PRE 14A
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a2045710zpre14a.txt
PRE 14A
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/X/ Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE
14a-6(e)(2))
/ / Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12
BIOSANTE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ No fee required.
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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PRELIMINARY COPY
[BIOSANTE LOGO]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 13, 2001
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF BIOSANTE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.:
The Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of BioSante Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., a Wyoming corporation, will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at 1:00
p.m., local time, at the American Airlines Admirals Club, Terminal 3, O'Hare
International Airport, Chicago, Illinois, for the following purposes:
1. To elect nine persons to serve as directors until our next annual
meeting of shareholders or until their respective successors are
elected and qualified.
2. To consider a proposal to amend our 1998 Stock Option Plan to increase
the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the
plan by 1,500,000 shares, from 7,000,000 shares to 8,500,000 shares.
3. To consider a proposal to change our state of incorporation from
Wyoming to Delaware.
4. To consider a proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche
L.L.P. as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December
31, 2001.
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
With respect to proposal 3 to approve the reincorporation of our company,
shareholders of the company have the right to dissent and obtain payment for
their shares by complying with the terms and procedures of Article 13 of the
Wyoming Business Corporation Act, copies of which are included as Appendix E to
the proxy statement accompanying this notice.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on April 23, 2001 will
be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and any adjournments
thereof. It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the
meeting. Please mark, sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card in the
postage-paid envelope provided.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Phillip B. Donenberg
SECRETARY
May 11, 2001
Lincolnshire, Illinois
================================================================================
IMPORTANT: THE PROMPT RETURN OF YOUR PROXY CARD WILL SAVE THE COMPANY THE
EXPENSE OF FURTHER REQUESTS FOR PROXIES TO ENSURE A QUORUM AT THE MEETING. A
SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED
IF MAILED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR FROM CANADA.
================================================================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING.............................................................1
Date, Time, Place and Purposes.................................................................................1
Shareholders Entitled to Vote..................................................................................1
Proxies........................................................................................................1
Revocation of Proxies..........................................................................................1
Quorum Requirement.............................................................................................2
Vote Required..................................................................................................2
Proxy Solicitation Costs.......................................................................................2
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT.......................................................3
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (PROPOSAL 1)................................................................................5
Number of Directors............................................................................................5
Nominees for Director..........................................................................................5
Vote Required..................................................................................................5
Board Recommendation...........................................................................................6
Information About Nominees.....................................................................................6
Other Information About Nominees...............................................................................7
Information About the Board of Directors and its Committees....................................................8
Director Compensation..........................................................................................8
Audit Committee Report.........................................................................................9
Membership of the Audit Committee..............................................................................9
Review of BioSante's Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2000..................9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS........................................................................10
Summary of Cash and Other Compensation........................................................................10
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year.............................................................................10
Aggregated Option Exercises In Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values.............................11
Employment Agreements.........................................................................................11
Change in Control Arrangements................................................................................11
RELATED PARTY RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS.....................................................................12
Director Relationships........................................................................................12
May 1999 Private Placement....................................................................................12
April 2001 Private Placement..................................................................................12
PROPOSAL TO AMEND OUR 1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK RESERVED FOR
ISSUANCE (PROPOSAL 2)............................................................................................13
Proposed Amendment............................................................................................13
Purpose of the Amendment......................................................................................13
Summary of the 1998 Stock Option Plan.........................................................................13
Federal Income Tax Consequences...............................................................................15
Options Under the Option Plan.................................................................................17
Vote Required.................................................................................................17
i
Board Recommendation..........................................................................................17
PROPOSAL TO REINCORPORATE IN DELAWARE (PROPOSAL 3)...............................................................18
Introduction..................................................................................................18
Treatment of Stock Options and Warrants.......................................................................18
Directors and Officers........................................................................................19
Effective Time of Reincorporation.............................................................................19
Exchange of Stock Certificates................................................................................19
Principal Reasons for Changing Our State of Incorporation.....................................................19
Effects of Reincorporation in Delaware........................................................................20
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to be in Effect After the Reincorporation.............................20
Significant Differences Between the Corporation Laws of Wyoming and Delaware..................................20
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger.................................................................28
Dissenters' Rights............................................................................................28
Vote Required.................................................................................................31
Board Recommendation..........................................................................................31
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS (PROPOSAL 4)...................................................32
Appointment of Auditors.......................................................................................32
Principal Accounting Fees.....................................................................................32
Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation Fees..................................................32
All Other Fees................................................................................................32
Vote Required.................................................................................................32
Board Recommendation..........................................................................................32
OTHER MATTERS....................................................................................................33
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.......................................................33
Shareholder Proposals For 2002 Annual Meeting.................................................................33
Other Business................................................................................................33
Copies of 2001 Annual Report..................................................................................33
ii
[BIOSANTE LOGO]
175 OLDE HALF DAY ROAD
LINCOLNSHIRE, ILLINOIS 60069
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PROXY STATEMENT FOR
ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
JUNE 13, 2001
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INFORMATION CONCERNING THE ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING
DATE, TIME, PLACE AND PURPOSES
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2001, at 1:00 p.m., local time,
at the American Airlines Admirals Club, Terminal 3, O'Hare International
Airport, Chicago, Illinois, for the purposes set forth in the Notice of Meeting.
SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE
Shareholders of record at the close of business on April 23, 2001 will be
entitled to vote at the meeting. As of that date, there were 62,202,943 shares
of our common stock and 4,687,684 shares of our class C stock outstanding. Each
share of our common stock and class C stock is entitled to one vote on each
matter to be voted on at the Annual and Special Meeting. Shareholders are not
entitled to cumulate voting rights.
PROXIES
This proxy statement is being mailed to our shareholders beginning on or about
May 11, 2001 in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of
Directors for use at the Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders.
Your vote is important. A proxy card is enclosed for your use. YOU ARE SOLICITED
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TO MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY
CARD IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. No postage is required if mailed within the
United States or from Canada.
Proxies will be voted as specified by you. Signed proxies that lack any
specification will be voted in favor of all of the proposals set forth in the
Notice of Meeting and in favor of the election of all of the nominees for
director listed in this proxy statement.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF ALL OF THE
PROPOSALS SET FORTH IN THE NOTICE OF MEETING AND FOR ALL OF THE NOMINEES FOR
DIRECTOR LISTED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.
REVOCATION OF PROXIES
Any shareholder giving a proxy may revoke it at any time prior to its use at the
Annual and Special Meeting by:
o giving written notice of your revocation to our Secretary,
o filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later date with our Secretary, or
o appearing at the Annual and Special Meeting and filing written notice of
revocation with our Secretary prior to use of the proxy.
QUORUM REQUIREMENT
The presence at the Annual and Special Meeting, in person or by proxy, of two
record holders of each of our outstanding common stock and class C stock at the
Annual and Special Meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at the Annual and Special Meeting.
VOTE REQUIRED
Assuming a quorum is represented at the Annual and Special Meeting, either in
person or by proxy, the election of the nine nominees for director requires the
affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of common stock and class C stock,
voting together as a single class, present and entitled to vote in person or by
proxy, and the approval of the other proposals described in this proxy
statement, require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
shares of common stock and class C stock, voting together as a single class,
present and entitled to vote in person or by proxy. Shares represented by a
proxy card including any broker non-votes on a matter will be treated as shares
not entitled to vote on that matter, and thus will not be counted in determining
whether that matter has been approved. A "broker non-vote" is a card returned by
a broker on behalf of its beneficial owner customer that is not voted on a
particular matter because voting instructions have not been received, and the
broker has no discretionary authority to vote. Shares represented by a proxy
card voted as abstaining on any of the proposals will be treated as shares
present and entitled to vote that were not cast in favor of a particular matter,
and thus will be counted as votes against that matter.
Signed proxies that lack any specification will be voted in favor of all of the
proposals set forth in the Notice of Meeting and in favor of the election of all
of the nine nominees for directors listed in this proxy statement.
PROXY SOLICITATION COSTS
The cost of soliciting proxies, including the preparation, assembly and mailing
of proxies and soliciting material, as well as the cost of forwarding this
material to the beneficial owners of our capital stock will be borne by us. Our
directors, officers and regular employees may, without compensation other than
their regular compensation, solicit proxies by telephone, facsimile, telegraph
or personal conversation. We may reimburse brokerage firms and others for
expenses in forwarding proxy materials to the beneficial owners of our capital
stock.
2
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
AND MANAGEMENT
--------------
The following table sets forth information known to us with respect to
the beneficial ownership of each class of our capital stock as of April 15, 2001
for (1) each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of any class of
our voting securities, (2) each of the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table on page 10 under the heading "Executive Compensation and
Other Benefits," (3) each of our directors and (4) all of our executive officers
and directors as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, we believe that each of
the beneficial owners of our capital stock listed below, based on information
provided by these owners, has sole investment and voting power with respect to
its shares, subject to community property laws where applicable.
Unless otherwise noted, each of the shareholders listed in the table
possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated.
Shares not outstanding but deemed beneficially owned by virtue of the right of a
person or member of a group to acquire them within 60 days are treated as
outstanding only when determining the amount and percent owned by such person or
group.
COMMON STOCK PERCENT OF
COMMON STOCK CLASS C STOCK AND TOTAL
------------------------ --------------------- COMMON STOCK VOTING
NAME NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT EQUIVALENTS POWER (1)
----------------------------------- ------------- ------- --------- ------- ------------ ----------
Stephen M. Simes (2)............... 3,190,578 (3) 4.9% -- -- 3,190,578 4.6%
Louis W. Sullivan, M.D. (2)........ 125,000 (4) * 1,000,000 21.3% 1,125,000 1.7%
Edward C. Rosenow III, M.D. (2).... 150,000 (5) * -- -- 150,000 *
Victor Morgenstern (2)............. 5,050,000 (6) 7.9% -- -- 5,050,000 7.4%
Fred Holubow (2)................... 637,500 (7) 1.0% -- -- 637,500 *
Ross Mangano (2)................... 15,025,000 (8) 22.4% -- -- 15,025,000 20.9%
Angela Ho (2)...................... 725,000 (9) 1.2% 1,000,000 21.3% 1,725,000 2.6%
Peter Kjaer (2).................... 75,000 (10) * -- -- 75,000 *
Avi Ben-Abraham, M.D. (2).......... 10,954,800 (11) 17.6% -- -- 10,954,800 16.4%
Phillip B. Donenberg (2)........... 741,041 (12) 1.2% -- -- 741,041 1.1%
JO & Co............................ 14,925,000 (13) 22.3% -- -- 14,925,000 20.8%
Hans Michael Jebsen................ 4,250,000 (14) 6.8% 1,000,000 21.3% 5,250,000 7.8%
King Cho Fung...................... 3,700,000 (15) 5.9% 625,000 13.3% 4,325,000 6.5%
Marcus Jebsen...................... 1,750,000 (16) 2.8% 500,000 10.7% 2,250,000 3.4%
All executive officers and
directors as a group (13 persons).. 37,539,127(17) 60.3% 2,000,000 42.7% 39,539,127 58.7%
---------------------
* less than 1%.
(1) In calculating the percent of total voting power, the voting power of
shares of our class C stock and our common stock is combined.
(2) Address: 175 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069.
(3) Mr. Simes' beneficial ownership includes 2,464,219 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of stock options and 187,500 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of warrants.
(4) Dr. Sullivan's beneficial ownership includes 125,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of a stock option.
(5) Dr. Rosenow's beneficial ownership includes 150,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of stock options.
3
(6) Mr. Morgenstern's beneficial ownership includes: (1) 75,000 shares of
common stock issuable upon exercise of a stock option, (2) 950,000 shares
of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants, (3) 325,000 shares of
common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants and 500,000 shares of
common stock held by Mr. Morgenstern's wife as trustee of the Morningstar
Trust, as to which Mr. Morgenstern disclaims control, direction or
beneficial ownership, (4) 100,000 shares of common stock issuable upon
exercise of a warrant and 200,000 shares of common stock held by Mr.
Morgenstern's wife, as to which Mr. Morgenstern disclaims control, director
or beneficial ownership, and (5) 250,000 shares of common stock issuable
upon exercise of a warrant and 500,000 shares of common stock held by
Resolute Partners. Victor Morgenstern is a partner of Resolute Partners.
(7) Mr. Holubow's beneficial ownership includes 187,500 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of warrants and 75,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of a stock option.
(8) Mr. Mangano's beneficial ownership includes: (1) 75,000 shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of a stock option, (2) 3,750,000 shares of
common stock issuable upon exercise of a warrant and 7,800,000 shares of
common stock held by JO & Co., and (3) an aggregate of 2,250,001 shares of
common stock and an aggregate of 1,124,999 shares of common stock issuable
upon exercise of warrants held in the accounts of JO & Co., a registered
investment advisor, of which Mr. Mangano is their advisor. Mr. Mangano has
sole dispositive power over these shares. See note (13) below.
(9) Ms. Ho's beneficial ownership includes 125,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of stock options.
(10) Mr. Kjaer's beneficial ownership includes 75,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of a stock option.
(11) Dr. Ben-Abraham's beneficial ownership includes 25,000 shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of a stock option. Dr. Ben-Abraham has entered
into an agreement limiting the voting rights with respect to his shares of
common stock in certain circumstances. His percentage ownership has been
calculated without taking these restrictions into account.
(12) Mr. Donenberg's beneficial ownership includes 696,074 shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and 6,250 shares of common
stock issuable upon exercise of a warrant.
(13) Includes 3,750,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of a
warrant. Ross Mangano, a director of BioSante, has sole voting power over
these shares, and an aggregate of 2,250,001 shares of common stock and an
aggregate of 1,124,999 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of
warrants held in the accounts of JO & Co., a registered investment advisor,
of which Mr. Mangano is their advisor. See note (8) above. The address for
JO & Co. is 112 West Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 613, South Bend, Indiana
46634.
(14) Mr. Jebsen's beneficial ownership includes 750,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of a warrant. Mr. Jebsen's address is c/o Jebsen &
Co. Ltd., 28/F Caroline Center, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
(15) Mr. Fung's beneficial ownership includes 750,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of a warrant. Mr. Fung's address is Room 2101,
Lyndhurst Tower, One Lyndhurst Terrace, Central Hong Kong.
(16) Mr. Jebsen's beneficial ownership includes 250,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of a warrant. Mr. Jebsen's address is c/o Jebsen &
Co. Ltd., 28/F Caroline Center, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
(17) The amount beneficially owned by all current directors and executive
officers as a group includes 5,690,501 shares issuable upon exercise of
warrants and stock options held by these individuals and 5,549,999 shares
issuable upon exercise of warrants held by entities affiliated with these
individuals. See notes (6), (8) and (13) above.
4
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(PROPOSAL 1)
------------------
NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
Our bylaws provide that the Board of Directors will consist of at least one
member, or such other number as may be determined by the Board of Directors or
shareholders at an annual or special meeting. The number of directors is
currently set at nine.
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR
In connection with our May 1999 private placement, we entered into a
Shareholders' Agreement with the investor parties thereto. This agreement
contains, among other things, a voting agreement with respect to the election of
directors. Under the Shareholders' Agreement, we agreed that the Board of
Directors will consist of not less than three nor more than 12 directors and
that so long as Avi Ben-Abraham, M.D. holds at least 10% of our outstanding
capital stock, he will be entitled to be nominated as a director.
In addition, the holders of a majority of the shares of our capital stock held
by the lead investors in the May 1999 private placement are entitled to nominate
three members of our Board of Directors, and all of the parties to the
Shareholders' Agreement must vote their shares of our capital stock to elect the
nominees appointed by these investors to our Board of Directors. These investors
have designated Victor Morgenstern, Fred Holubow and Ross Mangano as their
directors.
Finally, under the Shareholders' Agreement, the holders of a majority of the
shares of our capital stock held by certain major investors located in Hong
Kong, are entitled to nominate up to three members of our Board of Directors,
and all parties to the Shareholders' Agreement must vote their shares of our
capital stock to elect the nominees appointed by these investors to the Board of
Directors. These major investors located in Hong Kong have designated Angela Ho
and Peter Kjaer as their directors.
The right to nominate up to three directors each held by the lead investors and
the Hong Kong investors will terminate immediately prior to the third general
election of directors subsequent to May 6, 1999, the date of the closing of the
May 1999 private placement.
These investors and the Board of Directors have nominated the following
individuals to serve as our directors until the next annual meeting of our
shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified. All of the
nominees named below are current members of the Board of Directors.
o Louis W. Sullivan, M.D.
o Stephen M. Simes
o Victor Morgenstern
o Fred Holubow
o Ross Mangano
o Edward C. Rosenow III, M.D.
o Angela Ho
o Peter Kjaer
o Avi Ben-Abraham, M.D.
Proxies can only be voted for the number of persons named as nominees in this
proxy statement, which is nine.
VOTE REQUIRED
Assuming a quorum is represented at the Annual and Special Meeting, either in
person or by proxy, the election of a nominee for director requires the
affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of common stock and class C stock
represented in person or by proxy at the Annual and Special Meeting, voting
together as a single class.
5
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of all of the nominees
named above.
If prior to the Annual and Special Meeting, the Board of Directors should learn
that any nominee will be unable to serve for any reason, the proxies that
otherwise would have been voted for this nominee will be voted for a substitute
nominee as selected by the Board of Directors. Alternatively, the proxies, at
the Board's discretion, may be voted for that fewer number of nominees as
results from the inability of any nominee to serve. The Board of Directors has
no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable to serve.
INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES
The following table sets forth the name, age and principal occupation of
each nominee for director, as of April 15, 2001, as well as how long each
nominee has served as a director of BioSante.
DIRECTOR
NAME OF NOMINEE AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION SINCE
----------------------------------------- ------ ------------------------------------------- ------------
Louis W. Sullivan, M.D. (1)(2)(3)........ 67 President of the Morehouse School of 1996
Medicine and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of BioSante
Stephen M. Simes......................... 49 Vice Chairman, President and Chief 1998
Executive Officer of BioSante
Victor Morgenstern (2)................... 58 Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The 1999
Oakmark Funds and Managing Director of
Resolute Partners L.P.
Fred Holubow (3)......................... 62 Vice President of Pegasus Associates 1999
Ross Mangano (1)......................... 55 President of Oliver Estate, Inc. 1999
Edward C. Rosenow III, M.D. (3).......... 66 Master Fellow of the American College of 1997
Physicians and the American College of
Chest Physicians
Angela Ho (2)............................ 48 Vice Chairman and Chief Managing Officer 1998
of Jet-Asia Ltd.
