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SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION
ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec.240.14a-11(c) or sec.240.14a-12
DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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[DATATRAK LOGO]
May 3, 2000
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of DATATRAK International, Inc. to be held on June 1, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. at
National City Bank, Meeting Room A, Fourth Floor, Atrium Building, 1900 East
Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio.
At this year's Annual Meeting, in addition to electing three Directors,
shareholders will be asked to approve and adopt an amendment to the Company's
Amended and Restated 1996 Key Employees and Consultants Stock Option Plan and
approve and adopt the Company's 1999 Outside Director Stock Option Plan.
Detailed information about each of these proposals is set forth in the
accompanying Proxy Statement, which shareholders are encouraged to read
carefully.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, it is
important that your shares are represented. Therefore, please complete, sign,
date and promptly return the enclosed Proxy card in the accompanying envelope.
If you do attend the Annual Meeting, you may, of course, withdraw your Proxy
should you wish to vote in person even if you have previously returned your
Proxy card.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management of DATATRAK
International, Inc., we would like to thank you for your continued support and
confidence.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Jeffrey A. Green
Dr. Jeffrey A. Green
President and Chief Executive Officer
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DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
20600 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 1050
Cleveland, Ohio 44122
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 1, 2000
The 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of DATATRAK International, Inc.
(the "Company"), will be held on June 1, 2000 at 10:00 a.m., Cleveland, Ohio
local time at National City Bank, Meeting Room A, Fourth Floor, Atrium Building,
1900 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio, for the following purposes:
1. To nominate and elect three individuals as Directors of the Company
for a two-year term ending at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2002;
2. To consider and act upon a proposal to authorize, approve and adopt
an amendment to increase the number of Common Shares with respect to which
options may be awarded under the Company's Amended and Restated 1996 Key
Employees and Consultants Stock Option Plan;
3. To consider and act upon a proposal to authorize, approve and adopt
the Company's 1999 Outside Director Stock Option Plan; and
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Annual Meeting and such adjournments or postponements thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on April 10, 2000 will
be entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournments
or postponements thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
THOMAS F. MCKEE
Secretary
Cleveland, Ohio
May 3, 2000
EACH SHAREHOLDER IS REQUESTED TO EXECUTE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED PREPAID ENVELOPE
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DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
---------------
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Mailed on or about May 3, 2000
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
Proxies by the Board of Directors of DATATRAK International, Inc. (the
"Company"), to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company on
June 1, 2000 at 10:00 a.m., local time, and any adjournments or postponements
thereof. The time, place and purposes of the Annual Meeting are stated in the
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders accompanying this Proxy Statement.
The accompanying Proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the
Company. All validly executed Proxies received by the Board of Directors of the
Company pursuant to this solicitation will be voted at the Annual Meeting, and
the instructions contained in such Proxies will be followed in each instance. If
no instructions are given, the Proxy will be voted FOR the election of the three
nominees listed on the Proxy and FOR the approval and adoption of the other
proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement. A shareholder may revoke a Proxy at
any time before it is exercised by delivery of written notice to the Secretary
of the Company or by a duly executed Proxy bearing a later date.
The record date for determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting was the close of business on April 10, 2000. On that date, the
Company had 3,290,322 Common Shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting. Each Common Share is entitled to one vote. Shareholders do not
have the right to vote cumulatively in the election of Directors.
The expense of soliciting Proxies, including the cost of preparing,
assembling and mailing the Notice, Proxy Statement and Proxy, will be borne by
the Company. The Company may pay persons holding Common Shares for others their
expenses for sending proxy materials to their principals. In addition to
solicitation of Proxies by mail, the Company's Directors, officers and
employees, without additional compensation, may solicit Proxies by telephone,
telegraph and personal interview. The Company also may retain a third party to
aid in the solicitation of Proxies.
At the Annual Meeting, in accordance with the General Corporation Law of
Ohio and the Company's Code of Regulations (the "Code"), the inspectors of
election appointed by the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting will
determine the presence of a quorum and will tabulate the results of shareholder
voting. As provided by the General Corporation Law of Ohio and the Code, holders
of Common Shares entitling them to exercise a majority of the voting power of
the Company, present in person or by Proxy at the Annual Meeting, will
constitute a quorum for such meeting. The inspectors of election intend to treat
properly executed Proxies marked "abstain" as present for these purposes. Such
inspectors also will treat as "present" shares held in "street name" by brokers
that are voted on at least one proposal to come before the Annual Meeting.
Nominees for election as Directors receiving the greatest number of votes
will be elected. Votes that are withheld or broker non-votes in respect of the
election of Directors will not be counted in determining the outcome of the
election. Pursuant to the Code, the outcome of the vote relating to all other
questions and matters brought before the Annual Meeting will be, unless
otherwise provided by law or the Articles of Incorporation, decided by the vote
of a majority of the Common Shares present in person or by Proxy and entitled to
vote on the matter in question. In voting for such proposals, votes may be cast
in favor, against or abstained. For purposes of determining whether a proposal,
other than a proposal to elect a Director, has received a majority vote,
abstentions will be included in the vote totals with the result that an
abstention will have the same effect as a negative vote. In instances where
brokers are prohibited from exercising discretionary authority for shareholders
who have not returned a Proxy, such broker non-votes will have the same effect
as a vote against such proposal.
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For all other proposals, unless otherwise provided by law or the Company's
Articles of Incorporation, such broker non-votes will not be included in the
vote totals and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on
such other proposals.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL HOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of April 10, 2000 unless otherwise
indicated, the beneficial ownership of the Common Shares of (i) each person who
is known to the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding
Common Shares, (ii) each Director of the Company, (iii) each of the Named
Executive Officers (as hereinafter defined) and (iv) all Directors and executive
officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, all information with respect to
beneficial ownership has been furnished by the respective Director or executive
officer, as the case may be.
COMMON SHARES &
BENEFICIALLY OWNED(1)
----------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER NUMBER PERCENT
------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Dr. Jeffrey A. Green(2)..................................... 299,731 9.0%
Timothy G. Biro(3).......................................... 25,700 *
Seth B. Harris(4)........................................... 104,634 3.1%
Terry C. Black.............................................. 38,918 1.2%
Marc J. Shlaes.............................................. 12,000 *
Dr. Wolfgang Summa.......................................... 0 *
Dr. Robert M. Stote......................................... 52,753 1.6%
Dr. Mark J. Ratain.......................................... 54,000 1.6%
Dr. Jerome H. Kaiser........................................ 10,000 *
Robert E. Flaherty.......................................... 24,000 *
Brantley Venture Partners II, L.P........................... 295,412 9.0%
20600 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 1150
Cleveland, Ohio 44122
Oxford BioScience Funds(5).................................. 237,684 7.2%
315 Post Road West
Westport, Connecticut 06880
State of Wisconsin Investment Board(6)...................... 370,000 11.2%
P.O. Box 7842
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Incorporated(7).................. 287,700 8.7%
1299 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90401
All directors and executive officers as a group (10
persons).................................................. 622,978 17.3%
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* Less than one percent.
(1) The number of Common Shares deemed outstanding includes (i) 3,290,322 Common
Shares outstanding as of April 10, 2000 and (ii) with respect to each of the
following individuals and group the following number of Common Shares, which
may be purchased pursuant to option exercises within 60 days after the date
of this Proxy Statement: Dr. Green (50,000 Common Shares); Mr. Biro (13,000
Common Shares); Mr. Harris (39,500 Common Shares); Dr. Stote (39,500 Common
Shares); Dr. Ratain (41,500 Common Shares); Mr. Flaherty (11,500 Common
Shares); Mr. Black (35,000 Common Shares); Mr. Shlaes (12,000 Common
Shares), Brantley Venture Partners II, L.P. ("Brantley") (5,166 Common
Shares); Oxford BioScience Management Partners ("OBM") (834 Common Shares);
all Directors and executive officers as a group (248,000 Common Shares).
Pursuant to the terms of the Company's 1999 Outside Director Stock Option
Plan (the "1999 Plan"), which is subject to shareholder approval, all Common
Share options previously granted under the 1999 Plan will become immediately
vested and exercisable on the date of the Annual Meeting. If the 1999 Plan
is approved, each of the following individuals and group may purchase an
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additional number of Common Shares indicated as follows: Mr. Biro (12,500
shares); Mr. Harris (12,500 shares); Dr. Stote (12,500 shares); Dr. Kaiser
(10,000 shares); Dr. Ratain (12,500 shares); Mr. Flaherty (12,500 shares);
all directors and executive officers as a group (72,500 shares).
(2) Includes 73,969 Common Shares held by Dr. Green's wife, as to which he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(3) Includes 200 Common Shares held by Mr. Biro's wife.
(4) Includes 44,634 Common Shares held in trust for Mr. Harris.
(5) Includes 160,107 and 32,327 Common Shares owned by Oxford BioScience
Partners, L.P. ("Oxford") and Oxford BioScience Partners (Adjunct), L.P.
("Oxford Adjunct"), respectively, of which OBP Management, L.P. ("OBP") is
the general partner, and 44,416 Common Shares owned by Oxford BioScience
Partners (Bermuda) Limited Partnership ("Oxford Bermuda"), of which OBP
Management (Bermuda) Limited Partnership ("OBP Bermuda") is the general
partner. OBP may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of Common Shares owned
by Oxford Bermuda. Also includes 834 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of
options owned by OBM that are currently exercisable. The information
provided herein with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Common
Shares by the Oxford BioScience Funds was obtained solely from a Schedule
13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on
February 3, 2000 by the Oxford BioScience Funds.
(6) The information provided herein with respect to the beneficial ownership of
the Common Shares by the State of Wisconsin Investment Board was obtained
solely from a Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on February 10, 2000 by
the State of Wisconsin Investment Board.
(7) Certain investment companies and certain other commingled group trusts and
commingled accounts, for which Dimensional Fund Advisors, Incorporated
("Dimensional") serves in the capacity as investment advisor, hold the
Common Shares listed. Dimensional possesses voting and/or investment power
over the Common Shares listed, however Dimensional disclaims beneficial
ownership of such securities. The information provided herein with respect
to the beneficial ownership of the Common Shares by Dimensional was obtained
solely from the Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on February 4, 2000
by Dimensional.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The authorized number of Directors of the Company is presently fixed at
seven, with members of the Board of Directors divided into two classes and with
the term of office of one class expiring each year. On December 9, 1999, in
accordance with the Code, the Board of Directors elected Dr. Jerome H. Kaiser to
fill a vacancy in the class of Directors whose term of office will expire at the
Annual Meeting to be held in the year 2001.
