 shares of common stock
after conversion), pursuant to an earnout agreement. The earnout amount will be
based upon pre-tax income of Bactolac (without giving effect to the operations
of the Ash division) which is in excess of $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $1.7
million for each of the 3 years following the Bactolac acquisition.
On December 1, 1999, we completed the acquisition of Ash Corp. Ash
primarily manufactures liquid pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Based
in Gulfport, Mississippi, Ash contracts for work for some of the largest
pharmaceutical companies in the world, including Bayer, Schering Plough,
Chattem, Perrigo, Ivax, Watson, and CB Fleet. Ash is the sole U.S. supplier of
Phillips Milk of Magnesia for Bayer. Ash's Mississippi facility is comprised of
four manufacturing areas: antacid manufacturing, tablet manufacturing, powder
manufacturing and bulk magnesium hydroxide manufacturing. The Ash shareholders
received 49,296 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (492,960 shares of common
stock after conversion), $750,000 in cash and a subordinated promissory note for
$500,000. In addition, the Ash shareholders may earn up to a total 105,634
shares of Series A Preferred Stock (1,056,340 shares of common stock after
conversion), pursuant to an earnout agreement. The earnout amount will be based
upon pre-tax income of the Ash division of Bactolac which is in excess of
$500,000 in each of the 2 years following the Ash acquisition.
Designation of Series A Preferred Stock
To accomplish these acquisitions, the Board of Directors established Series
A Preferred Stock. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock have no voting rights,
except for those required under the Texas Business Corporation Act, and are not
entitled to receive dividends. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company, the Series A Preferred Stock has a preference of $28.40 per share,
payable prior and in preference to any distribution of any assets or surplus
funds of the Company to the holders of common stock.
Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock
Upon shareholder approval, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be
automatically converted into 10 shares of our common stock. Pursuant to lock-up
agreements, shareholders of Old ANI, Ash and Bactolac cannot directly or
indirectly, sell, offer to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any of our
common stock received in the acquisitions for a period of one year from the
closing date of their respective acquisitions.
-19-
Reasons To Approve The Conversion
Our future results and financial condition are dependent on the successful
implementation of our business strategy. A key component of our long-term
business strategy involves the expansion and diversification of our operations.
With the recent acquisitions of Old ANI, Ash and Bactolac, we have expanded our
operations to include the manufacture of pharmaceutical products and nutritional
supplements.
We have invested in manufacturing to:
. Meet the growing demand for pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement
products;
. To position our Company to have a ready supply of nutritional
supplement products;
. To improve operating margins on the sale of nutritional supplement
products sold by us; and
. To expand and diversify our operations.
Issuing the convertible Series A Preferred Stock eliminated the need to
expend additional capital or to secure additional financing to complete these
acquisitions. By approving the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock into
common stock, shareholders will further our goal of acquiring complementary
companies while minimizing the amount of cash outlay and indebtedness.
Moreover, the conversion will give the shareholders of the acquired companies a
stake in our Company, which provides an incentive to improve our performance.
Apotex Foundation and Shermfin Corp., who collectively own approximately
20.9% of our common stock, have agreed to approve the conversion of the Series A
Preferred Stock into common stock.
-20-
Security Ownership
The following table sets forth, as of April 7, 2000, the ownership of our
common stock held by:
(1) Each person who owns of record or who is known by us to own
beneficially more than 5% of such stock;
(2) Each of the directors and nominees for election as directors;
(3) Each of the current executive officers; and
(4) All of our directors and executive officers as a group.
The number of shares and the percentage of the class beneficially owned by
the persons named in the table and by all directors and executive officers as a
group, includes, in addition to shares actually issued and outstanding, unissued
shares which are subject to issuance upon exercise of certain options or
warrants described in the notes of the table.
In addition, the table sets forth the ownership of our common stock upon
shareholder approval of the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock to common
stock.
Number of Shares To Percentage of
------------------- -------------
Number of Shares Percentage of Be Owned After Ownership After
---------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Beneficial Owner Owned Ownership Conversion Conversion
