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SSP Solutions Inc · DEFM14A · On 7/24/01

Filed On 7/24/01 8:52pm ET   ·   SEC File 0-26227   ·   Accession Number 1095811-1-503350

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  As Of               Filer                 Filing     As/For/On Docs:Pgs              Issuer               Agent

 7/25/01  SSP Solutions Inc                 DEFM14A                1:269                                    Bowne of Los Ang..Inc/FA

Definitive Proxy Solicitation Material -- Merger or Acquisition   ·   Schedule 14A
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: DEFM14A     Definitive Proxy Statement Relating to Merger        269  1,230K 


Document Table of Contents

Page (sequential) | (alphabetic) Top
 
11st Page
4Table of Contents
5Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
6Proxy Statement
7Available Information
8Summary
"Litronic
"Biz
"The Annual Meeting
9Conversion of Biz Stock
10Termination of the Reorganization Agreement
"The Merger
"Our Reasons for the Merger
11Accounting Treatment
12Voting Agreements
14Our
18Risk Factors
"Proposal 3 -- Election of Directors
30Proposal 1
32Fairness Opinion
39Interests of Certain Persons in the Reorganization
41The Reorganization Agreement
48Proposal 2
51Incentive Stock Options
53Proposal 3
54Directors and Executive Officers
63Gregg Amber
64Proposal 4
65Proposal 5
66Proposal 6
67Proposal 7
70Our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
"Total revenues
71Amortization of Goodwill and Other Intangibles
72Interest expense (income), net
"Income Taxes
76Liquidity and Capital Resources
79Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
81Description of BIZ's Business
86Technology, Products and Services
90Research and Development
91Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BIZ
92Professional Fees
96Market Price of and Dividends of BIZ's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
97Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data of Litronic and BIZ
103Annual Report to Stockholders
"Annual Report on Form 10-K/A
"Stockholder Proposals
"Other Matters
104Appendix A
"Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
1091. Formation of Subsidiary
"1.1 Organization of Merger Subsidiary
"1.2 Actions of Directors and Officers
1102. Plan of Reorganization
"2.1 The Merger
"2.2 Effective Time; Closing
"2.3 Effect of the Merger
"2.4 Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws
"2.5 Directors and Officers
1112.6 Effect on Capital Stock
"2.7 Dissenting Shares
1122.8 Surrender of Certificates
1152.9 Tax Consequences
"2.10 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action
"2.11 Stock Options and Warrants
1162.12 Proxy Statement
1172.13 Reorganization
"3. Representations and Warranties of Biz
"3.1 Organization; Good Standing; Qualification and Power
1183.2 Capital Structure
1193.3 Authority
1203.4 Financial Statements
"3.5 Information Supplied
"3.6 Compliance with Applicable Laws
"3.7 Insurance
1213.8 Litigation
"3.9 ERISA and Other Compliance
1233.10 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
"3.11 Absence of Certain Changes or Events
1253.12 Certain Agreements
"3.13 Taxes
1273.14 Intellectual Property
1283.15 Fees and Expenses
"3.16 Environmental Matters
"3.17 Interested Party Transactions
1293.18 Vote Required
"3.19 Disclosure
"3.20 Restrictions on Business Activities
"3.21 Accounts Receivable
"3.22 Personal Property
"3.23 Real Property
1303.24 Warranties
"3.25 Contracts
"3.26 Products and Distribution
1314. Representations and Warranties of Litronic
"4.1 Organization; Good Standing; Qualification and Power
1324.2 Capital Structure
"4.3 Authority
1344.4 SEC Documents
1374.5 Information Supplied
"4.6 Litigation
"4.7 Fees and Expenses
"4.8 Interested Party Transactions
"4.9 Board Approval
"4.10 Vote Required
"4.11 Disclosure
1384.12 Fairness Opinion
"4.13 Shares of Litronic Common Stock
"4.14 Compliance with Applicable Laws
"4.15 Intellectual Property
1394.16 Taxes
1414.17 No Investment Company
"4.18 ERISA and Other Compliance
1434.19 Environmental Matters
"4.20 Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
"4.21 Restrictions on Business Activities
1444.22 Warranties
"4.23 Products and Distribution
"4.24 Accounts Receivable
1454.25 Personal Property
"4.26 Real Property
"4.27 Insurance
1465. Biz Covenants
"5.1 Notification of Changes
"5.2 Maintenance of Business
"5.3 Conduct of Business
1485.4 Stockholder Approval
"5.5 Proxy Statement
"5.6 Regulatory Approvals
1495.7 Necessary Consents
"5.8 Access to Information
"5.9 Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent
"5.10 Confidentiality
"6. Litronic Covenants
"6.1 Stockholder Approval
1506.2 Proxy Statement
"6.3 Regulatory Approvals
"6.4 Necessary Consents
"6.5 Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent
"6.6 Confidentiality
1516.7 Access to Information
"6.8 Notification of Changes
"6.9 Maintenance of Business
"6.10 Current Nasdaq Quotation
"6.11 Other Covenants
1536.12 Reservation of Shares
"7. Additional Agreements
"7.1 Employee Matters
1547.2 Appointment of Officers
"7.3 Voting Agreement
"7.4 Indemnification of Officers, Directors, Etc
1557.5 Tax Matters
"7.6 No Additional Issuances
"7.7 Reports Under 1934 Act
1567.8 Non-Solicitation
1578. Closing
"9. Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Biz
"9.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties
1589.2 Covenants
"9.3 Absence of Material Adverse Change
"9.4 Compliance with Law
"9.5 Corporate Opinion
"9.6 Consents
"10. Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Litronic
"10.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties
15910.2 Covenants
"10.3 Absence of Material Adverse Change
"10.4 Compliance with Law
"10.5 Consents
"10.6 Corporate Opinion
"10.7 Fairness Opinion
"10.8 Termination of Stockholders Agreement
"10.9 Repurchase of Series A Shares
16011. Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Litronic and Biz
"11.1 Government Consents
"11.2 Investment Representation Statement
"11.3 Stockholder Approvals
"11.4 No Legal Action
"11.5 Dissenting Shares
"11.6 Nasdaq Listing and Trading Symbol
"11.7 Election of Litronic Directors
"12. Termination of Agreement
"12.1 Termination
16112.2 Due Diligence Investigations
16212.3 Notice of Termination
"12.4 Effect of Termination
"13. Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants
"14. Miscellaneous
"14.1 Governing Law
"14.2 Assignment: Binding Upon Successors and Assigns
16314.3 Severability
"14.4 Counterparts
"14.5 Other Remedies
"14.6 Amendment and Waivers
"14.7 Expenses
"14.8 Attorneys' Fees
"14.9 Notices
16414.10 Construction of Agreement
"14.11 No Joint Venture
165Other
"14.12 Further Assurances
"14.13 Absence of Third Party Rights
"14.14 Public Announcement
"14.15 Entire Agreement
171BIZ Disclosure Schedule
172Litronic Disclosure Schedule
173Appendix B
"Board of Directors
177Appendix C
"Consolidated Financial Statements of Litronic
179Independent Auditors' Report
185Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
187Cash and cash equivalents
"Inventories
196Warrants
197Options
201Basic and Diluted
202Schedule II
"Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
207Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
"Goodwill and Other Intangibles
213Appendix D
214The Board of Directors
223Series B Preferred Stock
227Net loss
231Appendix E
"Litronic Inc. Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan
239Appendix F
"Audit Committee Charter
241Appendix G
252BIZ Stockholders
253Litronic Stockholders
256Appendix H
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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Filed by the Registrant [X] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ] Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) [X] Definitive Proxy Statement [ ] Definitive Additional Materials [ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12 LITRONIC INC. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): [ ] 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: ----------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: ----------------------------------------------------------------- (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): ----------------------------------------------------------------- (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: ----------------------------------------------------------------- (5) Total fee paid: ----------------------------------------------------------------- [X] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials: $5,764 [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount Previously Paid: ----------------------------------------------------------------- (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: ----------------------------------------------------------------- (3) Filing Party: ----------------------------------------------------------------- (4) Date Filed: -----------------------------------------------------------------
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Litronic Inc. 17861 Cartwright Road Irvine, CA 92614 Dear Stockholders: You are cordially invited to attend the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Litronic Inc. that will be held on August 23, 2001 at 2:00 p.m., local time, at the Irvine Marriott Hotel, 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, California 92612. At the meeting you will be asked to consider and vote upon the matters described in the accompanying notice and proxy statement. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting please sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope. Sincerely, /s/ KRIS SHAH ------------------------------------- Kris Shah, Chief Executive Officer
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LITRONIC INC. 17861 CARTWRIGHT ROAD IRVINE, CA 92614 -------------------------- NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 23, 2001 -------------------------- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of stockholders of Litronic Inc. will be held at the Irvine Marriott Hotel, 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, California, on August 23, 2001 at 2:00 p.m., local time, for the following purposes: (1) To consider and vote on the proposed merger of Litronic Merger Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Litronic Inc., with and into BIZ Interactive Zone, Inc., as contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of July 3, 2001, among Litronic, Litronic Merger Corp. and BIZ. In the merger, Litronic will issue 0.4751248 shares of common stock in exchange for each outstanding share of BIZ's common stock and 0.8564122 shares of common stock in exchange for each outstanding share of BIZ's Series B Preferred Stock. Upon consummation of the merger, BIZ will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Litronic. The adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization will also constitute approval of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization. (2) To approve our Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan; (3) To elect four members to our board of directors; (4) To approve amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of our common stock and to change the name of the corporation to SSP Solutions, Inc; (5) To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent auditors for fiscal 2001; (6) To approve the issuance of securities in future financing transactions; (7) To approve our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; and (8) To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments and postponements thereof. The board of directors has fixed the close of business on June 29, 2001 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. Only holders of our common stock at the close of business on the record date are entitled to vote at the meeting. A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be available for inspection at our executive offices. Stockholders attending the meeting whose shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee should bring with them a proxy or letter from that firm confirming their ownership of shares. The approval of Proposals 1 and 4 will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares as of the record date. The approval of Proposals 2, 5, 6 and 7 will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. For Proposal 3, the election of the members of our board of directors, the four nominees of our seven member board receiving the highest vote totals will be elected. The terms of two of our current directors, Kris Shah and Frank Cilluffo, have not yet expired, so Messrs. Shah and Cilluffo will remain on our board but are not nominees for election at this meeting. Accompanying this notice are a proxy and proxy statement. IF YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING TO VOTE IN PERSON, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. The proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise at the meeting. By Order of the Board of Directors, /s/ Kris Shah ---------------------------------- Kris Shah, Secretary Irvine, California July 24, 2001 YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. HOWEVER, EVEN IF YOU DO PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE PROMPTLY COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED. RETURNING A SIGNED PROXY WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM VOTING IN PERSON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, IF YOU SO DESIRE, BUT WILL HELP US TO SECURE A QUORUM AND REDUCE THE EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL PROXY SOLICITATION.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS [Enlarge/Download Table] PAGE ---- Available Information.......................................................................... 2 Summary ....................................................................................... 3 Risk Factors................................................................................... 15 The Annual Meeting............................................................................. 23 Proposal 1 -- Approval of the Reorganization Agreement......................................... 25 The Merger............................................................................ 25 The Reorganization Agreement.......................................................... 36 Proposal 2 -- Approval of our Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan...................... 43 Proposal 3 -- Election of Directors............................................................ 48 Proposal 4 -- Approval of Amendments to our Certificate of Incorporation....................... 59 Proposal 5 - Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors................................. 60 Proposal 6 - Approval of the Issuance of Securities in Future Financing Transactions........... 61 Proposal 7 - Approval of our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan................................. 62 Our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations...... 65 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management................................. 74 Description of BIZ's Business.................................................................. 76 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BIZ... 86 Market Price of and Dividends of BIZ's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters........... 91 Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data of Litronic and BIZ................................ 92 Annual Report to Stockholders.................................................................. 98 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A................................................................... 98 Stockholder Proposals.......................................................................... 98 Other Matters.................................................................................. 98 Appendix A -- Agreement and Plan of Reorganization............................................. A-1 Appendix B -- Fairness Opinion................................................................. B-1 Appendix C -- Consolidated Financial Statements of Litronic.................................... C-1 Appendix D -- Consolidated Financial Statements of BIZ......................................... D-1 Appendix E -- Litronic Inc. Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan........................ E-1 Appendix F -- Audit Committee Charter.......................................................... F-1 Appendix G -- Voting Agreement................................................................. G-1 Appendix H -- 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan................................................ H-1 i
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CERTAIN DEFINITIONS As used in this proxy statement, "Litronic," "we," "our," "ours" and "us" refer to Litronic Inc. and its subsidiaries. References in this proxy statement to "the merger" are references to the merger of Litronic Merger Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Litronic, into BIZ Interactive Zone, Inc., or BIZ, with BIZ surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Litronic. NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This proxy statement contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. "Forward-looking statements" are those statements that describe management's beliefs and expectations about the future. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: - we may not achieve the benefits we expect from the merger, which may have a material adverse effect on the combined company's business, financial condition and operating results and/or could result in the loss of key personnel; - the merger could adversely affect our combined financial results; - the market price of our common stock may decline as a result of the merger; - certain officers and directors may have conflicts of interest that may influence them to support or approve the merger; and - failure to complete the merger could negatively impact our stock price, future business and operations. In evaluating the merger, you should carefully consider the discussion of these and other factors in the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 15. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties affect our business or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements in 2001 and beyond could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. ii
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LITRONIC INC. 17861 CARTWRIGHT ROAD IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92614 ----------------------- PROXY STATEMENT ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS AUGUST 23, 2001 ----------------------- INTRODUCTION This proxy statement is being furnished to holders of common stock of Litronic Inc., a Delaware corporation, or Litronic, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our board of directors for use at the annual meeting of our stockholders to be held on August 23, 2001, or any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy statement and accompanying form of proxy are being mailed to our stockholders on or about July 26, 2001. At our annual stockholders' meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon proposals to: (1) consider and vote on an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, or the Reorganization Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2001, between Litronic, Litronic Merger Corp. and BIZ Interactive Zone, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or BIZ. Upon consummation of the merger, each share of BIZ common stock, $0.001 par value per share, except for any Dissenting Shares (as described in this proxy statement), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the filing of an Agreement of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or the Effective Time of the merger, will be converted into 0.4751248 shares (referred to in this proxy statement as the Exchange Ratio) of our common stock, $.01 par value per share; and each issued and outstanding share of BIZ Series B Preferred Stock, $.001 par value per share, or Series B Stock, will be converted into 0.8564122 shares of our common stock (referred to in this proxy statement as the Series B Exchange Ratio), (2) approve our Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan, (3) elect four members to our board of directors, (4) approve amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of our common stock and to change our name to SSP Solutions, Inc., (5) ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2001, (6) approve the issuance of common stock or other securities, which, when exercised or converted into common stock, will constitute more than 20% of our outstanding common stock in future financing transactions, and (7) approve our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. These proposals are sometimes collectively referred to in this proxy statement as the Proposals. A form of proxy is enclosed for your use. The shares represented by each properly executed, unrevoked proxy will be voted as directed by the stockholder with respect to the matters described in the proxy. If no direction is made, the shares represented by each properly executed, unrevoked proxy will be voted FOR the Proposals. Any proxy given may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by filing with our secretary an instrument revoking the proxy or by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later date. Any stockholder present at the meeting who has given a proxy may withdraw it and vote his shares in person if he so desires. 1
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We contemplate that the solicitation of proxies will be made primarily by mail. We will make arrangements with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send proxies and proxy material to the beneficial owners of the shares and will reimburse them for their expenses in so doing. We have one class of securities outstanding, common stock. Only holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on June 29, 2001, or the Record Date, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. As of the Record Date, we had issued and outstanding, 9,747,526 shares of common stock. Each share of our common stock issued and outstanding on the Record Date is entitled to one vote at the annual meeting. Kris Shah, our chief executive officer, chairman of the board, president and secretary and certain of his family members and affiliates collectively own 5,368,358 shares, or 55% of our issued and outstanding common stock. Under the terms of a voting agreement, Mr. Shah, certain of his family members and affiliates and Marvin Winkler, the chief executive officer of BIZ, and his affiliates, as well as the holders of Series B Stock, have agreed to vote in favor of the merger. THE ABOVE MATTERS ARE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. THE PROPOSED REORGANIZATION IS A COMPLEX TRANSACTION AND INVOLVES SIGNIFICANT RISKS. YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO READ AND CONSIDER CAREFULLY THIS PROXY STATEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY, PARTICULARLY THE MATTERS REFERRED TO UNDER THE HEADING "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 15. AVAILABLE INFORMATION We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and in accordance therewith, we file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission. These materials can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's regional offices located at Northwest Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of these materials can also be obtained from the Commission at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Our common stock has been traded on The Nasdaq National Market, under the symbol "LTNX" since it began trading publicly on June 9, 1999. We have supplied all information contained in this proxy statement relating to us and BIZ has supplied all information relating to BIZ. L.H. Friend, Weinress, Frankson & Presson, LLC, or Friend, has supplied the information regarding its fairness opinion. 2
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SUMMARY The following is a brief summary of certain information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. The summary is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of this proxy statement and the attached Appendices. You are urged to read carefully this proxy statement and the attached Appendices in their entirety. See "Risk Factors" for certain information that you should consider. This summary contains forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Litronic and BIZ. Actual events and the actual results of Litronic and BIZ may differ materially from those anticipated in or by any forward-looking statement due to certain risks and uncertainties including the risks described under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this proxy statement. See "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements." THE COMPANIES Litronic. We provide professional Internet data security services and develop and market software and microprocessor-based products that serve to secure electronic commerce and communications over the Internet and other communications networks based on Internet protocols. Our principal executive offices are located at 17861 Cartwright Road, Irvine, California 92614 and our telephone number is (949) 851-1085. BIZ. BIZ is a development stage enterprise devoting substantially all of its efforts to develop a complete line of hardware, software and firmware to support secure, private, trusted transactions under the SSP(TM) (Secure Service Provider(TM)) trade name. BIZ's principal executive offices are located at 2030 Main Street, Suite 1250, Irvine, California 92614 and its telephone number is (949) 655-4500. See "Description of BIZ's Business." THE ANNUAL MEETING Our annual meeting of stockholders will be held at the Irvine Marriott Hotel, 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, California 92612 on August 23, 2001, starting at 2:00 p.m., local time. See "The Annual Meeting" at page 23 of this proxy statement. At our annual meeting, you will be asked to consider, approve and adopt the Proposals. Holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on the Record Date have the right to receive notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. As of the close of business on the Record Date, there were 9,747,526 shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter that is properly presented to stockholders for a vote at the annual meeting. The approval of Proposals 1 and 4 will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares as of the Record Date. The approval of Proposals 2, 5, 6 and 7 will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the annual meeting. For Proposal 3, the election of the members of our board of directors, the four nominees receiving the highest vote totals will be elected. PROPOSAL 1 - THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT General The Reorganization Agreement provides, among other things, for the merger of Litronic Merger Corp. with and into BIZ, 3
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which will result in BIZ, as the surviving corporation of the merger, becoming our wholly-owned subsidiary. Conversion of BIZ Stock Upon consummation of the merger, each share of BIZ common stock, except for any Dissenting Shares, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, will be converted into 0.4751248 shares of our common stock, and each share of Series B Stock, except for any Dissenting Shares, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective time, will be converted into 0.8564122 shares of our common stock. See "The Reorganization Agreement--Conversion of BIZ Stock." Throughout this proxy statement, Dissenting Shares means the shares of BIZ common stock and Series B Stock with respect to which the holder has perfected his demand for dissenter's rights in accordance with applicable provisions of the California General Corporation Law, and has not effectively withdrawn or lost these rights. After the conversion of the BIZ shares in the merger, the current BIZ stockholders (other than Kris Shah) will own approximately 49.5% of our outstanding common stock. Our chief executive officer, chairman of the board, president and secretary, Kris Shah, is a minority stockholder of BIZ. His BIZ shares will convert into 655,174 shares of our common stock at the Effective Time. No fractional shares of our common stock will be issued in the merger. In lieu of the issuance of any fractional shares, each former BIZ stockholder who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a share of our common stock will receive cash equal to the product of that fraction, and the average of the closing prices of one share of our common stock as quoted on The Nasdaq National Market for the five trading day period ending on the trading day immediately preceding the Effective Time. When used herein, the Closing Date means a date and a time mutually agreed upon by us and BIZ, not later than the fifth business day after all conditions precedent to our obligations and BIZ's obligations to consummate the merger set forth in the Reorganization Agreement have been satisfied or waived. Conditions to the Merger Our obligation and BIZ's obligation to consummate the merger are subject to the fulfillment of various conditions, including: - the absence of any order, decree, ruling or threat by any court or governmental agency, or any other fact or circumstance that would prohibit or render illegal the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement; - the approval of our stockholders and BIZ's stockholders; - the receipt of all consents, permits or authorizations required by governmental authorities; - BIZ shall not have received demands for the exercise of dissenters' rights from holders of shares representing more than 5% of its issued and outstanding shares of capital stock; - our receipt of a fairness opinion of Friend, dated as of the Closing Date; - the termination of the amended and restated stockholders' agreement among BIZ and certain of its stockholders; - our receipt of an opinion of BIZ's counsel and BIZ's receipt of an opinion of our counsel, each dated as of the Closing Date, regarding certain matters set forth in the Reorganization Agreement; 4
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- the election of the directors nominated and set forth in this proxy statement at our annual meeting of stockholders; - the authorization by Nasdaq of the listing on The Nasdaq National Market of our shares of common stock to be issued in connection with the merger; and - the approval of the change of our Nasdaq trading symbol to "SSPX." See "The Reorganization Agreement--Conditions to the Reorganization." Termination of the Reorganization Agreement The Reorganization Agreement is subject to termination at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the merger by our stockholders or BIZ's stockholders, by: - written agreement of BIZ and us; - BIZ, if we breach any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Reorganization Agreement, and that breach would result in the conditions precedent to BIZ's obligations to consummate the merger not being satisfied and which is not curable by us within 45 days; - us, if BIZ breaches any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Reorganization Agreement, and that breach would result in the conditions precedent to our obligations to consummate the merger not being satisfied and which is not curable by BIZ within 45 days; - either party, if requisite stockholder approval is not obtained; - either party, if the merger has not occurred on or before August 31, 2001 (other than as a result of a breach by the party seeking to terminate the Reorganization Agreement); and - either party, if a permanent injunction or other order by any federal or state court which would make illegal or otherwise restrain or prohibit the consummation of the merger has been issued and has become final and nonappealable. See "The Reorganization Agreement--Termination of the Reorganization Agreement." THE MERGER Our Reasons for the Merger Our board of directors, by unanimous vote, has determined that the merger is in the best interests of the holders of our common stock and recommends that the holders of our common stock vote in favor of Proposal 1. The decision of our board of directors to enter into the Reorganization Agreement and to recommend that our stockholders vote in favor of Proposal 1 is based upon its evaluation of a number of factors, including, among others, the written opinion dated July 2, 2001, which will be confirmed in writing as of the Closing Date, of Friend that, based upon and subject to the matters set forth in the written opinion, as of these dates, the merger is fair from a financial point of view to our company and to our stockholders. See "The Merger--Our Reasons for the Merger," and "--Fairness Opinion." 5
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Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger There is a member of our management and our board of directors who has interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of our stockholders generally, resulting in a potential conflict of interest. See "The Merger--Interests of Certain Persons in the Reorganization." Accounting Treatment We anticipate that we will account for the merger as a purchase of BIZ by Litronic. See "The Merger--Accounting Treatment." Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger For federal income tax purposes, we intend that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, and that none of Litronic, Litronic Merger Corp., BIZ or any of their stockholders will recognize any gain or loss for federal or state income tax purposes as a result of the merger. Opinion of Investment Banker On July 2, 2001, Friend delivered its written opinion to our board of directors stating that, as of that date, the merger was fair to our company and to our stockholders from a financial point of view. The full text of the opinion of Friend dated July 2, 2001, which will be confirmed in writing as of the Closing Date, which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by Friend, is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement. Our stockholders are urged to read the entire opinion carefully. See "The Merger--Fairness Opinion." Assumption of BIZ Options and BIZ Warrants At the Effective Time, we will assume BIZ's Stock Option Plan and each then outstanding option (each referred to herein as a BIZ Option and collectively, as the BIZ Options) and each outstanding warrant (each referred to herein as a BIZ Warrant and collectively, as the BIZ Warrants) to purchase BIZ common stock and convert each BIZ Option or BIZ Warrant into an option or warrant to acquire the number of shares of our common stock determined by multiplying the number of shares of BIZ common stock subject to the BIZ Option or BIZ Warrant at the Effective Time by the Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share of our common stock equal to the exercise price per share of the BIZ Option or BIZ Warrant immediately prior to the Effective Time, divided by the Exchange Ratio and rounded up to the nearest whole cent. To avoid fractional shares, the number of shares of our common stock subject to an assumed BIZ Option or BIZ Warrant will be rounded to the nearest whole number of shares (rounded down in the cases of BIZ Options that are incentive stock options, or ISOs.) The other terms of the BIZ Options and BIZ Warrants, including vesting schedules, will remain unchanged. We will file a registration statement on Form S-8 with the Commission with respect to the issuance of shares of our common stock upon exercise of the assumed BIZ Options which are eligible to be registered on Form S-8 as soon as practicable after the Closing Date. As of July 19, 2001, BIZ Options to acquire an aggregate of 1,756,500 shares of BIZ common stock were outstanding and BIZ Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 450,000 shares of BIZ common stock were outstanding. Of these, we hold a warrant to purchase 400,000 shares of BIZ common stock. This warrant will be cancelled upon consummation of the merger. 6
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Appraisal Rights of Stockholders Our stockholders will not have rights of appraisal under the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL, with respect to the merger because our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq National Market. Voting Agreements Kris Shah and his affiliates and family members, who collectively held, as of the Record Date, approximately 55% of our outstanding common stock, have agreed to vote in favor of the merger and the transactions contemplated by the Agreement of Merger, including the election of the nominees for director named in this proxy statement. Marvin Winkler, the chief executive officer of BIZ and his affiliates and the holders of Series B Stock, who collectively held, together with Kris Shah, as of the Record Date, 100% of BIZ's outstanding stock, are also parties to this voting agreement and have likewise agreed to vote in favor of the merger and the transactions contemplated by the Agreement of Merger, including the election of the nominees for director named in this proxy statement. Therefore, absent an extraordinary event, management believes that the approval of the Proposals described in this proxy statement is assured. A copy of the voting agreement, which contains provisions regarding the voting of those shares, is attached as Appendix G to this proxy statement. You should carefully read the entire voting agreement. Ability to Sell Our Stock After the Merger All shares of our common stock that holders of BIZ common stock and Series B Stock will receive in connection with the merger will be "restricted securities" as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and as a result, may be sold only pursuant to a registration statement or an exemption from registration. Regulatory Approvals We will file the Agreement of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Once the Delaware Secretary of State accepts the Agreement of Merger, the merger will be officially completed and effective. COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION The following table sets forth the historical per share information of Litronic and BIZ and combined per share data on an unaudited pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger between the two companies, assuming that 0.4751248 shares of our common stock had been issued in exchange for each outstanding share of BIZ common stock and that 0.8564122 shares of our common stock had been issued in exchange for each outstanding share of Series B Stock. You should read this information in conjunction with the selected historical financial data, audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim financial statements of Litronic and BIZ, including the notes thereto, which are included as Appendices C and D, respectively, to this proxy statement. You should also read this information in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements, including the notes thereto, which are included elsewhere in this proxy statement. The pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only. You should not rely on the pro forma financial information as an indication of the combined financial position or results of operations of future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had the entities been a single entity during the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma combined information per share combines the financial information of Litronic with the financial information of BIZ for the three month periods ended March 31, 2001. The 7