At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will nominate and elect three
individuals as Directors to serve until the Annual Meeting to be held in the
year 2002 and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. At its
March 7, 2000 meeting, the Board of Directors nominated Messrs. Seth B. Harris
and Robert E. Flaherty and Dr. Mark J. Ratain to stand for election as Directors
at the Annual Meeting. Messrs. Harris and Flaherty and Dr. Ratain are presently
Directors of the Company.
Unless otherwise directed, the persons named in the accompanying Proxy will
vote for the election of the three nominees set forth below as Directors of the
Company. In the event of the death of or inability to act of any of the
nominees, the Proxies will be voted for the election of such other persons as
the Board of Directors may recommend. The Board of Directors has no reason,
however, to anticipate that this will occur. In no event will the accompanying
Proxy be voted for more than three nominees or for persons other than those
persons named below or any such substitute nominees for any of them.
Set forth below is certain information concerning the nominees for election
at the Annual Meeting as well as those Directors who will continue in office
subsequent to the Annual Meeting.
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AT THE 2000 ANNUAL MEETING
Mark J. Ratain, M.D. Dr. Ratain has been a Director of the Company since
April 1998. Dr. Ratain is a hematologist/oncologist and a clinical
pharmacologist. He is a Professor of Medicine and Chairman of the
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Committee on Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Chicago. Dr. Ratain has
been associated with the Department of Medicine at the University of Chicago
since 1983. He has authored and co-authored more than 150 articles and book
chapters principally relating to the treatment of cancer. Prior to becoming a
Director, Dr. Ratain served as Chairman of the Company's Scientific Advisory
Board for four years. He received his A.B. Degree in Biochemical Sciences from
Harvard University and his M.D. from the Yale University School of Medicine. Dr.
Ratain is 45 years of age.
Seth B. Harris. Mr. Harris has been a Director of the Company since 1992
and has been the Chairman of Freider the Source, a distributor of consumer
products, since 1993. Mr. Harris is the Retired Chairman of the Board and
President of Harris Wholesale, Inc., a wholesale pharmaceutical distribution
company. Mr. Harris is also a Director of Bindley Western Industries, Inc. (New
York Stock Exchange, "BDY"), one of the largest distributors of pharmaceuticals
in the United States. Mr. Harris is 60 years of age.
Robert E. Flaherty. Mr. Flaherty has been a Director of the Company since
July 1998. Mr. Flaherty is President and Chief Executive Officer of Athena
Diagnostics, Inc., a unit of the Athena Neurosciences division of Elan
Corporation, plc. Mr. Flaherty has held his position with Athena Diagnostics,
Inc. since 1992. Athena Neurosciences is involved in the discovery, development
and marketing of therapeutic agents for the diagnosis and treatment of central
nervous system diseases and disorders. From 1976 through 1992, Mr. Flaherty was
employed in various management positions with Becton Dickinson & Company. Mr.
Flaherty is 54 years of age.
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
Jeffrey A. Green, Pharm.D., FCP. Dr. Green is the Company's founder and has
served as the President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the
Company since March 1992. From 1984 to 1992, Dr. Green served as an Assistant
Professor of Medicine and Radiology at Case Western Reserve University,
Cleveland, Ohio. During his tenure at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Green
established and directed the Cardiovascular Clinical Pharmacology Research
Program at University Hospitals of Cleveland. In addition, Dr. Green was an
established investigator in clinical cardiology and PET scanning and was
responsible for directing over 90 individual investigations during his tenure.
Dr. Green has authored over 90 publications and has been an invited speaker at
more than 125 national meetings. He was the recipient of the McKeen Cattell
Distinguished Achievement Award from the American College of Clinical
Pharmacology in 1988. Dr. Green is a graduate of Purdue University (B.S.) and
the University of Texas (Pharm.D.). Dr. Green is 44 years of age.
Timothy G. Biro. Mr. Biro has been a Director of the Company since 1992.
Mr. Biro is the Managing Partner of Ohio Innovation Fund I, L.P., a venture
capital firm. Prior to starting Ohio Innovation Fund in 1997, Mr. Biro was a
General Partner of Brantley Venture Partners II, L.P. and Brantley Venture
Partners III, L.P. Prior to joining Brantley Venture Partners in 1991, Mr. Biro
was Superintendent of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing at Merck & Co., Inc. Mr. Biro
has a B.S. Degree in Microbiology from Pennsylvania State University and in
Pharmacy from Temple University and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business
at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Director of OXIS International, Inc.
(Nasdaq National Market, "OXIS"), a developer of pharmaceuticals to treat
diseases of oxidative stress. Mr. Biro is 46 years of age.
Robert M. Stote, M.D. Dr. Stote has been a Director of the Company since
1993. Dr. Stote has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Science
Officer and a Director of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical
company, since 1992. Prior to that time, Dr. Stote was employed for 20 years by
SmithKline Beecham Corporation, serving as Senior Vice President and Medical
Director, Worldwide Medical Affairs, from 1989 to 1992 and Vice
President--Clinical Pharmacology--Worldwide from 1987 to 1989. Dr. Stote was
Chief of Nephrology at Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia from 1972 to
1989 and served as Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of
Pennsylvania. Dr. Stote is 60 years of age.
Jerome H. Kaiser, Ph.D. Dr. Kaiser has been a Director of the Company since
December 1999. Dr. Kaiser is the Senior Vice President and Director of
Information Services for Rothschild, Inc., a private investment bank. Prior to
his appointment to that position, Dr. Kaiser was a consultant to Rothschild,
Inc. From 1992 to 1999, Dr. Kaiser held various positions within the
pharmaceutical industry. During 1998 and 1999, he was the Director of Product
Management for Pfizer, Inc. From 1994 to 1998, Dr. Kaiser was employed by
Hoffman-LaRoche, Inc., first as Senior Projects Specialist and then as Director
of Information Management for Global Development.
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Dr. Kaiser worked in Project Management for Boots Pharmaceuticals from 1992 to
1994. From 1986 to 1992, he served in the positions of Assistant Professor and
Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Texas at Arlington. Dr.
Kaiser is 43 years of age.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and
an Executive Committee. The Company does not have a standing nominating
committee or a committee performing similar functions. Set forth below is the
current membership of each of the above-described Committees:
AUDIT COMPENSATION EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE
--------- ------------ ---------
Dr. Mark J. Ratain Robert E. Flaherty Dr. Jeffrey A. Green
Timothy G. Biro Seth B. Harris Timothy G. Biro
Dr. Jerome H. Kaiser Dr. Robert M. Stote
The Audit Committee recommends the annual appointment of the Company's
auditors, with whom the Audit Committee members review the scope of audit and
non-audit assignments and related fees, the accounting principles used by the
Company in financial reporting, internal financial auditing procedures and the
adequacy of the Company's internal control procedures. The Audit Committee met
one time during the 1999 fiscal year.
The Compensation Committee has the authority to administer the Company's
stock option plans, including the selection of optionees and the timing of
option grants, and to review and monitor key employee compensation and benefits
policies and administer the Company's management compensation plans. The
Compensation Committee met two times during the 1999 fiscal year.
The Executive Committee has the authority to exercise all the powers of the
Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Company
at any time when the entire Board of Directors cannot meet.
During the last fiscal year, the Board of Directors met eleven times. No
Director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the
Board of Directors and the committees on which each served during the period for
which each was a member of the Board of Directors.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors of the Company do not receive cash compensation for their service
on the Board of Directors. However, they do receive reimbursement for reasonable
expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors. Directors who
are not also employees receive options to purchase Common Shares under the
Company's 1999 Outside Director Stock Option Plan, which is subject to
shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting. Under the terms of this plan, each
non-employee Director receives (i) an initial option grant to purchase 10,000
Common Shares at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share on
the date of grant and (ii) an annual option grant to purchase 12,500 Common
Shares at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share on the
date of grant. The annual grant occurs automatically on the day of the Company's
Annual Meeting. As of April 10, 2000, options to purchase an aggregate of 72,500
Common Shares had been awarded under this plan, subject to shareholder approval,
at exercise prices of $3.63 and $3.75. Options awarded under this plan vest one
year after the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant.
Subsequent to the Company's initial public offering, non-employee Directors
received options to purchase Common Shares under the Company's Amended and
Restated 1996 Outside Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "1996
Director Plan"). Under the terms of the 1996 Director Plan, each non-employee
Director received an annual option grant to purchase 1,500 Common Shares at an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share on the date of grant.
As of April 10, 2000, options to purchase an aggregate of 66,500 Common Shares
were outstanding under the 1996 Director Plan at exercise prices ranging from
$4.19 to $9.60 per share.
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Prior to the Company's initial public offering in June 1996, Directors
received options under other option plans maintained by the Company.
Non-employee Directors received options to purchase Common Shares under the
Company's Amended and Restated 1992 Share Incentive Plan (the "1992 Plan").
Options to purchase an aggregate of 80,000 Common Shares were awarded to
non-employee Directors under the 1992 Plan at an exercise price of $0.15 per
share. Each Director who is not a Named Executive Officer received options to
purchase the following numbers of Common Shares under the 1992 Plan: Mr. Harris,
25,000 Common Shares; Dr. Stote, 25,000 Common Shares; and Dr. Ratain, 30,000
Common Shares. Dr. Ratain was awarded stock options for his service as a
consultant to the Company prior to his current service on the Board of
Directors. In addition, prior to the Company's initial public offering in June
1996, members of the Board who were designated to serve as such by certain
investors received, in lieu of Directors' fees, options to purchase Common
Shares having a value equal to $1,000 for each meeting attended ($500 for each
meeting attended by telephone). These awards were made under the Company's
Amended and Restated 1994 Directors' Share Option Plan (the "Director Plan"). An
aggregate of 4,500 Common Shares are outstanding under the Director Plan at
exercise prices ranging from $0.80 to $9.60 per share.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
The table below sets forth certain information concerning the annual or
long-term compensation for services in all capacities to the Company during the
fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 to the Company's Chief
Executive Officer, the three other highest paid executive officers of the
Company whose annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 (the "Named Executive
Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
ANNUAL ---------------
COMPENSATION(1) SECURITIES
-------------------- UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) OPTIONS/SARS(#) COMPENSATION($)(2)
--------------------------- ---- --------- -------- --------------- ------------------
Dr. Jeffrey A. Green.................. 1999 $180,000 $ -- 90,000(3) $--
President, Chief Executive 1998 180,000 -- -- --
Officer and Director 1997 160,984 -- -- --
Terry C. Black........................ 1999 125,000 10,000 31,250(4) --
Vice President of Finance, 1998 125,000 -- -- --
Chief Financial Officer, 1997 86,145 -- 15,000(4) --
Treasurer and Assistant
Secretary
Marc J. Shlaes (5).................... 1999 107,000 30,000 57,500(6) --
Vice President and Managing 1998 47,000 -- 12,000(6) --
Director of North America 1997 -- -- -- --
Dr. Wolfgang Summa(5)................. 1999 86,236 33,000 57,500(7) --
Vice President and Managing 1998 66,278 900 -- --
Director of Europe 1997 -- -- -- --
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(1) No Named Executive Officer received perquisites or other personal benefits
in excess of the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of such individual's salary plus
annual bonus. No long-term incentive plan payouts or restricted stock awards
have been made to any of the Named Executive Officers.
