S-8

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 2003

Registration No. 333-

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-8

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Under The Securities Act of 1933

CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	77-0148231
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2655 Seely Avenue, Building 5
San Jose, California 95134

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)      

Options Assumed by Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
originally granted under the
Verplex Systems, Inc. 1998 Stock Plan

(Full title of the Plan)

R.L. Smith McKeithen, Esq.
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
2655 Seely Avenue, Building 5, San Jose, California 95134

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

(408) 943-1234

(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:
Gregory J. Conklin, Esq.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
One Montgomery Street, 31st Floor
San Francisco, California 94104
(415) 393-8200

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

				Proposed Maximum
Title of Securities		Proposed Maximum Offering Price per		Aggregate Offering		Amount of
to be Registered(1)	Amount to be Registered (2)	Share (3)		Price (3)		Registration Fee(3)
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	1,759,116 shares	$	1.77	$	3,114,334	$	252

(1)	Includes, with respect to each share of Common Stock, Rights granted pursuant to the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2000, between the Registrant and Mellon Investor Services, LLC, as Rights Agent. Until a triggering event thereunder, the Rights trade with, and cannot be separated from, the Common Stock.
(2)	This Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of Common Stock which become issuable under the Verplex Systems, Inc. 1998 Stock Plan (the “Plan”) by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of the outstanding shares of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. Common Stock.
(3)	Calculated solely for purposes of this offering under Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the basis of the maximum offering price per share that such options may be exercised.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Information Required in the Section 10(a) Prospectus
PART II
Information Required in the Registration Statement
	Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
	Item 4. Description of Securities
	Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
	Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
	Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed
	Item 8. Exhibits
	Item 9. Undertakings
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT 5.1
EXHIBIT 23.1
EXHIBIT 23.2
EXHIBIT 99.1

PART I

Information Required in the Section 10(a) Prospectus

     Pursuant to the instructions to Form S-8, Part I (Information Required in the Section 10(a) Prospectus) is not filed as part of this Registration Statement.

     The shares of common stock subject to options registered hereunder have been assumed by the Registrant pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 13, 2003, among the Registrant, Verplex Systems, Inc., a California corporation, Project Colorado, Inc., a California corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant, Andrew Wang, as shareholder agent and Chioumin Michael Chang, as earnout shareholder agent. These options were originally granted to directors, employees and consultants of Verplex Systems, Inc. under the Plan.

PART II

Information Required in the Registration Statement

Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference

     The Registrant hereby incorporates by reference into this Registration Statement the following documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”):

(a)	The Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, including all material incorporated by reference therein;
(b)	The Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2003;
(c)	The Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2003;
(d)	The Registrant’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 13, 2003 and August 22, 2003;
(e)	The description of the Registrant’s Common Stock to be offered hereby contained in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission on August 29, 1990; and
(f)	The description of the Registrant’s Preferred Share Purchase Rights set forth in Exhibit 4.02 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K405 filed with the Commission on March 27, 2000.

     All documents filed pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, after the date of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents, provided, however, that the Registrant is not incorporating any information furnished under either Item 9 or Item 12 of any current report on Form 8-K.

     Any document, and any statement contained in a document, incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein, or in any other subsequently filed document that also is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such document or statement. Any such document or statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement. Subject to the foregoing, all information appearing in this Registration Statement is qualified in its entirety by the information appearing in the documents incorporated by reference.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE REGARDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT

     On March 22, 2002, the Registrant announced that it had appointed KPMG LLP to replace Arthur Andersen LLP (“Andersen”) as the Registrant’s independent auditors. The Registrant’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2001, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended December 29, 2001, incorporated by reference in this registration statement have been audited by Andersen, as stated in its report dated March 11, 2002, which is incorporated by reference herein. After reasonable efforts, the Registrant has been unable to obtain Andersen’s consent to the incorporation by reference into this registration statement of its report with respect to these financial statements. Under these circumstances, Rule 437a under the Securities Act of 1933 permits the Registrant to file this registration statement without a written consent from Andersen. The absence of such consent may limit recovery by investors on certain claims. In particular, and without limitation, investors will not be able to assert claims against Andersen under Section 11 of the Securities Act. In addition, the ability of Andersen to satisfy any claims (including claims arising from Andersen’s provision of auditing and other services to the Registrant) may be limited as a practical matter due to recent events regarding Andersen.

