SONIC SOLUTIONS OFFER TO PURCHASE OUTSTANDING OPTIONS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK FOR CASH NOVEMBER 25, 2008
____________________
SONIC
SOLUTIONS
____________________
OFFER
TO PURCHASE OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
TO
PURCHASE COMMON STOCK FOR CASH
____________________
NOVEMBER
25, 2008
SONIC
SOLUTIONS
OFFER
TO PURCHASE OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
TO
PURCHASE COMMON STOCK FOR CASH
November
25, 2008
____________________
THIS
OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 11:59 P.M., EASTERN
STANDARD
TIME
ON DECEMBER 26, 2008, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
____________________
Sonic
Solutions (“Sonic,”
“Company,”
“we,”
“our,”
or
“us”)
is
making an offer (the “Offer”)
to
certain individuals to purchase certain outstanding stock options to purchase
shares of our common stock previously granted under the Sonic Solutions 2000
Stock Option Plan, the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2004 Equity Compensation
Plan, and the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (Non-U.S. Employees) (collectively,
the
“Plans”)
for a
cash payment (the “Cash
Payment”).
This
Information Statement contains important information regarding who is eligible
to participate in the Offer. Please be sure to read the entire Information
Statement to understand your eligibility to participate.
THE
OFFER:
Some
of
our employees hold stock options with exercise prices that may be lower than
the
closing price per share of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market
(the “Fair
Market Value”)
on the
applicable grant date, as determined for financial accounting purposes. Certain
of these options (collectively, “409A Options”)
may
therefore be subject to, and may subject the holders of the 409A Options to,
adverse tax consequences under Section 409A (“Section 409A”)
of the
United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)
and
applicable state tax laws.
In
addition, some of our employees, officers and directors hold options (some
of
which may be 409A Options) to purchase our common stock with an exercise
price of $7.00 (the “Reference
Price”)
or
higher, which is significantly greater than the current market price of our
common stock (collectively, “High-Price
Options”).
We
refer to the 409A Options and the High Price Options collectively as the
“Options.”
We
are
offering to purchase the Options from eligible employees, officers and directors
pursuant to terms and for the reasons described in this Information Statement
for a Cash Payment calculated in the manner described in this Information
Statement. Each eligible individual who holds Options will be provided with
a
personalized Election Form setting forth the payment offered for each of his
or
her Options.
Although
our Board of Directors has approved the Offer, neither we nor our Board of
Directors will make any recommendation as to whether you should tender your
Options for purchase. You must make your own decision whether to tender your
Options after taking into account your own personal circumstances and
preferences.
Participating
in the Offer involves risks. See “Certain Risks of Participating in the Offer”
beginning on page 23 for a discussion of risks that you should consider before
participating in the Offer.
2
SUMMARY
OF OFFER
OFFER
Below
is
a summary of the general requirements and mechanics for the Offer.
Eligible
Optionees (each
of
whom we refer to as an “Optionee” and collectively as“Optionees”):
To
be
eligible to participate in the Offer, you must be a current employee, officer
or
director of Sonic (or any subsidiary of Sonic) on the Expiration Date (as
defined below).
See
“The
Offer,” Section 1, “Material Terms; No Other Rights; Additional Considerations,”
of this Information Statement for more information on persons who qualify as
eligible Optionees.
409A Options:
· |
The
option was granted under one of the Plans;
AND
|
· |
The
option has a current exercise price that is lower than the Fair Market
Value per share of Sonic’s common stock on the date that has been
determined to be the “Revised
Measurement Date”
for that option for financial accounting purposes;
AND
|
· |
The
option is outstanding on the Expiration Date (as defined below);
AND
|
· |
The
option was not granted to an individual who was an executive officer
or
director of Sonic at the time of the grant;
AND
|
· |
The
option was granted to an individual who is subject to income taxation
in
the United States; AND
|
· |
The
option is held by an Optionee; AND
|
· |
EITHER
the option (or part thereof) had not vested prior to January 1, 2005,
OR the option (or part thereof) has otherwise been determined by
Sonic to
be potentially subject to adverse taxation under
Section 409A.
|
See
“The
Offer,” Section 1, “Material Terms; No Other Rights; Additional Considerations,”
of this Information Statement for more information on options that qualify
as
Eligible 409A Options.
High-Price
Options:
· |
The
option was granted under one of the Plans;
AND
|
· |
The
option has an exercise price of $7.00 or higher per share;
AND
|
· |
The
option was granted prior to June 1, 2008;
AND
|
· |
The
option is outstanding as of the Expiration Date;
AND
|
· |
The
option is held by an Optionee.
|
See
“The
Offer,” Section 1, “Material Terms; No Other Rights; Additional Considerations,”
of this Information Statement for more information on options that qualify
as
High-Price Options.
3
Terms
of Offer:
· |
We
are making this Offer on the terms and conditions stated in this
Information Statement. You are not required to tender your eligible
Options. Tendering your eligible Options means presenting them to
Sonic
for purchase on the terms of this
Offer.
|
· |
The
Offer is not conditioned upon a minimum number of Options being tendered
for cancellation, but the Offer is subject to customary conditions,
as
described in “The Offer,” Section 6, “Conditions of the
Offer.”
|
· |
The
cash amount that we are offering to pay for each eligible Option
that is
tendered to us under the terms of the Offer ranges from $0.01 to
$0.60, as
is specifically set forth in “The Offer” Section 1. If
you elect to tender Options for purchase as described in this Information
Statement and if your Options are accepted for purchase, we will
cancel
your Options and you will receive the Cash Payment set forth on your
personalized Election Form, less any applicable tax withholding.
The Cash
Payment will be promptly paid on or about January 5, 2009, the first
Monday in 2009, regardless of whether you remain employed with Xxxxx
on
that date (provided that you qualify as an Optionee on the Expiration
Date). The offered payment listed on your personalized Election Form
for
each Option will be based upon the original exercise price of the
Option.
|
· |
An
Option, or portion of an Option, may qualify as both a 409A Option
and a High-Price Option. To the extent that you tender Options that
constitute 409A Options, prior to their purchase and cancellation,
Sonic will increase the exercise price per share to the Fair Market
Value
on the Revised Measurement Date and you must consent to this increase
on
your personalized Election Form as a condition to your tender of
409A
Options. Other than the change in the exercise price, no other terms
of
the tendered 409A Options will be amended or modified prior to
purchase and cancellation, and the offered payment will be based
on the
original, un-amended exercise
price.
|
See
“The
Offer,” Section 1, “Material Terms; No Other Rights; Additional Considerations,”
of this Information Statement for more information on the Terms of the
Offer.
General
Requirements:
· |
Certain
persons may hold more than one grant that includes Options as defined
in
this Information Statement. If you hold multiple grants of this kind,
you
do not need to tender all of them, but if you elect to include a
particular grant in this Offer, you must tender all of the Options
in that
grant (that is, you can choose to participate on a grant-by-grant
basis,
but you cannot tender fewer than all of the Options in a particular
grant).
|
· |
If
only a portion of an option grant meets the conditions described
above,
then only that portion will be considered Options for purposes of
the
Offer, and the balance of that option will not be eligible for purchase
pursuant to this Offer.
|
See
“The
Offer,” Section 1, “Material Terms; No Other Rights; Additional Considerations,”
of this Information Statement for more information on the General
Requirements.
Expiration
Date:
· |
December
26, 2008, unless we extend it as described in this Information Statement
(such date, or any extension thereof, the “Expiration
Date”).
|
4
See
“The
Offer,” Section 1, “Materials terms; No other rights; Additional
considerations,” of this Information Statement for more information on the
Expiration Date.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
We
are
making this Offer upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this
Information Statement (including the conditions described in “The Offer,”
Section 6 hereof), and the attached exhibits. Participation in the Offer is
voluntary, and you are not required to tender any of your Options. The Offer
is
not conditioned upon the tender by all Optionees of any minimum number of
Options for cancellation and payment.
If
you
are an Optionee, you will receive a Commencement Notice, the form of which
is
attached as an exhibit to this Information Statement, by email on the
commencement date of the Offer announcing the Offer and containing all of the
material documents related to the Offer. You will also receive on the
commencement date of the Offer, a separate email containing a personalized
Election Form which will identify you as an Optionee and will describe each
of
your then-outstanding Options. The Election Form is the personalized form that
the Optionee must use to tender Options for purchase pursuant to the
Offer.
To
accept this Offer, you must complete and submit an Election Form that sets
forth
your election for each of your Options.
Your
completed personalized Election Form, and any subsequent change thereto, must
be
submitted by 11:59
p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on December 26, 2008
(or a
later date if we extend the Offer). You may change your elections at any time
prior to the Expiration Date. If we do not receive your Election Form by 11:59
p.m. on the Expiration Date, you will be deemed to have rejected the
Offer.
Participating
in the Offer is completely voluntary, and there are no penalties for electing
not to participate. If you do not elect to participate, your outstanding Options
will remain outstanding under the terms and conditions under which they were
granted. To elect not to participate, you do not need to do any other or
otherwise contract the Company or submit an Election Form. However, if you
do
not submit an Election Form by the expiration of the Offer, you will be deemed
to have rejected the Offer as to all of your Options, whether or not you wished
to participate in the Offer.
You
must
submit a completed personalized Election Form (1) via email to
XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx or (2) via hand delivery, certified mail, or Federal
Express to Xxx Xxxxxxxx at our Novato office: 000 Xxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000,
Xxxxxx, XX 00000. If you submit your personalized Election Form via email,
you
must keep a copy of both (1) your Election Form and (2) your email
submission.
We
will
send you an email with your Election Confirmation Statement within three
(3) business days after we have received your Election Form (including any
subsequent Election Form or Forms). Within three (3) business days after
the Expiration Date, we will send you a Final Election Confirmation Statement,
reflecting the last election we received from you. If
you have not received any of these confirmations at the appropriate time, you
must confirm that we have received your completed Election Form by contacting
XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx and providing a copy of your Election Form and email,
and
any Election Confirmation Statement that you did receive.
We
are
not making the Offer to, nor will we accept any tender of Options on behalf
of,
option holders in any jurisdiction in which the Offer or the acceptance of
any
Option tender would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.
However, we may, at our sole discretion, take any actions necessary for us
to
legally make the Offer to option holders in any such jurisdiction.
5
See
“Certain Risks of Participating in the Offer” beginning on page 23 for a
discussion of risks that you should consider before participating in the
Offer.
Although
our Board of Directors has approved the Offer, neither we nor our Board of
Directors will make any recommendation as to whether you should tender your
Options for purchase. You must make your own decision whether to tender your
Options after taking into account your own personal circumstances and
preferences. You
should be aware that adverse tax consequences under Section 409A and
applicable state tax laws may apply to your 409A Options if they are not
tendered pursuant to
the Offer. You will be solely responsible for any taxes, interest or penalties
you may incur under Section 409A or otherwise. We
recommend that you consult with your personal tax advisor to determine the
consequences of accepting or rejecting the Offer.
Shares
of
our common stock are quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol
“SNIC.” On November 21, 2008, the last reported sale price of our common stock
on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $0.96 per share, and options to purchase
6,174,573 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding under the
Plans, including Options (as defined in this Information Statement) to purchase
3,939,008 shares of our common stock. You
should obtain current market prices for our common stock before you decide
whether to tender your eligible Options.
You
should direct questions about the Offer to XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx. However,
we
have not authorized anyone to give you any information or to make any
representation in connection with the Offer other than the information and
representations contained in this Information Statement and the exhibits
attached hereto and the related Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and
the exhibits attached thereto. If anyone makes any representation or gives
you
any information that is different from the representations and information
contained in these documents, you must not rely upon that representation or
information as having been authorized by us. We have not authorized any person
to make any recommendation on our behalf as to whether you should tender or
refrain from tendering your Options pursuant to the Offer.
The
Offer has not been approved or disapproved by the United States Securities
and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
or any state or foreign securities commission, nor has the SEC or any state
or
foreign securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the
information contained in the Information Statement. Any representation to the
contrary is a criminal offense.
You
may
request a written copy of the Information Statement or any related materials
or
exhibits at no charge in the manner described in Section 16 of “The
Offer,”.
Nothing
in this document shall be construed to give any person the right to remain
in
Sonic’s employ or to affect Xxxxx’s right to terminate the employment of any
person at any time with or without cause to the extent permitted under law
(subject to the terms of any employment agreement). Nothing in this document
should be considered a contract or guarantee of wages or
compensation.
6
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY OF TERMS
|
8
|
|
CERTAIN RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFER
|
23
|
|
1.
|
Economic
Risks
|
23
|
2.
|
Tax
Risks
|
24
|
3.
|
Procedural
Risks
|
26
|
THE OFFER
|
27
|
|
1.
|
Material
Terms; No Other Rights; Additional Considerations
|
27
|
2.
|
Purpose
of the Offer
|
29
|
3.
|
Status
of Options not Tendered
|
30
|
4.
|
Procedures
for Tendering Options
|
30
|
5.
|
Withdrawal
Rights
|
32
|
6.
|
Conditions
of the Offer
|
32
|
7.
|
Price
Range of Common Stock Underlying the Options
|
35
|
8.
|
Source
and Amount of Consideration; Terms of Plans
|
35
|
9.
|
Information
Concerning Sonic
|
37
|
10.
|
Interests
of Directors and Officers; Transactions and Arrangements Concerning
the
Options; Material Agreements with Directors and Officers
|
37
|
11.
|
Accounting
Consequences
|
39
|
12.
|
Legal
Matters; Regulatory Approvals
|
39
|
13.
|
Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
|
39
|
14.
|
Extension
of the Offer; Termination; Amendment
|
42
|
15.
|
Fees
and Expenses
|
42
|
16.
|
Additional
Information
|
42
|
17.
|
Forward-looking
Statements; Miscellaneous
|
43
|
Appendix A
|
A
Guide to Issues in Canada
|
45
|
Appendix B
|
A
Guide to Issues in China
|
47
|
Appendix C
|
A
Guide to Issues in France
|
49
|
Appendix D
|
A
Guide to Issues in Germany
|
51
|
Appendix E
|
A
Guide to Issues in Japan
|
53
|
Appendix F
|
A
Guide to Issues in United Kingdom
|
55
|
Exhibit A
|
Offer
to Purchase Options
|
|
Exhibit B
|
Form
of Commencement Notice
|
|
Exhibit C
|
Form
of email containing personalized Election Form
|
|
Exhibit D
|
Form
of personalized Election Form
|
|
Exhibit E
|
Form
of Election Confirmation Statement
|
|
Exhibit F
|
Form
of Final Election Confirmation Statement: Accepted Offer
|
|
Exhibit G
|
Form
of Final Election Confirmation Statement: Rejected Offer
|
|
Exhibit H
|
Form
of Reminder Notice
|
|
7
SUMMARY
OF TERMS
Questions
and Answers about the Offer
The
following are answers to some of the questions that you may have about the
Offer. We urge you to carefully read this entire Information Statement because
the information in this summary and in the introductory pages is not complete
and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. Additional
important information is contained in the remainder of this Information
Statement, the Commencement Notice and the Election Form. We have included
references to the relevant sections of this Information Statement where you
can
find a more complete description of the topics in this summary term
sheet.
This
Summary is presented in question-and-answer format. The questions are grouped
into the following categories:
·
|
How
the Offer Works
|
·
|
Questions
about Section 409A Options
|
·
|
How
to Elect to Tender your Eligible
Options
|
·
|
U.S.