(2) No other compensation was received by the Named Executive Officers.
(3) Dr. Green's options were granted on December 9, 1999, at an exercise price
of $3.63 per share, 50% of which are exercisable on each of December 9, 2001
and December 9, 2003.
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(4) Mr. Black's options were granted as follows: (1) 15,000 on January 2, 1997,
at an exercise price of $10.75 per share, 100% of which became exercisable
on April 20, 1999 and (2) 31,250 on December 9, 1999, at an exercise price
of $3.63 per share, 50% of which are exercisable on each of December 9, 2001
and December 9, 2003.
(5) Mr. Shlaes and Dr. Summa were not employees of the Company at any time
during 1997. Mr. Shlaes was hired in July 1998 and Dr. Summa was hired in
January 1998.
(6) Mr. Shlaes's options were granted as follows: (1) 12,000 on July 15, 1998,
at an exercise price of $4.50 per share, 100% of which became exercisable on
April 20, 1999, (2) 30,000 on September 22, 1999, at an exercise price of
$3.75 per share, 25% of which are exercisable on each of September 22, 2000,
September 22, 2001, September 22, 2002 and September 22, 2003 and (3) 27,500
on December 9, 1999, at an exercise price of $3.63 per share, 50% of which
are exercisable on each of December 9, 2001 and December 9, 2003.
(7) Dr. Summa's options were granted as follows: (1) 30,000 on September 22,
1999, at an exercise price of $3.75 per share, 25% of which are exercisable
on each of September 22, 2000, September 22, 2001, September 22, 2002 and
September 22, 2003 and (2) 27,500 on December 9, 1999, at an exercise price
of $3.63 per share, 50% of which are exercisable on each of December 9, 2001
and December 9, 2003.
OPTION GRANTS
The table below sets forth certain information concerning grants of stock
options made during the year ended December 31, 1999 to the Named Executive
Officers. Such grants are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
----------------------------------------------------------- POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
NUMBER OF AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
SECURITIES % OF TOTAL OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING OPTIONS GRANTED EXERCISE OR FOR OPTION TERM(3)
OPTIONS TO EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION ---------------------------
NAME GRANTED(1) FISCAL YEAR(2) ($/SH) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
---- ---------- ------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Dr. Jeffrey A.
Green.............. 90,000 22% $3.63 12/09/09 $532,160 $847,376
Terry C. Black....... 31,250 8 3.63 12/09/09 184,778 294,228
Marc J. Shlaes....... 30,000 7 3.75 9/22/09 183,251 292,796
27,500 7 3.63 12/09/09 162,604 258,920
Dr. Wolfgang Summa... 30,000 7 3.75 9/22/09 183,251 292,796
27,500 7 3.63 12/09/09 162,604 258,920
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(1) All options were awarded at an exercise price equal to the fair market value
of the Common Shares on the date of grant.
(2) Based on an aggregate of 413,489 options granted to employees under the
Company's Amended and Restated 1996 Key Employees and Consultants Stock
Option Plan, including the Named Executive Officers.
(3) Potential realizable value is based upon certain assumed rates of
appreciation pursuant to rules prescribed the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and do not represent an estimate by the Company of its future
stock price growth. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises are
dependent on the future performance of the Common Shares. There can be no
assurance that the amounts reflected in this table will be achieved.
OPTION EXERCISES AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The table below sets forth certain information with respect to the exercise
of options to purchase Common Shares by the Named Executive Officers and
unexercised options to purchase Common Shares for the Named Executive Officers
as of December 31, 1999.
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AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND DECEMBER 31, 1999 OPTION VALUE
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
STOCK OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
ACQUIRED DECEMBER 31, 1999(#) DECEMBER 31, 1999(%)(1)
ON VALUE --------------------------- ------------------------------
NAME EXERCISE(#) REALIZED($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE(2) UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- -------------- -------------
Dr. Jeffrey A. Green...... -- $ -- 50,000 90,000 $ -- $ --
Terry C. Black............ 5,000 26,750 40,000 31,250 52,200 --
Marc J. Shlaes............ -- -- 12,000 57,500 -- --
Dr. Wolfgang Summa........ -- -- -- 57,500 -- --
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(1) Options are in-the-money if the market value of the Common Shares exceeds
the exercise price.
(2) Represents the total gain which would be realized if all in-the-money
options beneficially held at December 31, 1999 were exercised, determined by
multiplying the number of Common Shares underlying the options by the
difference between the per share option exercise price and $3.63, the
closing price for the Common Shares as reported on Nasdaq on December 31,
1999.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Dr. Jeffrey A. Green. In 1994, the Company entered into an employment
agreement with Dr. Green providing for an initial term of four years. This
agreement will automatically renew for successive one-year periods thereafter
unless certain prior notice requirements are satisfied. The base salary provided
for in this agreement may be changed from time to time as determined by the
Compensation Committee and so long as evidenced by a written memorandum executed
by the parties. Bonuses may be paid to Dr. Green at the discretion of the
Compensation Committee. The agreement also provides Dr. Green with the right to
participate in all benefit plans made available to the Company's executives
and/or employees. Dr. Green's employment with the Company may be terminated with
or without cause, upon his death or disability or with sufficient reason.
Additionally, under this agreement, Dr. Green is entitled to terminate his
employment for "good reason." "Good reason" for such termination will exist if
at any time, except in connection with the termination of Dr. Green's employment
in strict compliance with the terms of the agreement, the Board of Directors
fails to elect Dr. Green to his current position with the Company or
significantly diminishes his responsibilities, duties, power or authority. If
Dr. Green terminates his employment with the Company for good reason, he will be
entitled to continue to receive his base salary for two years following the date
of such termination. If Dr. Green's employment with the Company is terminated in
connection with the sale of the Company, or with sufficient reason, he will be
entitled to continue to receive his base salary for one year following the date
of such termination. If his employment is terminated without cause or without
sufficient reason, he will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary
for a period of two years subsequent to the date of termination. If Dr. Green
terminates his employment with the Company without good reason, or if he is
terminated by the Company for "cause," then he will be entitled to receive his
base salary through the date of termination. For purposes of Dr. Green's
agreement, "cause" is defined as a determination by the Board of Directors that
the employee was engaged in (i) fraud, (ii) a breach of the material provisions
of the employment agreement or (iii) a willful failure to perform his duties as
required under this agreement. "Sufficient reason" shall mean a good faith
determination that the employee failed to adequately perform his duties as an
officer of the Company or achieve the business objectives mutually agreed upon
by the parties. Dr. Green also agreed to certain noncompetition and
nondisclosure provisions which, under certain conditions, continue for a period
of up to eighteen months following a termination of Mr. Green's employment with
the Company.
Terry C. Black. In 1994, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Mr. Black providing for an initial term of four years. This agreement will
automatically renew for successive one-year periods thereafter unless certain
prior notice requirements are satisfied. The base salary initially provided for
in this agreement was $85,000 per year, to be reviewed at least annually by the
Compensation Committee. Bonuses may be paid to Mr. Black at the discretion of
the Compensation Committee. The agreement also provides Mr. Black with the
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right to participate in all benefits plans made available to the Company's
executives and/or employees. Mr. Black's employment with the Company may be
terminated with or without cause or upon his death or disability. Additionally,
Mr. Black is entitled to terminate his employment for "good reason." If Mr.
Black terminates his employment with the Company for good reason, he will be
entitled to receive his base salary for a period of one year following the date
of such termination. If Mr. Black's employment with the Company is terminated in
connection with the sale of the Company, he will be entitled to continue to
receive his base salary for one year following the date of such termination. If
his employment is terminated without cause, he will be entitled to receive his
base salary for a period of one year subsequent to the date of termination. If
Mr. Black terminates his employment with the Company without good reason, or if
he is terminated by the Company for "cause," he will be entitled to receive his
base salary through the date of termination. For purposes of Mr. Black's
agreement, "cause" is defined as a determination by the Board of Directors that
the employee was engaged in (i) fraud, (ii) breach of the material provisions of
the employment agreement or (iii) a willful failure to perform his duties as
required under this agreement. Mr. Black also agreed to certain noncompetition
and nondisclosure provisions which continue, under certain conditions for a
period up to two years following a termination of Mr. Black's employment with
the Company.
Marc J. Shlaes. In 1998, the Company entered into an employment agreement
with Mr. Shlaes. The employment agreement provides for a term of three years.
The base salary initially provided for in this agreement was $100,000 per year,
to be reviewed at least annually by the Compensation Committee. Bonuses may be
paid to Mr. Shlaes at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The
agreement also provides Mr. Shlaes with the right to participate in all benefits
plans made available to the Company's executives and/or employees. Mr. Shlaes's
employment with the Company may be terminated with or without cause or upon his
death or disability. Additionally, Mr. Shlaes is entitled to terminate his
employment. If Mr. Shlaes terminates his employment, his rights under the
agreement immediately cease, other than certain fringe benefits and stock
options which may have vested prior to such termination. If Mr. Shlaes's
employment with the Company is terminated in connection with the sale of the
Company, he will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary for one year
following the date of such termination. If his employment is terminated without
cause, he will be entitled to receive his base salary for one year following the
date of such termination. If Mr. Shlaes's employment with the Company is
terminated for "cause," he will be entitled to receive his salary through the
date of termination and any stock options or other benefits which may have
vested prior to the date of such termination, if any. For purposes of Mr.