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unaudited pro forma combined information per share combines the Litronic financial information for the year ended December 31, 2000 with the BIZ financial information from April 30, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2000. Historical book value per common share is computed by dividing stockholders' equity (deficiency) attributable to common stockholders by the number of common shares outstanding at the end of each period presented. Historical book value per preferred share is computed by dividing stockholders' equity attributable to preferred stockholders by the number of shares of Series B Stock outstanding at the end of each period presented. Litronic unaudited pro forma combined book value per share is computed by dividing pro forma total stockholders' equity by the pro forma number of common shares outstanding at March 31, 2001 for both Litronic and BIZ. The BIZ equivalent pro forma book value per share is calculated by multiplying the pro forma combined book value per common share outstanding at March 31, 2001 by the assumed exchange ratio. The BIZ equivalent basic and diluted net loss per share is calculated by multiplying the pro forma combined net loss per share for the period from April 30, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2000 and for the three months ended March 31, 2001 by the assumed exchange ratio. [Enlarge/Download Table] THREE MONTHS ENDED PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000 -------------- ----------------- LITRONIC HISTORICAL PER SHARE DATA: Basic and diluted net loss per common share ............. $ (0.24) $ (4.20)(1) Book value per common share at period end ............... $ 0.43 $ 0.67 BIZ HISTORICAL PER SHARE DATA: Basic and diluted net loss per share .................... $ (0.35) $ (0.14) Book value per common share at period end ............... $ (0.66) $ (0.10) Book value per Series B preferred share at period end ... $ 4.44 N/A LITRONIC UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED: Basic and diluted net loss per common share ............. $ (0.48) $ (2.46) Book value per share at period end ...................... $ 2.81 N/A BIZ EQUIVALENT PRO FORMA COMBINED (UNAUDITED): Basic and diluted net loss per common share ............. $ (0.23) $ (1.17) Book value per share at period end ...................... $ 1.33 N/A ------------------------- (1) We have determined that the integration of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Pulsar Data Systems, Inc., or Pulsar, will not be completed as planned. Based on the results of an independent valuation, we recorded an impairment charge of $31.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2000 related to unamortized goodwill and intangible assets acquired in connection with our acquisition of Pulsar. 8
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Our common stock has been traded on The Nasdaq National Market, under the symbol "LTNX" since it began trading publicly on June 9, 1999. As required by the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, prior to the Closing Date, the symbol for trading of our common stock on The Nasdaq National Market shall have been changed to "SSPX." The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing sale prices reported on The Nasdaq National Market for our common stock for the calendar quarters indicated. Such prices are inter-dealer quotations without retail mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions, and may not represent actual transactions. Since BIZ is a privately held corporation, historical per share data for BIZ is not available. [Download Table] HIGH LOW ---- --- 1999 First Quarter............................. N/A N/A Second Quarter............................ $11.13 $6.56 Third Quarter............................. $11.44 $4.16 Fourth Quarter............................ $9.88 $4.00 2000 First Quarter............................. $26.00 $8.72 Second Quarter............................ $17.38 $6.69 Third Quarter............................. $9.50 $2.94 Fourth Quarter............................ $7.81 $2.34 2001 First Quarter............................. $6.59 $2.50 Second Quarter ........................... $4.60 $2.46 The following table sets forth the closing sale price for our common stock on The Nasdaq National Market on February 9, 2001, the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the merger, and on July 24, 2001, the most recent practicable date prior to the printing of this proxy statement. [Download Table] OUR COMMON STOCK ------ February 9, 2001................... $5.69 July 24, 2001....................... $2.31 During the past two fiscal years, we have not paid any dividends on our common stock. The payment of future dividends on our common stock will be a business decision to be made by our board of directors from time to time based upon our results of operations and financial condition and such other factors as our board of directors considers relevant, although it is presently anticipated that we will retain earnings for the operation and expansion of our business for the foreseeable future. In addition, our loan agreement restricts our ability to pay cash dividends. 9
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SELECTED HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) OUR SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following selected historical consolidated financial data presented below under the captions "Selected Statements of Operations Data" and "Selected Balance Sheet Data" for, and as of the end of, each of the five years in the five year period ended December 31, 2000, are derived from the consolidated financial statements of Litronic Inc. and subsidiary, which financial statements have been audited by KPMG LLP, independent auditors. The consolidated statements of operations data for the three year period ended December 31, 2000, and the balance sheet data at December 31, 2000 and 1999 are derived from the consolidated financial statements of Litronic which have been audited by KPMG LLP, independent auditors, which are attached hereto as Appendix C. The consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the balance sheet data at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 are derived from the consolidated financial statements of Litronic which have also been audited by KPMG LLP, independent auditors which are not included herein. The selected data presented below for the three month periods ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 and as of March 31, 2001, are derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Litronic which are also attached to this proxy statement as Appendix C. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future. [Enlarge/Download Table] THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ----------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2001 2000 2000(1) 1999(1) 1998 1997 1996 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- SELECTED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA: Revenues: Product ......................... $ 4,144 $ 4,351 $ 37,421 $ 29,587 $ 5,214 $ 8,627 $ 7,855 License and service ............. 334 371 1,935 1,270 1,041 1,539 1,541 Research and development ........ -- -- -- 798 398 -- -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total revenues ............ 4,478 4,722 39,356 31,655 6,653 10,166 9,396 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Costs and expenses: Cost of sales--product .......... 3,066 3,619 30,481 25,478 2,821 3,211 4,098 Cost of sales--license and service........................ 133 168 679 590 950 643 581 Selling, general, and administrative................. 1,773 2,380 9,559 7,194 2,631 3,487 2,052 Research and development ........ 1,843 1,322 5,800 3,906 1,334 1,172 725 Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles(2)........... -- -- 31,415 -- -- -- -- Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles ............. 23 703 2,828 1,448 -- -- -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Operating income (loss) ............ (2,360) (3,470) (41,406) (6,961) (1,083) 1,653 1,940 Other (income) expense, net ........ 16 (14) (7) 168 418 42 19 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes .. (2,376) (3,456) (41,399) (7,129) (1,501) 1,611 1,921 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes .................... -- 5 6 (43) (95) 22 29 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings (loss) from continuing operations ...................... $ (2,376) $ (3,461) $ (41,405) $ (7,086) $ (1,406) $ 1,589 $ 1,892 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net earnings (loss) ................ $ (2,376) $ (3,461) $ (41,405) $ (7,086) $ (1,406) $ 15,334 $ 906 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- 10
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[Enlarge/Download Table] Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per share: basic and diluted ......................... $ (0.24) $ (0.35) $ (4.20) $ (1.00) $ (.36) $ .41 $ .49 ========= ========= --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net earnings (loss) per share: basic and diluted ............... $ (0.24) $ (0.35) $ (4.20) $ (1.00) $ (.36) $ 3.96 $ .23 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Shares used in per share computations: basic and diluted . 9,746,814 9,871,826 9,862,472 7,055,882 3,870,693 3,870,693 3,870,693 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= -------------------------- (1) On June 14, 1999, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Pulsar in exchange for 2,169,938 shares of our common stock. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, the results of operations of Pulsar have been included in our consolidated financial statements from June 14, 1999. (2) We have determined that the integration of Pulsar will not be completed as planned. Based on the results of an independent valuation, we recorded an impairment charge of $31.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2000 related to unamortized goodwill and intangible assets from our acquisition of Pulsar. [Enlarge/Download Table] AS OF AS OF DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, --------------------------------------------------------------- 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA: Cash and cash equivalents .................... $ 3,885 $ 4,120 $ 6,441 $ 898 $ 490 $ 862 Working capital .............................. 2,733 4,858 12,592 758 385 1,662 Total assets ................................. 8,863 11,768 51,104 2,791 2,347 7,409 Current installments of long-term debt ....... 1,149 1,986 481 580 -- 545 Long-term debt, less current installments .... -- 19 -- 5,200 3,506 4,997 Total liabilities ............................ 4,688 5,220 3,171 6,998 5,148 7,510 Total shareholders' equity (deficit) ......... 4,175 6,548 47,933 (4,207) (2,801) (101) BIZ'S SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following selected historical consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with BIZ's consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto attached hereto as Appendix D. The consolidated statements of operations data for the period from April 30, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2000, and the balance sheet data at December 31, 2000 are derived from the consolidated financial statements of BIZ which have been audited by KPMG LLP, independent auditors, which are attached hereto as Appendix D. The consolidated statements of operations data for the three month period ended March 31, 2001 and the period from April 30, 2000 (inception) through March 31, 2001 and balance sheet data at March 31, 2001 are derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of BIZ which are also attached as Appendix D. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future. 11
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[Enlarge/Download Table] PERIOD FROM INCEPTION PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (APRIL 30, 2000) THREE MONTHS (APRIL 30, 2000) THROUGH ENDED THROUGH MARCH 31, 2001 MARCH 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000 --------------------- -------------- --------------------- STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Total revenues............................ $-- $-- $-- Cost of sales............................. -- -- -- Operating expenses........................ (4,372) (2,155) (2,217) Realized loss on trading securities....... (3,620) (3,620) -- Interest income, net...................... 20 7 13 Net loss.................................. (7,972) (5,768) (2,204) Net loss per share........................ (0.49) (0.35) (0.14) [Enlarge/Download Table] AS OF AS OF MARCH 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000 -------------- ----------------- BALANCE SHEET DATA: Cash and cash equivalents.................................... $36 $407 Working capital.............................................. 6,044 (702) Total assets................................................. 9,104 541 Current installments of long-term debt....................... 918 370 Long-term debt, less current installments.................... -- -- Total liabilities............................................ 2,925 1,137 Series A preferred stock..................................... 1,000 1,000 Total shareholders' equity (deficiency)...................... 5,179 (1,596) UNAUDITED SELECTED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION The selected unaudited pro forma combined financial data reflects the merger using the purchase method of accounting. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations combine Litronic's consolidated statement of operations data for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 with BIZ's statement of operations data for the period from April 30, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2000 and combine Litronic's and BIZ's consolidated statement of operations data for the three month period ended March 31, 2001. The unaudited selected pro forma combined balance sheet data combines Litronic's and BIZ's consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2001. The selected unaudited pro forma combined financial data have been derived from information contained in the most recent annual and quarterly consolidated financial statements of Litronic and BIZ, which are attached hereto, and has been prepared to illustrate the effects of the merger as if it had occurred on January 1, 2000, with respect to the statements of operations information, and as of March 31, 2001, with respect to the balance sheet information. The complete unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are included elsewhere herein. The selected unaudited pro forma combined financial data is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the merger had been consummated at the beginning of the periods indicated, nor is such information indicative of the future operating results of financial position of Litronic after the merger. [Enlarge/Download Table] THREE MONTHS ENDED PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000 ------------------ ----------------- Revenues: Product ........................................ $ 4,144 $ 37,421 License and service ............................ 334 1,935 -------- -------- Total revenues ............................... 4,478 39,356 -------- -------- Cost and expenses Cost of sales -- product ....................... 3,066 30,481 Cost of sales -- license and service ........... 133 679 Selling, general and administrative ............ 2,517 11,225 Research and development ....................... 3,296 6,615 Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles ... -- 31,415 Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles.. 1,828 10,051 -------- -------- 12
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[Enlarge/Download Table] THREE MONTHS ENDED PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000 ------------------ ----------------- Operating loss ............................. (6,362) (51,110) Interest expense (income), net .................. 9 (20) Realized loss on trading securities ............. 3,620 -- -------- -------- Loss before income taxes ........................ (9,991) (51,090) Provision for income taxes ...................... -- 6 -------- -------- Net loss ........................................ $ (9,991) $(51,096) ======== ======== Net loss per share: Basic and diluted ............................ $ (0.48) $ (2.46) ======== ======== Shares used in per share computations: Basic and diluted ........................ 20,622 20,737 ======== ======== [Download Table] AT MARCH 31, 2001 -------------- BALANCE SHEET DATA: Cash and cash equivalents.................................... $ 6,401 Working capital.............................................. 5,778 Total assets................................................. 67,528 Total liabilities............................................ 9,613 Total stockholders' equity................................... 57,915 LISTING OF OUR COMMON STOCK Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq National Market, and trades under the symbol "LTNX." On or immediately after the Closing Date, we will change our trading symbol to "SSPX." RISK FACTORS THE PROPOSED MERGER IS A COMPLEX TRANSACTION AND INVOLVES SIGNIFICANT RISKS. YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO READ AND CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE ENTIRE PROXY STATEMENT, PARTICULARLY THE MATTERS REFERRED TO UNDER THE HEADING "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 15. PROPOSAL 2 -- AMENDED AND RESTATED 1999 STOCK OPTION PLAN On May 31, 2001, our board of directors adopted our Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan, subject to stockholder approval. Under the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan, we have increased the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted under the plan from 1,500,000 to 4,000,000 shares. The purpose of the plan is to strengthen our ability to attract and retain well-qualified personnel, to furnish additional incentives to those persons who contribute to, and are responsible for, our success, and enhance stockholder value as a result. PROPOSAL 3 -- ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The election of four directors to our board of directors. PROPOSAL 4 -- AMENDMENTS TO OUR AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION We are proposing amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, upon approval by the holders of a majority of our outstanding common stock, to change our name to SSP Solutions, Inc. in accordance with the terms of the Reorganization Agreement and to increase the number of shares of common stock that we are authorized to issue to 100,000,000 shares. 13
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PROPOSAL 5 -- APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP Ratification of KPMG LLP as our independent auditors for 2001. PROPOSAL 6 -- ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES IN FUTURE FINANCING TRANSACTIONS We are seeking your approval, in accordance with The Nasdaq National Market Rules, to issue common stock or securities exercisable for, or convertible into, common stock, which, when exercised or converted, would constitute more than 20% and up to 50% of our outstanding common stock after the merger. The purpose of this proposal is to provide us with the flexibility to take advantage of future opportunities to raise additional capital. PROPOSAL 7 -- 2001 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN On June 12, 2001, our board of directors adopted our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, subject to stockholder approval. There are 1,000,000 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under this plan, none of which have been granted as of the date of this proxy statement. The purpose of this plan is to provide us with an additional method to provide incentives to and increase retention of our employees. 14
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RISK FACTORS You should carefully consider and evaluate the following risks, which are not listed in order of priority, in addition to the other information contained in this proxy statement before making a decision about voting on any of the Proposals. RISKS RELATED TO THE MERGER THE ANTICIPATED BENEFITS OF THE MERGER MAY NOT BE REALIZED The anticipated benefits of the merger with BIZ may not be realized due to a number of factors. For example,: - The anticipated management synergies and operational efficiencies of the merger may not be realized. - The anticipated increase in sales resulting from the combined efforts and combined distribution channels may not be realized. WE MAY NOT SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE OUR BUSINESS WITH BIZ, WHICH COULD HARM FUTURE EARNINGS Following the merger, there may be challenges in integrating our products and services with those of BIZ and this may continue for some time. The integration might not be smooth or successful. The integration of certain operations requires the dedication of management resources, which may temporarily distract management's attention from the day-to-day business of the combined company. The business of the combined company may also be disrupted by employee uncertainty and lack of focus during the integration. If this occurs, the anticipated advantages from the merger could be undermined and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted. OUR INABILITY TO INTEGRATE OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM WITH BIZ'S MANAGEMENT TEAM MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO REALIZE THE EXPECTED BENEFITS OF THE MERGER The success of the merger depends, in part, on our ability to unite the members of our respective management teams. As a result of the merger, there will be significant changes at our senior executive officer level. Combining management from BIZ and our company will result in changes that will affect all employees and operations. Differences in corporate cultures, strategies and management philosophies may strain employee relations. Additionally, if we encounter difficulties in integrating our management teams, our ability to realize the expected benefits from the merger, including management synergies, operational efficiencies and increased sales, could be adversely affected. OUR STOCKHOLDERS WILL SUFFER IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION TO THEIR EQUITY AND VOTING INTERESTS The total number of shares of our common stock to be issued in the merger is 10,875,128, which represents approximately 111.6% of the total number of shares of our common stock currently outstanding. Accordingly, the merger will have the effect of substantially reducing the percentage of equity and voting interest held by each of our stockholders. THE BIZ STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE ABLE TO INFLUENCE OUR COMPANY SIGNIFICANTLY FOLLOWING THE MERGER After the merger, former BIZ stockholders (other than Kris Shah), including those who become directors or executive officers of our company, will hold approximately 49.5% of the total number of 15
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shares of our common stock outstanding. As a result, they will be able to exercise substantial influence on the election of directors and other matters submitted for approval by our stockholders. This concentration of ownership of our common stock may make it difficult for our other stockholders to successfully approve or defeat matters submitted for stockholder action. It may also have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of our company without the consent of the BIZ stockholders. UNANTICIPATED COSTS RELATING TO THE MERGER COULD REDUCE OUR FUTURE EARNINGS We believe that we have reasonably estimated the likely costs of integrating our operations with the operations of BIZ and the incremental costs of operating as a combined company. It is possible that unexpected transaction costs, such as taxes, fees or professional expenses, or unexpected future operating expenses, such as increased personnel costs, as well as other types of unanticipated developments, could adversely impact our business and profitability. THE UNCERTAINTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE MERGER MAY CAUSE OUR CUSTOMERS AND BIZ'S CUSTOMERS TO DELAY OR DEFER DECISIONS, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CUSTOMERS AND REVENUES Our customers and BIZ's customers may, in response to the announcement of the merger and prior to its effectiveness, delay or defer decisions concerning business with both companies. Any delay or deferral in those decisions by our respective customers could adversely affect our businesses. For example, either BIZ or we could experience a decrease in expected revenue as a consequence of such delays or deferrals. THE UNCERTAINTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE MERGER MAY CAUSE BIZ OR US TO LOSE KEY PERSONNEL Current and prospective employees of ours or of BIZ may perceive uncertainty about their future role with the combined company until strategies with regard to the combined company are announced or executed. Any uncertainty may adversely affect either company's ability to attract and retain key management, sales, marketing and technical personnel. MERGER-RELATED ACCOUNTING CHARGES MAY DELAY OR REDUCE OUR PROFITABILITY We are accounting for the acquisition of BIZ as a purchase. Under the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price of BIZ will be allocated to the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities that we acquire from BIZ. The excess of the purchase price over BIZ's tangible net assets will result in intangible assets for us that will have to be amortized over their useful lives, unless the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, proposal described below is adopted. In addition, we will incur an in-process research and development charge in connection with our acquisition of BIZ. As a result, we will incur accounting charges from the merger that may delay and reduce our profitability after the merger. IF ADOPTED, RECENT PROPOSALS OF THE FASB WOULD CAUSE US TO HAVE TO EVALUATE THE FAIR VALUES OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL THAT WE ACQUIRE IN THE MERGER WHICH COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT CHARGES TO OUR EARNINGS AND MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK In February 2001, the FASB issued an exposure draft, "Business Combinations and Intangible Assets-Accounting for Goodwill," that proposes significant changes to the current treatment of goodwill and intangible assets in a business combination. As proposed, the changes would require companies to perform impairment tests on goodwill and certain intangibles using a fair value approach rather than requiring companies to amortize goodwill and certain intangibles over their useful lives. If the exposure draft is adopted and becomes effective as currently anticipated, we will be required to evaluate periodically whether intangible assets and goodwill that we acquire in the merger have fair values that 16
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meet or exceed the amounts recorded on our balance sheet. We cannot predict whether or when there will be an impairment charge, or the amount of such charge, if any. However, if the charge is significant, it could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. In addition, adoption of the exposure draft will eliminate recurring amortization charges that would remove intangible assets and goodwill from our balance sheet, and such amounts will remain permanently on our balance sheet unless future evaluations require us to record impairment charges. THE EXCHANGE RATIO AND THE SERIES B EXCHANGE RATIO WILL NOT BE ADJUSTED FOR CHANGES IN OUR STOCK PRICE The number of shares of our common stock into which each outstanding share of BIZ common stock and Series B Stock is to be converted in the merger is fixed at 0.4751248 shares for each share of BIZ common stock and 0.8564122 shares for each share of Series B Stock. These conversion rates were determined based on the relative values of the two companies determined by their management and boards of directors. The market value of our common stock and/or the value of the BIZ stock at the Effective Time may vary significantly from the value as of the date on which the Reorganization Agreement was executed, the date of this proxy statement or the date on which our stockholders vote on the merger. These changes may result from a number of factors, including, among others: - market perception of the synergies expected to be achieved by the merger; - changes in the business, operations or prospects of ours or of BIZ; - market assessments of the likelihood that the merger will be completed and the timing of the merger; and - general market and economic conditions. Because neither the Exchange Ratio nor the Series B Exchange Ratio will be adjusted to reflect changes in the market value of our common stock or the value of the BIZ stock, the market value of our common stock issued in the merger, and the value of the BIZ stock surrendered in the merger, may be higher or lower than the value of these shares at the time the merger was negotiated or approved by our board of directors. We are not permitted to terminate the Reorganization Agreement or resolicit the vote of our stockholders because of changes in the market price of our common stock or the value of the BIZ stock. KRIS SHAH, OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRESIDENT, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND SECRETARY, HAS INTERESTS IN THE MERGER THAT ARE DIFFERENT FROM, OR ARE IN ADDITION TO, YOUR INTERESTS AS A STOCKHOLDER Kris Shah, our chief executive officer, president, chairman of the board and secretary, beneficially owns 1,400,000 shares of BIZ common stock. These shares will convert into 665,174 shares of our common stock in the merger. See "The Merger--Interests of Certain Persons in the Reorganization." As a result, Mr. Shah may be more likely to vote to approve the Reorganization Agreement than if he did not own shares of BIZ common stock. You should consider whether this may have influenced Mr. Shah to support or recommend the Reorganization Agreement and the merger. AFTER THE MERGER, A SMALL NUMBER OF STOCKHOLDERS, WHO INCLUDE CERTAIN OF OUR OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS, WILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL STOCKHOLDER VOTES Kris Shah, Marvin Winkler, their affiliates and certain family members will own, in the aggregate, approximately 63.8% of our outstanding common stock after the merger. These stockholders, if acting 17
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together, would have the ability to elect our directors and to determine the outcome of corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, irrespective of how our other stockholders may vote. In fact, these stockholders, along with the holders of BIZ's Series B Stock, have entered into a voting agreement which provides, among other things, that for a period of three years after the consummation of the merger, each of these two groups will vote their shares to ensure that three persons selected by Marvin Winkler, three persons selected by Kris Shah, and one person jointly selected by Messrs. Winkler and Shah are elected to our board of directors at each annual or special meeting called for the purpose of electing directors. This concentration of ownership may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company. RISKS RELATED TO BIZ'S BUSINESS BIZ HAS INCURRED NET LOSSES AND GENERATED NO REVENUES OR PRODUCT SALES SINCE ITS INCEPTION AND MAY NOT GENERATE SUFFICIENT NET REVENUE IN THE FUTURE TO ACHIEVE OR SUSTAIN PROFITABILITY BIZ has incurred net losses since its inception, including net operating losses of $2,217,000 and net losses of $2,204,000 in the period from April 30, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2000 and net operating losses of $2,155,000 and net losses of $5,768,000 (including realized losses of $3,620,000 on trading securities) for the three months ended March 31, 2001. In addition, BIZ generated no revenues or product sales in the period from April 30, 2000 (inception) to December 31, 2000 or during the three months ended March 31, 2001. To achieve profitability, BIZ will need to generate and sustain sufficient revenues while maintaining reasonable cost and expense levels. BIZ expects to continue to incur significant operating expenses primarily to support research and development and expansion of its sales and marketing efforts. These expenditures may not result in increased revenues or customer growth. BIZ does not know when or if it will become profitable. BIZ may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. IF BIZ'S SSP(TM) SOLUTION SUITE IS NOT COMMERCIALLY SUCCESSFUL, BIZ'S OPERATING RESULTS WILL SUFFER BIZ is seeking to enter the complex and competitive market for digital commerce and communication security solutions. BIZ believes that many potential customers in its target markets are not fully aware of the need for security products and services in the digital economy. Historically, only enterprises having substantial resources developed or purchased security solutions for Internet or other means of delivering digital content. Also, there is a perception that security in delivering digital content is costly and difficult to implement. Therefore, BIZ will not succeed unless it can educate its target markets about the need for security in delivering digital content and convince potential customers of BIZ's ability to provide this security in a cost-effective and easy-to-use manner. Even if BIZ convinces its target markets about the importance of and need for such security, BIZ does not know if this will result in the sale of its products. To date, BIZ has not entered into any commitments or contractual agreements for the delivery of its SSP(TM) Solution Suite products or components. Commercial customers may not select BIZ's products over those of its competitors. If BIZ's SSP(TM) Solution Suite products or components do not achieve wide market acceptance and/or if BIZ's pricing system is not competitive, BIZ's ability to earn revenues will be negatively impacted and its operating results will suffer. 18
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BIZ'S COMPLETE RELIANCE ON THIRD PARTY TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS PRODUCTS AND ITS RELIANCE ON THIRD PARTIES FOR MANUFACTURING MAY DELAY PRODUCT LAUNCH, IMPAIR ITS ABILITY TO DEVELOP AND DELIVER ITS PRODUCTS OR HURT ITS ABILITY TO COMPETE IN THE MARKET BIZ has licensed the rights to use a broad array of technology components from third parties to develop the SSP(TM) Solution Suite and BIZ faces many risks associated with its reliance on third parties as follows: - a third party may develop or enable others to develop a similar solution for digital communication security issues as the SSP(TM) Solution Suite thereby eroding BIZ's market share; - BIZ's dependence on the patent protection of third parties may not afford BIZ any control over the protection of the technologies that it relies on, and, thus, if any of the patent protection of such third parties was compromised, BIZ's ability to compete in the market would also be impaired. BIZ currently does not have any products in the market, but plans to launch its first product in the third quarter of 2001. BIZ will depend entirely on third parties for the manufacturing of its initial products and any future products. As a result, if any manufacturer fails to timely deliver adequate supplies of a sufficiently high quality product, this will delay product launch, impair BIZ's ability to deliver its products on a timely basis, or otherwise impair BIZ's competitive position. INTENSE COMPETITION IN ITS MARKET COULD PREVENT BIZ FROM GENERATING OR SUSTAINING ITS REVENUES AND ACHIEVING OR SUSTAINING PROFITABILITY The market for the products that BIZ is developing is very competitive and BIZ expects the intensity of competition to increase. There are few substantial barriers to entry and additional competition from existing competitors and new market entrants is likely to occur in the future. Many of BIZ's anticipated competitors have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, access to larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, technical, operational and marketing resources and more experience in research and development than BIZ. As a result, they may be able to adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements or to devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their products than BIZ. These companies may have developed or could in the future develop new technologies that will compete with BIZ's products or even render BIZ's products obsolete. To the extent that these alternative technologies provide comparable data security solutions at lower cost than BIZ's products, BIZ's potential customers may choose to purchase products from its competitors. Increased competition could result in pricing pressures, reduced sales, reduced margins or failure to achieve or maintain widespread market acceptance, any of which could prevent BIZ from generating or sustaining its revenues or achieving or sustaining profitability. BIZ'S INABILITY TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP NEW RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARTNERS AND SUPPLIERS COULD IMPACT BIZ'S ABILITY TO OBTAIN OR SELL ITS SSP(TM) SOLUTION SUITE AND RESULT IN A FAILURE TO GENERATE REVENUES BIZ plans to obtain its products, have products built to specifications and sell its products through alliance and supplier agreements. While BIZ will have direct sales channels, it currently anticipates that many of its products will be sold through alliance and supplier partners. While BIZ has entered into several such agreements, none of these agreements include commitments to purchase any of BIZ's products. If alliance or supplier agreements are cancelled, modified or delayed, if alliance or supplier partners decide not to purchase BIZ's products or purchase only limited quantities of BIZ's products, or if BIZ is unable to enter into additional alliance or supplier agreements, BIZ's ability to produce and sell its products and, therefore, its ability to generate revenues, could be adversely affected. 19
