SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
CHELL GROUP CORPORATION 11-2805051
(Incorporated in the State of New York) (I.R.S. Employee Identification Number)
4841
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)
14 Meteor Drive
Toronto, Ontario M9W 1A4
(416) 675-6666
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
Frederick M. Mintz, Esq.
Mintz & Fraade, P.C.
488 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 486-2500
(Name and Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the
public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. |X|
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant
to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list
the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. |_|
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. |_|
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under
the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. |_|
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. |_|
Calculation of registration fee
Proposed Proposed
Title of maximum maximum
Securities to be Amount to be offering price aggregate Amount of
registered registered (1) per share (2) offering price registration fee
---------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ----------------
Common
Stock, par value 8,670,000 $2.00 $17,340,000 $4,335.00
$0.0467
(1) For the account of certain Selling Shareholders. Includes 1,928,267 shares
of our Common Stock which are issuable upon conversion by the shareholders
of 1,928,267 shares of Common Stock of our subsidiary, Chell Merchant
Capital Group.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
Pursuant to Rule 457(c) of the Securities Act, the registration fee has
been calculated based upon the closing sale price as reported by NASDAQ
Small-Cap Market for our Common Stock on February 9, 2001.
We hereby amend this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may
be necessary to delay its effective date until we shall file a further amendment
which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter
become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933
or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the
Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
This Prospectus relates to an offering by certain selling shareholders,
which we refer to as Selling Shareholders of an aggregate of up to 8,670,000
shares of our Common Stock. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the
sale of Common Stock by the Selling Shareholders.
The Common Stock may be offered from time to time by the Selling
Shareholders through ordinary brokerage transactions in the over-the-counter
market, in negotiated transactions or otherwise, at market prices prevailing at
the time of sale or at negotiated prices.
The Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and is quoted on
the NASDAQ Small-Cap Market under the symbol CHEL. On February 9, 2001, the
closing sale price of the Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ was $2.00.
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK.
SEE RISK FACTORS COMMENCING ON PAGE 6
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NEITHER BEEN APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION. NEITHER THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Prospectus is February 15, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Summary.............................................................1
Forward Looking Statements.....................................................5
Risk Factors...................................................................6
Use of Proceeds...............................................................19
Selling Stockholders..........................................................19
Plan of Distribution..........................................................20
Description of Securities to be Registered....................................21
Legal Matters.................................................................23
Experts.......................................................................23
Description of Business.......................................................23
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations.....................................................43
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions................................63
Available information
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, registration statements, proxy
statements and other information filed by us with the Commission can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at
the Commission's Regional Offices located at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 7 World Trade Center, Suite
1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from the
Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington,
D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a World Wide Web site
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission. The address
of the World Wide Web site is http://www.sec.gov.
We have filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-1
(herein, together with all amendments and exhibits, referred to as the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), with respect to our Common Stock which is the subject of this
Registration Statement. This Prospectus which constitutes part of the
Registration Statement does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information with
respect to us and the securities offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement and the exhibits and the financial statements, notes and
schedules filed as a part thereof or incorporated by reference therein, which
may be inspected at the public reference facilities of the Commission at the
addresses set forth above or through the Commission's World Wide Web site.
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract
or other document are not necessarily complete, and in each instance are
qualified in all respects by reference to the copy of such contract or document
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Prospectus summary
The following summary highlights certain information from this prospectus
and may not contain all the information you may find important to your decision
to invest in our securities. To understand this prospectus fully, you should
read the entire prospectus carefully, including the financial information
following this prospectus. Our actual results could differ materially from those
currently anticipated due to a number of factors including those identified
under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Prospectus. For simplicity, we use
the terms "we" and "our" to refer to the corporation.
Our business
We are engaged in the business of providing merchant capital services,
interactive entertainment services and electronic/online products and services.
Our revenue is primarily generated through three of our operating subsidiaries,
being Chell Merchant Capital Group Inc., an Ontario corporation, which we refer
to as our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary, GalaVu Entertainment Network Inc.,
which we refer to as our GalaVu subsidiary, and NTN Interactive Network Inc.,
which we refer to as our NTN IN subsidiary, and two of NTN IN's subsidiaries,
being, Interlynx Multimedia Inc., which we refer to as Interlynx, and Magic
Lantern Communications Ltd., which we refer to as Magic Lantern, and a
subsidiary of Magic Lantern, Sonoptic Technologies Inc., which we refer to as
Sonoptic.
1
The following is an organization chart of the Corporation:
-----------
CHELL GROUP
CORPORATION
-----------
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | | | | |
--------------------- --------------- ----------- -------------- | ---------
Gala Vu Entertainment NTN Interactive 348751 Chell Merchant | Chell.com
Network, Inc. Network, Inc. Canada Inc. Capital Group | USA Inc.
--------------------- --------------- ----------- -------------- | ---------
| | |
| 27%| |
| | |
| | |
| ------------------- |
| eSupplies (Alberta) |
| Ltd.(2) |
---------------- ------------------- |
| | |
---------- -------------- |
Interlynx Magic Lantern |
Multimedia Communications |
Inc. Ltd. |
---------- -------------- |
| |
| ----------- |
| Engyro Inc. -------- | 34%
------------------------------------------ ----------- |
| | | |
- -------------- ------------------ --------------- |
Viewer Services |
Tutorbuddy.com Sonoptic 1113659 Ontario ---------- |
Inc. Technologies, Inc. Ltd. cDemo Inc. -------- | 14.3%
- -------------- ------------------ --------------- ---------- |
75% |
------------------- |
Application ------- 12.75%
Station.com Inc.(3)
-------------------
(1) All subsidiaries are 100% owned unless otherwise stated.
(2) These shares are being held in escrow pursuant to an escrow agreement dated
October 11, 2000. The shares shall be released upon our board of directors
determination that the course of business taken by eSupplies fits with the
Corporation's business model and provides significant value to us. If such
determination is not made on or prior to October 12, 2001, such shares shall be
returned to Cameron Chell.
(3) The shares will be acquired in a transaction that is scheduled to close
thirty (30) days from the date of the filing of this Registration Statement.
2
The Corporation currently conducts its business through ten directly or
indirectly owned subsidiaries and four investment companies.
Subsidiaries
o Chell Merchant Capital Group Inc.
o NTN Interactive Network, Inc.
o GalaVu Entertainment Network, Inc.
o Magic Lantern Communications Ltd.
o Sonoptic Technologies, Inc.
o 1113659 Ontario Ltd., operating as Viewer Services
o Tutorbuddy.com Inc.
o Interlynx Multimedia Inc.
o 348751 Canada Inc.
o Chell.com USA Inc.
Investment
o Engyro, Inc.
o cDemo Inc.
o ApplicationStation.com Inc.
o eSupplies (Alberta) Ltd.
3
The offering
Securities Offered 8,670,000(1) shares of Common Stock
Common Stock Outstanding 8,429,621 shares
Use of Proceeds We will not receive any proceeds from sales
of Common Stock by the Selling Shareholders
Risk Factors Prospective investors should consider
carefully certain Risk Factors, which we
outline commencing on page 6, relating to
an investment in us.
NASDAQ Symbol CHEL
- ----------
(1) This includes options that are convertible into shares of our common
stock.
4
Statement of Operations Data (Canadian Dollars):
Year Ended August 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating
Revenue Cdn$19,694,046 Cdn$13,420,642 Cdn$14,771,972 Cdn$10,351,689 Cdn$6,318,251
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of Sales 7,657,960 5,155,883 5,515,241 3,395,898 2,223,916
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Profit 12,036,086 8,264,759 9,256,731 6,955,791 4,094,335
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income
(loss) (1,985,842) (971,497) 618,065 609,387 541,059
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)
per share* (.69) (.36) .24 .25 .25
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted
average number
of shares
outstanding 2,873,042 2,635,050 2,550,805 2,441,992 2,144,175
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special note concerning forward looking statements
Prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk
factors, in addition to the other information contained in this Registration
Statement, in evaluating an investment in the Securities offered hereby. This
Registration Statement contains forward-looking statements which involve risks
and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors,
including those set forth in the following risk factors and elsewhere in this
Registration Statement.
The ownership and trading of our shares of common stock are speculative
and offer a high degree of risk, including, but not necessarily limited to, the
risk factors described below. One should carefully consider the following risk
factors inherent in and affecting our business before making an investment
decision.
5
Risk factors
We may not have operating income or net income in the future.
During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1999 and August 31, 2000, we had
an operating loss of approximately $1,000,000 and $2,000,000, respectively. We
anticipate continuing to incur significant operating expenses in the future
including significant cost of revenues, selling, general and administrative and
amortization expenses. As a result, we expect to continue to incur operating
losses and may not have enough money to grow our business in the future.
Other factors which may affect our operating results include, but are not
limited to, the following:
o our ability to attract users and provide customer
satisfaction;
o our ability to operate our web site without service
interruptions or technical problems and to accommodate
increasing traffic and volume of transactions;
o the success of our marketing campaigns and our ability to
develop brand recognition;
o the level of use of the Internet and online services;
o general consumer acceptance of the Internet and online
services for conducting commerce;
o consumer confidence in the security of transactions over the
Internet;
o our ability to develop our systems and infrastructure so as to
accommodate growth and incorporate technological advances;
o our ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel;
o the cost and availability of advertising in traditional media
and on the Internet;
o the amount and timing of operating costs and capital
expenditures relating to expansion of our business, operations
and infrastructure;
o regulation by federal or local governments; and
o general economic conditions and economic conditions specific
to the Internet and electronic commerce.
In addition, we do not have a backlog of business. Our current and future
expense levels are based largely upon our plans and estimates of future
revenues. In view of the foregoing factors, our revenues and operating results
are difficult to forecast.
6
Specifically, sales of our products, especially in the hospitality market,
are dependent upon discretionary spending by consumers, which may be adversely
affected by unfavorable economic conditions. Any decrease in the level of
consumer spending on network programming or adverse conditions of any
corporation or company relied upon in any way by us could adversely affect our
proposed business and prospects. Our future operating results will depend upon
numerous factors beyond our control, including the popularity of the sports
leagues licensing products to us, the financial health of NTN Communications,
Inc., which we refer to as Commmunications, local economic conditions, changes
in consumer demographics, the availability and relative popularity of other
forms of entertainment, and public tastes and preferences, which may change
rapidly and cannot be predicted.
There can be no assurance that we will ever achieve profitability.
There can be no assurance that we will ever achieve profitability. Our
revenues and operating results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and from
year to year due to a combination of factors, including, but not limited to,
cost of production, volume of sales and variations in expenditures for personnel
and marketing. We may incur significant expenditures for research and
development of new products or improvements to our existing products which could
adversely affect our ability to generate a profit. There can be no guarantee
that we will be able to achieve profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. If
we do not achieve profitability, our business will be adversely affected and
investors may lose all or substantially all of their investment.
We will need additional financing to develop our products and services and to
meet our capital requirements which can cause dilution.
We continually require additional funds to develop our products and
services and shall be dependent upon sources such as:
o future earnings;
o the availability of funds from private sources, including, but
not limited to, our shareholders, loans and additional private
placements; and
o the availability of funds from public sources including, but
not limited to a public offering of our securities.
Market conditions for private and public offerings are subject to
uncertainty and there can be no assurance when or whether a private and/or
public offering shall be successfully completed or that other funds shall be
made available to us. In view of our operating history, our ability to obtain
additional funds is limited. Such financing may only be available, if at all,
upon terms which may not be advantageous to us. If adequate funds are not
available from operations or additional sources of financing, our business shall
be materially adversely affected.
7
Our success depends greatly on increased use of the Internet by businesses and
individuals.
Our success depends greatly on increased use of the Internet for
advertising, marketing, providing services, and conducting business. Commercial
use of the Internet is currently at an early stage of development and the future
of the Internet is not clear. In addition, it is not clear how effective
advertising on the Internet is in generating business as compared to more
traditional types of advertising such as print, television and radio. Because a
significant portion of our business depends upon our Internet operating company
subsidiaries, our business will suffer if commercial use of the Internet fails
to grow in the future.
We may incur significant costs to avoid investment company status and may suffer
adverse consequences if we are deemed to be an investment company.
We may incur significant costs to avoid investment company status and may
suffer other adverse consequences if we are deemed to be an investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Some of the our equity investments in
other businesses and our venture subsidiaries may constitute investment
securities under the Investment Company Act of 1940. A company may be deemed to
be an investment company if we own investment securities with a value exceeding
40% of its total assets, subject to certain exclusions. If we were to be deemed
an investment company, we would become subject to the requirements of the
Investment Company Act of 1940. As a consequence, we would be prohibited from
engaging in business or issuing its securities as we have in the past and might
be subject to civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance. In addition,
certain of our contracts might be voidable, and a court-appointed receiver could
take control of us and liquidate our business.
Although our investment securities currently comprise less than 40% of its
total assets, fluctuations in the value of these securities or of other assets
may cause this limit to be exceeded. Unless an exclusion or safe harbor were
available to us, we would have to attempt to reduce our investment securities as
a percentage of its total assets. This reduction can be attempted in a number of
ways, including the disposition of investment securities and the acquisition of
non-investment security assets. If we were required to sell investment
securities, it may sell them sooner than it otherwise would. These sales may be
at depressed prices and we may never realize anticipated benefits from, or may
incur losses on, these investments. Some investments may not be sold due to
contractual or legal restrictions or the inability to locate a suitable buyer.
Moreover, we may incur tax liabilities when we sell assets. We may also be
unable to purchase additional investment securities that may be important to our
operating strategy. If we decide to acquire non-investment security assets, we
may not be able to identify and acquire suitable assets and businesses.
Our strategy of expanding our business through acquisitions of other businesses
and technologies presents special risks.
We intend to continue to expand through the acquisition of businesses,
technologies, products and services from other businesses. Acquisitions involve
a number of special problems, including:
8
o difficulty integrating acquired technologies, operations, and
personnel with the existing business;
o diversion of management attention in connection with both
negotiating the acquisitions and integrating the assets;
o strain on managerial and operational resources as management tries
to oversee larger operations;
o exposure to unforeseen liabilities of acquired companies;
o potential issuance of securities in connection with the acquisition
which securities dilute the rights of holders of our currently
outstanding securities;
o the need to incur additional debt; and
o the requirement to record additional future operating costs for the
amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets, which amounts
could be significant.
We may not be able to successfully address these problems. Moreover, our
future operating results will depend to a significant degree upon our ability to
successfully manage growth and integrate acquisitions.
Our strategy of selling assets of, or investments in, the companies which we
have acquired and developed presents risks.
One element of our business plan involves raising cash for working capital
for our Application Service Provides, which we refer to as ASP, business by
selling, in public or private offerings, some of the companies, or portions of
the companies, which we have acquired and developed. Market and other conditions
largely beyond our control affect:
o our ability to engage in such sales;
o the timing of such sales; and
o the amount of proceeds from such sales.
As a result, we may not be able to sell some or all of these assets. In
addition, even if we were able to sell we may not be able to do so at favorable
prices. If we are unable to sell these assets at favorable prices, our business
will be adversely affected.
9
We own a minority position in Engyro, cDemo, and ApplicationStation.
As a result of our minority position in each of Engyro, a Delaware
corporation which we refer to as Engyro, cDemo, a Delaware corporation which we
refer to as cDemo, and ApplicationStation.com Inc., a Delaware corporation which
we refer to as ApplicationStation, we do not have the right to control the
management and business activities of Engyro, cDemo or ApplicationStation. As of
September 19, 2000, pursuant to an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, we acquired
34.1% of Engyro's shares and 14.3% of cDemo's shares. In addition, we have
agreed to purchase approximately one-quarter of a 51% interest in
ApplicationStation.
In addition, we also acquired 962,500 shares of eSupplies and 150,000
shares of C Me Run, all of which are currently held in escrow. If the requisite
conditions are met to release to us our shares of eSupplies and C Me Run which
are currently held in escrow, the same risk applies with respect to eSupplies
and C Me Run and we will own a minority position in both eSupplies and C Me Run.
Therefore, we will not have the right to control the management and business
activities of eSupplies or C Me Run.
The shares of eSupplies and C Me Run are subject to escrow agreements.
The 962,500 shares in eSupplies (Alberta) Ltd., an Alberta corporation
which we refer to as eSupplies, owned by Mr. Cameron Chell are subject to an
escrow agreement, pursuant to which, such shares will be restricted from resale
until such time as our Board of Directors has reviewed a new business plan and
made a determination that the new business direction taken by eSupplies meets
our business model and provides value to us. If no favorable determination is
made on or prior to October 12, 2001, such shares shall be returned to Mr.
Chell.
A stock certificate representing 150,000 common shares of C Me Run Corp.,
a Delaware corporation which we refer to as C Me Run, issued to Mr. Cameron
Chell and duly endorsed for transfer to us is being held in escrow by Mintz &
Fraade, P.C., pursuant to an escrow agreement, is to be released to us upon the
occurrence of certain events, including: (i) C Me Run being listed and in good
standing on one of the following: (a) the NASD Bulletin Board, (b) the NASDAQ
Small Cap, or (c) the National Stock Market and (ii) the trading price of the
shares reaching a five (5) day closing price average of US$11. If such events do
not occur on or prior to March 31, 2001, such stock certificate shall be
returned to Mr. Chell.
The value of our business may fluctuate because the value of some of our assets
fluctuates.
Equity securities of both publicly traded and non-publicly traded
companies constitute a portion of our assets. The market price and valuations of
such securities may fluctuate due to market conditions and other conditions over
which we have no control. Fluctuations in the market price and valuations of
such securities may result in fluctuations of the market price of our common
shares.
We face security risks.
The secure transmission of confidential information over public
telecommunications
10
facilities is a significant barrier to electronic commerce and communications on
the Internet. Many factors may cause compromises or breaches of the security
systems we use or other Internet sites to protect proprietary information,
including advances in computer and software functionality or new discoveries in
the field of cryptography. A compromise of security on the Internet would have a
negative effect on the use of the Internet for commerce and communications and
negatively impact our business. Security breaches of our activities, our
customers and sponsors involving the storage and transmission of proprietary
information may expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible
liability. We cannot assure that our security measures will prevent security
breaches.
We do not own the rights to our name.
We have licensed the names Chell Group Corporation and Chell Merchant
Capital Group from Cameron Chell for a yearly fee of $1.00. Should we be unable
to maintain the agreement, our ability to widely use the name in connection with
the products or services to be rendered by us would cease. Loss of the ability
to use our name would have an adverse effect on us.
Computer related securities are subject to volatility in price.
The stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and
volume fluctuations that may be unrelated to the operating performance of any
particular company. The market prices of the securities of many publicly-traded
companies in the computer industry have in the past been and can be expected in
the future to be especially volatile. Factors such as our operating results,
announcements by us or our competitors concerning technological innovations, new
products or systems may have a significant impact upon the market price of our
securities.
We are open to exchange losses due to our operations being located in Canada.
It is expected that a significant portion of our revenues may be received
in U.S. dollars and a large portion of our expenses will be incurred in Canadian
dollars. As a result, increases in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to
the U.S. dollar could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations in the future. To the extent that we do not fully hedge our currency
exposure and exchange risk or are not able to or do not raise our prices to
reflect an adverse change in exchange rates, the operating results of our
business would be adversely affected.
We are subject to intense competition in our existing and intended business
areas and those of Engyro, cDemo, and Application Station.
Competition in the hospitality market and the market for Internet products
and services is highly competitive. Moreover, the market for Internet products
and services lacks significant barriers to entry, enabling new businesses to
enter this market relatively easily. Competition in the market for Internet
products and services may intensify in the future. Numerous well-established
companies and smaller entrepreneurial companies are focusing significant
resources on developing and marketing products and services that will compete
with our products and services. In addition, many of our current and potential
competitors have greater financial,
11
technical, operational and marketing resources. We may not be able to compete
successfully against these competitors in selling our goods and services.
Competitive pressures may also force prices for Internet goods and services down
and such price reductions may reduce our revenues.
Competitors with superior resources may be able to bring new, better and
cheaper products to the market more quickly than us, Engyro, cDemo, and
ApplicationStation thereby gaining a competitive edge. We, Engyro, cDemo and
ApplicationStation each believe that the quality of our respective goods and
services combined with the expertise of our respective management should give
each of us a competitive edge. However, there can be no assurance that we will
each be able to compete successfully or that competitive pressures faced by each
of us will not have a material adverse effect upon each of our businesses,
operating results and financial condition.
In addition, if the requisite conditions are met to release to us our
shares of eSupplies and C Me Run which are currently held in escrow, the same
risk applies with respect to eSupplies and C Me Run.
We place strains on our managerial, operational and financial resources.
Our rapid growth has placed, and is expected to continue to place, a
significant strain on our managerial, operational and financial resources.
Further, as the number of our users, advertisers and other business partners
grows, we will be required to manage multiple relationships with various
customers, strategic partners and other third parties. Our further growth or an
increase in the number of our strategic relationships will increase the strain
on our managerial, operational and financial resources, inhibiting our ability
to achieve the rapid execution necessary to successfully implement our business
plan. In addition, our future success will also depend on our ability to expand
our sales and marketing organization and our support organization commensurate
with the growth of our business and the Internet.
Our ownership is concentrated
Cameron Chell, the President and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially
owns approximately 70.3% of our outstanding common shares. As a result, Mr.
Chell possesses significant influence over us on matters, including the election
of directors. The concentration of our share ownership may:
o delay or prevent a change in our control;
o impede a merger, consolidation, takeover, or other transaction
involving us; or
o discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or
otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.
12
We may not be able to keep pace with technological advances and may face
technological obsolescence.
The computer industry and related businesses are marked by rapid and
significant technological development and change. It is possible that our
technology and services will be rendered obsolete by ongoing technological
developments. There also is no assurance that we will be able to respond
effectively to technological changes. Our ability to compete is dependent in
large part upon our continued ability to enhance and improve our products and
technologies, our ability to adapt our services to evolving industry standards
and our ability to continually improve the performance, features and reliability
of our service and product offerings. In order to do so, we must effectively
utilize and expand our research and development capabilities, and, once
developed, expeditiously convert new technology into products and processes
which can be commercialized. Our competitors may succeed in tapping into markets
previously monopolized by us by developing technologies, products and processes
that render our processes and products obsolete. Our development efforts are
subject to all the risks inherent in the development of new products and
technologies, including unanticipated delays, expenses, technical problems or
difficulties, as well as the possible insufficiency of funds to satisfactorily
complete development, which could result in abandonment or substantial change in
product commercialization. There can be no assurance that product development
efforts will be successfully completed on a timely basis, or at all, or that
unanticipated events will not occur which would result in increased costs or
material delays in product development or commercialization.
We may not be able to foresee marketplace changes.
The marketplace for our products is constantly undergoing change. As a
result, it is difficult to predict the demand for our products.
We may not be able to obtain the financing required to continue operation.
We typically need more capital than we have available to us or that we can
expect to generate. We expect we will have to raise, by way of debt or equity
financing, considerable funds in addition to the funds being raised hereunder in
order to meet our continuing needs and to develop our businesses. There is no
guarantee that we will be able to raise the funds needed for our business.
Failure to raise the necessary funds or raise them in a timely fashion could
seriously retard our growth.
We have never paid dividends.
To date, we have not paid any dividends on our common shares and we do not
expect to declare or pay dividends on our common shares in the foreseeable
future.
13
We indemnify our directors and officers.
We have taken out insurance for each of our directors and officers against
liabilities imposed upon them (including reasonable amounts paid in settlement)
and expenses incurred by them in connection with any claim made against him or
any action, suit or proceeding to which he may be a party by reason of his being
or having been a director or officer of us. The foregoing may reduce the
likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and may discourage or
deter shareholders or management from suing directors for breaches of their duty
of care, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us
and our shareholders.
Our success depends upon the continued services of current management and
directors.
We are substantially dependent upon the continued services of our current
management and the current management of Engyro, ApplicationStation and cDemo.
There can be no assurance that we will negotiate employment agreements
with any employees or that any negotiations will be successfully completed.
If the requisite conditions are met to release our shares of eSupplies and
C Me Run which are currently held in escrow, the same risk applies with respect
to eSupplies and C Me Run.
We do not maintain "key man" life insurance on the life of any of our employees.
To the extent that the services of key personnel become unavailable, we
shall be required to retain other qualified persons and there can be no
assurance that we shall be able to employ qualified persons upon acceptable
terms.
If the requisite conditions are met to release our shares of eSupplies and
C Me Run which are currently held in escrow, the same risk applies with respect
to eSupplies and C Me Run.
Not all of our Officers and Directors nor those of Engryo, cDemo and
ApplicationStation will be full time employees.
To the extent that our Officers and Directors and those of Engryo, cDemo
and ApplicationStation are not full time employees, the transactions which are
described in this Registration Statement involve or may involve conflicts of
interest among the persons who are associated with this transaction including,
but not limited to, engaging in other businesses similar or dissimilar to
Engryo, cDemo and ApplicationStation and allocating their time and services
between Engryo, cDemo and ApplicationStation and any such other entities.
If the requisite conditions are met to release our shares of eSupplies and
C Me Run which are currently held in escrow, the same risk applies with respect
to eSupplies and C Me Run.
14
We may not be able to retain or attract highly qualified personnel.
Our success is dependent, among other things, upon our ability to
attract and retain highly qualified personnel. Competition for such personnel is
intense and there can be no assurance that we shall be able to attract and
retain the personnel necessary for the development and operation of our
businesses. The loss of the services of any such personnel may have a material
adverse effect upon our financial condition and our existing or planned
operations.
The nature of the Internet based markets are in their early stages and rapidly
evolving
The Internet based markets which we and our subsidiaries intend to utilize
for our products and services have only recently commenced and are rapidly
evolving. The markets are characterized by an increasing number of market
entrants who have introduced or developed products and services similar to our
products and our subsidiaries, thereby, making the demand and market acceptance
for recently introduced products or services, such as our products and services
and our subsidiaries, subject to a high level of uncertainty and risk. If the
market fails to develop, or develops more slowly than is expected, or becomes
saturated with competitors, or if our goods and services and our subsidiaries do
not achieve or sustain market acceptance, our business, operating results and
financial conditions shall be adversely affected and the may not be able to
continue in business.
Regulation of the Internet could have an adverse effect on us.
There are currently few laws or regulations directly applicable to the
Internet. However, based upon the increasing popularity and use of the Internet,
a number of legislative and regulatory proposals are under consideration, and
there is a possibility that a number of laws and regulations may be adopted with
respect to the Internet, relating to such issues as, user privacy, taxation,
infringement, pricing, and quality of products and services. Although we and our
subsidiaries will make every effort to comply with applicable regulations, there
can be no assurance of their ability to do so. Additionally, the adoption of
such laws and regulations may decrease growth in the use of the Internet.
Therefore, if we and our subsidiaries are unable to comply with new laws and
regulations, or Internet use decreases as a result, their business, operations
and financial conditions would be adversely affected.