Shlaes's agreement, "cause" is defined as a (i) failure to complete
satisfactorily the Company's routine pre-employment background check, (ii)
conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude or a felony in connection with
employment, (iii) theft, fraud, embezzlement, material willful destruction of
property or material disruption of the operations of the Company (iv) use or
possession of illegal drugs and/or alcohol on Company premises or reporting to
work under the influence of same, or (v) engaging in conduct, in or out of the
workplace, which in the Company's reasonable determination has an adverse effect
on the reputation or business of the Company. Mr. Shlaes also agreed to certain
noncompetition and nondisclosure provisions which continue, under certain
conditions, for a period of up to fifteen months following a termination of Mr.
Shlaes employment with the Company.
Dr. Wolfgang Summa. On January 13, 1998, Dr. Summa signed an employment
agreement with DATATRAK Deutschland GmbH. The base salary provided for in the
agreement is $86,236. Incentives provided by the agreement include participation
in a savings plan, contributions for a sickness benefit, educational allowance
and accident insurance. The agreement includes provisions relating to
confidentiality and rights of usage and utilization. The agreement may be
terminated by either party upon written notice within the period set forth in
the agreement. The agreement is governed by German law.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
GENERAL
The Compensation Committee administers the Company's stock option plans,
including the selection of optionees and the timing of option grants, reviews
and monitors key employee compensation and benefits policies
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and administers the Company's management compensation plans. The current members
of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Flaherty and Harris and Dr. Stote, all
of whom are non-employee Directors.
Set forth below is a discussion of the Company's compensation philosophy,
together with a discussion of the factors considered by the Committee in
determining the compensation of the Company's President and Chief Executive
Officer and the Named Executive Officers.
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
The Company's compensation philosophy is that compensation paid to
executive officers and other management personnel should consist of four
elements: (1) salary, (2) annual incentive bonus, (3) stock options and (4)
welfare, retirement and other benefits. The compensation package is designed to
attract and retain top quality management employees. To some extent, elements of
compensation are designed to vary as Company performance varies. In general, the
elements of compensation that most typically have a significant relationship to
Company performance are awards under its stock option and bonus plans. The
Committee's decisions concerning compensation make use of independent surveys of
executive compensation of similarly situated companies.
The Company has entered into employment agreements with all of its
executive officers. In general, the Committee believes that employment
agreements are a useful tool in attracting and retaining qualified executives.
Set forth below is a discussion of the various components of the
compensation arrangements provided to the executive officers, as well as a
discussion of the compensation arrangements provided to the Company's President
and Chief Executive Officer.
1999 COMPENSATION DECISIONS
Base Salary and Benefits. Salaries of executive officers are subject to
minimum levels set by the terms of each executive's employment arrangement with
the Company. The primary factor in setting salary levels pursuant to these
arrangements was the Company's desire to provide compensation in amounts
sufficient to induce these individuals to either join or continue with the
Company. Salary levels for executive officers reflect the Committee's judgments
on appropriate salaries in light of the duties and responsibilities inherent in
the executives' respective positions. The particular qualifications of an
individual holding the position and his or her level of experience, as well as
information concerning compensation paid by other companies in the industry, are
considered in establishing salary levels. The Committee's assessment of the
individual's performance and contribution to the Company's performance are the
primary criteria influencing decisions regarding salary adjustments.
Stock Options. The Company uses stock options as a long-term incentive
program for executive officers. Stock options are used because they directly
relate the amounts earned by the executive officers to the amount of
appreciation realized by the Company's shareholders over comparable periods.
Stock options also provide executive officers with the opportunity to acquire
and build a meaningful ownership interest in the Company. The Committee
considers stock option awards throughout the year. In determining the number of
options awarded to an individual executive officer, the Committee generally
establishes a level of award based upon the position of the individual and his
or her level of responsibility and upon recommendations made by the Company's
President and Chief Executive Officer. The Committee's decisions concerning
individual option awards are based on its judgment concerning the appropriate
amount of long-term compensation that should be paid to the executive in
question. The Company awarded 236,250 such stock options to executives during
the 1999 fiscal year. A total of 413,489 stock options were awarded during the
1999 fiscal year under the Company's Amended and Restated 1996 Key Employees and
Consultants Stock Option Plan.
The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors have approved the
authorization of an amendment to increase the number of Common Shares available
for issuance under the Company' Amended and Restated 1996 Key Employees and
Consultants Stock Option Plan to 757,667 Common Shares in order to continue to
have access to a sufficient pool of Common Shares to be covered by stock options
to provide incentives to key management and other employees of the Company. In
addition, the Company's 1999 Outside Director Stock Option Plan was adopted by
the Board of Directors on September 22, 1999.
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Bonuses. Pursuant to the terms of its employment agreements with the
executive officers of the Company, the Company may pay additional compensation
in the form of discretionary bonuses. In general, the bonus structure is
open-ended and the bonus amount in any given year is determined by the
Committee. Bonuses may be provided either in the form of cash, Common Shares or
a combination of the two, as the Committee determines. During 1999, Messrs.
Black and Shlaes and Dr. Summa received cash bonuses in the amounts of $10,000,
$30,000 and $33,000, respectively.
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
Dr. Green's employment contract with the Company contemplates compensation
in two broad areas: (i) a base salary and (ii) stock options under a long-term
compensation plan. His employment agreement provided for a base salary of
$180,000 for 1999. Dr. Green did not receive a bonus in 1999. Dr. Green was
awarded options to purchase 90,000 Common Shares during the 1999 fiscal year.
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Robert E. Flaherty
Seth B. Harris
Dr. Robert M. Stote
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Company has engaged in various private transactions with the members of
its Compensation Committee or entities with which they are affiliated. The
Company believes that these transactions have been on terms no less favorable to
the Company than could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
The Company engaged in various private equity financing transactions with
Mr. Harris, Dr. Stote and other shareholders in 1992, 1993 and 1994. As a result
of those transactions, Mr. Harris and Dr. Stote are among the parties to a
registration rights agreement with the Company under which they have been
provided certain rights to have their Common Shares registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). See "Certain Transactions."
PERFORMANCE CHART
The following line graph compares the percentage change in the cumulative
total shareholder return on the Common Shares against the cumulative total
return of The Nasdaq Stock Market U.S. Index and the Nasdaq Health Services
Index for the period commencing June 11, 1996 (the initial trading date for the
Common Shares) and ending December 31, 1999. The graph assumes that the value of
the investment in Common Shares and each index was $100 on June 11, 1996, and
that all dividends, if any, were reinvested.
COMPARISON OF 42 MONTH CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.) INDEX
AND THE NASDAQ HEALTH SERVICES INDEX
NASDAQ STOCK MARKET NASDAQ HEALTH
DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL (U.S.) SERVICES
---------------------- ------------------- -------------
06/11/96 100.00 100.00 100.00
12/96 80.00 105.00 84.00
12/97 38.00 128.00 86.00
12/98 30.00 181.00 73.00
12/99 27.00 335.00 60.00
* $100 invested on 6/11/96 in stock or index - including reinvestment of
dividends.
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PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES
AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER THE COMPANY'S AMENDED AND RESTATED 1996 KEY
EMPLOYEES AND CONSULTANTS STOCK OPTION PLAN
Shareholders will be asked at the Annual Meeting to vote an a proposal to
approve an amendment to increase the number of Common Shares authorized for
issuance under the Company's Amended and Restated 1996 Key Employees and
Consultants Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Plan") from 557,667 Common Shares to
757,667 Common Shares.
The 1996 Plan was adopted by the Company's Board of Directors on February
29, 1996 and approved by the Company's shareholders on May 2, 1996. The 1996
Plan was subsequently amended on September 20, 1996. As of April 10, 2000, there
were only 9,078 Common Shares available for future grant under the 1996 Plan.
The purpose of the 1996 Plan is to promote the Company's success by aligning
employee financial interests with long-term shareholder value. Currently, the
Company operates a small, growth-oriented business. As such, stock option awards
and stock-based compensation play an integral role in providing compensation to
the Company's current employees, attracting talented new employees and potential
acquisition candidates. Therefore, the Compensation Committee and the Board of
Directors approved the authorization of an amendment to increase the number of
Common Shares available for issuance under the 1996 Plan to 757,667 Common
Shares in order to continue to have access to a sufficient pool of Common Shares
to be covered by stock options to provide incentives to key management and other
employees of the Company.
GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION
The effective date of the 1996 Plan was February 29, 1996. By its terms,
the 1996 Plan will terminate on February 29, 2007. However, the expiration of
the 1996 Plan will not affect any outstanding option. The 1996 Plan provides for
the issuance of incentive stock options, within the meaning of Section 422 of
the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), to key employees and non-qualified stock
options to both key employees and consultants. The 1996 Plan also permits the
granting of stock appreciation rights, which provide an optionee with the right
to elect a payment equal to the appreciation of the value of the Company's
Common Shares. Payment of the stock appreciation rights may be made in cash,
Common Shares or a combination thereof.
ADMINISTRATION
The 1996 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (the "Committee"). Subject to the terms and conditions of the 1996
Plan, the Committee has full and final authority in its absolute discretion: (i)
to select the key employees and consultants to whom options will be granted,
(ii) to determine the number of Common Shares subject to any option, (iii) to
determine the time when options will be granted, (iv) to determine the option
price of Common Shares subject to an option, (v) to determine each option's
vesting schedule, (vi) to determine whether an option is to be an incentive
stock option, (vii) to determine whether and according to what value stock
appreciation rights shall be made a part of any option, (viii) to prescribe the
form and set the provisions of any option agreements entered into under the 1996
Plan, (ix) to adopt, amend and rescind rules as may be advisable in the
administration of the 1996 Plan, and (x) to construe and interpret the 1996 Plan
and make all other determinations required for the administration of the 1996
Plan. Any decision made or action taken by the Committee in connection with such
administration will be, to the extent permitted by law, conclusive and binding
upon all optionees and any person claiming under or through any optionee.
Except as required to make the 1996 Plan and the option agreements
consistent with changes in governing law, approval of the Company's shareholders
is required for any action of the Committee or the Board of Directors which
results in: (i) amending, modifying or altering the eligibility requirements of
the 1996 Plan, (ii) increasing or decreasing, except in certain circumstances as
provided in the 1996 Plan, the maximum number of Common Shares for which options
may be granted, (iii) decreasing the minimum option price per Common Share at
which options may be granted under the 1996 Plan, (iv) extending either the
maximum period during which an option is exercisable as provided in the 1996
Plan or the date on which the 1996 Plan terminates,
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(v) changing the requirements relating to the Committee, or (vi) making any
other change which would cause an incentive stock option granted under the 1996
Plan to no longer qualify as such under the Code.