Federal Income Tax Considerations
|
·
|
How
to get More Information
|
In
this
Information Statement, references to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” mean
Sonic Solutions and references to “the date the Offer expires” and the
“Expiration Date” mean December 26,
2008,
or, if we extend the Offer period, a later date that we will specify. We also
refer to this Offer, on the terms described in this Information Statement,
as
the “Offer.”
How
the Offer Works
Q1.
|
What
is the Offer?
|
Beginning
at 12:01 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, on November 26, 2008 and ending at 11:59
p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on December 26, 2008, unless we extend the Offer,
Eligible Optionees (described in Question 3 below) may decide to tender their
eligible Options (described in Question 2 below) for a cash payment in the
range
of $0.01 to $0.60 per option (the “Cash
Payment”),
as is
specifically set forth in Section 1 of “The Offer.” Participation in this Offer
is voluntary.
Q2.
|
What
options are eligible for cancellation and purchase pursuant to the
Offer?
|
We
are
offering to cancel and purchase all outstanding stock options to purchase shares
of our common stock (“Options”)
that
meet the “409A Option” and/or “High-Price Option” factors listed
below:
8
409A Options
· |
Were
granted under the Sonic Solutions 2000 Stock Option Plan, the 2004
Stock
Incentive Plan, the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan, and the 2005 Stock
Incentive Plan (Non-U.S. Employees) (collectively, the “Plans”);
AND
|
· |
Have
a current exercise price that is lower than the Fair Market Value
per
share of Sonic’s common stock on the date that has been determined to be
the “Revised
Measurement Date”
for that option for financial accounting purposes;
AND
|
· |
Were
not granted to an individual who was an executive officer or director
of
Sonic at the time of the grant; AND
|
· |
Were
granted to an individual who is subject to income taxation in the
United
States; AND
|
· |
Are
outstanding on the Expiration Date (as defined below);
AND
|
· |
Are
held by an Optionee, as defined below;
AND
|
· |
EITHER
the option (or part thereof) had not vested prior to January 1, 2005,
OR the option (or part thereof) has otherwise been determined by
Sonic to
be potentially subject to adverse taxation under
Section 409A.
|
High-Price
Options
· |
Were
granted under one of the Plans; AND
|
· |
Have
an exercise price of $7.00 or higher per share;
AND
|
· |
Were
granted prior to June 1, 2008; AND
|
· |
Are
outstanding on the Expiration Date;
AND
|
· |
Are
held by an Optionee.
|
If
only a
portion of the option meets those conditions, then only that portion will be
considered an Option, and the balance of that option will not be eligible for
amendment pursuant to this Offer.
Please
see Section 1 of “The Offer” of this Information Statement for what options
qualify to be purchased in this Offer.
Q3.
|
Who
is eligible to participate in the
Offer?
|
You
must
be an employee, officer or director of Sonic (or any Sonic subsidiary) on the
Expiration Date in order to participate in the Offer. In addition, you must
be
subject to income taxation in the United States in order to tender Options
based
upon their status as 409A Options (although, for the avoidance of doubt,
you will still be able to tender those same Options even if you are not subject
to U.S. income tax, if and to the extent those Options qualify as High-Price
Options).
An
individual who is eligible to participate in the Offer is referred to as an
“Optionee”
in
this
Information Statement.
If
you
are not an employee, officer or director of Sonic (or a subsidiary of Sonic)
on
the Expiration Date, then none of your Options will be accepted for repurchase
or cancellation. Any tendered Options will be returned to you and will remain
exercisable in accordance with the terms in effect for such options immediately
prior to the Expiration Date, including the current exercise price per
share.
Please
see Section 1 of “The Offer” of this Information Statement for more information
on who is an Optionee.
9
Q4.
|
Are
Optionees outside of the United States eligible to
participate?
|
In
general, Optionees who are employed outside of the United States and who hold
Options are eligible to participate in the Offer. However, special
considerations may apply to Optionees outside the United States depending on
the
laws of the jurisdiction in which the Optionee is located. Optionees should
refer to Appendices A through F to this Information Statement for details
regarding certain special considerations applicable to them in this Offer.
In
addition, as noted above, to the extent that an Optionee wishes to participate
in the Offer based solely upon his or her ownership of 409A Options, he or
she must be subject to income taxation in the United States with respect to
that
Option.
Please
see “The Offer,” Section 1 of this Information Statement for more
information on who may participate in the Offer.
Q5.
|
Why
is Xxxxx making the Offer?
|
We
are
making the Offer for two principal reasons.
With
respect to 409A Options, the principal reason is the potential adverse tax
consequences that may apply to 409A Options. Specifically, as a result of our
review of our past option grant practices, we have determined that each
409A Option was granted with an exercise price that is lower than the
closing price per share of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market
(the “Fair
Market Value”)
on the
date that has now been determined to be the “Revised
Measurement Date”
for
financial accounting purposes. By reason of their Revised Measurement Dates,
409A Options may be deemed to be below-market options for tax purposes
under U.S. tax law. Specifically, Section 409A of the Code provides that an
option granted with a below-market exercise price may be subject to taxation
at
an aggregate rate of 60% or more for employees who are not subject to state
taxation in California, and an aggregate rate of 80% or more for employees
who
are subject to state taxation in California, in each case, on the value of
that
option as and when that option vests as well as when it is exercised, unless
the
Section 409A tax issues associated with the options are brought into
compliance with Section 409A of the Code before January 1, 2009.
Accordingly, Xxxxx has decided to provide Optionees with the opportunity to
bring their 409A Options into compliance under Section 409A by raising
the applicable exercise prices to the Fair Market Value on the Revised
Measurement Date immediately before, and as condition to, their tender of 409A
Options pursuant to the Offer.
With
respect to the High-Price Options, the principal reasons the Company originally
granted the eligible options was to provide an incentive to valued employees
to
remain employees of the Company, to help us create stockholder value and to
share in the stockholder value that they create. However, our stock price has
declined since the time these stock option grants were made, and all of the
eligible High-Price Options are therefore “out of the money.” We wish to provide
you the opportunity to benefit from your Options despite the loss of the stock’s
value. Accordingly, we are providing you the opportunity to obtain the more
certain benefit associated with the Cash Payment, in lieu of the less certain,
but potentially more valuable, benefit you could receive if you elect to retain
your Options. Additionally, this program, to the extent Options are tendered,
will increase the pool of shares available for future grant under the Plans.
Whether to participate in the Offer is your decision, and you are free to reject
the Offer if you so choose.
Please
see Section 2 of “The Offer” of this Information Statement for more information
on the purpose of the Offer.
10
Q6.
|
How
much will I receive for my tendered
Options?
|
For
each
Option that you elect to cancel, you will receive a Cash Payment in the range
of
$0.01 to $0.60 per option, as is specifically set forth in “The Offer,” Section
1. You will be provided with a personalized Election Form which indicated the
per share payment offered for each share of common stock underlying your
Options. If you have not received your personalized Election Form within two
(2)
business days after the commencement of this Offer, please contact
XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx.
Your
Options will be valued based on their original exercise price. All cancelled
Options with the same exercise price will receive the same Cash Payment.
Please
see Section 1 of “The Offer” of this Information Statement for more
information on the terms of the Offer.
Q7.
|
How
was the amount of my Cash Payment
determined?
|
Sonic’s
management, at the direction of the Board of Directors and its Compensation,
determined the amount that Sonic would offer for Options with certain ranges
of
exercise prices, based on the exercise prices. Unlike certain measures of option
value, we did not adjust the amount offered for Options based on the amount
of
time remaining to exercise the options. The applicable Cash Payment for the
various Options is listed in the table in Section 1. To determine your Cash
Payment, take the number of eligible Options for each type of eligible Option
and multiply it by the cash value of that Option listed in the table in Section
1 and then sum the values calculated for each type of Option. The Company’s
determination as to the amount of your Cash Payment is final. You must make
your
own determination of the value to you of your eligible Options, and you are
encouraged to consult with your own financial, accounting, tax and legal
advisors. For
additional information on the determination by us of your Cash Payment, see
Section 1 of “The Offer.”
Q8.
|
When
will I receive my Cash
Payment?
|
You
will
be entitled to a prompt single lump sum Cash Payment, net of applicable
withholding taxes, which will be paid on or about January 5, 2009. No interest
will accrue and no interest will be paid on any portion of the payment,
regardless of when paid.
Q9.
|
Will
any portion of my Cash Payment be subject to forfeiture or vesting
after I
receive it?
|
No.
The
Cash Payment for your cancelled Options, less any applicable tax withholdings,
will be promptly paid on or about January 5, 2009, the first Monday in 2009.
If
you have elected to tender your eligible Options in connection with this Offer
and did not rescind that election prior to the Expiration Date, this Cash
Payment will not be subject to any vesting requirements or otherwise be subject
to any risk of forfeiture.
11
Q10.
|
Will
employees receive additional equity grants in the
future?
|
The
Company has traditionally made periodic grants of stock awards to selected
officers, directors and employees and expects to continue to do so in the
future. Your participation in the Offer will not entitle you to, or bar you
from
receiving, any additional equity grant in the future and any additional equity
grants to you will depend on factors generally unrelated to past option awards.
The amount of options and other types of equity grants in total that are
available for future grant is limited by the number of shares authorized under
our Plans. As indicated above, one of our purposes for making the Offer is
to
increase the number of shares available under the Plans for future grants.
Thus,
although you individually will not be entitled to, or barred from receiving,
an
additional equity grant by participating in the Offer, Options tendered for
purchase will increase the number of shares available for future
grants.
Q11.
|
Is
it likely that an Offer similar to this one will be made in the
future?
|
The
Board
of Directors is making this Offer, in part, as a result of the special
circumstances surrounding the recent decline in the Company’s stock price.
Accordingly, while the Board evaluates the Company’s compensation programs
periodically, it has no current intention to make any similar offer in the
future, and expects this to be a one-time event.
Q12.
|
Why
should I consider participating in the
Offer?
|
Currently,
you hold eligible Options that represent your right to purchase shares of our
common stock at a specified price, regardless of the actual market price at
the
time of your purchase. The specified purchase price for your eligible options
was the market price on the date the option was granted (although may be deemed
to be lower than the market price for financial accounting purposes on the
Revised Measurement Date – See Questions 2 and 5 for additional information).
Due to subsequent fluctuations, the market price of a share of stock can be
greater than, equal to or less than the specified purchase price of any option.
When the market price is greater than the purchase price (otherwise known as
an
“in the money” option), you receive value from exercising the option, because
you are able to buy the stock at less than the current value and sell the
resulting share for the higher price. When the market price is equal to or
less
than the purchase price (otherwise known as an “out of the money” option), you
would generally not exercise the stock option, since you would be able to
purchase the same shares in the stock market at the same or lower price. If
you
tender your eligible Options for a Cash Payment and all other applicable
conditions are met, you will receive a specific payment of cash following the
expiration of this Offer. This Cash Payment may or may not be more valuable
to
you than continuing to hold your eligible options in the future. This
determination depends on a number of factors, principally the performance of
the
Company’s common stock, the timing of such performance and your continued
employment with the Company through relevant vesting dates. To illustrate this,
consider the following hypothetical situation:
Assume
that you hold an option to purchase 1,000 shares of common stock with an
exercise price of $25 per share at a time when the common stock is trading
at
$11 per share and the Company is offering a Cash Payment of $1.23 per option.
The amount of your Cash Payment would be $1,230 if you participated in the
Offer. On the other hand, even if fully vested, your option has no currently
realizable value to you because it is out of the money (i.e., the exercise
price
of the option ($25 per share) is equal to or greater than the price of the
Company’s common stock).
12
To
help
evaluate the relative value of your eligible options and your Cash Payment,
consider the following scenarios:
·
|
If
the price of our common stock were to rise to $25 per share, the
option
would have no value to you because it would still not be in the money.
Under these circumstances, the option would be less valuable than
your
$1,230 cash.
|
·
|
If
the price of our common stock were to rise to $26 per share, the
option
would now be in the money (i.e., the exercise price would be less
than the
price of the Company’s common stock). Specifically, the option would be $1
in the money per share, having an aggregate value of $1,000 (i.e.,
the
result obtained by multiplying $1 (representing the excess of the
market
price of $26 over the exercise price of $25) by 1,000). Under these
circumstances, although the option would be in the money, it would
still
be less valuable than your $1,230 Cash
Payment.
|
·
|
If
the price of our common stock were to rise to $30 per share, the
option
would be $5 in the money per share, having an aggregate value of
$5,000
(i.e., the result obtained by multiplying $5 (representing the excess
of
the market price of $30 over the exercise price of $25) by 1,000).
Under
these circumstances, the option would be more valuable than your
$1,230
Cash Payment.
|
The
three
preceding scenarios do not take into account any timing component and do not
reflect the values associated with any eligible Options or actual potential
Cash
Payments under the Offer. In this regard, note that your stock options provide
that your options vest over a period of time, but even if that full period
of
time has not passed and your Options are not fully vested, you will become
entitled to the Cash Payment in its entirety upon the expiration of this Offer.
In evaluating this Offer, you should keep in mind that the future performance
of
our common stock and the value of your options will depend upon, among other
factors, the overall economic environment, the performance of the overall stock
market and companies in the software sector, and the performance of our own
business. Accordingly, there are risks associated with keeping your eligible
options and deciding not to participate in this Offer. For more information
about the risks relating to Company’s business in general, see Section II. We
recommend that you read the discussion about our business contained in the
“Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations” sections of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K,
in addition to our other periodic filings with the SEC. Please see
Section 16 of “The Offer” of this Information Statement for instructions on how
to access or receive copies of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and
our other periodic filings with the SEC.
Participating
in this Offer involves a number of risks, including the risk that the price
of
our common stock could increase in the future, including as the result of a
merger with another company after the expiration date of this Offer, although
there is no such merger transaction contemplated at this time. If the price
of
our common stock rises above the exercise price of your option, your tendered
options might be worth more than the Cash Payment you receive in exchange for
tendering them. Also, the Cash Payment you receive for tendering your eligible
options will be subject to income and employment-related taxes on the amount
you
receive.
See
“Certain Risks of Participating in the Offer” beginning on page 23 for a
discussion of risks that you should consider before participating in the
Offer.
13
Q13.
|
Am
I required to participate in the
Offer?
|
No.
Participation in the Offer is voluntary. You may choose to tender your Options
pursuant to the Offer or to retain those Options.
Please
see “The Offer,” Sections 1, 4 and 6 of this Information Statement for more
information on the requirements for participation in the
Offer.
Q14.
|
Will
my decision about whether to participate or not in the Offer affect
my
eligibility to receive future equity awards from
Xxxxx?
|
No.
Your
decision to accept or reject the Offer will have no effect on your eligibility
to receive additional option grants or other equity awards in the future from
Sonic. Any additional equity awards granted to Optionees in the future will
be
made in the sole discretion of Sonic’s Board of Directors and the Compensation
Committee of our Board of Directors, without regard to a decision to accept
or
reject the Offer.
Q15.
|
Will
I be required to give up all of my rights under the cancelled
Options?
|
Yes.
Once
we have accepted your Options for cancellation, your Options will be cancelled
and you will no longer have any rights under those Options. We intend to cancel
all tendered Options accepted for purchase promptly following the Expiration
Date of the Offer.
Q16.
|
If
I decide to tender in the Offer, what will happen to my tendered
Options?
|
If
you
elect to tender in the Offer, your tendered Options will be cancelled promptly
after we accept your election to tender these Options. If the Options tendered
are 409A Options, you must consent on your personalized Election Form to an
increase of the exercise price of the 409A Options to the Fair Market Value
on
the Revised Measurement Date and the exercise price will be increased to the
Fair Market Value on the Revised Measurement Date immediately prior to
cancellation. This increase in exercise price WILL NOT affect the amount paid
to
you with respect to the 409A Options tendered in the Offer.