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FAILURE TO LICENSE NEW TECHNOLOGIES COULD IMPAIR BIZ'S NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT BIZ's SSP(TM) Solution Suite is a collection of technologies licensed from its alliance and supplier partners. As a result, BIZ's ability to license new technologies from third parties is, and will continue to be, critical to its ability to offer a complete suite of products that meets customer needs and technological requirements. Some of BIZ's licenses do not run for the length of the patent for the technology. BIZ may not be able to renew its existing licenses on favorable terms, or at all. If BIZ loses the rights to a patented technology, it may need to stop selling certain of its products, redesign its products or lose a competitive advantage. Potential competitors could license technologies that BIZ fails to license and potentially erode BIZ's market share for certain products. FAILURE TO DEVELOP NEW PRODUCTS COULD REDUCE BIZ'S GROWTH RATE OR DAMAGE ITS BUSINESS The markets for the products that BIZ is developing are characterized by rapid technological change and frequent new product introductions. BIZ's future success will depend, in part, on its timely development and introduction of new products that address these evolving market requirements. Product development for Internet and other digital communication network security applications requires substantial engineering time and testing. To the extent that BIZ fails to introduce new and innovative products, it will probably lose market share to its competitors, which may be difficult or impossible to regain. An inability, for technological or other reasons, to successfully develop and introduce new products could reduce BIZ's growth rate or damage its business. THE AVERAGE SELLING PRICE OF THE PRODUCTS THAT BIZ IS DEVELOPING MAY DECREASE, WHICH MAY REDUCE GROSS MARGINS The average selling prices for the products that BIZ is developing may decline as a result of competitive pricing pressures, promotional programs and customers who negotiate price reductions in exchange for longer term purchase commitments. The pricing of products depends on the specific features and functions of the products, purchase volumes and the level of sales and service support required. BIZ expects competition to increase in the future. As BIZ experiences pricing pressure, it anticipates that the average selling prices and gross margins for its products will decrease over product life cycles. These same competitive pressures may require BIZ to write down the carrying value of inventory on hand, if any. BIZ HAS NOT GENERATED ANY SALES TO DATE OF ITS SSP(TM) SOLUTION SUITE, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO EVALUATE ITS CURRENT BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS To date, BIZ has not sold any products and has not established a sales and marketing force to promote these products. BIZ may be unable to establish sales and marketing operations to levels necessary for it to grow its business, especially if it is unsuccessful at selling its products into vertical markets. BIZ may not be able to support the promotional programs required by selling simultaneously into several markets. If BIZ is unable to develop an efficient sales system, its operating results will suffer. DELAYS IN DELIVERIES FROM BIZ'S COMPONENTS SUPPLIERS OR DEFECTS IN COMPONENTS SUPPLIED BY ITS VENDORS COULD CAUSE REVENUES TO DECLINE AND ADVERSELY AFFECT BIZ'S OPERATING RESULTS BIZ relies on a limited number of vendors for certain components for the products which it is developing that will comprise the SSP(TM) Solution Suite. If BIZ is unable to purchase these components, this may delay or prevent product shipments and result in a loss of sales. In addition, if any components have undetected flaws, this could lead to unanticipated costs to repair or replace these parts. This could cause a loss of revenue, which would adversely affect BIZ's results of operations. BIZ may not be able to 20
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replace any of its supply sources on economically advantageous terms. Further, if BIZ experiences price increases for the components for its products, it will experience declines in its gross margins. BIZ MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROTECT ITS PROPRIETARY RIGHTS ADEQUATELY, WHICH MAY LIMIT ITS ABILITY TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY Unauthorized parties may misappropriate or infringe on BIZ's trade secrets, trademarks and similar proprietary rights. BIZ has not received any patent protection for its technology or products. Even if BIZ obtains such patents, there can be no guarantee that its patent rights will be valuable, create a competitive barrier or will be free from infringement. In addition, competitors may independently develop similar or superior technologies and products or duplicate the technologies and products developed by BIZ, which could substantially limit the value of its intellectual property and thus its ability to compete effectively. BIZ MAY BE REQUIRED TO UNDERTAKE COSTLY LEGAL PROCEEDINGS TO ENFORCE OR PROTECT ITS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THAT COULD SUBJECT BIZ TO SIGNIFICANT LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES AND INVALIDATION OF ITS PROPRIETARY RIGHTS In the future, litigation may be necessary for BIZ to protect its trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Litigation is inherently uncertain and any adverse decision could limit BIZ's ability to offer some of its products. Any litigation, regardless of its merit or success, would be costly and divert BIZ's managerial, technical, legal and financial resources from normal business operations, which could adversely affect BIZ's business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, adverse determinations in litigation could result in a loss of BIZ's proprietary rights, subject it to significant liabilities, require it to seek licenses from third parties which only may be available on unacceptable terms, or limit the value of its products that incorporate challenged proprietary rights. IF THE INTERNET AND OTHER DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS DO NOT CONTINUE TO GROW OR IF BIZ IS UNABLE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERNET AND OTHER DIGITAL COMMUNICATION NETWORKS, DEMAND FOR THE PRODUCTS BEING DEVELOPED BY BIZ MAY NOT INCREASE AND ITS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION WILL SUFFER Increased demand for the products being developed by BIZ depends in large part on the continued growth of the Internet and other digital communication networks and the widespread acceptance and use of the Internet and other digital communication networks for electronic commerce and communications. If the use of electronic commerce and communications by BIZ's potential customers does not increase or increases more slowly than expected, BIZ's ability to develop and market its products would be adversely affected. Additionally, the Internet infrastructure is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent enhancements to existing products and new product introductions, changes in customer requirements and evolving industry standards. BIZ may not be able to respond effectively or quickly to these developments. The introduction by competitors of new products, market acceptance of products based on new or alternative technologies, or the emergence of new industry standards could render BIZ's products obsolete, which would negatively impact its business, prospects and financial performance. BIZ MAY HAVE TO DEFEND LAWSUITS OR PAY DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH ANY ALLEGED OR ACTUAL FAILURE OF ITS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Since BIZ's products and services provide and monitor security for the digital economy and may protect valuable information, BIZ may face claims for product liability, tort or breach of warranty. Anyone who circumvents BIZ's security measures could misappropriate the confidential information or 21
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other property of end users using BIZ's products and services or interrupt their operations. If that happens, affected end users or others may sue BIZ. In addition, BIZ may face liability for breaches caused by faulty installation of its products by resellers or end users. Defending a lawsuit, regardless of its merit, could be costly and could divert management's attention. Although BIZ currently maintains business liability insurance, this coverage may be inadequate or may be unavailable in the future on acceptable terms, if at all. BIZ's business liability insurance has no specific provisions for potential liability for Internet security breaches for Internet and other digital communication networks. A SECURITY BREACH OF BIZ'S INTERNAL SYSTEMS OR THOSE OF ITS CUSTOMERS COULD HARM ITS BUSINESS Since BIZ will provide security for Internet and other digital communication networks, it may become a greater target for attacks by computer hackers. BIZ will not succeed unless the marketplace is confident that it provides effective security protection for Internet and other digital communication networks. Networks protected by BIZ's products may be vulnerable to electronic break-ins. Because the techniques used by computer hackers to access or sabotage networks change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, BIZ may be unable to anticipate these techniques. Although BIZ has not experienced any act of sabotage or unauthorized access by a third party of its internal network to date, if an actual or perceived breach of security for Internet and other digital communication networks occurs in its internal systems or those of its end-user customers, regardless of whether BIZ caused the breach, it could adversely affect the market perception of BIZ's products and services. This could cause BIZ to lose customers, resellers, alliance partners or other business partners. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS AFFECTING SECURITY OF INTERNET AND OTHER DIGITAL COMMUNICATION NETWORKS COULD LIMIT THE MARKET FOR BIZ'S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES The United States and other foreign governments have imposed controls, export license requirements and restrictions on the import or export of some technologies, including encryption technology. Any additional governmental regulation of imports or exports or failure to obtain required export approval of BIZ's encryption technologies could delay or prevent the acceptance and use of encryption products and public networks for secure communications and could limit the market for BIZ's products and services. In addition, some foreign competitors are subject to less rigorous controls on exporting their encryption technologies and, as a result, they may be able to compete more effectively than BIZ in the United States and in the international security market for Internet and other digital communication networks. In addition, certain governmental agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission, periodically issue regulations governing the conduct of business in telecommunications markets that may negatively affect the telecommunications industry and BIZ. IF BIZ IS UNABLE TO RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL TO FUND ITS FUTURE OPERATIONS, ITS BUSINESS WILL BE HARMED If BIZ is unable to obtain additional capital to fund operations when needed, its product development efforts would be adversely affected, causing BIZ's business, operating results, financial condition and prospects to be materially harmed. If BIZ undertakes or accelerates significant research and development projects for new products, BIZ may require additional outside financing. BIZ expects that, to meet its long-term needs, it will need to raise substantial additional funds through the sale of equity securities or the incurrence of additional debt or through collaborative arrangements. Any additional equity financing may be dilutive to stockholders, and debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants. Collaborative arrangements, if necessary to raise additional funds, may require BIZ to relinquish rights to certain technologies, products or marketing territories. BIZ's failure to raise capital when needed could have a significant negative effect on BIZ's business, operating results, financial condition and prospects. 22
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BIZ'S FAILURE TO RETAIN AND ATTRACT SKILLED PERSONNEL ON WHICH IT HEAVILY RELIES, WOULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT ITS BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS, INCLUDING ITS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS BIZ's failure to attract and retain skilled personnel could hinder its research and development and sales and marketing efforts and its ability to obtain financing. BIZ's future success depends to a significant degree upon the continued services of key technical and senior management personnel, including Marvin Winkler, its chief executive officer. None of these individuals are bound by an employment agreement or covered by an insurance policy of which we are the beneficiary. BIZ's future success also depends on its continuing ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified managerial, technical and sales personnel. The inability to retain or attract qualified personnel could have a significant negative impact upon BIZ's research and development and sales and marketing efforts and its ability to obtain financing and thereby materially harm BIZ's business and financial condition. THE ANNUAL MEETING This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the holders of our common stock by our board of directors for use at the annual meeting of our stockholders. DATE, TIME, PLACE; PURPOSE Our annual meeting of stockholders will be held on August 23, 2001 at 2:00 p.m., local time, at the Irvine Marriott Hotel, 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, California 92612. At the annual meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon the Proposals and such other matters as may properly come before the annual meeting. A copy of the Reorganization Agreement is included as Appendix A to this proxy statement. VOTING RIGHTS; VOTES REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL Only holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. As of the close of business on the Record Date, there were 9,747,526 shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the annual meeting, held of record by 81 stockholders. Each holder of record of our common stock on the Record Date is entitled to cast one vote per share. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum at the annual meeting. The approval of Proposal 1 (to consider and vote on the merger) and Proposal 4 (to approve amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation) will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares as of the Record Date. The approval of Proposal 2 (to approve our Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan), Proposal 5 (to ratify the appointment of our independent auditors), Proposal 6 (to approve the issuance of securities in future financing transactions) and Proposal 7 (to approve our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan) will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the annual meeting. For Proposal 3 (the election of the members of our board of directors), the four nominees receiving the highest vote totals will be elected. PROXIES The proxy accompanying this proxy statement is solicited on behalf of our board of directors for use at the annual meeting of our stockholders. Stockholders are requested to complete, date and sign the accompanying proxy and promptly return it in the accompanying envelope or otherwise mail it to us. All proxies that are properly executed and returned, and that are not revoked, will be voted at the annual meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated on the proxies or, if no direction is indicated, to 23
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approve the Proposals. Our board of directors does not presently intend to bring any business before the annual meeting of our stockholders other than the Proposals referred to in this proxy statement and specified in the notice of the annual meeting. So far as is known to our board of directors, no other matters are to be brought before the annual meeting. As to any business that may properly come before the annual meeting, however, it is intended that shares represented by proxies, in the form enclosed, will be voted in respect thereof in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting the shares. A stockholder who has given a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is exercised at the annual meeting, by: - delivering to our secretary (by any means, including facsimile) a written notice, bearing a date later than the proxy, stating that the proxy is revoked; - signing and so delivering a proxy relating to the same shares and bearing a later date prior to the vote at the annual meeting; or - attending the annual meeting and voting in person (although attendance at the annual meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy). QUORUM The required quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meeting is a majority of the shares of our common stock issued and outstanding on the Record Date. Shares of our common stock represented in person or by proxy, as well as abstentions and broker non-votes, represented by proxy, will be counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at the annual meeting. Abstentions by stockholders represented at the meeting will have the same effect as a vote against Proposals 1 and 4 since these proposals require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock on the Record Date. Abstentions by stockholders represented at the meeting will also have the same effect as a vote against Proposals 2, 5, 6 and 7 since these proposals require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. Abstentions will have no effect on Proposal 3, the election of the four nominees to our board of directors, because directors are elected by a plurality vote. If you do not vote your shares on non-routine matters held through a broker and your broker does not vote them, the votes will be "broker non-votes." Broker non-votes will count as a vote against Proposals 1 and 4, and will have no effect on any other matter that may be voted on at the meeting. EXPENSES We will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies. Following the original mailing of the proxies and other soliciting materials, we will request brokers, custodians, nominees and other record holders to forward copies of the proxy and other soliciting materials to persons for whom they hold shares of our common stock and to request authority for the exercise of proxies and, at their request, will reimburse them for their expenses in so doing. We have no present plans to hire special employees or paid solicitors to assist us in obtaining proxies. RECOMMENDATION OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our board of directors recommends that our stockholders vote for the approval of each of the Proposals. 24
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PROPOSAL 1 APPROVAL OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT THE MERGER BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER The provisions of the Reorganization Agreement and the Agreement of Merger are the result of arm's-length negotiations conducted among representatives of our company and of BIZ and their respective legal and financial advisors. The following is a summary of the meetings, negotiations and discussions between the parties that preceded execution of these agreements. During 1999, our chairman, Kris Shah, and BIZ's chairman, Marvin Winkler, were introduced by a mutual friend. At that time, Mr. Winkler was an executive with a company known as Broadband Interactive Group, Inc., or BIG. BIG was focusing its efforts on broadband interactive entertainment, and discussions revolved around how we might contribute high-speed security solutions to be incorporated in, for example, set-top boxes. During 2000, Mr. Winkler decided to turn his attention to Core-To-The-Edge(TM) security solutions for electronic commerce and business transactions. As a result, he left BIG and in April 2000, he founded BIZ. Mr. Winkler immediately began discussions with Mr. Shah about an alliance between our company and BIZ to incorporate our technology into BIZ's SSP(TM) product line. On September 5, 2000, the two companies entered into a Strategic Development and Marketing Alliance Agreement pursuant to which we manufacture private label versions of our products for resale by BIZ under BIZ's "SSP" trademark. Between October 12, 2000 and October 25, 2000, representatives of our company and of BIZ held numerous discussions regarding a possible business combination. The potential synergies between the two companies were agreed to, so the primary topics of discussion were the relative valuations of the two companies and possible deal structures, such as earnouts, that might bridge the gap between the two sides' beliefs as to those valuations. The parties were unable to come to a satisfactory resolution. On November 20, 2000, we entered into a letter of intent with BIZ regarding the intentions of the two companies to enter into additional agreements for, among other things, an investment by BIZ in our company and additional marketing alliances between the companies and to further discuss a possible merger between us and BIZ. Since we ultimately decided to proceed with a merger, the investment by BIZ did not occur. On December 8, 2000, BIZ gave us a purchase order for 3,400 CipherServer 100 accelerator boards (now known as the CipherAccelerator 440), totaling $9,000,000. Deliveries under the purchase order are expected to be made in the third quarter of 2001. During the first two weeks of January 2001, the companies renewed discussions regarding relative valuations and a possible business combination. On January 16, 2001, the two companies agreed on relative valuations, and between that date and February 9, 2001, engaged in almost daily discussions regarding the other terms of the business combination, including the structure, accounting consequences, securities law issues and, in particular, the premium exchange ratio for BIZ's Series B Stock. 25
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On February 9, 2001, each company executed a term sheet relating to the merger. The execution of the term sheet was announced shortly afterwards by the issuance of a press release. On July 2, 2001, Friend delivered a written opinion to the members of our board of directors to the effect that the proposed merger was fair from a financial point of view to us and to our stockholders. On July 3, 2001, each company executed and delivered the Reorganization Agreement and related documents. OUR REASONS FOR THE MERGER Our board of directors believes that the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, the transactions contemplated by that agreement and the merger are in the best interests of our company and our stockholders. In addition, our board of directors believes that the Exchange Ratio and Series B Exchange Ratio are fair to our stockholders. Accordingly, our board of directors has approved the Reorganization Agreement, the Agreement of Merger and the issuance of shares of our common stock in the merger and recommends the approval of Proposal 1 by our stockholders. In view of the number of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger, our board of directors did not quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative weights to the separate factors considered in reaching its determination. In reaching its determination to recommend approval of the merger, our board consulted with members of our management, as well as our legal counsel and our investment banker, and considered a number of factors. Our board of directors considered the nature and scope of the business of BIZ, and quality and breadth of its assets, products, distribution contacts, competitive position and prospects for future growth. Our board also considered that while we have technology and a significant level of government sales, BIZ has significant commercial sales potential and is already utilizing our technology under the terms of the Strategic Development and Marketing Alliance Agreement that we entered into with BIZ in September 2000. In reviewing these assets and operations, our board of directors took into account the quality of BIZ's senior management and product distribution contacts. It also reviewed the complementary nature of the businesses of the two companies, which have significant overlap and which present opportunities for expansion. In that regard, our board of directors considered that the complementary nature of the two companies' businesses creates significant opportunities for development of the two companies on a combined basis. Our board also gave serious consideration to BIZ's strategic alliance with Electronic Data Systems Corporation, or EDS, which our board felt validated BIZ's position as a serious contender in the commercial segment of the data security industry. Our board of directors also reviewed companies comparable to BIZ within the data security industry in considering the strategic and financial rationale for the merger. In that regard, the board considered, among other factors, the relative financial positions of our company and BIZ and the potential impacts of the merger on the financial position of the new combined company. Our board of directors considered the terms and conditions of the Reorganization Agreement, including the number of shares of our common stock to be received by holders of BIZ common stock and Series B Stock. In addition, our board considered the opinion of Friend contained in a written opinion dated July 2, 2001, which will be confirmed in writing as of the Closing Date that the merger is fair to us and to our stockholders from a financial point of view. A copy of the written opinion of Friend to our board of directors dated July 2, 2001, which will be confirmed in writing as of the Closing Date, is attached hereto as Appendix B and is incorporated herein by reference. See "Fairness Opinion" below. 26
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FAIRNESS OPINION The following description of the opinion of Friend is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion as set forth in Appendix B. The opinion is sometimes referred to in this proxy statement as the "Fairness Opinion" or the "Opinion." Friend provided to our board of directors its written opinion on July 2, 2001 that, as of that date, based upon and subject to the various factors and assumptions set forth in the Opinion, the terms of the merger were fair to us and to our stockholders (except Kris Shah and his affiliates) from a financial point of view. The terms of the merger were determined pursuant to negotiations between BIZ and us and not pursuant to recommendations of Friend. Friend's Opinion, and its presentation to our board of directors, was only one of several factors taken into consideration by our board of directors in making its determination to approve the merger. The Opinion was provided to our board to assist it in connection with its consideration of the merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of our stock as to how to vote with respect to the merger. THE FULL TEXT OF THE OPINION, WHICH SETS FORTH ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN, IS ATTACHED AS APPENDIX B TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE OPINION CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE SUMMARY OF THE OPINION OF FRIEND SET FORTH IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF THE OPINION. FRIEND'S OPINION IS DIRECTED TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IT ONLY ADDRESSES THE FAIRNESS OF THE MERGER FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW TO OUR COMPANY AND OUR STOCKHOLDERS AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY STOCKHOLDER OF OUR COMPANY AS TO HOW TO VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. Friend has advised our board of directors expressly in its Opinion that Friend does not believe that any person (including a stockholder of our company) other than our board of directors has the legal right to rely upon its Opinion to support any claims against Friend arising under applicable state law and that, should any such claims be brought against Friend by any such person, this assertion will be raised as a defense. Should a claim arise, the availability of such a defense would be resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction. Resolution of the question of the availability of such a defense, however, will have no effect on the rights and responsibilities of our board of directors under applicable state law. Nor would the availability of such a state law defense to Friend have any effect on the rights and responsibilities of either Friend or our board of directors under the federal securities laws. The summary of the Opinion set forth in this proxy statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Opinion. Friend is engaged in the investment banking business and, as such, Friend regularly engages in the valuation of businesses and the securities of businesses in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and other activities. Our board of directors selected Friend to serve as its financial advisor based on Friend's qualifications, expertise and familiarity with the businesses of our company and BIZ. The terms of Friend's engagement to by us are set forth in an engagement letter dated in February 2001. Other than its meetings with us as described above, Friend was not authorized to solicit and did not solicit interest from any party with respect to a merger or acquisition of our company. In rendering its Opinion, among other things, Friend: (i) reviewed the draft Reorganization Agreement dated June, 27 2001; (ii) reviewed our S-1 Registration Statement dated June 9, 1999; our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999; Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2001, September 30, 2000, June 30, 2000 and March 31, 2000; and our Definitive Proxy Statement dated May 24, 2000; (iii) reviewed audited 27
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financial statements of BIZ for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 and reviewed BIZ financial statements for the three month period ended March 31, 2001 which have been prepared by BIZ's management; (iv) reviewed certain internal financial statements and other financial and operating data concerning BIZ and us prepared by the respective managements of BIZ and our company; (v) examined certain combined pro forma financial projections dated June 22, 2001, showing the results of the merger as if it had occurred on January 1, 2001, as provided to Friend by the management of our company; (vi) examined certain financial projections dated June 22, 2001, of our company on a stand-alone basis, as if the transaction had not occurred, as provided to Friend by our management; (vii) examined certain financial projections dated June 22, 2001, provided to Friend by the management of BIZ; (viii) discussed the past and current operations and financial condition and the prospects of our company with our senior executives, and conducted further limited interviews with certain members of our management; (ix) discussed the past and current operations and financial condition and the prospects of BIZ with senior executives of BIZ, and conducted further limited interviews with certain members of BIZ management; (x) reviewed the reported prices and trading history of our common stock; (xi) compared the financial performance, financial projections and the prices and trading activity of our company with that of certain other comparable publicly-traded companies and their securities; (xii) compared the combined pro forma financial projections with that of certain other comparable publicly-traded companies and their securities; (xiii) reviewed the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of certain comparable merger and acquisition transactions; (xiv) visited our headquarter facilities; (xv) visited BIZ's headquarter facilities; and (xvi) performed such other analyses and inquiries and considered such other factors as it deemed appropriate. In rendering its Opinion, Friend relied, without assuming responsibility for verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information reviewed by Friend for purposes of its Opinion. With respect to financial projections, estimates and analyses provided to Friend by BIZ or us, Friend assumed that these projections, estimates and analyses were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of our management and the management of BIZ, as the case may be. In addition, Friend did not make any independent evaluation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of us or of BIZ and was not furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. The analyses performed by Friend are not necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. In its Opinion, Friend noted that among other things, its Opinion was necessarily based upon business, economic, market and other conditions as they existed and evaluated by Friend at the date of its Opinion. In its Opinion, Friend assumed that the final form of the Reorganization Agreement (including the exhibits thereto) did not vary in any respect that is material to its analysis from the last draft that it reviewed and it did not independently verify the accuracy and completeness of the financial and other information supplied to it or publicly available and did not assume any responsibility with respect to such information. Friend relied upon our company or counsel to our company or upon BIZ, as the case may be, with respect to interpretations of the provisions contained in the constituent documents and related documents of our company or BIZ, respectively, and the application of applicable law to such documents. You are urged to read the Opinion in its entirety for assumptions made, matters considered and limits of the review by Friend. In connection with rendering its Opinion, Friend performed various financial analyses, which are summarized below. It is important to note, that at the advisement of the management of the companies, Friend performed certain analyses as if our company and BIZ were one entity. Our management advised Friend to perform certain analyses in such a manner because each company's financial projections assumed the investment of additional capital from outside sources, without which each company's specified projections could not be attained. In addition, Friend performed certain analyses as if our company and BIZ were each a stand-alone entity. However, each company believed that its business strategies and market presence apart from the other company were not sufficient to attract the significant 28