Item 4. Description of Securities

     Not Applicable.

Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel

     Not Applicable.

Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

     Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits a corporation to indemnify any of its directors or officers who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any third party proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the corporation against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful. In a derivative action, i.e., one by or in the right of a corporation, the corporation is permitted to indemnify any of its directors or officers against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made if such person shall have been adjudged liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses despite such adjudication of liability.

     Article VII of the Registrant’s currently effective Certificate of Incorporation eliminates the personal liability of its directors for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. In addition, as permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Bylaws of the Registrant provide that: (a) the Registrant is required to indemnify its directors and officers and persons serving in such capacities in other business entities (including, for example, subsidiaries of the Registrant) at the Registrant’s request (such directors, officers and other persons are hereinafter referred to collectively as, “Covered Persons”), to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, including those circumstances in which indemnification would otherwise be discretionary; (b) the Registrant is required to advance expenses, as incurred to such Covered Persons in connection with defending a proceeding; (c) the indemnitee(s) of the Registrant have the right to bring suit, and to be paid the expenses of prosecuting such suit if successful, to enforce the rights to indemnification under the Bylaws

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or to advancement of expenses under the Bylaws; (d) the rights conferred in the Bylaws are not exclusive and the Registrant is authorized to enter into indemnification agreements with such directors, officers and employees; (e) the Registrant is required to maintain director and officer liability insurance to the extent reasonably available; and (f) the Registrant may not retroactively amend the Bylaws indemnification provision in a way that is adverse to such Covered Persons.

     The Registrant has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its executive officers and directors that provide the maximum indemnity allowed to officers and directors by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Bylaws, as well as certain additional procedural protections. The Registrant also maintains a limited amount of director and officer insurance. The indemnification provision in the Bylaws, and the indemnity agreements entered into between the Registrant and its officers or directors, may be sufficiently broad to permit indemnification of the Registrant’s officers and directors for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”).

Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed

     Not Applicable.

Item 8. Exhibits

Exhibit Number	Exhibit
4.1	Instruments Defining Rights of Stockholders. Reference is made to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission on August 29, 1990 incorporated by reference pursuant to Items 3(e) and (f).
5.1	Opinion and consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.
23.1	Independent Auditors’ Consent.
23.2	Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.
23.3	Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1	Power of Attorney (included on the signature pages to this Registration Statement on Form S-8).
99.1	Verplex Systems, Inc. 1998 Stock Plan.

Item 9. Undertakings

     A.     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: (1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of 1933 Act; (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration Statement; and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement; provided however, that clauses (1)(i) and (l)(ii) shall not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), that are incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement; (2) that for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof,

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and (3) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold upon the termination of the offering under the Plan.

     B.     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the 1934 Act that is incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     C.     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be permitted to directors, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the indemnity provisions incorporated by reference in Item 6, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8, and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California, on this 26th day of August, 2003.

CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC.
By:	/s/ H. RAYMOND BINGHAM
	H. Raymond Bingham President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints H. Raymond Bingham, William Porter and R.L. Smith McKeithen, and each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ H. RAYMOND BINGHAM H. Raymond Bingham	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)	August 26, 2003
/s/ WILLIAM PORTER William Porter	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)	August 26, 2003
/s/ DONALD L. LUCAS
Donald L. Lucas	Chairman of the Board of Directors	August 26, 2003
/s/ SUSAN L. BOSTROM
Susan L. Bostrom	Director	August 26, 2003
/s/ SEAN M. MALONEY
Sean M. Maloney	Director	August 26, 2003
/s/ DR. ALBERTO SANGIOVANNI-VINCENTELLI
Dr. Alberto Sangiovanni- Vincentelli	Director	August 26, 2003
/s/ GEORGE M. SCALISE
George M. Scalise	Director	August 26, 2003
/s/ DR. JOHN B. SHOVEN
Dr. John B. Shoven	Director	August 26, 2003
/s/ ROGER S. SIBONI
Roger S. Siboni	Director	August 26, 2003

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Exhibit
4.1	Instruments Defining Rights of Stockholders. Reference is made to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Commission on August 29, 1990 incorporated by reference pursuant to Items 3(e) and (f).
5.1	Opinion and consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.
23.1	Independent Auditors’ Consent.
23.2	Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants.
23.3	Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1	Power of Attorney (included on the signature pages to this Registration Statement on Form S-8).
99.1	Verplex Systems, Inc. 1998 Stock Plan.