We are dependent on the credit worthiness of our customers.
In common with many businesses, credit risk is dependent upon the type of
customer which we service. An inability to collect substantial sums of monies
owed to us each year could have an adverse effect upon us.
We rely upon the services of NTN Communications, Inc.
All programming for our hospitality network is furnished by Communications
and is supplied through independent transmission companies. In addition,
Communications is our sole supplier of selected components of Network
Subscribers Systems including Playmakers. We have no equity interest in
Communications and the long-term viability of our Network business is
15
dependent upon the continued availability of program content services
originating at Communications' Broadcast Center. If Communications ceases
operations or terminates program content services, we believe, but cannot
assure, that services of the nature, quantity, and quality currently provided by
Communications would become available from others. Any interruption in program
content services would result in an interruption in those services normally
delivered to subscribers. Other services would continue, including the
availability of interactive programs and games, although the content of such
games would remain static. As of September 30, 2000, NTN Communications, Inc.
had shareholders' equity of US$6,108,000 and working capital of US$35,000
according to its unaudited balance sheet included in its quarterly report. NTN
Communications, Inc. has reported a quarterly net loss for September 2000 of
US$1,208,000, a quarterly net loss for June 2000 of US$2,469,000 and a quarterly
net loss for March 2000 of US$194,000. It reported a net loss for the year ended
December 31, 1999 of US$2,498,000. We have not formulated our course of action
if Communications ceases operations or alters the availability or terms of
continued availability of program content services. Accordingly, we are
substantially dependent upon the continued existence of Communications.
We rely upon satellite communications systems
In view of our dependence upon satellite technologies, an operating
failure to one or more of the broadcast satellites, upon which we depend, could
conceivably render the whole network useless for an indefinite period of time.
We may not be able to maintain our advertising revenues.
Although we are not entirely dependent upon advertising revenue, any
adverse economic condition can cause advertising and sponsorship revenues to
fall to levels which could adversely affect our financial condition.
The markets in which we intend to compete are subject to rapid technological
change.
The markets in which we intend to compete are characterized by rapidly
changing technology, evolving industry standards, frequent new service and
product announcements, introductions and enhancements, and changing customer
demands. These market characteristics are exacerbated by the emerging nature of
the Web and the apparent need of companies from a multitude of industries to
offer web based products and services. Accordingly, our future success will
depend upon our ability to adapt to rapidly changing technologies, our ability
to adapt our services to evolving industry standards and our ability to
continually improve the performance, features and reliability of our service and
product offerings. Our failure to adapt to such changes and evolution could have
a materially adverse effect upon our business, resulting operations and
financial condition.
Industry Factors
Sales of our products, especially within the hospitality market, are
dependent on discretionary spending by consumers, which may be adversely
affected by unfavorable economic conditions. Any decrease in the level of
consumer spending on network programming or adverse conditions on any
corporation or company relied upon in any way by us could adversely affect our
proposed business and prospects. Our future operating results will depend on
numerous factors beyond our control, including the popularity of the sports
leagues licensing products to us, the continued financial health of
Communications,
16
local economic conditions, changes in consumer demographics, the availability
and relative popularity of other forms of entertainment, and public tastes and
preferences, which may change rapidly and cannot be predicted.
Market Expansion
We and our subsidiaries intend, subject to availability of funds, to
implement an aggressive marketing program to take advantage of what we believe
are significant market opportunities. There can be no assurance that the
targeted market shall accept our products or services, or even if accepted,
shall be of sufficient volume to enable them to be profitable. Significant
expenditures, management resources and time shall be required to develop broader
distribution channels. There can be no assurance that we and our subsidiaries
shall be successful in gaining market acceptance of our products or services.
If the requisite conditions are met to release to us our shares of
eSupplies and C Me Run which are currently held in escrow, the same risk applies
with respect to eSupplies and C Me Run.
Lack of Operating History
cDemo and Engyro have not commenced operations and are entering a highly
competitive market. Investors should be aware of the difficulties that cDemo and
Engyro will encounter, since cDemo and Engyro are recently formed companies and
have not commenced operations, including, but not limited to, competition and
unanticipated costs and expenses. There can be no assurance that cDemo and
Engyro will ever realize a positive net cash flow from their planned operations.
If the business and development plans of cDemo and Engyro prove to be
unsuccessful, they may not be able to continue in business and any value
attached to their shares will be lost.
If the requisite conditions are met to release to us our shares of
eSupplies and C Me Run which are currently held in escrow, the same risk applies
with respect to eSupplies and C Me Run. eSupplies may still be considered to be
in its early stage. Shareholders should be aware of the difficulties, which are
generally encountered by an enterprise in its early stages, including, but not
limited to, marketing, competition and unanticipated costs and expenses. In view
of the fact that eSupplies is a relatively new venture with no established
revenues and no record of profits, there is no substantial record at this time
upon which to base an assumption that eSupplies' plans will prove successful.
In view of the fact that Engryo, cDemo and ApplicationStation are recently
formed entities and have limited historical financial data upon which to base
their planned operating expenses, it is likely that revenues and operating
results will fluctuate.
cDemo, Engyro and ApplicationStation are recently formed entities and have
limited historical financial data upon which to base their planned operating
expenses. Accordingly, the
17
expense levels of cDemo, Engyro and ApplicationStation are based in part upon
their respective managements, estimates and expectations with respect to future
revenue and anticipated growth. In view of a number of factors, the revenues and
operating results of cDemo, Engyro and ApplicationStation may fluctuate from
quarter to quarter. Such factors include, but are not limited to, variations in
expenditures for personnel and marketing, interest in their products and
services and sales, resulting from the introduction of new systems or services
by cDemo, Engyro and ApplicationStation and their competitors, and general
economic conditions. In view of such factors, there can be no assurance that
cDemo, Engyro and ApplicationStation shall be able to attain profitability on a
quarterly or annual basis.
If the requisite conditions are met to release to us our shares of
eSupplies and C Me Run which are currently held in escrow, the same risk applies
with respect to eSupplies and C Me Run.
There is a conflict of interest among those persons who are associated with us.
There are potential conflicts of interest to which our directors and
officers will be subject in connection with our operations. Our directors and
officers may be engaged in business activities on their own behalf and
situations may arise where our directors and officers will be in direct
competition with us. The conflicts of interest will be dealt with in the manner
required by the laws applicable to us.
Our board of directors has the right to authorize "Blank Check" Preferred Stock.
Our directors, within the limitations and restrictions contained in our
Certificate of Incorporation and without further action by our stockholders,
have the authority to issue shares of Preferred Stock from time to time in one
or more series and to fix the number of shares and the relative rights,
conversion rights, voting rights, and terms of redemption, liquidation
preferences and any other preferences, special rights and qualifications of any
such series. We have no intention of issuing Preferred Stock at the present
time. Any issuance of Preferred Stock could adversely affect the rights of
holders of Common Stock.
Resignation of Previous Auditors
On October 12, 2000, Ernst & Young LLP ("E&Y"), the independent
accountants who were engaged as the principal accountants to audit our financial
statements resigned as our certifying accountants. E&Y's report on our financial
statements as at August 31, 1999 and for the two years then ended contained no
adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as
to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During our the fiscal
years ended August 31, 1999 and during the subsequent interim period preceding
E&Y's resignation we had no disagreement with E&Y on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure. The facts and circumstances that relate to E&Y's resignation, as far
as they are known to us, are as follows:
18
E&Y served as our certifying accountant since 1995. E&Y orally
informed us that pursuant to E&Y's internal rules, E&Y would resign as our
certifying accountant since it was unwilling and therefore unable to rely
upon the representations of Mr. Cameron Chell, the Corporation's President
and Chief Executive Officer, due to the existence of a Settlement
Agreement dated November 6, 1998, between Cameron Chell, and the Alberta
Stock Exchange (the "Settlement Agreement"). On April 3, 2000, our board
of directors appointed Mr. Chell as a director and elected him as our
Chair; on April 3, 2000, Chell.com. Ltd., an Alberta corporation
wholly-owned by Mr. Chell, which we refer to as Chell.com, purchased
approximately 16% of our issued and outstanding common stock; and on April
7, 2000, we advised E&Y of the existence of the Settlement Agreement.
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Mr. Chell acknowledged the existence
of certain facts that occurred during 1996 and 1997 while Mr. Chell was a
registered representative in Alberta, Canada, licensed by the Alberta
Securities Commission, and he agreed to certain restrictions imposed by
the Alberta Stock Exchange and to pay a CN$25,000 civil fine.
We have subsequently hired the accounting firm of Lazar, Levine and
Felix LLP as our certifying accountant.
Use of proceeds
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock
by the Selling Shareholders. We have agreed to pay certain expenses in
connection with this offering, currently estimated to be approximately $100,000.
Selling stockholders
An aggregate of up to 8,670,000 shares may be sold pursuant to this
Prospectus by the Selling Shareholders. As described elsewhere in this
Registration Statement, the Selling Shareholders have either held a position or
office with us or had a material relationship with us. We will not receive any
of the proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock by the Selling
Shareholders.
19
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Selling Shareholders:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling Shares Owned Shares Shares Owned Percentage of
Stockholder Prior to Registered After Shares after
Offering Offering(1) Offering
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chell.com Ltd. (2) 5,325,049 5,325,049 0 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cameron Chell (3) 1,898,227 1,898,227 0 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peter Rona (4) 107,143 107,143 0 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
iCapital 122,500 122,500 0 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naveen Chanana 22,500 22,500 0 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce Elliot 21,974 21,974 0 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WYWITB PTY Limited 112,750 112,750 0 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALP II Limited
Partnership 1,551,868 1,551,868 0 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Assumes all of the shares offered hereby are sold by the Selling
Shareholders.
(2) Messrs. Frank Killoran, David Bolink and Gord Herman, each a director on our
board of directors, own options to acquire 370,428, 467,121 and 498,354 shares
respectively of Engyro (or, in the event of a sale, conversion or exchange of
such shares by Chell.com the option applies to shares received by Chell.com in
exchange therefor) from Chell.com at a total price of $1.00 from each recipient.
(3) Includes shares which are issuable upon conversion of 1,476,398 exchangeable
shares of our Chell Merchant Capital Group subsidiary
(4) Includes 107,143 shares issuable upon conversion of our Preferred Stock.
Plan of distribution
The Common Stock will be offered and sold from time to time as market
conditions permit in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise, at prices and
terms then prevailing or at prices related to the then-current market price, or
in negotiated transactions. The shares offered hereby may be sold by one or more
of the following methods, without limitation: (a) a block trade in which a
broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may
position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the
transaction; (b) purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by such
broker or dealer for its account pursuant to this Prospectus; (c) ordinary
brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers;
and (d) face-to-face transactions between sellers and purchasers without a
broker-dealer. In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by the Selling
Shareholder may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate. Such broker
or dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the Selling Shareholder in
amounts to be negotiated. Such brokers and dealers
20
and any other participating brokers or dealers may be deemed to be
"underwriters" within in the meaning of the Securities Act, in connection with
such sales. Any commissions, discounts or other fees payable to a broker, dealer
or market maker in connection with the sale of any Common Stock will be borne by
the Selling Stockholder.
Exchange Rates
This Registration Statement contains conversions of certain amounts in
Canadian dollars ("Cdn$") into United States dollars ("US$") based upon the
exchange rate in effect at the end of the period to which the amount relates, or
the exchange rate on the date specified. For such purposes, the exchange rate
means the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in Canadian
dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York (the "Noon Buying Rate"). These translations should not be construed as
representations that the Canadian dollar amounts actually represent such U.S.
dollar amounts or that Canadian dollars could be converted into U.S. dollars at
the rate indicated or at any other rate. The Noon Buying Rate at the end of each
of the five years ended August 31, 2000, the average of the Noon Buying Rates on
the last day of each month during each of such fiscal years and the high and low
Noon Buying Rate for each of such fiscal year's were as follows:
August 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At end of period Cdn$1.4715 Cdn$1.4965 Cdn$1.5722 Cdn$1.3885 Cdn$1.3685
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average for period 1.4714 1.4949 1.4390 1.3676 1.3634
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High for period 1.4955 1.5135 1.5770 1.3942 1.3815
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Low for Period 1.4489 1.4760 1.4100 1.3381 1.3401
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Noon Buying Rate as of February 16, 2001 was 1.5368
Description of Securities to be Registered
We are authorized to issue 20,000,000 Common Shares, 1,500,000 Preferred
Shares and one share of Special Voting Stock of which 8,464,595 Common Shares,
900,000 Preferred Shares and one share of Special Voting Stock were issued and
outstanding as at the date hereof. As at the date hereof, we had also issued
warrants which enable holders thereof to acquire up to 250,000 Common Shares and
had also issued stock options which entitle holders thereof to acquire up to
1,326,500 Common Shares. See "Stock Options" and "Consolidated Capitalization".
21
Common Shares
The holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per share held at
meetings of shareholders, to receive such dividends as declared by us and to
receive the remaining property and assets of the Corporation upon our
dissolution or winding up. The Common Shares are not subject to any future call
or assessment and there are no pre-emptive, conversion or redemption rights
attached to such shares.
The 900,000 Preferred Shares are convertible into Common Shares on the
basis of one Common Share for every three Preferred Shares for an aggregate of
300,000 Common Shares.
As of the date hereof, our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary has issued
1,928,268 Exchangeable Shares which are exchangeable for our Common Shares on a
one-for-one basis for an aggregate of 1,928,268 Common Shares.
A total of US$1,700,000 has been advanced to us as at the date hereof and
Canadian Advantage Limited Partnership, which we refer to as CALP II, is in
default of its obligation to advance the balance of the funds. We also issued
50,000 warrants, to VCALP. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire
50,000 of our common shares at US$3.00 per share at any time prior to October 3,
2004.
As of the date hereof, we issued 250,000 Common Share Purchase Warrants,
which we refer to as Warrants. 200,000 Warrants may be exercised for Common
Shares at a price of US$4.375 at any time prior to April 4, 2003 for an
aggregate of 200,000 Common Shares. 50,000 Warrants may be exercised for Common
Shares at a price of US$3.00 at any time prior to October 3, 2004 for an
aggregate of 50,000 Common Shares.
Preferred Shares
The Preferred Shares are convertible into Common Shares on the basis of
one Common Share for every three Preferred Shares. The holders of the Preferred
Shares are entitled to one vote for every three Preferred Shares held at any
meeting.
Special Voting Stock
The one outstanding share of Special Voting Stock, which is held by
Montreal Trust Company of Canada as trustee, is entitled at any relevant date to
the number of votes on all matters presented to our stockholders equal to (i)
the number of shares of our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary Exchangeable
Shares then issued and outstanding and held by holders (other than us or any of
our subsidiaries) multiplied by (ii) the number of votes to which a holder of
one our Common Shares is entitled with respect to such matter. No dividend shall
be paid or distribution shall be made to the holders of Special Voting Stock.
The Special Voting Stock is not convertible into any other class or series of
our capital stock or into cash, property or other rights, and may not be
redeemed. Any shares of Special Voting Stock purchased or otherwise acquired by
us shall be deemed retired and shall be cancelled and may not thereafter be
reissued or otherwise disposed of by us. At such time as the Special Voting
Stock has no votes attached to it because there are
22
no Exchangeable Shares of our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary outstanding, the
Special Voting Stock shall be cancelled. In respect of all matters concerning
the voting of shares, the Common Shares and the Special Voting Stock shall vote
as a single class and such voting rights shall be identical in all respects.
Legal matters
Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the shares of Common
Stock offered hereby are being passed upon for us by Mintz & Fraade, P.C., 488
Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022.
Experts
The consolidated financial statements of Chell Group Corporation at August
31, 2000 and for the year then ended appearing in this Prospectus and
Registration Statement have been audited by Lazar Levine & Felix LLP,
independent auditors, and the information under the caption "Selected Financial
Data" at August 2000 and for the year then ended, appearing in this Prospectus
and Registration Statement have been derived from consolidated financial
statements audited by Lazar Levine & Felix LLP, as set forth in their report
thereon appearing elsewhere herein.
Such consolidated financial statements and selected financial data are
included in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Chell Group Corporation at August
31, 1999 and for the two years then ended appearing in this Prospectus and
Registration Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, and the information under the caption "Section Financial Data" at
August 1999 and for the two years then ended, appearing in this Prospectus and
Registration Statement have been derived from consolidated financial statements
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, as set forth in their report thereon appearing
elsewhere herein.
Such consolidated financial statements and selected financial data are
included in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
Information with Respect to the Registrant
Description of Business
Formation
We were incorporated on May 12, 1986 pursuant to the laws of the State of
New York as "TrioSearch, Inc.". By Certificate of Amendment dated June 9, 1988,
we changed our name to "NTN Canada, Inc." and increased our authorized share
capital. We amended our articles to consolidate our share capital as evidenced
by Certificates of Amendment dated August 27, 1990 and September 25, 1992,
respectively. By Certificate of Amendment dated October 15, 1992, we amended our
articles to provide for a seven for one reverse stock split and reduced our
authorized capital. By Certificate of Amendment dated October 4, 1994 the
authorized capital was increased to 20,000,000 Common Shares and 1,500,000
Preferred Shares. By Certificate of Amendment dated March 13, 1998 we changed
our name to Networks North Inc. and by Certificate of Amendment dated September
8, 2000, changed our name to Chell Group Corporation. Our head office and
principal place of business is located at 14 Meteor Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M9W
1A4. Our registered office is located at 488 Madison Avenue, New York, New York,
10022.
Effective October 1, 1996, we, indirectly through NTN Interactive Network
Inc., a Canadian
23
corporation, which we refer to as our NTN IN subsidiary, acquired all of the
outstanding stock of Magic Lantern Communications Ltd., an Ontario corporation,
which we refer to as our Magic Lantern subsidiary, and its subsidiaries for a
purchase price of $1,553,315. The purchase price was satisfied by the payment of
$515,000 in cash and the issuance of 185,448 Common Shares. Magic Lantern
currently has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, 1113659 Ontario Ltd., operating as
Viewer Services and Tutorbuddy.com Inc., which, individually, we refer to as
viewer services and Tutorbuddy, and a 75% ownership of the outstanding stock of
Sonoptic Technologies Inc., which, individually, we refer to as Sonoptic.
Collectively, we refer to MagicLantern, Sonoptic, Tutorbuddy and Viewer Services
as the Magic Lantern Group.
Effective August 18, 1997, we acquired certain business assets of Image
Media Ltd. and 802117 Ontario Inc., operating as Pilot Software, for an
aggregate purchase price of $590,000, which was paid in cash.
Effective September 1, 1997, we, indirectly through NTN IN, acquired 51%
of the outstanding stock of Interlynx Multimedia Inc., an Ontario corporation,
which we refer to as Interlynx, for a purchase price of $622,000. The purchase
price was satisfied by $357,000 in cash and the issue of 55,209 Common Shares at
a deemed price of $4.80 per share. On June 1, 1999, we, indirectly through NTN
IN, acquired the remaining 49% of the outstanding stock of Interlynx. The
purchase price was satisfied by the issuance of 27,778 Common Shares and the
issuance of options to purchase up to 80,000 Common Shares at a strike price of
US$3.00 per share.
On September 13, 1999, pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated
September 10, 1999, we, through our wholly owned subsidiary 1373224 Ontario
Limited, which we refer to as 1373224, acquired substantially all of the
property and assets (excluding accounts receivable) of GalaVu Entertainment
Inc., an Ontario corporation, which we refer to as GalaVu, for a purchase price
of $2,958,058. The purchase price was satisfied by the issuance of 100,000
Common Shares and the issuance of a promissory note. The promissory note is
secured by a general security interest in all of GalaVu's present and
after-acquired assets. The promissory note is payable in cash or in Common
Shares annually, for the term consisting of each of the next five fiscal years
in an amount equal to 50% of the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation
and amortization of GalaVu for the immediately preceding annual period. Pursuant
to the provisions of the promissory note, the minimum amount to be received by
the holder of the promissory note is as follows: in fiscal 2001 - $300,000; in
fiscal 2002 - $500,000; in fiscal 2003 - $750,000; in fiscal 2004 - $875,000;
and in fiscal 2005 - $875,000. The purchase price was allocated to the fixed
assets of GalaVu.
Recent Developments
On September 19, 2000, pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement dated
August 4, 2000 among us, our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary, Chell.com, and
Cameron Chell, which we refer to as the Purchase and Sale Agreement, we and our
Merchant Capital Group subsidiary acquired the following shares for an aggregate
purchase price of US$25,234,583:
24
(a) 480,000 shares of cDemo were acquired by us which represents
approximately 14.3% of cDemo's outstanding stock;
(b) 875,000 shares of Engyro Inc. were acquired by us which represents
approximately 34% of Engyro's outstanding stock;
(c) 60,000 common shares of Chell.com (USA) Inc., a Nevada corporation
which we refer to as Chell.com (USA), were acquired by us which
represents 100% of Chell.com (USA)'s outstanding stock; and
(d) 962,500 shares of eSupplies were acquired by our Merchant Capital
Group subsidiary which represents approximately 27% of eSupplies'
outstanding stock.
Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, we also acquired certain
assets from Chell.com including office leases, office equipment and computers,
insurance contracts, employment contracts and service agreements for a price of
US$1,767,503. Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary also assumed a liability
owing by Chell.com to CALP II Limited Partnership, which we refer to as CALP II,
in the amount of US$1,767,499 on the condition that CALP II accept full
settlement of such indebtedness by our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary issuing
451,868 exchangeable shares of our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary, which we
refer to as CMCG Exchangeable Shares. The aggregate purchase price payable by us
under the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the above mentioned assets was
US$27,002,086 which was paid by the issuance by us of a total of 5,396,733 of
our common shares at the deemed price of US$3.91155 per share and 1,928,268 CMCG
Exchange Shares which are exchangeable for our common shares on a one-for-one
basis. We also acquired 150,000 common shares of C Me Run from Cameron Chell as
part of the same transaction in exchange for 421,829 of our common shares. The C
Me Run common shares and those common shares issued in exchange are being held
in escrow pursuant to an escrow agreement dated September 19, 2000 among Cameron
Chell, us and Mintz & Fraade, P.C.. The shares may be released from escrow after
receiving written notice from either Mr. Chell or us that C Me Run is current
with its SEC filings, is listed in good standing on the NASD Bulletin Board,
NASDAQ Small Cap or NASDAQ National market and the average closing price for the
C Me Run common shares is $11 for the five trading days prior to the notice. The
above conditions must be met prior to March 31, 2001 or the C Me Run shares will
be returned to Mr. Chell and the common shares issued in exchange therefore will
be cancelled.
The 1,476,398 CMCG Exchangeable Shares that were issued for the 962,500
eSupplies shares are being held in escrow pursuant to an escrow agreement dated
October 11, 2000 among Cameron Chell, us and Wolff Leia Huckell, Barristers and
Solicitors. The CMCG Exchangeable Shares may be released from escrow after
receiving written notice from us that the new course of business being taken by
eSupplies fits with our business model and provides significant value to us. If
notice is not received prior to October 12, 2001, the CMCG Exchangeable Shares
will be cancelled and the 962,500 eSupplies shares shall be returned to Cameron
Chell.
Pursuant to an asset purchase agreement dated September 1, 2000, Magic
Lantern acquired the assets and business operations of Richard Wolff
Enterprises, Inc., a company based in Illinois, for a purchase price of
US$200,000. As a result, Magic Lantern has expanded its library of educational
titles and now has access to the international distribution infrastructure
25
formerly held by Richard Wolff Enterprises. The asset purchase agreement also
contains a purchase price adjustment clause whereby the price may be adjusted
upwards to a maximum of US$300,000 if certain revenue levels are achieved.
Specifically, if gross revenues for the acquired business exceed US$500,000 for
the 12 month period ending August 31, 2001, Magic Lantern will pay to Richard
Wolff Enterprises US$50,000, and if gross revenues exceed US$600,000 for the
second 12 month period ending August 31, 2002, Magic Lantern will pay to Richard
Wolff Enterprises an additional US$50,000. In addition, the asset purchase
agreement provides that Richard Wolff, President of Richard Wolff Enterprises,
has agreed to act as a consultant to Magic Lantern for a term of 2 years to
assist in the transition and growth of the business as it expands
internationally.
On October 10, 2000, pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated
October 3, 2000, we completed the issue and sale of a US$3,000,000 convertible
debenture to the VC Advantage Limited Partnership, which we refer to as VCAL.
The principal amount of the debenture will be advanced in three consecutive
monthly installments of US$1,000,000 each, on or about the tenth day of each
month beginning October 10, 2000. This unsecured convertible debenture is due
three years from issue. The convertible debenture bears interest at 10% per
annum, payable upon conversion, redemption or maturity. The unpaid principal of
the debenture bears interest from the date that it is actually advanced until
paid. Interest is payable in cash or stock at our option. The convertible
debenture is convertible into our common shares, at US$3.00 per share, in
amounts specified by VCAL. The maximum number of our common shares that VCAL
will receive is 1,000,000. On November 30, 2000 the convertible debenture was
assigned by VCAL to CALP II. A total of US$1,700,000 has been advanced to us as
at the date hereof and CALP II is in default of its obligation to advance the
balance of the funds. We also issued 50,000 warrants, which we refer to as
Warrants to VCAL. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire 50,000 of
our common shares at US$3.00 per share at any time prior to October 3, 2004.
We entered into an agreement dated November 22, 2000 with Chell.com, a
company wholly owned by Cameron Chell, whereby we provided a deposit to
Chell.com with respect to the purchase of an interest in ApplicationStation.com,
a company in which Chell.com is planning on purchasing a 51% interest within 60
days of November 22, 2000. The deposit permits us to obtain 25% of Chell.com's
interest in the purchase.
On January 16, 2001, we entered into a promissory note with Naveen Chanana
whereby we borrowed $1.5 million on a short-term basis as a bridge loan. The
principal amount is due on April 15, 2001 along with interest of two percent
(2%) per month. We, pursuant to the promissory note, also agreed to deliver
22,500 of our common shares to Naveen Chanana. We may prepay the loan at any
time.
On January 17, 2001, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with
ApplicationStation.com, whereby we, Chell.com, eSupplies, B.O.T.B. Corp. and
Cameron Chell agreed to purchase and ApplicationStation.com agreed to issue
shares which would result in the purchasers holding a 51% interest in
ApplicationStation.com. The total purchase price for the shares is US$4,080,000.
We agreed to purchase one-quarter of the 51% interest for a purchase price of
US$1,020,000 of which at such time we advanced US$700,000 by way of the deposit
agreement with Chell.com dated November 22, 2000. The closing of the transaction
is
26
scheduled for 30 days from the date of the agreement, but is subject to several
conditions including satisfactory due diligence being completed by the
purchasers and certain amendments to a technology license agreement between
ApplicationStation.com and LearningStation.com Inc. Chell.com and B.O.T.B. Corp.
are both corporations controlled by Cameron Chell.
