As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2001
Registration No. 333-_______
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
---------------------------------
FORM S-3
Registration Statement
Under
The Securities Act of 1933
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 38-2698904
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (IRS Employer
or organization) Identification No.)
One Acclaim Plaza
Glen Cove, New York 11542
(516) 656-5000
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(Address and telephone number of registrant's principal executive offices)
Gregory E. Fischbach
Chief Executive Officer
Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
One Acclaim Plaza
Glen Cove, New York 11542
(516) 656-5000
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(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Copy to:
Eric M. Lerner, Esq.
Rosenman & Colin LLP
575 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Telephone: (212) 940-8800
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
From time to time after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being
offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please
check the following box. |_|
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to
be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under
the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in
connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the
following box. |X|
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check
the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement
number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. |_|
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. |_|
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant
to Rule 434, please check the following box. |X|
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed maximum
Title of each class of Proposed maximum aggregate offering Amount of
security to be registered Amount to be registered aggregate price per unit price registration fee
Common Stock, par value
$0.02 per share............... 5,497,000(1) $1.37 $7,530,890(2) $1,883
(1) To be offered from time to time by selling stockholders based upon
prevailing market prices.
(2) The proposed maximum aggregate price per unit was estimated pursuant to
Rule 457(c) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, solely for the
purpose of determining the registration fee, based on the average of high
and low prices of the registrant's common stock as quoted on The Nasdaq
Small Cap Market System on April 9, 2001.
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED APRIL 16, 2001
PROSPECTUS
--------------------------------
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
5,497,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
This prospectus covers the resale of 5,497,000 shares of Acclaim's common
stock by the selling stockholders named in this prospectus. Acclaim will
not receive any proceeds from the sale of any of the 5,497,000 shares by
the selling stockholders. See "Selling Stockholders" and "Plan of
Distribution."
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 FOR A DISCUSSION OF INVESTMENT
RISK FACTORS THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE YOU INVEST IN THE COMMON
STOCK OFFERED AND SOLD BY THIS PROSPECTUS.
Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Small Cap Market System under
the symbol "AKLM." On April 11, 2001, the last reported sale price of
the common stock was $1.58 per share.
NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS
TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
April __, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Number
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Risk Factors...................................................... 3
Information About Acclaim......................................... 13
Use of Proceeds................................................... 17
Selling Stockholders.............................................. 17
Plan of Distribution.............................................. 19
Legal Proceedings................................................. 22
Legal Matters..................................................... 22
Experts........................................................... 22
Forward-Looking Statements........................................ 23
Where You Can Find More Information............................... 23
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RISK FACTORS
Our future operating results depend upon many factors and are
subject to various risks and uncertainties. The known material risks and
uncertainties which may cause our operating results to vary from anticipated
results or which may negatively affect our operating results and profitability
are as follows:
LIQUIDITY AND CASH REQUIREMENTS ARE DEPENDENT ON ACHIEVING TIMELY PRODUCT
RELEASES AND SALES OBJECTIVES
If we do not substantially achieve the overall projected
revenue levels for fiscal 2001 as reflected in our business operating plans, we
either will require additional financing to fund operations or we will need to
make further significant expense reductions, including, without limitation, the
sale of assets or the consolidation of operations, staff reductions, and/or the
delay, cancellation or reduction of certain product development and marketing
programs. Some of these measures will require third-party consents or approvals,
including that of our primary lender, and there can be no such assurance that
consents or approvals can be obtained.
If we do not achieve our product release schedule, sales
assumptions or continue to realize the savings from implemented expense
reductions, there can be no assurance that we will be able to arrange additional
financing on satisfactory terms, if at all. Additionally, we cannot assure our
investors that our future operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our
debt service requirement or to repay our indebtedness at maturity. If this were
to occur, our operations and liquidity would be materially adversely affected.
Our significant loss from operations for the fiscal year ended
August 31, 2000 and working capital and stockholders' deficiencies at August 31,
2000 raised substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Short-term liquidity in 2000 was provided by our receiving additional interim
borrowings under our revolving credit and security agreement with our primary
lender on a short-term basis, and in the first six months of fiscal 2001, with
proceeds from the issuance of common stock and with short-term availability from
an affiliate which was repaid in the second quarter of fiscal 2001.
Based on cash resources received in the third quarter of
fiscal 2001, including (1) the $9.5 million advance under our credit agreement
with our primary lender as a result of a junior participation transaction
between the lender and certain investors (a portion of which was used to repay
additional interim funding from our primary lender in the third quarter), (2)
the $5.0 million additional interim funding provided by our primary lender, (3)
short-term availability from an affiliate (which has since been repaid), (4) the
$1.2 million in proceeds from the sale of our Oyster Bay property, (5) the
repurchase of $13.9 million of our 10% convertible subordinated notes at a
discount and (6) the related interest savings of $700,000 from the repurchase,
we expect to generate sufficient positive cash flow from operations to meet our
currently projected cash and operating requirements through fiscal 2001 and
repay the remaining notes ($35.9 million principal amount, plus interest) at
maturity, assuming we meet our sales forecast by successfully achieving our
planned product release schedule, and continue to realize the savings from
implemented expense reductions.
In addition, we continue to actively work with our investment
bankers and our primary lender in the development of supplemental financing
plans to provide additional long-term financing as well as a possible
refinancing of our notes, although there can be no assurance we will be able to
consummate any such financing.
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While we anticipate that we will not be in compliance with all
of the financial covenants in our bank agreements in the near term, and
anticipate being able to obtain necessary waivers as we have in the past, we may
not be able to obtain waivers of any future covenant violations.
GOING CONCERN CONSIDERATION
At August 31, 2000, our independent auditors' report as
prepared by KPMG LLP and dated November 29, 2000, which appears in the related
Form 10-K, includes an explanatory paragraph relating to substantial doubt as to
our ability to continue as a going concern due to our significant loss from
operations in fiscal 2000 and our working capital and stockholders'
deficiencies. While our unaudited financial statements for the six months ended
March 3, 2001 were prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a
going concern and report that we had net earnings of $11.3 million or $0.20 per
diluted share for the six-month period ended March 3, 2001, we cannot assure our
stockholders and investors that we will continue to achieve profitability.
IF CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO MEET OUR NEEDS, WE MAY BE
FORCED TO SELL ASSETS, REFINANCE DEBT, OR FURTHER DOWNSIZE OPERATIONS
If we do not achieve our product release schedule, sales
assumptions or continue to realize the savings from implemented expense
reductions, we may experience insufficient liquidity in fiscal 2001, which may
require us to sell assets or consolidate operations, reduce staff, refinance
debt and/or otherwise restructure our operations.
In the second half of fiscal 2000, we implemented an expense
reduction initiative, which reduced operating expenses commencing with the
fourth quarter of that fiscal year. During the first quarter of fiscal 2001, we
continued to implement incremental expense reduction initiatives to reduce
operating expenses throughout fiscal 2001 in line with our sales forecasts. Our
operating plan for fiscal 2001 lowered fixed and variable expenses worldwide,
eliminated certain software development projects that were not expected to
achieve our financial return parameters within the following 12 to 18 months,
eliminated non-essential marketing expenses, and implemented certain staff
reductions.
We owned a building located at 71 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay,
New York, which we leased to a third-party tenant. On March 23, 2001, under the
terms of the lease buy back agreement, the lessee exercised its option to buy
back the property for net consideration of $1.2 million, which proceeds
approximated net book value.