EX-5.1 3 f92673exv5w1.txt EXHIBIT 5.1 EXHIBIT 5.1 August 26, 2003 Cadence Design Systems, Inc. 2655 Seely Avenue, Building 5 San Jose, CA 95134 Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. Ladies and Gentlemen: We refer to the registration statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), filed by Cadence Design Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with respect to the proposed offering by the Company of up to 1,759,116 shares (the "Shares") of its common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Common Stock"), subject to issuance by the Company upon exercise of options granted under Verplex Systems, Inc. 1998 Stock Plan (the "Plan"). The options issuable under the Plan were assumed by the Company pursuant to the terms of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 13, 2003, by and among the Company, Project Colorado, Inc., a California corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Verplex Systems, Inc., a California corporation, Andrew Wang, as Shareholder Agent, and Chioumin Michael Chang, as Earnout Shareholder Agent. We have examined the originals or certified copies of such corporate records, certificates of officers of the Company and/or public officials and such other documents, and have made such other factual and legal investigations, as we deemed relevant and necessary as the basis for the opinions set forth below. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as conformed or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. Based on our examination mentioned above, subject to the assumptions stated above and relying on the statements of fact contained in the documents that we have examined, we are of the opinion that (i) the issuance by the Company of the Shares has been duly authorized and (ii) when issued in accordance with the terms of the Plan, the Shares will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock. We are admitted to practice in the State of California, and are not admitted to practice in the State of Delaware. However, for the limited purpose of our opinions set forth above, we are generally familiar with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL") as presently in effect and have made such inquiries as we consider necessary to render this opinion with respect to a Delaware corporation. This opinion letter is limited to the DGCL, as it presently exists and to the facts as they presently exist. We express no opinion with respect to the effect or applicability of the laws of any other jurisdiction. We assume no obligation to revise or supplement this opinion letter should the laws of such jurisdictions be changed after the date hereof by legislative action, judicial decision or otherwise. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the General Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Very truly yours, /s/ GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP EX-23.1 4 f92673exv23w1.txt EXHIBIT 23.1 EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Board of Directors and Stockholders Cadence Design Systems, Inc.: We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. to be filed on or about August 26, 2003, of our report dated January 21, 2003, except as to Note 20, which is as of February 5, 2003, relating to the consolidated balance sheet of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 28, 2002, and the consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the 2002 financial statement schedule, which report appears in the December 28, 2002 annual report on Form 10-K of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. Our report refers to our audit of the adjustments and disclosures that were applied to revise the 2001 and 2000 consolidated financial statements as more fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2001 and 2000 consolidated financial statements of Cadence Design Systems, Inc., other than with respect to such adjustments and disclosures. /s/ KPMG Mountain View, California August 25, 2003 EX-23.2 5 f92673exv23w2.txt EXHIBIT 23.2 EXHIBIT 23.2 CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP, INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS The Registrant was unable to obtain the written consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to incorporate by reference its report dated March 11, 2002. See Item 3. EX-99.1 6 f92673exv99w1.txt EXHIBIT 99.1 Exhibit 99.1 VERPLEX SYSTEMS, INC. 1998 STOCK PLAN 1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants and to promote the success of the Company's business. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant. Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan. 2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply: (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be administering the Plan in accordance with Section 4 hereof. (b) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to the administration of stock option plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any other country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are granted under the Plan. (c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. (d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (e) "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 hereof. (f) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company. (g) "Company" means Verplex Systems, Inc., a California corporation. (h) "Consultant" means any person who is engaged by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to render consulting or advisory services to such entity. (i) "Director" means a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. (j) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. (k) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company. (l) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (m) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows: (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination; or (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator. (n) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code. (o) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. (p) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. (q) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan. (r) "Option Agreement" means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. (s) "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby outstanding Options are exchanged for Options with a lower exercise price. -2- (t) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or a Stock Purchase Right. (u) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right granted under the Plan. (v) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code. (w) "Plan" means this 1998 Stock Plan. (x) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to a grant of a Stock Purchase Right under Section 11 below. (y) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (z) "Service Provider" means an Employee, Director or Consultant. (aa) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 12 below. (bb) "Stock Purchase Right" means a right to purchase Common Stock pursuant to Section 11 below. (cc) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code. 3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be subject to option and sold under the Plan is 2,000,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock. If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). However, Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan, upon exercise of either an Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall not be returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at their original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for future grant under the Plan. 4. Administration of the Plan. (a) Administrator. The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a Committee appointed by the Board, which Committee shall be constituted to comply with Applicable Laws. -3- (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan and, in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant authorities, the Administrator shall have the authority in its discretion: (i) to determine the Fair Market Value; (ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Options and Stock Purchase Rights may from time to time be granted hereunder; (iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each such award granted hereunder; (iv) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan; (v) to determine the terms and conditions, of any Option or Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Option or Stock Purchase Right or the Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine; (vi) to determine whether and under what circumstances an Option may be settled in cash under subsection 9(e) instead of Common Stock; (vii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered by such Option has declined since the date the Option was granted; (viii) to initiate an Option Exchange Program; (ix) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws; (x) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by Optionees to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable; and (xi) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards granted pursuant to the Plan. -4- (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. All decisions, determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and binding on all Optionees. 