Please
see “The Offer,” Section 1 of this Information Statement for more
information on the terms of the Offer.
Q17.
|
Will
the shares subject to cancelled Options be returned to the pool of
shares
available for future grant under any other Sonic
Plan?
|
Yes.
The
shares of common stock underlying Options cancelled in the Offer will be
available for future equity awards.
Q18.
|
What
are the conditions to the
Offer?
|
The
Offer
is subject to a number of conditions, including the conditions described in
“The
Offer,” Section 6 of this Information Statement. The Offer is not
conditioned upon the tender of a minimum number of Options for cancellation
and
purchase.
14
Q19.
|
Do
I have to accept the Offer with respect to all of my Options or may
I
decide to accept the Offer with respect to only a portion of the
Options?
|
Certain
persons may hold more than one grant that includes Options as defined in this
Information Statement. If you hold multiple grants of this kind, you do not
need
to tender all of them, but if you elect to include a particular grant in this
Offer, you must tender all of the eligible Options in that grant (that is,
you
can choose to participate on a grant-by-grant basis, but you cannot tender
fewer
than all of the eligible Options in a particular grant).
Please
see “The Offer,” Section 1 of this Information Statement for more
information on the terms of this Offer.
Questions
about Section 409A Options
Q20.
|
What
happens if my options are deemed to be subject to
Section 409A?
|
Based
on
currently available guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service (the
“IRS”),
we
believe that the following adverse U.S. federal tax consequences apply to
409A Options (to the extent that they are not cured through the
Offer):
·
|
In
the tax year when the 409A Option
vests:
|
o
|
To
the extent that the Fair Market Value of the shares underlying the
409A Option is greater than their exercise price, the holder will
generally recognize taxable income in the tax year(s) starting in
2005
when the 409A Option vests. The amount of income recognized in
connection with vesting will likely be equal to the Fair Market Value
of
the newly vested shares, less the exercise price payable for those
shares.
While it is not clear when this income would be measured, as the
IRS has
not yet issued final guidance on this point, the amount of income
will
likely be based on the value of the shares on the vesting date or
on
December 31 of the year in which the option
vests;
|
o
|
The
holder will incur an additional 20% federal income tax because of
Section 409A on the income recognized in connection with
vesting;
|
o
|
The
holder will also be liable for additional tax in the nature of interest
if
the income should have been reported in an earlier tax year than
first
reported; and
|
o
|
This
taxation could occur even though the 409A Option remains
unexercised.
|
·
|
In
the years between the date of vesting and the date of
exercise:
|
o
|
To
the extent that the Fair Market Value of the shares underlying the
409A Option is greater than their exercise price, the holder will
generally recognize taxable income in the tax year(s) between the
date of
vesting and the date of exercise. The amount of income recognized
will
likely be equal to the Fair Market Value of the vested shares on
December 31 of such tax year, less the exercise price payable for
those shares and less any income previously recognized (that is,
income
recognized with respect to the year of vesting, as described
above);
|
15
o
|
The
holder will incur an additional 20% federal income tax because of
Section 409A on the income recognized for the relevant
year;
|
o
|
The
holder will also be liable for additional tax in the nature of interest
if
the income should have been reported in an earlier tax year than
first
reported; and
|
o
|
This
taxation could occur even though the 409A Option remains
unexercised.
|
·
|
In
the year the 409A Option is
exercised:
|
o
|
To
the extent that the Fair Market Value of the shares underlying the
409A Option is greater than their exercise price, the holder will
generally recognize taxable income in the tax year(s) after 2005
when the
409A Option is exercised. The amount of income recognized in
connection with the exercise of the option will likely be equal to
the
Fair Market Value of these purchased shares, less the sum of the
exercise
price paid and any income previously recognized (i.e., any income
recognized with respect to the year of vesting and each December 31
thereafter, as described above);
|
o
|
The
holder will incur an additional 20% federal income tax because of
Section 409A on the income recognized in connection with the
paragraphs above; and
|
o
|
The
holder will also be liable for additional tax in the nature of interest
if
the income should have been reported in an earlier tax year than
first
reported.
|
In
addition, certain states have also adopted laws similar to Section 409A
such that the holder of a 409A Option may also incur additional taxes and
penalties under such state law provisions with respect to 409A Options
based on the state in which he or she is subject to taxation. For instance,
California has adopted a provision similar to Section 409A that will likely
result in an aggregate state and federal income tax rate of approximately 80%
or
more with regard to a 409A Option for individuals subject to taxation in
California.
You
are strongly encouraged to consult with your personal tax advisor to confirm
your individual federal and state tax exposure applicable to your
409A Options.
However, you should note that Xxxxx must report to the IRS (and any applicable
state taxing authorities), and make applicable tax withholdings in respect
of,
any income that should be recognized under Section 409A and other
applicable tax laws in connection with 409A Options that are not cured by
the Offer. You
will be solely responsible for any income and excise taxes, penalties, and
interest payable under Section 409A or otherwise.
Please
see “The Offer,” Section 13 of this Information Statement for more
information on the material U.S. federal tax laws applicable to
409A Options and the Offer.
Q21.
|
Why
may Sonic stock options be deemed to have been granted at a discount
for
purposes of
Section 409A?
|
As
part
of our review of our option grant practices and related accounting and
subsequent restatement of certain of our financial statements, we determined
that certain stock options have a different “measurement date” for financial
accounting purposes than the “grant date” set forth in the applicable option
agreement. We generally set the exercise price for our stock options equal
to
the Fair Market Value of our common stock on the “grant date.” Therefore, if the
Fair Market Value of our common stock on the “measurement date” exceeds the Fair
Market Value of our common stock on the “grant date,” the options are deemed to
have been granted at a discount for purposes of our accounting treatment of
the
options.
16
The
definition of “measurement date” for accounting purposes is somewhat different
from the definition of “grant date” for tax purposes, but these two terms are
not substantially different. Based on the currently available guidance under
the
Code, we believe that the IRS may determine that the “grant date” for tax
purposes (including for purposes of determining compliance with
Section 409A) is the same as the “measurement date” for accounting purposes
and, therefore, that certain Sonic stock options were granted at a discount
for
purposes of Section 409A.
Please
see “The Offer,” Section 2 of this Information Statement for more
information about the purpose of the Offer.
Q22.
|
If
I accept the Offer, am I guaranteed that my 409A Options will not be
subject to the adverse personal tax consequences under
Section 409A?
|
While
there is no guarantee, we believe that the increase of the exercise price of
409A Options to their Fair Market Value on the Revised Measurement Date (which
holders of 409A Options are required to consent to as a condition to acceptance
of the Offer with respect to tendered 409A Options) complies in good faith
with
available guidance to help avoid or minimize the potentially adverse personal
tax consequences of Section 409A. We
strongly recommend that you consult with your personal tax advisors to determine
the tax consequences of electing or declining to participate in the
Offer.
Please
see “The Offer,” Section 13 of this Information Statement for more
information on the material U.S. federal tax consequences of this
Offer.
Q23.
|
What
happens to the portion of my 409A Options that vested before
January 1, 2005?
|
Under
the
currently available guidance for Section 409A, “discounted” or below-market
stock options (or any portion of a stock option) that vested before
January 1, 2005, and that were not materially modified after
October 3, 2004, are exempted from the adverse personal tax treatment under
Section 409A. Therefore, this part of an option that is otherwise a
409A Option will not be eligible for participation in the Offer on the
basis of being a 409A Option, although it may still be eligible for
participation if it is a High-Price Option (that is, its exercise price is
greater than or equal to $7.00).
Q24.
|
When
may I exercise the portion of my 409A Options that vested before
January 1, 2005?
|
You
may
exercise the portion of each of your 409A Options that vested before
January 1, 2005 at any time before or after the termination or expiration
of the Offer (but in no event after the expiration of its term), subject to
Sonic’s normal trading window requirements. We believe such an exercise will not
give rise to adverse taxation under Section 409A.
17
How
to Elect to Tender your Eligible Options
Q25.
|
How
do I participate in the
Offer?
|
To
participate in the Offer, you must make a voluntary election that will become
irrevocable
on the
Expiration Date, to cancel your outstanding Options by tendering your Options
in
the manner provided in this Offer in exchange for a Cash Payment (less
applicable tax withholdings) equal to the amount indicated in your personalized
Election Form. This information will be provided to you shortly and will list
all of your Options and the offered purchase price for those
Options.
The
Cash
Payment for your cancelled Options, less any applicable tax withholdings, will
be promptly paid on or about January 5, 2009, the first Monday in 2009, and
this
Cash Payment will not be subject to any vesting requirements or otherwise be
subject to any risk of forfeiture.
Please
see “The Offer,” Section 4 of this Information Statement for additional
information on the procedures for tendering your Options.
Q26.
|
How
and when do I tender my
Options?
|
If
you an
Optionee then you will receive an email on the commencement date of the Offer
containing a personalized Election Form, which will identify you as an Optionee,
and will describe each of your then-outstanding Options.
To
accept this Offer, you must complete and submit your personalized Election
Form
that sets forth your election for your Options.
Your
completed personalized Election Form, and any subsequent change thereto, must
be
submitted by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on December 26, 2008 (or a
later
date if we extend the Offer). You may change your elections at any time prior
to
the Expiration Date. If we do not receive your Election Form by 11:59 p.m.
on
the Expiration Date, you will be deemed to have rejected the Offer. Employees
holding 409A Options should be aware that adverse tax consequences under
Section 409A may apply to your 409A Options if you reject this Offer.
You will be solely responsible for any taxes, interest or penalties you may
incur under Section 409A or otherwise.
You
must
submit a completed personalized Election Form (1) via email to
XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx or (2) via hand delivery, certified mail or Federal
Express to Xxx Xxxxxxxx at our Novato office: 000 Xxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000,
Xxxxxx, XX 00000. If you submit your personalized Election Form by email, you
must keep a copy of both (1) your Election Form and (2) your email
submission.
We
will
send you an email with your Election Confirmation Statement within three
(3) business days after we have received your Election Form (including any
subsequent Election Form). Within three (3) business days after the
Expiration Date, we will send you a Final Election Confirmation Statement,
reflecting the last election we received from you. If
you have not received any of these confirmations at the appropriate time, you
must confirm that we have received your completed Election Form by contacting
XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx and providing a copy of your Election Form and email
submission and any Election Confirmation Statement that you did
receive.
If
you
have tendered your Options in the Offer and we have accepted your Election
Form,
then you will receive a Cash Payment equal to the amount described in
Section 1 of this Information Statement and set forth on your personalized
Election Form, less any applicable tax withholdings. You will receive the Cash
Payment, less any applicable tax withholdings, on or about January 5, 2009,
the
first Monday in 2009, and this payment will not be subject to any vesting
conditions or otherwise be subject to forfeiture. To the extent that you tender
Options that constitute 409A Options, as a condition to tendering you must
consent on the personalized Election Form to the increase of the exercise price
per share to the Fair Market Value on the Revised Measurement Date. Prior to
their cancellation Sonic will increase the exercise price per share to the
Fair
Market Value on the Revised Measurement Date. Other than the change in the
exercise price, no other terms or provisions of the tendered 409A Options
will be amended or modified prior to cancellation, and the offered payment
will
be based on the original, un-amended exercise price.
Please
see “The Offer,” Section 4 of this Information Statement for additional
information on the procedures for tendering your Options.
18
Q27.
|
Will
Sonic tell me if there is a problem with my Election
Form?
|
Xxxxx
is
not obligated to give you notice of any defects or irregularities in any
Election Form, or other related documentation, and no one will be liable for
failing to give notice of any defects or irregularities. However, if you receive
the Election Confirmation Statement described in Question 26 above as to your
election, you can assume that we have received your Election Form. Please review
your Election Confirmation Statement carefully to confirm that it accurately
reflects what you believe to be your election.
Q28.
|
During
what period of time may I change my election with respect to my
Options?
|
You
may
change your previously submitted election at any time before 11:59 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time on December 26, 2008 (or any extended Expiration Date
of
the Offer). You may change your previously submitted elections as many times
as
you would like before the expiration of the Offer. The process to change your
election is the same as the process to make your initial election.
Please
see “The Offer,” Sections 4 and 5 of this Information Statement for
additional information on changing your election.
Q29.
|
When
does the Offer expire? Can the Offer be extended, and if so, how
will I be
notified if it is
extended?
|
The
Offer
will expire on December 26, 2008, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time,
unless we extend the Offer. This time and date are referred to as the
“Expiration
Date”
of
the
Offer; if we extend the Offer, the new deadline time and date will be the
“Expiration
Date.”
This
deadline means that we must have received
a proper
tender of your Options before that time.
Although
we do not currently intend to do so, we may, in our discretion, extend the
Offer
at any time. If the Offer is extended, we will send you an email or other
communication informing you of the extension no later than 9:00 a.m. Eastern
Standard Time on the next business day following the previously scheduled
expiration of the Offer.
We
reserve the right to reject any or all tenders of Options that we determine
are
not in an appropriate form or that we determine are unlawful to accept.
Otherwise, we will accept those Options for which you have made a proper and
timely tender that is not withdrawn. Subject to our rights to extend, terminate
and amend the Offer, we currently expect that we will accept all such Options
promptly after the expiration of the deadline to elect to tender Options in
the
Offer.
Please
see “The Offer,” Section 14 for more information on our ability to extend
the Offer.
19
Q30.
|
If
I am an Optionee but I do NOT want to tender my Options, do I need
to fill
out an Election Form?
|
No.
You
don’t have to accept this Offer. This Offer is completely voluntary, and there
are no penalties for electing not to participate. If you do not elect to
participate, your outstanding Options will remain outstanding under the terms
and conditions under which they were granted. To elect not to participate,
you
do not need to do any other or otherwise contract the Company. In fact, if
you
decide not to participate in this Offer, you do not need to submit an Election
Form. However, if you do not submit an Election Form by the expiration of the
Offer, you will be deemed to have rejected the Offer as to all of your Options,
whether or not you wished to participate in the Offer.
Please
note that if you do not elect to tender your 409A Options, adverse tax
consequences under Section 409A and applicable state tax laws would likely
apply to your 409A Options, and you will be solely responsible for any
excise taxes, penalties, or interest payable under Section 409A or
otherwise, including those resulting from any exercise or disposition of such
409A Option after the Expiration Date.
Q31.
|
Does
Xxxxx make any recommendations as to whether I should tender my Options
pursuant to the Offer?
|
Although
our Board of Directors has approved the Offer, neither we nor our Board of
Directors make any recommendation as to whether you should tender your Options
pursuant to this Offer. You must make your own decision whether to tender your
Options, after taking into account your own personal circumstances and
preferences. We
recommend that you consult with your personal tax advisors when deciding whether
or not you should tender any 409A Options that you
hold.
Q32.
|
What
are some of the key dates to
remember?
|
The
commencement date of the Offer is November 26,
2008.
The
Offer
will expire at 11:59
p.m.
Eastern
Standard Time on December 26,
2008
(unless
we extend it).
U.S.
Federal Income Tax Considerations
Q33.
|
What
are the tax consequences if I tender Options pursuant to the
Offer?
|
We
believe that by tendering 409A Options pursuant to the Offer and increasing
of the exercise price of those 409A Options to their Fair Market Value on the
Revised Measurement Date immediately prior to cancellation as a condition to
tender, Optionees will not
be
subject to adverse taxation under Section 409A. However, you should note
that the application of Section 409A to the 409A Options is not
entirely free from doubt. You
are strongly encouraged to consult with your personal tax advisors regarding
the
tax treatment of your 409A Options and the consequences of participation in
this Offer.