SECURITIES TO BE OFFERED
Under the terms of the 1996 Plan, up to 557,667 Common Shares were
available, at the discretion of the Committee, for grants of options. However,
the Key Employee Plan provides that the maximum number of Common Shares subject
to incentive stock options may not exceed $100,000 in any calendar year in which
any incentive stock options become exercisable. Either treasury shares,
authorized and unissued shares or both may be issued, in such amounts, within
the maximum limits of the 1996 Plan, as the Committee shall from time to time
determine. All Common Shares which are the subject of any lapsed, expired, or
terminated options may be made available for reoffering under the 1996 Plan to
any key employee or consultant. In the event that, subsequent to the date of
adoption of the 1996 Plan by the Board of Directors, the outstanding Common
Shares of the Company should be increased or decreased or changes into or
exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the
Company, as a result of a share split, share dividend, combination or exchange
of shares, exchange for other securities, reclassification, reorganization,
redesignation, merger, consolidation, recapitalization or other such change,
then (i) there shall automatically be substituted for each Common Share subject
to an unexercised option (in whole or in part) granted under the 1996 Plan and
each Common Share available for additional grants of options under the 1996
Plan, the number and kind of shares or other securities into which each
outstanding Common Share shall be changed or for which each such Common Share
shall be exchanged, (ii) the option price per share or unit of securities shall
be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate purchase price
for the securities subject to the option shall remain the same as immediately
prior to such event and (iii) the Committee shall make such other adjustments as
may be appropriate and equitable to prevent enlargement or dilution or option
rights.
PLAN BENEFITS
AMENDED AND RESTATED 1996 KEY EMPLOYEES AND CONSULTANTS STOCK OPTION PLAN
NAME AND POSITION NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES
----------------- -----------------------
Key employees and consultants 757,667
EMPLOYEES AND CONSULTANTS ELIGIBLE FOR OPTIONS
Options may be granted from time to time in the discretion of the Committee
to such key employees and consultants, as designated by the Committee, whose
initiative and efforts contribute to the Company's continued growth and future
success. The Committee may grant more than one option, with or without stock
appreciation rights, to the same key employee. However, the Committee may not
grant incentive stock options to consultants.
OPTION PROVISIONS
Option Price. The option price per share which is the subject of an
incentive stock option under the 1996 Plan will be determined by the Committee
at the time of grant but shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of
the Company's Common Shares on the date such option is granted. The option price
per share under each option granted pursuant to the 1996 Plan which is not an
incentive stock option will be determined by the Committee at the time of grant.
Period of Option. The Committee determines when each option is to expire.
However, no option may be exercisable for a period of more than ten years form
the date upon which such option is granted.
Limitations on Exercise and Transfer of Options. Any option which is an
incentive stock option shall not be transferable other than by will or the laws
of descent and distribution, and the option may be exercised during the lifetime
of the optionee only by the optionee. All or any portion of an option that is
not an incentive stock option shall be transferable by the optionee, in whole at
any time or in part from time to time, to (i) any member of the optionee's
immediate family, (ii) any trust whose beneficiaries consist solely of the
optionee and/or members of
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the optionee's immediate family and (iii) any person or entity who is an
"affiliate" of the optionee (as such term is defined in Rule 501(b) of
Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Company shall be under no obligation to record any such transfer
upon the books of the Company and may treat the optionee as the record and
beneficial owner thereof for all purposes until such time as: (a) the transferor
delivers to the Company a fully executed assignment of option, (b) the
transferee delivers to the Company a fully executed joinder to the option
agreement and (c) that the transferor and the transferee establish, to the
reasonable satisfaction of the Company, that such a transfer is permitted under
applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. No option may be pledged
or hypothecated, nor may any option be subject to execution, attachment or
similar process.
Exercise of Option. The Committee may, in its absolute discretion, require
that prior to the exercise of all or any part of any option, the optionee must
have been an employee or consultant for a specified period after the date such
option was granted. Upon completion of the required period or periods, if any,
the option or the appropriate portion thereof may be exercised in whole or in
part from time to time during the option period. Options may be exercised (i) by
the optionee giving written notice to the Company of his or her intention to
exercise accompanied by full payment of the purchase price in cash or, with the
consent of the Committee, in whole or in part in Common Shares having a fair
market value on the date the option is exercised equal to that portion of the
purchase price for which payment in cash is not made and (ii) by making
appropriate arrangements for the satisfaction of tax withholding requirements.
The Committee may allow the optionee to satisfy his or her tax withholding
obligations arising in connection with the exercise of an option in whole or in
part by (i) the Company withholding from the Common Shares to be issued upon
exercise of the option, the number of Common Shares to which the optionee and
the Company have agreed, but only if the optionee has had on file with the
Company for at least a six month period a standing election to have the Company
withhold Common Shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations, which election
form by its terms shall not be alterable or revocable for at least a six month
period or (ii) the optionee's delivery to the Company of Common Shares having a
fair market value equal to the withholding obligation required of the optionee.
Termination of Employment. Generally, if the optionee ceases to be an
employee or consultant of the Company or its subsidiaries, his or her options
shall terminate on the date he or she ceases to be an employee or consultant,
and neither such optionee or any other person will have any right after such
date to exercise all or any part of such options. If the option is an incentive
stock option, the option agreement may not permit an exercise of the option
after more than three months if the optionee terminates employment for a reason
other than death or disability or after more than one year if the optionee
terminates employment for death or disability.
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
The Committee may provide that an optionee may have the right with respect
to all or a portion of the options granted to elect payment in lieu of
exercising such options. Alternatively, the Committee may provide that an
optionee will have the right with respect to all or a portion of the options
granted to him or her to receive consideration upon exercising such options in
addition to any Common Shares purchased upon exercise thereof. Stock
appreciation rights shall be exercisable only at such times and by such persons
as are specified in the option agreement governing the stock option with respect
to which the stock appreciation rights were granted. The amount payable upon the
exercise of a stock appreciation right shall be payable in one or more of the
following manners, as shall be decided by the Committee: (i) cash, (ii) fully
paid Common Shares having a fair market value equal to such amount or (iii) a
combination of cash and Common Shares.
INCOME TAX TREATMENT
Incentive Stock Options. With respect to an incentive stock option, the
optionee will realize no income for federal income tax purposes upon the grant
or exercise of the option, but the difference between the option price and the
fair market value of the shares at the date of issuance of the Common Shares to
the optionee (following exercise of the incentive stock option) will constitute
an item of tax preference under the alternative minimum tax. The alternative
minimum tax is paid only if it exceeds the regular tax.
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If no disposition of Common Shares acquired through the exercise of an
incentive stock option is made by the optionee within one year after the
issuance of the Common Shares to him or her upon exercise, and within two years
after the grant of the option, any amount realized by the optionee in the event
of a sale of his or her Common Shares that is in excess of his or her cost will
be taxed as a long-term capital gain.
Non-Qualified Stock Options. With respect to a non-qualified stock option,
an optionee will not realize income upon the granting of such an option.
However, in any year in which an optionee exercises a part or all of such
option, the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Common Shares at the
date of exercise over the option price will be taxed as compensation at ordinary
income tax rates, and the Company will be entitled to a tax deduction for a like
amount in the same year.
Stock Appreciation Rights. The granting of stock appreciation rights will
not produce taxable income to the optionee or a tax deduction to the Company.
Upon exercise of such rights, the amount of any cash received and the fair
market value on the transfer date of any Common Shares received will be taxable
to the employee as compensation at ordinary income tax rates and deductible by
the Company.
RECOMMENDATION AND REQUIRED VOTE
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 1996 PLAN. THE AFFIRMATIVE
VOTE OF THE HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARES ENTITLED TO
VOTE AND PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COMPANY'S SHAREHOLDERS, IN PERSON
OR BY PROXY, IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE AMENDMENT TO THE 1996 PLAN.
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE COMPANY'S
1999 OUTSIDE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN
At the annual meeting, shareholders will be asked to vote on a proposal to
approve and adopt the Company's 1999 Outside Director Stock Option Plan (the
"1999 Plan"). The text of the 1999 Plan is attached as Appendix A to this proxy
statement. The following discussion of the 1999 Plan is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the text of the 1999 Plan.
GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION
The 1999 Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on September 22, 1999.
The effective date of the 1999 Plan is September 22, 1999. By its terms, the
1999 Plan will terminate on September 22, 2009. However, the 1999 Plan's
expiration will not affect any outstanding option.
The purpose of the 1999 Plan is to provide Directors of the Company who are
not also employees of the Company or any of the Company's subsidiaries or
affiliates (the "Outside Directors") with a greater incentive to serve and
promote the Company's success by encouraging them to acquire new or additional
share ownership in the Company, thus increasing their proprietary interest in
the Company's business and providing them with an increased personal interest in
the Company's continued success and development. Currently, the Company operates
a small, growth-oriented business. As such, stock option awards play an integral
role in providing compensation to the Company's current Outside Directors and in
attracting future Outside Directors.
The Company believes that the 1999 Plan is not subject to the provisions of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The 1999 Plan
is not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
BENEFITS OF THE 1999 PLAN
Subject to shareholder approval, under the 1999 Plan each Outside Director
on September 22, 1999 received a non-qualified stock option to purchase 12,500
Common Shares at an exercise price of $3.75 per share (the fair market value of
a Common Share on September 22, 1999). In addition, the 1999 Plan provides for
Outside Directors to receive non-qualified stock options to purchase 10,000
Common Shares upon their initial appointment or election as Outside Directors.
The 1999 Plan also provides for the annual, automatic award to
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Outside Directors on the day of the annual meeting of the Company's shareholders
of non-qualified stock options to purchase 12,500 Common Shares. In total, the
1999 Plan provides for awards of stock options to purchase 250,000 Common
Shares.
The number of non-qualified options to purchase Common Shares that will be
received by or are allocated to Outside Directors under the 1999 Plan is
250,000. Non-qualified stock options awarded under the 1999 Plan may not be
awarded to persons other than Outside Directors. The dollar value of such
non-qualified stock options is not determinable.
PLAN BENEFITS
1999 OUTSIDE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN
NAME AND POSITION NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES
----------------- -----------------------
Non-executive director group 250,000
ADMINISTRATION
The 1999 Plan does not provide the Board of Directors, any committee
thereof, or any other person, with discretionary authority with respect to the
1999 Plan's administration. Eligibility criteria for awards of options, as well
as the timing, amount, price, vesting, term and other provisions of option
awards, are set forth in the 1999 Plan itself.