5. Eligibility. (a) Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. (b) Each Option shall be designated in the Option Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted. (c) Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with his or her right or the Company's right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause. 6. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 14 of the Plan. 7. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time the Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement. 8. Option Exercise Price and Consideration. (a) The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the Administrator, but shall be subject to the following: (i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option (A) granted to an Employee who, at the time of grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. -5- (B) granted to any other Employee, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option (A) granted to a Service Provider who, at the time of grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. (B) granted to any other Service Provider, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. (iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price other than as required above pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction: (b) The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined by the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be determined at the time of grant). Such consideration may consist of (1) cash, (2) check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares which (x) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised, (5) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan, or (6) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator shall consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company. 9. Exercise of Option. (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms hereof at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Option Agreement. Except in the case of Options granted to Officers, Directors and Consultants, Options shall become exercisable at a rate of no less than 20% per year over five (5) years from the date the Options are granted. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Options granted hereunder shall be tolled during any unpaid leave of absence. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books -6- of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 12 of the Plan. Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised. (b) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, such Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement (of at least thirty (30) days) to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. (c) Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement (of at least six (6) months) to the extent the Option is vested on, the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. (d) Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement (of at least six (6) months) to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement) by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance. In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to the entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. -7- (e) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made. 10. Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights. The Options and Stock Purchase Rights may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee. 11. Stock Purchase Rights. (a) Rights to Purchase. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator determines that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the offeree in writing or electronically of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and the time within which such person must accept such offer. The terms of the offer shall comply in all respects with Section 260.140.42 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations. The offer shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock purchase agreement in the form determined by the Administrator. (b) Repurchase Option. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall grant the Company a repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the purchaser's service with the Company for any reason (including death or disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original price paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate as the Administrator may determine. Except with respect to Shares purchased by Officers, Directors and Consultants, the repurchase option shall in no case lapse at a rate of less than 20% per year over five (5) years from the date of purchase. (c) Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. (d) Rights as a Shareholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, the purchaser shall have rights equivalent to those of a shareholder and shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 12 of the Plan. 12. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Merger or Asset Sale. (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Option or Stock -8- Purchase Right, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company. The conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock Purchase Right. (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to have the right to exercise his or her Option or Stock Purchase Right until fifteen (15) days prior to such transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Option or Stock Purchase Right would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to any Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall lapse as to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate, immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action. (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an Option or Stock Purchase Right becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be fully exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the -9- outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or sale of assets is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets. 13. Time of Granting Options and Stock Purchase Rights. The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such other date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be given to each Service Provider to whom an Option or Stock Purchase Right is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of such grant. 14. Amendment and Termination of the Plan. (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan. (b) Shareholder Approval. The Board shall obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws. (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Options granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination. 15. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. (a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. (b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Administrator may require the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required. 16. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any -10- liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. 17. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, shall at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. 18. Shareholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required under Applicable Laws. 19. Information to Optionees and Purchasers. The Company shall provide to each Optionee and to each individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan, not less frequently than annually during the period such Optionee or purchaser has one or more Options or Stock Purchase Rights outstanding, and, in the case of an individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the period such individual owns such Shares, copies of annual financial statements. The Company shall not be required to provide such statements to key employees whose duties in connection with the Company assure their access to equivalent information. -11- -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----