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amount of new capital required to meet internal projections. Since neither company believed it could meet its objectives absent a combination with the other, a combined strategy was developed which would be attractive to potential investors and which could provide the best possible chance to achieve positive cash flow in the shortest period of time. Friend's Opinion, which focuses on the consideration to be paid by us in the merger, was supported by, among other analyses, a discounted cash flow analysis and comparable company analysis. Friend believes that the one entity approach supports its Opinion in several ways. The one entity approach served to provide an acceptable basis to perform a discounted cash flow analysis. Combining each company's assets and the cash infusions required to execute a combined budget based upon the ability to raise capital at acceptable rates provided the foundation for management to build a business model presentable to the investment community. Additionally, after the combined entity discounted cash flow analysis was performed, it was then possible to deconstruct its elements (i.e., the assets in terms of new products, distribution relationships, key employees and strategic partners) that each side brought to the transaction. If the combined company cash flow did not support a per share price attractive to each party to the merger, then it would be clear that the relative value of each entity would not be fair. BIZ and we also adjusted the performance risks of the combined projected cash flows based upon their respective anticipated revenue contributions and ultimately the value each brought to the combined company. The one entity approach was also significant to the comparable company analysis. The comparable companies had a demonstrable ability to raise attractively priced financing to execute their respective business plans whereas BIZ and we did not. It was important that the combined entity have appropriate revenue figures and common shares outstanding that compared at least as favorably as the mean statistics for this industry group at the time of the contemplated merger. If the combined company's operating results (historically and prospectively) did not reflect or compare well with industry peers, it would be clear that either BIZ or we were being valued too high as compared to the other. Due to issues of share volatility, trading liquidity and short company histories, examining each company individually as compared to larger, better capitalized peers would be inadequate. It should be noted that in all instances, the analyses of our company excluded the operations of our subsidiary, Pulsar, per the assumptions set forth below. (i) DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW VALUATION. Friend performed a discounted cash flow analysis of the combined entity and us on a stand-alone basis, wherein the present value of projected net free cash flows was determined by discounting those cash flows using discount rates and terminal year EBITDA multiples indicated below. The analysis began by using five-year operating projections provided by our management and BIZ's management through the year 2005 for revenue, expense and balance sheet accounts as if the merger had occurred on January 1, 2001. The projections provided by us incorporate several material assumptions on which Friend based its analysis. For both the combined entity and our company on a stand-alone basis, management made the assumption that we would divest our subsidiary company, Pulsar, in fiscal 2001. Hence, the projections for both the combined entity and our company on a stand-alone basis did not reflect any operations from Pulsar. It should be noted that if we are not successful in divesting Pulsar on a stand-alone basis, we would need additional financing. For the combined entity, management assumed an incremental equity financing of approximately $15,000,000. The analysis calculated the present value of the unlevered net free cash flows of the combined entity as of January 1, 2001 using a range of discount rates from 15.4% to 19.4%, which was the weighted average cost of capital, or WACC. The WACC reflects both the after-tax cost of debt and the cost of equity, taking into account various premiums for market and company specific risk. The terminal value was calculated for the year following 2005 using a range of terminal year EBITDA multiples of 6x to 8x. The terminal multiples were derived based on Friend's judgment as to the appropriate range of multiples 29
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at the end of the projected period. The terminal values were then discounted to the present using the discount rates above. This analysis assumed no synergies and yielded an implied common equity value range per share for the combined entity of $7.70 to $11.83. Friend calculated the present value of the unlevered net free cash flows of our company on a stand-alone basis as of January 1, 2001 using discount rates between 11.4% and 15.4%. The basis for determining the discount rates and terminal values followed the methodology outlined above. This analysis indicated an implied common equity value range per share for our company on a stand-alone basis of $1.79 to $2.59. Friend noted that the per share value range of the combined entity compared favorably to our company on a stand-alone basis. (ii) COMPARABLE COMPANY ANALYSIS. Friend compared and analyzed the combined entity and our company on a stand-alone basis with the market values and trading multiples of 12 selected publicly-traded companies in the data security industry that Friend believed were reasonably comparable to the combined entity and our company. The comparable companies consisted of ActiveCard S.A., Aladdin Knowledge Systems, Baltimore Technologies, Certicom, Entrust Technologies, Internet Security Systems, Netegrity, Rainbow Technologies, RSA Security, SCM Microsystems, Sonicwall, and Verisign, which are collectively referred to as the Comparable Group. In examining these comparable companies, Friend calculated the Enterprise Value, or EV, of each company (i.e., the market value of common equity, plus total interest bearing debt and liquidation value of outstanding preferred stock less cash and equivalents) as a multiple of its respective latest twelve-month, or LTM, revenue, projected fiscal year 2001 and 2002 revenue and LTM earnings before interest and taxes plus depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA. Friend also calculated the equity value of each company as a multiple of its respective LTM net income, or the P/E ratio, projected fiscal year 2001 and 2002 net income and multiples of total equity market value of common equity to book value, or Price/Book. The share prices used in calculating the market values of common equity were based on the preceding 20-day average closing prices as of June 15, 2001. All historical data were derived from publicly available sources, from which Friend excluded all non-recurring and extraordinary items and all projected data were obtained from publicly available brokerage analysts' estimates of earnings per share. Based on an analysis of the Comparable Group, Friend derived a selected range for each respective multiple. The selected high-end multiple represents the third quartile (i.e., 75th percentile) of the observed range and the low-end multiple represents the first quartile (i.e., 25th percentile) of the observed range. The average of the observed range represents the adjusted mean, which excludes the high and low observations. Friend's analysis of the Comparable Group for the combined entity yielded the following results: EV/LTM revenue multiples ranging from 1.1x to 10.0x with an average multiple of 6.0x; EV/2001E revenue multiples ranging from 1.9x to 7.6x with an average multiple of 4.9x; EV/2002E revenue multiples ranging from 2.0x to 5.3x with an average multiple of 4.0x; EV/LTM EBITDA multiples ranging from 38.1x to 96.3x with an average multiple of 65.5x; LTM P/E multiples ranging from 17.5x to 146.5x with an average multiple of 75.4x; projected 2001 P/E multiples ranging from 55.9x to 92.0x with an average multiple of 76.4x; projected 2002 P/E multiples ranging from 27.7x to 54.2x with an average multiple of 40.8x; and Price/Book multiples ranging from 0.9x to 2.8x with an average multiple of 2.4x. The analysis assumed that no synergies or accounting write-offs were realized by the merger. Using the combined entity's pro forma financial results for comparable periods, Friend applied these multiples and estimated an implied common equity value range per share for the combined entity of $6.17 to $12.51. Friend's analysis of the Comparable Group for our company on a stand-alone basis included only those companies in the Comparable Group whose primary focus was public-key infrastructure, or PKI, products and services. This group consisted of ActiveCard S.A., Aladdin Knowledge Systems, Baltimore Technologies, Certicom, Entrust Technologies, Rainbow Technologies, RSA Security and SCM Microsystems. This analysis yielded the following results: EV/LTM revenue multiples ranging from 0.8x 30
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to 5.3x with an average multiple of 3.0x; EV/2001E revenue multiples ranging from 1.0x to 4.8x with an average multiple of 2.9x; EV/2002E revenue multiples ranging from 1.2x to 4.1x with an average multiple of 2.6x; EV/LTM EBITDA multiples did not result in meaningful observations; LTM P/E multiples ranging from 12.3x to 19.6x with an average multiple of 15.5x; projected fiscal year 2001 P/E multiples did not result in meaningful observations; projected fiscal year 2002 P/E multiples ranging from 22.2x to 43.8x with an average multiple of 26.5x; and Price/Book multiples ranging from 0.8x to 1.6x with an average multiple of 1.3x. Using our LTM and projected financial results for comparable periods, Friend applied these multiples and estimated an implied common equity value range per share for our company on a stand-alone basis of $1.16 to $6.22. Friend noted that the per share value range of the combined entity compared favorably to us on a stand-alone basis. The actual price of our stock (based on the preceding 20-day average closing price as of June 15, 2001) was $3.92. (iii) SELECTED MERGERS AND ACQUISITION TRANSACTIONS. Using publicly available information, Friend reviewed the consideration paid in 11 selected acquisition transactions of companies in the data security industry from 1996 through the present. Specifically, Friend reviewed the following transactions, which are collectively referred to as the Selected Transactions: the acquisition of Axent Technologies by Symantec; Phobos Corp. by SonicWall, Inc; enCommerce by Entrust Technologies; CygnaCom Solutions Inc. by Entrust Technologies; Worldtalk Communications Corp. by Tumbleweed Communications; Shuttle Technology Group by SCM Micro Systems; Securit, Inc by Verisign; Raptor Systems Inc. by Axent; Nations, Inc. by BTG, Inc.; Assurant Technologies, Inc by Axent; and RSA Data Security, Inc by Security Dynamics Tech. In examining these acquisitions, Friend calculated the EV of the acquired company implied by each of these transactions as a multiple of LTM revenue and LTM EBITDA. Friend also calculated the market value of common equity of the acquired company implied by each of these transactions as a multiple of LTM net income, or Price/Earning, and Price/Book. Based on an analysis of the Selected Transactions, Friend derived a selected range for each respective multiple. The selected high-end multiple represents the third quartile (i.e., 75th percentile) of the observed range and the low-end multiple represents the first quartile (i.e., 25th percentile) of the observed range. The average of the observed range represents the adjusted mean, which excludes the high and low observations. The indicated EV/LTM revenue multiples ranged from 2.0x to 14.3x with an average multiple of 8.5x; the indicated EV/LTM EBITDA multiples ranged from 8.0x to 53.1x with an average multiple of 22.2x; the indicated Price/Earnings multiples ranged from 9.3x to 271.4x with an average multiple of 125.3x; and the indicated Price/Book multiples ranged from 5.4x to 16.5x with an average multiple of 10.9x. With the transaction structured as a merger, Friend elected to utilize the total amount of consideration paid in the merger, which provided a basis for determining the implied value of the combined entity. Using this implied value, transaction multiples were derived based on LTM pro forma results. Friend calculated the transaction multiples of EV/LTM revenue, EV/LTM EBITDA, Price/Earnings and Price/Book. These multiples were then compared to the Selected Transaction multiples. Based on this, Friend noted that the implied value of the combined entity generated an EV/LTM revenue multiple of 16.9x and a Price/Book multiple of 1.7x. The EV/LTM EBITDA and Price/Earnings multiples did not produce meaningful data. Friend noted that the EV/LTM revenue multiple was outside of the selected range, but below the absolute mean of the range. The book value multiple was below the selected range and the absolute mean of the range. (iv) CONTRIBUTION ANALYSIS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE IMPACT. A relative contribution analysis measures the relative contributions to items such as revenue and operating income on a percentage basis of our company and BIZ to the proposed merger on a percentage basis. Friend examined the pro forma relative contributions for our company and BIZ for the period ending December 31, 2001 through projected fiscal year 2005 based upon projections provided by our management for revenue and gross profit. The analysis was performed assuming no pro forma transaction adjustments and indicated that our relative contribution to revenue for projected fiscal year ending December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 31
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and 2005 was 42.2%, 18.0%, 7.6%, 7.4%, and 6.3%, respectively. Our relative contribution to gross profit was 47.5%, 19.3%, 9.5%, 9.2%, and 8.0%, respectively. On a cumulative basis over the forecast period, our relative contribution to revenue and gross profit was 8.8% and 10.9%, respectively. Friend noted that we were receiving a higher percentage of the combined entity than it was contributing with respect to the measures of revenue and gross profit. Friend also analyzed the earnings per share impact of the merger to our stockholders. For the projected fiscal years ending December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, the merger resulted in accretion (dilution) of (80.1%) or ($0.38) per share, 1,010.9% or $0.24 per share, 84.9% or $0.23 per share, 387.9% or $1.15 per share and 427.9% or $1.48 per share, respectively. The analysis indicated that the merger would be accretive to our earnings beginning in 2002. In arriving at these accretion (dilution) results, Friend compared the combined entity's pro forma earnings per share estimates with our forecast earnings per share on a stand-alone basis, and assumed the merger would not result in any synergies. (v) STOCK TRADING HISTORY. To provide contextual data and comparative market data, Friend reviewed the historical daily closing prices and trading activity of our common stock since our initial public offering beginning July 14, 1999 and ending June 15, 2001 and for the six-month period ended June 15, 2001, and compared such closing stock prices with the closing stock prices of a composite group of 12 comparable publicly-traded data security companies and the Nasdaq composite Index. The 12 comparable publicly-traded companies consisted of the Comparable Group. Friend noted that our common stock is reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market and is traded by approximately 13 market makers with no recently published research coverage. On June 15, 2001, our common stock closed at a price of $3.31 and over the six-month period preceding that date ranged in price from $3.01 to $6.88 with a mean price of $4.38 and a standard deviation of $0.63. Since our initial public offering, our stock price ranged from $30.00 to $2.06 with a mean price of $7.41 and a standard deviation of $4.20. For the six-month period ended June 15, 2001, our trading volume averaged 18,765 shares or approximately 0.4% of its total float. The analysis indicated that on a percentage change basis our common stock had performed approximately equal to the Comparable Group and under performed the Nasdaq composite index over both the latest six-months, and since inception. This information was presented solely to provide our board of directors with background information regarding the historical trading history and stock prices of our common stock relative to our peers and an appropriate index. The preparation of a fairness opinion involves various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant quantitative methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to particular circumstances, and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. The summary of Friend's analyses set forth below does not purport to be a complete description of the presentation by Friend to our board of directors. In arriving at its Opinion, Friend did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor considered by it, but rather made qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of each analysis and factor. Accordingly, Friend believes that its analyses and the summary set forth below must be considered as a whole, and that considering any portion of such analyses and summary of the factors considered, without considering all such analyses and factors, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the processes underlying the analyses set forth in the Friend presentation to our board of directors and in the Opinion. In performing its analyses, Friend made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business and other conditions and matters, many of which are beyond the control of BIZ or us. Any estimates contained therein are not necessarily indicative of actual values, which may vary significantly. Estimates of the relative financial values of our company and the combined entity do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which such companies may actually be sold. In addition, no assurance can be given as to the trading value of our company's common stock upon consummation of the merger, which may differ materially from the recent trading prices of our common stock. Because such matters 32
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are inherently uncertain, none of us, BIZ, Friend nor any other person assumes any responsibility for such matter. No Comparable Group company nor any transaction utilized as a comparison in Friend's analyses is identical to our company or the combined entity, or to the merger. In evaluating the analyses above, Friend made judgments and assumptions with regard to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of our company and BIZ, such as the impact of competition on us or BIZ and the industry generally, industry growth and the absence of any adverse material change in the financial condition and prospects of our company or BIZ or the industry or in the financial markets in general. Mathematical analysis (such as determining the average or median) is not in itself a meaningful method of using comparable company or transaction data. Friend was selected by our board of directors based on Friend's qualifications, experience, expertise and reputation. As part of its investment banking business, Friend is regularly engaged in the investment banking business and, as such, Friend regularly engages in the valuation of businesses and the securities of businesses in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of securities, private placements and other transactions. Pursuant to a letter agreement dated as of February 13, 2001, we have agreed to pay Friend a fee for its services referred to above including rendering its Opinion, and have agreed to reimburse Friend for its reasonable expenses incurred in connection with its engagement by us upon delivery of Friend's written Opinion. We have also agreed to indemnify Friend and its directors, officers, agents, employees, affiliates, and controlling persons against any losses, claims, or liabilities to which Friend becomes subject in connection with its rendering of services, except those that arise from Friend's gross negligence or willful misconduct. Friend, in the ordinary course of business, has from time to time provided, and in the future may continue to provide, investment banking, financial advisory and other related services to us and/or our affiliates, as the case may be, for which it has or will receive fees. In the ordinary course of business, Friend or its affiliates may trade in our equity securities for its own accounts and for the accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities. Our Relationship with Friend. We retained Friend in February 2001 to render its opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger to us and to our stockholders. At our request, on June 27, 2001, Friend delivered an oral opinion to our board, which was confirmed in a written opinion dated July 2, 2001, and which will be further confirmed in a written opinion dated as of the Closing Date, that, based upon and subject to the matters set forth in its written opinion, as of such date, the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to us and to our stockholders (except Kris Shah and his affiliates). The full text of the written Opinion of Friend dated July 2, 2001, which will be confirmed in writing as of the Closing Date, is set forth as Appendix B to this proxy statement and describes the assumptions made, matters considered and the scope and limitations of the review undertaken by Friend. You are urged to read the Fairness Opinion in its entirety. Friend's Opinion addresses only the fairness of the merger from a financial point of view to us and to our stockholders and does not constitute a recommendation as to how you should vote with respect to the approval of Proposal 1. Although Friend evaluated and commented on the financial terms of the merger, Friend did not recommend the specific number of shares of our common stock to be issued to BIZ stockholders in the merger. 33
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Prior to its engagement by us in connection with the Fairness Opinion, Friend had no business relationship with us. After we engaged Friend in connection with the Fairness Opinion, we requested Friend perform an independent valuation of Pulsar. The purpose of this valuation was to determine the impairment, if any, related to unamortized goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in connection with our acquisition of Pulsar. ACCOUNTING TREATMENT The merger will be accounted for as a purchase of BIZ by us in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. For the purpose of applying purchase accounting, we will be treated as the acquiror, since our stockholders (including Kris Shah with respect to shares he receives in the merger) will own the largest portion of the common stock of the combined entity immediately following the merger. Litronic and BIZ will be treated as separate entities for periods prior to the Closing Date, and after the Closing Date, the consolidated financial statements will include the accounts of both Litronic and BIZ. MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER For federal income tax purposes, we intend that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code and that none of Litronic, Litronic Merger Corp., BIZ or any of their stockholders will recognize any gain or loss for federal or state income tax purposes as a result of the merger. REGULATORY APPROVALS We will file the Agreement of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware for approval. Once the Delaware Secretary of State has accepted the Agreement of Merger, the merger will be officially completed and effective. VOTING AGREEMENTS Kris Shah and certain of his affiliates and family members, who collectively held, as of the Record Date, approximately 55% of our outstanding common stock, have agreed to vote their shares of common stock in favor of the merger and the transactions contemplated by the Agreement of Merger, including the election of the nominees for director named in this proxy statement. Marvin Winkler, the chief executive officer of BIZ and his affiliates, and the holders of Series B Stock, who collectively held, together with Kris Shah, as of the Record Date, 100% of BIZ's outstanding stock, are also parties to this voting agreement and have likewise agreed to vote in favor of the merger and the transactions contemplated by the Agreement of Merger, including the election of the nominees for director named in this proxy statement. Therefore, absent an extraordinary event, management believes that the approval of the Proposals described in this proxy statement is assured. A copy of the voting agreement, which contains provisions regarding the voting of those shares, is attached as Appendix G to this proxy statement. You should carefully read the entire voting agreement. INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE REORGANIZATION In considering the recommendation of our board of directors with respect to the Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, you should be aware that Kris Shah has certain interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, your interests as a stockholder generally and may create a potential conflict of interest. 34
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Kris Shah, our chairman of the board, chief executive officer, president and secretary owns 1,400,000 shares of BIZ common stock that, at the Effective Time will be converted into 665,174 shares of our common stock. Mr. Shah, disclosed this interest to the remaining members of our board of directors. Our board recognized this interest and determined that this interest neither detracted from nor supported the fairness of the merger to our stockholders. The merger and the Reorganization Agreement were then unanimously approved by our board. PAST CONTACTS, TRANSACTIONS OR NEGOTIATIONS On March 1, 2000, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Litronic Industries, Inc. entered into a sublease for a portion of our former corporate headquarters located in Irvine, California to Broadband Consumer Products, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BIZ. BIZ's principal executive offices are now located on the subleased premises. The sublease was the result of arm's length negotiations between us and BIZ and expires in September 2001. In September 2000, we entered into a Strategic Development and Marketing Alliance Agreement with BIZ. Under the terms of that agreement, we manufacture and sell to BIZ, our standard products and products with design modification and enhancement variations specified by BIZ under the BIZ label. This agreement has a five-year term that will automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless either party otherwise notifies the other party no later than 60 days before expiration. CONDITIONS In addition to the approval of our stockholders that we are seeking by this solicitation of proxies and the approval of the stockholders of BIZ, BIZ's and our obligations to consummate the merger are subject to the satisfaction of a number of other conditions, unless waived, including: - the absence of any order, decree, ruling or threat by any court or governmental agency, or any other fact or circumstance that would prohibit or render illegal the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement; - the receipt of all consents, permits or authorizations that may be required by regulatory authorities; - the receipt by BIZ of demands for the exercise of dissenters' rights from holders of shares representing not more than 5% of its issued and outstanding shares of capital stock; - our receipt of a fairness opinion of Friend dated as of the Closing Date; - the termination of the amended and restated stockholders' agreement among BIZ and certain of its stockholders; - our receipt of an opinion of BIZ's counsel and BIZ's receipt of an opinion of our counsel, each dated the Closing Date, regarding certain matters set forth in the Reorganization Agreement; - the election of the directors nominated and set forth in this proxy statement at our annual meeting of stockholders; - the authorization by Nasdaq of the listing on The Nasdaq National Market of our shares of common stock to be issued in connection with the merger; and 35
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- the approval of the change of our Nasdaq trading symbol to "SSPX." Each party's obligations under the Reorganization Agreement are also conditioned upon: - the accuracy in every material respect of the representations and warranties made by the other party; - the performance and compliance in all material respects with all covenants required to be performed by such party; - the lack of any adverse change in the condition, results of operations, properties, assets, liabilities, business or prospects of the other party; and - the receipt of certain other documents. APPRAISAL RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS Our stockholders will not have rights of appraisal under the DGCL with respect to the merger because our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq National Market. THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT The Reorganization Agreement provides, among other things, for the merger of Litronic Merger Corp. with and into BIZ under the Agreement of Merger, which will result in BIZ, as the surviving corporation of the merger, becoming our wholly-owned subsidiary. The following is a brief summary of the material provisions of the Reorganization Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement and is incorporated herein by reference. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full and complete text of the Reorganization Agreement. THE MERGER Under the Reorganization Agreement and subject to its terms and conditions, Litronic Merger Corp. will be merged with and into BIZ. As a result of the merger, BIZ will become our wholly-owned subsidiary. As a part of the merger, stockholders of BIZ will receive the consideration described below. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Reorganization Agreement, the closing of the transactions contemplated by that agreement will take place at a time to be mutually agreed upon by the parties, not later than the fifth business day after all conditions to closing have been satisfied or waived. The merger will become effective upon the acceptance of the Agreement of Merger by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (or such other date and time as may be specified in the Agreement of Merger). CONVERSION OF BIZ STOCK Under the Reorganization Agreement and the Agreement of Merger, upon consummation of the merger, each share of BIZ common stock, except for Dissenting Shares, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into 0.4751248 shares of our common stock, and each share of Series B Stock, except for Dissenting Shares, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into 0.8564122 shares of our common stock. As of July 19, 2001, there were 16,400,000 shares of BIZ common stock outstanding (of which 1,400,000 shares were owned 36
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by our chairman, chief executive officer, president and secretary, Kris Shah) and 3,600,000 shares of Series B Stock outstanding. Therefore, the total number of shares of our common stock to be issued to the BIZ stockholders (other than Kris Shah) in the merger is 10,209,954, which will represent 49.5% of the total number of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock after the merger. Kris Shah will receive 665,174 shares of our common stock in the merger. Assumption of BIZ Stock Options and BIZ Warrants As provided in the Reorganization Agreement, at the Effective Time, we will assume BIZ's Stock Option Plan and each outstanding BIZ Option (whether vested or unvested) and each outstanding BIZ Warrant shall be converted into an option or warrant, as the case may be, to purchase that number of shares of our common stock determined by multiplying the number of shares of BIZ common stock subject to such BIZ Option or BIZ Warrant at the Effective Time by the Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share of our common stock equal to the exercise price per share of BIZ Option or BIZ Warrant immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by the Exchange Ratio and rounded up to the nearest whole cent. If this calculation results in an assumed BIZ Option or BIZ Warrant being exercisable for a fraction of a share of our common stock, then the number of shares of our common stock subject to the option or warrant will be rounded to the nearest whole number of shares (rounded down, in the cases of BIZ Options that are ISOs). The other terms of the BIZ Options or BIZ Warrants, including vesting schedules, will remain unchanged. At the Effective Time, we will assume all rights and obligations of BIZ under the BIZ Options. We will file a registration statement on Form S-8 with the Commission with respect to the issuance of shares of our common stock upon exercise of the assumed BIZ Options which are eligible to be registered on Form S-8 as soon as practicable after the Closing Date. As of July 19, 2001, BIZ Options to acquire an aggregate of 1,756,500 shares of BIZ common stock were outstanding and BIZ Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 450,000 shares of BIZ common stock were outstanding. Of these, a warrant to purchase 400,000 shares of BIZ common stock is held by us. This warrant will be cancelled upon consummation of the merger. Fractional Shares No fractional shares of our common stock will be issued in the merger. In lieu of the issuance of any fractional shares, each former BIZ stockholder who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a share of our common stock will receive cash equal to the product of that fraction, and the average of the closing prices of one share of our common stock as quoted on The Nasdaq National Market for the five trading day period ending on the trading day immediately preceding the Effective Time. CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The Reorganization Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by both us and BIZ as to, among other things: - due organization and good standing; - corporate authority to enter into the Reorganization Agreement and related agreements; - authorized capital stock; - ownership of subsidiaries; - the compliance of the Reorganization Agreement with certificates of incorporation, bylaws and the law; 37
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- the absence of certain material defaults or violations; - the accuracy of certain documents filed by us with the Commission; - the accuracy of financial statements; - the absence of certain litigation; - the absence of material changes, events or undisclosed liabilities; - tax matters; - the absence of material liabilities related to employee benefit plans; - the absence of material labor disputes; - intellectual property matters; - environmental matters; - board approval of the reorganization and merger; and - compliance with relevant ERISA requirements. CERTAIN COVENANTS Conduct of Business Pending the Merger Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, Litronic and BIZ have made various customary covenants relating to the merger. BIZ and we have each agreed that, prior to the Effective Time, we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to carry on and preserve our respective businesses and our relationships with our customers, suppliers, employees and others and conduct our respective businesses and maintain our business relationships in the ordinary and usual course. Specifically, unless either company first receives the written consent of the other, each of us has agreed not to, among other things: - amend its certificate of incorporation or bylaws; - pay (or make any oral or written commitments or representations to pay) any bonus, increased salary or special remuneration to any officer, employee or consultant (except for normal salary increases consistent with past practices not to exceed 10% per year and except pursuant to existing arrangements previously disclosed) or enter into or vary the terms of any employment, consulting or severance agreement with any officer, employee or consultant, pay any severance or termination pay (other than payments made in accordance with plans or agreements currently existing), grant any stock option or restricted stock (except for normal grants in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice); - borrow any money except for amounts that are not in the aggregate material to its financial condition; - enter into any material transaction not in the ordinary course of its business; 38
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- encumber or permit to be encumbered any of its assets except in the ordinary course of its business; - dispose of any of its assets except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; - enter into any material lease or contract for the purchase or sale or license of any property, real or personal, except in the ordinary course of business; - fail to maintain its equipment and other assets in good working condition and repair according in all material respects to the standards it has maintained to the date of the Reorganization Agreement, subject only to ordinary wear and tear; - change accounting methods; - declare, set aside or pay any cash or stock dividend or other distribution in respect of capital stock, or redeem or otherwise acquire any of its capital stock (other than pursuant to arrangements with terminated employees or consultants in the ordinary course of business consistent with BIZ's past practice); - amend or terminate any material contract, agreement or license to which it is a party except those amended or terminated in the ordinary course of its business, or which are not material in amount or effect; - lend any amount to any person or entity, other than (a) advances for travel and expenses which are incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, not material in amount and documented by receipts for the claimed amounts, or (b) any loans pursuant to any pension plan which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code; - guarantee or act as a surety for any obligation except for obligations in amounts that are not material; - waive or release any material right or claim; - issue or sell any shares of its capital stock of any class (except upon the exercise of a bona fide option or warrant currently outstanding), or any other of its securities, or issue or create any warrants, obligations, subscriptions, options (except for normal grants in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), convertible securities or other commitments to issue shares of capital stock, or accelerate the vesting of any outstanding option or other security; - split or combine the outstanding shares of its capital stock of any class or enter into any recapitalization or agreement affecting the number or rights of outstanding shares of its capital stock of any class or affecting any other of its securities; - merge, consolidate or reorganize with, or acquire any entity; - license any of its intellectual property rights except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; or - agree to any audit assessment by any tax authority. 39