Although we believe the actions we have taken should return
our annual operations to profitability we cannot assure our shareholders and
investors that we will achieve profitability or the sales necessary to avoid
further reductions. See "Industry Trends, Platform Transitions and Technological
Change May Adversely Affect Our Revenues and Profitability" below.
ABILITY TO SERVICE DEBT AND PRIOR RIGHTS OF CREDITORS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT
HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK
If our cash and projected cash flow from operations in fiscal
2001 or beyond is insufficient to make interest and principal payments when due,
we may have to restructure our indebtedness. We cannot guarantee that we will be
able to restructure or refinance our debt on satisfactory terms. In addition,
restructuring or refinancing may not be permitted by the terms of our existing
indebtedness. We cannot assure investors that our future operating cash flows
will be sufficient to meet our debt service requirements or to repay our
indebtedness at maturity.
4
At March 3, 2001, we reclassified our outstanding 10%
convertible subordinated notes due March 1, 2002 from long-term debt to a
current liability as the obligation is repayable within one year.
Based on cash resources received in the third quarter of
fiscal 2001, including (1) the $9.5 million advance under our credit agreement
with our primary lender as a result of a junior participation transaction
between the lender and certain investors (a portion of which was used to repay
additional interim funding from our primary lender in the third quarter), (2)
the $5.0 million additional interim funding provided by our primary lender, (3)
short-term availability from an affiliate (which has since been repaid), (4) the
$1.2 million in proceeds from the sale of our Oyster Bay property, (5) the
repurchase of $13.9 million of our 10% convertible subordinated notes at a
discount and (6) the related interest savings of $700,000 from the repurchase,
we expect to generate sufficient positive cash flow from operations to meet our
currently projected cash and operating requirements through fiscal 2001 and
repay the remaining notes ($35.9 million principal amount, plus interest) at
maturity, assuming we meet our sales forecast by successfully achieving our
planned product release schedule, and continue to realize the savings from
implemented expense reductions.
In addition, we continue to actively work with our investment
bankers and our primary lender in the development of supplemental financing
plans to provide additional long-term financing, although there can be no
assurance we will be able to consummate any such financing.
In order to meet our debt service obligations, from time to
time we also depend on dividends, advances and transfers of funds from our
subsidiaries. State and foreign law regulate the payment of dividends by these
subsidiaries, which is also subject to the terms of existing bank agreements and
the indenture governing our outstanding convertible notes. A significant portion
of our assets, operations, trade payables and indebtedness are located at these
foreign subsidiaries. The creditors of the subsidiaries would generally recover
from these assets on the obligations owed to them by the subsidiaries before any
recovery by our creditors and before any assets are distributed to stockholders.
A VIOLATION OF OUR FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT US
If we violate the financial or other covenants contained in
our bank agreements or in the indenture governing our outstanding convertible
notes, we will be in default under our bank agreements and/or the indenture. If
a default occurs and is not waived by the lender, the lender could seek remedies
against us, including: (1) penalty rates of interest; (2) immediate repayment of
the debt; and/or (3) the foreclosure on any assets securing the debt. Pursuant
to the terms of the agreement with our primary lender, we are required to
maintain specified levels of working capital and tangible net worth, among other
covenants. While we were not in compliance with some of the financial covenants
contained in the revolving credit and security agreement as of March 3, 2001, we
received waivers regarding this non-compliance from our primary lender.
While we anticipate that we will not be in compliance with all
of the financial covenants in our bank agreements in the near term, and
anticipate being able to obtain necessary waivers as we have in the past, we
cannot make any assurances that we will be able to obtain waivers of any future
covenant violations. If we become insolvent, are liquidated or reorganized,
after payment to the creditors, there are likely to be insufficient assets
remaining for any distribution to our stockholders.
REVENUES AND LIQUIDITY ARE DEPENDENT ON TIMELY INTRODUCTION OF NEW TITLES
The timely shipment of a new title depends on various factors,
including the development process, bug testing, approval by hardware licensors,
and approval by third- party licensors. It is likely
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that some of our titles will not be released in accordance with our operating
plans. A significant delay in the introduction of one or more new titles could
negatively affect sales and have a negative impact on our financial condition,
liquidity and results of operations, as was the case in fiscal 2000.
The life cycle of a new title generally ranges from less than
three months to upwards of 12 months, with the majority of sales occurring in
the first 30 to 120 days after release. Therefore, we are constantly required to
introduce new titles in order to generate revenues and/or to replace declining
revenues from older titles. In the past, we experienced delays in the
introduction of new titles, which have had a negative impact on our results of
operations. The complexity of next-generation systems has resulted in higher
development expenses, longer development cycles, and the need to carefully
monitor and plan the product development process. If we do not introduce titles
in accordance with our operating plans for a period, our results of operations,
liquidity and profitability in that period could be negatively affected.
We cannot assure stockholders that our new titles will be
released in a timely fashion. Factors such as competition for access to retail
shelf space, consumer preferences and seasonality could result in the shortening
of the life cycle for older titles and increase the importance of our ability to
release new titles on a timely basis.
INDUSTRY TRENDS, CONSOLE TRANSITIONS AND TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT OUR REVENUES AND PROFITABILITY
The life cycle of existing game consoles and the market
acceptance and popularity of new game consoles significantly affects the success
of our products. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to predict accurately
the life cycle or popularity of each game console. If we (1) do not develop
software for games consoles that achieve significant market acceptance; (2)
discontinue development of software for a game console that has a
longer-than-expected life cycle; (3) develop software for a game console that
does not achieve a significant installed base; or (4) continue development of
software for a game console that has a shorter-than-expected life cycle, we will
experience losses from operations.
In addition, the cyclical nature of the video and computer
games industry requires us to continually adapt software development efforts to
emerging hardware systems. The industry is currently in the midst of a hardware
transition from 32-bit and 64-bit to 128-bit game consoles. In the Fall of 2000,
Sony released PlayStation 2. Nintendo announced its intentions to launch its
GameCube 128-bit platform in Japan in the Summer of 2001 and in North America in
the Fall of 2001 and Microsoft announced its intention to launch its Xbox
128-bit platform in North America and Japan in the Fall of 2001. No assurance
can be given that these new game consoles will achieve commercial success
similar to and/or installed bases comparable to that of the 32- bit PlayStation
or 64-bit N64, nor can any assurances be made as to the timing of their success.
In addition, we cannot guarantee that we will be successful in developing and
publishing software for these new game consoles nor can we guarantee that
Microsoft or Nintendo will release their new platforms in accordance with their
announced release dates in the near future. In early 2001, Sega announced its
plans to exit the hardware business, cease distribution and sales of its
Dreamcast console and re-deploy its resources to develop software for multiple
platforms.
OUR FUTURE SUCCESS IS DEPENDENT ON OUR ABILITY TO RELEASE "HIT" TITLES
The market for software is "hits" driven. Therefore, our
future success depends on developing, publishing and distributing "hit" titles
for game consoles with significant installed bases. If
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we do not publish "hit" titles in the future, our financial condition, results
of operations and profitability could be negatively affected as has occurred in
the past. It is difficult to predict consumer preferences for titles, and few
titles achieve sustained market acceptance. We cannot assure stockholders that
we will be able to publish "hit" titles in the future.