SECURITIES TO BE OFFERED
Under the 1999 Plan, up to an aggregate of 250,000 Common Shares are
available for awards of options to the Outside Directors. Either treasury or
authorized and unissued Common Shares, in such amounts or amounts, within the
maximum limits of the 1999 Plan, as the Board of Directors shall from time to
time determine, may be so issued. If an option awarded under the 1999 Plan is
exercised pursuant to the terms and conditions of the 1999 Plan, any Common
Shares that are the subject thereof shall not thereafter be available for
re-offering under the 1999 Plan.
In the event that, subsequent to September 22, 1999, the outstanding Common
Shares should be increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a
different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company, as a
result of a share split, share dividend, combination or exchange of shares,
exchange for other securities, reclassification, reorganization, redesignation,
merger, consolidation, recapitalization or other such change, then (1) there
shall automatically be substituted for each Common Share subject to an
unexercised option (in whole or in part) granted under the 1999 Plan, each
Common Share available for additional grants of options under the 1999 Plan and
each Common Share made available for grant to each Outside Director pursuant to
Section 4 of the 1999 Plan, the number and kind of shares or other securities
into which each outstanding Common Share shall be changed or for which each such
Common Share shall be exchanged, (2) the option price per share or unit of
securities shall be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate
purchase price for the securities subject to the option shall remain the same as
immediately prior to such event and (3) the Board of Directors shall make such
other adjustments as may be appropriate and equitable to prevent enlargement or
dilution of any option rights. Any such adjustment may also provide for the
elimination of fractional shares.
OPTION PROVISIONS
Automatic Awards. The 1999 Plan provides that each Outside Director will be
awarded non-qualified stock options to purchase such number of Common Shares as
follows:
(1) Each Outside Director as of September 22, 1999 shall receive a
non-qualified stock option to purchase 12,500 Common Shares at an
exercise price equal to the fair market value (defined below) of such
Common Shares on September 22, 1999;
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(2) Each newly appointed or elected Outside Director after September 22,
1999 shall receive a non-qualified stock option to purchase 10,000
Common Shares at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of
such Common Shares on the date of grant; and
(3) Each Outside Director on the day of the Company's annual meeting of
shareholders commencing with the meeting to be held in the year 2000
shall receive a non-qualified stock option to purchase 12,500 Common
Shares at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of such
Common Shares on the date of grant.
The 1999 Plan provides that those grants shall occur automatically without
any further action by the Board of Directors.
Option Price. The option price per Common Share under each option granted
pursuant to the 1999 Plan shall be equal to the fair market value thereof, but
in no event shall such price be less than the par value of the Common Shares.
Period of Option. Each option granted under the 1999 Plan shall expire and
all rights to purchase Common Shares pursuant thereto shall cease on the tenth
anniversary of the date of grant.
Vesting of Options. The 1999 Plan provides that each Outside Director shall
be entitled to exercise options granted under the 1999 Plan as follows:
(1) With respect to non-qualified stock options to purchase 12,500 Common
Shares awarded on September 22, 1999, each such option shall become
fully vested and exercisable as to all of the underlying Common Shares
on the date of the first annual meeting of the Company's shareholders
following the date of grant;
(2) With respect to non-qualified stock options to purchase 12,500 Common
Shares awarded annually on the day of the Company's annual meeting of
shareholders, each such option will shall become fully vested and
exercisable as to all of the underlying Common Shares on the date of
the first annual meeting of the Company's shareholders following the
date of grant; and
(3) With respect to the non-qualified stock options to purchase 10,000
Common Shares upon an individual's initial appointment or election as
an Outside Director, each such option shall become fully vested and
exercisable as to all of the underlying Common Shares on the first
anniversary of the date of grant.
Limitations on Exercise and Transfer of Options. All or any portion of an
option shall be transferable by the optionee, in whole at any time or in part
from time to time, to (1) any member of the optionee's immediate family, (2) any
trust whose beneficiaries consist solely of the optionee and/or members of the
optionee's immediate family and (3) any person or entity who is an "affiliate"
of the optionee (as that term is defined in Rule 501(b) of Regulation D under
the Securities Act). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall be under
no obligation to record any such transfer upon the books of the Company and may
treat the optionee as the record and beneficial owner thereof for all purposes
until such time as: (a) the transferor delivers to the Company a fully executed
assignment of option, (b) the transferee delivers to the Company a fully
executed joinder to the option agreement and (c) the transferor and transferee
establish, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company, that such a transfer
is permitted under the applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. No
option may be pledged or hypothecated, nor may any option be subject to
execution, attachment or similar process.
Conditions Governing Exercise of Option. Options are exercisable by the
Outside Director by giving written notice to the Company of the Outside
Director's intention to exercise the option and the number of Common Shares with
respect to which the option is being exercised, accompanied by full payment of
the purchase price either in cash or in whole or in part in Common Shares having
a fair market value on the date the option is exercised equal to that portion of
the purchase price for which payment in cash is not made.
Termination of Directorship. Subject to the following provisions, if the
Outside Director ceases to be a Director of the Company, his or her option shall
terminate three (3) months after the effective date of termination of his or her
Directorship and neither that Outside Director nor any other person shall have
any right after such date to exercise all or any part of such option. If the
termination of the Directorship is due to death, then the
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option may be exercised within one year after the Outside Director's death by
the Outside Director's estate or by the person designated in the Outside
Director's last will and testament or to whom transferred by the applicable laws
of descent and distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall
any option be exercisable after the expiration of the ten-year option period and
no option shall be exercisable to any greater extent that the Outside Director
would have been entitled to exercise the option at the time of termination or
death.
INCOME TAX TREATMENT
An Outside Director will not realize income upon the granting of a
non-qualified stock option. However, in any year in which an Outside Director
exercises a part or all of such option, the excess, if any, of the fair market
value of the Common Shares at the date of exercise over the option price will be
taxed as compensation at ordinary income tax rates, and the Company will be
entitled to a tax deduction for a like amount in the same year. An Outside
Director may elect, within 30 days after the issuance of Common Shares upon the
exercise of an option (which the Internal Revenue Service may assert occurs on
the date of exercise), to treat the excess, if any, of the fair market value of
the Common Shares on the date of issuance over the option price as ordinary
income at that time, and the Company will be entitled to a tax deduction for a
like amount. If this election is not made, no additional income will be realized
by the Outside Director on the date six months after the date of issuance.
The Company has made provisions for all taxes required in connection with
an option exercise to be withheld and/or paid. The Company has the discretion to
allow the Outside Director to satisfy tax withholding requirements by (a) the
Company withholding from issuance to the Outside Director the number of Common
Shares agreed upon by the Company and the Outside Director, so long as the
Outside Director has executed an effective standing election to satisfy such tax
withholding requirements within at least six months prior to an option exercise;
or (b) withholding the number of Common Shares equal to that portion of the
withholding obligation for which cash payment has not been made, provided that
consent has been given by the Board of Directors.
Except for stock options granted under the 1999 Plan, the Company does not
intend to compensate Directors for any meetings that they attend, but will
reimburse them for reasonable expenses that are incurred in attending such
meetings.
RECOMMENDATION AND REQUIRED VOTE
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE 1999 PLAN. THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE
HOLDERS OF A MAJORITY OF THE OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARES ENTITLED TO VOTE AND
PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COMPANY'S SHAREHOLDERS, IN PERSON OR BY
PROXY, IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE 1999 PLAN.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
In connection with various financing transactions, the Company entered into
certain agreements with certain of its Directors, executive officers and
shareholders who beneficially own more than 5% of the Common Shares. Since these
arrangements were the result of arm's length negotiation among the Company and
these shareholders prior to their acquisition of an interest in the Company, the
Company believes that the agreements are on terms no less favorable to it than
could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties. Relationships between
the Company and those investors who are affiliated with members of the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors are described under the caption
"Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation."
As a result of various financing transactions, the Company is a party to a
registration rights agreement with Brantley, Oxford, Oxford Bermuda, Oxford
Adjunct, Drs. Green and Stote and Mr. Harris, each of whom is either a Director,
executive officer or beneficial owner of greater than 5% or more of the Common
Shares. Under the terms of this agreement, the holders of an aggregate of
574,413 Common Shares (the "Registrable Shares") have the right to demand, no
more than once every six months, registration under the Securities Act of Common
Shares having a market value of at least $5,000,000 (in the case of a
registration on Form S-1) or $1,000,000 (in the case of a registration on Form
S-2 or S-3). Such demand right may be exercised by the holders of at least 40%
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of the Registrable Shares. The holders of Registrable Shares may exercise their
right to demand registration of the Registrable Shares on Form S-1 up to two
times at the Company's expense, and any demand registrations on Form S-2 or S-3
an unlimited number of times at the Company's expense. Although the holders of
Registrable Shares have the right to demand additional registrations on Form
S-1, they will be required to pay their share of the expenses associated with
such registrations. The agreement also provides the holders of an aggregate of
251,382 Common Shares (the "Related Shares"), with the limited right to
participate, at their own expense, in a registration statement demanded by the
holders of Registrable Shares. In addition, under certain conditions, the
holders of Registrable Shares and Related Shares have the limited right to
include some or all of such shares in any registration statement filed by the
Company with respect to the sale of its Common Shares.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")
requires the Company's Directors and certain of its executive officers and
persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Common Shares to file reports
of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the Commission
and The Nasdaq Stock Market. Such persons are further required to furnish the
Company with copies of all such forms filed by them. Based solely on the
Company's review of the copies of such forms it has received, the Company
believes that all of the Section 16(a) filing requirements were satisfied by the
Company's Directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10%
of the Common Shares.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
Any shareholder who meets the requirements of the proxy rules under the
Exchange Act may submit to the Board of Directors proposals to be considered for
submission to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2001. Any such
proposal should be submitted in writing by notice delivered or mailed by
first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, to DATATRAK International,
Inc., 20600 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 1050, Cleveland, Ohio 44122, Attention:
Investor Relations and must be received no later than January 4, 2001. Any such
notice shall set forth: (a) the name and address of the shareholder and the text
of the proposal to be introduced, (b) the number of Common Shares held of
record, owned beneficially and represented by proxy by such shareholder as of
the date of such notice and (c) a representation that the shareholder intends to
appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to introduce the proposal specified
in the notice. The Chairman of the meeting may refuse to acknowledge the
introduction of any shareholder proposal not made in compliance with the
foregoing procedures.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The firm of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, audited the
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for fiscal
1999. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting
and will have an opportunity to make a statement should they so desire. The
representatives will also be available to respond to appropriate questions from
shareholders.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any matter to come before the Annual
Meeting other than those mentioned in the accompanying Notice. However, if other
matters shall properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of
the persons named in the accompanying Proxy to vote in accordance with their
best judgment on such matters.