On January 26, 2001 we entered into a Supplemental Stock Purchase
Agreement with ApplicationStation.com, whereby we, Chell.com eSupplies, BDTB
Corp and Cameron Chell increased the number of shares we agreed to purchase in
the Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 17, 2001 and increased the purchase
price to $1,100,000. Pursuant to a January 26, 2001 amendment to the deposit
agreement with Chell.com, we advanced the remaining purchase price of
$400,000.
Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary laid-off 19 employees effective
January 19, 2001 as a cost cutting measure and in an effort to find further
efficiencies following the purchase of Chell assets in September, 2000. Total
severance and termination payments to such employees are approximately $185,000.
Financial Information about Industry Segments
Reference is hereby made to the Business Sector Data for the years ended
August 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 in Exhibit 99.1 below.
OUR BUSINESS
We are engaged in the business of providing merchant capital services,
interactive entertainment services and electronic/online products and services.
Our main business strategy is to operate or invest in companies that represent
the latest in technological innovations. We apply our expertise, industry
contacts, and market foresight to these companies in order to create shareholder
value. Our core businesses are the merchant capital services provided through
our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary and the interactive entertainment services
provided by our NTN IN subsidiary. In addition, GaluVu is a technology based
entertainment provider of interactive in-room entertainment systems to hotels
across Canada; our Magic Lantern subsidiary and its subsidiaries are involved in
the marketing and distribution of educational video and media resources,
providing interactive online educational video services and the conversion of
analog video to digital video formats; and Interlynx designs and develops
web-based training software.
Merchant Capital Group
Business Strategy
Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary is in the business of defining,
building and re-engineering businesses using new economy technologies to
maximize market value. The Merchant Capital Group's continual focus is to
identify upcoming technology trends and create the effective infrastructure
required to build out and support these trends.
Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary is helping to define and grow a new
business and computing model known as the Application Service Provider, which we
refer to as the ASP industry.
ASP - Software as a Service
ASP is changing the way application software is distributed. The ASP
concept is based on centrally hosted computing. Instead of purchasing software
applications for installation on personal computers, companies and individuals
subscribe to (i.e. rent) the applications and then securely access them from any
web connection. ASPs are transforming software from a product
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to a service that provides specific functionality for end-users without the
problems of installation, servicing, and upgrading. Most major software
corporations have announced new initiatives in the ASP market.
Merchant Capital Group Services:
1. Fee Based Consulting Services: Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary
serves clients by advising them on e-commerce strategy, with particular
focus on the ASP industry. Consulting services include, but are not
limited to, business development activities, strategic alliances, and
marketing and promotional activities.
2. Creation of Businesses: Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary intends to
create companies to become leaders in areas that we believe will define
new technological trends. These companies intend to be fully developed and
then sold to established industry players or via public offerings.
3. Corporate Reengineering: Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary intends to
target for acquisition undervalued and under-performing corporations and
apply management expertise, new economy thinking, and new technologies in
order to boost market value and corporate performance.
4. Merchant Capital Services: Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary intends
to assist clients with raising funds and with merger and acquisition
activity.
Merchant Capital Group Strategy
Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary follows a three way model of
defining, creating, and exploiting new trends in technology:
1. Strategic Development: Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary continually
monitors the competitive landscape to determine if there currently exists
companies to exploit the technological trend. If not, the Merchant Capital
Group intends to develop companies in house to exploit the technological
trend.
2. Acquisition: Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary targets appropriate
companies for acquisition and development.
3. Research and Development: In addition to the above, our Merchant Capital
Group subsidiary maintains research and development in an effort to
discover and help create new technological trends.
These strategies and services are designed to offer our Merchant
Capital Group subsidiary's clients the following benefits within the
marketplace:
1. Brand and Market Awareness: Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary's
activities for
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clients include extensive public and media relations, marketing campaigns,
brand development and identity, and promotion. These activities are
developed in close consultation with clients.
2. Business Development: Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary has an
extensive list of market contacts and is a member of the ASP Industry
Consortium, the Personalization Consortium, and the Rich Media Consortium.
These memberships and established relationships allow Our Merchant Capital
Group subsidiary to assist client activities in the sourcing and
formulation of strategic alliances, business arrangements, joint
development programs, and general business development.
3. Additional Financings: Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary maintains an
up to date database on venture capital activity. This allows Our Merchant
Capital Group subsidiary to identify appropriate venture capitalists that
would be interested in pursuing financing relationships with client
companies.
NTN Interactive Network Inc.
Our NTN IN subsidiary is engaged in the marketing and distribution of the
NTN Entertainment Network services, which we refer to as the Network, throughout
Canada. These activities are being conducted through an exclusive license
covering Canada granted to NTN Sports Inc., (predecessor to our NTN IN
subsidiary) by NTN Communications, Inc. of Carlsbad, California, which we refer
to as Communications, a company listed on the American Stock Exchange under the
trading symbol "NTN". The license grants our NTN IN subsidiary the right to
market the products and programs of Communications throughout Canada for a
25-year term ending December 31, 2015. Communications does not have an equity
position in us or in our NTN IN subsidiary.
The NTN Entertainment Network
The Network is owned and operated by Communications and uses existing
technology to broadcast two-way interactive live events to subscriber locations.
The Network provides digital data broadcast transmissions, which enable
equipment and software at subscriber locations to display text and graphics
programming and to interpret responses from Network viewers. All programming is
produced at and transmitted from the NTN Broadcast Center in Carlsbad,
California, which we refer to as the Broadcast Center. More than 3,100
restaurants, lounges, hotels, and other hospitality sites across North America
have installed systems capable of receiving Network broadcasts, which we refer
to as Subscriber Systems. The Subscriber Systems receive satellite broadcasts
containing the Network interactive programs, such that thousands of patrons at
subscriber locations can interact with the same programs simultaneously. Our NTN
IN subsidiary markets the Network throughout Canada to the hospitality industry,
installs the systems, and provides technical and marketing support to Network
sites. Over 500 Group Subscribers are located in Canada. Designed to be hardware
independent, the Network may be transmitted through a variety of techniques
including, direct satellite, cable, gateway service, FM sideband, Internet, TV
vertical blanking interval, and telephone. Currently we use direct satellite as
the method of transmission.
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Network Programming
The two-way interactive programming currently featured over the Network
includes a variety of interactive sports and trivia games permitting viewer
interaction and participation for 16 hours each day. All present Network
programming is structured to provide time for national, regional and local
advertisements, as well as for local inserts, which permit each subscriber to
display announcements of promotional prices or other events at its business
location.
NTN Play-Along Games
NTN Play-Along Games are played in conjunction with live, televised
events. The prime NTN Play-Along Game is QB1, a game of football strategy.
NTN Premium Trivia Games
NTN Premium Trivia Games are promotion-oriented weekly game shows that
usually require an hour of participation. Prizes are awarded to the top
finishers. Games among all participating subscriber locations include the
following: Showdown, a general knowledge game; Sports Trivia Challenge, a game
focused on sports, and Spotlight, a game that quizzes players about the world of
show business and celebrities; Playback, a music news, trivia, song title and
musical topics game; and Sports IQ, a weekly sports trivia game. Half-hour
interactive trivia games comprise the majority of the Network's programming.
Countdown and Wipeout are trivia games designed for fast competitive play among
participants at each subscriber location.
NTN IN Market
Our NTN IN subsidiary's market remains our largest core business. Our NTN
IN subsidiary positions the Network to prospects and clients as a means of
attracting patrons (to play the games), retaining their patronage (as they
return to play again), and increasing the length of time patrons stay in their
establishment. As the number of repeat customers and their length of stay
increases, the hospitality establishment has an increased opportunity to sell
additional food and beverage.
Our NTN IN subsidiary's sales force targets the strongest hospitality
outlets in Canada, including a number of chain accounts. Attractive rental
packages are in place to support our NTN IN subsidiary's sales efforts. Our NTN
IN subsidiary promotes the Network as one of the best and technically advanced
forms of on-premises advertising to this market, offering long-term repetitive
exposure to a captive, attentive, and enthusiastic audience.
Each end user receives the Subscriber System, including the equipment and
the proprietary software, from our NTN IN subsidiary. In most instances, the
customer rents the equipment from our NTN IN subsidiary. Our NTN IN subsidiary,
in turn, purchases equipment from several suppliers. Following installation,
each end user pays a monthly fee to our NTN IN subsidiary for
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the Network services.
GalaVu Entertainment Network Inc.
Our GalaVu subsidiary is a technology-based entertainment provider of
interactive in-room entertainment systems to hotels. Our GalaVu subsidiary is
currently installed in over 200 Canadian small and mid sized hotels. Our GalaVu
subsidiary's interactive system is based on proprietary technology and provides
a wide range of affordable, in-room entertainment packages. Marketed to guests
under the Round-the-Clock Entertainment brand, our GalaVu subsidiary's suite of
products include Hollywood movies on demand, premium television programming, and
other information and entertainment services designed to enhance the stay of
hotel guests while generating revenue for our GalaVu subsidiary and its hotel
partners.
Magic Lantern Group
Our Magic Lantern subsidiary and its subsidiaries operate in two principal
markets including, (i) the marketing and distribution of educational video and
media resources, and (ii) the conversion of analog video to digital video
formats.
Our Magic Lantern subsidiary and its subsidiaries market and distribute an
exclusively licensed library of educational video titles to schools, school
boards, and Ministries of Education across Canada and internationally, excluding
the U.S. Compared to the total business volumes of the 28 members of the
Canadian Media Producers and Distributors Association of Canada trade
association, it is believed our Magic Lantern subsidiary has approximately a 20%
share of the kindergarten to grade 12 market, making our Magic Lantern
subsidiary a dominant player in this market. Our Magic Lantern subsidiary's
exclusive distribution rights enable it to avoid competing for the sale of
specific titles, while competing for a share of the available media-buying
budget within each educational jurisdiction. Several years ago, our Magic
Lantern subsidiary began accumulating digital delivery rights for the titles it
distributes, and approximately 65% of all titles in its library include such
rights. Our Management believes that this extensive library of titles with
digital delivery rights will favorably position our Magic Lantern subsidiary as
distribution technologies and delivery systems migrate to digital formats, a
process that is already underway in Canada.
Tutorbuddy, a development stage project, will provide interactive online
educational video services offering tutorial assistance. Tutorbuddy's web site
will provide home and school access to thousands of video subjects with online
learning support, including interaction with real-time tutor-monitored study
groups, personalized research assistance, resource-monitoring for parents and
teachers and scheduled webcasts on specific topics. Tutorbuddy's technology will
allow students, teachers and parents to search and have immediate access to
indexed video titles relevant to homework, class projects, lesson plans and
educational programs. Tutorbuddy's library of educational content is
substantial, representing over 250 producers of content with over 12,000
educational titles in release with digital rights negotiated to more than half
the titles currently in release. Tutorbuddy enters the education and home
learning market through Magic Lantern's strong Canadian presence where it counts
some 9,000 out of the 12,000 Canadian
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schools as customers.
Sonoptic, located in Saint John, New Brunswick, operates a digital video
facility which converts analog video to digital video formats suitable for
distribution through the Internet, as well as through broadband distribution
networks being established by telephone and cable companies in Canada and
elsewhere. This is a relatively new type of business and, while there are
numerous "low-end" service providers entering the market in North America, there
are no clear leaders or dominant players that have emerged. Sonoptic is also
positioning itself as a premier source for digital video consulting and
conversion services within the key markets, which are expected to emerge in the
next two to three years.
Interlynx Multimedia Inc.
Interlynx has developed PROFIS, an advanced web-based training software
that runs on Windows NT servers. Interlynx's marketing efforts are targeted
toward both local and international markets. The core competencies of Interlynx
include programming in Visual C++, Java, HTML, ASP and Visual Basic running on
MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, 95/98 and NT, and Unix platforms.
Investment Subsidiaries
Engyro
Engyro is the surviving legal entity resulting from the merger of R Home
Funding Co. Ltd., a Nevada corporation and its wholly owned Delaware subsidiary,
Engyro, Inc. Its headquarters are located in Shelton, Connecticut.
Engyro is a financial transaction engine designed to support the high
demands created by rapid growth in the ASP industry. Engyro is focusing on
providing the critical back end administrative services for the ASP industry.
Our Management believes that this will allow integration of the billing,
payment, disbursement, and settlement functions for ASP companies. Engyro has
custom designed its system to enable simplification of the complex economic
variables of delivery, measurement and payment, with full reconciliation and
posting directly to the accounting systems of all parties in the ASP
transaction. Engyro intends to strategically deploy its service offering to give
efficient and flexible local service to the ASPs, Independent Software Vendors,
which we refer to as ISVs and Network Service Providers, which we refer to as
NSPs. Engyro's platform is flexible enough to allow it to grow into other market
areas such as business-to-business and e-commerce. Engyro is still developing
its product and has not yet received any revenue.
Engyro's primary market is the ASP marketplace. Most ASPs have yet to
develop sophisticated and integrated accounting systems and backroom
capabilities, and typically outsource non-core operations. Engyro proposes to
approach potential customers and work with
32
them to design creative solutions for their billing and payment needs. Engyro
also intends to approach ISVs to market Engyro's ability to enable them to
transition to an e-commerce platform to take advantage of new distribution
channels in the ASPs. Engyro also intends to approach ISPs and NSPs and seek to
assist them in their provision of ASP value added services to their core
offering. Engyro intends to reach its target market:
1. Indirectly by offering ISVs a secure method to enable ASPs alternative
subscription software rental-models through the remote management of the
payment process; and
2. Through strategic partnerships/marketing relationships with software
metering/monitoring companies, billing companies, accounting software
providers, Data Centers, and other components of the community of ASP
elements.
cDemo
cDemo is a start up company that was incorporated in the State of Delaware
in February 2000. The head office is located at 236B Broadway, Chico,
California, 95926 and there is a satellite office located at 114, 1215 - 13th
Street SE, Calgary, Alberta. cDemo is developing its product and has not yet
received any revenue.
cDemo plans to position itself as a trusted and unbiased electronic
assessment and listing service. To perform a standardized electronic assessment
and listing, cDemo has researched and developed an assessment methodology that
is capable of "commoditizing" products, and displaying them in a format that is
easy to both read and view. cDemo's unique consortium of technology partners are
producing a technological system that our Management believes will be capable of
tailoring the cDemo electronic assessment to industry and partner requirements.
The assessment software will be loaded into a rugged, handheld tablet. cDemo
plans to use this tablet device to collect and transmit an electronic
demonstration based on an Internet connection to the cDemo backend database.
cDemo's first target industry is used vehicle sales. In order for the
automotive industry and Internet-based automotive companies to access the
multi-billion dollar used vehicle industry, cDemo intends to provide the
nationwide electronic assessment and listing infrastructure necessary for this
to occur and intends to generate revenue from service providers, trade-ins,
on-site volume assessments, lease returns, advertising, and data mining.
The cDemo electronic assessment service will include:
o An unbiased and detailed 100 plus point assessment.
o Multiple digital photographs of the vehicle.
o A computer generated assessment report, book value, and rating of the
vehicle.
o A one-stop upload listing service to automotive and classified
advertisement websites.
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cDemo's third party information will enable consumers to buy, sell,
trade-in, and complete finance, insurance, and extended warranty contracts
online, not all of which is possible today.
In order to establish the nationwide assessment and listing
infrastructure, cDemo plans to foster business alliances with nationwide quick
lube chains and other service stations; newspapers, photo buy publications, and
Internet based classifieds; automobile finance, insurance and extended warranty
companies; and automotive dot-com businesses. As at the date hereof, cDemo has
not entered into any agreement with third parties and there can be no assurance
that cDemo will be able to do so in the future.
ApplicationStation
ApplicationStation is a leader in the ASP industry. The company operates
as ASP enabler, or `eASP', focusing on the packaging, delivery and management of
hosted application solutions delivered over the Internet or private network.
As an eASP, ApplicationStation's prime focus is to partner with
organizations such as established software companies, telecommunications
providers, systems integrators, professional and trade associations and
governments to enable them to become ASP's in their own right. The company also
works with large corporations to enable them to manage enterprise ASP
deployments.
ApplicationStation has three core competencies to support its eASP
position.
1. ApplicationStation has developed a proprietary ASP distribution and
management system, called App^2, that performs three critical functions: 1) it
allows for universal authentication and login for all applications being
distributed; 2) it manages the launch of any type of application, web-based,
Windows-based, all flavors of Unix, or legacy applications; and 3) it enables
customer organizations to self-manage their application rights against a
contract, greatly reducing the need for support services and related
infrastructure.
App^2 allows ASP solutions to scale rapidly across large numbers of users
and organizations, without the need to deploy large and costly support
facilities to manage application distribution. ApplicationStation.com believes
App^2 is critical to ASP growth and profitability.
2. ApplicationStation is developing and deploying a series of branded, vertical
ASP solution sets, built on and leveraging the company's "Station.com" brand.
The company plans to launch three vertical solutions in the first quarter of
fiscal 2001: TravellerStation.com, for the travel management industry;
AutomotiveStation.com, for the automotive service industry; and
AccountingStation.com, for public accountants. The company also plans to release
at least two more brands in the second quarter of fiscal 2001:
MedicalStation.com and LawStation.com. The company brings these vertical brands
to its partners for distribution to their targeted customers.
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ApplicationStation also has international distribution rights for
LearningStation.com, an educational ASP, based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
3. ApplicationStation integrates the applications that form its vertical brands,
to enhance performance and improve value.
ApplicationStation has four primary sources of revenue: 1) the branded,
vertical products it resells through its partners; 2) products that are sold
outside of branded vertical model, but still sold through its partners; 3)
corporate licensing fees for App^2; 4) professional services.
ApplicationStation is headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, and has
subsidiaries in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. In addition, it has
signed an Agreement dated October 28, 2000 to acquire majority ownership in an
established systems integrator, BDO Synergy IT, based in Sydney, Australia. This
transaction has now closed.
eSupplies
eSupplies was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta in
October 1999 and its principal business office is located in Calgary, Alberta.
eSupplies carries on business under the name eSupplies.com as a virtual office
supply company, in that it carries no inventory and instead relies upon its
relationship with United Stationers, Inc., a company listed on NASDAQ under the
trading symbol "USTR", as its supplier and Purolator Courier, as its courier.
eSupplies is currently serving the western Canadian marketplace.
eSupplies was formed to acquire the assets of Willson Stationers Ltd.,
which we refer to as Willson, which was a 100-year old office supply company. In
February 2000, eSupplies purchased the assets of Willson from its receiver
manager. Under eSupplies' direction, the business of Willson has been completely
restructured, to become a sales and marketing company serving the small to
medium enterprises market by closing down the unprofitable warehousing
operations and strategically aligning itself with third parties to warehouse and
distribute its products.
As part of eSupplies' strategy to service this market, eSupplies
established a relationship with United Stationers to offer brand-name office
supplies at competitive prices, with next day delivery (in most major markets).
eSupplies currently offers over 25,000 items from which its customers can order
either online or through eSupplies' customer service centre, handling telephone,
facsimile and e-mail orders.
eSupplies is currently reorganizing its operations and strategic focus in
order to examine and exploit new ecommerce opportunities. Our Board of Directors
is currently evaluating these new ecommerce opportunities, and intends to employ
eSupplies' expertise and market relationships to fully exploit them.
Competition
The market for merchant capital services, interactive entertainment
services and
35
electronic/online products and services is rapidly evolving and highly
competitive. Although we believe that the diverse segments of the interactive
entertainment and venture capital services markets will provide opportunities
for more than one supplier of products and services similar to ours, it is
possible that a single supplier may dominate one or more market segments.
Competitors include a wide variety of companies and organizations, including
venture capitalists, interactive entertainment providers, Internet software,
content, service and technology companies, telecommunication companies, cable
companies and equipment/technology suppliers.
Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary operates in the venture capital
market and competes with several similar organizations. Despite having different
business models and strategic outlooks than our Merchant Capital Group
subsidiary, our Management believes that the following companies represent our
Merchant Capital Group subsidiary's primary competition:
1. CMGI: Based in Andover, Massachusetts, CMGI creates and manages the most
diverse network of Internet companies in the world. It is a company
constructed of various companies in the following industries:
Advertising/Marketing, Content & Community, E-commerce and Enabling
Technologies. CMGI's portfolio consists of more than 60 companies, most of
which are market or segment leaders;
2. Internet Capital Group: Based in San Francisco, Internet Capital Group,
which we refer to as ICG, is an Internet holding company actively engaged
in business-to-business e-commerce through a network of partner companies.
ICG has a network of over 60 companies. The strategy of the company is to
integrate its holdings and interests into a collaborative network that
leverages knowledge and resources; and
3. Softbank: Based in Tokyo and California, Softbank is perhaps the largest
Internet market force in the world. Softbank has a global presence and
powerful global strategic partnerships. The company has established a
worldwide presence by leveraging strategic alliances with subsidiaries
such as Softbank Capital Partners ($1.35 billion), and Softbank Technology
Group. Softbank has ownership positions in over 120 Internet companies.
Our NTN IN subsidiary operates in the interactive entertainment services
industry. In 1996, we became aware of a new entertainment system, Sports Active,
attempting to enter the hospitality market. Sports Active offers only two
programs, a football game and a trivia game. While it is visually entertaining,
it requires audio and we believe this is a significant drawback in the
restaurant environment in which it is being marketed. We have not found this to
be a significant competitive entry.
With the entrance of motion picture, cable and TV companies, competition
in the interactive entertainment and multimedia industries will likely intensify
in the future.
Our Magic Lantern subsidiary and Interlynx operate in a large and
fragmented market. There are many producers and distributors of educational
media resources. These market participants make up the diverse educational media
supply chain. It is believed that Magic Lantern's extensive library of titles
with digital delivery rights, along with our Magic Lantern
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subsidiary's established relationships with Canadian schools, make it one of the
dominant players in its market. Interlynx's market also includes several
competitors. Educational web-based training programs are a growing market and
new entrants are arriving continually. Therefore, Interlynx expects competitive
forces to increase in the future.
GalaVu's competition includes other interactive in-room entertainment
providers. With the development of new satellite technologies, and the
increasing speed of network connections, GaluVu expects the competition to
develop new services. These new services may include digital programming on
demand, enhanced hotel concierge services, billing presentment and settlement,
and others. GaluVu expects that new technologies will lead to intensifying
competition in the future.
Engyro's competition includes financial institutions that are pursuing
online settlement, disbursement, and clearing services. While there are numerous
online financial institutions, most are focused on the consumer end of the
market, offering products and services aimed at allowing consumers to complete
banking activities online. In addition, many competitors exist within the ASP
financial supply chain, each offering a different set of services that in
conjunction allow ASP services to be offered. We believe that there is currently
no direct competition to Engyro as no other financial transaction company is
focused exclusively on the ASP market.
cDemo's competition includes assessment services, newspaper classified
advertisement and related services, photo buy and sell publications,
Internet-based automobile description and search organizations, and
Internet-based automobile sales organizations. We believe that these
organizations exist within a highly fragmented market each playing a role in the
overall assessment and vehicle transaction process. We believe that cDemo is
unique within the marketplace in that it acts as an independent and unbiased
collector of information that is presented for the benefit of all participants
in the used vehicle marketplace.
Employees
We have 124 employees in the nine operating subsidiaries, consisting of 14
executives, 25 salespersons, 33 persons involved in technical services, 4
involved in graphic development, 17 clerical staff, 14 in marketing, 26
individuals involved in finance and administration and 1 individual involved in
investor relations. We believe that our staff is adequate for our anticipated
needs.
Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary laid-off 19 employees effective
January 19, 2001 as a cost cutting measure and in an effort to find further
efficiencies following the purchase of Chell assets in September 2000. Total
severance and termination payments to employees are approximately $185,000.
Description of Property
We own an approximately 25,000 square foot parcel of land, located at 14
Meteor Drive in Toronto, Ontario, on which stands a 12,500 square foot, one
story building. We, our NTN IN
37
subsidiary and Interlynx presently utilize this building as our principal place
of business.
We also own an approximately 29,000 square foot parcel of land, located at
10 Meteor Drive, Toronto, Ontario, on which stands a 14,000 square foot, two
story building. Our Magic Lantern Group subsidiary, its subsidiaries and GalaVu
presently utilize this building as their principal place of business.
Our Magic Lantern subsidiary owns three office units, comprising an
aggregate 8,000 square feet of office space, in a building located at 775
Pacific Road, Oakville, Ontario. These premises were leased to a third party in
1999. We, through our subsidiaries, lease 2,342 square feet of office space in
Saint John, New Brunswick for annual rent of $38,643, 8,451 square feet of
office and warehousing space in Vancouver, British Columbia for annual rent of
$84,510 and 961 square feet of office space in Chicago, Illinois for annual rent
of US$18,980.
The property located at 10 Meteor Drive in Toronto, Ontario, as well as
the property located at 775 Pacific Road, Oakville, Ontario, has been financed
through a Matched Fund Term Loan, with the Royal Bank of Canada, dated April 24,
1998. The principal balance outstanding regarding these two properties, as at
November 1, 2000 was $1,243,151.
GalaVu leases 8,619 square feet of office space in a building located at
3790 - 3820 Victoria Park Avenue, North York, Ontario, which lease expires on
October 31, 2002. GalaVu is also a guarantor of a lease dated September 22, 1999
between 151516 Canada Inc. and XON Digital Communications Limited for a 3,500
square foot premises located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary leases 12,043 square feet of office
space in Suites 301, 500 and 700 in a building located at 630 - 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1G6. The combined annual rent of the three suites is
$202,087.
We believe that the our and our subsidiaries' facilities and are adequate
for their present requirements.
Legal Proceedings
Set forth below is a description of material pending litigation to which
we are a party.
1. (a) On June 12, 1992, we, together with Communications and NTNIN,
commenced a lawsuit against Interactive Network, Inc., which we refer to as
Interactive, and its president, David Lockton, in the Federal Court of Canada,
Trial Division, in Montreal, Quebec, under the title NTN Communications, Inc.,
NTN Sports, Inc. and NTN Canada, Inc. v. David Lockton and Interactive Network,
Inc.
We are seeking a declaration of non-infringement with respect to Canadian
Patent No. 1,274,903 held by Interactive, which we refer to as the Interactive
Patent and to establish that we, Communications and NTN IN have properly done
business in Canada since the fall of 1986.
38
The basis for our claim is that the systems we used to produce interactive
programming are not within the scope of the claims of the Interactive Patent. We
thereafter amended our complaint to include a claim of invalidity of the
Interactive Patent based upon untrue and materially misleading claims made by
Interactive in its petition for the Interactive Patent. Except for the
aforementioned pleadings, no proceedings or discovery have been undertaken in
our action.
