DEFA14A 1 ddefa14a.htm DEFINITIVE ADDITIONAL MATERIALS Definitive Additional Materials

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.      )

 

 

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¨  Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

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¨  Definitive Proxy Statement

 

x  Definitive Additional Materials

 

¨  Soliciting Material under Rule 240.14a-12

 

 

 

eUniverse, Inc.


(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

 


(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

 

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The following is a series of slides to be used in connection with presentations by Brett Brewer, President, and Thomas Flahie, Chief Financial Officer, of eUniverse, Inc. (the “Company”), at meetings with various Company stockholders commencing on January 20, 2004.


eUniverse Investor Presentation

 

January 2004


Safe Harbor Statement

 

Information contained in this presentation contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions about our business and the actions we intend to take in connection with Mr. Greenspan’s efforts to take control of the Company. No assurances can be given that the future results or events covered by such forward-looking statements will be achieved, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. The factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those suggested by any such statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, which include risks or uncertainties associated with, among other things: actual demand by customers for our products and services and advertising and marketing inventory; changes in governmental, Web browser or Internet service provider regulations policies and technology affecting commercial electronic communications and advertising; risks related to the integration of acquisitions; the ability to locate and retain qualified personnel; the risk that the Company may encounter difficulties in connection with, or not experience benefits from, internal expansion; the risk that the conditions required to be satisfied for the Company to receive additional debt financing from, or guaranteed by, VantagePoint Venture Partners will not be satisfied; the risk that the Company is not able to find and consummate business development opportunities for which the additional financing could be used; the availability of an exchange, quotation system or other mechanism through which the Company’s securities may be effectively publicly traded; the risk that the Company’s restructuring and cost-cutting initiatives may not result in anticipated savings; the outcome of an informal inquiry by the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Company’s restatement of fiscal year 2003 quarterly financial results; the outcome of litigation that has been filed in connection with the restatements; the possibility that stockholders or regulatory authorities may initiate additional proceedings against the Company or our officers and directors as a result of the restatements; and the risk that cash advances made to Sharman Networks are fully recouped from the sharing of revenues. The preceding matters constitute cautionary statements identifying important factors with respect to such forward-looking statements, including certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from the future results covered in such forward-looking statements. Other factors could also cause actual results to vary materially from the future results covered in such forward-looking statements.


Further Information

 

The Company has filed a definitive proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) relating to its annual meeting of stockholders on January 29, 2004. Stockholders of the Company are advised to read the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting because it contains important information. The Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting was mailed to stockholders of the Company. Stockholders and other interested parties may obtain free copies of the proxy statement and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. These documents may also be obtained free of charge by contacting MacKenzie Partners, the firm assisting the Company in the solicitation of proxies, toll free at +1-800-322-2885.


Company Overview


eUniverse Highlights

 

Leading Online Entertainment & Direct-To-Consumer Marketing Company

 

Performance Marketing Group

 

eServices

 

Gaming

 

Flowgo Network and newsletter portfolio


Core Strengths

 

Ability to identify new Internet business opportunities

 

Ability to identify products and services for eCommerce and offline channels

 

Secure, stable and scalable eCommerce technology platform

 

Technology and methodology to optimize customer value

 

Proprietary media buying and optimization process

 

Low cost, high quality content and game production


Performance Marketing Group

 

New customer marketing

 

  Yahoo!

 

  iWon / Excite

 

  MSN

 

  Google

 

Diverse products

 

  Hydroderm

 

  Dreamshape

 

  Vigel

 

  Bodydome

 

  Impulse products

 

LOGO


eServices

 

Cupid Junction

 

Confidential Pharmacy

 

Dieting Plans

 

All You Can Ink

 

LOGO

 

LOGO


Gaming

 

Retained Investment Banker

 

SkillJam

 

Skill-based gaming

 

Distribution partners:

 

  MSN Zone

 

  iWon / Excite

 

  Shockwave

 

  BoxerJam

 

Case’s Ladder

 

Leagues and Ladders

 

Distribution partners:

 

  AOL

 

  EA.com / Pogo

 

LOGO

 

LOGO


Flowgo Network and Newsletter Portfolio

 

  eUniverse Network attracted 12.8 million viewers in November 2003 (1)

 

  Newsletter portfolio sent to millions of subscribers each month

 

  Download applications, including SirSearch

 

  Kazaa Media Desktop distribution

 

LOGO

 

(1) Nielsen-NetRatings, accessing from home and work in the U.S. for November 2003.