EX-5.1

                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                                 August 26, 2003


Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
2655 Seely Avenue, Building 5
San Jose, CA 95134

      Re:   Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

            We refer to the registration statement on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), filed by Cadence Design Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), with respect to the proposed offering by the Company of up to
1,759,116 shares (the "Shares") of its common stock, $0.01 par value per share
(the "Common Stock"), subject to issuance by the Company upon exercise of
options granted under Verplex Systems, Inc. 1998 Stock Plan (the "Plan"). The
options issuable under the Plan were assumed by the Company pursuant to the
terms of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 13, 2003,
by and among the Company, Project Colorado, Inc., a California corporation and
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Verplex Systems, Inc., a California
corporation, Andrew Wang, as Shareholder Agent, and Chioumin Michael Chang, as
Earnout Shareholder Agent.

            We have examined the originals or certified copies of such corporate
records, certificates of officers of the Company and/or public officials and
such other documents, and have made such other factual and legal investigations,
as we deemed relevant and necessary as the basis for the opinions set forth
below. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures,
the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity
to original documents of all documents submitted to us as conformed or
photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such copies.

            Based on our examination mentioned above, subject to the assumptions
stated above and relying on the statements of fact contained in the documents
that we have examined, we are of the opinion that (i) the issuance by the
Company of the Shares has been duly authorized and (ii) when issued in
accordance with the terms of the Plan, the Shares will be duly and validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock.

            We are admitted to practice in the State of California, and are not
admitted to practice in the State of Delaware. However, for the limited purpose
of our opinions set forth above, we are generally familiar with the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL") as presently in effect and
have made such inquiries as we consider necessary to render this opinion with
respect to a Delaware corporation. This opinion letter is limited to the DGCL,
as it presently exists and to the facts as they presently exist. We express no
opinion with respect to the effect or applicability of the laws of any other
jurisdiction. We assume no obligation to revise or supplement this opinion
letter should the laws of such jurisdictions be changed after the date hereof by
legislative action, judicial decision or otherwise.

            We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are
within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act or the General Rules and Regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            /s/ GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP

EX-23.1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. to be filed on or about August 26,
2003, of our report dated January 21, 2003, except as to Note 20, which is as of
February 5, 2003, relating to the consolidated balance sheet of Cadence Design
Systems, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 28, 2002, and the consolidated
statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then
ended, and the 2002 financial statement schedule, which report appears in the
December 28, 2002 annual report on Form 10-K of Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

Our report refers to our audit of the adjustments and disclosures that were
applied to revise the 2001 and 2000 consolidated financial statements as more
fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. However, we
were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2001 and 2000
consolidated financial statements of Cadence Design Systems, Inc., other than
with respect to such adjustments and disclosures.

/s/ KPMG

Mountain View, California
August 25, 2003

EX-23.2

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

         CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP, INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

The Registrant was unable to obtain the written consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
to incorporate by reference its report dated March 11, 2002. See Item 3.

EX-99.1

                                                                    Exhibit 99.1

                              VERPLEX SYSTEMS, INC.

                                 1998 STOCK PLAN

      1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Plan are to attract
and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and
Consultants and to promote the success of the Company's business. Options
granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock
Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant. Stock Purchase
Rights may also be granted under the Plan.

      2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

            (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as
shall be administering the Plan in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

            (b) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any other country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are
granted under the Plan.

            (c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

            (e) "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed by the
Board in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

            (f) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company.

            (g) "Company" means Verplex Systems, Inc., a California corporation.

            (h) "Consultant" means any person who is engaged by the Company or
any Parent or Subsidiary to render consulting or advisory services to such
entity.

            (i) "Director" means a member of the Board of Directors of the
Company.

            (j) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

            (k) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service
Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of
absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.
For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days,
unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or
contract. If reemployment upon expiration of

a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st
day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to
be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as
a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a
director's fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by
the Company.

            (l) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

            (m) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

            (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange
or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq National
Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market
Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no
sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the last market
trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in The Wall Street
Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;

               (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value
shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock
on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination; or

               (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.

            (n) "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option intended to qualify as
an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

            (o) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

            (p) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within
the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.

            (q) "Option" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

            (r) "Option Agreement" means a written or electronic agreement
between the Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an
individual Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan.

            (s) "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby outstanding
Options are exchanged for Options with a lower exercise price.


                                      -2-

            (t) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or
a Stock Purchase Right.