(b) Subsequent to the commencement of our action, and on June 18, 1992,
Interactive commenced a lawsuit against us, Communications and NTN IN in the
Federal Court of Canada, Trial Division, Montreal, Quebec, under the titled
Interactive Network, Inc. v. NTN Communications, Inc., NTN Sports, Inc. and NTN
Canada, Inc., which we refer to as the Interactive action. The Interactive
action alleges that Interactive granted Communications the right to use the
Interactive Patent, which right Communications then improperly licensed to us
and NTN IN. Interactive alleges that the license agreement between
Communications and us and NTN IN infringes upon the Interactive Patent. The
Interactive action seeks a declaration of the validity of the Interactive
Patent, an injunction restraining us from further infringement, and either
damages (in an unspecified amount) or an accounting of profits derived from
certain games used in Canada. Except for the aforementioned pleadings, no
proceedings or discovery have been undertaken in the Interactive action.
Management believes that the licenses granted to us by Communications are
valid and that the patent infringement claims underlying the Interactive action
will ultimately be proven to be unfounded. We intend to vigorously defend our
position in the Interactive action and to prosecute our position in our action;
however, there can be no assurance that any or all of these actions will be
decided in our favor. We believe, based in part upon the advice of outside,
independent counsel, that the costs of defending and prosecuting these actions
will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial position.
In its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended September 30,
1996, Communications stated that "[w]ith the courts [sic] assistance,
[Communications] and [Interactive] have been able to reach a resolution of all
pending disputes in the United States and have agreed to private arbitration
regarding any future licensing, copyright or infringement issues which may arise
between the parties." The disputes referred to in the Communications Form 10-Q
involved litigation in the United States involving allegations similar to the
allegations underlying our action and the Interactive action. In the
Communication Form 10-Q, Communications also noted that "no substantive action
has been taken in the furtherance of our action or the Interactive action".
2. Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is currently in discussions with us
regarding a potential liability with respect to withholding tax on certain
amounts paid to Communications. No assessment has been made to date by Canada
Customs and Revenue Agency. Management believes that it has valid defenses with
respect to these matters and accordingly, no amount has been recorded in these
financial statements. In the event that such matters are settled in favour of
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, the amounts could be material and would be
recorded in the period in which they become determinable.
39
We and our property are not a party or subject to any other material
pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to
our business.
To our knowledge no other proceedings of a material nature have been or
are contemplated against us.
40
Market Price & Dividends on the Registrant's Common Equity & Related Stockholder
Matters
Our common stock, par value US$.0467 per share, which we refer to as the
Common Stock, is traded in the over-the-counter market and is quoted on the
NASDAQ SmallCap Market, which we refer to as NASDAQ, under the symbol "CHEL".
Set forth below is the range of high and low bid prices (US$) for shares of
Common Stock for each full quarterly period within our three most recent fiscal
years and our first quarter of the current year. The information reflects
inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions and may
not necessarily represent actual transactions.
High Low Trading Volume
----- ----- --------------
(US$) (US$)
1998 Fiscal Year
First Quarter 6.375 4.000 227,190
Second Quarter 4.500 2.75 141,073
Third Quarter 4.250 1.875 306,909
Fourth Quarter 4.500 1.188 1,269127
1999 Fiscal Year
First Quarter 4.750 1.125 1,385,390
Second Quarter 5.375 2.000 4,131,407
Third Quarter 3.500 1.375 1,000,982
Fourth Quarter 3.000 1.500 874,184
2000 Fiscal Year
First Quarter 2.500 1.500 585,270
Second Quarter 3.625 1.375 2,109,781
Third Quarter 7.875 2.250 3,825,607
Fourth Quarter 11.438 3.000 3,323,447
2001 Fiscal Year
First Quarter 7.219 3.000 581,689
On January 31, 2001, the closing price of the Common Shares on NASDAQ was
US$2.6875.
As of the close of business on January 31, 2001, there were 207 holders of
record of our Common Stock. We believe that there are approximately 1,100
beneficial holders of Common Stock.
41
Financial Information
Set forth below is a list of our financial information being furnished in this
Registration Statement on Form S-1 pursuant to the instructions to Item 11 (e)
to Form S-1 and their respective locations herein.
Financial Statement Location*
- ------------------- --------
Report of Independent Auditors
Current ...................................................... F - 1
Predecessor .................................................. F - 2
Consolidated Balance Sheets ....................................... F - 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings ....... F - 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ............................. F - 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ........................ F - 6
Pro Forma Financials .............................................. F - 31
Audited Financial Statements of Engyro ............................ F - 35
Audited Financial Statements of eSupplies ......................... F - 48
Audited Financial Statements of cDemo, Inc. ....................... F - 64
- ----------
* Page F-1 follows page 74 to this Registration Statement on Form S-1.
Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth a summary of selected financial information
regarding us and our subsidiaries, consolidated, for each of the five fiscal
years ended August 31, 2000 and the three months ended November 30, 2000 and
1999. The earnings per share amounts, prior to 1998, have been restated as
required to comply with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128
Earnings Per Share ("SFAS 128"). For further discussion of earnings per share
and the impact of SFAS 128, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial
statements.
Statement of Operations Data (Canadian Dollars):
FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED
NOVEMBER 30
(Unaudited) Year Ended August 31,
---------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
1999 2000 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
$ $ $ $ $ $
Operating revenues ........ 5,535,596 5,002,865 19,694,046 13,420,642 14,771,972 10,351,689 6,318,251
Cost of sales ............. 1,754,618 1,807,190 7,657,960 5,155,883 5,515,241 3,395,898 2,223,916
Gross profit .............. 3,780,978 3,195,675 12,036,086 8,264,759 9,256,731 6,955,791 4,094,335
Net income (loss) ......... (262,607) (3,290,569) (1,985,842) (971,497) 618,065 609,387 541,059
Net income (loss) per share .09 (0.39) (.69) (.36) .24 .25 .25
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding ....... 2,756,641 2,925,141 2,873,042 2,635,050 2,550,805 2,441,992 2,144,175
Balance Sheet Data (Canadian Dollars):
FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED
NOVEMBER 30,
(Unaudited) August 31,
------------------ -----------------------------------------------------------------
2000 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total assets .............. 19,391,370 17,380,595 14,802,021 16,047,907 14,287,602 9,883,093
Long-term obligations ..... 7,116,511 4,833,845 2,216,675 2,840,218 2,185,249 -0-
Shareholders' equity ...... 8,721,833 9,383,419 10,792,767 11,033,178 9,488,648 8,877,434
42
Management's Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition & Results of
Operations
Introduction
Our consolidated financial statements included in this document have been
prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.
("U.S. GAAP"). The information contained in this Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is expressed in
Canadian dollars. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, included in this
document.
Results of Operations
Year Ended August 31, 2000 Compared to Year Ended August 31, 1999
Revenues. Revenues from network services for the 2000 Fiscal Year were
Cdn$6,345,552, compared to Cdn$6,607,915 for our fiscal year ended August 31,
1999 (the "1999 Fiscal Year"), a decrease of Cdn$262,363 or 4.0%. The decrease
resulted from a decrease in playmaker repairs and maintenance performed by us
for NTN Communications. The remaining revenues are relatively constant between
years due to the number of hospitality sites remaining at the same level between
the 2000 and 1999 fiscal years.
Revenues from Pay-tv for the 2000 Fiscal Year were Cdn$6,517,940. There is
no comparative revenue for the 1999 Fiscal Year as the revenue comes from our
GalaVu subsidiary, which was acquired in Fiscal 2000.
Revenues from event programming for the 2000 Fiscal Year were Cdn$500,168,
compared to Cdn$527,740 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$27,572 or
5.2%. The decrease was due to a decreased number of corporate events hosted,
both in Canada and abroad, in 2000 when compared to the number of events hosted
in 1999.
Revenues from ad sponsorship were Cdn$675,532 for the 2000 Fiscal Year,
compared to Cdn$308,602 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$366,930 or
119.0%. The increase was the result of an increase in the number and size of
corporate sponsors over the level experienced in the previous period.
Revenues from video and software sales were Cdn$4,289,557 for the 2000
Fiscal Year, compared to Cdn$4,630,931 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, a decrease of
Cdn$341,374 or 7.4%. Of
43
these revenues, Cdn$586,756 was earned by Interlynx, as compared to Cdn$596,951
for the 1999 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$10,195 or 1.7%. Revenues from video
and software sales earned by our Magic Lantern subsidiary and its subsidiaries
were Cdn$3,702,801 for the 2000 Fiscal Year, compared to Cdn$4,033,980 for the
1999 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$331,179 or 8.2%. Decreased levels of funding
by all levels of government have resulted in tighter budget constraints placed
upon educational bodies, and as a result, sales of educational material have
fallen. In addition, the demand for analog or VHS formats is decreasing, yet the
demand for the digital formats has not increased at the same rate.
Revenues from video dubbing were Cdn$717,596 for the 2000 Fiscal Year
compared to Cdn$691,156 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$26,440 or
3.8%. The increase can be attributed to stabilization in the local customer base
after our Magic Lantern subsidiary and its subsidiaries' relocation in late
fiscal 1998.
Revenues from digital encoding were Cdn$539,815 for the 2000 Fiscal Year,
compared to Cdn$462,742 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$77,073 or
16.7%. The increase can be attributed to increased demand for digital services
and the increased size in the production lab.
Other revenues, which consisted primarily of revenue from installation
services, internet services and interest income, were Cdn$107,886, compared to
Cdn$191,556 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$83,670 or 43.7%. The
change in installation services and interest income was constant due to a
constant number of sites and a small change in the short-term investments. The
change came from Internet services that are currently no longer being performed
us.
As a result of the foregoing, our total revenues in the aggregate were
Cdn$19,694,046, compared to Cdn$13,420,642 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, an increase
of Cdn$6,273,404 or 46.7%.
Cost of Sales. Cost of Sales for network services for the 2000 Fiscal Year
were Cdn$2,160,351, compared to Cdn$2,353,705 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, a
decrease of Cdn$193,354 or 8.2%. The number of hospitality sites outstanding in
2000 compared to the number outstanding in 1999 was constant. Since the amount
we are billed by Communications is a direct function of the number of sites
outstanding, the above-noted decrease results from a stronger Canadian dollar in
the 2000 Fiscal year. As a percentage of our total revenues, such costs
decreased to 11% for the 2000 Fiscal Year from 17.5% for the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Pay-tv costs were Cdn$2,919,417 for the 2000 Fiscal Year. There are no
comparative figures for the 1999 Fiscal Year. The Pay-tv costs as a percentage
of our total revenues were 14.8%.
Event programming costs were Cdn$23,819, compared to Cdn$24,650 for the
1999 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$831 or 3.4%. The decrease was commensurate
with the decrease in the number of events hosted in event programming revenues.
As a percentage of our total revenues, such costs decreased to 0.1% for the 2000
Fiscal Year from 0.2% for the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Advertising sponsorship costs were Cdn$93,496, compared to Cdn$61,255 for
the 1999
44
Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$32,241 or 52.6%. The increase was the result of
increased marketing campaigns and its associated costs. As a percentage of our
total revenue such costs remained constant at 0.5% for the 2000 Fiscal Year
compared to the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Video and software costs in aggregate were Cdn$2,078,926, compared to
Cdn$1,990,741 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$88,185 or 4.4%. Of
these costs, Cdn$453,041 was incurred by Interlynx, compared to Cdn$281,115 for
the 1999 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$171,926 or 61.2%. The increase results
from increased staffing in the area of product development associated with the
current revenue streams. Costs attributable to video and software sales of our
Magic Lantern subsidiary and its subsidiaries for the 2000 Fiscal Year were
Cdn$1,625,885, compared to Cdn$1,709,626 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, a decrease of
Cdn$83,741, or 4.9%. The decrease corresponds to the decrease in revenue as
discussed above. As a percentage of our total revenues, these costs have fallen
to 10.6% in the 2000 Fiscal Year from 14.8% in the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Video dubbing costs were Cdn$157,289, compared to Cdn$353,983 for the 1999
Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$196,694 or 55.6%. The decrease also can be
attributed to the decrease in customer base and more efficient operations since
the acquisition of Image Media Ltd. As a percentage of our total revenues, these
have fallen to 0.8% in the 2000 Fiscal Year from 2.6% in the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Digital encoding costs were Cdn$111,657 for the 2000 Fiscal Year, compared
to Cdn$11,738 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$99,919 or 851.2%. The
increase is associated with the increased level of production and costs
associated with the additional production facilities.
Other costs, were Cdn$113,005, compared to Cdn$359,811 for the 1999 Fiscal
Year, a decrease of Cdn$246,806 or 68.6%. As a percentage of our total revenues,
such costs decreased to 0.6% for the 2000 Fiscal Year from 2.7% for the 1999
Fiscal Year. The increase relates primarily to Viewer Services, which became a
wholly-owned subsidiary on June 16, 1999.
As a result of the foregoing, our total cost of sales was Cdn$7,657,960,
compared to Cdn$5,155,883 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$2,502,077
or 48.5%. Total gross margins decreased to 61.1% in the 2000 Fiscal Year from
61.6% in the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the 2000 Fiscal
Year were Cdn$11,266,339, compared to Cdn$7,572,771 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, an
increase of Cdn$3,693,568 or 48.8%. The increase was caused by the following
factors; firstly, our GalaVu subsidiary's selling, general and administration
expenses for the 2000 Fiscal Year were Cdn$2,761,254 or 74.8% of the total
increase (There are no comparative figures for the 1999 Fiscal Year); secondly,
severance packages associated with executive restructuring; thirdly, a provision
for certain investments; fourthly, there were increased legal and accounting
fees associated with operations and items pertaining towards our future; and
finally, costs associated with the purchase of the remaining 49% of Interlynx.
As a percentage of our total revenues, total selling, general and administrative
expenses increased to 57.2% for the 2000 Fiscal Year from 56.4% for the 1999
Fiscal Year.
45
Bad debts expense was Cdn$140,090, compared to Cdn$136,888 for the 1999
Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$3,202 or 2.4%. The increase resulted from an
increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts. As a percentage of our total
revenues, such costs decreased to 0.7% for the 2000 Fiscal Year from 1.0% for
the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Interest and bank charges for the 2000 Fiscal Year were Cdn$297,654,
compared to Cdn$98,440 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$199,214 or
202.4%. The increase was the result of the increased debt levels associated with
the purchase of our GalaVu subsidiary. Our GalaVu subsidiary had interest
charges of Cdn$176,325 or 88.5% of the total increase. As a percentage of our
total revenues, such costs increased to 1.5% for the 2000 Fiscal Year from 0.7%
for the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Depreciation and amortization for the 2000 Fiscal Year were Cdn$2,347,321,
compared to Cdn$1,429,219 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$918,102
or 64.2%. This increase is the result of depreciation on the capital asset
additions in 2000, primarily the addition of our GalaVu subsidiary. Our GalaVu
subsidiary had depreciation and amortization for the 2000 Fiscal Year of
Cdn$936,400. As a percentage of our total revenues, such costs increased to
11.9% for the 2000 Fiscal Year from 10.6% for the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Income Taxes. There was no provision for income taxes for the 2000 Fiscal
Year, compared to Cdn$150,000 for the 1999 Fiscal Year, a decrease of
Cdn$150,000 or 100%. The provision for taxes is lower in 2000 when compared to
the 1999 provision due to no individual operating unit experiencing a taxable
income.
Net Income/Loss. As a result of all of the above, our net loss for the
2000 Fiscal Year was Cdn$1,985,842 compared to net loss Cdn$971,497 for the 1999
Fiscal Year, a change of Cdn$1,014,345. This represents a decrease in net income
as a percentage of total revenues to (10.1%) in the 1999 Fiscal Year from (7.2%)
in the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Year Ended August 31, 1999 Compared to Year Ended August 31, 1998
Revenues. Revenues from network services for the 1999 Fiscal Year were
Cdn$6,607,915, compared to Cdn$6,727,889 for our fiscal year ended August 31,
1998 (the "1998 Fiscal Year"), a decrease of Cdn$119,974 or 1.8%. These revenues
are relatively constant between years due to the number of hospitality sites
remaining at the same level between the 1999 and 1998 fiscal years.
Revenues from event programming for the 1999 Fiscal Year were Cdn$527,740,
compared to Cdn$602,571 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$74,831 or
12.4%. The decrease was due to a decreased number of corporate events hosted,
both in Canada and abroad, in 1999 when compared to the number of events hosted
in 1998.
Revenues from ad sponsorship were Cdn$308,602 for the 1999 Fiscal Year,
compared to Cdn$442,424 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$133,822 or
30.2%. The decrease was the result of a decrease in the number and size of
corporate sponsors over the level experienced
46
in the previous period.
Revenues from video and software sales were Cdn$4,630,931 for the 1999
Fiscal Year, compared to Cdn$5,456,738 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease of
Cdn$825,807 or 15.1%. Of these revenues, Cdn$596,951 was earned by Interlynx, as
compared to Cdn$1,367,430 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$770,479 or
56.3%. The sale of Interlynx's subsidiary, Universal Content and a change in the
focus of Interlynx away from CD-ROM's to PROFIS have resulted in the decrease.
Revenues from video and software sales earned by our Magic Lantern subsidiary
and its subsidiaries for the 1999 Fiscal Year were Cdn$4,033,980, a decrease of
Cdn$55,328 or 1.4% from the Cdn$4,089,308 earned in the 1998 Fiscal Year.
Decreased levels of funding by all levels of government have resulted in tighter
budget constraints placed upon educational bodies, and as a result, sales of
educational material have fallen.
Revenues from video dubbing were Cdn$691,156, a decrease of Cdn$55,982 or
7.5% over the Cdn$747,138 earned in the 1998 Fiscal Year. The decrease can be
attributed to a loss of the local customer base due to our Magic Lantern
subsidiary and its subsidiaries move in late fiscal 1998.
Revenues from digital encoding were Cdn$462,742 for 1999 Fiscal Year
compared to Cdn$217,930 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$244,812 or
112.3%. The increase can be attributed to increased demand for digital services
and the increased sales and marketing campaigns.
Other revenues, which consist primarily of revenue from internet services
and interest income, were Cdn$191,556, compared to Cdn$577,282 for the 1998
Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$385,726 or 66.8%. Interest income decreased due
to the decrease in short-term investments during the year. We are no longer
performing the services for which the revenue from internet services was earned.
The revenue was no longer consistent with our focus and strategy.
As a result of the foregoing, our total revenues in aggregate were
Cdn$13,420,642, compared to Cdn$14,771,972 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease
of Cdn$1,351,330 or 9.1%.
Cost of Sales. Cost of Sales for network services for the 1999 Fiscal Year
were Cdn$2,353,705, compared to Cdn$2,486,873 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, a
decrease of Cdn$133,168 or 5.4%. The number of hospitality sites outstanding in
1999 compared to the number outstanding in 1998 was constant. Since the amount
we are billed by Communications is a direct function of the number of sites
outstanding, the above-noted decrease results from a stronger Canadian dollar in
the 1999 Fiscal year. As a percentage of our total revenues, such costs increase
to 17.5% for the 1999 Fiscal Year from 16.8% for the 1998 Fiscal Year.
Event programming costs were Cdn$24,650, compared to Cdn$26,683 for the
1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$2,033 or 7.6%. The decrease was commensurate
with the decrease in the number events hosted in event programming revenues for
the reasons discussed above. As a percentage of our total revenues, such costs
remained constant at 0.2% for the 1999 Fiscal Year as compared to the 1998
Fiscal Year.
47
Advertising sponsorship costs were Cdn$61,255, compared to Cdn$32,517 for
the 1998 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$28,738 or 88.4%. The increase was the
result of increased marketing campaigns and a greater use of advertising
agencies during the 1999 Fiscal Year.
Video and software costs in aggregate were Cdn$1,990,741 compared to
Cdn$2,212,985 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$222,244 or 10.0%. Of
these costs, Cdn$281,115 was incurred by Interlynx, compared to Cdn$484,639 for
the 1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$203,524 or 42.0%. The decrease
corresponds to the decrease in revenue discussed above. Costs attributable to
video and software sales of our Magic Lantern subsidiary and its subsidiaries
for the 1998 Fiscal Year were Cdn$1,709,626, a decrease of Cdn$18,720, or 1.1%,
over the Cdn$1,728,346 incurred in the 1998 Fiscal Year. The decrease
corresponds to the decrease in revenue as discussed above. As a percentage of
our total revenues, these costs have fallen to 14.8% in the 1999 Fiscal Year
from 15.0% in the 1998 Fiscal Year, with the decrease in costs of Interlynx,
accounting for 91.6% of the decrease.
Video dubbing costs were Cdn$353,983. These costs have decreased by
Cdn$266,659, or 43.0%, over the Cdn$620,642 incurred in the 1998 Fiscal Year.
The decrease also can be attributed to the decrease in customer base and more
efficient operations since the acquisition of Image Media Ltd.
Digital encoding cost were Cdn$11,738 for the 1999 Fiscal Year compared to
Cdn$8,441 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$3,297 or 39.1%. The
increase is associated with the increased level of sales.
Other costs, were Cdn$359,811, compared to Cdn$127,100 for the 1998 Fiscal
Year, an increase of Cdn$232,711 or 183.1%. As a percentage of our total
revenues, such costs increased to 2.7% for the 1999 Fiscal Year from 0.9% for
the 1998 Fiscal Year. The increase relates primarily to Viewer Services, which
became a wholly-owned subsidiary on June 16, 1999.
As a result of the foregoing, our total cost of sales was Cdn$5,155,883,
compared to Cdn$5,515,241 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$359,358 or
6.5%. Total gross margins decreased to 61.6% in the 1999 Fiscal Year from 62.7%
in the 1998 Fiscal Year.
Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the 1999 Fiscal
Year were Cdn$7,572,771, compared to Cdn$6,591,941 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, an
increase of Cdn$980,830 or 14.9%. The increase was caused by the following
factors. Firstly, the purchase of the remaining 50% of Viewer Services. In prior
years, Viewer Services was accounted for on the equity basis; for the Fiscal
Year 1999, Viewer Services was consolidated as a wholly owned subsidiary
resulting in an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of
Cdn$422,520 or 43.1% of the increase. Secondly, professional fees have increased
as a result of consultants aiding in the developing of Sonoptic's business plan
and Networks North's strategic planning. Thirdly, property taxes increased as a
result of the City of Toronto, retroactively restating property taxes. Fourthly,
salaries and benefits have risen due to both annual increases and additional
staffing requirements. Finally, cost associated with the purchase of the
remaining 49% of Interlynx also contributed to the increase. As a percentage of
our total revenues, total selling, general and administrative expenses increased
to 56.4% for the 1999 Fiscal Year from
48
44.6% for the 1998 Fiscal Year.
Bad debts expense was Cdn$136,888, compared to Cdn$43,123 for the 1998
Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$93,765 or 217.4%. The increase resulted from an
increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts. As a percentage of our total
revenues, such costs increased to 1.0% for the 1999 Fiscal Year from 0.3% for
the 1998 Fiscal Year.
Interest and bank charges for the 1999 Fiscal Year were Cdn$98,440,
compared to Cdn$137,942 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease of Cdn$39,502 or
28.6%. The decrease was the result of decreased debt levels. As a percentage of
our total revenues, such costs decreased to 0.7% for the 1999 Fiscal Year from
0.9% for the 1998 Fiscal Year.
Depreciation and amortization for the 1999 Fiscal Year were Cdn$1,429,219,
compared to Cdn$1,310,689 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, an increase of Cdn$118,530
or 9.0%. This increase is the result of depreciation on the capital asset
additions in 1999. As a percentage of our total revenues, such costs increased
to 10.6% for the 1999 Fiscal Year from 8.9% for the 1998 Fiscal Year.
Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes was Cdn$150,000 for the 1999
Fiscal Year, compared to Cdn$419,084 for the 1998 Fiscal Year, a decrease of
Cdn$269,084 or 64.2%. The provision for taxes is lower in 1999 when compared to
the 1998 provision due to a lower level of taxable income experienced in 1999.
Net Income/Loss. As a result of all of the above, our net loss for the
1999 Fiscal Year was Cdn$971,497, compared to net income Cdn$618,065 for the
1998 Fiscal Year, a change of Cdn$1,589,562. This represents a decrease in net
income as a percentage of total revenues to (7.2%) in the 1999 Fiscal Year from
4.2% in the 1998 Fiscal Year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At August 31, 2000, we had working capital of Cdn$2,421,670 a decrease of
Cdn$1,615,390 from working capital of Cdn$4,037,060 at August 31,1999.
For the 2000 Fiscal Year, we had a net cash outflow of Cdn$662,509, versus
a cash inflow of Cdn$1,017,007 for the 1999 Fiscal Year. The net cash out flow
for the 1998 Fiscal Year was Cdn$1,420,682. The decrease in net cash flow for
the 2000 Fiscal Year was primarily due to cash used in investing activities.
Cash provided by operating activities for the 2000 Fiscal Year was
Cdn$288,031. The major factors contributing to the cash provided from operations
for the 2000 Fiscal Year include: net income before depreciation and
amortization of Cdn$361,479; increases in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities, accounts receivable, income taxes and other receivables and other
assets of Cdn$692,237, Cdn$619,676, Cdn$174,023 and Cdn$202,799 respectively.
The major factors
49
contributing to the cash provided from operations for the 1999 Fiscal Year
include: net income before depreciation and amortization of Cdn$457,722;cash
provided from the conversion of short-term investments to cash of Cdn$1,780,407;
cash used to reduce accounts payable and accrued liabilities of Cdn$701,392.
Cash provided by operating activities for the 1998 Fiscal Year was Cdn$475,343.
The major factor contributing to the cash provided by operations during the 1998
Fiscal Year was net income before depreciation and amortization of Cdn$1,928,754
reduced by the use of cash resulting from the increase in accounts receivable of
Cdn$1,034,931, which resulted from increased sales levels in 1998 and the
purchase of the assets of Image Media.
Cash used in investing activities in the 2000 Fiscal Year was
Cdn$1,162,146. This amount resulted from the purchase of property and equipment
by our GalaVu subsidiary, NTN IN and our Magic Lantern subsidiary. Cash used in
investing activities in the 1999 Fiscal Year was Cdn$753,318. This amount
resulted primarily from the purchase of property and equipment totaling
Cdn$601,633 and the development of software totaling Cdn$250,000. Cash used in
investing activities in the 1998 Fiscal Year was Cdn$2,454,791. This amount was
primarily made up of purchases of property and equipment (including the purchase
of the property, building and leasehold improvements therein, located at 10
Meteor Drive), totaling Cdn$2,012,543, an increase in licenses due to the
payment of Cdn$78,401 to Players Network Inc. for the right to be the exclusive
Canadian distributor of its products for a 10-year period, and the purchase of
Interlynx, which totaled Cdn$380,001.
Cash provided by financing in the 2000 Fiscal Year were Cdn$211,606. This
mainly resulted from the proceeds on the exercise of options to purchase shares
of Cdn$281,134 and the repayment of notes and loans payable of Cdn$67,436. Cash
provided by financing in the 1999 Fiscal Year was Cdn$19,332 resulting from
increased bank debt. Cash provided by financing activities in the 1998 Fiscal
Year totaled Cdn$558,766. This mainly resulted from proceeds on the exercise of
options to purchase common shares of Cdn$101,465, and the acquisition of a
long-term operating loan from the Royal Bank of Canada of Cdn$1,309,246. The
loan was used to retire and refinance short-term debt, as reflected in the
decrease of bank indebtedness of Cdn$577,982, and finance the purchase of
long-term assets.