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Employee Benefits The Reorganization Agreement provides that promptly following the merger, employees of BIZ, at our option, will either (i) become subject to our standard employee benefit plans on an equivalent basis with other similarly situated employees of our company and will receive full credit pursuant to those plans for years of service at BIZ; or (ii) participate in such benefit plans to be established by BIZ and/or us for the benefit of BIZ employees and will receive full credit pursuant to such plans for years of service at BIZ; or (iii) any combination of options (i) and (ii). We have also agreed to recognize all vacation time accrued through the Effective Time under BIZ's vacation policy as then in effect. Other Actions Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, both BIZ and Litronic have agreed to use their reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other actions and to do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or appropriate to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement. Indemnification of Officers and Directors The Reorganization Agreement provides that, after the Effective Time, we will, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, indemnify and hold harmless each present or former director and officer of BIZ against any costs or expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any claim, suit, action, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining to the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement, or any other matter arising out of the indemnitee's status as a director, officer, employee or agent of BIZ whether or not the matter was existing prior to the Effective Time. In addition, the Reorganization Agreement provides that for a period of three years after the Effective Time, we will maintain in effect, directors and officers liability insurance, if available, covering the executive officers and directors of BIZ on the date of the Reorganization Agreement and that we will fulfill any obligations of BIZ under indemnification agreements or provisions of BIZ's certificate of incorporation or bylaws with respect to BIZ's executive officers, directors and key employees as in existence at the Effective Time. Certain Other Covenants Both Litronic and BIZ have also agreed: - to obtain all necessary authorizations, approvals and consents from the necessary federal, state, local or foreign governmental body prior to the Effective Time; - to cooperate in the filing of this proxy statement and obtain all necessary state securities laws, permits or approvals; - to allow all designated agents of the other reasonable access to offices, records, files and books and to instruct their respective employees, counsel and financial advisors to cooperate with each other's investigation; - that we will use our best efforts to continue the quotation of our common stock on The Nasdaq National Market and take all actions necessary to provide for the listing on that market, at or prior to closing, of the shares of our common stock issuable in the merger and upon exercise of the BIZ Options and BIZ Warrants assumed by us; and 40
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- that we will reserve for issuance the maximum number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the BIZ Options and BIZ Warrants assumed by us. CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER Our obligation and BIZ's obligation to consummate the merger are conditioned on the fulfillment of the following: - receipt of all material permits or authorizations, and completion of any such other action, as may be required to consummate the merger by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the parties and the actions proposed to be taken in connection with the merger, including but not limited to requirements, if any, under applicable federal and state securities laws; - approval of the merger by our stockholders and approval of the merger by BIZ's stockholders; - no temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or permanent injunction or other order preventing the consummation of the merger shall have been issued by any federal or state court and remain in effect, nor shall any proceeding initiated by the U. S. Government seeking any of the foregoing be pending; - BIZ shall not have received demands for exercise of dissenters' rights from holders of shares representing more than 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of that corporation; - our receipt of a fairness opinion of Friend dated as of the Closing Date; - the authorization for listing on The Nasdaq National Market of our shares of common stock to be issued by us in the merger; and - our Nasdaq trading symbol shall have been changed to "SSPX." Our obligation to consummate the merger is conditioned on the fulfillment of the following conditions: - BIZ's representations and warranties made in the Reorganization Agreement shall be true and accurate in every material respect on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they had been made at the closing (except to the extent the failure of the representations and warranties to be true and accurate in such respects has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on BIZ); - BIZ shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all of its covenants required to be performed by it under the Reorganization Agreement and the Agreement of Merger on or before the closing; - there shall have been no material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets, liabilities, businesses, operations, results of operations or prospects of BIZ, other than any change that shall result from general economic conditions, or conditions generally affecting the data security market; - there shall be no order, decree or ruling by any governmental agency or written threat thereof, or any statute, rule, regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the 41
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merger, which would prohibit or render illegal the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement; - we shall have received all governmental consents necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement; - we shall have received the opinion of Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP based upon reasonably requested certifications as to factual matters and dated the Closing Date regarding the status and authority of BIZ, the authorization by BIZ of the Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and the binding effect of the Reorganization Agreement on BIZ; and - the amended and restated stockholders' agreement among BIZ and certain of its stockholders shall have been terminated and ceased to be of any further force and effect. The obligation of BIZ to consummate the merger is conditioned on the fulfillment of the following conditions: - our representations and warranties made in the Reorganization Agreement shall be true and accurate in every material respect on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if they had been made at the closing (except to the extent the failure of the representations and warranties to be true and accurate in such respects has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our company); - we shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all of our covenants required to be performed by us under the Reorganization Agreement and the Agreement of Merger on or before the closing; - there shall have been no material adverse change in our condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets, liabilities, businesses, operations, results of operations or prospects, other than any change that shall result from general economic conditions or conditions generally affecting the Internet data security market; - there shall be no order, decree or ruling of any governmental agency or written threat thereof, or any statute, rule, regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the merger, which would prohibit or render illegal the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement; - BIZ shall have received all governmental consents necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement; - BIZ shall have received the opinion of Rutan & Tucker, LLP based upon reasonably requested certifications as to factual matters and dated the Closing Date regarding our status, authority and capitalization, the authorization by us of the Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and the binding effect of the Reorganization Agreement on us; and - the directors nominated and identified in this proxy statement shall have been elected to our board of directors at our annual meeting of stockholders. 42
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TERMINATION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the merger by our stockholders or the stockholders of BIZ: - by mutual agreement of BIZ and us; - by BIZ, if we have breached any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Reorganization Agreement, not curable by us within 45 days, resulting in the conditions precedent to BIZ's obligations to consummate the merger not being satisfied; - by us, if BIZ has breached any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in the Reorganization Agreement, not curable by BIZ within 45 days, resulting in the conditions precedent to our obligations to consummate the merger not being satisfied; - by either party if the required vote of our stockholders or BIZ's stockholders has not been obtained; - by either party, if the merger has not occurred on or before August 31, 2001 other than as a result of a breach of the Reorganization Agreement by the party seeking to terminate the Reorganization Agreement; or - by either party, if a permanent injunction or other order by any federal or state court which would make illegal or otherwise restrain or prohibit the consummation of the merger has been issued and has become final and nonappealable. The Reorganization Agreement provides that in case of termination resulting from a breach by a party or the failure of a party to satisfy conditions to closing to be satisfied by it and which are within its control, that party shall bear all of the expenses (including reasonable legal, accounting and other advisory fees) of both parties incurred in connection with the failed transaction. In all other cases of termination, each party will be responsible for its own expenses. VOTE REQUIRED The proposal to approve the merger must receive the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of the Record Date. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL. PROPOSAL 2 APPROVAL OF OUR AMENDED AND RESTATED 1999 STOCK OPTION PLAN OUR 1999 STOCK OPTION PLAN Introduction On May 31, 2001, our board of directors approved, subject to the approval of our stockholders, our Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan, or 1999 Plan, that would increase the number of shares of common stock underlying options that may be granted under the 1999 Plan from its present number of 1,500,000 shares to 4,000,000 shares. As of July 19, 2001, there were 1,040,212 shares available for future stock option grants under the 1999 Plan. 43
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Our board of directors believes that adding shares to the 1999 Plan is in our best interests because it will facilitate the merger by providing us with enough options to satisfy our obligation under the Agreement of Merger to issue options to acquire shares of our common stock upon conversion of the BIZ Options. Additionally, our board believes that the increase is in our best interest because it will strengthen our ability to attract and retain qualified employees (the number of which will have increased following the merger), to furnish additional incentive to those persons who contribute to, and are responsible for, our success and enhance stockholder value as a result. The following is a general summary of the 1999 Plan, as amended and restated, which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 1999 Plan, attached to this proxy statement as Appendix E. Shares Subject to the 1999 Plan A total of 1,500,000 shares of our common stock are currently authorized for issuance under the 1999 Plan. If our stockholders approve the Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan, the maximum number of shares that may be issued upon exercise of stock options that may be granted under the 1999 Plan will be 4,000,000 shares. Any shares of our common stock that are subject to an option but are not used because the terms and conditions of the option are not met, or any shares used by participants to pay all or part of the purchase price of any option may again be used for awards under the 1999 Plan. The number of shares issuable under the 1999 Plan, and the exercise price of such options, is subject to proportional adjustments to reflect stock splits, stock dividends, mergers, consolidations and similar events. Eligibility For Participation Options granted under the 1999 Plan may be either incentive stock options, which are intended to qualify for special tax treatment under Section 422 of the Code, or nonqualified stock options. Employees, including our officers and directors who are employees, may be granted incentive or nonqualified stock options. However, members of our board of directors who are not officers or employees, and consultants to our company may only be granted nonqualified stock options. As of July 19, 2001, approximately 110 persons were eligible to participate in the 1999 Plan, and 459,788 shares were subject to outstanding options. Administration Our board of directors administers the 1999 Plan. Administration of the 1999 Plan may be delegated to a committee. Subject to the terms of the 1999 Plan, our board of directors determines the persons who are to receive awards, the number of shares subject to each such award, and the terms and conditions of such award. Exercise of Options Our board of directors or a committee of our board determines whether each option is exercisable in whole or in consecutive installments, cumulative or otherwise. The exercise price of any incentive stock option granted under the 1999 Plan may not be less than the fair market value of the shares of common stock underlying such option, determined as of the date of the grant. If an eligible employee possesses at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock at the time of grant of an incentive stock option, the exercise price may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the common stock underlying the option, determined as of the date of the grant. 44
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The exercise price of nonqualified stock options shall be not less than 85% of the fair market value of the common stock underlying the option. The exercise price of an option may be paid in cash or, at the discretion of our board of directors or a committee of our board, through the delivery of other shares of our common stock. Our board of directors or a committee of our board may provide for other methods of payment upon the exercise of an option. As of July 19, 2001, the aggregate fair market value of shares of common stock subject to outstanding options under the 1999 Plan was approximately $1,163,264 based upon the closing sale price of our stock ($2.53) reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market on that date. Expiration of Options No option granted under the 1999 Plan may be made exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date the option is granted. In addition, any option granted to an eligible employee who possesses at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock at the time that an incentive stock option is granted, may not be made exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of the grant. Subject to certain exceptions described in the 1999 Plan, options may terminate before their expiration as described below. Before the expiration date of an option, the option is exercisable (to the extent vested) by an eligible employee or eligible director or consultant while that person continues to be employed by, or is performing services for, us or our subsidiaries. Upon the termination of an eligible employee's employment or the termination of an eligible director or consultant's relationship with us or our subsidiaries (other than termination by death, by disability, or by involuntary dismissal for cause or voluntary resignation in violation of any agreement to remain in our employ), an option may be exercised (to the extent exercisable at the date of termination) within the earlier of three months after the termination of employment or relationship, or the expiration date of the option as provided in the option agreement. If an eligible employee's employment or eligible director or consultant's relationship with us or our subsidiaries terminates by reason of disability, the option may be exercised (to the extent exercisable at the date of termination) within the earlier of 12 months following such termination or the expiration date of the option as provided in the option agreement. Following the death of an eligible employee or eligible director or consultant, the option may be exercised (to the extent exercisable at the date of death) by the optionee's estate on the earlier of 12 months from the date of death or the expiration date of such option as provided in the option agreement. If an eligible employee or eligible director or consultant is terminated for cause, or voluntarily resigns in violation of any agreement to remain in our employ, his or her option will terminate immediately. Options which are not exercisable by an eligible employee or eligible director or consultant at the time of termination of employment or termination of relationship with us or our subsidiaries will terminate as of the date of termination of employment or relationship. Amendments Our board may amend, suspend or terminate the 1999 Plan, without notice, and in its sole discretion. No amendment, suspension, or termination of the 1999 Plan by the board, however, shall materially impair any option previously granted under the 1999 Plan without the express written consent of the optionee. In addition, our stockholders must approve any amendment that materially increases the number 45
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of shares, increases the benefits, modifies the eligibility requirements or alters the method for determining the option exercise price. Term of the 1999 Plan Unless terminated earlier as provided in the 1999 Plan, the 1999 Plan will terminate on February 9, 2009, which is ten years from the date the 1999 Plan was adopted by the board. Federal Income Tax Information Incentive Stock Options. Upon the grant of an incentive stock option, the optionee will not recognize any taxable income and we will not be entitled to a tax deduction. Upon the exercise of an incentive stock option while the optionee is employed by us or a subsidiary of ours, or within three months after termination of employment, the optionee will not recognize taxable income if certain holding period requirements under the Code are met; however, under certain circumstances, the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock acquired upon an exercise over the exercise price may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. If the shares of common stock acquired through the exercise of an incentive stock option are held for at least two years from the date of grant and at least one year from the date of exercise, the optionee's gain or loss upon a disposition of those shares of common stock will be a long-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the sale price and the purchase price of the shares. If the optionee satisfies these holding periods, upon a sale of the shares, we will not be entitled to any deduction for federal income tax purposes. If the shares are disposed of prior to the expiration of these holding periods, the optionee will recognize ordinary income on certain amounts in excess of the option price and we will be entitled to a corresponding tax deduction. Nonqualified Stock Options. Upon the grant of a nonqualified stock option, the optionee will not recognize any taxable income. Upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, the optionee will recognize taxable ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares of common stock acquired upon exercise, and the exercise price. At that time, we will be entitled to a corresponding tax deduction. Upon a subsequent disposition of shares of common stock acquired upon the exercise of a nonqualified option, the optionee will recognize long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period of those shares. THE SUMMARY OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION SET FORTH ABOVE IS FOR GENERAL REFERENCE ONLY AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO COVER ALL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY APPLY TO ALL CATEGORIES OF STOCKHOLDERS. ALL OF OUR STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR FEDERAL, FOREIGN, STATE AND LOCAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OPTION GRANTS TO THEM. Possible Anti-Takeover Effects Although not intended as an anti-takeover measure by our board of directors, one of the possible effects of the 1999 Plan could be to place additional shares, and to increase the percentage of the total number of shares outstanding, in the hands of our directors and key employees. These persons may be viewed as part of, or friendly to, incumbent management and may, therefore, under certain circumstances be expected to make investment and voting decisions in response to a hostile takeover attempt that may serve to discourage or render more difficult the accomplishment of an attempt. 46
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE 1999 PLAN As stated above, our board of directors or a committee of our board has the authority to determine the amounts, terms and grant dates of options to be granted in the future to eligible employees or eligible directors or consultants under the 1999 Plan. To date, no such determinations have been made and, as a result, it is not possible to state such information. As of the date of this proxy statement, options to purchase an aggregate of 561,888 shares of our common stock have been granted under the 1999 Plan (including options that have been forfeited upon termination of employment or otherwise). Set forth below is information regarding the number of options that we have granted to date (including options that have been forfeited), under the 1999 Plan to: (i) each of the individuals named in the summary compensation table contained elsewhere in this proxy statement; (ii) all of our current executive officers as a group; (iii) all of our current directors who are not executive officers as a group; (iv) each nominee for election as a director; (v) each associate of any executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director; (vi) each other person who has received 5% or more of all options that have been granted under the 1999 Plan; and (vii) all employees (including all officers who are not executive officers) as a group. [Enlarge/Download Table] NO. OF OPTIONS GRANTED NAME TITLE UNDER THE 1999 PLAN ---- ----- ---------------------- Kris Shah Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the 0 Board, President and Secretary Roy E. Luna Chief Financial Officer 30,000 James S. Prohaska Vice President, Sales 30,000 Robert J. Gray Vice President, Product Development 20,000 William S. Holmes Vice President, Marketing 18,388 All current executive officers as a group (3 persons) 50,000 Gregg Amber Director and Director Nominee 30,000 Matthew Mederios Director and Director Nominee 30,000 Frank J. Cilluffo Director 22,500 All current directors (other than executive officers) as a group (3 persons) 82,500 Marvin J. Winkler Director Nominee 0 Bruce J. Block Director Nominee 0 All employees (including executive officers) 479,388 The number of options granted under the 1999 Plan to Messrs. Luna and Prohaska and to two of our nonemployee directors, Messrs. Amber and Medeiros, exceed 5% of the total number of options granted under the 1999 Plan to date. VOTE REQUIRED The proposal to approve our Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Option Plan must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the holders of the shares of our common stock entitled to vote at and present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL. 47
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PROPOSAL 3 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Our bylaws provide that our board of directors shall consist of not less than one nor more than eleven directors. Our certificate of incorporation provides that the exact number of directors which constitute the board is set exclusively by a resolution of the board. The number of directors on our board is currently set at four directors and there are no vacancies on the board. If the merger is consummated, the number of directors will be set at seven and there will be one vacancy on the board. Our board of directors is divided into three classes designated as Class I, Class II and Class III, respectively. Two of the nominees for directors have been designated as Class I directors and two have been designated as Class II directors. Under the terms of the voting agreement between Mr. Shah, certain of his family members and affiliates, Mr. Winkler and his affiliates and the holders of our Series B Stock, Mr. Winkler will have the right to appoint a director to the board to fill the remaining seat. Our bylaws provide that at the first annual meeting of our stockholders following the date our bylaws were adopted, the term of office of the Class I directors expire and Class I directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the second annual meeting of stockholders following the date of adoption of the bylaws, the term of office of the Class II directors shall expire and Class II directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At the third annual meeting of stockholders following the date of adoption of the bylaws, the term of office of the Class III directors shall expire and Class III directors shall be elected for a full term of three years. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting. The board proposes that the stockholders elect four directors to our board, consisting of two Class I directors to serve until the annual meeting of stockholders in 2003 and two Class II directors to serve until our annual stockholders' meeting in 2004. A Class III director will be appointed by Mr. Winkler after the merger to fill the vacancy on our board. This Class III director will serve until our annual stockholders' meeting in 2002. If elected, the nominees, Gregg Amber and Bruce Block, will constitute our Class I directors. Gregg Amber is presently serving as a Class II director. If elected, the nominees, Matthew Medeiros and Marvin Winkler will constitute our Class II directors. Matthew Medeiros is currently serving as a Class II director of our company. Messrs. Shah and Cilluffo, each currently a Class III director, will continue in office for their existing terms. Biographical information on the four nominees and Messrs. Shah and Cilluffo is set forth below under the heading "Directors and Executive Officers." The board is currently composed of two Class II directors (Messrs. Medeiros and Amber) and two Class III directors (Messrs. Shah and Cilluffo). Our board of directors is of the opinion that the election to the board of directors of the persons identified below, all of whom have consented to serve if elected, would be in our best interests. The names of the nominees are as follows: Gregg Amber, Bruce Block, Matthew Medeiros and Marvin Winkler. Management proxies will be voted FOR the election of the above-named nominees unless the stockholders indicate that the proxy shall not be voted for all or any one of the nominees. If for any reason a nominee should, prior to the annual meeting, become unavailable for election as a director, an event not now anticipated, the proxies will be voted for such substitute nominee if any, as may be recommended by management. In no event, however, shall the proxies be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named. The terms of our current Class II directors will expire upon the election and qualification of directors at our annual stockholders' meeting to which this proxy statement relates and the terms of our current 48
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Class III directors (Messrs. Shah and Cilluffo) will expire upon the election and qualification of directors at our annual meeting of stockholders in 2002. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Set forth below is information regarding our current executive officers and directors, nominees for positions on our board of directors who are not currently directors and those persons whom we expect to become executive officers of our company after the merger. [Enlarge/Download Table] NAME AGE POSITION ---- --- -------- Kris Shah(1)........................ 62 Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary Marvin J. Winkler(2)(6)............. 47 Co-Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President Robert J. Gorman(2)................. 42 President, Global Marketing Division Roy E. Luna(3)...................... 51 Chief Financial Officer Thomas E. Schiff(2)................. 50 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Robert J. Gray...................... 64 Vice President, Product Development Gregg Amber(4)(5)................... 45 Director Matthew Medeiros(4)(5).............. 45 Director Frank J. Cilluffo(4)................ 30 Director Bruce J. Block(6)................... 53 Director ---------------------------- (1) At the Effective Time, Mr. Shah will become co-chairman of the board, president, software and embedded systems division and secretary and will no longer serve as our chief executive officer or president. (2) Appointed to these positions effective as of the Effective Time. (3) At the Effective Time, Mr. Luna will become our vice president, finance and will no longer be considered an executive officer. (4) Member of audit committee. (5) Member of compensation committee. (6) To begin serving on the board of directors if elected by our stockholders. Kris Shah is currently our chairman of the board, chief executive officer, president and secretary. Following the merger, Mr. Shah will become co-chairman of the board, president, software and embedded systems division, will continue to serve as secretary, and will no longer serve as our chief executive officer or president. Mr. Shah has been our chairman of the board and chief executive officer since he founded the company in 1970 and took over the position of president after Mr. Davis, our former president resigned in September 2000. Mr. Shah took over the position of secretary in May 2001, following Gregg Amber's resignation from that office. Mr. Shah's career has involved every major aspect of circuit design and chip packaging technology, including research and development, manufacturing, engineering, marketing and strategic planning. Before forming Litronic, Mr. Shah held management level positions at Hughes Aircraft Co., Fiberite Inc. and Bell Industries, Inc. Mr. Shah holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California. Marvin J. Winkler will serve as the co-chairman of our board of directors, chief executive officer and president of our company following the merger. Mr. Winkler has served as the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of BIZ since April 2000. In June 1999, Mr. Winkler partnered with principals of Broadcom Corporation to co-found Broadband Interactive Group to demonstrate the applications for interactive television in a convergent broadband media industry. In August 1996, Mr. 49
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Winkler acquired Gotcha International, L.P., an apparel manufacturer. Finally, Mr. Winkler founded BIZ to address the secure processing and applications required to ensure secure high-speed knowledge and financial transactions across the Internet. He also established the industry's first Core-To-The-Edge(TM) solution set of hardware, software and firmware products and applications for security in electronic commerce. Robert J. Gorman will serve as our president, global marketing division following the merger. Mr. Gorman has served as the president of sales, marketing and strategic planning of BIZ since April 2001. From July 2000 to April 2001, Mr. Gorman served as the president and chief operating officer of BIZ, and prior to that, as vice president, operations since May 2000. From November 1999 until May 2000, Mr. Gorman was the founder and chief executive officer of Tjazz, Inc., a start-up, travel-related application service provider. From April 1998 until October 1999, he served as vice president, corporate strategy and development and vice president, marketing and sales for SilkRoad, Inc., an optical telecommunications company, which filed a petition for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the federal bankruptcy laws in November 2000. From March 1997 to April 1998, Mr. Gorman served as vice president of marketing for LAND-5 Corporation, a producer of data storage and server hardware, and from January 1996 to March 1997, served as vice president, operations for ISIS Inc., a developer of Internet marketing analysis and virtual reality software. In the early 1980's, Mr. Gorman co-founded Pacific Celltech, which developed pocket-sized cellular equipment. Mr. Gorman holds a B.A. degree in international relations with a specialty in Chinese, from the University of Colorado. Roy E. Luna is currently our chief financial officer. Following the merger, Mr. Luna will be our vice president, finance. Mr. Luna joined our company in January 2000 as our chief financial officer. From June 1995 to December 1999, Mr. Luna was primarily involved in pursuing personal interests. From May 1992 to May 1995, Mr. Luna held the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer of CareLine, Inc. CareLine was a publicly-traded company involved in emergency medical transportation. Mr. Luna was one of three original founders of CareLine. Prior to May 1992, Mr. Luna held a variety of financial management positions. Mr. Luna is a certified public accountant and holds a B.A. degree in business administration from California State University, Fullerton. Thomas E. Schiff will serve as our executive vice president and chief financial officer following the merger. Mr. Schiff has served as the executive vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer, secretary and a member of the board of directors of BIZ since its inception in April 2000. From December 1998 to June 2001, he was an executive vice president and chief financial officer for SW Gotcha Acquisition Ltd and Gotcha International, L.P. From March 1996 to December 1998, Mr. Schiff was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Pacific Eyes & T's. Mr. Schiff was formerly a certified public accountant for the San Francisco office of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell. He holds a B.A. degree in economics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Robert J. Gray is our vice president, product development. Mr. Gray joined our company in May 1990. Mr. Gray served as president of Cyphernet, Inc., a division of Codercard, Inc., a data security company, from January 1985 to May 1990. Mr. Gray has also served as president of Genisco Computers Corp., a manufacturer of computer graphics and imaging hardware for the computer aided design, image processing and simulation markets. After obtaining his education in meteorology, oceanography and computer sciences from various military schools including the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, Mr. Gray served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for 22 years, specializing in meteorology and computer sciences. Matthew Medeiros has been serving as one of our directors since June 1999. Since February 1998, Mr. Medeiros has served as chairman and chief executive officer of Philips Flat Display Systems. Before 50