20
The
following is a general summary under current law of the material United States
federal income tax consequences to participants in the Offer. This summary
deals
with the general tax principles that apply and is provided only for general
information. Certain kinds of taxes, such as state and local income taxes,
are
not discussed. Tax laws are complex and subject to change and may vary depending
on individual circumstances and from locality to locality. The summary does
not
discuss all aspects of income taxation that may be relevant to you in light
of
your personal investment circumstances. This summarized tax information is
not
tax advice.
To
comply with Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, you are hereby notified
that:
(a) any discussion of federal tax issues in this program is not intended or
written to be used, and cannot be used by you, for the purpose of avoiding
penalties that may be imposed on you under the Internal Revenue Code;
(b) any such discussion is written in connection with the promotion or
marketing of the transactions or matters addressed herein by Xxxxx; and
(c) you should consult your own independent tax advisor as to the specific
tax consequences to you of tendering in the Offer.
If
you
exchange your Options for cash in the Offer and are subject to tax only in
the
United States, you will be required under current law to recognize income for
United States federal income tax purposes at the time of the exchange, which
will occur upon our acceptance of your Options promptly following the expiration
of the Offer. The cash you receive will be subject to withholdings in the year
received at the same rate as applied to your bonus, stock compensation income
or
other supplemental compensation income. Such income is subject to withholding
of
income, FICA and Medicare taxes and other applicable employment taxes. Other
deductions you may have elected, such as for our 401(k) Plan, will not be made
from this payment.
If
you
are a resident of or are otherwise subject to tax in a country other than the
United States, your tax consequences with respect to the Offer may vary from
those tax consequences described above. Please be sure to refer to Appendices
A
through F for a discussion of the tax and legal consequences of electing to
tender in the Offer in the country in which you reside and are subject to tax.
Tax consequences may vary depending on each individual option holder’s
circumstances. (See Appendices A through F, as applicable.) We recommend that
you consult your own tax advisor with respect to the federal, state and local
or
foreign tax consequences of tendering in the Offer.
You
should consult with your own tax advisor to determine the personal tax
consequences to you of tendering in this Offer. If you are a resident of or
subject to the tax laws in more than one country, you should be aware that
there
might be additional tax and social insurance consequences that may apply to
you.
Please
see “The Offer,” Section 13 of this Information Statement for more information
on the material U.S. federal tax consequences of this Offer.
How
to get More Information
Q34.
|
Where
can I find more information about the
Offer?
|
The
complete terms and conditions of the Offer are set forth in this Information
Statement, including the Exhibits to the Schedule TO available at xxx.xxx.xxx
or by
contacting XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx. You should carefully read this Information
Statement in its entirety to learn about the Offer.
Please
see Section 16 of “The Offer” of this Information Statement for instructions on
how to access or receive copies of our most recent Annual Report on Form
10-K and our other periodic filings with the SEC.
21
Q35.
|
To
whom can I talk if I have questions about the
Offer?
|
For
additional information or assistance, you should contact
XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx.
22
CERTAIN
RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFER
Participating
in the Offer involves risks described below and risks discussed elsewhere in
this Information Statement. In addition, information concerning risk factors
included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008
and
our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2008 and
September 30, 2008, is incorporated herein by reference herein and may be
inspected at, and copies may be obtained from, the places and in the manner
described in “The
Offer,” Section 16
“Additional Information.” You should carefully consider these risks and are
encouraged to consult your tax advisor before deciding to participate in the
Offer.
1.
Economic Risks
The
amount of the Cash Payment to be paid for your eligible Options in the Offer
may
be less than the net proceeds you would ultimately realize if you kept those
options and exercised them sometime in the future.
The
Cash
Payment that you will receive if you tender your eligible Options in the Offer
may or may not be more valuable to you than continuing to hold your eligible
options in the future. Whether you would realize a greater amount by retaining
your eligible options and exercising them in the future, as compared to
tendering them in the Offer, will depend primarily on the future market price
of
our common stock. If the price of our common stock rises sufficiently above
the
exercise price of your eligible options before the date those options expire,
terminate or are forfeited, your tendered Options might be worth more than
the
Cash Payment you could receive by participating in the Offer. On the other
hand,
if our stock price does not increase sufficiently before the date your eligible
options expire, terminate or are forfeited, you could have received a greater
benefit by tendering your eligible Options in the Offer.
For
example, if you cancel Options with an exercise price of $8.00 per share, and
the price of our common stock increases to $15.00 per share after that
cancellation, you will not be able to later exercise those Options and receive
the benefits of that increase.
23
Also,
the
cash that you receive in connection with the Offer will be subject to income
and
employment-related taxes.
There
can
be no assurances concerning the future performance of our common stock, which
will depend upon a number of factors, including the overall economic
environment, the performance of the overall stock market and the performance
of
our own business.
If
we are acquired by or merge with another company after the date on which your
Options are cancelled, you will not receive any economic benefit from an
increase in the value of our stock associated with such a
transaction.
A
transaction involving us, such as a merger or acquisition, could have a
substantial effect on our stock price, including significantly increasing the
price of our common stock. Depending on the structure and terms of this type
of
transaction, option holders who elect to tender in the Offer might be deprived
of the benefit of the appreciation in the price of our common stock resulting
from the merger or acquisition. This could result in a greater financial benefit
for those Option holders who did not participate in this Offer and retained
their original Options.
2.
Tax Risks
The
determination as to whether 409A Options were granted at a discount for
purposes of Section 409A is not completely
certain.
As
part
of our review of our historical option grant practices and related accounting
and our subsequent restatement of certain of our financial statements, it has
been determined that the 409A Options have a different “measurement date”
for financial accounting purposes than the stated “grant date.” We generally
have set the exercise price for our stock options equal to the Fair Market
Value
of our common stock on the “grant date.” Therefore, as the Fair Market Value on
the “measurement date” exceeds the Fair Market Value on the “grant date” in the
case of each 409A Option, the 409A Options were deemed to have been
granted at a discount from the Fair Market Value on the measurement date. The
definition of “measurement date” for accounting purposes is somewhat different
from the definition of “grant date” for tax purposes, but these two terms are
not substantially different. It is not clear based on the currently available
guidance under the Code whether the IRS will determine that the “grant date”
(for tax purposes, including for purposes of determining compliance with
Section 409A) must be the same as the “measurement date” (for accounting
purposes).
Even
if you accept the Offer and receive cash for your 409A Options, the tax
treatment of this payment is not completely certain, and you may still be
required to pay 20% federal tax on the payment under
Section 409A.
Because
each 409A Option was issued with an exercise price that is or may be lower
than the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares on the date of grant as
determined for tax purposes, such options may be subject to adverse personal
taxation under Section 409A. Section 409A generally provides that you
will recognize taxable income at the time a discounted stock option is no longer
subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (for example, when such option
vests) and that you will recognize additional taxable income each year until
the
discounted option is exercised. Such income would be taxable at ordinary income
rates and will also be subject to a 20% federal tax, and possibly additional
taxes in the nature of interest, in addition to the usual applicable withholding
and employment taxes.
24
We
believe that we have complied in good faith with the guidance issued to date
by
the IRS with respect to offering to amend and then cancel the 409A Options
to avoid or minimize the adverse personal tax consequences of Section 409A.
As a consequence, we believe that by the increase of the exercise price of
409A
Options to their Fair Market Value on the Revised Measurement Date (which
holders of 409A Options will be required to consent to as a condition to
acceptance of the Offer with respect to tendered 409A Options) may enable an
Optionee to avoid or minimize the adverse personal tax consequences under
Section 409A. Guidance issued after the date of this Offer or a future
determination by the IRS could provide that the terms of the Offer do not avoid
the adverse personal tax consequences of Section 409A. Therefore, it is not
completely certain that tendering your 409A Options pursuant to the terms of
this Offer would completely avoid the potential adverse personal tax
consequences under Section 409A.
The
tax treatment of discounted options under state tax law or the tax laws of
other
jurisdictions is not completely certain, and you may be required to recognize
income prior to the exercise or other settlement of your 409A Options or
pay additional taxes in respect of your 409A Options under applicable state
or foreign tax laws, even if you participate in the
Offer.
It
is
possible that 409A Options will be subject to taxes that are imposed under
applicable state tax laws or foreign tax laws that are similar to
Section 409A. Therefore, you may incur taxes under such provisions with
respect to your 409A Options based on the state in which you are subject to
taxation in addition to the federal taxes you may pay under Section 409A.
For instance, California has adopted a provision similar to Section 409A
that will result in an aggregate state and federal tax rate of approximately
80%
or more with regard to a discounted stock option.
In
addition, if you are subject to the tax laws in more than one jurisdiction,
you
should be aware that tax consequences of more than one jurisdiction may apply
to
your 409A Options.
“The
Offer,” Section 13 of this Information Statement describes certain material
U.S. federal income tax consequences if you participate in the Offer and if
you
do not participate in the Offer. You
are strongly encouraged to consult with your personal tax advisors to confirm
your individual tax situation.
For
Employees Subject to Tax Inside the U.S.
Generally
you will be subject to income and employment-related taxes on the amount you
receive upon the repurchase of your options. Please see “The Offer,” Section 13
of this Information Statement for more information about the possible tax
consequences associated with the repurchase of your options. We
recommend that you consult with your tax adviser prior to participating in
the
Offer.
For
Employees Subject to Tax Outside the US
If
you
are a tax
resident or citizen of a jurisdiction outside the U.S., you should refer to
Appendices A through F for information
about the tax consequences associated with the repurchase of your options that
may apply in your country.
We
recommend that you consult with your tax adviser prior to participating in
the
Offer.
25
3. Procedural
Risks
If
you participate in the Offer, there are a number of procedural steps that must
be followed for. These procedural steps are discussed in greater detail in
“The
Offer,” Sections 4 and 5 of this Information Statement. If you fail to follow
these procedural steps, you will risk that your Options will not be purchased
in
the Offer.
You
are
responsible for making sure that your initial Election Form and any subsequent
changes to your Election Form pursuant to which you withdraw or re-tender your
Options are received by us before the Expiration Date and that such form
accurately reflects your election. You should make a copy of the Election Form
that and any email that you submit. We intend to confirm the receipt of your
initial Election Form and any subsequent changes to your Election Form by
emailing an Election Confirmation Statement to you within three (3) business
days after we receive your Election Form. If you have not received an Electronic
Confirmation Statement in the time frame prescribed, you must send your printed
copies of your last Election Form, email delivery receipt or other evidence
of
delivery, and any Election Confirmation Statement that you did receive to
XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx to evidence proper and timely submission of your Election
Form. If you have any questions about submitting your Election Form, or if
you
do not receive your Election Confirmation Statement, please contact
XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx.
26
THE
OFFER
1. Material
terms; No other rights; Additional considerations.
Sonic
Solutions (“Sonic,”
“Company,”
“we,”
“our,”
or
“us”)
is
making an offer (the “Offer”)
to
certain individuals to cancel certain outstanding stock options to purchase
shares of our common stock previously granted under the Sonic Solutions 2000
Stock Option Plan, the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2004 Equity Compensation
Plan, and the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (Non-U.S. Employees) (collectively,
the
“Plans”)
in
exchange for a cash payment (the “Cash
Payment”).
THE
OFFER:
Some
of
our employees hold stock options with exercise prices that may be lower than
the
closing price per share of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market
(the “Fair
Market Value”)
on the
applicable grant date, as determined for tax purposes. Certain of these options
may therefore be subject to adverse tax consequences under Section 409A
(“Section 409A”)
of the
United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)
and
applicable state tax laws (collectively, “409A Options”).
In
addition, some of our employees and directors hold options (some of which may
be
409A Options) to purchase our common stock with an exercise price of $7.00
(the “Reference
Price”)
or
higher, which is greater than the current market price of our common stock
laws
(collectively, “High-Price
Options”).
We
refer to the 409A Options and the High Price Options collectively as the
“Options.”
We
are
offering to cancel the Options in exchange for a Cash Payment calculated in
the
manner described in this Information Statement. Each eligible individual who
holds Options will be provided with a personalized Election Form setting forth
the payment offered for each of his or her Options
The
Option purchase prices for particular Option grants are summarized in the
following table:
Exercise Price Range
|
Payment Per Option
|
|||
$1.00 to $2.50
|
$
|
0.60
|
||
$2.51 to $4.00
|
$
|
0.30
|
||
$4.01 to $5.50
|
$
|
0.15
|
||
$5.51 to $7.00
|
$
|
0.10
|
||
$7.01 to $8.50
|
$
|
0.06
|
||
$8.51 to $10.00
|
$
|
0.05
|
||
$10.01 to $14.00
|
$
|
0.03
|
||
$14.01 to $18.00
|
$
|
0.02
|
||
$18.01 to $22.00
|
$
|
0.01
|
Material
terms
Below
is
a summary of the general requirements and mechanics for the Offer.
Eligible
Optionees (each
of
whom we refer to as an “Optionee” and collectively as“Optionees”):
To
be
eligible to participate in the Offer, you must be a current employee or director
of Sonic (or any subsidiary of Sonic) on the Expiration Date (as defined
below).
27
409A Options:
· |
The
option was granted under one of the Plans;
AND
|
· |
The
option has a current exercise price that is lower than the Fair Market
Value per share of Sonic’s common stock on the date that has been
determined to be the “Revised
Measurement Date”
for that option for financial accounting purposes;
AND
|
· |
The
option is outstanding on the Expiration Date;
AND
|
· |
The
option was not granted to an individual who was an executive officer
or
director of Sonic at the time of the grant;
AND
|
· |
The
option was granted to an individual who is subject to income taxation
in
the United States; AND
|
· |
The
option is held by an Optionee; AND
|
· |
EITHER
the option (or part thereof) had not vested prior to January 1, 2005,
OR the option (or part thereof) has otherwise been determined by
Sonic to
be potentially subject to adverse taxation under
Section 409A.
|
High-Price
Options:
· |
The
option was granted under one of the Plans;
AND
|
· |
The
option has an exercise price of $7.00 or higher per share;
AND
|
· |
The
option was granted prior to June 1, 2008;
AND
|
· |
The
option is outstanding as of the Expiration Date;
AND
|
· |
The
option is held by an Optionee.
|
Terms
of Offer:
· |
The
Offer is not conditioned upon a minimum number of Options being tendered
for cancellation, but the Offer is subject to customary conditions,
as
described in Section 6.
|
· |
If
you elect to tender Options for cancellation as described in this
Offer
and if your Options are accepted for purchase, we will cancel your
Options
and you will receive a Cash Payment equal to the amount described
in
Section 1 and set forth on your personalized Election Form, less any
applicable tax withholdings. The Cash Payment will be promptly paid
on or
about January 5, 2009, the first Monday in 2009, regardless of whether
you
remain employed with Xxxxx on that date (provided that you qualify
as an
Optionee on the Expiration Date). The offered payment listed on your
personalized Election Form for each Option will be based upon the
original
exercise price of the Option, as set forth in the above
table.
|
· |
An
Option, or portion of an Option, may qualify as both a 409A Option
and a High-Price Option. To the extent that you tender Options that
constitute 409A Options, as a condition to tendering you must consent
to the increase of the exercise price per share to Fair Market Value
on
the Revised Measurement Date. Prior to their cancellation Sonic will
increase the exercise price per share to the Fair Market Value on
the
Revised Measurement Date. Other than the change in the exercise price,
no
other terms of the tendered 409A Options will be amended or modified
prior to cancellation, and the offered payment will be based on the
original, un-amended exercise
price.
|
28
General
Requirements:
· |
Certain
persons may hold more than one grant that includes Options as defined
in
this Information Statement. If you hold multiple grants of this kind,
you
do not need to tender all of them, but if you elect to include a
particular grant in this Offer, you must tender all of the Options
in that
grant (that is, you can choose to participate on a grant-by-grant
basis,
but you cannot tender fewer than all of the Options in a particular
grant).
|
· |
If
only a portion of an option meets the conditions described above,
then
only that portion will be considered Options for purposes of the
Offer,
and the balance of that option will not be eligible for cancellation
and
purchase pursuant to this Offer.
|
Expiration
Date:
· |
December
26, 2008, unless we extend it as described in this Information Statement
(such date, or any extension thereof, the “Expiration
Date”).
|
No
other rights.