Peter Kjaer (1).......................... 40 President and Chief Executive Officer of 1999
Jet-Asia Ltd.
Avi Ben-Abraham, M.D..................... 43 Independent Consultant 1996
------------------
(1) Member of the Audit and Finance Committee
6
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee
(3) Member of the Scientific Review Committee
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES
THE HONORABLE LOUIS W. SULLIVAN, M.D. has been our Chairman of the Board of
Directors since March 1998 and has been a director of our company since its
formation. Dr. Sullivan served as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the
cabinet of President George Bush from 1989 to 1993. Since retiring from the Bush
Administration, Dr. Sullivan has been President of the Morehouse School of
Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. He had previously served as President and Dean of
the School from 1981 to 1985. Since 1993, Dr. Sullivan has served and continues
to serve on the Boards of several large U.S. corporations, including 3M Corp.,
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Cigna Corporation, Georgia Pacific Corp. and
Household International Inc.
STEPHEN M. SIMES has served as our Vice-Chairman, President and a director of
our company since January 1998 and Chief Executive Officer since March 1998.
From October 1994 to January 1997, Mr. Simes was President, Chief Executive
Officer and a Director of Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company with a product
focus on infectious diseases, AIDS, endocrinology and oncology. From 1989 to
1993, Mr. Simes was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gynex
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company which concentrated on the AIDS, endocrinology,
urology and growth disorders markets. In 1993, Gynex was acquired by
Bio-Technology General Corp., and from 1993 to 1994, Mr. Simes served as Senior
Vice President and Director of Bio-Technology General Corp. Mr. Simes' career in
the pharmaceutical industry started in 1974 with G.D. Searle & Co.
VICTOR MORGENSTERN was elected a director of our company in July 1999. Mr.
Morgenstern has more than 32 years of investment experience and is the Chairman
of the Board of Trustees of The Oakmark Funds, an open-end registered investment
company and serves as managing director of Reolute Partners L.P. He is a trustee
of the Illinois Institute of Technology.
FRED HOLUBOW was elected a director of our company in July 1999. Mr. Holubow has
been a Vice President of Pegasus Associates since he founded Pegasus in 1982.
Pegasus Associates is currently an operating division of William Harris
Investors, a registered investment advisory firm. He specializes in analyzing
and investing in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Mr. Holubow has
served on the Boards for Bio-Technology General Corp., ThermoRetec Corporation
and Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
ROSS MANGANO was elected a director of our company in July 1999. Mr. Mangano has
been the President and a director of Oliver Estate, Inc., a management company
specializing in investments in public and private companies since 1971. He is
the Chairman of Cerprobe Corporation, and serves as a director for Blue Chip
Casino, Inc., Orchard Software Corporation and U.S. RealTel Inc.
EDWARD C. ROSENOW, III, M.D. has been a director of our company since November
1997. Dr. Rosenow was the Arthur M. and Gladys D. Gray Professor of Medicine at
the Mayo Clinic from 1988 until his recent retirement. Beginning with his
residency in 1960, Dr. Rosenow has worked at the Mayo Clinic in many
professional capacities including as a Consultant in Internal Medicine (Thoracic
Diseases) from 1966 to 1996, an Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and
Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic Medical School, President of the Mayo
Clinic Staff in 1986, and Chair of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care
Medicine from 1987 to 1994. Dr. Rosenow has also served as a consultant to NASA,
space station FREEDOM at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas from 1989 to
1990 and as the President of the American College of Chest Physicians from 1989
to 1990. He is a Master Fellow of the American College of Physicians as well as
Master Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. In 1998, he received
the Mayo Distinguished Alumnus Award.
7
ANGELA HO has been a director of our company since June 1998. Ms. Ho was elected
to our Board of Directors as a representative of certain major investors in Hong
Kong. Ms. Ho has been the Vice Chairman and Chief Managing Officer of Jet-Asia
Ltd., a Hong Kong-based aircraft and management company, since April 1996. From
June 1996 to June 1998, Ms. Ho was the President of Ho Galleries Ltd., a New
York art gallery. She specializes in investments in small and microcap
companies.
PETER KJAER has been a director of our company since July 1999. Mr. Kjaer has
been President and Chief Executive Officer of Jet-Asia Ltd., a Hong Kong-based
aircraft and management company, since April 1996 and a representative of
certain major investors in that province. From April 1989 to July 1996, Mr.
Kjaer was the General Manager and a director of the Gallery of Contemporary
Living Ltd., a Hong Kong-based art gallery.
AVI BEN-ABRAHAM, M.D. founded our company and has been a director of our company
since inception. Dr. Ben-Abraham was the Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer of our company from inception to March 1998. Dr.
Ben-Abraham was a trustee of the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta,
Georgia until December 1998. From July 1995 to March 1998, Dr. Ben-Abraham
served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Structured
Biologicals, Inc., a predecessor company of BioSante.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors met four times during fiscal 2000. All of the directors
attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of Directors and all such
committees on which they served during fiscal 2000.
The Board of Directors has an Audit and Finance Committee, Compensation
Committee and Scientific Review Committee.
AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Audit and Finance Committee provides assistance
to the Board of Directors in satisfying its fiduciary responsibilities relating
to our accounting, auditing, operating and reporting practices, and reviews our
annual financial statements, the selection and work of our independent auditors
and the adequacy of internal controls for compliance with corporate policies and
directives. The Audit and Finance Committee consisted of Dr. Sullivan, Mr.
Mangano and Mr. Kjaer. The Audit and Finance Committee met four times during
fiscal 2000.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE. The Compensation Committee:
o reviews general programs of compensation and benefits for all of our
employees;
o makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning matters as
compensation to be paid to our officers and directors; and
o administers our stock option plan, pursuant to which stock options may be
granted to our eligible employees, officers, directors and consultants.
The Compensation Committee consisted of Dr. Sullivan, Mr. Morgenstern and Ms.
Ho. The Compensation Committee met twice during fiscal 2000 and took action by
written consent on one occasion.
SCIENTIFIC REVIEW COMMITTEE. The Scientific Review Committee assists in
evaluating potential new licenses or new products. The Scientific Review
Committee consisted of Dr. Sullivan, Mr. Holubow and Dr. Rosenow. The Scientific
Review Committee did not meet during fiscal 2000 but as part of our Board was
presented with and evaluated in-licenses and scientific progress.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
We do not pay fees to our directors. We do, however, periodically compensate our
directors through the granting of stock options. On January 1, 2001, we granted
stock options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock to each of our
non-employee directors. These options have an exercise price of $0.67 per share,
fully vest on January 1, 2002 and expire ten years from the date of grant.
8
REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES. All directors are reimbursed for travel expenses for
attending meetings of the Board of Directors and any Board committees.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of BioSante's previous
or future filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act that might
incorporate this proxy statement or future filings with the SEC, in whole or in
part, the following report will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference
into any such filing.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit and Finance Committee consists of Dr. Sullivan, Mr. Mangano and Mr.
Kjaer, each of whom is a member of our Board of Directors and qualifies as
"independent" as defined under the National Association of Securities Dealers'
listing standards. The Audit and Finance Committee operates under a written
charter adopted by the Board of Directors which is included in this proxy
statement as Appendix A.
REVIEW OF BIOSANTE'S AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2000
The Audit and Finance Committee has reviewed and discussed BioSante's audited
financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 with BioSante's
management. The Audit and Finance Committee has discussed with Deloitte & Touche
L.L.P., BioSante's independent public accountants, the matters required to be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit
Committees). The Audit and Finance Committee has also received the written
disclosures and the letter from Deloitte & Touche L.L.P. required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussion with Audit
Committees) and the Audit and Finance Committee has discussed the independence
of Deloitte & Touche L.L.P. with them.
Based on the Audit and Finance Committee's review and discussions noted above,
the Audit and Finance Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that
BioSante's audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form
10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 for filing with the SEC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Peter Kjaer, Chairman
Louis W. Sullivan, M.D.
Ross Mangano
9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS
------------------
SUMMARY OF CASH AND OTHER COMPENSATION
The following table provides summary information concerning cash and
non-cash compensation paid to or earned by our Chief Executive Officer and our
executive officers, who received or earned cash and non-cash salary and bonus of
more than $100,000, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ---------------
-------------------------------- SECURITIES
UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($) OPTIONS (#) COMPENSATION ($)
--------------------------- ---- ---------- --------- ---------------- ----------------
Stephen M. Simes ....................... 2000 $325,000 $125,000 (1) 0 $29,317 (2)
VICE CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND 1999 250,000 115,000 1,856,250 21,882 (2)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 1998 218,795 0 1,000,000 16,333 (2)
Phillip B. Donenberg.................... 2000 127,000 33,000 (3) 0 13,286 (4)
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, TREASURER 1999 110,000 15,000 521,875 13,001 (4)
AND SECRETARY 1998 49,359 0 340,000 5,984 (4)
--------------------------
(1) Represents a cash bonus of $75,000 and a stock bonus of 163,859 shares of
common stock valued at $50,000.
(2) Represents an auto allowance ($12,000 in 2000, $12,000 in 1999 and $11,333
in 1998), a 401(k) matching contribution ($5,250 in 2000, $5,000 in each of
1999 and 1998) and insurance premiums and taxes associated with the
premiums of $12,067 paid by BioSante in 2000.
(3) Represents a cash bonus of $25,000 and a stock bonus of 26,217 shares of
common stock valued at $8,000.
(4) Represents an auto allowance ($7,200 in 2000, $7,200 in 1999 and $3,484 in
1998), a 401(k) matching contribution ($5,250 in 2000, $5,000 in 1999 and
$2,500 in 1998) and insurance premiums paid and taxes associated with the
premiums of $836 paid by BioSante in 2000.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
None of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table
on page 10 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 were granted options.
10
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES
The following table summarizes the number and value of options held by
each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page
10 at December 31, 2000. None of our executive officers exercised any stock
options during 2000.
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 31, 2000 AT DECEMBER 31, 2000 (1)
---------------------------- ------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Stephen M. Simes........................ 2,240,199 616,051 $1,113,070 $316,190
Phillip B. Donenberg.................... 628,993 232,882 $ 313,901 $117,274
-------------------------
(1) Value based on the difference between the fair market value of one share of
our common stock at December 31, 2000 ($0.75), and the exercise price of
the options ranging from $0.23 to $0.29 per share. Options are in-the-money
if the market price of the shares exceeds the option exercise price.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
SIMES EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
In January 1998, we entered into a letter agreement with Stephen M. Simes
pursuant to which Mr. Simes serves as our Vice Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer. The term of this agreement continues until December 31, 2003,
after which time the term will be automatically extended for three additional
years unless on or before October 1 immediately preceding the extension, either
party gives written notice to the other of the termination of the agreement.
Mr. Simes' base salary is $250,000 per year, and he is entitled to receive an
annual performance bonus of up to 50% of his then base salary if certain
performance criteria are met. If Mr. Simes is terminated without cause or upon a
change in control or if he terminates his employment for good reason, all of his
options will become immediately exercisable and will remain exercisable for a
period of one year (for the remainder of their term in the event of a change in
control), and he will be entitled to a minimum severance payment of 12 months
base salary. Mr. Simes is also subject to assignment of inventions,
confidentiality and non-competition provisions.
DONENBERG EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
In June 1998, we entered into a letter agreement with Phillip B. Donenberg
pursuant to which Mr. Donenberg serves our Chief Financial Officer. The term of
this agreement continues until either party gives 30 days written notice to the
other of the termination of the agreement.
Mr. Donenberg's base salary is $110,000 per year, and he is entitled to receive
an annual performance bonus of up to 30% of his then base salary if certain
performance criteria are met. If Mr. Donenberg is terminated without cause or
upon a change in control or if he terminates his employment for good reason, all
of his options will become immediately exercisable and will remain exercisable
for a period of one year (for the remainder of their term in the event of a
change in control), and he will be entitled to a minimum severance payment of 12
months base salary. Mr. Donenberg is also subject to assignment of inventions,
confidentiality and non-competition provisions.
CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
Our 1998 Stock Option Plan contains provisions under which the options granted
under that plan would become fully exercisable following certain changes in
control of our company, such as:
11
o the sale, lease, exchange or other transfer of all or substantially all of
the assets of our company to a corporation that is not controlled by us;
o the approval by our shareholders of any plan or proposal for the
liquidation or dissolution of our company;
o certain merger or business combination transactions;
o more than 50% of our outstanding voting shares are acquired by any person
or group of persons who did not own any shares of common stock on the
effective date of the plan; and
o certain changes in the composition of our Board of Directors.
RELATED PARTY RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS
---------------------------
DIRECTOR RELATIONSHIPS
Messrs. Morgenstern, Holubow and Mangano were elected to our Board of Directors
in July 1999 as representatives of the lead investors in the May 1999 private
placement. We refer you to the discussion under the heading "May 1999 Private
Placement" below.
Angela Ho, a director of our company, owns approximately 2.6% of our outstanding
voting securities and was elected to our Board of Directors as a representative
of our several investors located in Hong Kong. Ms. Ho has not entered into any
voting agreements with these Hong Kong investors nor does she otherwise have any
control over the voting of shares held by these investors.
Mr. Kjaer was elected to our Board of Directors as a representative of our Hong
Kong investors in July 1999. Mr. Kjaer has not entered into any voting
agreements with these Hong Kong investors nor does he otherwise have any control
over the voting of shares held by these investors.
MAY 1999 PRIVATE PLACEMENT
In connection with our May 1999 private placement, we entered into a
Shareholders' Agreement with the investors, which included Stephen M. Simes,
Victor Morgenstern, an affiliated trust and a partnership, Fred Holubow, JO &
Co., of which Ross Mangano is President, and certain of our major investors
located in Hong Kong, including Hans Michael Jebsen, Marcus Jebsen and King Cho
Fung. This agreement contains, among other things, a voting agreement with
respect to the election of directors.
APRIL 2001 PRIVATE PLACEMENT
In connection with our April 2001 private placement, we sold an aggregate of
9,250,000 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of
4,625,000 shares of our common stock for $0.40 per unit, each unit consisting of
one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase 0.50 shares of our common
stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,700,000, to accredited investors,
including existing shareholders, directors and officers.
12
PROPOSAL TO AMEND OUR 1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN TO INCREASE
THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE
(PROPOSAL 2)
------------
PROPOSED AMENDMENT
On December 8, 1998, the Board of Directors adopted our 1998 Stock Option Plan,
and on July 13, 1999 our shareholders approved the option plan. This option plan
provides for the grant to employees, officers, directors, consultants and
independent contractors of our company of options to purchase shares of common
stock that qualify as "incentive stock options" within the meaning of Section
422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as non-statutory
options that do not qualify as incentive stock options. This plan is
administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, which
determines the persons who are to receive awards, as well as the type, terms and
number of shares subject to each award.
On March 15, 2001, the Board of Directors amended the option plan, subject to
shareholder approval, to increase the number of shares of common stock reserved
for issuance under the option plan by 1,500,000 shares, from 7,000,000 shares to
8,500,000 shares. You are being asked to approve this amendment at the Annual
and Special Meeting.
PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENT
Providing stock option grants under our option plan is an important element in
our overall success. In general, the Board of Directors believes that
equity-based incentives align the interests of our management and employees with
those of our shareholders. In addition, providing stock option grants under the
option plan is an important strategy for attracting and retaining the type of
high-quality executives, employees and advisors our Board of Directors believes
is necessary for the achievement of our goals.
Given the intense competition for such personnel, the Board of Directors
believes that its ability to offer competitive compensation packages, including
those with equity-based incentive components, is particularly important in
attracting and retaining qualified candidates.
SUMMARY OF THE 1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN
A general description of the basic features of our option plan is outlined
below. Unless otherwise indicated, the following summary of the principal
provisions of the plan assumes the approval of the proposed amendment increasing
the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance. This summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual text of the option plan, a
copy of which you may obtain from us at the address set forth at the beginning
of this proxy statement.
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN. The option plan's purpose is to advance our interests and
the interests of our shareholders by enabling us to attract and retain talented
persons by providing an incentive to these individuals through equity
participation in BioSante and also rewarding individuals who contribute to the
achievement of our economic objectives.
ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS. All employees of BioSante and any non-employee directors,
consultants and independent contractors of BioSante who, in the judgment of the
Compensation Committee, have contributed, are contributing or are expected to
contribute to the achievement of our economic objectives are eligible to
participate in the option plan. On April 15, 2001, approximately 15 individuals
were eligible to receive options under the option plan.
13
Participants may be granted one or more options. The options will always be
subject to whatever terms and conditions the Compensation Committee determines,
provided such terms and conditions are consistent with the option plan. All
options are deemed granted as of the date specified in the Compensation
Committee's resolution, which will be the date of the participant's option
agreement.
Pursuant to the rules of the Canadian Venture Exchange, the number of shares
reserved for issuance to any one person, pursuant to option grants, must not
exceed 5% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding on a non-diluted
basis.
ADMINISTRATION. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers
the option plan. The Compensation Committee has the authority to determine all
provisions of options as long as they are consistent with the terms of the
option plan. The Compensation Committee also has the authority to amend or
modify the terms of any outstanding options in any manner. Any amendment or
modification, however, must be permitted by the option plan and may not
adversely affect any participant's rights without his or her consent. Each
determination, interpretation or other action of the Compensation Committee will
be conclusive and binding for all purposes on all persons.
STOCK SUBJECT TO THE OPTION PLAN. The amendment to the option plan proposed
hereby would increase the number of shares specifically reserved for issuance
under the option plan from 7,000,000 to 8,500,000 shares.
As of April 15, 2001, no shares of common stock had been issued upon the
exercise of options granted under the option plan, and options to purchase
6,944,657 shares of common stock were outstanding. Accordingly, 55,343 shares
remained available for future grant under the option plan as of that date.
Assuming approval of an increase of 1,500,000 shares to the option plan,
1,555,343 shares would be available for future grants.
The following points describe how our Compensation Committee determines the
number of shares of common stock available for issuance under our option plan at
any point in time.
o OUTSTANDING OPTIONS -- reduces the maximum number of shares available for
issuance.
o SHARES ISSUED UPON EXERCISE OF OUTSTANDING OPTIONS -- reduces the maximum
number of shares available for issuance.
o OPTION TERMINATES UNEXERCISED OR UNVESTED -- shares become available again
for issuance.
o We pay for the options, in cash, not common stock -- shares become
available again for issuance.