            (u) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted under the Plan.

            (v) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

            (w) "Plan" means this 1998 Stock Plan.

            (x) "Restricted Stock" means shares of Common Stock acquired
pursuant to a grant of a Stock Purchase Right under Section 11 below.

            (y) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended.

            (z) "Service Provider" means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

            (aa) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 12 below.

            (bb) "Stock Purchase Right" means a right to purchase Common Stock
pursuant to Section 11 below.

            (cc) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

      3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be subject to option
and sold under the Plan is 2,000,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized but
unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

            If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes
unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant
to an Option Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto
shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan
has terminated). However, Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan,
upon exercise of either an Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall not be returned
to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the
Plan, except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company
at their original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for future
grant under the Plan.

      4. Administration of the Plan.

            (a) Administrator. The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a
Committee appointed by the Board, which Committee shall be constituted to comply
with Applicable Laws.


                                      -3-

            (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan and, in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board
to such Committee, and subject to the approval of any relevant authorities, the
Administrator shall have the authority in its discretion:

               (i) to determine the Fair Market Value;

               (ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Options and Stock
Purchase Rights may from time to time be granted hereunder;

               (iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each
such award granted hereunder;

               (iv) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

               (v) to determine the terms and conditions, of any Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not
limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Options or Stock Purchase
Rights may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any
vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction
or limitation regarding any Option or Stock Purchase Right or the Common Stock
relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in
its sole discretion, shall determine;

               (vi) to determine whether and under what circumstances an Option
may be settled in cash under subsection 9(e) instead of Common Stock;

               (vii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the then
current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered
by such Option has declined since the date the Option was granted;

               (viii) to initiate an Option Exchange Program;

               (ix) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under
foreign tax laws;

               (x) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations by
electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise
of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares having a Fair Market
Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the
Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to
be withheld is to be determined. All elections by Optionees to have Shares
withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and under such conditions
as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable; and

               (xi) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards
granted pursuant to the Plan.


                                      -4-

            (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. All decisions,
determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and
binding on all Optionees.

      5. Eligibility.

            (a) Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be
granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to
Employees.

            (b) Each Option shall be designated in the Option Agreement as
either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this
Section 5(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order
in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be
determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

            (c) Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's
relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall it interfere in
any way with his or her right or the Company's right to terminate such
relationship at any time, with or without cause.

      6. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the
Board. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner
terminated under Section 14 of the Plan.

      7. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option
Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more than ten (10) years
from the date of grant thereof. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted
to an Optionee who, at the time the Option is granted, owns stock representing
more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Option shall be five (5)
years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the
Option Agreement.

      8. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

            (a) The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined by the Administrator,
but shall be subject to the following:

               (i) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                  (A) granted to an Employee who, at the time of grant of such
Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power
of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the exercise
price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date
of grant.


                                      -5-

                  (B) granted to any other Employee, the per Share exercise
price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date
of grant.

               (ii) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option

                  (A) granted to a Service Provider who, at the time of grant of
such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting
power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the
exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.

                  (B) granted to any other Service Provider, the per Share
exercise price shall be no less than 85% of the Fair Market Value per Share on
the date of grant.

               (iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with
a per Share exercise price other than as required above pursuant to a merger or
other corporate transaction:

            (b) The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall be determined by
the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be
determined at the time of grant). Such consideration may consist of (1) cash,
(2) check, (3) promissory note, (4) other Shares which (x) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on
the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to
which such Option shall be exercised, (5) consideration received by the Company
under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with
the Plan, or (6) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In making
its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator
shall consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to
benefit the Company.

      9. Exercise of Option.

            (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms hereof at such
times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth
in the Option Agreement. Except in the case of Options granted to Officers,
Directors and Consultants, Options shall become exercisable at a rate of no less
than 20% per year over five (5) years from the date the Options are granted.
Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Options granted
hereunder shall be tolled during any unpaid leave of absence. An Option may not
be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

               An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
(i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books



                                      -6-

of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist
with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The
Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 12 of the Plan.

               Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in
the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for
sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is
exercised.

            (b) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If an
Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, such Optionee may exercise his or her
Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement (of at
least thirty (30) days) to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of the Option
as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the
Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months
following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the
Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the
unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination,
the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by
the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such
Option shall revert to the Plan.