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joining Philips, Mr. Medeiros served as vice president and general manager for the optical polymers group, and as vice president of business development for the electronic materials division of Allied Signal Inc. from January 1996 to February 1998. Mr. Medeiros served as an executive officer of Radius, Inc., including as its vice president and general manager, MacIntosh systems, and as its vice president, operations and information systems, from March 1993 to January 1996. Mr. Medeiros also previously served in executive positions with Radius, Inc., NeXT Computer and Apple Computer, Inc. in which positions he developed an extensive background in personal computer manufacturing, operations and materials management. Mr. Medeiros holds a B.S. degree in business administration, management science and finance from the University of San Francisco. Gregg Amber has been serving as one of our directors since April 2000. From March 2000 until May 2001, Mr. Amber also served as our secretary. Mr. Amber is currently a partner with the law firm of Rutan & Tucker, LLP. From December 1999 until July 2000, Mr. Amber was the senior vice president, secretary and general counsel for ZLand.com, Inc. From March 1998 through November 1999, Mr. Amber was a partner with the law firm of Rutan & Tucker, LLP. Prior to that time, and since June 1995, he was a partner with the law firm of Snell & Wilmer LLP. Mr. Amber holds a B.A. degree in political science and mathematics from Principia College and a J.D. degree from Stanford Law School. Frank J. Cilluffo was appointed to our board of directors in June 2001 to fill a vacancy on our board. Since 1993, Mr. Cilluffo has been a senior policy analyst and deputy director of the Global Organized Crime Program, chairman of the CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) Terrorism Committee and co-chairman of the Cyber Threats Committee on Homeland Defense at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. Mr. Cilluffo is responsible for directing seven multi-agency and multi-disciplinary task forces comprising over 175 senior officials and experts within the federal government and the private sector on topics including information warfare and information assurance, the nuclear black market, the narcotics industry, financial crimes and terrorism. Mr. Cilluffo holds a B.A. degree in International Affairs from The Elliot School of International Affairs at The George Washington University and has completed graduate course work in Intelligence and Policy and Counterintelligence courses at the Institute of World Politics. Bruce J. Block is a nominee for election to our board of directors. Since May 2000, Mr. Block has been serving as the senior vice president, technology of the Recording Institute of America (RIAA). In that position, he manages the technology oversight program, specific technology initiatives and efforts in the area of standards development. From July 1996 until May 2000, Mr. Block was the chief technology officer and vice president, business development of musicmaker.com, a web-based electronic commerce media company. Prior to joining musicmaker.com, Mr. Block founded and served as the president and chief executive officer of Spaceworks, Inc., a business-to-business, electronic commerce company. Mr. Block holds a B.S. degree from the City College of New York, an M.B.A. degree from American University and a Certificate in Health Care Administration from Boston University. There are no family relationships among our current officers and directors, nominees for director or individuals who are expected to become executive officers following the merger. Our board of directors held two meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, and has held one meeting since the end of that year. The board of directors also took action by unanimous written consent on eight occasions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 and has taken action by unanimous written consent on eight occasions since the end of that year. Our board of directors has standing audit and compensation committees, but does not have a nominating committee. In practice, our entire board performs the function of a nominating committee. 51
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Our compensation committee, composed of Messrs. Amber and Medeiros during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, reviews and makes recommendations to our board of directors regarding executive compensation plans and arrangements. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, our compensation committee held one meeting and has held no meetings since the end of that year. Our audit committee, currently composed of Messrs. Medeiros, Amber and Cilluffo, is responsible for, among other things, considering and recommending to our board of directors, the appointment of our independent auditors, examining the results of audits and quarterly reviews, reviewing with the auditors, the plan and scope of the audit and audit fees, reviewing internal accounting controls, periodically with our independent auditors and monitoring all financial aspects of our operations. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, our audit committee held one meeting and has held no meetings since the end of that year. All of the members of our audit committee are independent as defined in the listing standards of the National Association of Securities Dealers. In June 2000, our board of directors approved and adopted an audit committee charter, which is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix F. Each incumbent director attended all of the meetings of the board and the committees on which he served held during 2000. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed to us for services rendered to us during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 by our independent auditors, KPMG LLP: [Download Table] Audit Fees $232,500(a) Financial Information Systems Design and $0 Implementation Fees Other Fees: Tax related services $59,000 Proposed merger related services $45,000 -------- Total Other Fees $104,000(b) -------------------------- (a) Includes fees for the audit of our annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2000, and the reviews of the condensed financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q for the year ended December 31, 2000. (b) The audit committee has considered whether the provision of these services is compatible with maintaining the auditors' independence. DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION Directors receive no compensation for serving on our board of directors or any committee although directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending board and committee meetings. No compensation is paid for attending meetings of committees of our board of directors on which directors serve. We may periodically award options or warrants to our directors, under our existing stock option plans and otherwise. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The following table sets forth information concerning compensation paid to our chief executive officer and each of our other executive officers who received an annual salary and bonus of more than $100,000 for services rendered to us in all capacities during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. 52
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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE [Enlarge/Download Table] LONG-TERM ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION AWARDS ----------------------------------- ------------------------- SECURITIES FISCAL OTHER UNDERLYING NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION OPTIONS --------------------------- ---- ------ ----- ------------ ----------- Kris Shah, 2000 $184,375 -- * 0 Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive 1999 $201,176 -- * 0 Officer and President(1) 1998 $231,998 -- * 0 Roy E. Luna 2000 $124,083 -- * 20,000 Chief Financial Officer(2) James S. Prohaska, 2000 $151,206 -- * 2,500 Vice President, Sales(3) 1999 $ 14,583 -- * 17,500 Robert J. Gray, 2000 $119,583 -- * 10,000 Vice President, Product Development 1999 $101,329 -- * -- William S. Holmes, 2000 $110,000 $ 1,000 * 8,388 Vice President, Marketing 1999 $127,599 -- * -- -------------------------- * The executive officers also received other fringe benefits from us in their capacities as executive officers, however, those benefits were less than $50,000 during the year ended December 31, 2000. (1) In May 2001, Mr. Shah also took over the office of secretary of our company. (2) Mr. Luna joined our company in January 2000. (3) Mr. Prohaska joined our company in December 1999. OPTIONS GRANTED IN LAST FISCAL YEAR The following table provides information regarding options granted in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 to the executive officers named in the summary compensation table. We did not grant any stock appreciation rights in the year ended December 31, 2000. This information includes hypothetical potential gains from stock options granted in fiscal 2000. These hypothetical gains are based entirely on assumed annual growth rates of 5% and 10% in the value of our common stock price over the 10-year life of the stock options granted in 2000. These assumed rates of growth were selected by the Commission for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to predict future stock prices, which will depend upon market conditions and our future performance and prospects. 53
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[Enlarge/Download Table] PERCENTAGE OF POTENTIAL TOTAL REALIZABLE VALUE NUMBER OF OPTIONS AT ASSUMED RATES SECURITIES GRANTED TO OF STOCK PRICE UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE APPRECIATION FOR GRANT OPTIONS FISCAL PRICE EXPIRATION OPTION TERM(3) NAMED OFFICER DATE GRANTED(1) YEAR(2) PER SHARE DATE 5% 10% ------------- -------- ----------- ------------ --------- ---------- -------- -------- Kris Shah -- 0 -- -- -- -- -- Roy E. Luna 01/04/00 20,000 6.8% $8.72 01/04/10 $109,600 $278,000 James S. Prohaska 04/17/00 2,500 * $6.88 04/17/10 $10,825 $27,400 Robert J. Gray 04/17/00 10,000 3.4% $6.88 04/17/10 $43,300 $109,600 William S. Holmes 04/17/00 8,388 2.8% $6.88 04/17/10 $36,320 $91,932 ------------------------- * Less than 1%. (1) Options vest 20% annually over five years commencing one year from grant date. (2) Based on options to purchase 294,388 shares granted to our employees during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. (3) Calculated using the potential realizable value of each grant. AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES The following table provides information regarding stock options exercised in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 by the executive officers named in the summary compensation table, as well as the number of exercisable and unexercisable in-the-money stock options and their values at fiscal year end. An option is in-the-money if the fair market value for the underlying securities exceeds the exercise price of the option. [Enlarge/Download Table] NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT SHARES DECEMBER 31, 2000 DECEMBER 31, 2000(1) ACQUIRED ON VALUE ------------------------------ ----------------------------- NAME EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE ---- ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- Kris Shah 0 0 0 0 $0 $0 Roy E. Luna 0 0 0 20,000 $0 $0 James S. Prohaska 0 0 3,500 16,500 $0 $0 Robert J. Gray 0 0 0 10,000 $0 $0 William S. Holmes 0 0 5,806 14,194 $10,451 $10,451 --------------------------- (1) Based on the last reported sale price of underlying securities ($2.50) on December 29, 2000 (the last trading day during 2000) as reported by Nasdaq, minus the exercise price of the options. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS Kris Shah has entered into a two-year employment agreement with us, effective as of June 9, 1999. This agreement provides that after the initial term, it will automatically renew for successive one-year 54
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terms unless it is terminated by us or by the employee through written notice given to the other party 90 days before the expiration of the then current term. Our board of directors may adjust Mr. Shah's salary. Mr. Shah is also entitled to receive an annual bonus award of $100,000 if we have earnings of $2.5 million or more and an additional $37,500 for each additional $1.0 million of earnings in excess of $2.5 million. In making the calculation for the bonus, we will measure earnings before interest and taxes and will add back the amortization of goodwill and other intangibles. Mr. Shah's employment agreement provides that, in addition to being terminated through the notice feature described above, employment may be terminated as follows: - by Mr. Shah if he has good reason to terminate the agreement. Good reason exists if: - Mr. Shah is relieved of his position as, or is not reappointed as, an officer of our company; - Mr. Shah's title, office or responsibilities change substantially; - Mr. Shah's base salary is reduced to an amount that is less than $175,000 or by more than 10%; - we fail to maintain our employee benefit plan; - we sell or transfer our company and fail to obtain the successor's assumption of the employment agreement; or - we fail to comply with a material term of the employment agreement and fail to cure the default after appropriate notice. - by us if we determine that due cause for termination exists. Due cause exists if we find that Mr. Shah: - intentionally misapplied our money or property; - committed an act of dishonesty that harmed us; - was convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; - has used a controlled substance, including alcohol, which affects his ability to perform his job duties; or - breached the terms of the employment agreement. - Additionally, we can terminate the terms of the agreement upon Mr. Shah's: - death; - disability for more than 180 days after we give 30 days' notice of our intention to terminate the employment agreement; or - retirement. We may be obligated to make payments to Mr. Shah upon termination of employment depending on the circumstances surrounding the termination. If the employment agreement is terminated by Mr. Shah after giving notice, by us for cause, or by Mr. Shah in breach of the agreement, we will not be obligated to pay any compensation after the termination date, except: - employee benefits; - unpaid base salary that Mr. Shah has earned which we have not paid; and - vested stock options. If the employment agreement is terminated by Mr. Shah for good reason or by us through a constructive termination, we will be obligated to pay Mr. Shah: - his annual salary for the greater of the balance of the term of the employment agreement or for a period of two years; 55
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- a pro rata bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs; - continuing medical and life employee benefits for six months after the termination; and - vested stock options. The employment agreement also contains non-compete, confidentiality and non-disclosure clauses designed to protect our intellectual property. Additionally, the agreement contains a provision designed to preclude Mr. Shah from claiming rights to any products or technologies he developed while in our employ or for a two-year period following his termination. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS On February 2, 2000, Litronic Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, entered into a lease agreement for our principal executive offices with KRDS, Inc., a California corporation. Kris Shah, our chief executive officer, president, chairman of the board and secretary, is the majority shareholder and a director of KRDS, Inc. The lease has a seven-year term and expires on February 28, 2007. We have an option to renew the lease for a five-year period which we may exercise by providing notice to KRDS, Inc. not less than six months prior to the expiration of the initial seven-year term. We lease a building of approximately 20,702 square feet. Our monthly payments under the lease are currently $32,941 and we paid a security deposit to KRDS, Inc. of $31,674 when we executed the lease. Before our board determined whether to approve this lease, Mr. Shah disclosed to the board his interest in KRDS. On September 18, 2000, we entered into a Severance Agreement and General Release of all Claims with our former president, William Davis in connection with the termination of his employment with us. Under this agreement, we agreed to transfer to Mr. Davis, title to furniture and equipment that had been located in his office and to pay insurance premiums for Mr. Davis and his dependents until October 31, 2000 if he elected to continue his health insurance benefits under COBRA. In consideration of these severance payments and our waiver of certain claims that we believe we had against Mr. Davis arising out of our acquisition of Pulsar Data Systems, Inc., Mr. Davis agreed to release us from any and all known and unknown claims. On October 31, 2000, our chairman, chief executive officer, president and secretary, Kris Shah, purchased 629,269 shares of our common stock for $3.18 per share from our former president, William Davis. Mr. Shah first presented this purchase opportunity to our company but, after consideration of our financial condition, including, in particular, our cash position, the disinterested members of our board of directors declined the offer and authorized Mr. Shah to proceed with the purchase. Likewise, on December 5, 2000, Mr. Shah purchased 828,396 shares of our common stock from Mr. Davis' ex-wife, Lillian Davis for $3.18 per share. Our company also declined this offer under similar circumstances. As part of this transaction, Ms. Davis also agreed to return 141,573 shares of our common stock for cancellation. These shares are now held as treasury shares. Mr. Amber, one of our directors, and our former secretary, is currently a partner of the law firm Rutan & Tucker, LLP (although he was not during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000). During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, we retained Rutan & Tucker, LLP to act as our legal counsel. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the regulations thereunder, require the directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a 56
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registered class of our equity securities to file with the Commission, initial reports of ownership and reports to changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities, and to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, Robert J. Gray, our vice president, product development, and James S. Prohaska, our vice president, sales, each failed to file on a timely basis, a Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4. In addition, the Kris and Geraldine Shah Family Trust, the holder of more than 10% of our outstanding shares of common stock, failed to file on a timely basis, a Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4. Each of the transactions that were not reported on a timely basis, were subsequently reported. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of the reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, during the year ended December 31, 2000, our officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities complied with all other Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them. BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The compensation committee of the board of directors has submitted the following report with respect to the executive compensation policies established by the compensation committee and compensation paid or awarded to executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. The compensation committee establishes the compensation level for our company's chief executive officer and other executive officers based upon its discretion, taking into account factors it deems appropriate, such as competitive factors, attainment of our company's established financial performance criteria, long term financial and strategic goals and the implementation of key strategic programs and products. The compensation committee believes that the compensation programs for our company's executive officers should reflect our company's performance and the value created for our company's stockholders. In addition, the compensation programs should support the short-term and long-term strategic goals and values of our company and should reward individual contributions to our company's success. Litronic is engaged in a very competitive industry, and its success depends upon its ability to attract and retain qualified executives through the competitive compensation packages it offers to such individuals. The compensation committee's policy is to provide executive officers of our company with compensation opportunities that are based upon the financial performance of the company and the executive officers' contribution to that performance. In light of the competitiveness to retain qualified executive officers, the compensation committee also takes into consideration whether the compensation offered to our executive officers is competitive enough to attract and retain highly skilled individuals. Compensation for our chief executive officer for fiscal 2000, as reported above, was based on the compensation committee's analysis of Litronic's financial performance and achievement of strategic objectives, and the chief executive officer's contribution to this performance and these achievements. In November 2000, we increased the base salary of our chief executive officer to $250,000 per year. This increase was based primarily on the increased duties which Mr. Shah undertook as a result of his appointment as president when Mr. Davis, our former president resigned in October 2000. The compensation committee also offers alternative sources of compensation, such as incentive stock options, to the executive officers. Options provide executive officers with the opportunity to buy and maintain an equity interest in our company and to share in the appreciation of the value of our common stock. In addition, if a participant were to leave prior to vesting in these options, a significant number of 57
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the options would be forfeited. This makes it more difficult for competitors to recruit key employees away from our company. The compensation committee believes that the option grants afford a desirable long-term compensation method because they closely ally the interests of management and other employees of the company with stockholder value and motivate the officers of our company to improve long-term stock market performance. Our company's policy is not to disclose target levels with respect to specific quantitative or qualitative performance-related factors, or factors considered to involve confidential business information, because their disclosure would have an adverse effect on our company. Based on its review of all of the factors described above, the compensation committee recommended that salaries (including base salaries and allowances) for our executive officers, including the salary of our chief executive officer, be decreased by 10% from their fiscal 2000 levels. The executive officers accepted this decrease effective May 1, 2001. All amounts paid or accrued during fiscal 2000 under the above described plans and programs are included in the tables above. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE: Gregg Amber Matthew Medeiros BOARD AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT The audit committee of the board of directors reviewed and discussed with the independent auditors all matters required by generally accepted auditing standards, including those described in Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, "Communication with Audit Committees," and reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of Litronic Inc., both with and without management present. In addition, the audit committee obtained from the independent auditors, a formal written statement describing all relationships between the auditors and Litronic Inc. that might bear on the auditors' independence consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, "Independence Discussions with Audit Committees," and discussed with the auditors any relationships that may impact their objectivity and independence and satisfied itself as to the auditors' independence. Based upon the audit committee's review and discussions with management, the audit committee recommended to the board of directors that the audited financial statements of Litronic Inc. be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The audit committee also recommended reappointment, subject to stockholder approval, of the independent auditors and the board of directors concurred in such recommendation. AUDIT COMMITTEE: Gregg Amber Matthew Medeiros PERFORMANCE GRAPH The following graph shows a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock, based on its market price, with the cumulative total return of companies on The Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. common stocks) and the Standard & Poors Computers Index (Peripherals), assuming reinvestment of dividends, for the period beginning June 9, 1999 through our fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. This graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock and each of the comparison groups was $100 on June 9, 1999. 58
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in our previous filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, that might incorporate future filings, including this proxy statement, in whole or in part, the reports of our compensation and audit committees set forth in this proxy statement, and the performance graph below and the underlying data, shall not be incorporated by reference in any of these future filings. [PERFORMANCE GRAPH] [Enlarge/Download Table] JUNE 9, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 2000 ------------ ----------------- ----------------- Litronic.................................. $100 $ 72.73 $ 22.73 Nasdaq Stock Market Index (U.S.).......... $100 $165.10 $ 99.26 Standard & Poors Computers Index.......... $100 $204.04 $229.89 VOTE REQUIRED Directors are elected by a plurality vote of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting, meaning that the director nominee with the most votes for a particular slot on the board is elected for that slot. In an uncontested election for directors, the plurality requirement is not a factor. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. PROPOSAL 4 APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION The Reorganization Agreement provides that this proxy statement will include a proposal to change our name to SSP Solutions, Inc. Our board of directors has unanimously approved an amendment to Article I of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to change our name to SSP Solutions, Inc." As amended, Article I would read as follows: 59
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ARTICLE I The name of the Corporation is SSP Solutions, Inc. The proposed amendment relating to the name change would not necessitate any exchange of outstanding stock certificates. In addition, our board believes that it is in the best interests of our company and our stockholders to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 25,000,000 shares to 100,000,000 shares. Our board believes that the increase in our authorized shares of common stock will maintain our financing and capital raising flexibility. Our board has unanimously approved an amendment to Section 1 of Article IV of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect this increase. As amended, Section 1 of Article IV would read as follows: ARTICLE IV SECTION 1. The Corporation is authorized to issue one class of stock to be designated "Common Stock" and another class of stock to be designated "Preferred Stock." The total number of shares of Common Stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 100,000,000 with a par value of $.01 per share. The total number of shares of Preferred Stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 5,000,000 with a par value of $.01 per share. In addition to the shares to be issued in connection with the merger, we will issue additional shares of common stock if our board of directors determines the issuance would be in the best interests of our company and our stockholders. Any newly authorized shares of common stock will have voting and other rights identical to those of the currently authorized shares of common stock. Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, holders of common stock do not have preemptive rights. As is true for shares presently authorized, any issuance of additional shares of our common stock could dilute the equity of the shares of common stock that are outstanding at the time of the issuance. VOTE REQUIRED The proposal to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will be approved if the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock outstanding on the Record Date, vote in favor of that proposal. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL. PROPOSAL 5 RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS Our board of directors has selected KPMG LLP to serve as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2001. Although stockholder ratification is not required, our board of directors has directed that this appointment be submitted to our stockholders for ratification at the annual meeting of stockholders. A representative of KPMG LLP will be present at the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. 60
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF KPMG LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2001. PROPOSAL 6 APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES IN FUTURE FINANCING TRANSACTIONS BACKGROUND In April 2001, we began to anticipate a need for additional capital, primarily for the purposes of research and development, additional management personnel to support our growth, expansion of our facilities and working capital. As a result, we began to explore strategic alternatives available to us and investigate possible sources of financing. On May 31, 2001, we engaged Tucker Anthony Sutro Capital Markets, Inc., or Tucker Anthony, to act as our exclusive financial advisor and placement agent to locate investors for our securities in a public or private placement transaction. POSSIBLE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF OUR SECURITIES Although we have not yet commenced any type of offering, we are seeking your approval for the raising, as necessary, of up to $50 million in one or more public or private financing transactions through the issuance of our common stock, or securities exercisable for, or convertible into, our common stock, potentially at a discount of up to 25% to market price. We believe that a discount may be necessary to attract investors for these financing transactions. The rules of The Nasdaq National Market require us to obtain stockholder approval of the issuance of a number of shares of common stock, or securities exercisable for, or convertible into, common stock, equal to or greater than 20% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding prior to the issuance, if such issuance is for a price that is less than the greater of the book value or market value of our common stock at the time of issuance. Based upon the recent trading prices of our common stock, we would need to exceed the 20% threshold in order to generate proceeds from a financing transaction sufficient to meet our projected needs. Accordingly, we are seeking your approval to issue shares of our common stock or securities exercisable for, or convertible into, common stock, that would constitute more than 20% and up to 50% of our outstanding common stock after the merger described elsewhere in this proxy statement (on a post-exercise or as-converted basis) in future public or financing transactions. If our stockholders approve this proposal, their authorization of this proposal will expire six months from the date of the closing of the merger. The purchase price for the securities to be sold in any such offering, and other terms and conditions of the offering, will be determined through negotiations among us, Tucker Anthony and the investors, based upon, among other matters, the demand for our common stock and its trading prices prior to the closing of the transaction. Due to the fact that the shares to be sold in the offering will not be immediately freely tradable by the purchasers until a registration statement registering those shares has been filed and becomes effective under the Securities Act, we expect that the shares may be sold at a discount from the prevailing price of our common stock prior to closing. We do not know the actual amount of such discount as of the date of this proxy statement, but we expect that it will be within a customary range for offerings of restricted shares by public companies in similar transactions. We expect to enter into a registration rights agreement with each of the purchasers of shares in the offering under which we will agree to register those shares in the future. Pursuant to our engagement of Tucker Anthony as placement agent in connection with the offering, Tucker Anthony will receive cash compensation and warrants exercisable for shares of our common stock upon the closing of such offering. 61
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If we issue additional shares of our capital stock, existing stockholders may be diluted as a result of those issuances. At this time, however, we cannot predict the amount of shares that would be issued or price at which such shares would be sold, except that any sale will have no more than a 25% discount. Therefore, we cannot accurately estimate the parameters and effect of any dilution on our existing stockholders. If we issue common stock, it will have the same voting, dividend and other rights as our currently outstanding common stock. The terms of any preferred stock or other instruments exercisable for, or convertible into, common stock, including dividend or interest rates, conversion prices, voting rights, redemption prices, maturity dates, and similar matters will be determined by our board of directors before we issue those securities. If our stockholders disapprove this proposal, but approve the merger, the merger will be consummated but the offering, under the general terms described in this proxy statement, will not be pursued. Such an offering is conditioned upon stockholder approval of the merger, and if the merger is not approved, we do not intend to proceed with the offering, even if it is approved by our stockholders. Therefore, our stockholders must approve both the merger and this proposal in order for such a transaction to occur. If our stockholders do not approve this proposal, our board of directors will be limited to authorizing the sale of securities not in excess of the 20% limitation. As a result, we would be required to seek additional means of financing. However, we may not be able to obtain such financing on a timely basis on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If this proposal is approved by our stockholders, our board of directors will be authorized to determine all aspects of the transaction, including (i) whether to consummate a public or private placement, (ii) the number and nature of securities issued in the transaction, (iii) the purchase price of the securities sold, and (iv) the terms and conditions of any warrants issued in connection with the offering, including Tucker Anthony's warrant. VOTE REQUIRED The proposal to approve the issuance of shares of our common stock or other securities, which, when exercised or converted into common stock, would constitute more than 20% and up to 50% of our common stock, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the holders of the shares of our common stock entitled to vote at and present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL. PROPOSAL 7 APPROVAL OF OUR 2001 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN OUR 2001 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN Introduction On June 12, 2001, our board of directors adopted our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Program, or ESPP, subject to stockholder approval. Our board believes that the ESPP, together with our existing stock option plans, is an important part of providing incentives and retaining employees. Our board believes that the growth and success of our company will depend, in large part, upon our ability to retain qualified individuals who, through their efforts and expertise, can make significant contributions to the success of our business. Our board believes that the ESPP will provide incentives for our current and prospective employees to work for our best interests through ownership of our common stock. In assessing this 62
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proposal, you should consider that our employee directors may benefit from the adoption of the ESPP since they are eligible to participate in the plan and therefore, may be deemed to have a conflict of interest. Set forth below is a summary of the terms and provisions of the ESPP and the federal income tax consequences of the ESPP. The complete text of the ESPP is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix H. Shares Subject to the ESPP A total of 1,000,000 shares of our common stock are currently authorized for issuance under the ESPP. If a right expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, the shares of our common stock that were subject to that right will again become available for grant under the plan. The number of shares issuable under the ESPP, and the purchase price per share, is subject to proportional adjustments to reflect stock splits, stock dividends, mergers, consolidations and similar events. Eligibility For Participation The ESPP is intended to qualify as an "employee stock purchase plan" under Section 423 of the Code. All of our employees (including, at the option of the committee administering the plan, employees of our subsidiaries) are eligible to participate in this plan, except for (i) employees who customarily work less than 20 hours per week; (ii) employees whose customary employment is for less than five months per calendar year; and (iii) employees, who, after a grant under the plan is made, will own more than five percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock. As of the date of this proxy statement, approximately 110 employees were eligible to participate in the ESPP and no rights had been granted under the plan. Administration Our board has appointed our compensation committee to administer the ESPP. In administering the plan, our compensation committee will construe and interpret the plan and have full power to adopt, amend and rescind any rules deemed desirable and appropriate for the administration of the plan and which are not inconsistent with the terms of the plan. All decisions of the compensation committee are final and binding on all persons. Grant and Exercise of Rights The ESPP provides for six month offering periods commencing on each January 1 and July 1, provided, however, that the initial offering period will be a shortened period commencing on the effective date of the ESPP (which will be the date on which the plan is approved by our stockholders) and ending on December 31, 2001. At the beginning of each offering period, we will grant each eligible employee a right to purchase shares of our common stock at a price equal to the lesser of (i) 85% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the applicable grant date; or (ii) 85% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the applicable exercise date. An employee may elect to participate in the plan by authorizing payroll deductions at a rate between 1% and 10% of his or her compensation. An employee's election to participate will continue at the same rate of payroll deductions for subsequent offering periods unless changed or revoked. The number of shares subject to each right will be determined by dividing the participant's account balance as of the exercise date by the price per share, disregarding any fractional shares. The total market value of a participant's purchases under the ESPP is limited to $25,000 for each calendar year. 63