In the event of any reorganization, merger, recapitalization, stock dividend,
stock split or similar change in our corporate structure or our shares,
appropriate adjustments will be made to the number and kind of shares reserved
under the plan and under outstanding options and to the exercise price of
outstanding options.
OPTIONS. An option provides the optionee with the opportunity to purchase a
specified number of shares of common stock at a predetermined price for a
specific period of time. Incentive options must be granted with an exercise
price equal to at least the fair market value of the common stock on the date of
grant. Non-qualified options must be granted with an exercise price equal to at
least 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. For
purposes of the plan, the fair market value of the common stock is the closing
price as reported by the Canadian Venture Exchange. On April 15, 2001, the
closing sale price of a share of our common stock on the Canadian Venture
Exchange was $0.40.
Options will become exercisable at such times and in such installments as may be
determined by the Compensation Committee, provided that options may not be
exercisable after 10 years from their date of grant.
14
The exercise price of options must be paid in cash, except that the Compensation
Committee may allow payment to be made (in whole or in part) by tender of a
"broker exercise notice" (pursuant to which the broker or dealer is instructed
to sell enough shares or loan the optionee enough money to pay the exercise
price and to remit such sums to us), a promissory note, a transfer of shares of
common stock (either previously owned by the participant or to be acquired upon
option exercise), or by a combination of such methods. The aggregate fair market
value of shares of common stock with respect to which incentive stock options
may become exercisable for the first time by a participant in any calendar year
may not exceed $100,000. Any incentive options in excess of this amount will be
treated as non-statutory options.
EFFECT OF CHANGE IN CONTROL. We refer you to "Executive Compensation and Other
Benefits -- Change in Control Arrangements" for discussion regarding the effects
of a "change in control" on options granted under the option plan.
EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT ON SERVICE. If a participant's employment or
other service with BioSante terminates by reason of death or disability, all
outstanding options will remain exercisable to the extent then exercisable for a
period of six months after termination, but in no event after their original
expiration date. If a participant's employment or other service with BioSante is
terminated by reason of retirement, all outstanding options will remain
exercisable to the extent then exercisable for a period of three months after
termination, but in no event after their original expiration date.
If a participant's employment or other service with us is terminated for any
other reason, other than for cause, all outstanding options will remain
exercisable to the extent then exercisable for a period of three months after
termination.
If a participant's employment or other service with us is terminated for cause,
all outstanding options will immediately terminate without notice.
The Board of Directors may, in our discretion, modify these post-termination
provisions, provided that no option may remain exercisable beyond its expiration
date.
AMENDMENT OF OPTION PLAN. The Board of Directors may suspend or terminate the
option plan or any portion thereof at any time, and may amend the option plan
from time to time to conform the plan to any change in applicable laws or
regulations or in any other respect the Board of Directors may deem to be in the
best interests of BioSante.
The Board of Directors may not, however, make an amendment to the option plan
without shareholder approval if shareholder approval is required under Rule
16(b)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Section 422 of the Internal
Revenue Code or the rules of any exchange of Nasdaq or similar regulatory body.
Furthermore, the Board of Directors cannot make any modification to the option
plan that would adversely affect outstanding options without the consent of the
affected participants.
TERMINATION. The option plan will terminate at midnight on December 8, 2008,
unless terminated earlier by the Board of Directors. No options may be granted
after such termination. Options outstanding upon termination of the option plan
may continue to be exercised according to their terms.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following description of federal income tax consequences is based on current
statutes, regulations and interpretations. The description does not include
foreign, state or local income tax consequences. In addition, the description is
not intended to address specific tax consequences applicable to directors,
executive officers or greater than 10% shareholders of BioSante or to any
individual participant who receives an option under the option plan.
INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. There will not be any federal income tax consequences
to either the participant or BioSante as a result of the grant to an employee of
an incentive stock option under the option plan. The exercise by a participant
of
15
an incentive stock option also will not result in any federal income tax
consequences to BioSante or the participant, except that:
o an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares
acquired upon exercise of the incentive stock option, determined at the
time of exercise, over the amount paid for the shares by the participant
will be includable in the participant's alternative minimum taxable income
for purposes of the alternative minimum tax, and
o the participant may be subject to an additional excise tax if any amounts
are treated as excess parachute payments, as discussed below.
Special rules will apply if previously acquired shares of common stock are
permitted to be tendered in payment of an option exercise price.
When a participant disposes of shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive
stock option, the federal income tax consequences will depend upon how long the
participant held those shares. If the participant does not dispose of the shares
within two years after the incentive stock option was granted, nor within one
year after the participant exercised the incentive stock option, then the
participant will recognize a long-term capital gain or loss. The amount of the
long-term capital gain or loss will be equal to the difference between:
o the amount the participant realized on disposition of the shares, and
o the option price at which the participant acquired the shares.
We are not entitled to any compensation expense deduction under these
circumstances.
If the participant does not satisfy both of the above holding period
requirements, then the participant will be required to report as ordinary
income, in the year the participant disposes of the shares, the amount by which
the lesser of:
o the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise of the
incentive stock option, or
o the amount realized on the disposition of the shares, exceeds the option
price for the shares.
We will be entitled to a compensation expense deduction in an amount equal to
the ordinary income includable in the taxable income of the participant. This
compensation income may be subject to withholding. The remainder of the gain
recognized on the disposition, if any, or any loss recognized on the
disposition, will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss,
depending on the holding period.
NON-STATUTORY STOCK OPTIONS. Neither the participant nor BioSante incurs any
federal income tax consequences as a result of the grant of a non-statutory
stock option. Upon exercise of a non-statutory stock option, a participant will
recognize ordinary income, subject to withholding, on the date of exercise in an
amount equal to the difference between:
o the fair market value of the shares purchased, determined on the date of
exercise, and
o the consideration paid for the shares.
The participant may be subject to an additional excise tax if any amounts are
treated as excess parachute payments (see explanation below). Special rules will
apply if previously acquired shares of common stock are permitted to be tendered
in payment of an option exercise price.
At the time of a subsequent sale or disposition of any shares of common stock
obtained upon exercise of a non-statutory stock option, any gain or loss will be
treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the
holding period from the date of exercise.
In general, we will be entitled to a compensation expense deduction in
connection with the exercise of a non-statutory stock option for any amounts
includable in the taxable income of the participant as ordinary income, provided
we
16
comply with any applicable withholding requirements.
EXCISE TAX ON PARACHUTE PAYMENTS. The Internal Revenue Code also imposes a 20%
excise tax on the recipient of "excess parachute payments," as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code and denies tax deductibility to us on excess parachute
payments. Generally, parachute payments are payments in the nature of
compensation to employees of a company who are officers, shareholders or highly
compensated individuals, which payments are contingent upon a change in
ownership or effective control of the company, or in the ownership of a
substantial portion of the assets of the company. For example, acceleration of
the exercisability of options or the vesting of restricted stock awards upon a
change in control of BioSante may constitute parachute payments, and in certain
cases, "excess parachute payments."
SECTION 162(M). Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the
deductibility of certain compensation paid to the chief executive officer and
each of the four other most highly compensated executives of a publicly held
corporation is limited to $1,000,000. Compensation for this purpose generally
includes any items of compensation expense described above in connection with
incentive awards under the option plan. However, certain types of compensation
are excepted from this limit, including compensation that qualifies as
"performance-based compensation." Under Section 162(m), any compensation expense
resulting from the exercise of options under the option plan with exercise
prices equal to (or greater than) the fair market value of the common stock on
the date of grant should qualify as "performance-based compensation" excepted
from the limit of Section 162(m). However, compensation expense in connection
with any other incentive awards under the option plan will be subject to this
limit.
OPTIONS UNDER THE OPTION PLAN
The table below summarizes outstanding options under our option plan as of April
15, 2001. The options granted in fiscal 2000 to the named executive officers are
also disclosed in the Summary of Compensation Table on page 10 and the Option
Grants in Last Fiscal Year beginning on page 10, as required by the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
NEW PLAN BENEFITS
1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN
NUMBER
-------------
OF SHARES
UNDERLYING
NAME AND POSITION OPTIONS
Stephen M. Simes................... 3,570,313
Phillip B. Donenberg............... 1,077,344
------------
Executive Group.................... 4,647,657
Non-Executive Director Group....... 925,000
Non-Executive Officer Employee
Group.............................. 1,372,000
------------
Total......................... 6,944,657
VOTE REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common
stock and class C stock, present in person or by proxy on this matter at the
Annual and Special Meeting, voting together as a single class, is necessary for
approval of the amendment to our option plan to increase the number of shares of
common stock reserved for issuance by 1,500,000 shares, from 7,000,000 shares to
8,500,000 shares.
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR approval of the amendment to
our option plan to increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for
issuance by 1,500,000, from 7,000,000 shares to 8,500,000 shares.
17
PROPOSAL TO REINCORPORATE IN DELAWARE
(PROPOSAL 3)
---------------------
INTRODUCTION
At the Annual and Special Meeting, you will be asked to consider and act upon a
proposal to approve the reincorporation of the company from Wyoming to Delaware.
The Board of Directors has unanimously approved and recommends for shareholder
approval the proposal. In preparation for the submission of this proposal to our
shareholders, we have formed a wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary named BioSante
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which we refer to as "BioSante Delaware" in this proxy
statement. We will use the term "BioSante Wyoming" to refer to our existing
Wyoming corporation. If approved by our shareholders, the reincorporation will
be effected by a merger transaction in which BioSante Wyoming will be merged
with and into BioSante Delaware.
In the merger, each issued and outstanding share of BioSante Delaware (all of
which are owned by BioSante Wyoming ) will be retired and canceled and each
issued and outstanding share of common stock and class C stock of BioSante
Wyoming will be automatically converted into and become one share of common
stock or class C stock, as the case may be, of BioSante Delaware. Upon
completion of the merger, BioSante Wyoming , as a corporate entity, will cease
to exist, and BioSante Delaware will continue to operate the business of the
company under its current name, BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Each share
certificate representing issued and outstanding shares of common stock and class
C stock of BioSante Wyoming will represent the number of shares of common stock
and class C stock of BioSante Delaware. IT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY FOR
SHAREHOLDERS TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXISTING STOCK CERTIFICATES FOR STOCK
CERTIFICATES OF BIOSANTE DELAWARE. A copy of the Agreement and Plan of Merger,
which we refer to as the "merger agreement" in this proxy statement, is attached
to this proxy statement as Appendix B.
We are currently governed by the Wyoming Business Corporation Act and our
current articles of incorporation and bylaws. If the reincorporation is
approved, we will be governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law and by a
new certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which will result in certain
changes in the rights of our shareholders as discussed below. Copies of the
certificate of incorporation and bylaws of BioSante Delaware are attached to
this proxy statement as Appendices C and D, respectively.
The reincorporation of BioSante in Delaware will allow us to take advantage of
certain provisions of the corporate laws of Delaware. The purposes and effects
of the proposed transaction are summarized below.
The following is a summary of the reincorporation. Because it is a summary, it
does not include all of the information regarding the reincorporation and is
therefore qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement, the
certificate of incorporation of BioSante Delaware and the bylaws of BioSante
Delaware attached to this proxy statement as Appendices B, C and D,
respectively.
TREATMENT OF STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
Each option and warrant to purchase shares of common stock of BioSante Wyoming
outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the reincorporation will,
by virtue of the reincorporation and without any action on the part of the
holder thereof, be converted into and become an option or warrant to purchase,
upon the same terms and conditions, the number of shares of BioSante Delaware
common stock. The exercise price per share under each of the options and
warrants will be equal to the
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exercise price per share thereunder immediately prior to the effective time.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The directors and officers of BioSante Wyoming will be the directors and
officers of BioSante Delaware after the reincorporation.
EFFECTIVE TIME OF REINCORPORATION
Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, we intend to file,
as soon as practicable after the adoption and approval of the merger agreement
by our shareholders, appropriate articles or certificates of merger with the
Secretary of State of Wyoming and the Secretary of State of Delaware. The
reincorporation shall become effective at the time the last of such filings is
completed. It is presently contemplated that such filings will be made in late
June 2001. However, the merger agreement provides that the merger may be
abandoned by the Board of Directors prior to the effective time either before or
after shareholder approval. In addition, the merger agreement may be amended
prior to the effective time, either before or after shareholder approval. The
merger agreement, however, may not be amended after shareholder approval if the
amendment would, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, have a material
adverse effect on your rights as shareholders or in any manner violate
applicable law.
EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES
On or after the effective time of the reincorporation, all of the outstanding
certificates that, prior to that time, represented shares of common stock or
class C stock of BioSante Wyoming will be deemed for all purposes to evidence
ownership and to represent the number of shares of the common stock or class C
stock, as the case may be, of BioSante Delaware into which such shares are
converted in the reincorporation (other than shares as to which the holder
thereof has properly exercised dissenters' rights under Wyoming law). The
registered owner of any such outstanding stock certificate will, until such
certificate will have been surrendered for transfer or conversion or otherwise
accounted for to BioSante Delaware, have and be entitled to exercise any voting
and other rights with respect to, and to receive any dividend or other
distributions upon, the shares of common stock or class C stock, as the case may
be, of BioSante Delaware evidenced by such outstanding certificate. After the
effective time of the reincorporation, whenever certificates which formerly
represented shares of BioSante Wyoming are presented for transfer or conversion,
BioSante Delaware will cause to be issued in respect thereof a certificate or
certificates representing the appropriate number of shares of common stock or
class C stock, as the case may be, of BioSante Delaware. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO
EXCHANGE YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES FOR BIOSANTE DELAWARE STOCK CERTIFICATES,
ALTHOUGH YOU MAY DO SO IF YOU WISH.
PRINCIPAL REASONS FOR CHANGING OUR STATE OF INCORPORATION
The Board of Directors believes that the reincorporation of our company under
the laws of the State of Delaware will provide flexibility for both our
management and business. For many years Delaware has followed a policy of
encouraging incorporation in Delaware and, in furtherance of that policy, has
adopted comprehensive, modern and flexible corporate laws that are periodically
updated and revised to meet changing business needs. As a result, many major
corporations have initially chosen Delaware for their domicile or have
subsequently reincorporated in Delaware in a manner similar to what we have
proposed. Because of Delaware's significance as the state of incorporation for
many major corporations, the Delaware judiciary has become particularly familiar
with matters of corporate law, and a substantial body of court decisions has
developed construing Delaware's corporation laws. As a result, Delaware
corporate law has been, and is likely to continue to be, interpreted and
explained in a number of significant court decisions, a circumstance which will
provide greater predictability with respect to our legal affairs.
In contrast, the Wyoming Business Corporation Act, to which BioSante Wyoming is
currently
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subject, was only recently enacted in its current form (becoming generally
effective on January 1, 1990) and has not been the subject of a significant
number of judicial decisions interpreting its provisions.
EFFECTS OF REINCORPORATION IN DELAWARE
BioSante Delaware, which was incorporated on April 11, 2001 for the sole purpose
of effecting the merger, has not engaged in any business to date and has no
assets. The merger will not result in any change to BioSante Wyoming business,
management, location of BioSante Wyoming's principal executive offices or other
facilities, capitalization, assets or liabilities. BioSante Wyoming's employee
benefit arrangements will be continued by BioSante Delaware upon the same terms
and subject to the same conditions. In management's judgment, none of BioSante
Wyoming's presently contemplated activities will be either favorably or
unfavorably affected in any material respect by adoption of the reincorporation
proposal. As shareholders of our company, however, you should consider that the
corporation law of Delaware and the corporation law of Wyoming differ in a
number of significant respects, including differences pertaining to the rights
of shareholders. We encourage you to carefully review the discussion of some of
these differences under the heading "Significant Differences Between the
Corporation Laws of Wyoming and Delaware."
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS TO BE IN EFFECT AFTER THE
REINCORPORATION
Following the reincorporation, we will be subject to the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of BioSante Delaware. A copy of the certificate of
incorporation of BioSante Delaware is attached to this proxy statement as
Appendix C, and a copy of the bylaws of BioSante Delaware is attached to this
proxy statement as Appendix D. The certificate of incorporation attached as
Appendix C is substantially similar to BioSante Wyoming's articles of
incorporation. Approval of the reincorporation by our shareholders will
automatically result in the adoption of the certificate of incorporation and
bylaws of BioSante Delaware.
SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE CORPORATION LAWS OF WYOMING AND DELAWARE
The rights and preferences of our shareholders are presently governed by the
Wyoming Business Corporations Act. Upon the reincorporation of our company under
the laws of the State of Delaware, these rights and preferences will be governed
by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Although Delaware and Wyoming
corporation laws currently in effect are similar in many respects, certain
differences will affect the rights of our shareholders if the reincorporation is
completed. The following discussion summarizes the primary differences
considered by management to be significant and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of the Wyoming Business Corporation Act and Delaware
General Corporation Law.
SHAREHOLDER VOTING
Under both Wyoming law and Delaware law, action on certain matters, including
the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the corporation's
property or assets other than in the usual and regular course of business,
mergers, and consolidations and voluntary dissolution, must be approved by the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares. In addition, both states' laws
provide that the articles or certificate of incorporation may provide for a
supermajority of the voting power of the outstanding shares to approve such
extraordinary corporate transactions.
APPRAISAL RIGHTS IN CONNECTION WITH CORPORATE REORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER ACTIONS
Under Wyoming law and Delaware law, shareholders have the right, in some
circumstances, to dissent from certain corporate transactions by demanding
payment in cash for their shares equal to the fair value of the shares as
determined by the corporation or by a court in the event a dissenting
shareholder does not agree with the fair value established by the corporation.
Wyoming law, in general, entitles a
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shareholder to dissent from, and to obtain payment of the fair market value of
his, her or its shares, upon (i) certain amendments to BioSante Wyoming's
articles of incorporation that materially and adversely affect the rights or
preferences in respect of the shares of the dissenting shareholder, (ii) upon
the sale or exchange of substantially all corporate assets other than in the
usual and regular course of business if the shareholder is entitled to vote on
the sale or exchange, and (iii) upon merger, consolidation or share exchange by
a corporation, regardless of whether the shares of the corporation are listed on
a national securities exchange or widely held.