---------------- ----- --------- ---------- ----------
Apotex Foundation 650,000(1) 11.2 650,000 8.1
150 Signet Dr.
Weston, Ontario, Canada
9M9 1T9
Bernard Sherman 1,215,390(1) 20.9 1,215,390 15.2
150 Signet Dr.
Weston, Ontario, Canada
9M9 1T9
Shermfin Corp. 565,390(1) 9.7 565,390 7.0
150 Signet Dr.
Weston, Ontario, Canada
9M9 1T9
M.F. Florence 585,390(1)(2) 10.1 585,390 7.3
150 Signet Dr.
Weston, Ontario, Canada
9M9 1T9
Jana B. Mitcham 421,904(3) 7.1 421,904 5.3
10618 Great Plains
Houston, TX 77064
-21-
Number of Shares To Percentage of
------------------- -------------
Number of Shares Percentage of Be Owned After Ownership After
---------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Beneficial Owner Owned Ownership Conversion Conversion
---------------- ----- --------- ---------- ----------
David P. Bertrand 333,692(4) 5.7 333,692 4.2
10622 Great Plains
Houston, TX 77064
F. Wayne Ballenger 20,000(5) .3 20,000 .3
3134 Meadway Drive
Houston, TX 77082
Gregory Pusey 141,614(6) 2.4 379,950 4.7
1722 Buffehr Creek Road
Vail, CO 81657
Pailla M. Reddy 0(7) 0 968,310 12.1
255-07 Williston Avenue
Floral Park, NY 11001
Neil S. Sirkin 0(8) 0 123,240 1.5
3600 25/th/ Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501
John R. Brown, Jr. 25,000(9) .4 25,000 .3
2534 Pomeran
Houston, TX 77080
Barry C. Loder 0(10) 0 207,547 2.6
9101 Jameel Street
Houston, TX 77040
Jeffrey G. McGonegal 30,000(11) .5 136,510 1.7
1905 West Valley Vista Drive
Castle Rock, CO 80104
David O. Rodrigue 40,000(12) .7 40,000 .5
17810 Cypress Spring Dr.
Spring, TX 77388
All Officers and Directors as a 1,567,600 27.0 2,149,993 26.8
Group (9 Persons)
________________________________
(1) Mr. Sherman may be deemed a beneficial owner of the shares held by the
Apotex Foundation due to his affiliations with the Apotex Foundation.
Messrs. Sherman and Florence may be deemed beneficial owners of the shares
held by Shermfin Corp. due to their affiliations with Shermfin Corp. In
July, 1994, Mr. Sherman and Shermfin Corp. consented to the issuance of an
Order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") that
they cease and desist from violations of certain reporting and anti-fraud
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Mr. Sherman and
Shermfin Corp. consented to this Order without admitting or denying the
findings of the Commission that they had failed to file reports of
beneficial
-22-
ownership of the common stock of Kinesis, Inc. with the Commission on Form
3 and Schedule 13G. We have no relationship with Kinesis, Inc.
(2) Includes (a) options to acquire 5,000 shares of common stock at $19.75 per
share; (b) options to acquire 5,000 shares of common stock at $12.38 per
share; (c) options to acquire 5,000 shares of common stock at $7.00 per
share; and (d) options to acquire 5,000 shares of common stock at $2.38 per
share. Does not include options to acquire 7,658 shares at $2.125 per
share which become exercisable in one-third annual installments commencing
in October 2000 and options to acquire 15,000 shares at $2.84 per share,
which become exercisable in one-third annual installments, commencing in
December 2000.
(3) Includes Warrants to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at $3.75 per
share and options to acquire (a) 16,800 shares of common stock at $1.875
per share; (b) 16,800 shares of common stock at $2.25 per share; (c) 37,800
shares of common stock at $13.00 per share, (d) 25,000 shares of common
stock at $3.00 per share, of which options to acquire 8,333 shares became
exercisable in each of December 2000 and December 2001; and (e) 20,000
shares of common stock at $5.13 per share. Also includes 11,554 shares of
common stock owned by her daughter, 9,000 shares of common stock owned by
her husband, and options held by her husband to acquire 3,600 shares of
common stock at $13.00 per share, of which options to acquire 1,200 shares
became exercisable in each of December 2000 and December 2001. Does not
include options to acquire 53,604 shares at $2.125 per share, which become
exercisable in one-third annual installments, commencing in October 2000
and options to acquire 50,000 shares at $2.84 per share which become
exercisable in one-third annual installments commencing in December 2000 .
Also does not include options held by her husband to acquire 6,126 shares
of common stock at $2.125 per share, which become exercisable in one-third
annual installments, commencing in October 2000, and options to acquire
20,000 shares at $2.84 per share, which become exercisable in one-third
annual installments, commencing in December 2000.
(4) Includes options to acquire (a) 19,000 shares of common stock at $1.875 per
share; (b) 19,200 shares of common stock at $2.25 per share; (c) 40,200
shares of common stock at $13.00 per share; (d) 25,000 shares of common
stock at $3.00 per share, of which options to acquire 8,333 shares become
exercisable in each of December 2000 and December 2001; and (e) 20,000
shares of common stock at $5.13 per share. Also includes options held by
his wife to acquire 3,600 shares of common stock at $13.00 per share, of
which options to acquire 1,200 shares become exercisable in each of
November 2000 and November 2001. Does not include options to acquire 53,604
shares at $2.125 per share, which become exercisable in one-third annual
installments, commencing in October 2000, and options to acquire 75,000
shares at $2.84 per share which become exercisable in one-third annual
installments, commencing in December 2000. Also does not include options
held by his wife to acquire 6,126 shares of common stock at $2.125 per
share, which become exercisable in one-third annual installments commencing
in October 2000 and options to acquire 20,000 shares at $2.84 per share,
which become exercisable in one-third annual installments, commencing in
December 2000.