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Each right granted under the ESPP will be automatically exercised at the end of the offering period in which it was granted, unless terminated sooner in accordance with the provisions of the plan. Term of the ESPP Unless terminated earlier as provided in the ESPP, the plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date on which it is approved by our stockholders. Amendment Our board may at any time amend, suspend or discontinue the ESPP. Except as provided in the plan, however, no such action may adversely affect the accrued rights of participants then outstanding, without their consent. No amendment of the ESPP will be effective unless approved by our stockholders if such approval is required to comply with Section 423 of the Code. Federal Income Tax Consequences Assuming that the ESPP qualifies as an employee stock purchase plan, as defined in Section 423 of the Code, a participant would not recognize any taxable income as a result of participating in the plan, except as described below. If a participant disposes of any share purchased under the plan more than two years after the first day of the offering period during which the share is purchased (a qualifying transfer), or if he or she dies while owning any share purchased under the plan, the participant generally would recognize compensation income for the taxable year in which such qualifying transfer or death occurs in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the excess of the fair market value of the disposed share at the time of such disposition or death over its purchase price, or (ii) 15% of the fair market value of the disposed share on the last day of such offering period. In the case of a qualifying transfer, (a) the participant's tax basis in the disposed share could be increased by the amount of compensation income so recognized, and (b) the participant would recognize a capital gain or loss, as the case may be, equal to the difference between the amount realized from the disposition of the share and his or her tax basis (as so increased) in such share. If a participant disposes of any share other than by a qualifying transfer, the participant generally would recognize compensation income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the disposed share on the date of disposition over its purchase price, and we would be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount of such compensation income. Otherwise, we would not be entitled to any tax deduction with respect to the grant or exercise of purchase options under the plan or the subsequent sale by participants of shares purchased under the plan. Market Price of Shares The closing price of our common stock as reported by The Nasdaq National Market on July 19, 2001 was $2.53 per share. VOTE REQUIRED The proposal to approve our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the holders of the shares of our common stock entitled to vote at and present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL. 64
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OUR MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS GENERAL We provide professional Internet data security services and develop and market software and microprocessor-based products needed to secure electronic commerce and communications over the Internet and other communications networks based on Internet protocols. Our primary technology offerings use public key infrastructure, or PKI, which is the standard technology for securing Internet-based commerce and communications. In addition, Pulsar, a wholly owned subsidiary, is an established computer and networking product reseller that focuses on resales to government agencies, large corporate accounts and state and local governments. We acquired Pulsar in June 1999 in exchange for 2,169,938 shares of our common stock. The operations of Pulsar may not fit in with our long range plans for the combined company, and we are considering selling Pulsar. Revenue attributable to Pulsar during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, was $31.9 million, and during the three months ended March 31, 2001, was $2.5 million, and the cost of goods sold attributable to Pulsar during those periods was $28.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 AND 2001 Total Revenues Total revenues decreased 5.2% from $4.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $4.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2001. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $774,000 decrease in revenues related to the network solutions market that was partially offset by a $530,000 increase in revenues related to information security products and services. During the three months ended March 31, 2000, we derived 23%, 16%, and 14% of our revenue from sales to the U.S. Immigration, NSA and the National Institute of Health, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2001, we derived 11% of our sales from Gradkell Computers, Inc. Sales to Federal government agencies accounted for approximately 78% and 55% of our sales during the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 2001, respectively. Product Revenue Product revenue decreased 5% from $4.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $4.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2001. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $712,000 decrease in revenues related to network deployment products that was partially offset by a $505,000 increase in revenues related to data security products. License and Service Revenue License and service revenue decreased 10% from $371,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $334,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2001. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $62,000 decrease in revenues related to electric security systems that was partially offset by an increase of $25,000 in licenses and services related to information security products and services. In July 2000, we discontinued the electric security systems product line. 65
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Product Gross Margin Product gross margins increased as a percentage of net product revenue from 17% during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to 26% during the three months ended March 31, 2001. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the percentage of revenue related to data security products as compared to the revenue related to network deployment products. During the three months ended March 31, 2001, network deployment products, sold by Pulsar, represented 61% of total product revenue as compared to data security products that represented 39% of product revenue. During the three months ended March 31, 2000, network deployment products, sold by Pulsar, represented 74% of total product revenue as compared to data security products that represented 26% of product revenue. Margins from the sale of network deployment products are significantly lower than margins from the sale of data security products. License and Service Gross Margin License and service gross margin increased as a percentage of license and service revenue from 55% during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to 60% during the three months ended March 31, 2001. This increase was primarily attributable to the discontinued electric security systems product line. Gross margins related to the electric security systems product line were significantly less than those related to the other types of licenses and services that we provide. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses, or S,G&A, decreased 26% from $2.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $1.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2001. The decrease was primarily attributable to reduced S, G&A related payroll expenses at Pulsar. The average S, G&A headcount at Pulsar decreased by 23 or 49% during the three months ended March 31, 2001 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2000. As a percentage of revenue, S,G&A decreased from 50% during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to 40% during the three months ended March 31, 2001. The percentage decrease was also primarily attributable to reduced S, G&A related payroll expenses at Pulsar. In an effort to reduce future expenses we have implemented a cost reduction program that is discussed in the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section below. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses increased 39% from $1.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $1.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2001. The increase was primarily attributable to increased staffing related to product development including development efforts related to the Forte smart card, Maestro, ProFile Manager, NetSign and our CipherAccelerator 440. As a percentage of revenue, research and development expenses increased from 28% during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to 41% during the three months ended March 31, 2001. The percentage increase was primarily attributable to the actual increase in research and development expense combined with a decrease in total revenues. In an effort to reduce future expenses we have implemented a cost reduction program that is discussed in the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section below. Amortization of Goodwill and Other Intangibles In June 1999, we acquired Pulsar. All of the outstanding shares of Pulsar were exchanged for 2,169,938 shares of our common stock. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. In the fourth quarter of 2000 we determined the integration of Pulsar would not be completed as planned and the anticipated operating synergies would not be realized, therefore, we are currently 66
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exploring various alternatives for the Pulsar operations. As a result, in accordance with Statement 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," we analyzed the recoverability of the goodwill and other intangibles relating to the acquisition of Pulsar. In order to evaluate the recoverability of the remaining goodwill and other intangible assets, we engaged the services of an independent valuation firm to perform a valuation. During the fourth quarter of 2000, based on the results of the independent valuation, we recorded an impairment charge of $31.4 million related to unamortized intangible assets acquired in the purchase of Pulsar. Based on the independent valuation, management believes that after the impairment charge of $31.4 million, no further impairment exists. The remaining unamortized intangible assets acquired in the purchase of Pulsar will be amortized over the remainder of their 10-year life. The amortization of goodwill and other intangibles decreased 97% from $703,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $23,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2001. The decrease in primarily attributable to the reduction of goodwill that occurred as the result of the impairment charge that we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2000. Interest Expense (Income), Net Net interest income changed $30,000 from $14,000 net interest income during the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $16,000 net interest expense during the three months ended March 31, 2001. The change was primarily attributable to a reduction in interest income of $22,000 and in increase in interest expense of $8,000. The reduction in interest income was primarily the result of lower cash balances and the increase in interest expense was the result of increased borrowings. Income Taxes Tax expense of $5,000 was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2000 and was related to minimum franchise tax payments paid to the state of California. We did not recognize any tax benefit from operating losses in the three months ended March 31, 2000. No income tax expense or benefit was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2001 as the realizability of the tax benefit is not more likely than not. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1999 AND 2000 Because we acquired Pulsar in June 1999, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, our revenue and expenses include the results of Pulsar's operations since June 14, 1999. Therefore, revenue and expenses are not comparable from period to period. Total Revenue Total revenue increased 376% from $6.7 million during the year ended December 31, 1998 to $31.7 million during the year ended December 31, 1999 and increased 24% from $31.7 million during 1999 to $39.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2000. The increase from 1998 to 1999 consisted of $26.5 million of network deployment and electric security systems, or ESS, revenue generated by Pulsar subsequent to the acquisition, a decrease of $1.9 million in data security revenue, and an increase of $0.4 million in research and development revenue. The increase from 1999 to 2000 consisted of a $5.5 million increase in network deployment revenue primarily attributable to a full year of sales in 2000 as compared to a partial year in 1999, a $3.0 million increase in data security revenue primarily attributable to an increase in sales of existing data security products and services, and a $0.8 million decrease in research and development revenue attributable to the completion in 1999 of the contract that was responsible for generating research and development revenue. 67
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During 1998, 44%, 20% and 17% of revenue was generated from sales to Lockheed Martin Corporation, the National Security Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, respectively. During 1999, 31% and 12% of revenue was generated from sales to the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service and the United States Department of State, respectively. During 2000, 42% of revenue was generated from sales to the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. Sales to federal government agencies accounted for approximately 81%, 78% and 79% of sales during 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively. Product Revenue Product revenue increased 467% from $5.2 million during 1998 to $29.6 million during 1999 and increased 26% from 1999 to $37.4 million during 2000. The increase from 1998 to 1999 consisted of $26.0 million of network deployment product revenue generated by Pulsar subsequent to the acquisition and a decrease of $1.6 million in data security product revenue. The increase from 1999 to 2000 consisted of a $5.6 million increase in network deployment revenue and a $2.2 million increase in data security revenue. License and Service Revenue License and service revenue increased 22% from $1.0 million during 1998 to $1.3 million during 1999 and increased 52% from $1.3 million during 1999 to $1.9 million during 2000. The increase from 1998 to 1999 was primarily attributable to service revenues of $436,000 associated with the ESS product line that was acquired as part of the Pulsar acquisition. The ESS product line did not fit into either of our primary business segments and in July 2000 we discontinued the ESS product line. We did not incur any significant expenses as a result of our decision to discontinue the ESS product line. The increase from 1999 to 2000 was primarily attributable to an increase of $444,000 related to an ongoing government support contract that began in August 1999 and to the recognition of $137,000 of revenue, out of a total $550,000 contract, that requires us to provide customer support for three years. The balance of this $550,000 contract has been recorded as deferred revenue and will be recognized over the remainder of the support period. Research and Development Revenue Research and development revenue represents amounts earned under a contract with the National Security Agency, or NSA, for the design of a microprocessor meeting minimum specifications established by the NSA. We have contracted with others to perform aspects of the project. All related project costs were expensed as research and development was incurred. Regardless of the results of the development efforts, the amounts received from the NSA are nonrefundable. The related research and development costs were not separately identifiable. Therefore, the corresponding costs of the entire development effort were included in research and development expenses. Research and development revenue increased 101% from $398,000 during 1998 to $798,000 during 1999. The increase from 1998 to 1999 was primarily attributable to a greater portion of total contract revenues being earned in 1999 than were earned in 1998. The contract that resulted in research and development revenue was completed in 1999 and no further research and development revenue is currently anticipated under this contract. Product Gross Margin Product gross margin decreased as a percentage of net product revenue from 46% during 1998 to 14% during 1999 and increased to 19% during 2000. The decrease from 1998 to 1999 was primarily attributable to the mix of low-margin versus high-margin products sold during 1999. During 1999, network deployment products represented 88% of product revenue as compared to data security products 68
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that represented 12% of product revenue. The increase from 1999 to 2000 was primarily attributable to the proportionately higher increase in revenue related to data security products as compared to network deployment products. During 2000, network deployment products represented 85% of product revenue as compared to data security products that represented 15% of product revenue. Margins from the sale of data security products are significantly greater than the margins from the sale of network deployment products. License and Service Gross Margin License and service gross margin increased as a percentage of license and service revenue from 9% during 1998 to 54% during 1999 and increased to 65% during 2000. The increase from 1998 to 1999 was primarily attributable to our ability to reduce the underutilized labor cost that had resulted in lower gross margins in the prior year. The increase from 1999 to 2000 was primarily attributable to discontinuing the ESS product line. Gross margins associated with the ESS product line were significantly less than the gross margins associated with data security services. The ESS product line was discontinued in July 2000. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 173% from $2.6 million during 1998 to $7.2 million during 1999 and increased 33% from 1999 to $9.6 million during 2000. The increase from 1998 to 1999 was primarily attributable to the additional selling, general and administrative expenses associated with Pulsar. The increase from 1999 to 2000 was primarily attributable to twelve months of Pulsar-related selling, general and administrative expenses in 2000 as compared to approximately six months in 1999. As a percentage of revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 40% during 1998 to 23% during 1999 and increased to 24% during 2000. The percentage decrease from 1998 to 1999 was primarily attributable to the revenues generated by Pulsar during 1999 and the percentage increase from 1999 to 2000 was primarily attributable to selling, general and administrative expenses increasing at a rate slightly higher than the rate of increase in revenues due to lower sales than planned. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses increased 193% from $1.3 million during 1998 to $3.9 million during 1999 and increased 48% from 1999 to $5.8 million during 2000. The increase from 1998 to 1999 was primarily attributable to significant increased staffing related to product development, including development efforts related to the Forte microprocessor, Maestro, Profile Manager, NetSign and token reader/writers. The increase from 1999 to 2000 was primarily attributable to continued significant staffing increases related to those same projects that were responsible for the staffing increases in 1999. As a percentage of revenue, research and development expenses decreased from 20% during 1998 to 12% during 1999 and increased to 15% during 2000. The percentage decrease from 1998 to 1999 was primarily attributable to the revenues generated by Pulsar. The percentage increase from 1999 to 2000 was primarily attributable to the continued expansion of our research and development efforts increasing at a rate of 48% while revenues increased at a rate of 24%. Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangibles In June 1999, we acquired Pulsar. All of the outstanding shares of Pulsar were exchanged for 2,169,938 shares of our common stock. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. We have determined the integration of Pulsar will not be completed as planned and the anticipated operating synergies will not be realized, therefore, we are currently exploring various alternatives for the Pulsar operations. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 69
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No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," we have analyzed the recoverability of the goodwill and other intangibles relating to the acquisition of Pulsar. In order to evaluate the recoverability of the remaining goodwill and other intangible assets, we engaged the services of an independent valuation firm to perform a valuation. Based on the results of the independent valuation, we recorded an impairment charge of $31.4 million related to unamortized intangible assets acquired in the purchase of Pulsar. Based on the independent valuation, management believes that after the impairment charge of $31.4 million, no further impairment exists at December 31, 2000. The remaining unamortized intangible assets of $783,000 acquired in the purchase of Pulsar will be amortized over the remainder of their 10-year life. Amortization of Goodwill and Other Intangibles The amortization of goodwill and other intangibles recorded during 1999 was attributable to the acquisition of Pulsar. The amortization recorded during the year ended December 31, 1999 of $1.4 million relates to the period June 14, 1999 through December 31, 1999. The amortization of goodwill and other intangibles increased 100% from $1.4 million during 1999 to $2.8 million during 2000. The increase is primarily attributable to a full year of amortization expense related to unamortized intangible assets in 2000 compared to six months during 1999 when we acquired Pulsar. Other (Income) Expense, Net Other (income) expense, net, decreased 60% from $418,000 during 1998 to $168,000 during 1999 and decreased 104% from 1999 to ($7,000) during 2000. The decrease from 1998 to 1999 was primarily attributable to the reduction in interest expense that resulted when proceeds from our initial public offering were used to extinguish outstanding debt obligations. The decrease from 1999 to 2000 was primarily attributable to an increase in interest income of $75,000 and a reduction in interest expense of $27,000. Income Taxes For 1998, the income tax benefit of $95,000 was primarily attributable to losses from continuing operations before income taxes of $1.5 million. For 1999, the income tax benefit of $43,000 was primarily attributable to prior year tax refunds received that exceeded amounts recorded as receivable in prior years. For 2000, the income tax expense of $6,000 was primarily attributable to minimum California franchise taxes. Backlog At December 31, 1998, 1999 and 2000, total backlog was $717,000, $366,000 and $1.3 million, respectively. Orders are subject to cancellation in certain circumstances, and backlog may therefore not be indicative of future operating results. The increase in the backlog at December 31, 2000, was attributable to an increase of $409,000 related to data security products and $525,000 related to network deployment products. The backlog of data security products at December 31, 2000, consisted primarily of unfilled orders for the Argus 300. Materials required to assemble the Argus 300 were not received until January 2001. Once the necessary materials were received, the Argus 300 readers were assembled and shipped during the first quarter of 2001. The backlog of network deployment products at December 31, 2000, was the result of orders that were received too close to the end of the year to be shipped before the end of the year. 70
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES In June 1999, we completed our initial public offering of common stock. The net proceeds of the offering were $35.3 million. In June 1999, we also entered into a three-year lending agreement with Guaranty Business Credit Corporation, or GBCC, permitting borrowings under a $20.0 million secured revolving line of credit facility commencing on June 14, 1999. The agreement provided for an annual interest rate of prime plus .625%; and a pledge of substantially all of our personal and real property as collateral. Although the credit facility was for borrowings up to $20.0 million, under the terms of the agreement the amount of borrowing available to us was subject to a maximum borrowing limitation based on eligible collateral. Eligible collateral consisted of 85% of eligible accounts receivable plus the lesser of (a) 50% of the value of eligible on-hand inventory or (b) $1.0 million. As a result, the amount that was actually available to us at any particular time may have been significantly less than the full $20.0 million credit facility due to the maximum borrowing limitation calculation. The agreement with our lender included a number of covenants and restrictions that we were required to adhere to. These covenants and restrictions included maintenance of minimum levels of working capital, tangible net worth, and profitability. In addition, the agreement did not allow us to pay dividends. At March 31, 2001, the maximum borrowings limitation calculation was $1.1 million. Our borrowings related to this agreement are included in the current installments of long-term debt in our condensed consolidated financial statements. On April 18, 2001 we and our lender amended the revolving line of credit facility. Under the terms of the amended agreement, the maximum borrowings are $5.0 million, eligible collateral excludes inventory, and the advance rate is 35%. In addition, certain of the financial covenants and requirements were adjusted. Changes in the amended agreement related to the definition of maximum borrowing, eligible collateral and the advance rate were effective on April 18, 2001, changes related to financial covenants and requirements were effective as of March 31, 2001. We were in compliance with the adjusted covenants at March 31, 2001. If the changes related to the definition of eligible collateral and the advance rate had been effective at March 31, 2001, the maximum borrowings available to us would have been $576,000, which is $206,000 less than actual borrowing at March 31, 2001. Cash provided by operations decreased $342,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2001 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2000. The decrease in cash provided by operations was primarily attributable to a decrease in the reduction of accounts receivable during the three months ended March 31, 2001 of $774,000 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2000. During the three months ended March 31, 2000, improved collection efforts enabled us to collect a large amount of aged account balances, which provided a positive impact on cash collections during the quarter, and more timely collection of current accounts. During the three months ended March 31, 2001, with improved collection efforts in place throughout the year, we did not have a backlog of aged account balances similar to the prior year. Cash used in investing activities decreased $101,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2001 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2000. The decrease was attributable to a decrease in the amount of property and equipment purchased. Cash used in financing activities increased $383,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2001 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2000. The increase was primarily attributable to a net increase in debt repayments. We believe that existing cash and cash equivalents and the current availability under our amended $5.0 million revolving line of credit will be sufficient to satisfy our contemplated cash requirements for 71
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the next 12 months. Under the terms of our amended loan agreement there were no additional borrowings available to us at March 31, 2001. Our amended $5.0 million revolving line of credit facility contains various covenants and restrictions including those noted above. If we do not maintain our amended $5.0 million revolving line of credit, or receive waivers for future covenant violations, we may seek additional capital from one or more of the following sources: - Merger -- We anticipate that following the merger, the combined entity will be in a more favorable position than us to access capital markets. If the merger is not completed in a timely manner or at all, we may seek additional capital on terms less favorable than if the merger were completed in a timely manner. - Additional equity capital -- We and BIZ have engaged a placement agent to locate investors for our securities in order to raise additional equity capital for the combined company after the merger. Equity capital, if available, may be issued at a discount to market resulting in dilution to current stockholders. In addition, providers of new equity capital may require additional concessions in order for them to provide needed capital to us. - Additional commitment -- Our chief executive officer and majority stockholder has committed, if necessary, to providing the personal financial resources required to enable us to meet all of our financial obligations as they become due through January 1, 2002. On May 9, 2001, we announced the implementation of a cost reduction program with the objective of lowering annualized expenses by $2.5 - $3.0 million. The cost reduction program was implemented in response to the general economic slowdown so that our cost structure would be better aligned with overall market conditions. The cost reductions include an approximate 20% decrease in workforce and the reduction of discretionary spending where appropriate. The cost reductions were not limited to one particular area but were spread throughout our company. The cost reductions related to workforce will have an immediate impact while the reductions in discretionary spending will be realized at the time such expenses are not incurred. We plan to begin shipping our new CipherAccelerator 440s in the third quarter of 2001. Our operating forecast assumes the CipherAccelerator 440 product launch goes as planned and anticipated sales of the CipherAccelerator 440s are realized. If the product launch is delayed or if the anticipated CipherAccelerator 440s sales are not realized, it may be necessary for us to make additional expense reductions beyond those already made. Our future capital requirements may vary materially from those now planned. The amount of capital that we will need in the future will depend on many factors including, but not limited, to: - the market acceptance of our products and services; - the levels of promotion and advertising that will be required to launch new products and services and attain a competitive position in the market place; - research and development plans; - levels of inventory and accounts receivable; - technological advances; - competitors' responses to our products and services; 72
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- relationships with partners, suppliers and customers; - our projected capital expenditures; and - the merger with BIZ and successful integration. In addition, we may require additional capital to accommodate planned growth, hiring, infrastructure and facility needs or to consummate acquisitions of other businesses, products or technologies. New Accounting Standards In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, hedging activities, and exposure definition. SFAS No. 133 requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in fair value will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. In June 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities--Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133," which defers the effective date of SFAS No. 133 to all fiscal quarters for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. In June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 138 "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities," an amendment of FASB SFAS No. 133. We have adopted SFAS No. 133 and SFAS No. 138. Their adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or overall trends in results of operations, and did not result in significant changes to our financial risk management practices. 73
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT Set forth below is certain information as of July 19, 2001 and after giving effect to the merger, regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by: - all directors and nominees for director; - each of our executive officers named in the summary compensation table in this proxy statement and each person who is expected to be an executive officer after the merger; - all persons who are or who are expected to be directors and executive officers of our company after the merger as a group; and - each person known by us to currently own 5% or more of our voting securities and each person whom we expect to own 5% or more of our voting securities after the merger. The address of each person named below is the same as ours. [Enlarge/Download Table] BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK ------------------------------------------------------------------ PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE NUMBER OF OF COMMON NUMBER OF OF COMMON SHARES BEFORE STOCK BEFORE SHARES AFTER STOCK AFTER NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER MERGER MERGER MERGER MERGER ------------------------ ------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- Kris Shah.......................................... 4,678,144 48% 5,343,318 25.9% Robert J. Gray..................................... 84,413 * 84,413 * Roy E. Luna........................................ 4,000 * 4,000 * Matthew Medeiros................................... 10,500 * 10,500 * Gregg Amber........................................ 14,295 * 14,295 * Frank J. Cilluffo.................................. 2,000 * 2,000 * Marvin J. Winkler.................................. 0 -- 7,126,871 34.5% Thomas E. Schiff................................... 200 * 75,426 * Robert J. Gorman................................... 0 -- 55,430 * Bruce J. Block..................................... 0 -- 5,939 * All expected directors and executive officers as a group (currently consists of 6 persons and is expected to consist of 9 persons after the merger)........................................ 4,793,352(1) 49% 12,718,192(2) 61.2% ------------------------- * Less than 1% (1) Consists of shares beneficially owned by our current executive officers and directors. (2) Consists of shares beneficially owned by our expected executive officers and directors following the merger. Other than the persons named above, no one is known to us to own 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities. In calculating the information in the table, we relied on the following assumptions: 74
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- All persons named in the table have sole or shared voting and investment power over all shares they beneficially own, subject to community property laws, where applicable; and - A person or entity is considered the beneficial owner of securities that it can acquire through the exercise of options within 60 days from July 19, 2001. The shares beneficially owned by Kris Shah before the merger include: - 435,301 shares held by the Chandra L. Shah Trust, of which Mr. Shah is the trustee; - 435,301 shares held by the Leena Shah Trust, of which Mr. Shah is the trustee; and - 3,807,542 shares held by the Kris and Geraldine Shah Family Trust, of which Mr. Shah and his wife are the trustees and beneficiaries. The shares beneficially owned by Kris Shah after the merger also include 1,400,000 shares of BIZ common stock which will be converted into 665,174 shares of our common stock at the Effective Time. The shares beneficially owned by all expected directors and executive officers as a group (after the merger) include 158,095 shares issuable upon exercise of currently exercisable options and options which are exercisable within 60 days from July 19, 2001. The inclusion of shares in this table as beneficially owned is not an admission of beneficial ownership. 75