We believe that our working capital position provides the required
liquidity on both a short and long term basis and that we will not require
external financing for our operating activities during the 2001 Fiscal Year,
based upon our present plans for the 2001 Fiscal Year. However, any changes in
such plans may require us to seek outside financing. No arrangements are
presently in place for outside financing should the need arise.
The rate of inflation has had little impact on our operations or financial
position during the three fiscal years ended August 31, 2000, and inflation is
not expected to have a significant impact on our operations or financial
position during the 2001 Fiscal Year.
We pay a number of our suppliers, including its licensor and principal
supplier, Communications, in US dollars. Therefore, fluctuations in the value of
the Canadian dollar against the US dollar will have an impact on gross profit as
well as our net income. If the value of the Canadian dollar falls against the US
dollar, the cost of sales will increase thereby reducing our gross profit and
net income. Conversely, if the value of the Canadian dollar rises
50
against the US dollar, gross profit and net income will increase.
Highlights of the Three Months Ended November 30, 2000
During the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter, we completed the purchase of certain
assets and shares from Chell.com and Cameron Chell. In addition Magic completed
the purchase of assets from Richard Wolff Enterprises, Inc., which we refer to
as RWE, effective September 1, 2000. On October 3, 2000, we closed the sale of
US$3,000,000 of a Convertible 10% Debenture to the VC Advantage Limited
Partnership. To date US$1,400,000 has been advanced.
Results of Operations for the Three Months ended November 30, 2000
Our total revenues for the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter were $5,002,865,
compared to $5,535,596 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, a decrease of $532,731
or 9.6%.
Revenues from network services for the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter were
$1,626,071, compared to $1,598,024 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, an
increase of $28,047 or 1.8%. These revenues are relatively constant between
years due to the number of Hospitality sites remaining at approximately the same
level between the 2001 and 2000 First Fiscal Quarters.
Revenues from Pay-tv for the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter were $1,785,106
compared to $1,836,700 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, a decrease of $51,594
or 2.8%. This decrease can be attributed to fewer popular movies available in
the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter than in the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter.
Revenues from event programming for the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter were
$61,207, compared to $100,700 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, a decrease of
$39,493 or 39.2%. The decrease was due to a decreased number of corporate events
hosted in the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter when compared to the number of events
hosted in 2000 First Fiscal Quarter.
Revenues from ad sponsorship were $58,845 for the 2001 First Fiscal
Quarter, compared to $195,810 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, a decrease of
136,965 or 69.9%. The decrease was the result of a decrease in the number and
size of corporate sponsors over the level experienced in the previous period.
Revenues from video and software sales for the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter
were $1,055,879, compared to $1,438,879 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, a
decrease of $383,000 or 26.6%. In the First Fiscal Quarter of 2000, a one time
large sale of $294,600 was recorded that resulted in abnormally high revenue
when compared to 2001 First Fiscal Quarter.
Revenues from video dubbing were $159,975 for the 2001 First Fiscal
Quarter compared to $219,491 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, a decrease of
$59,516 or 27.1%. This decrease can be attributed to management's decision to
reduce efforts on attracting 3rd party revenue and to concentrate on internal
production.
51
Revenues from digital encoding were $228,609 for the 2001 First Fiscal
Quarter, compared to $102,547 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, an increase of
$126,062 or 122.9%. The increase can be attributed to increased demand for
digital services and the greater sales effort in this area.
Total cost of sales for the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter were $1,754,618,
compared to $1,807,190 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, a decrease of $52,572
or 2.9%. The decrease is commensurate with the decreased sales levels
experienced offset by increased cable costs in the Pay-tv segment. As a
percentage of revenues, cost of sales increased in the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter
to 35.1% from 32.6% in the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter.
Total selling, general and administrative expenses for the 2001
FirstFiscal Quarter were $5,195,065, compared to $2,587,398 for the 2000 First
Fiscal Quarter, an increase of $2,607,667 or 100.8%. The increase was caused
mainly by the addition of the ASP Services segment, which accounted for an
increase of $2,691,020. As a percentage of the Company's total revenues, such
expenses increased to 103.8% for the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter from 46.7% for
the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter.
During the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter, our Merchant Capital Group
subsidiary vacated certain leased space and as a result the Company wrote off
the net book value of the related leasehold improvements in the amount of
$355,560. There were no similar transactions in the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter.
Interest and bank charges for the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter were $92,455,
compared to $80,179 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, an increase of $12,276 or
15.3%. This increase results from an increase in debt related to the purchase of
the RWE assets and the sale of the convertible debenture. As a percentage of our
total revenues, interest and bank charges increased to 1.8% for the 2001 First
Fiscal Quarter from 1.4% for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter.
Total depreciation and amortization expense for the 2001 First Fiscal
Quarter was $850,677, compared to $499,477 for the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter, an
increase of $351,200 or 70.3%. This increase is primarily the result of
depreciation on the fixed assets acquired from RWE and Chell.com Ltd.
There was no provision of income taxes recorded in the 2001 First Fiscal
Quarter compared with a provision for income taxes of $298,458 for the 2000
First Fiscal Quarter. As the tax provision is based upon the individual
company's taxable income, no provision was incurred as the companies are not in
a taxable position.
The minority interest share in profit for the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter
was $10,180. This is compared to the minority interest share in losses for the
2000 First Fiscal Quarter of $4,253, an overall change of $14,433. This change
results from profitable operations in Sonoptic Technologies Inc., in which there
is a 25% minority interest.
As a result of all of the above, the net loss for the 2001 First Fiscal
Quarter was $3,290,569, compared to net income of $262,607 for the 2000 First
Fiscal Quarter, a decrease of $3,553,176. The 2001 First Fiscal Quarter loss
resulted primarily from the addition of ourMerchant Capital Group subsidiary and
our Chell.com subsidiary to us and our activities including the provision
52
of services to developing ASP companies in which we have invested.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At November 30, 2000, we had working capital of $1,243,046, a decrease of
$1,178,624 from working capital of $2,421,670 at August 31, 2000.
For the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter, we had a net decrease of cash of
$156,525 compared to a net decrease of $1,444,692 in the 2000 First Fiscal
Quarter.
Cash used in operating activities for the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter was
$1,106,516, compared to $1,079,902 used in operating activities in the 2000
First Fiscal Quarter. In 2001, the major items that contributed to cash being
used in operating activities were as follows: the net loss with non-cash
expenses added back of $1,678,774 and the increase in income taxes receivable of
$77,415. The major items that contributed to cash being provided by operating
activities were as follows: the decrease in accounts receivable of $156,408,
decreases in prepaid expenses of $126,095 and increases in accounts payable and
accrued liabilities of $349,797. In 2000, the major items that contributed to
cash being provided by operating activities were as follows: net income with
non-cash expenses added back of $805,353, decreases in income taxes receivable
and inventory of $157,464 and $13,441 respectively, and increases in accounts
payable and accrued liabilities and income taxes payable of $685,912 and
$133,542 respectively. The major uses of operating funds included increases in
accounts receivable and prepaid expenses of $2,626,013 and $248,728
respectively.
Cash used in investing activities in the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter was
$1,353,356 compared to the $374,757 used in investing activities in the 2000
First Fiscal Quarter, an increase of $978,599. This increase was the result of
additions to property and equipment and the deposit of $614,400 on the purchase
of shares in ApplicationStation.com, Inc.
Cash provided by financing activities in the 2001 First Fiscal Quarter was
$2,303,347, compared to the $9,967 provided in the 2000 First Fiscal Quarter.
The increase is primarily due to the sale of the convertible debenture.
Inflation
The rate of inflation has had little impact on our operations or financial
position during the three months ended November 30, 2000 and 1999 and inflation
is not expected to have a significant impact on our operations or financial
position during the 2001 Fiscal Year.
We pay a number of our suppliers, including our licensor and principal supplier,
NTN Communications, Inc., in US dollars. Therefore, fluctuations in the value of
the Canadian dollar
53
against the US dollar will have an impact on our gross profit as well as its net
income. If the value of the Canadian dollar falls against the US dollar, the
cost of our sales will increase thereby reducing its gross profit and net
income. Conversely, if the value of the Canadian dollar rises against the US
dollar, its gross profit and net income will increase.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosures
On October 12, 2000, Ernst & Young LLP ("E&Y"), the independent
accountants of Chell Group Corporation resigned as our certifying accountants.
The facts and circumstances that relate to E&Y's resignation, as far as
they are known to us, are as follows:
E&Y had served as our certifying accountants since 1995. E&Y had orally
informed us that pursuant to E&Y's internal rules, E&Y would be resigning as our
certifying accountant since it was unwilling and therefore unable to rely upon
the representations of Mr. Cameron Chell, our President and Chief Executive
Officer, due to the existence of a Settlement Agreement dated November 6, 1998,
between Cameron Chell, and the Alberta Stock Exchange (the "Settlement
Agreement"). On April 3, 2000, our Board of Directors had appointed Mr. Chell as
a director and elected him as their Chair. On April 3, 2000, Chell.com. Ltd., a
corporation wholly-owned by Mr. Chell, had purchased approximately 16% of our
issued and outstanding common stock; and on April 7, 2000, we had advised E&Y of
the existence of the Settlement Agreement. In connection with the Settlement
Agreement, Mr. Chell had acknowledged the existence of certain facts that
occurred during 1996 and 1997 while Mr. Chell was a registered representative in
Alberta, Canada, licensed by the Alberta Securities Commission, and he had
agreed to certain restrictions imposed by the Alberta Stock Exchange and to pay
a CN$25,000 civil fine.
E&Y's reports on our financial statements as at August 31, 1999 and for
the two years then ended. did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of
opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or
accounting principles for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1999 and the
subsequent interim period preceding E&Y's resignation and we had no disagreement
with E&Y on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.
On November 1, 2000, our Board of Directors ratified the engagement of
Lazar Levine & Felix LLP as our auditors for the year ending August 31, 2000.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
N/A
54
Directors and Executive Officers
Director
Name Age Principal Positions with the Company Since
- ---- --- ------------------------------------ -----
Cameron Chell 32 Director, President and Chief
Executive Officer 2000
Don Pagnutti 50 Director, Vice President-Finance,
Chief Financial Officer 2000
Frank Killoran 42 Chairman 2000
Peter Rona 54 Director 1987
David Bolink 32 Director 2000
Gordon Herman 42 Director 2000
Adrian P. Towning 56 Director 1994
Robert Stone 57 Director 2000
Mark Truman 46 Secretary N/A
Cameron Chell is our President and Chief Executive Officer and is the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chell.com Ltd. Mr. Chell is a founder of
the ASP Consortium and FutureLink Corp. ("FutureLink"), a company listed on
NASDAQ under the trading symbol "FTRL". He served as FutureLink's President, CEO
and Chairman from 1997 to 1999. Mr. Chell is also a Director and Shareholder of
VC Advantage Limited, the general partner of VC Advantage Fund Limited
Partnership. Mr. Chell is the Vice Chairman and founder of C MeRun Corp. and is
a cofounder of JAWS Technologies Inc., a company listed on NASDAQ under the
trading symbol "JAWZ" and a provider of information security consulting services
and software solutions. Mr. Chell is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Engyro and cDemo. Previously, Mr. Chell worked in corporate finance in the
private sector. Mr. Chell worked as a stockbroker at McDermid St. Lawrence
Securities Ltd. from 1994 to 1997. On November 6, 1998, Mr. Chell entered into a
Settlement Agreement with the Alberta Stock Exchange to resolve a pending
investigation into alleged breaches by Mr. Chell of Alberta Stock Exchange rules
and bylaws. As part of the Settlement Agreement, (i) Mr. Chell acknowledged that
he had breached certain duties of supervision, disclosure, or compliance in
connection with various offers and sales of securities and (ii) Mr. Chell was
prohibited from receiving Alberta Stock Exchange approval for a five year
period, subjected to a CDN$25,000 fine and a three year period of enhanced
supervision.
Don Pagnutti was appointed our Vice President, Finance on September 19,
2000. Mr. Pagnutti has been our Chief Financial Officer since September 1998,
and was our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from September
1997 to September 2000. From 1996 to 1997, he worked for Sullivan Entertainment
Inc., as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From 1980 to
1996, he worked for Telemedia Communications Ltd., a large Canadian media
company as Vice President, Radio. Mr. Pagnutti is a Chartered Accountant and has
a Masters Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree
from the University of Toronto.
Peter Rona had been our President and Chief Executive Officer from
September 1987 until
55
September 2000. In addition, he was our Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer from September 1987 to August 1997. He has been President of NTN
Interactive Network, Inc. (formerly, NTN Sports, Inc. until 1993) from 1985 to
1991 and February 1993 to September 1999. Mr. Rona has also been the President,
sole director and sole shareholder of Anor Management, Ltd., a personal holding
company, since 1987.
Frank Killoran was our Chairman, as well as, President and Chief Operating
Officer, since March 1997, of National Process Equipment, a Canadian distributor
of industrial pumps and compressors. Mr. Killoran was also the President of
Chell.com Ltd. from June to September 2000. From June 1993 to January 1998, Mr.
Killoran served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Taro Industries
Ltd., a Canadian oil and gas services company listed on the Toronto Stock
Exchange. Prior thereto, Mr. Killoran was a partner at Coopers and Lybrand where
he worked from May 1981 until May 1993.
David Bolink was a Managing Director of Chell Merchant Capital Group from
September 2000 to January 19, 2001 and served as Chell.com. Ltd.'s first
President from December 1999 to July 2000. Mr. Bolink served as Director of
Business Management of FutureLink Distribution Corp., an application service
provider and a provider of server-based computing services, from May 1998 to
December 1999. Mr. Bolink also served as Business Manager of Edmonton Society
for Christian Education from May 1996 to May 1998. From February 1989 to May
1996, Mr. Bolink served as Asset Manager of Wilson Holdings, a property and
financial management company.
Gordon Herman was a Senior Managing Director of Chell Merchant Capital
Group from September 2000 to January 19, 2001. Mr. Herman is currently the
Chairman/President of Madison Companies Ltd., a company listed on the Canadian
Venture Exchange Inc., which focuses on acquiring small to medium sized
facilities management companies since 1997. From 1992 to 1998, Mr. Herman was
the President/owner of Harding Hall & Graburne Insurance Inc., a property and
casualty insurance broker. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Herman was the Vice President,
Western Canada - Acquisitions, at Equisure Financial Network, an insurance
broker network trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. From 1988 to 1992, Mr.
Herman was the President of General Electric Capital Canada Leasing Inc.,
Canadian Operations (Canadian Subsidiary of General Electric).
Adrian Towning is a private, independent investor in several companies
involved in the communications industry. As a result of his investments, he has
served as a director of some of these companies, including Medical
Communications Corporation, which we refer to as MCC, from 1994 to July 1996. On
May 14, 1996, MCC filed a petition under Chapter 7 of the United States
Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Court appointed a Trustee of MCC on July 11,
1996. On July 16, 1996, MCC was dissolved. From 1983 to 1989, he established and
managed Anglo-Massachusetts Investments Incorporated, with offices in Boston and
London, which was involved in providing financial advice to Europeans.
Robert Stone graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science from the
University of Toronto in 1964. From 1973 until 1997 Mr. Stone served in various
capacities with Cominco Ltd., a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange,
which we refer to as TSE, and the
56
American Stock Exchange, which we refer to as AMEX, under the trading symbol
"CLT", being the Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of that
company from 1980 until 1997. From 1969 until 1973 Mr. Stone was the Director of
Finance of Great Northern Capital Corporation. From 1964 until 1969 Mr. Stone
worked with Clackson Gordon, Chartered Accountants, receiving his Chartered
Accountant designation in 1967. Mr. Stone currently serves as a director of a
number of companies including: Boliden Limited, a company listed on the TSE
under the trading symbol "BOL"; Golden Star Resources Ltd., a company listed on
the TSE under the trading symbol "GSC" and listed on AMEX under the trading
symbol "GSR"; Mainsborne Communications International Inc.; Manhatten Minerals
Corp., a company listed on the TSE under the trading symbol "MAN"; Mr. Stone is
also a former director of Agrium Inc., a company listed on the New York Stock
Exchange and the TSE under the trading symbol "AGU"; Cominco Ltd.; Global Stone
Corporation; Pine Point Mines Ltd.; TVI Pacific Inc., a company listed on the
TSE and Canadian Venture Exchange Inc. under the trading symbol "TVI"; and
United Bolero Development Corp., a company listed on the Canadian Venture
Exchange Inc. under the trading symbol "UNB"; Union Bank of Switzerland and West
Kootenay Power & Light Company.
Mark Truman has been our Controller since December of 1994.
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation
paid or accrued by us during the three years ended August 31, 2000 to those
individuals who served as our Chief Executive Officer during the 2000 Fiscal
Year and all our other executive officers or any of our subsidiaries at August
31, 2000 who received total annual salary and bonuses in excess of US$100,000
(Cdn$147,140) during the 2000 Fiscal Year (collectively, the "Named Executive
Officers").
Long-term
Annual Compensation Compensation
-------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Bonus Other Annual Securities Under All Other
Salary(1) ------------- Compensation(1) Options/Granted Compensation
Name and Principal Position Year (Cdn$) (Cdn$) ($) (#) ($)
- ------------------------------- ------------ ----------------- ------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------
Peter Rona 2000 192,334 -- -- 100,000 --
President and Chief 1999 167,665 30,755 -- 30,000 --
Executive Officer(2) 1998 168,426 32,963 -- 40,000 --
Donald Pagnutti (3) 2000 156,249 -- -- 22,500 --
Vice-President, Finance
and Chief Financial Officer
Notes:
(1) Perquisites and other personal benefits received in 1998, 1999 and
2000 did not exceed the lesser of US$50,000 and 10% of the total annual
salary and bonuses for any of the Named Executive Officers.
57
(2) Mr. Rona was our President and Chief Executive Officer from September
1, 1987 until September 19, 2000.
(3) Mr. Pagnutti's title was changed to Vice President Finance and Chief
Financial Officer on September 19, 2000.
During the three year period ended August 31, 2000, we did not grant any
restricted stock awards or stock appreciation rights. Additionally, all of our
group life, health, hospitalization, medical reimbursement or relocation plans,
if any, do not discriminate in scope, terms or operation, in favor of the Named
Executive Officers and are generally available to all salaried employees.
Further, no Named Executive Officer received, in any of the periods specified in
the Summary Compensation Table, perquisites and other personal benefits,
securities or property in an aggregate amount in excess of the lesser of $50,000
or 10% of the total salary and bonus reported for the Named Executive Officer in
the fiscal year in which such benefits were received, and no single type of
perquisite or other personal benefits exceeded 25% of the total perquisites and
other benefits reported for the Named Executive Officer in the applicable fiscal
year.
Option Grants Table
The following table sets forth (a) the number of shares underlying options
granted to each Named Executive Officer during the 2000 Fiscal Year, (b) the
percentage the grant represents of the total number of options granted to all of
our employees during the 2000 Fiscal Year, (c) the per share exercise price of
each option, (d) the expiration date of each option, and (e) the potential
realized value of each option based on: (i) the assumption of a five (5%)
percent annualized compounded appreciation of the market price of the Common
Stock from the date of the grant of the subject option to the end of the option
term, and (ii) the assumption of a ten (10%) percent annualized compounded
appreciation of the market price of the Common Stock from the date of the grant
of the subject option to the end of the option term.
Number of Percentage of Potential Realizable Value at
Shares Total Options Assumed Rates of Stock Price
Underlying Granted to Appreciation for Option Term
Options Employees in Exercise Expiration -----------------------------
Name Granted Fiscal Year Price Date 5% 10%
- ---- ------- ----------- ----- ---- -- ---
Peter Rona 75,000 9.7% US$2.00 October 14, 2004 US$41,442 US$91,577
President and 25,000 3.2% US$4.375 April 3, 2005 US$30,218 US$176,150
CEO(1)
Donald Pagnutti (2) 22,500 2.9% US$9.75 August 11, 2004 US$47,277 US$101,812
Vice-President,
Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
Notes:
(1) Mr. Rona was our President and Chief Executive Officer from September
1, 1987 until September 19, 2000.
(2) Mr. Pagnutti's title was changed to Vice President Finance and Chief
Financial Officer on September 19, 2000.
58
Options Exercised and Remaining Outstanding
Set forth in the table below is information, with respect to each of the
Named Executive Officers, as to the (a) number of shares acquired during the
2000 Fiscal Year upon each exercise of options granted to such individuals, (b)
the aggregate value realized upon each such exercise (i.e., the difference
between the market value of the shares at exercise and their exercise price),
(iii) the total number of unexercised options held on August 31, 2000,
separately identified between those exercisable and those not exercisable, and
(iv) the aggregate value of in-the-money, unexercised options held on August 31,
2000, separately identified between those exercisable and those not exercisable.
Securities Aggregate Value of Unexercised in the
Acquired on Value Unexercised Options at Money Options at August 31,
Exercise Realized August 31, 2000 2000
(#) ($) (#) ($)
------------ ------------ --------------------------- ----------------------------------
Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable(1) Unexercisable(1)
----------- ------------- -------------- ----------------
Peter Rona Nil Nil 135,000 97,500(2) US$445,625 US$438,750
Donald Pagnutti Nil Nil 18,750 33,750 US$69,375 US$50,625
Note:
(1) The value of the unexercised "in-the-money" options has been determined by
subtracting the exercise price of the options from the closing Common Share
price of US$6.50 on August 31, 2000, and multiplying by the number of Common
Shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of the options.
(2) As at September 19, 2000, these options vested and were exercisable.
Compensation of Directors
Prior to September 8, 2000, each director, not otherwise our full time
employee, was eligible to receive $500 for each meeting of the Board of
Directors or committee thereof which they attended, along with the reimbursement
of their reasonable expenses incurred on our behalf. In addition, each director,
not otherwise our full time employee was eligible to receive 1,500 stock options
annually. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2000, 45,000 options were
issued to Adrian Towning at a strike price of US$9.75 on August 11, 2000. The
vesting schedule for these options are one-third per year on each anniversary of
the grant date. On December 11, 2000, 45,000 options were issued to Robert Stone
at a strike price of US$3.06. The vesting schedule for these options are
one-third per year on each anniversary of the grant date. See "Stock Options".
As of December 11, 2000, the Board of Directors formally adopted a
standard arrangement pursuant to which only our outside directors are
compensated by us for their services in their capacity as directors. This
compensation arrangement is retroactive to September 19, 2000 (the date of the
closing of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale between Networks North Inc.,
Networks North Acquisition Corp., Chell.com Ltd. and Cameron Chell).
59
Outside Director's Compensation Schedule Cash Options
(US$)
1. Directorship Acceptance Options (one time 45,000
grant with a 3 year vesting schedule)
2. Annual Retainer-Chairman 20,000 10,000
3. Annual Retainer-Director 6,000
4. Annual Retainer-Committee Member (over 3,000
and above directorship retainer)
5. Annual Retainer-Committee Chair (over and 2,000
above directorship retainer and committee retainer)
6. Board Meeting Attendance Fee 750/mtg.
7. Committee Attendence Fee 500/mtg
Mr. Killoran has elected not to claim his Annual Retainer and Options for
the 2001 Fiscal Year.
Employment Contracts with Named Executive Officers
We entered a new employment agreement, which we refer to as the Rona
Agreement, with Peter Rona, our President and Chief Executive Officer, for a
three-year period commencing April 1, 2000 and continuing until March 1, 2003.
The Rona Agreement provide for a base compensation of $225,000 with annual
increases to be subject to review by the Board of Directors. In September 2000,
we entered into an agreement with Mr. Rona to terminate the Rona Agreement which
we refer to as the Termination Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the
Termination Agreement, we paid Mr. Rona $643,250 and all options then held by
Mr. Rona vested immediately. In addition, the Termination Agreement provided
that Mr. Rona shall exercise all options, repay his loan of US$70,000 and agree
not to sell any of his Common Shares without first consulting with our Chairman,
President or Chief Executive Officer.
In November 1999, we renewed Donald Pagnutti's employment agreement
originally dated August 15, 1997, pursuant to which Mr. Pagnutti serves as our
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
Effective September 19, 2000, Mr. Pagnutti's title was changed to Vice
President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. The agreement provides for an
initial base compensation of $160,000 with annual reviews, together with
automobile expenses of $9,000. In addition to the fixed remuneration, we shall
pay Mr. Pagnutti a bonus at the end of each year of the term in the event that
during the said year our actual net income before taxes as audited using the
generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis consistent with
those previous years, equaled or exceeded our projected net income before taxes
as determined by our Board of Directors at the commencement of the said year.
The agreement further provided that we grant to Mr. Pagnutti options to purchase
a minimum of 15,000 of our Common Shares.
On September 19, 2000, we entered into an employment agreement with
Cameron Chell, pursuant to which Mr. Chell serves as our President and Chief
Executive Officer. The agreement provides for an initial base compensation of
$360,000, together with automobile expenses of $8400. In addition to the fixed
remuneration, we shall provide Mr. Chell with the services of an Executive
Assistant on an ongoing basis and an Accountant for a reasonable period of time
to allow for the completion of outstanding accounting work related to existing
companies in which Mr. Chell is involved. It was the understanding of the
parties that this agreement was to be replaced by a definitive employment
agreement before October 10, 2000, however, such
60
agreement has not been entered into at this time. Since the signing of this
agreement, Mr. Chell has eliminated both his salary and automobile allowance in
an effort to reduce our cash requirements. These were eliminated with the
understanding that the compensation of Mr. Chell will be mutually agreed upon
between the parties.
On September 19, 2000, we entered into an employment agreement with Gord
Herman, pursuant to which Mr. Herman served as our Senior Managing Director. The
agreement provided for an initial base compensation of $175,000, together with
automobile expenses of $8,400. It was the understanding of the parties that this
agreement was to be replaced by a definitive employment agreement before October
10, 2000, however, such agreement has not been entered into at this time. Since
the signing of this agreement, Mr. Herman had reduced his salary to a level of
$120,000 and has eliminated the automobile allowance in an effort to reduce our
cash requirements. These were eliminated with the understanding that the
compensation of Mr. Herman would be mutually agreed upon between the parties. On
January 19, 2001, Mr. Herman was laid off as Senior Managing Director but
remains on the board of directors.
In September 2000, our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary assumed an
employment agreement from Chell.com, which had been entered into on November 29,
1999 with David Bolink, pursuant to which Mr. Bolink served as our Merchant
Capital Group subsidiary's Managing Director and General Manager. The agreement
provided for an initial base compensation of $150,000. Since the assumption of
this agreement, Mr. Bolink had reduced his salary to $120,000 in an effort to
reduce cash requirements of our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary. This was
reduced on the understanding that the compensation of Mr. Bolink would be
mutually agreed upon between the parties. On January 19, 2001, Mr. Bolink was
laid off as Managing Director but remains on the board of directors.