(5) Includes options to acquire (a) 5,000 shares of common stock at $19.75 per
share; (b) 5,000 shares of common stock at $12.38 per share; (c) 5,000
shares of common stock at $7.00 per
-23-
share; and (d) 5,000 shares of common stock at $2.38 per share. Does not
include options to acquire 25,000 shares at $2.85 per share, which become
exercisable in one-third annual installments, commencing in December 2000.
(6) Includes (a) 11,965 shares held by his wife, individually and as custodian
for their minor children; (b) 21,680 shares held by a corporation in which
he is a principal shareholder; and (c) warrants to purchase 15,000 shares
of common stock at $3.75 per share. Does not include options to acquire
50,000 shares of common stock at $2.84 per share, which become exercisable
in one-third annual installments, commencing in December 2000.
(7) Does not include up to 176,056 shares of common stock which may be acquired
if earned pursuant to the earnout agreement described in Proposal 3.
(8) Does not include up to 264,085 shares of common stock which may be acquired
if earned pursuant to the earnout agreement described in Proposal 3.
(9) Includes options to acquire (a) 10,000 shares of common stock at $11.50 per
share, and (b) 10,000 shares of common stock at $3.00 per share, of which
options to acquire 3,333 shares become exercisable in each of December 2000
and December 2001. Does not include options to acquire 22,000 shares at
$2.84 per share, which become exercisable in one-third annual installments,
commencing in December 2000.
(10) Does not include options to acquire 25,000 shares of common stock at $2.84
per share which become exercisable in one-third annual installments
commencing in December 2000.
(11) Does not include options to acquire 100,000 shares of common stock at
$2.375 per share which become exercisable in one-third annual installments
commencing in February 2001.
(12) Includes options to acquire (a) 25,000 shares of common stock at $5.75 per
share, of which options to acquire 8,333 shares become exercisable in
January 2001, and options to acquire 15,000 shares at $3.00 per share of
which options to acquire 5,000 shares become exercisable in one-third
annual installments, commencing in each of December 2000 and December 2001.
Does not include options to acquire 35,000 shares at $2.84 per share which
become exercisable in one-third annual installments, commencing in December
2000.
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Independent Public Accountants
On September 16, 1999, we engaged Grant Thornton LLP as the principal
accountant to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1999. Accordingly, BDO Seidman LLP was dismissed as of that date.
The decision to change accountants was recommended by the audit committee of the
Board.
BDO Seidman LLP's Report on our financial statements for either of the past
two fiscal years did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion nor
was it modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. We do
not believe that there were any disagreements with BDO Seidman LLP on any matter
of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or
auditing scope or procedure, during those past two fiscal years, which, if not
resolved to BDO Seidman LLP's satisfaction, would have caused BDO Seidman LLP to
make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement(s) in connection with
its reports. However, during fiscal 1999, BDO Seidman informed us of the need
to evaluate for impairment the unamortized carrying value of the audio
production rights, the balance of which, as of September 30, 1998 and June 30,
1999 was $1,400,000 and $1,089,000, respectively. We evaluated such audio
production rights for impairment at September 30, 1999.
A representative of Grant Thornton is expected to be present at the annual
meeting and available to respond to appropriate questions. Although the firm
has indicated that no statement will be made, an opportunity for a statement
will be provided. Management has not made an appointment of auditors for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2000.
Stockholder Proposals For The Next Annual Meeting
Any proposal to be presented at the next annual meeting of shareholders
must be received by us, directed to the attention of the Secretary, no later
than November 30, 2000 in order to be included in our proxy statement and form
of proxy for that meeting.
Where You Can Find More Information
A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1999, has been enclosed with this proxy statement. An additional
copy is available to each record and beneficial owner of our securities without
charge upon written request to the Secretary at 9101 Jameel, Suite 180, Houston,
Texas 77040. The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information from
the 10-K into this proxy statement if the 10-K is delivered with the proxy
statement. The information incorporated by reference is located in Items 7, 7A,
8 and 9 of the 10-K.
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Other Matters
The Board of Directors knows of no business that will be presented at the
annual meeting other than that described above. If any matters other than those
referred to above should properly come before the annual meeting, the persons
designated by the Board of Directors to serve as proxies intend to vote such
proxies in accordance with their best business judgment.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Jana Mitcham
Secretary
April ___, 2000
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