            (c) Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service
Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his
or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement
(of at least six (6) months) to the extent the Option is vested on, the date of
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time
in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12)
months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the
Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the
unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination,
the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.

            (d) Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider,
the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the
Option Agreement (of at least six (6) months) to the extent that the Option is
vested on the date of death (but in no event later than the expiration of the
term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement) by the Optionee's
estate or by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest
or inheritance. In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to the
entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall
immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so exercised within the
time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.


                                      -7-

            (e) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to
buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted, based on
such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate
to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

      10. Non-Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights. The Options
and Stock Purchase Rights may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated,
transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of
descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the
Optionee, only by the Optionee.

      11. Stock Purchase Rights.

            (a) Rights to Purchase. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either
alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan
and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator determines
that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the
offeree in writing or electronically of the terms, conditions and restrictions
related to the offer, including the number of Shares that such person shall be
entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and the time within which such
person must accept such offer. The terms of the offer shall comply in all
respects with Section 260.140.42 of Title 10 of the California Code of
Regulations. The offer shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock
purchase agreement in the form determined by the Administrator.

            (b) Repurchase Option. Unless the Administrator determines
otherwise, the Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall grant the Company a
repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's service with the Company for any reason (including death or
disability). The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the
Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall be the original price paid by the
purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser
to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate as the
Administrator may determine. Except with respect to Shares purchased by
Officers, Directors and Consultants, the repurchase option shall in no case
lapse at a rate of less than 20% per year over five (5) years from the date of
purchase.

            (c) Other Provisions. The Restricted Stock purchase agreement shall
contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the
Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

            (d) Rights as a Shareholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have rights equivalent to those of a shareholder
and shall be a shareholder when his or her purchase is entered upon the records
of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company. No adjustment shall be
made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the
date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 12 of
the Plan.

      12. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Merger or Asset Sale.

            (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the
shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option or Stock


                                      -8-

Purchase Right, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have been
authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options or Stock
Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan
upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock Purchase Right, as well as
the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Option or
Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock
split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of
the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued
shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company.
The conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed
to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall
be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final,
binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the
Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares
of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall
be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject
to an Option or Stock Purchase Right.

            (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to
have the right to exercise his or her Option or Stock Purchase Right until
fifteen (15) days prior to such transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock
covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Option or Stock Purchase Right
would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the Administrator may provide
that any Company repurchase option applicable to any Shares purchased upon
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall lapse as to all such Shares,
provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in
the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an
Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate, immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action.

            (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets
of the Company, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be
assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor
corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event
that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or
Stock Purchase Right, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the right to
exercise the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the Optioned Stock,
including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If
an Option or Stock Purchase Right becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu
of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the
Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or electronically that the
Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be fully exercisable for a period of
fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option or Stock Purchase
Right shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of
this paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be considered assumed
if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or right confers the
right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the
Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger or sale of
assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property)
received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each
Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered
a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a
majority of the


                                      -9-

outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in
the merger or sale of assets is not solely common stock of the successor
corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the
successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the
exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share of Optioned Stock
subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to be solely common stock of the
successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share
consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of
assets.

      13. Time of Granting Options and Stock Purchase Rights. The date of grant
of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date on
which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock
Purchase Right, or such other date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice
of the determination shall be given to each Service Provider to whom an Option
or Stock Purchase Right is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of
such grant.

      14. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

            (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

            (b) Shareholder Approval. The Board shall obtain shareholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Applicable Laws.

            (c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration,
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.
Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's ability to exercise
the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Options granted under the
Plan prior to the date of such termination.

      15. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

            (a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance and
delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further
subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance.

            (b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an
Option, the Administrator may require the person exercising such Option to
represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being
purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or
distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a
representation is required.

      16. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain
authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is
deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale
of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any


                                      -10-

liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which
such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

      17. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan,
shall at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

      18. Shareholder Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is
adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner
required under Applicable Laws.

      19. Information to Optionees and Purchasers. The Company shall provide to
each Optionee and to each individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan,
not less frequently than annually during the period such Optionee or purchaser
has one or more Options or Stock Purchase Rights outstanding, and, in the case
of an individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the period
such individual owns such Shares, copies of annual financial statements. The
Company shall not be required to provide such statements to key employees whose
duties in connection with the Company assure their access to equivalent
information.


                                      -11-