Delaware law allows for dissenters' rights only in connection with certain
mergers or consolidations. No such appraisal rights exist, however, for
corporations whose shares are listed on a national securities exchange or held
of record by more than 2,000 stockholders unless the certificate of
incorporation provides otherwise (BioSante Delaware's certificate of
incorporation does not provide otherwise) or the shareholders are to receive in
the merger or consolidation anything other than (a) shares of stock of the
corporation surviving or resulting from such merger or consolidation, (b) shares
of stock of any other corporation which at the effective date of the merger or
consolidation will be either listed on a national securities exchange or held of
record by more than 2,000 shareholders, (c) cash in lieu of fractional shares of
the corporation described in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), or (d) any
combination of (a), (b) or (c).
The procedures for asserting dissenters' rights in Delaware impose most of the
initial costs of the assertion on the dissenting shareholder, whereas in Wyoming
costs of an appraisal proceeding (not including attorney fees) are generally
assessed against the corporation. If, however, the court finds that the
dissenters acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith in initiating an
assessment proceeding, the court has discretion to assess costs against some or
all dissenters. A Wyoming court may assess the fees and expenses of counsel and
experts for each party in amounts the court finds equitable. The court's
decision will be based on whether or not the corporation substantially complied
with the dissenters' rights statutes and whether the corporation or dissenters
acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith.
ACTION BY SHAREHOLDERS WITHOUT A MEETING
Under Wyoming law, any action required or permitted to be taken at a
shareholders' meeting may be taken without a meeting by written consent signed
by all of the shareholders entitled to vote on such action. This power cannot be
restricted by a Wyoming corporation's articles of incorporation. Delaware law
permits such an action to be taken if the written consent is signed by the
holders of shares that would have been required to effect the action at an
actual meeting of the stockholders. Generally, holders of a majority of
outstanding shares could effect such an action. However, Delaware law also
provides that a corporation's certificate of incorporation may restrict or
prohibit stockholders' action without a meeting. BioSante Delaware's certificate
of incorporation does not contain any such restriction.
ACTION BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING
Wyoming and Delaware law each permit directors to take unanimous written action
without a meeting in an action otherwise required or permitted to be taken at a
board meeting.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Under both Wyoming law and Delaware law, a contract or transaction between a
corporation and one or more of its directors, or an entity in or of which one or
more of the corporation's directors are directors, officers, or legal
representatives or have a material financial interest, is not void or voidable
solely by reason of the same, provided that the contract or transaction is fair
and reasonable at the time it is authorized and is ratified by the corporation's
stockholders after disclosure of the relationship or interest, or is authorized
in good faith by a majority of the disinterested members of the board of
directors after disclosure of the relationship or interest. However, if the
contract or transaction is authorized by the board, under
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Wyoming law the interested director may not be counted in determining the
presence of a quorum. Delaware law permits the interested director to be counted
in determining whether a quorum of the directors is present at the meeting
approving the contract or transaction, and further provides that the contract or
transaction shall not be void or voidable solely because the interested
director's vote is counted at the meeting which authorizes the contract or
transaction. BioSante Wyoming currently has a conflicts of interest policy that
will be assumed by BioSante Delaware upon completion of the merger. This policy
provides that no director shall participate in any discussion or consideration
involving a conflict of interest related to the relationship between BioSante
Wyoming, on the one hand, and such director or any of his or her affiliates, on
the other hand.
DIRECTORS' STANDARD OF CARE AND PERSONAL LIABILITY
Wyoming law provides that a director must discharge his or her duties in good
faith, in a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests
of the corporation, and with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like
position would exercise under similar circumstances. In discharging his or her
duties, a director is entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports or
statements, if prepared by (i) officers or employees of the corporation whom the
director reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters
presented, (ii) legal counsel, public accountants or other persons relating to
matters the director reasonably believes are within the person's professional or
expert competence, or (iii) a committee of the board of directors of which he or
she is not a member if the director reasonably believes the committee merits
confidence. A director is not acting in good faith if he or she has knowledge
concerning the matter in question that makes reliance otherwise permitted by
Wyoming law unwarranted. A director who performs his or her duties consistent
with the requirements under Wyoming law, may not be held liable for any action
taken as a director or any failure to take any action.
Delaware law provides that the board of directors has the ultimate
responsibility for managing the business affairs of a Delaware corporation. In
discharging this function, Delaware law holds directors to fiduciary duties of
care and loyalty to the corporation and its stockholders. Delaware courts have
held that the duty of care requires the exercise of an informed business
judgment. An informed business judgment means that the directors have informed
themselves of all material information reasonably available to them. Having
become so informed, they then must act with requisite care in the discharge of
their duties. Liabilities of directors of a Delaware corporation to the
corporation or its stockholders for breach of the duty of care requires a
finding by the court that the directors were grossly negligent in their
decision-making process. The duty of loyalty requires that, in making a business
decision, directors act in good faith and with the honest belief that the action
taken is in the best interests of the corporation.
LIMITATION OR ELIMINATION OF DIRECTOR'S PERSONAL LIABILITY
Delaware law provides that if the certificate of incorporation so provides, the
personal liability of a director for breach of fiduciary duty as a director may
be eliminated or limited, but that the liability of a directors may not be
limited or eliminated for:
o any breach of the directors' duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
shareholders;
o acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or
a knowing violation of law;
o the payment of unlawful dividends, stock repurchases or redemptions; or
o any transaction in which the director received an improper personal
benefit.
BioSante Delaware's certificate of incorporation contains a provision
eliminating the personal liability of its directors for breach of fiduciary duty
as a director, subject to the foregoing limitations. Wyoming law had a similar
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provision but repealed it in 1997. However, Wyoming law provides that a
corporation's articles of incorporation may include a provision eliminating or
limiting the liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for
money damages for any action taken, or the failure to take any action, as a
director, except liability for (i) any financial benefit unlawfully received by
a director, (ii) an intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or its
shareholders, (iii) authorizing an unlawful distribution, or (iv) the
intentional violation of criminal law.
INDEMNIFICATION
Wyoming law generally provides for mandatory indemnification of a director or
officer who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of
any proceeding to which he or she was a party because he or she was a director
and/or officer against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with
the proceeding. Wyoming law also generally provides that a corporation may
voluntarily indemnify a director or officer acting in an official capacity on
behalf of the corporation if such a person acted in good faith, received no
improper personal benefit, acted in a manner the person reasonably believed to
be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, in the case
of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct
was unlawful.
Delaware law permits a corporation to indemnify officers, directors, employees
or agents and expressly provides that such indemnification shall not be deemed
exclusive of any indemnification right provided under any bylaw, vote of
shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. Delaware law permits
indemnification against expenses and certain other liabilities arising out of
legal actions brought or threatened against parties entitled to indemnity for
their conduct on behalf of the corporation, provided that each such person acted
in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed was in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation. Indemnification is available
in a criminal action only if the person seeking indemnity had no reasonable
cause to believe that the person's conduct was unlawful. Delaware law does not
allow indemnification for directors in the case of an action by or in the right
of the corporation (including stockholder derivative suits) as to which such
director shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless
indemnification (limited to expenses) is ordered by a court. The certificate of
incorporation of BioSante Delaware provides for indemnification to the full
extent permitted by Delaware law.
CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Both Wyoming and Delaware permit a corporation's articles or certificate of
incorporation to provide for a classified board of directors. Delaware and
Wyoming law permits a maximum of three classes. Neither BioSante Wyoming's
articles of incorporation nor the certificate of incorporation of BioSante
Delaware provide for a classified board of directors.
CUMULATIVE VOTING FOR DIRECTORS
Under Wyoming and Delaware law, cumulative voting for directors is not available
to shareholders unless the articles or certificate of incorporation provides
otherwise. Neither BioSante Wyoming's articles of incorporation nor BioSante
Delaware's certificate of incorporation provide for cumulative voting in
elections of directors.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Under Wyoming law, unless a corporation's articles of incorporation provide
otherwise, a director may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shareholders, however, if the director to be removed
was named by a voting group of shareholders, only the shareholders of that
voting group may remove the director. Under Delaware law, a director of a
corporation may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of a
majority of shares entitled to vote for the election of directors.
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VACANCIES ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Under Wyoming law, unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, (a) a
vacancy on a corporation's board of directors may be filled by the vote of a
majority of directors then in office, although less than a quorum, the
shareholders, or if the vacancy was held by a director elected by a voting group
of shareholders, only the holders of shares of that voting group are entitled to
vote to fill the vacancy, (b) a newly created directorship resulting from an
increase in the number of directors may be filled by the board or the
shareholders, and (c) any director so elected shall hold office only until a
qualified successor is elected at the next regular or special meeting of
shareholders. BioSante Wyoming's bylaws provided that the remaining members of
the board will fill any vacancy on the board or any newly created directorship
resulting from an increase in the number of directors by an action of the board.
Under Delaware law, a vacancy on a corporation's board of directors may be
filled by a majority of the remaining directors, although less than a quorum, or
by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares, unless
otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws. BioSante
Delaware's bylaws provide that a vacancy on a board of directors shall be filled
by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors.
ANNUAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Wyoming law provides for annual meetings of shareholders and BioSante Wyoming
bylaws follow these provisions. Delaware law provides that if no date has been
set for an annual meeting of stockholders for a period of 13 months after the
last annual meeting, the Delaware court may order a meeting to be held upon the
application of any stockholder or director.
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Wyoming law provides that the board of directors or person or persons authorized
in the articles of incorporation or bylaws to call a special meeting, or a
shareholder or shareholders holding 10% or more of the votes entitled to be cast
on any issue proposed to be considered at the proposed special meeting, may call
a special meeting of the shareholders. Under Delaware law, only the board of
directors or those persons authorized by the corporation's certificate of
incorporation or bylaws may call a special meeting of the corporation's
stockholders. The bylaws of BioSante Delaware provide that special meetings may
be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief
Executive Officer or at the request of stockholders owning a majority of the
voting power of the outstanding shares entitled to vote.
INSPECTION OF SHAREHOLDER LISTS
Under Wyoming law, any shareholder of a corporation has an absolute right to
examine and, subject to certain limitations, copy, in person or by a legal
representative, during regular business hours a list of the shareholders who are
entitled to notice of a shareholders meeting beginning two business days after
notice of a meeting has been given by a corporation for which the shareholder
list was prepared. Otherwise, only holders of at least 5% of the outstanding
shares who have been shareholders for at least six months have the right to
inspect the corporation's record of shareholders (and certain other corporate
records), provided they give five days written notice and the demand to inspect
the corporation's record of shareholders (and certain other corporate records)
is made (i) in good faith and for a proper purpose, (ii) the demand describes
with reasonable particularity the purpose and records they seek to inspect, and
(iii) the records are directly related with the stated purpose. Under Delaware
law, any stockholder, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose
thereof, has the right during the usual hours for business to inspect for any
proper purpose a list of the corporation's stockholders and to make copies or
extracts therefrom.
AMENDMENT OF THE CHARTER
Under Wyoming law, before the shareholders may vote on an amendment to the
articles of incorporation, requiring shareholder approval, a
24
resolution to amend the articles must have been approved by the affirmative vote
of the majority of the directors present at the meeting where such resolution
was considered. The directors must also recommend the amendment to the
shareholders (unless the directors determine that they should make no such
recommendation because of special circumstances or a conflict of interest) prior
to its vote on the amendment. Most amendments to the articles of incorporation
require the affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the voting power
present and entitled to vote at the meeting (and of each class, if entitled to
vote as a class), unless the articles of incorporation, directors, or Wyoming
Business Corporation Act require a larger proportion. Wyoming law provides that
a proposed amendment may be voted upon by the holders of a class or series even
if the articles of incorporation would deny that right, if among other things,
the proposed amendment would increase or decrease the aggregate number of
authorized shares of the class or series, change the rights or preferences of
the class or series, create a new class or series of shares having rights and
preferences prior and superior to the shares of that class or series or limit or
deny any existing preemptive right of the shares of the class or series.
Under Delaware law, the board of directors must adopt a resolution setting forth
an amendment to the certificate of incorporation before the stockholders may
vote on such amendment. Unless the certificate of incorporation provides
otherwise, amendments to the certificate of incorporation generally require the
approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote
thereon, and if the amendment would increase or decrease the number of
authorized shares of any class or series or the par value of such shares, or
would adversely affect the rights, powers or preferences of such class or
series, a majority of the outstanding stock of such class or series also must
approve the amendment.
AMENDMENT OF THE BYLAWS
Wyoming law provides that the incorporators or board of directors shall adopt
initial bylaws for a corporation. Thereafter, unless (i) reserved by the
articles of incorporation or the Wyoming Business Corporation Act exclusively to
the shareholders (in whole or in part), or (ii) the shareholders in amending or
repealing a particular bylaw provide expressly that the board of directors may
not amend or repeal that bylaw, either the board of directors or shareholders
may amend or repeal a corporation's bylaws. After adoption of initial bylaws,
the board of directors of a Wyoming corporation cannot adopt, amend, or repeal a
bylaw fixing a greater quorum or voting requirement for shareholders or voting
groups of shareholders than required by Wyoming law. An amendment to the bylaws
that fixes a greater quorum or voting requirement for the board of directors may
be amended or repealed (i) if originally adopted by the shareholders, only by
the shareholders, (ii) if originally adopted by the board of directors, either
by the shareholders or by the board of directors.
Delaware law provides that the power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws remains
with the corporation's stockholders, but permits the corporation, in its
certificate of incorporation, to place such power in the board of directors.
Under Delaware law, the fact that such power has been placed in the board of
directors neither divests nor limits the stockholders' power to adopt, amend, or
repeal bylaws. BioSante Delaware's certificate of incorporation places the power
to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws in its board of directors.
PROXIES
Both Wyoming and Delaware law permit proxies of definite duration. In the event
the proxy is indefinite as to its duration, under Wyoming law it is valid for 11
months, under Delaware law, for three years.
PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
Under Wyoming law, shareholders do not have preemptive rights to acquire a
certain fraction of the unissued securities or rights to purchase securities of
a corporation before the corporation may offer them to other persons, unless the
corporation's articles of incorporation otherwise provide. BioSante Wyoming's
articles of
25
incorporation provide that no such preemptive right exists in our shareholders.
Under Delaware law, no such preemptive right will exist, unless the
corporation's certificate of incorporation specifies otherwise. BioSante
Delaware's certificate of incorporation does not provide for any such preemptive
rights.
DIVIDENDS
Generally, a Wyoming corporation may pay a dividend if its board of directors
determines that the corporation will be able to pay its debts in the ordinary
course of business after paying the dividend and if, among other things, the
dividend payment does not reduce the remaining net assets of the corporation
below the corporation's total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed,
if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to
satisfy the preferential rights, upon dissolution of shareholders whose
preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution. Any such
dividend is also subject to any additional restrictions contained in the
corporation's articles of incorporation. A Delaware corporation may pay
dividends out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the
fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or for the preceding fiscal
year, except that dividends may not be paid out of net profits if, after the
payment of the dividend, capital is less than the capital represented by the
outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of
assets.
STOCK REPURCHASES
A Wyoming corporation may acquire its own shares and such shares so acquired
shall constitute authorized but unissued shares. Any such share acquisition is
only proper under Wyoming law if a corporation's board of directors determines
that the corporation will be able to pay its debts in the ordinary course of
business after acquiring the shares and if, among other things, the share
acquisition does not reduce the remaining net assets of the corporation below
the corporation's total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if the
corporation were to be dissolved at the time of the share acquisition, to
satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose
preferential rights are superior. Under Delaware law, a corporation may purchase
or redeem shares of any class except when its capital is impaired or such
purchase would cause impairment of capital, except that a corporation may
purchase or redeem out of capital any of its preferred shares if such shares
will be retired upon the acquisition and the capital of the corporation will be
thereby reduced.
TREASURY SHARES UNDER DELAWARE LAW
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, we may hold treasury shares and
these shares may be held, sold, lent, pledged or exchanged by us. Treasury
shares, however, are not outstanding shares and therefore do not receive any
dividends and do not have voting rights.
The Wyoming Business Corporation Act provides that a corporation may have
authorized but unissued shares. Any shares that are authorized but unissued are
not considered outstanding shares. Wyoming law does not specifically permit a
corporation to pledge unissued shares.
VOLUNTARY DISSOLUTION
Wyoming law provides that a corporation may be voluntarily dissolved upon the
directors' approval of and recommendation to the shareholders to dissolve and
approval by the holders of a majority of a corporation's shares entitled to vote
at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such dissolution unless a
greater approval is required by the directors, the articles of incorporation or
the Wyoming Business Corporation Act. Delaware law provides that voluntary
dissolution of a corporation first must be deemed advisable by a majority of the
board of directors and then approved by a majority of the outstanding stock
entitled to vote. Delaware law further provides for voluntary dissolution of a
corporation without action of the directors if all of the stockholders entitled
to vote on such dissolution shall have consented to the dissolution in writing.
26
JUDICIAL DISSOLUTION
Wyoming law provides that a court may dissolve a corporation in an action by a
shareholder where: (a) the directors are deadlocked in the management of
corporate affairs and the shareholders cannot break the deadlock and irreparable
injury to the corporation is threatened or being suffered; (b) the directors
have acted fraudulently, illegally, or in an oppressive manner; (c) the
shareholders are deadlocked in voting power for two consecutive annual meetings
to elect successors to directors whose terms have expired; or (d) there is a
case of misapplication or waste of corporate assets. Delaware law provides that
courts may revoke or forfeit the charter of any corporation for non-use, misuse
or nonuser of its corporate powers, privileges or franchises.
ANTI-TAKEOVER LEGISLATION
The Delaware General Corporation Law contains a business combination statute
which is intended to protect shareholders from individuals or companies
attempting a takeover of a corporation in certain circumstances. The Wyoming
Business Corporation Act does not have a comparable provision that applies to
BioSante Wyoming. The following is a summary of the Delaware business
combination statute.