A copy of the Company's Annual Report has been provided to shareholders
with this Proxy Statement. If a shareholder entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting did not receive a copy of the Annual Report with this Proxy Statement,
that shareholder may request a copy of the Annual Report from the Company. Upon
the receipt of a written request from any shareholder entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting, the Company will mail, at no charge to the shareholder, a copy
of the Company's Annual Report, including the financial statements and schedules
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required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 13a-1 under the
Exchange Act, for the Company's most recent fiscal year. Requests from
beneficial owners of Common Shares must set forth a good-faith representation
that, as of the record date of the Annual Meeting, the person making the request
was the beneficial owner of securities entitled to vote at such Annual Meeting.
Written requests for the Annual Report should be directed to: Investor
Relations, DATATRAK International, Inc., 20600 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite 1050,
Cleveland, Ohio 44122.
You are urged to sign and return your Proxy promptly in order to make
certain your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting. For your convenience, a
return envelope is enclosed requiring no additional postage if mailed in the
United States.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Thomas F. McKee
Secretary
May 3, 2000
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APPENDIX A
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO THE
DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 1996 KEY EMPLOYEES AND
CONSULTANTS STOCK OPTION PLAN
This Amendment No. 2 (the "Amendment") to the DATATRAK International, Inc.
Amended and Restated 1996 Key Employees and Consultants Stock Option Plan is
made this 9th day of December, 1999 by the Board of Directors of DATATRAK
International, Inc. (the "Company").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Company's Amended and
Restated 1996 Key Employees and Consultants Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") on
February 29, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Plan was approved at a meeting of the Company's shareholders
on May 2, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Plan was subsequently amended to provide for up to 557,667
common shares ("Common Shares") available for grant under the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend the Plan to increase the number of
Common Shares authorized for issuance under the Plan from 557,667 Common Shares
to 757,667 Common Shares in order to further the purposes of the Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the Plan is amended as
follows:
SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. The first paragraph of Section 6 of the Plan is
deleted in its entirety and the following paragraph is substituted in lieu
thereof:
"Subject to the provisions of Section 9 concerning payment for
stock appreciation rights in Common Shares and subject to the
provisions of the next succeeding paragraph of this Section 6, the
aggregate number of Common Shares for which options may be granted
under the Plan shall be 757,667 Common Shares. Either treasury or
authorized and unissued Common Shares, or both, in such amounts,
within the maximum limits of the Plan, as the Committee shall from
time to time determine, may be so issued. All Common Shares which are
the subject of any lapsed, expired or terminated options may be made
available for reoffering under the Plan to any Key Employee or
Consultant. If an option granted under this Plan is exercised pursuant
to the terms and conditions determined by the Committee under
Subsection 7(d), and a stock appreciation right is not granted in
conjunction with the option pursuant to Section 9, any Common Shares
which are the subject thereof shall not thereafter be available for
reoffering under the Plan to any Key Employee or Consultant. If a
stock appreciation right is granted in conjunction with an option
pursuant to Section 9, and if the option agreement with the Optionee
provides that exercise of the stock appreciation right shall be in
lieu of exercise of the options, and the stock appreciation right is
thereafter exercised in whole or in part, then the option or the
portion thereof with respect to which the stock appreciation right was
exercised shall be deemed to have been exercised and the Common Shares
which otherwise would have been issued upon exercise of such option,
to the extent not used in payment for the stock appreciation rights,
may be made available for reoffering under the Plan to any Key
Employee or Consultant."
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APPENDIX B
DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
1999 OUTSIDE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN
DATATRAK International, Inc., hereinafter called the "Company," hereby
adopts a stock option plan for eligible Directors of the Company pursuant to the
following terms and provisions:
1. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN. The purpose of this plan, hereinafter called the
"Plan," is to provide additional incentive to those Directors of the Company who
are not employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates by
encouraging them to acquire a new or an additional share ownership in the
Company, thus increasing their proprietary interest in the Company's business
and providing them with an increased personal interest in the Company's
continued success and progress. These objectives will be promoted through the
grant of options to acquire the Company's Common Shares, without par value per
share (the "Common Shares"), pursuant to the terms of the Plan. Only those
Directors who meet the qualifications stated above are eligible for and shall
receive options under this Plan.
2. EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN. The Plan shall become effective as of
September 22, 1999, subject to approval by holders of shares representing a
majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company present at a meeting of
shareholders called for that purpose. In the event that such shareholder
approval has not occurred on or before December 31, 2000, the Plan and any
options granted hereunder shall be null and void.
3. COMMON SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. The Common Shares to be issued upon
the exercise of the options granted under the Plan shall be Common Shares of the
Company. Either treasury or authorized and unissued Common Shares, or both, as
the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine, may be so issued.
Common Shares which are the subject of any lapsed, expired or terminated options
may be made available for re-offering under the Plan. If an option granted under
this Plan is exercised pursuant to the terms and conditions of subsection 5(b),
any Common Shares which are the subject thereof shall not thereafter be
available for re-offering under the Plan.
Subject to the provisions of the next succeeding paragraph of this Section
3, the aggregate number of Common Shares for which options may be granted under
the Plan shall be Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand (250,000) Common Shares.
In the event that, subsequent to the date of adoption of the Plan by the
Board of Directors, the Common Shares should, as a as a result of a stock split,
stock dividend, combination or exchange of shares, exchange for other
securities, reclassification, reorganization, redesignation, merger,
consolidation, recapitalization or other such change, be increased or decreased
or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares of stock
or other securities of the Company or of another corporation, then (i) there
shall automatically be substituted for each Common Share subject to an
unexercised option (in whole or in part) granted under the Plan, each Common
Share available for additional grants of options under the Plan and each Common
Share made available for grant to each eligible Director pursuant to Section 4
hereof, the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities into which
each outstanding Common Share shall be changed or for which each such Common
Share shall be exchanged, (ii) the option price per Common Share or unit of
securities shall be increased or decreased proportionately so that the aggregate
purchase price for the securities subject to the option shall remain the same as
immediately prior to such event, and (iii) the Board of Directors shall make
such other adjustments as may be appropriate and equitable to prevent
enlargement or dilution of option rights. Any such adjustment may provide for
the elimination of fractional shares.
4. GRANT OF OPTIONS.
a. AUTOMATIC GRANTS. Subject to the terms of the Plan (including without
limitation the receipt of shareholder approval contemplated by Section 2
hereof), each eligible Director shall be granted a non-qualified stock option
for 12,500 Common Shares as of September 22, 1999, and subsequent non-qualified
stock options for 12,500 Common Shares at each annual meeting of the
shareholders of the Company thereafter so long as he or she is an eligible
Director. Each eligible Director first appointed or elected to the Board of
Directors after September 22, 1999 shall be granted a non-qualified stock option
to purchase 10,000 Common Shares as of the
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date of such appointment or election, and subsequent non-qualified stock options
for 12,500 Common Shares at each annual meeting of the shareholders of the
Company thereafter so long as he or she is an eligible Director.
b. OPTION PRICE. The price at which each Common Share may be purchased
pursuant to an option granted under the Plan shall be equal to the "fair market
value" (as determined pursuant to Section 7) for each such share as of the date
on which the option is granted (the "Date of Grant"), but in no event shall such
price be less than the par value of such Common Shares. Anything contained in
this subsection (b) to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that the
number of Common Shares subject to any option is adjusted pursuant to Section 3,
a corresponding adjustment shall be made in the price at which the Common Shares
subject to such option may thereafter be purchased.
c. DURATION OF OPTIONS. Each option granted under the Plan shall expire and
all rights to purchase Common Shares pursuant thereto shall cease on the date
(the "Expiration Date") which shall be the tenth anniversary of the Date of
Grant of such option.
d. VESTING OF OPTIONS. For the initial grant to eligible Directors as of
September 22, 1999 of an option to purchase 12,500 Common Shares, one hundred
percent (100%) of each such option granted under the Plan shall become fully
vested and exercisable as of the date of the first annual meeting of the
Company's shareholders following the Date of Grant, subject to shareholder
approval. For the annual grants of options to purchase 12,500 Common Shares, one
hundred percent (100%) of each such option granted under the Plan shall become
fully vested and exercisable on the date of the first annual meeting of the
Company's shareholders following the Date of Grant. For the grants of 10,000
Common Shares upon the initial appointment or election of an eligible Director,
one hundred percent (100%) of each such option granted under the Plan shall
become fully vested and exercisable on the first anniversary of the Date of
Grant.
5. OPTION PROVISIONS.
a. LIMITATION ON EXERCISE AND TRANSFER OF OPTIONS.
Each option agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any
successor of the Company and the heirs, estate, personal representative and
transferees of the optionee. All or any portion of an option shall be
transferable by the optionee, in whole at any time or in part from time to time,
to (i) any member of the optionee's Immediate Family, (ii) any trust whose
beneficiaries consist solely of the optionee and/or members of the optionee's
Immediate Family, and (iii) any person or entity who is an "affiliate" of the
optionee (as such term is defined in Rule 501(b) of Regulation D promulgated
under the Securities Act of 1933). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company
shall be under no obligation to record any such transfer upon the books of the
Company and may treat the optionee as the record and beneficial owner thereof
for all purposes until such time as: (a) the transferor delivers to the Company
a fully executed assignment of option in the form attached as Exhibit A to the
option agreement; (b) the transferee delivers to the Company a fully executed
joinder to the option agreement in the form attached as Exhibit B to the option
agreement; and (c) that the transferor and transferee establish, to the
reasonable satisfaction of the Company, that such a transfer is permitted under
applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. For purposes of this Plan,
"Immediate Family" means a person's parents, siblings, spouse, children or
grandchildren or any of the foregoing persons. No option granted hereunder may
be pledged or hypothecated, nor shall any such option be subject to execution,
attachment or similar process.
b. EXERCISE OF OPTION. Each option granted hereunder may be exercised in
whole or in part (to the maximum extent then exercisable) from time to time
during the option period, but this right of exercise shall be limited to whole
shares. Options shall be exercised by the optionee giving written notice to the
Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company at its
principal business office, by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the
optionee's intention to exercise the same and the number of shares with respect
to which the option is being exercised (the "Notice of Exercise of Option")
accompanied by full payment of the purchase price in cash or in whole or in part
in Common Shares having a fair market value on the date the option is exercised
equal to that portion of the purchase price for which payment in cash is not
made. Such Notice of Exercise of Option shall be deemed delivered upon deposit
into the mails.