We do not have any other employment agreements in effect with any other
executive employee.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Our Audit and Compensation Committees currently consist of Robert Stone
and Adrian P. Towning. Messrs. Stone and Towning are not officers or our
employees, and have not served in such capacities in the past. None of our
executive officers served as a director or member of the compensation committee
(or group performing similar functions) of another entity, one of whose
executive officers served on our Audit and Compensation Committee or as one of
our directors.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Set forth in the table below is information concerning the ownership, as
of the close of business on November 30, 2000, of the Common Stock by each
person who is known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than five (5%)
percent of the Common Stock, our directors and Named Executive Officers, and all
directors and executive officers as a group.
61
Amount and Nature of Percent of
Name and Address(1) Beneficial Ownership Class (2)
- ------------------- -------------------- ----------
Chell.com Ltd. (3) ............................ 4,992,497 59.9%
Cameron Chell (4) ............................. 6,890,724 70.3%
Frank Killoran(5) ............................. 123,476 1.5%
Peter Rona (6) ................................ 562,500 6.3%
Gordon Herman(7) .............................. 166,118 2.0%
David Bolink(8) ............................... 155,707 1.9%
Don Pagnutti (9) .............................. 22,500 0.3%
Adrian Towning (10) ........................... 9,000 0.1%
Robert Stone .................................. 0 0%
All directors and executive officers as a group
(8 persons) ......................... 7,930,025 76.5%
(1) Unless otherwise stated, the address of the directors and executive
officers of the corporation is c/o Chell Group Corporation, 14
Meteor Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 1A4.
(2) Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the
table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all
shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them. A person is
deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that may be acquired
by such person within 60 days from the date on which beneficial
ownership is to be determined, upon the exercise of options,
warrants or convertible securities. Each beneficial owner's
percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options,
warrants and convertible securities that are held by such person
(but not those held by any other person) and which are exercisable
within such 60-day period, have been exercised.
(3) Cameron Chell is the sole director and shareholder of Chell.com Ltd.
(4) Includes 4,992,497 Common Shares held by Chell.com Ltd.(taking into
consideration the option calls on the Chell.com holdings held by
Frank Killoran, Gordon Herman and David Bolink), 421,829 Common
Shares held in escrow in connection with the purchase of shares of C
Me Run Corp. and 1,476,398 Exchangeable Shares of Chell Merchant
Capital Group being held in escrow in connection with the purchase
of shares of eSupplies (Alberta) Ltd.
(5) Represents the vested portion of an option in Chell.com Ltd. held by
Mr. Killoran, for the purchase of our shares which are owned by
Chell.com Ltd.
(6) The address for Mr. Rona is 2205-39 Old Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario,
62
Canada, M8X 1G6. Includes (a) 300,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the 900,000 shares of Convertible
Preferred Stock held of record by Anor Management, Ltd., which we
refer to as Anor. Mr. Rona is the President, sole director and sole
shareholder of Anor; (b) 30,000 common shares owned by Mr. Rona; and
(c) 232,500 options to purchase our Common Stock all of which have
vested.
(7) Represents the vested portion of an option in Chell.com Ltd. held by
Mr. Herman, for the purchase of our shares which are owned by
Chell.com Ltd.
(8) Represents the vested portion of an option in Chell.com Ltd. held by
Mr. Bolink, for the purchase of our shares which are owned by
Chell.com Ltd.
(9) Represents options, which have vested and are available for
exercise.
(10) Includes 3,000 of our Common Shares and 6,000 options, which have
vested and are available for exercise.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Set forth below is a description of certain transactions between us and
our directors, executive officers, beneficial owners of five percent or more of
the outstanding Common Stock, or member of the immediate family of any of the
foregoing persons, as well as certain business relationships between us and our
directors, which occurred or existed during the 2000 Fiscal Year and subsequent
thereto.
a) Cameron Chell is Chairman of the Board and a director in each of
Engyro and cDemo. Chell.com., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cameron
Chell, holds 120,000 warrants to purchase common shares of cDemo at
$5.00 per share and 85,000 warrants to purchase Class A Voting
Shares of eSupplies at $7.00 per share and 500,000 options at $7.00.
Chell.com holds 200,000 options to purchase shares of Engyro for
$5.00 and warrants for 97,500 shares at $5.00.
b) Frank Killoran is a director and shareholder of cDemo and he and
members of his immediate family hold 264,000 common shares in such
company. He holds an option from Chell.com to acquire 370,428 of our
shares, which are held by Chell.com, at a price of $1.00 (which may
be adjusted up or downward based on certain contingencies).
c) Gordon Herman is interim President of cDemo, a consultant to
eSupplies and receives compensation therefore. He holds an option in
63
Chell.com to acquire 498,354 of our shares, which are held by
Chell.com, at a price of $1.00 (which may be adjusted up or downward
based on certain contingencies).
d) David Bolink holds an option in Chell.com to acquire 467,121 of our
shares, which are held by Chell.com, at a price of $1.00 (which may
be adjusted up or downward based on certain contingencies).
e) Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement between us, Chell
Merchant Capital Group, Cameron Chell and Chell.com Ltd., 5,369,733
of our shares were issued and 1,928,268 Exchangeable Shares of Chell
Merchant Capital Group were issued to Cameron Chell and Chell.com
Ltd. Our shares that were issued in exchange for shares of C Me Run
are currently held in escrow until such time as (i) C Me Run is
current with its SEC filings pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended; (ii) The average closing price of C Me Run's
stock is $11 for five consecutive trading days and (iii) C Me Run is
listed in good standing on either the NASD Bulletin Board or the
NASDAQ Small Cap or National Stock Market. In addition, 1,476,398 of
our shares in our wholly-owned subsidiary, Chell Merchant Capital
Group Inc., that were issued in exchange for shares of eSupplies
will be held in escrow until at such time our Board of Directors has
reviewed a new business plan and made a determination that the new
course taken by eSupplies fits with our business model and provides
similar value to us.
f) Escrow Agreement dated October 11, 2000 among us, Cameron Chell,
Chell Merchant Capital Group Inc. and Wolff Leia Huckell (as escrow
agent). The Exchangeable Shares of our Merchant Capital Group
subsidiary may be released from escrow after receiving written
notice from our board of directors that the new course of business
being taken by eSupplies including potential new acquisitions in the
e-business field, fits within our business model and provides
significant value to us. If there is no such notice from our board
of directors prior to October 12, 2001, The Exchangeable Shares of
our Merchant Capital Group subsidiary shall be cancelled and the
shares of eSupplies held by the escrow agent will be returned to Mr.
Chell. Mr. Chell is major shareholder in eSupplies.
g) Consulting Agreement between Chell.com and eSupplies (Alberta) Ltd.
dated February 8, 2000 that was assigned to us as part of the
purchase of Chell.com assets effective August 31, 2000, whereby we
provide consulting services to eSupplies for a period of 12 months
for a fee of US$720,000. Cameron Chell is a major shareholder of
eSupplies.
64
h) Consulting Agreement between Chell.com and Buyersangel.com Inc. (now
known as cDemo, Inc.) dated January 21, 2000 that was assigned to us
as part of the purchase of Chell.com assets effective August 31,
2000, whereby we provide consulting services to cDemo for a period
of 12 months for a fee of US$720,000. Cameron Chell is the Chairman
of the Board of cDemo. Mr. Killoran and Mr. Herman are directors.
i) Consulting Agreement between Chell.com and R Home Funding Company
Ltd. (now known as Engyro, Inc.) dated January 17, 2000 that was
assigned to us as part of the purchase of Chell.com assets effective
August 31, 2000 whereby we provide consulting services to Engyro for
a period of 14 months, ending on January 15, 2001, for a fee of
US$720,000. Cameron Chell is the Chairman of the Board of Engyro.
j) Consulting Agreement between Chell Group Corporation and Mainsborne
Communications International Inc. dated September 1, 2000 whereby we
provide consulting services for a term of 1 year for a fee of
US$25,000 per month. Mr. Stone is a director of Mainsborne
Communications International Inc.
k) Consulting Agreement between Chell.com Ltd. and C Me Run Corp. dated
November 15, 1999 that was assigned to us as part of the purchase of
Chell.com assets effective August 31, 2000 whereby we provide
consulting services to cMeRun for a term of 12 months for a fee of
US$720,000. Cameron Chell is C Me Run's Vice-Chairman and Frank
Killoran is a director of C Me Run.
l) License Agreement between Cameron Chell, us and Chell Merchant
Capital Group dated August 31, 2000 whereby Mr. Chell us and Chell
Merchant Capital Group have the right to use the trademarks
"Chell.com", "Chell Merchant Capital Group" and "Chell Corporation"
in exchange for the fee of $1.00 per year.
m) Securities Purchase Agreement with VC Advantage Fund, which we refer
to as VC on October 3, 2000, for up to US$3,000,000 loan to us. VC
received a Convertible Debenture, which is convertible into our
Common Stock, based upon an agreed conversion price of $3.00 per
share. As of November 30, 2000, VC had assigned its rights in this
Agreement to Canadian Advantage Limited Partnership, which we refer
to as CALP II and a total of US$1,700,000 has been advanced us.
Cameron Chell is a Director and shareholder of VC Advantage Limited,
the general partner of VC. Pursuant to the assignment of this
agreement to CALP II, this is no longer a related transaction as Mr.
Chell has no interests in CALP II.
(n) Cameron Chell, B.O.T.B. Corp and Chell.com (both companies
controlled by Mr. Chell) entered into an agreement on January 17,
2001 along with the Corporation and eSupplies (Alberta) Ltd to
purchase an interest in ApplicationStation.com in which, assuming
completion of the purchase, Mr Chell, B.O.T.B. Corp and Chell.com
will be significant shareholders along with the Coporation.
65
Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act
Liabilities
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.
No dealer, salesperson or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations other than those contained in this
Prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not
be relied upon as having been authorized by us or the Selling Shareholders.
Neither the delivery of this Prospectus, nor any sale made hereunder shall,
under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in
our affairs since the date hereof or that the information contained herein is
correct as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities
offered hereby by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation
is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is
not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or
solicitation.
66
8,670,000 Shares of
Common Stock
CHELL GROUP CORPORATION
f/k/a Networks North, Inc.
PROSPECTUS
February 15, 2001
PART II -- INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
67
Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
Expenses payable in connection with the issuance and distribution of the
securities being registered (estimated except in the case of the registration
fee) are as follows:
Registration Fee $4,335.00
Legal and Accounting
Fees and Expenses 90,000.00*
Miscellaneous 5,665.00*
-----------
TOTAL $100,000.00
The above fees will be paid by us.
* Estimate
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Article Tenth of our Amended Certificate of Incorporation provides for the
elimination of personal liabilities of directors of the registrant for breaches
of certain of their fiduciary duties to the full extent permitted by Sections
717 and 719 of the New York Business Corporation Law ("BCL"). Specifically, it
states that no director of the Registrant shall be personally liable to the
corporation or any of its shareholders for damages of any breach of duty in any
such capacity except if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to them
establishes that their acts or omissions were in bad faith or involved
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law, or that they
personally gained in fact a financial profit or other advantage to which they
were not legally entitled or that their acts violated Section 719 of the BCL.
Section 801(b)(14) of the BCL enables a corporation in its certificate of
incorporation to strike out, change or add any provision not inconsistent with
the BCL or any other statute, relating to the business of the corporation, its
affairs, its rights or powers or the rights or powers of its shareholders, or
directors or officers. Section 717 provides for the elimination of personal
liabilities of directors provided they act in good faith and with the degree of
care used by an ordinary prudent person under like circumstances. Thus, no such
provision may eliminate or limit the liability of a director for breaching their
duty of loyalty, failing to act in good faith, engaging in intentional
misconduct or knowingly violating the law, paying an unlawful dividend,
approving an illegal stock repurchase or obtaining an improper personal benefit.
68
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
As of the close of business on January 30, 2000, the following Common
Shares have been issued by us in the last twelve months:
1. Pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement between us, Chell Merchant
Capital Group, Cameron Chell and Chell.com Ltd., 5,369,733 of our shares were
issued and 1,928,267 Exchangeable Shares of Chell Merchant Capital Group were
issued to Cameron Chell and Chell.com Ltd.
Our shares that were issued in exchange for shares of cMeRun are currently
held in escrow until such time as (i) cMeRun is current with its SEC filings
pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; (ii) The average
closing price of cMeRun's stock is $11 for five consecutive trading days and
(iii) cMeRun is listed in good standing on either the NASD Bulletin Board or the
NASDAQ Small Cap or National Stock Market.
In addition, the 1,476,398 shares of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Chell
Merchant Capital Group Inc., that were issued in exchange for shares of
eSupplies will be held in escrow until at such time our Board of Directors has
reviewed a new business plan and made a determination that the new course taken
by eSupplies fits with our business model and provides similar value to us.
2. On January 18, 2001, pursuant to a subscription agreement dated January
17, 2001, we isued 21,974 shares of our common stock to Mr. Bruce Elliot.
3. Pursuant to our Stock Option Plan, the following issuances of stock
were made in the last twelve months:
Number of
Month of Issuance Common Shares Issued
- ----------------- --------------------
February 2000 1,500
March 2000 22,750
April 2000 13,015
May 2000 250
June 2000 500
July 2000 6,750
August 2000 23,735
October 2000 250
November 2000 6,000
January 2001 56,500
69
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(c) The following list sets forth the applicable exhibits (numbered in
accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K) required to be filed with this
Registration Statement on Form S-1:
Exhibit
Number Title
------ -----
2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 1996, among Connolly-Daw
Holdings Inc., 1199846 Ontario Ltd., Douglas Connolly, Wendy
Connolly and NTN Interactive Network Inc., minus Schedules thereto.*
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation, as amended to date.*
3.2 By-Laws, as amended to date.*
4.1 Specimen Stock Certificate.*
10.1 License Agreement, dated March 23, 1990, between NTN Communications,
Inc. and NTN Interactive Network Inc.*
10.2 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 4, 1994, between NTN
Canada and NetStar Enterprises Inc. (formerly, Labatt Communications
Inc.).*
10.3 Option, dated as of October 4, 1994, registered in the name of
NetStar Enterprises Inc. (formerly, Labatt Communications Inc).*
10.4 Designation Agreement dated as of October 4, 1994, among NTN Canada,
Inc., NTN Interactive Network Inc. and NetStar Enterprises Inc.
(formerly Labatt Communications Inc.).*
10.5 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 4, 1994, between
NTN Canada and NetStar Enterprises Inc. (formerly, Labatt
Communications Inc.).*
10.6 Promissory Note of NTN Interactive Network Inc. registered in the
name of Connolly-Daw Holdings, Inc.*
10.7 Promissory Note of NTN Interactive Network Inc., registered in the
name of 1199846 Ontario Ltd.*
10.8 Option Agreement, dated October 1, 1996, among Connolly-Daw Holdings
Inc., NTN Interactive Network Inc. and NTN Canada, Inc.*
10.9 Option Agreement, dated October 1, 1996, among 1199846 Ontario Ltd.,
NTN Interactive Network Inc. and NTN Canada, Inc.*
10.10 Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 1, 1996, among NTN
Canada, Inc., Connolly-Daw Holdings Inc. and 1199846 Ontario Ltd.*
10.11 Employment Agreement dated as of August 31, 1994, between NTN
Interactive Network Inc. and Peter Rona.*
10.12 Management Agreement, dated October 1, 1996, between Magic Lantern
Communications Ltd. and Connolly-Daw Holdings Inc.*
10.13 Employment Agreement dated October 1, 1996, between Magic Lantern
Communications Ltd. and Douglas Connolly.*
10.14 Employment Agreement dated October 1, 1996, between Magic Lantern
Communications Ltd. and Wendy Connolly.*
10.15 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 10, 1999, by and between
1373224 Ontario Limited, Networks North Inc. and Arthur Andersen
Inc., to acquire the property and assets of GalaVu Entertainment
Inc., from the person appointed by the court of competent
jurisdiction as the receiver or receiver and manager of the
property, assets and undertaking of GalaVu.*
10.16 Promissory Note, dated September 10, 1999, by and between 1373224
Ontario Limited, as Debtor, and the Holder, as Creditor.*
10.17 General Security Agreement, dated September 10, 1999, by and between
1373224 Ontario Limited, to acquire the property and assets of
GalaVu Entertainment Inc., from the person appointed by the court of
competent jurisdiction as the receiver or receiver and manager of
the property, assets and undertaking of GalaVu.*
10.18 Securities Pledge Agreement, dated September 10, 1999, by and
between 1373224 Ontario Limited to acquire the property and assets
of GalaVu Entertainment Inc., from the person appointed by the court
70
of competent jurisdiction as the receiver or receiver and manager of
the property, assets and undertaking of GalaVu.*
10.19 Certificate to the Escrow Agent certifying that the conditions of
Closing have been satisfied or waived.*
10.20 Certificate to the Escrow Agent certifying that the conditions of
Closing have not been satisfied or waived.*
10.21 Occupancy and Indemnity Agreement, dated September 10, 1999, by and
between 1373224 Ontario Limited to acquire the property and assets
of GalaVu Entertainment Inc., from the person appointed by the court
of competent jurisdiction as the receiver or receiver and manager of
the property, assets and undertaking of GalaVu.*
10.22 Order of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, dated September,
1999, approving the transaction contemplated herein, and vesting in
the Purchaser the right, title and interest of GalaVu and the
Receiver, if any, in and to the Purchased Assets, free and clear of
the right, title and interest of any other person other than
Permitted Encumbrances.*
10.23 Bill of Sale, dated September 13, 1999, by and between 1373224
Ontario Limited to acquire the property and assets of GalaVu
Entertainment Inc., from the person appointed by the court of
competent jurisdiction as the receiver or receiver and manager of
the property, assets and undertaking of GalaVu.*
10.24 Covenant of Networks North Inc., dated September 13, 1999, to allot
and issue and pay to the Bank in writing 100,000 common shares of
NETN.*
10.25 Agreement of Purchase and Sale dated August 4, 2000 by and among
Networks North Inc., Networks North Acquisition Corp., Chell.com
Ltd. and Cameron Chell.*
10.26 Valuation of Chell.com Ltd. and investments as of May 31, 2000 by
Stanford Keene.*
10.27 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 1, 2000, by and among
Magic Lantern Communications Ltd. and Richard Wolff Enterprises,
Inc.*
10.28 Securities Purchase Agreement, dated October 3, 2000, by and among
Chell Group Corporation and VC Advantage Limited Partnership*
10.29 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 17, 2001, by and among Chell
Group Corporation and ApplicationStation.com Inc.*
15.1 Letter with respect to unaudited interim financial information from
Lazar Levine & Felix LLP
22 List of Subsidiaries*
23.2 Opinion of Mintz & Fraade, P.C.*
23.3 Consent of Lazar Levine & Felix LLP
23.4 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
27 Financial Data Schedule*
99.1 Business Sector Data*
- ----------
* To be filed by amendment*
71
Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) to file, during any period in which it offers or sells securities, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (The "Securities Act");
(ii) to reflect in the Prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration
statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of
securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not
exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of
the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") pursuant to
Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and prices represent no
more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in
the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration
statement; and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement.
Provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply
if the information required to be filed with a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange of Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") that are incorporated by reference
in the registration statement.
(2) that for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) to remove by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) that for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee
benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that
is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
72
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore,
unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other that the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer, or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director,
officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
73
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario, on this 15th day
of February 2001.
Signature Title(s) Date
/s/ David Bolink Director February 15, 2001
- ----------------------
David Bolink
/s/ Cameron Chell Director, President & Chief
- ---------------------- Executive Officer February 15, 2001
Cameron Chell
/s/ Frank Killoran Chairman & Director February 15, 2001
- ----------------------
Frank Killoran
/s/ Don Pagnutti Director, Vice President-Finance, February 15, 2001
- ---------------------- Chief Financial Officer
Don Pagnutti
/s/ Peter Rona Director February 15, 2001
- ----------------------
Peter Rona
/s/Adrian P. Towning Director February 15, 2001
- ----------------------
Adrian P. Towning
/s/ Robert Stone Director February 15, 2001
- ----------------------
Robert Stone
/s/ Gordon Herman Director February 15, 2001
- ----------------------
Gordon Herman
74
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors
Chell Group Corporation
Toronto, Ontario
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Chell Group
Corporation and subsidiaries (formerly known as Networks North Inc.) as of
August 31, 2000 and the related consolidated statements of operations and
retained earnings and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Chell Group
Corporation and subsidiaries as of August 31, 2000, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
/s/ LAZAR LEVINE & FELIX LLP
----------------------------------------
New York, New York
November 22, 2000
F1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Chell Group Corporation (formerly known as Networks North Inc.)
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Chell Group
Corporation and subsidiaries as of August 31, 1999 and the related consolidated
statements of operations and retained earnings and cash flows for each of the
two years in the period ended August 31, 1999. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Chell Group
Corporation and subsidiaries as of August 31, 1999, and the consolidated results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended August 31, 1999 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.
Toronto, Canada, /s/ Ernst & Young L.L.P
November 12, 1999. Chartered Accountants
F2
Chell Group Corporation
(formerly known as Networks North Inc.)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
[Expressed in Canadian dollars]
As at August 31
2000 1999
$ $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current
Cash and cash equivalents 1,355,613 2,018,122
Short-term investments [note 4] 269,727 261,926
Accounts receivable - trade [net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $178,000; 1999 - $119,000] 3,154,134 2,534,459
Income taxes and other receivables [note 17] 360,217 186,194
Inventory 206,216 260,868
Prepaid expenses 636,726 647,612
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 5,982,633 5,909,181
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property and equipment, net [note 6] 7,721,769 5,151,755
Software development costs [note 7] 200,000 250,000
Licenses, net of accumulated amortization 250,248 270,596
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization 2,863,146 3,060,489
Note receivable [note 5] 160,000 160,000
Other assets 202,799 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17,380,595 14,802,021
==================================================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current
Bank indebtedness [note 8] 133,000 157,000
Accounts payable - trade 1,375,414 912,361
Accrued liabilities 1,654,917 723,218
Current portion of long-term debt [note 10] 397,632 79,542
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 3,560,963 1,872,121
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt [note 10] 4,377,040 2,077,960
Deferred income taxes [note 9] 59,173 59,173
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 7,997,176 4,009,254
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments and contingent liabilities [notes 2, 11, 14 and 15]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital [note 12]
900,000 preferred shares [1999 - 900,000] 10,917 10,917
2,925,141 common shares [1999 - 2,756,641] 183,235 171,635
Capital in excess of par value 10,124,777 9,559,883
Retained earnings (deficit) (935,510) 1,050,332
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity 9,383,419 10,792,767
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17,380,595 14,802,021
==================================================================================================================
See accompanying notes
F3
Chell Group Corporation
(formerly known as Networks North Inc.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
[Expressed in Canadian dollars]
Years ended August 31
2000 1999 1998
$ $ $
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUE
Network services 6,345,552 6,607,915 6,727,889
Pay-tv 6,517,940 -- --
Event programming 500,168 527,740 602,571
Advertising sponsorship 675,532 308,602 442,424
Video and software sales 4,289,557 4,630,931 5,456,738
Video dubbing 717,596 691,156 747,138
Digital encoding 539,815 462,742 217,930
Other 107,886 191,556 577,282
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19,694,046 13,420,642 14,771,972
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COST OF SALES [does not include depreciation]
Network services [note 11] 2,160,351 2,353,705 2,486,873
Pay-tv 2,919,417 -- --
Event programming 23,819 24,650 26,683
Advertising sponsorship 93,496 61,255 32,517
Video and software sales 2,078,926 1,990,741 2,212,985
Video dubbing 157,289 353,983 620,642
Digital encoding 111,657 11,738 8,441
Other 113,005 359,811 127,100
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7,657,960 5,155,883 5,515,241
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative 11,266,339 7,572,771 6,591,941
Bad debts 140,090 136,888 43,123
Interest and bank charges 297,654 98,440 137,942
Depreciation and amortization 2,347,321 1,429,219 1,310,689
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14,051,404 9,237,318 8,083,695
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before the undernoted items (2,015,318) (972,559) 1,173,036
Gain on sale of subsidiary [note 18] -- 77,710 --
Income (loss) from investment in Viewer Services [note15[b]] -- 28,576 (25,658)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest (2,015,318) (866,273) 1,147,378
Provision for income taxes [note 9] -- 150,000 419,084
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before minority interest (2,015,318) (1,016,273) 728,294
Minority interest 29,476 44,776 (110,229)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) (1,985,842) (971,497) 618,065
Retained earnings, beginning of year 1,050,332 2,021,829 1,403,764
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings (deficit) , end of year (935,510) 1,050,332 2,021,829
=================================================================================================================
Earnings (loss) per share [note 13]
Basic $ (0.69) $ (0.36) $ 0.24
Diluted $ (0.69) $ (0.36) $ 0.22
=================================================================================================================
See accompanying notes
F4
Chell Group Corporation
(formerly know as Networks North Inc.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
[Expressed in Canadian dollars]
Years ended August 31
2000 1999 1998
$ $ $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) for the year (1,985,842) (971,497) 618,065
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 2,347,321 1,429,219 1,310,689
Accretion of interest on non-interest bearing long-term debt 173,076 31,084 36,346
Loss (income) from investment in Viewer Services -- (28,576) 25,658
Amortization of discount on notes and loans payable -- -- 107,286
Changes in assets and liabilities
Decrease (increase) in short-term investments (7,801) 1,780,407 (337,319)
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable (619,676) 277,990 (1,034,931)
(Increase) in income taxes receivable and other accounts receivables (174,023) (101,153) (385,335)
Decrease in inventory 54,652 94,488 316,740
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses 10,886 (59,577) (120,464)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 692,237 (701,392) 260,060
Decrease in deferred revenue -- -- (321,452)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by operating activities 490,830 1,750,993 475,343
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property and equipment (1,162,146) (601,633) (2,012,543)
Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment -- 23,557 --
Software development costs [note 7] -- (250,000) --
Increase in other assets (202,799) -- --
Increase in licenses -- -- (78,401)
Investment in Viewer Services -- (36,054) 16,154
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary [note 18] -- 110,813 --
Acquisition of Viewer Services [note 15[b]] -- (1) --
Acquisition of Interlynx Multimedia Inc. [note 15[a]] -- -- (380,001)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash used in investing activities (1,364,945) (753,318) (2,454,791)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Bank indebtedness (24,000) 28,854 (577,982)
Increase in notes and loans payable 21,908 38,485 1,309,246
Repayment of notes and loans payable (67,436) (48,007) (273,963)
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants 281,134 -- 101,465
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by financing activities 211,606 19,332 558,766
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
during the year (662,509) 1,017,007 (1,420,682)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 2,018,122 1,001,115 2,421,797
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 1,355,613 2,018,122 1,001,115
=====================================================================================================================
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Taxes Paid 59,956 265,771 795,669
Interest Paid 121,579 67,356 101,596
Non cash items arose from the purchase of GalaVu Entertainment Network Inc.
during the 2000 Fiscal Year. They are: $3,300,000 of long-term debt, and the
associated unamortized discount of ($637,302), accretion of interest of $173,076
in accrued liabilities; assumption of liabilities of $529,440 and the issuance
of shares amounting to $295,360.