The Delaware business combination statute provides that if a person acquires 15%
or more of the voting stock of a Delaware corporation, the person is designated
an interested stockholder and the corporation may not engage in certain business
combinations with this person for a period of three years. However, an otherwise
prohibited business combination may be permitted if one of three conditions is
met:
o First, if prior to the date the person became an interested stockholder,
the board of directors approved either the business combination or the
transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested
stockholder, then the business combination is permitted.
o Second, a business combination is permitted if the tender offer or other
transaction pursuant to which the person acquires 15% stock ownership is
attractive enough such that the interested stockholder is able to acquire
ownership in the same transaction of at least 85% of the outstanding voting
stock (excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares
outstanding those shares owned directors who are also officers and shares
owned by certain employee stock ownership plans).
o Finally, the business combination is permissible if approved by the board
and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders (action by
written consent is not permitted) by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of
the outstanding voting shares held by disinterested stockholders.
Only certain Delaware corporations are subject to the business combination
statute. A corporation is subject to the statute if it is incorporated under the
laws of Delaware and has a class of voting stock that is listed on a national
securities exchange, quoted on an inter-dealer quotation system of a registered
national securities association, or held of record by more than 2,000
shareholders.
Only certain "business combinations" are prohibited under Delaware law. A
business combination is defined broadly to include any of the following:
o any merger or consolidation with the interested stockholder;
o any sale, transfer or other disposition of assets to the interested
stockholder if the assets have a market value equal to or greater than 10%
of the aggregate market value of all of the corporation's assets;
o any transfer of stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder,
except for transfers in a conversion or exchange or a pro rata
distribution; and
o any receipt by the interested stockholder of any loans, advances,
guarantees, pledges,
27
and other financial benefits, except in connection with a pro rata
transfer.
The Delaware statute does not apply to any business combination in which the
corporation, with the support of a majority of those directors who were serving
as directors before any person became an interested stockholder, proposes a
merger, sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of at least 50% of its
assets, or supports (or does not oppose) a tender offer for at least 50% of its
voting stock. In such a case, all interested stockholders are released from the
three year prohibition and may compete with the corporation-sponsored
transaction.
In Delaware, an otherwise prohibited business combination may be permitted by
board approval, by stockholder approval, or by an acquisition of 85% of the
outstanding shares of voting stock. In addition, the Delaware statute provides
that if the corporation proposes a merger or sale of assets, or does not oppose
a tender offer, all interested stockholders are released from the three year
prohibition and may compete with the company-sponsored transaction in certain
circumstances.
The Delaware General Corporation Law permits a corporation to "opt out" of the
business combination statute by electing to do so in its certificate of
incorporation or bylaws within a specified time period. Neither BioSante
Delaware's certificate of incorporation nor the bylaws of BioSante Delaware
contain such an "opt out" provision.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
The reincorporation is intended to be tax free under the Internal Revenue Code.
Accordingly, you will recognize no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes
as a result of the completion of the reincorporation. You will have a tax basis
in the shares of capital stock of BioSante Delaware equal to your tax basis in
your shares of capital stock of BioSante Wyoming. Provided that you have held
your shares of capital stock of BioSante Wyoming as a capital asset, your
holding period for the shares of capital stock of BioSante Delaware will include
the holding period of the shares of capital stock of BioSante Wyoming. Neither
we nor BioSante Delaware will recognize any gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of the reincorporation, and BioSante Delaware will succeed,
without adjustment, to our tax attributes.
YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISERS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES
TO YOU OF THE REINCORPORATION UNDER STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
Under the Wyoming Business Corporation Act, you are or may be entitled to
dissent from the reincorporation proposal and obtain "fair value" plus interest
for your shares by asserting your dissenters' rights.
For purposes of dissenters' rights, "fair value" means the value of the shares
immediately before the effective time of the reincorporation, and "interest"
means interest commencing at the effective time of the reincorporation up to and
including the date of payment at the average rate currently paid by BioSante
Wyoming on its principal bank loans, or, if none, at a rate that is fair and
equitable under the circumstances.
The following is a summary of your dissenters' rights under the Wyoming Business
Corporation Act. Because it is a summary, it does not include all of the
information that you will need to exercise properly your dissenters' rights. You
should read the dissenters' rights provisions in Article 13 of the Wyoming
Business Corporation Act, the full text of which is attached to this proxy
statement as Appendix E, carefully and in its entirety because it, and not this
summary description, defines your rights to dissent.
If you choose either to assert your dissenters' rights or preserve your right to
dissent, you should carefully review the requirements under Article 13 of the
Wyoming Business Corporation Act (Dissenters' Rights Statutes) and consult with
an attorney.
28
If your shares are held of record in the name of another person, such as a bank,
broker or other nominee, you must act promptly to cause the record holder to
follow the steps summarized below properly and in a timely manner in order to
perfect whatever dissenters' rights you may have.
A DISSENTING SHAREHOLDER MUST PERFECT DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
If you elect to exercise your dissenters' rights, to "perfect" them, you must:
o provide us with written notice of your intention to demand payment of the
fair value of your shares before the shareholders vote on the
reincorporation proposal at the annual and special meeting on June 13,
2001;
o not vote your shares in favor of the merger agreement and reincorporation;
and
o assert your dissenters' rights as to all of your shares (except where
certain shares are beneficially owned by another person but registered
under your name so long as you dissent with respect to all shares
beneficially owned by any one person).
The written notice must reasonably inform us of your identity and your intention
to exercise your dissenters' rights. All written notices should be:
o addressed to:
BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
175 Olde Half Day Road
Suite 247
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Attn: Secretary
o filed before the shareholders vote on the reincorporation proposal at the
annual and special meeting on June 13, 2001; and
o executed by, or sent with the written consent of, the holder of record.
A failure to vote will not constitute a waiver of your dissenters' rights, but a
vote in favor of the reincorporation by proxy or in person will constitute a
waiver of your dissenters' rights and will override any previously filed written
notice of intent to demand payment. A signed proxy returned with no indication
of how it should be voted (or an abstention) will be a vote for the merger
agreement and reincorporation and will therefore constitute a waiver of your
dissenters' rights.
If you fail to comply with these conditions and all other conditions imposed by
the Wyoming Business Corporation Act, you will have no dissenters' rights with
respect to your shares.
WE MUST PROVIDE DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS WITH WRITTEN NOTICE
If you have properly asserted your intention to demand payment for your shares
if the proposed merger and reincorporation is effectuated, we must give you a
written notice no later than 10 days after the corporate action was taken and
the notice must contain the following:
o the address where your demand for payment and where and when stock
certificates must be sent;
o any restrictions on transfer of uncertificated shares that will apply after
the demand for payment is received;
o a form for demanding payment that includes the date of the first
announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the proposed
action and requires that the person asserting dissenters' rights certify
the date on which you, or the beneficial owner on whose behalf you dissent,
acquired the shares or an interest in them;
o the date when your payment demand and stock certificates must be received;
and
o a copy of Article 13 of the Wyoming Business Corporation Act (Dissenters'
Rights Statutes).
29
DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS MUST DEMAND PAYMENT AND RETURN SHARES
By no later than the date set forth in the written notice described above, you
must demand payment, certify whether you acquired beneficial ownership of the
shares before the announcement of the reincorporation and deposit your stock
certificate with BioSante Delaware, or you will irrevocably forfeit your
dissenters' rights. You will retain all rights as a shareholder until the
effective time of the reincorporation.
WE MUST SEND DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS PAYMENT OF FAIR VALUE AND OTHER INFORMATION
If you make a proper demand for payment and deposit your stock certificates,
then we will send you an amount that we estimate to be the fair value of your
shares, plus accrued interest. The payment for fair value must be accompanied by
the following:
o our closing balance sheet, statement of income and a statement of changes
in shareholders' equity for a fiscal year ending not more than 16 months
before the date of payment;
o our latest available interim financial statements;
o a statement of our estimate of the fair value of your shares;
o an explanation of the method used to calculate interest;
o a brief description of the procedures to be followed if you wish to demand
supplemental payment in the event you are dissatisfied with the estimate of
the fair value of your share(s) and offered payment; and
o a copy of Article 13 of the Wyoming Business Corporation Act (Dissenters'
Rights Statutes).
If, however, the merger is not completed within sixty (60) days after the date
set for demanding payment and depositing your share certificates or if you do
not comply with all of the requirements for exercising dissenters' rights under
Wyoming law and as herein provided, we will not send you the fair value of your
shares or the additional information listed above. In such a case we will return
any previously deposited share certificates and release any transfer restriction
on uncertificated shares.
A DISSENTING SHAREHOLDER MAY DEMAND SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT
If you believe the amount of the payment as calculated by us is less than the
fair value of your shares, plus interest, you must give written notice to us of
your own estimate of the fair value of your shares, plus interest, within 30
days after the date we send you our fair value estimate and payment. Your
written notice must also demand payment for the difference between your fair
value estimate and the payment already made by us. If you fail to give written
notice of your estimate to us and demand payment for the difference within the
30-day time period, you will be entitled only to the amount we estimated as fair
value and previously paid to you. These demand procedures also apply (i) in the
event we fail to make payment of our estimated fair value of your shares within
sixty (60) days after the date set for demanding payment, or (ii) we fail to
carryout the merger and reincorporation and do not return your previously
deposited certificates (or release any restrictions on uncertificated shares)
within sixty (60) days after the date set for demanding payment.
A COURT WILL SETTLE FAIR VALUE DISPUTES
If we cannot agree within 60 days after we receive your estimate of the fair
value of your shares, then we will file an action in a court of competent
jurisdiction in Laramie County, Wyoming within such 60 day period, asking the
court to determine the fair value of your shares, plus interest. If your payment
demand is not settled within the applicable 60-day settlement period, you will
be made a party to this proceeding. If we fail to petition the court to
determine fair value within this sixty (60) day period, we shall pay each
dissenter whose demand is unsettled the amount demanded (less any amount
previously paid by us).
After notice to you, the court will determine the fair value of your shares. The
court may appoint
30
one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and make a fair value
recommendation to the court. You will be entitled to discovery on the same basis
as any other party to a civil action. The court will determine the fair value of
your shares by taking into account any and all factors the court finds relevant.
If the court determines that the fair value of your shares is in excess of our
estimate of the fair value of the shares, then the court will enter a judgment
in your favor in an amount by which the value determined by the court exceeds
our estimate and previous payment of the fair value, plus interest.
WE MAY WITHHOLD THE PAYMENT OF FAIR VALUE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
If you were not a shareholder or are not dissenting on behalf of a person who
was a beneficial owner of BioSante Wyoming on April 23, 2001, we may withhold
the payment of the estimated fair value, plus interest, for your or such
person's shares. To the extent we elect to withhold payment in such a manner,
after the reincorporation is complete we must deliver to you:
o an estimate the fair value of your shares, plus accrued interest and pay
this amount to each dissenter who agrees to accept it in full satisfaction
of his, hers or its demand;
o a statement of our estimate of the fair value of your shares;
o an explanation of how the interest was calculated; and
o a brief description of the procedures to be followed if you wish to demand
supplemental payment in the event you are dissatisfied with our estimate of
the fair value of your share(s) and offered payment.
-------------
If you are considering seeking appraisal of your shares, you should realize that
the fair value of your shares, as determined under Article 13 of Wyoming
Business Corporation Act (Dissenters' Rights Statutes), could be more than, the
same as, or less than the amount of value of the shares of BioSante Delaware
shares you will be deemed to have received as a result of the reincorporation of
our company in Delaware.
IF YOU FAIL TO COMPLY FULLY WITH THE STATUTORY PROCEDURE SUMMARIZED ABOVE, YOU
WILL FORFEIT YOUR RIGHT TO DISSENT.
VOTE REQUIRED
Approval of the merger agreement and reincorporation requires the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock and
class C stock, voting as a single class.
A vote for the proposal will constitute specific approval of the merger
agreement, the reincorporation and merger, BioSante Delaware's certificate of
incorporation, bylaws and all transactions and proceedings related to the
reincorporation and the merger described in this proxy statement.
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the proposal to change
the state of our incorporation from Wyoming to Delaware.
31
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
(PROPOSAL 4)
------------------------
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has appointed Deloitte & Touche L.L.P. as our independent
auditors for the year ending December 31, 2001. Deloitte & Touche L.L.P. has
acted as our independent auditors since January 1, 1999. Prior to that date,
Deloitte & Touche, C.A. in Canada acted as our independent auditors since our
inception in August 1996.
Although it is not required to do so, the Board of Directors wishes to submit
the selection of Deloitte & Touche L.L.P. to the shareholders for ratification.
If you do not ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche L.L.P., another firm
of independent auditors will be considered by the Board of Directors.
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche L.L.P. will be present at the Annual and
Special Meeting via telephone, will have an opportunity to make a statement if
they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES
Aggregate audit fees of $32,000 were billed to BioSante for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2000 by BioSante's principal accounting firm, Deloitte &
Touche L.L.P., the member firms of Deloitte & Touche Tohmatsu, and their
respective affiliates (collectively, Deloitte).
FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION FEES
Deloitte did not render any services to us in 2000 with respect to financial
information systems design and implementation.
ALL OTHER FEES
Deloitte's fees for all other services rendered to us during 2000 were $34,000
which were for various services in connection with our SEC filings. The audit
committee has considered whether the provision of these services is compatible
with maintaining Deloitte's independence.
VOTE REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common
stock and class C stock, present in person or by proxy on this matter at the
Annual and Special Meeting, voting together as a single class, is necessary for
the ratification of Deloitte & Touche L.L.P., as our independent auditors for
the year ending December 31, 2001.
BOARD RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment of
Deloitte & Touche L.L.P. as our independent auditors for the year ending
December 31, 2001.
32
OTHER MATTERS
-------------------------
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors and
executive officers and all persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the
outstanding shares of our common stock to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of
our common stock. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial
owners are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms
they file.
All Section 16 reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for our
directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of greater than 10% of our
common stock were filed on a timely basis during the fiscal year ended December
31, 2000, except that Steve Bell failed to timely file a Form 3 report for
December 2000.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2002 ANNUAL MEETING
Shareholder proposals intended to be presented in the proxy materials relating
to the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by us on or before
January 11, 2002 and must satisfy the requirements of the proxy rules
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A shareholder who wishes to make a proposal at the next Annual Meeting without
including the proposal in our proxy statement must notify us by March 27, 2002.
If a shareholder fails to give notice by this date, then the persons named as
proxies in the proxies solicited by us for the next Annual Meeting will have
discretionary authority to vote on the proposal.
OTHER BUSINESS
Our management does not intend to present other items of business and knows of
no items of business that are likely to be brought before the Annual and Special
Meeting, except those described in this proxy statement. However, if any other
matters should properly come before the Annual and Special Meeting, the persons
named in the enclosed proxy will have discretionary authority to vote such proxy
in accordance with their best judgment on the matters.
COPIES OF 2001 ANNUAL REPORT
WE HAVE SENT TO EACH OF OUR SHAREHOLDERS A COPY OF OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM
10-KSB (WITHOUT EXHIBITS) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000. We will
furnish a copy of any exhibit to our Form 10-KSB upon receipt from any such
person of a written request for such exhibits upon the payment of our reasonable
expenses in furnishing the exhibits.
This request should be sent to:
BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
175 Olde Half Day Road, Suite 247
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Attn: Shareholder Information
33
-------------------------
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual and Special
Meeting, please vote your shares of common stock and class C stock by marking,
signing, dating and promptly returning the enclosed proxy card in the envelope
provided. No postage is required for mailing in the United States or from
Canada.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Stephen M. Simes
VICE CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
May 11, 2001
Lincolnshire, Illinois
34
APPENDIX A
BIOSANTE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHARTER
ORGANIZATION
There shall be a committee of the board of directors of BioSante
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("BioSante") to be known as the audit committee. The
membership of the committee shall consist of at least three directors who are
generally knowledgeable in financial and auditing matters, including being able
to read and understand fundamental financial statements, such as BioSante's
balance sheet, statements of operations and statement of cash flows and shall
meet the experience requirements for serving on audit committees as set forth in
the corporate governance standards of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Each member of the committee shall be free of any relationship
that, in the opinion of the board, would interfere with the member's individual
exercise of independent judgment, and shall meet the director independence
requirements for serving on audit committees as set forth in the corporate
governance standards of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
The board of directors shall appoint one member of the audit committee as chair.
The chair shall be responsible for leadership of the committee, including
preparing the agenda, presiding over the meetings, making committee assignments
and reporting to the board of directors. The chair will also maintain regular
liaison with BioSante's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the
lead independent audit partner.
ROLE
The audit committee of the board of directors assists the board in fulfilling
its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting,
auditing and reporting practices of BioSante and other such duties as directed
by the board. The committee is expected to maintain free and open communication
(including private executive sessions as least annually) with the independent
accountants and the management of BioSante, in discharging this role.
While the audit committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in this
charter, it is not the duty of the audit committee to plan or conduct audits or
to determine that BioSante's financial statements are fairly presented and are
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management is
responsible for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. It is the role of the independent
auditor to audit the financial statements. Nor is it the duty of the audit
committee to conduct investigations, to resolve disagreements, if any, between
management and the independent auditor or to assure compliance with laws and
regulations and BioSante's business conduct guidelines.
AUTHORITY
Subject to the prior approval of the board of directors, the audit committee is
granted the authority to investigate any matter or activity involving financial
accounting and financial reporting, as well as the internal controls of
BioSante. In that regard, the audit committee will have the authority to approve
the retention of external professionals to render advice and counsel in such
matters. All employees will be directed to cooperate with respect thereto as
requested by members of the audit committee.
A-1
RESPONSIBILITIES
The audit committee's primary responsibilities include:
o Recommending to the board of directors the independent accountant to be
selected or retained to audit the financial statements of BioSante. In so
doing, the committee will discuss with the independent accountants the
accountants' independence and any relationships that may impact the
auditor's independence, receive from the independent accountants
disclosures regarding the accountants' independence required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 and written affirmation that
the auditor is in fact independent, and recommend to the board any actions
necessary to oversee the auditor's independence. The audit committee has
the authority and responsibility to select, evaluate and recommend to the
board of directors replacement of the independent accountants. The
independent accountants are ultimately accountable to the board of
directors of BioSante.
o Overseeing the independent auditor relationship by discussing with the
auditor the nature and scope of the audit process, receiving and reviewing
audit reports, and providing the auditor full access to the committee (and
board) to report on any and all appropriate matters.
o Discussing with the independent accountants and BioSante's financial and
accounting personnel, the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and
financial controls of BioSante and the quality of BioSante's accounting
principles as applied in its financial reporting, including reviews of
estimates, reserves and accruals, review of judgmental areas, review of
audit adjustments whether or not recorded and such other inquiries as may
be appropriate, and elicit recommendations from the independent accountants
for the improvement of such internal control procedures or particular areas
where new or more detailed controls or procedures may be desirable.
o Providing sufficient opportunity for the independent accountants to meet
with the members of the audit committee without members of management
present. Among the items to be discussed in these meetings are the
independent accountants' evaluation of BioSante's financial and accounting
personnel and the cooperation that the independent accountants received
during the course of the audit.
o Discussing with management the status of pending litigation (if any),
taxation matters and other areas of oversight to the legal and compliance
area as may be appropriate.
o Discussing with the independent accountants the matters required to be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 61.
o Reviewing the audited financial statements and discussing them with
management and the independent auditor. These discussions shall include:
1. BioSante's annual financial statements and related footnotes and
financial information to be included in the Corporation's Annual
Report to Stockholders and Annual Report on Form 10-KSB.