c. TERMINATION OF DIRECTORSHIP. Subject to the following provisions, if the
optionee ceases to be a Director of the Company, his or her option shall
terminate three (3) months after the effective date of termination
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of his or her Directorship and neither he nor she nor any other person shall
have any right after such date to exercise all or any part of such option. If
the termination of the Directorship is due to death, then the option may be
exercised within one (1) year after the optionee's death by the optionee's
estate or by the person designated in the optionee's Last Will and Testament or
to whom transferred by the applicable laws of descent and distribution (the
"Personal Representative"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any
option be exercisable after the expiration of the ten-year option period and no
option shall be exercisable to any greater extent than the optionee would have
been entitled to exercise the option at the time of termination or death.
d. ACCELERATION OF EXERCISE OF OPTION IN CERTAIN EVENTS. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary described in the Plan, in the event of a "change in
control," the eligible Director shall have the immediate right and option
(notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 4 hereof) to exercise the option
with respect to all Common Shares covered by the option, which exercise, if
made, shall be irrevocable. The term "change in control" shall mean: (i) the
receipt by the Company of a Schedule 13D or other advice indicating that a
person, or any member of a "group," is the "beneficial owner" (as those terms
are defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of twenty
percent (20%) or more of the voting power of the Company; (ii) the first
purchase of shares pursuant to a tender offer or exchange (other than a tender
offer or exchange by the Company or its affiliates) for all or any amount of
Common Shares or any class or any securities convertible into such Common
Shares, the results of which would make the offeror and/or its affiliates the
beneficial owners of twenty percent (20%) or more of the voting power of the
Company; (iii) the date of the approval by shareholders of the Company of an
agreement providing for any consolidation or merger of the Company in which the
Company will not be the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which
shares of capital stock of any class, or any securities convertible into such
capital stock, of the Company would be converted into cash, securities, or other
property, other than a merger or consolidation of the Company with an affiliate
of the Company or in which the holders of all of the shares of all classes of
the Company's capital stock immediately prior to the merger or consolidation
would own at least a majority of the voting power of the surviving corporation
(or the direct or indirect parent company of the surviving corporation)
immediately after the merger or consolidation; (iv) the date of the approval by
shareholders of the Company of any sale, lease, exchange, or other transfer (in
one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all
the assets of the Company; or (v) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the
liquidation (but not a partial liquidation) or dissolution of the Company.
e. OPTION AGREEMENTS. Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to
the further terms and provisions of an option agreement, the execution of which
by each optionee shall be a condition to the receipt of an option.
6. INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION; APPROVALS AND LISTING. The options to be
granted hereunder shall be further conditioned upon receipt of the following
investment representation from the optionee:
"I further agree that any Common Shares of DATATRAK
International, Inc. (the "Company") which I may acquire by virtue of
this option shall be acquired for investment purposes only and not
with a view to distribution or resale; provided, however, that this
restriction shall become inoperative in the event that the said Common
Shares subject to this option shall be registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or in the event that the offer or sale of the
Common Shares subject to this option may be lawfully made without
registration of the said Common Shares under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, as established to the satisfaction of the Company."
The Company shall not be required to issue any certificate or certificates
for Common Shares upon the exercise of an option granted under the Plan prior to
(i) the obtaining of any approval from any governmental agency which the Company
shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable, (ii) the
admission of such Common Shares to listing on any national securities exchange
on which the Common Shares may be listed, (iii) the completion of any
registration or other qualification of the Common Shares under any state or
federal law or ruling or regulations of any governmental body which the Company
shall, in its sole discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable or the
determination by the Company, in its sole discretion, that any registration or
other qualification of the Common Shares is not necessary or advisable, and (iv)
the obtaining of
B-3
29
an investment representation from the optionee in the form stated above or in
such other form as the Company, in its sole discretion, shall determine to be
adequate.
7. GENERAL PROVISIONS. For all purposes of this Plan, the fair market value
of a Common Share shall be determined as follows: so long as the Common Shares
of the Company are listed upon an established stock exchange or exchanges or
contained in the Nasdaq National Market System ("Nasdaq"), such fair market
value shall be determined to be the highest closing sale price of such Common
Shares on such stock exchange or exchanges or Nasdaq the trading day immediately
prior to the day the option is granted (or the date the Common Shares are
tendered as payment, in the case of determining fair market value for that
purpose) or if no sale of such Common Shares shall have been made on any stock
exchange or Nasdaq on that day, then on the closest preceding day on which there
was a sale of such Common Shares; and during any period of time as such Common
Shares are not listed upon an established stock exchange or traded on Nasdaq,
the fair market value per share shall either be (i) the mean between dealer
"Bid" and "Ask" prices of such Common Shares in the over-the-counter market on
the trading day immediately prior to the day the option is granted (or the day
the Common Shares are tendered as payment, in the case of determining fair
market value for that purpose), as reported by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., or (ii) the value determined by the Board of
Directors, excluding for that purpose, the votes of any eligible Directors.
The liability of the Company under the Plan and any distribution of Common
Shares made hereunder is limited to the obligations set forth herein with
respect to such distribution and no term or provision of the Plan shall be
construed to impose any liability on the Company in favor of any person with
respect to any loss, cost or expense which the person may incur in connection
with or arising out of any transaction in connection with the Plan, including,
but not limited to, any liability to any federal, state, or local tax authority
and/or any securities regulatory authority.
Nothing in the Plan or in any option agreement shall confer upon any
optionee any right to continue as a Director, or to be entitled to any
remuneration or benefits not set forth in the Plan or such option.
Nothing contained in the Plan or in any option agreement shall be construed
as entitling any optionee to any of the rights of a shareholder as a result of
the grant of an option until such time as Common Shares are actually issued to
such optionee pursuant to the exercise of an option.
The Plan may be assumed by the successors and assigns of the Company.
The Plan shall not be amended more than once every six (6) months, other
than to comport with changes in the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act, or the rules thereunder.
The cash proceeds received by the Company from the issuance of Common
Shares pursuant to the Plan will be used for general corporate purposes or in
such other manner as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
The expense of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company.
The captions and section numbers appearing in the Plan are inserted only as
a matter of convenience. They do not define, limit, construe or describe the
scope or intent of the provisions of the Plan.
8. TERMINATION OF THE PLAN. The Plan shall terminate ten (10) years from
the date of its adoption by the Board of Directors of the Company and thereafter
no options shall be granted hereunder. All options outstanding at the time of
termination of the Plan shall continue in full force and effect in accordance
with and subject to their terms and the terms and conditions of the Plan.
9. TAXES. Appropriate provisions shall be made for all taxes required to be
withheld and/or paid in connection with the options or the exercise thereof, and
the transfer of Common Shares pursuant thereto, under the applicable laws or
other regulations of any governmental authority, whether federal, state, or
local and whether domestic or foreign. In its discretion, the Company may permit
the optionee to satisfy such withholding requirements by (a) the Company
withholding from issuance to the optionee such number of Common Shares otherwise
issuable upon exercise of the option as the Company and the optionee may agree,
provided, however, that the optionee must have had on file with the Company, for
at least six (6) months prior thereto, an effective standing election to satisfy
said optionee's tax withholding obligations in such a fashion, which election
form by
B-4
30
its terms shall not be revocable or amendable for at least six (6) months, or
(b) with the consent of the Board, in whole or in part, in Common Shares having
a fair market value on the date the option is exercised equal to that portion of
the withholding obligation for which payment in cash is not made.
10. CHANGES IN GOVERNING RULES AND REGULATIONS. All references herein to
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or sections thereof, or to rules
and regulations of the Department of Treasury or of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, shall mean and include the Code sections thereof and such rules and
regulations as are now in effect or as they may be subsequently amended,
modified, substituted or superseded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, DATATRAK International, Inc., by its appropriate
officers duly authorized, has executed this instrument as of the 9th day of
December, 1999.
DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By:
/s/ Jeffrey A. Green
--------------------------------------
Jeffrey A. Green
Its: President and Chief Executive
Officer
And:
/s/ Terry C. Black
--------------------------------------
Terry C. Black
Its: Vice President of Finance, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer, and
Assistant Secretary
B-5
31
DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
PROXY FOR COMMON SHARES
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE COMPANY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ON JUNE 1, 2000.
The undersigned hereby (i) appoints Terry C. Black and Robert J.
Fisher, and each of them, his true and lawful agents and Proxy
holders with full power of substitution in each to appear and vote
P all of the Common Shares of DATATRAK International, Inc. that the
R undersigned will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of
O Shareholders of DATATRAK International, Inc. to be held at National
X City Bank, Meeting Room A, Fourth Floor, Atrium Building, 1900 East
Y Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio on June 1, 2000, and at any
adjournments thereof, hereby revoking any and all proxies
heretofore given, and (ii) authorizes and directs said Proxy
holders to vote all of the Common Shares of the Company represented
by this Proxy as follows.
(1) Election of the following nominees to serve on the Board of
Directors of the Company:
DR. MARK J. RATAIN FOR [ ] WITHHELD [ ]
SETH B. HARRIS FOR [ ] WITHHELD [ ]
ROBERT E. FLAHERTY FOR [ ] WITHHELD [ ]
(2) Approval of an Amendment to increase the number of Common
Shares with respect to which options may be awarded under the
Company's Amended and Restated 1996 Key Employees and
Consultants Stock Option Plan.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
(3) Approval of the Company's 1999 Outside Director Stock Option
Plan.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
(To be signed on other side)
PROXY NO. SHARES
(Continued from other side.)
(4) In their discretion to act on any other matters that may
properly come before the meeting.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS INDICATED IN
THE SPACES ABOVE. TO THE EXTENT THAT NO DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN FOR
PROPOSALS 1, 2, OR 3, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED "FOR" PROPOSALS 1, 2 OR 3. THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXY HOLDERS ON ALL
OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY BROUGHT BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING AND ANY
ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF.
You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the
appropriate boxes, SEE REVERSE SIDE. The Proxy holders cannot vote
your shares unless you sign and return this card.
Please date, sign and return
promptly in the accompanying
envelope.
DATE __________________________________
SIGNATURE(S)___________________________
SIGNATURE(S)___________________________
NOTE: Please sign exactly as
name appears hereon.
Joint owners should each
sign. When signing as
attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give
full title as such.