See accompanying notes
F5
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Chell Group Corporation [f/k/a/ Networks North Inc.] was incorporated under the
laws of the State of New York on May 12, 1986. We are the holding company for
NTN Interactive Network Inc. ["Interactive"], GalaVu Entertainment Network Inc.
["GalaVu"] and Networks North Acquisition Corp. ["NNAC"], all of which are
wholly-owned operating companies. We also own all of the outstanding stock of
3484751 Canada Inc., a corporation we established and incorporated under the
Canada Business Corporations Act on April 20, 1998. Interactive owns all of the
outstanding stock of Magic Lantern Communications Ltd. ["Magic"]. Magic and its
subsidiaries are involved in the marketing and distribution of educational video
and media resources. Interactive owns all of the outstanding stock of Interlynx
Multimedia Inc. ["Interlynx"]. Interlynx operates in the e-commerce industry and
designs and develops educational and corporate multimedia, web-based training
programs. 3484751 Canada Inc. was incorporated for the sole purpose of owning a
property, purchased in 1998, on our behalf, which provides Magic and GalaVu with
operating facilities.
NNAC is incorporated under the Ontario Business Corporations Act and is in the
business of defining, building and re-engineering businesses using new economy
technologies to maximize market value.
Interactive is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and has
signed a license agreement [the "NTNC license"] with NTN Communications, Inc.,
an unrelated Delaware company, for exclusive representation of their interactive
communications for all industry sectors in Canada. This interactive
entertainment network allows viewers to participate actively with a variety of
television programs, trivia and sports games. Present subscribers to our
networks are hotels, restaurants, bars and university clubs. Each subscriber
either purchases the system hardware directly or rents the system from
Interactive. Interactive purchases the subscriber system from NTN
Communications, Inc. and various other suppliers. Following the installation,
each subscriber pays a monthly fee to Interactive for the program content and
maintenance services, which range from $650 to $750. The monthly fees for rental
systems range from approximately $255 to $290.
GalaVu is incorporated under the Ontario Business Corporations Act and is a
technology-based entertainment provider of interactive in-room entertainment
systems for small and mid-sized hotels. GalaVu's interactive system is based
upon proprietary technology and provides a suite of products including movies on
demand, premium television programming and other information and entertainment
services.
Our primary market to date has been Canada.
F6
2. ECONOMIC DEPENDENCE
Interactive is dependent upon NTN Communications, Inc. as its sole supplier for
the transmission of program content to the Company's subscribers. In the event
that NTN Communications, Inc., which operates under the going-concern
assumption, terminates the transmission of program content, we believe, but
cannot assure, that such services are likely to be continued by others. As of
September 30, 2000, NTN Communications, Inc. had shareholders' equity of
$6,108,000 and working capital of $35,000 according to its unaudited balance
sheet included in its quarterly report. NTN Communications, Inc. has reported a
quarterly net loss for September 2000 of $1,208,000, a quarterly net loss for
June 2000 of $2,469,000 and a quarterly net loss for March 2000 of $194,000. It
reported a net loss for the year ended December 31, 1999 of $2,498,000. All such
amounts are quoted in U. S. dollars [note 11].
3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of presentation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These
consolidated financial statements have been expressed in Canadian dollars which
is the currency of the primary economic environment in which operations are
conducted.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Basis of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include our accounts, our wholly-owned
subsidiaries Interactive, Magic, GalaVu, 3484751 Canada Inc., Interlynx and
NNAC. Magic conducts its operations directly and through its wholly-owned
subsidiaries, 745695 Ontario Ltd. ["Custom Video"], 1113659 Ontario Ltd.
["Viewer Services"] and B.C. Learning Connection ["BCLC"], and its 75% ownership
of Sonoptic Technologies Inc. ["STI"]. Effective June 16, 1999 Magic acquired an
additional 50% of the shares of Viewer Services, thereby making Viewer Services
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Magic. On August 31, 2000, Custom Video and BCLC
were wound-up into Magic. The operations carried on by these companies will
continue as divisions of Magic. On September 10, 1997, effective September 1,
1997, Interactive acquired 51% of the outstanding shares of Interlynx. On June
1, 1999, Interactive acquired the remaining 49% of the outstanding shares of
Interlynx. We account for investments in businesses in which we own less than
51% using the equity method, if we have the ability to exercise significant
influence over the investee company. The 25% minority interest liability in STI
has been reflected at zero due to operating losses.
F7
All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Foreign exchange translation
U.S. dollar accounts in these consolidated financial statements are translated
into Canadian dollars on the following bases:
[a] The assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are
translated at the exchange rate in effect at the consolidated balance
sheet dates.
[b] Revenue and expenses are translated at a rate approximating the rates of
exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions.
[c] Any gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are recorded in
operations as incurred.
Revenues
Revenue from network services is recognized on a monthly basis beginning when
the systems are installed on the purchasers' premises. The payment terms are on
a monthly basis.
Revenue from Pay-tv is recognized at the time of viewing.
Revenue from event programming is recognized upon completion of the contract.
Revenue from advertising sponsorship is recognized on a monthly basis over the
term of the contract.
Revenue from video sales and video dubbing is recognized upon shipment.
Software sales are recognized in accordance with the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position (SOP) 97-2, "Software Revenue
Recognition." Pursuant to SOP 97-2, software sales are recognized on sales
contracts when all of the following conditions are met: a signed contract is
obtained, delivery has occurred, the total sales price is fixed and
determinable, collectibility is probable, and any uncertainties with regard to
customer acceptance are insignificant. For those contracts that include a
combination of software and services, sales are allocated among the different
elements based on company-specific evidence of fair value of each element. Sales
allocated to software are recognized as the above criteria are met. Sales
allocated to services are recognized as services are performed and accepted by
the customer or, for maintenance agreements, ratably over the life of the
related contract.
Cash and cash equivalents
F8
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and term deposits, which mature in less
than three months from the date of issue. The carrying value of term deposits
approximates their fair values.
Short-term investments
Investments at August 31, 2000 and 1999 consist of debt securities and
marketable equity securities. We have classified our portfolio as "trading".
Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling
them in the near term and are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and
losses on trading securities are included in the determination of net income
(loss) for the year. The fair value of these securities represents current
quoted market offer prices.
Inventory
Inventory consists of finished goods held for sale or rent, which are valued at
the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, and net realizable
value.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Equipment is depreciated using a declining balance rate of 20%. Computer
equipment as well as masters and libraries are depreciated using a declining
balance rate of 30%. Automobiles are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 3
years, buildings on a straight-line basis over 25 years, software on a
straight-line basis over 3 years and rental equipment and leasehold improvements
both on a straight-line basis over 5 years.
On an ongoing basis, management reviews the valuation and depreciation of
property and equipment, taking into consideration any events and circumstances
which might have impaired the fair value. We assume there is an impairment if
the carrying amount is greater than the expected net future cash flows. The
amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on projected discounted future
cash flows, using a discount rate that reflects our average cost of funds.
Software development costs
We capitalize the costs of software development when technological feasibility
of the computer software product is established. Capitalization of software
ceases when the product is available for release to customers. Capitalized costs
are amortized on the basis of products sold.
Licenses and goodwill
Licenses are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization for the
NTNC license is provided over a 25-year period using the straight-line basis to
December 31, 2015. Accumulated amortization amounted to $125,010 [1999 -
$112,508].
F9
On August 28, 1998, we entered into an agreement [the "Players license"] for
$78,401 [U.S.$50,000] with Players Network Inc. ["Players"], whereby we were
appointed by Players as the exclusive Canadian distributor of its products. We
were also granted the irrevocable option, by Players, to purchase from treasury
up to 50,000 common shares in the capital stock of Players, at a purchase price
of U.S.$1.75 per share. This option expired on August 28, 2000 and was not
exercised. The agreement provided us the right to terminate the agreement for
the 30-day period immediately following the end of the first year of the term of
the agreement. In the event the agreement is so terminated, we would receive,
from treasury, 50,000 common shares in the capital stock of Players. The
agreement was not terminated. Amortization of this license is provided over a
10-year period using the straight-line basis to 2009. Accumulated amortization
amounted to $15,693 [1999 - $7,746].
Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is
provided using the straight-line basis over a period varying from 10 to 20
years, depending on the transaction that generated the goodwill. Accumulated
amortization amounted to $902,483 [1999 - $662,140].
On an ongoing basis, management reviews the valuation and amortization of the
licenses and goodwill, taking into consideration any events and circumstances
which might have impaired the fair value. We assume there is an impairment if
the carrying amount is greater than the expected net future cash flows. The
amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on projected discounted future
cash flows, using a discount rate that reflects our average cost of funds.
Other assets
Other assets are stated at cost net of amortization. Amortization is provided
using a straight-line basis over the estimated life of the assets.
Income taxes
We account for deferred income tax assets and liabilities based on the
difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and
liabilities using enacted tax rates. [see note 9].
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing income available to common
shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the
period excluding contingent shares issued. Diluted earnings per share are
calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method and are based on the
weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents
outstanding.
F10
Employee stock options
We account for our stock option plans and its employee stock purchase plan in
accordance with the provisions of the Accounting Principles Board's Opinion No.
25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ["APB 25"]. [see note 12[c]].
Recent pronouncements
In March 2000, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Interpretation No. 44 (FIN 44), "Accounting for Certain Transactions involving
Stock Compensation, an Interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25." FIN 44 clarifies
the application of APB No. 25 for certain issues, including the definition of an
employee, the treatment of the acceleration of stock options and the accounting
treatment for options assumed in business combinations. FIN 44 became effective
on July 1, 2000, but is applicable for certain transactions dating back to
December 1998. The adoption of FIN 44 did not have a material impact on our
financial position or results of operations.
In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial
Statements." (SAB No. 101). SAB No. 101 expresses the views of the SEC staff in
applying generally accepted accounting principles to certain revenue recognition
issues. We will adopt the provisions of SAB No. 101 in the first quarter of
fiscal 2001 and expect that its adoption will have no material impact on our
financial position or our results of operations.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities."(SFAS No. 133). SFAS No. 133, as amended by
SFAS No. 138, establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities.
SFAS No. 133 requires the recognition of all derivatives as either assets or
liabilities in the statement of financial position and the measurement of those
instruments at fair value. We are required to adopt this standard in the first
quarter of fiscal year 2001 pursuant to SFAS No. 137 (issued in June 1999),
which delays the adoption of SFAS No. 133 until that time. We expect that the
adoption of SFAS No. 133 will not have a material impact on our financial
position or our results of operations.
4. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
Short-term investments consist of the following:
2000 1999
$ $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money market funds 166,175 155,459
Debt securities
U.S. treasury securities 103,552 106,467
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
269,727 261,926
==========================================================================
F11
5. NOTE RECEIVABLE
The details of the note receivable are as follows:
2000 1999
$ $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term
Connolly-Daw Holdings Inc. 160,000 160,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The unsecured note receivable from Connolly-Daw Holdings Inc. ["Connolly-Daw"]
bears interest at the bank's prime rate, calculated and payable monthly, not in
advance. The note is payable on demand, however, we do not intend to call the
note within the next fiscal year. The President and Secretary of Connolly-Daw
are the Controller and Chief Executive Officer of Magic. The bank's prime rate
was 7.5% at August 31, 2000 [1999 - 6.25%].
6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following:
2000 1999
================================================ ===============================================
Cost Accumulated Net book value Cost Accumulated Net book value
depreciation depreciation
$ $ $ $ $ $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land 785,500 -- 785,500 785,500 -- 785,500
Buildings 1,480,401 227,505 1,252,896 1,480,401 172,703 1,307,698
Rental Equipment 3,880,304 2,886,104 994,200 3,869,029 2,183,229 1,685,800
Equipment 5,371,710 1,591,093 3,780,617 1,542,827 676,667 866,160
Software 594,953 151,069 443,884 54,103 36,652 17,451
Automobiles 13,383 8,829 4,554 43,290 39,926 3,364
Computer Equipment 467,602 324,598 143,004 413,435 209,536 203,899
Masters and Libraries 545,949 281,560 264,389 408,644 197,705 210,939
Leasehold improvements 113,301 60,576 52,725 104,394 33,450 70,944
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,253,103 5,531,334 7,721,769 8,701,623 3,549,868 5,151,755
====================================================================================================================================
During the year, depreciation of property and equipment was $2,035,985 [1999 -
$1,212,038; 1998 - $1,102,607].
7. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COSTS
Software development costs have been incurred totaling $250,000. These costs
comprise direct salaries and wages involved in the development of a web-based
training software product. During the year, amortization of software development
costs was $50,000, [1999 - none]
8. BANK INDEBTEDNESS
Bank indebtedness consists of the following:
F12
[a] We have a demand operating loan facility with a maximum amount of $500,000
bearing interest at the bank's prime rate. We have not utilized this
facility. The bank's prime rate was 7.5% at August 31, 2000 [1999 -
6.25%]. This loan facility is collateralized by a general security
agreement covering all assets of Interactive, other than real property.
[b] Interlynx has a demand operating loan facility, with a maximum amount of
$100,000, bearing interest at the bank's prime rate plus 0.75%. At August
31, 2000, the facility was fully drawn [1999 - $100,000]. The amount is
due on demand to the Royal Bank of Canada and interest is payable monthly.
Interlynx also has a demand installment loan facility with a maximum
amount of $85,000. At August 31, 2000, the balance outstanding is $33,000
[1999 - $57,000] and bears interest at the bank's prime rate plus 1%. The
amount is due on demand to the Royal Bank of Canada and is repayable in
monthly principal amounts of $2,000 plus interest. The weighted average
interest rate for fiscal 2000 was 6.84% [1999- 6.67%]. The fair value of
the demand operating and demand installment loans approximates their
carrying values. These demand loans are collateralized by a general
security agreement covering all assets of Interlynx, other than real
property, as well as a guarantee and postponement of claim signed by
Interactive, limited to $185,000.
9. INCOME TAXES AND DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
2000 1999 1998
$ $ $
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current
Federal -- 98,000 273,503
Provincial -- 52,000 145,581
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- 150,000 419,084
=========================================================================
The difference between the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by
applying the combined basic federal and provincial income tax rate of 43.9%
[1999 - 44.6%; 1998 - 44.6%] to income before income taxes is as set out below:
2000 1999 1998
$ $ $
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statutory rate applied to pre-tax income (885,531) (386,358) 511,960
Benefit of prior year's losses not previously recognized -- -- (77,537)
Benefit of current year's losses not recognized 781,969 446,139 --
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 117,745 167,333 105,414
Non-taxable accounting income -- (42,482) (154,810)
Other (14,183) (34,632) 34,057
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- 150,000 419,084
==============================================================================================
F13
As at August 31, 2000, we deferred tax assets primarily related to the benefit
of realizing losses carried forward, net of a valuation allowance of $1,600,000
[1999- $987,000], was nil [1999 - nil], and the deferred tax liability,
substantially related to property and equipment, was $59,173 [1999 - $59,173].
At October 1, 1996, Magic and its subsidiaries had aggregate operating losses of
$676,000. The purchase price of Magic has not been allocated to the operating
losses since a valuation allowance has been charged against the entire amount.
During 1999, $152,000 of these losses were applied to reduce taxable income. In
2000 Magic did not have taxable income.
At September 1, 1997, Interlynx and its subsidiary had aggregate operating
losses of $677,000. The purchase price of Interlynx has not been allocated to
the operating losses since a valuation allowance has been charged against the
entire amount.
Accordingly, when realized, the tax benefit of the unrecognized loss
carryforwards will be applied to reduce goodwill related to the acquisitions of
Magic and Interlynx. The goodwill related to Magic was reduced by $51,687 as a
result of utilizing pre-acquisition losses during 1999.
At August 31, 2000, certain of our subsidiaries have loss carryforwards of
approximately $4,000,000. These losses begin to expire in 2002.
10. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
2000 1999
$ $
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans Payable
Provincial Holdings Ltd. ["PHL"] [i] 750,000 750,000
Province of New Brunswick ["PNB"] [ii] 19,381 19,381
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ["ACOA"] [iii] 36,930 51,010
ACOA [iv] 38,485 38,485
ACOA [v] 21,908 --
Royal Bank of Canada [vi] 1,243,151 1,277,351
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,109,855 2,136,227
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes Payable
Promissory notes - GalaVu [note 15] 2,662,698 --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,662,698 --
Lien notes [vi] 2,119 21,275
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,664,817 21,275
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4,774,672 2,157,502
===============================================================================
F14
[i] In June 1995, PHL advanced $750,000 to STI. This loan is collateralized by
a demand promissory note signed by STI and bears interest at 6% per annum,
compounded annually, commencing October 1995. Interest was forgiven by PHL
for the period from October 1, 1995 to September 30, 2000. The carrying
value of the loan approximates its fair value. Subsequent to September
2000, the loan will bear interest at 6.75% compounded annually.
The loan is subject to an agreement dated March 15, 1995 which, inter
alia, provides for repayment in full of principal plus interest at the
earlier of [a] the commencement of redemption of shares pursuant to a
redemption agreement [note 11[d]] or [b] September 30, 2002 subject to any
extension agreed to, or [c] on any breach of STI's obligations under the
loan agreement or any other agreement with PHL.
[ii] In June 1995, PNB advanced $100,000 to STI. The loan is subject to a loan
agreement dated May 25, 1995 and is secured by a demand promissory note
which bears interest at 9.7% per annum, calculated half-yearly, not in
advance. Subject to a forgiveness agreement outlined below, the principal
plus interest is repayable at the earlier of [a] January 31, 1998 or
earlier at the option of STI or [b] any breach of STI's obligations under
the loan agreement. No interest or principal repayments have been made and
PNB has not demanded any payments. It is anticipated that PNB will amend
the forgiveness agreement by reducing the number of full-time employees
required and extending the period during which they must be employed.
A forgiveness agreement dated May 24, 1995 provides that the principal
plus interest may be forgiven in whole or in part, the amount dependent
upon STI's number of full-time employees during the 1997 calendar year. An
amount of $80,619 was recorded as forgiven in prior periods. The recorded
loan approximates the fair value of the debt at August 31, 2000 and 1999.
[iii] ACOA advanced this unsecured non-interest bearing loan to STI in April
1995. The loan is repayable in five equal quarterly installments of $7,040
commencing May 1, 2000 and one final installment of $1,730. The fair value
of the loan approximates its carrying value.
[iv] ACOA advanced this unsecured non-interest bearing loan to STI in May 1999.
The loan can be increased to a maximum of $108,356. The balance drawn on
this loan at August 31, 2000 is $38,485. Commencing on October 1, 2000,
the loan would be repayable as follows: six consecutive monthly
installments of $500, followed by; six consecutive monthly installments of
$1,000, followed by; six consecutive monthly installments of $1,500,
followed by; six consecutive monthly installments of $2,000, followed by;
three consecutive monthly installments of $2,500, followed by; one final
installment of $985.
The fair value of the loan approximates its carrying value.
F15
[v] ACOA advanced this unsecured non-interest bearing loan to STI in September
2000. The loan can be increased to a maximum of $23,038. The balance drawn
on this loan at August 31, 2000 is $21,908. The loan would be repayable in
seventy-nine equal consecutive, monthly installments of $275, followed by
one final installment of $183. The fair value of the loan approximates its
carrying value.
[vi] In April 1998, the Royal Bank of Canada made available a Matched Fund Term
Loan in the amount of $1,319,000 in order to finance the purchase of 10
Meteor Drive, including leaseholds, and to refinance the demand
installment loan on 775 Pacific Road, a property owned by Magic.
Borrowings are repayable by blended monthly payments of principal and
interest based on a 20-year amortization period with the balance due and
payable at the end of the 5-year term on April 27, 2003. The interest rate
in effect for the first 5-year term of the loan is 6.98%. The fair value
of the loan approximates its carrying value.
The loan is collateralized by a fixed debenture of $1,000,000,
hypothecated to Magic's land and buildings, a guarantee and postponement
of claim of $650,000 signed by Magic, a collateral first mortgage in the
amount of $490,000 covering the property at 10 Meteor Drive, and a general
security agreement covering all the assets of Interactive, other than real
property.
[vii] The lien notes are collateralized by charges against certain capital
assets held by Magic and are repayable in monthly blended payments of
principal and interest. The interest rate on the remaining lien note is
13%. The carrying value of the lien notes approximates the fair value of
the debt at August 31, 2000. Approximate annual principal payments
required pursuant to these obligations are as follows:
$
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2,119
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
2,119
================================================================
Approximate future annual principal payments for long-term debt, exclusive of
the above lien notes, are as follows:
$
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
2001 395,513
2002 493,951
2003 2,551,910
2004 683,608
2005 and thereafter 647,571
================================================================
F16
11. COMMITMENTS
[a] Commissions expense to NTN Communications, Inc.
Pursuant to an agreement dated March 23, 1990, we pay commissions to NTN
Communications, Inc. when the related revenues are earned at the rate of
U.S. $2,205 per year per subscriber. We also pay NTN Communications, Inc.
a royalty fee equal to 25% of the net revenues as defined in the agreement
derived from all services except for certain hospitality and special
projects that existed at March 23, 1990; a royalty fee equal to the
production quotation submitted by NTN Communications, Inc. plus 10% of the
gross profit of special projects [special broadcasts for a non-continuous
selective event]; and a one-time royalty fee equal to NTN Communications,
Inc.'s production costs for any new programming developed by us to be
added to the existing programming schedule. The agreement expires on
December 31, 2015.
Total amounts expensed in the year under this agreement were $1,822,684
[1999 - $2,011,202; 1998 - $1,792,002].
[b] Commissions expense - other
Commissions expense to sub-licensees is recognized when the related
revenues are earned and are calculated as follows:
[i] 30% of all fees received by Interactive under any Commercial User
Agreement as then in effect if such agreement is executed through
the efforts of the sub-licensee where the establishment subject to
the Commercial User Agreement is located within the territory during
the first term of any such agreement;
[ii] 10% of all net fees received by Interactive from National
Advertisers [sponsors] based on the number of Commercial User
locations within the territory; and
[iii] 5% of all net fees received by Interactive under any Residential
User Agreement within the territory, which may only be solicited by
Interactive directly.
All commission payments are made to sub-licensees no later than the 15th
of the month immediately following the month in which user fees and
sponsor fees, from which said commissions are earned, are received and
collected by Interactive.
[c] Lease commitments
The future minimum annual lease payments under operating leases are as
F17
follows:
Vehicles $
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 8,504
2002 4,252
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
12,756
=========================================================================
Office Equipment $
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 133,370
2002 26,606
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
159,976
=========================================================================
Premises $
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 477,818
2002 482,749
2003 424,417
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,384,984
=========================================================================
Operating lease expenses were $382,610 for 2000, $201,366 for 1999, and
$190,792 for 1998.
[d] Redemption of shares of subsidiary
STI, a subsidiary, has entered into a redemption agreement dated March 15,
1995 with its minority shareholder [25% of common shares held], PHL.
Shares held by PHL may be redeemed by STI in minimum numbers of five after
December 31, 1997 provided STI has repaid all indebtedness to PHL and PNB,
or the PNB indebtedness has been forgiven, and must be redeemed in full on
or before September 20, 2002.
The redemption price is calculated at the higher of [i] the purchase price
per share [$0.04], or [ii] the purchase price per share plus the increase
per share in retained earnings of the corporation to the date of
redemption, calculated by adding back to the retained earnings the pro
rata share applicable to the number of shares being redeemed, of all
interest paid or accrued on the loan by PHL and to the corporation in the
amount of $750,000 and deducting therefrom the interest actually paid, pro
rata to the number of shares being redeemed. There has been no repayment
on the loan as at August 31, 2000.
As at August 31, 2000, the value of the shares, if redeemed, totaled a
nominal amount.
[e] Standby letters of credit
Magic has a $75,000 standby letter of credit facility in favour of one of
F18
its suppliers. GalaVu also has a $50,000 standby letter of credit in
favour of one of its suppliers. Any amounts drawn on these facilities are
charged to our bank account. These facilities have not been used in 2000,
1999 or 1998.
[f] Employment agreements
We and our subsidiaries have entered into employment agreements with
certain executive management employees with terms of between one and two
years. The earliest of these agreements commenced November 19, 1999 and
the most recent commenced November 19, 2000. The annualized commitments in
these agreements aggregate $970,000.
12. SHARE CAPITAL
[a] Authorized shares
Our authorized share capital comprises 20,000,000 common shares with a par
value of $0.063 [U.S. $0.0467] per share and 1,500,000 non-cumulative
preferred shares with a par value of $0.012 [U.S. $0.010] per share. The
preferred shares are voting and convertible, such that 3 preferred shares
are exchanged for 1 common share, at the option of the holders. The
conversion rate in 1999 was such that 4.67 preferred shares were exchanged
for 1 common share, at the option of the holders.
[b] Issued and outstanding shares
As at August 31, 2000, 900,000 preferred shares [1999 - 900,000]
aggregating $10,917 [1999 - $10,917] were issued and outstanding.
Common shares issued and outstanding for accounting purposes are as
follows:
Common shares
------------------------- Capital in excess
Number Amount of par value Total
# $ $ $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==================================================================================================================
Balance as at August 31, 1997 2,441,992 150,211 7,923,150 8,073,361
Conversion of promissory notes [i] 87,255 6,066 553,934 560,000
Interlynx acquisition [note 15[a]] 55,209 3,570 261,430 265,000
Conversion of preferred shares 10,714 606 -- 606
Exercise of 30,000 stock options 30,000 2,031 99,434 101,465
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at August 31, 1998 2,625,170 162,484 8,837,948 9,000,432
Payment for services rendered 5,500 387 26,557 26,944
Interlynx acquisition [note 15[a]] 27,778 1,920 93,171 95,091
Conversion of promissory notes [i] 98,193 6,844 602,207 609,051
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at August 31, 1999 2,756,641 171,635 9,559,883 9,731,518
GalaVu acquisition [note 15 [e]] 100,000 6,897 288,463 295,360
Exercise of 68,500 stock options 68,500 4,703 276,431 281,134
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at August 31, 2000 2,925,141 183,235 10,124,777 10,308,012
==================================================================================================================
F19
[i] The consideration for the acquisition of Magic [note 15[c]] included
promissory notes with a maturity value of $1,250,000. Under the
terms of the purchase agreement, we elected to issue common shares
as payment against $560,000 of these notes during fiscal 1998. In
fiscal 1999, we elected to issue shares to pay the remaining
$609,051 outstanding on the promissory notes.