IF PRODUCT RETURNS, PRICE PROTECTION AND CONCESSIONS EXCEED ALLOWANCES, WE MAY
INCUR LOSSES
In the past, during platform transitions, we have had to
provide greater price protection and concessions. Coupled with more competitive
pricing, if our allowances for returns, exchanges and price concessions are
exceeded, our financial condition and results of operations will be negatively
impacted, as has occurred in the past. We are not contractually obligated to
accept returns except for defective product. We may permit customers to return
or exchange products and may provide price protection or concessions on products
unsold by the customer.
Management makes significant estimates and assumptions
regarding allowances for estimated product returns, price protection and
concessions in preparing our financial statements. We establish allowances
taking into account the potential for product returns, price protection and
concessions based primarily on: (1) market acceptance of products in retail and
distributor inventories; (2) level of retail inventories; (3) seasonality; and
(4) historical return and price concession rates.
We believe that at March 3, 2001 our allowances for future
returns, exchanges and price protection and concessions are adequate. We cannot
guarantee the adequacy of our current or future allowances.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN OR RENEW LICENSES FROM HARDWARE DEVELOPERS, WE WILL
NOT BE ABLE TO RELEASE SOFTWARE FOR GAME CONSOLES
We are substantially dependent on each hardware developer: (1)
as the sole licensor of the specifications needed to develop software for its
game consoles; (2) as the sole manufacturer (Nintendo and Sony software) of the
software developed by us for its game consoles; (3) to protect the intellectual
property rights to their game consoles and technology and (4) to discourage
unauthorized persons from producing software for its game consoles.
Substantially all of our revenues have historically been
derived from sales of software for game consoles. In the six months ended March
3, 2001 and February 29, 2000, we derived:
o 20% and 38%, respectively, of gross revenues from the sale of
Nintendo-compatible software;
o 61% and 34%, respectively, of gross revenues from the sale of Sony
PlayStation software;
o 14% and 21%, respectively, of gross revenues from the sale of Sega
compatible software; and
o 5% and 7%, respectively, of gross revenues from the sale of PC and other
software.
If we cannot obtain licenses to develop software from
developers of new game consoles or if any of our existing license agreements are
terminated, we will not be able to release software for those game consoles,
which would have a negative impact on our results of operations and
profitability. Although, we cannot assure our stockholders that, at the end of
their current terms, we will be able to obtain extensions or that we will be
successful in negotiating definitive license agreements with developers of new
game consoles, to date we have always obtained extensions or new agreements with
the hardware companies.
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Our revenue growth may also be dependent on the hardware
companies. If new license agreements contain product quantity limitations, our
revenue and profitability may be negatively impacted.
INCREASED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COST MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT PROFITABILITY
Our research and development expenses decreased $2.6 million
to $11.5 million, or 18%, for the quarter ended March 3, 2001 from $14.1 million
for the quarter ended February 29, 2000 and decreased $6.2 million to $22.9
million, or 21% for the six months ended March 3, 2001 from $29.1 million for
the same period one year ago. Although we anticipate that our future product
development expenses will decrease in fiscal 2001 due to our focus on fewer
hardware systems, we cannot assure our investors that our product development
expenses will not increase thereafter as a result of the complexity of
developing games for the new 128-bit game consoles. We anticipate that our
profitability will continue to be impacted by the levels of research and
development expenses relative to revenues, and by fluctuations relating to the
timing of development in anticipation of the next-generation platforms.
During fiscal 2000, we focused our development efforts and
costs on N64, PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, Xbox and Dreamcast, while incurring
incremental costs in the development of tools and engines necessary for the new
platforms. Our current release schedule which commenced in the second quarter of
fiscal 2001 is developed around PlayStation 2, Xbox, Game boy Advance and
Game-Cube. In addition, we will continue to support PlayStation 1 and Game boy
Color through a select group of independent software developers, thus permitting
us to reduce in part our internal development costs.
INABILITY TO PROCURE COMMERCIALLY VALUABLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LICENSES MAY
PREVENT PRODUCT RELEASES OR RESULT IN REDUCED PRODUCT SALES
Our titles often embody trademarks, trade names, logos, or
copyrights licensed to us by third parties, such as the NBA, the NFL and MLB or
their respective players' associations. We may not be successful in acquiring or
renewing licenses to property rights with significant commercial value. The loss
of one or more of these licenses could prevent our release of a title or limit
our economic success. For example, our license for the WWF properties expired in
November 1999 and was not renewed. Sales of titles using WWF properties
aggregated 0% of gross revenues for the six months ended March 3, 2001 as
compared to 15% for the six months ended February 29, 2000. Our license for the
South Park properties was terminated in September 2000. Sales of titles using
South Park properties aggregated 1% of gross revenues for the first six months
of fiscal 2001 as compared to 17% for the first six months of fiscal 2000. In
addition, we cannot assure stockholders that our current licenses will be
extended on reasonable terms or at all.
License agreements relating to these rights generally extend
for a term of two to three years. The agreements are terminable upon the
occurrence of a number of factors, including our (1) material breach of the
agreement; (2) failure to pay amounts due to the licensor in a timely manner; or
(3) bankruptcy or insolvency.
IF WE DO NOT COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY, DEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS MAY BE REDUCED
The video and computer games market is highly competitive.
Only a small percentage of titles introduced in the market achieve any degree of
sustained market acceptance. If our titles are not successful, our operations
and profitability will be negatively impacted. We cannot guarantee that our
titles will compete successfully.
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Competition in the video and computer games industry is based primarily upon:
o the quality of titles;
o reviews received for a title from independent reviewers who publish
reviews in magazines, websites, newspapers and other industry
publications;
o publisher's access to retail shelf space;
o the success of the game console for which the title is written;
o the price of each title;
o the number of titles then available for the system for which each title
is published; and
o the marketing campaign supporting a title at launch and through its life.
Our chief competitors are the developers of games consoles, to
whom we pay royalties and/or manufacturing charges, as well as a number of
independent software publishers licensed by the hardware developers. The
hardware developers have a price, marketing and distribution advantage with
respect to software marketed by them. Our competitors vary in size from very
small companies with limited resources to very large corporations with greater
financial, marketing and product development resources than us, such as
Nintendo, Sega and Sony.
As each hardware cycle matures, significant price competition
and reduced profit margins result and we anticipate this to continue throughout
the transition period of fiscal 2001. In addition, competition from new
technologies may reduce demand in markets in which we have traditionally
competed. As a result of prolonged price competition and reduced demand as a
result of competing technologies, our operations and liquidity have been, and in
the future could continue to be, negatively impacted.
REVENUES VARY DUE TO THE SEASONAL NATURE OF VIDEO AND COMPUTER GAMES SOFTWARE
PURCHASES
The video and computer games industry is highly seasonal.
Typically, net revenues are highest in the last calendar quarter, decline in the
first calendar quarter, are lower in the second calendar quarter and increase in
the third calendar quarter. The seasonal pattern is due primarily to the
increased demand for software during the year-end holiday selling season and the
reduced demand for software during the summer months. Our earnings vary
significantly and are materially affected by releases of "hit" titles and,
accordingly, may not necessarily reflect the seasonal patterns of the industry
as a whole. We expect that operating results will continue to fluctuate
significantly in the future. See "Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results
Lead to Unpredictability of Revenues and Income" below.
FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS LEAD TO UNPREDICTABILITY OF REVENUES
AND INCOME
The timing of release of new titles can cause material
quarterly revenues and earnings fluctuations. A significant portion of revenues
in any quarter is often derived from sales of new titles introduced in that
quarter or in the immediately preceding quarter. If we are unable to begin
volume shipments of a significant new title during the scheduled quarter, as has
been the case in the past, our revenues and earnings will be negatively affected
in that period. In addition, because a majority of the unit sales for a title
typically occur in the first 30 to 120 days following its introduction, revenues
and earnings may increase significantly in a period in which a major title is
introduced and may decline in the following period or in which there are no
major title introductions.