Participating
in the Offer will not create any contractual or other right of the tendering
Optionees to receive any future grants of stock options, restricted stock units
or other stock-based compensation. This Offer does not change the “at-will”
nature of an Optionee’s employment with us, and an Optionee’s employment may be
terminated by us or by the Optionee at any time, for any reason, with or without
cause. The employment of Optionees outside the United States may be terminated
subject to the requirements of local law and the terms of any employment
agreement.
2. Purpose
of the Offer.
We
are
making the Offer for two principal reasons.
With
respect to 409A Options, we are making this Offer in order to offer our
employees a way to avoid potential adverse tax consequences that may apply
to
409A Options. Specifically, as a result of our review of our past option grant
practices, we have determined that each 409A Option was granted with an
exercise price that is lower than the Fair Market Value per share of our common
stock on the date that has now been determined to be the “Revised
Measurement Date”
for
financial accounting purposes. By reason of their revised measurement dates,
409A Options may be deemed to be below-market options for tax purposes
under U.S. tax law. Specifically, Section 409A of the Code provides that an
option granted with a below-market exercise price may be subject to taxation
at
an aggregate rate of 60% or more for employees who are not subject to state
taxation in California, and an aggregate rate of 80% or more for employees
who
are subject to state taxation in California, in each case, on the value of
that
option as and when that option vests as well as when it is exercised, unless
that option is brought into compliance with Section 409A before
January 1, 2009. Accordingly, Xxxxx has decided to provide Optionees with
the opportunity to bring their 409A Options into compliance under
Section 409A by raising the applicable exercise prices to the Fair Market
Value on the Revised Measurement Date immediately before, and as condition
to,
their purchase pursuant to the Offer.
With
respect to the High-Price Options, we believe that the Options are not achieving
their intended incentive and compensatory purpose, as the exercise price is
(and
has been for an extended period of time) greater than $ 0.96 per share, the
closing price of our common stock on November 21, 2008, as reported on the
Nasdaq Global Select Market. By offering to purchase outstanding options, we
hope to provide some value to the holders of High Price Options.
29
3. Status
of Options not tendered.
If
you
choose not to tender your Options you must still submit an Election Form
indicating that you are declining to accept the Offer. Your Options will
continue to remain outstanding in accordance with their existing
terms.
You
should note that Xxxxx must report to the IRS (and any applicable state or
foreign taxing authority), and make applicable tax withholdings in respect
of,
any income that should be recognized by you under applicable tax law in
connection with those Options that are not tendered. You
will be solely responsible for any income and excise taxes, penalties, and
interest payable under Section 409A or otherwise and under any state and
foreign tax laws, including those taxes, penalties and interest resulting from
any exercise or disposition of such 409A Option.
4. Procedures
for tendering Options.
Obtain
Personalized Election Form
At
the
commencement of the Offer, each Optionee will receive an email announcing the
Offer and containing the material documents related to the Offer (the
“Commencement
Notice,”
in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 99.(a)(1)(B)). In addition,
each Optionee will receive a second email (in substantially the form attached
hereto as Exhibit 99.(a)(1)(C)) containing a personalized Election Form (in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 99.(a)(1)(D)) that describes
his or her Options.
If
you
believe you are an Optionee and you did not receive both of these emails and
your personalized Election Form, please contact
XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx.
Complete
the Election Form
If
you
decide to elect to tender your Options for cancellation and payment pursuant
to
the Offer, you must:
· |
Print
a copy of your personalized Election
Form;
|
· |
Complete
and sign the Election Form (and, for each 409A Option tendered, consent
to
the increase of the exercise price per share to the Fair Market Value
on
the Revised Measurement Date); and
|
· |
Submit
a copy of your completed personalized Election Form (1) via email to
Wil XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx or (2) via hand delivery, certified mail,
or Federal Express to Xxx Xxxxxxxx at our Novato office: 000 Xxxxxxx
Xxx,
Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxx, XX 00000.
|
· |
Your
Election Form must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on
December 26, 2008.
|
If
we
extend the Offer beyond December 26, 2008, you must deliver those documents
before the extended Expiration Date of the Offer. We will not accept any
Election Form after the expiration of the Offer.
30
If
you
submit your Election Form via email to XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx, please print
a
copy of the email that is sent to you so that you have a record of delivery.
You
must keep a copy of both (1) your Election Form and (2) your email
submission.
To
accept this Offer, you must complete and submit your personalized Election
Form
that sets forth your election for your Options to reject the
Offer.
However, if you do not complete and submit the Election Form, you will be deemed
to have rejected the Offer, and your Options will not be amended or cancelled
and purchased pursuant to the Offer, as applicable. Optionees
should be aware that adverse tax consequences under Section 409A and
applicable state tax laws may apply to your 409A Options if you reject the
Offer. You will be solely responsible for any taxes, interest or penalties
you
may incur under Section 409A or otherwise.
You
may
change your elections at any time prior to the expiration of the Offer on the
Expiration Date. If we do not receive your Election Form by 11:59 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time on the Expiration Date, you will be deemed to have rejected the
Offer.
Receive
Confirmation of Election.
Within
three (3) business days after your Election Form is received, we will email
you an Election Confirmation Statement (in substantially the form attached
hereto as Exhibit 99(a)(1)(E)). Within three (3) business days after the
Expiration Date, we will email you a Final Election Confirmation Statement
that
confirms the last election that you made for your Options as of the Expiration
Date (in substantially the forms attached hereto as Exhibits 99.(a)(1)(F) and
99.(a)(1)(G), respectively). Please print and keep a copy of the Election
Confirmation Statement and Final Election Confirmation Statement that you
receive. If
you have not received any of these confirmations at the appropriate time, you
must confirm that we have received your completed Election Form by contacting
XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx
and
providing a copy of your Election Form and email submission and any Election
Confirmation Statement that you did receive to evidence proper and timely
submission of your Election Form.
Determination
of Validity; Rejection of Option Shares; Waiver of Defects; No Obligation to
Give Notice of Defects.
We
will
determine, in our discretion, all questions as to the form of documents and
the
validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), and acceptance of
any
option tender, and we will decide, in our sole discretion, all questions as
to
the portion of each outstanding option that comprises an Option for purposes
of
the Offer. Our determination as to those matters will be final and binding
on
all parties. We reserve the right to reject any or all option tenders that
we
determine do not comply with the conditions of the Offer, that we determine
are
not in appropriate form or that we determine are unlawful to accept. Otherwise,
we intend to accept each properly and timely tendered Option that is not validly
withdrawn. We also reserve the right to waive any of the conditions of the
Offer
or any defect or irregularity in any tender with respect to any particular
Option or any particular Optionee. No tender of an Option will be deemed to
have
been properly made until all defects or irregularities have been cured by the
tendering Optionee or waived by us. Neither we nor any other person is obligated
to give notice of any defects or irregularities in tenders, nor will anyone
incur any liability for failure to give any such notice.
Our
Acceptance Constitutes an Agreement.
Your
tender of an Option pursuant to the procedures described above constitutes
your
acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Offer. Subject to our rights
to
extend, terminate or amend the Offer, we currently expect that, upon the terms
and subject to the conditions of the Offer, we will, upon the Expiration Date,
accept all Options that have been properly tendered and not validly withdrawn
before the Expiration Date.
31
However,
if you are not an employee or director of
Sonic
(or any Sonic subsidiary) on the Expiration Date, then none of your tendered
Options will be accepted. The tendered Options will be returned to you and
will
remain exercisable in accordance with the terms in effect for them at the time
of tender, including the current exercise price per share. Your
409A Options will be subject to adverse income taxation under
Section 409A.
Our
acceptance of your tendered Options pursuant to the Offer will constitute a
binding agreement between us and you upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of the Offer.
Accordingly,
within three (3) business days after the Expiration Date, we will email you
a Final Election Confirmation Statement, reflecting the last election we
received from you.
5. Withdrawal
rights.
You
may
only withdraw your tendered Options in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 5.
(i)
|
You
may withdraw some or all of your tendered Options at any time before
11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on the Expiration Date of the
Offer.
|
(ii)
|
To
validly withdraw your tendered Options, you must submit a new Election
Form via email to XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx or by hand delivery, certified
mail, or Federal Express to Xxx Xxxxxxxx at our Novato office: 000
Xxxxxxx
Xxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxx, XX 00000.
|
You
may
only submit a new Election Form to withdraw your Options from the Offer while
you still have the right to withdraw the tendered options in accordance with
the
requirements of subparagraph (i) above.
You
may
not rescind any withdrawal, and any Option you withdraw will no longer be deemed
tendered pursuant to the Offer, unless you properly re-tender that Option before
the Expiration Date by following the election and tender procedures described
in
Section 4.
Neither
Sonic nor any other person is obligated to give notice of any defects or
irregularities in any revised Election Form submitted to us for purposes of
withdrawing tendered Options from the Offer, nor will anyone incur any liability
for failure to give any such notice. We will determine, in our sole discretion,
all questions as to the form and validity, including time of receipt, of revised
Election Forms purporting to withdraw tendered Options from the Offer. Our
determination of those matters will be final and binding.
6. Conditions
of the Offer.
We
will
not accept any Options tendered to us, and we may terminate or amend the Offer
or postpone our acceptance of any Options tendered to us, in each case, subject
to Rule 13e-4(f)(5) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, if at any
time on or after November 25, 2008, and before the Expiration Date, any of
the
following events has occurred, or has been reasonably determined by us to have
occurred and, in our reasonable judgment in any such case and regardless of
the
circumstances giving rise thereto (including any action or omission by us),
the
occurrence of such event or events makes it inadvisable for us to proceed with
the Offer or with our acceptance of the Options tendered to us:
32
(a)
|
there
shall have been threatened or instituted or be pending any action
or
proceeding by any government or governmental, regulatory or administrative
agency, authority or tribunal or by any other person, domestic or
foreign,
before any court, authority, agency or tribunal that directly or
indirectly challenges the making of the Offer, the amendment of the
existing exercise price in effect and/or subsequent repurchase for
some or
all of the tendered 409A Options pursuant to the Offer, or otherwise
relates in any manner to the Offer or that, in our reasonable judgment,
could materially and adversely affect our business, condition (financial
or other), operating results, operations or prospects, or otherwise
materially impair in any way the contemplated future conduct of our
business or the business of any of our subsidiaries or materially
impair
the contemplated benefits of the Offer to
us;
|
(b)
|
there
shall have been any action threatened, pending or taken, or approval
withheld, or any statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order or injunction
threatened, proposed, sought, promulgated, enacted, entered, amended,
enforced or deemed to be applicable to the Offer or us or any of
our
subsidiaries, by any court or any authority, agency or tribunal that,
in
our reasonable judgment, would or might directly or
indirectly:
|
· |
make
the amendment and/or the cancellation and purchase of the Options
illegal
or otherwise restrict or prohibit consummation of the Offer or otherwise
relates in any manner to the Offer;
|
· |
delay
or restrict our ability, or render us unable, to accept some or all
of the
tendered Options;
|
· |
materially
impair the benefits we hope to convey as a result of the Offer, that
we
believe would occur only as a result of further changes to
Section 409A or other tax laws that would affect the Offer or the
409A Options; or
|
· |
materially
and adversely affect our business, condition (financial or other),
operating results, operations or prospects or otherwise materially
impair
in any way the contemplated future conduct of our business or the
business
of any of our subsidiaries;
|
(c)
|
there
shall have occurred:
|
· |
any
general suspension of trading in, or limitation on prices for, our
securities on any national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter
market;
|
· |
any
significant change in the market price of the shares of our common
stock
or any change in the general political, market, economic or financial
conditions in the United States or abroad that could, in our reasonable
judgment, have a material adverse effect on our business, condition
(financial or other), operating results, operations or prospects
or on the
trading in our common stock, or that, in our reasonable judgment,
makes it
inadvisable to proceed with the
Offer;
|
· |
in
the case of any of the foregoing existing at the time of the commencement
of the Offer, a material acceleration or worsening
thereof;
|
(d)
|
there
shall have occurred any change in generally accepted accounting standards
or the application or interpretation thereof that could or would
require
us for financial reporting purposes to record compensation expenses
against our operating results in connection with the Offer that would
be
in excess of any compensation expenses that we would be required
to record
under generally accepted accounting standards in effect at the time
we
commence the Offer;
|
33
(e)
|
a
tender or exchange offer with respect to some or all of our outstanding
common stock, or a merger or acquisition proposal for us, shall have
been
proposed, announced or made by another person or entity or shall
have been
publicly disclosed, or we shall have learned
that:
|
· |
any
person, entity or “group,” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of
the 1934 Act, shall have acquired or proposed to acquire beneficial
ownership of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common
stock,
or any new group shall have been formed that beneficially owns more
than
5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, other than any
such
person, entity or group that has filed a Schedule 13D or
Schedule 13G with the SEC before December 26,
2008;
|
· |
any
such person, entity or group that has filed a Schedule 13D or
Schedule 13G with the SEC before December 26, 2008 shall have
acquired or proposed to acquire beneficial ownership of an additional
2%
or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock;
or
|
· |
any
person, entity or group shall have filed a Notification and Report
Form
under the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 or
made a
public announcement reflecting an intent to acquire us or any of
our
subsidiaries or any of the assets or securities of us or any of our
subsidiaries;
|
(f)
|
any
change or changes shall have occurred in our business, condition
(financial or other), assets, operating results, operations, prospects
or
stock ownership or that of our subsidiaries as a result of unforeseen,
extraordinary events beyond our control that, in our reasonable judgment,
is or may be material to us or our subsidiaries or otherwise makes
it
inadvisable for us to proceed with the Offer;
or
|
(g)
|
any
rules, regulations or actions by any governmental authority, the
Nasdaq
Stock Market, or other regulatory or administrative authority of
any
national securities exchange have been enacted, enforced or deemed
applicable to Sonic that makes it inadvisable for us to proceed with
the
Offer.
|
The
conditions to the Offer are for our benefit. We may assert them in our
discretion, regardless of the circumstances giving rise to them, at any time
before the Expiration Date. We may waive them, in whole or in part, at any
time
and from time to time before the Expiration Date, in our discretion, whether
or
not we waive any other condition to the Offer. Our failure at any time to
exercise any of these rights will not be deemed a waiver of any such rights.
The
waiver of any of these rights with respect to particular facts and circumstances
will not be deemed a waiver with respect to any other facts and circumstances.
Should we decide to waive any of the material conditions of the Offer, the
Offer
will remain open for the five (5) business days following the date we
announce the waiver. Any determination we make concerning the events described
in this Section 6 may be challenged by an Optionee only in a court of
competent jurisdiction. A non-appealable determination with respect to such
matter by a court of competent jurisdiction will be final and binding upon
all
persons.