[c] Long-Term Incentive Plan
We have adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan [the "Plan"] designed to
compensate our key employees for the performance of their corporate
responsibilities. The benefits to employees under the Plan are dependent
upon improvement in market value of our common shares. The Plan offers
selected key employees the opportunity to purchase common shares through
the exercise of a stock option. An option entitles the employee to
purchase common shares from us at a price determined on the date the
option is granted. The option exercise price is the closing trading price
of the stock on the day prior to the grant date. The options vest over a
four-year period from the grant date, at the rate of 25% per year. Options
granted prior to August 31, 1998 vest over a two-year period from the
grant date, 50% after one year and 50% at the end of the second year. The
options expire five years after the grant date.
The Plan also provides that selected key employees may receive common
shares as an award of Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock consists of
common shares that are awarded subject to certain conditions, such as
continued employment with us or an affiliate for a specified period. Up to
20% of the outstanding common stock, on a fully diluted basis on the date
of the grant, excluding outstanding options may be issued under the plan.
The following is a summary of outstanding stock options:
Weighted average
exercise price Total
U.S. $ #
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at August 31, 1997 363,000
Issued 4.00 156,500
Forfeited 4.40 (29,500)
Exercised 2.33 (30,000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at August 31, 1998 460,000
Issued 2.30 285,000
Forfeited 2.41 (18,500)
Expired 2.33 (7,500)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at August 31, 1999 719,000
Issued 9.42 772,000
Exercised 2.79 (68,500)
Expired 2.92 (125,500)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at August 31, 2000 1,297,000
================================================================================
F20
Exercise price Expiry date Total
U.S. $ #
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.00 January 5, 2001 [i] 37,500
3.00 April 29, 2001 [i] 3,000
3.00 November 20, 2001 47,000
3.00 November 25, 2001 [i] 56,750
3.00 April 8, 2002 [i] 3,000
3.00 November 17, 2002 [i] 115,500
3.00 November 20, 2002 15,000
2.00 November 23, 2003 164,250
3.50 February 25, 2004 3,000
3.00 June 11, 2004 [note 15[a]] 80,000
2.00 October 14, 2004 75,000
1.81 November 23, 2004 30,000
4.375 April 3, 2005 25,000
9.75 August 11, 2005 642,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at August 31, 2000 1,297,000
================================================================================
[i] Repriced options - At a meeting of our Board of Directors on July
10, 1998, the Board determined that it was in our best interests to
offer the holders of options, pursuant to our Long-Term Incentive
Plan, a reduction in the exercise price of outstanding options to
$3.00 per share if the option holders agreed not to exercise such
options for at least six months after the repricing. Option holders
were given the choice of keeping their existing option pricing in
lieu of agreeing not to exercise such options for six months. All
option holders chose to receive repriced options. The repriced
option exercise amount is the closing trading price of our stock on
July 9, 1998.
The number of stock options that are exercisable at August 31, 2000 is
363,666 [1999 - 279,000]
The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2000 was U.S.
$5.51 [1999 - U.S $1.45].
We account for our stock option plans and our employee stock purchase plan
in accordance with the provisions of APB 25. Accordingly, because the
exercise price of our employee stock options equals the market price of
the underlying stock on the date of grant, no
F21
compensation expense has been recognized in the consolidated financial
statements for these plans.
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by FAS 123, and has been determined as if we had accounted for
our employee stock options under the fair value method of that statement.
The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using
a Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted average
assumptions for 2000, 1999 and 1998: risk-free interest rate of 5.84%
[1999 - 5.32%; 1998 - 5.47%]; dividend yield of 0% [1999 - 0%; 1998 - 0%];
volatility factor of 0.848 [1999 - 0.819; 1998 - 0.709]; and a weighted
average expected life of the options of 4 years [1999 - 4 years; 1998 - 3
years].
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting
restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation
models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the
expected stock price volatility. Because our stock options have
characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and
because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect
the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do
not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its
employee stock options.
Our pro forma net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share
follows:
2000 1999 1998
$ $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro forma net income (loss) (2,180,531) (1,399,105) 264,011
==================================================================================================
Pro forma earnings (loss) per share
Basic (0.76) (0.53) 0.10
Diluted (0.76) (0.53) 0.09
==================================================================================================
13. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Earnings (loss) per share were calculated in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128. The following table sets forth the
computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the years ended
F22
August 31:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
$ $ $
=======================================================================================================================
Numerator
Net income (loss) [numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share] $(1,985,842) $ (971,497) $ 618,065
Accretion of interest on non-interest bearing convertible promissory
notes $ 173,076 $ 31,084 $ 36,346
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share $(1,812,766) $ (940,413) $ 654,411
Denominator
For basic weighted average number of shares 2,873,042 2,635,050 2,550,805
Effect of dilutive securities
Convertible preferred shares -- -- 196,673
Convertible promissory notes -- -- 147,290
Employee stock options -- -- 28,000
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share - adjusted
weighted average number of shares and assumed conversions 2,873,042 2,635,050 2,922,768
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (0.69) $ (0.36) $ 0.24
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (0.69) $ (0.36) $ 0.22
=======================================================================================================================
At August 31, 2000, 900,000 preferred shares convertible to 300,000 common
shares were outstanding. In addition, options to purchase 1,297,000 common
shares were outstanding. These securities were not included in the diluted loss
per share calculation because the effect would be anti-dilutive.
At August 31, 1999, 900,000 preferred shares convertible to 192,857 common
shares were outstanding. In addition, options to purchase 719,000 common shares
were outstanding. These securities were not included in the diluted loss per
share calculation because the effect would be anti-dilutive.
Options to purchase 460,000 shares of common stock at $3.00 per share were
outstanding during 1998, but were not included in the computation of diluted
earnings per share because the exercise price of the options was greater than
the average market price of the common shares, and therefore the effect would be
anti-dilutive.
14. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
On June 12, 1992, we filed a lawsuit against an unrelated company, Interactive
Network Inc. of Mountainview, California, U.S.A. and its president. The suit
seeks a non-infringement declaration with respect to a Canadian patent. This
action was discontinued on September 9, 1998.
On June 18, 1992, Interactive Network Inc., a third party, instituted
proceedings against Communications, NTN Interactive Network Inc. and us in the
Federal Court of Canada and in the California Supreme Court claiming patent
infringement. It is the opinion of our management that this patent infringement
claim will be successfully defended.
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is currently in discussions with us regarding
a potential liability with respect to withholding tax on certain amounts paid to
Communications. No assessment has been made to date by Canada
F23
Customs and Revenue Agency. Management believes that it has valid defenses with
respect to these matters and, accordingly, no amount has been recorded in these
consolidated financial statements. In the event that such matters are settled in
favour of Revenue Canada, the amounts could be material and would be recorded in
the period in which they become determinable.
We and our property are not a party or subject to any other material pending
legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its
business. To our knowledge no other proceedings of a material nature have been
or are contemplated against us.
15. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
[a] Interlynx Multimedia Inc.
Effective September 1, 1997, we acquired 51% of Interlynx and its
subsidiary for a purchase price of $622,000. The purchase price was
satisfied by $357,000 in cash and the issue of 55,209 shares with a value
of $4.80 per share. The acquisition was recorded using the purchase method
of accounting and, accordingly, the purchase price has been allocated as
set out below:
$
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodwill 1,136,029
Net liabilities assumed (491,028)
Acquisition costs capitalized (23,001)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase price 622,000
===================================================================
The excess of cost over tangible assets acquired of $1,136,029 was
allocated to goodwill, which is being amortized over twenty years.
Our 51% share of the operating results of Interlynx are included in our
consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings from the date
of acquisition.
Effective June 1, 1999 we acquired the remaining 49% of Interlynx. The
consideration for the purchase included the issuance of 27,778 of our
common shares and the issuance of options to purchase 80,000 of our common
shares at a strike price of U.S. $3.00 [note 12[c]]. These options were
issued out of the existing employee stock option plan [note 12[c]]. In
addition to the employee stock option plan conditions, entitlement to
these options is subject to the achievement of annual operating profit
levels [profit before income taxes and minority interest] for the three
fiscal years ending August 31, 2000, August 31, 2001 and August 31, 2002.
At the end of the fiscal year ending August 31, 2000 if annual operating
profits are at least $332,000, 26,666
F24
of the options will be deemed earned. If annual operating profits for the
year ending August 31, 2001 are at least $558,000, an additional 26,667 of
the options will be deemed earned. This level of operating profit was not
achieved during fiscal 2000. If annual operating profits for the year
ending August 31, 2002, are at least $700,000, an additional 26,667 of the
options will be deemed earned. If annual operating profits in any of these
three fiscal years are less than the required level, the options will be
deemed earned if the cumulative amounts for operating profits are
achieved. Any options that have not been earned in accordance with these
provisions will expire. Notwithstanding that only 25% of options are
vested each year pursuant to the provisions of the employee stock option
plan, we will, at the end of the fiscal year ending August 31, 2002, waive
the four year vesting period and deem all the options fully vested if
operating profits for the three fiscal years are at least $1,590,000 and
the President of Interlynx has not resigned from his employment or been
terminated for cause prior to August 31, 2002 and that the consulting
agreement with the Vice-President of Interlynx has not been terminated
prior to August 31, 2002. Our Management has determined that the options
granted represent contingent purchase consideration and accordingly will
be recorded as part of the purchase price when determinable.
The June 1, 1999 acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of
accounting and, accordingly, the purchase price has been allocated as set
out below:
$
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodwill 95,091
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase price 95,091
==================================================================
The excess of cost over tangible assets acquired of $95,091 was allocated
to goodwill, which is being amortized over twenty years.
Our additional 49% share of the operating results of Interlynx are
included in our consolidated statements of operations and retained
earnings from the date of acquisition.
[b] 1113659 Ontario Ltd.
Effective June 16, 1999 we acquired through its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Magic, an additional 50% of the shares of Viewer Services, thereby making
Viewer Services a wholly-owned subsidiary of Magic. This acquisition was
recorded using the purchase method of accounting for a consideration of $1
and the assumption of net liabilities of approximately $144,000. Since we
had decided not to continue with this
F25
business, the net assets originally recorded were expensed.
[c] Magic Lantern Communications Ltd.
Effective October 1, 1996, we acquired 100% of Magic and its subsidiaries
for a purchase price of $1,553,315 calculated on a discounted basis. Magic
is a Canadian corporation that distributes educational videos and provides
related services. The acquisition was recorded using the purchase method
of accounting and, accordingly, the purchase price has been allocated as
set out below:
$
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodwill 2,219,623
Net liabilities assumed (575,126)
Acquisition costs capitalized (91,182)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total purchase price 1,553,315
======================================================================
The excess of cost over tangible assets acquired of $2,219,623 was
allocated to goodwill, which is being amortized over twenty years.
The purchase price was satisfied by $450,000 in cash and the issue of two
non-interest bearing promissory notes with a maturity value of $1,250,000.
The first promissory note of $703,133 is repayable by cash payments of
$78,133 on August 31, 1998, $312,500 on August 31, 1999 and $312,500 on
August 31, 2000. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we have the right to elect
up until June 30, 1998 to issue common shares in lieu of the aforesaid
payments as follows: 12,276 shares on August 31, 1998, 49,097 shares on
August 31, 1999 and 49,096 shares on August 31, 2000. Should we not elect
to deliver common shares, the noteholder has the right, exercisable
between July 1, 1998 and July 31, 1998, to require us to issue the common
shares as described. The balance due of $78,133 on August 31, 1998 was
satisfied by the issuance of 12,276 common shares. The balances due on
August 31, 1999 and 2000 were satisfied by the issuance on August 31, 1999
of 49,097 and 49,096 shares respectively [note 12[b]], thereby fully
extinguishing the first promissory note. The fair value of this promissory
note at August 31, 1998 approximated its carrying value.
The second promissory note of $546,867 is payable by cash payments of
$312,500 on August 31, 1997 and $234,367 on August 31, 1998.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we have the right to elect up until June
30, 1997 to issue common shares in lieu of the aforesaid payments as
follows: 49,097 shares on August 31, 1997 and 36,821 shares on August 31,
1998. The payment of $65,000 and the issuance of 38,158 common shares
satisfied the balance due of $312,500 on August 31, 1997 on September 5,
1997. The balance due of $234,367 on August 31, 1998 was satisfied by the
F26
issuance of 36,821 common shares [note 12[b]]. The fair value of this
promissory note approximates its carrying value.
The operating results of Magic are included in our consolidated statements
of operations and retained earnings from the date of acquisition.
[d] Image Media Ltd. and Pilot Software
Effective August 18, 1997, we acquired certain of the business assets of
Image Media Ltd. and 802117 Ontario Inc., operating as Pilot Software, for
cash of $590,000. This acquisition was recorded using the purchase method
of accounting and, accordingly, the purchase price has been allocated as
follows:
$
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment 481,000
Goodwill 45,000
Inventory 37,000
Sundry receivable 27,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total purchase price 590,000
=================================================================
The goodwill arising from this acquisition is amortized over 10 years.
[e] GalaVu Entertainment Network Inc.
On September 13, 1999, pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of
the 10th day of September, 1999, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary,
GalaVu, acquired, effective as of September 13th, 1999, substantially all
of the property and assets [excluding accounts receivable] of GalaVu
Entertainment Inc. The purchase price was satisfied by the issuance of
100,000 of our common shares and the issuance of a promissory note [the
"Note"]. The Note is secured by a general security interest in all of
GalaVu's present and after-acquired assets. The Note shall be payable in
cash or in our common shares annually, for the term consisting of each of
the next five fiscal years in an amount equal to 50% of the earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of GalaVu for the
immediately preceding annual period. Pursuant to the provisions of the
Note, the minimum amount to be received by the holder of the Note is as
follows: fiscal 2001 - $300,000, fiscal 2002 - $500,000, fiscal 2003 -
$750,000, fiscal 2004 - $875,000 and fiscal 2005 - $875,000. The present
value of the Note, discounted at our average borrowing rate (6.5%)
amounted to $2,662,698. The fair value of the Note at August 31, 2000
approximated its carrying value. The interest accretion on the discounted
note amounted to $173,076 during fiscal 2000. This acquisition was
recorded using the
F27
purchase method of accounting and accordingly the purchase price has been
allocated as follows:
$
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Property and equipment 3,487,498
Assumption of liabilities (529,440)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Total purchase price 2,958,058
=====================================================================
For the year ended August 31, 2000, Gala Vu's gross revenue and loss
before taxes were as follows:
Gross Revenue $6,517,940
Loss before taxes ($ 441,636)
Per share date:
Basic loss (0.15)
Diluted (0.15)
16. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
We operate in the entertainment, education and e-commerce industries. Business
segment information for the years ended August 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 are as
follows:
2000
----
Entertainment Education E-commerce Unallocated Inter-segment Total
adjustments
$ $ $ $ $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenue 14,320,649 5,247,764 586,756 -- (461,123) 19,694,046
Operating loss 346,301 (645,208) (914,315) (822,515) 20,419 (2,015,318)
Identifiable assets 8,592,258 3,492,952 396,652 -- -- 12,481,862
Corporate assets 4,975,030 68,644 (144,941) -- -- 4,898,733
Capital expenditures 842,955 289,236 29,955 -- -- 1,162,146
Depreciation and amortization 1,733,473 408,856 204,992 -- -- 2,347,321
Income from equity investment -- -- -- -- -- --
====================================================================================================================================
1999
----
Entertainment Education E-commerce Unallocated Inter-segment Total
adjustments
$ $ $ $ $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenue 8,115,127 5,192,378 596,951 -- (483,814) 13,420,642
Operating profit (loss) 204,843 (594,824) (229,599) -- (246,693) (866,273)
Identifiable assets 4,389,308 4,290,025 351,555 -- -- 9,030,888
Corporate assets 4,923,498 (182,367) 1,030,002 -- -- 5,771,133
Capital expenditures 350,836 147,761 103,036 -- -- 601,633
Depreciation and amortization 900,770 428,376 100,073 -- -- 1,429,219
Income from equity investment -- 28,576 -- -- -- 28,576
====================================================================================================================================
1998
----
Entertainment Education E-commerce Unallocated Inter-segment Total
adjustments
$ $ $ $ $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenue 8,498,545 5,054,376 1,367,430 -- (148,379) 14,771,972
Operating profit (loss) 1,266,418 (389,046) 418,385 -- (148,379) 1,147,378
Identifiable assets 4,887,935 4,170,474 280,908 -- -- 9,339,317
Corporate assets 4,794,976 720,784 1,192,830 -- -- 6,708,590
Capital expenditures 1,787,043 223,700 1,800 -- -- 2,012,543
Depreciation and amortization 784,113 434,449 92,127 -- -- 1,310,689
Income from equity investment -- (25,658) -- -- -- (25,658)
====================================================================================================================================
F28
Operating income is equal to income before income taxes and minority interest,
and includes deductions for items such as interest and depreciation and
amortization. Identifiable assets by industry are those assets used in our
operations in each industry. Corporate assets are principally cash and cash
equivalents, short-term investments and intangible assets. We now have a 100%
interest in Viewer Services [1999 - 100%, 1998 - 50%]. The investment was
accounted for on the equity basis until June 30, 1999 when we purchased the
remaining 50% of Viewer Services. Our equity in the income of Viewer Services
was $28,576 in 1999 [1998 loss - $25,658].
Our business segments all operate primarily in Canada.
Revenues from one customer of our e-commerce segment represent $124,500
[$226,920 - 1999, $240,000 - 1998] of the e-commerce segment revenue.
The 1999 and 1998 comparative segmented information has been reclassified from
statements previously presented to conform with the presentation of the 2000
segmented information.
17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Included in other receivables is approximately $155,000 [1999 - $160,000] of
amounts due from employees and shareholders. The amounts are non-interest
bearing and are due on demand.
18. SALE OF SUBSIDIARY
Effective June 1, 1999, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Interlynx, sold
its 60% interest in Universal Content Inc. ["UCI" - formerly known as Interlynx
International Inc] for cash consideration of $110,813. UCI served as a marketing
and sales arm of Interlynx for CD-ROM products. The operations of UCI were not
significant to us and the marketing and sales of Interlynx CD-ROM products have
been assumed by Interlynx.
19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Pursuant to an asset purchase agreement dated September 1, 2000, Magic Lantern
acquired the assets and business operations of Richard Wolff Enterprises, Inc.,
a company based in Illinois, for a purchase price of US$200,000. As a result,
Magic Lantern has expanded its library of educational titles and now has access
to the international distribution infrastructure formerly held by Richard Wolff
Enterprises. The asset purchase agreement also contains a purchase price
adjustment clause whereby the price may be adjusted upwards to a maximum of
US$300,000 if certain revenue levels are achieved. Specifically, if gross
revenues for the acquired business exceed US$500,000 for the 12 month period
ending August 31, 2001, Magic Lantern will pay to Richard Wolff Enterprises
F29
US$50,000, and if gross revenues exceed US$600,000 for the second 12 month
period ending August 31, 2002, Magic Lantern will pay to Richard Wolff
Enterprises an additional US$50,000. In addition, the asset purchase agreement
provides that Richard Wolff, President of Richard Wolff Enterprises, has agreed
to act as a consultant to Magic Lantern for a term of 2 years to assist in the
transition and growth of the business as it expands internationally.
On September 19, 2000 pursuant to an Agreement of Purchase and Sale dated as of
August 4, 2000, we and our subsidiary NNAC acquired, effective August 31, 2000,
certain shares and net assets from Cameron Chell and Chell.com Ltd.
("Chell.com"). Pursuant to the Agreement, we acquired: (a) 480,000 common shares
of cDemo Inc. (23%); (b) 875,000 common shares of Engyro, Inc. (34%); (c)
150,000 common shares of C Me Run Corp. (1%); and (d) 60,000 common shares
Chell.com USA (100%). In addition, NNAC acquired 962,500 common shares of
eSupplies (Alberta) Ltd. (27%) as well as certain net assets from Chell.com.
This acquisition has not been reflected in the accompanying financial statements
since shareholder approval to ratify the above purchase transaction was not
voted on and approved until September 8, 2000.
In consideration for this acquisition, we issued 5,396,733 shares of its common
stock and NNAC issued 1,928,267 special convertible shares to Cameron Chell,
Chell.com and others. Each share issued by NNAC is convertible into one share of
our common stock. Pursuant to a Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement entered into
with a trustee, whereby voting privileges have been granted, such shares issued
by NNAC can be voted by the trustee immediately. The amount of shares issued was
determined based upon an appraisal valuation of the investments and assets
acquired which aggregated US $28,652,086.
Cameron Chell is the sole director and shareholder of Chell.com. Mr. Chell is
also the President of Chell Group Corporation.
Our shares that were issued in exchange for shares of C Me Run Corp. (421,829)
and eSupplies (Alberta) Inc. (1,476,398) have been placed in escrow until such
time as certain conditions are met.
On October 10, 2000, we closed the sale of US$3,000,000 of a Convertible 10%
Debenture to the VC Advantage Limited Partnership ("Holder"). The principal
amount of the Debenture will be advanced in three consecutive monthly
installments of US$1,000,000 each, on or about the tenth day of each month
beginning October 10, 2000. This unsecured convertible debenture is due three
years from issue. The Convertible Debenture bears interest at 10% per annum,
payable upon conversion, redemption or maturity. The unpaid principal of the
debenture bears interest from the date that it is actually advanced until paid.
Interest is payable in cash or stock at our option. The Convertible Debenture is
convertible into our common stock, at US$3.00 per share, in amounts specified by
the Holder. The maximum number of common shares the Holder will receive is one
million.
F30
On the close date, we issued 50,000 warrants to purchase 50,000 common shares at
US$3.00 per share. The warrants have a term of four years. Our President is the
Chairman, a Director and a shareholder of the General Partner of the Holder.
On September 8, 2000 we changed our name from Networks North Inc. to Chell Group
Corporation. On September 25, 2000 the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary,
Networks North Acquisition Corporation changed its name to Chell Merchant
Capital Group Inc.
20. COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The 1999 and 1998 comparative consolidated financial statements have been
reclassified from statements previously presented to conform to the presentation
of the 2000 consolidated financial statements.
F31
CHELL GROUP CORPORATION
(Formerly Networks North Inc.)
INTRODUCTION TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED PROFORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The following unaudited proforma statement of operations has been prepared based
upon certain proforma adjustments to the historical financial statements of
Chell Group Corporation (the Company). This proforma statement of operations
should be read in conjunction with the notes thereto and with the Company's
historical financial statements included with its annual report on Form 10-K.
The accompanying financial statement has been prepared as if the transactions
below had been consummated as of the beginning of the earliest period presented
(September 1, 1999). Unless stated differently, all amounts are reflected in
Canadian dollars.
On September 19, 2000, pursuant to an Agreement of Purchase and Sale dated as of
August 4, 2000, the Company and its' subsidiary NNAC acquired, effective August
31, 2000, certain shares and net assets from Cameron Chell and Chell.com Ltd.
("Chell.com"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company acquired (a) 480,000
common shares of cDemo, Inc. (23%); (b) 875,000 common shares of Engyro, Inc.
(34%); (c) 150,000 common shares of C Me Run Corp. (1%) and (d) 60,000 common
shares of Chell.com USA (100%). In addition, NNAC acquired 962,500 common shares
of eSupplies Ltd. (27%) as well as certain net assets from Chell.com.
In consideration for this acquisition, the Company issued 5,396,733 shares of
its common stock and NNAC issued 1,928,267 special convertible shares to Cameron
Chell, Chell.com and others. Each share issued by NNAC is convertible into one
share of common stock of the Company. Pursuant to a Voting and Exchange Trust
Agreement entered into with a trustee, whereby voting privileges have been
granted, such shares issued by NNAC can be voted by the trustee immediately. The
amount of shares issued was determined based upon an appraisal valuation of the
investments and assets acquired which aggregated US$28,652,086.
As a result of this acquisition, the Company (the legal acquirer), is now
predominantly owned (70%) by Cameron Chell and Chell.com, ("Chell shareholders")
an entity in which Cameron Chell is the sole shareholder. Since the Chell
shareholders (the legal acquiree) became the majority shareholders of the
post-acquisition consolidated enterprise, this acquisition was reflected as a
reverse acquisition.
In accordance with reverse acquisition accounting, the investment in these
entities and the net assets acquired are being recorded in a manner similar to a
pooling of interests whereby investments, assets and liabilities are carried
forward at their book values, which aggregated $2,804,600.
The shares of the Company (421,829) that were issued in exchange for shares of C
Me Run were placed in escrow until such time as certain conditions are met.
Accordingly, the purchase of the shares of this entity will be recorded upon
satisfaction of such conditions, and is therefore not reflected in the
accompanying proforma financial statement.
The purchase price of the investments and net assets acquired from the Chell
shareholders has been allocated as follows:
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 920
Fixed assets 2,079,339
Other net assets 724,341
----------
$2,804,600
==========
The investments acquired pursuant to the agreement mentioned in the third
paragraph, except for Chell.com USA which is consolidated, are being reflected
under the equity method of accounting.
Since the acquisition is already reflected in the Company's historical balance
sheet as of August 31, 2000, in Form 10-K, the proforma financial information
includes a proforma statement of operations only.
F32
CHELL GROUP CORPORATION
(Formerly Networks North Inc.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED PROFORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000
(Unaudited)
(EXPRESSED IN CANADIAN DOLLARS)
Historical Transactions and adjustments Proforma
---------- ---------------------------- --------
Debit Credit
----- ------
$ $ $ $
- - - -
REVENUES 19,693,946 19,693,946
---------- -----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Costs of sales 7,657,960 7,657,960
Selling, general and administrative 11,266,339 11,266,339
Bad debts 140,090 140,090
Interest and bank charges 297,654 297,654
Depreciation and amortization 2,347,321 481,800 (a) 2,829,121
Loss from equity investments -- 920 (b) 920
---------- -----------
21,709,364 22,192,084
---------- -----------
LOSS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (2,015,418) (2,498,138)
Provision for income taxes -- --
---------- -----------
LOSS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST (2,015,418) (2,498,138)
Minority interest in net loss of subsidiary 29,476 29,476
---------- -----------
NET LOSS (1,985,942) (2,468,662)
========== ===========
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE $ (.25)
===========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING 9,776,213
===========
F33
CHELL GROUP CORPORATION
(Formerly Networks North Inc.)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED PROFORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
a) The Company has recorded depreciation expense on the assets acquired from
Chell.com. Fixed assets acquired include computer and other equipment and
leasehold improvements which are being depreciated on a straight line
basis over 3-7 years.
b) Reflects the Company's share of the losses (not to exceed the carrying
amounts of its investment) of the entities it acquired from the Chell
shareholders using the equity method of accounting.
The Company's equity in the losses of $2,655,628 is limited to the amount
of its investment aggregating $920. If the entities subsequently report
net income, the Company will record its equity in those earnings only
after its share of that net income equals the share of net losses not
recognized.
F34