2. The independent accountant's audit of the financial statements and its
report thereon.
3. Any significant findings and recommendations of the independent
accountant and management's responses thereto.
A-2
4. Any significant changes in the independent accountant's audit plan.
5. Any serious difficulties or disputes with management encountered
during the course of the audit.
6. Any related significant findings and recommendations of the
independent accountant together with management's responses thereto.
7. Other matters related to the conduct of the audit, which are to be
communicated to the committee under generally accepted auditing
standards (GAAS).
o If deemed appropriate after such discussion, recommend to the board of
directors that the audited financial statements be included in BioSante's
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the last fiscal year for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
o Preparing a report to be included in BioSante's proxy statement that states
the audit committee has:
1. Analyzed and discussed the audited financial statements with
management,
2. Discussed with the independent accountants the matters required to be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 61,
3. Received from the independent accountants disclosures regarding the
accountants' independence required by Independence Standards Board
Standard No. 1,
4. Discussed with the independent accountants the accountants'
independence,
5. Considered the non-audit services provided by the independent
accountant, and the fees paid for such services, and
6. Recommended to the board of directors that the audited financial
statements be included in BioSante's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for
the last fiscal year for filing with the SEC.
o Reviewing with management and the independent auditor the quarterly
financial information prior to BioSante's filing of Form 10-QSB. The
committee or its chair may perform this review.
o Reporting audit committee activities to the full board and issuing annually
a report to be included in the proxy statement (including appropriate
oversight conclusions) for submission to shareholders and actions to the
board of directors with such recommendations, as the audit committee may
deem appropriate.
o Submitting the minutes of all meetings of the audit committee to, or
discuss the matters discussed at each committee meeting with, the board of
directors.
o Reviewing and assessing the adequacy of this charter annually and recommend
any proposed changes to the board of directors for its approval. Provide a
copy of this charter to management of BioSante so that it may be included
as an appendix to BioSante's proxy statement at least once every three
years.
A-3
APPENDIX B
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER ("Merger Agreement") made as of this
___ day of June, 2001, is by and between BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a
Wyoming corporation ("BioSante Wyoming"), and BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("BioSante Delaware"). BioSante Wyoming and BioSante
Delaware are sometimes referred to hereinafter as the "Constituent
Corporations."
WHEREAS, the authorized capital stock of BioSante Wyoming consists of:
an unlimited number of shares of common stock, no par value per share (the
"Common Stock") of which 62,202,943 shares are currently issued and outstanding,
and an unlimited number of shares of class C special stock (the "Class C Special
Stock"), of which 4,687,684 shares are currently issued and outstanding;
WHEREAS, upon completion of the merger contemplated hereby, the
authorized capital stock of will consist of: [75,000,000] shares of Common
Stock, of which 62,202,943 shares will be issued and outstanding, 4,687,684
shares of Class C Special Stock, of which 4,687,684 shares will be issued and
outstanding, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock ("the "Undesignated
Preferred Stock"), issuable in series, of which no shares will be issued and
outstanding; and
WHEREAS, the directors of the Constituent Corporations deem it
advisable and to the advantage of such corporations that BioSante Wyoming merge
with and into BioSante Delaware upon the terms and conditions herein provided;
and
WHEREAS, the parties intend that the merger contemplated hereby shall
be a tax free reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby adopt the plan of merger encompassed
by this Merger Agreement and, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, do hereby agree that BioSante
Wyoming shall merge with and into BioSante Delaware on the following terms and
conditions:
ARTICLE 1.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE MERGER
1.1 MERGER. As soon as practicable following the fulfillment (or
waiver, to the extent permitted herein) of the conditions specified herein,
BioSante Wyoming shall be merged with and into BioSante Delaware (the "Merger"),
and BioSante Delaware shall survive the Merger.
1.2 EFFECTIVE DATE. The Merger shall be effective upon the filing of
this Merger Agreement, together with appropriate articles of merger or a
certificate of merger with respect thereto, with the Secretaries of State of the
States of Wyoming and Delaware, as provided by the Wyoming Business Corporation
Act and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "Effective Date").
1.3 SURVIVING CORPORATION. On the Effective Date, BioSante Delaware, as
the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation"), shall continue its
corporate existence under the laws of the State of Delaware and shall succeed to
all of the rights, privileges, powers and
property of BioSante Wyoming in the manner of and as more fully set forth in
Section 259 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, and the separate corporate
existence of BioSante Wyoming, except insofar as it may be continued by
operation of law, shall cease and be terminated.
1.4 CAPITAL STOCK OF BIOSANTE WYOMING AND BIOSANTE DELAWARE. On the
Effective Date, by virtue of the Merger and without any further action on the
part of the Constituent Corporations or their shareholders:
(a) Each share of Common Stock of BioSante Wyoming issued and
outstanding immediately prior thereto shall be changed and converted
into one fully paid and nonassessable share of the common stock, par
value $.0001 per share, of BioSante Delaware ("BioSante Delaware Common
Stock");
(b) Each share of Class C Special Stock of BioSante Wyoming
issued and outstanding immediately prior thereto shall be changed and
converted into one fully paid and nonassessable share of Class C
Special Stock, par value $.0001 per share, of BioSante Delaware;
(c) Each share of common stock, par value $.0001 per share, of
BioSante Delaware issued and outstanding immediately prior thereto (100
shares held by BioSante Wyoming) shall be canceled and returned to the
status of authorized but unissued shares.
1.5 STOCK CERTIFICATES. On and after the Effective Date, all of the
outstanding certificates that, prior to that time, represented shares of the
capital stock of BioSante Wyoming shall be deemed for all purposes to evidence
ownership and to represent an equal number of shares of the capital stock of
BioSante Delaware and shall be so registered on the books and records of
BioSante Delaware or its transfer agent. The registered owner of any such
outstanding stock certificate shall, until such certificate shall have been
surrendered for transfer or conversion or otherwise accounted for to BioSante
Delaware or its transfer agent, have and be entitled to exercise any voting and
other rights with respect to, and to receive any dividend or other distributions
upon, the shares of BioSante Delaware evidenced by such outstanding certificate
as above provided. After the Effective Date, whenever certificates which
formerly represented shares of BioSante Wyoming are presented for transfer or
conversion, the Surviving Corporation will cause to be issued in respect thereof
a certificate or certificates representing the appropriate number of shares of
the capital stock of BioSante Delaware in accordance with Section 1.4 above.
1.6 STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS. Upon the Effective Date, each
outstanding option or warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock of BioSante
Wyoming shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the
holder thereof, become an option or warrant to purchase, upon the same terms and
conditions, the number of shares of BioSante Delaware Common Stock which is
equal to the number of shares of Common Stock of BioSante Wyoming which the
optionee would have received had such optionee exercised his or her option or
right in full immediately prior to the Exercise Time (whether or not such option
or right was then exercisable). The exercise price per share under each of such
options or warrants shall be equal to the exercise price per share thereunder
immediately prior to the Effective Time.
-2-
1.7 OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. BioSante Delaware will assume all of
the obligations of BioSante Wyoming under any and all employee benefit plans in
effect as of the Effective Date or with respect to which employee rights or
accrued benefits are outstanding as of the Effective Date.
ARTICLE 2.
CHARTER DOCUMENTS, DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
2.1 CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION. On the Effective Date, the
Certificate of Incorporation of BioSante Delaware will be amended and restated
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, which will be the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation without change or amendment until
duly amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable law.
2.2 BYLAWS. The Bylaws of BioSante Delaware in effect on the Effective
Date shall continue to be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation without change
or amendment until further amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and
applicable law.
2.3 DIRECTORS. The directors of BioSante Wyoming immediately preceding
the Effective Date shall continue to be the directors of the Surviving
Corporation on and after the Effective Date to serve until the expiration of
their terms or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
2.4 OFFICERS. The officers of BioSante Wyoming immediately preceding
the Effective Date shall continue to be the officers of the Surviving
Corporation on and after the Effective Date to serve until their successors are
duly elected and qualified.
ARTICLE 3.
MISCELLANEOUS
3.1 FURTHER ASSURANCES. From time to time and when required by the
Surviving Corporation or by its successors and assigns there shall be executed
and delivered on behalf of BioSante Wyoming such deeds and other instruments and
there shall be taken or caused to be taken by it such further and other action
as shall be appropriate or necessary in order to vest or perfect in or to
confirm of record or otherwise, in the Surviving Corporation the title to and
possession of all the property, interests, assets, rights, privileges,
immunities, powers, franchises and authority of BioSante Wyoming and otherwise
to carry out the purposes of this Merger Agreement and the officers and
directors of the Surviving Corporation are fully authorized in the name and on
behalf of BioSante Wyoming or otherwise to take any and all such action and to
execute and deliver any and all such deeds and other instruments.
3.2 AMENDMENT. At any time prior to the Effective Date, this Merger
Agreement may be amended in any manner as may be determined in the judgment of
the respective Boards of Directors of BioSante Wyoming and BioSante Delaware to
be necessary, desirable or expedient in order to clarify the intention of the
parties hereto or to effect or facilitate the purpose and intent of this Merger
Agreement; provided, however, that an amendment made subsequent to the adoption
of this Merger Agreement by the shareholders of any Constituent Corporation
shall not: (1) alter or change the amount or kind of shares, securities, cash,
property and/or rights to be
-3-
received in exchange for or on conversion of all or any of the shares of any
class or series thereof of such Constituent Corporation; (2) alter or change any
term of the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation to be
effected by the Merger; or (3) alter or change any of the terms and conditions
of this Merger Agreement if such alteration or change would adversely affect the
holders of any class or series thereof of such Constituent Corporation.
3.3 CONDITIONS OF MERGER. The respective obligations of the Constituent
Corporations to effect the transactions contemplated hereby is subject to
satisfaction of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by
either of the Constituent Corporations in its sole discretion to the extent
permitted by law):
(a) The Merger shall have been approved by the shareholders of
BioSante Wyoming in accordance with the Wyoming Business Corporation
Act;
(b) BioSante Wyoming as sole shareholder of BioSante Delaware
shall have approved the Merger in accordance with the Delaware General
Corporation Law; and
(c) Any and all consents, permits, authorizations, approvals
and orders deemed in the sole discretion of BioSante Wyoming to be
material to consummation of the Merger shall have been obtained.
3.4 ABANDONMENT OR DEFERRAL. At any time before the date of filing,
this Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned by the
Board of Directors of either or both of the Constituent Corporations
notwithstanding the approval of this Merger Agreement by the shareholders of
BioSante Wyoming, or the consummation of the Merger may be deferred for a
reasonable period of time if, in the opinion of the Boards of Directors of the
Constituent Corporations, such action would be in the best interest of such
Corporations. This Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time by the Board
of Directors of BioSante Wyoming in the event that the number of shares as to
which shareholders have properly exercised their rights under Article 13,
Subarticle B of the Wyoming Business Corporation Act is such that it is
impracticable, in the sole judgment and discretion of such Board of Directors,
to proceed with the consummation of the Merger. In the event of termination of
this Merger Agreement, this Merger Agreement shall become void and of no effect
and there shall be no liability on the part of either Constituent Corporation or
its Board of Directors or shareholders with respect thereto, except that
BioSante Wyoming shall pay all expenses of the Constituent Corporations incurred
in connection with the Merger.
3.5 COUNTERPARTS. In order to facilitate the filing and recording of
this Merger Agreement, the same may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original.
-4-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Merger Agreement, having first been duly
approved by the Boards of Directors of BioSante Wyoming and BioSante Delaware,
is hereby executed on behalf of each of such corporations and attested by their
respective officers thereunto duly authorized.
BIOSANTE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.,
A WYOMING CORPORATION
By
----------------------------------------
Stephen M. Simes
Its President and Chief Executive Officer
BIOSANTE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.,
A DELAWARE CORPORATION
By
----------------------------------------
Stephen M. Simes
Its President and Chief Executive Officer
-5-
APPENDIX C
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
BIOSANTE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
ARTICLE I
The name of the Corporation is BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
ARTICLE II
The address of its registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209
Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle. The name of its
registered agent is The Corporation Trust Corporation.
ARTICLE III
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity
for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation law of
Delaware (the "DGCL").
ARTICLE IV
The aggregate number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have
authority to issue is [One Hundred Fourteen Million Six Hundred Eighty-Seven
Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-Four (114,687,684)] shares, consisting of [One
Hundred Million (100,000,000)] shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value (the
"COMMON STOCK"), [Four Million Six Hundred Eighty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred
Eighty-Four (4,687,684)] shares of class C special stock, $.0001 par value (the
"CLASS C SPECIAL STOCK"), and [Ten Million (10,000,000)] shares of preferred
stock, $0.0001 par value (the "PREFERRED STOCK"). Shares of Preferred Stock of
the Corporation may be issued from time to time in one or more series, each of
which series shall have such distinctive designation or title and such number of
shares as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors prior to the issuance of any
shares thereof. Each such series of Preferred Stock shall have such voting
powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights and such qualifications,
limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the
resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such series of Preferred
Stock as may be adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors prior to the
issuance of any shares thereof pursuant to the authority hereby expressly vested
in it. The Board of Directors is further authorized to increase or decrease (but
not below the number of shares then outstanding) the number of shares of any
series of Preferred Stock subsequent to the issuance of shares of that series.
In case the number of shares of any series shall be so decreased, the shares
constituting such decrease shall resume the status of which they had prior to
the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such
series. Except as provided in the resolution or resolutions of the Board of
Directors creating any series of Preferred Stock and in Section 2 of this
Article IV, the shares of Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to vote
for the election and removal of directors and for all other purposes.
The relative rights, preferences and privileges of the Common Stock and the
Class C Special Stock shall be as follows:
1. DIVIDEND RIGHTS
(a) DIVIDEND RIGHTS OF COMMON STOCK
The holders of the Common Stock, shall be entitled to receive
dividends as and when declared by the directors from time to time
out of moneys of the Corporation properly applicable to the
payment of dividends and the amount per share of each such
dividend shall be determined by the directors of the Corporation
at the time of declaration.
(b) DIVIDEND RIGHTS OF CLASS C SPECIAL STOCK
The holders of the Class C Special Stock shall not be entitled to
receive any dividends.
2. VOTING RIGHTS
(a) VOTING OF COMMON STOCK
Subject to the provisions of the DGCL, the holders of the Common
Stock shall be entitled to receive notice of and to attend all
meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation and shall be
entitled to vote at all meetings of stockholders, except meetings
at which only holders of another class of shares are entitled to
vote. Each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof
to one vote.
(b) VOTING OF CLASS C SPECIAL STOCK
Subject to the provisions of the DGCL, the holders of the Class C
Special Stock shall be entitled to receive notice of and to
attend all meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation and
shall be entitled to vote at all meetings of stockholders, except
meetings at which only holders of another class of shares are
entitled to vote. Each Class C share shall entitle the holder
thereof to one vote.
3. PURCHASE RIGHTS
(a) COMMON STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS OF CLASS C SPECIAL STOCK
A holder of Class C Special Stock shall be entitled, in
accordance with the provisions hereof, to acquire Common Stock of
the Corporation as the same may then be constituted by tendering
any of the Class C Special Stock held and registered in such
holder's name together with $0.25 per share (the "Common Stock
Purchase Price") on the basis of one Common Stock for each share
of Class C Special Stock and $0.25. The purchase
2
right herein provided shall be exercised by notice in writing
given to the Corporation which notice shall specify the number of
shares of Class C Special Stock that the holder desires to have
applied to the purchase price of Common Stock. If any shares of
Class C Special Stock are applied to the purchase of Common Stock
pursuant to this paragraph, the holder of such shares of Class C
Special Stock shall surrender the certificate or certificates
representing the shares of Class C Special Stock so applied to
the registered office of the Corporation, or to the transfer
agent of the Corporation at the time of purchase together with
cash or a certified cheque in the amount of $0.25 per share of
Common Stock being acquired, and the Corporation shall thereupon
issue to such holder certificates representing the number of
shares of Common Stock to which the holder became entitled upon
such purchase.
4. ADJUSTMENT OF PURCHASE RIGHTS AND CONVERSION RIGHTS
(a) In case of any reclassification or redesignation of the Common
Stock (hereinafter referred to in this subsection 4(a) as the
"Shares") or change of the Shares into other shares, or in case
of the consolidation, amalgamation or merger of the Corporation
with or into any other body corporate (other than a
consolidation, amalgamation or merger which does not result in
any reclassification or redesignation of the outstanding Shares
or a change of the Shares into other shares), or in the case of
any transfer of the undertaking or assets of the Corporation as
an entirety or substantially as an entirety to another
corporation, the holder of any shares of Class C Special Stock
who thereafter shall exercise such holder's right to purchase
Shares pursuant to Section 3 hereof shall be entitled to receive,
and shall accept, in lieu of the number of Shares to which such
holder was theretofore entitled upon such exercise of such right
to purchase or convert, as the case may be, the kind and amount
of Shares which such holder would have been entitled to receive
as a result of such reclassification, redesignation, change,
consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer if, on the
effective date thereof, such holder had been the registered
holder of the number of Shares to which such holder was
theretofore entitled upon exercising such holder's right to
purchase or convert, as the case may be. The subdivision or
consolidation of Shares at anytime outstanding into a greater or
lesser number of Shares shall be deemed not to be a
reclassification of the capital of the Corporation for the
purposes of this paragraph 4(a).