Quarterly operating results also may be materially impacted by
factors including (1) the level of market acceptance or demand for titles and
(2) the level of development and/or promotion
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expenses for a title. Consequently, if net revenues in a period are below
expectations, our operating results and financial position in that period are
likely to be negatively affected, as has occurred in the past.
STOCK PRICE IS VOLATILE AND STOCKHOLDERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RECOUP THEIR
INVESTMENT
There is a history of significant volatility in the market
prices of companies engaged in the software industry, including Acclaim.
Movements in the market price of our common stock from time to time have
negatively affected stockholders' ability to recoup their investment in the
stock. The price of our common stock is likely to continue to be highly
volatile, and stockholders may not be able to recoup their investment. If our
future revenues, profitability or product releases do not meet expectations, the
price of our common stock may be negatively affected.
IF OUR SECURITIES WERE DELISTED FROM THE NASDAQ SMALL CAP MARKET, IT MAY
NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE LIQUIDITY OF OUR COMMON STOCK
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, our securities were
delisted from quotation on The Nasdaq National Market. Our common stock is
currently trading on The Nasdaq Small Cap Market. Although we meet the current
listing criteria for The Nasdaq Small Cap Market, no assurance can be given as
to our ongoing ability to meet The Nasdaq Small Cap Market maintenance
requirements. One of the maintenance requirements is that our common stock
continue to trade above one dollar. In order to obtain relisting of our common
stock on The Nasdaq National Market, we must satisfy Nasdaq's quantitative
designation criteria, which we do not currently meet. No assurance can be given
that we will be able to meet the relisting criteria for The Nasdaq National
Market in the near future.
If our common stock were to be delisted from trading on The
Nasdaq Small Cap Market, trading, if any in the common stock may continue to be
conducted on the OTC Bulletin Board or in the non-Nasdaq over-the-counter
market. Delisting of the common stock would result in limited release of the
market price of the common stock and limited news coverage, and could restrict
investors' interest in the common stock as well as materially adversely affect
the trading market and prices for the common stock and our ability to issue
additional securities or to secure additional financing.
"Penny stocks" generally are equity securities with a price of
less than $5.00 per share, which are not registered on certain national
securities exchanges or quoted on the Nasdaq system. If our common stock is
delisted from Nasdaq, we could become subject to the SEC's penny stock rules.
These rules, among other things, require broker-dealers to satisfy special sales
practice requirements, including making individualized written suitability
determinations and receiving a purchaser's written consent prior to any
transaction. In addition, under the penny stock rules, additional disclosure in
connection with trades in the common stock would be required, including the
delivery of a disclosure schedule explaining the nature and risks of the penny
stock market. These requirements could severely limit the liquidity of the
common stock.
PREVALENCE OF ILLEGAL COPYING OF SOFTWARE COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT SALES
In order to protect our software and proprietary rights, we
rely mainly on a combination of copyrights, trade secret laws, patent and
trademark laws, and nondisclosure agreements.
10
Existing U.S. and international laws afford only limited
protection. An unauthorized person may be able to copy our software or otherwise
obtain and use our proprietary information. If a significant amount of illegal
copying of our software occurs, our product sales could be adversely impacted.
Policing illegal use of software is extremely difficult and software piracy is
expected to persist. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries in which
our software is distributed do not protect us and our intellectual property
rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. We cannot guarantee that our
attempts to protect our proprietary rights will be adequate.
INFRINGEMENT COULD LEAD TO COSTLY LITIGATION AND/ OR THE NEED TO ENTER INTO
LICENSE AGREEMENTS, WHICH MAY RESULT IN INCREASED OPERATING EXPENSES
Existing or future infringement claims by or against us may
result in costly litigation or require us to license the proprietary rights of
third parties, which could have a negative impact on our results of operations,
liquidity and profitability.
We believe that our proprietary rights do not infringe on the
proprietary rights of others. As the number of titles in the industry increases,
we believe that claims and lawsuits with respect to software infringement will
also increase. From time to time, third parties have asserted that some of our
titles infringed their proprietary rights. We have also asserted that third
parties have likewise infringed our proprietary rights. These infringement
claims have sometimes resulted in litigation by and against us. To date, none of
these claims have negatively impacted our ability to develop, publish or
distribute our software. We cannot guarantee that future infringement claims
will not occur or that they will not negatively impact our ability to develop,
publish or distribute our software.
FACTORS SPECIFIC TO INTERNATIONAL SALES MAY RESULT IN REDUCED REVENUES AND/OR
INCREASED COSTS
International sales have historically represented material
portions of our revenues and we expect that international sales will continue to
account for a significant portion of our revenues in future periods. Sales in
foreign countries may involve expenses incurred to customize titles to comply
with local laws. In addition, titles that are successful in the domestic market
may not be successful in foreign markets due to different consumer preferences.
International sales are also subject to fluctuating exchange rates and may be
affected by the adoption of a single currency in much of Europe. These and other
factors specific to international sales may result in reduced revenues and/or
increased costs.
LOSS OF KEY EMPLOYEES MAY NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR SUCCESS
Our success depends on our ability to identify, hire and
retain skilled personnel. The software industry is characterized by a high level
of employee mobility and aggressive recruiting among competitors for personnel
with technical, marketing, sales, product development and management skills. We
may not be able to attract and retain skilled personnel or may incur significant
costs in order to do so.
In particular, we are highly dependent upon the management
services of Gregory Fischbach, co-chairman of the board and chief executive
officer, and James Scoroposki, co-chairman of the board and senior executive
vice president. If we were to lose either of their services, our business would
be negatively impacted. Although we have employment agreements with Messrs.
Fischbach and Scoroposki through August 31, 2003, they may leave or compete with
us in the future. If we are unable to attract additional qualified employees or
retain the services of key personnel, our business could be negatively impacted.
CHARTER AND ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS COULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT RIGHTS OF HOLDERS
OF COMMON STOCK
11
Acclaim's board of directors has the authority to issue shares
of preferred stock and to determine their characteristics without stockholder
approval. In this regard, in June 2000, the board of directors approved a
stockholder rights plan. If the Series B junior participating preferred stock is
issued it would be more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our
voting stock.
In addition to the Series B preferred stock, the board of
directors may issue additional preferred stock and, if this is done, the rights
of common stockholders may be additionally negatively affected by the rights of
those preferred stockholders.
We are also subject to anti-takeover provisions of Delaware
corporate law, which may impede a tender offer, change in control or takeover
attempt that is opposed by the board. In addition, employment arrangements with
some members of management provide for severance payments upon termination of
their employment if there is a change in control.
12
INFORMATION ABOUT ACCLAIM
A Delaware corporation, Acclaim was founded in 1987. Our principal
executive offices are located at One Acclaim Plaza, Glen Cove, New York 11542,
and our main telephone number is (516) 656-5000. Our Internet website is:
http://www.acclaim.com. Information contained on our website should not be
deemed part of this prospectus.
We develop, publish, market and distribute video and computer games
software for use with game consoles, both dedicated and portable, and PCs on a
worldwide basis. We own and operate four software development studios located in
the U.S. and the U.K. where we develop, or create, our own software. We also own
a motion capture studio and a recording studio in the U.S. We also contract with
independent developers to create software for us. We publish, or release to the
public under our brand names, software developed by us as well as by those
third-party developers. We distribute our software directly to retailers in
North America, the U.K., Germany, France, Spain and Australia. We also
distribute software developed and published by third parties and develop and
publish strategy guides in support of our software and issue "special edition"
comic book magazines from time to time in support of our valued brands, such as
Turok and Shadowman.