How We Plan to Grow…

 

Online

 

Launch new innovative products and services

 

Increase new customer marketing

 

Expand gaming partnerships

 

Add eServices partnerships

 

Offline

 

Add offline/online product joint ventures

 

Promote existing online products through offline initiatives

 

Wireless

 

Content distribution partnerships

 

Strategy focused on providing an increasing suite of paid products and services to user base, thereby continuing to increase the life time value of users.


Recent Events


Introduction

 

The current Board and management team are working diligently to address the challenges arising under Mr. Greenspan’s leadership

 

We are executing on our business plan and making meaningful progress

 

We believe Mr. Greenspan has taken a number of actions to derail this progress in an effort to serve his own, personal interests

 

We believe stockholder value is at risk if Mr. Greenspan’s hand-picked nominees are elected

 

eUniverse’s director nominees are well-qualified and best positioned to lead the Company

 

eUniverse’s Board and management team are committed to enhancing value for all stockholders.


Mr. Greenspan’s Legacy

 

EUNI discovers need to restate first three quarters of fiscal year 2003

 

SEC launches informal inquiry

 

EUNI sued by stockholders in various class action and derivative lawsuits

 

EUNI trading halted for nearly 4 months

 

EUNI delisted by NASDAQ

 

In October 2003, Mr. Greenspan was removed as Chairman and asked to resign as CEO.


EUNI’s Board and Management Team Have Taken Action to Address the Challenges Arising Under Greenspan’s Leadership

 

Strengthening operations

 

Improved liquidity

 

Improved financial reporting procedures

 

Addressing regulatory and litigation issues

 

Rebuilding the leadership team

 

Strengthened corporate governance

 

eUniverse’s Board and management team are taking all appropriate steps to protect the future of your Company.


Strengthening Operations

 

Streamlined operations

 

  Closed 4 under-performing business lines

 

  Consolidated certain core properties

 

  Cost savings realized in June and September quarters

 

Expect net income improvement in December quarter over previous quarters

 

Broadened reach and prominence with new business development deals – AOL and Sharman Networks (Kazaa)

 

eUniverse’s Board and Management team are executing on the Company’s business plan.


Improved Liquidity

 

$8 million from VantagePoint

 

$2.5 million PIPE

 

Added proposed conversion feature to $2.5 million VantagePoint note

 

Have cash for opportunistic investments like Sharman Networks (Kazaa)

 

Better advertising arrangements with Yahoo!, MSN, Electronic Arts and American Greetings


Improved Financial Reporting Procedures

 

Appointed a new CFO

 

Hired a new Controller

 

Retained a new independent auditor

 

Appointed new Chairman of Audit Committee

 

Board’s Audit Committee conducted thorough review of accounting restatement

 

Significantly expanded the accounting and finance staff

 

Strengthened accounting practices and policies


Addressing Regulatory and Litigation Issues

 

Now current with our SEC financial filings

 

Completed Audit Committee investigation

 

Fully cooperating with the SEC staff

 

Working with NASDAQ and NASD representatives

 

Litigation in early stages


Rebuilding the Leadership Team

 

Lawrence Moreau

Appointed May 2003

 

Chairman of the Audit Committee

Previously: CFO of H. J. Meyers & Company. 11 years of experience with Touche Ross & Co. (now Deloitte & Touche).

Jeffrey Edell

Appointed October 2003

 

Director and Chairman of the Board (November)

Previously: President and CEO of Soundelux Entertainment Group, a leading provider of entertainment content and technologies, where he oversaw growth in the Company’s revenues from $15M to $110M over a 4-year period.