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DESCRIPTION OF BIZ'S BUSINESS OVERVIEW BIZ is a development stage enterprise devoting substantially all of its efforts to develop and design security solutions for the financial, government, healthcare, education and entertainment industries. BIZ will offer both individual security components as well as a complete, end-to-end business-to- business transaction-based security solution for electronic commerce and communications conducted through the Internet or Internet protocol-based networks. BIZ has licensed the rights to use a broad array of technology components from Wave Systems Corp., Wave Express Corp., Litronic, OneName Corporation, Gilian Technologies and others and has combined these technology components into its SSP(TM) Solution Suite (SSP(TM) stands for Secure Service Provider). In November 2000, BIZ entered into an alliance agreement with EDS pursuant to which BIZ and EDS initiated a strategic relationship to market and sell BIZ's SSP(TM) Solution Suite. EDS has installed the SSP(TM) Solution Suite into its testing/interoperability laboratory and has successfully tested the SSP(TM) components. EDS plans to install the SSP(TM) Solution Suite into approximately five of its marketing centers located throughout the United States. From these centers, EDS will conduct live demonstrations of the data security solutions that the SSP(TM) Solution Suite can provide to its customers. BIZ plans to pursue additional strategic alliances with other systems integrators for the delivery and joint marketing of the SSP(TM) Solution Suite to end users in the data security market. INDUSTRY BACKGROUND Data Security Market Consumers, businesses and government agencies are increasingly relying on the Internet and Internet protocol-based networks to conduct electronic commerce and communications. The increasing proliferation of, and reliance on, shared electronic data has caused data security to become a paramount concern of businesses, government, financial and educational institutions, health care providers and consumers. BIZ believes that the SSP(TM) Solution Suite will provide a comprehensive solution for entities and consumers seeking to provide protection for their transactions and proprietary data. Increased Need for Data Security In addition to protecting against unauthorized access to proprietary information, data security enhances an enterprise's ability to conduct electronic commerce. Many companies have experienced growth in their online customer base and revenue as consumers execute an increasing number of transactions over the Internet, satellite and cable networks. The Internet's ease of use, 24-hour availability, speed of delivery, global reach and ability to simplify product and vendor comparisons are fueling this growth. However, consumer concerns about the trustworthiness and security of the Internet have been one of the main impediments to even faster growth of electronic commerce and other 76
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communications. Hacking tools, such as password guessing and address spoofing programs, are freely available on the Internet and bulletin board systems. Merchants and consumers need assurances that consumers making electronic purchases are correctly identified and confirmed and that the confidentiality of information such as credit card and bank account numbers is maintained. BIZ believes that continued expansion of electronic commerce and communication will require the implementation of improved security measures that will irrefutably verify the identity of a party over the Internet and ensure the confidentiality of the information being transmitted. Requirements for End-to-End Data Security Today's client operating systems and Internet protocol-based networks often lack fundamental, yet critical, Internet security features such as data privacy and integrity, identification, authentication, non-repudiation and auditing. End-to-end data security concerns can be addressed by a variety of means. Traditionally, enterprises relied heavily on passwords to restrict access to proprietary information and materials. However, because of the risk of loss or theft, more advanced protective measures have been developed to include combinations of passwords and tokens with message encryption and biometric devices. The process of implementing Internet and Internet protocol-based network solutions requires specialized skills not found in many corporate information technology departments. BIZ is currently designing and developing its SSP(TM) Solution Suite, which is a compilation of hardware, firmware and software products that it believes will provide a comprehensive solution to address security issues surrounding transactions and communications over the Internet and Internet protocol-based networks. The SSP(TM) Solution Suite will ensure that: - all of the information being sent, received and stored, as well as appropriate application programs, are protected cryptographically and never available to unauthorized persons or programs; - one, two or three factor authentication is used to determine that the user is authorized to perform the desired actions; - the stored digital content is safe from hacking and piracy, and that the content has not been inappropriately altered; and - digital content can be transported from point to point without compromise. BIZ believes that its products will offer the highest level of commercially available security for e-mail, file transport, file protection, remote access, authentication and authorization in an open multi-platform standards-based framework. The open architecture of these products makes them compatible with virtually all commonly used network hardware and enables them to operate independently of algorithms, platforms, applications and tokens. BIZ believes that, as the use of the Internet and Internet-based networks continues to grow, there will be a significant increase in the demand for the data security products that it will offer. 77
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SSP(TM) SOLUTION SUITE Description By combining a series of separate technologies, BIZ is creating the SSP(TM) Solution Suite addressing the full range of data security problems, from the Core-To-The-Edge(TM). A central foundation of the SSP(TM) Solution Suite is a silicon chip capable of hosting application processing and storing resources. In what would be an otherwise hostile environment -- not safe from hackers and pirates of intellectual property -- this silicon chip platform provides an open standards-based, programmable hardware and software device capable of storing sensitive information, securely executing applications, performing electronic transactions and enabling protected communications. The platform includes a microprocessor, internal storage (ROM and RAM), elapsed time counter (or meter), encryption modules, management for keys (or access codes), and a host system interface. The combination of these attributes will enable the SSP(TM) Solution Suite to communicate with any operating system (e.g., Windows, Linux, Unix). In addition, the SSP(TM) technology can be implemented on PCs, set-top boxes, personal digital assistants and other peripheral devices. Advantages The SSP(TM) open standards, silicon embedded system provides the following advantages: faster transaction processing speed than with software-only solutions; greater level of security than with software-only systems (hardware-based systems are less susceptible to intrusion); and content owners can select their own digital rights management, or DRM, versus requiring a single, worldwide DRM standard. The SSP(TM) Solution Suite allows for the preparation, protection and monetization of digital content, which may be data or intellectual property, such as music or video. BIZ believes that when the owners of the content or goods are assured of controlling the rules for access to, and the exchange value or payment for, the use or purchase of their content or goods, more content owners will be willing to make available to consumers a wider variety of content or goods. With wider variety and more content available, content usage should increase. BIZ believes that this, in turn, will increase the demand for its products in the future. SSP(TM) Solution Suite: Core-To-The Edge(TM) The Internet, cable systems and other networks have users and providers, or the edge, that communicate through one or more servers, or the core. The SSP(TM) Solution Suite addresses the complete range of security issues from the Core-To-The-Edge(TM), with the core being trusted third parties such as digital certificate authorities and other intermediaries who verify identities and authorize transactions, and the edge being the providers and consumers of information, content and value. The diagram below shows how each product that makes up the SSP(TM) Solution Suite will provide security from the Core-To-The-Edge(TM) of the Internet or other digital content delivery platform. 78
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[Graphic depicting components of the SSP(TM) Solution Suite] The Core-To-The-Edge(TM) security to be provided by the SSP(TM) Solution Suite is illustrated by the following examples: Case 1: EDS - For a business supplier selling inventory to a customer, EDS will be able to provide the supplier with the capability to verify the identity of the customer, be certain that the customer is authorized to place the order, and (if applicable, according to the terms of the customer's account), receive payment for goods shipped. The transaction will take place through the Trust Assurance Network, or TAN, operated by EDS that will serve as the neutral party for registration of EMBASSY devices. Registration of EMBASSY devices with the TAN will establish the identities of the parties, verify ability to pay prior to shipment and process payments according to the instruction of the supplier upon product delivery. Both EDS and BIZ will earn commissions from the transaction processing. EDS and BIZ also have the potential to earn revenue from applet development and content preparation work. 79
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Case 2: HIPAA Compliance - The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, improves the portability and continuation of health care coverage for workers. Other provisions of HIPAA impose requirements for security of patient medical information and stringent financial penalties for failure to comply with those requirements. The SSP(TM) Solution Suite will assist HIPAA compliance by providing protection of medical records and access control by the patient. Under HIPAA, a patient is the "provider" of the intellectual property or content which are the patient's medical records. The "consumer" could be a physician, research group, insurance carrier, etc. Using the extensible name service, or the XNS, applet and the XNS server, a patient could give permission for all or a portion of his records for each requesting consumer. Consumers and providers could use an identity token such as a smart card with an embedded XNS identity, and the authentication applet to gain authorization for specific access to the records. The core provides for an independent audit trail of record access. BUSINESS STRATEGY BIZ's objective is to become the leading provider of data security solutions for the growing Internet market. To achieve this objective, key elements of BIZ's strategy include: - Strengthen and Develop Strategic Relationships with EDS and Other Systems Integrators. Systems integrators design, compile, install and manage electronic communication and electronic commerce systems, using some of their own components along with those of third parties. BIZ believes that strategic relationships with large systems integrators represent its greatest opportunity to penetrate the data security market by providing the security components for large installations. BIZ intends to strengthen its strategic alliance with EDS and to aggressively pursue and develop similar relationships with other systems integrators. - Establishing a Brand Name. BIZ believes that establishing a strong brand name is essential to attracting and expanding a broad and diverse customer base in both the commercial and government markets. It intends to build its brand by leveraging its relationships with well-known systems integrators such as EDS, through joint marketing efforts with such strategic partners, including major industry trade shows, and advertising in both VAR channel-related trade periodicals and end-user focused commercial periodicals. It is BIZ's goal to establish a brand name that is equated with an assurance of security. - Expand its Targeted Customer Base. Through the merger, BIZ believes it will be able to significantly expand its targeted consumer base. While BIZ has commercial sales potential, Litronic has experienced a significant level of governmental sales and has achieved technological credibility. BIZ intends to develop a strong sales and marketing force initially targeting healthcare companies and financial, insurance, educational and government institutions to build a strong customer base for the SSP(TM) Solution Suite and stand-alone components in both the commercial and government sales markets. - Continue to Enhance the SSP(TM) Solution Suite. The SSP(TM) Solution Suite provides end-users with a comprehensive solution for their data security needs. BIZ continuously seeks to identify new components or technologies to add to its SSP(TM) Solution Suite, including, for example, biometric identification technologies. As BIZ identifies additional products which it believes would enhance its product line, it will seek to add them to the SSP(TM) Solution Suite either through internal development or through licenses with third parties. 80
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- Promote Sales of Stand-Alone Components. The SSP(TM) open standards, silicon embedded design enables the various components of the SSP(TM) Solution Suite to be sold as stand-alone products. For example, by connecting a smart card reader through a USB port, a PC user can incorporate a secure device for accessing records, payment of products or secure the transmission of information. In addition to its SSP(TM) Solution Suite, BIZ intends to promote and expand sales of its stand-alone components in both the commercial and government markets. BIZ intends to leverage on its installed base of customers through EDS and other systems integrators and its brand name recognition to expand the distribution of components through value added resellers and hardware device manufacturers. - Widespread Deployment of Enabling Devices. To invoke the capabilities of the SSP(TM) Solution Suite, an EMBASSY device (See -- "Technology, Products and Services") is required to be embedded at the point of access (consumer) and at the point of delivery (provider) and, therefore, the wide deployment of EMBASSY devices by BIZ and its strategic alliance partners is essential to widespread acceptance of the SSP(TM) Solution Suite. BIZ intends to market products and services through value added reseller channels and its strategic alliance partners, such as EDS, to deliver EMBASSY enabling devices. ANTICIPATED REVENUE STREAMS BIZ's revenue model is primarily based on (i) the implementation and sale of its SSP(TM) Solution Suite and (ii) the sale of the individual security products that comprise the SSP(TM) Solution Suite. BIZ anticipates that following the merger, it will generate its revenues through the sale of security products primarily to the government and through third-party systems integration consulting service companies such as EDS. BIZ believes that after the merger is consummated, the following product and service groups will generate the majority of its revenues: Security Solution Suite. BIZ has designed and is developing the SSP(TM) Solution Suite which will provide security from the Core-To-The-Edge(TM) of the Internet or any other digital platform for delivering highly sensitive data. BIZ believes that its solution suite is the only end-to-end product offering to offer the highest level of security for Internet-based transactions. BIZ has partnered with EDS to deploy the SSP(TM) Solution Suite to companies operating in the financial, education, insurance and healthcare industries as well as governmental agencies. In June 2001, EDS concluded successful testing of the SSP(TM) components of the TAN network. Security Components. BIZ has designed, licensed and is developing other complementary stand-alone security products including its Internet application software, Maestro cryptographic library, security tokens, token readers and server accelerators. BIZ intends to leverage the branding that will be created by EDS' deployment of the SSP(TM) Solution Suite to increase the awareness and distribution of its security components to the commercial market. TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES The SSP(TM) Solution Suite will be a collection of intellectual property providing information assurance products and services to protect, prepare and monetize content. Hardware - EMBASSY Chip. EMBASSY is the basis of the trusted client architecture. The EMBASSY chip provides the secure execution environment within which to run applets. The chips will 81
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be embedded into edge devices by manufacturers or attached to legacy systems through various dongles, such as a smart card reader hooked to the PC through a USB port. - SSP CipherAccelerator 440. This product is a PCI board that executes 440 Secure Socket Layer (SSL) transactions per second. Off loading PKI functions to on-board processors will free-up CPU resources and provide nearly instant responses back to a customer. The CipherAcclerator handles multiple, simultaneous sessions for passing information between the client and server. - G-Server. The G-Server is a transparent, dedicated server that continuously monitors and validates content being sent out of a protected web server by comparing the digital signatures of the content. When the signature is validated, the content is sent on with a 2ms delay. If the signature does not match, a cached copy of the content is sent to ensure that the user's experience is not corrupted. The device also alerts administrators if an intrusion is in process. - EMBASSY Hardware Development Kit. The EMBASSY Hardware Development Kit is for hardware partners who want to design and manufacture their own EMBASSY devices incorporating EMBASSY technology. Embedding EMBASSY into hardware will make a dongle unnecessary. Tokens - SSP Forte Smart Card. The Forte Smart Card is a multi-function, secure token. All cryptographic functions will be processed securely on the card, ensuring that all sensitive information and data requiring protection and authentication will be processed without off loading cryptographic tasks to the user's PC. It is expected to be commercially available in the fourth quarter of 2001. - SSP NetSignia 210 Smart Card Reader. The NetSignia 210 Smart Card Reader is an ISO 7816 compliant device featuring direct communication between the host computer and the smart card. It is expected to be commercially available in the third quarter of 2001. - SSP EMBASSY Smart Card Reader. The EMBASSY Smart Card Reader that is currently in development, is an EMBASSY enabled device featuring direct communication between the host computer and any existing smart card format. Since the reader will contain an EMBASSY device it will be able to run all applets available from the TAN. Software - EMBASSY Applet Development Kit. The EMBASSY Applet Development Kit, or ADK, enables a user to develop applications that utilize the resources of the EMBASSY system. A content provider will use the ADK to write an interface between the application and the EMBASSY device thereby allowing the required functions to be performed in a secure environment. - Commerce System Applet. The Commerce System Applet contains functionality for the consumer relationship system, DRM, and a distributed transaction system. This allows the interface between the DRM used by a content provider and the EMBASSY architecture. - Authentication Applet. The Authentication Applet contains functionality for access control, group membership and community support. The applet registers the user's EMBASSY device 82
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within the TAN, which is the neutral third party facilitator for secure transactions and value exchanges. - Extensible Name Service Applet. The XNS Applet will contain the functionality required to support secure XNS transactions. XNS is an open standard protocol for exchanging sensitive data between systems. XNS will provide the ability for an "entity" (a person, place, or thing) to "register" its identity and to store information about itself (in XML) on an XNS server. The entity then controls access to the information by third parties. The system has large implications in the healthcare field for meeting the requirements of HIPAA. - Profile Manager. This product can be used to deploy PKI through smart cards and smart card management with modification privileges such as adding, deleting, or revoking a user's keys and certificates. Profile Manager can operate as a stand-alone system or in conjunction with external certificate authorities and will integrate with other SSP(TM) smart card-enabled products to provide a complete security solution for an enterprise. - NetSign. NetSign software is bundled with NetSignia Smart Card Readers and installed at computer workstations to bring secure Internet access to individual workstations. NetSign secures the Internet for communications by adding smart card functionality to Microsoft and Netscape email/browser packages. - Network Auditor. TriStrata, Inc. has agreed to license this software package to BIZ. This package is a scalable infrastructure that will provide the capability to audit the access and activities of distributed services on Internet protocol-based networks. Additionally, TriStrata has agreed to grant BIZ an option to purchase this technology. - Palm and Handprint Reader. This patented technology will establish identity by taking photographic, topographical map of a person's subcutaneous tissue and comparing it with a stored, secure image, thereby controlling access. BIZ has signed a memorandum of understanding with Advanced Biometrics, Inc. to license this technology. The memorandum of understanding also provides that BIZ will be granted an option to purchase this technology. Services - Trust Assurance Network. Features of the TAN are: EMBASSY device registration and synchronization, applet publishing, certification, installation, revocation, upgrades, inventory and personalization. The TAN serves as the neutral third party for transactions between providers and users. - WaveNet. WaveNet is the back-office infrastructure supporting the commerce system and authentication services. The system performs value exchanges according the rules embedded in the content providers DRM. WaveNet enables a provider to sell or rent content to users. WaveNet processes payment or value exchanges as instructed by the provider, which may include multiple payments to multiple parties such as may be required when commissions are due to third parties. - Data Casting Services. Data Casting Services use broadcast and other Internet protocol streams for distributing content. BIZ plans to introduce its first products, the CipherAccelerator 440 and the G-Server, in the third quarter of 2001. Sales of SSP(TM) Solution Suite will require longer lead times together with consulting work as content providers will require applet development and content preparation work. Once completed, the TAN will verify the finished product. Sales of SSP(TM) Solution Suite are expected to occur in 2002; however, other stand-alone components are expected to be available prior to that. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES BIZ intends to pursue and develop strategic relationships with systems integrators for the marketing and sale of its products in the data security market. BIZ currently has a strategic relationship with EDS, one of the leading systems integrators, to provide BIZ with an installed base of customers for its products. 83
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In assembling the technology for its products, BIZ has also entered into strategic relationships or partner agreements with the following companies: - Wave Systems Corp. for EMBASSY based solutions and TAN; - Litronic for OEM of PKI products; - OneName Corporation for implementation of XNS; - Gilian Technologies for G-Server; and - Wave Express Corp. for data casting of digital content. These alliances assist BIZ in expanding its marketing and technical capabilities and are intended to increase the distribution and market acceptance of its data security products and the SSP(TM) Solution Suite. BIZ believes that strategic alliances allow it to cost-effectively incorporate its products into third parties' products thereby accelerating the deployment of its products into the market and the establishment of its brand name. SALES AND MARKETING BIZ intends to strengthen its existing relationship with EDS and to pursue additional strategic alliances with other systems integrators in order to promote its products and establish a strong brand name. In addition, BIZ intends to launch an advertising campaign and jointly market its products with EDS and other technology partners at trade shows and otherwise. BIZ's initial sales and marketing efforts will focus on the stand-alone components of the SSP(TM) Solution Suite and distribution of the products in three primary channels: (i) sales directly to the value added reseller, or VAR, channel and generate demand for major commercial distributors; (ii) the development of EMBASSY enabled devices with original equipment manufacturers or vendors of branded end-use hardware; and (iii) the delivery/joint marketing through third parties, such as EDS and other systems integrators to end users. BIZ will promote awareness of the SSP(TM) brand through participation with its strategic partners such as EDS in major industry trade shows and through advertising in both VAR channel related trade periodicals and end-user focused commercial periodicals. The next stage of BIZ's sales and marketing efforts will target the largest of the providers, the consumers and the core for delivery of custom-made solution suites to achieve critical mass and generate revenue on a per transaction basis. At the same time, BIZ will focus on new opportunities created by legal and social policies covering digital rights, copyrights, fair use, medical, voting and consumer privacy issues. The target markets for SSP(TM) Solution Suite products include the following: - financial services and banking; - government; - education; - healthcare (providers, insurers, processors and patients); and - entertainment, audio and video. 84
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COMPETITION The market for digital communication security products is worldwide and highly competitive. BIZ expects competition for the products that it is developing to intensify in the future. There are few substantial barriers to entry, and additional competition from existing competitors and new entrants is expected. Competitors in the markets which BIZ is planning to enter include, but are not limited to the following, all of which sell worldwide and/or have a presence in most of the major markets for such products: - Crypto accelerator hardware vendors such as: The Idea Group of Rainbow Technologies, nCipher, Sonic Wall, Check Point Software, Andes Networks and Intel. - PKI solution vendors such as: RSA Data Security, IMB and Entrust. BIZ believes that no one in the data security industry currently offers a complete end-to-end solution. Others may begin offering a complete solution similar to the SSP(TM) Solution Suite since the barriers to entry are low. BIZ believes, however, that its relationship with EDS and the relationships which it intends to pursue with other systems integrators provides it with an important competitive advantage in the data security industry. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS BIZ currently relies on a combination of copyright and trademark laws, trade secrets, licensed patents, confidentiality provisions and other contractual provisions to protect proprietary rights. Despite efforts to protect proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may misappropriate or infringe on BIZ's trade secrets, copyrights, licensed patents, trade marks, service marks and similar proprietary rights. Although BIZ is currently investigating additional patent protection for some of its proprietary technology, it has not received any additional patent protection for technology or licensed technology or products. Even if BIZ obtains such patents, there is no guarantee that the patent rights will be of any value, create a competitive barrier, or will be free from infringement. BIZ faces additional risks when conducting business in countries that have poorly developed or inadequately enforced intellectual property laws. In any event, competitors may independently develop similar or superior technologies or duplicate the technologies that BIZ has developed and/or licensed, which could substantially limit the value of its intellectual property. In addition, BIZ depends heavily on third party technology and third partys' efforts to protect its proprietary rights, and, therefore, BIZ has no control over the patent protection of the technology on which it depends. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BIZ's research and development activities are conducted by its technology partners at its request and payments for research and development are made to them. In 2000, BIZ incurred expenses of $708,500 for research and development. EMPLOYEES As of July 19, 2001, BIZ had 21 employees. Of these, six were employed in sales and marketing, eight in finance and administration and seven in research and development. BIZ is not a party to any collective bargaining agreements with its employees and has not experienced any work stoppages. BIZ believes it has good relations with its employees. 85
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF BIZ The following discussion should be read in conjunction with BIZ's audited financial statements and unaudited interim financial statements and related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this proxy statement. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. BIZ's actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this proxy statement, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors." BIZ commenced operations on April 30, 2000 and was incorporated on July 21, 2000 in the state of Delaware. BIZ was formed to develop, deploy and grow the worldwide industry standard for processing real-time, secure transactions over the Internet and other digital communication delivery platforms. The standard will support both authenticated financial and intellectual property transactions in a platform agnostic environment. BIZ is a development stage enterprise and is devoting substantially all of its efforts towards conducting research and development, advertising and promotion, raising capital and building infrastructure. In the course of such activities, BIZ has sustained aggregate net operating losses and expects such losses to continue for the foreseeable future. BIZ has not generated any revenues or product sales and has not achieved profitable operations or positive cash flows from operations. No assurance can be given that additional capital, if needed, will be available when required or upon terms acceptable to BIZ. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 BIZ's operations commenced in April 2000 and there is no comparable quarterly period in the prior year. As a result, the following discussion does not include comparisons to prior periods. Total Revenue BIZ generated no revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2001. Research and Development Research and development expenses totaled $1,435,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2001. Expenses included payments to technology partners for development work, salaries of staff developing software interfaces for BIZ products, along with hardware and firmware expenses. These expenses included payments to outside service providers engaged to develop such products. From April 30, 2000 (inception) until December 31, 2000, research and development expenses totaled $709,000. In May 2001, BIZ signed a development agreement with Wave Systems Corp., or Wave, for the integration of EMBASSY based systems with set-top box master reference designs of Broadcom Corporation. Under this agreement, BIZ is required to pay Wave $278,000 per month beginning June 1, 2001 through December 1, 2002. Payroll and Related The expense of executives and staff salaries not classified as research and development expenses totaled $276,000. These amounts include the cost of salaries and related benefits. 86
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Advertising and Promotion In the three months ended March 31, 2001, costs for advertising and promotion totaled $24,000. These expenses related mainly to sales and marketing presentations and development of BIZ's website materials. Professional Fees BIZ incurred a total of $224,000 in professional fees. Of that total cost, legal fees totaled $105,000, public relations fees totaled $107,000 and accounting fees totaled $12,000. Other Operating Expenses Other operating expenses totaled $124,000 and included the costs of recruiting qualified staff, postage, equipment rental and other miscellaneous operational activities. Rent, Utilities and Insurance Rent, utilities and insurance costs totaled $72,000. BIZ maintains a 6,000 square foot office in Irvine, California, which it subleases from Litronic. The total rent, parking fees and equipment rental related to the office site included in such expense was $43,000 for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2001. Additionally, insurance and related expenses totaled $19,000, and utilities expense relating primarily to telephones totaled $10,000. Other Income and Expenses Other expense of $3,613,000 consisted of a valuation adjustment totaling $3,620,000 to the carrying cost of trading securities and interest expense offset by interest income totaling $7,000. During the quarter, BIZ issued 3,600,000 shares of Series B Stock in exchange for 2,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Wave, which is a publicly-traded company. The exchange was recorded at the fair value of the stock received, which was $16,000,000. Management intends to utilize 1,000,000 shares of Wave stock to fund near term operational expenses, and entered into a purchase and sale agreement on March 20, 2001, in accordance with which, BIZ sold 1,000,000 shares of Wave common stock for net proceeds of $3,400,000 on June 5, 2001. BIZ recorded these shares as trading securities and incurred a realized loss of $3,620,000 during the quarter ended March 31, 2001. BIZ earned interest income from money market accounts maintained at banking institutions and notes receivable from related parties. BIZ holds a $500,000 note as part of the payment for stock purchased by Mr. Shah. The note bears interest at the rate of 5%. BIZ previously extended a $10,000 loan to an executive as part of a hiring package, which accrues interest at the rate of 8%. BIZ also carries $370,000 in non-interest bearing notes due to a related stockholder for amounts advanced for operating expenses. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 The fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 was the first year of BIZ's operations. BIZ commenced operations in April of that year. As a result, the following discussion does not include comparison to prior periods. Total Revenue BIZ generated no revenues in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. 87
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Research and Development Research and development expenses totaled $709,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. Expenses included salaries of staff and fees paid to consultants and strategic partners developing software interfaces for BIZ products, along with hardware and firmware expenses. These expenses included outside services engaged to develop the same products. Payroll and Related The expense of executives and staff salaries not classified as research and development expenses totaled $547,000. These amounts include the cost of salaries and related benefits. Advertising and Promotion In November 2000, BIZ introduced the SSP(TM) brand and product suite at COMDEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nearly all of the $396,000 in costs spent in advertising and promotion relates to the introduction of SSP(TM) at COMDEX. Professional Fees BIZ engaged legal, accounting, financial, consulting and promotional firms to assist in the establishment and development of the company. Of the total cost of $323,000, legal fees totaled $145,000, public relations fees totaled $138,000, accounting fees totaled $37,000 and related reimbursable expenses totaled $3,000. Rent, Utilities and Insurance Rent, utilities and insurance costs totaled $98,000. BIZ maintains a 6,000 square foot office in Irvine, California, which it subleases from Litronic. The total rent, parking fees and equipment rental related to the office site included in such expense was $72,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. Additionally, insurance expense for property and liability coverage totaled $12,000, and utilities expense relating primarily to telephones totaled $14,000. Other Operating Expenses Other operating expenses totaled $144,000 and included the cost of recruiting qualified staff, postage, equipment rental and other miscellaneous operational activities. Other Income Other income of $13,000 consisted entirely of interest income. BIZ earned interest income from money market accounts maintained at banking institutions and notes receivable from related parties. During the year, BIZ received a $500,000 note as part of the payment for stock purchased by Mr. Shah. The note bears interest at the rate of 5%. During the year, BIZ extended a $10,000 loan to an executive as part of a hiring package, which accrues interest at the rate of 8%. BIZ also carries $370,000 in non-interest bearing notes, due to a related stockholder for amounts advanced for operating expenses. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 88
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