(b) If and whenever the Shares shall be subdivided into a greater or
consolidated into a lesser number of Shares, or the Corporation
shall issue Shares (or securities exchangeable for or convertible
into Shares) to the holders of all or substantially all of the
outstanding Shares by way of a dividend or other distribution of
Shares (or securities exchangeable for or convertible into
Shares), any holder of shares of Class C Special Stock who has
not exercised such holder's right of purchase pursuant to Section
3
3 hereof on or prior to the effective date or record date, as the
case may be of such subdivision, consolidation, dividend or other
distribution, upon the exercise of such right thereafter, shall
be entitled to receive, and shall accept, in lieu of the number
of Shares to which such holder was theretofore entitled upon such
exercise of such right to purchase or convert (and, in the case
of a purchase of Shares pursuant to Section 3 hereto, at the
Common Stock Purchase Price adjusted in accordance with
subsection 5(a) hereof), the aggregate number of Shares that such
holder would have been entitled to receive as a result of such
subdivision, consolidation, dividend or other distribution as if,
on such record date or effective date, as the case may be, such
holder had been the registered holder of the number of Shares to
which such holder was theretofore entitled upon such exercise of
such right to purchase or convert, as the case may be.
5. ADJUSTMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE
If the Corporation shall:
(a) subdivide its outstanding Common Stock (hereinafter referred to
in this paragraph 5 as the "Shares") into a greater number of
shares,
(b) consolidate the outstanding Shares into a lesser number of
shares, or
(c) issue Shares or securities exchangeable for or convertible into
Shares ("convertible securities") to the holders of all or
substantially all of the outstanding Shares by way of a dividend
or distribution of Shares or securities convertible into Shares
(other than the issue of Shares or convertible securities as
dividends paid in the ordinary course),
the Common Stock Purchase Price shall, on the effective date of such
subdivision or consolidation or on the record date of such dividend or
other distribution, as the case may be, be adjusted by multiplying the
Common Stock Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such
subdivision, consolidation, dividend or other distribution by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of outstanding Shares
before giving effect to such subdivision, consolidation or stock
dividend and the denominator of which is the number of outstanding
Shares after giving effect to such subdivision, consolidation,
dividend or other distribution (including in the case where
convertible securities are distributed, the number of Shares that
would have been outstanding had such securities been exchanged for or
converted into Shares on such record date). Such adjustment shall be
made successively whenever any event referred to in this Section 5
shall occur.
4
6. DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS ON LIQUIDATION
If the Corporation is liquidated, dissolved or wound-up or its assets
are otherwise distributed among the stockholders by way of repayment
of capital, whether voluntary or involuntary and subject to the
rights, privileges, and conditions attaching to any series of
preference shares of the Corporation:
(a) the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to share,
equally share for share, in the distribution of the remaining
assets of the Corporation; and
(b) the holders of the Class C Special Stock shall not be entitled to
share in the remaining assets of the Corporation.
ARTICLE V
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute,
the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal the
bylaws of the Corporation, subject to the voting rights of any series of
Preferred Stock.
ARTICLE VI
The Corporation shall indemnify, to the fullest extent authorized or
permitted by law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who
was or is made or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation), by
reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the
Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of any other company, partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not indemnify any
director or officer in connection with any action by such director or officer
against the Corporation unless the Corporation shall have consented to such
action. The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the
Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification to employees and agents of
the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article VI to directors and
officers of the Corporation. No amendment or repeal of this Article VI shall
apply to or have any effect on any right to indemnification provided hereunder
with respect to any acts or omission occurring prior to such amendment or
repeal.
ARTICLE VII
No director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary
duty by such a director as a director, except to the extent provided by
applicable law (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)
pursuant to Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, or (iv) for
any transaction from which such director derived an improper personal benefit.
If the General Corporation Law of Delaware is amended to authorize corporate
action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then
the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to
the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware as so
amended. No
5
amendment to or repeal of this Article VII shall apply to or have any effect on
the liability or alleged liability of any director of the Corporation for or
with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to such
amendment or repeal.
ARTICLE VIII
The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change, or repeal any
provisions contained in this Certificate of Incorporation in the manner now or
hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders
herein are granted subject to this reservation.
ARTICLE IX
Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws of
the Corporation shall so provide.
6
APPENDIX D
BYLAWS
OF
BIOSANTE PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
A DELAWARE CORPORATION
(the "Corporation")
ARTICLE I.
OFFICES
SECTION 1. REGISTERED OFFICE. The registered office of the Corporation
shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware.
SECTION 2. OTHER OFFICES. The Corporation may also have offices at such
other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of
Directors may from time to time determine.
ARTICLE II.
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
SECTION 1. PLACE OF MEETINGS. Meetings of the stockholders for the
election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and
place, either within or without the State of Delaware as shall be designated
from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the
meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.
SECTION 2. ANNUAL MEETINGS. The annual meetings of stockholders shall
be held on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time
by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which
meetings the stockholders shall elect by a plurality vote a Board of Directors,
and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
SECTION 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Unless otherwise prescribed by law or by
the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of stockholders, for any
purpose or purposes, may be called by either (i) the Chairman, if there be one,
(ii) the President and Chief Executive Officer, (iii) the Chief Financial
Officer, or (iv) the Board of Directors. Such request shall state the purpose or
purposes of the proposed meeting. At a special meeting no business shall be
transacted and no corporate action shall be taken other than that stated in the
notice of the meeting.
SECTION 4. NOTICE. Written or printed notice of every annual or special
meeting of the stockholders, stating the place, date, time, and, in the case of
special meetings, the purpose or purposes, of such meeting, shall be given to
each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten (10), nor
more than sixty (60), days before the date of the meeting.
SECTION 5. QUORUM AND ADJOURNMENT. Except as otherwise provided by law
or by the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital
stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or
represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the
stockholders for the transaction of business. If,
however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the
stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or
represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time,
without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be
present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be
present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been
transacted at the meeting as originally noticed.
SECTION 6. VOTING. Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws, any question brought before any meeting of
stockholders shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the
stock represented and entitled to vote. Each stockholder represented at a
meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote for each share of
the capital stock entitled to vote held by such stockholder, except as provided
in the Certificate of Incorporation or a resolution of the Board of Directors
fixing rights and preferences of a class or series established by the Board of
Directors. Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy but no proxy shall be
voted on or after three (3) years from its date, unless such proxy provides for
a longer period. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of
the Corporation presiding at a meeting of stockholders, in his or her
discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by
written ballot.
SECTION 7. RECORD DATE OF STOCKHOLDERS. The Board of Directors is
authorized to fix in advance a date not exceeding sixty (60) days nor less than
ten (10) days preceding the date of any meeting of stockholders, or the date for
the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the
date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock shall go into
effect, or a date in connection with obtaining the consent of stockholders for
any purposes, as a record date for the determination of the stockholders
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any such meeting, and any adjournment
thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any such dividend, or to any such
allotment of rights, or to exercise the rights in respect of any such change,
conversion or exchange of capital stock, or to give such consent, and, in such
case, such stockholders and only such stockholders as shall be stockholders of
record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to such notice of, and to vote at,
such meeting, and any adjournment thereof, or to receive payment of such
dividend, or to receive such allotment of rights, or to exercise such rights, or
to give such consent, as the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any
stock on the books of the Corporation, after such record date fixed as
aforesaid.
SECTION 8. CONSENT OF STOCKHOLDERS IN LIEU OF MEETING. Unless otherwise
provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted
to be taken at any Annual or Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation,
may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a
consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the
holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes
that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which
all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the
taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written
consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.
SECTION 9. VOTING LIST. The officer of the Corporation who has charge of the
stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days
before every meeting of
2
stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the
meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each
stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.
Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose
germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least
ten (10) days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the
meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the
meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held.
The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting
during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder of the
Corporation who is present.
SECTION 10. STOCK LEDGER. The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be
the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock
ledger, the list required by Section 10 of this Article II or the books of the
Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
SECTION 11. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS. The Chairman, or, if there be no
Chairman or in his or her absence, the Vice Chairman or any other officer
designated by the Board of Directors or the Chairman, shall preside at all
regular or special meetings of stockholders. To the maximum extent permitted by
law, such presiding person shall have the power to set procedural rules,
including but not limited to rules respecting the time allotted to stockholders
to speak, governing all aspects of the conduct of such meetings.
SECTION 12. BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED.
(a) At any annual meeting of stockholders, only such business
shall be conducted, and only such proposals shall be acted on, as are
properly brought before the meeting. In order for business to be
properly brought before the meeting, the business must be either (1)
specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by
or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (2) otherwise properly
brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors, or (3) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a
stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies
with the notice procedure set forth in this Section 12. In addition to
any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought
before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have
given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the
Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice to the Secretary must
be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive
offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than
one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the first anniversary of the
date that the Corporation first released or mailed its proxy statement
to stockholders in connection with the immediately preceding annual
meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the
annual meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) days
before or the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual
meeting of stockholders, notice by the stockholder in order to be
timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the
tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of
the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of
the annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs. To be in proper
written form, a stockholder's notice to the Secretary must set
3
forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the
annual meeting (1) a brief description of the business desired to be
brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such
business at the annual meeting, (2) the name and record address of such
stockholder, (3) the class or series and number of shares of capital
stock of the Corporation which are owned beneficially or of record by
such stockholder, (4) a description of all arrangements or
understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons
(including their names) in connection with the proposal of such
business by such stockholder and any material interest of such
stockholder in such business and (5) a representation that such
stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual
meeting to bring such business before the meeting.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary,
no business shall be conducted at the annual meeting except in
accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 12 of Article
II; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 12 of Article II
shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any stockholder of any
business properly brought before the annual meeting.
(c) The Chairman of the annual meeting shall, if the facts
warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not
properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions
of this Section 12 of Article II, and if the Chairman should so
determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such
business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be
transacted.
(d) At any special meeting of the stockholders, only such
business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the
meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 13. STOCKHOLDER NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS. Any stockholder who
intends to make a nomination of one or more persons for election to the Board of
Directors of the Corporation shall have given timely notice thereof in writing
to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice to the
Secretary must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive
offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one
hundred twenty (120) days prior to the first anniversary of the date that the
Corporation first released or mailed its proxy statement to stockholders in
connection with the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders;
provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting is called for a
date that is not within thirty (30) days before or after the anniversary date of
the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders, notice by the
stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close
of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of
the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date
of the annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs. Such stockholders'
notice shall set forth (A) as to each nominee whom the stockholder proposes to
nominate for election or reelection as a director, (1) the name, age, business
address and residence address of the nominee, (2) the principal occupation or
employment of the nominee, (3) the class and number of shares of capital stock
of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the nominee and (4) any other
information concerning the nominee that would be required, under the rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission, in a proxy statement
4
soliciting proxies of the election of such nominee; and (B) as to the
stockholder giving the notice, (1) the name and record address of the
stockholder, (2) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the
Corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder (3) a description of
all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each proposed
nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to
which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder, (4) a representation
that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to
nominate the persons named in its notice and (5) any other information relating
to such stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement
or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies
for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Such notice shall include a signed
consent to serve as a director of the Corporation, if elected, of each such
nominee. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other
information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the
eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation.
ARTICLE III.
DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. NUMBER AND TERM OF OFFICE. The number of directors which
will constitute the whole board will be at least one, or such other number as
may be determined by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders at an annual
or special meeting. Except as otherwise permitted by statute, the directors will
be elected at each annual meeting of the Company's stockholders (or at any
special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose) by a majority of
the voting power of the shares represented and voting, and each director will be
elected to serve until the next annual meeting of the stockholders and
thereafter until a successor is duly elected and qualified, unless a prior
vacancy will occur by reason of death, resignation, or removal for office.
Directors will be natural persons, but need not be stockholders.
SECTION 2. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF DIRECTORS. Any director may be
removed from the Board of Directors, with or without cause, by the holders of a
majority of the shares of capital stock entitled to vote, either by written
consent or consents or at any special meeting of the stockholders called for
that purpose, and the office of such director shall forthwith become vacant. Any
director may resign at any time. Such resignation shall take effect at the time
specified therein, and if no time be specified, at the time of its receipt by
the President or Secretary. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective, unless so specified therein.
SECTION 3. VACANCIES. If the office of any director becomes vacant by
reason of death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office,
increase in the number of directors or otherwise, a majority of the remaining
directors, although less than a quorum, at a meeting called for that purpose, or
a sole remaining director, may choose a successor, for the unexpired term in
respect of which such vacancy occurred or until a successor is duly elected and
qualified, or until such director's earlier resignation or removal.
SECTION 4. DUTIES AND POWERS. The business of the Corporation shall be
managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise
all such powers of the
5
Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by
the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws directed or required to be
exercised or done by the stockholders.
SECTION 5. MEETINGS. The Board of Directors of the Corporation may hold
meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of
Delaware. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice
at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the
Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called (i)
by the Chairman, if there be one, or the President and Chief Executive Officer
on twenty-four (24) hours' notice or (ii) any director on ten (10) days' notice,
to each director, either personally, or by mail, telephone, facsimile, e-mail or
telegram. Every such notice shall state the date, time and place of the meeting.
Notice of a meeting called by a person other than the Chairman or the President
and Chief Executive Officer shall state the purpose of the meeting.
SECTION 6. QUORUM. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by
law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at all meetings of the
Board of Directors, a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the
directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of
the Board of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the
Board of Directors, the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to
time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum
shall be present.
SECTION 7. ACTIONS OF BOARD. Unless otherwise provided by the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted
to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof
may be taken without a meeting, if all the members of the Board of Directors or
committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or
writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or
committee.
SECTION 8. PARTICIPATION BY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. Unless otherwise
provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, members of the
Board of Directors of the Corporation, or any committee designated by the Board
of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such
committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment
by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other,
and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 8 shall constitute
presence in person at such meeting.
SECTION 9. COMMITTEES. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed
by a majority of the Board of Directors, designate one (1) or more committees,
each committee to consist of one (1) or more of the directors of the
Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one (1) or more directors as
alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified
member at any meeting of any such committee. In the absence or disqualification
of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of
Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member,
the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting,
whether or not he, she or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint
another member of the Board of Directors to act
6
at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified member. Any committee,
to the extent allowed by law and provided in the resolution establishing such
committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board
if Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation.
Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors
when required.
SECTION 10. COMPENSATION. The directors may be paid their expenses, if
any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a
fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated
salary as director. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the
Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members
of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending
committee meetings.
SECTION 11. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS. The Chairman, or, if there be no
Chairman or in his or her absence, the Vice Chairman or any other officer
designated by the Board of Directors, shall preside at all meetings of the Board
of Directors. The Secretary shall act as secretary of all meetings of the Board
of Directors, and in his or her absence any person appointed by the Chairman
shall act as secretary.
SECTION 12. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Board of Directors shall, from
time to time, elect one of the directors to serve as Chairman of the Board (the
"Chairman"). The Chairman of the Board will be considered an officer of the
Corporation and will have such duties as the Board of Directors will determine.
SECTION 13. VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Board of Directors shall,
from time to time, elect one of the directors to serve as Vice Chairman of the
Board (the "Vice Chairman"). The Vice Chairman of the Board will be considered
an officer of the Corporation and will have such duties as the Board of
Directors will determine.
ARTICLE IV.
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. GENERAL. The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by
the Board of Directors and shall be a President and Chief Executive Officer, a
Secretary and a Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Directors, in its
discretion, may also choose a Chairman of the Board of Directors (who must be a
director) and one (1) or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant
Financial Officers and other officers. Any number of offices may be held by the
same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws. The officers of the Corporation need not be
stockholders of the Corporation nor, except in the case of the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, need such officers be directors of the Corporation.
SECTION 2. ELECTION. The Board of Directors at its first meeting held
after each annual meeting of stockholders shall elect the officers of the
Corporation, who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such
powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the
Board of Directors; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until
their successors are chosen and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or
removal.
7
SECTION 3. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. Any officer of the Corporation may be
removed from office, with or without cause, by a vote of a majority of the Board
of Directors. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time. Such
resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein, and if no time be
specified, at the time of its receipt by the President or Secretary. The
acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective, unless
so specified therein. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation
shall be filled by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. COMPENSATION. The compensation of the officers of the
Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, or any committee upon whom
power in that regard may be conferred by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5. VOTING SECURITIES OWNED BY THE CORPORATION. Powers of
attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments
relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of
and on behalf of the Corporation by the President and Chief Executive Officer,
the Chief Financial Officer or any Vice President and any such officer may, in
the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such
officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of
security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities
and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and
power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner
thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The
Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon
any other person or persons.
SECTION 6. PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The President and
Chief Executive Officer shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation,
shall have general active management of the business of the Corporation, shall
see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into
effect and shall have and exercise all such powers and discharge such duties as
usually pertain to the office of President, except to the extent otherwise
provided by resolution of the Board of Directors. In the absence or disability
of the Chairman of the Board, or there be none, the President and Chief
Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and Board of
Directors. Except as otherwise prescribed by these Bylaws or the Board of
Directors, the President and Chief Executive Officer shall prescribe the duties
of other officers.
SECTION 7. VICE PRESIDENTS. The Vice President or the Vice Presidents
if there is more than one (1) (in the order designated by the Board of
Directors) shall, at the request of the President and Chief Executive Officer or
in his or her absence or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act
(and if there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors), perform the duties of
the President and Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting, shall have all
the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President and
Chief Executive Officer. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and
have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may
prescribe.
SECTION 8. SECRETARY. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the
Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the
proceedings thereat in a book or
8
books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also perform like duties
for the standing committees when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to
be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the
Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by
the Board of Directors or President and Chief Executive Officer, under whose
supervision he or she shall be.
SECTION 9. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. The Chief Financial Officer shall
have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and
accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the
Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name
and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated
by the Board of Directors. The Chief Financial Officer shall disburse the funds
of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper
vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and Chief
Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when
the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his or her transactions as
Chief Financial Officer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. If
required by the Board of Directors, the Chief Financial Officer shall give the
Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be
satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the
duties of his or her office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case
of his or her death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all
books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his or her
possession or under his or her control belonging to the Corporation.
SECTION 10. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES. Except as may be otherwise provided
in these Bylaws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such
duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the
Board of Directors, the President and Chief Executive Officer, any Vice
President, if there be one, or the Secretary, and in the absence of the
Secretary or in the event of his or her disability or refusal to act, shall
perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so acting, shall have all the
powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Secretary.