34
7. Price
range of common stock underlying the Options.
There
is
no established trading market for the Options or any other options granted
under
our Plans.
Our
common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol
“SNIC.” The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low
sales prices per share of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select
Market.
Quarter Ended
|
High
|
Low
|
|||||
September
30, 2008
|
$
|
6
.84
|
$
|
3.31
|
|||
June
30, 2008
|
$
|
10.33
|
$
|
5.61
|
|||
March
31, 2008
|
$
|
10.94
|
$
|
7.73
|
|||
December
31, 2007
|
$
|
13.07
|
$
|
7.72
|
|||
September
30, 2007
|
$
|
13.54
|
$
|
7.38
|
|||
June
30, 2007
|
$
|
15.16
|
$
|
11.76
|
|||
March
31, 2007
|
$
|
19.35
|
$
|
13.74
|
|||
December
31, 2006
|
$
|
17.81
|
$
|
14.34
|
|||
September
30, 2006
|
$
|
16.95
|
$
|
13.25
|
|||
June
30, 2006
|
$
|
18.47
|
$
|
14.20
|
On
November 21, 2008 the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq
Global Select Market was $0.96 per share.
The
price
of our common stock has been, and in the future may be, volatile and could
decline. The trading price of our common stock has fluctuated in the past and
is
expected to continue to do so in the future, as a result of a number of factors,
many of which are outside our control. In addition, the stock market has
experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market
prices of many companies, and that have often been unrelated or disproportionate
to the operating performance of those companies.
8. Source
and amount of consideration; Terms of Plans.
We
will
pay the purchase price for Options acquired in the Offer out of cash on hand.
If
all eligible Options are tendered and accepted in the Offer, the aggregate
cash
purchase price for such Options would be approximately $212,319.
Terms
of the Plans.
The
Options have all been granted pursuant to one of the Plans.
The
following is a description of the principal features of each Plan that apply
to
option grants made under such Plan. The description of each Plan is subject
to,
and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the actual provisions of the
applicable Plan and the form of stock option agreement in effect for the Options
granted under that Plan. The 2000 Stock Option Plan has been filed as an exhibit
to our Definitive Proxy Statement for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000
filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 31, 2000; the
2004 Stock Incentive Plan has been filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 filed with the SEC on
November 9, 2004; the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan as been filed an exhibit
to
our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 13, 2004; and
the
2005 Stock Incentive Plan (Non-U.S. Employees) has been field as Exhibit 10.21
to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2005. Plans
have
been filed as Exhibits 99.(d)(1)(A), 99.(d)(1)(B), 99.(d)(1)(C) and 99.(d)(1)(D)
to our Schedule TO filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”)
on
November 25, 2008. Please contact XxxxxxXxxxx@Xxxxx.xxx, to receive a copy
of
each Plan document and the form of stock option agreement for each Plan. We
will
promptly furnish you copies of those documents at our expense.
35
Sonic
Solutions 2000 Stock Option Plan
In
2000,
we adopted the Sonic Solutions 2000 Stock Option Plan (the “2000
Plan”).
The
2000 Plan covers 3.0 million shares of Common Stock with an annual increase
in
the number of shares available for issuance under the 2000 Plan on the last
day
of each fiscal year, provided that the total number of shares issuable under
the
plan shall not exceed 3.75 million shares. Under this plan, stock options are
granted at the Fair Market Value of our common stock on the date of grant.
The
2000 Plan provides for issuing both incentive stock options, which must be
granted at Fair Market Value at the date of grant, and nonqualified stock
options, which must be granted at not less than 85% of Fair Market Value of
the
stock. Options under the 2000 Plan generally vest over four years from the
date
of grant. The options generally expire ten years from the date of grant and
are
canceled three months after termination of employment. Our Board of Directors
and Compensation Committee administer the 2000 Plan. Upon the completion of
our
voluntary review of stock option grant practices, it was determined that some
grants from this plan were issued at less than Fair Market Value and have been
restated.
2004
Stock Incentive Plan
In
February 2004, we adopted the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004
SIP”)
and
reserved 2.0 million shares of common stock solely for the grant of “inducement”
stock options and other share-based awards. The 2004 SIP did not require
shareholder approval. These shares may be issued in connection with the
recruitment of employees in future acquisitions and in the recruitment of other
employees in the future. The 2004 SIP provides for issuing nonqualified stock
options. The options generally expire ten years from the date of grant and
are
canceled three months after termination of employment. Our Board of Directors
and Compensation Committee administer the 2004 SIP. Upon the completion of
our
voluntary review of stock option grant practices, it was determined that some
grants from this plan were issued at less than Fair Market Value and have been
restated.
Sonic
Solutions 2004 Equity Compensation Plan
In
June
2004, we adopted the Sonic Solutions 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (the
“2004
Plan”)
and
the shareholders approved the 2004 Plan in September, 2004. The 2004 Plan
originally covered 3,000,000 shares of common stock, but 750,000 of these shares
are now reserved for issuance under the 2005 Plan. The 2004 Plan provides for
the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock
appreciation rights and dividend equivalent rights (collectively referred to
as
“awards”). Stock options granted under the 2004 Plan may be either incentive
stock options under the provisions of Section 422 of the Code, or
nonqualified stock options. Incentive stock options may be granted only to
employees. Awards other than incentive stock options may be granted to
employees, directors and consultants. Options under the 2004 Plan generally
vest
over four years from the date of grant. The options generally expire ten years
from the date of grant and are canceled three months after termination of
employment. Our Board of Directors and Compensation Committee administer the
2004 Plan. Upon the completion of our voluntary review of stock option grant
practices, it was determined that some grants from this plan were issued at
less
than Fair Market Value and have been restated.
36
Sonic
Solutions 2005 Stock Incentive Plan
In
March
2005, we adopted the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (Non-U.S. Employees)
(“Non-U.S.
Plan”).
The
terms and the purposes of the Non-U.S. Plan and the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan
are substantially similar. The Board of Directors reserved 750,000 shares of
common stock for issuance under the Non-U.S. Plan which were previously reserved
under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. Options may only be granted to Employees
(a) who have not previously been an Employee or Director of the Company or
a
Related Entity or (b) following a bona fide period of non-employment or
non-service to the Company or a Related Entity. The Non-U.S. Plan provides
for
issuing nonqualified stock. Options under the 2005 Plan generally vest over
four
years from the date of grant. The options generally expire ten years from the
date of grant and are canceled three months after termination of employment.
Our
Board of Directors and Compensation Committee administer the Non-U.S. Plan.
Upon
the completion of our voluntary review of stock option grant practices, it
was
determined that some grants from this plan were issued at less than Fair Market
Value and have been restated.
9. Information
concerning Sonic.
The
following is only a summary of information regarding Sonic Solutions. Additional
information can be found in
our
periodic filings with the SEC which are available on our website and on the
SEC’s website at xxx.xxx.xxx.
Please see Section 16 of “The Offer” of this Information Statement for
instructions on how to access or receive copies of our most recent Annual Report
on Form 10-K and our other periodic filings with the SEC.
Sonic
Solutions is the leading developer of software and services for enabling the
creation, management, and enjoyment of digital media content such as data,
photographs, audio, interactive features and video in digital formats. Our
Hollywood to Home™ products are offered direct to consumers through original
equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), retail, online retail, enterprises, to
high-end professional DVD authoring experts and technology developers. Our
products are used across multiple operating systems, devices and media. We
distribute our products across a wide variety of platforms, including Internet
broadband, broadcast, mobile and optical disc formats such as Compact Audio
Disc
(“CD-Audio”), Digital Video Disc (“DVD”), Blu-ray Disc (“BD”), as well as
emerging formats. We were incorporated in California in 1986 and completed
our
initial public offering in 1994. Our principal executive headquarters are
located at 000 Xxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000. Our telephone
number is (000) 000-0000. Our fax number is (000) 000-0000. We maintain web
sites at xxx.xxxxx.xxx
and
xxx.xxxxx.xxx.
Our
websites do not constitute part of this Information Statement.
10. Interests
of directors and officers; Transactions and arrangements concerning the Options;
Material agreements with directors and officers.
Each
of
our executive officers and directors hold eligible Options are able to
participate in the Offer. The members of the Sonic Board of Directors and the
Sonic executive officers and their respective positions and offices as of
November 25, 2008, are set forth in the following table:
37
Name
|
Position and Offices Held
|
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
|
Chief
Executive Officer and President
|
X.
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
Chief
Operating Officer
|
Xxxx
Xxx
|
Executive
Vice President of Strategy
|
Xxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
Executive
Vice President, Acting Chief
|
Financial
Officer and General Counsel
|
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
Chairman
of the Board of Directors
|
Xxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
Directory
and Secretary
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
Director
|
Director
|
|
X.
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
Director
|
The
address of each board member and executive officer is c/o Sonic Solutions,
000
Xxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000, and the telephone number
is
(000) 000-0000.
As
of
November 14, 2008, our current executive officers and members of our Board
of
Directors as a group beneficially owned outstanding options under all Sonic
equity compensation plans to purchase a total of 3,227,628 shares of our common
stock in the aggregate, which represented approximately 55% of the shares of
common stock subject to all options outstanding under all Sonic equity
compensation plans as of that date.
Each
of
our executive officers and directors hold eligible Options and are able to
participate in the Offer. The following table shows the holdings of options
to
purchase our common stock as of November 14, 2008 by each director and each
executive officer of Sonic.
Name and Address of Beneficial
Owner
|
Total Options
(#)
|
Percentage of
all Options
(%)
|
Total Exercisable
Options
(#)
|
Options Eligible
for Offer
(#)
|
Percentage of
All Eligible
Options
(%)
|
Payment if
All Eligible
Options
Tendered
|
Percentage of
Total Max
Payment
(%)
|
|||||||||||||||
Directors
and Officers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
625,844
|
11
|
%
|
604,669
|
490,528
|
12
|
%
|
$
|
16,122
|
8
|
%
|
|||||||||||
Xxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
293,905
|
5
|
%
|
276,930
|
220,528
|
6
|
%
|
7,122
|
3
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxxx
|
167,100
|
3
|
%
|
150,125
|
66,000
|
2
|
%
|
2,280
|
1
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
143,800
|
2
|
%
|
122,625
|
77,500
|
2
|
%
|
2,550
|
1
|
%
|
||||||||||||
X.
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
123,100
|
2
|
%
|
106,125
|
66,000
|
2
|
%
|
2,280
|
1
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
|
775,000
|
13
|
%
|
452,083
|
400,000
|
10
|
%
|
4,000
|
2
|
%
|
||||||||||||
X.
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx
|
748,000
|
13
|
%
|
554,250
|
300,000
|
8
|
%
|
4,000
|
2
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Xxxx
Xxx
|
131,879
|
2
|
%
|
131,879
|
131,879
|
3
|
%
|
5,564
|
3
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Xxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
219,000
|
4
|
%
|
95,000
|
75,000
|
2
|
%
|
1,500
|
1
|
%
|
||||||||||||
All
Executive Officers and Directors as a group (9 persons)
|
3,227,628
|
|
2,493,686
|
1,827,435
|
|
$
|
45,418 |
Neither
we nor, to the best of our knowledge, any of our affiliates, directors or
executive officers is a party to any agreement, arrangement, understanding
or
relationship, whether or not legally enforceable,
with any other person relating directly or indirectly, with respect to options
to purchase our
common
stock, including but not limited to, any agreement, arrangement, understanding
or relationship concerning the transfer or the voting of our securities, joint
ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees of loans,
guarantees against loss or the giving or withholding of proxies, consents or
authorizations.
38
11. Accounting
consequences.
According
to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) (“SFAS
No. 123(R)”), Share-Based
Payment,
a
company modifying an award under SFAS No. 123(R) would incur compensation
cost for any incremental difference in Fair Market Value between the new award
and the old award, measuring the old award’s Fair Market Value immediately
before the modification to the Fair Market Value of the modified award
immediately after modification, plus cash consideration paid in connection
with
the adjustment or cancellation. If 409A Options are tendered, we will
recognize a compensation expense for financial reporting purposes to the extent
that the Fair Market Value of the 409A Option is greater than the Fair
Market Value of the 409A Option immediately prior to modification. Any such
incremental compensation expense will be recognized immediately.
12. Legal
matters; Regulatory approvals.
We
are
not aware of any license or regulatory permit material to our business that
might be adversely affected by our making or consummating the Offer, or of
any
approval or other action by any government or governmental, administrative
or
regulatory authority or agency, domestic or foreign, that would be required
for
the amendment, cancellation or purchase of Options as contemplated herein.
Should any such approval or other action be required, we presently contemplate
that we will seek such approval or take such other action. We are unable to
predict whether we may be required to delay the acceptance of the tendered
Options pending the outcome of any such matter. We cannot assure you that any
such approval or other action, if needed, would be obtained or would be obtained
without substantial conditions or that the failure to obtain any such approval
or other action might not result in adverse consequences to our business. Our
obligation under the Offer to accept tendered Options is subject to the
conditions described in this Information Statement.
13. Material
U.S. federal income tax consequences.
The
following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax
consequences applicable to the Offer.
U.S.
federal tax consequences of rejecting the Offer with respect to 409A
Options.
Based
on
currently available guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service (the
“IRS”),
we
believe that the following adverse U.S. federal tax consequences apply to
409A Options if they are not amended and then cancelled pursuant to the
Offer:
·
|
In
the tax year when the 409A Option
vests:
|
o
|
To
the extent that the Fair Market Value of the shares underlying the
409A Option is greater than the strike price, the holder will
generally recognize taxable income in the tax year(s) starting in
2005
when the 409A Option vests. The amount of income recognized in
connection with vesting will likely be equal to the Fair Market Value
of
the newly vested shares, less the exercise price payable for those
shares.
While it is not clear when this income would be measured, as the
IRS has
not yet issued final guidance on this point, the amount of income
will
likely be based on the value of the shares on the vesting date or
on
December 31 of the year in which the option
vests;
|
39
o
|
The
holder will incur an additional 20% federal income tax because of
Section 409A on the income recognized in connection with
vesting;
|
o
|
The
holder will also be liable for additional tax in the nature of interest
if
the income should have been reported in an earlier tax year than
first
reported; and
|
o
|
This
taxation could occur even though the 409A Option remains
unexercised.
|
·
|
In
the years between the date of vesting and the date of
exercise:
|
o
|
To
the extent that the Fair Market Value of the shares underlying the
409A Option is greater than the strike price, the holder will
generally recognize taxable income in the tax year(s) between the
date of
vesting and the date of exercise. The amount of income recognized
will
likely be equal to the Fair Market Value of the vested shares on
December 31 of such tax year, less the exercise price payable for
those shares and less any income previously recognized (that is,
income
recognized with respect to the year of vesting, as described
above);
|
o
|
The
holder will incur an additional 20% federal income tax because of
Section 409A on the income recognized for the relevant
year;
|
o
|
The
holder will also be liable for additional tax in the nature of interest
if
the income should have been reported in an earlier tax year than
first
reported; and
|
o
|
This
taxation could occur even though the 409A Option remains
unexercised.
|
·
|
In
the year the 409A Option is
exercised:
|
o
|
To
the extent that the Fair Market Value of the shares underlying the
409A Option is greater than the strike price, the holder will
generally recognize taxable income in the tax year(s) after 2005
when the
409A Option is exercised. The amount of income recognized in
connection with the exercise of the option will likely be equal to
the
Fair Market Value of these purchased shares, less the sum of the
exercise
price paid and any income previously recognized (i.e., any income
recognized with respect to the year of vesting and each December 31
thereafter, as described above);
|
o
|
The
holder will incur an additional 20% federal income tax because of
Section 409A on the income recognized in connection with the
paragraphs above;
|
o
|
The
holder will also be liable for additional tax in the nature of interest
if
the income should have been reported in an earlier tax year than
first
reported.
|
In
addition, certain states have also adopted laws similar to Section 409A
such that the holder of a 409A Option may also incur additional taxes and
penalties under such state law provisions with respect to 409A Options
based on the state in which he or she is subject to taxation. For instance,
California has adopted a provision similar to Section 409A that will likely
result in an aggregate state and federal income tax rate of approximately 80%
or
more with regard to a 409A Option for individuals subject to taxation in
California.