Our operating strategy is to develop and publish video and computer
game software for each of the major video game consoles and PCs under a
portfolio of core brands, including Acclaim Sports, Acclaim Max Sports, Ring
Sports, Racing, Acclaim Games and Club Acclaim. Software titles offered under
each brand are related by genre and appeal to a targeted demographic group in
order to allow for cross-promotion and build brand loyalty.
The video and computer games industry is characterized by rapid
technological changes mostly due to:
o platform transitions from the introduction of game console systems
incorporating more powerful processors and operating systems every four
to five years;
o the impact of technological changes embodied in PCs;
o the development of electronic and wireless delivery systems; and
o the entry and participation of new software publishers and game console
distributors and marketers.
These and other factors have resulted in successive introductions of
increasingly advanced game consoles and PCs. As a result of the rapid
technological shifts, no single game console or PC system has achieved long-term
dominance in the video and computer games market. Therefore, we must continually
anticipate game console cycles and our research and development group must
develop programming tools and engines necessary for the development of software
for emerging hardware systems.
Our revenues have traditionally been derived from sales of software for
the then-popular game consoles. Accordingly, our performance has been, and is
expected in the future to be, materially adversely affected by platform
transitions. As a result of the industry transition to 32-bit and 64-bit game
consoles which commenced in 1995, our software sales during fiscal 1996, 1997
and 1998 were significantly lower than in fiscal 1994 and 1995. Our inability to
predict accurately the timing of that transition resulted in material losses in
fiscal 1996 and 1997. The video and computer games industry is currently
experiencing another platform transition from 32-bit and 64-bit to 128-bit game
consoles and related software. We believe that sales of new 32-bit and 64-bit
game consoles have peaked and will continue to decrease substantially in future
periods. This transition during fiscal 2000 resulted in increased competition,
fewer hit titles capable of achieving significant sales levels and increased
price weakness for non-hit titles. The software transition has also resulted in
industry-wide software pricing
13
weakness which impacted our operating results during fiscal 2000 and is
anticipated to adversely impact us in fiscal 2001, as the market shifts from the
current game consoles to the next-generation systems that were launched by Sega
in fiscal 2000 and Sony in fiscal 2001, and which are anticipated to be launched
in North America by Nintendo and Microsoft in the Fall of 2001. We will continue
to support PlayStation and Game boy Color and also have begun to publish
PlayStation 2 titles and will begin to publish titles for Game boy Advance,
which is scheduled for launch in June 2001. We will not release any new N64
titles in fiscal 2001. We expect our portfolio of titles for fiscal 2002 to be
dominated by PlayStation 2, Game Cube, Xbox and Game boy Advance. Although we do
not believe that the installed base of next-generation platforms in 2001 will
support software sales at the levels achieved in 1999 (before the current
platform transition), when the transition is complete we anticipate that the
eventual installed base of 128-bit systems will provide a larger market for our
software, with improved gross margins (based on the predominance of CD-based
product rather than cartridge-based product) as compared to 1999. There can be
no assurance that the newly announced next generation game consoles (e.g.
Nintendo's Game Cube and Microsoft's Xbox) will achieve commercial success
similar to that of the 32-bit PlayStation or 64-bit N64, nor can there be any
assurances made as to the timing of such success. In early 2001, Sega announced
its plan to exit the hardware business, cease distribution and sales of its
Dreamcast console and re-deploy its resources to develop software for multiple
platforms. See "Risk Factors: Industry Trends, Platform Transitions and
Technological Change May Adversely Affect Our Revenues and Profitability."
The rapid technological advances in game consoles have significantly
changed the look and feel of software as well as the software development
process. Currently, the process of developing software is extremely complex and
we expect it to become more complex and expensive in the future with the advent
of the more powerful next-generation game consoles. According to our estimates,
the average development time for a title is between 12 and 36 months and the
average development cost for a title is between $1 million and $6 million. The
average development time for our software for portable systems is currently
between six and nine months and the average development cost for a title is
between $100,000 and $300,000.
Our revenues in any period are generally driven by the titles released
by us in that period. We have experienced delays in the introduction of new
titles, which has had a negative impact on our results of operations. It is
likely that some of our future titles will not be released in accordance with
our operating plans, in which event our results of operations and profitability
in that period would be negatively affected. See "Risk Factors: Revenues and
Liquidity Are Dependent on Timely Introduction of New Titles."
Revenues from our 64-bit and certain 128-bit software in fiscal 2001
were below our expectations due, in large part, to: (1) the decline of the
market for N64 software and our prior emphasis on the N64 platform, (2) the
decline in the market for Dreamcast software and Sega's exit from the market,
(3) the declining rate of growth in the installed base of 64-bit game consoles,
and (4) the limited distribution of PlayStation 2 consoles. In response to the
foregoing trends, we do not plan to release any new titles for the N64. In
addition during fiscal 2000, we substantially increased our sales allowances to
address the effects on us of increased competition and industry-wide weakness in
cartridge-based software sales and slower-than-expected sales of certain
products. The decline in fiscal 2000 sales was partially offset by revenues from
software for Sega's Dreamcast 128-bit game console which is a CD-based delivery
system, but sales for this console were lower in the first six months of fiscal
2001 than the comparable period of the prior year based predominantly on Sega's
announced hardware product discontinuation. The decline in sales for the first
six months of fiscal 2001 was partially offset by an increase in Sony
PlayStation and Nintendo Gameboy revenue.
14
We recorded net earnings of $.5 million, or $0.01 per fully diluted
share, for the three months ended March 3, 2001 compared to a net loss of
$(19.0) million, or $(0.34) per fully diluted share, for the three months ended
February 29, 2000. For the six months ended March 3, 2001, we reported net
earnings of $11.3 million, or $0.20 per fully diluted share, compared to a net
loss of $(18.5) million, or $(0.33) per fully diluted share for the six months
ended February 29, 2000. The increased earnings are attributed to a significant
reduction in operating expenses of $46.9 million (or 44%) in fiscal 2001 when
compared to fiscal 2000. In the second half of fiscal 2000 and continuing into
the first half of fiscal 2001, we implemented expense reduction initiatives,
which have reduced operating expenses commencing with the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2000 and continuing into fiscal 2001. The plan reduced fixed and variable
expenses company-wide, eliminated certain marginal titles under development,
reduced staff and lowered marketing expenses, and featured the following
efforts:
o Reduction of Marketing and Selling Expenses - We successfully implemented
our plan to substantially reduce selling and marketing expenses. For the
first six months of fiscal 2001, our selling and marketing
expenses of $15.9 million were $30.4 million or 66% below the same period
of the prior year, primarily the result of a reduction in television and
print media advertising as compared to the prior year.
o Reduction of Overhead and Other Operating Expenses - Through a series of
targeted headcount and other operating expense reductions, we
successfully executed a cost reduction plan, which for the first six
months of fiscal 2001 reduced overhead and other operating expenses by
$16.5 million, or 28%, to $43.4 million from $59.9 million for the same
period of the prior year.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2001 approximately 8% of our gross
revenue was derived from software developed by our studios, while for the
comparable period in fiscal 2000, approximately 54% of our gross revenue was
derived from software developed by our studios. For the first six months of
fiscal 2001, approximately 5% of our gross revenue was derived from software
developed by our studios, while for the comparable period in fiscal 2000
approximately 62% of our gross revenue was derived from software developed by
our studios. This shift in revenues is attributable to our two-tier strategy to
rationalize our product development efforts by first ensuring the development of
software for the next generation game consoles was performed by our own studios
(i.e. All Star Baseball, Crazy Taxi, Quarterback Club). Internal development
permitted us to better control variable expenses and ensure the timely release
and quality of our titles scheduled for release in the second half of fiscal
2001 and the first half of fiscal 2002. At the same time, our product
development efforts for the first half of fiscal 2001 emphasized the licensing
of software development by third parties predominantly for already released
platforms. See "Risk Factors: Increased Product Development Costs May Adversely
Affect Profitability."