SECTION 11. ASSISTANT FINANCIAL OFFICERS. Assistant Financial Officers,
if there be any; shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to
time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President and Chief
Executive Officer, any Vice President, if there be one, or the Chief Financial
Officer, and in the absence of the Chief Financial Officer or in the event of
his or her disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Chief
Financial Officer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be
subject to all the restrictions upon the Chief Financial Officer. If required by
the Board of Directors, an Assistant Financial Officers shall give the
Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be
satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the
duties of his or her office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case
of his or her death, resignation, retirement or removal from or her office, of
all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his or
her possession or under his or her control belonging to the Corporation.
SECTION 12. OTHER OFFICERS. Such other officers as the Board of
Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time
to time may be assigned to them by
9
the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer
of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe
their respective duties and powers.
ARTICLE V.
STOCK
SECTION 1. FORM OF CERTIFICATES. Every holder of stock in the
Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed, in the name of the
Corporation (i) by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President and
Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President and (ii) by the Chief Financial
Officer or an Assistant Financial Officer, or the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by him, her
or it in the Corporation.
SECTION 2. SIGNATURES. Where a certificate is countersigned by (i) a
transfer agent other than the Corporation or its employee, or (ii) a registrar
other than the Corporation or its employee, any other signature on the
certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar
who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate
shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such
certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect
as if he, she or it were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date
of issue.
SECTION 3. LOST CERTIFICATES. The Board of Directors may direct a new
certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the
Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of
an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be
lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the
Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the
issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate, or his, her or its legal representative, to advertise the same in
such manner as the Board of Directors shall require and/or to give the
Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim
that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged
to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
SECTION 4. TRANSFERS. Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in
the manner prescribed by law and in these Bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be
made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate
or by his, her or its attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the
surrender of the certificate therefor, which shall be cancelled before a new
certificate shall be issued.
SECTION 5. BENEFICIAL OWNERS. The Corporation shall be entitled to
recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner
of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable
for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of
shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or
interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not
it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by
law.
10
ARTICLE VI.
NOTICES
SECTION 1. WAIVERS OF NOTICE. Any director, member of a committee or
stockholder may at any time waive any notice required to be given by law, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, by a writing signed by such person
or persons entitled to said notice. If any director, member of a committee or
stockholder shall be present at any meeting, his or her presence shall
constitute a waiver of such notice.
SECTION 2. NOTICES. Whenever written notice is required by law, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, to be given to any director,
member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail,
addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at his or her
address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon
prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same
shall be deposited in the United States mail. Written notice may also be given
personally or by facsimile, telegram, telex, e-mail or cable and will be deemed
given when delivered or transmitted.
ARTICLE VII.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. DIVIDENDS. Dividends upon the capital stock of the
Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if
any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special
meeting, and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital
stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds
of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of
Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a
reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for
repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper
purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.
SECTION 2. DISBURSEMENTS. All checks or demands for money and notes of
the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person
or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
SECTION 3. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be
fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. CORPORATE SEAL. The Corporation may, but need not, have a
corporate seal. In the event the Corporation has a seal, the seal need not be
affixed for any contract, resolution or other document executed by or on behalf
of the Corporation to be valid and duly authorized.
ARTICLE VIII.
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 1. RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation shall indemnify
any and all of its directors or officers, including former directors or
officers, and any employee, who shall serve
11
as an officer or director of any corporation at the request of this Corporation,
to the fullest extent permitted under and in accordance with the laws of the
State of Delaware.
SECTION 2. NONEXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS. The indemnification rights
conferred on any person under this Article VIII and the laws of the State of
Delaware shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have
or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of
incorporation or these Bylaws, agreement, contract, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or pursuant to the direction (howsoever embodied) of any
court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise, both as to action in his or her
official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such
office.
SECTION 3. AMENDMENT OR REPEAL. Any repeal or modification of the
foregoing provision of this Article VIII shall not adversely affect any right or
protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring
prior to the time of such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE IX.
AMENDMENTS
The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, rescind, alter,
amend and repeal these By-laws, provided, however, that the stockholders shall
have power to rescind, alter, amend or repeal any by-laws made by the Board of
Directors, and to enact by-laws which if so expressed shall not be rescinded,
altered, amended or repealed by the Board of Directors.
Dated: April __, 2001
12
APPENDIX E
CHAPTER 16 - WYOMING BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
ARTICLE 13
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
SUBARTICLE A. RIGHT TO DISSENT AND OBTAIN PAYMENT FOR SHARES
17-16-1301. DEFINITIONS.--(a) As used in this article:
(i) "Beneficial shareholder" means the person who is a beneficial owner of
shares held in a voting trust or by a nominee as the record shareholder;
(ii) "Corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter
before the corporate action, or the surviving, new, or acquiring corporation by
merger, consolidation, or share exchange of that issuer;
(iii) "Dissenter" means a shareholder who is entitled to dissent from
corporate action under W.S. 17-16-1302 and who exercises that right when and in
the manner required by W.S. 17-16-1320 through 17-16-1328;
(iv) "Fair value," with respect to a dissenter's shares, means the value of
the shares immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action to which
the dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
anticipation of the corporate action unless exclusion would be inequitable;
(v) "Interest" means interest from the effective date of the corporate
action until the date of payment, at the average rate currently paid by the
corporation on its principal bank loans, or, if none, at a rate that is fair and
equitable under all the circumstances;
(vi) "Record shareholder" means the person in whose names shares are
registered in the records of a corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to
the extent of the rights granted by a nominee certificate on file with a
corporation;
(vii) "Shareholder" means the record shareholder or the beneficial
shareholder.
17-16-1302. RIGHT TO DISSENT.--(a) A shareholder is entitled to dissent from,
and to obtain payment of the fair value of his shares in the event of, any of
the following corporate actions:
(i) Consummation of a plan of merger or consolidation to which the
corporation is a party if:
(A) Shareholder approval is required for the merger or the consolidation by
W.S. 17-16-1103 or 17-16-1111 or the articles of incorporation and the
shareholder is entitled to vote on the merger or consolidation; or
(B) The corporation is a subsidiary that is merged with its parent under
W.S. 17-16-1104.
(ii) Consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation is a
party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired, if the shareholder is
entitled to vote on the plan;
(iii) Consummation of a sale or exchange of all, or substantially all, of
the property of the corporation other than in the usual and regular course of
business, if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the sale or exchange,
including a sale in dissolution, but not including a sale pursuant to court
order or a sale for cash pursuant to a plan by which all or substantially all of
the net proceeds of the sale will be distributed to the shareholders within one
(1) year after the date of sale;
(iv) An amendment of the articles of incorporation that materially and
adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's shares because it:
(A) Alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares;
(B) Creates, alters or abolishes a right in respect of redemption,
including a provision respecting a sinking fund for the redemption or
repurchase, of the shares;
(C) Alters or abolishes a preemptive right of the holder of the shares to
acquire shares or other securities;
(D) Excludes or limits the right of the shares to vote on any matter, or to
cumulate votes, other than a limitation by dilution through issuance of shares
or other securities with similar voting rights; or
(E) Reduces the number of shares owned by the shareholder to a fraction of
a share if the fractional share so created is to be acquired for cash under W.S.
17-16-604.
(v) Any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the extent
the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the board of directors
provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are entitled to dissent and
obtain payment for their shares.
(b) A shareholder entitled to dissent and obtain payment for his shares
under this article may not challenge the corporate action creating his
entitlement unless the action is unlawful or fraudulent with respect to the
shareholder or the corporation.
17-16-1303. DISSENT BY NOMINEES AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS.--(a) A record shareholder
may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer than all the shares registered in his
name only if he dissents with respect to all shares beneficially owned by any
one (1) person and notifies the corporation in writing of the name and address
of each person on whose behalf he asserts dissenters' rights. The rights of a
partial dissenter under this subsection are determined as if the shares as to
which he dissents and his other shares were registered in the names of different
shareholders.
(b) A beneficial shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to shares
held on his behalf only if:
(i) He submits to the corporation the record shareholder's written consent
to the dissent not later than the time the beneficial shareholder asserts
dissenters' rights; and
(ii) He does so with respect to all shares of which he is the beneficial
shareholder or over which he has power to direct the vote.
SUBARTICLE B. PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
17-16-1320. NOTICE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS.--(a) If proposed corporate action
creating dissenters' rights under W.S. 17-16-1302 is submitted to a vote at a
shareholders' meeting, the meeting notice shall state that shareholders are or
may be entitled to assert dissenters' rights under this article and be
accompanied by a copy of this article.
(b) If corporate action creating dissenters' rights under W.S. 17-16-1302
is taken without a vote of shareholders, the corporation shall notify in writing
all shareholders entitled to assert dissenters' rights that the action was taken
and send them the dissenters' notice described in W.S. 17-16-1322.
17-16-1321. NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEMAND PAYMENT.--(a) If proposed corporate
action creating dissenters' rights under W.S. 17-16-1302 is submitted to a vote
at a shareholders' meeting, a shareholder who wishes to assert dissenters'
rights shall deliver to the corporation before the vote is taken written notice
of his intent to demand payment for his shares if the proposed action is
effectuated and shall not vote his shares in favor of the proposed action.
(b) A shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (a)
of this section is not entitled to payment for his shares under this article.
17-16-1322. DISSENTERS' NOTICE.--(a) If proposed corporate action creating
dissenters' rights under W.S. 17-16-1302 is authorized at a shareholders'
meeting, the corporation shall deliver a written dissenters' notice to all
shareholders who satisfied the requirements of W.S. 17-16-1321.
(b) The dissenters' notice shall be sent no later than ten (10) days after
the corporate action was taken, and shall:
(i) State where the payment demand shall be sent and where and when
certificates for certificated shares shall be deposited;
(ii) Inform holders of uncertificated shares to what extent transfer of the
shares will be restricted after the payment demand is received;
(iii) Supply a form for demanding payment that includes the date of the
first announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the proposed
corporate action and requires that the person asserting dissenters' rights
certify whether or not he acquired beneficial ownership of the shares before
that date;
(iv) Set a date by which the corporation shall receive the payment demand,
which date may not be fewer than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days after
the date the notice required by subsection (a) of this section is delivered; and
(v) Be accompanied by a copy of this article.
17-16-1323. DUTY TO DEMAND PAYMENT.--(a) A shareholder sent a dissenters' notice
described in W.S. 17-16-1322 shall demand payment, certify whether he acquired
beneficial ownership of the shares before the date required to be set forth in
the dissenters' notice pursuant to W.S. 17-16-1322(b)(iii), and deposit his
certificates in accordance with the terms of the notice.
(b) The shareholder who demands payment and deposits his share certificates
under subsection (a) of this section retains all other rights of a shareholder
until these rights are cancelled or modified by the taking of the proposed
corporate action.
(c) A shareholder who does not demand payment or deposit his share
certificates where required, each by the date set in the dissenters' notice, is
not entitled to payment for his shares under this article.
17-16-1324. SHARE RESTRICTIONS.--(a) The corporation may restrict the transfer
of uncertificated shares from the date the demand for their payment is received
until the proposed corporate action is taken or the restrictions released under
W.S. 17-16-1326.
(b) The person for whom dissenters' rights are asserted as to
uncertificated shares retains all other rights of a shareholder until these
rights are cancelled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.
17-16-1325. PAYMENT.--(a) Except as provided in W.S. 17-16-1327, as soon as the
proposed corporate action is taken, or upon receipt of a payment demand, the
corporation shall pay each dissenter who complied with W.S. 17-16-1323 the
amount the corporation estimates to be the fair value of his shares, plus
accrued interest.
(b) The payment shall be accompanied by:
(i) The corporation's balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal year ending
not more than sixteen (16) months before the date of payment, an income
statement for that year, a statement of changes in shareholders' equity for that
year, and the latest available interim financial statements, if any;
(ii) A statement of the corporation's estimate of the fair value of the
shares;
(iii) An explanation of how the interest was calculated;
(iv) A statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment under W.S.
17-16-1328; and
(v) A copy of this article.
17-16-1326. FAILURE TO TAKE ACTION.--(a) If the corporation does not take the
proposed action within sixty (60) days after the date set for demanding payment
and depositing share certificates, the corporation shall return the deposited
certificates and release the transfer restrictions imposed on uncertificated
shares.
(b) If after returning deposited certificates and releasing transfer
restrictions, the corporation takes the proposed action, it shall send a new
dissenters' notice under W.S. 17-16-1322 and repeat the payment demand
procedure.
17-16-1327. AFTER-ACQUIRED SHARES.--(a) A corporation may elect to withhold
payment required by W.S. 17-16-1325 from a dissenter unless he was the
beneficial owner of the shares before the date set forth in the dissenters'
notice as the date of the first announcement to news media or to shareholders of
the terms of the proposed corporate action.
(b) To the extent the corporation elects to withhold payment under
subsection (a) of this section, after taking the proposed corporate action, it
shall estimate the fair value of the shares, plus accrued interest, and shall
pay this amount to each dissenter who agrees to accept it in full satisfaction
of his demand. The corporation shall send with its offer a statement of its
estimate of the fair value of the shares, an explanation of how the interest was
calculated, and a statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment under
W.S. 17-16-1328.
17-16-1328. PROCEDURE IF SHAREHOLDER DISSATISFIED WITH PAYMENT OR OFFER.--(a) A
dissenter may notify the corporation in writing of his own estimate of the fair
value of his shares and amount of interest due, and demand payment of his
estimate, less any payment under W.S. 17-16-1325, or reject the corporation's
offer under W.S. 17-16-1327 and demand payment of the fair value of his shares
and interest due, if:
(i) The dissenter believes that the amount paid under W.S. 17-16-1325 or
offered under W.S. 17-16-1327 is less than the fair value of his shares or that
the interest due is incorrectly calculated;
(ii) The corporation fails to make payment under W.S. 17-16-1325 within
sixty (60) days after the date set for demanding payment; or
(iii) The corporation, having failed to take the proposed action, does not
return the deposited certificates or release the transfer restrictions imposed
on uncertificated shares within sixty (60) days after the date set for demanding
payment.
(b) A dissenter waives his right to demand payment under this section
unless he notifies the corporation of his demand in writing under subsection (a)
of this section within thirty (30) days after the corporation made or offered
payment for his shares.
SUBARTICLE C. JUDICIAL APPRAISAL OF SHARES
17-16-1330. COURT ACTION.--(a) If a demand for payment under W.S. 17-16-1328
remains unsettled, the corporation shall commence a proceeding within sixty (60)
days after receiving the payment demand and petition the court to determine the
fair value of the shares and accrued interest. If the corporation does not
commence the proceeding within the sixty (60) day period, it shall pay each
dissenter whose demand remains unsettled the amount demanded.
(b) The corporation shall commence the proceeding in the district court of
the county where a corporation's principal office, or if none in this state, its
registered office, is located. If the corporation is a foreign corporation
without a registered office in this state, it shall commence the proceeding in
the county in this state where the registered office of the domestic corporation
merged with or whose shares were acquired by he foreign corporation was located.
(c) The corporation shall make all dissenters, whether or not residents of
this state, whose demands remain unsettled parties to the proceeding as in an
action against their shares and all parties shall be served with a copy of the
petition. Nonresidents may be served by registered or certified mail or by
publication as provided by law.
(d) The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced
under subsection (b) of this section is plenary and exclusive. The court may
appoint one (1) or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend
decision on the question of fair value. The appraisers have the powers described
in the order appointing them, or in the amendment to it. The dissenters are
entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings.
(e) Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment
for:
(i) The amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value of his
shares, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the corporation; or
(ii) The fair value, plus accrued interest, of his after-acquired shares
for which the corporation elected to withhold payment under W.S. 17-16-1327.
17-16-1331. COURT COSTS AND COUNSEL FEES.--(a) The court in an appraisal
proceeding commenced under W.S. 17-16-1330 shall determine all costs of the
proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and expenses of appraisers
appointed by the court. The court shall assess the costs against the
corporation, except that the court may assess costs against all or some of the
dissenters, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent the court finds
the dissenters acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith in demanding
payment under W.S. 17-16-1328.
(b) The court may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts
for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:
(i) Against the corporation and in favor of any or all dissenters if the
court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with the requirements
of W.S. 17-16-1320 through 17-16-1328; or
(ii) Against either the corporation or a dissenter, in favor of any other
party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and expenses are
assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with respect to
the rights provided by this article.
(c) If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were
of substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated, and that the fees
for those services should not be assessed against the corporation, the court may
award to these counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded the
dissenters who were benefited.
[LOGO]
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Stephen M. Simes and Phillip B. Donenberg and
each of them, as proxies, each with full power of substitution, and hereby
authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all
the shares of capital stock of BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. held of record
by the undersigned on April 23, 2001, at the Annual and Special Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on June 13, 2001, or any adjournment thereof.
/X/ Please mark your votes as in this example.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(INSTRUCTION: TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE CHECK THE BOX NEXT TO THE
NOMINEE'S NAME, TO VOTE AGAINST ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE CHECK THE WITHHOLD BOX
NEXT TO THE NOMINEE'S NAME.
FOR WITHHOLD NOMINEE
/ / / / Louis W. Sullivan, M.D.
/ / / / Victor Morgenstern
/ / / / Ross Mangano
/ / / / Angela Ho
/ / / / Avi Ben-Abraham, M.D.
/ / / / Stephen M. Simes
/ / / / Fred Holubow
/ / / / Edward C. Rosenow III, M.D.
/ / / / Peter Kjaer
2. AMENDMENT OF 1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN
Proposal to amend the 1998 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares
of common stock specifically reserved for issuance under the plan by
1,500,000 shares, from 7,000,000 shares to 8,500,000 shares.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. REINCORPORATION IN DELAWARE
Proposal to change BioSante's state of incorporation from Wyoming to Delaware.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
4. RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS
Proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche L.L.P. as independent
auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2001.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
5. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business, as may properly come before the meeting.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES NAMED IN PROPOSAL 1 AND FOR PROPOSALS 2,
3 AND 4.
Please sign exactly as name appears below. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other
authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by
authorized person.
Dated:__________________________, 2001
______________________________________
Signature
______________________________________
Signature if held jointly
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.