40
You
are strongly encouraged to consult with your personal tax advisor to confirm
your individual federal and state tax exposure applicable to your
409A Options.
However, you should note that Xxxxx must report to the IRS (and any applicable
state taxing authorities), and make applicable tax withholdings in respect
of,
any income that should be recognized under Section 409A and other
applicable tax laws in connection with 409A Options that are not cured by
the Offer. You
will be solely responsible for any income and excise taxes, penalties, and
interest payable under Section 409A or otherwise.
U.S.
federal tax consequences of accepting the Offer.
We
believe that by tendering 409A Options pursuant to the Offer, Optionees
will not
be
subject to adverse taxation under Section 409A. However, you should note
that the application of Section 409A to the 409A Options is not
entirely free from doubt. You
are strongly encouraged to consult with your personal tax advisors regarding
the
tax treatment of your 409A Options and the consequences of participation in
this Offer.
The
following is a general summary under current law of the material United States
federal income tax consequences to participants in the Offer. This summary
deals
with the general tax principles that apply and is provided only for general
information. Some kinds of taxes, such as state and local income taxes, are
not
discussed. Tax laws are complex and subject to change and may vary depending
on
individual circumstances and from locality to locality. The summary does not
discuss all aspects of income taxation that may be relevant to you in light
of
your personal investment circumstances. This summarized tax information is
not
tax advice.
To
comply with Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, you are hereby notified
that:
(a) any discussion of federal tax issues in this program is not intended or
written to be used, and cannot be used by you, for the purpose of avoiding
penalties that may be imposed on you under the Internal Revenue Code;
(b) any such discussion is written in connection with the promotion or
marketing of the transactions or matters addressed herein by Xxxxx; and
(c) you should consult your own independent tax advisor as to the specific
tax consequences to you of tendering in the Offer.
If
you
exchange your Options for cash in the Offer and are subject to tax only in
the
United States, you will be required under current law to recognize income for
United States federal income tax purposes at the time of the exchange, which
will occur upon our acceptance of your Options promptly following the expiration
of the Offer. The cash you receive will be subject to withholdings in the year
received at the same rate as applied to your bonus. Such income is subject
to
withholding of income, FICA and Medicare taxes and other applicable employment
taxes. Other deductions you may have elected, such as for our 401(k) Plan,
will
not be made from this payment.
If
you
are a resident of or are otherwise subject to tax in a country other than the
United States, your tax consequences with respect to the Offer may vary from
those tax consequences described above. Please be sure to refer to Appendices
A
through F for a discussion of the tax and legal consequences of electing to
tender in the Offer in the country in which you reside and are subject to tax.
Tax consequences may vary depending on each individual option holder’s
circumstances. (See Appendices A through F, as applicable.) We recommend that
you consult your own tax advisor with respect to the federal, state and local
or
foreign tax consequences of tendering in the Offer.
You
should consult with your own tax advisor to determine the personal tax
consequences to you of tendering in this Offer. If you are a resident of or
subject to the tax laws in more than one country, you should be aware that
there
might be additional tax and social insurance consequences that may apply to
you.
41
14. Extension
of the Offer; Termination; Amendment.
We
expressly reserve the right, in our discretion, at any time and from time to
time, and regardless of whether or not any event set forth in Section 6 has
occurred or is deemed by us to have occurred, to extend the period of time
during which the Offer is open and thereby delay the acceptance of any Options
for cancellation and purchase by giving notice of such extension to the
tendering Optionees and making a public announcement thereof.
We
also
expressly reserve the right, in our judgment, at any time before the Expiration
Date, to terminate or amend the Offer and to postpone our acceptance of any
tendered Options for amendment or cancellation and purchase upon the occurrence
of any of the conditions specified in Section 6, by giving written or
electronic notice of such termination or postponement to the tendering Optionees
and making a public announcement thereof. Our reservation of the right to delay
our acceptance of the tendered Options for amendment is limited by Rule
13e-4(f)(5) promulgated under the 1934 Act, which requires that we must pay
the
consideration offered or return the tendered Options promptly after termination
or withdrawal of the Offer.
Amendments
to the Offer may be made at any time and from time to time by public
announcement of the amendment. In the case of an extension, notice of such
extension will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on the
next business day after the last previously scheduled or announced Expiration
Date. Any public announcement made pursuant to the Offer will be disseminated
promptly to Optionees in a manner reasonably designated to inform option holders
of such change.
If
we
materially change the terms of the Offer or the information concerning the
Offer, or if we waive a material condition of the Offer, we will extend the
Offer to the extent required by Rules 13e-4(d)(2) and 13e-4(e)(3) under the
1934
Act. Those rules require that the minimum period during which an Offer must
remain open following material changes in the terms of the Offer or information
concerning the Offer, other than a change in price or a change in percentage
of
securities sought, will depend on the facts and circumstances, including the
relative materiality of such terms or information.
If
we
decide to take any of the following actions, we will give notice of such action
and keep the Offer open for at least ten (10) business days after the date
of
such notification:
(1)
|
we
increase or decrease the amount of consideration offered for the
Options,
or
|
(2)
|
we
increase or decrease the number of Options eligible to be tendered
in the
Offer.
|
15. Fees
and expenses.
We
will
not pay any fees or commissions to any broker, dealer or other person for
soliciting submissions of Options for cancellation and purchase pursuant to
this
Offer.
16. Additional
information.
We
have
filed with the SEC a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO, of which this
document is a part, with respect to the Offer. This document does not contain
all of the information contained in the Schedule TO and the exhibits to the
Schedule TO. We recommend that you review the Schedule TO, including its
exhibits, and the following materials that we have filed with the SEC before
making a decision on whether to tender your Options for cancellation and
purchase:
42
(a)
|
our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2008,
filed
with the SEC on June 23, 2008;
|
(b)
|
our
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for our quarters ended June 30, 2008
and
September 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2008 and November
10,
2008, respectively; and
|
(c)
|
our
Current Reports on Form 8-K (in each case, other than information
and
exhibits “furnished” to not “filed” with the SEC in accordance with SEC
rules and regulations, except as indicated) filed with the SEC on
July 3,
2008, August 18, 2008, September 30, 2008, October 31, 2008 and November
12, 2008.
|
The
SEC
file number for these filings is 0000916235. These filings, our other annual,
quarterly and current reports, our proxy statements and our other SEC filings
are available to the public on the SEC’s website at xxx.xxx.xxx.
These
filings may also be examined, and copies may be obtained, at the following
SEC
public reference room:
000
X
Xxxxxx, N.E.
Washington,
D.C. 20549
You
may
obtain information on the operation of the public reference rooms by calling
the
SEC at 0-000-XXX-0000.
We
will
also provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of this document
is
delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any
or
all of the documents to which we have referred you, other than exhibits to
such
documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference
into
such documents). Requests should be directed to:
Sonic
Solutions
000
Xxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000
Novato,
California 94945
Attn:
Legal Department
The
information relating to Xxxxx in this document should be read together with
the
information contained in the documents to which we have referred
you.
17. Forward-looking
statements; Miscellaneous.
This
document and our SEC reports referred to above contain certain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the 1933 Act and
Section 21E of the 1934 Act. All statements other than statements of
historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking
statements include, among others, those statements regarding future events
and
future results of Sonic that are based on current expectations, estimates,
forecasts, and the beliefs and assumptions of us and our management, and speak
only as of the date made and are not guarantees of future performance. Words
such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,”
“project,” “will,” “may” and other similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain
these words. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject
to
risks. Such statements should be viewed with caution. Factors that might cause
or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those
discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those set forth in
Item 1A , those factors set forth in Item 7A of our Annual
Report and those factors set forth in other reports that we file with the
SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, or any facts, events, or circumstances after the date hereof that
may bear upon forward-looking statements, unless otherwise required by
law.
43
We
are
not aware of any jurisdiction where the making of the Offer is not in compliance
with applicable law. If we become aware of any jurisdiction where the making
of
the Offer is not in compliance with any valid applicable law, we intend to
make
a good faith effort to comply with such law. If, after such good faith effort,
we cannot comply with such law or we determine that further efforts to comply
are not advisable, the Offer will not be made to, nor will tenders be accepted
from or on behalf of, the holders of Options residing in such
jurisdiction.
We
have not authorized anyone to give you any information or to make any
representations in connection with the Offer other than the information and
representations contained in this document, the related Tender Offer Statement
on Schedule TO or in the attached exhibits. If anyone makes any
representation to you or gives you any information different from the
representations and information contained in this document, the related Tender
Offer Statement on Schedule TO or in the attached exhibits, you must not
rely upon that representation or information as having been authorized by
us.
We
have not authorized any person to make any recommendation on our behalf as
to
whether you should tender or refrain from tendering your Options pursuant to
the
Offer. You should rely only on the representations and information contained
in
this document, the related Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and in the
attached exhibits to which we have referred you.
44
Appendix
A
A
Guide to Issues in Canada
Set
forth
below is a general summary of certain tax consequences and regulatory
requirements applicable to individuals participating in this Offer who are
residents of Canada for tax purposes. This summary is based on tax and
regulatory laws as well as administrative and judicial interpretations in effect
as of November 1, 2008. If these laws, or interpretations of these laws, change
in the future, possibly with retroactive effect, the information provided in
this summary may no longer be accurate. If you are or were at any time during
the period from the issuance of your Options to the date of cancellation of
your
tendered Options a citizen or tax resident of a country other than Canada,
the
information contained in this summary may not be applicable to you.
The
tax
consequences and regulatory requirements associated with participating in this
Offer are based on complex laws, which may be subject to varying
interpretations, and the application of such laws may depend, in large part,
on
the underlying facts and circumstances, including your personal situation.
This
summary does not apply to every specific transaction that may occur in
connection with this Offer. Moreover, it may not apply to your particular tax
or
financial situation, and we are not in a position to assure you of any
particular result. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with your own tax
and/or legal adviser to determine the consequences of taking or not taking
any
action concerning your Options under this Offer and to determine how Canadian
law and/or laws of other jurisdictions apply to your specific
situation.
How
is the tax on the amount received upon the cancellation of my Options
calculated?
When
your
tendered Options are cancelled, you are subject to the federal and provincial
taxes on the taxable amount calculated from your tendered options at the
applicable tax rates.
What
are the tax withholding and reporting obligations regarding transactions under
this Offer?
Your
employer is required to report and withhold income and social taxes on the
amount of income from the cancelled Options. You are required to report the
income on your annual income tax return and pay the applicable
taxes.
Data
Privacy Consent
By
tendering your Options or, thereafter, by submitting a withdrawal of your
tender, in writing or electronically, you voluntarily, expressly, and
unequivocally consent to and authorize the collection, processing (including,
but not limited to, the registration, organization, adaptation, recordation,
disclosure, including to third parties, modification, extraction, consultation,
dissemination, blocking, deletion, destruction, use, storage or in any other
manner putting together or combining, of such personal data), and transfer
of
your personal data,
·
|
including,
to the extent possible under applicable law, your sensitive personal
data,
|
·
|
in
any jurisdiction,
|
·
|
by
and among us, our subsidiaries or third parties, or by and among
our
authorized personnel, authorized personnel in our subsidiaries or
third
parties,
|
·
|
that
is necessary and for as long as necessary,
and
|
45
·
|
for
the exclusive purposes of implementing, administering or managing
your
participation in this Offer.
|
You
may
request free of any costs a list with the name and address of any potential
recipients of your personal data. In addition, you may request a translation
of
this consent, where such translation is required under applicable law. You
may,
at any time, review the personal data, request additional storage and processing
of the personal data, require any necessary update or correction to the personal
data, or withdraw your consent in writing by contacting us or our relevant
subsidiary. Please note that the withdrawal of your consent may affect our
ability to administer your participation in this Offer.
46
Appendix
B
A
Guide to Issues in China
Set
forth
below is a general summary of certain tax consequences and regulatory
requirements applicable to individuals participating in this Offer who are
residents of China for tax purposes. This summary is based on tax and regulatory
laws as well as administrative and judicial interpretations in effect as of
November 1, 2008. If these laws, or interpretations of these laws, change in
the
future, possibly with retroactive effect, the information provided in this
summary may no longer be accurate. If you are or were at any time during the
period from the issuance of your Options to the date of cancellation of your
tendered Options a citizen or tax resident of a country other than China, the
information contained in this summary may not be applicable to you.
The
tax
consequences and regulatory requirements associated with participating in this
Offer are based on complex laws, which may be subject to varying
interpretations, and the application of such laws may depend, in large part,
on
the underlying facts and circumstances, including your personal situation.
This
summary does not apply to every specific transaction that may occur in
connection with this Offer. Moreover, it may not apply to your particular tax
or
financial situation, and we are not in a position to assure you of any
particular result. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with your own tax
and/or legal adviser to determine the consequences of taking or not taking
any
action concerning your Options under this Offer and to determine how Chinese
law
and/or laws of other jurisdictions apply to your specific
situation.
How
is the tax on the amount received upon the cancellation of my Options
calculated?
In
accordance with the
Notice Regarding Individual Income Tax Issues Related to Stock Option
Income
(Finance
& Tax [2005] No. 35 issued by PRC Ministry of Finance and the State
Administration of Tax), effective as of July 1, 2005, and the
Supplementary Notice Regarding Individual Income Tax Issues Related to Stock
Option Income
(Finance
& Tax [2006] 902), effective as of September 30, 2006, income generated
from the participation in this Offer in China by Chinese employees is covered
by
the above regulations and shall constitute employment-related income which
is
taxed as “income from wages and salaries” at a progressive individual income tax
(“IIT”) from 5% to 45%.
What
are the tax withholding and reporting obligations regarding transactions under
this Offer?
In
accordance with the above regulations, your Chinese employer (the “Onshore
Employer”) has certain withholding and filing obligations in respect of the
income you receive from your tendered and cancelled Options. The failure by
the
Onshore Employer to satisfy such obligations can expose it to penalties which
can include warnings, fines and overdue fees. If you are not employed by any
Onshore Employer, you are required to report and pay the IIT with your local
tax
authority by yourself. You or the Onshore Employer, as applicable, shall report
the income you receive from your tendered and cancelled Options no later than
the 7th day of the month following the month you receive such
income.
The
above
regulations require that the Onshore Employer comply with certain filing
obligations in connection with the Offer, including filing with the relevant
local tax authorities the names of the Option holders and copies of certain
option-related documents such as the stock option plan, form of stock option
agreement, exercise notices and option transfer notices.
The
above
regulations provide no details as to how far in advance of the implementation,
exercise and/or cashout of the Options the Onshore Employer must file the
options-related documents with the local tax offices.