While significant expense reductions in the first six months of fiscal
2001 of $46.9 million or 44% were realized as compared to the same period in
fiscal 2000, there is no guarantee that we can continue to accomplish all the
above expense reductions for the entire year or maintain the already achieved
rate.
As we continue to manage through the current game console transition
and prepare to compete in the software market for next-generation game consoles,
it is necessary that we meet our product release schedule, sales projections and
manage our operational expenditures at the planned levels in order to generate
sufficient liquidity to fund our operations and meet our obligation to repay our
remaining notes ($ 35.9 million principal amount, plus interest).
15
Our results of operations in the future will be dependent in large part
on (1) the timing and rate of growth of the software market for 128-bit and
other emerging game consoles (2) and our ability to identify, develop and timely
publish, in accordance with our product release schedule, software that performs
well in the marketplace.
---------------------
You should not use historical trends or factors affecting our operating
results and financial condition to anticipate results or trends in future
periods. See "Risk Factors" above. Also, you should not consider historic
financial performance as a reliable indicator of future performance.
---------------------
16
USE OF PROCEEDS
Acclaim will not receive any proceeds from the sale of any of the
shares of its common stock by the selling stockholders.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
Beneficial Ownership and Other Information
The following table sets forth information with respect to the shares
of common stock beneficially held by the selling stockholders:
Beneficial Shares Beneficially
Ownership Prior to Owned After the
Name an Offering Shares Being Offered Offering(1)
- - ---- ------------------ -------------------- -------------------
Triton Capital Investments, Ltd. 1,097,152 1,097,152 -0-
JMG Convertible Investments, L.P. 389,848 389,848 -0-
Alexandra Global Investment 1,660,000 1,660,000 -0-
Fund I, Ltd.
GMAC Commercial Credit LLC 300,000(2) 100,000 200,000
Centre Island Development Corp. 8,968,284(3) 625,000 8,343,284
Hampton Farms LLC 8,906,792(4) 625,000 8,281,792
Terry and Cathy Phillips 385,000 250,000 135,000
Zeke, L.P. 940,500 500,000 440,500
Brookwood Partners L.P. 250,000 250,000 -0-
- - ------------------------
(1) Assumes that all of the shares covered by this prospectus are sold by the
selling stockholders pursuant to this prospectus. The selling stockholders
may choose to dispose of none or only a portion of the shares held by them
pursuant to this prospectus.
(2) GMAC holds a separate warrant to purchase 200,000 shares of Acclaim's
common stock. The offer and sale by GMAC of the shares underlying that
warrant are covered by a separate prospectus filed with the SEC.
(3) The aggregate number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by James
R. Scoroposki, officer and director of Acclaim and sole stockholder of
Centre Island, is 8,968,294 (including the 625,000 shares issuable upon the
exercise of the warrant described below). This prospectus only covers the
resale by Centre Island of the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrant
to purchase 625,000 shares of common stock.
17
(4) The aggregate number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by
Gregory E. Fischbach, officer and director of Acclaim and member of Hampton
Farms LLC, is 8,906,792 (including the 625,000 shares issuable upon the
exercise of the warrant described below). This prospectus only covers the
resale by Hampton Farms of the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrant
to purchase 625,000 shares of common stock.
Note Repurchase and Sales of Common Stock
Of the shares covered by this prospectus, 1,097,152 shares were
acquired by Triton Capital and 389,848 shares were acquired by JMG, pursuant to
separate note and common stock purchase agreements between Acclaim and Triton
Capital, each dated March 30, 2001. Of the shares covered by this prospectus,
1,660,000 shares were acquired by Alexandra Global pursuant to a note and common
stock purchase agreement between Acclaim and Alexandra Global, dated April 10,
2001.
Under the separate agreements, Triton Capital sold to Acclaim notes in
the aggregate principal amount of $4,925,000 (for an aggregate purchase price of
$2,008,367), JMG sold to Acclaim notes in the aggregate principal amount of
$1,750,000 (for an aggregate purchase price of $713,633) and Alexandra Global
sold to Acclaim notes in the aggregate principal amount of $7,200,000 (for an
aggregate purchase price of $3,275,000). Concurrently with the repurchase of the
notes, Acclaim sold to Triton Capital 1,097,152 shares, JMG 389,848 shares and
Alexandra Global 1,660,000 shares of its common stock in each case at a purchase
price of $1.25 per share. Acclaim has agreed with each of Triton Capital, JMG
and Alexandra Global that if the registration statement (of which this
prospectus forms a part) is not declared effective by the SEC within 90 days
following the date of this filing, Acclaim will issue an additional 250,000
shares of its common stock to each of Triton Capital, JMG and Alexandra Global.
In addition, Acclaim agreed to issue to Alexandra Global up to an additional
1,328,000 shares of its common stock based on and to the extent the average
closing sale price of Acclaim's common stock is less than $0.90 and more than
$0.50 per share over a 20-day period prior to the third day before the
effectiveness of the registration statement.
If and to the extent Acclaim is obligated to issue any of the
additional shares described above, Acclaim intends to increase the number of
shares included in this prospectus prior to the effectiveness of the
registration statement so that this prospectus would also cover the resale by
Triton Capital, JMG and Alexandra Global of any additional shares.
GMAC Commercial Credit LLC
This prospectus covers the offer and sale by GMAC of the 100,000 shares
issuable to GMAC upon exercise of a warrant issued to GMAC by Acclaim on July
31, 2000, in connection with GMAC's waiver of various loan agreement covenant
defaults by Acclaim. The shares are issuable at any time or from time to time
upon the exercise of the warrant by GMAC at an exercise price of $1.25 per share
and, if not exercised in full prior to July 31, 2005, expire on that date.
Junior Participants
This prospectus covers the offer and sale by the selling stockholders
named below of the 2,250,0000 shares issuable to them upon exercise of warrants
to purchase common stock. On March 12, 2001, GMAC, as Acclaim's primary secured
lender, entered into junior participation agreements with certain junior
participants (including the selling stockholders named below) under and pursuant
to the terms of its existing revolving credit agreement with Acclaim. As a
result of the participation, the lender advanced an additional $9.5 million to
Acclaim pursuant to the credit agreement. As an inducement to the junior
participants (including the selling stockholders) to participate in the
participation, on March 12, 2001, Acclaim issued to the junior participants
five-year warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of
18
2,375,000 shares of Acclaim's common stock exercisable at an initial price of
$1.25 per share. The shares are issuable at any time or from time to time upon
the exercise of the warrants by the junior participants.