Bradley Ward

Appointed October 2003

 

Director

President and CEO of The Game Tree, an online publisher of games and game-related intellectual property. Previously, VP of Licensing/Corp Development of PopCap Games.

Thomas Flahie

Appointed August 2003

 

Chief Financial Officer

Previously: Sr VP, Finance and Administration at Balance Bar, where he was responsible for taking the Company public and subsequently managing its sale to Kraft. Also, CFO and Interim COO at eLabor, which was recently sold to ADP. Also Accounting and Audit Partner at Arthur Andersen.

Making progress on search for a new CEO, with the assistance of Highland Partners

 

Our new leadership team brings the industry and financial acumen to address our Company’s needs.


Strengthened Corporate Governance

 

Implemented over 14 initiatives in past 6 months designed to:

 

Increase Board independence

 

Improve stockholder visibility into governance matters

 

Adopt a code of ethics

 

Establish new system of disclosure controls and procedures

 

Examples include:

 

Increased Board size to add independent directors

 

6 of 7 Board members are independent directors

 

Committees composed solely of independent directors

 

Added a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Updated and enhanced committee charters

 

Committee charters and code of ethics published on website


We Believe Stockholder Value Is At Risk If Greenspan’s Hand-Picked Nominees Are Elected

 

Greenspan Attempted to Derail eUniverse’s Path of Corporate Responsibility

 

Attempted to oust all 3 members of Audit Committee – particularly troubling considering commitments made to the public, SEC and NASDAQ

 

Attempted to limit scope and funding for Audit Committee investigation

 

Greenspan’s actions delayed completion of Audit Committee’s report

 

Delay of Audit Committee’s report was an important factor contributing to NASDAQ’s delisting of eUniverse


We Believe Greenspan Took Steps to Protect His Job

 

VantagePoint transaction contemplated a new Chief Executive Officer

 

Greenspan presented Board with alternative financing transaction that did not contemplate a new Chief Executive Officer

 

Greenspan threatened to resign, compete with eUniverse and terminate alternative financing transaction if Board didn’t approve unprecedented compensation package

 

After full and thorough review, Board determined VantagePoint financing in stockholders’ best interests

 

Against Board instructions, Greenspan attempted to terminate VantagePoint financing and executed alternative financing transaction

 

Board rejected Greenspan’s demand and determined to remove him as Chairman and asked for his resignation as CEO

 

As a result of Greenspan’s unauthorized actions, EUNI felt obligated to issue additional $2.5M of stock, or 1.6M shares


We Believe The Value of Your Investment Is at Risk if Greenspan’s Hand-Picked Director Nominees Are Elected

 

We believe Greenspan’s plan to terminate the management team is not in the best interest of stockholders

 

Any abrupt and unnecessary changes could interfere with our ability to keep eUniverse on track

 

Current management team has extensive industry and financial expertise

 

  Brett Brewer, President: Seasoned executive with a broad range of skills and operational experience (corporate finance, strategic planning and corporate communications). Formerly CB Richard Ellis. 7 years of experience.

 

  Tom Flahie, CFO: CFO of eLabor. Senior VP of Finance at Balance Bar Company. Partner with Andersen Worldwide. 25 years of experience.

 

  Jeff Rajewski, CTO: CTO of Fitness Heaven. Senior technology management roles with PCMall (including uBid.com and eCost.com). 10 years of experience.

 

  Adam Goldenberg, COO: Launched 3 new business units all of which have attained profitability. 5 years of experience.

 

  Chris Lipp, General Counsel: Pillsbury Madison & Sutro. 6 years of experience.


eUniverse’s Current Board Is the Right Board

 

Substantial industry, operational and accounting experience

 

Interests aligned with all eUniverse stockholders

 

Independent minded

 

  6 of 7 directors are non-management, 1 vacancy

 

  4 elected by all stockholders (6 if VantagePoint buys majority of Series B stock)

 

  2 appointed by Series B holders (indicated intent to appoint 1 director; appointment rights are eliminated if VantagePoint buys majority of Series B stock)

 

  2 appointed by Series C holders

 

Track record of addressing the problems arising under Greenspan’s leadership, while executing on the Company’s business plan