47
Other
Regulatory Requirements; Foreign Exchange Arrangements
Pursuant
to the Operating Procedures for the Administration of Domestic Individual’s
Participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan or Stock-Option Plan of an
Oversea Listed Company (Forex [2007] No. 78) issued by PRC State Administration
of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) effective as of April 6, 2007:
·
|
Individual
PRC employees must engage the Onshore Employer or a PRC agency to
handle
all matters concerning foreign exchange income generated from the
cancellation of your Options; and
|
·
|
A
financial institution qualified to conduct securities brokerage business
in the listing jurisdiction or an entrusted manager designated by
the
overseas listed company (the “Entrusted Manager”) must be appointed to
handle all matters pertaining to the payment of the cash amount related
to
the cancellation of your Options. Exercise notices and sales orders
must
be executed by the Entrusted
Manager.
|
The
Onshore Employer or a PRC agency must apply with local SAFE for the opening
of
an onshore special account and comply with the formalities for the transfer
or
settlement of foreign exchange proceeds generated from the cancellation of
your
Options. Foreign exchange income derived from the cancellation of your Options
must be repatriated to the onshore special account. Only then may such foreign
exchange proceeds be converted or transferred to your foreign exchange saving
account.
Data
Privacy Consent
By
tendering your Options or, thereafter, by submitting a withdrawal of your
tender, in writing or electronically, you voluntarily, expressly, and
unequivocally consent to and authorize the collection, processing (including,
but not limited to, the registration, organization, adaptation, recordation,
disclosure, including to third parties, modification, extraction, consultation,
dissemination, blocking, deletion, destruction, use, storage or in any other
manner putting together or combining, of such personal data), and transfer
of
your personal data,
·
|
including,
to the extent possible under applicable law, your sensitive personal
data,
|
·
|
in
any jurisdiction,
|
·
|
by
and among us, our subsidiaries or third parties, or by and among
our
authorized personnel, authorized personnel in our subsidiaries or
third
parties,
|
·
|
that
is necessary and for as long as necessary,
and
|
·
|
for
the exclusive purposes of implementing, administering or managing
your
participation in this Offer.
|
You
may
request free of any costs a list with the name and address of any potential
recipients of your personal data. In addition, you may request a translation
of
this consent, where such translation is required under applicable law. You
may,
at any time, review the personal data, request additional storage and processing
of the personal data, require any necessary update or correction to the personal
data, or withdraw your consent in writing by contacting us or our relevant
subsidiary. Please note that the withdrawal of your consent may affect our
ability to administer your participation in this Offer.
48
Appendix
C
A
Guide to Issues in France
Set
forth
below is a general summary of certain tax consequences and regulatory
requirements applicable to individuals participating in this Offer who are
residents of France for tax purposes. This summary is based on tax and
regulatory laws as well as administrative and judicial interpretations in effect
as of November 1, 2008. If these laws, or interpretations of these laws, change
in the future, possibly with retroactive effect, the information provided in
this summary may no longer be accurate. If you are or were at any time during
the period from the issuance of your Options to the date of cancellation of
your
tendered Options a citizen or tax resident of a country other than France,
the
information contained in this summary may not be applicable to you.
The
tax
consequences and regulatory requirements associated with participating in this
Offer are based on complex laws, which may be subject to varying
interpretations, and the application of such laws may depend, in large part,
on
the underlying facts and circumstances, including your personal situation.
This
summary does not apply to every specific transaction that may occur in
connection with this Offer. Moreover, it may not apply to your particular tax
or
financial situation, and we are not in a position to assure you of any
particular result. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with your own tax
and/or legal adviser to determine the consequences of taking or not taking
any
action concerning your Options under this Offer and to determine how French
law
and/or laws of other jurisdictions apply to your specific
situation.
How
is the tax on the amount received upon the cancellation of my Options
calculated?
When
your
tendered Options are cancelled, you are likely to be subject to French income
tax at the progressive rate on the cash amount received for such
Options.
What
are the tax withholding and reporting obligations regarding transactions under
this Offer?
Your
employer is required to withhold the social contributions incurred upon the
cash
amount received for the tendered Options at the time of payment. You are
responsible for reporting the same cash amount on your annual income tax return
for the year in which the cash amount is received and for paying all applicable
taxes.
Data
Privacy Consent
By
tendering your Options or, thereafter, by submitting a withdrawal of your
tender, in writing or electronically, you voluntarily, expressly, and
unequivocally consent to and authorize the collection, processing (including,
but not limited to, the registration, organization, adaptation, recordation,
disclosure, including to third parties, modification, extraction, consultation,
dissemination, blocking, deletion, destruction, use, storage or in any other
manner putting together or combining, of such personal data), and transfer
of
your personal data,
·
|
including,
to the extent possible under applicable law, your sensitive personal
data,
|
·
|
in
any jurisdiction,
|
·
|
by
and among us, our subsidiaries or third parties, or by and among
our
authorized personnel, authorized personnel in our subsidiaries or
third
parties,
|
49
·
|
that
is necessary and for as long as necessary,
and
|
·
|
for
the exclusive purposes of implementing, administering or managing
your
participation in this Offer.
|
You
may
request free of any costs a list with the name and address of any potential
recipients of your personal data. In addition, you may request a translation
of
this consent, where such translation is required under applicable law. You
may,
at any time, review the personal data, request additional storage and processing
of the personal data, require any necessary update or correction to the personal
data, or withdraw your consent in writing by contacting us or our relevant
subsidiary. Please note that the withdrawal of your consent may affect our
ability to administer your participation in this Offer.
50
Appendix
D
A
Guide to Issues in Germany
Set
forth
below is a general summary of certain tax consequences and regulatory
requirements applicable to individuals participating in this Offer who are
residents of Germany for tax purposes. This summary is based on tax and
regulatory laws as well as administrative and judicial interpretations in effect
as of November 1, 2008. If these laws, or interpretations of these laws, change
in the future, possibly with retroactive effect, the information provided in
this summary may no longer be accurate. If you are or were at any time during
the period from the issuance of your Options to the date of cancellation of
your
tendered Options a citizen or tax resident of a country other than Germany,
the
information contained in this summary may not be applicable to you.
The
tax
consequences and regulatory requirements associated with participating in this
Offer are based on complex laws, which may be subject to varying
interpretations, and the application of such laws may depend, in large part,
on
the underlying facts and circumstances, including your personal situation.
This
summary does not apply to every specific transaction that may occur in
connection with this Offer. Moreover, it may not apply to your particular tax
or
financial situation, and we are not in a position to assure you of any
particular result. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with your own tax
and/or legal adviser to determine the consequences of taking or not taking
any
action concerning your Options under this Offer and to determine how German
law
and/or laws of other jurisdictions apply to your specific
situation.
How
is the tax on the amount received upon the cancellation of my Options
calculated?
When
your
tendered Options are cancelled, you are subject to income tax, solidarity
surcharge and church tax (if applicable) calculated on the amount of taxable
income generated from your tendered Options. If your employment income generated
in 2008 without the additional income from your tendered Options does not exceed
the relevant threshold, social security contributions may also have to be paid
on all or a portion of such additional income.
The
basis
for calculation of such taxes, solidarity surcharge and social security
contributions is equal to (a) the cash amount you receive upon the
cancellation of your tendered Options plus (b) any amounts of respective
employer withholdings for taxes and employees’ social security contributions
less (c) certain costs and expenses you incurred in connection with the
cancellation of your Options qualifying as deductible expenses for German income
tax purposes.
What
are the tax withholding and reporting obligations regarding transactions under
this Offer?
Your
employer is required to withhold wage tax, solidarity surcharge, church tax
(if
applicable) and potential social security contributions incurred upon the cash
amount received for the tendered Options at the time of payment. You are
responsible for (a) reporting the income from the cancellation of the
tendered Options on your annual personal income tax return to be filed for
the
year in which you will receive such income and (b) paying all applicable
taxes.
Data
Privacy Consent
By
tendering your Options or, thereafter, by submitting a withdrawal of your
tender, in writing or electronically, you voluntarily, expressly, and
unequivocally consent to and authorize the collection, processing (including,
but not limited to, the registration, organization, adaptation, recordation,
disclosure, including to third parties, modification, extraction, consultation,
dissemination, blocking, deletion, destruction, use, storage or in any other
manner putting together or combining, of such personal data), and transfer
of
your personal data,
51
·
|
including,
to the extent possible under applicable law, your sensitive personal
data,
|
·
|
in
any jurisdiction,
|
·
|
by
and among us, our subsidiaries or third parties, or by and among
our
authorized personnel, authorized personnel in our subsidiaries or
third
parties,
|
·
|
that
is necessary and for as long as necessary,
and
|
·
|
for
the exclusive purposes of implementing, administering or managing
your
participation in this Offer.
|
You
may
request free of any costs a list with the name and address of any potential
recipients of your personal data. In addition, you may request a translation
of
this consent, where such translation is required under applicable law. You
may,
at any time, review the personal data, request additional storage and processing
of the personal data, require any necessary update or correction to the personal
data, or withdraw your consent in writing by contacting us or our relevant
subsidiary. Please note that the withdrawal of your consent may affect our
ability to administer your participation in this Offer.
52
Appendix
E
A
Guide to Issues in Japan
Set
forth
below is a general summary of certain tax consequences and regulatory
requirements applicable to individuals participating in this Offer who are
residents of Japan for tax purposes. This summary is based on tax and regulatory
laws as well as administrative and judicial interpretations in effect as of
November 1, 2008. If these laws, or interpretations of these laws, change in
the
future, possibly with retroactive effect, the information provided in this
summary may no longer be accurate. If you are or were at any time during the
period from the issuance of your Options to the date of cancellation of your
tendered Options a citizen or tax resident of a country other than Japan, the
information contained in this summary may not be applicable to you.
The
tax
consequences and regulatory requirements associated with participating in this
Offer are based on complex laws, which may be subject to varying
interpretations, and the application of such laws may depend, in large part,
on
the underlying facts and circumstances, including your personal situation.
This
summary does not apply to every specific transaction that may occur in
connection with this Offer. Moreover, it may not apply to your particular tax
or
financial situation, and we are not in a position to assure you of any
particular result. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with your own tax
and/or legal adviser to determine the consequences of taking or not taking
any
action concerning your Options under this Offer and to determine how Japanese
law and/or laws of other jurisdictions apply to your specific
situation.
How
is the tax on the amount received upon the cancellation of my Options
calculated?
When
your
tendered Options are cancelled, you are subject to income tax on the cash amount
received for your tendered Options (less the amount, if any, you paid in
connection with the grant of such Options). The income tax is incurred in the
tax year you elect to participate in the Offer and is likely classified as
remuneration income (if you are a current employee) or sundry income (if you
are
a former employee) for individual income tax purposes.
What
are the tax withholding and reporting obligations regarding transactions under
this Offer?
You
are
required to file a tax return for the cash amount you receive upon the
cancellation of your tendered Options that is considered to be an economic
benefit (which is the cash amount received upon the cancellation of your
tendered Options minus the amount you paid to obtain such Options, if any).
The
income from the tendered Options might be subject to withholding tax if you
are
no longer an employee and the income is less than JPY 200K.
Data
Privacy Consent
By
tendering your Options or, thereafter, by submitting a withdrawal of your
tender, in writing or electronically, you voluntarily, expressly, and
unequivocally consent to and authorize the collection, processing (including,
but not limited to, the registration, organization, adaptation, recordation,
disclosure, including to third parties, modification, extraction, consultation,
dissemination, blocking, deletion, destruction, use, storage or in any other
manner putting together or combining, of such personal data), and transfer
of
your personal data,
·
|
including,
to the extent possible under applicable law, your sensitive personal
data,
|
·
|
in
any jurisdiction,
|
53
·
|
by
and among us, our subsidiaries or third parties, or by and among
our
authorized personnel, authorized personnel in our subsidiaries or
third
parties,
|
·
|
that
is necessary and for as long as necessary,
and
|
·
|
for
the exclusive purposes of implementing, administering or managing
your
participation in this Offer.
|
You
may
request free of any costs a list with the name and address of any potential
recipients of your personal data. In addition, you may request a translation
of
this consent, where such translation is required under applicable law. You
may,
at any time, review the personal data, request additional storage and processing
of the personal data, require any necessary update or correction to the personal
data, or withdraw your consent in writing by contacting us or our relevant
subsidiary. Please note that the withdrawal of your consent may affect our
ability to administer your participation in this Offer.
54
Appendix
F
A
Guide to Issues in the United Kingdom
Set
forth
below is a general summary of certain tax consequences and regulatory
requirements applicable to individuals participating in this Offer who are
residents of United Kingdom for tax purposes. This summary is based on tax
and
regulatory laws as well as administrative and judicial interpretations in effect
as of November 1, 2008. If these laws, or interpretations of these laws, change
in the future, possibly with retroactive effect, the information provided in
this summary may no longer be accurate. If you are or were at any time during
the period from the issuance of your Options to the date of cancellation of
your
tendered Options a citizen or tax resident of a country other than the United
Kingdom, the information contained in this summary may not be applicable to
you.
The
tax
consequences and regulatory requirements associated with participating in this
Offer are based on complex laws, which may be subject to varying
interpretations, and the application of such laws may depend, in large part,
on
the underlying facts and circumstances, including your personal situation.
This
summary does not apply to every specific transaction that may occur in
connection with this Offer. Moreover, it may not apply to your particular tax
or
financial situation, and we are not in a position to assure you of any
particular result. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with your own tax
and/or legal adviser to determine the consequences of taking or not taking
any
action concerning your Options under this Offer and to determine how U.K. law
and/or laws of other jurisdictions apply to your specific
situation.
How
is the tax on the amount received upon the cancellation of my Options
calculated?
When
your
tendered Options are cancelled, you are subject to income tax at your marginal
tax rate on the cash amount received for such Options. In addition, you are
subject to employees’ National Insurance Contributions (“NIC”) on the cash
amount received for the Options, at the rate of 11% on weekly earnings of
between £150.01 to £770, and 1% on earnings in excess of £770 a
week.
What
are the tax withholding and reporting obligations regarding transactions under
this Offer?
Your
employer is required to withhold any income tax and NICs that are imposed upon
the cancellation of your tendered Options at the time of payment and, as a
result, this payment will be put through your employer’s payroll so that the
income tax and NICs can be deducted. Your employer is also required to report
any income received by you for cancellation of your tendered Options. You should
report the gains from the tender and cancellation of your Options on the share
schemes page of any U.K. self-assessment tax return that you are required to
complete.
Data
Privacy Consent
By
tendering your Options or, thereafter, by submitting a withdrawal of your
tender, in writing or electronically, you voluntarily, expressly, and
unequivocally consent to and authorize the collection, processing (including,
but not limited to, the registration, organization, adaptation, recordation,
disclosure, including to third parties, modification, extraction, consultation,
dissemination, blocking, deletion, destruction, use, storage or in any other
manner putting together or combining, of such personal data), ), transfer to,
and storing at, a destination outside the European Economic Area of your
personal data,
·
|
including,
to the extent possible under applicable law, your sensitive personal
data,
|
55
·
|
in
any jurisdiction,
|
·
|
by
and among us, our subsidiaries or third parties, or by and among
our
authorized personnel, authorized personnel in our subsidiaries or
third
parties,
|
·
|
that
is necessary and for as long as necessary,
and
|
·
|
for
the exclusive purposes of implementing, administering or managing
your
participation in this Offer.
|
You
may
request free of any costs a list with the name and address of any potential
recipients of your personal data. In addition, you may request a translation
of
this consent, where such translation is required under applicable law. You
may,
at any time, review the personal data, request additional storage and processing
of the personal data, require any necessary update or correction to the personal
data, or withdraw your consent in writing by contacting us or our relevant
subsidiary. Please note that the withdrawal of your consent may affect our
ability to administer your participation in this Offer.
56