NAME NO. OF SHARES UNDERLYING WARRANT
---- --------------------------------
Centre Island Development Corp.(1) 625,000
Hampton Farms, LLC(2) 625,000
Terry and Cathy Phillips 250,000
Zeke, L.P. 500,000
Brookwood Partners, L.P. 250,000
------------------------ -------
Total 2,250,000(3)
============
- - -------------------
(1) The sole stockholder of Centre Island Development Corp. is James
Scoroposki, officer and director of Acclaim. Centre Island Development
Corp. received warrants to purchase 625,000 shares of common stock of
Acclaim in connection with its participation.
(2) The sole members of Hampton Farms LLC are Gregory E. Fischbach, officer
and director of Acclaim, and his spouse. Hampton Farms LLC received
warrants to purchase 625,000 shares of common stock of Acclaim in
connection with its participation.
(3) James Scibelli, a director of Acclaim, although not included in this
prospectus, received a warrant to purchase 125,000 shares of common
stock of Acclaim in connection with his participation.
The shares issued to each of the selling stockholders are restricted
securities within the meaning of the Securities Act and cannot be offered for
sale without an effective registration statement covering such offer and sale or
pursuant to an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act. Pursuant to the terms of the various agreements, Acclaim filed
the registration statement (of which this prospectus is a part) and will use its
best efforts to keep the registration statement effective until all of the
shares issued to the selling stockholders are disposed of by them.
Except for the revolving credit facility provided by GMAC to Acclaim,
and the affiliation of Gregory E. Fischbach and James R. Scoroposki as officers
and directors of Acclaim, neither Acclaim nor any of its affiliates has had any
material relationship with any of the selling stockholders within the past three
years.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling stockholders have not employed an underwriter for the sale
of shares by the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders may offer shares
directly or through pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in
interest at various times:
o on The Nasdaq Small Cap Market or in any other securities market on which
Acclaim's common stock is then listed or traded,
o in negotiated transactions,
19
o in a combination of any of the above transactions, or
o through any other available market transaction.
The selling stockholders may offer shares at (1) fixed prices which may be
changed, (2) prices prevailing at the time of sale, (3) prices related to such
prevailing market prices, or (4) at negotiated prices. Sales on or through The
Nasdaq Small Cap Market will be effected at such prices as may be obtainable and
as may be satisfactory to the selling stockholders. No sales or distributions
other than as disclosed in this prospectus will be effected until after this
prospectus shall have been appropriately amended or supplemented, if required,
to set forth the terms of the sale or distribution. The shares held by the
selling stockholders may be sold directly or through brokers or dealers, or in a
distribution by one or more underwriters on a firm commitment or best efforts
basis. The method by which the selling stockholders' shares may be sold include:
o a block trade (which may involve crosses) in which the broker or dealer
so engaged will attempt to sell the securities as agent but may position
and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the
transaction;
o purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by that broker or
dealer for its account under this prospectus;
o exchange distributions and/or secondary distributions in accordance with
the rules of The Nasdaq Small Cap Market;
o ordinary brokerage transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers;
and
o privately negotiated transactions.
In addition, any shares of common stock that qualify for sale under Rule 144 or
Rule 144A under the Securities Act may be sold under any such rules rather than
under this prospectus.
Brokers or dealers may receive commission or discounts from the selling
stockholders in amounts to be negotiated immediately prior to the sale.
Commission expenses and brokerage fees will be paid by the selling stockholders.
The selling stockholders and any underwriters, dealers or agents that
participate in the distribution of its shares of Acclaim's common stock may be
deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any
profit on the resale of those shares by them or any discounts, commissions or
concessions received by any such underwriters, dealers or agents may be deemed
to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
Acclaim has agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders, their
officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, counsel, and each person
who controls each selling stockholder, as determined under applicable securities
laws, against certain kinds of liability relating to this offering. Types of
liability include liability arising from any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement in this prospectus or the registration statement of which it is a
part, any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact within this
prospectus or the registration statement of which it is a part, and any
violation under the Securities Act or any federal or state securities law or
regulation. The selling stockholders have also agreed to indemnify Acclaim and
its officers, directors, shareholders, partners, employees, agents, counsel, and
each person who controls Acclaim, as determined under applicable securities
laws, against certain kinds of liability relating to this offering. Types of
liability include liability arising from any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement in this prospectus or the registration statement of which it is a
part, any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact within this
prospectus or the registration statement of which it is a part, and any
violation under the Securities Act or any federal or state securities law or
20
regulation, to the extent any of the violations occur in connection with written
information furnished by a selling stockholder in connection with this
prospectus or the registration statement of which it is a part. However, the
total amount payable in indemnity by any selling stockholder shall not exceed
net proceeds received by the selling stockholder in the registered offering out
of which the violation arises. The parties have also agreed to make contribution
in respect of any claims or damages for which indemnification is unavailable.
Expenses of this offering related to this registration statement,
estimated at $45,000, will be borne in full by Acclaim. Insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be
permitted to directors, officers, or persons controlling the registrant pursuant
to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that, in the
opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
21
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We and other participants in the entertainment industry were
sued in an action entitled James, et al. v. Meow Media, et al. filed in April
1999 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Paducah
Division, Civil Action No. 5:99 CV96-J. The U.S. District Court for the Western
District of Kentucky dismissed this action; however, it is currently on appeal
to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Oral argument on the appeal
is scheduled to take place during the summer.
We received a demand for indemnification from the defendant
Lazer-Tron Corporation ("Lazer-Tron") in a matter entitled J. Richard Oltmann v.
Steve Simon, No. 98 C1759 and Steve Simon v. J. Richard Oltmann, J Richard
Oltmann Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Haunted Trails Amusement Parks, and RLT
Acquisitions, Inc., d/b/a Lazer-Tron, No. A 98CA 426, consolidated as U.S.
District Court Northern District of Illinois Case No. 99 C 1055 (the "Lazer-Tron
Action"). The Lazer-Tron Action involves the assertion by plaintiff Simon that
defendants Oltmann, Haunted Trails and Lazer-Tron misappropriated plaintiff's
trade secrets. Plaintiff alleges claims for Lanham Act violations, unfair
competition, misappropriation of trade secrets, conspiracy, and fraud against
all defendants, and seeks damages in unspecified amounts, including treble
damages for Lanham Act claims, and an accounting. Pursuant to an Asset Purchase
Agreement (the "Agreement") made as of March 5, 1997, we sold Lazer-Tron to RLT
Acquisitions, Inc. ("RLT"). Under the Agreement, we assumed and excluded
specific liabilities, and agreed to indemnify RLT for certain losses, as
specified in the Agreement. In an August 1, 2000 letter, counsel for Lazer-Tron
in the Lazer-Tron Action asserted that our indemnification obligations in the
Agreement applied to the Lazer-Tron Action, and demanded that we indemnify
Lazer-Tron for any losses which may be incurred in the Lazer-Tron Action. In an
August 22, 2000 response, we asserted that any losses which may result from the
Lazer-Tron Action are not assumed liabilities under the Agreement for which we
must indemnify Lazer-Tron. In a November 20, 2000 letter, Lazer-Tron responded
to Acclaim's August 22 letter and reiterated its position that we must indemnify
Lazer-Tron with respect to the Lazer-Tron Action. No other action with respect
to this matter has been taken to date.
On November 27, 2000, we were sued in the U.S. District Court
for the Southern District of New York, in an action entitled Comedy Partners vs.
Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (00 Civ. 9051 (S.D.N.Y.) (AKH.) In addition, on or
about December 15, 2000, an action was commenced against us entitled Comedy
Partners v. Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., Index No. 605476/00 (Supreme Court, New
York County). On March 9, 2001, we reached an agreement with Comedy Partners to
settle all claims between the parties for $900,000 which amount was included in
accrued royalties payable at August 31, 2000 and March 3, 2001. We will make
installment payments beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2001, with a final
payment scheduled for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001.
We are also party to various litigations arising in the ordinary course of
our business, the resolution of none of which, we believe, will have a material
adverse effect on our liquidity or results of operations.
LEGAL MATTERS
Rosenman & Colin LLP, 575 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022 will
pass upon the validity of the shares offered by this prospectus for Acclaim.
22
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.
and subsidiaries as of August 31, 2000 and 1999 and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended August 31, 2000 have been incorporated by reference in
this prospectus and in the registration statement of which it forms a part in
reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants,
incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of that firm as experts
in accounting and auditing.
The report of KPMG LLP dated November 29, 2000, contains an explanatory
paragraph that states that Acclaim has incurred losses from operations, and has
a working capital and stockholders' deficiency that raises substantial doubt
about its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of
that uncertainty.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus includes discussions of future expectations and
contains projections of results of operations or financial condition or other
"forward-looking" information. Those statements are subject to known and unknown
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those contemplated by the statements. For a discussion of important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements, see "Risk Factors." Given the significant risks and uncertainties
inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this prospectus, the
inclusion of these statements is not a representation by us or any other person
that our objectives and plans will be achieved.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Acclaim is required to file periodic reports, proxy and information
statements and other information with the SEC. You may read any materials filed
by us at the SEC's public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. You may obtain information about the operation of the public reference room
by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Acclaim's SEC filings are also available
to the public on the SEC's Internet website located at http://www.sec.gov.
Acclaim has filed with the SEC a registration statement on
Form S-3 under the Securities Act covering the issuance of the common stock.
This prospectus is part of that registration statement. As allowed by SEC rules,
this prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the
registration statement or in the exhibits to the registration statement. For
further information with respect to Acclaim and the securities offered by this
prospectus, you should read the registration statement and the exhibits filed
with the registration statement. You may obtain copies of the registration
statement and exhibits from the SEC upon payment of a fee prescribed by the SEC
or examine the documents, free of charge, at the public reference facilities
referred to above. A summary in this prospectus of any document filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement, although materially complete, does not
summarize all of the information in that document. You should read the exhibit
for a more complete understanding of the document or matter involved.
Acclaim has also filed the following documents with the SEC under the
Securities Exchange Act and they are incorporated into this document by
reference:
(1) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,
2000 filed on November 29, 2000 (File No. 0-16986);
(2) Acclaim's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
December 2, 2000 filed on January 16, 2001 (File No. 0-16986);
(3) Acclaim's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
March 3, 2001 filed on April 16, 2001 (File No. 0-16986); and
23
(4) The information regarding Acclaim's common stock contained in the
Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on June 8, 1988 (File
No. 0-16986), as amended by the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
on August 25, 1989 (File No. 33-9460-C), relating to the
one-for-two reverse stock split effected by Acclaim.
Any document Acclaim files with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and
before the termination of this offering will be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into this prospectus and to be a part of this prospectus from the
date it is filed.
Acclaim will provide to each person to whom this prospectus is
delivered and who makes a written or oral request, free of charge, a copy of
any document referred to above which has been incorporated into this
prospectus by reference, except exhibits to the document. Requests for these
documents should be sent to the Secretary, Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., One
Acclaim Plaza, Glen Cove, New York 11542. Telephone requests for copies should
be made to the Secretary at (516) 656-5000.
You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus or
incorporated by reference into this prospectus. No person has been authorized to
provide you with different information and you should not rely on any
information you receive or representations made that are not contained in, or
incorporated by reference into, this prospectus.
This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not
soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale
is not permitted.
The information in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on the
front cover. You should not assume that the information contained in this
prospectus is accurate after the date on the cover page.
24
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
Acclaim will bear all expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of
this registration statement. Brokers or dealers may receive commission or
discounts from the selling stockholders in amounts to be negotiated immediately
prior to the sale; commission expenses and brokerage fees will be paid by the
selling stockholders.
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Under Article VII of Acclaim's by-laws, which are incorporated herein
by reference, Acclaim agrees to hold harmless and indemnify any of its officers,
directors, employees and agents from and against any judgments, fines,
liabilities, or amounts paid in settlement as a result of or in connection with
any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative. Such action, suit, or proceeding must
have been initiated against the indemnified party in his or her capacity as an
officer, director, employee or agent of Acclaim. However, indemnification will
only be paid if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Acclaim
and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe
such conduct was unlawful. No indemnification shall be payable under this
provision if a court having jurisdiction in the matter shall determine that such
indemnification is not lawful.
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Item 16. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number Description
3.1 -- Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on
April 21, 1989, as amended (Registration No. 33-28274))
3.2 -- Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to
the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1,
filed on April 21, 1989, as amended (Registration No.
33-28274))
3.3 -- Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to
the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8,
filed on May 19, 1995 (Registration No. 33-59483))
4.1 -- Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on
May 19, 1995 (Registration No. 33-59483))
4.2 -- Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the
Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 12,
2000)
4.3 -- Specimen form of the Registrant's common stock
certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended August 31, 1989, as amended (File No. 0-16986)
*5 -- Opinion of Rosenman & Colin LLP
*10.1 -- Note and Common Stock Purchase Agreement between the
Registrant and Triton Capital Management, Ltd.
*10.2 -- Note and Common Stock Purchase Agreement between the
Registrant and JMG Convertible Investments, L.P.
*10.3 -- Note and Common Stock Purchase Agreement between the
Registrant and Alexandra Global Investment Fund, Ltd.
*23.1 -- Consent of KPMG LLP
*23.3 -- Consent of Rosenman & Colin LLP (included in Exhibit 5)
*24.1 -- Power of Attorney (included on page II-5)
- - ------------------
* Filed herewith.
Item 17. Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file, during any period
in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
registration statement to include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or
any material change to such information in this registration statement.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purpose of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
II-2
registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering hereof.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to remove from
registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the County of Nassau and State of New York on April 16, 2001.
ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
By /s/ Gregory E. Fischbach
--------------------------------------
Gregory E. Fischbach
Chief Executive Officer
II-4
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Gregory E. Fischbach and James R.
Scoroposki, and each or either of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any
or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration
statement, and to file the same, with all the exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises as fully, to all intents and purposes, as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Gregory E. Fischbach Co-Chairman of the Board; Chief Executive April 16, 2001
- - ---------------------------------------- Officer; President; Director
Gregory E. Fischbach
/s/ James R. Scoroposki Co-Chairman of the Board; Senior Executive April 16, 2001
- - ---------------------------------------- Vice President; Treasurer; Secretary;
James R. Scoroposki Director
/s/ Gerard F. Agoglia Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice April 16, 2001
- - ---------------------------------------- President (Chief Financial and Accounting
Gerard F. Agoglia Officer)
/s/ Kenneth L. Coleman Director April 16, 2001
- - ----------------------------------------
Kenneth L. Coleman
/s/ Bernard J. Fischbach Director April 16, 2001
- - ----------------------------------------
Bernard J. Fischbach
/s/ Robert H. Groman Director April 16, 2001
- - ----------------------------------------
Robert H. Groman
/s/ James Scibelli Director April 16, 2001
- - ----------------------------------------
James Scibelli
/s/ Michael Tannen Director April 16, 2001
- - ----------------------------------------
Michael Tannen
II-5